bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fire needle for recurrent aphthous stomatitis
Authors: Chen Jun , Wang Xingxin , Wang Kai , Liu Zhihao , Lv Xiaoya , Wang Ming , Sun Shoudan
Published: February 2022

Background:

Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS), are common inflammatory lesions of the oral mucous, usually round or ovoid, circumscribed by erythematous haloes with a yellow-grey floor and mostly painful. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of fire needle in the treatment of RAS.

Methods:

PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese VIP Information, Wanfang Database, and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database were searched by 2 reviewers from the inception until December 2021. The original study that randomized control trials of fire needle for RAS will be selected and is not limited by country or language. In addition, researches in progress, the reference lists and the citation lists of identified publications will be retrieved similarly. Study selection, data extraction, and assessment of the quality will be performed independently by 2 reviewers who have been trained prior to data extraction. A meta-analysis will be conducted if the quantity and quality of the original studies included are satisfactory; otherwise, a descriptive analysis will be conducted. Review Manager V5.4 software will be using for data synthesis and assessment of the risk of bias according to Cochrane Handbook.

Results:

This study will provide a comprehensive review of current evidence for the treatment of fire needle on RAS.

Conclusion:

The conclusion of this study will provide a judging basis that whether the treatment of RAS with fire needle is effective.

INPLASY registration number:

INPLASY2021120118.
Efficacy and safety of traditional Chinese medicine decoction in the treatment of adolescent myopia
Authors: Tian Xiurong , Sun Zhongli , Li Yonghua , Jiang Xianglin , Li Xingying , Yu Penglong
Published: February 2022

Background:

Adolescent myopia has become a major public health problem in Asian countries and even the world. Due to its unstable prognosis and numerous complications, it has caused serious social and economic burden. As a common treatment in Asia, Chinese medicine has been shown to be effective in controlling the development of myopia, but its evidence-based medical evidence is not sufficient. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in the treatment of adolescent myopia through network meta-analysis, and to provide evidence for clinical and scientific research.

Methods:

We searched seven databases for randomized controlled trials of TCM decoction for adolescent myopia, including PubMed, the Cochrane Library, EMbase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, China Biological Medicine, Chinese Scientific Journals Database, and wan-fang databases, from the date of the establishment of each database to January 31, 2022. The network meta-analysis will be implemented through Aggregate Data Drug Information System 1.16.8 and Stata 13.0 software. Primary outcomes include distant vision, intraocular pressure, and diopter. Mean differences or odds ratios will be used for statistical analysis. We will ensure the reliability of the results through node-split model and heterogeneity analysis. In addition, the Cochrane Collaboration's tool and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation system will be used for the methodological quality and the evidence quality.

Results:

This study will provide reliable evidence for the clinical selection of TCM decoction in the treatment of adolescent myopia.

Conclusion:

The results of this study will evaluate the efficacy and safety of TCM decoction in the treatment of adolescent myopia, and provide decision-making references for future clinical and scientific research.

Ethics and dissemination:

This study did not require ethical approval. We will disseminate our findings by publishing results in a peer-reviewed journal.

OSF registration number:

DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/VXQUP.
The efficacy and safety of moxibustion for pressure injury
Authors: Xiang Wei , Jiang Jianmei , Hu Tingting , Deng Xiaoling , Chen Cheng , Chen Zhongrong
Published: February 2022

Background:

Pressure injury is an important global health issue characterized by the high incidence, rapid progression, and difficult healing. How to perform timely treatment and care have been the current focus and challenge for health care professionals. Moxibustion can improve skin microcirculation, promote blood circulation, activate tissue cells, inhibit, and kill bacteria on the wounded surface, thus promoting wound healing. However, the clinically reported efficacy of moxibustion in the treatment of pressure injuries varies a lot and lacks evidence-based medical evidence. Therefore, this meta-analysis aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of moxibustion on the treatment of pressure injuries.

Methods:

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting the moxibustion for pressure injury published before January 2022 will be searched in online databases, including the Chinese Scientific Journal Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure Database, Wanfang Database, China Biomedical Literature Database, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science. References of eligible literatures will be manually reviewed. According to inclusion and exclusion criteria, literature screening, data extraction and quality assessment will be independently performed by 2 reviewers, and meta-analysis of relevant data will be conducted using Stata14.0 software.

Results:

The study will provide a high-quality convincing assessment of efficacy and safety of moxibustion for pressure injury.

Conclusion:

The results of this study will provide the latest evidence support for judging the efficacy and safety of moxibustion on the treatment of pressure injury.

OSF Registration number:

DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/T543Y.
Moyamoya disease with Sjogren disease and autoimmune thyroiditis presenting with left intracranial hemorrhage after messenger RNA-1273 vaccination
Authors: Lin Yi-Hsin , Huang Hsuan , Hwang Wen-Zern
Published: February 2022

Rationale:

The new vaccines are emergently authorized and currently approved for use to protect against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and serious adverse events are uncommon. Moyamoya disease (MMD) with autoimmune disease is a rare entity and usually presents with intracranial hemorrhage in adults.

Patient concerns:

We reported a 40-year-old female patient with Sjogren disease and autoimmune thyroiditis, who had received the second dose of Moderna (mRNA-1273) vaccination. Three days later, she presented with left intraventricular and intracerebral hemorrhage as a complication.

Diagnosis:

After a series of diagnostic workups, left intracranial hemorrhage was associated with MMD.

Interventions:

Emergent external ventricular drainage and subsequent stereotactic evacuation of hematoma with insertion of intracranial pressure monitoring were performed.

Outcomes:

Under the care of the neurocritical care team, her physical condition improved gradually. The neurological sequelae was noted by defects of cognitive function, apraxia, agnosia, and impaired executive function. She was discharged after eight weeks with a follow-up in the vascular neurology clinic planning for performing revascularization.

Lessons:

To the best of our knowledge, no similar case has been reported before, and this is the first case of MMD complicated with intracerebral and intraventricular hemorrhage after mRNA-1273 vaccination. It is noticeable to assess the vaccine safety surveillance and raise the alertness about moyamoya in patients with autoimmune diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic. Further studies for risk evaluation of COVID-19 vaccines in patients with autoimmune diseases might be required in the future.
Metachronous occurrence of main-duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) and adenocarcinoma in a chronic pancreatitis patient
Authors: Jee Keum Nahn
Published: February 2022

Rationale:

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a risk factor for developing pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). In addition, a patient with partial pancreatectomy for intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) can also lead to PDAC. In contrast, IPMN is a distinct disease entity, independent of CP, and there have been few reports that CP is the cause of IPMN. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first clinical case report of the metachronous occurrence of main-duct IPMN and PDAC with a 9 and half-year interval in a patient with chronic alcoholic pancreatitis.

Patient concerns:

A 50-year-old man with a long medical history of recurrent alcoholic pancreatitis and hepatitis over a decade was diagnosed with another episode of acute pancreatitis based on laboratory findings and clinical symptoms. The patient underwent pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy (PPPD) for a small nodular lesion in the main duct of the pancreatic head and was diagnosed with main-duct IPMN low-grade dysplasia and associated fibrosing CP. Nine and a half years later, a 59-year-old man lost 7 kg over 3 months and was diagnosed with new-onset diabetes mellitus.

Diagnosis:

The patient was diagnosed with metachronous, well-differentiated PDAC with concomitant CP.

Interventions:

The patient underwent radical antegrade modular pancreatosplenectomy (RAMPS) for a small nodular mass in the remnant pancreas.

Outcomes:

The patient was healthy for 44 months without evidence of tumor recurrence during clinical follow-up examinations including laboratory findings, tumor marker, and imaging studies.

Lessons:

Early diagnosis of metachronous pancreatic neoplasia in a patient with chronic pancreatitis could be made by correlating newly developed clinical symptoms and signs with careful radiological examinations.
The G41D mutation in SOD1-related amyotrophic lateral sclerosis exhibits phenotypic heterogeneity among individuals
Authors: Zhao Xinyi , Feng Xinhong , Li Xiuli , Mou Jingyu , Liu Hongjing , Chen Jing , Wu Jian
Published: February 2022

Rationale:

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive and fatal neurodegenerative disease. However, the misdiagnosis of ALS always occurs because of atypical clinical manifestations. Since mutations in Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) have been implicated as causative and account for 20% of fALS cases, early genetic sequencing of suspected individuals in ALS pedigrees could be helpful.

Patient concerns:

Here we report a Chinese family spanning three generations with fALS. A heterozygous c.125G>A (p.Gly42Asp) missense mutation in exon 2 of SOD1 gene was detected in our proband as well as her 2 siblings and next generation. Phenotypic diversity was also reported among symptomatic individuals.

Diagnoses:

Peripheral blood samples from the proband were collected and sent for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Sanger sequencing of the SOD1 gene at Sanvalley Diagnostics. The other 11 members in the studied family then underwent locus verification.

Interventions:

Butylphthalide, Vitamin B12, Coenzyme Q10 and mouse nerve growth factor is given to the symptomatic members.

Outcomes:

The symptoms of our proband was not improved by treatments at a late stage. She passed away the fourth year of the disease due to respiratory failure. Two siblings of the proband were given active treatments once verified as carrier. Their symptoms are still limited to limb weakness.

Lessons:

This study suggests genetic sequencing is a powerful tool for the diagnosis of familial ALS. Phenotypic heterogeneity exists among G41D-mutated individuals, which further highlights the importance of genomic strategies for early diagnosis.
Evaluation of efficacy and safety of rivaroxaban combined with aspirin in patients with chronic coronary artery disease
Authors: Wang Han , Li Xiuqi , Wu Xingan , Wu Huiting , Xie Gang , Wang Hui
Published: February 2022

Background:

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is among the main causes of morbidities and mortalities globally. It is also considered to be an outcome of acute thrombotic events which entail activating platelets as well as coagulation proteins. In particular, rivaroxaban along with aspirin have been considered to reduce thrombotic events. However, they are yet to be evaluated by combining with or putting them against each other in patients experiencing CAD. This study intends to carry out an evaluation of whether combining rivaroxaben with aspirin will be effective and safe in treating patients experiencing chronic CAD.

Methods and analysis:

We intend to search information from the following databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane library, WanFang, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure. In the search, we intend to regard randomized control trials written in either English or Chinese and only those published until December 2021, as well as only those that have assessed the effectiveness and safety of combining rivaroxaban and aspirin in treating patients suffering from chronic CAD. We intend to accompany the study identification with searching or relevant reference lists as well as citations. We will also contact respective authors to provide additional information or data were needful. From the search, we will collate all citations identified and remove all duplicates. Similarly, 2 independent authors will screen all the titles and abstracts and assess them against the inclusion criteria for the study. Only selected studies will be included for critical appraisal, extraction of data, and synthesis. We will then conduct statistical analyses by utilizing a random-effect model.

Ethics and dissemination:

This study does not require ethical approval as the findings will be published in a peer-review journal.

Registration number:

10.17605/OSF.IO/WBGE4
Characteristics and outcomes of primary pleural angiosarcoma
Authors: Wang Xia , Lu Zhiqin , Luo Yuxi , Cai Jing , Wei Jianping , Liu Anwen , Zeng Zhimin
Published: February 2022

Primary pleural angiosarcoma (PPA) is an extremely rare malignancy for which there is no consensus on treatment. The clinical course of PPA is usually quickly fatal, regardless of the treatment used.

We summarized and evaluated a relatively large population of published PPA cases to assess prognostic factors, diagnostic approaches, treatment methods and clinical outcomes. Using the CNKI, Embase, and PubMed databases, literature published in English and Chinese from 1988 through 2020 was searched using the terms “primary pleural angiosarcoma,” “pleural angiosarcoma,” and “pleuropulmonary angiosarcoma.”

A total of 43 patients with PPA were identified in retrospective case series and case reports. The median age at diagnosis was 64 years (range 24–87 years), and the median overall survival was 4 months (range 0.1–180 months). Approximately 80% of patients died from PPA within 10 months of diagnosis, and the 2-year survival rate was approximately 4.4%. In univariate analyses, the presence of pleural effusion and hemothorax were significant predictors of decreased survival, with hazard ratios (HRs) of 2.7 (P = .04) and 3.3 (P = .006), respectively. Sixteen patients received no therapy, and their prognosis was worse than patients who did receive therapy (P = .019). Radiation therapy improved survival more than no radiation therapy (P = .007). Patients appeared to derive clinical benefit from chemotherapy (P = .048). However, tumor resection did not seem to provide a survival benefit (P = .051). In multivariate analysis, tumor resection, and radiation were independent, statistically significant, positive predictors of better survival, with HRs of 0.3 (P = .017) and 0.1 (P = .006), respectively. The presence of hemothorax was an independent predictor of worse prognosis (P = .006).

Primary angiosarcoma of the pleura is a rare, poorly understood malignancy with a poor prognosis; hence, the clinical spectrum of PPA is not completely defined. By multivariate analysis, this retrospective study showed a survival benefit of tumor resection or radiation therapy, and the presence of hemothorax was a significant prognostic factor for poor outcomes.
The molecular mechanism of Ligusticum wallichii for improving idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Wu Xiaozheng , Li Wen , Luo Zhenliang , Chen Yunzhi
Published: February 2022

Background:

At present, there was no evidence that any drugs other than lung transplantation can effectively treat Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF). Ligusticum wallichii, or Chinese name Chuan xiong has been widely used in different fibrosis fields. Our aim is to use network pharmacology and molecular docking to explore the pharmacological mechanism of the Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) Ligusticum wallichii to improve IPF.

Materials and methods:

The main chemical components and targets of Ligusticum wallichii were obtained from TCMSP, Swiss Target Prediction and Phammapper databases, and the targets were uniformly regulated in the Uniprot protein database after the combination. The main targets of IPF were obtained through Gencards, OMIM, TTD and DRUGBANK databases, and protein interaction analysis was carried out by using String to build PPI network. Metascape platform was used to analyze its involved biological processes and pathways, and Cytoscape3.8.2 software was used to construct “component-IPF target-pathway” network. And molecular docking verification was conducted through Auto Dock software.

Results:

The active ingredients of Ligusticum wallichii were Myricanone, Wallichilide, Perlolyrine, Senkyunone, Mandenol, Sitosterol and FA. The core targets for it to improve IPF were MAPK1, MAPK14, SRC, BCL2L1, MDM2, PTGS2, TGFB2, F2, MMP2, MMP9, and so on. The molecular docking verification showed that the molecular docking affinity of the core active compounds in Ligusticum wallichii (Myricanone, wallichilide, Perlolyrine) was <0 with MAPK1, MAPK14, and SRC. Perlolyrine has the strongest molecular docking ability, and its docking ability with SRC (−6.59 kJ/mol) is particularly prominent. Its biological pathway to improve IPF was mainly acted on the pathways in cancer, proteoglycans in cancer, and endocrine resistance, etc.

Conclusions:

This study preliminarily identified the various molecular targets and multiple pathways of Ligusticum wallichii to improve IPF.
Serum irisin concentrations and osteoporotic vertebral fractures in women with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Gamez-Nava Jorge Ivan , Ramirez-Villafaña Melissa , Cons-Molina Fidencio , Gomez-Ramirez Eli Efrain , Esparza-Guerrero Yussef , Saldaña-Cruz Ana Miriam , Sanchez-Rodriguez Esther Nerida , Jacobo-Cuevas Heriberto , Totsuka-Sutto Sylvia Elena , Perez-Guerrero Edsaul Emilio , Huerta Miguel , Trujillo Xochitl , Vasquez-Jimenez Jose Clemente , Nava-Zavala Arnulfo Hernan , Cardona-Muñoz Ernesto German , Alcaraz-Lopez Miriam Fabiola , Gonzalez-Lopez Laura
Published: February 2022

Irisin stimulates osteoblast differentiation increasing bone mass a decreasing in irisin levels might contribute to osteoporotic fractures in inflammatory diseases. To date, there is controverted whether irisin levels are associated with osteoporotic fractures in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Therefore, we evaluate the association of serum irisin with osteoporotic Vertebral Fractures (VFs) in women with RA.

A total of 148 women with RA was included in the study.

Clinical characteristics and risk factors of VFs was evaluated. For measurement of bone mineral density we included the assessment of lumbar spine (AP L1-L4) and Femoral Neck by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). VFs were evaluated by lateral vertebral assessment (LVA) of the dorsal and lumbar regions using X-ray and digital vertebral morphometry by DXA, using the Genant scale. Serum irisin levels were measured by ELISA. A reference group of 97 women with non-rheumatic diseases were included to compare irisin levels.

RA patients had a median age of 59 years and 41% had osteoporosis. Seventy three (49%) had VFs. Lower irisin levels were observed in RA patients compared to controls (94 ± 74 vs 135 ± 103, P < .001). Irisin concentrations were lower in RA + VFs than RA non-VFs (74 ± 42 vs 113 ± 92 ng/mL, P = .001). In the multivariable logistic regression analysis the low 50 percentile irisin levels < 73 ng/mL (OR:3.1, 95% CI:1.55–6.2, P = .001), and disease duration of RA (OR:1.04, 95% CI:1.001–1.08, P = .04) were associated with an increase in the risk of VFs.

A decrease of irisin levels is associated to VFs in RA. These results are valuable to consider that RA patients with low levels of irisin are in a potential risk of VFs.
Prediction and types of dead-space fraction during exercise in male chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients
Authors: Chuang Ming-Lung , Hsieh Benjamin Yung-Thing , Lin I-Feng
Published: February 2022

A high dead space (V
D) to tidal volume (V
T) ratio during peak exercise (V
D/V
Tpeak) is a sensitive and consistent marker of gas exchange abnormalities; therefore, it is important in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, it is necessary to use invasive methods to obtain V
D/V
Tpeak, as noninvasive methods, such as end-tidal PCO2 (PETCO2peak) and PETCO2 adjusted with Jones’ equation (PJCO2peak) at peak exercise, have been reported to be inconsistent with arterial PCO2 at peak exercise (PaCO2peak). Hence, this study aimed to generate prediction equations for V
D/V
Tpeak using statistical techniques, and to use PETCO2peak and PJCO2peak to calculate the corresponding VD/VTpeaks (i.e., V
D/V
TpeakET
V
D/V
TpeakJ).

A total of 46 male subjects diagnosed with COPD who underwent incremental cardiopulmonary exercise tests with PaCO2 measured via arterial catheterization were enrolled. Demographic data, blood laboratory tests, functional daily activities, chest radiography, two-dimensional echocardiography, and lung function tests were assessed.

In multivariate analysis, diffusing capacity, vital capacity, mean inspiratory tidal flow, heart rate, and oxygen pulse at peak exercise were selected with a predictive power of 0.74. There were no significant differences in the PCO2peak values and the corresponding V
D/V
Tpeak values across the three types (both p = NS).

In subjects with COPD, V
D/V
Tpeak can be estimated using statistical methods and the PETCO2peak and PJCO2peak. These methods may have similar predictive power and thus can be used in clinical practice.
Coronary computed tomographic angiography derived findings and risk score improves the allocation of lipid lowering therapy compared to clinical score
Authors: Jaltotage Biyanka , Gupta Ashu , Ali Umar , Huangfu Gavin , Rankin Jamie , Parsons Richard , Dwivedi Girish
Published: February 2022

The initiation of therapy for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASVCD) is currently guided by cohort-based risk scores. Coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA) offers more personalised risk assessments to optimise therapy allocation. This study investigates the utility of CCTA determined coronary stenosis (both obstructive and non-obstructive plaque) to guide allocation of lipid lowering therapy. A retrospective analysis of 450 patients with CCTA performed for the assessment of chest pain at a single centre was conducted. Baseline characteristics, investigations, treatments and clinical outcomes were recorded. The allocation of lipid lowering therapy was evaluated with three models, cohort-based risk score (pooled cohort equation), a previously validated CCTA based clinical risk score (pooled cohort equation and CCTA findings) and CCTA alone (without clinical characteristics). The reclassification analysis included 266 patients. Compared to the cohort-based risk score, CCTA based clinical risk score in total reassigned 23% of patients. CCTA alone compared to the CCTA based clinical risk score correctly reassigned 23% and incorrectly reassigned 10%. When comparing the performance of CCTA alone against the cohort-based risk score, both the additive NRI of 25.8 (95% CI 4.12–37.56) and absolute NRI of 13.2 (95% CI 5.88–19.77) was significant. Revascularisation was required in 3% with a low cohort-based risk, but no patients with low risk as per CCTA alone or CCTA based clinical risk score required revascularisation The use of a CCTA based clinical risk score or CCTA alone compared to cohort-based risk scores can improve the allocation of lipid lowering therapy.
Pulmonary mycobacteriosis caused by Mycobacterium peregrinum
Authors: Morita Yutaka , Kondo Yoshihiro , Takeuchi Eiji
Published: February 2022

Rationale:

Mycobacterium peregrinum is a member of the group of rapidly growing nontuberculous mycobacteria. It mainly causes surgical site and catheter-related infections, while pulmonary infection is rare. We herein present a case of pulmonary infection caused by M peregrinum.

Patient concerns:

A 62-year-old woman visited our hospital with dyspnea and was admitted for the treatment of pneumonia in July 2018.

Diagnosis:

Chest computed tomography showed patchy opacities and consolidation in the bilateral lungs and a cavity in the right upper lobe, which persisted after the treatment of bacterial pneumonia 5 years ago. She was administered ceftriaxone and azithromycin. Consolidation in the bilateral lungs improved, whereas the cavity in the right upper lobe remained and the consolidation surrounding it gradually spread. On admission, the sputum acid-fast bacillus culture was positive, and M peregrinum was identified twice by mass spectrometry. The cavity and consolidation surrounding it were diagnosed as pulmonary mycobacteriosis caused by M peregrinum.

Interventions:

Although we recommended treatment for mycobacteriosis, the patient refused it.

Outcomes:

The patient is regularly followed up; however, the cavity wall is thickening and shadows have become mildly enhanced over the course of 3 years.

Lessons:

We herein present a rare case of pulmonary mycobacteriosis caused by M peregrinum and discuss the literature. Since limited information is currently available on pulmonary mycobacteriosis caused by M peregrinum, the accumulation of further case reports and the clarification of its clinical features are needed.
A rare pediatric case of McCune–Albright syndrome with acute visual disturbance
Authors: Ninomiya Hiroshi , Ozeki Michio , Nozawa Akifumi , Yasue Shiho , Endo Saori , Inuzuka Masayuki , Obara Natsuko , Mochizuki Kiyofumi , Kawaguchi Masaya , Kaneko Yo , Ohe Naoyuki , Aoki Yoko , Matsuo Masayuki , Iwama Toru , Ohnishi Hidenori
Published: February 2022

Rationale:

McCune–Albright syndrome (MAS) is a rare disorder characterized by clinical findings, which includes fibrous dysplasia (FD). FD is a benign tumor that leads to increased rates of bone fracture. In some MAS cases with FD, facial deformities, severe pain, and orbital neuropathies are complicated. Aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) is a benign bone tumor and rare complication of FD.

Patient concerns:

A 9-year-old boy was admitted to our hospital because of acute visual disturbance.

Diagnosis and interventions:

The patient was clinically diagnosed as ABC complicated with MAS, and he underwent surgery.

Outcomes:

After the surgery, his sight became normal. Recurrence of ABC and visual disturbance was not observed in 3 years. Genetic analysis of a tissue sample from the ABC lesion by next-generation sequencing revealed a somatic activating GNAS mutation.

Lessons:

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of MAS causing optic neuropathy complicated with ABC. ABC complicated with MAS is extremely rare, but it should be considered as a possible diagnosis in patients with acute visual loss and facial swelling. In addition, our case had OAS, which is an uncommon syndrome and a rare complication in ABC with MAS, and rapid decompression of the ABC was effective in improving the patient's eyesight.
Oral administration of East Asian herbal medicine for rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Jo Hee-Geun , Song Ho-Sueb , Lee Donghun
Published: February 2022

Background:

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, inflammatory, and painful joint disease. The aim of this review is to systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of oral administration East Asian herbal medicine monotherapy for inflammatory pain of RA, and to explore core herb material information based on collected data.

Methods:

A comprehensive literature search will be conducted in 11 electronic databases including PubMed, Cochrane Library, Cumulative Index to Nursing & Allied Health Literature, Excerpta Medica database, Korean Studies Information Service System, Research Information Service System Oriental Medicine Advanced Searching Integrated System, Korea Citation Index, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure Database, Wanfang data, citation information by NII for randomized controlled trials from their inception until October 13, 2021. Statistical analysis will be performed in the software R version 4.1.1. and R studio program using the default settings of the “meta” and “metafor” package. When heterogeneity in studies is detected, the cause will be identified through subgroup analysis. Methodological quality will be assessed independently using the revised tool for risk of bias in randomized trials (Rob 2.0).

Results:

This study will provide more comprehensive and specific evidence of East Asian herbal medicine monotherapy for RA pain management.

Conclusions:

Based on the results of this review, it is expected that the efficacy and safety of East Asian herbal medicine for inflammatory pain of RA may be confirmed. In addition, it will be possible to derivation of a core herb material information related to this research topic through additional data mining.

Ethics and dissemination:

There are no ethical issues as there are no primary data collected by directly recruiting subjects. The results of this review will be reported in a peer-reviewed scientific journal.

PROSPERO registration number:

CRD42021273643
The acupuncture-related therapy for stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Li Zengtu , Lou Jiali , Wang Chao , Zhang Haijuan
Published: February 2022

Background:

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has become a huge economic burden. Increasing randomized clinical trials have favored the efficacy of a specified kind of acupuncture-related therapies (ATs) for treating stable COPD. Nonetheless, comparative efficacy of different ATs for stable COPD remains unknown. Thus, the purpose of this network meta-analysis protocol aims to determine the optimal modality of ATs for treating stable COPD.

Methods:

Six Chinese and English mainstream databases, including PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, China Biomedical Literature Database, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang Database, will be systematically retrieved. The time range of the literature search is from the establishment date of each database to July, 2021. The primary outcome measures will be pulmonary function and incidence of acute exacerbations. The secondary outcome measures will consist of 6-minute walking distance, St George's Respiratory Questionnaire, and COPD assessment test. The methodological quality of included studies will be evaluated by Cochrane risk-of-bias tool and the quality of evidence will evaluated through Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation instrument. Network meta-analysis will be completed using STATA software.

Results:

A synthesis of current evidence of ATs for stable COPD will be provided in this study.

Conclusion:

This study will contribute to synthesizing the evidence regarding the comparative efficacy of different modalities of ATs for stable COPD. Therefore, it will yield decision-making reference to further assist clinicians in determining the optimal modality of ATs in the treatment of stable COPD.

Study Registration:

This protocol was registered in the international prospective register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO) with the registration number CRD42020166649.
Tuina combined with diet and exercise for simple obesity
Authors: Chen Lili , Cong Deyu , Wang Gaofeng , Sun Jiabao , Ji Yuanyuan , Zhong Zhen , Liu Tong , Liu Jiayi , Chu Yunjie , Wu Xingquan
Published: February 2022

Background:

The incidence of simple obesity is increasing annually, with the number of obese people in all age groups increasing significantly. Obesity has become an important public health concern. Simple obesity affects not only appearance but also health. Obesity has an increasing impact on individuals, families, and society. Therefore, the treatment of obesity is becoming increasingly important. Prior studies have shown that Tuina combined with diet and exercise is capable of producing improvements in body weight and fasted health markers. In recent years, there are many clinical studies on the intervention of simple obesity by Tuina combined with diet and exercise, however, no study systematically evaluated the clinical efficacy. The purpose of this study is to evaluate its effects of Tuina combined with diet and exercise on people with simple obesity.

Methods:

We will search the following electronic databases: PubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Web of science, Cochrane Library, WanFang Data, CBM, CNKI, and VIP from the inception of the coverage of these databases to December 2021. Randomized controlled clinical trials related to Tuina combined with diet and exercise intervention on simple obesity will be included. Cochrane's collaboration tool will be used to assess the quality of the studies. RevMan 5.3 software will be used for the data analysis.

Results:

This study will provide a standardized evaluation for the efficacy of Tuina combined with diet and exercise for simple obesity.

Conclusion:

The conclusion of this study will provide evidence for the safety and effectiveness of Tuina combined with diet and exercise on weight loss.

Ethics and dissemination:

Ethical approval is not required for systematic review and meta- analysis. The results of this review will be disseminated in a peer-review journal.

PROSPERO registration number:

INPLASY202210079.
Increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with traumatic liver injury
Authors: Chen Yen-Ju , Shen Chih-Jung , Yu Shao-Hua , Lin Cheng-Li , Shih Hong-Mo
Published: February 2022

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most common cancer globally, and liver is one of the most commonly injured organs after blunt abdominal trauma. The traumatic liver injury–HCC risk relationship remains unclear.

We extracted data of patients with traumatic liver injury between 2000 and 2013 from Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database (n = 15,966) and those of age-, gender-, occupation-, and index year-matched individuals without traumatic liver injury from the general population (n = 63,864). Cox proportional hazard models were employed to determine the hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for HCC occurrence in the traumatic liver injury cohort compared with that in the comparison cohort.

Patients with traumatic liver injury had an increased HCC risk (adjusted HR 2.13, 95% CI 1.59–2.85); this increased risk was more pronounced within 1 year after injury (adjusted HR 8.84, 95% CI 4.29–18.2). After >1 year of injury, HCC risk remained 1.53-fold higher in patients with traumatic liver injury than in those without traumatic liver injury (95% CI 1.08–2.15).

People with traumatic liver injury demonstrate a high HCC risk, particularly within the first year of the injury.
Serum osmolarity does not predict mortality in patients with respiratory failure
Authors: Çelik Deniz , Yildiz Murat , Çifci Ayşe
Published: February 2022

We aimed to determine the parameters that affect mortality in pulmonary intensive care units that are faster and inexpensive to determine than existing scoring systems. The relationship between serum osmolarity and prognosis was demonstrated for predialysis patients, in acute pulmonary embolism, heart failure, acute coronary syndrome, myocardial infarction, and acute spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage in the literature. We hypothesized that serum osmolarity, which is routinely evaluated, may have prognostic significance in patients with respiratory failure.

This study comprised 449 patients treated in the Pulmonary Intensive Care Clinic (PICU) of our hospital between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2020. The modified Charlson Comorbidity Index (mCCI), Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Assessment (APACHE II), Sequential Organ Failure Evaluation Score (SOFA), Nutrition Risk Screening 2002 (NRS-2002), and hospitalization serum osmolarity levels were measured.

Of the 449 patients included in the study, 65% (n = 292) were female and the mean age of all patients was 69.86 ± 1.72 years. About 83.1% (n = 373) of the patients included in the study were discharged with good recovery. About 4.9% (n = 22) were transferred to the ward because their intensive care needs were over. About 6.9% (n = 31) were transferred to the tertiary intensive care unit after their status deteriorated. About 5.1% (n = 23) died in the PICU. In the mortality group, APACHE II (P = .005), mCCI (P < .001), NRS-2002 total score (P < .001), and SOFA score (P < .001) were significantly higher. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of serum osmolarity levels.

Although we could not determine serum osmolarity as a practical method to predict patient prognosis in this study, we assume that our results will guide future studies on this subject.
Hypertension defined by the 2017 ACC/AHA guideline is more accurate than 2018 ESC/ESH for detecting early vascular aging in young adults
Authors: de Souza Mariana P. , Lopes Paulo Cesar , Bazo Gabriel , Rocha Paulo Ricardo H. , Lorencini Daniela Aparecida , Bettiol Heloisa , Barbieri Marco Antonio , Coelho Eduardo B.
Published: February 2022

Determine the most accurate diagnostic criteria of arterial hypertension (AH) for detecting early vascular aging (EVA) defined by pulse wave velocity (PWV) higher than ≥9.2 m/s.

Cross-sectional study of a birth cohort started in 1978/79. The following data were collected between April 6, 2016 and August 31, 2017 from 1775 participants: demographic, anthropometric, office blood pressure (BP) measurement, biochemical risk factors, and PWV. A subsample of 454 participants underwent 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring. The frequencies of AH, and BP phenotypes were calculated according to both guidelines. BP phenotypes (white-coat hypertension, masked hypertension (MHT), sustained hypertension (SH) and normotension) were correlated with risk factors and subclinical target organ damage after adjustment for confounders by multiple linear regression. Receiver operating characteristic curves were constructed to determine the best BP threshold for detecting EVA.

A higher frequency of AH (45.1 vs 18.5%), as well as of SH (40.7 vs 14.8%) and MHT (28.9 vs 25.8%) was identified using the 2017 ACC/AHA criteria comparing with 2018 ESC/ESH. EVA was associated with the higher-risk BP phenotypes (SH and MHT, P < .0001) in both criteria. There was a higher accuracy in diagnosing EVA, with the 2017 ACC/AHA criteria. Analysis of the receiver operating characteristic curves showed office BP cutoff value (128/83 mm Hg) for EVA closer to the 2017 ACC/AHA threshold.

The 2017 AHA/ACC guideline for the diagnosis of AH, and corresponding ambulatory BP monitoring values, is more accurate for discriminating young adults with EVA. Clinical application of PWV may help identify patients that could benefit from BP levels <130/80 mm Hg.
Efficacy and safety of tripterygium wilfordii multiglycosides in idiopathic membranous nephropathy
Authors: Geng Chanyu , Li Qiang , Pu Lei , Yang Hongling , Li Guisen , Feng Yunlin
Published: February 2022

Objective:

Tripterygium wilfordii multiglycosides has been demonstrated to be effective in reducing proteinuria and alleviate edema in patients with chronic kidney disease. We aim to evaluate its efficacy and safety in idiopathic membranous nephropathy.

Methods and analysis:

This is an randomized, open-labeled, controlled clinical trial. Twenty eligible patients with idiopathic membranous nephropathy will be randomly assigned into the intervention group and the control group at a rate of 1:1. Patients in the intervention group will receive tripterygium wilfordii multiglycosides tablets (1–1.5 mg/kg body weight/d, orally) in addition to the original treatment of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blocker, while the control group will continue with the original treatment of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blocker. The treatment course is 6 months, and clinical variables of patients will be measured at baseline and each monthly follow-up. The primary efficacy outcome measure is absolute decrease in urinary protein quantity after 6 months of treatment compared with baseline at randomization. The secondary efficacy outcome measures include absolute decrease in urine albumin-creatinine ratio in spot urine after 6 months of treatment compared with baseline at randomization, the percentage of patients who reached effective clinical response, and the percentage of patients who developed composite renal endpoint. Safety outcome measures include incidence of adverse events, incidence of serious adverse events, and death.
Efficacy and safety of acupuncture for patients with pseudomyopia
Authors: Niu Ye , Zheng Wei , Wang Shan , Zhao Qi , Wei Lijuan , Zhao Yang , Wang Bo , Ju Yuan , Wang Fuchun
Published: February 2022

Background:

Myopia are common health problems that people experience in daily life. Pediatric myopia has become a major international public health concern that has a negative impact on physical, mental health of patients, and quality of life. Currently, there is no cure available. Press needle as an adjuvant therapy is currently undergoing clinical trials in different medical centers. However, no relevant systematic review or meta-analysis has been designed to evaluate the effects of press needle patching on early myopia. There is also a lack of systematic evaluation and analysis of acupoints and thumbtack needle.

Methods:

We will electronically search Medline, Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, Chinese Scientific Journal Database, and Wan-Fang Database from their inception to October 2021. In addition, we will manually retrieve other resources including the reference lists of identified publications, conference articles, and gray literature. The clinical randomized controlled trials or quasi-randomized controlled trials related to press needle for the treatment of early myopia will be included in the study. The language is limited to Chinese and English. Research selection, data extraction, and research quality assessment will be independently completed by 2 researchers. Data were synthesized by using afixed effect model or random effect model depend on the heterogeneity test. The total effective rate was the primary outcomes. RevMan V.5.3 statistical software will be used for meta-analysis. If it is not appropriate for a meta-analysis, then a descriptive analysis will be conducted. Data synthesis will use the risk ratio and the standardized or weighted average difference of continuous data to represent the results.

Results:

This study will analyze the clinical effective rate, pesudomyopia outcomes, quality of life, improvement of clinical symptoms of pesudomyopia, and validity of thumbtack needle for patients with pesudomyopia.

Conclusion:

This systematic review will provide evidence to judge whether thumbtack needle is an effective intervention for patients with early myopia.

Systematic review registration:

PROSPERO, CRD42021243151.
Weekly nanoparticle albumin-bound paclitaxel and paclitaxel for relapsed small cell lung cancer
Authors: Oi Hajime , Matsuda Toshiaki , Kimura Tomoki , Morise Masahiro , Yamano Yasuhiko , Yokoyama Toshiki , Kataoka Kensuke , Kondoh Yasuhiro
Published: February 2022

In addition to advanced non-small cell lung cancer, nanoparticle albumin-bound paclitaxel (nab-PTX) may also harbor potential benefit for patients with relapsed small cell lung cancer (SCLC), since weekly paclitaxel (PTX) shows modest activity for relapsed SCLC. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of both weekly nab-PTX and PTX for relapsed SCLC.

We retrospectively reviewed 52 consecutive relapsed SCLC patients who were treated with weekly nab-PTX or PTX at our hospital.

The response rate, median progression-free survival and overall survival with nab-PTX and PTX were 5.6 vs 8.8%, 3.2 vs 1.7 months, and 5.4 vs 4.5 months, respectively. No statistically significant differences were observed. There was no statistical difference between the 2 groups for ≥Grade 3 adverse events.

Weekly nab-PTX and PTX showed similar activity for relapsed SCLC. The toxicity profile of nab-PTX was equally tolerable to that of PTX.
Utility of Follow-up Cervical Length Screening in Low-Risk Women With a Cervical Length of 26 to 29 mm
Authors: Boelig Rupsa C. , Kripalu Varsha , Chen Sarah L. , Cruz Yuri , Roman Amanda , Berghella Vincenzo
Published: February 2022

(Abstracted from Am J Obstet Gynecol 2021;225:179.e1–179.e6)

Preterm birth (PTB) is one of the main causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Neonatal outcomes associated with PTB include respiratory distress syndrome, necrotizing enterocolitis, intraventricular hemorrhage, and cardiovascular abnormalities.
Linguistic Aspects of Stuttering
Authors: Brundage Shelley B. , Bernstein Ratner Nan
Published: February 2022

Purpose:

Although commonly defined as a speech disorder, stuttering interacts with the language production system in important ways. Our purpose is to summarize research findings on linguistic variables that influence stuttering assessment and treatment.

Method and Results:

Numerous topics are summarized. First, we review research that has examined linguistic features that increase stuttering frequency and influence where it occurs. Second, we tackle the question of whether or not persons who stutter exhibit subtle language differences or deficits. Next, we explore language factors that appear to influence recovery from early stuttering in children. The final topic discusses the unique challenges inherent in differentially diagnosing stuttering in bilingual children. Clinical implications for each topic are discussed.

Discussion:

The article concludes with a discussion of the unique differences in the integration of language and speech demands by people who stutter, when compared with people who are typically fluent, and their clinical ramifications.
Tropical land use alters functional diversity of soil food webs and leads to monopolization of the detrital energy channel
Authors: Zhou Zheng , Krashevska Valentyna , Widyastuti Rahayu , Scheu Stefan , Potapov Anton
Published: February 2022

Agricultural expansion is among the main threats to biodiversity and functions of tropical ecosystems. Conversion of rainforest into plantations erodes biodiversity with little-explored consequences for food-web structure and energetics of belowground communities, and associated ecosystem functions and services. We used a unique combination of approaches in stable isotope analysis and food web energetics to analyze in a comprehensive way consequences of the conversion of rainforest into plantations on the structure of and channeling of energy through soil animal food webs in Sumatra, Indonesia. Across the 23 animal groups studied, the channeling of energy shifted towards freshly-fixed plant carbon in plantations, indicating fast energy channeling as opposed to slow energy channeling in rainforests. Earthworms as major detritivores stayed unchanged in their trophic niche and monopolized the detrital pathway in plantations. Functional diversity metrics of soil food webs reflected the reduced amount of litter, tree density and species richness in plantations, providing guidelines how to improve the complexity of the structure of and channeling of energy through soil food webs. Our results highlight the strong restructuring of soil food webs with the conversion of rainforest into plantations threatening soil functioning and ecosystem stability in the long term.