bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the antidiarrheal activity of the 80% hydromethanolic crude extract and solvent fractions of Terminalia brownii Fresen (Combretaceae) leaves in Swiss Albino mice
Authors: Kassaw Khalid Ibrahim , Wondafrash Dawit Zewdu , Yesuf Jibril Seid , Mengistie Mestayet Geta 
Published: January 2025

BackgroundAlthough diarrhea is a preventable disease, it continues to have a significant impact on global health, with the burden being much greater in Sub-Saharan Africa. Medicinal plants represent affordable and locally available resources to address many diseases, including diarrhea. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the antidiarrheal activities of the 80% hydromethanolic crude extract and solvent fractions of Terminalia brownii Fresen (Combretaceae) leaves in Swiss Albino mice.MethodsThis study was carried out by administering the 80% hydromethanolic crude extract and solvent fractions from the crude extract, including the n-hexane fraction (NHF), ethyl acetate fraction (EAF), and aqueous fraction (AF) at doses of 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, and 400 mg/kg, respectively, to the mice. The effects of these extracts and solvent fractions on reducing/delaying diarrhea were compared with the impact of the solvent used for reconstitution and a standard drug (loperamide 3 mg/kg or atropine 5 mg/kg), as well as with each other.ResultsThe hydromethanolic crude extract and ethyl acetate fraction at all tested doses significantly reduced wet defecation (P &lt; 0.05). In addition, total defecation was significantly reduced at a dose of 200 mg/kg (P &lt; 0.05) and 400 mg/kg (P &lt; 0.001) of the crude extract and ethyl acetate fraction at all tested doses (P &lt; 0.01. The aqueous fraction at 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg and the n-hexane fraction at 400 mg/kg (P &lt; 0.05) significantly inhibit wet and total defecation. Likewise, in the enteropooling test, the crude extract and ethyl acetate fractions showed a significant reduction in the weight and volume of intestinal contents at a dose of 200 mg/kg (P &lt; 0.05) and 400 mg/kg (P &lt; 0.05). Castor oil-induced intestinal motility was significantly reduced (p &lt; 0.001) by the crude extract and ethyl acetate fractions at all tested doses.ConclusionThe result from this study suggests significant antidiarrheal activity of Terminalia brownii leaves, which validates its traditional use. The 80% hydromethanolic crude extract and ethyl acetate solvent fractions of Terminalia brownii Fresen leaves have shown better antidiarrheal activity.
Enhanced bioavailability of Quercetin-loaded niosomal in situ gel for the management of Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Revankar Abhishek A. , Patil Archana S. , Karishetti Reshma , Chougule Krutuja R. , Patil Priyanka , Salokhe Abhijit 
Published: January 2025

BackgroundParkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most prevalent neurological disorder, characterized by motor symptoms such as tremor and rigidity due to the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. This study investigates the formulation of quercetin, a natural bioflavonoid with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, as niosomes for intranasal delivery to enhance its bioavailability and therapeutic potential for PD.MethodsThe niosomal formulation was optimized for critical parameters including particle size, entrapment efficiency, and zeta potential. Male Wistar rats were utilized to assess the effects of quercetin-loaded niosomes on motor function, dopaminergic neuron protection, and oxidative stress alleviation.ResultsThe optimized niosomal formulation exhibited a particle size of 195 nm, a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.29, a zeta potential (ZP) of −30.63 mV, and an entrapment efficiency (EE) of 82.77%. In vivo evaluations conducted using the haloperidol-induced PD model revealed significant enhancements in behavioural, biochemical, and histopathological outcomes when compared to both disease controls and the standard treatment group. Additionally, short-term stability tests confirmed the robustness of the formulation.ConclusionThe findings suggest that the quercetin-loaded niosomal formulation offers improved drug delivery and efficacy, indicating its potential as a superior treatment option for PD compared to conventional dosage forms. This approach may pave the way for enhanced therapeutic strategies targeting the neurodegenerative processes underlying Parkinson’s disease.
The gut–kidney axis is regulated by astragaloside IV to inhibit cyclosporine A-induced nephrotoxicity
Authors: Han Cong , Gao Ran-ran , Zhou Le , Li Wei 
Published: January 2025

IntroductionChronic nephrotoxicity caused by CNIs (CICN) manifests clinically as chronic kidney disease (CKD). Astragaloside IV (AS-IV) plays a certain role in the treatment of CKD. This study aimed to verify the ameliorative effects of AS-IV on CICN and further explore the mechanisms underlying the modulation of the “gut–transcriptome–metabolome coexpression network” by AS-IV within the context of the “gut–kidney axis” to improve CICN.MethodsFive groups of 40 mice were studied: a normal group (N, olive oil), a model group (M, CsA, 30 mg kg-−1 d−1), a low-dose AS-IV group (CsA + AS-IV, 30 mg kg−1 d−1 + 10 mg kg−1 d−1), a high-dose AS-IV group (CsA + AS-IV, 30 mg kg−1 d−1 + 20 mg kg−1 d−1), and a valsartan group (CsA + Val, 30 mg kg−1 d−1 + 10 mg kg−1 d−1). The gut microbiota, renal transcriptome, and urine metabolome were separately detected to construct a gut–transcriptome–metabolome coexpression network. The target species, target genes, and target metabolites of AS-IV were evaluated.ResultsCsA led to increased proteinuria and a deterioration of kidney function, accompanied by increased inflammation and oxidative stress, whereas AS-IV improved kidney damage. AS-IV inhibited intestinal permeability and disrupted the microbiota structure, increasing the abundance of Lactobacillus reuteri, Bifidobacterium animalis, Ignatzschineria indica, and Blautia glucerasea. Six coexpression pathways related to transcription and metabolism, including the citrate cycle, ascorbate and aldarate metabolism, proximal tubule bicarbonate reclamation, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, ferroptosis, and drug metabolism–cytochrome P450, were identified. Seven target metabolites of AS-IV were identified in the 6 pathways, including UDP-D-galacturonic acid, 2-phenylethanol glucuronide, dehydroascorbic acid, isopentenyl pyrophosphate, alpha-D-glucose, 3-carboxy-1-hydroxypropylthiamine diphosphate and citalopram aldehyde. Five target genes of AS-IV, Ugt1a2, Ugt1a9, Ugt1a5, Pck1, and Slc7a11, were also identified and predicted by NONMMUT144584.1, MSTRG.30357.1 and ENSMUST00000174821. Lactobacillus reuteri was highly correlated with renal function and the target genes and metabolites of AS-IV. The target genes and metabolites of AS-IV were further validated. AS-IV inhibited intestinal-derived urinary toxins and improved renal tissue apoptosis, lipid accumulation, collagen deposition, and mitochondrial damage.ConclusionAS-IV improved CICN through the coexpression of the gut–transcriptome–metabolome network. The six pathways related to energy metabolism driven by L. reuteri, including the citrate cycle, ascorbate and alderate metabolism, proximal tube bicarbonate metabolism, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, ferroptosis, drug metabolism–cytochrome P450, are important mechanisms.
The influence of generative artificial intelligence on creative cognition of design students: a chain mediation model of self-efficacy and anxiety
Authors: Hwang Younjung , Wu Yi 
Published: January 2025

IntroductionThis study investigated the role of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) in enhancing the creative cognition of design students, examining the mediating effects of self-efficacy and anxiety reduction.MethodsA quantitative approach was employed, collecting data through online surveys from 121 design students at universities in southern China. The study utilized scales for AI knowledge and perception, self-efficacy, anxiety, and creative cognition, adapted from previous studies and evaluated on 5-point Likert scales. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS 24.0 for exploratory factor analysis and PROCESS v3.5 for mediation analysis.ResultsThe findings confirmed that AI positively impacted students’ innovative thinking (*β* = 0.610, *p* &lt; 0.001). Self-efficacy (standardized *β* = 0.256, 95% CI [0.140, 0.418], *p* &lt; 0.001) and anxiety reduction (standardized *β* = 0.093, 95% CI [0.018, 0.195], *p* &lt; 0.05) positively mediated the relationship between generative AI and creative cognition. Additionally, a serial mediation effect through self-efficacy and anxiety reduction was observed (standardized *β* = 0.053, 95% CI [0.012, 0.114], *p* &lt; 0.05).DiscussionOur empirical analysis demonstrates that AI positively affects design students’ innovative thinking, with self-efficacy and anxiety reduction serving as significant mediators. These findings provide valuable insights for educators and policymakers, suggesting that AI-integrated design curricula can significantly foster creative cognition, promote academic achievement, and enhance designer capabilities. Understanding AI’s impact on students’ creative processes is crucial for developing effective teaching strategies in today’s evolving educational landscape.
Acceptance of sexual attraction and its link to psychological distress and sexual offending among pedohebephilic clients: results from a preliminary analysis
Authors: Konrad Anna , Heid Laura Maria , Scheuermann Hannah , Beier Klaus Michael , Amelung Till 
Published: January 2025

IntroductionPedohebephilic disorder is characterized by intense sexual urges or fantasies involving children, which can lead to distress or sexual behavior with children. While theoretical and qualitative accounts suggest that accepting one’s pedohebephilic sexual interests may help mitigate both distress and problematic behaviors, the only published quantitative study to date has linked acceptance with behavior but did not analyze its effect on distress.MethodsWe examined the relationship between acceptance of sexual interests and child sexual abuse (CSA), the use of child sexual exploitation material (CSEM), and psychological distress in 238 pedohebephilic and teleiophilic men outside the judicial system (i.e., in the “Dunkelfeld”).ResultsCompared to teleiophilic individuals, pedohebephilic individuals showed lower acceptance of their sexual interests. No significant differences were found between groups regarding past sexual offending. In a subsample of 197 pedohebephilic individuals (n = 197), correlations with recent sexual behavior were minimal. In another subsample of pedohebephilic men (n = 84) with data on psychological distress, increased acceptance was associated with decreased psychological distress, although this association weakened among those reporting recent offenses.DiscussionAcceptance of one’s sexual interests is associated with reduced distress in pedohebephilic disorder among non-offending individuals. However, its role among offending individuals remains unclear. Efforts to improve measuring the acceptance of one’s sexual interests and further explore its role in pedohebephilic disorder are warranted.
A study of the mediating effect of self-perceived burden between meaning in life and dignity in disabled patients based on a dignity theory model
Authors: Rong Tang , Xing Ding , Xianzong Cheng , Ruian Liu 
Published: January 2025

ObjectiveTo explore the mediating role of self-perceived burden between meaning in life and the level of dignity in patients with disability.MethodsFrom July to October 2023, 229 disabled patients in a tertiary hospital in Sichuan Province, China were selected and surveyed using the Self-Perceived Burden Scale, Meaning in Life Questionnaire, and Patient Dignity Inventory.ResultsThe levels of self-perceived burden, meaning of life, and dignity of the disabled patients were 23.55 ± 9.83, 46.27 ± 9.71, and 43.38 ± 22.04 points, respectively. Self-perceived burden was positively correlated with the level of dignity (r = 0.460, p &lt; 0.001), and meaning in life was negatively correlated with self-perceived burden and the level of dignity (r = −0.325, r = −0.526, both p &lt; 0.001). The results of structural equation modeling showed that the total effect of the meaning in life of disabled patients on the level of dignity was −1.1945, the direct effect was −0.9559, and the indirect effect was −0.2386, with the indirect effect accounting for 19.98% of the total effect.ConclusionSelf-perceived burden partially mediated the relationship between the meaning of life and the dignity of patients with incapacitation. Caregivers should pay attention to the level of patients’ self-perceived burden and actively cooperate with treatment and control of disease development as the current goal of life to enhance patients’ meaning of life and improve the loss of dignity.
Exploring the impact of different types of exercise on working memory in children with ADHD: a network meta-analysis
Authors: Song Xiangqin , Hou Yaoqi , Shi Wenying , Wang Yan , Fan Feifan , Hong Liu 
Published: January 2025

BackgroundAttention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder in children, often accompanied by working memory deficits. Recently, exercise interventions have gained attention as a potential strategy to improve cognitive function in children with ADHD. However, the effects of different types of exercise on working memory remain unclear. This study aimed to assess the effects of various exercise interventions on working memory in children with ADHD using a network meta-analysis.MethodsA comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, and Web of Science databases for relevant studies. After screening according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 17 eligible studies were identified for analysis. A network meta-analysis was performed to integrate data and evaluate the effects of cognitive-aerobic exercise, ball games, mind-body exercises, interactive games, and general aerobic exercise on working memory in children with ADHD.ResultsThe results indicated significant differences in the effectiveness of various types of exercise interventions on working memory in children with ADHD. Cognitive-aerobic exercise showed the most significant effect (SMD = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.44–1.00), followed by ball games (SMD = 0.61, 95% CI: −0.12–1.35). Mind-body exercises and interactive games had moderate effects (SMD = 0.50 and 0.37, respectively), while general aerobic exercise showed relatively small effects (SMD = 0.40, 95% CI: 0.19–0.60). SUCRA analysis further confirmed the highest preference for cognitive-aerobic exercise in improving working memory. Meta-regression analysis showed that intervention frequency and total intervention duration significantly affected the effectiveness of cognitive-aerobic exercise, while other variables did not significantly moderate the effects.ConclusionCognitive-aerobic exercise had the most significant effect on improving working memory in children with ADHD. Higher intervention frequency and longer intervention duration may enhance its effects. Future research should explore the impact of these factors and consider increasing sample sizes to validate the role of these moderators.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=627915.
Single-session upper limb plyometric training is as effective as two sessions for improving muscle strength, power, and serve velocity in male youth tennis players: a randomized parallel controlled study
Authors: Wang Jian , Xu Qi 
Published: January 2025

IntroductionProviding a balanced training stimulus that promotes positive adaptations without excessively increasing training volume—and thereby avoiding disruptions to the training process—is a challenging task for strength and conditioning coaches. This study aimed to compare the effects of one vs. two weekly sessions of upper limb plyometric training (ULPT) on muscle strength, power, and serve velocity in male youth tennis players.MethodsWe conducted a randomized controlled study with two ULPT groups: one receiving one session weekly (ULPT1w) and the other two sessions (ULPT2w), alongside a control group maintaining regular tennis training. The intervention lasted 8 weeks. A total of 47 male youth tennis players (15.6 ± 0.9 years), competing at the trained/developmental level, participated in the study. Evaluations were conducted twice—once before the intervention and once after—assessing isometric shoulder rotation strength (internal [ISRT] and external [ESRT]) with a dynamometer, the medicine ball chest throw (MBCT), seated shot-put test (SST), and serve velocity using a radar gun.ResultsIn the post-intervention, significant differences were observed between groups for the variables of ISRT (p = 0.010; ηp2 = 0.189), ESRT (p = 0.004; ηp2 = 0.226), MBCT (p = 0.012; ηp2 = 0.181), SST (p = 0.019; ηp2 = 0.164), and tennis serve velocity (p = 0.004; ηp2 = 0.226).ConclusionThe study found that ULPT significantly improves upper limb muscle strength, power, and serve velocity in young male tennis players, with both once and twice weekly training yielding similar benefits. As practical implications coaches can effectively incorporate ULPT once a week to enhance physical performance in young male tennis players.
Attitudes towards persons with disabilities vs. personality traits of Polish students
Authors: Radlińska Iwona , Kożybska Marta , Prajzner Arkadiusz , Krzywoszański Łukasz , Karakiewicz Beata 
Published: January 2025

ObjectiveThe study aimed to establish the relationship between attitudes towards persons with disabilities and personality traits among Polish students, and whether sociodemographic factors moderate this.MethodsA cross-sectional self-report online survey was conducted on 595 Polish students, aged 18–29, from different fields of study: 1) natural science and engineering technology; 2) social science and humanities; 3) medical and health sciences; 4) law, economics, and management. Polish adaptations of the scales were used in the study: Multidimensional Attitudes Scale Towards Persons With Disabilities (MAS) and the Ten Item Personality Inventory (TIPI).ResultsA significant correlation was demonstrated between attitudes towards individuals with physical disabilities and a range of personality traits, including agreeableness, extroversion, conscientiousness, and openness, among Polish students. The strongest attitude predictors were openness to experience, agreeableness, and extraversion, with correlation coefficients ranging from -0.06 to -0.19, -0.14 to -0.22, and -0.09 to -0.15, respectively. As scores increased in these personality traits, attitudes towards people with disabilities became more positive. However, conscientiousness (-0.07 to -0.09) and emotional stability (-0.02 to 0.12) were poor predictors. The supplementary analyses indicate that contact with a person with a disability and socio-demographic factors, such as gender, age, place of residence, mode, and field of study, assessment of one’s health, and material conditions, did not moderate the relationships between personality dimensions and attitudes towards persons with disability.ConclusionPolish students’ attitudes towards individuals with physical disabilities are associated with personality traits such as agreeableness, extraversion, conscientiousness, and openness. However, the strength of these relationships is relatively weak. This relationship is not moderated by contact with a person with a disability or sociodemographic factors. It seems that undertaking educational interventions to strengthen the indicated personality traits is particularly important. The results indicate the need for further research into factors that modulate attitudes towards persons with disabilities, including a theoretical deepening of the problem and cultural aspects.
A scoping review of therapeutic mentoring for youth mental health
Authors: Werntz Alexandra , Rhodes Jean E. , Brockstein Hannah , Fallon Lindsay , Cook Amy 
Published: January 2025

IntroductionTherapeutic mentoring, which leverages paraprofessional care, is a potential way to scale access to care to address the youth mental health crisis. This scoping review synthesizes the current state of research on self-designated therapeutic mentoring programs for youth mental health.MethodA systematic search was conducted across four databases using the term “therapeutic mento*” and related keywords, taking a label-first approach to describe the available literature. Inclusion criteria were peer-reviewed articles about research on therapeutic mentoring in the US, written in English. Data were extracted on study characteristics, intervention details, mentor background, and outcomes.ResultsEighteen empirical articles were identified, published between 2003 and 2024. Most studies focused on at-risk youth from diverse backgrounds. Therapeutic mentoring programming varied, although most (N = 13) studies examined the Campus Connections program. Mentors were typically trained paraprofessionals or undergraduate students supervised by clinical professionals. Only two randomized controlled trials were found, both of the Campus Connections program.DiscussionThe review revealed a lack of rigorous experimental studies on therapeutic mentoring efficacy, as defined by studies that use the term therapeutic mentoring. While some studies showed promising effects, more research is needed to establish the definition of therapeutic mentoring and whether it is an acceptable and effective intervention for youth mental health.ConclusionA clear definition of therapeutic mentoring is needed to advance the field and facilitate systematic evaluation of its effectiveness in supporting youth mental health. Future research should prioritize developing program models that align with diverse youth's cultural values, conducting randomized controlled trials, examining program components, and developing standardized measures for assessing therapeutic mentoring outcomes.