bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of thromboelastographic profiles and clinical characteristics in children with severe Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia
Authors: Li Yong-tao , Ma Yu-mei , Dai Fu-li , Peng Zhen , Dai Ya-ping , Zhi Ke , Feng Hai-hong , Li Shu-jun 
Published: January 2025

BackgroundThis study aimed to compare Thromboelastographic (TEG) profiles and clinical characteristics between severe Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) pneumonia patients with normal and abnormal TEG parameters.MethodsThe clinical data of 133 children with severe MP pneumonia were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into normal (n = 76) and abnormal (n = 57) TEG groups. Demographic characteristics, clinical manifestations, laboratory findings, imaging features, bronchoscopy results, treatment, complications, and outcomes were compared between groups.ResultsThe abnormal TEG group (42.9%) had longer fever duration (median: 8.5 vs. 7.0 days, P &lt; 0.001) and hospital stay (median: 11.5 vs. 10.0 days, P = 0.003). They also showed higher levels of C-reactive protein (median: 30.2 vs. 20.1 mg/L, P &lt; 0.001), lactate dehydrogenase (median: 334.5 vs. 276.0 U/L, P = 0.001), and D-dimer (median: 1.2 vs. 0.5 μg/ml, P &lt; 0.001). HRCT revealed more lobar consolidation or multilobar involvement (36.8% vs. 18.4%, P = 0.016), and bronchoscopy showed more mucous plug obstruction (28.1% vs. 10.5%, P = 0.008) in the abnormal TEG group. TEG parameters indicated a hypercoagulable state with shorter R time (P &lt; 0.001), shorter K time (P &lt; 0.001), and higher MA (P = 0.003). The abnormal TEG group had higher incidences of coagulopathy (P &lt; 0.001), cardiac involvement (elevated cardiac enzymes: 36.8% vs. 17.1%, P = 0.009; pericardial effusion: 10.5% vs. 1.3%, P = 0.017), and plastic bronchitis (P = 0.006). They also required longer azithromycin courses (median: 15 vs. 14 days, P = 0.026).ConclusionChildren with severe MP pneumonia and abnormal TEG profiles have more severe clinical manifestations, higher inflammatory markers, more extensive lung involvement, and a higher incidence of complications. TEG may help identify high-risk patients and guide management in severe MP pneumonia.
PBMCs gene expression predicts liver fibrosis regression after successful HCV therapy in HIV/HCV-coinfected patients
Authors: Virseda-Berdices Ana , Brochado-Kith Óscar , Berenguer Juan , González-García Juan , Pérez-Latorre Leire , Busca Carmen , Díez Cristina , Micán Rafael , Fernández-Rodríguez Amanda , Jiménez-Sousa María Ángeles , Resino Salvador 
Published: January 2025

BackgroundHCV eradication with antiviral treatment reduces hepatic disease, but some patients remain at risk of progression to cirrhosis despite HCV clearance. We aimed to examine the association between peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) gene expression before HCV therapy and a pronounced decrease in the liver stiffness measurement (LSM) value in HIV/HCV-coinfected patients after HCV treatment and achievement of sustained virological response (SVR).MethodsWe performed a retrospective study in 48 HIV/HCV-coinfected patients who started anti-HCV treatment with at least advanced fibrosis (LSM ≥9.5). Total RNA was extracted from PBMCs at baseline, and poly(A) RNA sequencing was performed. The outcome was an LSM reduction greater than 50% (LSMred&gt;50%) about 48 weeks after HCV treatment.ResultsSeven patients (14.5%) reduced LSM by over 50%. We found 47 significant differentially expressed (SDE) genes associated with reaching an LSMred&gt;50% after achieving HCV eradication, 42 upregulated and 5 downregulated in the LSMred&gt;50% group. Ten and five of these upregulated genes were classified into two significantly enriched KEGG pathways: cell cycle and progesterone-mediated oocyte maturation (q-value &lt;0.05), respectively. Two SDE genes achieved excellent discrimination ability: NCAPG had an AUROC of 0.908, NHLRC1 of 0.879, and a logistic regression model with these two genes of 0.955.ConclusionA pre-treatment gene expression signature in PBMCs was associated with liver fibrosis regression (LSMred&gt;50%) after achieving HCV clearing with HCV therapy in HIV/HCV-coinfected patients, where two SDE genes (NCAPG and NHLRC1) showed the greatest predictive capacity, which could be used as a noninvasive marker of liver fibrosis regression.
Periplanta americana extract regulates the Th17/Treg cell balance via Notch1 in ulcerative colitis
Authors: Zheng Yanqiu , Li Huibiao , Qi Shiyu , Xiao Fan , Song Jinbin , Liu Shiyin , Chen Xinlin , Li Yanwu , Chen Muyuan 
Published: January 2025

BackgroundPeriplanta americana extract (PAE), a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) from Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing, has been used to treat ulcerative colitis (UC), various types of wounds and ulcers, infantile malnutrition, palpitation, asthma, and so on. However, the exact mechanisms of PAE in UC have still not been fully revealed. The study aims to explore the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of PAE in UC.MethodsThe efficacy of PAE was evaluated using a DSS-induced UC mice model and the colon inflammation and mucosal barrier were comprehensively assessed. Furthermore, Network pharmacological analysis was utilized to identify potential targets and signaling pathways of PAE in the UC treatment. The proportion and the markers of Th17 and Treg cells in the spleen and colon were examined. The signal transduction was detected in vivo. In vitro, an activated Notch1-mediated Th17/Treg was modeled, and the effect of PAE on the epithelial cell barrier was examined.ResultsPAE mitigated colon inflammation and intestinal barrier damage in UC mice. Network pharmacological analysis showed that the targets of UC intervention by PAE may be closely related to Th17 cell differentiation, the IL-17 signaling pathway, and cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction. Mechanistically, PAE regulated the balance of Th17/Treg and inhibited the Notch1/Math1 pathway in the colon of UC mice. In vitro, PAE intervention alleviated the activated Notch1-mediated Th17/Treg imbalance in Jurkat T cells. After notch1-activated Jurkat T cells were co-cultured with HCoEpic cells, the expressions of Occludin, ZO1 were higher in the HCoEpic cells.ConclusionPAE could alleviate colon inflammation and mucosal barrier damage in UC, which are related to the inhibition of Notch1 and the regulation of the Th17/Treg balance. PAE might be a potential candidate agent for UC treatment.
Ex vivo biotransformation of lady’s mantle extracts via the human gut microbiota: the formation of phenolic metabolites and their impact on human normal and colon cancer cell lines
Authors: Jakimiuk Katarzyna , Kruk Aleksandra , Lemieszek Marta Kinga , Strawa Jakub W. , Granica Sebastian , Wiater Adrian , Tomczyk Michał 
Published: January 2025

IntroductionFor centuries, various species from the genus Alchemilla have been utilized in traditional medicine worldwide. Among them, Alchemilla vulgaris L. (Rosaceae) stands out as a promising herbal drug candidate due to its phytochemicals displaying anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.MethodsIn our study, we investigated the interaction between the human gut microbiota and lady’s mantle herb extract (AV) following the biotransformation of the extract’s constituents and their impact on colorectal cancer cells (HT-29) and normal CCD 841 CoN epithelial cells. The A. vulgaris herb metabolites were obtained by incubating the extract (AV) with human fecal slurries from three healthy donors (D1, D2, and D3).ResultsAfter incubating the AV extract with the human gut microbiota (AVD1-AVD3 samples), thirty-three metabolites were detected and characterized by LC-MS. Among them, one was identified as urolithin C. The AV and AVD1-AVD3 extracts and their metabolites exhibit various levels of antiproliferative and cytotoxic activities against cancer cells. Their biological effect might be linked to the changes and direct activity of bioavailable metabolites. Samples from AVD1, AVD2, and AVD3 increase the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) released from damaged colon cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner. At 250 μg/mL, AVD1, AVD2, and AVD3 elevated the LDH level by 12.6%, 25.3%, and 30.0%, respectively. The biotransformed samples also showed significantly higher antiproliferative activity than the AV extract. The most active sample from donor 3 (AVD3) reached IC50 = 471 μg/mL.DiscussionThe differences in anticancer effect might be linked to the changes and direct activity of bioavailable metabolites. The non-transformed AV extract affected neither normal nor cancer colon cells, indicating the beneficial effect of the biotransformation procedure on the anticancer properties of the evaluated extracts. The above results clearly indicate that microbial metabolism is a crucial factor that is potent in altering the biological activity of lady’s mantle extract.
Systemic doxycycline as an adjunct to nonsurgical periodontal therapy in diabetic patients with periodontitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Zheng , Zhang Zhenyu , Zhang Guoquan 
Published: January 2025

BackgroundRecent studies that investigated the effects of systemic doxycycline as an adjuvant to scale and root planing (SRP) in the treatment of diabetic periodontitis have yielded controversial results. The aim of this meta-analysis is to evaluate the effect of systemic doxycycline as an adjunct to SRP against SRP alone for improving clinical outcomes of periodontitis in diabetic individuals.MethodsA systematic literature search was performed using PubMed, Cochrane library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and VIP Data from the beginning of the database until March 2024. For probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), and bleeding on probing (BOP), mean difference (MD) and the 95% confidence interval (CI) were computed. Heterogeneity was assessed using the Q test and the I2 statistic. Evaluation of publication bias was conducted using Egger’s and Begg’s tests.ResultsA total of 12 articles were included for meta-analysis. No statistically significant difference was indicated in the improvement of PD, CAL, PI and GI between a treatment group receiving SRP combined with short-term antimicrobial dose doxycycline and controls receiving SRP alone. However, short-term antimicrobial dose doxycycline plus SRP significantly reduced BOP by 8.14% (95%CI 2.23–14.05) at 3 months. Furthermore, after the adjunctive use of long-term sub-antimicrobial dose doxycycline, significant reductions in GI (MD: 0.72, 95% CI: 0.34–1.10) and BOP (MD: 12.8, 95% CI: 0.24–25.36) were observed at 3 months. The robustness of the results was further confirmed by sensitivity analysis, despite the truth that significant heterogeneity was found among the included studies.ConclusionGingival inflammation in diabetic patients can be reduced more successfully by SRP combined with systemic doxycycline than by SRP alone, but this is insufficient in preventing periodontal tissue destruction.
Self-beneficial transactional social dynamics for cooperation in Shwachman-Diamond syndrome: a mixed-subject analysis using computational pragmatics
Authors: Trognon Arthur , Stortini Natacha , Duman Coralie , Koïdé Nami , Skupinska Ewa , Altakroury Hamza , Poli Alizée , Mahdar-Recorbet Loann , Beaupain Blandine , Donadieu Jean , Musiol Michel 
Published: January 2025

BackgroundShwachman-Diamond Syndrome (SDS) is a rare genetic disorder with documented cognitive and behavioral challenges. However, its socio-pragmatic dynamics remain underexplored, particularly in cooperative interactions where social norms and economic considerations intersect.ObjectiveThis study investigates the socio-behavioral dynamics of SDS, focusing on how children with the condition navigate cooperative interactions. Using computational pragmatics, we aimed to identify the underlying principles guiding their social behavior.MethodsA cohort of 10 children (5 SDS, 5 matched controls) participated in ecological and cognitive tasks, including the WISC-V “Comprehension” subtest, NEPSY-II social perception tasks, and the Trognon Ecological Side Task for the Assessment of Speech-Act Processing (TEST-ASAP). Dialogues were analyzed using the Topological and Kinetic (2TK) model and a Recurrent Neural Network (RNN), enabling fine-grained computational insights into their interaction patterns.ResultsChildren with SDS exhibited cooperative behaviors shaped by perceived economic benefits, often at the expense of established social norms. Unlike behaviors classically observed in other pathologies such as autism spectrum disorders, where responses are influenced by the directness of communication, SDS behaviors were driven by personal gain, regardless of the indirectness of requests. Computational analyses revealed strong divergences in dialogical alignment when tasks lacked direct benefits, even with corrective prompts.ConclusionSDS children demonstrate a transactional approach to social interactions, prioritizing personal benefits over cooperative norms. Using our unique dialogic and computational frameworks, we show that perceived personal gain strongly shapes their cooperation patterns. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to enhance pragmatic skills and adaptive functioning in SDS, given their unique interaction profiles.
Age effect analysis of different gender groups in spatial ability test based on virtual reality technology
Authors: Guo Yangyang , Zhang Mengdi , Gu Jiangpeng , Liu Qiyang , Liu Xinyang , Wang Jie , Ma Fangfang , Zhai Lihong , Qi Jianlin , Jin Zhanguo 
Published: January 2025

PurposeThe objective of the present study was to examine the impact of age and cognitive autonomy across various gender categories. Moreover, this research seeks to delve into the dissociation of diverse spatial aptitude assessments, with the aim of elucidating the intricate mechanism underpinning spatial capability.MethodBased on virtual reality technology, this study conducted spatial ability tests on 312 volunteers, aged from 18 to 90 years old, including R-letter rotation test, S-M mental rotation, surface development test and maze test.ResultsThe analysis revealed that the spatial ability of men decreases with age, but the spatial ability of women between 28 and 37 years old is better than that of other age groups. Males outperformed females in most visual ability tests, but there was no significant difference in some age groups. There was no significant correlation between the R-letter rotation test and the S-M mental rotation test, and the two tests were independent. The relationship between visual ability and orientation ability is different in different spatial test indicators.ConclusionThis investigation further elucidates the dissimilarities in the age-related characteristics of spatial aptitude among diverse gender cohorts, as well as the autonomy of various spatial aptitude assessments. Such distinctions are instrumental in occupational preference for disparate groups, calling for comprehensive and meticulous inquiries into the maturation of spatial proficiency by researchers.
The mediating role of psychological capital in health behaviors among elderly nursing home residents
Authors: Liao Liping , Li Yunhua , Tian Feng , Wu Ju , Zhong Jing , He Tingting , Li Jinxiu 
Published: January 2025

ObjectiveThis study aims to explore the interactions between social capital, positive psychological capital, and health-promoting behaviors among elderly residents in nursing homes in the Xiangxi region of China.MethodsA random cluster sampling method was employed to select elderly individuals from 27 nursing homes in the Xiangxi area. Data were collected using the general information questionnaire, the Social Capital Scale, the Positive Psychological Capital Scale, and the Health-Promoting Behaviors Scale. The mediating role of positive psychological capital between social capital and health-promoting behaviors was analyzed.ResultsA total of 341 questionnaires were collected from 27 nursing homes. The data reveals mean scores of 46.83 ± 10.26 for social capital, 72.48 ± 6.39 for positive psychological capital, and 68.25 ± 10.85 for health-promoting behaviors. Mediation analysis shows that the total effect of social capital on health-promoting behaviors was 0.800 (95% CI: 0.726, 0.873), with a direct effect of 0.478 (95% CI: 0.379, 0.577), accounting for 59.75% of the total effect. The indirect effect, mediated by positive psychological capital, was 0.321 (95% CI: 0.233, 0.409), contributing to 40.13% of the total effect.ConclusionPositive psychological capital acts as a mediating variable between social capital and health-promoting behaviors. Future interventions designed to enhance health-promoting behaviors must consider both social and psychological capitals to fully leverage their interplay and further promote healthy aging.
Differences in spatiotemporal pressure and performance between Chinese and German elite youth football players during matches
Authors: Liang Yapu , Li Tianhe , Xu Hansi , Zhang Peng 
Published: January 2025

IntroductionIn modern football, spatial and temporal pressure significantly influence player performance and tactical outcomes, particularly in youth competitions. This study aims to investigate the spatial pressure differences between Chinese and German U17 elite youth football teams, focusing on the ball-handler’s distance to the nearest defender (D).MethodsVideo analysis was conducted to measure D across various match contexts, including scorelines (leading, tied, and trailing), game phases (passing and receiving), pass outcomes (successful and unsuccessful), and pitch zones. Statistical analyses were performed using non-parametric methods to compare the D under different conditions. The Mann–Whitney U test and Kruskal–Wallis H test were used to identify significant differences, with post hoc comparisons conducted where necessary.ResultsResults show that the German team consistently maintained greater D than the Chinese team (p &lt; 0.001, d = 0.463), highlighting their superior spatial management and tactical adaptability.DiscussionGreater D was associated with enhanced offensive flexibility and defensive stability, allowing the German team to create space effectively and maintain structural integrity under pressure. In contrast, the Chinese team’s smaller D suggested limitations in spatial utilization and higher defensive engagement risks. These findings underscore the importance of tactical training emphasizing spatial awareness and balanced pressure management, providing valuable insights for youth football development.
Unraveling the insomnia puzzle: sleep reactivity, attention deficit hyperactivity symptoms, and insomnia severity in ADHD Patients
Authors: Uygur Hilal 
Published: January 2025

IntroductionInsomnia is the most common sleep problem among adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The severity of insomnia can exacerbate the symptoms of ADHD. Identifying the predictive factors that contribute to insomnia severity may be crucial in treating insomnia among adults with ADHD. One potential factor contributing to insomnia is sleep reactivity, which refers to the tendency to experience insomnia triggered by stress. This phenomenon, also known as vulnerability to stress-related insomnia, reflects the extent to which individuals are prone to developing insomnia in response to stressful situations. To date, sleep reactivity in adults with ADHD has not been studied. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between sleep reactivity, attention deficit hyperactivity symptoms, and the severity of insomnia in adults with ADHD.MethodsThis study included 61 adults with ADHD with no comorbid psychiatric or medical diseases and 61 adult healthy controls (HCs) matched for age, sex, body mass index, and years of education. All participants completed the sociodemographic data form, Ford Insomnia Response to Stress Test (FIRST), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS), and Wender Utah Rating Scale (WURS).ResultsSleep reactivity, insomnia severity, and poor sleep quality were higher in adults with ADHD compared to HCs. Higher sleep reactivity was associated with worse sleep outcomes in both groups, whereas higher sleep reactivity was associated with severe ADHD symptoms in the HCs group. In the ADHD group, insomnia severity was predicted by higher sleep reactivity, ASRS, and being female (R2 = 0.32, F (6, 61) = 4.36, p = 0.001), not age, ADHD medication use, and WURS.ConclusionOur findings suggest that higher sleep reactivity, increased ADHD symptoms, and being female may predict the severity of insomnia in adults with ADHD.
Development of an educational and monitoring mobile application for pregnant women in Nigeria
Authors: Babatunde Abdulhammed Opeyemi , Ayede Adejumoke Idowu , Colangelo Amalia , Nguyen Tuan Dung , Aborode Abdullahi Tunde , Umeh Charles , Hernandez Maria Paula , Ayede Oluwaseyi Iyanuoluwa , Ayede Oluwatobiloba Oluwadunni 
Published: January 2025

IntroductionNigeria accounts for 20% of all maternal mortality. Recently, more mobile health technology (mHealth) interventions are emerging in sub-Saharan Africa. The potential of mobile applications in maternal care has not been explored in Nigeria. This study describes the process of design, development, and testing of an educational and monitoring mobile application for pregnant women in Nigeria.MethodUsing a user-centered design, we conducted semi-structured interviews at each stage of mobile application development with pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in Oyo State, Nigeria. The first interview focused on empathy, followed by alpha and beta testing of the mobile application prototype at health facilities.ResultsThe barriers to accessing perinatal care were the distance to the nearest facility (mean = 3.3 km), lack of perinatal education, and cost. The low-fidelity prototype of the mobile application was designed with five features. Mobile applications increased the level of knowledge of preeclampsia by 179%. User feedback from alpha testing informed the development of a high-fidelity prototype for beta testing. Ninety-five percent (95%) of pregnant women surveyed were willing to download the mobile application. The final application developed was uploaded to the Google Play Store (MyBelle pregnancy application).ConclusionmHealth applications have the potential to increase access to prenatal information and services in Nigeria and may reduce maternal and childhood mortality. This study has described the process of development of the first indigenous mobile application specifically for pregnant women in Nigeria using a user-centered design thinking approach.