Relationship of circulating total bilirubin, UDP-glucuronosyltransferases 1A1 and the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Background This study aimed to investigate the correlation of circulating total bilirubin (TB) and UGT1A1 with NAFLD in Chinese Han population. Methods 172 adults were enrolled from the Qingdao Municipal Hospital from May 2019 to October 2020. All individuals were examined with MRI-PDFF and divided into no steatosis, mild steatosis, moderate steatosis, and severe steatosis groups according to the MRI-PDFF values. The biochemical indexes and UGT1A1 were measured. Results There was no significant difference of circulating TB and UGT1A1 levels between NAFLD group and controls. In the moderate steatosis and severe steatosis groups, the circulating TB levels were higher than that in control group (all P < 0.05). In addition, circulating TB levels were weak positively associated with liver fat fraction in NAFLD patients (ρ = 0.205, P = 0.001). There was no significant correlation between circulating UGT1A1 levels with liver fat fraction in patients with NAFLD (ρ = 0.080, P = 0.179), but positively correlation was found in patients with severe steatosis (ρ = 0.305, P = 0.026). Conclusions The circulating TB levels were significant high in patients with moderate and severe steatosis. Circulating TB levels were weakly associated with liver fat fraction in patients with NAFLD, and the circulating UGT1A1 levels were positively correlated with liver fat fraction in NAFLD patients with severe steatosis. Trial registration: ChiCTR, ChiCTR1900022744. Registered 24 April 2019 – Retrospectively registered, http://www.chictr.org.cn/edit.aspx?pid=38304&htm=4.

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Elevated alanine aminotransferase and low aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase ratio are associated with chronic kidney disease among middle-aged women: a cross-sectional study

BMC Nephrology ◽

10.1186/s12882-020-02144-6 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Hirotaka Ochiai ◽

Takako Shirasawa ◽

Takahiko Yoshimoto ◽

Satsue Nagahama ◽

Akihiro Watanabe ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Chronic Kidney Disease ◽

Kidney Disease ◽

Aspartate Aminotransferase ◽

Alanine Aminotransferase ◽

Venous Blood ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Middle Aged ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Alcoholic Fatty Liver ◽

Relationship Of

Abstract Background Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) to ALT ratio (AST/ALT ratio) have been shown to be related to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease or insulin resistance, which was associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, it is unclear whether ALT and AST/ALT ratio are associated with CKD. In this study, we examined the relationship of ALT and AST/ALT ratio to CKD among middle-aged females in Japan. Methods The present study included 29,133 women aged 40 to 64 years who had an annual health checkup in Japan during April 2013 to March 2014. Venous blood samples were collected to measure ALT, AST, gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), and creatinine levels. In accordance with previous studies, ALT > 40 U/L and GGT > 50 U/L were determined as elevated, AST/ALT ratio < 1 was regarded as low, and CKD was defined as estimated glomerular filtration rate < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 and/or proteinuria. Logistic regression model was used to calculate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for CKD. Results “Elevated ALT and elevated GGT” and “elevated ALT and non-elevated GGT” significantly increased the OR for CKD when compared with “non-elevated ALT and non-elevated GGT” (OR: 2.56, 95% CI: 2.10–3.12 and OR: 2.24, 95% CI: 1.81–2.77). Compared with “AST/ALT ratio ≥ 1 and non-elevated GGT”, “AST/ALT ratio < 1 and elevated GGT” and “AST/ALT ratio < 1 and non-elevated GGT” significantly increased the OR for CKD (OR: 2.73, 95% CI: 2.36–3.15 and OR: 1.68, 95% CI: 1.52–1.87). These findings still remained after adjustment for confounders. Conclusions Elevated ALT was associated with CKD regardless of GGT elevation. Moreover, low AST/ALT ratio was also associated with CKD independent of GGT elevation.

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Anolunula in Fingernails among Patients Infected with HIV

ISRN Dermatology ◽

10.1155/2014/271230 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 2014 ◽

pp. 1-6

Author(s):

Pratik Gahalaut ◽

Nitin Mishra ◽

Sandhya Chauhan ◽

Mir Mubashir Ali ◽

Madhur Kant Rastogi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Hiv Infection ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Negative Control ◽

Hiv Positive ◽

Control Group ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Stage 1 ◽

And Control ◽

Hiv Negative

Lunula is the white, half-moon shaped area seen in proximal ends of some nails. Though a few studies have described the nail changes that can occur in association with HIV infection, none of these paid much attention to lunula. Aims and Objectives. To study the lunula in fingernails among HIV infected patients. Materials and Methods. An observational, cross-sectional study to record presence of lunula in 168 HIV-positive patients and compare it with age and sex matched 168 healthy HIV-negative control. Anolunula (absence of lunula) in HIV-positive patients was correlated with CD4 counts, stages of HIV infection, time since patient was diagnosed as HIV-positive, and status of antiretroviral therapy. Results. Anolunula was present in significantly more fingernails in HIV-positive patients compared to HIV-negative controls. There was a highly significant difference for total anolunula (anolunula in all fingernails) in study and control group. Incidence of total anolunula was directly proportional to the stage of HIV infection, increasing progressively as the HIV infection advances from stage 1 to stage 4. Conclusion. Absence of lunula is related to not only HIV infection per se but also the stages of HIV infection.

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Variables associated with family breakdown in healthy and obese/ overweigh adolescents

Revista Paulista de Pediatria ◽

10.1590/s0103-05822014000100012 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 32 (1) ◽

pp. 70-77

Author(s):

Carla Cristina J. N. de Almeida ◽

Paula de Oliveira Mora ◽

Valmir Aparecido de Oliveira ◽

Camila Aparecida Joao ◽

Carolina Regina Joao ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public School ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Control Group ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Obese Adolescents ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Family Breakdown

Objective: To evaluate the presence of family breakdown factors among eutrophic and overweight/obese adolescents. Methods: Cross-sectional study of 242 students aged between 14 and 19 years old, from a public school. Each student was weighed, measured and answered a questionnaire with closed questions addressing the presence of family breakdown factors. The adolescents were divided in two groups: euthophic and overweight/obese. The answers of both groups were compared by Fisher's exact and Mann-Whitney tests. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in the prevalence of the studied factors between the two groups. Comparing the number of positive answers (presence of family breakdown factors) and negative ones (absence of family breakdown factors), no difference was observed between the groups. Conclusions: The inclusion of a control group showed that factors of family breakdown, usually identified as associated with obesity in adolescents, may also be present in eutrophic adolescents.

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THE IMPACT OF ASTHMAAND ITS MEDICATIONS ON DENTAL CARIES STATUS AND STREPTOCOCCUS MUTANS COUNT IN CHILDREN: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

10.36106/ijsr/7515919 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 20-23

Author(s):

Sneha Upadhyay ◽

Jyoti Bhavthankar ◽

Mandakini Mandale ◽

Nivedita Kaorey

Keyword(s):

Dental Caries ◽

Streptococcus Mutans ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Control Group ◽

Healthy Children ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Asthmatic Children ◽

Significant Difference ◽

The Impact

Background: Asthma and its medications have been linked to oral diseases in asthmatic children. Aim: Assessment of the dental caries status, salivary Streptococcus mutans count and S. mutans colony score in children receiving inhaled anti asthmatic medications and their comparison in healthy children Material and Method: A cross-sectional study was performed on 40 asthmatic children and 40 healthy children in the age group of 6-14 years. DMFT/deft indices were calculated and saliva samples were collected. Diluted saliva was inoculated on MSB agar plates. S. mutans count and colony score were analysed after 24-48 hours of inoculation. Results: Statistically significant difference was observed in the mean DMFT/deft index, salivary S. mutans load and S. mutans colony score in children of the asthmatic group and control group. Conclusion: Prevalence of dental caries and cariogenic bacteria is higher in asthmatic children.

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ESTILO DE VIDA E SUAS RELAÇÕES COM HIPERTENSÃO ARTERIAL SISTÊMICA E DIABETES MELLITUS

Revista Interdisciplinar de Estudos em Saúde ◽

10.33362/ries.v7i1.1235 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 7 (1) ◽

pp. 361-373

Author(s):

Elias Ferreira Porto ◽

Claudia Kumpel ◽

Anselmo Cordeiro de Souza ◽

Izabel Maria de Oliveira ◽

Karoline Mayara de Aquiles Bernardo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Diabetes Mellitus ◽

General Health ◽

Healthy Lifestyle ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Health Perception ◽

Control Group ◽

Healthy Individuals ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Significant Difference ◽

The Individual

Avaliar o estilo de vida e percepção do estado geral de saúde em pacientes com Diabetes Mellitus tipo 2 - DM, Hipertensão Arterial Sistêmica - HAS e indivíduos saudáveis. Métodos: Estudo transversal, com grupo controle. Avaliado estilo de vida com Questionário Fantástico, e percepção geral de saúde via uma pergunta âncora de diabéticos do tipo 2 (n = 37), hipertensos (n = 60), e indivíduos saudáveis (n = 43). Análise estatística descritiva, analise de variância, e razão de chance (Odds Rattio – OR). Resultados: Verificou-se diferença significante (p0,0001) na pontuação do Questionário Fantástico entre os indivíduos saudáveis em relação DM e HAS. O pior desempenho no estilo de vida para os três grupos foi nos domínios de atividade física e alimentação. O risco do indivíduo com HAS afirmar que sua saúde é pior do que indivíduos da mesma faixa etária foi OR 1.8 (1.415 a 2.419) e para os indivíduos diabéticos OR de 2.8 (1.776 a 4.579) em relação a indivíduos saudáveis. Conclusão: Diabéticos e hipertensos têm um pior estilo de vida e percepção geral de saúde do que indivíduos saudáveis. Assim o estilo de vida saudável pode reduzir a prevalência e auxiliar no controle de doenças já estabelecidas.Palavras-chave: Estilo de vida. Hipertensão Arterial. Diabetes Mellitus. ABSTRACT: To evaluate the lifestyle and perception of general health status in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus - DM, systemic arterial hypertension - SAH and healthy individuals. Methods: Cross-sectional study with control group. (N = 37), hypertensive (n = 60), and healthy subjects (n = 43) were assessed using a Fantastic Questionnaire, and general health perception via an anchor question. Descriptive statistical analysis, analysis of variance, and odds ratio (Odds Rattio - OR). Results: There was a significant difference (p 0.0001) in the score of the Fantastic Questionnaire among healthy individuals in relation to DM and SAH. The worst lifestyle performance for the three groups was in the physical activity and feeding domains. The risk of the individual with SAH to state that their health is worse than individuals of the same age group was OR 1.8 (1.415 to 2.419) and for the diabetic individuals OR of 2.8 (1.776 to 4.579) in relation to healthy individuals. Conclusion: Diabetics and hypertensives have a worse lifestyle and overall health perception than healthy individuals. Thus the healthy lifestyle can reduce the prevalence and help in the control of already established diseases.Keywords: Lifestyle. Hypertension. Diabetes Mellitus.

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Association between genetic variant rs2267716 of CRHR2 gene with colorectal cancer

Journal of Investigative Medicine ◽

10.1136/jim-2021-002047 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. jim-2021-002047

Author(s):

Angélica Araceli Ramírez-Guerrero ◽

Christian Octavio González-Villaseñor ◽

Evelia Leal-Ugarte ◽

Melva Gutiérrez-Angulo ◽

Mario Ramírez-Flores ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Colorectal Cancer ◽

Angiogenesis Inhibitor ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Control Group ◽

Corticotropin Releasing Hormone ◽

Allelic Discrimination Assay ◽

Allelic Discrimination ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Releasing Hormone ◽

Significant Difference

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer and one of the main causes of death around the world. Multiple lines of evidence have suggested the role of the corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) family in CRC induction, including the low expression of corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor 2 (CRHR2), which is an angiogenesis inhibitor and inflammatory modulator. Previous research suggests that CRHR2 expression in colonic intestinal cells can regulate migration, proliferation and apoptosis through the modulation of several pathways. The aim of this study was to analyze the association of the rs10250835, rs2267716 and rs2267717 variants of CRHR2 gene with CRC in the Mexican population in order to consider its predictive value in CRC. This cross-sectional study included a group of 187 unrelated patients with sporadic CRC and a control group of 191 healthy blood donors. DNA extraction from peripheral blood was carried out using the Miller method. Identification of the rs10250835 variant was performed using PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and the rs2267716 and rs2267717 variants using TaqMan allelic discrimination assay. The minor allele homozygous CC of the rs2267716 variant of CRHR2 showed significant difference between CRC and control group (p=0.025), as well as the GCA haplotype (p=0.007), corresponding to the rs10250835, rs2267716 and rs2267717 variants, respectively. Our results suggest that the rs2267716 variant and GCA haplotype of CRHR2 represent a risk factor for CRC development in Mexican patients.

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Development of cleft children’s permanent canines

RGO - Revista Gaúcha de Odontologia ◽

10.1590/1981-86372019000253520 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 67 ◽

Author(s):

Manoel Itaguacy Leite NOVAIS JUNIOR ◽

Manuella Santos Carneiro ALMEIDA ◽

Camila Helena Machado da COSTA ◽

Tassia Cristina de Almeida Pinto SARMENTO ◽

Luis Ferreira de SOUSA FILHO ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cleft Lip ◽

Cleft Lip And Palate ◽

Tooth Development ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Control Group ◽

Case Group ◽

Age Difference ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Panoramic Radiographs ◽

Significant Difference

ABSTRACT Objective: Evaluating the development of the permanent cuspids in children from Paraíba with cleft lip and palate applying the Nolla and the Demirjian methods. Methods: A cross-sectional study using an inductive approach and applying a comparative statistical procedure and direct documentation research technique. The universe of the study consisted of children assisted at the orthodontic practice of the Brazilian Association of Dentistry - Paraíba Section. The sample comprised 72 pairs of panoramic radiographs of children with and without cleft lip and palate from the same gender and, age difference of up to 30 days, ranging from 5 to 13 years of age. The study has evaluated the development of 576 cuspids. The images were evaluated by three duly calibrated examiners concomitantly, and the calcification stages were determined by a consensus. The stages of the cuspids calcification were evaluated in the panoramic radiographs according to Nolla and Demirjian classifications. Results: The average of the calcification stage of teeth was correspondingly higher in the control group than in the case group, showing a development delay of the cuspid teeth in the cleft lip and palate patients. The lower cuspids were significantly more developed than the upper cuspids (p <0.001). There were no significant differences between the sides. There was early tooth development in females but without significant difference. Conclusion: It was possible to note that patients with cleft lip and palate presented a delay in the development of the permanent cuspids when compared to non-cleft lip and palate patients, thus, reinforcing the importance of the individualization of the orthodontic planning.

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Role of Functional Biomarkers to Identify Early Vitamin B12 Deficiency in Patients with Sleeve Gastrectomy: A Cross-Sectional Study

Medicina ◽

10.3390/medicina56030142 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 56 (3) ◽

pp. 142

Author(s):

Osama Y. Al-Dirbashi ◽

Charu Sharma ◽

Nahid Al Dahouri ◽

Anas Al Aidaros ◽

Shamma Al-Muhairi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Sleeve Gastrectomy ◽

Vitamin B12 ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Control Group ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Significant Difference ◽

B12 Deficiency ◽

One Year ◽

Functional Biomarkers

Background and objectives: Although laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is effective for obesity management, postoperative vitamin B12 (B12) deficiency is of major concern. In this cross-sectional study, we assessed the levels of B12 and its related functional biomarkers, namely, total homocysteine (tHcy), methylmalonic acid (MMA), folate, methylcitric acid (MCA), and hemoglobin (Hb), in one-year postoperative LSG patients and matched controls. Materials and Methods: Plasma B12, tHcy, MMA, folate, and MCA were measured in matched controls (n = 66) and patients (n = 71) using validated liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry techniques and protocols in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Results: The median B12 concentration in patients (177 pmol/L) was significantly lower (p < 0.001) than in the controls (334.7 pmol/L). The tHcy and MMA levels were significantly increased (p < 0.001 and p = 0.011, respectively) and folate levels were significantly decreased (p = 0.001) in the LSG patients compared to the controls. Interestingly, no significant difference in MCA levels were observed between the two groups. The levels of tHcy and MMA were concomitantly increased with the decreased folate levels in postoperative LSG patients when compared with the controls. The Hb levels were significantly lower in males and females in the patient group compared with those in the control group, respectively (p = 0.005 and p = 0.043). Conclusions: This is the first report of serum levels of B12 and its functional biomarkers in postoperative LSG patients among a local population from the UAE. Our findings revealed significant alterations of the B12 biomarkers, total B12, MMA, and tHcy in one-year postoperative LSG patients.

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Effect of Flavor Enhancement on the Appreciation of Food in Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy

Current Developments in Nutrition ◽

10.1093/cdn/nzaa044_019 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽

pp. 320-320

Author(s):

Kenza Drareni ◽

Moustafa Bensafi ◽

Helene Lusson ◽

Damien Vansteene ◽

Agnès Giboreau ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Cancer Patients ◽

Hierarchical Cluster ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Control Group ◽

Breast Cancer Patients ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Funding Sources ◽

Significant Difference ◽

The Impact

Abstract Objectives Given the influence of sensory signals on food intake regulation and the subsequent nutritional status, it is important to reduce the impact of commonly observed smell and taste alterations on the pleasure of eating during chemotherapy. This study aimed to examine the effect of various types of flavor enhancement on the appreciation of an appetizer by a group of patients undergoing chemotherapy. Methods Five eggplant appetizers with no seasoning (REF) or enhanced with either salt, lemon, garlic or cumin were developed. In this cross-sectional study, 36 healthy female subjects (age 58 ± 7 y) (control group) and 84 breast cancer patients (age 56 ± 11 y) treated with chemotherapy were recruited. A hierarchical cluster analysis based on patients' self-reported smell and taste abilities classified the patients in two groups: the ‘unaltered, (high sensory abilities) n = 49’ and the ‘altered, (poor sensory abilities), n = 35’ group. Participants tasted and assessed the appreciation of the reference appetizer on a visual analog scale and performed a randomized comparative liking task, by rating the appreciation for each flavor-enhanced appetizer relative to the REF (one-sample t-test). Results There was no significant difference in the appreciation of the REF appetizer between the three groups (P > 0.05). In the comparative liking task, the control group rated similarly the appreciation between the flavor-enhanced and the REF appetizers except for the cumin-enhanced appetizer, which was appreciated significantly more than the REF (P < 0.001). Patients in both ‘altered’ and ‘unaltered’ groups appreciated similarly the cumin appetizer (P > 0.05), more the salt and garlic-enhanced appetizers (P ≤ 0.001, P = 0.005, respectively) and significantly less the lemon-enhanced appetizer relative to the REF (P = 0.029), confirming a tendency for patients to reject acid-flavored foods. Conclusions The salt and garlic enhancements were appreciated by the patients independent of the stage of chemotherapy or the severity of smell and taste alterations. Flavor enhancement seems a good strategy to maintain the pleasure of eating in patients undergoing chemotherapy. Further research is still needed on the appreciation and intake of a complete meal (starter, main course, dessert). Funding Sources APICIL and ELIOR groups.

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Dietary Factors in Relation to Liver Fat Content: A Cross-sectional Study

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu12030825 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (3) ◽

pp. 825 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Cora Watzinger ◽

Tobias Nonnenmacher ◽

Mirja Grafetstätter ◽

Solomon A. Sowah ◽

Cornelia M. Ulrich ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Diet Quality ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Fat Content ◽

Dietary Factors ◽

Liver Fat ◽

Inverse Association ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Liver Fat Content ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Alcoholic Fatty Liver

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) can lead to functional liver impairment and severe comorbidities. Beyond energy balance, several dietary factors may increase NAFLD risk, but human studies are lacking. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the associations between food consumption (47 food groups, derived Mediterranean and Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet quality scores) and liver fat content (continuous scale and NAFLD, i.e., >5% liver fat content). Liver fat content was measured by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in 136 individuals (BMI: 25–40 kg/m2, age: 35–65, 50.7% women) and food intake was recorded by food frequency questionnaires (FFQs). Associations between food items and liver fat were evaluated by multi-variable regression models. Intakes of cake and cookies as well legumes were inversely associated with liver fat content, while positive associations with intakes of high-fat dairy and cheese were observed. Only cake and cookie intake also showed an inverse association with NAFLD. This inverse association was unexpected, but not affected by adjustment for reporting bias. Both diet quality scores were inversely associated with liver fat content and NAFLD. Thus, as smaller previous intervention studies, our results suggest that higher diet quality is related to lower liver fat, but larger trials with iso-caloric interventions are needed to corroborate these findings.

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