bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Thonningianin A ameliorates acetaminophen-induced liver injury by activating GPX4 and modulating endoplasmic reticulum stress
Authors: Lai Shanglei , Ye Yingyan , Ding Qinchao , Hu Xiaokai , Fu Ai , Wu Lan , Cao Wenjing , Liu Qingsheng , Dou Xiaobing , Qi Xuchen 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionAcetaminophen (APAP) is widely used as an analgesic and antipyretic. However overdose APAP can lead to acute liver injury (ALI), representing a significant challenge for public health due to limited treatment options. Current research highlights the need for safer and more effective therapies for APAP-induced liver injury, especially those that target oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress pathways. This study investigates the protective effects of Thonningianin A (TA), a flavonoid compound derived from Penthorum chinense Pursh, in mitigating APAP-induced hepatotoxicity.MethodsThe experimental design involved administering TA at doses of 20 mg/kg and 40 mg/kg to C57BL/6 mice prior to inducing hepatotoxicity with APAP.Results and discussionTA treatment significantly lowered plasma ALT and AST levels, inhibited the production of inflammatory cytokines, and reduced oxidative stress markers in liver tissues. Furthermore, TA modulated apoptosis-related proteins by increasing BCL-2 expression while decreasing CHOP and BAX levels. It alleviated endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress by downregulating GRP78, p-PERK, and ATF4. Notably, liver-specific GPX4 knockdown, achieved through AAV-8-mediated shRNA delivery, abolished the hepatoprotective effects of TA, underscoring GPX4’s essential role in mediating TA-induced hepatoprotection. These findings suggest TA as a promising therapeutic agent in managing APAP-induced liver injury, with its unique action on both oxidative and ER stress pathways contributing to its hepatoprotective efficacy.
Comprehensive genome-wide analysis of the HMGR gene family of Asparagus taliensis and functional validation of AtaHMGR10 under different abiotic stresses
Authors: Zeng Liangqin , Brown Sylvia E. , Wu He , Dongchen Wenhua , Li Yunbin , Lin Chun , Liu Zhengjie , Mao Zichao 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionHydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMGR) is a key enzyme in the terpenoid biosynthetic pathway, playing a crucial role in plant stress responses. However, the HMGR gene family in Asparagus taliensis, a traditional Chinese medicinal herb with high steroidal saponin content and strong stress tolerance, remains poorly understood. This study investigates the stress response mechanisms of the HMGR gene family in A. taliensis under abiotic stress conditions.MethodsA comprehensive genome-wide analysis of the HMGR gene family in A. taliensis was conducted. The analysis included chromosomal localization, phylogenetic tree construction, linear analysis, gene structure characterization, motif distribution, cis-acting elements, and protein structure. Candidate AtaHMGR10 gene were overexpressed in Arabidopsis thaliana to analyze phenotypic changes under osmotic and salt stress, including seed germination rate and primary root length. Physiological parameters were also analyzed, and gene expression was validated using qPCR under drought, osmotic, and salt stress conditions.ResultsA total of 18 HMGR gene family members were identified in A. taliensis. The functions and evolution of AtaHMGR genes are conserved. AtaHMGR10 was selected as a promising candidate due to its unique expression profile. Docking analysis revealed that AtaHMGR10 has conserved motifs for binding both HMG-CoA and NADPH/NADH, showing equal affinity for both. Overexpression of AtaHMGR10 in transgenic A. thaliana enhanced tolerance to abiotic stresses, as evidenced by higher germination rates, improved primary root length, increased chlorophyll and proline levels, enhanced peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT) activities, and reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) content compared to non-transgenic plants under stress conditions.DiscussionThese findings highlight the role of AtaHMGR10 in enhancing plant stress tolerance, particularly in combating drought, osmotic, and salt stress. This understanding of its potential function provides avenues for improving crop resilience to abiotic stress through future gene modification.
The biocontrol agent Streptomyces rimosus subsp. rimosus tempers shifts in the wheat spicosphere microbiome induced by Fusarium Head Blight
Authors: De Troyer Larissa , Audenaert Kris , Ommeslag Sarah , Debode Jane , De Gelder Leen , De Zutter Noémie 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionFusarium Head Blight (FHB) is a major fungal disease in wheat caused by Fusarium graminearum, inducing severe yield losses. Biological control agents (BCAs) can be an effective and sustainable approach to mitigate this phytopathogen. In this study, Streptomyces rimosus subsp. rimosus LMG19352 was used as a BCA to mitigate F. graminearum on wheat ears. Moreover, we aimed to assess the impact of BCA inoculation on non-target microorganisms present on the wheat spikes. Therefore, we evaluated shifts in the fungal and bacterial spicosphere microbiome (i) over time from flowering to mid-grain filling stage and (ii) across inoculations with F. graminearum and/or S. rimosus subsp. rimosus LMG19352.MethodsFHB symptoms were determined by multispectral imaging, and Illumina MiSeq was used to amplify 16S V3-V4 rDNA for bacteria and ITS2 for fungi, whereafter a correlation network analysis was performed.ResultsThe biocontrol potential of S. rimosus subsp. rimosus LMG19352 against F. graminearum was confirmed, as FHB symptoms were significantly reduced. Based on the microbial abundances, S. rimosus subsp. rimosus LMG19352 compensated for shifts in the spicosphere microbiome community induced by FHB. These results were supported by a network analysis, revealing a more complex and stable microbiome in the presence of the BCA compared to the infected control.DiscussionTo our knowledge, this study is the first to reveal the potential of a bacterial BCA to temper shifts in the wheat microbiome caused by a phytopathogen, and thereby acting as a promising BCA.
Sleep disturbance among Chinese survivors of childhood sexual abuse: associations with perceived discrimination and rumination
Authors: Wang Wan , Wang Xi 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundAlthough childhood sexual abuse (CSA) has been widely recognized for its association with sleep disturbance (SD) in adulthood, little is known about its associations with perceived discrimination (PD) and rumination. This study seeks to build upon existing literature by examining the impact of CSA on adult SD within a Chinese survivor sample while also investigating the mediating effects of PD and rumination on this association.MethodsA total of 1,210 respondents completed the Childhood Sexual Abuse Questionnaire, the Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology Self Report, the Perceived Discrimination Scale, and the Ruminative Response Scale.ResultsParticipants with CSA experiences reported higher scores of SD and greater rates of insomnia and hypersomnia than those without such experiences (47.79% vs. 29.30%; 20.71% vs. 9.46%). CSA, SD, PD, and rumination were positively related with each other. CSA could predict SD not only directly but also indirectly through the mediating effects of PD and rumination.LimitationsDue to the cross-sectional design, the study is unable to demonstrate causality but, rather, that there exist important associations that are worth further investigation.ConclusionsThis study examined a sample of Chinese survivors of CSA to establish the link between CSA and adult sleep disturbances (SD). Our findings not only confirm this association but also shed light on the intermediary roles of PD and rumination in shaping this relationship. It suggests that interventions designed to mitigate the sense of discrimination and to foster the adoption of positive coping strategies could be instrumental in enhancing the sleep quality of those who have been sexually abused in their childhood.
International perspectives on physician knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to medical cannabis
Authors: Syed Shariful A. , Singh Jatinder , Elkholy Hussien , Rojnić Palavra Irena , Tomicevic Marko , Eric Anamarija Petek , Pinto da Costa Mariana , Guloksuz Sinan , Radhakrishnan Rajiv 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundThe trends of recreational use of cannabis and the use of cannabis for medical indications (i.e., “medical cannabis”) have grown in recent years. Despite that, there is still limited scientific evidence to guide clinical decision-making, and the strength of evidence for the medical use of cannabis is currently considered to be low. In contrast, there is growing evidence of negative health outcomes related to the use of cannabis. In this rapidly shifting landscape, the role of physician attitudes regarding the therapeutic value of cannabis has become essential. This study aimed to characterize knowledge/experience, attitudes, and potential predictors of clinical practice regarding medical cannabis.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional survey of physicians from 17 countries between 2016 and 2018. The survey consisted of questions designed to explore physician knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding the use of medical cannabis. Descriptive statistics were used to examine willingness to recommend medical cannabis for medical and psychiatric indications, followed by regression analysis to identify the predictors of physician willingness to recommend medical cannabis.ResultsA total of 323 physicians responded to the survey, among which 53% were women. The mean age was 35.4 ± 9.5 years, with 10.04 ± 8.6 years of clinical experience. Clinical experience with medical cannabis was overall limited (51.4% noted never having recommended medical cannabis and 33% noted inadequate knowledge regarding medical cannabis). The majority of respondents (84%) recognized the risk of psychosis with cannabis use, while only 23% correctly identified the risk of addiction with daily cannabis use. Overall, willingness to recommend medical cannabis was the highest for chemotherapy-induced nausea (67%), refractory chronic neuropathic pain (52%), and spasticity in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS; 51%).ConclusionThis international study examining physician knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to medical cannabis revealed that there are significant gaps in domain-specific knowledge related to medical cannabis. There is a wide variability in willingness to recommend medical cannabis, which is not consistent with the current strength of evidence. This study thus highlights the need for greater education related to domain-specific knowledge about medical cannabis.
A comparison of floating catchment area parameters with applications to a dataset of clinics enrolled in a statewide child and adolescent psychiatric consultation program
Authors: Hunyadi Jocelyn , Savas Lara S. , Zhang Kehe , Deason Jeanette E. , Ramphul Ryan , Peskin Melissa F. , Frost Erica L. , Bauer Cici 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionHealthcare resources are often crucial but limited, requiring careful consideration and informed allocation based on population needs and potential healthcare access. In resource allocation settings, availability and accessibility of resources should be examined simultaneously. The two-step floating catchment area (2SFCA) method has been previously used to evaluate spatial accessibility to healthcare resources and services, and to address health-related disparities. The 2SFCA methods have regained significant popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic, as their application proved crucial in addressing priority public health data analysis, modeling, and accessibility challenges. However, comprehensive comparisons of the 2SFCA method input parameters in the context of public health concerns in Texas are lacking. Our study aims to (a) perform a comparative analysis of 2SFCA input parameters on patterns of spatial accessibility and (b) identify a 2SFCA method to guide evaluation of equitable allocation of scarce mental health resources for children and adolescents in Texas.MethodsWe used the Texas Child Psychiatry Access Network (CPAN) data to assess county-level, regional patterns in access to pediatric psychiatric care, and to identify areas to expand CPAN to mitigate access-related disparities. Using the 2SFCA method, we further compared accessibility patterns across two kernel density distance decay functions for 10 catchment area specifications.ResultsAs expected, spatial accessibility measures, such as the spatial accessibility ratio (SPAR), are sensitive to input parameters, particularly the catchment area. However, across all catchment area thresholds, two clusters of counties in southern and central Texas had particularly low accessibility, highlighting the opportunity for expanding the provider network in these areas.DiscussionIdentifying areas with low accessibility can help public health initiatives prioritize regions in need of improved services and resources. The incorporation of additional data on supply capacity and care-seeking behavior would aid in the refinement of estimates for spatial accessibility at the regional level and within larger urban centers.
Dental service for United Nations peacekeepers coping with COVID-19 in Bukavu: preparation, implementation and recommendation
Authors: Lu Shuai , Miao Li , He Yong , Luo Jia-Ning , Lin Lu , Liu Zhi-Hua , Yan Bi-Yu , Wu Jia-Ling , Xie Yang , Yang Shu-Yong , Wang Chao 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundThe Chinese level 2 hospital (CHH L2) deployed in Bukavu provides medical supports to peacekeepers in MONUSCO. This study aimed to statistically analyze the types of oral and maxillofacial problems and corresponding treatments provided from October 2018 to September 2022, and to describe the trends of dental service pre and post COVID-19 outbreak.MethodsThe medical records of all patients visited to the CHN L2 during the 48 months were collected and were accessed for the research purposes between October 2018 and September 2022. Dental visitors were counted and identified with nationality and occupations. Dental service was categorized as emergency, routine and evacuation. Diagnosis and treatments provided were statistically analyzed.Results952/3,913 (24.33%) of the visitors to CHN L2 during this period were referred to dentistry, including 50 females (5.25%) and 902 males (94.75%). The proportion of UN military personnel is 91.39% (870/952). A total of 1,116 teeth and mucosa problems were treated. Dental emergencies represented 13.98% percent (156/1, 116). 2,180 dental treatments (2.29 procedures per patient) were provided: dental radiographs taken (618, 28.30%), local anesthesia (448, 20.55%), RCT (373, 15.14%), resin composite filling (330, 15.14%), extraction (248, 11.38%) and other treatments (164, 7.52%). The number of monthly visitors was significantly affected by the COVID-19 epidemic (p &lt; 0.05), pre-COVID-19 (total 151 ± 51, dental 33 ± 13) and post-COVID-19 (total 51 ± 21, dental 13 ± 8), the lowest number was in July 2020, 6 months after the COVID-19 outbreak (total 16 and dental 3).ConclusionsDentistry is the most frequently visited department in the CHH L2 in Bukavu, and the number of visitors were affected by the COVID-19 epidemic. Treatments related to dental caries, pulpitis, apical periodontitis, and wisdom teeth problems account for the majority of dental service. The variety and severity of dental problems demonstrate the urgent need for training in multiple specialized skills for deployed military dental personnel.
Menstrual hygiene practice and associated factors among adolescent primary school females in Dale Woreda, Sidama, Ethiopia: a cross sectional study
Authors: Ayele Amanuel , G/Mariam Meskerem , Beyene Hunachew , Tolcha Alemu , Tediso Dansamo , Shalamo Teshale , Belayneh Teshale 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundDespite poor menstrual hygiene practices exposing adolescent females to reproductive health problems, it has not been adequately studied in low-income countries. Due to a lack of proper information, the majority of teenage girls enter puberty without having prepared themselves. The aim of this study was to assess menstrual hygiene practice and associated factors among adolescent female students.MethodsAn institution-based cross-sectional study design was employed from March 10 to April 20, 2022. A random sample of 608 adolescent female students was included in the study. A multistage sampling was applied to employee study participants. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire administered through an interview technique. A logistic regression model was used to analyze the data using version 26 SPSS statistical software. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data. An adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval and a corresponding p-value &lt;0.05 was used to measure the strength of association.ResultThe prevalence of poor menstrual hygiene practices among adolescent girls was 28.4%. Poor knowledge of adolescent girls [AOR = 2.64, 95% CI: 1.74, 4.02], mothers' educational level [AOR = 0.86, 95% CI: 0.79, 0.94], fathers' occupation of private employers and daily laborers [AOR = 3.1, 95% CI: 1.46, 6.69] and [AOR = 1.98, 95% CI: 1.03, 3.8], and having hand washing facilities [AOR = 0.51, 95% CI: 0.34, 0.77] were significantly associated with poor menstrual hygiene management practices among adolescent schoolgirls.ConclusionIn this study, we determined the level of poor menstrual hygiene practice. We identified factors significantly associated with menstrual hygiene practices. Interventions should focus on creating awareness among adolescent girls, providing menstrual hygiene management facilities, and improving the educational and occupational levels of parents.
Novel ultrastructural features of the nucleus of the ancestral dinoflagellate Oxyrrhis marina as revealed by freeze substitution fixation and volume electron microscopy
Authors: Fukuda Yasuhiro , Suzaki Toshinobu , Murata Kazuyoshi , Song Chihong 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionOxyrrhis marina is thought to have diverged from other dinoflagellates at an early stage of their evolution and is considered to show their ancestral form. As for other current dinoflagellates, the species possesses condensed chromosomes throughout the cell cycle but shows some important differences. The chromosomes of O. marina are thinner and longer than those of other dinoflagellate species and do not show the repeating arch-shaped liquid-crystal structure that is found in core dinoflagellates. These morphological features were described originally about half a century ago from cells fixed using conventional chemical methods, which are prone to producing morphological artifacts. Therefore, it is crucial to reevaluate ultrastructural features using cells fixed by other methods.MethodIn this study, O. marina was fixed with freeze-substitution, a method that is less prone to artifacts in electron microscopy, in addition to conventional chemical fixation, and the details of chromosome structure were reexamined using volume electron microscopy.ResultsIn the four cells observed, the number of chromosomes was consistently nearly 400. The nucleus of O. marina has a single nucleolus at its center, to which, as in other dinoflagellates, multiple chromosomes are attached. Several nucleofilaments were observed penetrating the nucleolus. On the other hand, filamentous structures have been observed in chemically fixed chromosomes, but no such structures were observed in cells fixed by freeze-substitution. Tomographic analysis using volume electron microscopy confirmed the absence of these structural features.DiscussionThe number of chromosomes of O. marina was previously considered to be approximately 50, but this is only one-eighth of the number found in the present study (400). It is concluded that the chromosomes of O. marina are composed of tightly condensed and densely folded nucleofilaments, which are difficult to distinguish. This study revealed novel ultrastructural features in the chromosome of O. marina. These findings will help consider the evolutionary scenario through which the enigmatic dinoflagellate nucleus (dinokaryon) was established. In addition, this study indicated freeze-substitution fixation and volume electron microscopy would become a critical technique in elucidating the dinokaryon chromosome structure.
The possible application of virtual reality for managing anxiety in athletes
Authors: Trpkovici Melinda , Makai Alexandra , Prémusz Viktória , Ács Pongrác 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionOne of the most effective techniques is “stress inoculation” training (SIT), which is increasingly utilized to reduce anxiety and enhance athletic performance. The aim of our research was to investigate the extent to which the stress situation we created in virtual reality evokes psychological responses in athletes, compared to the responses they experience during a competitive match.MethodsThe sample consisted of 24 female athletes with an average age of 18.71 ± 5.42 years. Of these, 9 were elite basketball players, 8 were table tennis players, and 7 were handball players. All participants completed the Athlete Anxiety Questionnaire, designed to measure anxiety in high-stakes situations and assess levels of concentration and self-confidence during matches. Additionally, within the virtual reality environment we created, athletes were exposed to stress-inducing factors scientifically proven to elicit stress responses. Paired-sample t-tests were used to examine differences between measurements (match and virtual reality scenario), and ANOVA tests were used to compare differences between athletes groups (basketball players, table tennis players and handball players).ResultsOur findings indicated that the sports stress scenario simulated in virtual reality triggers stress responses in athletes comparable to those experienced during actual competitive matches. No significant difference was detected in any factor between the total scores of the tests completed after the virtual reality session and those completed after the match (p &gt; 0.05). The greatest impact of VR on cognitive anxiety was observed regarding the fear of mental block or choking during a match, received an average score higher than that of the match (1.75 ± 1.032 vs. 1.38 ± 0.711 respectively, p = 0.04)ConclusionBased on these results, we can conclude that the sports stress scenario generated by virtual reality can indeed induce a comparable level of stress in athletes compared to actual matches. Therefore, virtual reality technology shows promise as a tool for enhancing athletes' stress management skills and could be a significant asset in sports psychology preparation processes.