Medicine
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The studies on the risk of tuberculosis (TB) in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) alone are limited. We examined this relationship using a population-based retrospective cohort study. From claims data of the National Health Insurance system of Taiwan, we identified 5195 patients with T1DM newly diagnosed from 2002 to 2011 and 20,780 randomly selected controls without T1DM, frequency matched by age, sex, and year of diagnosis. ⋯ The adjusted HR was much greater for those with comorbidities than those without comorbidities (14.6 vs 1.62, P < 0.001). Compared with the controls, the patients with T1DM were also more likely to develop TB with multiple emergency room visits (adjusted HR: 116.1, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 43.8-307.4) or hospitalizations (adjusted HR: 86.5, 95% CI = 33.7-222.4). Patients with T1DM are at elevated risks of developing TB with much higher HRs for those with comorbidities, within the first year of diagnosis, and with frequent emergency cares or hospitalizations.
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Infections by the protozoan enteroparasites Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp are a major cause of morbidity in children attending day care facilities in developed countries. In this cross-sectional study, we aimed to estimate the occurrence and genotype frequencies of these pathogens in children attending day care centers in Majadahonda, Central Spain. To do so, single stool samples were obtained from 90 children and tested for the presence of G duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp by conventional microscopy and immunochromatography. ⋯ Attempts to genotype Cryptosporidium isolates failed. None of the variables considered could be associated with higher risk of infection with giardiasis or cryptosporidiosis. These results clearly indicate that asymptomatic infections with G duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp are frequent in <3-year-old children in Central Spain.
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Observational Study Retracted Publication
Association study of TGFBR2 and miR-518 gene polymorphisms with age at natural menopause, premature ovarian failure, and early menopause among Chinese Han women.
Age at natural menopause (ANM), a highly heritable phenotype, has been identified to be closely associated with major hormone-related diseases, including breast cancer and gynecological cancers. We previously identified an important role for the transforming growth factor, β receptor II (TGFBR2) gene polymorphisms in breast cancer susceptibility among Asian women. Considering the important role of ANM in breast carcinogenesis, we hypothesized that TGFBR2 signals were involved in the formation of natural menopause. ⋯ Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of these findings and no significant interactions were detected. This study provides evidence to implicate TGFBR2 and miR-518 gene polymorphisms as novel susceptibility factors for ANM, POF, and EM in Asians. Further research on these genetic regions will enhance our understanding of the genetic basis of natural menopause.
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Meta Analysis Comparative Study
Efficacy and complications of polyethylene glycols for treatment of constipation in children: a meta-analysis.
Constipation is a common childhood complaint. In 90% to 95% of children, constipation is functional, which means that there is no objective evidence of an underlying pathological condition. Polyethylene glycol (PEG or macrogol) solution is an osmotic laxative agent that is absorbed in only trace amounts from the gastrointestinal tract and routinely used to treat chronic constipation in adults. ⋯ PEG-based laxatives are effective and safe for chronic constipation and for resolving fecal impaction in children. Children's acceptance of PEG-based laxatives appears to be better than non-PEG laxatives. Optimal dosages, routes of administration, and PEG regimens should be determined in future randomized controlled studies and meta-analyses.
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Review Observational Study
Listeria monocytogenes-associated biliary tract infections: a study of 12 consecutive cases and review.
At present, little is known regarding Listeria monocytogenes-associated biliary tract infection, a rare form of listeriosis. In this article, we will study 12 culture-proven cases reported to the French National Reference Center for Listeria from 1996 to 2013 and review the 8 previously published cases. Twenty cases were studied: 17 cholecystitis, 2 cholangitis, and 1 biliary cyst infection. ⋯ Adverse outcome was reported in 33% (5/15): 3 deaths, 1 recurrence; 75% of the patients with adverse outcome received inadequate antimicrobial therapy (P=0.033). Biliary tract listeriosis is a severe infection associated with high mortality in patients not treated with appropriate therapy. This study provides medical relevance to in vitro and animal studies that had shown Listeria monocytogenes ability to survive in bile and induce overt biliary infections.