bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and safety of Chinese herbal medicine for atopic dermatitis: Evidence from eight high-quality randomized placebo-controlled trials
Authors: Cai Xiaoce , Sun Xiaoying , Liu Liu , Zhou Yaqiong , Hong Seokgyeong , Wang Jiao , Chen Jiale , Zhang Miao , Wang Chunxiao , Lin Naixuan , Li Su , Xu Rong , Li Xin 
Published: September 2022

Background: The use of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) for the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD) has gained attention. This quantitative study systematically evaluated the efficacy and safety of CHM for the treatment of AD in eight high-level clinical trials, resulting in a high level of clinical evidence.Methods: Several databases were searched, including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), the Chongqing VIP Chinese Science (VIP), and Wanfang Database. High-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing CHM with placebo were included. The 95% confidence interval (CI) of the risk ratio (RR) was calculated using software (RevMan 5.3) and a meta-analysis was performed. Evidence level evaluation using GRADE Profiler 3.6.Results: In total, 662 patients (322 in the experimental group and 340 in the control group) were included. The response rate of the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) −90 was higher in the CHM group than in the placebo group (RR, 3.72; 95% CI, 1.76 to7.83; p = 0.01). Furthermore, the scoring of atopic dermatitis (SCORAD) (RR, −10.20), body surface area (BSA) (RR, −2.01), surface damage score (RR, −2.25), visual analog scale (VAS) (RR, −1.90), and sleep score (RR, −2.16), improvement of investigator’s global assessment (IGA) (RR, 2.94) improved in the CHM group. The results showed no statistical difference between CHM and placebo (MD, −0.47; 95% CI, −1.30, 0.37; p = 0.27) in improving the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) or children’s DLQI (CDLQI). There was also no significant difference in the IgE level between the two groups (MD, −62.76; 95% CI, −809.58, 684.05; p = 0.87). However, the adverse events (AEs) rate was slightly higher in patients treated with CHM than in those treated with placebo (RR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.06–1.90; p = 0.02).Conclusion: CHM improved the size and severity of the skin lesions and sleep quality in patients with AD. Comparing the adverse effects between the two groups, CHM is safe. However, CHM does not improve the quality of life or the patient’s IgE levels.
Breviscapine remodels myocardial glucose and lipid metabolism by regulating serotonin to alleviate doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity
Authors: Li Meng-Jiao , Sun Wen-She , Yuan Yang , Zhang Yu-Kun , Lu Qi , Gao Yuan-Zhen , Ye Ting , Xing Dong-Ming 
Published: September 2022

Aims: The broad-spectrum anticancer drug doxorubicin (Dox) is associated with a high incidence of cardiotoxicity, which severely affects the clinical application of the drug and patients’ quality of life. Here, we assess how Dox modulates myocardial energy and contractile function and this could aid the development of relevant protective drugs.Methods: Mice were subjected to doxorubicin and breviscapine treatment. Cardiac function was analyzed by echocardiography, and Dox-mediated signaling was assessed in isolated cardiomyocytes. The dual cardio-protective and anti-tumor actions of breviscapine were assessed in mouse breast tumor models.Results: We found that Dox disrupts myocardial energy metabolism by decreasing glucose uptake and increasing fatty acid oxidation, leading to a decrease in ATP production rate, an increase in oxygen consumption rate and oxidative stress, and further energy deficits to enhance myocardial fatty acid uptake and drive DIC development. Interestingly, breviscapine increases the efficiency of ATP production and restores myocardial energy homeostasis by modulating the serotonin-glucose-myocardial PI3K/AKT loop, increasing glucose utilization by the heart and reducing lipid oxidation. It enhances mitochondrial autophagy via the PINK1/Parkin pathway, eliminates damaged mitochondrial accumulation caused by Dox, reduces the degree of cardiac fibrosis and inflammation, and restores cardiac micro-environmental homeostasis. Importantly, its low inflammation levels reduce myeloid immunosuppressive cell infiltration, and this effect is synergistic with the anti-tumor effect of Dox.Conclusion: Our findings suggest that disruption of the cardiac metabolic network by Dox is an important driver of its cardiotoxicity and that serotonin is an important regulator of myocardial glucose and lipid metabolism. Myocardial energy homeostasis and timely clearance of damaged mitochondria synergistically contribute to the prevention of anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity and improve the efficiency of tumor treatment.
Prescription medication use of United States military service members by therapeutic classification
Authors: Knapik Joseph J. , Trone Daniel W. , Steelman Ryan A. , Farina Emily K. , Lieberman Harris R. 
Published: September 2022

Background: This cross-sectional study investigated the prevalence of, and factors associated with, filled prescription medications (FPMs) among United States (US) service members (SMs).Methods: A stratified random sample of active duty SMs from the Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, and Navy was obtained from military workforce records. Participants (n = 26,680) completed a questionnaire on demographics, physical characteristics, and lifestyle factors and approved access to their FPM for the previous 6 months. FPMs were obtained from the military Pharmacy Data Transaction Service that included all prescription medications dispensed at military medical treatment facilities, abroad, at retail pharmacies in the US, and/or through mail-order programs.Results: About two-thirds (65%) of SMs had ≥1 FPM in the 6 months surveillance period. Central nervous system (CNS) agents had the highest prevalence (41%), followed by anti-infective agents (20%), eye/ear/nose/throat preparations (20%), gastrointestinal drugs (18%), autonomic drugs (17%), skin and mucous membrane agents (13%), antihistamine drugs (12%), respiratory tract agents (12%) and cardiovascular drugs (9%). Among CNS agents, overall prevalence of dispensed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs) was 30%. The odds of any FPM was independently associated with female gender, older age, higher body mass index, former tobacco use (smoking and smokeless tobacco), lower alcohol consumption, and was highest among Army, lowest among Marine Corps personnel.Conclusion: In this sample of SMs, dispensing of prescription medication was high, especially NSAIDs, but dispensing of cardiovascular drugs was much lower compared to the general US population, likely because of the younger age and higher level of physical activity of SMs.
Reactivation of cocaine contextual memory engages mechanistic target of rapamycin/S6 kinase 1 signaling
Authors: Shi Xiangdang , von Weltin Eva , Fitzsimmons Emma , Do Chau , Caban Rivera Carolina , Chen Chongguang , Liu-Chen Lee-Yuan , Unterwald Ellen M. 
Published: September 2022

Mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) C1 and its downstream effectors have been implicated in synaptic plasticity and memory. Our prior work demonstrated that reactivation of cocaine memory engages a signaling pathway consisting of Akt, glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK3β), and mTORC1. The present study sought to identify other components of mTORC1 signaling involved in the reconsolidation of cocaine contextual memory, including eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E)-eIF4G interactions, p70 S6 kinase polypeptide 1 (p70S6K, S6K1) activity, and activity-regulated cytoskeleton (Arc) expression. Cocaine contextual memory was established in adult CD-1 mice using conditioned place preference. After cocaine place preference was established, mice were briefly re-exposed to the cocaine-paired context to reactivate the cocaine memory and brains examined. Western blot analysis showed that phosphorylation of the mTORC1 target, p70S6K, in nucleus accumbens and hippocampus was enhanced 60 min following reactivation of cocaine memories. Inhibition of mTORC1 with systemic administration of rapamycin or inhibition of p70S6K with systemic PF-4708671 after reactivation of cocaine contextual memory abolished the established cocaine place preference. Immunoprecipitation assays showed that reactivation of cocaine memory did not affect eIF4E–eIF4G interactions in nucleus accumbens or hippocampus. Levels of Arc mRNA were significantly elevated 60 and 120 min after cocaine memory reactivation and returned to baseline 24 h later. These findings demonstrate that mTORC1 and p70S6K are required for reconsolidation of cocaine contextual memory.
Ginsenoside Rb1 improves intestinal aging via regulating the expression of sirtuins in the intestinal epithelium and modulating the gut microbiota of mice
Authors: Lei Zili , Chen Lei , Hu Qing , Yang Yanhong , Tong Fengxue , Li Keying , Lin Ting , Nie Ya , Rong Hedong , Yu Siping , Song Qi , Guo Jiao 
Published: September 2022

Intestinal aging seriously affects the absorption of nutrients of the aged people. Ginsenoside Rb1 (GRb1) which has multiple functions on treating gastrointestinal disorders is one of the important ingredients from Ginseng, the famous herb in tradition Chinese medicine. However, it is still unclear if GRb1 could improve intestinal aging. To investigate the function and mechanism of GRb1 on improving intestinal aging, GRb1 was administrated to 104-week-old C57BL/6 mice for 6 weeks. The jejunum, colon and feces were collected for morphology, histology, gene expression and gut microbiota tests using H&amp;E staining, X-gal staining, qPCR, Western blot, immunofluorescence staining, and 16S rDNA sequencing technologies. The numbers of cells reduced and the accumulation of senescent cells increased in the intestinal crypts of old mice, and administration of GRb1 could reverse them. The protein levels of CLDN 2, 3, 7, and 15 were all decreased in the jejunum of old mice, and administration of GRb1 could significantly increase them. The expression levels of Tert, Lgr5, mKi67, and c-Myc were all significantly reduced in the small intestines of old mice, and GRb1 significantly increased them at transcriptional or posttranscriptional levels. The protein levels of SIRT1, SIRT3, and SIRT6 were all reduced in the jejunum of old mice, and GRb1 could increase the protein levels of them. The 16S rDNA sequencing results demonstrated the dysbiosis of the gut microbiota of old mice, and GRb1 changed the composition and functions of the gut microbiota in the old mice. In conclusion, GRb1 could improve the intestinal aging via regulating the expression of Sirtuins family and modulating the gut microbiota in the aged mice.
Chemosensory protein 4 is required for Bradysia odoriphaga to be olfactory attracted to sulfur compounds released from Chinese chives
Authors: Yang Yuting , Hua Dengke , Zhu Jiaqi , Wang Fu , Zhang Youjun 
Published: September 2022

Bradysia odoriphaga (Diptera: Sciaridae) is a serious pest of Chinese chives cultivated in China. Chemosensory proteins (CSPs) are important components of insect olfactory systems that capture and bind environmental semiochemicals which are then transported to olfactory receptors. Despite their importance, the mechanism of olfaction and related behavioral processes in B. odoriphaga have not been characterized. Here, we found that BodoCSP4 has an important olfactory function. RT-qPCR indicated that BodoCSP4 expression was highest in the heads (antennae removed) of adult males, followed by the antennae of adult males. Competitive binding assays with 33 ligands indicated that BodoCSP4 binds well with methyl allyl disulfide, diallyl disulfide, and n-heptadecane; the corresponding dissolution constants (Ki) were as high as 5.71, 5.71, and 6.85 μM, respectively. 3D-structural and molecular docking indicated that BodoCSP4 has five α-helices and surrounds the ligand with certain hydrophobic residues including Leu60, Leu63, Leu64, Ala67, Val28, Ile30, Ile33, Leu34, and Val86, suggesting these residues help BodoCSP4 bind to ligands. Silencing of BodoCSP4 significantly decreased the attraction of B. odoriphaga males to diallyl disulfide and n-heptadecane but not to methyl allyl disulfide in Y-tube olfaction assays. These results increase our understanding of how BodoCSP4 contributes to host and female localization by B. odoriphaga males.
Strategies of tree species to adapt to drought from leaf stomatal regulation and stem embolism resistance to root properties
Authors: Chen Zhicheng , Li Shan , Wan Xianchong , Liu Shirong 
Published: September 2022

Considerable evidences highlight the occurrence of increasing widespread tree mortality as a result of global climate change-associated droughts. However, knowledge about the mechanisms underlying divergent strategies of various tree species to adapt to drought has remained remarkably insufficient. Leaf stomatal regulation and embolism resistance of stem xylem serves as two important strategies for tree species to prevent hydraulic failure and carbon starvation, as comprising interconnected physiological mechanisms underlying drought-induced tree mortality. Hence, the physiological and anatomical determinants of leaf stomatal regulation and stems xylem embolism resistance are evaluated and discussed. In addition, root properties related to drought tolerance are also reviewed. Species with greater investment in leaves and stems tend to maintain stomatal opening and resist stem embolism under drought conditions. The coordination between stomatal regulation and stem embolism resistance are summarized and discussed. Previous studies showed that hydraulic safety margin (HSM, the difference between minimum water potential and that causing xylem dysfunction) is a significant predictor of tree species mortality under drought conditions. Compared with HSM, stomatal safety margin (the difference between water potential at stomatal closure and that causing xylem dysfunction) more directly merge stomatal regulation strategies with xylem hydraulic strategies, illustrating a comprehensive framework to characterize plant response to drought. A combination of plant traits reflecting species’ response and adaptation to drought should be established in the future, and we propose four specific urgent issues as future research priorities.
Playing 7 vs. 6 with an empty goal: Is it really an option for coaches? A comparative analysis between Portugal and the other teams during the Men’s European Handball Championship 2020
Authors: Prudente João Nunes , Cardoso Americo Ramos , Rodrigues Ana Jose , Mendes João Noite , Fernando Catarina , Lopes Helder , Sousa Duarte Filipe 
Published: September 2022

The dynamic of changes in the rules in team games materialize from research and debate between experts and coaches before being implemented by the International Federations. In Handball, the last changes occurred in 2016, and one of them was to substitute the goalkeeper with an additional field player allowing teams to play “empty goal” while using the additional field player.This study aimed to analyze and characterize the use of the 7 vs. 6 strategical-tactical option for the attack in the 2020 Men’s European Championship. We also analyzed whether the game time and partial score influenced the use of 7 vs. 6 and its efficiency. Observational methodology and a mixed ad hoc instrument combining field format and category systems validated by experts were used. Data were taken from 28 matches involving teams in the first 12 positions in the 2020 Men’s European Championship. The total number of offensive sequences in an organized attack method in 7 vs. 6 with an empty goal (n = 123) were analyzed. Sequential analysis techniques with lags, prospective and retrospective, and polar coordinate analysis were used. The results showed that (a) these solutions had poor efficiency, except for the Portuguese National Team; (b) teams using the 7 vs. 6 tactic option had no negative consequences or increased risk with the opponent response; (c) partial score influenced the decision to use 7 vs. 6 strategic option, and (d) game time was associated with 7 vs. 6 play options and detected patterns.
Metacognitions associated with reproductive concerns: A cross-sectional study of young adult female cancer survivors in China
Authors: Xiao Pan Pan , Ding Si Qing , Duan Ying Long , Luo Xiao Fei , Zhou Yi , Cheng Qin Qin , Liu Xiang Yu , Xie Jian Fei , Cheng Andy SK 
Published: September 2022

ObjectiveCancer and its treatments affect patients’ fertility potential. This study examined the prevalence of reproductive concerns and their relationship with metacognitions among Chinese young adult female cancer survivors (YAFCS).MethodsA total of 318 YAFCS (aged 18–39) completed an online survey from March to December 2021. Participants reported sociodemographic characteristics, reproductive concerns and metacognitions. Reproductive concerns were measured using the Reproductive Concerns after Cancer scale (RCAC), and metacognitions were measured by the Short Form of Metacognitions Questionnaire (MCQ-30). We used Pearson correlation analysis to examine associations between metacognitions and reproductive concerns across multiple domains and multivariable linear regression to determine the influencing factors of reproductive concerns.ResultsThe mean score of reproductive concern among YAFCS was 49.97 ± 12.52. A total of 57.9% of participants reported a high level of concern regarding at least one dimension of reproductive concerns, and they were most concerned about their child’s health and least concerned about partner disclosure of fertility status. We also found a moderate association between RCAC and MCQ-30 scores (r = 0.408, p &lt; 0.001). In multivariate analyses, metacognitions, especially negative metacognitive beliefs had an impact on reproductive concerns among YAFCS (p &lt; 0.001).ConclusionHigher reproductive concerns were associated with higher metacognitions among YAFCS, especially with negative metacognitive beliefs. Oncology professionals should pay attention to assessing reproductive concerns in patients who want to have children or who have no children. Moreover, metacognitive beliefs may be an intervention target for alleviating reproductive concerns among YAFCS.
Predictors of e-cigarette initiation and use among middle school youth in a low-income predominantly Hispanic community
Authors: Gaddy M. Yvonne , Vasquez Denise , Brown Louis D. 
Published: September 2022

IntroductionE-cigarette use among middle and high school youth increased from 2. 5 million in 2014 to 9.2 million in 2019, becoming the most common tobacco product used among youth. Hispanic youth, the largest ethnic minority in the United States, have higher rates of tobacco use, including e-cigarettes, than non-Hispanics. Identifying factors that put youth at risk for future e-cigarette use is vital to focusing prevention efforts. Informed by social cognitive theory, this study identifies predictors of e-cigarette uptake among e-cigarette naïve youth in a predominantly low-income Hispanic community.Methods1,249 students (6–8th grades) from two middle schools in El Paso, Texas consented to participate in this longitudinal survey during the 2016–2017 school year. The study sample for analysis was restricted to e-cigarette naïve students (n = 862). Outcome measures were e-cigarette initiation and current use at follow-up. Logistic regression models tested six hypotheses about predictors of e-cigarette initiation and current use: (1) intention, (2) outcome expectations, (3) knowledge, (4) friendship network exposure, (5) normative beliefs, and (6) social acceptability.ResultsAmong e-cigarette naïve students at baseline, 8% (n = 71) reported initiation at follow-up; of these, 3% (n = 23) reported current use. Significant predictors of initiation were intention (AOR = 2.46; 95% CI 1.69–3.59; p &lt; 0.001), outcome expectations (AOR = 1.73; 95% CI 1.14–2.61; p = 0.009), friendship network exposure (AOR = 1.53; 95% CI 1.11–2.11; p =0.01), normative beliefs (AOR = 2.12; 95% CI 1.47–3.08; p &lt; 0.001), and social acceptability (AOR = 1.91; 95% CI 1.28–2.85; p = 0.002). Significant predictors of current use were intention (AOR = 1.98; 95% CI 1.07–3.69; p = 0.03) and friendship network exposure (AOR = 1.69; 95% CI 1.06–2.70; p = 0.03).ConclusionsWith the increasing popularity of e-cigarettes, age appropriate and culturally sensitive prevention strategies tailored at altering these predictive factors are essential in preventing future e-cigarette use.
Seasonal variation, treatment outcome, and its associated factors among the snakebite patients in Somali region, Ethiopia
Authors: Abdullahi Ahmed , Yusuf Nejib , Debella Adera , Eyeberu Addis , Deressa Alemayehu , Bekele Habtamu , Ketema Indeshaw , Abdulahi Ibsa Mussa , Weldegebreal Fitsum 
Published: September 2022

BackgroundSnakebite is a major cause of mortality and morbidity in many areas, particularly in the rural tropics, and is a major public health problem around the world. It also imposes significant economic burdens on snakebite victims due to treatment-related expenses and lost productivity.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to assess seasonal variation, treatment outcomes, and its associated factors among snakebite in Denan health center in the Somali region, Ethiopia.MethodA facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 10 to 30 September 2020 in Denan health center, Somali region, Ethiopia. All snakebite cases in Denan health center from 1 September 2015 to 31 August 2020 were included. Data were collected using a pre-tested structured checklist from the patient cards. Data were entered into EpiData version 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS version 22 (IBM SPSS Statistics, 2013). The prevalence was reported by proportion with 95% confidence interval (CI) and summary measures. Predictors were assessed using a multivariable logistic regression analysis model and reported using an adjusted odds ratio with 95% CI. Statistical significance was declared at p-value &lt; 0. 05.ResultThe overall prevalence of poor outcome of venomous snakebites was 31.4% (95% CI 26.3% 35.4%). Study participants with an age of less than 10 years old (AOR = 2.01; 95% CI 1.39, 4.05), age between 10 and 30 years old (AOR = 2.06; 95% CI 1.39, 9.30), arrival times greater than or equal to 6 hours (AOR = 2.37; 95% CI 1.39, 4.05), and timing of snakebite (AOR = 0.49; 95% CI 0.31–0.87) were factors found to be significantly associated with poor treatment outcome.ConclusionAccording to this study, about one in every three snakebite patients have a poor outcome. Patients with poor outcomes were those who did not improve as a result of treatment or died as a result of it. Designing appropriate engagement of public health education about snakebite prevention techniques, particularly during entry and exit of rainy seasons and establishment of appropriate case management protocol is strongly recommended, as well as increasing the accessibility or availability of antivenoms will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the reduction of mortality and disability related to that of the snakebites.