bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of A1 segment asymmetry on hemodynamic conditions around the circle of Willis and anterior communicating artery aneurysm formation
Authors: Lee Joonho , Jeong Seul-Ki , Hong Ji Man 
Published: January 2025

BackgroundThis study aims to investigate how A1 segment asymmetry—also known as A1 dominancy—influences the development of the anterior communicating artery aneurysm (AcomA) as it affects hemodynamic conditions within the circle of Willis (COW). Using time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography (TOF-MRA), the research introduces a novel approach to assessing shear stress in A1 segments to uncover the hemodynamic factors contributing to AcomA formation.MethodAn observational study was conducted over 6 years at a tertiary university hospital’s outpatient clinic. Recruited patients who underwent TOF-MRA imaging were divided into AcomA and non-AcomA groups. MRA images were analyzed using semi-automatic software (VINT, Mediimg, Inc.) to calculate the signal intensity gradient (SIG), which reflects wall shear stress. The comparison metrics included general demographics, anatomical characteristics, and hemodynamic attributes of the COW, mainly focusing on A1 segment asymmetry.ResultsAmong the 700 subjects, 106 were categorized into the AcomA group, while 594 were placed in the non-AcomA group. The AcomA group showed a more significant difference in the bilateral A1 diameter (49.0% vs. 20.8%, p &lt; 0.001) and a greater prevalence of unilateral A1 aplasia (32.1% vs. 6.7%, p &lt; 0.001) compared to the non-AcomA group. Increased bilateral A1 asymmetry in the AcomA group corresponded with notable variations in A1 SIG, indicating increased wall shear stress. The occurrence of AcomA is associated with both anatomical factors of the circle of Willis, represented by the bilateral A1 diameter ratio, and hemodynamic factors, represented by the bilateral A1 SIG ratio, suggesting that both factors are almost equally significant.ConclusionOur findings suggest that A1 segment asymmetry influences hemodynamic changes within the COW, contributing to AcomA formation. Hemodynamic factors provide an intuitive understanding of how anatomical characteristics within the COW can lead to aneurysm development.
Brain near-infrared study of upstairs movement after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction
Authors: Cao Ziyuan , Zhang Hao , Wu Xipeng , Zhang Yuxuan , Yu Jiangli , Li Wei 
Published: January 2025

ObjectiveAfter anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), patients undergo specific changes in body and specific brain functions, which stem from neuroplasticity. In this study, we employed functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to investigate the characteristics of brain activation in patients after ACLR during a repetitive upstairs task, and compared them with healthy individuals. We aimed to provide a new theoretical basis for the changes in brain function after ACLR and neurorehabilitation of sports injuries.MethodsA total of 27 patients who undergoing right ACLR and 27 healthy controls participated in the study. We utilized fNIRS to collect hemodynamic data from the frontal and parietal cortices of both groups during a repetitive upstairs task. The Lysholm scale assessment was conducted prior to the commencement of the task. Compare the functional characteristics of the brain in post-operative patients and healthy subjects during upstairs tasks, and examine the functional differences between the two groups.Results(1) Patients undergoing ACLR demonstrated a significant negative change in β-value for Channel 25 (t = 4.0461, p = 0.0067) during the repetitive upstairs task. (2) In contrast, the healthy control group exhibited a significant increase in β-value across Channel 6 (t = −3.0489, p = 0.0066), Channel 7 (t = −4.5723, p = 0.0002), Channel 8 (t = −3.0089, p = 0.0072), Channel 13 (t = −2.8789, p = 0.0096), Channel 20 (t = −3.4200, p = 0.0029), and Channel 33 (t = −2.6974, p = 0.0143) during the task. (3) When compared to the healthy control group, ACLR patients exhibited a significant negative change in β-value for Channel 25 (t = 2.7583, p = 0.0089), and Channel 33 (t = 3.0618, p = 0.0040).ConclusionPatients with ACLR exhibited a significant negative activation in a specific brain region during upward stair movements. In contrast, healthy individuals demonstrated activation in two particular brain areas during the same task. Interventions targeting these brain regions may represent a novel rehabilitation approach. This provides a theoretical basis for incorporating fNIRS into the rehabilitation assessment of patients undergoing ACLR. In conclusion, this study provides a theoretical framework for potential interventions and assessments of brain regions following ACLR.
Mapping subcortical brain lesions, behavioral and acoustic analysis for early assessment of subacute stroke patients with dysarthria
Authors: Liu Juan , Ruzi Rukiye , Jian Chuyao , Wang Qiuyu , Zhao Shuzhi , Ng Manwa L. , Zhao Shaofeng , Wang Lan , Yan Nan 
Published: January 2025

IntroductionDysarthria is a motor speech disorder frequently associated with subcortical damage. However, the precise roles of the subcortical nuclei, particularly the basal ganglia and thalamus, in the speech production process remain poorly understood.MethodsThe present study aimed to better understand their roles by mapping neuroimaging, behavioral, and speech data obtained from subacute stroke patients with subcortical lesions. Multivariate lesion-symptom mapping and voxel-based morphometry methods were employed to correlate lesions in the basal ganglia and thalamus with speech production, with emphases on linguistic processing and articulation.ResultsThe present findings revealed that the left thalamus and putamen are significantly correlated with concept preparation (r = 0.64, p &lt; 0.01) and word retrieval (r = 0.56, p &lt; 0.01). As the difficulty of the behavioral tasks increased, the influence of cognitive factors on early linguistic processing gradually intensified. The globus pallidus and caudate nucleus were found to significantly impact the movements of the larynx (r = 0.63, p &lt; 0.01) and tongue (r = 0.59, p = 0.01). These insights underscore the complex and interconnected roles of the basal ganglia and thalamus in the intricate processes of speech production. The lateralization and hierarchical organization of each nucleus are crucial to their contributions to these speech functions.DiscussionThe present study provides a nuanced understanding of how lesions in the basal ganglia and thalamus impact various stages of speech production, thereby enhancing our understanding of the subcortical neuromechanisms underlying dysarthria. The findings could also contribute to the identification of multimodal assessment indicators, which could aid in the precise evaluation and personalized treatment of speech impairments.
Cortical thickness correlated with peripheral inflammatory cytokines in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Yang Jing , Li Wenyi , Tian Mei , Zhang Lei , Du Fengping , Li Xin , Liu Qi , Li Rui , Li Zhenzhong , Dong Hui , Liu Yaling 
Published: January 2025

IntroductionAmyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rare, devastating neurodegenerative disease that affects upper and lower motor neurons, resulting in muscle atrophy, spasticity, hyperreflexia, and paralysis. Inflammation plays an important role in the development of ALS, and associated with rapid disease progression. Current observational studies indicate the thinning of cortical thickness in patients with ALS is associated with rapid disease progression and cognitive changes. However, the effects of inflammatory cytokines on cortical thickness in patients with ALS are unclear. Here, we investigated the relationship between inflammatory cytokines and cortical thickness in patients with ALS.MethodsWe evaluated 51 patients with ALS for inflammatory cytokines including interleukin (IL)-4, interferon (IFN)-α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-5, IL-12, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, IL-6, IL-10, IL-8, IL-17, and IFN-γ and analyzed the correlation between these indicators and the ALS functional rating scale-revised (ALSFRS-R) score or disease progression rate (ΔFS score). Twenty-six patients with ALS and 26 controls were studied using whole-cortex analysis, and post-hoc analyses were performed to examine the correlation between brain cortical thickness and ALSFRS-R or ΔFS scores.ResultsIL-4, IFN-α, IL-1β, and IL-2 levels were significantly correlated with ALSFRS-R scores, and the IL-2 level was significantly correlated with ΔFS scores. After controlling for age and sex, the ALS group had thinner cortexes in multiple clusters across the brain than the control group. Further analyses revealed that cortical thickness in the right superior temporal and lingual gyrus regions was inversely correlated with ΔFS scores. There was a significant positive correlation between the clusters in the right lingual cortex and IL-2 level.ConclusionThese results suggest cortical thickness was reduced in patients with ALS in motor and non-motor cortical areas. Inflammatory factors (especially IL-2) were correlated with cortical thickness, and both were related to the disease progression rate, suggesting IL-2 plays an important role in ALS.
The simplified GLIM criteria for assessment of malnutrition and its correlation with clinical outcomes in Crohn’s disease patients
Authors: Song Xiaomei , Zhou Xiaoxin , Wang Hao , Guo Hong , Yang Jian 
Published: January 2025

ObjectivePatients with Crohn’s disease (CD) commonly experience malnutrition. The Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria, a novel approach to assessing malnutrition, has been validated in some diseases. However, there are limited studies in CD patients. This study aimed to investigate the applicability and effectiveness of the simplified GLIM criteria for evaluating the nutritional status of patients with Crohn’s disease. Additionally, it sought to evaluate the correlation between malnutrition defined by simplified GLIM and clinical outcomes.MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted with 386 patients with CD. Data were extracted from the medical records, including demographic and clinical characteristics. All patients were evaluated using the simplified GLIM criteria. The prevalence of malnutrition was reported and the relationship between malnutrition and clinical outcome was analyzed.ResultsThe prevalence of malnutrition among patients with CD was 73.6%, with 36.5% classified as moderate malnutrition and 37.0% classified as severe malnutrition. The malnourished group had significantly higher Crohn’s Disease Activity Index (CDAI) scores compared to the non-malnourished group (p &lt; 0.001). Furthermore, the malnutrition group exhibited significantly lower levels of specific nutritional indicators, including hemoglobin (p = 0.040), albumin (p = 0.015), and prealbumin (p = 0.021). The median duration of follow-up in the cohort was 15.2 weeks. The results indicated that malnutrition, as assessed by simplified GLIM, independently influenced endoscopic remission (p = 0.033). Additionally, the duration of disease (p = 0.021), C-reactive protein (p = 0.014) and prealbumin (p = 0.014) were independent factors influencing endoscopic remission in patients with CD.ConclusionMalnutrition identified using the simplified GLIM criteria is associated with age, CDAI, behavior, hemoglobin, and albumin, providing prognostic value for endoscopic remission in CD patients.
Prevalence of, and factors associated with, sarcopenia in Iran: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Marzban Abbas Abadi Mobin , Hosseinzade Danial , Khalilizad Majid 
Published: January 2025

BackgroundSeveral studies have assessed the epidemiology of sarcopenia in Iran with conflicting results, but comprehensive information has remained limited. Therefore, we aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence of sarcopenia and its associated factors among Iranian population.MethodsWe searched in Embase, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, as well as Persian databases including the Scientific Information Database and Magiran, from inception to 31 May 2024. We included cross-sectional observational studies reporting the prevalence rate of, and/or factors associated with, sarcopenia in Iranian population. The pooled prevalence of sarcopenia was estimated using a random-effects model.ResultsTotally, 14 eligible studies were included. The overall pooled prevalence of sarcopenia in Iran was 22.1% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 18.7–25.6). This rate in older adult population (≥60 years) was 23.5% (95% CI: 17.9–29.0). Sarcopenia was more prevalent in men (23.2% [95% CI: 21.3–25.1]) than in women (15.5% [95% CI: 9.2–21.9]). The prevalence of severe sarcopenia was 24.5% (95% CI: 16.9–32.0). Factors associated with an increased risk of sarcopenia included older age, male gender, higher body fat, lower socioeconomic status, lower education, insufficient physical activity, diabetes, smoking, and malnutrition; conversely, dietary patterns rich in anti-inflammatory nutrients, Mediterranean diet adherence, and higher mineral and vitamin intake were associated with a lower likelihood of sarcopenia.ConclusionThe prevalence of sarcopenia is notably high in Iran, particularly among men and older ages. These findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions in nutrition and lifestyle to reduce sarcopenia risk and improve quality of life among Iranians.
Composite dietary antioxidant index is inversely and nonlinearly associated with cardiovascular disease, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, and cardiovascular mortality in people with dyslipidemia: evidence from NHANES 2001–2018
Authors: Jiang Yan , Shen Yingying 
Published: January 2025

BackgroundDyslipidemia is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and atherosclerotic CVD (ASCVD). The composite dietary antioxidant index (CDAI), an emerging measure of combined dietary antioxidant exposure, may provide insights into the relationship between diet and CVD/ASCVD outcomes. We aimed to explore the association between CDAI and the prevalence of CVD/ASCVD, as well as CVD mortality in individuals with dyslipidemia.MethodsCDAI was assessed by integrating dietary vitamins A, C, E, zinc, selenium, and carotenoids. Dyslipidemia was diagnosed according to widely established criteria. Data on CVD/ASCVD were obtained through self-reports, while CVD mortality was obtained through prospective matching participant records with the National Death Index database. Multivariate logistic regression analysis and Cox proportional hazards regression analysis were used to explore these associations and to calculate odds ratios [OR], hazard ratios [HR], and 95% confidence intervals [CI], respectively.ResultsA total of 23,126 participants with dyslipidemia from NHANES 2001–2018 were included. After adjusting for potential confounders, CDAI was inversely associated with the prevalence of both CVD and ASCVD in dyslipidemia populations (OR and 95% CI 0.979 (0.964, 0.995) and 0.977 (0.961, 0.993), respectively). Similar associations were observed between CDAI and specific types of CVD. CDAI was also inversely associated with CVD mortality in dyslipidemia participants (HR = 0.957, 95% CI = 0.939–0.976, p &lt; 0.0001). Restricted cubic spline and threshold effects analyses indicated that CDAI was nonlinearly associated with CVD/ASCVD, with significant associations occurring only when CDAI≤0; however, the association of CDAI with CVD mortality was observed only when CDAI &gt; −2. Furthermore, age, sex, and drinking were found to modify the association of CDAI with CVD/ASCVD, while body mass index influenced the relationship between CDAI and CVD mortality.ConclusionCDAI was inversely and nonlinearly associated with both CVD/ASCVD events and CVD mortality in dyslipidemic populations. These findings highlight the potential of antioxidant dietary patterns to alleviate the CVD burden in these populations and underscore the importance of personalized strategies.
Association of dietary decanoic acid intake with diabetes or prediabetes: an analysis from NHANES 2005–2016
Authors: Zhu Huangxin , Fu Qingan , Chen Ruxin , Luo Linfei , Yu Miao , Zhou Yue 
Published: January 2025

BackgroundWith the increasing prevalence of prediabetes and diabetes, exploring dietary factors associated with prediabetes and diabetes has become a global health research priority. This study aimed to assess the relationship between dietary decanoic acid (DDA) intake and the risk of diabetes and prediabetes.MethodsData from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005–2016 included 11,477 adult participants. DDA intake was assessed through two 24-h dietary recalls and participants were grouped according to the diagnostic criteria for diabetes and prediabetes. Multivariate regression models were applied to analyze the relationship between DDA intake and diabetes and prediabetes, with subgroup analyses conducted to explore potential interactions.ResultsDietary decanoic acid intake was significantly negatively associated with the risk of diabetes. In the fully adjusted model, each 1 g/day increase in DDA intake was associated with a 19% reduction in the odds of developing diabetes from prediabetes (OR = 0.81, 95% CI: 0.68–0.96, p = 0.015) and this negative association was more pronounced in individuals with higher education level (P for interaction = 0.006). Compared with the DDA intake ≤0.18 g/day, DDA intake &gt;0.58 g/day is related to reduced risk of progression to diabetes in prediabetic patients. However, the relationship between DDA intake and the risk of prediabetes was not statistically significant in the fully adjusted model (OR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.84–1.07, p = 0.404).ConclusionThis study found that higher DDA intake may be associated with lower prevalence of diabetes among prediabetic population, and high education level strengthen this relationship.
Efficacy of fermented foods in irritable bowel syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Ding Liang , Duan Jinnan , Yang Tao , Yuan Mengping , Ma A. Huo , Qin Yuehua 
Published: January 2025

ObjectiveFermented foods (FFs) may theoretically benefit irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms, but the role of FFs for IBS patients in the real world is inconsistent and has not been systematically assessed. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine this issue.MethodsPubMed, MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane Library databases were searched up to August 2024. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the efficacy of FFs in IBS were eligible for the analysis. Two authors independently screened studies and extracted data. Data were pooled using relative risk (RR) of dichotomous data and standardized mean difference (SMD) for continuous data.ResultsA total of 16 RCTs with 1,264 IBS patients were included. There were 12 RCTs involving 975 patients providing primary outcomes which was defined as symptom relief. The proportion of symptom relief was associated with the administration of FFs (RR 1.22, 95% CI 1.04–1.42, p = 0.01, I2 = 0%). For secondary outcomes, FFs also exerted a beneficial effect on global symptoms scores (SMD = −0.15; 95% CI −0.29 to −0.02, p = 0.02, I2 = 46%), but no significant improvement on abdominal pain scores and bloating scores. Subgroup analysis showed that fermented milk had a beneficial effect on symptom relief (RR 1.19, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.39, p = 0.04, I2 = 0%).ConclusionFermented foods, especially fermented milk with probiotics properties, appear to be efficacious in irritable bowel syndrome. However, given the limitations of current evidence, this conclusion should be interpreted with caution.Systematic Review RegistrationThis study was registered on the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) as CRD42024576608.
The relationship between anthropometric indices and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in adults: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Radmehr Mina , Homayounfar Reza , Djazayery Abolghasem 
Published: January 2025

BackgroundNon-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a widespread liver condition associated with diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular diseases, yet public awareness remains low. Early detection of risk factors is crucial, but liver biopsy, the diagnostic gold standard, is invasive and costly. Non-invasive anthropometric indices provide a safer alternative. This study examines these indices to identify the most reliable predictor of NAFLD in adults.MethodsIn the present cross-sectional study, we used the Fasa Cohort Data, conducted on about 10,000 people, of whom 1,047 were diagnosed with NAFLD. NAFLD diagnosis in this study was confirmed by physicians based on medical history and ultrasonographic evaluations, ensuring accurate and reliable identification of cases. General, anthropometric, and dietary assessments were performed using interviews, tools, and valid questionnaires. Biochemical evaluation was also done. Waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), Body mass index (BMI), a body shape index (ABSI), body roundness index (BRI), and visceral fat index (VAI) were also calculated using these measurements and formulas. This study used descriptive tests, binary logistic regression, and ROC curve analysis.ResultsIn both crude and adjusted models, significant associations were found between WHR, WHtR, BMI, and VAI with NAFLD. ROC analysis revealed that WHtR and BMI were the most accurate predictors of NAFLD in both genders (WHtR: men AUC = 0.750, women AUC = 0.702; BMI: men AUC = 0.754, women AUC = 0.701). BRI showed significant accuracy, but WHR (men: AUC = 0.727, women: AUC = 0.640) and VAI (men: AUC = 0.621, women: AUC = 0.622) were less effective. ABSI demonstrated poor predictive power (men: AUC = 0.530, women: AUC = 0.505) and is not recommended for NAFLD prediction.ConclusionBased on the findings, BMI and WHtR emerge as the most practical and accessible indicators for early screening of NAFLD in both men and women, while ABSI shows minor effectiveness in identifying the disease.
Impact of mask wearing time on fluid consumption and physical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Zaplatosch Mitchell E. , Butts Cory L. , Scarneo-Miller Samantha E. , Adams William M. 
Published: January 2025

PurposeTo examine the associations between mask-wearing on fluid consumption and physical activity behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods137 college students (female, 72.5%; age, 26 ± 9 y) completed a survey detailing their fluid intake, physical activity behaviors, and time spent wearing a mask throughout the day during the previous month in the Fall 2020 academic semester.ResultsIncreased daily mask wearing time was not associated with total fluid intake (p &gt; 0.05). Participants had greater odds of being ‘somewhat active’ compared to ‘inactive’ with an increase in mask wearing time (OR = 1.23 [1.03, 1.47], p = 0.022).ConclusionWearing a mask during the COVID-19 pandemic did not influence fluid intake behaviors, however, it increased the likelihood of reported greater levels of physical activity. These factors may be related to an individual being more likely to globally adopt healthier behaviors, however, this needs further exploration.