bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Integrated serum metabolomics and network pharmacology reveal molecular mechanism of Qixue Huazheng formula on peritoneal fibrosis
Authors: Meng Xiaohui , Sheng Li , You Yongqing , Dai Huibo , Yu Manshu , Wang Funing , Zhou Ziren , Shan Yun , Sheng Meixiao 
Published: January 2025

BackgroundPeritoneal fibrosis (PF) causes peritoneal dialysis (PD) withdrawal due to ultrafiltration failure. Qixue Huazheng formula (QXHZF), comprising Astragalus membranaceus, Centella asiatica, and Ligusticum sinense, is applied to treat PD-related peritoneum injury related; however, the active components, core genes, and underlying mechanism involved remain unclear.MethodsThe anti-PF effects of QXHZF were verified in vivo and in vitro. Targets underlying QXHZF-mediated improvement of PD-induced PF were predicted using network pharmacology analysis. Metabolites associated with QXHZF treatment of PD-related PF were analyzed by serum metabolomics. Integration of network pharmacology and serum metabolomics findings identified potentially important pathways, metabolites, and targets, and molecular docking studies confirmed the interactions of key components and targets. Western blotting (WB), quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), TdT-mediated dUTP Nick-End Labeling (TUNEL) staining, and flow cytometry were conducted.ResultsQXHZF had potent therapeutic efficacy against PF according to WB, qRT-PCR, and pathological section examination. Network pharmacological analysis indicated that multiple QXHZF compounds contributed to improving PF by modulating various targets and pathways. Differential metabolites were identified by serum metabolomics analysis. Integrated data analysis indicated that steroid hormone biosynthesis, the Ras signaling pathway, apoptosis, and estrogen signaling contributed to the effects of QXHZF. Metabolite-target network and molecular docking analyses revealed that QXHZF can bind to estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1) and rapidly accelerated fibrosarcoma 1 (RAF1) through its components. WB demonstrated that QXHZF treatment reversed activation of the above-mentioned signaling pathways, thereby inhibiting PD fluid-induced PF.ConclusionQXHZF can significantly ameliorate PD-induced PF and may regulate estrogen signaling, the Ras pathway, and apoptosis in this context.
Promotion of nitric oxide production: mechanisms, strategies, and possibilities
Authors: Gonzalez Marcos , Clayton Sarah , Wauson Eric , Christian Daniel , Tran Quang-Kim 
Published: January 2025

The discovery of nitric oxide (NO) and the role of endothelial cells (ECs) in its production has revolutionized medicine. NO can be produced by isoforms of NO synthases (NOS), including the neuronal (nNOS), inducible (iNOS), and endothelial isoforms (eNOS), and via the non-classical nitrate-nitrite-NO pathway. In particular, endothelium-derived NO, produced by eNOS, is essential for cardiovascular health. Endothelium-derived NO activates soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), elevating cyclic GMP (cGMP), causing vasodilation. Over the past four decades, the importance of this pathway in cardiovascular health has fueled the search for strategies to enhance NO bioavailability and/or preserve the outcomes of NO’s actions. Currently approved approaches operate in three directions: 1) providing exogenous NO, 2) promoting sGC activity, and 3) preventing degradation of cGMP by inhibiting phosphodiesterase 5 activity. Despite clear benefits, these approaches face challenges such as the development of nitrate tolerance and endothelial dysfunction. This highlights the need for sustainable options that promote endogenous NO production. This review will focus on strategies to promote endogenous NO production. A detailed review of the mechanisms regulating eNOS activity will be first provided, followed by a review of strategies to promote endogenous NO production based on the levels of available preclinical and clinical evidence, and perspectives on future possibilities.
The impact of musical expertise and directional isotropy on the proportions and magnitudes of pitch-shift responses in glissandos
Authors: Ning Li-Hsin 
Published: January 2025

BackgroundPrevious studies have established that when vocal pitch in auditory feedback is perturbed unexpectedly, speakers typically produce opposing responses to correct the perceived error. Investigations comparing steady-pitch vocalizations and non-steady-pitch vocalizations have revealed that the extent of compensation is task-dependent. Nevertheless, the influence of musical expertise and the preference for adopting opposing or following responses during glissando vocalizations remain unexplored.MethodsIn this study, thirty-six native Mandarin speakers, comprising equal numbers of musicians and non-musicians, were asked to perform three vocal tasks. During the sustained vowel task, participants maintained a steady and comfortable pitch while vocalizing /a/ for 3 s. In the upward glissando and downward glissando tasks, participants imitated the gliding pattern of the model note introduced at the beginning of each trial. The onset of pitch-shifted feedback (±100 cents) occurred randomly between 500 and 700 ms after vocal onset, lasting for 200 ms. Response proportions for opposing and following responses were estimated through Bayesian Poisson regression modeling, whereas response magnitudes were scrutinized using generalized additive mixed effects modeling.ResultsOur results revealed that opposing and following responses were less pronounced among musicians compared to non-musicians. Furthermore, following responses were not a minority in response to auditory perturbations; rather, they constituted 42% of the responses on average. Additionally, response magnitudes were found to be contextually sensitive and were influenced by the direction of the shift and the intended pitch direction.ConclusionOur results indicate that our ability to control vocal responses is influenced by context and that musicial training plays a role in affecting how participants react to auditory perturbations.
Personality and help-seeking for psychological distress: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Szücs Anna , Lam Rachel Hui Xin , Tang Wymann Shao Wen , Zhou Lifan , Lazarus Monica , Maier Andrea B. , Valderas Jose M. 
Published: January 2025

IntroductionThe effective management of depression, anxiety, and other forms of psychological distress depends on individuals’ readiness to seek and accept help for their mental suffering. Understanding which personality traits relate to help-seeking can help better tailor mental healthcare to individual needs. However, findings regarding associations of personality traits with help-seeking have been inconsistent.MethodsThis systematic review and meta-analysis focused on English-language research studies on the association of personality (encompassing personality disorders, Five Factor –Big Five– dimensions, and other measures of personality) with depression, anxiety, or unspecified psychological distress in adults aged 18 years and older. Procedures followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The search strategy included two concepts: personality and help-seeking and was carried out on PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and PsycINFO. Reference tracking and searches on Google Scholar were additionally performed. Sufficiently homogeneous subsections were analyzed by meta-analysis.ResultsA total of 48 studies described in 47 records reported on the association between personality and help-seeking. Nine assessed personality disorders, 29 Five Factor dimensions, and 13 other personality constructs. Twenty-three studies investigated attitudes towards help-seeking while 25 studies investigated help-seeking behaviors. Of the studies investigating behavior, three used external observations, the rest relied on self-reports/clinician-administered questionnaires. Evidence highlighted a dissociation between attitudes and behavior for schizotypal and borderline personality disorders, and neuroticism, which displayed negative help-seeking attitudes but more help-seeking behavior. By contrast, paranoid, schizoid and obsessive-compulsive personality disorders related to both negative help-seeking attitudes and behavior across studies. Limited evidence linked extraversion to social support seeking and conscientiousness to care seeking behaviors. Meta-analyses on the Five Factor dimensions and help-seeking attitudes supported robust negative associations with neuroticism, as well as positive associations with agreeableness, albeit less reliably. Other personality traits mostly corroborated the above relationships, while also contributing new perspectives, such as help-seeking behavior’s negative associations with reality weakness and cynicism, and positive associations with abasement and rigidity.DiscussionFuture research should investigate help-seeking behavior using external observations and longitudinal designs. Assessing personality in clinical settings can help identify populations at risk of keeping to themselves when mentally distressed.
Symptom network analysis of insomnia-depression-anxiety-stigma in tuberculosis patients
Authors: Liu Xiangmin , Qiu Xue , Lan Huizhen , Diao LiuYue , Huang Wei , Wen Yan , Feng Mei , Tang Xiangdong 
Published: January 2025

BackgroundInsomnia, depression, anxiety, and stigma are prevalent and often coexist in patients with Tuberculosis (TB), potentially exacerbating one another. However, the complex intrinsic associations among these four disorders remain unclear, particularly concerning the role of stigma in relation to the other disorders.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted at West China Hospital and the Fourth People’s Hospital of Guangxi from November 2023 to June 2024. The levels of insomnia, depression, anxiety, and stigma among TB patients were assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), and the TB-Related Stigma Scale (TRSS). Network analysis was used to identify the central and bridge symptoms and explore the role of stigma within the insomnia-depression-anxiety-stigma network.ResultsPHQ1 (anhedonia), GAD1 (nervousness), GAD5 (restlessness), and PHQ3 (sleep problems) are central to the network. Bridge symptoms, including PHQ3 (sleep problems), PSQI5 (sleep disturbances), and GAD5 (restlessness) link the depression, insomnia, and anxiety communities. TRSS1 (family’s negative perception) of the stigma community exhibited the highest betweenness and second highest bridge betweenness in the network, highlighting the mediating role of family support across insomnia and psychological symptoms. Additionally, the global strength invariance test indicates that gender, age and education level do not significantly impact the network structure.ConclusionDepression (anhedonia and sleep problems) and anxiety (nervousness and restlessness) are the primary concerns requiring intervention in TB patients. In addition, sleep problems act as a bridge in the overall network. Stigma, particularly negative perceptions from family, may play a crucial mediating role in sustaining the entire symptom network. Consequently, these symptoms could represent potential targets for intervention.
Understanding cultural perceptions of sexuality in China and their influence on human papillomavirus vaccine hesitancy
Authors: Jin Jiayuan , Han Yanchao 
Published: January 2025

IntroductionThe human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine prevents infections that may result in precancerous lesions, cervical cancers, genital warts, and many other diseases. However, its uptake rate in China is 2.24%, and HPV vaccine hesitancy is widespread. This study aimed to identify whether cultural perceptions of sexuality in China influence HPV vaccine hesitancy and explore the correlation between sexual attitudes, sexual morality, and HPV hesitancy in Chinese.MethodsBetween January and April 2024, we adopted a qualitative approach and conducted in-depth, one-on-one, semi-structured interviews with 15 young female Chinese university students of sexual maturity.ResultsAlthough all college students exhibited vaccine hesitancy, their perceptions of vaccines and reasons for hesitation varied. This study classified hesitancy into three types: individuals hesitant owing to cultural conservatism and stigmatization, individuals with positive intentions but delayed vaccination, and overconfident individuals who disregarded vaccines. The reasons for vaccine hesitancy are linked to China’s conservative culture of sexuality, and Chinese sexual attitudes and morality have complex mechanisms that influence vaccination. Social taboos on sexual topics lead to inadequate sources of information regarding the HPV vaccine. Sexual morality is internalized into an individual’s subconscious, influencing the cognition of the vaccine. Negative associations and stigmatization of the vaccine further discourage vaccination.DiscussionVaccine hesitancy is not solely a medical or political-economic issue but also a deep-seated cultural issue. Culture significantly affects individual health behaviors, and ignoring socio-cultural factors can exacerbate public health problems. Future research should investigate the political-economic and socio-cultural factors to address geographic differences in vaccine hesitancy.
Identifying high-risk population segments for underweight, overweight, and obesity among reproductive-age women in sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Tareke Amare Abera , Mohammed Anissa , Muche Amare , Ali Yeshimebet 
Published: January 2025

BackgroundDespite significant progress in addressing underweight in developing countries, the recent rise in the number of overweight and obese individuals has confirmed that the double burden of malnutrition will remain a crucial problem in the foreseeable future. Some countries that previously succeeded in reducing underweight rates are now experiencing a resurgence. Initiatives in sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries aimed at reducing malnutrition often lack robust evidence. This study aimed to identify risk groups for malnutrition among women of reproductive age in SSA countries and prioritize intervention areas.MethodsThis analysis utilized data from 247,911 reproductive-age women across recent demographic and health surveys conducted in 33 SSA countries. Nutritional status was assessed using body mass index (BMI). We computed the pooled prevalence of different forms of malnutrition using the random effects inverse variance method. We evaluated the factors associated with different forms of malnutrition using multilevel multinomial regression. We reported the adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).ResultsThe pooled prevalence of underweight, overweight, and obesity among SSA women was 11% (95% CI: 9–12%), 18% (95% CI: 16–20%), and 10% (95% CI: 8–12%), respectively. Significant factors influencing malnutrition included women’s age, highest educational level, wealth index, current breastfeeding status, contraceptive use, parity, media exposure, marital status, place of residence, and regional location within SSA. Factors such as education, wealth, age, contraceptive use, parity, and marital status were risk factors for overweight and obesity but were protective against underweight. Employment was protective against all three malnutrition forms.ConclusionIncreased age, wealth index, not-breastfeeding status during the survey, contraceptive use, higher parity, marital status, urban residency, and living in southern or central Africa are associated with higher odds of increased BMI and lower odds of underweight. In designing interventions for overweight and obesity, emphasis should be given to the wealthy, reproductive-age women in later age, urban residents, and multiparous. Whereas the poorest and youngest is priority intervention segments for underweight.
Environmental exposures associated with atopy in a rural community in Gwanda district, Zimbabwe: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Ndlovu Vuyelwa , Chimbari Moses , Ndarukwa Pisirai , Sibanda Elopy 
Published: January 2025

IntroductionThe increasing prevalence of allergic diseases in Zimbabwe may be attributed to changing environmental exposure patterns. In this study, we sought to identify the most influential environmental and lifestyle factors that may explain the observed atopy in a rural community in Zimbabwe.MethodsUsing a cross-sectional study, information on a wide array of environmental and lifestyle exposures was self-reported by a sample of participants (children aged &lt;18 years and adults aged ≥18 years) in the Gwanda district, Zimbabwe. To consenting participants, we performed skin prick testing (SPT) at a local clinic in Gwanda district to identify atopic individuals. Variables with a p value &lt;0.25 from univariate analysis were included in backward-elimination multiple logistic regression analysis. Separate regression analyses were conducted for children (n = 108), adults (n = 388), and a subgroup of adults who reported ever being employed in any potentially harmful occupation (n = 153).ResultsCompared with boys, girls were more likely to be sensitised to at least one allergen (OR = 4.87, 95% CI = 1.22–19.51). Among adults, the likelihood of sensitisation increased with increasing age (OR = 1.02, 95% CI = 1.01–1.03) and with a history of bloody urine and/or schistosomiasis (OR = 2.20, 95% CI = 0.98–4.95). In the subgroup of adults who reported ever being employed in any potentially harmful occupation, atopic sensitisation was associated with a history of tuberculosis (TB; OR = 3.37, 95% CI = 1.08–10.52) and a history of bloody urine and/or schistosomiasis (OR = 4.36, 95% CI = 1.40–13.65). Other notable, though not significant, factors were passive or parental smoking, alcohol consumption, indoor dampness and visible mould on walls.ConclusionGirls were more likely to be sensitised to at least one allergen when compared to boys. Among adults, atopic sensitisation was positively associated with age, parental smoking, alcohol consumption and history of bloody urine or schistosomiasis but negatively associated with indoor cooking. A history of TB or helminth infection increased the likelihood of atopy among adults with history of employment. Longitudinal studies to explore the temporal and causal relationships between these factors and allergic outcomes are essential. There is a need for early public health interventions to address environmental and lifestyle factors for the prevention and control of allergic diseases in African rural communities.
Digital interactive experience- and game-based fall interventions for community-dwelling healthy older adults: a cross-disciplinary systematic review
Authors: Ciemer Celina , Kröper Lisa , Klotzbier Thomas Jürgen , Ghellal Sabiha , Schott Nadja 
Published: January 2025

IntroductionFalls pose significant health risks to older adults, impacting their quality of life. Preventive strategies are crucial, as research shows that fall prevention interventions can effectively reduce fall risks. However, these interventions often suffer from low adherence and uptake. Digital, interactive interventions, incorporating experience-, and game-related aspects, offer a promising solution, making this topic inherently cross-disciplinary.ObjectiveThis review aims to assess the current landscape of digital interactive experience and game-based fall interventions for community-dwelling, healthy older adults. It focuses on integrating Human Movement Science and User Experience &amp; Game Design perspectives, emphasizing the cross-disciplinary nature of this research.MethodsWe employed a cross-disciplinary literature search framework, searching the databases ACM-DL, IEEE-Xplore, ScienceDirect, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. The review focused on healthy community-dwelling older adults (50+), including those at risk of falling. Excluded were studies involving chronic diseases, non-age-related impairments, other age groups, or individuals receiving care. Only digital, interactive fall prevention interventions without commercial software were considered. Studies published between 2000–2024 were included. A qualitative thematic synthesis was conducted, focusing on four categories: Objectives (O), Design and Development (D), Types of Intervention (T), and Evaluation Methods (E).ResultsThe search yielded 2,747 results, with 59 articles included in the final synthesis. Objectives were mainly driven by a combination of HMS and UXG rather than a single aspect. In Design and Development it was observed that concept-based design was scarce, with most being procedure-based. Descriptions of interventions frequently lacked specificity, particularly in-depth experience-related terminology and exercise descriptions. Evaluation methods were found to be more frequently informed by both HMS and UXG, although only four studies used a mixed-method approach to explore their interplay. Among included articles, most aspects incorporated both HMS and UXG across all four categories: O(n = 37), D(n = 37), T(n = 54), and E(n = 21).ConclusionThe review underscores the importance of digital interactive experience- and game-based fall prevention interventions. It highlights the need for enhanced cross-disciplinary collaboration between HMS and UXG to address gaps, such as the lack of a shared thesaurus and standardized guidelines, which are vital for improving transparency, reproducibility, and the refinement of these interventions.