bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Relationships Between Memory Impairments and Hippocampal Structure in Patients With Subcortical Ischemic Vascular Disease
Authors: He Miao , Li Yang , Zhou Lijing , Li Yajun , Lei Ting , Yan Wei , Song Jiarui , Chen Li 
Published: April 2022

Background and PurposePatients with subcortical ischemic vascular disease (SIVD) suffer from memory disorders that are thought to be associated with the hippocampus. We aimed to explore changes in hippocampal subfields and the relationship between different hippocampal subfield volumes and different types of memory dysfunction in SIVD patients.MethodsA total of 77 SIVD patients with cognitive impairment (SIVD-CI, n = 39) or normal cognition (HC-SIVD, n = 38) and 41 matched healthy controls (HCs) were included in this study. Memory function was measured in all subjects, and structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed. Then, the hippocampus was segmented and measured by FreeSurfer 6.0 software. One-way ANOVA was used to compare the volume of hippocampal subfields among the three groups while controlling for age, sex, education and intracranial volume (ICV). Then, post hoc tests were used to evaluate differences between each pair of groups. Finally, correlations between significantly different hippocampal subfield volumes and memory scores were tested in SIVD patients.ResultsAlmost all hippocampal subfields were significantly different among the three groups except for the bilateral hippocampal fissure (p = 0.366, p = 0.086, respectively.) and left parasubiculum (p = 0.166). Furthermore, the SIVD-CI patients showed smaller volumes in the right subiculum (p &lt; 0.001), CA1 (p = 0.002), presubiculum (p = 0.002) and molecular layer of the hippocampus (p = 0.017) than the HC-SIVD patients. In addition, right subiculum volumes were positively related to Rey’s Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT) word recognition (r = 0.230, p = 0.050), reverse digit span test (R-DST) (r = 0.326, p = 0.005) and Rey–Osterrieth Complex Figure Test (ROCF) immediate recall (r = 0.247, p = 0.035) scores, right CA1 volumes were positively correlated with RAVLT word recognition (r = 0.261, p = 0.026), and right presubiculum volumes showed positive relationships with R-DST (r = 0.254, p = 0.030) and ROCF immediate recall (r = 0.242, p = 0.039) scores.ConclusionSIVD might lead to general reductions in volume in multiple hippocampal subfields. However, SIVD-CI patients showed atrophy in specific subfields, which might be associated with memory deficits.
Endovascular Treatment Combined With Standard Medical Treatment Improves Outcomes of Posterior Circulation Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Dong Shuju , Li Yanbo , Guo Jian , Luo Yaxi , Fang Jinghuan , Tang Li , He Li 
Published: April 2022

AimsWhether endovascular treatment (EVT) can further improve the prognosis of patients with posterior circulation ischemic stroke (PCIS) is unclear. This meta-analysis aims to compare the efficacy and safety of PCIS patients treated with EVT plus standard medical treatment (SMT) and SMT alone.MethodsWe systematically searched for relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and prospective cohort trials in MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library up to February 2022. The primary outcome was favorable functional outcome of the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) with scores of 0–2 or 0–3; secondary outcomes included successful recanalization rate, intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), or symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) after treatment and 90-day mortality.ResultsWe identified six studies including 1, 385 PCIS patients (957 with EVT plus SMT; 428 with SMT alone). EVT plus SMT substantially improved 90-day functional outcomes compared with SMT alone [mRS score of 0–2: RR=1.95, 95% CI (1.52 – 2.51), P &lt; 0.001; mRS score of 0–3: RR = 1.85, 95% CI (1.49 – 2.30), P &lt; 0.001, respectively]. Moreover, compared with SMT, combined treatment significantly improved the rate of successful recanalization [RR = 5.03, 95% CI (3.96–6.40), P &lt; 0.001] and reduced 90-day mortality [RR = 0.71, 95% CI (0.63–0.79), P &lt; 0.001] despite a higher risk of ICH [RR = 6.13, 95% CI (2.50–15.02), P &lt; 0.001] and sICH [RR = 10.47, 95% CI [2.79–39.32), P = 0.001].ConclusionLow-to-moderate evidence from RCTs and non-RCTs showed that increased ICH and sICH risk of EVT plus SMT did not translate to a higher risk of unfavorable outcomes compared with SMT and could even promote independence at 90 days in a real-world cohort.
Stroke Related Knowledge, Prevention Practices and Associated Factors Among Hypertensive Patients at University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia, 2021
Authors: Woldetsadik Fkrte Kebede , Kassa Tesfa , Bilchut Workagegnehu Hailu , Kibret Alemu kassaw , Guadie Yisak Girma , Eriku Getachew Azeze 
Published: April 2022

IntroductionStroke is a global health problem, causing significant morbidities and mortalities in both developing and developed countries. Patients living with chronic diseases like hypertension are at a high risk of stroke. Approximately 80% of strokes could be prevented with necessary preventive practices. There is scarce evidence in the preventive practices in Ethiopia, particularly in the study area. Therefore, this study aimed to assess knowledge and prevention practices related to stroke among hypertensive patients at the University of Gondar comprehensive specialized hospital, northwest Ethiopia.MethodsAn institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 393 hypertensive patients at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital from May 1st to June 30th, 2021. The study participants were selected by a systematic random sampling technique. A semi-structured and interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. The data was entered into EPI Info version 7.2.1 and analyzed with SPSS version 23.0. Binary logistic regression analyses were undertaken to identify associated factors. The level of significance was determined using the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with its 95% CI at a p-value of 0.05.ResultsParticipants in this study had adequate knowledge of stroke and good prevention practices in 40.7% (95% CI: 35.9, 45.5) and 51.7% (95 CI: 46.8, 56.5) of cases, respectively. Attending secondary education and above 4.6 (95% CI: 2.08, 10.17), knowing someone who has had a stroke 13.17 (95% CI: 7.3, 23.77), and physical activity 4.05 (95% CI: 2.23, 7.36) were all significantly associated with adequate stroke knowledge. Furthermore, educational status (attending primary education 2.61 (95% CI: 1.44, 4.73) and secondary education and above 3.75 (95% CI: 1.99, 7.05), being an urban dweller 9.65 (95% CI: 5.04, 18.44), duration of hypertension 1.9 (95% CI: 1.15, 3.14), knowing someone with a stroke 2.27 (95% CI: 1.30, 3.93), and physical activity 1.76 (95% CI: 1.03, 3.01) were associated with good stroke prevention practices.ConclusionThe proportion of participants with good-related knowledge and prevention practice is relatively good.
Signature of Alzheimer’s Disease in Intestinal Microbiome: Results From the AlzBiom Study
Authors: Laske Christoph , Müller Stephan , Preische Oliver , Ruschil Victoria , Munk Matthias H. J. , Honold Iris , Peter Silke , Schoppmeier Ulrich , Willmann Matthias 
Published: April 2022

BackgroundChanges in intestinal microbiome composition have been described in animal models of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and AD patients. Here we investigated how well taxonomic and functional intestinal microbiome data and their combination with clinical data can be used to discriminate between amyloid-positive AD patients and cognitively healthy elderly controls.MethodsIn the present study we investigated intestinal microbiome in 75 amyloid-positive AD patients and 100 cognitively healthy controls participating in the AlzBiom study. We randomly split the data into a training and a validation set. Intestinal microbiome was measured using shotgun metagenomics. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to examine the discriminatory ability of intestinal microbiome among diagnostic groups.ResultsThe best model for discrimination of amyloid-positive AD patients from healthy controls with taxonomic data was obtained analyzing 18 genera features, and yielded an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.76 in the training set and 0.61 in the validation set. The best models with functional data were obtained analyzing 17 GO (Gene Ontology) features with an AUROC of 0.81 in the training set and 0.75 in the validation set and 26 KO [Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) ortholog] features with an AUROC of 0.83 and 0.77, respectively. Using ensemble learning for these three models including a clinical model with the 4 parameters age, gender, BMI and ApoE yielded an AUROC of 0.92 in the training set and 0.80 in the validation set.DiscussionIn conclusion, we identified a specific Alzheimer signature in intestinal microbiome that can be used to discriminate amyloid-positive AD patients from healthy controls. The diagnostic accuracy increases from taxonomic to functional data and is even better when combining taxonomic, functional and clinical models. Intestinal microbiome represents an innovative diagnostic supplement and a promising area for developing novel interventions against AD.
Lifestyle and Psychological Factors Affecting Eating Habits and Physical Activity Among Government Servants in the States With the Highest Cumulative Cases in Malaysia During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Hamzaid Nur Hana , Gumisi Zeesha Gloria Rayner , Ahmad Helme Syaidatul Khafizah , Azmi Norhazirah , Shahril Mohd. Razif 
Published: April 2022

IntroductionLike many other countries, the federal government of Malaysia took the initiative to implement nationwide home confinement as a preventive measure in response to the pandemic COVID-19 outbreak, better known as Movement Control Order (MCO). Many have suffered economically, which led to poor states of well-being. This study investigates the relationship between lifestyle, psychological factors affecting eating habits, and physical activity among government servants in states with the highest cumulative cases during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsA cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 210 government servants from four states (Selangor, Sabah, Kuala Lumpur, and Johor) from May 2021 to June 2021. Three validated questionnaires were used, namely, Emotional-Eater Questionnaire (EEQ), and Malay International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-M) from López-Moreno et al. (1).ResultsThere were significant gender differences (P &lt; 0.001) for supplement intake, with 30.4% among men and 62.3% in women. Almost half (49.1%) were classified as emotional or very emotional eaters. Also, a significant difference (P &lt; 0.005) was found in the perception of boredom and apathy between men (35.7%) and women (31.8%). A majority (56.2%) stated that their mood positively affected their eating habits. The total metabolic equivalent of task (MET) for 132 subjects was 3495.8 ± 3862.7 min/week for physical activity. Significant differences were observed between MET and gender (Mann–Whitney U-test: P = 0.019), with men showing higher MET value (5001.4 ± 5354.0 min/week men, 2864.3 ± 2754.3 min/week women). A significant difference was observed among women for body weight and body mass index (BMI) before and during MCO (P &lt; 0.001). For the emotional eater, there were correlations with eating habits before the MCO for quantity of food intake (P = 0.003), frequency of mealtime (P &lt; 0.001), changes of food habits (P = 0.005), cooking methods (P = 0.016), and frequency of food intake (P = 0.020). There is no correlation (P = 0.577) between psychological factors affecting eating habits and physical activity during COVID-19.ConclusionChanges were reported before and during MCO on lifestyle, eating habits, and physical activity. Such information will help design strategies to improve the economic and health status among government servants in Malaysia during the implementation of MCO or something similar.
FAST Heroes: Results of Cross-Country Implementation of a Global School-Based Stroke Education Campaign
Authors: Tsakpounidou Kalliopi , van der Merwe Jan , Klinke Marianne Elisabeth , Webb Chris , Ouriques Martins Sheila Cristina , Proios Hariklia 
Published: April 2022

BackgroundEducating the at-risk population about stroke symptoms and requirement of calling an ambulance when stroke strikes is challenging. This exploratory cross-country study provides insights to the FAST Heroes educational campaign and outcomes hitherto achieved.AimsThe primary aim of the study was to measure the transfer of stroke-related knowledge to parents after a global school-based FAST Heroes educational campaign for 5- to 9-year-old children in 14 different countries. The secondary aim was to evaluate parents and teachers' acceptability toward the program.MethodsThe duration of the program was 5 h; 1 h per week, joining face-to-face educational sessions with workbooks, cartoons, web-based learning, and other fun activities. Outcomes were measured before implementation (t1), after implementation (t2), and at 6-month follow-up (t3). Program acceptability and stroke knowledge were evaluated by feedback surveys for teachers and parents.ResultsWorldwide, 4,202 parents completed the program with their children and answered surveys at t1 and t2. They increased their knowledge of three stroke symptoms from 48 to 83% (p &lt; 0.001). All three surveys were completed by 86 parents, who improved their knowledge of stroke symptoms, 55% (t1), 79% (t2), and 94% (t3) (p &lt; 0.001). Overall, the educational messages were successfully passed onward.ConclusionsFindings confirm the primary aim of the study that is knowledge about stroke transfer well from children to their families through the FAST Heroes program. Second, parents and teachers globally consider the program feasible and worthwhile. The results will inform further rollout of the campaign.
Association of Salt-Reduction Knowledge and Behaviors and Salt Intake in Chinese Population
Authors: Han Bing , Li Chuancang , Zhou Yabing , Zhang Mengge , Zhao Yang , Zhao Ting , Hu Dongsheng , Sun Liang 
Published: April 2022

ObjectiveExcessive salt intake is causally associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Salt-reduction strategies have been rapidly deployed across China since 2017. This study aimed to investigate the association of salt-reduction knowledge and behaviors and salt intake in Chinese population.Study DesignThis study was a national cross-sectional study in China.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was based on data collected during a Chinese adult chronic disease and nutrition surveillance program in 2018 with 7,665 study participants. Salt intake was assessed by calculating 24 h urine sodium from morning urine samples. Logistic regression and mean impact value (MIV) based on the back propagation (BP) artificial neural network were used to screen the potential influencing factors.ResultsA total of 7,665 participants were included in the analysis, with an average age of 54.64 ± 13.26 years, and with men accounting for 42.6%. Only 19.3% of the participants were aware of the Chinese Dietary Guidelines, and only 7.3% of them could accurately identify the level of salt intake recommended in the Chinese Dietary Guidelines. Approximately 41% of the participants adopted salt-reduction behaviors, among whom the number of participants who used less salt when cooking was the highest, and the number of participants who used low sodium salt was the lowest. In the logistic regression, only “No extra salt was added at the table” group showed the effect of salt-reduction, the odds ratio (OR) being 0.78 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.64–0.95). The MIV result based on the BP neural network showed that the most important salt-reduction behavior was using less salt when cooking, while reducing eating-out behavior and using salt-limiting tools were the least important.ConclusionThe research shows that the popularization of salt-reduction knowledge and behaviors can reduce the population's salt intake. However, there is still considerable scope for promoting salt-reduction knowledge and behaviors, while the promotion of salt-reduction tools and low-sodium salt still needs to be strengthened.
Multilayer Regulation of Neisseria meningitidis NHBA at Physiologically Relevant Temperatures
Authors: Borghi Sara , Antunes Ana , Haag Andreas F. , Spinsanti Marco , Brignoli Tarcisio , Ndoni Enea , Scarlato Vincenzo , Delany Isabel 
Published: April 2022

Neisseria meningitidis colonizes the nasopharynx of humans, and pathogenic strains can disseminate into the bloodstream, causing septicemia and meningitis. NHBA is a surface-exposed lipoprotein expressed by all N. meningitidis strains in different isoforms. Diverse roles have been reported for NHBA in heparin-mediated serum resistance, biofilm formation, and adherence to host tissues. We determined that temperature controls the expression of NHBA in all strains tested, with increased levels at 30–32 °C compared to 37 °C. Higher NHBA expression at lower temperatures was measurable both at mRNA and protein levels, resulting in higher surface exposure. Detailed molecular analysis indicated that multiple molecular mechanisms are responsible for the thermoregulated NHBA expression. The comparison of mRNA steady-state levels and half-lives at 30 °C and 37 °C demonstrated an increased mRNA stability/translatability at lower temperatures. Protein stability was also impacted, resulting in higher NHBA stability at lower temperatures. Ultimately, increased NHBA expression resulted in higher susceptibility to complement-mediated killing. We propose that NHBA regulation in response to temperature downshift might be physiologically relevant during transmission and the initial step(s) of interaction within the host nasopharynx. Together these data describe the importance of NHBA both as a virulence factor and as a vaccine antigen during neisserial colonization and invasion.
Les eaux rituelles en Égypte pharaonique
Authors: Bonhême Marie-Ange 
Published: April 2022

C'est du point de vue de leur emploi, dans leur contexte architectural, mobilier et rituel, davantage que de leur symbolique, que les eaux rituelles sont présentées dans cette étude synthétique. Ces eaux qui ont pour provenance le Nil, la nappe phréatique et même la pluie, sont associées à des constructions spécifiques : lacs sacrés, puits, nilomètres, aménagements portuaires ou encore à un rustique système hydraulique d'acheminement de l'eau. Un mobilier funéraire est affecté à ces liturgies.
On remarquera que, s'il est commandé au roi de discipliner techniquement et rituellement les crues, si l'accent est mis sur la connivence de la royauté et de Hapy, les aspects matériels propres à un culte de la crue sont extrêmement secondarisés par suite d'une mise en tutelle théologique du génie de l'inondation, qui se trouve être un génie lié au monde agricole. On concluera alors sur le décalage entre l'univers des représentations mentales égyptiennes, où prévalent les activités de prédation du système de subsistance antérieur, et les ressources économiques désormais agricoles de l'Egypte : plus récemment performantes dans le processus d'accumulation des richesses, elles ont cependant moins de prestige dans la pensée symbolique de la sphère du pouvoir.
Les sacrifices humains à l’époque prédynastique : l’apport de la nécropole d’Adaïma
Authors: Crubézy Eric , Midant-Reynes Béatrix 
Published: April 2022

Les manipulations de cadavres dans les nécropoles prédynastiques ont été décrites par Fl. Petrie dès la mise en évidence de cette période de l’histoire égyptienne.
Bien que controversées, on ne manqua pas cependant de les mettre en relation avec certains passages des Textes des Pyramides. Le point sur cette question a été réalisé par G.R.H. Wright, en 1979. Les fouilles d’Adaïma relancent le débat, révélant, sans conteste possible, des manipulations d’ossements et des interventions sur des cadavres. C’est sous cet éclairage que l’on se propose d’ouvrir le dossier relatif à la mise à mort d’êtres humains en contexte funéraire.
Nous avons été amenés à reconsidérer la documentation iconographique (tablettes de Djer et de Aha) et archéologique (Abydos et Saqqara) et à analyser la relation établie entre sacrifices humains et formation de l’Etat.
Hieroglyphic Writing During the Fourth Millennium BC : an Analysis of Systems
Authors: Kahl Jochem 
Published: April 2022

During the last ten years the number of published inscriptions from the time before the 1st Dynasty has almost tripled. The main reason is the discovery and publication of the early inscriptions from Tomb U-j (ca. 3320 BC) at Umm el-Qacab/Abydos (Naqada IIIa2/Naqada IIIA1). The 525 inscriptions known at present and dating before the 1st Dynasty allow an insight into the origins of hieroglyphic writing — in respect to writing materials and literacy as well as concerning the spelling of words and the stock of signs.
The distribution of inscriptions increased in course of time before the 1st Dynasty. For the reign of Nar-mer inscriptions from 17 sites are already attested. Due to circumstantial evidence, it can also be proved that there was a large official group of working scribes as well.
Words were written in different sign sequences. A tendency to standardization was not yet ascertainable. The Horus name of king Nar-mer, for example, was attested in 15 different spellings. The choice of a spelling, however, did not happen haphazardly in spite of the multiplicity of possibilities. Thus, the longer form of Nar-mer’s name was especially reproduced on representative objects, but the shorter form „Nar“ on more functional substrates.
An examination of the existence of certain functions for the hieroglyphic signs shows, on one hand, that the hieroglyphic writing system was already in use during the time of Tomb U-j, with many characteristics that are known from later periods (logograms, determinatives and phonograms). On the other hand, some characteristics are still missing (phonetic complements and some principles of the creation of logograms). In particular, a syllabary was present only in a rudimentary way before the middle of the 1st Dynasty. Thus hieroglyphic writing existed in a „fully developed" form during the reign of Den, but in a „fully developed" form only at the beginning of the 3rd Dynasty.
From the time before Tomb U-j, hieroglyphic writing in its proper sense is not yet known. On the one hand, signs in combination are missing, and on the other hand, the rebus principle is not yet recognizable. Nevertheless, it is probable that at least a short time before Tomb U-j was equipped, the use of writing already existed however no evidence of it has survived.