bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of aqueous extract from Baiyedancong-Oolong tea on cytochrome P450 enzymes activities, P-gp and OATs transport abilities and transcription levels in mice
Authors: Zhang Miaogao , Qiu Zhenguo 
Published: May 2023

IntroductionRecent studies have been conducted on its influence on drug metabolism and its potential mechanisms, among which the most studies have been focused on CYP3A enzymes.MethodsIn this study, Baiyedancong Oolong tea (BOT) was processed by freeze- and hot air-drying techniques separately to obtain the aqueous extracts of freeze-and hot-dried BOT (FBOT and HBOT, respectively). High and low doses of FBOT (1463.7 and 292.74 mg/kg/d, respectively) and HBOT (1454.46 mg/kg/d, 290.89, respectively) were administered to mice for 7 days.ResultsAqueous extracts from BOT simultaneously improved liver CYP3A, CYP2E1, and CYP2C37 activities and weakened the transport ability of P-gp and OATs in a dose-dependent manner, thus affecting multiple links of oral drug metabolism in liver, intestinal absorption and metabolism, and renal excretion. Moreover, aqueous extracts from BOT significantly increased the mRNA expressions of liver CYP3A11 and CYP2C37 as well as intestinal CYP3A11. Decreased transcription levels of MDR1 encoding P-gp in small intestine and renal OAT1 and OAT3, which was in the same direction as the regulation of the above enzyme activities and transport capacities. Besides, the transcription level of liver CYP2E1 was weakened, which was inconsistent with its corresponding enzyme activity, suggesting that the increased CYP2E1 activity may be caused by other mechanisms.ConclusionDaily consumption or high dose administration of BOT and its related products may affect drug absorption, metabolisms, and excretion.
α-Ketoglutarate stimulates cell growth through the improvement of glucose and glutamine metabolism in C2C12 cell culture
Authors: Yang Bingquan , Liu Yuefei , Steinacker Jürgen Michael 
Published: May 2023

IntroductionCellular adaptation to physical training and energy metabolism play an important role during physical exercise. This study sought to investigate the effects of α-KG on cell growth and energy metabolism in C2C12 cell culture.MethodsC2C12 cells were cultured in media pretreated without (control) or with α-KG at different concentrations, and cells and media were harvested every 24 h for 8 days. From cell counts, specific cell growth rate (SGR) and doubling time were calculated. The content of glucose, glutamine, lactate, and ammonia in media was determined, and the specific consumption rate (SCR) or production rate (SPR) was calculated. Additionally, cell colony-forming efficiency (CFE) was determined.ResultsThe control cells showed a CFE at 50%, a typical cell growth curve in the first 5 days with a mean SGR at 0.86/day, and a mean cell count doubling time at 19.4 h. In the group with α-KG at 100 mM, the cells underwent rapid cell death, and thus no further analysis was made. The treatment with α-KG at lower concentrations (0.1 mM and 1.0 mM) led to a higher CFE at 68 and 55%, respectively, whereas those in groups with higher α-KG concentration decreased (10 and 6% for 20 mM and 30 mM α-KG, respectively). The mean SGR was 0.95/day, 0.94/day, 0.77/day, 0.71/day, and 0.65/day for groups treated with α-KG at 0.1, 1.0, 10.0, 20.0, and 30.0 mM, respectively, and the corresponding cell count doubling time was 17.6, 17.8, 20.9, 24.6, and 24.7 h, respectively. In comparison with that of the control group, the mean glucose SCR decreased in all the groups treated with α-KG, while the mean glutamine SCR remained unchanged; the mean lactate SPR increased in the groups treated with α-KG ≥ 20.0 mM. Finally, the mean SPR of ammonia was lower in all α-KG groups than that in the control.Discussion and conclusionThe treatment with α-KG at lower concentrations increased cell growth whereas at higher concentrations decreased cell growth, and α-KG reduced glucose consumption and ammonia production. Therefore, α-KG stimulates cell growth in a dose-dependent manner, which is likely through the improvement of glucose and glutamine metabolism in a C2C12 culture setting.
The Chinese herbal medicine Dai-Zong-Fang promotes browning of white adipocytes in vivo and in vitro by activating PKA pathway to ameliorate obesity
Authors: Xu Jing , Zhang Li-Wei , Feng Hui , Tang Yang , Fu Shou-Qiang , Liu Xi-Ming , Zhu Xiao-Yun 
Published: May 2023

Introduction: The global prevalence of obesity is rising rapidly. Conversion of white adipose tissue (WAT) into beige adipose tissue with heat-consuming characteristics, i.e., WAT browning, effectively inhibits obesity. Dai-Zong-Fang (DZF), a traditional Chinese medicine formula, has long been used to treat metabolic syndrome and obesity. This study aimed to explore the pharmacological mechanism of DZF against obesity.Methods:In vivo, C57BL/6J mice were fed high-fat diets to establish the diet-induced obese (DIO) model. DZF (0.40 g/kg and 0.20 g/kg) and metformin (0.15 g/kg, positive control drug) were used as intervention drugs for six weeks, respectively. The effects of DZF on body size, blood glucose and lipid level, structure and morphology of adipocytes and browning of inguinal WAT (iWAT) in DIO mice were observed. In vitro, mature 3T3-L1 adipocytes were used as the model. Concentrations of DZF (0.8 mg/mL and 0.4 mg/mL) were selected according to the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8). After 2d intervention, lipid droplet morphology was observed by BODIPY493/503 staining, and mitochondria number was observed by mito-tracker Green staining. H-89 dihydrochloride, a PKA inhibitor, was used to observe the change in browning markers′ expression. The expression levels of browning markers UCP1 and PGC-1α and key molecules of PKA pathway were detected in vivo and in vitro.Results:In vivo, compared with vehicle control group, 0.40 g/kg DZF significantly reduced obesity in DIO mice from body weight, abdomen circumference, Lee′s index, and WAT/body weight (p &lt; 0.01 or p &lt; 0.001). 0.40 g/kg DZF also significantly reduced fasting blood glucose (FBG), serum triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (p &lt; 0.01 or p &lt; 0.001). The iWAT′s morphology and mitochondria were browning after DZF intervention. In HE-staining, the lipid droplets became smaller, and the number of mitochondria increased. The mitochondrial structure was remodeled under the electron microscope. The expression of UCP1, PGC-1α and PKA was elevated in iWAT detected by RT-qPCR (p &lt; 0.05 or p &lt; 0.001). In vitro, compared with the control group, 0.8 mg/mL DZF intervention significantly increased the number of mitochondria and expression of UCP1, PGC-1α, PKA, and pCREB (p &lt; 0.05 or p &lt; 0.01). In contrast, UCP1 and PGC-1α expression were significantly reversed after adding PKA inhibitor H-89 dihydrochloride.Conclusion: DZF can promote UCP1 expression by activating the PKA pathway, thereby promoting browning of WAT, attenuating obesity, and reducing obesity-related glucose and lipid metabolism abnormalities, indicating that DZF has the potential to be selected as an anti-obesity drug to benefit obese patients.
Detection of herpes simplex virus in oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Koivikko Tiina , Rodrigues Priscila Campioni , Vehviläinen Mari , Hyvönen Petra , Sundquist Elias , Arffman Riikka K. , Al-Samadi Ahmed , Välimaa Hanna , Salo Tuula , Risteli Maija 
Published: May 2023

Introduction: Oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC) is the most common cancer of the oral cavity. Contradictory results have been observed on the involvement of herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) in oral squamous cell carcinomas. Here, we aimed to study the predominance of HSV-1 or HSV-2 in oral HSV infections and to investigate the presence of HSV-1 in OTSCC and its effect on carcinoma cell viability and invasion.Methods: The distribution of HSV types one and two in diagnostic samples taken from suspected oral HSV infections was determined from the Helsinki University Hospital Laboratory database. We then analysed 67 OTSCC samples for HSV-1 infection using immunohistochemical staining. We further tested the effects of HSV-1 using six concentrations (0.00001–1.0 multiplicity of infection [MOI]) on viability and two concentrations (0.001 and 0.1 MOI) on invasion of highly invasive metastatic HSC-3 and less invasive primary SCC-25 OTSCC cell lines using MTT and Myogel-coated Transwell invasion assays.Results: Altogether 321 oropharyngeal samples were diagnosed positive for HSV during the study period. HSV-1 was the predominant (97.8%) HSV type compared with HSV-2 (detected in 2.2% of samples). HSV-1 was also detected in 24% of the OTSCC samples and had no association with patient survival or recurrence. OTSCC cells were viable even after 6 days with low viral load (0.00001, 0.0001, 0.001 MOI) of HSV-1. In both cell lines, 0.001 MOI did not affect cell invasion. However, 0.1 MOI significantly reduced cell invasion in HSC-3 cells.Discussion: HSV-1 infection is predominant compared with HSV-2 in the oral cavity. HSV-1 is detected in OTSCC samples without clinical significance, and OTSCC cell survival or invasion was not affected at low doses of HSV-1.
Effects of cutaneous administration of an over-the-counter menthol cream during temperate-water immersion for exercise-induced hyperthermia in men
Authors: Wang Gang , Hurr Chansol 
Published: May 2023

Introduction: Hyperthermia impairs various physiological functions and physical performance. We examined the effects of cutaneous administration with an over-the-counter (OTC) analgesic cream containing 20% methyl salicylate and 6% L-menthol during temperate-water immersion (TWI) for exercise-induced hyperthermia.Methods: In a randomized crossover design, twelve healthy males participated in both of two experiments. Firstly, participants underwent a 15-min TWI at 20°C with (CREAM) or without (CON) cutaneous application of an analgesic cream. Cutaneous vascular conductance (CVC) was measured using laser doppler flowmetry during TWI. In a subsequent experiment, same participants performed a 30-min strenuous interval exercise in a heated (35°C) environment to induce hyperthermia (~39°C), which was followed by 15 min of TWI.Results: Core body temperature, as measured by an ingestible telemetry sensor, and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were measured. CVC and %CVC (% baseline) were higher during TWI in CREAM than in CON (Condition effect: p = 0.0053 and p = 0.0010). An additional experiment revealed that core body heat loss during TWI was greater in CREAM than in CON (Cooling rate: CON 0.070 ± 0.020 vs. CREAM 0.084°C ± 0.026°C/min, p = 0.0039). A more attenuated MAP response was observed during TWI in CREAM than in CON (Condition effect: p = 0.0007).Conclusion: An OTC analgesic cream containing L-menthol and MS augmented cooling effects when cutaneously applied during TWI in exercise-induced hyperthermia. This was, at least in part, due to the counteractive vasodilatory effect of the analgesic cream. The cutaneous application of OTC analgesic cream may therefore provide a safe, accessible, and affordable means of enhancing the cooling effects of TWI.
Glucocorticoids contribute to metabolic and liver impairments induced by lactation overnutrition in male adult rats
Authors: de Souza Camila F. , Stopa Larissa Rugila S. , Martins Andressa B. , Wunderlich Ana Luiza M. , Lopes Gabriela Mendicelli , de Fatima Silva Flaviane , Komino Ayumi Cristina Medeiros , Zaia Dimas A. M. , Zaia Cassia Thaïs B. V. , Lima Fabio Bessa , Uchoa Ernane Torres 
Published: May 2023

Introduction: Lactation overnutrition is a programming agent of energy metabolism, and litter size reduction leads to the early development of obesity, which persists until adulthood. Liver metabolism is disrupted by obesity, and increased levels of circulating glucocorticoids are pointed as a possible mediator for the obesity development, since bilateral adrenalectomy (ADX) can reduce obesity in different models of obesity.Methods: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of glucocorticoids on metabolic changes and liver lipogenesis and insulin pathway induced by lactation overnutrition. For this, on the postnatal day 3 (PND), 3 pups (small litter—SL) or 10 pups (normal litter—NL) were kept with each dam. On PND 60, male Wistar rats underwent bilateral adrenalectomy (ADX) or fictitious surgery (sham), and half of ADX animals received corticosterone (CORT- 25 mg/L) diluted in the drinking fluid. On PND 74, the animals were euthanized by decapitation for trunk blood collection, and liver dissection and storage.Results and Discussion: SL rats presented increased corticosterone, free fatty acids, total and LDL-cholesterol plasma levels, without changes in triglycerides (TG) and HDL-cholesterol. The SL group also showed increased content of liver TG, and expression of fatty acid synthase (FASN), but decreased expression of PI3Kp110 in the liver, compared to NL rats. In the SL group, the ADX decreased plasma levels of corticosterone, FFA, TG and HDL cholesterol, liver TG, and liver expression of FASN, and IRS2, compared to sham animals. In SL animals, CORT treatment increased plasma levels of TG and HDL cholesterol, liver TG, and expression of FASN, IRS1, and IRS2, compared with the ADX group. In summary, the ADX attenuated plasma and liver changes observed after lactation overnutrition, and CORT treatment could reverse most ADX-induced effects. Thus, increased circulating glucocorticoids are likely to play a pivotal role in liver and plasma impairments induced by lactation overnutrition in male rats.
Screening of compound-formulated Bacillus and its effect on plant growth promotion
Authors: Shen Yuying , Yang Huan , Lin Zheng , Chu Linglong , Pan Xiao , Wang Yu , Liu Wenbo , Jin Pengfei , Miao Weiguo 
Published: May 2023

Bacillus bacteria can produce abundant secondary metabolites that are useful for biocontrol, especially in maintaining plant root microecology, and for plant protection. In this study, we determine the indicators of six Bacillus strains for colonization, promotion of plant growth, antimicrobial activity, and other aspects, with the aim of obtaining a compound bacteriological agent to construct a beneficial Bacillus microbial community in plant roots. We found that there was no significant difference in the growth curves of the six Bacillus strains over 12 h. However, strain HN-2 was found to have the strongest swimming ability and the highest bacteriostatic effect of n-butanol extract on the blight-causing bacteria Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzicola. The hemolytic circle produced by the n-butanol extract of strain FZB42 was the largest (8.67 ± 0.13 mm) and had the greatest bacteriostatic effect on the fungal pathogen Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, with a bacteriostatic circle diameter of 21.74 ± 0.40 mm. Strains HN-2 and FZB42 can rapidly form biofilms. Time-of-flight mass spectrometry and hemolytic plate tests showed that strains HN-2 and FZB42 may have significantly different activities because of their ability to produce large quantities of lipopeptides (i.e., surfactin, iturin, and fengycin). Different growth-promoting experiments revealed that the strains FZB42, HN-2, HAB-2, and HAB-5 had better growth-promoting potential than the control, and therefore these four strains were compounded in an equal ratio and used to treat pepper seedlings through root irrigation. We found an increase in the stem thickness (13%), leaf dry weight (14%), leaf number (26%), and chlorophyll content (41%) of pepper seedlings treated with the composite-formulated bacterial solution compared to the optimal single-bacterial solution treatment. Furthermore, several of these indicators increased by an average of 30% in the composite solution-treated pepper seedlings compared with the control water treatment group. In conclusion, the composite solution obtained by compounding strains FZB42 (OD600 = 1.2), HN-2 (OD600 = 0.9), HAB-2 (OD600 = 0.9), and HAB-5 (OD600 = 1.2) in equal parts highlights the advantages of a single bacterial solution, which includes achieving good growth promotion and antagonistic effects against pathogenic bacteria. The promotion of this compound-formulated Bacillus can reduce the application of chemical pesticides and fertilizers; promote plant growth and development; avoid the imbalances of soil microbial communities and thus reduce the risk of plant disease; and provide an experimental basis for the production and application of various types of biological control preparations in the future.
Social support and prosocial behavior in Chinese college students during the COVID-19 outbreak: a moderated mediation model of positive affect and parental care
Authors: Huang Ziyang , Gan Quan , Luo Miaoling , Zhang Yunpeng , Ge Jie , Fu Yu , Chen Zhuangfei 
Published: May 2023

PurposeProsocial behavior (PSB) plays a critical role in everyday society, especially during the pandemic of COVID-19. Understanding the underlying mechanism will provide insight and advance its implementation. According to the theory of PSB, social interaction, family and individual characters all contribute to its development. The current study aimed to investigate the influencing factor of PSB among Chinese college students during COVID-19 outbreak. This is an attempt to understand the mechanism of PSB and to provide a reference for the formulation of policies aimed at promoting healthy collaborative relationships for college students.MethodThe online questionnaire was administered to 664 college students from 29 provinces of China via Credamo platform. There were 332 medical students and 332 non-medical students aged between 18 and 25 included for final study. The mediating role of positive emotion/affect (PA) and the moderating role of parental care in the association between social support and PSB during the pandemic of COVID-19 was explored by using Social Support Rate Scale (SSRS), Prosocial Tendencies Measurement Scale (PTM), The Positive and Negative Affect (PANAS), as well as Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI). The process macro model of SPSS was adopted for mediating and moderating analysis.ResultsThe results showed that social support positively predicted PSB among Chinese college students, even after adding PA as a mediation variable. PA during COVID-19 mediated the association between social support and PSB. PSB also revealed as a predictor of PA by regression analysis. Moreover, the moderating effect of parental care in the relationship between PA and PSB was detected.ConclusionPA under stress acts as a mediator between social support and PSB. This mediating effect was moderated by PC in childhood. In addition, PSB was observed to predict PA reversely. The promoting factors and path between the variables of PSB are complex and need to be explored extensively. The underlying factors and process should be further investigated for the development of intervention plans.
The influence of student factors on students’ achievement in the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study in Abu Dhabi Emirate Schools
Authors: Wardat Yousef , Belbase Shashidhar , Tairab Hassan , Takriti Rachel Alison , Efstratopoulou Maria , Dodeen Hamza 
Published: May 2023

IntroductionThis study aimed to investigate student factors affecting performance in mathematics in Abu Dhabi schools in the United Arab Emirates.MethodWe used the secondary data from the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) 2015, which included 4,838 eighth-grade students from 156 schools in Abu Dhabi.ResultThe data from the student questionnaire in TIMSS 2015 were subjected to principal component analysis (PCA). The 39 questions were reduced to five factors generated from the student questionnaire, including Safety and Behavior, Classroom Mathematics, Environment, Student Attitudes toward Mathematics, and Technology and Resources. The effects of these factors on students’ achievement were examined using multiple regression analysis.DiscussionAll of these factors had a significant impact on student achievement in the 2015 TIMSS. The pedagogical and policy implications of the findings have been discussed.
Six months into the war: a first-wave study of stress, anxiety, and depression among in Ukraine
Authors: Kurapov Anton , Danyliuk Ivan , Loboda Andrii , Kalaitzaki Argyroula , Kowatsch Tobias , Klimash Tamara , Predko Viktoriia 
Published: May 2023

ObjectiveThis study examines the prevalence and predictors of mental health issues, specifically anxiety, depression, and stress, among Ukrainians during the military conflict with Russia.MethodA cross-sectional correlational study was conducted six months after the beginning of the conflict. Sociodemographic factors, traumatic experiences, anxiety, depression, and stress were assessed. The study included 706 participants, both men and women, from different age groups and living in various regions of Ukraine. The data were collected from August till October 2022.ResultsThe study found that a large portion of the Ukrainian population shows increased levels of anxiety, depression, and stress due to the war. Women were found to be more vulnerable to mental health issues than men, and younger people were found to be more resilient. Worsened financial and employment statuses predicted increased anxiety. Ukrainians who fled the conflict to other countries exhibited higher levels of anxiety, depression, and stress. Direct exposure to trauma predicted increased anxiety and depression, while war-related exposure to “other stressful events” predicted increased acute stress levels.ConclusionThe findings of this study highlight the importance of addressing the mental health needs of Ukrainians affected by the ongoing conflict. Interventions and support should be tailored to address the specific needs of different groups, particularly women, younger individuals, and those with worsened financial and employment statuses.
Loss to follow-up tuberculosis treatment and associated factors among adults attending at public health facilities in Warder District, Somali Regional State, Eastern Ethiopia
Authors: Birhane Mohammed , Mekonnen Shambel , Dingeta Tariku , Teklemariam Zelalem 
Published: May 2023

BackgroundTuberculosis is a major public health problem worldwide, particularly in resource-limited countries. Loss of follow-up during treatment is one of the major obstacles in the fight against tuberculosis, which has serious implications for patients, their families, communities, and health service providers.PurposeTo assess the magnitude of the loss to follow-up tuberculosis treatment and associated factors among adults attending public health facilities in Warder District, Somali Regional State, eastern Ethiopia from November 02–17, 2021.MethodsA 5-year (from 1 January 2016 to 31 December 2020) retrospective study was conducted on 589 adult tuberculosis treatment records. Data were collected using a structured data extraction format. Data were analyzed using STATA version 14.0 statistical package. Variables with P &lt; 0.05 in the multivariate logistic regression analysis were considered statistically significant.ResultsA total of 98 (16.6%) TB patients failed to follow up with their treatment. Age between 55 and 64 years (AOR = 4.4, 95% CI: 1.9–9.9), being male (AOR = 1.8, 95% CI: 1.1–2.9), living more than 10 km away from a public health facility (AOR = 4.9, 95% CI:2.5–9.4), and having a history of tuberculosis treatment (AOR = 2.3, 95% CI: 1.2–4.4) were associated with a higher likelihood of not following up, while having a positive initial smear result (AOR = 0.48, 95% CI: 0.24–0.96) was associated with a lower probability of not following up.ConclusionOne out of six patients was lost to follow-up after initiating their tuberculosis treatment. Hence, improving the accessibility of public health facilities with a special focus on older adults, male patients, smear-negative patients, and retreatment cases is highly warranted among TB patients.