bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The IDI1/SREBP2 axis drives intrahepatic cholestasis and is a treatment target of San-Huang-Cai-Zhu formula identified by sequencing and experiments
Authors: Yan Junbin , Nie Yunmeng , Chen Zheng , Yao Jiaming , Zhang Shuo , Chen Zhiyun 
Published: February 2023

San-Huang-Chai-Zhu formula (SHCZF), originates from Da-Huang-Xiao-Shi decoction (DHXSD) for the treatment of jaundice as recorded in the Chinese traditional Chinese medicine book Jin Gui Yao Lue. In the clinic, SHCZF has been used to treat cholestasis-related liver disease by improving intrahepatic cholestasis, but the treatment mechanism has not been elucidated. In this study, 24 Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly assigned to the normal, acute intrahepatic cholestasis (AIC), SHCZF, and ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) groups. In addition, 36 SD rats were divided into dynamic groups, namely, normal 24 h, AIC 24 h, normal 48 h, AIC 48 h, normal 72 h, and AIC 72 h groups. Alpha-naphthylisothiocyanate (ANIT) was used to induce an AIC rat model. Serum biochemical indices and hepatic pathology were detected. Part of the hepatic tissues was used for sequencing, and others were used for subsequent experiments. Sequencing data combined with bioinformatics analysis were used to screen target genes and identify the mechanisms of SHCZF in treating AIC rats. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting (WB) were used to detect the RNA/Protein expression levels of screened genes. Rats in the dynamic group were used to determine the sequence of cholestasis and liver injury. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to determine the representative bioingredients of SHCZF. Sequencing and bioinformatics analysis suggested that IDI1 and SREBP2 are hub target genes of SHCZF to ameliorate ANTI-induced intrahepatic cholestasis in rats. The treatment mechanism is associated with the regulation of lipoprotein receptor (LDLr) to reduce cholesterol intake and 3-Hydroxy-3-Methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGCR), and 3-Hydroxy-3-Methylglutaryl-CoA synthase 1 (HMGCS1) to decrease cholesterol synthesis. Animal experiments showed that SHCZF significantly reduced the expression levels of the above genes and proinflammatory cytokine lipocalin 2 (LCN2), inflammatory cytokines interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), thereby improving intrahepatic cholestasis and inflammation and liver injury.
Scholarly literature in HIV-related lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender studies: A bibliometric analysis
Authors: Nguyen Tham Thi , Do Anh Linh , Nguyen Long Hoang , Vu Giang Thu , Dam Vu Anh Trong , Latkin Carl A. , Hall Brian J. , Ho Cyrus S. H. , Zhang Melvyn W. B. , Ho Roger C. M. 
Published: February 2023

IntroductionLesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered (LGBT) people are marginalized and understudied. Analyzing research activity worldwide is vital to better understand their needs in confronting the HIV epidemic. This study aimed to evaluate the global literature to identify the research collaboration, content, and tendency in HIV-related issues among the LGBT populations.MethodsPeer-reviewed original articles and reviews were achieved from the Web of Science Core Collection database. Country’s collaborations and co-occurrence of most frequent terms were illustrated by VOSviewer software. The Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) and the linear regression model were utilized to uncover the hidden topics and examine the research trend.ResultsFrom 1990 to 2019, a total of 13,096 publications were found. Stigma, sexual risk behaviors and HIV testing were the major topics in the LGBT research during the study period. Among 15 topics, topics about HIV/Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) prevalence, Outcomes of HIV/AIDS care and treatment, and Opportunistic infections in HIV-positive LGBT people showed decreasing attention over years, while other topics had a slight to moderate increase.DiscussionOur study underlined the exponential growth of publications on the LGBT population in HIV research, and suggested the importance of performing regional collaborations in improving research capacity. Moreover, further research should focus on examining the manner to increase the coverage of HIV testing and treatment, as well as implement HIV-interventions with low cost and easy to scale-up.
Motivation to interaction media: The impact of automation trust and self-determination theory on intention to use the new interaction technology in autonomous vehicles
Authors: Xie Yubin , Zhou Ronggang , Chan Alan Hoi Shou , Jin Mingyu , Qu Miao 
Published: February 2023

IntroductionThis research investigated the effects of three psychological needs (competence, autonomy, and relatedness) of self-determination theory (SDT) and automation trust on the intention of users to employ new interaction technology brought by autonomous vehicles (AVs), especially interaction mode and virtual image.MethodThis study focuses on the discussion from the perspective of psychological motivation theory applied to AV interaction technology. With the use of a structured questionnaire, participants completed self-report measures related to these two interaction technologies; a total of 155 drivers’ responses were analyzed.ResultThe results indicated that users’ intentions were directly predicted by their perceived competence, autonomy, and relatedness of SDT and automation trust, which jointly explained at least 66% of the variance in behavioral intention. In addition to these results, the contribution of predictive components to behavioral intention is influenced by the type of interaction technology. Relatedness and competence significantly impacted the behavioral intention to use the interaction mode but not the virtual image.DiscussionThese findings are essential in that they support the necessity of distinguishing between types of AV interaction technology when predicting users’ intentions to use.
Low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for children and adolescents with first-episode and drug-naïve major depressive disorder: A systematic review
Authors: Zheng Wei , Lan Xian-Jun , Qin Zhen-Juan , Yang Xin-Hu , Shi Zhan-Ming 
Published: February 2023

ObjectiveThis systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted to explore the therapeutic effects and safety of active low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (LF-rTMS) versus sham LF-rTMS in children and adolescent patients with first-episode and drug-naïve (FEDN) major depressive disorder (MDD).MethodsA systematic literature search was performed, and data were extracted by two independent researchers. The coprimary outcomes were study-defined response and remission.ResultsA systematic search of the literature yielded 442 references, of which 3 RCTs (130 children and adolescents with FEDN MDD, 50.8% male, and mean age range from 14.5 to 17.5 years) met the inclusion criteria. Among the two RCTs (66.7%, 2/3) examining the effects of LF-rTMS on study-defined response and remission and cognitive function, active LF-rTMS was more efficacious than sham LF-rTMS in terms of study-defined response rate and cognitive function (all p &lt; 0.05) but not regarding study-defined remission rate (all p &gt; 0.05). No significant group differences were found with regard to adverse reactions. None of the included RCTs reported the dropout rate.ConclusionThese findings preliminarily found that LF-rTMS could benefit children and adolescents with FEDN MDD in a relatively safe manner, although further studies are warranted.
SiNPs induce ferroptosis in HUVECs through p38 inhibiting NrF2 pathway
Authors: Jiang Xiaojun , Gao Huiqian , Cao Yunchang , Chen Shuting , Huang Fangfang , Feng Yashi , Zhang Yuqi , Feng Shaolong 
Published: February 2023

IntroductionDespite of growing evidence linking silica nanoparticles (SiNPs), one of the global-top-three-produced and -used nanoparticle (NP), to human health risks, there remain many knowledge gaps over the adverse effects of SiNPs exposure on cardiovascular system and the underlying molecular mechanisms.MethodsIn this study, the ferroptotic effects of SiNPs (20 nm; 0, 25, 50, and 100 μg/mL) on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and the possible molecular mechanism were studied with the corresponding biochemical and molecular biology assays.Results and discussionThe results showed that at the tested concentrations, SiNPs could decrease HUVEC viability, but the deferoxamine mesylate (an iron ion chelator) might rescue this reduction of cell viability. Also, increased levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species and enhanced mRNA expression of lipid oxidation enzymes (ACSL4 and LPCAT3) with increase in lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde), but decreased ratios of intracellular GSH/total-GSH and mitochondrial membrane potential as well as reduced enzymatic activities of anti-oxidative enzymes (CAT, SOD, and GSH-PX), were found in the SiNPs-treated HUVECs. Meanwhile, increase in p38 protein phosphorylation and decrease in NrF2 protein phosphorylation with reduced mRNA expressions of downstream anti-oxidative enzyme genes (CAT, SOD1, GSH-PX, and GPX4) was identified in the SiNPs-exposed HUVECs. These data indicated that SiNPs exposure might induce ferroptosis in HUVECs via p38 inhibiting NrF2 pathway. Ferroptosis of HUVECs will become a useful biomarker for assessing the cardiovascular health risks of environmental contaminants.
Properties of Differential Subordination and Superordination for Multivalent Functions Associated with the Convolution Operators
Authors: Cotîrlă Luminiţa-Ioana , Juma Abdul Rahman S. 
Published: February 2023

Using convolution (or Hadamard product), we define the El-Ashwah and Drbuk linear operator, which is a multivalent function in the unit disk U=w:w<1 and w∈₵, and satisfy its specific relationship to derive the subordination, superordination, and sandwich results for this operator by using properties of subordination and superordination concepts.
Distinct Molecular Patterns of Two-Component Signal Transduction Systems in Thermophilic Cyanobacteria as Revealed by Genomic Identification
Authors: Tang Jie , Yao Dan , Zhou Huizhen , Wang Mingcheng , Daroch Maurycy 
Published: February 2023

Two-component systems (TCSs) play crucial roles in sensing and responding to environmental signals, facilitating the acclimation of cyanobacteria to hostile niches. To date, there is limited information on the TCSs of thermophilic cyanobacteria. Here, genome-based approaches were used to gain insights into the structure and architecture of the TCS in 17 well-described thermophilic cyanobacteria, namely strains from the genus Leptodesmis, Leptolyngbya, Leptothermofonsia, Thermoleptolyngbya, Thermostichus, and Thermosynechococcus. The results revealed a fascinating complexity and diversity of the TCSs. A distinct composition of TCS genes existed among these thermophilic cyanobacteria. A majority of TCS genes were classified as orphan, followed by the paired and complex cluster. A high proportion of histidine kinases (HKs) were predicted to be cytosolic subcellular localizations. Further analyses suggested diversified domain architectures of HK and response regulators (RRs), putatively in association with various functions. Comparative and evolutionary genomic analyses indicated that the horizontal gene transfer, as well as duplications events, might be involved in the evolutionary history of TCS genes in Thermostichus and Thermosynechococcus strains. A comparative analysis between thermophilic and mesophilic cyanobacteria indicated that one HK cluster and one RR cluster were uniquely shared by all the thermophilic cyanobacteria studied, while two HK clusters and one RR cluster were common to all the filamentous thermophilic cyanobacteria. These results suggested that these thermophile-unique clusters may be related to thermal characters and morphology. Collectively, this study shed light on the TCSs of thermophilic cyanobacteria, which may confer the necessary regulatory flexibility; these findings highlight that the genomes of thermophilic cyanobacteria have a broad potential for acclimations to environmental fluctuations.
Symbiotic Seed Germination and Seedling Development of Epidendrum geminiflorum Knuth from Ecuador
Authors: Quijia-Lamiña Paulina H. , Baquero Luis E. , Kane Michael E. , Zettler Lawrence W. 
Published: February 2023

A greater understanding of the relationship between native orchids and their mycorrhizal symbionts is needed to ensure more effective orchid conservation strategies. A protocol for symbiotic seed germination and seedling development was developed for E. geminiflorum. Mature seeds were collected from a naturally occurring orchid population in Ecuador. Putative mycorrhizal fungi isolated from other native orchid species were used to screen their ability to facilitate germination and seedling development in vitro in either a 0/24 h or 12/12 h light/dark photoperiod at 20 °C. The mycorrhizal fungus Tulasnella calospora (UAMH 9824) isolated from Spiranthes brevilabris in Florida, USA, was also included in this study. Sterilization treatments using 0.3%, 0.5% sodium hypochlorite/ethanol or 2% calcium hypochlorite were tested for their effectiveness as sterilant and their subsequent effects on seed germination percentage. Effective surface seed sterilization was achieved with either 0.5% NaClO/ethanol or 2% calcium hypochlorite. However, significantly higher percentages of germinated embryos developed into protocorms when NaOCl solutions were used compared to the other treatments. Seed germination occurred in both photoperiods tested; however, delayed germination was observed under complete darkness. Seeds of E. geminiflorum germinated without fungal inoculation; however, co-culture with Tulasnella strains improved germination significantly. Seedling development was only observed when seeds were cultured in asymbiotic medium or co-cultured with T. caloscopa (UAMH 9824). Significantly longer seedlings were obtained when T. calospora was present in the culture compared with seedlings cultured in asymbiotic medium. The establishment of mycorrhizal associations was confirmed by the presence of pelotons in the roots of E. geminiflorum seedlings.
Single-Energy Metal Artifact Reduction (SEMAR) in Ultra-High-Resolution CT Angiography of Patients with Intracranial Implants
Authors: Jabas Abdullah , Abello Mercado Mario Alberto , Altmann Sebastian , Ringel Florian , Booz Christian , Kronfeld Andrea , Sanner Antoine P. , Brockmann Marc A. , Othman Ahmed E. 
Published: February 2023

Purpose: To evaluate the effects of single-energy metal artifact reduction (SEMAR) on image quality of ultra-high-resolution CT-angiography (UHR-CTA) with intracranial implants after aneurysm treatment. Methods: Image quality of standard and SEMAR-reconstructed UHR-CT-angiography images of 54 patients who underwent coiling or clipping was retrospectively evaluated. Image noise (i.e., index for metal-artifact strength) was analyzed in close proximity to and more distally from the metal implant. Frequencies and intensities of metal artifacts were additionally measured and intensity-differences between both reconstructions were compared in different frequencies and distances. Qualitative analysis was performed by two radiologists using a four-point Likert-scale. All measured results from both quantitative and qualitative analysis were then compared between coils and clips. Results: Metal artifact index (MAI) and the intensity of coil-artifacts were significantly lower in SEMAR than in standard CTA in close vicinity to and more distally from the coil-package (p < 0.001, each). MAI and the intensity of clip-artifacts were significantly lower in close vicinity (p = 0.036; p < 0.001, respectively) and more distally from the clip (p = 0.007; p < 0.001, respectively). In patients with coils, SEMAR was significantly superior in all qualitative categories to standard images (p < 0.001), whereas in patients with clips, only artifacts were significantly less (p < 0.05) for SEMAR. Conclusion: SEMAR significantly reduces metal artifacts in UHR-CT-angiography images with intracranial implants and improves image quality and diagnostic confidence. SEMAR effects were strongest in patients with coils, whereas the effects were minor in patients with titanium-clips due to the absent of or minimal artifacts.
Inconsistent Growth Responses of Alpine Rhododendron Shrubs to Climate Change at Two Sites on the Eastern Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Wang Ya-Lei , Wang Ya-Feng , Camarero Jesús Julio 
Published: February 2023

Evidence is accumulating that the radial growth of high-elevation Rhododendron shrubs has high dendrochronological potential. However, it remains unclear if the growth responses of alpine Rhododendron shrubs to climate are contingent on site conditions. Herein, the climate–growth relationships of alpine Rhododendron przewalskii Maxim. shrubs were investigated at two sites (NQ, LWQ) at an elevation of 4300 m on the eastern Tibetan Plateau. We collected ring-width data from 53 Rhododendron shrubs. Well-replicated 111-year-old and 51-year-old long shrub ring-width chronologies were built for NQ and LWQ, respectively. Mean shrub growth did not differ between the two study sites. Mean maximum temperature in September of the previous year was significantly negatively correlated with shrub ring-width indices in site NQ, whereas the August minimum temperature of the current year showed a strong negative association with shrub growth indices in site LWQ. Random effects with the shrub level condition exerted a certain influence on shrub radial growth. Results of previous studies in other forest regions across the Tibetan Plateau, along with this study, revealed the diverse responses of radial growth of alpine Rhododendron shrubs to climate change. Thus, both climatic and local-scale variables should be considered when conducting shrub-based dendrochronological studies. A warmer and drier climate in the future could further reduce Rhododendron shrub growth in particular sites and threaten the survival of alpine shrub ecosystems on the eastern Tibetan Plateau.
Diagnosis, treatment and management of hypertension in Ukraine: survey of doctors
Authors: Dotsenko N. Y. , Malynovska O. Y. , Herasymenko L. V. , Shekhunova I. O. , Boiev S. S. , Molodan O. V. 
Published: February 2023

Purpose of the study. The goal of the study was to evaluate the implementation of modern healthcare standards in patients with hypertension by practitioners in Ukraine.
Materials and methods. We analyzed 76 anonymous questionnaires, represented by cardiologists (65.8%) as well as internists and family doctors (34.2%).
Results. Most physicians in the diagnostics and correction of hypertension therapy focus on the data of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. Doctors rarely prescribe ambulatory blood pressure monitoring for the diagnostics of white coat hypertension. Most doctors prescribe ECG in the presence of heart complaints, but not for investigation of target organs damage, and echocardiography and carotid ultrasound often with each contact. If resistant hypertension is suspected, only 20% of cardiologists prescribe recommended mineralocorticoids. Statins for patients with hypertension, most doctors prescribe "1 patient out of 10".
Conclusions. In general, the approaches to the treatment of hypertension by the interviewees correspond to modern recommendations. Insufficient understanding by doctors of the indications and frequency of conducting instrumental studies, weak vigilance regarding "white coat" and resistant hypertension, insufficient prescription of statins were established. It is desirable for the compilers of the recommendations to pay more attention to the practical aspects of patient management.
The effectiveness of complex therapy in the treatment of nonspecific vaginitis in women of reproductive age
Authors: Ryazanova O. D. , Reznichenko G. I. 
Published: February 2023

Objective. One of the most common gynecological pathologies among women of reproductive age is non-specific vaginitis. Bacterial vaginosis and aerobic vaginitis cause many obstetric and gynecological complications, and disease recurrence remains high. The aim of the study is to assess the effectiveness of complex therapy in the treatment of non-specific vaginitis in women of reproductive age.
Materials and Methods. 160 women (100%) were examined, which were divided into 2 clinical groups with subgroups: the main group - 94 (58.8 %) patients with nonspecific vaginitis, who received treatment according to developed clinical diagnostic algorithms and schemes. The comparison group included 66 (41.2 %) patients with nonspecific vaginitis, who received treatment according to known protocols. Research methods: general (collection of complaints and anamnesis, gynecological examination, assessment of microscopy of vaginal smears according to the Amsel, Nugent and Donders criteria), laboratory (determination levels of follicle-stimulating, luteinizing hormones, prolactin, estradiol, adrenaline, noradrenaline, cortisol, magnesium in the blood), statistical.
Results. Treatment of non-specific vaginitis according to complex schemes in the main group showed a significant decrease in the average follicle-stimulating hormone indicators – by 2.7 times, luteinizing hormone – by 2.6 times, prolactin – by 1.3 times (р<0,05) compares to the indicators before treatment. The estradiol level in the main group probably increased 1.3 times (р<0,05). The magnesium level also increased by an average of 1.4 times (р<0,05). Complex therapy in the main group significantly reduced the adrenaline levels by an average of 1.6 times, noradrenaline by 2.4 times, and cortisol by 1.8 times compared to the values before treatment (р<0,05). The proposed complex schemes are likely to improve the clinical effectiveness of drug treatment of non-specific vaginitis in the near and distant periods, which is accompanied by faster disappearance of complaints and normalization of the local condition during the gynecological examination (p<0,05), restoration of the vaginal microflora (p<0,05), a decrease frequency of recurrence in the main group of patients (c2=4,32; p<0,05).
Conclusions. It is appropriate to use complex treatment of bacterial vaginosis and aerobic vaginitis in women of reproductive age.