bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Vitamin D status in children with COVID-19: does it affect the development of long COVID and its symptoms?
Authors: Perestiuk Vita , Kosovska Tetyana , Dyvoniak Olha , Volianska Liubov , Boyarchuk Oksana 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionLong COVID is characterized by diverse symptoms persisting after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Given the immunomodulatory and neuroprotective properties of vitamin D, understanding its role in long COVID symptoms is of growing interest. This study aimed to determine vitamin D status in children with COVID-19 and assess its impact on the clinical course of disease and long COVID development.MethodsA prospective cohort study included hospitalized children with confirmed COVID-19, aged 1 month to 18 years, diagnosed between September 2022 and March 2024. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations were measured upon hospital admission, and follow-up was done to identify long COVID symptoms.ResultsIn total, 162 hospitalized patients with COVID-19 were examined. Vitamin D deficiency was determined in 8.0%, insufficiency in 25.3%, and optimal levels in 66.7% of children with COVID-19. Vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency was observed in 73% of children over 6 years and 21.6% of children under 6 years of age. Comorbid conditions were 1.4 times more frequent in children with vitamin D insufficiency, with undernutrition and obesity playing the most significant roles (p = 0.0023, p = 0.0245, respectively). Serum 25(OH)D concentration depends on COVID-19 severity (p = 0.0405) and children with vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency had a longer hospital stay (4 vs. 3 days, p = 0.0197). The vitamin D status affected the median levels of neutrophils, lymphocytes, their ratio, prothrombin time, fibrinogen levels, and the frequency of increased immunoglobulins M and E levels. Among 134 children who agreed to follow up, 56 (41.8%) experienced long COVID symptoms, while 78 (58.2%) recovered fully. Long COVID was frequently observed in children with vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency (p = 0.0331). The odds of developing long COVID were 2.2 times higher (p = 0.0346) in children with vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency compared to those with optimal levels. Children with vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency more often exhibited neurological (80% vs. 41.9%, p = 0.0040) and musculoskeletal symptoms (16% vs. 0%, p = 0.0208).ConclusionThe 25(OH)D concentrations in children with COVID-19 depended on their age. Comorbid conditions affect the vitamin D status in children with COVID-19. Vitamin D influenced the COVID-19 severity and duration of hospitalization. There was an increased risk of developing long COVID in children with vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency, and its impact on the development of neurological symptoms associated with long COVID was established.
Exploring the glucose-lowering and anti-inflammatory immune mechanism of artemether by AMPK/mTOR pathway and microbiome based on multi-omics
Authors: Jiang Tao , Du Peipei , Liu Dongxia , Chen Hetao , Ma Yujin , Hu Bin , Li Jingna , Jiang Hongwei , Li Xuejiao 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundDiabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disease with high morbidity, which significantly affects human life and health expenditures. Previous studies have demonstrated that artemether (ATM) has anti-diabetes and anti-inflammation activities, but its mechanism has not been fully elucidated. This research aimed to elucidate the impact of ATM on glucolipid metabolism in a type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) model db/db mice and what kind of role the gut microbiota played, and explored the underlying mechanisms involved.MethodsC57BL/KsJ-db/db mice were treated with 80 and 160 mg/kg of ATM for 8 weeks, with metformin as a positive control.ResultsATM treatment (160 mg/kg) observably ameliorated insulin resistance (IR), hyperglycemia, hyperlipemia and pathological injury in the liver and pancreas. In addition, ATM significantly decreased the expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, NF-κB and IL-17A, and significantly increased the level of IL-10 in diabetic mice. 16S rRNA sequencing and targeted GC-MS metabolomics result indicated that ATM restored gut microbiota dysbiosis based on increasing beneficial bacteria Lactobacillus and reducing pathogenic bacteria Helicobacter and Prevotella leading to the accumulation of propionic and valeric acids and the reduction of lipopolysaccharides (LPS) release, intestinal inflammation and intestinal barrier damage. Network pharmacology and metabolomics identified the AMPK/mTOR pathway as the main signaling involved in ATM improves glucolipid metabolism and inflammation in T2DM. Western blotting results revealed that ATM suppressed the phosphorylation of mTOR, P38, P65, IKBα and IRS1 whlie increased the levels of p-AMPK, TLR4, and occludin in mice liver and colon.ConclusionTaken together, ATM may modulate the composition of gut microbiota, increasing the abundance of Lactobacillus, which in turn elevates the levels of SCFAs. The elevation of SCFAs, especially propionic acid, may activate the AMPK/mTOR pathway, leading to a decrease in the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, NF-κB, and IL-17A, while increasing the levels of IL-10, thereby alleviating the inflammatory state and improving glucolipid metabolic disorder in T2DM. These findings laid a theoretical foundation for the clinical application of ATM in T2DM.
Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of soybean bHLH transcription factor and its molecular mechanism on grain protein synthesis
Authors: Wu Nan , Jiang Tao , Feng Yongqi , Yuan Minghao 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionSoybean seeds have a protein content of about 40% and are widely used due to their unique nutritional value. Research has found that drought and nitrogen fertilizer environments are conducive to the formation and accumulation of grain protein. Nitrogen is an essential element for soybean growth and development, and is converted into grain protein through a series of pathways such as the soybean root nodule system. The earliest report on the regulation of nodulation by bHLH transcription factors in leguminous plants was in 2011, but the network regulatory mechanism of their involvement in soybean protein synthesis is still unclear.MethodsThis study we use BLASTP and HMMER to identified 296 soybean GmbHLH genes through whole-genome identification and systematic analysis and is classified into 29 subfamilies, by comprehensively analyzing complex biological issues such as gene structure, function, interactions, and regulatory networks.ResultsThis study explores the life processes of soybean growth, development, metabolism, and resistance to adversity.The non-synonymous substitution rate/synonymous substitution rate (Ka/Ks) analysis indicates that most of the homologous genes have undergone purifying selection (Ka/Ks &lt;&lt; 1). Cis-acting element analysis of the promoter revealed that this gene family plays an important role in stress response, growth and development, hormone regulation, and other processes. RNA-seq data and qRT-PCR experiments indicated that GmbHLH genes were diversely expressed in different organs/tissues, and many GmbHLH genes were found to be differentially expressed under salt, and drought stresses, suggesting their critical role in soybean resistance to abiotic stress.DiscussionThe GmbHLH98 gene(LOC100778376), which is highly expressed under both drought and salt stress, was selected for functional validation. Molecular and agronomic trait analyses of positive transgenic offspring showed that the protein content of soybean seeds increased by 36.8%, indicating that drought and salt conditions promote protein synthesis. This study provides a theoretical basis for exploring the synergistic regulation of drought and salt response and protein synthesis by GmbHLH98 in the future.These results provide fundamental information about the soybean bHLH genes and will aid in their further functional elucidation and exploitation.
Dissonance as a productive force in the emergence of alternative crisis support and impetus for social change—principles and organizational form of the association Open Dialogue Leipzig e.V.
Authors: Klatt Thomas , Crescenti Lea Goncalves , Kruse Therese , Nenoff-Herchenbach Irene , Schernau Sarah , von Peter Sebastian 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionThis article examines the productivity of dissonance in the development of alternative crisis intervention methods, using the German example of the “Open Dialogue Leipzige.V.” The research provides detailed insights into the development of the association and the adaptation of the OD approach to local circumstances.MethodsThe presentation is based on a participatory research process, primarily processing interview data using the Grounded Theory Method. It analyzes the specific practices of implementing Open Dialogue within the association and the organizational and contextual conditions corresponding with it.ResultsDespite the challenges accompanying the introduction and sustainability of Open Dialogue in the German healthcare system, the organizational structure of the association—characterized by grassroots democratic principles and a community driven by a strong willingness to change—enables a successful application of Open Dialogue principles.DiscussionThe article critically illuminates how engagement, professionalization, and participatory learning mutually influence each other through the organizational form of the association, bringing forth an innovative crisis intervention that could potentially serve as a model for other contexts.
Effects of indoor biophilic environments on cognitive function in elderly patients with diabetes: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Dai Jiajia , Wang Mohan , Zhang Han , Wang Zhengfang , Meng Xue , Sun Yanan , Sun Yuan , Dong Wenhui , Sun Zhiying , Liu Kuo 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundThe prevalence of cognitive impairment in elderly diabetic patients is increasing, highlighting the importance of exploring strategies to prevent and ameliorate cognitive impairment in this population. Previous studies have focused mostly on improving cognition in elderly diabetic patients through three methods: medication, cognitive training, and lifestyle intervention. However, few studies have investigated the role of indoor biophilic environments in improving cognition. Biophilic environments improve human health by integrating natural elements into indoor architectural settings and have demonstrated efficacy in reducing stress and improving cognition. Therefore, it is worth exploring the effects of indoor biophilic environments on cognition in elderly diabetic patients. This study aims to investigate the effects of indoor biophilic environments on cognition in elderly diabetic patients, and the potential mechanisms.MethodsThis is a single-center, randomized controlled trial, which includes a short-term VR intervention and a long-term real environment intervention. In the short-term intervention trial, 64 diabetic patients over 60 years old are randomly assigned to 1 of 7 intervention groups or a control group. All intervention groups are constructed by single or various combinations of the 3 indoor biophilic elements: natural decorative paintings, indoor potted plants, and ornamental fish. The primary outcome of the short-term intervention trial is the cognitive scores assessed by DSST and BDS. In the long-term intervention trial, 240 diabetic patients over 60 years old will be randomly assigned to either the intervention group or the control group. The biophilic elements in long-term intervention will be determined based on the results of the short-term VR intervention trial. The primary outcomes of the long-term intervention trial are cognitive scores measured by DSST and MoCA, as well as concentrations of plasma p-tau181, esRAGE, and IL-6.ConclusionThe findings will be utilized to develop a restorative living environment for elderly patients with diabetes to improve cognition.Clinical trial registrationhttps://www.chictr.org.cn, identifier [ChiCTR2300072329].
Differential susceptibility effects of the 5-HTTLPR and MAOA genotypes on decision making under risk in the Iowa gambling task
Authors: Rehn Mattias , Nilsson Kent W. , Hultman Cathrine , Vadlin Sofia , Åslund Cecilia 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionThe interplay between genetic and environmental factors, as explored through studies of gene-environment interactions (cG×E), has illuminated the complex dynamics influencing behavior and cognition, including decision-making processes. In this study, we investigated the differential susceptibility effects of the 5-HTTLPR and MAOA genotypes on decision-making under risk using the Iowa Gambling Task.MethodsData from 264 participants (138 women, 126 men) aged 18-22 years, from the 2015 wave of the Survey of Adolescent Life in Västmanland (SALVe Cohort) was analyzed. Participants provided genetic data including the MAOA and 5-HTTLPR genotypes, and completed the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT) to evaluate decision-making behavior. Parent reports, including assessments of positive parenting styles and early life stress were used for cG×E analysis.ResultsIn a General Linear Model, significant interactions were found among males for the 5-HTTLPR, with SS/SL carriers showing higher net scores with positive parenting and lower scores with less positive parenting in relation to decision-making under risk in the IGT (trials 61-100), indicating differential susceptibility effects. Male LL carriers showed minimal fluctuation in IGT scores. Similar effects were observed for males with the MAOA S-allele. No significant interactions were found for females.DiscussionIn conclusion, our study indicates that the 5-HTTLPR and MAOA genes demonstrate susceptibility to environmental factors in influencing decision-making under risk among males, as assessed by the Iowa Gambling Task. We anticipate that these findings will contribute to advancing the understanding of the complex interactions between genetic and environmental factors in shaping human behavior and decision-making.
Noise exposure, hearing loss and cognitive impairment: a cross-sectional study based on an occupational health surveillance cohort in China
Authors: Huang Lei , Li Linjuan , Wang Juan , Zhang Shushan , Wu Huiyi , Lan Yajia , Li Junying , Zhang Yang 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundHigh-intensity noise is associated with noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). There is also evidence that noise exposure is related to cognitive impairment. This research aimed to analyze the associations and potential pathways of cumulative noise exposure (CNE), hearing loss and cognitive impairment.MethodsA total of 560 research subjects were included in this research from May 2021 to April 2022 in western China. The demographic features, occupational features, and CNE were investigated and examined. Hearing loss was evaluated according to the National standard GB/T 7583–1987 of China. The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) were used to assess cognitive function. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to analyze the potential pathways and specific effect sizes of CNE, hearing loss and cognitive impairment.ResultsThe mean age of the research subjects was 34.3 (SD, 9.89). Men accounted for 96.4% (540/560) and women accounted for 3.6% (20/560). A total of 62.3% (349/560) held a college degree or above. The regression analysis showed that high dose CNE was related to MMSE (β = −1.069 (−1.539, −0.600)) and MoCA (β = −1.040 (−1.726, −0.355)) scores. The monaural threshold weighted value of the right ear (MTWVR) greater than 40 dB was associated with both MMSE (β = −1.183 (−2.033, −0.333)) and MoCA (β = −1.420 (−2.647, −0.193)) scores. The monaural threshold weighted value of the left ear (MTWVL) greater than 40 dB was also associated with MMSE (β = −1.540 (−2.389, −0.690)) and MoCA (β = −1.685 (−2.915, −0.456)) scores. The SEM result (Model C) showed that the standard effect of CNE- hearing loss path, CNE-MMSE path, and hearing loss-MMSE path were 0.142 (p &lt; 0.001), −0.151 (p &lt; 0.001), and −0.030 (p = 0.376). The Model D showed that the standard effect of CNE- hearing loss path, CNE- MoCA path, and hearing loss- MoCA path were 0.143 (p &lt; 0.001), −0.048 (p = 0.267), and − 0.050 (p = 0.047). The CNE had only a direct effect on the MMSE score. Conversely, the CNE had only an indirect effect on the MoCA score, while hearing loss was borderline associated with MoCA. The total effects of CNE on MMSE and MoCA scores were −0.151 and −0.007, respectively.ConclusionJob-related noise exposure is not only associated with NIHL but also with early cognitive impairment in occupational groups. However, there is not enough evidence indicating that NLHL mediates the associations.
Kitchen garden, dietary diversity, and women’s health in rural eastern India: a mixed method study
Authors: Hazra Shrobana , Parida Swayam Pragyan , Giri Prajna Paramita , Behera Binod Kumar 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundNutrition and food security have been a development priority for decades and remain a major challenge for developing nations like India. Although agriculture is the dominant occupation in India, the rural populations experience poor nutritional outcomes and lag in socio-economic progress. More than half of the Indian women (15–49 years) are anaemic &amp; one-third of the children are stunted. Nutrition-sensitive agricultural practices such as kitchen garden have proven as sustainable methods for reducing undernutrition at affordable costs in different regions. This study aimed to see the relationship between kitchen garden and dietary diversity by using DDS (Dietary Diversity Score) scale in Odisha, India.ObjectivesTo assess the relationship between dietary diversity score (DDS) and backyard kitchen garden &amp; other socio-economic (SE) factors and to explore the enablers &amp; barriers associated with developing a kitchen garden (KG) in rural households of Odisha, India.MethodsThe study used simple random sampling to select 150 participants (WRA group: women of reproductive age) from the eligible household lists. The outcome variable for the investigation was DDS, whereas KG and SE indicators served as predictors/exposure variables. Furthermore, the study used purposive sampling to choose members for FGDs (Focus Group Discussions) to explore enablers and constraints related to growing a KG.ResultsWomen who did not have a household kitchen garden, had poor dietary outcomes, with DDS &lt;5 (OR: 0.163, p = 0.001). Furthermore, a lack of agricultural land lowered DDS (OR: 0.176, p = 0.008) as well. The remaining SE parameters did not demonstrate a statistically significant relationship with DDS/diet quality. The enablers and constraints to building a KG were synthesised from 2 FGDs &amp; further classified into four themes: seasonal fluctuation, local government’s initiatives, men’s engagement, and challenges.ConclusionKitchen garden can improve DDS and nutritional outcomes for the WRA group in rural Odisha. However, the distribution of seeds/saplings and small financial assistance from the local government can help with sustainability, particularly in the lower SE strata.
Use of wearables to measure the effects of long COVID on activities of daily living and their relationship to perceived exertion, occupational performance, and quality of life
Authors: Hernández-Hernández Lucía , Obeso-Benítez Paula , Serrada-Tejeda Sergio , Sánchez-Herrera-Baeza Patricia , Rodríguez-Pérez Ma Pilar , Pérez-de-Heredia-Torres Marta , Martínez-Piédrola Rosa María , Martín-Hernández Jorge 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionThis study introduces a novel approach to understanding the impact of long COVID symptoms on daily life by integrating wearable devices to assess their influence on physical and mental quality of life, as well as perceived performance and satisfaction in daily activities.MethodsBy leveraging technology such as accelerometers and pulse oximeters alongside assessment tools like the SF-12 Health Survey, the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure, and the Borg Scale, this research provides a comprehensive analysis that advances the field of occupational therapy.ResultsAn analytical observational study with 10 participants with long COVID and 10 healthy controls revealed that individuals with long COVID took significantly longer to complete tasks such as setting the table, sweeping, and climbing stairs, compared to the control group. Participants with long COVID also reported higher perceived exertion during all activities, as well as significantly worse physical health-related quality of life and lower satisfaction and performance in daily activities. Notably, perceived exertion correlated with reduced physical quality of life and diminished satisfaction and accomplishment in occupational tasks.DiscussionThese findings emphasize the critical need for occupational therapy interventions to reduce perceived exertion, which could improve physical quality of life and enhance performance and satisfaction in daily activities for individuals with long COVID.
Comparing computational times for simulations when using PBPK model template and stand-alone implementations of PBPK models
Authors: Bernstein Amanda S. , Schlosser Paul M. , Kapraun Dustin F. 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionWe previously developed a PBPK model template that consists of a single model “superstructure” with equations and logic found in many physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models. Using the template, one can implement PBPK models with different combinations of structures and features.MethodsTo identify factors that influence computational time required for PBPK model simulations, we conducted timing experiments using various implementations of PBPK models for dichloromethane and chloroform, including template and stand-alone implementations, and simulating four different exposure scenarios. For each experiment, we measured the required computational time and evaluated the impacts of including various model features (e.g., number of output variables calculated) and incorporating various design choices (e.g., different methods for estimating blood concentrations).ResultsWe observed that model implementations that treat body weight and dependent quantities as constant (fixed) parameters can result in a 30% time savings compared with options that treat body weight and dependent quantities as time-varying. We also observed that decreasing the number of state variables by 36% in our PBPK model template led to a decrease of 20–35% in computational time. Other factors, such as the number of output variables, the method for implementing conditional statements, and the method for estimating blood concentrations, did not have large impacts on simulation time. In general, simulations with PBPK model template implementations of models required more time than simulations with stand-alone implementations, but the flexibility and (human) time savings in preparing and reviewing a model implemented using the PBPK model template may justify the increases in computational time requirements.ConclusionOur findings concerning how PBPK model design and implementation decisions impact computational speed can benefit anyone seeking to develop, improve, or apply a PBPK model, with or without the PBPK model template.