bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The associations between dietary patterns, behavioral lifestyle and chronic diseases in high altitude residents: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Zou Yuanwu , Nan Lin , Yuan Zhimin , Chen Chen , Liu Xiaoxing , Lan Longhui , Lamu CIREN , Feng Huilan , Zeng Lingxia 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background Healthy behavioral lifestyles, especially healthy dietary patterns, have beneficial effects on chronic diseases, but the evidence of relationship between the main dietary patterns (DP) and the risk of chronic diseases in high altitude area is still limited.Methods The eligible high altitude residents were enrolled in the cross-sectional study. The food frequency questionnaires were used to collect information about the dietary intake of the participants. The dietary patterns were extracted by principal component analysis (PCA), and the scores for each dietary pattern were farther categorized into tertiles as low(T1), middle(T2) and high(T3). Logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between independent variables (dietary patterns, smoking, alcohol drinking, tea drinking and physical exercise) and chronic diseases in the year 2021.Results A total of 606 eligible participants involved in the survey with an average age of 40.7 ± 16.4 year old. 242 (39.9%) participants suffered from at least one chronic disease. Five dietary patterns were identified: dry nuts and beverage, traditional Tibetan, three-high (high-salt, high-carbonhydrate, high-fat), animal-predominant high protein and high dietary fiber pattern. After adjusting for the potential confounders, people in the three-high pattern (T2: OR = 1.81, 95%CI:1.10–2.99, P = 0.020, T3: OR = 1.90, 95%CI:1.09–3.33, P = 0.024), animal-predominant high protein pattern (T2: OR = 2.37, 95%CI:1.42–3.94, P = 0.001), smoking (OR = 1.88, 95%CI:1.06–3.35, P = 0.031) and tea drinking (OR = 1.85, 95%CI:1.13–3.02, P = 0.015) had higher odds of chronic diseases than those in the lowest tertile (T1) or reference group, while people in the traditional Tibetan pattern (T2: OR = 0.47, 95%CI:0.28–0.80, P = 0.006) and participation in physical exercise (OR = 0.62, 95%CI:0.39–0.99, P = 0.044) had lower odds of chronic diseases.Conclusion The traditional Tibetan pattern has a positive effect on decreased risk of chronic diseases among high altitude residents. Furthermore, adhering to a healthy lifestyle, including quitting smoking and enhancing physical activity, can aid in mitigating the risk of chronic diseases in high altitude residents.
The burden of headache and a health-care needs assessment in the adult population of Mali: a cross-sectional population-based study
Authors: Maiga Youssoufa , Diallo Seybou H , Sangho Oumar , Moskatel Leon Samuel , Konipo Fatoumata , Bocoum Abdoulaye , Diallo Salimata , Coulibaly Awa , Daou Mariam , Dolo Housseini , Sangaré Modibo , Albakaye Mohamed , Traoré Zoumana , Coulibaly Thomas , Sissoko Adama , Landouré Guida , Guindo Boubacar , Ahamadou Mahamoudou , Toure Mahamane Drahamane , Dembele Abibatou , Sacko Habib , Sao Cheick Abdoul Kadri , Coulibaly Diakalia , Dembele Salimata , Coulibaly Cheick Oumar , Sanogo Mohamadou , Boiguilé Sekou , Nizard Julien , Cowan Robert , Steiner Timothy J , Husøy Andreas 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background.
Our recent studies have shown headache disorders to be very common in the central and western sub-Saharan countries of Benin and Cameroon. Here we report headache in nearby Mali, a strife-torn country that differs topographically, culturally, politically and economically. The purposes were to estimate headache-attributed burden and need for headache care.
Methods.
We used cluster-random sampling in seven of Mali’s eleven regions to obtain a nationally representative sample. During unannounced household visits by trained interviewers, one randomly selected adult member (18–65 years) from each household was interviewed using the structured HARDSHIP questionnaire, with enquiries into headache in the last year and, additionally, headache yesterday (HY). Headache on ≥ 15 days/month (H15+) was diagnosed as probable medication-overuse headache (pMOH) when associated with acute medication use on ≥ 15 days/month, and as “other H15+” when not. Episodic headache (on < 15 days/month) was recorded as such and not further diagnosed. Burden was assessed as impaired participation (days lost from paid and household work, and from leisure activity). Need for headache care was defined by criteria for expectation of benefit.
Results.
Data collection coincided with the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. The participating proportion was nonetheless extremely high (99.4%). The observed 1-year prevalence of any headache was 90.9%. Age- and gender-adjusted estimates were 86.3% for episodic headache, 1.4% for pMOH and 3.1% for other H15+. HY was reported by 16.8% with a mean duration of 8.7 hours. Overall mean headache frequency was 3.5 days/month. Participants with pMOH lost more days from paid (8.8 days/3 months) and household work (10.3 days/3 months) than those with other H15+ (3.1 and 2.8 days/3 months) or episodic headache (1.2 and 0.9 days/3 months). At population level, 3.6–5.8% of all time was spent with headache, which led to a 3.6% decrease in all activity (impaired participation). Almost a quarter (23.4%) of Mali’s adult population need headache care.
Conclusion.
Headache is very common in Mali, as in its near neighbours, Benin and Cameroon, and associated with substantial losses of health and productivity. Need for headache care is high – a challenge for a low-income country – but lost productivity probably translates into lost gross domestic product.
Measurement of dehydration rate in vitro from SMILE-derived corneal stromal lenses
Authors: Wang XiaoXuan , Lei Yulin , Hou Jie , Li Mengting , Ma Zhixing , Xu Lihong 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Objective: To measure the expansion degree and dehydration rate of isolated corneal stromal lens and analyze the factors that affect dehydration rate to provide reference for analyzing the water content and fluid mechanics of the cornea and evaluating the optimal corneal exposure time
Methods: Optical coherence tomography (OCT) was used to measure the thickness of the stromal lens obtained via small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) surgery. The expansion degree of the stromal lens in balanced salt solution was calculated, and the change in the central thickness of the isolated stromal lens over time was recorded. The thickness–time dehydration fitting trend line was drawn, and the determination coefficient (R2) and dehydration rate were calculated. Whether differenceexisted in the dehydration rate of lenses with different diopter ranges was determined, and the effects of age, gender, and edema degree on dehydration rate were analyzed.
Results: A significant difference was found between the thickness measured for the first time and the predicted thickness. The expansion degrees of the thin and thick lens groups were 2.05±0.33 and 1.91±0.19, respectively. The linear fitting trend line was drawn, and the mean R2 values of the thick and thin lens groups were 0.98423 and 0.988221, respectively. A difference existed in the dehydration rate between the thin and thick lens groups, and dehydration rate exhibited no correlation with age, sex, and edema degree.
Conclusions: The water loss process is linear in 15 min, and water loss is slower in thick lens than in thin lens. Age, sex, and expansion degree exert no effect on dehydration rate.
In vivo evaluation of the redox alteration in Duchenne muscular dystrophy in mdx mice using dynamic nuclear polarization magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Eto Hinako , Murata Masaharu , Kawano Takahito , Tachibana Yoko , Elhelaly Abdelazim Elsayed , Noda Yoshifumi , Kato Hiroki , Matsuo Masayuki , Hyodo Fuminori 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a genetic muscular disease and is the most common type of muscular dystrophy in Japan. Noninvasive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be used for follow-up evaluation of myositis and muscular dystrophy, including Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). However, currently, there is no established imaging method that can reliably evaluate inflammation. We assessed the redox status in experimental animal disease models to address this issue using in vivo dynamic nuclear polarization MRI (DNP-MRI) with a redox probe. The current study aimed to evaluate the skeletal muscle of mdx mice, a DMD model, in which muscle fiber necrosis, inflammation, and muscle regeneration were chronically repeated. Results showed that the reduction rate of Carbamoyl-PROXYL (CmP), one of the redox probes, radicals in mdx mice increased compared with that in normal mice. In vitro, more mitochondria or macrophages enhanced the radical form decay reaction by reducing CmP. Due to muscle fiber damage, the mdx mice had a lower mitochondrial concertation in the gastrocnemius muscle than the normal mice. However, the in vivo DNP-MRI results strongly reflected the increased reduction of CmP radicals by macrophages. In conclusion, in vivo DNP-MRI, a noninvasive imaging method is useful for locally evaluating skeletal muscle inflammation.
Process Indicators Outshine Outcome Measures: Assessing Hospital Quality of Care in Breast Cancer Treatment
Authors: Liu Mengyang , Guo Ruize , Li Jingkun , Wang Chao , Yu Lei , Liu Meina 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background: Reporting the results of quality indicators can narrow the gap in the quality of care between hospitals. While most studies rely on outcome indicators , they may not accurately measure the quality of care. Process indicators are not only strongly associated with treatment outcomes, but are also more sensitive to whether patients are treated accurately, enabling timely intervention. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether process indicators can provide a more reasonable assessment of evaluating hospital quality of care compared to outcome indicators.
Methods: Data were sourced from the Specific Disease Medical Service Quality Management and Control System in China. A total of 113,942 patients with breast cancer treated in 298 hospitals between January 2019 and April 2023 were included in this study. The rankability of 11 process indicators was calculated and used as a weight to create a new composite indicator. The composite indicators and outcome measures were compared using the O/E ratio categories. Finally, in order to determine the impact of different years on the results, a sensitivity analysis was conducted using bootstrap sampling.
Results: The rankability (ρ) values of the eleven process indicators showed significant differences, with the highest ρ value for preoperative cytological or histological examination before surgery (0.919). The ρ value for the outcome indicator was 0.011. The rankability-weighting method yielded a comprehensive score (ρ = 0.883). The comparison with categorical results of the outcome indicator has different performance classifications for 113 hospitals (37.92%) for composite 1 scores and 140 (46.98%) for preoperative cytological or histological examination before surgery.
Conclusion: Process indicators are more appropriate than outcome indicators for assessing the quality of hospital breast cancer care, which may contribute to quality improvement efforts.
Simultaneous infection of Leptodelphax maculigera (Hemiptera: Delphacidae) by Maize rayado fino virus (MRFV) and Maize bushy stunt phytoplasma (MPSP) detected in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
Authors: Stürmer Glauber Renato , Guterres Caroline Wesp , Pozebon Henrique , de Andrade Camila Cristina Lage , Mituti Tatiana , Cardoza Yuliet , Ferri Isabella 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

The corn stunt disease is a major threat to maize production in Brazil. In addition to the more common insect vector Dalbulus maidis (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), the African species Leptodelphax maculigera (Hemiptera: Delphacidae) was recently found in the Brazilian states of Goiás, Paraná and Santa Catarina, raising concern regarding its potential ability to transmit stunt pathogens. We confirmed the presence of L. maculigera in the state of Rio Grande do Sul by conducting a population survey with yellow sticky traps and light traps in three different sites, although it corresponded to only 2.3% of the D. maidis population captured during the same period. Molecular analysis via RT-qPCR multiplex confirmed the simultaneous infection of L. maculigera by two corn stunt pathogens – Maize rayado fino virus (MRFV) and Maize bushy stunt phytoplasma (MBSP) – in 76.9% of the samples, while the remaining 23.1% showed single infection by MRFV. The confirmation of infectiveness by two stunt pathogens in L. maculigera will aid in the outlining of managment strategies for this insect vector.
Medical Image Fusion
Authors: Maurya Rishabh , Swarnkar Ratan , Sharma Yash Kumar , Mishra Rajat , Pathak Disha Mohini 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Image fusion is a pivotal technique in medical imaging, particularly in combining complementary information from different modalities such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to enhance diagnostic accuracy. This paper presents a comprehensive review of CT and MRI image fusion methodologies, focusing on the integration of Wavelet Transform (WT) and Log Gabor Filter with Gaussian and Contrast Limited Adaptive Histogram Equalization (CLAHE) enhancement techniques. The Wavelet Transform has gained significant attention due to its multi-resolution analysis capability, enabling the decomposition of images into different frequency bands. Log Gabor filters, on the other hand, excel in capturing texture information with orientation selectivity. Integrating these techniques offers a synergistic approach for extracting and preserving relevant features from CT and MRI images. Moreover, Gaussian and CLAHE enhancement techniques are employed to improve the contrast and visibility of anatomical structures in both CT and MRI images. Gaussian filtering smoothens the images while preserving edges, whereas CLAHE enhances local contrast by adaptive histogram equalization. This review discusses the theoretical foundations, methodologies, and applications of CT and MRI image fusion techniques employing Wavelet Transform and Log Gabor Filter with Gaussian and CLAHE enhancement. Furthermore, the review highlights the significance of image quality assessment metrics in evaluating the performance of fusion techniques, including objective metrics such as peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR), structural similarity index (SSI), and subjective evaluation through visual inspection by medical experts. At last, the integration of Wavelet Transform and Log Gabor Filter with Gaussian and CLAHE enhancement techniques holds immense potential in CT and MRI image fusion, offering enhanced diagnostic capabilities and improved clinical decision-making in medical imaging applications. Future research directions and challenges in this field are also discussed to stimulate further advancements in image fusion methodologies.
Postoperative air in the ventricle or cistern predicts early leptomeningeal disease of brain metastasis: a retrospective study
Authors: Ikeuchi Yusuke , Nishihara Masamitsu , Hosoda Kohkichi , Ashida Noriaki , Yamanishi Shunsuke , Nagashima Hiroaki , Tanaka Kazuhiro , Muragaki Yoshihiro , Sasayama Takashi 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Purpose: This study investigated whether the presence of air in cisterns or ventricles on postoperative computed tomography (CT), reflecting an extensive opening of the cerebrospinal fluid spaces during surgery, is a predictor of nodular leptomeningeal disease (nLMD) or classical leptomeningeal disease (cLMD) after brain metastasis resection.
Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the data of 73 patients who underwent gross total resection of brain metastases between 2012 and 2020. Patients with air in cisterns or ventricles on postoperative day-1 CT were categorized into the air-positive (Air(+)) group, whereas other patients were categorized into the air-negative (Air(–)) group. The primary outcome was the occurrence of nLMD or cLMD, and was assessed using survival analyses.
Results: There were 15 (21%) patients in the Air(+) group and 58 (79%) in the Air(–) group. The Air(+) group exhibited significantly more cerebellar and ventricular contact lesions than the Air(–) group. The 4-year nLMD or cLMD rate was significantly higher in the Air(+) group than in the Air(–) group (67% vs. 33%, P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed the presence of air in ventricles or cisterns on postoperative CT as the only significant predictor of nLMD or cLMD (P<0.001).
Conclusions: The presence of postoperative air in ventricles or cisterns can predict early nLMD or cLMD.
Fluid Balance and Electrolyte Losses in Collegiate Men Soccer Players in Practice and Game Under Different Environments
Authors: Ma Pengwei , Early Kate , Li Haicheng , Zhang Guangxia , Wang Haoyan 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the fluid balance and electrolyte losses in collegiate men soccer players under different exercise occasions and environmental conditions. Twelve men soccer players were recruited and 38 practices (P) and 17 games (G) were monitored. Environments were classified as hot (H) and cool (L), resulting in four conditions: G + H, P + H, G + L, and P + L. The parameters of fluid balance were body mass loss (BML), urine specific gravity (USG), and sweat compositions. On-field running characteristics were collected only during game, including total distance covered (TD) and number of sprints, accelerations, and decelerations. Pre-exercise USG showed more than half of players were in hypohydration status across four conditions. Soccer players had more proportion of > 2% hypohydration in G + L and were overhydrated in G + H. The parameters of fluid balance were significantly affected by exercise occasions and environments. Greater running performance was found in G + L than G + H (p < 0.001). TD was associated with %BML (r=-0.56, p < 0.001). Pre-exercise hydration status remains a significant concern, regardless of the exercise occasions or environments. TD can be used as a predictor for post-game hydration status. Next development of guidelines to influence drinking behaviors would be beneficial to players protecting hydration status.
Between Grasslands and Mountains: Identification of valuable areas for landscape connectivity in the Tandilia Mountain System for carnivore species.
Authors: Aranguren María Florencia , Simoy María Verónica , Pizzarello María Gimena , Trofino-Falasco Clara , Velasco Melina Alicia , Leber Virginia , Moss Daniella Franzoia , Dopazo Judit , Berkunsky Igor 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Habitat loss and fragmentation threaten biodiversity, particularly for carnivores whose dispersion and population viability are compromised by reduced available habitat and anthropic elements in the landscape, such as roads and crops. In Argentina, the Pampas grasslands have experienced considerable degradation and replacement by crops and are currently limited to natural patches scattered throughout the region. In the Tandilia mountains, these grassland remnants persist as crucial refuges for the species that inhabit them. Our objectives were to identify and map priority sites and areas that can act as ecological corridors between grassland patches to contribute to the connectivity knowledge of the Tandilia mountain system. We performed connectivity analyses using Least-cost Path Models and Circuit Theory. To do this, we generated habitat suitability models by combining environmental and anthropic variables, from which resistance surfaces were generated. We highlight areas of high habitat suitability for carnivores in the Pampas region, with particular emphasis on the mountain systems of Tandilia. We identified potential corridors and least-cost paths for five carnivore species, obtaining multi-species corridors highlighting the importance of landscape connectivity to maintain healthy populations. Centrality analyses revealed crucial grassland remnants and valuable corridors. These findings address the challenges associated with habitat fragmentation in the Pampas region and provide guidelines for future research and carnivore conservation actions.
Experimental study and numerical simulation of the effect of different fiber types on the basic mechanical properties of shotcrete
Authors: Liu Cheng-Yong , WANG Han-Qiu , Liu Xue-Feng , Niu Ming-Xue , Wu Ji-Fei 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

The enhancement effects and mechanisms of different types of fibers on the basic mechanical properties of concrete were analyzed, aiming to guide the selection of suitable fiber types and dosages for grouting projects. This study selected steel fibers, glass fibers, and polypropylene fibers as research subjects. Through laboratory tests, numerical simulations, and field experiments, it investigated the enhancement laws of flexural and compressive strengths of concrete with different dosages of these three fibers. The study shows that: (1) After 28 days of curing, the flexural strength of concrete with steel fibers, glass fibers, and polypropylene fibers peaked at dosages of 2.0%, 1.5%, and 2.0%, respectively. Compared to plain concrete, the increases were 118.6%, 42.86%, and 138.6%, respectively. The compressive strength of concrete increased the most with dosages of 0.5%, 1.0%, and 2.0% for steel fibers, glass fibers, and polypropylene fibers, respectively, with increases of 2.13%, 10%, and 18.3%. It can be seen that the impact of these three fiber types on the compressive strength of concrete is significantly less than their impact on flexural strength. For enhancing flexural strength, the order is polypropylene fibers > steel fibers > glass fibers. Conversely, for compressive strength, the order is polypropylene fibers > glass fibers > steel fibers. (2) Based on ABAQUS numerical simulations, microscopic analysis indicates that fibers, due to their high yield capacity, enhance the connections between concrete elements, reduce stress concentration, and improve the mechanical properties of concrete. (3) For shotcrete, due to its high flexural strength requirements and the tendency of steel and glass fibers to agglomerate, polypropylene fibers at a dosage of 2.0% were preferred. (4) Using the optimal dosage, it was successfully applied to the wet shotcrete support of a return air shaft in a mine, where the maximum deformation of the roof and sides of the tunnel remained within allowable limits, meeting the normal usage requirements of the tunnel. The research findings can offer guidance and reference for the selection and further application of shotcrete.
Early prediction of Alzheimer's disease based on attention mechanism of WCNN and multi-modal feature fusion
Authors: Xu Lanbo , Zhang Yanfang , Wang Yifan , Lu Guorui , Liu Liming , Wang Weijie 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that is one of the common causes of dementia in the elderly. Because its early symptoms are nonspecific and easily confused with normal age-related memory decline, it is particularly important for early prediction and classification of AD. Herein, a multi-modal feature fusion AD diagnosis model based on the width convolution neural network (WCNN) and attention mechanism is presented. Specifically, we first use WCNN to extract features from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and enhance the attention on important parts of the image through attention mechanism. For clinical text information, we use the decision tree machine learning method and apply Clinical Dementia Rating Sum of Boxes(CDR), Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-11(ADAS11) and Mini-Mental State Examination(MMSE) separately to diagnose patients. Then, we fuse the extracted image features with three types of clinical text information through multi-modal fusion to obtain the final classification results. The overall experimental results obtained show that the proposed model has well performance in different multi-mode scenarios and different classification problems, and improves the accuracy of AD prediction and classification.