bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and safety of Tongmai Jiangtang capsule combined with conventional therapy in the treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Sun Lin-xi , Li Yuan-yuan , Xie Yan-ming 
Published: April 2023

BackgroundRecently, more and more Chinese patent drugs have been proved to be effective in the treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). Tongmai Jiangtang capsule (TJC) is one of the representative ones. The present meta-analysis integrated data from several independent studies to determine the efficacy and safety of TJCs combined with routine hypoglycemic therapy for DPN patients, and to evaluate the quality of evidence.MethodsSinoMed, Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, CNKI, Wanfang, VIP databases and registers were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving TJC treatment of DPN up to February 18, 2023. Two researchers independently used the Cochrane risk bias tool and comprehensive reporting criteria for Chinese medicine trials to evaluate the methodological quality and reporting quality of the qualified studies. RevMan5.4 was used for Meta-analysis and evidence evaluation, with scores determined for recommendations, evaluation, development and GRADE. The Cochrane Collaboration ROB tool was used to evaluate the quality of the literature. The results of Meta-analysis were represented by forest plots.ResultsA total of 8 studies were included involving a total sample size of 656 cases. TJCs combined with conventional treatment (CT) could significantly accelerate myoelectricity graphic nerve conduction velocity, including that median nerve motor conduction velocity was faster than those of CT alone [mean difference (MD) = 5.20, 95% confidence interval (CI): 4.31–6.10, P &lt; 0.00001], peroneal nerve motor conduction velocity was faster than those of CT alone (MD = 2.66, 95% CI: 1.63–3.68; P &lt; 0.00001), median nerve sensory conduction velocity was faster than those of CT alone (MD = 3.06, 95% CI: 2.32–3.81, P &lt; 0.00001), and peroneal nerve sensory conduction velocity was faster than those of CT alone (MD = 4.23, 95% CI: 3.30–5.16, P &lt; 0.00001). The total efficiency of the TJCs + CT group was higher than that of the CT group (RR = 1.41, 95% CI: 1.28–1.56, P &lt; 0.00001). The HbA1c after treatment in the TJCs + CT group was lower than that in the CT group (P &lt; 0.05). No adverse drug reactions (ADRs) were reported in the combined TJCs or CT groups.ConclusionsTJCs combined with CT reduced the severity of DPN symptoms and no treatment-associated ADRs were reported. However, these results should be considered with caution because there was marked heterogeneity in the research data. Therefore, more stringent RCTs should be designed to validate the efficacy of TJCs in DPN patients.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=264522, identifier: CRD42021264522.
Multimodal mechanical stimulation reduces acute and chronic low back pain: Pilot data from a HEAL phase 1 study
Authors: Baxter Amy L. , Thrasher Anderson , Etnoyer-Slaski Jena L. , Cohen Lindsey L. 
Published: April 2023

BackgroundEffective non-opioid pain management is of great clinical importance. The objective of this pilot study was to evaluate the effectiveness of multimodal mechanical stimulation therapy on low back pain.Methods11 female and 9 male patients aged 22–74 years (Mean 41.9 years, SD 11.04) receiving physical rehabilitation for acute (12) or chronic (8) low back pain chose heat (9) or ice (11) to accompany a 20-minute session of mechanical stimulation (M-Stim) therapy (Registered with Clinicaltrials.gov NCT04494841.) The M-Stim was delivered in 12 possible repeating “therapy cycle” patterns by three vibration motors (50 Hz, 100 Hz, 200 Hz) with amplitudes between 0.1–0.3 m/s2. Ten patients used a contained motor chassis attached to a thermoconductive single-curve metal plate. The next 10 patients' device had motors attached directly to a multidimensionally curved plate.ResultsMean pain on a 10 cm Visual Analog Scale (VAS) with the first motor/plate configuration went from 4.9 ± 2.3 cm to 2.5 ± 2.1 cm (57% decrease, p = 0.0112), while the second reduced pain from 4.8 ± 2.0 cm to 3.2 ± 1.9 cm (45%, p = 0.0353). Initial pain was greater with acute injury (5.8 ± 2.0 cm vs. 3.98 ± 1.8, p = 0.025) and for patients older than 40 (5.44 vs. 4.52), but pain reduction was proportional for chronic and younger patients. There was no significant difference between plate configurations.ConclusionsA Phase I clinical pilot investigation on a multi-motor multi-modal device was promising for drug free pain relief. Results suggested pain relief independent of thermal modality, patient age, or pain chronicity. Future research should investigate pain reduction over time for acute and chronic pain.Clinical Trial Registrationhttps://ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT04494841.
Yangjing capsule improves oligoasthenozoospermia by promoting nitric oxide production through PLCγ1/AKT/eNOS pathway
Authors: Deng Weimin , Sun Dalin , Cai Bin , Jin Baofang 
Published: April 2023

Background: Oligoasthenozoospermia is an important factor leading to male infertility. Yangjing capsule (YC), a traditional Chinese preparation, displays beneficial effects on male infertility. However, whether YC could improve oligoasthenozoospermia remains unclear.Methods: In this study, we aimed to explore the effect of YC in the treatment of oligoasthenozoospermia. Male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were treated with 800 mg/kg ornidazole once daily for 30 days to induce in vivo oligoasthenozoospermia; primary Sertoli cells were treated with 400 μg/mL ornidazole for 24 h to induce in vitro oligoasthenozoospermia.Results: We found that YC improved the testicle and epididymis weight, sperm concentration, sperm progressive motility, serum testosterone, fertility rate and testis morphology in ornidazole-exposed rats and enhanced cell survival in ornidazole-stimulated primary Sertoli cells. YC also inhibited the ornidazole-caused decrease in nitric oxide (NO) generation and the phosphorylation of phospholipase C γ1 (PLCγ1), AKT, and eNOS in vivo and in vitro in oligoasthenozoospermia. Furthermore, the knockdown of PLCγ1 blunted the beneficial effects of YC in vitro.Conclusion: Collectively, our data suggested that YC protected against oligoasthenozoospermia by promoting NO levels through the PLCγ1/AKT/eNOS pathway.
MicroRNA in medication related osteonecrosis of the jaw: a review
Authors: Mohd Yunus Siti Salmiah , Soh Hui Yuh , Abdul Rahman Mariati , Peng Xin , Guo Chuanbin , Ramli Roszalina 
Published: April 2023

Medication related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is a condition caused by inhibition of the osteoclast activity by the anti-resorptive and anti-angiogenic drugs. Clinically, there is an exposure of the necrotic bone or a fistula which fails to heal for more than 8 weeks. The adjacent soft tissue is inflamed and pus may be present as a result of the secondary infection. To date, there is no consistent biomarker that could aid in the diagnosis of the disease. The aim of this review was to explore the literature on the microRNAs (miRNAs) related to medication related osteonecrosis of the jaw, and to describe the role of each miRNA as a biomarker for diagnostic purpose and others. Its role in therapeutics was also searched. It was shown that miR-21, miR-23a, and miR-145 were significantly different in a study involving multiple myeloma patients as well as in a human-animal study while miR-23a-3p and miR-23b-3p were 12- to 14-fold upregulated compared to the control group in an animal study. The role of the microRNAs in these studies were for diagnostics, predictor of progress of MRONJ and pathogenesis. Apart from its potential diagnostics role, microRNAs have been shown to be bone resorption regulator through miR-21, miR-23a and miR-145 and this could be utilized therapeutically.
Soil habitat condition shapes Tamarix chinensis community diversity in the coastal saline-alkali soils
Authors: Yu Qianjun , Suo Lizhu , Qi Ji , Wang Yi , Hu Qiuli , Shan Yan , Zhao Ying 
Published: April 2023

IntroductionUnfavorable coastal saline-alkali soil habitats degrade plant community diversity and reduce terrestrial ecological functions. Previous studies have been conducted on the mechanisms by which certain saline-alkali soil properties determine plant community diversity, however, how those properties synergistically affect plant community diversity remains unclear.MethodsHere, 36 plots of typical Tamarix chinensis communities were investigated for a range of parameters at three different distances (10, 20, and 40 km) from the coastline in the Yellow River Delta between 2020 and 2022, and corresponding soil samples were taken and analyzed.Results and discussionOur results suggest that although T. chinensis density, ground diameter, and canopy coverage significantly increased (P&lt;0.05) with increasing distance from the coast, the communities with the most plant species were found at 10 to 20 km distance from the coastline, indicating the effects of soil habitat on T. chinensis community diversity. Simpson dominance (species dominance), Margalef (species richness), and Pielou indices (species evenness) differed significantly among the three distances (P&lt;0.05) and were significantly correlated with soil sand content, mean soil moisture, and electrical conductivity (P&lt;0.05), indicating that soil texture, water, and salinity were the main factors governing T. chinensis community diversity. Principal component analysis (PCA) was performed to construct an integrated soil habitat index (SHI) representing the synthesis of the soil texture-water-salinity condition. The estimated SHI quantified a 64.2% variation in the synthetic soil texture-water-salinity condition and was significantly higher at the 10 km distance than at the 40 and 20 km distances. The SHI linearly predicted T. chinensis community diversity (R2 = 0.12–0.17, P&lt;0.05), suggesting that greater SHI (coarser soil texture, wetter soil moisture regime, and higher soil salinity) was found closer to the coast and coincided with higher species dominance and evenness and lower species richness in the T. chinensis community. These findings on the relationship between T. chinensis communities and soil habitat conditions will be valuable in planning the restoration and protection of the ecological functions of T. chinensis shrubs in the Yellow River Delta.
BOS1 is a basic helix–loop–helix transcription factor involved in regulating panicle development in rice
Authors: Lv Yanpeng , Zhang Xinfeng , Hu Yanjuan , Liu Shuang , Yin Yanbin , Wang Xiaoxue 
Published: April 2023

Panicle development is crucial to increase the grain yield of rice (Oryza sativa). The molecular mechanisms of the control of panicle development in rice remain unclear. In this study, we identified a mutant with abnormal panicles, termed branch one seed 1-1 (bos1-1). The bos1-1 mutant showed pleiotropic defects in panicle development, such as the abortion of lateral spikelets and the decreased number of primary panicle branches and secondary panicle branches. A combined map-based cloning and MutMap approach was used to clone BOS1 gene. The bos1-1 mutation was located in chromosome 1. A T-to-A mutation in BOS1 was identified, which changed the codon from TAC to AAC, resulting in the amino acid change from tyrosine to asparagine. BOS1 gene encoded a grass-specific basic helix–loop–helix transcription factor, which is a novel allele of the previously cloned LAX PANICLE 1 (LAX1) gene. Spatial and temporal expression profile analyses showed that BOS1 was expressed in young panicles and was induced by phytohormones. BOS1 protein was mainly localized in the nucleus. The expression of panicle development-related genes, such as OsPIN2, OsPIN3, APO1, and FZP, was changed by bos1-1 mutation, suggesting that the genes may be the direct or indirect targets of BOS1 to regulate panicle development. The analysis of BOS1 genomic variation, haplotype, and haplotype network showed that BOS1 gene had several genomic variations and haplotypes. These results laid the foundation for us to further dissect the functions of BOS1.
Emotional intelligence matters in hospitality education: contributions of emotional intelligence, fluid ability, and personality to hospitality grades
Authors: Völker Juliane , Blal Inès , Mortillaro Marcello 
Published: April 2023

IntroductionAccording to recent meta-analyses, emotional intelligence can significantly predict academic performance. In this research, we wanted to investigate a particular group of students for which emotional intelligence should be crucial. Namely, we examined whether emotional intelligence, conceptualized as an ability, uniquely contributes to academic performance in hospitality management education beyond fluid intelligence and personality.MethodsUsing a battery of tests and questionnaires in an online survey, we analyzed if fluid ability, the Big-Five personality dimensions, and ability-based emotional intelligence predict six module grades in a sample of N = 330 first-semester students at a Swiss-based hospitality school.ResultsWe found that the ability to manage other people’s emotions is more predictive of module grades than fluid ability if the courses involve substantial parts of interactive work. Complementarily, the more a module focuses on theoretical knowledge or abstract subject material, the more fluid ability predicted performance. Other abilities and factors – emotion understanding, emotion regulation, the students’ age, conscientiousness, and openness – predicted performance only in specific modules, hinting that the didactic methods and grading procedures are complex and involve various skills and dispositions of the students.DiscussionGiven that the hospitality education and industry are buzzing with interactions with peers and guests alike, we provide evidence that interpersonal and emotional competencies are vital to hospitality curricula.
Breakdown of long-range spatial correlations of infraslow amplitude fluctuations of EEG oscillations in patients with current and past major depressive disorder
Authors: Sihn Duho , Kim Ji Sun , Kwon Oh-Sang , Kim Sung-Phil 
Published: April 2023

IntroductionIdentifying biomarkers for depression from brain activity is important for the diagnosis and treatment of depression disorders. We investigated spatial correlations of the amplitude fluctuations of electroencephalography (EEG) oscillations as a potential biomarker of depression. The amplitude fluctuations of EEG oscillations intrinsically reveal both temporal and spatial correlations, indicating rapid and functional organization of the brain networks. Amid these correlations, long-range temporal correlations are reportedly impaired in patients with depression, exhibiting amplitude fluctuations closer to a random process. Based on this occurrence, we hypothesized that the spatial correlations of amplitude fluctuations would also be altered by depression.MethodsIn the present study, we extracted the amplitude fluctuations of EEG oscillations by filtering them through infraslow frequency band (0.05–0.1 Hz).ResultsWe found that the amplitude fluctuations of theta oscillations during eye-closed rest depicted lower levels of spatial correlation in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) compared to control individuals. This breakdown of spatial correlations was most prominent in the left fronto - temporal network, specifically in patients with current MDD rather than in those with past MDD. We also found that the amplitude fluctuations of alpha oscillations during eye-open rest exhibited lower levels of spatial correlation in patients with past MDD compared to control individuals or patients with current MDD.DiscussionOur results suggest that breakdown of long-range spatial correlations may offer a biomarker for the diagnosis of depression (current MDD), as well as the tracking of the recovery from depression (past MDD).
Phthalates and phthalate metabolites in urine from Tianjin and implications for platelet mitochondrial DNA methylation
Authors: Li Weixia , Guo Liqiong , Fang Junkai , Zhao Lei , Song Shanjun , Fang Tao , Li Chenguang , Wang Lei , Li Penghui 
Published: April 2023

BackgroundPhthalates (PAEs) are important synthetic substances in plastics, attracting much attention due to their potential effects on the cardiovascular system.MethodsIn this study, urine and blood samples from 39 individuals were collected in Tianjin, China. Phthalates and phthalate metabolites (mPAEs) were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS), respectively. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products from bisulfite-treated mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) samples were analyzed using pyrosequencing technology.ResultsThe detection frequencies for 9 PAEs varied from 2.56 to 92.31%, and those for 10 mPAEs varied from 30.77 to 100%. The estimated daily intakes (EDIs) and cumulative risk of PAEs were calculated based on the experimental statistics of urinary PAEs and mPAEs. For PAEs, the HIRfD (hazard index corresponding to reference doses) values of 10.26% of participants and the HITDI (hazard index corresponding to tolerable daily intake) values of 30.77% of participants were estimated to exceed 1, suggesting a relatively high exposure risk. The mtDNA methylation levels in the MT-ATP8 and MT-ND5 were observed to be lower than in the MT-ATP6. Mono-ethyl phthalate (MEP) and MT-ATP8 were positively correlated with triglyceride levels (p &lt; 0.05). Based on the association of PAEs, mtDNA methylation, and triglycerides, the mediating role of mtDNA methylation between PAEs and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) was analyzed in this study, but no mediated effect was observed.ConclusionThe effects of PAE exposure on cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) should be investigated further.
Depression symptoms, anxiety, and stress among undergraduate entrance admission seeking students in Bangladesh: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Rabby Md. Reza-A , Islam Md. Saiful , Orthy Maisha Tahsin , Jami Ahmad Tousif , Hasan M. Tasdik 
Published: April 2023

BackgroundIntense academic pressure and unhealthy competition have turned the university entrance exam scenario in Bangladesh into a Pandora's Box, which might cause mental health difficulties among young students. However, there is a severe scarcity of studies concerning such issues of university entrance examination-seeking students in Bangladesh.MethodsThis study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of depression symptoms, anxiety, and stress among undergraduate entrance admission-seeking students in Bangladesh. A cross-sectional study design was followed using an online tool including socio-demographic questions, and the 21-item Bangla Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (BDASS-21). The survey form was completed by 452 Bangladeshi students who passed the higher secondary certificate (HSC) examination in 2020 and were planning to get admission to the undergraduate level during the data collection.ResultsThe prevalence of mild to extremely severe levels of depression symptoms, anxiety, and stress was 57.7%, 61.4%, and 44.6%, respectively. Females were more likely to have depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms than males. The students from science backgrounds were at higher risk of developing depression and stress symptoms when compared with students from business studies backgrounds. Besides, students with a previous history of mental illness, a preference for getting admitted into the public university, and less monthly family income (&lt;25,000 BDT) were more likely to develop depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms. In addition, students with a previous history of neurological disorders were more likely to develop anxiety symptoms than those without.ConclusionThis study revealed a high level of depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms among undergraduate entrance admission-seeking students, which calls for in-depth exploratory investigations. Adequate low-intensity interventions should be designed to support this young population.
A scalable 12-week exercise and education programme reduces symptoms and improves function and wellbeing in people with hip and knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Smith Jemma L. , Innes Aidan Q. , Burns Danielle S. , Deniszczyc Davina , Selfe James , MacConville Stephen , Deighton Kevin , Kelly Benjamin M. 
Published: April 2023

IntroductionOsteoarthritis is a chronic musculoskeletal condition that impacts more than 300 million people worldwide, with 43 million people experiencing moderate to severe disability due to the disease. This service evaluation provides the results from a tailored blended model of care on joint health, physical function, and personal wellbeing.Methods1,593 adult participants with osteoarthritis completed the Nuffield Health Joint Pain Programme between February 2019 and May 2022. The 12-week programme included two 40-min exercise sessions per week. All exercise sessions were conducted face-to-face and were followed by 20 min of education to provide information and advice on managing osteoarthritis.ResultsThe 12-week joint pain programme significantly improved Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) global scores (Week 0: 37.5 [17.2]; Week 12: 24.0 [16.6]; p &lt; 0.001), as well as subscales for pain (Week 0: 7.6 [3.7]; Week 12: 4.9 [3.7]; p &lt; 0.001), function (Week 0: 26.0 [13.0]; Week 12: 16.3 [12.4]; p &lt; 0.001), and stiffness (Week 0: 3.9 [1.6]; Week 12: 2.8 [1.7]; p &lt; 0.001). Significant improvements in health-related outcomes including systolic and diastolic blood pressure (Week 0: 139 [18] mmHg; Week 12: 134 [17] mmHg, and Week 0: 82 [11] mmHg; Week 12: 79 [19] mmHg; both p &lt; 0.001), body mass index (Week 0: 29.0 [4.5] kg/m2; Week 12: 28.6 [4.4] kg/m2; p &lt; 0.001), waist to hip ratio (Week 0: 0.92 [0.23]; Week 12: 0.90 [0.11], p &lt; 0.01) and timed up and go (Week 0: 10.8 s [2.9]; Week 12: 8.1 s [2.0]; p &lt; 0.001) were also observed. On completion of the joint pain programme, participants also reported significant improvements in all assessed aspects of self-reported wellbeing (all p &lt; 0.001).DiscussionWith reductions in physical symptoms of osteoarthritis and improvements in personal wellbeing, the joint pain programme delivered by personal trainers in a gym-setting offers a nationally scalable, non-pharmacological treatment pathway for osteoarthritis.