bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Metformin Use and the Risk of Cancer in Patients with Diabetes: A Nationwide Sample Cohort Study
Authors: Oh Tak Kyu , Song In-Ae 
Published: November 2019

AbstractMetformin is known to have an antitumor effect; however, its effects in the prevention of cancer remain controversial. This study aimed to investigate the association of metformin therapy with the development of cancer. A population-based cohort study was conducted among adult patients with diabetes in 2010 using sample cohort data from the National Health Insurance Service. Metformin users were defined as those who had been prescribed repeated oral metformin administration over a period of ≥90 days. The primary endpoint of this study was the new development of cancer from January 1, 2011, to December 31, 2015. A total of 66,627 adult patients with diabetes were included in the final analysis; 29,974 were metformin users and 36,653 were controls. In the time-dependent Cox regression model, after multivariable adjustment, the risk for the development of cancer among metformin users was not significantly different from that among controls (HR = 0.96; 95% confidence interval, 0.89–1.03; P = 0.250). In the sensitivity analysis, neither low daily dosage (≤1 g/day, P = 0.301) nor high daily dosage (&gt;1 g/day, P = 0.497) of metformin was significantly associated with the development of cancer between 2011 and 2015. We found no association between metformin therapy and the risk of cancer among patients with diabetes, even in the high daily dosage groups of metformin (&gt;1 g/day). However, there might be residual confounders or bias; thus, further prospective, large population-based cohort studies are needed to confirm these findings.Impact:This population-based cohort study suggested a lack of association between metformin therapy and the risk of cancer among patients with diabetes. Therefore, the relationship between metformin therapy and the risk of cancer is still controversial.
Detecting Critical Congenital Heart Disease in Nevada
Authors: Evans William N. , Acherman Ruben J. , Ciccolo Michael L. , Lehoux Juan , Rothman Abraham , Galindo Alvarao 
Published: November 2019

Background: We reviewed data on patients born with critical congenital heart disease in the state of Nevada and analyzed detection via prenatal diagnosis versus newborn pulse oximetry screening, location of birth, and gestational age at birth. Methods: We inquired our databases and electronic health records for all patients with critical congenital heart disease born in Nevada between January 2016 and May 2019. Results: We identified 218 live born patients. Of the 218, average gestational age was 38 weeks (±2.2 weeks). Of the 218, 171 (78%) were prenatally diagnosed, 37 (17%) were diagnosed by immediate postnatal signs and symptoms, 8 (4%) had false-negative pulse oximetry screens that resulted in post-hospital discharge presentations, and 2 (1%) had positive pulse oximetry screens. The eight post-hospital discharge presentations included four in extremis, two with extreme cyanosis, and two dying at home. Of the 171 prenatally diagnosed patients, 157 (92%) were born at the Nevada hospital with the congenital cardiac unit. Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, our results represent the highest statewide, general population prenatal detection of critical congenital heart disease in the United States. Our high prenatal detection rate led to the majority of patients being born at the Nevada facility with the congenital heart unit, limiting intrastate neonatal transports. On average, patients were born at term. Further, in Nevada, state-mandated, universal pulse oximetry screening resulted in more false-negative results than positive results
Circulating monocyte subsets in multiple myeloma patients receiving autologous stem cell transplantation – a study of the preconditioning status and the course until posttransplant reconstitution for a consecutive group of patients
Authors: Rundgren Ida Marie , Ersvær Elisabeth , Ahmed Aymen Bushra , Ryningen Anita , Bruserud Øystein 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
Induction therapy of multiple myeloma patients prior to autologous stem cell transplantation has changed from conventional chemotherapy to treatment based on proteasome inhibitors or immunomodulatory drugs. We used flow cytometry to analyze total monocyte and monocyte subset (classical, intermediate and non-classical monocytes) peripheral blood levels before and following auto-transplantation for a consecutive group of myeloma patients who had received the presently used induction therapy.

Results
The patients showed normal total monocyte concentrations after induction/stem cell mobilization, but the concentrations of classical monocytes were increased compared with healthy controls. Melphalan conditioning reduced the levels of total CD14+ as well as classical and non-classical monocytes, whereas intermediate monocytes were not affected. Thus, melphalan has a non-random effect on monocyte subsets. Melphalan had a stronger effect on total and classical monocyte concentrations for those patients who had received induction therapy including immunomodulatory drugs. Total monocytes and monocyte subset concentrations decreased during the period of pancytopenia, but monocyte reconstitution occurred before hematopoietic reconstitution. However, the fractions of various monocyte subsets varied considerably between patients.

Conclusions
The total level of circulating monocytes is normalized early after auto-transplantation for multiple myeloma, but pre- and post-transplant levels of various monocyte subsets show considerable variation between patients.
Glutathione, glutathione peroxidase and some hematological parameters of HIV-seropositive subjects attending clinic in University of Calabar teaching hospital, Calabar, Nigeria
Authors: Coco-Bassey Stephen Bassey , Asemota Enosakhare A. , Okoroiwu Henshaw Uchechi , Etura Joyce E. , Efiong Esienanwan Esien , Inyang Imeobong J. , Uko Emmanuel K. 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
Despite the numerous intervention programmes, HIV still remains a public health concern with a high impact in Sub-Saharan Africa region. Oxidative stress has been documented in HIV subjects as viral infection promotes prolonged activation of immune system, hence, production of increased reactive oxygen species.

Methods
We studied 180 subjects. Of these, 60 were HIV-infected on antiretroviral therapy (ART), 40 were ART naïve HIV-infected and 80 were apparent healthy non HIV-infected subjects. The complete blood count was performed by automated hemoanalyzer, the CD4+ T-cell count was performed by cyflow cytometer, while the antioxidant assay was performed using ELISA technique.

Result
All evaluated parameters; glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), CD4+ T-cell count, haemoglobin (Hb), total white blood cell count (WBC) and platelet count were significantly (P < 0.05) reduced in the HIV-infected subjects. All assessed parameters were found to be significantly (P < 0.5) reduced in the HIV-infected subjects that are ART naive when compared with those on ART. HIV-infected subjects with CD4+ T-cell count < 200 cells/mm3 had significantly (P < 0.05) reduced values in all assessed parameters when compared to those with CD4+ T-cell count ≥200 cells/mm3. GSH and WBC were found to be significantly (P < 0.05) increased in the female HIV-infected subjects when compared with the male counterpart. Anemia prevalence of 74 and 33% were recorded for the HIV-infected and control subjects, respectively. Gender and ART treatment were found to be associated with anemia in HIV. Male HIV-infected subjects on ART were found to be more likely to have anemia.

Conclusion
Antioxidants; GSH and GPX were found to be significantly reduced in HIV infection. Further probe showed that the antioxidant status was improved in the HIV-infected group on ART.
Current state of esophageal cancer surgery in China: a national database analysis
Authors: Qiu Ming-Lian , Lin Jian-Bo , Li Xu , Luo Rong-Gang , Liu Bo , Lin Jing-Wei 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
The present standard of surgical treatment for esophageal cancer is country dependent. The aim of the present study was to investigate the basic aspects of surgical procedures performed for esophageal cancer, and provide information about the present state of esophageal cancer surgery in China.

Methods
Data were obtained from a database administered by the Chinese Ministry for Health. A total of 542 participating hospitals were divided into seven geographic areas, and 10% of hospitals in each area were randomly chosen for inclusion. All patients with esophageal cancer, who underwent esophagectomy in these participating hospitals from January 1 to December 31, 2015, were included in the present study. The clinical characteristics, stage of tumor at diagnosis, operation summary and outcomes, and histological findings of patients were extracted and analyzed.

Results
The present study included 11,791 patients, and the average number of patients per hospital was 218. Squamous cell carcinoma was the most common pathological type, while the mid-esophagus was the most common location. Open procedures were performed in 63.8% of patients, while minimally invasive esophagectomy was performed in 36.2% of patients. Multiple approaches to transthoracic esophagectomy were utilized. Two-field lymphadenectomy was the most frequently performed (64.8%), followed by three-field lymphadenectomy (21.8%). Gastric tubes, thoracic duct ligation and postoperative enteral nutrition were implemented to minimize complications.

Conclusion
The standard operative procedure and detailed technique for esophageal carcinoma surgery is presently being debated in China. This survey provides some basic information about the present state of esophageal cancer surgery countrywide.
Spatial-temporal heterogeneity of hand, foot and mouth disease and impact of meteorological factors in arid/ semi-arid regions: a case study in Ningxia, China
Authors: Li Jie , Zhang Xiangxue , Wang Li , Xu Chengdong , Xiao Gexin , Wang Ran , Zheng Fang , Wang Fang 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe incidence of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) varies over space and time and this variability is related to climate and social-economic factors. Majority of studies on HFMD were carried out in humid regions while few have focused on the disease in arid/semi-arid regions, more research in such climates would potentially make the mechanism of HFMD transmission clearer under different climate conditions.MethodsIn this paper, we explore spatial-temporal distribution of HFMD in Ningxia province, which has an arid/semi-arid climate in northwest China. We first employed a Bayesian space-time hierarchy model (BSTHM) to assess the spatial-temporal heterogeneity of the HFMD cases and its relationship with meteorological factors in Ningxia from 2009 to 2013, then used a novel spatial statistical software package GeoDetector to test the spatial-temporal heterogeneity of HFMD risk.ResultsThe results showed that the spatial relative risks in northern part of Ningxia were higher than those in the south. The highest temporal risk of HFMD incidence was in fall season, with a secondary peak in spring. Meteorological factors, such as average temperature, relative humidity, and wind speed played significant roles in the spatial-temporal distribution of HFMD risk.ConclusionsThe study provide valuable information on HFMD distribution in arid/semi-arid areas in northwest China and facilitate understanding of the concentration of HFMD.
Placental mitochondrial DNA content is associated with childhood intelligence
Authors: Bijnens Esmée M. , Derom Catherine , Weyers Steven , Janssen Bram G. , Thiery Evert , Nawrot Tim S. 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
Developmental processes in the placenta and the fetal brain are shaped by the similar biological signals. Evidence accumulates that adaptive responses of the placenta may influence central nervous system development. We hypothesize that placental mtDNA content at birth is associated with intelligence in childhood. In addition, we investigate if intra-pair differences in mtDNA content are associated with intra-pair differences in intelligence.

Methods
Relative mtDNA content was measured using qPCR in placental tissue of 375 children of the East Flanders Prospective Twin Survey. Intelligence was assessed with the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised (WISC-R) between 8 and 15 years old. We accounted for sex, gestational age, birth weight, birth year, zygosity and chorionicity, cord insertion, age at measurement, indicators of socioeconomic status, smoking during pregnancy, and urban environment.

Results
In multivariable adjusted mixed modelling analysis, each doubling in placental mtDNA content was associated with 2.0 points (95% CI 0.02 to 3.9; p = 0.05) higher total and 2.3 points (95% CI 0.2 to 4.3; p = 0.03) higher performance IQ in childhood. We observed no association between mtDNA content and verbal intelligence. Intra-pair differences in mtDNA content and IQ were significantly (p = 0.01) correlated in monozygotic-monochorionic twin pairs, showing that the twin with the highest mtDNA content was 1.9 times more likely (p = 0.05) to have the highest IQ. This was not observed in dichorionic twin pairs.

Conclusions
We provide the first evidence that placental mtDNA content is associated with childhood intelligence. This emphasizes the importance of placental mitochondrial function during in utero life on fetal brain development with long-lasting consequences.
Prevalence of sexually transmitted infections and associated factors among the University of Gondar students, Northwest Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Kassie Belayneh Ayanaw , Yenus Hedja , Berhe Resom , Kassahun Eskeziaw Abebe 
Published: November 2019

AbstractIntroductionGlobally, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) remain a major public health problem. University students tend to practices sex which predisposes them to sexually transmitted infections, unwanted pregnancies, and unsafe abortions due to their freedom from families. Therefore, the study aimed to assess the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections and associated factors among the University of Gondar students, northwest Ethiopia.MethodsAn institution based cross-sectional study was conducted on 845 the University of Gondar students selected using the multistage sampling technique from March 7–10, 2016. The data were collected using a structured, pre-tested self-administered questionnaire. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were employed through SPSS version 20 to identify factors associated with sexually transmitted infections. Odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was computed to determine the level of association. In the multivariable analysis, variables withp-value less than 5% were considered as statistically significant association between covariates and sexually transmitted infections.ResultSexually transmitted infections among university students were found to be 18.20% (95%CI,15.40,20.80). Previous history of sexually transmitted infections (AOR = 2.1; 95%CI: 1.04, 4.38), multiple sexual partners in life (AOR = 2.7; 95%CI:1.70, 4.40), not use of condoms during sexual intercourses (AOR = 2.4; 95%CI:1.50,3.75) and poor knowledge of sexually transmitted infections (AOR = 3.3; 95%CI:1.09,5.32) were significantly associated with sexually transmitted infections.ConclusionThe prevalence of STIs was high among university students. The previous history of sexually transmitted infections, multiple sexual partners, not using condoms during sexual intercourse and poor knowledge of sexually transmitted infections were found to be associated with the infections. Opening and strengthen reproductive health centers on the campuses, popularizing sexual, and reproductive health information and education, particularly on STI modes of transmission, prevention, and health-seeking behaviors, and providing information on accessing of condoms is recommended to reduce sexually transmitted infections.
Measuring drinking motives in undergraduates: an exploration of the Drinking Motives Questionnaire-Revised in Swedish students
Authors: Nehlin Christina , Öster Caisa 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
Alcohol consumption is generally high among undergraduate students and may lead to adverse consequences. Drinking motives play a vital role in the development of alcohol-related problems. The Drinking Motives Questionnaire-Revised (DMQ-R) and the short form of DMQ-R, DMQ-R SF, are widely used tools to identify drinking motives. Still, there is a need for further exploration of the instruments in different cultures and settings. The aims of this study were 1) to explore the four-factor structure of the DMQ-R and DMQ-R SF in Swedish undergraduate students 2) to investigate if extracting the SF responses from the DMQ-R is equivalent to the factor structure of the DMQ-R SF 3) to study the association between drinking motives and hazardous drinking.

Methods
Data were collected among 536 Swedish undergraduate students and were analyzed by confirmatory factor analyses, Mann-Whitney, chi-square tests and logistic regressions.

Results
We could confirm the four-dimensional structure of both versions of the DMQ. There was a similar (or in fact even slightly better) model fit of the short form and when drawing the SF items. Emotionally oriented motives (enhancement and coping), together with social motives, were strongly associated with hazardous or harmful drinking levels, whereas conformity motives were not. The enhancement motive showed the highest group mean value and was also the most common main motive. Students with hazardous drinking endorsed their motives more strongly than those without hazardous drinking, which is a finding worthy of further investigation.

Conclusions
The DMQ-R SF is suitable and preferable for Swedish student populations and extracting the SF responses from the DMQ-R is equivalent to the factor structure of the DMQ-R SF. In future research, effects of including the DMQ-R SF in preventive strategies and in interventions with risk drinking students would be of particular interest.
Quality evaluation of Lycium barbarum (wolfberry) from different regions in China based on polysaccharide structure, yield and bioactivities
Authors: Wang Ying , Jin Hongyu , Dong Xiaoxv , Yang Shuang , Ma Shuangcheng , Ni Jian 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
Lycium barbarum (wolfberry) has been widely cultivated in China, particularly in northwest regions. However, the fruit size and taste of L. barbarum from different habitats are quite different. Traditionally, only the fruit of L. barbarum produced in Ningxia province is recorded as an authentic herb, although the detailed mechanism responsible for this remains obscure. Polysaccharides are considered major active ingredients in L. barbarum which is crucial for its quality evaluation.

Methods
In this study, we assessed the yield, monosaccharide composition, molecular weight, and conformation of L. barbarum polysaccharides (LBPs) collected from different regions of China. The antioxidant and immune activities of LBPs were also determined as its quality indicator.

Results
Our results showed that the similarity values of monosaccharide composition were larger than 0.926, and the Mw of the two fractions (peaks 1–2) in LBPs were ranging from 1.36 × 106 to 2.01 × 106 (peak 1), and 6.85 × 104 to 10.30 × 104 (peak 2) which indicated that the structure of LBPs were similar. In addition, results showed that there was no significant difference in antioxidant and immune activities of nine LBPs from different regions. However, the yield of LBPs from Qinghai Province (low atmospheric temperature, high altitude) was significantly lower (p < 0.05) than those collected from Xinjiang and Ningxia province.

Conclusions
These data suggested that the L. barbarum produced in Ningxia and Xinjiang maybe more suitable as materials for medicines and functional foods. This study also provides a reference for improving the quality control standard of LBPs.
Post-traumatic stress disorder and depression among Syrian refugees residing in the Kurdistan region of Iraq
Authors: Mahmood Harem Nareeman , Ibrahim Hawkar , Goessmann Katharina , Ismail Azad Ali , Neuner Frank 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundSince the Syrian civil war began in March 2011, more than half of the Syrian population was forced to escape from their homes, and more than 5 million of them fled their country. The aim of the present study is to estimate the psychological consequences of this conflict among the refugee population who fled to Iraq.MethodIn 2017, a team of locally trained psychologists and social workers interviewed 494 married couples (988 individuals) who were Syrian Kurdish refugees in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Validated Kurdish Kurmanji and Arabic versions of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Checklist for DSM-5 and depression section of Hopkins Symptom Checklist-25 were used for assessing PTSD and depression symptoms.ResultsAlmost all of the participants (98.5%) had experienced at least one traumatic event and 86.3% of them experienced three or more traumatic event types. The prevalence of probable PTSD was about 60%. Gender, length of time in the camp, area in which participants were grown up, and the number of traumatic event types were significant predictors for the presence of PTSD symptoms. Approximately the same rate of participants (59.4%) experienced probable depression, which was associated with gender, age, time spent in the camp, and the number of traumatic event types.ConclusionPTSD and depression are prevalent among refugees exposed to traumatic events, and various variables play important roles. The pattern of risk factors in this population is consistent with findings from war-affected populations in other regions and should be considered for intervention within this population and more broadly.