bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of metabolic syndrome in primary health settings in Qatar: a cross sectional study
Authors: Syed Mohamed Ahmed , Al Nuaimi Ahmed Sameer , Latif Zainel Abdul Jaleel A. , A/Qotba Hamda Abdulla 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
In Qatar, prevalence of metabolic components is significantly higher compared to other countries. It is therefore urgent to understand the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) with the goal of identifying etiologic factors in Qatar. This study was undertaken to estimate the prevalence of MetS, by age, gender and nationality within primary care settings in Qatar. In addition, it determined the independent effects of risk factors on the prevalence of MetS.

Methods
A cross-sectional study design was used. Data for individuals aged ≥18 and who visited a publicly funded primary health centre in Qatar during 2017 were extracted from electronic medical records and analysed.

Results
The findings showed that the prevalence of individual MetS components ranged between 48.5–60.3%. Overall prevalence of MetS was 48.8% (N = 62,492) in the study population. Prevalence of MetS increased with age. 50.3% of the population within the 40–49 year age group had MetS. In this age band, individuals were 5.1 times more likely of having MetS compared to the 18–29 year age group. MetS was slightly more prevalent in men (56 .7%) compared to women (42.5%). However, men were 1.33 times more likely of having MetS compared to women. The prevalence of MetS ranged between 20.6 - 60% across nationalities. It was most prevalent in Southern Asians (60%), followed by Northern Africans (50.7%) and Western Asians (excluding Qatar) (46.8%). Prevalence of MetS in Qataris was 43%. Southern Asians, Northern African and Western Asians were 1.73, 1.38 and 1.17 more likely to have MetS compared to Qataris.

Conclusions
The study provides essential epidemiological information required by decision makers. Although not nationally representative, this study is suggestive of a higher prevalence of MetS among a younger population, men and in Southern Asian, Northern African and Western Asian nationalities. Prevention, treatment and control of MetS is a public health problem in Qatar. More studies are needed to establish which public health interventions are likely to be effective in Qatar.
Prevalence of positive TST among healthcare workers in high-burden TB setting in Peru
Authors: Sedamano Juana , Schwalb Alvaro , Cachay Rodrigo , Zamudio Carlos , Ugarte-Gil César , Soto-Cabezas Gabriela , Munayco César V. , Seas Carlos 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Tuberculosis (TB) transmission has long been recognized as an important occupational hazard for healthcare workers (HCWs). HCWs have a 5.8% annual risk of exposure and three times greater risk of developing active TB than the general population.

Methods
We conducted an observational cross-sectional study between September 2014 and March 2015 among HCWs in a high-burden TB setting in Lima to estimate the prevalence of positive Tuberculin Skin Test (TST) and to investigate factors associated with a positive TST.

Results
Two hundred forty participants were included in the analysis; TST was administered to 190 (79.2%) while the rest were exempt due to a previous positive TST result, history of TB, or test refusal. A positive TST result was found among 56.2% of participants to whom the TST was applied (95% CI: 49.22–63.55%). When considering those who had a previous positive TST result and those with a history of TB, the prevalence of a positive TST result was 64.3% (95% CI: 57.8–70.3%). No significant differences were observed between clinical/paramedical and administrative staff in the health center. The use of N95 masks during work hours was reported by 142 (69.9%) participants. Prevalence ratios (PR) show that workers with more than 120 months as a HCW were 1.44 times more likely to be TST positive. The multivariate analysis found that HCWs with over 10 years of service were 1.52 times more likely to be TST positive.

Conclusion
This study supports previous reports that TB infection is an occupational hazard for HCWs. Prevention of TB transmission through control measures, as well as timely diagnosis of LTBI in this particular high-risk group, is critical for individual and public health.
Autologous pericardium used for reconstruction of left innominate vein in patient with mediastinal venous aneurysm:a case report
Authors: Fang Cheng , Pan Hui , Li Zhoubin , Ma Liang , Han Weili 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Mediastinal venous aneurysm is a very rare disease and can be easily misdiagnosed. Patients are often asymptomatic while venous aneurysm of large size with adjacent structures oppressed can lead to discomfort. The surgical treatment for aneurysm of large vessels is often complex and challenging.

Case presentation
We reported a 52-year-old man with mediastinal mass who received operation on July 2019 in our hospital. Left innominate vein aneurysm was diagnosed during operation with superior vena cava involved. The aneurysm was resected and pericardium was taken to repair part wall of superior vena cava and reconstruct left innominate vein. The patient’s postoperative course was uneventful.

Conclusions
Venous aneurysm should be considered when mediastinal mass has no clear boundary with large veins or even seems to connect with them. Magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomographic angiography and invasive venography can be performed to further evaluate the mass once diagnosis of venous aneurysm was suspected. Using pericardium to repair large veins is a good choice which is safe and costless.
The role of Piper chaba Hunt. and its pure compound, piperine, on TRPV1 activation and adjuvant effect
Authors: Panthong Sumalee , Imai Yasuyuki , Matsuoka Takeshi , Suzuki Wakana , Watanabe Tatsuo , Terada Yuko , Kurohane Kohta , Sekiguchi Kota , Ogawa Erina , Endo Yukina , Itharat Arunporn 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundPiper chabaHunt. is used as an ingredient in Thai traditional preparation for arthritis. Its isolated compound is piperine which shows anti-inflammatory activity. Piperine produces a burning sensation because it activates TRPV1 receptor. The TRPV1 activation involved with the analgesic and adjuvant effect.P. chabaHunt. has not been reported about TRPV1 activation and adjuvant effect. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect ofP. chabaextract and piperine on TRPV1 receptor, which is considered as a target for analgesic and their adjuvant effects to support the development of an analgesic drug from herbal medicine.MethodsThe effect ofP. chabaextract and piperine on HEK cells expressing TRPV1 channel was examined by calcium imaging assay. Adjuvant effects ofP. chabaextract and piperine were investigated by a fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-induced contact hypersensitivity (CHS) model in mice.ResultsP. chabaextract induced calcium influx with EC50value of 0.67 μg/ml. Piperine induced calcium influx with EC50value of 0.31 μg/ml or 1.08 μM. For mouse CHS model, we found that 1% piperine, 5% piperine, 1%P. chabaextract and 5%P. chabaextract significantly enhanced sensitization to FITC as revealed by ear swelling responses.ConclusionP. chabaextract and piperine activated TRPV1 channel and enhanced contact sensitization to FITC.
Sinensetin suppresses influenza a virus-triggered inflammation through inhibition of NF-κB and MAPKs signalings
Authors: Li Jiashun , Jie Xiang , Liang Xiaoli , Chen Ziyu , Xie Peifang , Pan Xiping , Zhou Beixian , Li Jing 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Human respiratory system infected with influenza A virus (IAV) elicited a robust pro-inflammatory response that resulted in severe illness and even death. Currently, limited immunomodulator is available to counteract IAV-associated pneumonia in the clinic. Sinensetin, a polymethoxylated flavone with five methoxy groups, has been found to possess anti-agiogenesis, anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic activities. However, the effects of sinensetin on IAV-triggered pro-inflammatory response remain unclear. In the present study, the anti-inflammatory effects and corresponding possible mechanism of sinensetin in IAV-infected A549 cells were subjected to investigations.

Methods
The cytotoxic effects of sinensetin towards A549 cells was detected by MTT and LDH assays. The antiviral activity of sinensetin against influenza A virus was assayed in A549 cells with an engineered replication-competent influenza A virus carrying Gaussia luciferase reporter gene infection. The effect of sinensetin on influenza A virus-triggered inflammatory reaction was determined by qRT-PCR, Luminex assays, ELISA and Western blot.

Results
Our results showed that sinensetin did not exhibit antiviral activity against A/PR/8/34 (H1N1). Meanwhile, sinensetin treatment significantly decreased IAV-induced expression of pro-inflammatory mediators at mRNA and protein levels, including IL-6, TNF-α, IP-10, IL-8 and MCP-1. Additionally, levels of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and the downstream product prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) up-regulated by IAV infection were dramatically suppressed by sinensetin. The mechanistic investigation revealed that sinensetin treatment suppressed the NF-κB transcriptional activity using the NF-κB reporter stable HEK293 cell line stimulated with TNF-α (20 ng/mL) or influenza H1N1 virus. Furthermore, sinensetin abrogated influenza H1N1 virus-induced activation of NF-κB, ERK1/2 MAPK and p38 MAPK signalings.

Conclusion
Collectively, our results indicated that sinensetin has potential capacity to attenuate IAV-triggered pro-inflammatory response via inactivation of NF-κB, ERK1/2 MAPK and p38 MAPK signalings, which implied that sinensetin may be a promising candidate drug for influenza H1N1 virus infection therapeutics.
The assessment of stress level, anxiety, depressive symptoms, and defense mechanisms among Polish and English medical students
Authors: Pawlaczyk M. , Siembida J. , Balaj K. , Rajewska-Rager A. 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Introduction
Medical education is proven to be associated with a high degree of psychological stress. Different coping strategies used by students have been investigated on their efficacy. So far, studies on medical students have been limited to a single population.

Aim of the study
Our study aimed to identify differences in the prevalence of depressive symptoms, anxiety, stress levels, and defense mechanisms among two groups of medical students, the Polish and English-speaking divisions.

Materials and methods
The study included two groups of first-year medical students, the Polish and English-speaking divisions, comprising 305 participants (n = 204 Polish, n = 101 English, men = 127, women = 176). It was divided into two periods: the students received author questionnaires during an exam-free academic period and then completed the same questionnaires during an exam session. The survey contained questions pertaining to demographics and studying habits among participants and included the Defense Style Questionnaire and Depression Anxiety Stress Scales. Data were analyzed using STATISTICA version 12.0, and p ≤ 0.05 was considered significant.

Results
Polish medical students presented with significantly increased overall stress levels (p = 0.007858) and depressive symptoms (p = 0.030420) compared to the English division students. Polish students also presented with more symptoms of stress, depression, and anxiety during the exam period compared to the exam-free period (p = 0.000625), which did not apply to the English-speaking students. The English division students reached higher scores in the mature defense mechanisms section than the Polish students (p = 0.000001). The use of mature defense mechanisms correlated negatively with the intensity of stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms in both groups, while immature defense mechanisms promoted higher values of those variables (p = 0.000001).

Conclusions
Our study showed significant and multidirectional differences between medical students of the Polish and English divisions attending the same university. Such results could suggest that strategies aimed at reducing depressive symptoms among medical students ought to be adapted towards the needs of a specific population.
Minimally invasive dual incision with mini plate internal fixation improves outcomes over 30 months in 20 patients with Sanders type III calcaneal fractures
Authors: Chen Jianming , Yang Zhongmeng , Kong Changwang , Wei Shijun 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Calcaneal Sanders type III or higher fractures traditionally have been treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF); however, ORIF has associated complications. We investigated a combination of minimally invasive dual incision and internal fixation using mini plates for treating Sanders type III calcaneal fractures.

Methods
Twenty patients with Sanders type III intra-articular calcaneal fractures with a posterior subtalar articular displacement > 2 mm were included. Surgical outcomes were assessed by visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hindfoot score, and calcaneal geometry, including Böhler and Gissane angles.

Results
The Böhler angle, Gissane angle, and height and length of the calcaneus were increased following treatment. Based on the AOFAS score, 80% of cases had excellent or good outcomes. The mean postoperative VAS pain score was 1.6. Complications such as malunion or a screw positioning deviation occurred in 6 patients, and one patient experienced delayed wound healing. There were no wound infections.

Conclusions
These results indicate that minimally invasive dual incision with mini plate internal fixation may be an effective alternative to ORIF for treating Sanders type III calcaneal fractures. Advantages include improvement of calcaneal geometry and a lower rate of wound infections.
Vertebral mobility is a valuable indicator for predicting and determining bone union in osteoporotic vertebral fractures: a conventional observation study
Authors: Sato Kozo , Yamada Yuichiro , Kogawa Masakazu , Sekiguchi Takuya 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Conservative treatments for osteoporotic vertebral fractures (OVFs) have not been standardized, and criteria for determining bone union have not been established. To determine bone union, we have adopted a cutoff value of 1.0 mm for vertebral mobility (V-mobility), defined as the difference in anterior vertebral height (Ha) between lateral radiographs taken in weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing positions. The present study aimed to investigate the usefulness of V-mobility for determining bone union and predicting bone union at 6 months after OVF onset.

Methods
The study included 54 acute OVFs from T11 to L3 in 53 patients (12 males, 41 females; mean age 82 years; age range 55–97 years) who were hospitalized at ≤ 3 weeks after OVF onset. Vertebral deformity (V-deformity) and V-mobility were evaluated in accordance with Ha on lateral radiographs taken in the sitting position (SIT), lateral decubitus position (DEC), and supine position (SUP). OVFs showing V-mobility of ≤ 1.0 mm between SIT and DEC radiographs and no intravertebral cleft on DEC radiograph were defined as semi-union, while those showing V-mobility of ≤ 1.0 mm between SIT and SUP radiographs and no intravertebral cleft on SUP radiograph were defined as bone union. We calculated the bone union rates including semi-unions associated with V-mobility cutoff values of 1.0 mm, 1.5 mm, and 2.0 mm and estimated cutoff values for V-mobility at 5 weeks after OVF onset to predict bone union at 6 months after OVF onset.

Results
The cumulative number of bone unions including semi-unions was more influenced by the different V-mobility cutoff values in Ha for determining bone union in the earlier period compared with the later period in the time course of OVF. Receiver-operating characteristic curve analyses revealed that V-mobility cutoff value of 2.1 mm in Ha between SIT and DEC radiographs at 5 weeks after OVF had moderate accuracy for predicting bone union including semi-union at 6 months after OVF. The mean V-deformity value on SIT radiographs did not progress significantly.

Conclusion
V-mobility in the early stage after OVF can predict bone union at 6 months after OVF and is a useful quantitative indicator for determining bone union.
The effect of luseogliflozin on bone microarchitecture in older patients with type 2 diabetes: study protocol for a randomized controlled pilot trial using second-generation, high-resolution, peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT)
Authors: Haraguchi Ai , Shigeno Riyoko , Horie Ichiro , Morimoto Shimpei , Ito Ayako , Chiba Ko , Kawazoe Yurika , Tashiro Shigeki , Miyamoto Junya , Sato Shuntaro , Yamamoto Hiroshi , Osaki Makoto , Kawakami Atsushi , Abiru Norio 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Older patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have an increased risk of bone fracture independent of their bone mineral density (BMD), which is explained mainly by the deteriorated bone quality in T2DM compared to that in non-diabetic adults. Sodium-glucose co-transporter (SGLT) 2 inhibitors have been studied in several trials in T2DM, and the Canagliflozin Cardiovascular Assessment Study showed an increased fracture risk related to treatment with the SGLT2 inhibitor canagliflozin, although no evidence of increased fracture risk with treatment with other SGLT2 inhibitors has been reported. The mechanism of the difference in the fracture risk between the SGLT2 inhibitors is unknown, but the differences among the SGLT2 inhibitors in the selectivity of SGLT2 against SGLT1 may affect bone metabolism, since among the SGLT2 inhibitors the selectivity of canagliflozin is lowest. We will investigate whether the SGLT2 inhibitor luseogliflozin, which has the higher SGLT2 selectivity, affects bone metabolism by using high-resolution, peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) which provides direct in vivo morphometric information about the bone microarchitecture.

Methods/design
This is a single-center, randomized, open-label, active-controlled, parallel pilot trial. Eligible participants are older (age ≥ 60 years) individuals with T2DM with HbA1c levels at 7.0–8.9%. A total of 24 participants will be allocated to either the luseogliflozin group (taking luseogliflozin) or the control group (taking metformin) in a 1:1 ratio to compare the groups’ changes in bone microarchitecture of the radius and tibia which are analyzed by HR-pQCT before and at 48 weeks after the administration of each medication. The laboratory data associated with glycemic control and bone metabolism will be collected every 12 weeks during the study. Recruitment began in June 2019.

Discussion
The reason that we use metformin as an active control is to avoid yielding differences in glycemic control between the luseogliflozin and control groups. Besides, metformin is considered to have a neutral effect on bone. This trial should reveal the effect of luseogliflozin on bone metabolism in older patients with T2DM.

Trial registration
The study was registered with the University Hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN000036202) on 1 April 2019 and with the Japan Registry of Clinicla Trials (jRCTs071180061) on 14 March 2019.
Is natural (6S)-5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid as effective as synthetic folic acid in increasing serum and red blood cell folate concentrations during pregnancy? A proof-of-concept pilot study
Authors: Cochrane Kelsey M. , Mayer Chantal , Devlin Angela M. , Elango Rajavel , Hutcheon Jennifer A. , Karakochuk Crystal D. 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
North American health authorities recommend 0.4 mg/day folic acid before conception and throughout pregnancy to reduce the risk of neural tube defects. Folic acid is a synthetic form of folate that must be reduced by dihydrofolate reductase and then further metabolized. Recent evidence suggests that the maximal capacity for this process is limited and unmetabolized folic acid has been detected in the circulation. The biological effects of unmetabolized folic acid are unknown. A natural form of folate, (6S)-5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid (Metafolin®), may be a superior alternative because it does not need to be reduced in the small intestine. Metafolin® is currently used in some prenatal multivitamins; however, it has yet to be evaluated during pregnancy.

Methods/design
This double-blind, randomized trial will recruit 60 pregnant women aged 19–42 years. The women will receive either 0.6 mg/day folic acid or an equimolar dose (0.625 mg/day) of (6S)-5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid for 16 weeks. The trial will be initiated at 8–21 weeks’ gestation (after neural tube closure) to reduce the risk of harm should (6S)-5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid prove less effective. All women will also receive a prenatal multivitamin (not containing folate) to ensure adequacy of other nutrients. Baseline and endline blood samples will be collected to assess primary outcome measures, including serum folate, red blood cell folate and unmetabolized folic acid. The extent to which the change in primary outcomes from baseline to endline differs between treatment groups, controlling for baseline level, will be estimated using linear regression. Participants will have the option to continue supplementing until 1 week postpartum to provide a breastmilk and blood sample. Exploratory analyses will be completed to evaluate breastmilk and postpartum blood folate concentrations.

Discussion
This proof-of-concept trial is needed to obtain estimates of the effect of (6S)-5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid compared to folic acid on circulating biomarkers of folate status during pregnancy. These estimates will inform the design of a definitive trial which will be powered to assess whether (6S)-5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid is as effective as folic acid in raising blood folate concentrations during pregnancy. Ultimately, these findings will inform folate supplementation policies for pregnant women.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov, ID: NCT04022135. Registered on 14 July 2019.