bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Aortic intima-media thickness can be used to determine target organ damage in adult patients with coronary artery disease risk factors
Authors: Bulut Atilla , Acele Armağan , Donmez Yurdaer , Pekoz Burcak Cakır , Erdogan Murat , Sumbul Hilmi Erdem , Icen Yahya Kemal , Koc Mevlut 
Published: August 2019

IntroductionWe aimed to evaluate the relationship between abdominal aortic intima-media thickness (AA-IMT) and thoracic aortic intima-media thickness (TA-IMT) values and to investigate their relationship with common carotid intima-media thickness (CC-IMT) in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) risk factors.Material and methodsThis study included 100 patients who underwent transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) examination for different reasons with at least one CAD risk factor. CC-IMT, AA-IMT, and TA-IMT values were measured. Patients with CC-IMT > 0.9 mm were considered as having increased CC-IMT. Patients were divided into two groups with and without increased CC-IMT.ResultsMean AA-IMT and TA-IMT values of all patients were 1.55 ±0.27 mm and 1.39 ±0.25 mm, respectively. In patients with increased CC-IMT, blood pressure, hyperlipidemia and hypertension frequency, creatinine, total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, triglyceride, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and uric acid levels, AA-IMT and TA-IMT values were higher, while the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol level was lower than the normal CC-IMT group. AA-IMT, systolic blood pressure (SBP), total and HDL cholesterol levels independently determined the patients with CC-IMT > 0.9 mm. Each 0.1 mm increase in AA-IMT value was found to increase the probability of having CC-IMT > 0.9 mm. In addition, linear regression analysis showed that CC-IMT was closely and independently related to AA-IMT (p < 0.001 and  = 0.599). When the cut-off value for AA-IMT was taken as 1.5 mm, it determined the patients with CC-IMT > 0.9 mm with 86% sensitivity and 82% specificity.ConclusionsThe AA-IMT value was found to be higher than TA-IMT in the same patient. Also it was found that AA-IMT was more closely related to CC-IMT.
Waist circumference cutoff points for predicting metabolic abnormalities in Lebanese adults
Authors: Yamout Rouham , Ammar Walid , Tabbara Jiana , Fares Souha , Assi Moubadda , Sibai Abla M. 
Published: August 2019

IntroductionCentral obesity, as measured by waist circumference, performs differently across diverse localities, and there is a need to optimize gender-based cutoff points to specific ethnic and population groups.Material and methodsA total of 1,528 asymptomatic individuals free from cardiac disease aged 40 years and above and attending 25 primary health care centers distributed over the entire Lebanese territory were recruited for a cardiovascular risk screening service implemented by the Ministry of Public Health in 2012. Using receiver operating characteristics curve analyses, we evaluated different waist circumference cutoff points for the optimal combination of sensitivity and specificity that distinguish men and women with concomitant presence of impaired blood sugar and hypertension.ResultsThe optimal waist circumference cutoffs for prediction of the outcome were 98.5 cm in men and 91.5 cm in women, yielding better predictive characteristics than those recommended by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF). Based on the study values, the prevalence rates of central obesity in our sample (36.2% in males and 40.2% in females) were lower than those estimated using the IDF cutoff values (55.2% and 79.7%, respectively).ConclusionsFindings from this first examination of optimal central obesity cutoff points in Lebanon confirm the need for nation-wide studies with more inclusive cardio-metabolic outcomes for the development of appropriate screening protocols.
Anabolic androgenic steroid users: a tilt test study with young adult men
Authors: Camara Puppin Carlos Gustavo , Andrade Moraes Flávia de Souza , Rocha Gomes Leonardo Raposo , do Nascimento Andrews Marques , de Lima Ewelyne Miranda , Brasil Girlandia Alexandre , Bissoli Nazaré Souza , Lenz Dominik , Endringer Denise Coutinho , de Andrade Tadeu Uggere 
Published: August 2019

IntroductionAnabolic androgenic steroids (AASs) can induce cardiac dysautonomia, which is related to arrhythmias, vasovagal syncope (VVS) and sudden death. The aim of this study was to determine whether the use of AASs increases the susceptibility for VVS or autonomic dysfunction in AAS users by the head-up tilt test (HUTT).Material and methodsCross-sectional observational study conducted with physically active young men, users (AAS group; n = 10) and non-users (Control group, n = 13) of AAS. The history of physical activity and age of each participant were recorded and the following examinations were performed: physical, biochemical, hormonal, electrocardiogram (ECG), 24-hour Holter recorder equipment. The 24-hour Holter and HUTT were conducted to detect the presence of arrhythmias/heart rate variability, and VVS/dysautonomia, respectively. Of the 28 participants recruited, 5 were excluded for not having completed the examinations.ResultsCompared with non-users, users of AAS showed an increase in aspartate aminotransferase (Control: 29.7 ±1.8; AAS: 49.9 ±9.0 UI/l; p < 0.05), in ventricular extrasystoles (Control: 2.5 ±2.3; AAS: 14.9 ±11.2, p < 0.05), and reduction in the pNN50 index of Holter (Control: 24.3 ±4.0%; AAS: 14.8 ±4.0%, p < 0.05). The HUTT showed that the maximum value of diastolic blood pressure was increased in the AAS user group (Control: 78.3 ±2.1; AAS: 90.0 ±5.4 mm Hg, p < 0.05).ConclusionsThe study showed that the use of AAS is able to promote an autonomic dysfunction, with a ventricular arrhythmia. In addition it was found that among AAS users there was a positive result for the HUTT.
Right atrial fat emboli detection and changes in D-dimer values in reverse shoulder arthroplasty: a comparison with total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Ueda Shusuke , Ichiseki Toru , Soma Daisuke , Kawahara Norio 
Published: August 2019

IntroductionThe underlying pathophysiology of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in upper limb surgery has been scarcely reported. This prompted us to investigate, using transoesophageal echocardiography (TEE) intraoperatively, the impact on haemodynamics in reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) as compared with total hip arthroplasty (THA).Material and methodsThe subjects comprised five shoulders undergoing RSA (RSA group) in our department. In all cases TEE was performed intraoperatively, with the haemodynamic state of the right atrium and superior vena cava monitored throughout the intraoperative period. As investigated items, blood D-dimer values were measured and compared intraoperatively, on postoperative day 1, day 4, week 1, and week 2. As a control group, five cases undergoing THA under the same conditions were compared with the RSA group.ResultsIntraoperatively, in both RSA and THA groups, echogenic emboli were identified in the right atrium on TEE during bone reaming and artificial joint insertion. No significant differences were found between the two groups with respect to intraoperative or postoperative D-dimer changes. Also, in neither group was deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE) detected either by lower limb venous ultrasonography or lung ventilation-perfusion scintigraphy.ConclusionsFat emboli occur as frequently in upper limb surgery as in lower limb surgery, and the possibility of fat embolism syndrome as a postoperative complication needs to be kept in mind. Measurement of D-dimer values is useful in the early detection of DVT in upper limb surgery.
Efficacy of 8- versus 12-week treatment with ledipasvir/sofosbuvir in chronic hepatitis C patients eligible for 8 week regimen in a real-world setting
Authors: Zarębska-Michaluk Dorota , Piekarska Anna , Jaroszewicz Jerzy , Klapaczyński Jakub , Sitko Marek , Tudrujek-Zdunek Magdalena , Tomasiewicz Krzysztof , Belica-Wdowik Teresa , Pabjan Paweł , Lorenc Beata , Czauż-Andrzejuk Agnieszka , Tronina Olga , Krygier Rafał , Dobracki Witold , Buczyńska Iwona , Simon Krzysztof A. , Dybowska Dorota , Halota Waldemar , Pawłowska Małgorzata , Citko Jolanta , Laurans Łukasz , Mazur Włodzimierz , Janczewska Ewa , Socha Łukasz , Deroń Zbigniew , Berak Hanna , Flisiak Robert 
Published: August 2019

IntroductionNon-cirrhotic treatment-naive hepatitis C patients infected with genotype 1 can be treated with ledipasvir/sofosbuvir (LDV/SOF) for 8 weeks, but in practice this regimen is frequently extended up to 12 weeks at least in part due to insufficient real-world data supporting shortening of treatment. The aim of our study was to compare 8- and 12-week regimens’ efficacy in patients eligible for 8-week therapy in a real-world setting.Material and methodsData of HCV genotype 1 infected patients treated with LDV/SOF between 2015 and 2018 included in the EpiTer-2 database were analyzed with respect to patients’ characteristics and length of treatment.ResultsAmong a total of 1718 patients treated with LDV/SOF, 679 were included in the analysis, 238 (35%) received 8-week regimen, whereas 441 were treated for 12 weeks although they fulfilled the criteria for a shorter course. The majority of patients were infected with genotype 1b (89%) and demonstrated minimal fibrosis (55%). The 12-week regimen was assigned significantly more frequently to patients with comorbidities, concomitant medications and advanced liver fibrosis. The sustained virologic response rate was similar after 8 (98%) and 12 (97%) weeks of therapy according to intent-to-treat analysis and reached 99% in both groups after exclusion of patients lost to follow-up.ConclusionsWe confirmed high effectiveness regardless of treatment duration with LDV/SOF in non-cirrhotics infected with HCV genotype 1 eligible for the 8-week regimen according to the current label. This real-world study also demonstrated no need for addition of ribavirin (RBV) in this population and showed that shortening of treatment significantly improves the safety profile of LDV/SOF medication.
Identification of PDGFRα + cells in uterine fibroids – link between angiogenesis and uterine telocytes
Authors: Aleksandrovych Veronika , Bereza Tomasz , Ulatowska-Białas Magdalena , Pasternak Artur , A. Walocha Jerzy , Pityński Kazimierz , Gil Krzysztof 
Published: August 2019

IntroductionTelocytes (TCs), also called interstitial Cajal-like cells (ICLC), CD34+ cells or PDGFRa+ cells (platelet-derived growth factor receptor α positive cells), a new type of cell of mesenchymal origin, were described over one decade ago. The unique nature of these cells still deserves attention from the scientific community. Telocytes make homo- and heterocellular contact with myocytes, immunocytes and nerves, have their own immunohistochemical and secretome profiles and thus might regulate local regenerative processes including angiogenesis and fibrosis. The aim of our study was to observe the missing link between angiogenesis and telocytes in leiomyoma, the most common benign tumors affecting women of reproductive age.Material and methodsWe observed uterine tissue samples from leiomyoma, adjacent myometrium and unchanged tissue from patients with leiomyoma and control subjects using routine histology, histochemistry, immunofluorescence (CD117, CD31, CD34, PDGFRα, tryptase, sFlt-1) and image analysis methods.ResultsThe decline of the telocyte density in the foci of fibroids correlated with poor vascularization inside the leiomyoma. Moreover, the expression of sFlt-1 (anti-angiogenic-related factor) significantly increased inside a fibroid. In leiomyoma the decrease of telocyte and blood micro-vessel density was accompanied by prevalence of collagen deposits, unlike the unchanged myometrium.ConclusionsOur results demonstrate TCs in human uterine fibroids and highlight their possible involvement in the pathogenesis of myometrial pathology in the context of angiogenesis.
National and regional trends in the prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome since 1990 within Europe: the modeled estimates from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2016
Authors: Miazgowski Tomasz , Martopullo Ira , Widecka Justyna , Miazgowski Bartosz , Brodowska Agnieszka 
Published: August 2019

IntroductionThe exact prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is difficult to assess due to the clinical heterogeneity of this condition, the lack of a universal definition as well as the lack of studies comparing differences within and between ethnic groups across geographical regions.Material and methodsUsing a modeling approach, we analyzed the data from Global Burden of Disease Study 2016 and extracted the national and regional estimates on PCOS prevalence since 1990 in females aged 15–49 years by country and three major European regions: Western, Central, and Eastern.ResultsThe average prevalence of PCOS in Europe was 276.4 cases per 100,000 (95% uncertainty interval (UI): 207.8–363.2). The estimates varied markedly across countries and regions, with the highest rates per 100,000 in the Czech Republic (460.6) and the lowest in Sweden (34.10); other Nordic countries, Germany, and the UK had relatively low rates as well. The rates in Central and Eastern Europe were more than three times higher than those in Western countries. They were comparable among Eastern countries, ranging from 406.4 in Lithuania to 443.1 in Russia. Within Central Europe, PCOS prevalence was lowest in Turkey and Albania, while in the majority of the remaining countries, the prevalence ranged between 420 and 440 per 100,000. Between 1990 and 2016, the rates across European regions were relatively stable.ConclusionsWe found highly variable national and regional prevalence of PCOS among European females. Our estimates encourage the search at the population level for new environmental and genetic determinants of PCOS.
Estimation of indices related to physical activity in Ukraine, Poland, and member countries of active healthy kids global alliance
Authors: Bartoszewicz Ryszard , Mandyuk Andriy Bogdanovich , Prystupa Yevhen Nikodimovich 
Published: August 2019

PurposeTo compare the estimated indices of physical activity in Ukraine, Poland, and other countries in accordance with Active Healthy Kids Global Alliance (AHKGA) standards.MethodsThe study of schoolchildren’s physical activity in Ukraine was performed in 2016 in age groups of 12–14 years (<i>n</i> = 1893, 899 boys and 994 girls) and 15–17 years (<i>n</i> = 925, 449 boys and 476 girls). The results of AHKGA databases and Report Cards on Physical Activity for Children and Youth from different countries were analysed.ResultsIn 2016, 38 countries from 6 continents provided reports to AHKGA. In 2018, there were 49 such countries. In accordance with the AHKGA criteria, children and adolescents’ physical activity is marked from A (highest level) to F (lowest level). The results for Ukrainian schoolchildren pointed at the following indices of physical activity level: active play – C; organized sport and physical activity – D; active transportation – B. Poland’s Report Card for Physical Activity for Children and Youth implied the following indices: organized sport and physical activity – D; active transportation – C. There were no data on active play indices in Poland. Clear patterns of the countries’ economic development indices influence on the selected physical activity indices were not established.ConclusionsAccording to AHKGA standards, organized sport and physical activity in Ukraine is rated D, active play – C, and active transportation – B. Organized sport and physical activity and active transportation in Poland are rated D and C, respectively. No data are available on the active play segment in Poland.
Help or hindrance: the relationship of physical activity with aggressiveness and self-esteem in 16-year-old adolescents
Authors: Jochimek Magdalena , Łada Ariadna Beata 
Published: August 2019

BackgroundPuberty is a particularly important period for moulding one’s lifestyle. Physical activity (PA) levels exhibited by teenagers remain low despite efforts to promote it, and the percentage of individuals who are exempt from taking part in physical education classes is high. In this context, the aim of the current study is to analyse the levels of aggression and self-esteem in adolescents characterised by different levels of physical activity.Participants and procedureA total of 968 16-year-old adolescents took part in the study. Participants were divided into four subgroups: 1) a non-active group, n = 141 (95 girls); 2) a physical education (PE) group, n = 514 (322 girls); 3) a high PA group, n = 178 (81 girls); and 4) an athlete group, n = 135 (66 girls). Participants were asked to complete a so-cio-demographic survey and a set of questionnaires (IPAO, KAM-RE, and SES).ResultsThe non-active group scored higher than the PE and high PA groups on the general aggressiveness scale. Sta-tistically significant differences were found between the non-active group and other groups for direct and indi-rect aggression, opposition, and verbal aggression. The athlete group scored higher on the indirect aggression scale than the PE group. The high PA group scored higher than the non-active group in self-esteem.ConclusionsUndertaking compulsory physical activity in school and additional physical activity based on one’s own interests is associated with lower levels of aggression in comparison to individuals who do not undertake any physical activity. For this reason, it is necessary to continue consistently promoting physical activity in school and during free time.
Adult colouring: the effect of app-based
vs. pen-and-paper colouring on mindfulness
and anxiety
Authors: Mantzios Michail , Hussain Hafsah , Hussain Amirah , Egan Helen , Scanlon Paraic 
Published: August 2019

BackgroundThe rise in popularity of “mindfulness colouring books” has led to the development of colouring applications as an alternative to the traditional pen-and-paper versions. There have been no investigations exploring these applications in regards to mindfulness.Participants and procedureIn two randomised experiments, this study examined whether there were any differences in state mindfulness and anxiety between (a) paper-and-pen and a colouring application (i.e., Experiment 1; n = 100), and (b) two different methods of colouring within an application (i.e., tapping or swiping; i.e., Experiment 1; n = 100).ResultsExperiments 1 and 2 showed a significant decrease in anxiety symptoms following a single colouring session, irrespective of different conditions. Also, Experiment 1, but not Experiment 2, revealed that colouring through the application significantly aided the increase in mindfulness.ConclusionsApp-based colouring may be a contemporary time- and cost-effective intervention in reducing anxiety. However, the non-significant increase in mindfulness appears challenging when attempting to justify the results. The effectiveness of colouring apart from mindfulness is seen through potential constructs such as flow, and display a limitation that requires further reflections on guidance to enhance mindfulness through colouring. Future directions are discussed.
Patient satisfaction as an element of healthcare quality – a single-center Polish survey
Authors: Pękacz Adrian , Kądalska Ewa , Skoczylas Agnieszka , Targowski Tomasz 
Published: August 2019

ObjectivesThe aims of the study were to define the level of patient satisfaction with services provided by selected departments of the Institute, and to identify changes that should be introduced to the process of quality management in healthcare services.Material and methodsA total of 455 patients from three departments of the National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation in Warsaw, hospitalized between January 2016 and March 2018 were assessed retrospectively. Statistical analyses were conducted with the use of IBM SPSS Statistics 25 software.ResultsPatients at the Institute gave the highest rates to the courtesy and kindness of doctors and nurses (mean 4.77 and 4.73, respectively), the doctor’s interest in a patient’s well-being, and the nurses’ dexterity in performing medical procedures (4.63 and 4.72, respectively) The lowest-rated were the quality of meals (mean 3.77) and the waiting time for hospital admission on an appointed day (mean 4.07). The study demonstrated statistically significant differences in evaluations made by female and male patients: women had worse opinions about maintenance of intimacy during medical procedures, whereas men gave lower ratings to the size of served meals. The level of satisfaction in all analyzed aspects increased with older age. However, a higher level of patient education correlated negatively with satisfaction from the waiting time for hospital admission on an appointed day, the ability to receive information about the disease and treatment process, cleanliness and accessibility of bathrooms and toilets, or the ability to easily move around the Institute.ConclusionsAccessibility of medical services, as well as attitudes and competences of the medical staff, are all key factors in ensuring quality care. The conditions of a hospital stay also shape the patients’ opinions in a significant way. Therefore, taking into account the patients’ opinions should become an important goal in the process of improving healthcare quality.
Interactions between microbiota, diet/nutrients and immune/inflammatory response in rheumatic diseases: focus on rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Paolino Sabrina , Pacini Greta , Patanè Massimo , Alessandri Elisa , Cattelan Francesco , Goegan Federica , Pizzorni Carmen , Gotelli Emanuele , Cutolo Maurizio 
Published: August 2019

Rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) are chronic systemic immune/inflammatory conditions characterized by the interaction between gene predisposition, autoimmunity and environmental factors. A growing scientific interest has focused on the role of diet in RMDs, suggesting its significant contribution to the pathogenesis and prognosis of these diseases. It is now clear that diet can directly modulate the immune response by providing a wide range of nutrients, which interfere with multiple pathways at both the gastro-intestinal and systemic level. Moreover, diet critically shapes the human gut microbiota, which is recognized to have a central role in the modulation of the immune response and in RMD pathogenesis. We hereby provide an in-depth analysis on the role of the microbiota in RMDs and on nutritional intervention as an integral part of a multidisciplinary approach. Particular attention will be given to the Mediterranean diet, as the only diet proven to support substantial benefits in RMD management.