bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Shaoyao decoction alleviates TNBS-induced ulcerative colitis by decreasing inflammation and balancing the homeostasis of Th17/Treg cells
Authors: Wu Dongsheng , Zhang Yu , Zou Bo , Lu Yi , Cao Hui 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a persistent and non-specific inflammatory condition that mainly affects the bowels and has challenging treatment. UC has a growing incidence and significantly affects the well-being of patients. Many medications used to treat UC can disrupt the metabolism and immune system homeostasis, frequently leading to significant adverse effects. Hence, exploring alternative therapies, such as traditional Chinese medicine and probiotics, has recently emerged as a primary research hotspot owing to their safety. Although the therapeutic mechanism of Shaoyao decoction has not been clarified, it has demonstrated a beneficial clinical effect on UC.

Aim
This study aimed to assess the effect of Shaoyao decoction on a rat model of UC and investigate its underlying mechanisms.

Methods
The rat model of UC was induced by 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS). The extent of damage to the intestines was assessed using the disease activity index (DAI), colonic mucosa damage index (CMDI), and histological scores. Immunohistochemistry was employed to detect the tissue levels of interleukin (IL)-17, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, and IL-10. Additionally, the proportion of Th17 and Treg cells was detected using flow cytometry. In colon tissue, the levels of forkhead box (Fox)p3, RAR-related orphan receptor (ROR)γt, IL-6, p-STAT3, and STAT3 proteins were quantified by Western blotting.

Results
Treatment with Shaoyao decoction enhanced the overall health of rats and reduced colonic damage. Additionally, Shaoyao decoction significantly alleviated the severity of DAI, CMDI, and HS. The proportion of Th17 cells was reduced, and the proportion of Treg cells was increased by Shaoyao decoction. The expression of IL-17 and RORγt was suppressed by Shaoyao decoction, while the expression of IL-10, TGF-β1, and Foxp3 was increased. The expression of IL-6, p-STAT3, and STAT3 was decreased by Shaoyao decoction.

Conclusion
The Shaoyao decoction alleviates the symptoms of TNBS-induced UC by decreasing inflammation and mitigating intestinal damage while preserving the balance between Th17 and Treg. Shaoyao decoction modulates the IL-6/STAT3 axis, thereby regulating the balance between Th17 and Treg cells.
Effect of hand reflexology in ameliorating anxiety, pain, and fatigue among patients undergoing coronary angiography
Authors: Ali Eman Abdeen , Awad Wafaa Hassan Ali , Khedr Mahmoud Abdelwahab , Rabie Emad Abd El Gawad Ali 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Reflexology is a popular non-invasive complementary medicine technique to enhance anxiety, pain, and fatigue among patients undergoing coronary angiography.

Objective
This study aimed to investigate the effect of hand reflexology in ameliorating anxiety, pain, and fatigue among patients undergoing coronary angiography.

Methods
A quasi-experimental research design was used on 60 patients undergoing coronary angiography at Alexandria Main University Hospital's cardiology department (30 patients in each study and control group). Four tools were used to collect data: the socio-demographic and clinical data assessment sheet, the visual analogue scale, the Rhoten fatigue scale, and the Beck anxiety inventory.

Results
Scores of moderate anxiety, intractable pain, and severe fatigue among the study group significantly decreased after 2 h and three days of applying hand reflexology.

Conclusion
The current study findings showed that hand reflexology is a simple, non-invasive nursing intervention that is effective and useful for managing pain, fatigue, and anxiety in patients undergoing coronary angiography as it resulted in a significant reduction in the severity of pain, fatigue, and anxiety after coronary angiography in the study group compared to the control group.

Trial registration
The study was registered in the clinical trial.gov database (Clinicaltrials.gov NCT05887362, 23/05/2023).
Educational intervention based on health action model to promote safe behavior of hospital service workers
Authors: Mohammadi Maryam , Vahedian-sharoodi Mohammad , Joghatei Zahra , Esmaily Habibullah , Tehrani Hadi 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Hospitals are considered to be one of the most hazardous environments to work in, and their service workers are exposed to many serious risks. So The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of educational intervention based on the Health Action Model to promote the safe behavior of hospital service workers.

Methods
In this quasi-experimental study, 45 workers in each of the control and experimental groups participated. Demographic information and data related to Health Action Model constructs were collected through a questionnaire and a checklist, immediately and three months after the intervention. Cronbach’s alpha coefficients were used to confirm the properties of the tools. Educational intervention accompanied was applied in the form of four training classes. The data were analyzed using SPSS 20 software.

Results
Before the intervention, there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of demographics and the study’s main variables. results showed significant changes in mean scores of safe behavior, Attitude, norms, belief, intention, knowledge in the experimental group three months after the intervention (P < 0.001).

Conclusions
The research results show that Health Action Model educational intervention can change workers’ awareness, attitudes, norms, beliefs, and intentions toward unsafe behavior and improve their safety performance.

Trial registration
IRCTID: IRCT20160619028529N7.
Facilitators and barriers for using outdoor areas in the primary work tasks of eldercare workers in nursing homes
Authors: Jacobsen Sandra Schade , Vilhelmsen Maja , Lottrup Lene , Brandt Mikkel 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Eldercare workers in nursing homes report high musculoskeletal disorders, stressful work, and sickness absence. Initiatives that can accommodate these issues are needed. Current studies point out that nature contact may offer a range of human health benefits, potentially promoting healthier work among eldercare workers. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate facilitators and barriers for using outdoor areas as part of the daily work among eldercare workers in Danish nursing homes.

Methods
In this multiple case study, we collected data from three nursing homes, conducting three semi-structured focus group interviews with eldercare workers and three individual interviews with nursing home managers. Furthermore, we conducted observations of the daily work and mappings of the nursing homes’ outdoor environments to gain in-depth knowledge of eldercare workers’ and managers’ perspectives on using outdoor areas in their daily work. The data was thematically analysed using ‘The Behaviour Change Wheel’ (BCW), more specifically the COM-B model, as a theoretical foundation for exploring facilitators and barriers for the use of outdoor areas.

Results
Frequently mentioned facilitators were facilities, traditions or repetitive events, positive experiences with residents (‘star moments’), and knowledge about the residents. Frequently mentioned barriers were insufficient staffing, hierarchy in the work tasks, professional identity, and lack of ideas.

Conclusions
The identified facilitators and barriers should be considered when designing initiatives for increased use of outdoor areas or activities of eldercare workers.

Trial registration
According to the Danish ethics committee (Law of committee, (komitéloven) paragraph 14, Sect. 2), qualitative interviews, which do not include human biological materials, do not need neither approval by ethical and scientific committee or informed consent (The Danish National Centre for Ethics).
Role of thioredoxin in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): a promising future target
Authors: Kansal Heena , Chopra Vishal , Garg Kranti , Sharma Siddharth 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Introduction
Thioredoxin (Trx) is a secretory protein that acts as an antioxidant, redox regulator, anti-allergic, and anti-inflammatory molecule. It has been used to treat dermatitis and inflammation of the digestive tract. In the lungs, Trx has a significant anti-inflammatory impact. On the other hand, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is one of the significant causes of death in the developed world, with a tremendous individual and socioeconomic impact. Despite new initiatives and endless treatment trials, COPD incidence and death will likely escalate in the coming decades.

Areas covered
COPD is a chronic inflammatory disease impacting the airways, lung parenchyma, and pulmonary vasculature. Oxidative stress and protease-antiprotease imbalances are thought to be involved in the process. The most popular respiratory inflammatory and allergic disorders therapies are corticosteroids and β-receptor agonists. These medications are helpful but have some drawbacks, such as infection and immunosuppression; thus, addressing Trx signalling treatments may be a viable COPD treatment approach. This review shall cover the pathophysiology of COPD, the pharmacognosy of anti-COPD drugs, including the assets and liabilities of each, and the role and mechanism of Trx in COPD treatment.

Expert opinion
Limited research has targeted the thioredoxin system as an anti-COPD drug. Spectating the increase in the mortality rates of COPD, this review article would be an interesting one to research.
Colchicine prevents oxidative stress-induced endothelial cell senescence via blocking NF-κB and MAPKs: implications in vascular diseases
Authors: Zhou Huakang , Khan Dilaware , Hussain Sajid Muhammad , Gerdes Norbert , Hagenbeck Carsten , Rana Majeed , Cornelius Jan Frederick , Muhammad Sajjad 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Smoking, alcohol abuse, and hypertension are – among others, potential risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. These risk factors generate oxidative stress and cause oxidative stress-induced DNA damage, resulting in cellular senescence and senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). The SASP factors in feed-forward response exacerbate inflammation and cause tissue remodeling, resulting in atherosclerotic plaque formation and rupture.

Results
Colchicine inhibited ROS generation and mitigated oxidative stress-induced DNA damage. It dampened oxidative stress-induced endothelial cell senescence and improved the expression of DNA repair protein KU80 and aging marker Lamin B1. The drug attenuated the expression of senescence marker P21 at mRNA and protein levels. The pathway analysis showed that colchicine inhibited NF-κB and MAPKs pathways and subdued mTOR activation. Colchicine also attenuated mRNA expression of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, MCP-1, ICAM-1, and E-selectin. Furthermore, colchicine reduced the mRNA and protein expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-2).

Conclusion
In summary, colchicine blocked oxidative stress-induced senescence and SASP by inhibiting the activation of NF-κB and MAPKs pathways.

Graphical Abstract
Comparative effects of Bowen therapy and tennis ball technique on pain and functional disability in patients with thoracic myofascial pain syndrome
Authors: Amjad Fareeha , Khalid Afsheen 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackgroundThoracic myofascial pain syndrome is a clinical problem arising from the muscles and soft tissues of thoracic region, which include the mid and upper back area. Risk factors associated with myofascial pain syndrome are muscle overuse and repetitive strain, poor posture, trauma or injury, emotional and psychological stresses. The management of myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) typically involves a multidimensional approach that focuses on relieving pain, reducing muscle tension, and improving muscle function. Bowen therapy and tennis ball technique are also recommended for treating myofascial pain syndrome.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to compare the effects of Bowen therapy and tennis ball technique on pain and functional disability in patients with thoracic myofascial pain syndrome.MethodsIt was a randomized clinical trial conducted on thirty patients. It was carried out in physiotherapy outpatient department of D.H.Q Hospital, Kasur. Non-probability convenience sampling technique was used. Data collection was done from the patients of thoracic myofascial pain syndrome by using Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) for pain and Pain Disability Questionnaire (PDQ) for functional disability. Participants were randomly allocated into two groups using computer generated random number method. Group A received Bowen therapy, and group B received tennis ball technique. Outcome measures were measured at baseline, after second week treatment session and after fourth week with three sessions in a week on alternate days. Data analysis was done by using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.ResultsThere was significant difference between the mean values of NPRS and PDQ in both groups at baseline, second week and fourth week withpvalue < 0.05. The results indicated that both treatments were significant but Bowen therapy is more effective treatment than tennis ball technique. Within-group difference calculated with repeated-measure ANOVA indicated that there was significant difference from pre- to post-values of both groups.ConclusionThis study concluded that Bowen therapy produced statistically significant and clinically relavant results for all the outcome measures.Trial registration. (IRCT20190717044238N7).
Dynamic relative regional lung strain estimated by computed tomography and electrical impedance tomography in ARDS patients
Authors: Brito Roberto , Morais Caio C. A. , Lazo Marioli T. , Guiñez Dannette V. , Gajardo Abraham I. J. , Arellano Daniel H. , Amato Marcelo B. P. , Cornejo Rodrigo A. 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
In the acute distress respiratory syndrome (ARDS), specific lung regions can be exposed to excessive strain due to heterogeneous disease, gravity-dependent lung collapse and injurious mechanical ventilation. Computed tomography (CT) is the gold standard for regional strain assessment. An alternative tool could be the electrical impedance tomography (EIT). We aimed to determine whether EIT-based methods can predict the dynamic relative regional strain (DRRS) between two levels of end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) in gravity-non-dependent and dependent lung regions.

Methods
Fourteen ARDS patients underwent CT and EIT acquisitions (at end-inspiratory and end-expiratory) at two levels of PEEP: a low-PEEP based on ARDS-net strategy and a high-PEEP titrated according to EIT. Three EIT-based methods for DRRS were compared to relative CT-based strain: (1) the change of the ratio between EIT ventilation and end-expiratory lung impedance in arbitrary units ([ΔZAU low-PEEP/EELIAU low-PEEP]/[ΔZAU high-PEEP/EELIAU high-PEEP]), (2) the change of ΔZ/EELI ratio calibrated to mL ([ΔZml low-PEEP/EELIml low-PEEP]/[ΔZml high-PEEP/EELIml high-PEEP]) using CT data, and (3) the relative change of ∆ZAU (∆ZAU low-PEEP/∆ZAU high-PEEP). We performed linear regressions analysis and calculated bias and limits of agreement to assess the performance of DRRS by EIT in comparison with CT.

Results
The DRRS assessed by (ΔZml low-PEEP/EELIml low-PEEP)/(ΔZml high-PEEP/EELIml high-PEEP) and ∆ZAU low-PEEP/∆ZAU high-PEEP showed good relationship and agreement with the CT method (R2 of 0.9050 and 0.8679, respectively, in non-dependent region; R2 of 0.8373 and 0.6588, respectively, in dependent region; biases ranging from − 0.11 to 0.51 and limits of agreement ranging from − 0.73 to 1.16 for both methods and lung regions). Conversely, DRRS based on EELIAU ([ΔZAU low-PEEP/EELIAU low-PEEP]/[ΔZAU high-PEEP/EELIAU high-PEEP]) exhibited a weak negative relationship and poor agreement with the CT method for both non-dependent and dependent regions (R2 ~ 0.3; bias of 3.11 and 2.08, and limits of agreement of − 2.13 to 8.34 and from − 1.49 to 5.64, respectively).

Conclusion
Changes in DRRS during a PEEP trial in ARDS patients could be monitored using EIT, based on changes in ΔZmL/EELIml and ∆ZAU. The relative change ∆ZAU offers the advantage of not requiring CT data for calibration.
Simultaneous analysis of the of levamisole with triclabendazole in pharmaceuticals through developing TLC and HPLC–PDA chromatographic techniques and their greenness assessment using GAPI and AGREE methods
Authors: Attia Khalid A. M. , El-Desouky Ebrahim A. , Abdelfatah Amr M. , Abdelshafi Nahla A. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractTwo simple and rapid chromatographic methods were developed and validated for the analysis of levamisole and triclabendazole simultaneously in pure and pharmaceutical products. The first method is thin-layer chromatography (TLC) with densitometry, and the second method is high-performance liquid chromatography with PDA detection (HPLC–PDA). A Hypersil BDS C18 column with dimensions of 4.6 × 150 mm and a particle size of 5 µm was used in the HPLC–PDA method. An isocratic condition was used to carry out the separation, and the mobile phase was made up of acetonitrile and a 0.03 M potassium dihydrogen phosphate buffer in double-distilled water. The ratio of the mobile phase preparation was 70:30 (v/v), and the flow rate was 1 mL/min. A wavelength of 215 nm was employed for analyte detection. Precoated silica gel 60 F254 aluminium plates were used for the TLC method's separation. Mobile phase was made of ethyl acetate, hexane, methanol, and ammonia (69:15:15:1) for the separation. The detection wavelength selected was 215 nm. According to the International Council for Harmonization (ICH) guidelines, the proposed methods were validated and it was found that the two chromatographic methods are accurate, precise, and linear for both compounds in the range of 3.75–37.5 and 6–60 mg/L for the HPLC method for levamisole and triclabendazole, respectively and in the range of 2–14 µg/spot for the TLC method. The developed methods greenness profile was assessed using AGREE and ComplexGAPI tools.
Graphical Abstract
Covariate dependent Markov chains constructed with gradient boost modeling can effectively generate long-term predictions of obesity trends
Authors: Huang Alexander A. , Huang Samuel Y. 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Importance
The prevalence of obesity among United States adults has increased from 30.5% in 1999 to 41.9% in 2020. However, despite the recognition of long-term weight gain as an important public health issue, there is a paucity of studies studying the long-term weight gain and building models for long-term projection.

Methods
A retrospective, cross-sectional cohort study using the publicly available National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES 2017–2020) was conducted in patients who completed the weight questionnaire and had accurate data for both weight at time of survey and weight ten years ago. Multistate gradient boost modeling classifiers were used to generate covariate dependent transition matrices and Markov chains were utilized for multistate modeling.

Results
Of the 6146 patients that met the inclusion criteria, 3024 (49%) of patients were male and 3122 (51%) of patients were female. There were 2252 (37%) White patients, 1257 (20%) Hispanic patients, 1636 (37%) Black patients, and 739 (12%) Asian patients. The average BMI was 30.16 (SD = 7.15), the average weight was 83.67 kilos (SD = 22.04), and the average weight change was a 3.27 kg (SD = 14.97) increase in body weight (Fig. 1). A total of 2411 (39%) patients lost weight, and 3735 (61%) patients gained weight (Table 1). We observed that 87 (1%) of patients were underweight (BMI < 18.5), 2058 (33%) were normal weight (18.5 ≤ BMI < 25), 1376 (22%) were overweight (25 ≤ BMI < 30) and 2625 (43%) were obese (BMI > 30).
From analysis of the transitions between normal/underweight, overweight, and obese, we observed that after 10 years, of the patients who were underweight, 65% stayed underweight, 32% became normal weight, 2% became overweight, and 2% became obese. After 10 years, of the patients who were normal weight, 3% became underweight, 78% stayed normal weight, 17% became overweight, and 2% became obese. Of the patients who were overweight, 71% stayed overweight, 0% became underweight, 14% became normal weight, and 15% became obese. Of the patients who were obese, 84% stayed obese, 0% became underweight, 1% became normal weight, and 14% became overweight.

Conclusions
United States adults are at risk of transitioning from normal weight to becoming overweight or obese. Covariate dependent Markov chains constructed with gradient boost modeling can effectively generate long-term predictions.
Recurrent neural networks for enhanced joint channel estimation and interference cancellation in FBMC and OFDM systems: unveiling the potential for 5G networks
Authors: Al-Makhlasawy Rasha M. , Khairy Mayada , El-Shafai Walid 
Published: November 2023

AbstractFBMC is a pivotal system in 5G, serving as a cornerstone for efficient use of available bandwidth while simultaneously meeting stringent requirements for high spectral efficiency. Notably, FBMC harnesses the power of multicarrier modulation (MC), a good alternative to orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) technology that supports fourth-generation (4G) systems. The wireless communications field is full of challenges, the most important of which are channel estimation and interference cancellation, both of which deserve comprehensive study to increase the efficiency of data transmission. In this paper, our investigation takes a deliberate step towards the convergence of two prominent modulation models: OFDM and FBMC. We specifically contrast these modulation techniques with the intricate field of joint channel estimation and interference cancellation (JCEIC). In this research study, we take advantage of recurrent neural networks' (RNNs') efficiency as a vehicular channel to perform precise channel estimation and recovery of uncorrupted transmitted signals, thereby lowering the bit error rate (BER). Our channel estimation for a dual selective channel is based on the thoughtful placement of pilots scattered over the temporal and frequency dimensions, and is further improved by the interference cancellation method of low complexity that was selected. Our JCEIC proposal aims to integrate RNNs carefully, using the output sequences of JCEIC algorithms as useful inputs to this neural architecture. By clearly demonstrating a decrease in BER as compared to traditional approaches, it is evident that the performance of the novel approach is near to that of a perfect channel. Additionally, a comparison of the performance of FBMC and OFDM systems at various signal-to-noise ratios reveals a clear performance divide that favors the former in terms of system efficiency. The BER is restricted by FBMC to a commendable threshold of less than 0.1 at a modest 5 dB, continuing the higher trend started by its improved RNN-based channel estimate. The accuracy of channel estimation is clearly improved by this paradigm shift, and the computing complexity typical of 5G networks is also clearly reduced.