bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The mechanisms underlying the actions of Xuefu Zhuyu decoction pretreatment against neurological deficits after ischemic stroke in mice: The mediation of glymphatic function by aquaporin-4 and its anchoring proteins
Authors: Yi Ting , Gao Ping , Hou Meng , Lv Huan , Huang Mengyuan , Gao Shanshan , He Jinrong , Yang Dongdong , Chen Weiyin , Zhu Tianmin , Yu Chang , Liu Fuyou , Yin Haiyan , Jin Shuoguo 
Published: December 2022

Ischemic stroke (IS) has been associated with an impairment in glymphatic function. Xuefu Zhuyu Decoction (XFZYD) is widely used in the prevention and treatment of ischemic stroke. We hypothesized that Xuefu Zhuyu decoction pretreatment could attenuate early neurological deficits after ischemic stroke by enhancing the function of the glymphatic system. To prove our hypothesis, we carried out temporary middle cerebral artery occlusion and reperfusion surgery on C57BL/6 mice and then measured neurological score, infarct size and performed hematoxylin-eosin staining to assess stroke outcomes after 24 h of reperfusion. Subsequently, we injected fluorescent tracers in to the cisterna magna and evaluated tracer distribution in coronal brain sections. The polarization of aquaporin-4 (AQP4), colocalization of aquaporin-4, α-dystroglycan, β-dystroglycan and agrin were determined by immunofluorescence. Our research showed that pretreatment with Xuefu Zhuyu decoction significantly alleviated neurological scores, neurological deficits and pathological abnormalities in a mouse model of ischemic stroke. Importantly, Xuefu Zhuyu decoction pretreatment enhanced cerebrospinal fluid influx, protected aquaporin-4 depolarization and promoted the colocalization of aquaporin-4 with its anchoring proteins in the brain. Our findings highlight novel mechanisms underlying the neuroprotective effect of Xuefu Zhuyu decoction pretreatment on ischemic stroke-induced brain damage through the glymphatic system. Xuefu Zhuyu decoction pretreatment may offer a promising approach to slow the onset and progression of ischemic stroke.
Elucidating type 2 diabetes mellitus risk factor by promoting lipid metabolism with gymnemagenin: An in vitro and in silico approach
Authors: DasNandy Anusree , Patil Vishal S. , Hegde Harsha V. , Harish Darasaguppe R. , Roy Subarna 
Published: December 2022

Introduction: Adipose tissue functions as a key endocrine organ which releases multiple bioactive substances and regulate obesity-linked complications. Dysregulation of adipocyte differentiation, triglyceride metabolism, adipokines production and lipid transport contributes to impaired lipid metabolism resulting in obesity, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Gymnema sylvestre plant is frequently used in Ayurveda for treatment of diabetes and obesity. Gymnemagenin is a major bioactive compound of Gymnema sylvestre. The present study was undertaken to elucidate the role of gymnemagenin in lipid metabolism by in vitro and computational approaches.Methods: A panel of twelve genes viz., Fasn, Lipe, Lpl, Pparg, Plin2, Cidea, Scd1, Adipoq, Lep, Ccl2, Fabp4, and Slc2a4, essential in lipid metabolism were selected and gene expression pattern and triglyceride content were checked in adipocytes (3T3L1 cells) with/without treatment of gymnemagenin by Real time PCR and colorimetric estimation, respectively. Mode of action of gymnemagenin on Pparg and Fabp4 was accomplished by computational studies. Gene set enrichment and network pharmacology were performed by STRING and Cytoscape. Molecular docking was performed by AutoDock vina by POAP pipeline. Molecular dynamics, MM-PBSA were done by Gromacs tool.Results:In vitro study showed that gymnemagenin improved triglyceride metabolism by up regulating the expression of lipase genes viz., Lipe and Lpl which hydrolyse triglyceride. Gymnemagenin also up regulated the expression of anti-inflammatory gene Adipoq. Importantly, gymnemagenin treatment up regulated the expression of Pparg gene and the downstream target genes (Plin2, Cidea, and Scd1) which are associated with adipogenesis. However, gymnemagenin has no effect on expression of Fabp4, codes for a lipid transport protein. In silico study revealed that gymnemagenin targeted 12 genes were modulating 6 molecular pathways involved in diabetes and obesity. Molecular docking and dynamics revealed that gymnemagenin stably bind to active site residue of Pparg and failed to bind to Fabp4 active site compared to its standard molecules throughout 100 ns MD production run. Gymnemagenin scored binding free energy of −177.94 and −25.406 kJ/mol with Pparg and Fabp4, respectively.Conclusion: Gymnemagenin improved lipid metabolism by increasing triglyceride hydrolysis (lipolysis), up regulating the crucial gene of adipogenesis and increasing the expression of anti-inflammatory adipokine proving its therapeutic importance as anti-obesity and anti-diabetic phytocompound.
Role of surgical hyoid bone repositioning in modifying upper airway collapsibility
Authors: Samaha Corine J. , Tannous Hiba J. , Salman Diane , Ghafari Joseph G. , Amatoury Jason 
Published: December 2022

Background: Surgical hyoid bone repositioning procedures are being performed to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), though outcomes are highly variable. This is likely due to lack of knowledge regarding the precise influence of hyoid bone position on upper airway patency. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of surgical hyoid bone repositioning on upper airway collapsibility.Methods: Seven anaesthetized, male, New Zealand White rabbits were positioned supine with head/neck position controlled. The rabbit’s upper airway was surgically isolated and hyoid bone exposed to allow manipulation of its position using a custom-made device. A sealed facemask was fitted over the rabbit’s snout, and mask/upper airway pressures were monitored. Collapsibility was quantified using upper airway closing pressure (Pclose). The hyoid bone was repositioned within the mid-sagittal plane from 0 to 5 mm (1 mm increments) in anterior, cranial, caudal, anterior-cranial (45°) and anterior-caudal (45°) directions.Results: Anterior displacement of the hyoid bone resulted in the greatest decrease in Pclose amongst all directions (p = 0.002). Pclose decreased progressively with each increment of anterior hyoid bone displacement, and down by −4.0 ± 1.3 cmH2O at 5 mm. Cranial and caudal hyoid bone displacement did not alter Pclose (p &gt; 0.35). Anterior-cranial and anterior-caudal hyoid bone displacements decreased Pclose significantly (p &lt; 0.004) and at similar magnitudes to the anterior direction (p &gt; 0.68).Conclusion: Changes in upper airway collapsibility following hyoid bone repositioning are both direction and magnitude dependent. Anterior-based repositioning directions have the greatest impact on reducing upper airway collapsibility, with no effect on collapsibility by cranial and caudal directions. Findings may have implications for guiding and improving the outcomes of surgical hyoid interventions for the treatment of OSA.
Physical exercise interventions for perinatal depression symptoms in women: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Liu Xueyan , Wang Guangpeng , Cao Yingjuan 
Published: December 2022

BackgroundThe previous meta-analysis indicated that physical exercise could play a crucially therapeutic role in reducing perinatal depression symptoms in women. However, the efficacy varies across different exercise types, forms, intensities, and duration.AimThe purpose of this study was to review and evaluate the effects of different types, forms, intensities, and duration of exercise for improving perinatal depressive symptoms.DesignA systematic review and meta-analysis.MethodsRandomized controlled trials until December 2021 were searched from seven databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, Medline, CINAHL, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and PsycINFO. The risk of bias in eligible trials was evaluated using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. When high heterogeneity was tested, we used random-effects models. A funnel plot was used to assess the publication bias. This review was performed under the PRISMA guidelines, Consensus on Exercise Reporting (CERT) checklist and Cochrane Handbook. The certainty of the body of evidence was assessed using the GRADE method.ResultsOf 1,573 records, 20 trials were identified in this study. The results of this review revealed that women with perinatal depression symptoms gained benefits from physical exercise [OR = 0.62, 95% CI (0.45, 0.86), P = 0.004; MD = −0.57, 95% CI (−0.83, −0.30), P &lt; 0.0001]. Type of walking [SMD = −1.06, 95% CI (−1.92, −0.19), P &lt; 0.00001], form of “Individual + group-based”exercise [SMD = −0.91, 95% CI (−0.80, −0.03), P = 0.04], intensity of ≥150 min per week [SMD = −0.84, 95% CI (−1.53, −0.15), P = 0.02], and ≥12 weeks duration [SMD = −0.53, 95% CI (−0.75, −0.31), P &lt; 0.00001] seemed to generate more prominent improvement on perinatal depression symptoms.ConclusionPhysical exercise showed a significant effect on reducing perinatal depressive symptoms. This meta-analysis provides an important update on exercise’s efficacy in treating perinatal depression. Further higher quality and large-scale trials are needed to substantiate our findings.Systematic review registration[https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/], identifier [CRD42022296230].
The effect of social networks on academic self-handicapping with the mediating role of self-regulatory learning strategies and academic achievement among EFL students
Authors: Izadpanah Siros , Charmi Mahdis 
Published: December 2022

IntroductionIn the academic context, social networking sites (SNSs) have reshaped the way university students connect and communicate with each other and the way they learn, thus influencing their identities and dimensions. This research investigates the effect of social networks on academic self-handicapping with the mediating role of self-regulatory and academic achievement.MethodThe current study is considered to be quantitative research in terms of its nature, applied research in terms of its purpose, and correlational descriptive one in terms of its method. The statistical population of the present study includes all language students of Tabriz University, whose number was 540 people. Sampling was done by the random sampling method. Using Morgan’s table, the sample size was estimated to be 225 people in 2022. Due to the possibility of falling, 10% was added to this number, and 250 questionnaires were distributed among 250 participants; 17 questionnaires were incomplete, and a total of 233 valid questionnaires were examined. Four questionnaires were administered to collect data. SPSS 26 and AMOS 24 software were used to analyze the collected data from questionnaires. Descriptive, inferential, and Structural Covariance Matrix (SEM) statistics were conducted to explore the effect of social networks on these variables.ResultsFindings showed that social networks significantly impact self-handicapping in language students of Tabriz University. 2- Social networks have a significant impact on self- self-handicapping with a mediating role of self-regulation learning strategies in language students of Tabriz University. 3- Social networks significantly affect self-handicapping, mediating role in language students’ academic progress at Tabriz University.DiscussionFurther investigation and experimentation into social networks are strongly recommended. In addition, studies show that self-handicapping is successful in helping individuals divert the assessments of others from attributing weak abilities to failure. Because self-handicapping behavior undermines achievement and can lead to long-term withdrawal from activities (such as school and college), parents and teachers must discourage self-handicapping and avoid behavior that may encourage it.
Trends and characteristics of multiple births in Baoan Shenzhen: A retrospective study over a decade
Authors: Tang Wenyi , Zou Lingyun 
Published: December 2022

BackgroundShenzhen has the largest and youngest foreign population among all cities in China. The reproductive health of pregnant women from different backgrounds is a social issue that deserves attention. In the past decade, China has liberalized its population policies to stimulate population growth, and the proportion of multiple births has continued to increase.MethodThis retrospective cohort included 526,654 newborns born in Baoan, Shenzhen, from January 1, 2009, to December 31, 2019, including 515,016 singletons and 11,638 twins or triplets. Univariate regression models were used to analyze the effects of maternal sociodemographic characteristics, physiological characteristics, medical history, antenatal care and other factors associated with single vs. multiple births and to elucidate the changing trends of different factors affecting multiple births in the past 11 years. Additionally, fetal development in multiple births was analyzed by generalized linear mixed models.ResultsThe rates of pregnancy complications, preterm birth, and advanced-age pregnancy were significantly higher in the multiple birth mothers than in single birth mothers, and more multiple pregnancies were achieved through assisted reproductive technologies. The rates of adverse outcomes such as stillbirth, malformation, hypoxia, and ultralow body weight in multiple fetuses were significantly higher than that in singleton fetuses. The trend analysis from 2009 to 2019 showed that the socioeconomic status and health level of mothers with multiple births improved over time, and the risk during pregnancy generally decreased. Simultaneously, the development indicators of multiple fetuses have improved year by year, and the proportion of adverse outcomes has also decreased significantly. A low pre-natal care utilization rate was shown to be detrimental to the development of multiple fetuses. Independent risk factors for hypoxia and very low birth weight were also identified. The differences in secular trends between two birth groups were further revealed by time series models.ConclusionThis study presented a comprehensive survey of multiple pregnancies in the area with the largest population inflow in China. This study identified the factors that affect the health of multiple birth mothers and their fetuses, particularly suggesting that preterm birth rates and the use of assisted reproduction remain high. The findings provide a basis for the formulation of individualized pre-natal care, assisted reproductive guidance and healthcare policies for multiple births.
The Irie Classroom Toolbox: Mixed method assessment to inform future implementation and scale-up of an early childhood, teacher-training, violence-prevention programme
Authors: Bowers Marsha , Francis Taja , Baker-Henningham Helen 
Published: December 2022

IntroductionViolence against children (VAC) is a violation of child rights, has high prevalence in low- and middle-income countries, is associated with long-term negative effects on child functioning, and with high economic and social costs. Ending VAC at home and at school is thus a global public health priority.MethodsIn Jamaica, we evaluated an early childhood, teacher-training, violence-prevention programme, (the Irie Classroom Toolbox), in a cluster-randomised trial in 76 preschools. The programme led to large reductions to teachers' use of VAC, although the majority of teachers continued to use VAC at times. In this paper, we describe a mixed-method evaluation of the Irie Classroom Toolbox in the 38 Jamaican preschools that were assigned to the wait-list control group of the trial. In a quantitative evaluation, 108 preschool teachers in 38 preschools were evaluated at pre-test and 91 teachers from 37 preschools were evaluated at post-test. One preschool teacher from each of these 37 preschools were randomly selected to participate in an in-depth interview as part of the qualitative evaluation.ResultsPreschool teachers were observed to use 83% fewer instances of VAC across one school day after participating in the programme, although 68% were observed to use VAC at least once across two days. The qualitative evaluation confirmed these findings with all teachers reporting reduced use of violence, but 70% reporting continued use of VAC at times. Teachers reported that the behaviour change techniques used to deliver the intervention increased their motivation, knowledge and skills which in turn led to improved child behaviour, improved relationships and improved professional well-being. Direct pathways to reduced use of VAC by teachers were through improved child behaviour and teacher well-being. The main reasons for continued use of VAC were due to barriers teachers faced using positive discipline techniques, teachers' negative affect, and child behaviours that teachers perceived to be severe.DiscussionWe describe how we used the results from the mixed-method evaluation to inform revisions to the programme to further reduce teachers' use of VAC and to inform the processes of training, supervision and ongoing monitoring as the programme is scaled-up through government services.
Association of psychological symptoms with job burnout and occupational stress among coal miners in Xinjiang, China: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Fu Ailing , Zhao Ting , Gao Xiaoyan , Li Xinze , Liu Xin , Liu Jiwen 
Published: December 2022

ObjectiveThe study aimed to investigate the influencing factors of psychological symptoms in relation to job burnout and occupational stress among coal miners in Xinjiang, so as to provide data support for enterprises in an effort to help them identify internal psychological risk factors and improve the mental health of coal miners.MethodsA cross-sectional study was carried out. A total of 12 coal mines were selected using the stratified cluster random sampling method and 4,109 coal miners were investigated by means of online electronic questionnaires. The Symptoms Check List-90 (SCL-90), Chinese Maslach Burnout Inventory (CMBI), and Job Demand-Control (JDC) model were respectively used to measure the status of psychological symptoms, job burnout, and occupational stress among coal miners. The mediation analysis was performed through structural equation modeling (SEM) by using Analysis of Moment Structure (AMOS).ResultsThe prevalence of psychological symptoms was higher in the occupational stress group than in the non-occupational stress group, and increased with job burnout (P &lt; 0.05). The multivariate logistic regression analysis results showed that mild (OR = 1.401, 95% CL: 1.165, 1.685), moderate (OR = 2.190, 95% CL: 1.795, 2.672), or severe levels of burnout (OR = 6.102, 95% CL: 3.481, 10.694) and occupational stress (OR = 1.462, 95% CL: 1.272, 1.679) were risk factors for psychological symptoms in coal miners. The results of structural equation modeling indicated that occupational stress (β = 0.11, P = 0.002) and job burnout (β = 0.46, P = 0.002) had significant positive direct effects on psychological symptoms, and job burnout was an intermediate variable between occupational stress and psychological symptoms.ConclusionHigh levels of job burnout and occupational stress were risk factors for psychological symptoms. Both occupational stress and job burnout had direct effects on psychological symptoms, and occupational stress could also have an indirect effect on coal miners' psychological symptoms through the intermediate variable of job burnout.
A roadmap toward implementing health technology assessment in Egypt
Authors: Fasseeh Ahmad Nader , Elezbawy Baher , Gamal Mary , Seyam Ahmed , Abourawash Asmaa , George Mohsen , Anwar Mohamed , Amin Magdy , Khalifa Ahmed Yehia , Elshalakani Amr , Hatem Ashraf , Abdelhamid Sohir , Elsamouly Hossam , Fasseeh Nader , Adel Randa , Dawood Hatem , Abaza Sherif , Kaló Zoltán 
Published: December 2022

BackgroundThe Egyptian healthcare system is currently in the early phase of health technology assessment (HTA) implementation. The aim of this study is to propose an implementation roadmap based on the national healthcare system status.MethodsA survey was conducted among Egyptian healthcare sector decision-makers to assess the current and future (preferred) HTA implementation status in Egypt based on a widely used international scorecard methodology. Subsequently, interviews were conducted with experts representing middle- and top-tier management in the Egyptian healthcare system to interpret the survey results and recommend specific actions.ResultsExperts recommended more capacity-building programs for HTA and health economics. Additionally, they proposed establishing HTA units in separate healthcare authorities and merging them into a single central HTA unit in the long term. Regarding the scope of implementation, experts recommended commencing with the assessment of innovative pharmaceuticals, and thereafter, expanding the scope to cover all health technologies in the long term. Additionally, they recommended using innovative tools such as “multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA)” for tendering, and “managed entry agreements” for reimbursement decisions. Local burden of diseases and costing studies were also recommended to facilitate the implementation of HTA.ConclusionExperts agreed that several actions are required for successful HTA implementation in Egypt, including coordination between HTA bodies, application of an explicit MCDA framework, and strengthening of local evidence generation. To implement these actions, investment in technical capacity-building is indispensable. Most experts favored using multiple and soft cost-effectiveness thresholds. Efforts should be made to publish HTA submission guidelines and timelines of the processes.
Ethical allocation of scarce vaccine doses: The Priority-Equality protocol
Authors: Alós-Ferrer Carlos , García-Segarra Jaume , Ginés-Vilar Miguel 
Published: December 2022

BackgroundWhenever vaccines for a new pandemic or widespread epidemic are developed, demand greatly exceeds the available supply of vaccine doses in the crucial, initial phases of vaccination. Rationing protocols must then fulfill a number of ethical principles balancing equal treatment of individuals and prioritization of at-risk and instrumental subpopulations. For COVID-19, actual rationing methods used a territory-based first allocation stage based on proportionality to population size, followed by locally-implemented prioritization rules. The results of this procedure have been argued to be ethically problematic.MethodsWe use a formal-analytical approach arising from the mathematical social sciences which allows to investigate whether any allocation methods (known or unknown) fulfill a combination of (ethical) desiderata and, if so, how they are formulated algorithmically.ResultsStrikingly, we find that there exists one and only one method that allows to treat people equally while giving priority to those who are worse off. We identify this method down to the algorithmic level and show that it is easily implementable and it exhibits additional, desirable properties. In contrast, we show that the procedures used during the COVID-19 pandemic violate both principles.ConclusionsOur research delivers an actual algorithm that is readily applicable and improves upon previous ones. Since our axiomatic approach shows that any other algorithm would either fail to treat people equally or fail to prioritize those who are worse off, we conclude that ethical principles dictate the adoption of this algorithm as a standard for the COVID-19 or any other comparable vaccination campaigns.