bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An ethnobotanical study on the medicinal herb practices of the gelao ethnic minority in North Guizhou, China: an exploration of traditional knowledge
Authors: Liu Fusong , Peng Jie , Feng Yi , Ma Yuhan , Ren Yan , Sun Pei , Zhao Yongxia , Liu Sha , Wu Faming , Xie Jian 
Published: August 2023

Introduction: The Gelao ethnic minority of northern Guizhou, China have long possessed extensive traditional knowledge of medicinal herbs. This ethnobotanical study aimed to document and evaluate wild plants used medicinally by the Gelao people, providing insights into their traditional medicine and knowledge systems.Methods: Field research was conducted in Gelao communities of Daozhen, Wuchuan and Zheng’an counties using interviews, surveys and participatory rural appraisal.Results: Quantitative ethnobotanical indices were utilized to assess the cultural significance of 187 herbs identified. The herbs belonged to 84 families, primarily Compositae, and were mostly roots, rhizomes and whole plants. They were used to treat digestive, respiratory and inflammatory disorders, gynecological diseases, bites and other conditions, mainly through decoctions. 25 highly significant herbs (national plant cultural significance index &gt; 1000) were known to protect health. Some function as food and are considered safe. However, the study revealed issues including a declining number of knowledgeable elders and inadequate hygiene controls.Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate the Gelao’s extensive medicinal plant knowledge and highlight the need for further ethnobotanical research to document and preserve this culturally important tradition. The identified herbs also represent an alternative medicinal resource with potential modern applications pending further investigation of their pharmacology and sustainable use. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into Gelao ethnobotanical knowledge and the potential of indigenous medicine for modern healthcare.
Community pharmacists’ skills and practice regarding dispensing fiscalized substances: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: El-Dahiyat Faris , Jairoun Ammar Abdulrahman , Al-Hemyari Sabaa Saleh , Shahwan Moyad , Jairoun Maimona , Zyoud Sa’ed H. , Jaber Ammar Ali Saleh , Faisal Alkhanani Mustfa , Alhasani Reem Hasaballah , Ashour Ahmed M. , Alshehri Fahad S , Alorfi Nasser M. 
Published: August 2023

Background: The use of drugs containing fiscalized substances is essential in different medical areas, including pain management, obstetric emergencies, and the treatment of mental disorders. However, due to their potential for abuse and negative health effects, the dispensing of these substances demands pharmacists with the requisite skills and practice.Objective: This study assesses the skills and practices of pharmacy personnel in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) regarding the dispensing of tramadol, a medication containing fiscalized substances, in community pharmacies.Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted. Community Pharmacies were chosen via random sampling, and seven well-trained final year pharmacy students visited them and conducted face-to-face interviews. The survey tool covered items highlighting the demographic data of the subjects, and items on the practice and skills regarding dispensing the fiscalized substances. The content validity ratio values of all tool questions were more than 0.78, suggesting acceptable validity and the Cronbach’s α of 0.75 showed as acceptable internal reliability. The primary outcome measures of interest were the skills and practice regarding dispensing Fiscalized substances.Results: A total of 612 pharmacists were recruited in the study. The average practice score was 80%. There was a statistically significant association (p &lt; 0.05) between practices about dispensing fiscalized substances and gender, age group, pharmacy type, work experience, university of graduation, and receiving training on epilepsy and antiepileptic drugs.Conclusion: The results implied that competency and experience are vital factors for the dispensing of tramadol. Contextually, the majority of the pharmacists evidently have the requisite competencies to provide high-quality and proper medical care, with regards to dispensing tramadol, which will minimize drug abuse and medication errors, and assist outpatients to manage their drugs containing fiscalized substances.
Calcitonin gene-related peptide protects from soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1-induced vascular dysfunction in a preeclampsia mouse model
Authors: Mishra Akansha , Betancourt Ancizar , Vidyadharan Vipin Alukkal , Blesson Chellakkan Selvanesan , Belfort Michael , Yallampalli Chandra , Chauhan Madhu 
Published: August 2023

Introduction: Preeclampsia (PE) is a hypertensive disorder during pregnancy associated with elevated levels of soluble FMS-like tyrosine kinase (sFLT-1) and increased vascular sensitivity to angiotensin II (ATII). Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CALCA) is a potent vasodilator that inhibits the ATII-induced increase in blood pressure and protects against ATII-induced increases in oxidative stress through a mitochondrial-dependent pathway in male mice. In rodent pregnancy, CALCA facilitates pregnancy-induced vascular adaptation. Most of the vascular effects of CALCA are mediated by vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). We recently reported that CALCA treatment inhibits sFLT-1-induced decreases in cAMP synthesis in omental artery smooth muscle cells (OASMCs) isolated from pregnant women and has relaxant effects in omental arteries (OAs) isolated from pregnant women with preeclamptic (PE) pregnancies. The current study was designed to assess the effects of sFLT-1 on mitochondrial bioenergetics in OASMCs isolated from pregnant women in the presence or absence of CALCA and assess the development of vascular dysfunction in sFLT-1 using a mouse model of PE pregnancy.Methods: OASMCs were isolated from pregnant women to assess the effects of sFLT-1 on mitochondrial bioenergetics and oxidative stress using the Seahorse assay and quantitative PCR. Pregnant mice overexpressing sFLT-1 via adenoviral delivery were used to assess the effects of CALCA infusion on the sFLT-1-induced increase in blood pressure, ATII hypersensitivity, fetal growth restriction, and the elevated albumin–creatinine ratio. Systemic blood pressure was recorded in conscious, freely moving mice using implantable radio telemetry devices.Results: CALCA inhibited the following sFLT-1-induced effects: 1) increased oxidative stress and the decreased oxygen consumption rate (OCR) in response to maximal respiration and ATP synthesis; 2) increases in the expression of mitochondrial enzyme complexes in OASMCs; 3) increased mitochondrial fragmentation in OASMCs; 4) decreased expression of mitophagy-associated PINK1 and DRAM1 mRNA expression in OASMCs; and 5) increased blood pressure, ATII hypersensitivity, fetal growth restriction, and the albumin–creatinine ratio in sFLT-1-overexpressing pregnant mice.Conclusion: CALCA inhibits sFLT-1-induced alterations in mitochondrial bioenergetics in vascular smooth muscle cells and development of maternal vascular dysfunction in a mouse model of PE.
Comparative transcriptional and co-expression network analysis of two upland cotton accessions with extreme phenotypic differences reveals molecular mechanisms of fiber development
Authors: He Jiasen , Xu Zhongyang , Azhar Muhammad Tehseen , Zhang Zhen , Li Pengtao , Gong Juwu , Jiang Xiao , Fan Senmiao , Ge Qun , Yuan Youlu , Shang Haihong 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionUpland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) is the main source of natural fiber in the global textile industry, and thus its fiber quality and yield are important parameters. In this study, comparative transcriptomics was used to analyze differentially expressed genes (DEGs) due to its ability to effectively screen candidate genes during the developmental stages of cotton fiber. However, research using this method is limited, particularly on fiber development. The aim of this study was to uncover the molecular mechanisms underlying the whole period of fiber development and the differences in transcriptional levels.MethodsComparative transcriptomes are used to analyze transcriptome data and to screen for differentially expressed genes. STEM and WGCNA were used to screen for key genes involved in fiber development. qRT-PCR was performed to verify gene expression of selected DEGs and hub genes.ResultsTwo accessions of upland cotton with extreme phenotypic differences, namely EZ60 and ZR014121, were used to carry out RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) on fiber samples from different fiber development stages. The results identified 704, 376, 141, 269, 761, and 586 genes that were upregulated, and 1,052, 476, 355, 259, 702, and 847 genes that were downregulated at 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 days post anthesis, respectively. Similar expression patterns of DEGs were monitored using short time-series expression miner (STEM) analysis, and associated pathways of DEGs within profiles were investigated. In addition, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) identified five key modules in fiber development and screened 20 hub genes involved in the development of fibers.DiscussionThrough the annotation of the genes, it was found that the excessive expression of resistance-related genes in the early fiber development stages affects the fiber yield, whereas the sustained expression of cell elongation-related genes is critical for long fibers. This study provides new information that can be used to improve fibers in newly developed upland cotton genotypes.
Favorable physiological and morphological effects of molybdenum nanoparticles on tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.): root irrigation is superior to foliar spraying
Authors: Chen Juanni , Yin Ying , Zhu Yunsong , Song Kun , Ding Wei 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionNano fertilizers can provide efficient solutions to the increasing problem of nutrient deficiency caused by low availability. However, the most important prerequisite is to fully understand whether nanomaterials induce phytotoxicity in plants under a variety of different conditions. The mechanisms underlying interactions between molybdenum nanoparticles (Mo NPs) and plants with respect to their uptake and biological effects on crops are still not fully understood.MethodsIn this study, the impacts of Mo NPs over a range of concentrations (0, 25, and 100 μg/mL) on tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) seedling growth were comparatively evaluated under foliar applications and root irrigation.ResultsThe results indicated that more significant active biological effects were observed with root irrigation application of Mo NPs than with foliar spraying. The agronomic attributes, water content and sugar content of Mo NPs-exposed seedlings were positively affected, and morphologically, Mo NPs induced root cell lignification and more vascular bundles and vessels in tobacco tissues, especially when applied by means of root irrigation. Moreover, the photosynthetic rate was improved by 131.4% for root exposure to 100 μg/mL Mo NPs, mainly due to the increased chlorophyll content and stomatal conductance. A significant concentration-dependent increase in malonaldehyde (MDA) and defensive enzyme activity for the Mo NPs-treated tobacco seedlings were detected compared to the controls. Significantly improved absorption of Mo by exposed tobacco seedlings was confirmed with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) in tobacco tissues, regardless of application method. However, the accumulation of Mo in roots increased by 13.94 times, when roots were exposed to 100 mg/L Mo NPs, higher than that under treatment with foliar spray. Additionally, Mo NPs activated the expression of several genes related to photosynthesis and aquaporin processes.DiscussionThe present investigations offer a better understanding of Mo NPs-plant interactions in terrestrial ecosystems and provide a new strategy for the application of Mo NPs as nano fertilizers in crop production.
Phosphorus and naphthalene acetic acid increased the seed yield by regulating carbon and nitrogen assimilation of flax
Authors: Xie Yaping , Duan Huirong , Wang Limin , Zhang Jianping , Dong Kongjun , Wang Xingrong , Zhang Yanjun , Zhou Yangchen , Li Wenjuan , Qi Yanni , Zhao Wei , Dang Zhao , Wang Xingzhen , Li Wen , Zhao Lirong 
Published: August 2023

To evaluate the impact of phosphorus (P) combined with exogenous NAA on flax yield, enhance flax P utilization efficiency and productivity, minimize resource inputs and mitigate negative environmental and human effects. Therefore, it is crucial to comprehend the physiological and biochemical responses of flax to P and naphthylacetic acid (NAA) in order to guide future agronomic management strategies for increasing seed yield. A randomized complete block design trial was conducted under semi-arid conditions in Northwest China, using a factorial split-plot to investigate the effects of three P (0, 67.5, and 135.0 kg P2O5 ha–1) and three exogenous spray NAA levels (0, 20, and 40 mg NAA L–1) on sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS) and diphosphoribulose carboxylase (Rubisco) activities as well as nitrogen (N) and P accumulation and translocation in flax. Results indicated that the SPS and Rubisco activities, N and P accumulation at flowering and maturity along with assimilation and translocation post-flowering, fruiting branches per plant, tillers per plant, capsules per plant, and seed yield were 95, 105, 14, 27, 55, 15, 13, 110, 103, 82, 16, 61, 8, and 13% greater in the P treatments compared to those in the zero P treatment, respectively. Moreover, those characteristics were observed to be greater with exogenous spray NAA treatments compared to that no spray NAA treatment. Additionally, the maximum SPS and Rubisco activities, N and P accumulation, assimilation post-flowering and translocation, capsules per plant, and seed yield were achieved with the application of 67.5 kg P2O5 ha–1 with 20 mg NAA L–1. Therefore, these findings demonstrate that the appropriate combination of P fertilizer and spray NAA is an effective agronomic management strategy for regulating carbon and nitrogen assimilation by maintaining photosynthetic efficiency in plants to increase flax productivity.
Women’s career motivation: social barriers and enablers in Sudan
Authors: Mohamed Souad , Abbashar Aida , Abushama Hala 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionThis study presents an original contribution by examining an often-neglected country in the Middle East and Northeast Africa (MENA), with a specific focus on women’s career research. It identifies challenges that have created barriers for Sudanese women’s career progression, consequently limiting their opportunities for career and leadership growth. To conceptualize understand women’s career motivations on a global and regional scale, the study conducted an in-depth review and analysis of literature, benchmarked similar countries, and incorporated psychological and organizational behavior theories, alongside examples of women’s empowerment cases from the MENA region.MethodsThe study employs a multifaceted approach that involves exploring psychological and organizational theories, drawing insights from self-efficacy, stereotype, and implicit bias theories, as well as MENA empowerment cases. Additionally, an empirical investigation is conducted through an extensive three-round Delphi study involving 75 Sudanese women leaders from diverse sectors. The empirical findings are crucial for understanding obstacles faced by women and the impact of Sudan’s unique social context on their career paths.ResultsThe research findings shed light on the complex interplay of factors creating roadblocks for Sudanese women’s career advancement. Sudan’s distinctive social context significantly shapes and influences women’s career motivations in diverse and interconnected ways. Empirical evidence from the Delphi study underscores the broad impact of these roadblocks, highlighting the multiplicity of challenges faced by women in Sudan. This comprehensive analysis not only aids in comprehending workplace obstacles but also provides valuable insights into the diverse experiences and needs of female employees. The findings emphasize the broad impact of these barriers on women, underscoring their varied challenges.DiscussionThe research holds far-reaching implications. By contextually identifying barriers that impede Sudanese women’s career motivations, the study lays a foundation for targeted solutions. This understanding is grounded in historical, theoretical, and policy-making perspectives, enabling informed strategies to support women’s advancement. The study also offers actionable policy recommendations for governments, workplaces, and stakeholders, facilitating women’s career growth through policy reforms and capacity-building initiatives. Furthermore, its significance extends beyond Sudan, acting as a catalyst for developing gender-responsive policies in similar MENA countries and beyond.
Exploring the acoustic and prosodic features of a lung-function-sensitive repeated-word speech articulation test
Authors: Zeng Biao , Williams Edgar Mark , Owen Chelsea , Zhang Cong , Davies Shakiela Khanam , Evans Keira , Preudhomme Savannah-Rose 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionSpeech breathing is a term usually used to refer to the manner in which expired air and lung mechanics are utilized for the production of the airflow necessary for phonation. Neurologically, speech breathing overrides the normal rhythms of alveolar ventilation. Speech breathing is generated using the diaphragm, glottis, and tongue. The glottis is the opening between the vocal folds in the larynx; it is the primary valve between the lungs and the mouth, and by varying its degree of opening, the sound can be varied. The use of voice as an indicator of health has been widely reported. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the most common long-term respiratory disease. The main symptoms of COPD are increasing breathlessness, a persistent chesty cough with phlegm, frequent chest infections, and persistent wheezing. There is no cure for COPD, and it is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. The principal cause of COPD is tobacco smoking, and estimates indicate that COPD will become the third leading cause of death worldwide by 2030. The long-term aim of this research program is to understand how speech generation, breathing, and lung function are linked in people with chronic respiratory diseases such as COPD.MethodsThis pilot study was designed to test an articulatory speech task that uses a single word (“helicopter”), repeated multiple times, to challenge speech-generated breathing and breathlessness. Specifically, a single-word articulation task was used to challenge respiratory system endurance in people with healthy lungs by asking participants to rapidly repeat the word “helicopter” for three 20-s runs interspersed with two 20-s rest periods of silent relaxed breathing. Acoustic and prosodic features were then extracted from the audio recordings of each adult participant.Results and discussionThe pause ratio increased from the first run to the third, representing an increasing demand for breath. These data show that the repeated articulation task challenges speech articulation in a quantifiable manner, which may prove useful in defining respiratory ill-health.
The influence of sport motivation on college students’ subjective exercise experience: a mediation model with moderation
Authors: Liu Fengbo , Li Ning 
Published: August 2023

BackgroundThe degree to which an individual experiences a positive emotional state after exercise is a measurement of how much enjoyment sports bring to the individual. This can also be seen as the individual’s essential motivation for engaging in sports, and an indirect means of improving the individual’s physical health. Therefore, it is necessary to explore the factors that affect college students’ subjective exercise experience and their effecting mechanism, thereby providing a basis for promoting college students’ positive emotional experience after exercise.MethodsA questionnaire survey on 600 college students was conducted to examine the mediating effect of sport-confidence on the relationship between college students’ sport motivation and their subjective exercise experience, and to investigate whether this process is moderated by the feelings of inadequacy.ResultsThe indirect effect of sport-confidence was significant (95% CI [0.133, 0.276]), and the index of moderated mediation Bootstrap 95% CI [0.003, 0.017] did not contain 0.ConclusionThe results indicated that: (1) sport-confidence had a partial mediating effect between college students’ sport motivation and their subjective exercise experience; (2) the mediating effect of sport-confidence was moderated by the feelings of inadequacy, and the feelings of inadequacy moderated the latter half path of the mediating process of sport motivation - sport-confidence - subjective exercise experience. Therefore, the influence of college students’ sport motivation on their subjective exercise experience is a moderated mediating model.
Long-term exercise training and inflammatory biomarkers in healthy subjects: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Wang Ya-Hai , Tan Jingwang , Zhou Huan-Huan , Cao Meng , Zou Yu 
Published: August 2023

ObjectiveThis meta-analysis investigated the effect of long-term exercise training (ET) including aerobic, resistance, and multicomponent ET on the levels of inflammatory biomarkers in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving healthy subjects.MethodsWe searched seven databases for articles until May 1st, 2023. A random-effect meta-analysis, subgroup analysis, meta-regressions as well as trim and fill method were conducted using STATA 16.0.ResultThirty-eight studies were included in the meta-analysis, involving 2,557 healthy subjects (mean age varies from 21 to 86 years). Long-term ET induced significantly decreased in the levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) (SMD -0.16, 95% CI -0.30 to −0.03, p = 0.017), C-reactive protein (CRP) (SMD -0.18, 95% CI -0.31 to −0.06, p = 0.005), as well as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) (SMD -0.43, 95% CI -0.62 to −0.24, p &lt; 0.001). Subgroup analysis revealed that Long-term ET conducted for more than 12 weeks and exercise of moderate intensity had greater anti-inflammatory effects. Meta-regression analysis showed that the reduction in CRP level induced by long-term ET was weakened by increasing exercise intensity.ConclusionLong-term ET induced significant anti-inflammatory effects in healthy subjects. Long-term ET-induced anti-inflammatory effects were associated with exercise of moderate intensity and training conducted for more than 12 weeks.Systematic Review Registration:https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/# myprospero, PROSPERO, identifier CRD42022346693.