bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Active metabolites and potential mechanisms of Notopterygium incisum against obstructive sleep apnea Syndrome (OSAS): network analysis and experimental assessment
Authors: Liu Peijun , Tang Weihua , Zhao Dong , Zhou Pan , Hu Ke 
Published: August 2023

Background:Notopterygium incisum K.C. Ting ex H.T. Chang, a synonym of Hansenia weberbaueriana (Fedde ex H. Wolff) Pimenov &amp; Kljuykov, is an anti-inflammatory medicinal plant. Although abrnotopterol has been reported to be its primary active metabolite, the other metabolites and their mechanisms of action remain unclear. This study aims to investigate the potential mechanisms by which its active metabolites treat Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) through network analysis and experimental assessment.Methods: The metabolites and potential targets of Notopterygium incisum were extracted from public databases. We searched for OSAS-related genes in the Genecards, OMIM, PharmGkb, TTD, and DrugBank databases. Cytoscape 3.9.0 was used to construct the drug-target-disease network and screen for hub genes. Human bronchial epithelial (HBE) cells were cultivated in normoxia and chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) medium for 24 h. Interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2(PTGS2) mRNA was detected using RT-qPCR, while PTGS2 and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) proteins were identified using Western blot analysis. Co-Immunoprecipitation (CoIP) and Western blotting were utilized to evaluate the ubiquitination of PTGS2 in HBE cells.Results: Pterostilbene and notopterol, isolated from Notopterygium incisum, had potential therapeutic effects on OSAS. The PTGS2 and estrogen receptor alpha (ESR1) hub genes were associated with OSAS. The pathway enrichment analysis focuses on the NF-κB, apoptosis, and HIF-1A pathways. In response to CIH, pterostilbene and notopterol decreased IL-6, TNF-α, and PGE2 levels. The NF-κB pathway was activated by an increase in PTGS2 levels. Pterostilbene promoted proteasome-mediated ubiquitination of PTGS2 protein and reduced PTGS2 levels, inhibiting the NF-κB pathway.Conclusion: This study reveals the active metabolites of Notopterygium incisum and hub genes involved in treating OSAS, which provide a basis for the follow-up development and exploitation of the botanical drug.
Mechanical stimuli such as shear stress and piezo1 stimulation generate red blood cell extracellular vesicles
Authors: Sangha Gurneet S. , Weber Callie M. , Sapp Ryan M. , Setua Saini , Thangaraju Kiruphagaran , Pettebone Morgan , Rogers Stephen C. , Doctor Allan , Buehler Paul W. , Clyne Alisa M. 
Published: August 2023

Introduction: Generating physiologically relevant red blood cell extracellular vesicles (RBC-EVs) for mechanistic studies is challenging. Herein, we investigated how to generate and isolate high concentrations of RBC-EVs in vitro via shear stress and mechanosensitive piezo1 ion channel stimulation.Methods: RBC-EVs were generated by applying shear stress or the piezo1-agonist yoda1 to RBCs. We then investigated how piezo1 RBC-EV generation parameters (hematocrit, treatment time, treatment dose), isolation methods (membrane-based affinity, ultrafiltration, ultracentrifugation with and without size exclusion chromatography), and storage conditions impacted RBC-EV yield and purity. Lastly, we used pressure myography to determine how RBC-EVs isolated using different methods affected mouse carotid artery vasodilation.Results: Our results showed that treating RBCs at 6% hematocrit with 10 µM yoda1 for 30 min and isolating RBC-EVs via ultracentrifugation minimized hemolysis, maximized yield and purity, and produced the most consistent RBC-EV preparations. Co-isolated contaminants in impure samples, but not piezo1 RBC-EVs, induced mouse carotid artery vasodilation.Conclusion: This work shows that RBC-EVs can be generated through piezo1 stimulation and may be generated in vivo under physiologic flow conditions. Our studies further emphasize the importance of characterizing EV generation and isolation parameters before using EVs for mechanistic analysis since RBC-EV purity can impact functional outcomes.
Effects of simulated precipitation gradients on nutrient resorption in the desert steppe of northern China
Authors: Bai Liu , Wang Jing , Wang Zhongwu , Li Zhiguo , Ren Haiyan , Wang Haiming , Zhang Guogang , Han Guodong 
Published: August 2023

BackgroundChanges in rainfall induced by climate change will likely influence the utilization of water resources and affect the nutrient cycle in plants in the water-limited desert steppe. In order to understand the response of nitrogen and phosphorus resorption characteristics of plant leaves to precipitation changes, this study compared the nitrogen (N) resorption efficiency, phosphorus (P) resorption efficiency and influencing factors of plants in a desert steppe through water treatment experiments.MethodsA 4-year field experiment was performed to examine the response and influencing factors of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus resorption efficiency of five dominant plants in Stipa breviflora desert steppe to simulated precipitation change in Inner Mongolia, with four simulated precipitation gradients including reducing water by 50%, natural precipitation, increasing water by 50%, increasing water by 100%.ResultsCompared with natural precipitation, increasing water by 100% significantly increased soil moisture, and significantly increased the aboveground biomass of S. breviflora, C. songorica, A. frigida, decreased the N concentrations in green leaves of S. breviflora, Cleistogenes songorica, Artemisia frigida, Kochia prostrata, decreased the N concentrations in senesced leaves of C. songorica, decreased the P concentrations in green leaves of K. prostrata and Convolvulus ammannii, decreased the NRE of S. breviflora. NRE was significantly negatively correlated with N concentration in senesced leaves, and PRE was significantly negatively correlated with P concentration in senesced leaves.ConclusionsIncreasing water indirectly reduces NRE by reducing plant leaf green leaves nitrogen concentration, and decreasing water indirectly reduces PRE by reducing soil moisture.
Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of the GRAS family under low-temperature stress in bananas
Authors: Tong Ning , Li Dan , Zhang Shuting , Tang Mengjie , Chen Yukun , Zhang Zihao , Huang Yuji , Lin Yuling , Cheng Zhenguang , Lai Zhongxiong 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionGRAS, named after GAI, RGA, and SCR, is a class of plant-specific transcription factors family that plays a crucial role in growth and development, signal transduction, and various stress responses.MethodsTo understand the biological functions of the banana GRAS gene family, a genome-wide identification and bioinformatics analysis of the banana GRAS gene family was performed based on information from the M. acuminata, M. balbisiana, and M. itinerans genomic databases.ResultIn the present study, we identified 73 MaGRAS, 59 MbGRAS, and 58 MiGRAS genes in bananas at the whole-genome scale, and 56 homologous genes were identified in the three banana genomes. Banana GRASs can be classified into 10 subfamilies, and their gene structures revealed that most banana GRAS gDNAs lack introns. The promoter sequences of GRASs had a large number of cis-acting elements related to plant growth and development, phytohormone, and adversity stress responsiveness. The expression pattern of seven key members of MaGRAS response to low-temperature stress and different tissues was also examined by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The microRNAs-MaGRASs target prediction showed perfect complementarity of seven GRAS genes with the five mac-miRNAs. The expression of all seven genes was lowest in roots, and the expression of five genes was highest in leaves during low-temperature stress. The expression of MaSCL27-2, MaSCL27-3, and MaSCL6-1 was significantly lower under low-temperature stress compared to the control, except for MaSCL27-2, which was slightly higher than the 28°C control at 4 h. The expression of MaSCL27-2, MaSCL27-3, and MaSCL6-1 dropped to the lowest levels at 24 h, 12 h, and 4 h, respectively. The MaSCL27-4 and MaSCL6-2 expression was intermittently upregulated, rising to the highest expression at 24h, while the expression of MaSCL22 was less variable, remaining at the control level with small changes.DiscussionIn summary, it is tentatively hypothesized that the GRAS family has an important function in low-temperature stress in bananas. This study provides a theoretical basis for further analyzing the function of the banana GRAS gene and the resistance of bananas to cold temperatures.
Different topological patterns in structural covariance networks between high and low delay discounters
Authors: Jung Wi Hoon , Kim Euitae 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionPeople prefer immediate over future rewards because they discount the latter’s value (a phenomenon termed “delay discounting,” used as an index of impulsivity). However, little is known about how the preferences are implemented in brain in terms of the coordinated pattern of large-scale structural brain networks.MethodsTo examine this question, we classified high discounting group (HDG) and low discounting group (LDG) in young adults by assessing their propensity for intertemporal choice. We compared global and regional topological properties in gray matter volume-based structural covariance networks between two groups using graph theoretical analysis.ResultsHDG had less clustering coefficient and characteristic path length over the wide sparsity range than LDG, indicating low network segregation and high integration. In addition, the degree of small-worldness was more significant in HDG. Locally, HDG showed less betweenness centrality (BC) in the parahippocampal gyrus and amygdala than LDG.DiscussionThese findings suggest the involvement of structural covariance network topology on impulsive choice, measured by delay discounting, and extend our understanding of how impulsive choice is associated with brain morphological features.
Boosting teacher work engagement: the mediating role of psychological capital through emotion regulation
Authors: Ma Yanfang 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionThis study examines the predictors of work engagement among English teachers, focusing on the mediating role of psychological capital between teacher emotion regulation and work engagement.MethodsA sample of 486 Chinese teachers participated in this research and completed self-report measures assessing emotion regulation, psychological capital, and work engagement. Structural equation modeling was employed to analyze the proposed mediation model.ResultsThe results revealed a positive correlation between instructor emotion regulation and both psychological capital and work engagement. Furthermore, psychological capital emerged as a significant mediator in the relationship between emotion regulation and work engagement.DiscussionThe findings underscore the significance of enhancing teacher emotion regulation and psychological capital to potentially foster work engagement among educators. These results contribute to our understanding of the mechanisms that promote work engagement and have implications for the development of targeted interventions in the educational context.
Factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding during postpartum in Lanzhou city, China: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Chen Yuelu , Zhao Yong , Wang Wenling , Wang Fengdi , Jiang Huimin , Wang Lianlian 
Published: August 2023

AimBreastfeeding generates short-term and long-term benefits for both mother and child. Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is promoted in China for years, but its practice still lags far behind the international average, even among low- and middle- income countries. This study aimed to investigate factors associated with EBF during postpartum.MethodsThis study was conducted in a tertiary referral hospital in Gansu Province, Northwest China from October 2019 to April 2020. 3,738 postnatal women were finally included and each of them completed an elaborately designed questionnaire. Infant feeding patterns (EBF or not) and reasons for NEBF (non-exclusive breastfeeding) were collected. The feeding knowledge score was based on 17 questions in relation to breastfeeding. The total score ranges from 0 to 17. Higher score means better understanding about breastfeeding knowledge. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to determine associated factors of EBF during postpartum. A subgroup analysis was conducted to investigate the association between feeding knowledge score and exclusive breastfeeding.ResultsSix weeks after childbirth, 1891 mothers (50.6%) maintained EBF. Among the NEBF mothers, 57.01% (n = 1,053) of them stopped exclusive breastfeeding due to self-perceived lack of breast milk production. Factors associated with NEBF were higher maternal age, ethnic minorities and cesarean section. Protective factors of EBF included multipara, positive feeding attitude and high breastfeeding knowledge score. In subgroup analysis, we found the breastfeeding knowledge score had a significant impact on the mothers of Han nationality, underwent cesarean or natural delivery, both primiparous and multiparous, and those with positive attitude towards breastfeeding (p &lt; 0.05).ConclusionWe need a comprehensive and individualized framework of strategies to support children, mothers and their families. During puerperium, improving maternal knowledge of breastfeeding is beneficial to EBF practice. However, for ethnic minorities and those with less active breastfeeding attitudes, breastfeeding knowledge is of limited use, more researches are needed to explore the uncovered reasons, so that more personalized interventions could be developed for them.
Determinants of COVID-19 vaccination worldwide: WORLDCOV, a retrospective observational study
Authors: Peano Alberto , Politano Gianfranco , Gianino Maria Michela 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in numerous deaths, great suffering, and significant changes in people's lives worldwide. The introduction of the vaccines was a light in the darkness, but after 18 months, a great disparity in vaccination coverage between countries has been observed. As disparities in vaccination coverage have become a global public health issue, this study aimed to analyze several variables to identify possible determinants of COVID-19 vaccination.MethodsAn ecological study was conducted using pooled secondary data sourced from institutional sites. A total of 205 countries and territories worldwide were included. A total of 16 variables from different fields were considered to establish possible determinants of COVID-19 vaccination: sociodemographic, cultural, infrastructural, economic and political variables, and health system performance indicators. The percentage of the population vaccinated with at least one dose and the total doses administered per 100 residents on 15 June 2022 were identified as indicators of vaccine coverage and outcomes. Raw and adjusted values for delivered vaccine doses in the multivariate GLM were determined using R. The tested hypothesis (i.e., variables as determinants of COVID-19 vaccination) was formulated before data collection. The study protocol was registered with the grant number NCT05471635.ResultsGDP per capita [odds = 1.401 (1.299–1.511) CI 95%], access to electricity [odds = 1.625 (1.559–1.694) CI 95%], political stability, absence of violence/terrorism [odds = 1.334 (1.284–1.387) CI 95%], and civil liberties [odds = 0.888 (0.863–0.914) CI 95%] were strong determinants of COVID-19 vaccination. Several other variables displayed a statistically significant association with outcomes, although the associations were stronger for total doses administered per 100 residents. There was a substantial overlap between raw outcomes and their adjusted counterparts.DiscussionThis pioneering study is the first to analyze the association between several different categories of indicators and COVID-19 vaccination coverage in a wide complex setting, identifying strong determinants of vaccination coverage. Political decision-makers should consider these findings when organizing mass vaccination campaigns in a pandemic context to reduce inequalities between nations and to achieve a common good from a public health perspective.
Patient satisfaction with humanistic nursing in Chinese secondary and tertiary public hospitals: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Liu Yilan , Zhang Fengjian , Guan Chunyan , Song Bing , Zhang Haixin , Fu Mo , Wang Fang , Tang Chenxi , Chen Huiling , Guo Qingfeng , Fan Ling , Hou Xinfeng , Wang Hongxia , Wu Bing , Shan Geyan , Zhang Hongmei , Yu Feifei , Lou Xiaoping , Xie Hongzhen , Zhou Ying , Lu Gendi , Xin Xia , Pan Shaoshan , Guo Shujie 
Published: August 2023

BackgroundHumanistic care pertains to the abilities, attitudes, and behaviors central to patient-centered care, contributing to patients' sense of safety and wellbeing. This study aimed to assess the satisfaction of patients with humanistic nursing care in Chinese secondary and tertiary public hospitals.MethodsA national cross-sectional survey was conducted across 30 provinces and 83 hospitals in China. Patient satisfaction with humanistic care was assessed using the Methodist Health Care System Nurse Caring Instrument (NCI), which encompasses 20 items across 12 dimensions. Each item was rated on a 7-point Likert scale, yielding a total score of 140. Multiple linear regression analysis was employed to identify factors associated with patients' satisfaction.ResultsModerate satisfaction (mean score 91.26 ± 13.14) with humanistic nursing care was observed among the 17,593 participants. Factors significantly associated with patient satisfaction included age, hospital type, presence of children, educational attainment, place of residence, family monthly income, and medical insurance type.ConclusionThe study findings highlight the importance of tailored interventions, evidence-based practice guidelines, and patient-centered care in improving patients' satisfaction with humanistic nursing care. Continuous emphasis on nursing education and professional development is crucial for enhancing humanistic care and patient satisfaction.
Human papillomavirus prevalence and vaccine effectiveness in young women in Germany, 2017/2018: results from a nationwide study
Authors: Loenenbach Anna , Schönfeld Viktoria , Takla Anja , Wiese-Posselt Miriam , Marquis Adine , Thies Sarah , Sand Matthias , Kaufmann Andreas M. , Wichmann Ole , Harder Thomas 
Published: August 2023

BackgroundInfections with human papillomaviruses (HPV) are sexually transmitted and can cause cancer. In Germany, vaccination against HPV is recommended for girls and boys aged 9–17 years. We aimed to investigate HPV DNA prevalence, genotype distribution and vaccine effectiveness (VE) in women aged 20–25 years 10 years after the introduction of HPV vaccination in Germany (2018–2019), and compared these data to an equally designed study from 2010–2012.MethodsSeventy six geographical clusters were randomly selected, followed by random selection of 61 women aged 20–25 years per cluster. Participants performed cervicovaginal self-sampling and answered questions on demographics, sexual behaviour and HPV vaccination. Samples were tested for 18 high risk and nine low risk HPV genotypes. We performed chi-square tests, Fisher’s exact test, unpaired Student’s t-test and proportion t-test, and calculated crude and adjusted prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% CIs.ResultsOf 7,858 contacted women a total of 1,226 agreed to participate. Of these, 94 women were positive for HPV types 16 and/or 18. HPV16 prevalence was 7.0% (95% CI 5.6–8.6) and HPV18 prevalence was 0.8% (95% CI 0.4–1.5). HPV6 and HPV11 were rare with only five (0.4%; 0.1–0.9) and one (0%; 95% CI 0.0–0.5) positive tests. Seven hundred fifty-seven women (62%) had received at least one HPV vaccine dose and 348 (28%) were vaccinated as currently recommended. Confounder-adjusted VE was 46.4% (95% CI 4.2–70.1) against HPV16/18 infection and 49.1% (95% CI 8.2–71.8) against infection with at least one HPV genotype covered by the quadrivalent HPV vaccine. Compared with the 2010–2012 study results, HPV16/18 prevalence dropped from 22.5% (95% CI 19.0–26.3) to 10.3% (95% CI 7.5–13.9; p &lt; 0.0001) in unvaccinated participants.ConclusionVaccine-covered HPV genotypes were rare among 20–25 years old women in Germany and decreased compared to the time point shortly after the start of the HPV vaccination program. HPV prevalence of almost all vaccine-covered genotypes was strongly reduced in vaccinated participants. A decrease of HPV16 and HPV18 was even observed in unvaccinated participants, compared to 2010–2012 data, suggesting indirect protection of unvaccinated women. Low VE against HPV16/18 and HPV6/11/16/18 in our study might be attributable to study design in combination with the endpoint selection of (mainly transient) HPV DNA positivity.
Prediction model of quality of life using the decision tree model in older adult single-person households: a secondary data analysis
Authors: Ryu Dajung , Sok Sohyune 
Published: August 2023

BackgroundAttention is drawn to the subjective health status and quality of life of older adult single-person households, whose number is gradually increasing as factors including low fertility, increased life expectancy, aging, and household miniaturization interact.ObjectiveThe study was to identify predictors that affect the quality of life of single-person households aged 65 years or older and living in South Korea.MethodsA secondary data analysis design was used. Data included physical, mental, social, and demographic characteristics, subjective health status, and quality of life parameters of 1,029 older adult single-person households surveyed by the Korea Health Panel in 2019. For analysis, the predictive model was evaluated using split-sample validation and the ROC curve. The area under the curve after the decision tree analysis was calculated. Final nodes predicting the quality of life of older adult single-person households were derived.ResultsSignificant predictors were identified in this order: subjective health status, chronic disease, income, and age. Subjective health status was the most important factor influencing quality of life (△ p &lt; 0.001, x2 = 151.774). The first combination that perceived high quality of life of older adult single-person households was the case of high subjective health status and no chronic disease, followed by the case of high subjective health status, presence of chronic disease, and high income.ConclusionThis study confirmed that subjective health status and chronic disease are essential factors for quality of life among the four related indicators of quality of life presented by the OECD. In nursing practice, nurses need to pay attention the factors influencing quality of life of older adult single-person households. Especially, nursing practice for older adult single-person households needs to be focused on improving subjective health status and on relieving chronic disease.