bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A population-based prospective study on obesity-related non-communicable diseases in northern Iran: rationale, study design, and baseline analysis
Authors: Motamed Nima , Zamani Farhad , Maadi Mansooreh , Ajdarkosh Hossein , Roozafzai Farzin , Keyvani Hossein , Poustchi Hossein , Shakeri Ramin , Ashrafi G. Hossein , Perumal Dhayaneethie , Rabiee Behnam , Moradi-Lakeh Maziar , Khoonsari Mahmoodreza , Kheyri Zahedin , Sohrabi Masoud Reza , Doustmohammadian Azam , Amirkalali Bahareh , Safarnezhad Tameshkel Fahimeh , Gholizadeh Esmaeel , Hosseini Seyed Hamzeh , Karbalaie Niya Mohammad Hadi 
Published: April 2024

BackgroundIran is facing an epidemiological transition with the increasing burden of non-communicable diseases, such as obesity-related disorders and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). We conducted a population-based prospective study to assess the prevalence and incidence rates of CVDs and obesity-related metabolic disorders and to evaluate the predictive ability of various CVD risk assessment tools in an Iranian population.MethodWe enrolled 5,799 participants in Amol, a city in northern Iran, in 2009–2010 and carried out the first repeated measurement (RM) after seven years (2016–2017). For all participants, demographic, anthropometric, laboratory, hepatobiliary imaging, and electrocardiography data have been collected in the enrollment and the RM. After enrollment, all participants have been and will be followed up annually for 20 years, both actively and passively.ResultsWe adopted a multidisciplinary approach to overcome barriers to participation and achieved a 7-year follow-up success rate of 93.0% with an active follow-up of 5,394 participants aged 18–90 years. In the RM, about 64.0% of men and 81.2% of women were obese or overweight. In 2017, about 16.2% and 5.2% of men had moderate or severe non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, while women had a significantly higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome (35.9%), and type 2 diabetes mellitus (20.9%) than men. Of 160 deceased participants, 69 cases (43.1%) died due to CVDs over seven years.ConclusionThe most prevalent obesity-related chronic disease in the study was metabolic syndrome. Across the enrollment and RM phases, women exhibited a higher prevalence of obesity-related metabolic disorders. Focusing on obesity-related metabolic disorders in a population not represented previously and a multidisciplinary approach for enrolling and following up were the strengths of this study. The study outcomes offer an evidence base for future research and inform policies regarding non-communicable diseases in northern Iran.
Exploration of factors affecting hemodynamic stability following pheochromocytoma resection - cohort study
Authors: Liu Lidan , Shang Lihua , Zhuang Yimeng , Su Xiaojing , Li Xue , Sun Yumeng , Long Bo 
Published: April 2024

PurposeSurgery is the only way to cure pheochromocytoma; however, postoperative hemodynamic instability is one of the main causes of serious complications and even death. This study’s findings provide some guidance for improved clinical management.Patients and methodsThis study was to investigate the factors leading to postoperative hemodynamic instability in the postoperative pathology indicated pheochromocytoma from May 2016 to May 2022. They were divided into two groups according to whether vasoactive drugs were used for a median number of days or more postoperatively. The factors affecting the postoperative hemodynamics in the perioperative period (preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative) were then evaluated.ResultsThe median number of days requiring vasoactive drug support postoperatively was three in 234 patients, while 118 (50.4%) patients required vasoactive drug support for three days or more postoperatively. The results of the multivariate analysis indicated more preoperative colloid use (odds ratio [OR]=1.834, confidence interval [CI]:1.265–2.659, P=0.001), intraoperative use of vasoactive drug (OR=4.174, CI:1.882–9.258, P&lt;0.001), and more postoperative crystalloid solution input per unit of body weight per day (ml/kg/d) (OR=1.087, CI:1.062–1.112, P&lt;0.001) were risk factors for predicting postoperative hemodynamic instability. The optimal cutoff point of postoperative crystalloid use were 42.37 ml/kg/d.ConclusionHemodynamic instability is a key issue for consideration in the perioperative period of pheochromocytoma. The amount of preoperative colloid use, the need for intraoperative vasoactive drugs, and postoperative crystalloid solution are risk factors for predicting postoperative hemodynamic instability (registration number: ChiCT2300071166).
Association between metabolic syndrome severity score and cardiovascular disease: results from a longitudinal cohort study on Chinese adults
Authors: Lin Jing-jing , Dai Pin-yuan , Zhang Jie , Guan Yun-qi , Gong Wei-wei , Yu Min , Fang Le , Hu Ru-ying , He Qing-fang , Li Na , Wang Li-xin , Liang Ming-bin , Zhong Jie-ming 
Published: April 2024

ObjectiveThis study aimed to quantify the severity of metabolic syndrome(MetS) and investigate its association with cardiovascular disease(CVD) risk on Chinese adults.Methods13,500 participants from the Zhejiang Adult Chronic Disease Study were followed up between 2010 and 2021. A continuous MetS severity score derived from the five components of MetS was used to quantify MetS severity, and the association between MetS severity and the risk of incident CVD was assessed using Cox proportional hazard and restricted cubic spline regression.ResultsBoth the presence and severity of MetS were strongly associated with CVD risk. MetS was related to an increased risk of CVD (hazard ratio(HR):1.700, 95% confidence interval(CI): 1.380–2.094). Compared with the hazard ratio for CVD in the lowest quartile of the MetS severity score, that in the second, third, and highest quartiles were 1.812 (1.329–2.470), 1.746 (1.265–2.410), and 2.817 (2.015–3.938), respectively. A linear and positive dose-response relationship was observed between the MetS severity and CVD risk (P for non-linearity = 0.437). Similar results were found in various sensitivity analyses.ConclusionThe MetS severity score was significantly associated with CVD risk. Assessing MetS severity and further ensuring intervention measures according to the different severities of MetS may be more useful in preventing CVD.
α-Klotho levels in girls with central precocious puberty: potential as a diagnostic and monitoring marker
Authors: Park Jun-Hong , Noh Eu-Seon , Hwang Il Tae 
Published: April 2024

BackgroundRecent studies suggest a link between the Klotho protein, sex hormones, and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), indicating that α-Klotho levels may rise during puberty, including in central precocious puberty (CPP) cases. This study aimed to explore α-Klotho levels in girls with CPP to assess its potential as a diagnostic and monitoring tool for this condition.MethodsIn total, 139 girls, comprising 82 patients diagnosed with CPP and 57 healthy prepubertal controls, were enrolled in this study. From March 2020 to May 2023, we assessed both α-Klotho levels and clinical parameters. α-Klotho concentrations were measured using an α-Klotho ELISA kit. For the girls with CPP, we additionally analyzed samples taken 6 months after GnRH agonist treatment.Resultsα-Klotho levels were higher in the CPP group compared with the control (CPP group: 2529 ± 999 ng/mL; control group: 1802 ± 675 pg/mL) (P &lt; 0.001), and its level modest decreased after 6 months of GnRH agonist treatment (2147± 789 pg/mL) (P &lt; 0.001). The association between α-Klotho and IGF-1 SDS, follicular stimulating hormone and baseline luteinizing hormone was assessed by partial correlation after adjusting for age, BMI SDS (r= 0.416, p= &lt;0.001; r= 0.261, p= 0.005; r= 0.278, p= 0.002), respectively. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis identified an α-Klotho cut-off differentiating CPP from controls, with a cut-off of 1914 pg/mL distinguishing girls with CPP from controls with a sensitivity of 69.5% and specificity of 70.2%; the area under the curve was 0.723.ConclusionThe findings of our study are the first step towards deciphering the role of α-Klotho in puberty induction. With additional data and further research, α-Klotho could potentially be utilized as a significant diagnostic and monitoring tool for CPP.
Chemical oxygen demand and biochemical oxygen demand analysis of discharge waters from laundry industry: monitoring, temporal variability, and biodegradability
Authors: Lacalamita Dario , Mongioví Chiara , Crini Grégorio 
Published: April 2024

In Europe, chemical oxygen demand (COD) and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5) are used as organic indicators for the analytical characterization of laundry water. However, the values of these indicators are derived from one-off analytical measurements at a defined frequency. In addition, there are few data on the temporal variability of COD and BOD5 parameters and on water biodegradability beyond 5 days. In this work, samples of physicochemical treated wastewater were collected for 1 year and their content in COD and BOD5 measured, with BOD monitored over 35 days. The results showed that, for the 24 samples studied, the average and standard deviation values were 835 ± 176 mg/L for COD and 445 ± 114 mg/L for BOD5, indicating a biodegradability index of 2.0 ± 0.4. The interpretation of the data also indicated that the concentrations were close to emission limit value, particularly for BOD5. BOD21 values were particularly high compared to the initial COD, indicating the biodegradability of water. Laundry effluents were also rich in substances very quickly biodegradable, which has been demonstrated by the values of the ratio between BOD7 and BOD5. However, a significant proportion of surfactants is not degraded, as shown by measurements of total organic carbon and anionic surfactant analysis. The results of this study could help the industrial partner involved in our project to guide its choice of the complementary method to better treat wastewater and to reduce its organic load.
Causal relationship between the immune cells and ankylosing spondylitis: univariable, bidirectional, and multivariable Mendelian randomization
Authors: Qin Chaofan , Yu Qingshuai , Deng Zhongliang , Zhang You , Chen Mingxin , Wang Xin , Hu Tao , Lei Bo , Yan Zhengjian , Cheng Si 
Published: April 2024

BackgroundAnkylosing spondylitis (AS) is an autoimmune disease that affects millions of individuals. Immune cells have been recognized as having a crucial role in the pathogenesis of AS. However, their relationship has not been fully explored.MethodsWe chose to employ Mendelian randomization (MR) to investigate the potential correlation between immune cells and AS. We sourced the data on immune cells from the latest genome-wide association studies (GWASs). We obtained data on AS from the FinnGen consortium. Our comprehensive univariable MR analysis covered 731 immune cells to explore its potential causal relationship with AS. The primary analysis method was inverse-variance weighted (IVW). Additionally, we used Cochran’s Q test and the MR-Egger intercept test to assess the presence of pleiotropy and heterogeneity. We examined whether our results could be influenced by individual single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) using the leave-one-out test. We conducted a bidirectional MR to investigate the reverse relationship. We also applied multivariable MR to decrease the potential influence between the immune cells.ResultsOverall, our univariable MR analysis revealed eight immune cells associated with AS. Among these, four immune cells contributed to an increased risk of AS, while four immune cells were identified as protective factors for AS. However, the Bonferroni test confirmed only one risk factor and one protective factor with a significance level of p &lt; 6.84E−05. CD8 on effector memory CD8+ T cell could increase the risk of AS (p: 1.2302E−05, OR: 2.9871, 95%CI: 1.8289–4.8786). HLA DR on CD33dim HLA DR+ CD11b+ could decrease the risk of AS (p: 1.2301E−06, OR: 0.5446, 95%CI: 0.4260–0.6962). We also identified a bidirectional relationship between CD4 on CD39+ activated CD4 regulatory T cells and AS utilizing the bidirectional MR. To address potential confounding among immune cells, we employed multivariable MR analysis, which revealed that only one immune cell had an independent effect on AS. HLA DR on CD33dim HLA DR+ CD11b+ could decrease the risk of AS (p: 2.113E−06, OR: 0.0.5423, 95%CI: 0.4210–0.6983). Our findings were consistently stable and reliable.ConclusionsOur findings indicated a potential link between immune cells and AS, which could provide a new idea for future research. Nevertheless, the specific underlying mechanisms require further exploration.
Qualitative enquiry on factors affecting antibiotic prescribing at primary healthcare facilities in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Altaye Fikru Worku , Thupayagale-Tshweneagae Gloria , Mfidi Faniswa Honest 
Published: April 2024

BackgroundThe major driver of antibiotic resistance is the huge increase in antibiotic prescribing, especially in low- and middle-income countries.AimThis study aimed to explore factors affecting antibiotic prescribing at primary healthcare facilities in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.MethodsThe study was part of a three-phased explanatory sequential mixed method design. The study was conducted in five primary healthcare facilities through in-depth interviews of 20 prescribers and 22 key informants using pre-prepared interview guides. The data were analysed through thematic content analysis by applying ATLAS.ti 9 software.ResultsThe antibiotic prescribing decision of prescribers was shown to be affected by various factors. The factors related to prescribers include not updating oneself on antibiotic use and antibiotic resistance, not reviewing patient history, not considering the concerns related to antibiotic resistance during prescribing, and competency problems. The patient-related factors were low awareness about antibiotics, lack of respect for prescribers, and pressure on prescribers. The shortage of antibiotics and laboratory reagents, a lack of updated antimicrobial resistance information, patient load, inadequate capacity, private sector practice, inadequate follow-up and support, and health insurance membership were the system-related factors. Appropriate interventions should be designed and implemented to address the identified factors and improve the prescribing practice.
Functional gas exchange measures on 129Xe MRI and spectroscopy are associated with age, sex, and BMI in healthy subjects
Authors: Mummy David , Zhang Shuo , Bechtel Aryil , Lu Junlan , Mammarappallil Joseph , Leewiwatwong Suphachart , Costelle Anna , Swaminathan Aparna , Driehuys Bastiaan 
Published: April 2024

IntroductionHyperpolarized 129Xe MRI and spectroscopy is a rapidly growing technique for assessing lung function, with applications in a wide range of obstructive, restrictive, and pulmonary vascular disease. However, normal variations in 129Xe measures of gas exchange across healthy subjects are not well characterized, presenting an obstacle to differentiating disease processes from the consequences of expected physiological heterogeneity. Here, we use multivariate models to evaluate the role of age, sex, and BMI in a range of commonly used 129Xe measures of gas exchange.Materials and methodsHealthy subjects (N = 40, 16F, age 44.3 ± 17.8 yrs., min-max 22–87 years) with no history of cardiopulmonary disease underwent 129Xe gas exchange MRI and spectroscopy. We used multivariate linear models to assess the associations of age, sex, and body mass index (BMI) with the RBC:Membrane (RBC:M), membrane to gas (Mem:Gas), and red blood cell to gas (RBC:Gas) ratios, as well as measurements of RBC oscillation amplitude and RBC chemical shift.ResultsAge, sex, and BMI were all significant covariates in the RBC:M model. Each additional 10 years of age was associated with a 0.05 decrease in RBC:M (p &lt; 0.001), each additional 10 points of BMI was associated with a decrease of 0.07 (p = 0.02), and males were associated with a 0.17 higher RBC:M than females (p &lt; 0.001). For Mem:Gas, male sex was associated with a decrease and BMI was associated with an increase. For RBC:Gas, age was associated with a decrease and male sex was associated with an increase. RBC oscillation amplitude increased with age and RBC chemical shift was not associated with any of the three covariates.Discussion129Xe MRI and spectroscopy measurements in healthy subjects, particularly the widely used RBC:M measurement, exhibit heterogeneity associated in part with variations in subject age, sex, and BMI. Elucidating the contributions of these and other factors to 129Xe gas exchange measurements is a critical component for differentiating disease processes from expected variation in healthy subjects. Notably, the Mem:Gas and RBC chemical shift appear to be stable with aging, suggesting that unexplained deviations in these metrics may be signs of underlying abnormalities.
Knowledge, attitudes, and practices among Chinese reproductive-age women toward uterine adenomyosis
Authors: Ren Ruofei , Li Hongye , Zhang Jie , Li Xuhua , Yuan Liqing , Li Dongxiao , Shan Shuzhi , Shi Bin , Jiang Jing 
Published: April 2024

ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) among Chinese reproductive-age women toward uterine adenomyosis.MethodsThis web-based cross-sectional study was conducted between April 2023 and September 2023 at the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University. A self-designed questionnaire was developed to collect demographic information of reproductive-age women, and assess their KAP toward uterine adenomyosis.ResultsA total of 520 valid questionnaires were collected. Among the participants, 127 (24.42%) were diagnosed with uterine adenomyosis, and 120 (23.08%) were accompanied by uterine fibroids. The mean knowledge, attitudes and practices scores were 3.54 ± 3.72 (possible range:0–10), 20.96 ± 3.19 (possible range:5–25) and 24.01 ± 4.95 (possible range:7–35), respectively. The structural equation model demonstrated that knowledge had direct effects on attitudes and practices, as indicated by a path coefficient of 0.714 (p &lt; 0.001) and 1.510 (p &lt; 0.001), respectively. Moreover, attitudes had direct effects on practices, with a path coefficient of 0.226 (p = 0.001).ConclusionThe findings revealed that reproductive-age women have insufficient knowledge, negative attitudes, and poor practices toward the uterine adenomyosis. Comprehensive training programs are needed to improve reproductive-age women practices in this area.
Effects of coated sodium butyrate on the growth performance, serum biochemistry, antioxidant capacity, intestinal morphology, and intestinal microbiota of broiler chickens
Authors: Hou Jinwang , Lu Lizhi , Lian Lina , Tian Yong , Zeng Tao , Ma Yanfen , Li Sisi , Chen Li , Xu Wenwu , Gu Tiantian , Li Guoqin , Liu Xin 
Published: April 2024

IntroductionThis study examined the impact of adding coated sodium butyrate (CSB) to the diet on the growth performance, serum biochemistry, antioxidant capacity, intestinal morphology, and cecal microbiota of yellow-feathered broiler chickens.MethodsIn this study, 240 yellow-feathered broiler chickens at 26 days old were divided into two groups: the control group (CON group) received a standard diet, and the experimental group (CSB group) received a diet with 0.5 g/kg of a supplement called CSB. Each group had 6 replicates, with 20 chickens in each replicate, and the experiment lasted for 36 days.ResultsCompared to the CON group, the CSB group showed a slight but insignificant increase in average daily weight gain during the 26–62 day period, while feed intake significantly decreased. The CSB group exhibited significant increases in serum superoxide dismutase, catalase, and total antioxidant capacity. Additionally, the CSB group had significant increases in total protein and albumin content, as well as a significant decrease in blood ammonia levels. Compared to the CON group, the CSB group had significantly increased small intestine villus height and significantly decreased jejunal crypt depth. The abundance of Bacteroidetes and Bacteroides in the cecal microbiota of the CSB group was significantly higher than that of the CON group, while the abundance of Proteobacteria, Deferribacteres, and Epsilonbacteraeota was significantly lower than that of the CON group.ConclusionThese results suggest that adding CSB to the diet can improve the growth performance and antioxidant capacity of yellow-feathered broiler chickens while maintaining intestinal health.
Understanding of facial features in face perception: insights from deep convolutional neural networks
Authors: Zhang Qianqian , Zhang Yueyi , Liu Ning , Sun Xiaoyan 
Published: April 2024

IntroductionFace recognition has been a longstanding subject of interest in the fields of cognitive neuroscience and computer vision research. One key focus has been to understand the relative importance of different facial features in identifying individuals. Previous studies in humans have demonstrated the crucial role of eyebrows in face recognition, potentially even surpassing the importance of the eyes. However, eyebrows are not only vital for face recognition but also play a significant role in recognizing facial expressions and intentions, which might occur simultaneously and influence the face recognition process.MethodsTo address these challenges, our current study aimed to leverage the power of deep convolutional neural networks (DCNNs), an artificial face recognition system, which can be specifically tailored for face recognition tasks. In this study, we investigated the relative importance of various facial features in face recognition by selectively blocking feature information from the input to the DCNN. Additionally, we conducted experiments in which we systematically blurred the information related to eyebrows to varying degrees.ResultsOur findings aligned with previous human research, revealing that eyebrows are the most critical feature for face recognition, followed by eyes, mouth, and nose, in that order. The results demonstrated that the presence of eyebrows was more crucial than their specific high-frequency details, such as edges and textures, compared to other facial features, where the details also played a significant role. Furthermore, our results revealed that, unlike other facial features, the activation map indicated that the significance of eyebrows areas could not be readily adjusted to compensate for the absence of eyebrow information. This finding explains why masking eyebrows led to more significant deficits in face recognition performance. Additionally, we observed a synergistic relationship among facial features, providing evidence for holistic processing of faces within the DCNN.DiscussionOverall, our study sheds light on the underlying mechanisms of face recognition and underscores the potential of using DCNNs as valuable tools for further exploration in this field.