bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigating factors influencing overweight and obesity among adult households in Ethiopia: a multilevel ordered analysis of 2016 EDHS data
Authors: Deressa Alemayehu , Firdisa Dawit , Birhanu Abdi , Debella Adera , Gamachu Mulugeta , Eyeberu Addis , Dechasa Deribe Bekele , Jibro Usmael , Balis Bikila , Tolera Moti , Regassa Lemma Demissie , Mussa Ibsa 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundIn both high- and low-income countries, including Ethiopia, overweight and obesity have emerged as public health issues of the 21st century. Hence, obtaining conclusive evidence concerning the factors that influence adults’ body mass index is important. Therefore, using representative data, our study sought to provide solid evidence on factors influencing overweight and obesity among adults in Ethiopia.MethodsThe 2016 Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS), a dataset composed of a nationally representative sample of the survey, served as the basis for the study. Both descriptive and analytic findings were produced using STATA version 14. The data collection were conducted from January to June 2016. A total sample of 39,749 adults, 18 years and older, were included. Predictors were assessed using multivariable ordinal logistic regression analysis, and the results were presented as an adjusted proportional ratio (POR) with a 95% confidence interval. Statistical significance was declared at a p-value of &lt;0.05.ResultsOverall, the magnitude of overweight and obesity among adults in Ethiopia was 8.5% (95% CI: 8.2% to 8.7%) and 2.9% (95% CI: 2.7% to 3.1%), respectively. Predictor variables such as smoking (POR = 0.53, 95% CI: 0.42–0.67); being female (POR = 1.21, 95% CI: 1.13–1.30); being married (POR = 1.91, 95% CI: 1.26–2.90); having a secondary education (POR = 1.42, 95% CI: 2.23–1.64); having a diploma and above education (POR = 1.78, 95% CI: 1.44–2.21); having a poorer (POR = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.13–1.31), middle (POR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.20–1.40), richer (POR = 1.35, 95% CI: 1.25–1.47), and richest (POR = 3.13, 95% CI: 2.79–3.51) wealth index rating; and having a rural residence (POR = 0.48, 95% CI: 0.43–0.54) were significantly associated with overweight and obesity.ConclusionsOverall, 8.5% and 2.9% of Ethiopian adults were overweight and obese, respectively. Factors such as smoking, sex, marital status, educational status, wealth index, residence, and region were significantly associated with overweight and obesity among adult households. As a result, enhancing lifestyle modifications is enormous, and it is necessary to have more tangible evidence concerning the factors influencing body mass index utilizing more representative data from local and global.
Obesity-related renal dysfunction: gender-specific influence of visceral adiposity and early impact of metabolic and bariatric surgery
Authors: Popa Miruna Maria , Sirbu Anca Elena , Malinici Elisabeta Andreea , Copaescu Catalin , Fica Simona 
Published: October 2024

IntroductionRenal dysfunction is a recognized complication of obesity with an incompletely characterized pathophysiology. Improvement of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) after metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) has been reported across all classes of renal function. Inter-gender differences with regard to correlates of renal function have been described, but the influence of body composition is an understudied area. We aimed to explore determinants of renal function in obesity and to assess its variations after MBS, with a focus on body composition parameters in males and females, respectively.Materials, methodsWe conducted a retrospective study on 196 patients who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, evaluated preoperatively and 6 months after the intervention. Recorded data included clinical and biochemical assessment, as well as body composition estimation via dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Serum creatinine-based formulas were used for the estimation of GFR.ResultsWe included a total of 196 patients (80 males and 116 females), with a mean age of 41.43 ± 10.79. Median baseline body mass index was 42.6 (6.61) kg/m2 and 6 months excess weight loss (EWL) reached 71.43 ± 17.18%, in females, estimated GFR correlated negatively with visceral adipose tissue (VAT) mass (rho=-.368) and this correlation was stronger in females with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Moreover, women in the third VAT mass tertile were 5 times more likely to have reduced GFR compared to the first tertile. Renal function improved after MBS across all classes of filtration. In males, this improvement correlated with EWL (rho=.358) and lean mass variation (rho=-.412), while in females it correlated with VAT mass variation (rho=-.266).ConclusionsOur results are consistent with previous findings on the positive impact of MBS on renal function and suggest a more prominent impact of visceral adiposity on GFR in females.
Association of dietary and circulating antioxidant vitamins with metabolic syndrome: an observational and Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Sun Qian , Fan Zhixing , Yao Fangfang , Zhao Xiaojing , Jiang Min , Yang Mudan , Mao Menglu , Yang Chaojun 
Published: October 2024

AimsThe objective of this study was to investigate the associations of dietary and circulating antioxidant vitamins with metabolic syndrome (MetS), and to assess causality using Mendelian randomization (MR).MethodsThis study included 10,308 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The associations of vitamins A, C, E and carotenoids with MetS were assessed using multivariable weighted logistic regression analysis. Subsequently, the MR approach was employed to test the causal associations, with inverse variance weighted (IVW) serving as the primary analysis.ResultsObservationally, dietary vitamin A (OR=0.852, 95%CI: 0.727-0.999), C (OR=0.802, 95%CI: 0.675-0.952), carotene (OR=0.832, 95%CI: 0.706-0.982), and β-carotene (OR=0.838, 95%CI: 0.706-0.995) in quartile 4 had lower incidents of MetS, when compared to quartile 1. Circulating vitamin C and carotene were also present inversely associated with MetS, while the vitamin A and E both increased this risk. IVW-MR confirmed the associations of dietary vitamin A (OR=0.920, 95%CI: 0.861-0.984), vitamin C (OR=0.905, 95%CI: 0.836-0.979) and carotene (OR=0.918, 95%CI: 0.865-0.974) with MetS. However, there was only circulating β-carotene (OR=0.909, 95%CI: 0.857-0.965) was found to be causally associated with MetS.ConclusionsObservational and MR studies have shown that adequate dietary intake of vitamin A, C and carotenoids may help to reduce the risk of MetS.
Neonatal overfeeding attenuates microgliosis and hippocampal damage in an infant rat model of pneumococcal meningitis
Authors: Cassiano Larissa Marcely Gomes , de Queiroz Karina Barbosa , Martins Thais Veronez de Andrade , Maia Ana Luiza Azevedo , Rachid Milene Alvarenga , Spencer Sarah J. , Coimbra Roney Santos 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundPneumococcal meningitis (PM) triggers apoptotic neuronal and progenitor cell death in the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG), resulting in subsequent cognitive impairment. Microglia play a crucial role in PM-induced hippocampal damage. While the lasting effects of neonatal nutrition on health are well documented, the influence of early-life overfeeding on the host response to neuroinfections remains uncertain. This study aimed to examine whether neonatal overfeeding affects the outcome of PM in the hippocampus (HC).Material and methodsOverfeeding was induced by adjusting litter size immediately after birth. On the eleventh day of life, rats were intracisternally injected with Streptococcus pneumoniae or saline, followed by euthanasia after 24 hours for brain dissection. Histological analysis evaluated apoptosis in the DG and the extent of inflammatory infiltrate in the hippocampal fissure, while microgliosis was assessed by immunohistochemistry. The hippocampal transcriptome was analyzed using RNAseq, and the mRNA levels of specific inflammatory biomarkers were evaluated via RT-qPCR.ResultsOverfed rats exhibited 40.5% greater body mass compared to their normal-fed counterparts. Intriguingly, PM-induced apoptosis in the DG was 50% lower in overfed rats. This effect was accompanied by significant alterations in the hippocampal transcriptional profile, particularly the lack of activation of the Programmed cell death pathway in overfed infected animals. RT-qPCR analysis of Aif1 and examination of Iba1-immunostained cells revealed mild microgliosis in the HC of infected-overfed animals. This reduced microglial reaction may be attributed to the diminished activation of interferon signaling pathways, as disclosed by the transcriptome analysis, potentially preventing microglial priming. Additionally, evidence of reduced neuroinflammation in overfed rats with PM was observed through the milder activation of pathways associated with Toll-like receptors, interleukins, and chemokine signaling. Furthermore, overfed animals exhibited increased transcription of proinflammatory Il6 and anti-inflammatory Il10 genes, with the latter showing higher expression even in the absence of PM, suggesting a priming effect of overfeeding on hippocampal immune cells.ConclusionThis study sheds light on the complex interplay between early-life overfeeding, immune response, and neuroprotection in infant rats with PM. The findings demonstrate the neuroprotective impact of early-life overfeeding in the context of PM, linked to the modulation of microglial function.
HLA-G expression associates with immune evasion muscle-invasive urothelial cancer and drives prognostic relevance
Authors: Branz Annalena , Matek Christian , Lange Fabienne , Bahlinger Veronika , Klümper Niklas , Hölzel Michael , Strissel Pamela L. , Strick Reiner , Sikic Danijel , Wach Sven , Taubert Helge , Wullich Bernd , Hartmann Arndt , Seliger Barbara , Eckstein Markus 
Published: October 2024

IntroductionUrothelial bladder cancer is frequent and exhibits diverse prognoses influenced by molecular subtypes, urothelial subtype histology, and immune microenvironments. HLA-G, known for immune regulation, displays significant membranous expression in tumor tissues.MethodsWe studied the protein expression of Human Leucocyte Antigen G (HLA-G) in 241 Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer (MIBC) patients, elucidating its potential clinical and biological significance. Protein expression levels were evaluated and correlated with molecular subtypes, histological characteristics, immune microenvironment markers, and survival outcomes.ResultsHigh HLA-G expression associates with poor overall survival (OS) and diseasespecific survival (DSS), independent of clinicopathological parameters. HLA-G expression varies among molecular subtypes and Urothelial Subtype Histology, e.g., elevated expression levels in basal/squamous MIBC and those with sarcomatoid differentiation. Notably, HLA-G is increased in MIBC with an immune evasive microenvironment (high PD-L1 tumor cell expression, NK cell depletion, granzyme B (GZMB)/CD8 ratio reduction, MHC class I (MHCI) expression reduction) that are characterized by immunosuppressive features and poor prognosis. Furthermore, HLA-G correlates with elevated levels of other immune checkpoint proteins (TIGIT, LAG3, CTLA-4), indicating its role in immune evasion.DiscussionOur findings underscore HLA-G’s role as a potential prognostic marker and interesting immunotherapeutic target in MIBC. Its impact on immune evasion mechanisms and broad expression, coupled with associations withpoor survival and distinct tumor phenotypes, positions HLA-G as a promising protein for further exploration in developing targeted immunotherapies for MIBC patients.
Effect of hypoxia in the post-hatching development of the salmon (Salmo salar L.) spinal cord
Authors: Rojas Mariana , Hernández Hilda , Smok Carolina , Pellón Mario , Sandoval Cristian , Salvatierra Renato , Birditt Katherine , Castro Rodrigo 
Published: October 2024

IntroductionHypoxia has a teratogenic effect on the fish during embryonic development. Nevertheless, the effects on the larval stage are not yet known. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the effects of hypoxia on the number of neurons and their apoptotic rate in the spinal cord of Salmo salar alevins after hatching.MethodsWe used a total of 400 alevins, establishing both hypoxia and control (normoxia) groups (n = 8), considering post-hatching days 1, 3, 5, and 7, each with 50 individuals. Transversal sections of 50 μm thickness were cut from the alevin body. We performed cresyl-violet staining and counted the spinal cord neurons. Also, immunohistochemistry for HIF-1α and caspase-3 were used. For statistical analysis ANOVA one-way and Tukey's Test were used.ResultsHIF-1α was expressed in spinal neurons in both the hypoxic and normoxic groups, with the former being significantly higher. Both the hypoxic and normoxic groups evidenced the process of neuronal apoptosis, with the hypoxic groups demonstrating a higher significance. The number of neurons in the spinal cord was significantly lower in the hypoxic group.DiscussionWe found that when oxygen levels in the aquatic environment were low in Salmo salar farming alevins post-hatch, the number of spinal neurons dropped by half. These results contribute to increasing our knowledge of the biological development of salmon, in particular the genesis of the spinal cord, and the effects of hypoxic conditions on the development of this structure of the nervous system.
Applications of artificial intelligence and machine learning in image processing
Authors: Xu Pingyuan , Wang Jinyuan , Jiang Yu , Gong Xiangbing 
Published: October 2024

IntroductionWith the rapid development of artificial intelligence and machine learning technology, image processing technology based on artificial intelligence and machine learning has been applied in various fields, which effectively solves the multi-classification problem of similar targets in traditional image processing technology.MethodsThis paper summarizes the various algorithms of artificial intelligence and machine learning in image processing, the development process of neural network model, the principle of model and the advantages and disadvantages of different algorithms, and introduces the specific application of image processing technology based on these algorithms in different scientific research fields.Results And DiscussionThe application of artificial intelligence and machine learning in image processing is summarized and prospected, in order to provide some reference for researchers who used artificial intelligence and machine learning for image processing in different fields.
Comparison of distinct gut bacterial communities in different stage of prediapause and nondiapause larvae in Loxostege sticticalis
Authors: Wang Jianyu , Chong Hainan , Li Dong , Cui Shaowei , Song Yanni , He Jinyu , Bo Tingbei , Zhang Dandan , Xiao Haijun 
Published: October 2024

IntroductionSymbiotic microorganisms in insects regulate multiple physiological functions, widely participating in nutrient metabolism, immune regulation, and crucial regulatory roles in development. However, little is known about how microbial factors might respond to the preparation of insect diapause.MethodsThe gut bacterial communities of Loxostege sticticalis larvae induced at different photoperiod of long (LD16:8, nondiapause) and short (LD12:12, prediapause) daylength were compared, by 16S rRNA Illumina MiSeq.ResultsA total number of 42 phylum, 78 classes, 191 orders, 286 families, 495 genera, and 424 species were identified in the intestinal bacterial community of L. sticticalis larvae. Alpha diversity and beta diversity analyses revealed significant differences between nondiapause and prediapause larvae. In non-diapause larvae, the dominant intestinal bacteria were Firmicutes and Proteobacteria. In specific, in 3rd and 4th instar larvae, the main intestinal bacteria were Staphylococcus, while in 5th instar, it was JC017. For the prediapause larvae, the dominant phylum in 3rd instar larvae was Firmicutes, with the dominant genus of Staphylococcus, while in 4th and 5th instar larvae was Bacteroidota, with the dominant genus 4th instar was Staphylococcus, and in 5th instar was JC017. KEGG functional prediction analysis revealed that functional bacterial groups involved in metabolism had the highest abundance values. Specifically, the amino acid metabolism of metabolism-related functional genes in the 3rd instar prediapause larvae was significantly lower than that in the 4th and 5th instar prediapause larvae and the non-diapause treatment. However, the carbohydrate metabolism in 3rd instar prediapause larvae was significantly higher than that in 4th and 5th instar prediapause larvae and non-diapause treatments. The dominant bacterial phylum in the prediapause larvae at different stages of L. sticticalis was varied, and there were significant differences in community diversity and richness.DiscussionThese results suggest a complex interaction between the hosts’ physiological state and its gut microbiota, indicating that bacterial communities may assist insects in adapting to diapause preparation by regulating their metabolic levels. This study lays the foundation for further understanding the physiological mechanisms by which intestinal microorganisms regulate overwintering dormancy in the L. sticticalis.
Choroid plexus enlargement in patients with end-stage renal disease: implications for glymphatic system dysfunction
Authors: Park Sihyung , Park Bong Soo , Lee Ho-Joon , Heo Chang Min , Ko Junghae , Lee Dong Ah , Park Kang Min 
Published: October 2024

ObjectivesThe choroid plexus plays a role in eliminating detrimental metabolites from the brain as an integral component of the glymphatic system. This study aimed to investigate alterations in choroid plexus volume in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) compared with healthy controls.MethodsWe enrolled 40 patients with ESRD and 42 healthy controls. They underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), specifically using three dimensional T1-weighted imaging. We analyzed choroid plexus volumes and compared them between patients with ESRD and healthy controls. The diffusion tensor image analysis along the perivascular space (DTI-ALPS) index was calculated. We compared the DTI-ALPS index between the ESRD patients and healthy controls. Additionally, we evaluated the association between choroid plexus volume and neuropsychological tests results in patients with ESRD.ResultsThere were significant differences in choroid plexus volumes between patients with ESRD and healthy controls. The choroid plexus volumes in patients with ESRD were higher than those in healthy controls (1.392 vs. 1.138%, p &lt; 0.001). The DTI-ALPS index in patients with ESRD was lower than that in healthy controls (1.470 ± 0.239 vs. 1.641 ± 0.266, p = 0.005). There were no differences in choroid plexus volumes between patients with ESRD, regardless of the presence of cognitive impairment. However, among the neuropsychological tests, the scores for word-list recognition in verbal memory were negatively correlated with the choroid plexus volume (r = −0.428, p = 0.006).ConclusionWe demonstrated a significant enlargement of the choroid plexus volume in patients with ESRD compared to healthy controls. This finding suggests that patients with ESRD have glymphatic system dysfunction, which may be related to cognitive impairment.
HASTF: a hybrid attention spatio-temporal feature fusion network for EEG emotion recognition
Authors: Hu Fangzhou , Wang Fei , Bi Jinying , An Zida , Chen Chao , Qu Gangguo , Han Shuai 
Published: October 2024

IntroductionEEG-based emotion recognition has gradually become a new research direction, known as affective Brain-Computer Interface (aBCI), which has huge application potential in human-computer interaction and neuroscience. However, how to extract spatio-temporal fusion features from complex EEG signals and build learning method with high recognition accuracy and strong interpretability is still challenging.MethodsIn this paper, we propose a hybrid attention spatio-temporal feature fusion network for EEG-based emotion recognition. First, we designed a spatial attention feature extractor capable of merging shallow and deep features to extract spatial information and adaptively select crucial features under different emotional states. Then, the temporal feature extractor based on the multi-head attention mechanism is integrated to perform spatio-temporal feature fusion to achieve emotion recognition. Finally, we visualize the extracted spatial attention features using feature maps, further analyzing key channels corresponding to different emotions and subjects.ResultsOur method outperforms the current state-of-the-art methods on two public datasets, SEED and DEAP. The recognition accuracy are 99.12% ± 1.25% (SEED), 98.93% ± 1.45% (DEAP-arousal), and 98.57% ± 2.60% (DEAP-valence). We also conduct ablation experiments, using statistical methods to analyze the impact of each module on the final result. The spatial attention features reveal that emotion-related neural patterns indeed exist, which is consistent with conclusions in the field of neurology.DiscussionThe experimental results show that our method can effectively extract and fuse spatial and temporal information. It has excellent recognition performance, and also possesses strong robustness, performing stably across different datasets and experimental environments for emotion recognition.
Microscopic and neuroendoscopic treatment of a large ruptured supratentorial dermoid cyst with extensive dissemination: a case report and literature review
Authors: Zhang Yuhang , Deng Tingzhen , Wu Zhi , Yang Haijun , Ma Xingyuan , Wang Yatao , Ding Ruiwen , Li Haotian , Wang Dawen , Zheng Maohua 
Published: October 2024

Introduction and importanceIntracranial dermoid cysts are rare, constituting 0.04% to 0.6% of all intracranial tumors. They often arise from ectodermal cells trapped during neural tube formation. We report a case of spontaneous rupture of a large tentorial epithelioid cyst, which caused massive dissemination of liquid cholesterol into the subarachnoid cisterns and ventricles.Presentation of caseA 28-year-old male presented with a two-week history of headache and memory decline. CT and MRI revealed a 9x6 cm lesion in the left frontotemporal region with widespread dissemination of lipid droplets. Surgical resection was performed using a microscope combined with a neuroendoscope. Pathology confirmed a dermoid cyst.Clinical discussionRuptured dermoid cysts can cause significant symptoms due to the dissemination of cyst contents. Imaging is crucial for diagnosis and surgical planning. The combined microscopic and neuroendoscopic approach minimized blind spots and allowed thorough tumor exposure, facilitating complete resection with minimal residual complications. Postoperative outcomes were favorable, with imaging confirming substantial tumor removal and restored cerebrospinal fluid circulation.ConclusionPrompt diagnosis and comprehensive surgical intervention are essential for managing ruptured intracranial dermoid cysts. Combined microscopic and neuroendoscopic techniques are effective in achieving extensive resection and reducing complications.