bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cigarette smoking and the risk of nasopharyngeal carcinoma: a meta-analysis of epidemiological studies
Authors: Long Mengjuan , Fu Zhenming , Li Ping , Nie Zhihua 
Published: October 2017

ObjectiveThe role of cigarette smoking as an independent risk factor for patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is controversial. We attempted to provide evidence of a reliable association between cigarette smoking and the risk of NPC.DesignMeta-analysis.Data sourcesPubMed online and the Cochrane Library of relevant studies published up to February 2016.Eligibility criteriaAll studies had to evaluate the relationship between NPC and cigarette smoking with never smokers as the reference group.OutcomesThe primary outcome was the adjusted OR, RR or HR of NPC patients comparing smoking with never-smoking; the second was the crude OR, RR or HR.ResultsWe identified 17 case–control studies and 4 cohort studies including 5960 NPC cases and 429 464 subjects. Compared with never smokers, current smokers and ever smokers had a 59% and a 56% greater risk of NPC, respectively. A dose–response relationship was identified in that the risk estimate rose by 15% (p<0.001) with every additional 10 pack-years of smoking, and risk increased with intensity of cigarette smoking (>30 cigarettes per day). Significantly increased risk was only found among male smokers (OR, 1.36; 95% CI 1.15 to 1.60), not among female smokers (OR, 1.58; 95% CI 0.99 to 2.53). Significantly increased risk also existed in the differentiated (OR, 2.34; 95% CI 1.77 to 3.09) and the undifferentiated type of NPC (OR, 1.15; 95% CI 0.90 to 1.46). Moreover, people who started smoking at younger age (<18 years) had a greater risk than those starting later for developing NPC (OR, 1.78; 95% CI 1.41 to 2.25).ConclusionsCigarette smoking was associated with increased risk of NPC, especially for young smokers. However, we did not find statistical significant risks of NPC in women and in undifferentiated type, which might warrant further researches.
UK-based, multisite, prospective cohort study of small bowel obstruction in acute surgical services: National Audit of Small Bowel Obstruction (NASBO) protocol
Authors: Lee Matthew J , Sayers Adele E , Drake Thomas M , Hollyman Marianne , Bradburn Mike , Hind Daniel , Wilson Timothy R , Fearnhead Nicola S 
Published: October 2017

IntroductionSmall bowel obstruction (SBO) is a common indication for emergency laparotomy in the UK, which is associated with a 90-day mortality rate of 13%. There are currently no UK clinical guidelines for the management of this condition. The aim of this multicentre prospective cohort study is to describe the burden, variation in management and associated outcomes of SBO in the UK adult population.Methods and analysisUK hospitals providing emergency general surgery are eligible to participate. This study has three components: (1) a clinical preference questionnaire to be completed by consultants providing emergency general surgical care to assesses preferences in diagnostics and therapeutic approaches, including laparoscopy and nutritional interventions; (2) site resource profile questionnaire to indicate ease of access to diagnostic services, operating theatres, nutritional support teams and postoperative support including intensive care; (3) prospective cohort study of all cases of SBO admitted during an 8-week period at participating trusts. Data on diagnostics, operative and nutritional interventions, and in-hospital mortality and morbidity will be captured, followed by data validation.Ethics and disseminationThis will be conducted as a national audit of practice in conjunction with trainee research collaboratives, with support from patient representatives, surgeons, anaesthetists, gastroenterologists and a clinical trials unit. Site-specific reports will be provided to each participant site as well as an overall report to be disseminated through specialist societies. Results will be published in a formal project report endorsed by stakeholders, and in peer-reviewed scientific reports. Key findings will be debated at a focused national meeting with a view to quality improvement initiatives.
The effect of religion on the perception of health states among adults in the United Arab Emirates: a qualitative study
Authors: Elbarazi Iffat , Devlin Nancy J , Katsaiti Marina-Selini , Papadimitropoulos Emmanuel A , Shah Koonal K , Blair Iain 
Published: October 2017

ObjectivesInvestigate how religion may affect the perception of health states among adults in the United Arab Emirates and the implications for research on self-reported health and quality of life and the use of values in cost-effectiveness analysis.DesignQualitative analysis of short-structured interviews with adult Emiratis carried out by a market research agency.The COREQ criteria have been used where appropriate to guide the reporting of our findings.SettingParticipants were recruited from shopping malls and other public places in the cities of Al Ain and Abu Dhabi.ParticipantsTwo hundred adult Emiratis broadly representative of the Emirati population in terms of age and gender.ResultsEighty one per cent of participants said that their perception of health states was influenced by their spiritual or religious beliefs. The two overarching themes that seemed to explain or classify these influences were ‘fatalism’ and ‘preservation of life’. Subthemes included powerlessness to change what is preordained by God, fear of disability (particularly diminished mobility) and appreciation of health and life and the requirement to look after one’s health. A final theme was that of acceptance, with respondents expressing a willingness to endure suffering and disability with patience in the expectation of rewards in the hereafter.ConclusionsOur results emphasise the need for further work to establish locally relevant value sets for Muslim majority countries in the Middle East and elsewhere for use in health technology assessment decision-making, rather than relying on value sets from other regions.
Beliefs about medicines and non-adherence in patients with stroke, diabetes mellitus and rheumatoid arthritis: a cross-sectional study in China
Authors: Wei Li , Champman Sarah , Li Xiaomei , Li Xin , Li Sumei , Chen Ruoling , Bo Nie , Chater Angel , Horne Robert 
Published: October 2017

ObjectivesTo investigate beliefs about medicines and their association with medicine adherence in patients with chronic diseases in China.DesignA cross-sectional questionnaire-based studySettingTwo large urban hospitals in Hefei and Tianjin, ChinaParticipantsHospital inpatients (313 stroke patients) and outpatients (315 diabetic patients and 339 rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients) were recruited between January 2014 and September 2014.Outcome measuresThe Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire (BMQ), assessing patients’ beliefs about the specific medicine (Specific-Necessity and Specific-Concerns) prescribed for their conditions (stroke/diabetes/RA) and more general background beliefs about pharmaceuticals as a class of treatment (BMQ-General Benefit, Harm and Overuse); the Perceived Sensitivity to Medicines scale (PSM) assessed patients’ beliefs about how sensitive they were to the effects of medicines and the Medication Adherence Report Scale. The association between non-adherence and beliefs about medicines was assessed using a logistic regression model.ResultsPatients with diabetes mellitus had a stronger perceived need for treatment (mean (SD) Specific-Necessity score, 3.75 (0.40)) than patients with stroke (3.69 (0.53)) and RA (3.66 (0.44)) (p=0.049). Moderate correlations were observed between Specific-Concerns and General-Overuse, General-Harm and PSM (Pearson correlation coefficients, 0.39, 0.49 and 0.49, respectively, p<0.01). Three hundred and eleven patients were non-adherent to their medicine (159 (51.0%) in the stroke group, 60 (26.7%) in the diabetes mellitus group and 62 (19.8%) in the RA group, p<0.01). Across the whole sample, after adjusting for demographic characteristics, non-adherence was associated with patients who had higher concerns about their medicines (OR, 1.35, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.71) and patients who believed that they were personally sensitive to the effects of medications (OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.16 to 1.85).ConclusionThe BMQ is a useful tool to identify patients at risk of non-adherence. In the future, adherence intervention studies may use the BMQ to screen for patients who are at risk of non-adherence and to map interventional support.
Physical and mental health factors associated with work engagement among Finnish female municipal employees: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Veromaa Veera , Kautiainen Hannu , Korhonen Päivi Elina 
Published: October 2017

ObjectivesWork engagement is related to mental health, but studies of physical health’s association with work engagement are scarce. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between physical health, psychosocial risk factors and work engagement among Finnish women in municipal work units.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in 2014 among 726 female employees from 10 municipal work units of the city of Pori, Finland. Work engagement was assessed with the nine-item Utrecht Work Engagement Scale. The American Heart Association’s concept of ideal cardiovascular health (CVH) was used to define physical health (non-smoking, body mass index <25.0 kg/m2, physical activity at goal, healthy diet, total cholesterol <5.18mmol/L, blood pressure <120/80 mm Hg, normal glucose tolerance). Psychosocial risk factors (social isolation, stress, depressive symptoms, anxiety, hostility and type D personality) were included as core questions suggested by 2012 European Guidelines on cardiovascular disease prevention.ResultsOf the study subjects, 25.2% had favourable 5–7 CVH metrics. The sum of CVH metrics, healthy diet and physical activity at goal were positively associated with work engagement. In subjects without psychosocial risk factors (36.7%), work engagement was high and stable. Presence of even one psychosocial risk factor was associated with a lower level of work engagement regardless of the sum of ideal CVH metrics.ConclusionsBoth physical and mental health factors have a positive relationship with work engagement, whereas the presence of even one psychosocial risk factor has a negative association regardless of the level of classic cardiovascular risk factors.
Communicating risk in active surveillance of localised prostate cancer: a protocol for a qualitative study
Authors: Rapport Frances , Hogden Anne , Gurney Howard , Gillatt David , Bierbaum Mia , Shih Patti , Churruca Kate 
Published: October 2017

IntroductionOne in five men is likely to receive a diagnosis of prostate cancer (PCa) by the age of 85 years. Men diagnosed with low-risk PCa may be eligible for active surveillance (AS) to monitor their cancer to ensure that any changes are discovered and responded to in a timely way. Communication of risk in this context is more complicated than determining a numerical probability of risk, as patients wish to understand the implications of risk on their lives in concrete terms. Our study will examine how risk for PCa is perceived, experienced and communicated by patients using AS with their health professionals, and the implications for treatment and care.Methods and analysisThis is a proof of concept study, testing out a multimethod, qualitative approach to data collection in the context of PCa for the first time in Australia. It is being conducted from November 2016 to December 2017 in an Australian university hospital urology clinic. Participants are 10 men with a diagnosis of localised PCa, who are using an AS protocol, and 5 health professionals who work with this patient group (eg, urologists and Pca nurses). Data will be collected using observations of patient consultations with health professionals, patient questionnaires and interviews, and interviews with healthcare professionals. Analysis will be conducted in two stages. First, observational data from consultations will be analysed thematically to encapsulate various dimensions of risk classification and consultation dialogue. Second, interview data will be coded to derive meaning in text and analysed thematically. Overarching themes will represent patient and health professional perspectives of risk communication.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval for the study has been granted by Macquarie University Human Research Ethics Committee, approval 5201600638. Knowledge translation will be achieved through publications, reports and conference presentations to patients, families, clinicians and researchers.
Stepwise strategy to improve Cervical Cancer Screening Adherence (SCAN-CC): automated text messages, phone calls and face-to-face interviews: protocol of a population-based randomised controlled trial
Authors: Firmino-Machado João , Mendes Romeu , Moreira Amélia , Lunet Nuno 
Published: October 2017

IntroductionScreening is highly effective for cervical cancer prevention and control. Population-based screening programmes are widely implemented in high-income countries, although adherence is often low. In Portugal, just over half of the women adhere to cervical cancer screening, contributing for greater mortality rates than in other European countries. The most effective adherence raising strategies are based on patient reminders, small/mass media and face-to-face educational programmes, but sequential interventions targeting the general population have seldom been evaluated. The aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness of a stepwise approach, with increasing complexity and cost, to improve adherence to organised cervical cancer screening: step 1a—customised text message invitation; step 1b—customised automated phone call invitation; step 2—secretary phone call; step 3—family health professional phone call and face-to-face appointment.MethodsA population-based randomised controlled trial will be implemented in Portuguese urban and rural areas. Women eligible for cervical cancer screening will be randomised (1:1) to intervention and control. In the intervention group, women will be invited for screening through text messages, automated phone calls, manual phone calls and health professional appointments, to be applied sequentially to participants remaining non-adherent after each step. Control will be the standard of care (written letter). The primary outcome is the proportion of women adherent to screening after step 1 or sequences of steps from 1 to 3. The secondary outcomes are: proportion of women screened after each step (1a, 2 and 3); proportion of text messages/phone calls delivered; proportion of women previously screened in a private health institution who change to organised screening. The intervention and control groups will be compared based on intention-to-treat and per-protocol analyses.Ethics and disseminationThe study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Northern Health Region Administration and National Data Protection Committee. Results will be disseminated through communications in scientific meetings and peer-reviewed journals.Trial numberNCT03122275
Outcomes of disease prevention and management interventions in food pantries and food banks: protocol for a scoping review
Authors: Long Christopher R , Rowland Brett , Steelman Susan C , McElfish Pearl A 
Published: October 2017

IntroductionFood insecurity is a difficulty faced in many households. During periods of food insecurity, households often seek food supplied by food pantries and food banks. Food insecurity has been associated with increased risk for several health conditions. For this reason, food pantries and food banks may have great promise as intervention sites, and health researchers have begun targeting food pantries and food banks as sites for disease prevention or management interventions. The aim of the scoping review is to examine disease prevention or management interventions implemented in food pantries and food banks.Methods and analysisRelevant electronic databases (eg, MEDLINE, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature-CINAHL Complete, Science Citation Index, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews) will be searched for articles with a publication date of 1997 or later using Medical Subject Headings and key terms, including food aid, food banks, food pantries, food shelves, hunger, food insecurity and related concepts. For each de-duplicated study record identified by the search strategy, two reviewers will independently assess whether the study meets eligibility criteria (eg, related to intervention type, context). The reviewers will examine studies’ titles, abstracts and full text, comparing eligibility decisions to address any discrepancies. For each eligible study, data extraction will be executed by two reviewers independently, comparing extracted data to address any discrepancies. Extracted data will be synthesised and reported in a narrative review assessing the coverage and gaps in existing literature related to disease prevention and management interventions implemented in food pantries.Ethics and disseminationThe review’s results will be useful to healthcare practitioners who work with food-insecure populations, healthcare researchers and food pantry or food bank personnel. The results of this scoping review will be submitted for publication to a peer-reviewed journal, and the authors will share the findings with food pantry and food bank stakeholder groups with whom they work.
Study protocol of the internet user Cohort for Unbiased Recognition of gaming disorder in Early adolescence (iCURE), Korea, 2015–2019
Authors: Jeong Hyunsuk , Yim Hyeon Woo , Jo Sun-Jin , Lee Seung-Yup , Kim Eunjin , Son Hye Jung , Han Hyun-ho , Lee Hae Kook , Kweon Yong-Sil , Bhang Soo-young , Choi Jung-Seok , Kim Bung-Nyun , Gentile Douglas A , Potenza Marc N 
Published: October 2017

IntroductionIn 2013, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) proposed nine internet gaming disorder (IGD) diagnostic criteria as a condition warranting further empirical and clinical research. The aim of this study is to clarify the natural and clinical courses of IGD proposed DSM-5 in adolescents and to evaluate its risk and protective factors.Methods and analysisThe Internet user Cohort for Unbiased Recognition of gaming disorder in Early Adolescence (iCURE) study is an ongoing multidisciplinary, prospective, longitudinal cohort study conducted in 21 schools in Korea. Participant recruitment commenced in March 2015 with the goal of registering 3000 adolescents. The baseline assessment included surveys on emotional, social and environmental characteristics. A parent or guardian completed questionnaires and a structured psychiatric comorbidity diagnostic interview regarding their children. Adolescents with the Internet Game Use-Elicited Symptom Screen total scores of 6 or higher were asked to participate in the clinical diagnostic interview. Two subcohorts of adolescents were constructed: a representative subcohort and a clinical evaluation subcohort. The representative subcohort comprises a randomly selected 10% of the iCURE to investigate the clinical course of IGD based on clinical diagnosis and to estimate the false negative rate. The clinical evaluation subcohort comprised participants meeting three or more of the nine IGD criteria, determined by clinical diagnostic interview, to show the clinical course of IGD. Follow-up data will be collected annually for the 3 years following the baseline assessments. The primary endpoint is 2-year incidence, remission and recurrence rates of IGD. Cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between exposures and outcomes as well as mediation factors will be evaluated.Ethics and disseminationThis study is approved by the Institutional Review Board of the Catholic University of Korea. Results will be published in peer-reviewed journals.Trial registration numberClinicalTrials.gov (identifier:NCT02415322).
Discovery of methylated circulating DNA biomarkers for comprehensive non-invasive monitoring of treatment response in metastatic colorectal cancer
Authors: Barault Ludovic , Amatu Alessio , Siravegna Giulia , Ponzetti Agostino , Moran Sebastian , Cassingena Andrea , Mussolin Benedetta , Falcomatà Chiara , Binder Alexandra M , Cristiano Carmen , Oddo Daniele , Guarrera Simonetta , Cancelliere Carlotta , Bustreo Sara , Bencardino Katia , Maden Sean , Vanzati Alice , Zavattari Patrizia , Matullo Giuseppe , Truini Mauro , Grady William M , Racca Patrizia , Michels Karin B , Siena Salvatore , Esteller Manel , Bardelli Alberto , Sartore-Bianchi Andrea , Di Nicolantonio Federica 
Published: October 2017

ObjectiveMutations in cell-free circulating DNA (cfDNA) have been studied for tracking disease relapse in colorectal cancer (CRC). This approach requires personalised assay design due to the lack of universally mutated genes. In contrast, early methylation alterations are restricted to defined genomic loci allowing comprehensive assay design for population studies. Our objective was to identify cancer-specific methylated biomarkers which could be measured longitudinally in cfDNA (liquid biopsy) to monitor therapeutic outcome in patients with metastatic CRC (mCRC).DesignGenome-wide methylation microarrays of CRC cell lines (n=149) identified five cancer-specific methylated loci (EYA4, GRIA4, ITGA4, MAP3K14-AS1, MSC). Digital PCR assays were employed to measure methylation of these genes in tumour tissue DNA (n=82) and cfDNA from patients with mCRC (n=182). Plasma longitudinal assessment was performed in a patient subset treated with chemotherapy or targeted therapy.ResultsMethylation in at least one marker was detected in all tumour tissue samples and in 156 mCRC patient cfDNA samples (85.7%). Plasma marker prevalence was 71.4% for EYA4, 68.5% for GRIA4, 69.7% for ITGA4, 69.1% for MAP3K14-AS1% and 65.1% for MSC. Dynamics of methylation markers was not affected by treatment type and correlated with objective tumour response and progression-free survival.ConclusionThis five-gene methylation panel can be used to circumvent the absence of patient-specific mutations for monitoring tumour burden dynamics in liquid biopsy under different therapeutic regimens. This method might be proposed for assessing pharmacodynamics in clinical trials or when conventional imaging has limitations.
Initial surgery versus conservative management of symptomatic severe mitral regurgitation in the elderly
Authors: Kang Duk-Hyun , Heo Ran , Lee Sahmin , Baek Seunghee , Kim Dae-Hee , Song Jong-Min , Song Jae-Kwan , Lee Jae Won 
Published: October 2017

ObjectiveIn elderly patients, the benefit of surgical correction of severe mitral regurgitation (MR) may not be greater than the operative risk. This study sought to compare the long-term clinical outcomes between initial surgery and conservative management in elderly patients (≥70 years of age) with severe MR.MethodsWe prospectively evaluated 157 consecutive patients (75 men, 74±4 years of age) with severe degenerative MR and mild symptoms. Mitral valve surgery was performed on 79 (initial surgery group), whereas the conservative strategy was chosen for 78 patients (conservative management group). We compared the overall and cardiac mortality and cardiac event between strategies in the overall and propensity-matched cohort (46 pairs).ResultsDuring the median follow-up of 5.4 years, overall death occurred less in the initial surgery group (16 vs 37 patients). This group showed reduced cardiac mortality (HR 0.31; 95% CI 0.13 to 0.73; p=0.007), overall mortality (HR 0.39; 95% CI 0.21 to 0.74; p=0.004) and cardiac event (HR 0.26; 95% CI 0.13 to 0.53; p<0.001). A significant reduction in cardiac mortality (HR 0.18; 95% CI 0.05 to 0.63; p=0.007), overall mortality (HR 0.36; 95% CI 0.15 to 0.86; p=0.022) and cardiac event (HR 0.20; 95% CI 0.07 to 0.52; p=0.001) in the initial surgery group was also observed in the propensity-matched cohort.ConclusionsIn elderly patients with severe degenerative MR and mild symptoms, initial surgical strategy was associated with significant long-term reductions in cardiac and overall mortality compared with conservative management.