bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preoperative positive voided urine cytology predicts poor clinical outcomes in patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma undergoing nephroureterectomy
Authors: Liu Wen , Wang Zhankun , Liu Shuai , Yao Yu , Liu Yong , Zhang Guiming 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Performance of urinary cytology is recommended as the part of a standard diagnostic workup and base surveillance regimens in upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). However, the effect of positive voided urine cytology (VUC) on UTUC prognosis, compared with negative VUC, has not been fully demonstrated. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of preoperative VUC on predicting intravesical recurrence, disease recurrence, and mortality in patients with UTUC who underwent nephroureterectomy (RNU). Methods: Clinicopathological information was collected from 315 UTUC patients treated with RNU. The association between VUC and oncological outcomes was analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier method with log-rank test and Cox proportional hazards regression models. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the influence of VUC on tumor grade. Results: Preoperative positive VUC, presenting in 101 patients (32.1%), was significantly associated with tumor multifocality (P=0.02) and higher tumor grade (P=0.01). On multivariate Cox regression analyses, preoperative positive VUC was an independent prognostic factor of intravesical recurrence-free survival (RFS) (hazard ratio [HR]=2.21, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.06–4.64; P=0.03), RFS (HR=1.80, 95% CI 1.08–2.99; P=0.02), and cancer-specific survival (CSS) (HR=1.87, 95% CI 1.10–3.18; P=0.02), but not overall survival (HR=1.32, 95% CI 0.80–2.18; P=0.28). Logistic regression analysis revealed that VUC was related to high tumor grade in UTUC (odds ratio=2.23, 95%CI 1.15–4.52). Conclusion: Preoperative positive VUC significantly increases the risk of intravesical recurrence in UTUC patients undergoing RNU. In addition, positive VUC is an adverse predictor of RFS and CSS, which might be due to the association between positive VUC and high tumor grade.
Raptor and rictor expression in patients with human papillomavirus-related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Kondo Shunsuke , Hirakawa Hitoshi , Ikegami Taro , Uehara Takayuki , Agena Shinya , Uezato Jin , Kinjyo Hidetoshi , Kise Noritomo , Yamashita Yukashi , Tanaka Katsunori , Hasegawa Narumi , Kiyuna Asanori , Maeda Hiroyuki , Suzuki Mikio , Gahana Akira 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background Despite reports of a link between human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling activation, the role of the mTOR pathway, especially raptor and rictor, in HPV-related head and neck cancer is still unclear. The aim of the present study was to elucidate the role of the mTOR pathway in HPV-related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). Methods The present study involved two strategies. The first was to investigate the activity of mTOR and mTOR-related complexes in high-risk HPV-positive (UM-SCC47 and CaSki) and HPV-negative (SCC-4 and SAS) cancer cell lines. The second was to elucidate mTOR complex expression in 80 oropharyngeal cancer tissues and to examine the relationship between mTOR complex expression and survival in patients with OPSCC. Results The UM-SCC47 and CaSki cell lines showed high gene and protein expression of raptor. They also exhibited G1/S and G2/M phase cell cycle arrest following 24 h incubation with 6 μM temsirolimus, a rapamycin analog, and temsirolimus administration inhibited their growth. HPV-related OPSCC samples showed high gene expression of raptor and rictor compared with HPV-unrelated OPSCC. In addition, HPV-related OPSCC patients with high raptor and rictor expression tended to have a worse prognosis than those with low or medium expression. Conclusions These results suggest that raptor has an important role in HPV-related OPSCC and that temsirolimus is a potential therapeutic agent for patients with HPV-related OPSCC. This is the first report to reveal overexpression of raptor and rictor in HPV-related OPSCC.
Sex differences in the association between self-rated health and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels in Koreans: A cross-sectional study using Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES)
Authors: Park Se-Won , Park Seong-Sik , Kim Eun-Jung , Sung Won-Suk , Ha In-Hyuk , Jung boyoung 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background No studies have investigated the association between self-rated health (SRH) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in South Koreans. This study explored the association and analyzed any sex differences.Method Using data from the 2015-2017 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, we analyzed the association between SRH and high group (>1.0 mg/L) in 14,544 Koreans aged ≥19 years who responded to the SRH survey and who had hs-CRP test results. Results The percentage of having a very poor to poor SRH was higher in the high hs-CRP level group (22.4%) than in the low level group (17.66%). Among males, the risk of a high hs-CRP level increased with worse SRH (adjusted for confounders; P for trend <0.001). After adjusting for all confounders, including chronic diseases, males with a very poor SRH showed higher odds ratio (OR) for high group than those with a very good SRH (fully adjusted OR, 1.74; 95% confidence interval, 1.04-2.90). Significant correlations were absent among females. Conclusions A poor SRH was correlated with low-grade inflammation (high hs-CRP level) among male Korean adults. The findings could be useful for developing health improvement programs and in goal setting at a national scale.
Biosocial and disease conditions is associated with good quality of life among older adults in Eastern Nepal
Authors: Yadav Uday , Thapa Tarka Bahadur , Mistry Sabuj Kanti , Ghimire Saruna , Boateng Godfred O. , O’Callaghan Cathy 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background The ageing population in most low-and middle-income countries is accompanied by an increased risk of non-communicable diseases culminating in a poor quality of life. However, the factors accelerating this poor quality of life (QOL) have not been fully examined. Therefore, this study examined the factors influencing the quality of life of Nepali older adults. Methods Data from a previous cross-sectional study, conducted between January and April 2018 in eastern Nepal, was used. The analytical sample included 794 older adults aged ≥60 years, selected by a multi-stage cluster sampling approach. QOL was measured using the Older People’s Quality of Life tool; dichotomized as poor and good QOL. Other measures used included age, gender, ethnicity, religion, marital status, physical activity and chronic diseases such as osteoarthritis, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and depression. The factors associated with quality of life were examined using mixed-effects logistic regression. Results Seven in ten respondents (70.4%) reported a poor quality of life. At the bivariate level, increasing age, unemployment, intake of alcohol, lack of physical activity as well as osteoarthritis, COPD and depression were significantly associated with a lower likelihood of a good quality of life. The adjusted model showed that older age (AOR=0.50, p<0.05), the Christian religion (AOR=0.38, p<0.01), and being an Indigenous, Dalit, or Madheshi were associated with a lower likelihood of good quality of life. However, higher income of >Nrs 10,000 (AOR=3.34, p<0.001), daily physical activity (AOR=3.33, p<0.001), and the absence of osteoarthritis and depression were associated with a higher odds of good quality of life. Conclusion The findings of this study echo the need to develop and implement policies aimed at improving the socio-cultural and disease conditions that catalyse poor quality of life in this population.
Comparing two methods for deriving dietary patterns associated with risk of metabolic syndrome among middle-aged and elderly Taiwanese adults with impaired kidney function
Authors: Kurniawan Adi Lukas , Hsu Chien-Yeh , Lee Hsiu-An , Rau Hsiao-Hsien , Paramastri Rathi , Syauqy Ahmad , Chao Jane C-J 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background Dietary patterns were associated with the risk of chronic disease development and outcome-related diseases. In this study, we aimed to compare the correlation between dietary patterns and metabolic syndrome (MetS) using two methods for identifying dietary patterns.Methods The participants (n = 25,569) aged ≥ 40 years with impaired kidney function were retrieved from Mei Jau (MJ) Health Screening database from 2008 to 2010. Dietary patterns were identified by principal component analysis (PCA) and reduced rank regression (RRR) from twenty-two food groups using PROC FACTOR and PROC PLS functions.Results We identified two similar dietary pattern characteristics (high intakes of deep fried foods, preserved or processed foods, dipping sauce, meat, sugary drinks, organ meats, jam/honey, fried rice/flour products, instant noodles and eggs) derived by PCA and RRR. Logistic regression analysis revealed that RRR-derived dietary pattern scores were positively associated with an odds ratio (OR = 1.70, 95% CI: 1.56, 1.86) of having MetS than PCA-derived dietary pattern scores (OR = 1.38, 95% CI: 1.27, 1.51). The correlations between RRR-derived dietary pattern scores and elevated systolic and diastolic blood pressure (OR = 1.30 for both) or high density lipoprotein cholesterol in women (OR = 1.32) were statistically significant but not significant in PCA-derived dietary pattern scores.Conclusions Our findings suggest that RRR gives better results when studying behavior related dietary patterns in association with MetS. RRR may be more preferable to provide dietary information for developing dietary guidelines among people with MetS. Further studies with prospective measurements are needed to verify whether RRR is a useful analytic tool for the association between dietary patterns and other chronic diseases.
The Survival Analysis after Symmetric and Asymmetric Surgery in Basic Intermittent Exotropia with Equal Dominance
Authors: Song Desheng , Qian Jing , Chen Zhijun 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Long-term surgical outcomes were compared between bilateral lateral rectus recession (BLR) and unilateral lateral rectus recession combined with medial rectus resection in the same eye (R&R) for therapy of basic type intermittent exotropia (IXT) with equal dominance.Methods: Eighty-six subjects(3–11 years old) with the basic IXT with equal dominance who underwent surgery were reviewed retrospectively, at least 18-month follow-up. including 48 patients underwent R&R surgery and 38 underwent BLR surgery at a single center. Surgical outcomes between groups were compared.Results: No statistical difference was detected between BLR group and R&R group at all intervals with the exception of the last examination, demonstrating a higher success rate and a lower undercorrection rate in the BLR group than R&R group at the last visit (76.3% vs 60.4%, P =0.04; 15.8% vs 35.4%, P =0.04 ). Postoperative recurrence continued in the R&R group, and it was lower in the BLR group. Stereoacuity and control showed overall improvement following both surgeries for basic intermittent exotropia. but this improvement had no statistical difference between groups(P>0.05). Cumulative probability of survival was lower in the R&R group than in the BLR group (P =0.027, log-rank test).Conclusions: The BLR group had a better outcome than R&R group at final visit, which may be due to the difference in the recurrence rate over time.
Are Blood Lead Levels in the United States Still Declining? The US National Health Nutrition and Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999-2016
Authors: Lui Kelvin KW , Tsoi Man-Fung , Cheung Tommy Tsang , Cheung Ching-Lung , Cheung Bernard MY 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Lead is toxic without a safe limit. The current upper reference blood lead level (BLL), 5 μg/dL, came from the 97.5th percentile in children aged 1-5 years in NHANES 2007-2010.Objectives: We studied the latest trend in BLL in US NHANES and estimated the proportion of children with BLL ≥5 μg/dL, which would inform the setting of an upper reference level.Methods: We analyzed 68877 participants (aged 1 to 85 years) with BLL measurements in NHANES 1999-2016 using SPSS complex sample module v25.0.Results: In NHANES 2011-2012, 2013-2014, and 2015-2016, the mean and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of BLLs (μg/dL) were 0.97 (0.96, 0.99), 0.86 (0.85, 0.87), and 0.82 (0.81, 0.83), respectively (P <0.0001). The estimated proportion (95% CI) of children aged 1-5 years with elevated BLL (EBLL) in 2011-2012, 2013-2014, and 2015-2016 were 2.0% (1.3, 3.0), 0.5% (0.4, 0.7), and 1.3% (0.8, 2.3), respectively (P=0.267). In 2015-2016, the proportion of children with EBLL was similar in high- and low-income groups (P = 0.9979). The estimated 97.5th percentile of BLL in children was 3.71 μg/dL in NHANES 2015-2016.Conclusions: BLL continued to decline in the overall US population. The disparity in BLL in children from higher and lower income families has decreased. Our findings support a reduction in the reference BLL, continual monitoring of population BLL and continual efforts to reduce environmental exposure to lead.
Insights into the phylogenetic relationship and drug targets of Babesia infective to small ruminants from its mitochondrial genomes
Authors: Wang Xiaoxing , Wang Jinming , Liu Junlong , Liu Aihong , He Xin , Xiang Quanjia , Li Youquan , Yin Hong , Luo Jianxun , Guan Guiquan 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Babesiosis, a tick-borne disease caused by protozoans of the genus Babesia, is widespread in subtropical and tropical countries. Mitochondrion is an essential organelle that is responsible for energy transduction and metabolism, calcium homeostasis and cell signaling. Mitochondrial genomes could provide a new insight to understand and explore the population genetics, biological features of the pathogens, and evolutionary relationships. However, there is limied information on the mitochondrial genomes of ovine Babesia spp. in China.Methods: Herein, we sequenced, assembled and annotated the mitochondrial genomes of six ovine Babesia isolates, and analyzed genome size, gene content, genome structure and cytochrome b (cob) amino acid sequences, and performed comparative mitochondrial genomics and phylogenomic analyses among apicomplexan parasites.Results: The mitochondrial genomes range from 5767 to 5946 bp in length with a linear form and contain three protein-encoding genes, cytochrome c oxidase I (cox1), cytochrome c oxidase III (cox3) and cob, six large subunit rRNA gene (LSU), and two terminal inverted repeats (TIR) on both ends. The cob sequence analysis indicated that the binding site of anti-Babesia drugs targeted on the cytochrome bc1 complex. Babesia microti and Babesia rodhaini have a dual flip-flop inversion of 184-1082 bp, whereas other Babesia spp. and Theileria spp. have one pair of TIR, 25-1563 bp. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that six ovine Babesia isolates were divided into two clades, Babesia sp. and Babesia motasi. B. motasi isolates were further separated into two subclades (B. motasi Lintan/Tianzhu and B. motasi Ningxian/Hebei).Conclusions: The data provided new insights into the population genetics, taxonomic relationships, molecular epidemiological studies and drug targets of apicomplexan parasites.
A pilot study evaluating the clinically managed weight loss program at the Wellness Institute at Seven Oaks General Hospital
Authors: Cachero Katrina , Mollard Rebecca C. , Myrie Semone , MacKay Dylan 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Obesity is a worldwide problem. With the prevalence of obesity increasing, many weight loss programs have been created to aid in the epidemic. Based on the Canadian Clinical Practice Guidelines for obesity management, a weight loss program should involve nutrition, exercise, and psychological components. The Wellness Institute (WI) is a non-profit organization that operates as a medical fitness facility and created the Weight Loss Clinic (WLC) to provide personalized support for individuals based on diet, exercise, and lifestyle, targeting all the core components required for a weight loss program. Since the weight loss industry is dominated by non-evidence-based programs with majority focused on calorie-reduced diets, there is a gap in research on weight loss programs with an exercise and psychological component. Thus, the aim of this pilot study is to collect data on the effectiveness of the comprehensive evidence-based clinically managed weight loss program offered at the WI for future research applications.Materials and Methods: The WLC is a 17-week program during which each participant will progress depending on their personal goals. Population: Inclusion criteria are individuals over the age of 18 years old, are overweight or obese (BMI > 25 kg/m2), have been told by a physician or primary care provider to lose weight, who are concerned with weight and may have other health problems, and have tried to lose weight in the past but have been unsuccessful at maintaining weight loss. Outcome Measures: Outcome measures include: anthropometric measurements, body composition, cardiovascular assessment, clinical chemistry, physical activity assessment, nutrition assessment, behaviour change assessment, and health screenings. Ethics Approval: This evaluation received approval from the University of Manitoba Health Research Ethics Board (Ethics # HS22267 (H2018:401)). Clinicaltrials.gov ID: NCT04290910
Design and Methods of a Randomized Cross-over Clinical Trial of Unfiltered Cigarettes on Smoking Behavior and Toxicant Exposure: Study Protocol for a Randomized Cross-over Clinical Trial
Authors: Oren Eyal , Pulvers Kim , Romero Devan R. , Barber Casey , Carter Erika , Novotny Thomas E. 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Plastic filters on cigarette butts are a widespread source of non-biodegradable, toxic environmental waste. State and local legislation to ban the sale of single-use cigarettes may be considered to prevent this waste, but scientific evidence on the impact of switching smokers to unfiltered cigarettes on smoking behavior and toxicant exposures is needed to inform this policy. We have designed an open-label, randomized, 9-week, cross-over clinical trial of adult filtered cigarette smokers who switch to unfiltered cigarettes.Methods: The trial involves a 1-week baseline period, 2 weeks of smoking filtered or unfiltered cigarettes (groups randomly assignd), a 3-week washout period, another 1-week baseline period, and a crossover to 2-weeks of smoking the opposite condition (filtered or unfiltered cigarettes). We will determine changes in: 1) observed topography (i.e., puff count, puff volume) and cigarettes smoked per day (via butt counts and self-report); 2) expired carbon monoxide (CO), urinary cotinine, 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol (NNAL), and volatile organic compound (VOC) excretion; and 3) knowledge and attitudes toward unfiltered cigarettes, satisfaction with smoking, and intention to quit if they were not able to smoke filtered cigarettes.Discussion: This comprehensive proof-of-principle study will provide preliminary evidence to develop a research project with a larger sample size. Study results will inform proposed state or local legislation to ban the sale of single-use filtered cigarettes in order to eliminate the environmental impact of cigarette butt waste stemming from the single-use plastic filter. Trial Registration: NCT03749876
The effect of educational method based on theory of planned behavior on childbearing decision in marrying couples
Authors: Kolivand Mitra , solimaniargeneh zomorod , Salari Nader , Safari Yahya 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of educational method, based on the theory of planned behavior on childbearing decision in married couples. Materials and Methods: This study was a semi-experimental investigation. The population under study consisted of 140 marrying couples referred to the pre-marital counseling center in Sahneh city in 2018 [experimental group; n=70 vs. control group; n=70]. The sample method was convenience sampling .The experimental group received educational intervention based on the theory of planned behavior [for 8 sessions]; whereas, the control group participated in the routine pre-marital counseling program. The data was collected using Aattitudes toward fertility and childbearing scale of Soderberg, Lundgren, Christensson & Hildingsson [2013]. The data was analyzed by SPSS 20. Results: The results showed that intervention had an effect on increasing tendency towards childbearing decision in men and women who were about to get married [P<0.05]. The intervention group showed a slight decrease during the follow-up phase, but this was not significant [P> 0.05]. Also, the results showed that men's tendency towards childbearing in the intervention group was different in terms of income, place of residence and housing status [P<0.05]. Conclusion: The results showed that the effectiveness of educational method, based on the theory of planned behavior on childbearing decision. It is recommended that, in view of the importance of childbearing in the family and social systems, in the context of pre-marriage counseling, more effective programs be provided to draw attention of the couples to childbearing at appropriate age and conditions. Study registration : The Ethics Committee of Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences [IR: KUMS.REC.1397.514].
Prevalence and molecular epidemiology of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus colonization with and without methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative Staphylococci in HIV-infected patients
Authors: Li Ying , Lin Jialing , Li Linghua , Cai Weiping , Wang Yingying , Ye Jiaping , He Suiping , Zhang Wencui , Ye Xiaohua , Yao Zhenjiang 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background The global prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonization in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients is increasing, but data about it was limited in mainland China. This study aims to investigate the epidemiology of MRSA nasal colonization among HIV-infected patients in mainland China and also evaluate the impact of methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative Staphylococci (MRCoNS). Methods This cross-sectional study was designed to collect nasal samples and individual information for HIV-infected participants. Risk factors and phenotypic and molecular characteristics among those with MRSA colonization comparing those with and without MRCoNS co-colonization were analyzed.Results We found 119 (11.89%) out of 1001 HIV-infected patients were colonized with MRSA, including 41 (4.10%) with MRCoNS and 78 (7.79%) without MRCoNS. Having a history of respiratory tract infection in the previous 6 months(adjusted OR=1.64, 95% CI: 1.04-2.57) and male gender (aOR=3.92, 95% CI: 1.20-12.85) were risk factors for the overall MRSA and MRSA without MRCoNS colonization, respectively. No risk factor was associated with co-colonization of MRSA and MRCoNS. The proportions of antibiotic resistance and toxin genes as well as the distribution of molecular types for MRSA isolates were equivalent between subjects with and without MRCoNS isolates (P-value ≥0.05). Conclusions HIV-infected patients remain a highly vulnerable population for MRSA colonization, and men and prior history of respiratory tract infection are risk factors. Risk factors and phenotypic and molecular characteristics of MRSA colonization were not affected by co-colonizing with MRCoNS.