bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association Between Pterygium and Ocular, Periocular, and Systemic Inflammatory Conditions: a Large-Scale National Study
Authors: Lev Ari Omer , Kerman Tomer , Eyni Yotam , Hazan Itai , Rosenberg Elli , Knyazer Boris , Tsumi Erez
Published: September 2024

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to examine the incidence of ocular, periocular, and systemic inflammatory conditions among patients with pterygium and assess if these conditions are risk factors of pterygium development.

Methods:

A case–control study was conducted using electronic medical records from Clalit Health Services in Israel between 2001 and 2022. Patients diagnosed with pterygium were included; for each case, 3 controls were matched based on birth year, sex, and ethnicity. Mixed models were used to assess differences in the groups' demographic characteristics of ocular and systemic diseases. Generalized estimating equation logistic regression was used to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) and adjust for confounders.

Results:

A total of 94,652 patients diagnosed with pterygium and 378,608 matched controls were included in the study. The average age of patients with pterygium was 53 ± 16 years; 54% were male. A significant association was found between pterygium and vernal keratoconjunctivitis (OR 2.12, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.90–2.36), chronic allergic conjunctivitis (OR 1.69, 95% CI 1.58–1.82), blepharitis (OR 1.66, 95% CI 1.61–1.70), and chalazion (OR 1.27, 95% CI 1.23–1.33). A significant association was also found between pterygium and systemic conditions as unspecified systemic allergy (OR 1.08, 95% CI 1.04–1.13), asthma (OR 1.08, 95% CI 1.04–1.11), and atopic dermatitis (OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.08–1.19).

Conclusions:

Various inflammatory and allergic diseases—ocular, periocular, and systemic—increase the risk of pterygium. Further research is needed to investigate the role of inflammation in pterygium development.
Comparative Evaluation of Topical Monotherapy (Natamycin or Natasol) and Combination Therapy (Natamycin and Voriconazole) in Mild-Moderate Fungal Keratitis
Authors: Reddy Divya Challa , Asif Mohamed Ibrahime , Bari Aafreen , Velpandian Thirumurthy , Agarwal Tushar , Maharana Praful Kumar , Sinha Rajesh , Satpathy Gita , Dada Tanuj , Titiyal Jeewan Singh , Sharma Namrata
Published: September 2024

Purpose:

To compare the efficacy of monotherapy (natamycin 5% or Natasol 1%) versus combination therapy (natamycin 5% and voriconazole 1%) in the treatment of mild-moderate fungal keratitis.

Methods:

In a prospective, comparative, interventional study, 60 eyes of 60 patients with mild-moderate fungal keratitis were included and randomized in 3 groups based on the topical antifungal therapy received: group 1, natamycin 5%; group 2, Natasol 1% (1% w/v aqueous natamycin); and group 3, combination of natamycin 5% and voriconazole 1%.

Results:

51 of 60 cases (85%) resolved with medical management only. Trauma was the major predisposing factor. Aspergillus species was the most common organism isolated. There was comparable decrease in the corneal infiltrate area from 16.92 ± 7.24, 15.12 ± 7.15, and 20.39 ± 4.81 mm2 in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively (P > 0.05) at all follow-ups [days 3, 7, 30, 60, and 90]. There was a trend of early reepithelization in the Natasol group. The area of epithelial defect was comparable at baseline among all 3 groups (P = 0.24) and was statistically smaller in the Natasol group at 1-month follow-up (P = 0.01). The duration to complete epithelization was shortest in the Natasol group (37 ± 10 days; P = 0.02) compared with group 1 (45 ± 12 days) and group 3 (49 ± 12 days). The corrected distance visual acuity improved significantly and comparably in all groups (P = 0.4).

Conclusions:

Topical Natasol 1% tends to shorten the time to complete epithelization in cases of mild-moderate fungal keratitis compared with topical natamycin 5% and combination therapy of natamycin 5% and voriconazole 1%.
Clinical Features, Adverse Events and Treatment Outcomes of Multidrug/Rifampicin-resistant Tuberculosis in Children and Adolescents: An Eight-year Retrospective Cohort Study in Bandung, Indonesia
Authors: Nataprawira Heda M. , Gafar Fajri , Sari Chindy A. , Alffenaar Jan-Willem C. , Marais Ben J. , Ruslami Rovina , Menzies Dick
Published: September 2024

Background:

Data on childhood and adolescent multidrug/rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis (MDR/RR-TB) in Indonesia are lacking. We aimed to assess clinical features, adverse events (AEs) and treatment outcomes of childhood and adolescent MDR/RR-TB.

Methods:

A retrospective cohort study was performed in children and adolescents <18 years old treated for MDR/RR-TB at Hasan Sadikin General Hospital in Bandung, Indonesia, between June 2016 and March 2024. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to calculate adjusted odds ratios (aOR) for predictors of all-cause mortality.

Results:

Among 84 included patients, 69 (82%) were adolescents 10–17 years of age, 54 (64%) were female, 54 (64%) were malnourished and 55 (65%) had culture-confirmed disease. Among 69 (82%) patients with known outcomes, 48 (70%) were successfully treated, 14 (20%) died (including 5 pretreatment deaths) and 7 (10%) were lost to follow-up (LTFU) (including 5 pretreatment LTFU). Predictors of all-cause mortality included shortness of breath on admission [aOR: 6.4, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.3–49.1], high bacillary burden on Xpert MTB/RIF assay (aOR: 17.0, 95% CI: 1.6–260.5) and the presence of lung cavities on chest radiograph (aOR: 4.8, 95% CI: 1.1–23.3). Among 74 patients who initiated treatment, 39 (53%) had at least one grade 1–2 AE, and 4 (5%) had one grade 3–4 AE each, including hepatotoxicity, QT prolongation, hearing loss and rash/hyperpigmentation.

Conclusion:

Younger children were underrepresented among those treated for MDR/RR-TB, indicating reduced access to care. Severe AEs were uncommon during MDR/RR-TB treatment. Baseline indicators of extensive disease were associated with all-cause mortality. The high proportion of pre-treatment mortality and LTFU may reflect complex patient pathways limiting access to care.
Twenty-four Month Multidisciplinary Follow-up of Multisystemic Inflammatory Syndrome Patients in a Tertiary Pediatric Hospital in Chile: A Prospective Study
Authors: Piñera Cecilia , Barrueto Aracely , De la Barra Sofía , Arapé Alejandra , González Sonia , Bittner Gabriel , Rivacoba Maria Carolina , Flores Paola , Izquierdo Giannina
Published: September 2024

Multisystemic inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) is a severe postinfectious condition. This study aims to detail long-term follow-up. Forty-five patients were followed up for 24 months, inflammatory markers were normalized at 3 months and echocardiographic alterations were resolved in all patients at 6 months, remaining normal. MIS-C, despite being a serious disease, presents a fast resolution of clinical, laboratory and echocardiographic alterations.
A study comparing brain wave patterns of fentanyl and ketamine in adult patients undergoing minimally invasive surgery
Authors: Wang Peng , Ma Gang
Published: September 2024

This study aimed to investigate and compare the neurophysiological impacts of two widely used anesthetic agents, Fentanyl and Ketamine, on EEG power spectra during different stages of anesthesia in adult patients undergoing minimally invasive surgery. EEG data were collected from patients undergoing anesthesia with either Fentanyl or Ketamine. The data were analyzed for relative power spectrum and fast-to-slow wave power ratios, alongside Spectral Edge Frequency 95% (SEF95), at 3 key stages: pre-anesthesia, during stable anesthesia, and post-anesthesia. EEG Relative Power Spectrum: Initially, both groups exhibited similar EEG spectral profiles, establishing a uniform baseline (P > .05). Upon anesthesia induction, the Fentanyl group showed a substantial increase in delta band power (P < .05), suggesting deeper anesthesia, while the Ketamine group maintained higher alpha and beta band activity (P < .05), indicative of a lighter sedative effect. Fast and Slow Wave Power Ratios: The Fentanyl group exhibited a marked reduction in the fast-to-slow wave power ratio during anesthesia (P < .05), persisting post-anesthesia (P < .05) and indicating a lingering effect on brain activity. Conversely, the Ketamine group demonstrated a more stable ratio (P > .05), conducive to settings requiring rapid cognitive recovery. Spectral Edge Frequency 95% (SEF95): Analysis showed a significant decrease in SEF95 values for the Fentanyl group during anesthesia (P < .05), reflecting a shift towards lower frequency power. The Ketamine group experienced a less pronounced decrease (P > .05), maintaining a higher SEF95 value that suggested a lighter level of sedation. The study highlighted the distinct impacts of Fentanyl and Ketamine on EEG power spectra, with Fentanyl inducing deeper anesthesia as evidenced by shifts towards lower frequency activity and a significant decrease in SEF95 values. In contrast, Ketamine’s preservation of higher frequency activity and more stable SEF95 values suggests a lighter, more dissociative anesthetic state. These findings emphasize the importance of EEG monitoring in anesthesia for tailoring anesthetic protocols to individual patient needs and optimizing postoperative outcomes.
Safety and effectiveness of dual channels vancomycin administration in the treatment of intracranial infection after severe brain injury surgery
Authors: Jiao Ao , Hao Wanjiang , Yang He , Du Yanli
Published: September 2024

To observe the clinical efficacy and safety of vancomycin intravenous drip combined with vancomycin intrathecal injection in the treatment of intracranial infection after severe brain injury surgery. From January 2020 to June 2022, 80 patients with intracranial infection after severe brain injury surgery were selected and randomly divided into 2 subgroups; there were 40 patients in each subgroup. All patients were treated with vancomycin. The control subgroup was medicated with intravenous drip, and the observation subgroup was treated through 2 channels (intravenous drip + intrathecal injection), with a course of 7 days. The clinical efficacy, intracranial pressure, infection control time, routine indexes of cerebrospinal fluid (white blood cell count [WBC], glucose content [Glu], and total protein content [Pro]) and the incidence of adverse reactions were contrasted between the 2 subgroups. Versus the control subgroup, the total effective rate in the observation subgroup was notably higher (95.00% vs 77.50%). After treatment, aiming at the intracranial pressure and infection control time, versus the control subgroup (146.20 ± 22.37) mmH2O and (9.86 ± 1.62) days, the observation subgroup were (125.43 ± 18.5) mmH2O and (7.35 ± 1.57) days respectively, which were notably lower. After treatment, versus the control subgroup, the concentrations of WBC and Pro in cerebrospinal fluid in the observation subgroup were lower, and the content of Glu was higher. There was no statistical distinction in the incidence of adverse reactions between the 2 subgroups (17.50% vs 10.00%). Two-channel administration of vancomycin can improve the clinical efficacy of internal infection after severe craniocerebral injury, reduce intracranial pressure, and cerebrospinal fluid WBC and Pro levels, and has high safety.
COVID-19-associated autoimmune encephalitis: A case report and literature review
Authors: Chen Yang-Chuan , Hong Shu-Ting , Chen Yuan-Feng , Lin Pan , Chen Xiao-Xin , Wu Yang-Zong
Published: September 2024

Rationale:

This article reports a case of coronavirus disease (COVID-19)-associated autoimmune encephalitis (AE) and reviews the relevant literature to investigate the clinical manifestations, auxiliary inspection, diagnosis and treatment, and prognosis of AE associated with COVID-19.

Patient concerns:

A 68-year-old female with fatigue developed altered consciousness after 2 days of fever, thereafter testing positive for COVID-19. The protein levels in the lumbar puncture cerebrospinal fluid were elevated, and cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan indicated T2-weighted hyperintensity in the temporal lobe.

Diagnoses:

The patient was diagnosed with COVID-19-associated AE.

Interventions:

After admission, the patient received pulse steroid therapy with methylprednisolone. Additionally, gastric protection, blood glucose control, nutritional support, and other treatments were administered.

Outcomes:

The symptoms were significantly relieved by steroid pulse therapy. At the 3-month follow-up, the patient had recovered completely without any obvious discomfort.

Lessons:

The possibility of AE should be considered if neurological symptoms occur a few days after infection with COVID-19, with early diagnosis and immediate steroid pulse therapy resulting in better outcomes.
Enhancing quality water, good sanitation, and proper hygiene is the panacea to diarrhea control and the attainment of some related sustainable development goals: A review
Authors: Alum Esther Ugo , Obeagu Emmanuel Ifeanyi , Ugwu Okechukwu Paul-Chima
Published: September 2024

Diarrhea is the second major source of ill health and pediatric death globally. It accounts for over 90% of loss of life in infants especially those below 5 years old in developing nations. Lack of quality water and good sanitation is the principal root of diarrhea. Poor nutritional status also increases the incidence of diarrhea. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) number 3 targets to put a stop to avoidable deaths among newborns and infants under 5 years old by the year 2030. Interestingly, SDG number 6 targets to ensure all-round and fair access to safe quality portable water, good sanitation, and proper hygiene for everyone by the year 2030. Unfortunately, South Asia and sub-Saharan African regions are centers of limited improved water and good sanitation facilities, thus explaining the increased morbidity and loss of life orchestrated by diarrhea in young children in these areas. Therefore, enhancing water quality, good sanitation, and proper hygiene is a pivotal interposition strategy to improve children’s health and well-being and achieve SDG 3, especially in the fight against diarrhea. Due to the interrelated relationship between the SDGs, improving water quality, sanitation, and hygiene (SDG 6) appears to be the foundation for achieving other goals such as reducing malnutrition (SDG 2), eradicating poverty in children (SDG 1), building good working conditions (SDG 8), protecting the environment and climatic variations (SDG 13).
The causal effect of telomere length on the risk of malignant lymphoma: A Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Song Teng , Liu Jie , Zhao Ke , Li Shuping , Qiu Minghan , Zhang Miao , Wang Huaqing
Published: September 2024

Telomere length (TL) has been implicated in the risk assessment of numerous cancers in observational studies. Nevertheless, the relationship between TL and malignant lymphoma remains unclear, displaying inconsistent patterns across different studies. A summary dataset for genome-wide association study of TL and malignant lymphoma was acquired from the OpenGWAS website. An extensive 2-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was performed, encompassing various methodologies such as MR-Egger, weighted median, weighted mode, simple mode, and the primary method of inverse-variance weighting (IVW). Sensitivity evaluations were performed using the Cochran Q test, MR-Egger regression, and leave-one-out analysis. The main method IVW revealed that TL substantially increased the risk of Hodgkin lymphoma (HL; odds ratio [OR] = 2.135; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.181–3.859; P = .012). Both the IVW and weighted median methods indicated statistical associations between genetically predicted TL and other types of non-HL (OR = 1.671, 95% CI = 1.009–2.768, P = .045; OR = 2.310, 95% CI = 1.033–5.169, P = .042). However, there was no association between TL and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, follicular lymphoma, or mature T/natural Killer-cell lymphoma, and sensitivity analysis revealed no heterogeneity or horizontal pleiotropy, indicating that the causal effect was robust. Our study shows that TL plays different roles in different types of lymphomas. A longer TL significantly increases the risk of HL and other types of non-HL.
Clinical comprehensive of microfracture, autologous chondrocyte implantation, and periosteum-covered iliac bone grafting for Hepple stage IV–V lesions
Authors: Liu Heda , Liu Lin , Li Ming , Huang Fei , Li Pengwei , Liu Sheng
Published: September 2024

Chronic ankle pain significantly impairs daily activities and athletic performance with osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLT) in Hepple stages IV and V, which are often causative factors. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of autologous osteochondral transplantation (AOT) for the treatment of these conditions. This retrospective study was conducted from May 2020 to May 2023 at Cangzhou Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Combined Hospital, including patients with a diagnosis of Hepple stage IV or V OLT confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and arthroscopy. Surgical interventions involved arthroscopic debridement, followed by AOT or limited arthrotomy based on the location and size of the lesion. Preoperative and postoperative evaluations used the Visual Analog Scale, American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society Ankle-Hindfoot Scale, MRI-Based Cartilage Repair Tissue Scoring, and the International Knee Documentation Committee Knee Evaluation Form. Statistical analysis was conducted using paired-sample t tests to compare the preoperative and postoperative data. Twenty patients were included, revealing significant postoperative improvements in Visual Analog Scale, American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society, and MRI-based cartilage repair tissue scores (P < .05). The radiographic findings suggested effective cartilage regeneration. No adverse effects were observed in the donor knee sites, as confirmed by the stable pre- and postoperative International Knee Documentation Committee Knee Evaluation Form scores. Recovery of physical abilities was achieved on average within 7.3 weeks for daily activities and 13.4 weeks for sports activities. AOT effectively treats Hepple stage IV–V OLT, improves ankle function, promotes cartilage regrowth, and allows quick resumption of daily and athletic activities without compromising donor-site integrity.
Efficacy of drugs treatment in patients with endometrial hyperplasia with or without atypia: A systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Yao Yingsha , Xu Shuhang , Wang Ting , Jiang Ruoan
Published: September 2024

Background:

Endometrial hyperplasia (EH) is a hyperplastic endometrial lesion with irregular gland size, increased glands, and increased glandular interstitial ratio. During follow-up, some EH progressed further to endometrial cancer. It is crucial to provide timely treatment for EH and improve the overall prognosis of EH patients.

Methods:

We searched the PubMed, ClinicalTrials.gov., and Embase databases for studies published from their inception to March 31, 2023. The methodological quality of each study was evaluated in accordance with the Cochrane Collaboration’s tool for assessing the risk of bias. The RevMan5.3 software provided by the Cochrane Collaboration was used for direct meta-analysis statistical analysis; and the relative risk and 95% confidence interval along with the mean difference and 95% confidence interval, were used as evaluation indexes.

Results:

We included 21 randomized controlled trials involving a total of 2276 women with EH, 6 studies were of high quality, and 15 were of moderate quality. The blinding of subjects and intervention providers was identified as the main source of potential bias. Six interventions were addressed in the network meta-analysis: medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), plus metformin, norethisterone (NET), levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUD), megestrol acetate, and other drugs. In the direct meta-analysis, we found the probability of endometrial complete regression (CR) in the LNG-IUD group to be significantly higher than those in the NET. In the network meta-analysis, we found the probability of CR in the NET group to be significantly lower than those in the MPA and plus metformin groups, the probability of CR in the LNG-IUD group to be significantly higher than those in the NET, the probability of CR in the other drugs group to be significantly higher than those in the LNG-IUD. The NET group had the lowest incidences of endometrial complete regression, plus metformin could have a better outcome.

Conclusion:

According to the 21 randomized controlled trials included in this study, MPA is the most effective for EH endometrial outcome when applied as a single agent, while the combination of metformin can achieve a more significant effect.
Can alterations in cathepsin levels restrain the development of skin cancer?: A bidirectional multivariate Mendelian-randomization study
Authors: Bu Fan , Yu Kai , Ye Changtao , Huang Guixia , Yang Tianye , Chen Kang , Lu Ji , Rong Li
Published: September 2024

Malignant skin tumors mainly include basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma. There is currently observational research suggesting that changes in cathepsin (CTS) may be a factor in the development of malignant skin tumors, but no studies have yet demonstrated a causal relationship between tissue protease changes and the occurrence of malignant skin tumors. Current studies have shown that cathepsin is involved in tumor cell invasion and metastasis by regulating growth factors and cellular immune function in tumor microenvironment, decomposing extracellular matrix and basement membrane, and promoting angiogenesis. In this study, we conducted a bidirectional Mendelian-randomization study using publicly available genome-wide association study (GWAS; GWAS Catalog) data. This study applies a bidirectional multivariate Mendelian randomization (MR) approach to investigate the causal relationship between cathepsin, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma. In cases where multiple cathepsins are implicated as etiological factors in certain diseases, a multivariable analysis is conducted to assess the direct and indirect causal effects of the exposure factors. In this study, we present a comprehensive MR analysis to investigate the relationship between 9 cathepsin and basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma. Based on our MR analysis using the largest GWAS Catalog dataset available, we are able to draw relatively reliable conclusions. In the MR study, we found that tissue protease L2 can promote skin cancer, Cathepsin O, and Cathepsin F are associated with an increased risk of basal cell carcinoma. Cathepsin H can inhibit basal cell carcinoma and malignant melanoma. In the reverse MR study, it was found that squamous cell carcinoma may cause an increase in Cathepsin O expression. In the multivariate analysis, it was found that Cathepsin H is a direct factor in reducing the occurrence of skin cancer and melanoma, with no apparent causal relationship to non-melanoma skin cancer. Cathepsin has a dual impact on skin cancer cells, and the expression of different cathepsins at the edge of skin tumors may indicate different developmental tendencies of skin cancer. Cathepsin may serve as effective biomarkers for predicting tumors.
A case of metachronous triple primary carcinoma complicated with pulmonary tuberculosis: Case report and review
Authors: Chen Ying , Luo Shu , Zheng Quan , Yu Qing , Liu Chunxia , Tang Rui , Chen Fei , Zhang Yan
Published: September 2024

Rationale:

Multiple primary malignant neoplasms with tuberculosis are rare. The interaction between tuberculosis and tumor remains unclear. Moreover, the treatment of multiple primary tumors combined with tuberculosis is relatively complicated. Herein, we report a case of metachronous triple primary carcinoma complicated with pulmonary tuberculosis.

Objective:

This report aims to analyze the clinical characteristics of 3 primary tumors combined with tuberculosis. We report the long-term survival of this patient after personalized treatment and this patient have a good quality of life.

Diagnoses and interventions:

A 55-year-old male patient was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the lower thoracic esophagus (cT4bN1M0 IVA) and received concurrent chemoradiotherapy, followed by 2 cycles consolidate chemotherapy. During the follow-up, he was diagnosed with secondary tuberculosis (TB) and accepted anti-TB treatment. During anti-TB treatment, he was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx (cT1N0M0 I P16(‐)), then he received radical radiation therapy. However, within a year, the patient was diagnosed with oral squamous cell carcinoma (cT3N0M0 IIIA). He accepted an individualized chemotherapy with paclitaxel combined with capecitabine. Moreover, immunohistochemistry of the patient’s 3 biopsies indicated positive P53 expression.

Outcomes:

Since the patient suffered from esophageal cancer, oropharyngeal cancer, and oral floor cancer, no tumor recurrence or metastasis was observed. And he has a good quality of life. Tuberculosis, TP53 mutation, radiotherapy, smoking, and drinking history may be risk factors for multiple primary tumors.

Lessons:

The treatment of multiple primary tumors combined with pulmonary tuberculosis is complicated. Individualized treatment allows patients to achieve long-term survival while also having a good quality of life. Limitations in this case: surgery may be an alternative strategy for the patient, but the patient refused surgery.
Comparative analysis of surgical prognostic between HIC and NHIC patients after cystoscopy with hydrodistention
Authors: Zhu Lin , Ke Hanwei , Wang Qi , Xu Kexin
Published: September 2024

This study aims to clarify the pathogenic mechanism of interstitial cystitis (IC), which has led to uncertainty in its diagnosis and treatment. We examined data from 18 interstitial cystitis with Hunner lesions (HIC) and 18 interstitial cystitis without Hunner lesions (NHIC) patients, including their clinical information, urodynamic test results, and maximum bladder capacity. A 1-year follow-up tracked disease progression. Postoperative recovery showed that HIC patients experienced significantly greater improvements in Visual Analog Scale pain scores compared to NHIC patients (P = .0049). This trend continued at the 6-month mark (P = .0056). Over the 1-year follow-up, NHIC patients exhibited a statistically significant improvement in Pain and Urgency/Frequency scores, while HIC patients had a gradual overall score increase from preoperative to postoperative stages. However, no significant differences were observed in either group at 1 year postoperatively compared to preoperative scores. This study revealed distinct differences between HIC and NHIC patients, including reduced bladder volumes and more severe nociceptive pain in HIC patients. Early analgesic interventions effectively alleviated discomfort in HIC patients. The combination of cystoscopic hydrodistention and water dilatation was highly effective in relieving pain symptoms in HIC patients but increased the risk of recurrence, necessitating recurrent bladder infusion and timely therapeutic adjustments. In contradiction to prior paradigms, the surgical intervention of cystoscopic water hydrodistention also yielded favorable outcomes among NHIC patients.
Effect of health literacy on hospital readmission among patients with heart failure: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Xiao Lei , Zhang Fan , Cheng Cong , Yang Ningling , Huang Qi , Yang Yuan
Published: September 2024

Background:

Patients with heart failure have a high rate of health literacy deficiency, and their hospital readmission is a great burden. Whether health literacy affects hospital readmission remains controversial.

Objective:

To investigate the impact of health literacy on hospital readmission among heart failure patients.

Method:

Relevant keywords were used to search for Chinese and English literature from Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, VIP Database for Chinese Technical Periodicals, Digital Journal of Wanfang Data, and Chinese BioMedical Literature Database. Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to assess the quality of the studies. Statistical analysis was performed using Stata 15.0, the fixed effect model was used to calculate the pooled effect estimate, and Begg’s and Egger’s tests were applied to assess the presence of publication bias.

Results:

Nine studies, involving 4093 heart failure patients, were included in this study. The overall rate of inadequate health literacy was 40.3%. Among these articles, 6 were included in the meta-analysis to calculate the pooled effect. The results indicated that, when compared with patients with adequate health literacy, those with inadequate health literacy had a relative risk of hospital readmission of 1.01, which increased to 1.14 after adjusting for follow-up time, the result was not significant (P = .09).

Conclusions:

About 2 out of 5 heart failure patients had inadequate health literacy, and there was no statistical association between health literacy and hospital readmission among these patients. This finding should be carefully considered and confirmed in further studies.
Mechanism and future prospect of treatment of facial paralysis caused by herpes zoster virus infection with acupuncture combined with medicine: A review
Authors: Guan Ruiqian , Hong Zhibo , Pan Limin , Wang Yusu , Li Yeyao
Published: September 2024

Herpes zoster virus infectious facial paralysis is caused by the reactivation and replication of varicella-zoster virus, which leads to herpetic inflammatory lesions, resulting in peripheral facial paralysis associated with herpes rash in the auricle and external ear, and vestibular cochlear dysfunction. It is also known as Ramsey-Hunter syndrome (Hunt syndrome). Facial paralysis caused by herpes zoster is difficult to cure due to its easy loss of treatment and mistreatment. Cause a greater burden on the patient’s body and mind. However, the treatment of Western medicine has lagged behind and there are many adverse reactions, which cannot be completely cured, and new alternatives are urgently needed. This article briefly reviews the advantages and disadvantages of modern medical treatment of Hunt syndrome. This paper expounds the unique ideas of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of Hunt syndrome from the perspectives of antiviral, antibacterial, improving blood circulation, protecting cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and nerve. This article discusses the superiority of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of Hunt syndrome from 2 aspects of Chinese medicine therapy and acupuncture therapy, and points out the feasibility of combined treatment of acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine. So as to provide a new treatment for Hunt syndrome.
Unlocking the health benefits of melatonin supplementation: A promising preventative and therapeutic strategy
Authors: Azzeh Firas S. , Kamfar Waad W. , Ghaith Mazen M. , Alsafi Radi T. , Shamlan Ghalia , Ghabashi Mai A. , Farrash Wesam F. , Alyamani Reema A. , Alazzeh Awfa Y. , Alkholy Sarah O. , Bakr El-Sayed H. , Qadhi Alaa H. , Arbaeen Ahmad F.
Published: September 2024

Melatonin (MLT) is crucial in controlling human sleep-wake patterns. While it has long been recognized for regulating circadian rhythms, its demonstrated efficacy in managing various diseases has recently gained considerable attention. This review discusses MLT’s potential preventative and therapeutic effects on various diseases. Several studies have focused on examining the molecular mechanisms through which MLT brings about its protective or therapeutic effects on various diseases, including cancer, obesity, coronavirus, and cardiovascular diseases. Numerous preventative and therapeutic applications of MLT have been proposed, resulting from its ability to function as an antioxidant, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and immune-regulating agent. There is a need for further research to determine MLT’s long-term effects on antioxidant defense systems, its preventative and therapeutic benefits, and its molecular basis.
Global research progress of electroencephalography applications in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: Bibliometrics and visualized analysis
Authors: Liu Ben , Liu Xian , Wei Jie , Sun Siyuan , Chen Wei , Deng Yijun
Published: September 2024

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a profound neurodevelopmental disorder. Currently, the diagnosis of ADHD relies on clinical assessments and lacks objective testing. Research in electroencephalography (EEG) offers new hope for the diagnosis of ADHD, with researchers actively seeking objective EEG biomarkers. This study conducts a bibliometric analysis of the application of EEG in ADHD, aiming to provide a brief overview of the characteristics, main research areas, development paths, and trends in this field. The Web of Science Core Collection was queried on June 10, 2024, to gather relevant scholarly works from the period of 2004 to 2023. Analysis was conducted using CiteSpace, VOSviewer, and Microsoft Excel 2019. In the past 20 years, 1162 documents qualified, with a swift rise in annual publications. The USA, University of London, and Barry RJ led in productivity and impact, while the Clinical Neurophysiology topped in publication volume and citations. High-frequency terms include “ADHD,” “EEG,” “event-related potentials (ERP),” “children,” and “neurofeedback.” Clustering key terms such as “cognitive control,” “theta waves,” “epilepsy,” “graph theory,” “machine learning,” and “neurofeedback” form the cornerstone of the current core research areas. At the same time, a series of emerging research frontiers are gradually emerging, including “theta/beta ratio (TBR),” “P300 wave,” “neurofeedback,” and “deep learning.” Over the past 2 decades, research on the application of EEG in ADHD has been burgeoning, with themes becoming increasingly profound. These insights provide key guidance on current trends, development trajectories, and future challenges in the field.
Influence of autonomic nervous dysfunction on eating during hemodialysis sessions: An observational study
Authors: Xiao Dan , Li Xia , Li Yi , Mo Liwen , Li Xianglian , Fu Yonggang , Zhang Fan , Wang Tao , Cheng Yue , Li Yunming , Zhou Pengfei
Published: September 2024

Although some studies have indicated that eating during hemodialysis may induce hypotension and cardiovascular events, some patients still consume food during their treatment. This prospective study was conducted to determine whether the need to eat during hemodialysis treatment was related to abnormal glucose metabolism and autonomic nerve dysfunction. Seventy patients were enrolled in this study, and their demographic features and various laboratory parameters were analyzed. At each routine hemodialysis visit, predialysis, intradialysis, and postdialysis blood pressure measurements were systematically conducted. A 24-hour ambulatory electrocardiogram (ECG) was performed during the hemodialysis interval, and heart rate variability (HRV) values were calculated. Additionally, whether the patients ate during the hemodialysis treatments was recorded. Another 20 people who underwent physical examinations during the same period and were matched for sex and age were included in the control group. The HRV values of the hemodialysis patients were generally lower than those of the control group. Univariate analysis revealed significant differences in sex, age, calcium antagonist use, blood calcium levels, insulin levels, diastolic blood pressure (DBP) measurements, and HRV indices between hemodialysis patients who ate and those who did not eat during hemodialysis (P < .05), whereas there were no significant differences in diabetes status or in the hemoglobin, albumin, blood glucose and C-peptide levels (P > .05). Multivariate analysis revealed that low values for very low frequency (VLF) and postdialysis DBP were risk factors for fasting intolerance during hemodialysis treatments. Autonomic dysfunction may affect whether hemodialysis patients tolerate fasting during dialysis. VLF evaluation may provide information that can be used to develop a more reasonable intradialytic nutritional supplementation method.
Texture analysis based on CT for predicting the differentiation of esophageal squamous cancer: An observational study
Authors: Wang Dawei , Shang Zeyu , Chen Rong , Yang Yue , Su Yaying , Jia Peng , Liu Yanfang , Yang Fei
Published: September 2024

To explore the feasibility and application value of texture analysis based on computed tomography (CT) for predicting the differentiation of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Patients diagnosed with ESCC who underwent chest contrast-enhanced CT before treatment were selected. Based on the pathological results, the patients were stratified into poorly differentiated and moderately well-differentiated groups. FireVoxel software was used to analyze the region of interest based on venous phase CT images. Texture parameters including the mean, median, standard deviation (SD), inhomogeneity, skewness, kurtosis, and entropy were obtained automatically. Differences in the texture parameters and their relationship with the degree of differentiation between the 2 groups were analyzed. The value of CT texture parameters in identifying poor differentiation and moderate-well differentiation of esophageal cancer was analyzed using the ROC curve. A total of 48 patients with ESCC were included, including 24 patients in the poorly differentiated group and 24 patients in the moderate-well-differentiated group. There were negative correlations between SD, inhomogeneity, entropy, and the degree of differentiation of esophageal cancer (P < .05). The correlation of inhomogeneity was the highest (r = −0.505, P < .001). SD, inhomogeneity, and entropy could effectively distinguish between the poorly and moderately well-differentiated groups, with statistically significant differences between the 2 groups (P < .05). The best critical values for SD, inhomogeneity, and entropy were 17.538, 0.017, and 3.917, respectively. The areas under the ROC curve were 0.793, 0.792, and 0.729, respectively, with the SD and inhomogeneity being the best. The application of texture analysis on venous phase CT images holds promise as a method for forecasting the degree of differentiation in esophageal cancers, which could significantly contribute to the preoperative noninvasive evaluation of tumor differentiation.
Exploring the role of traditional Chinese medicine rehabilitation in stroke based on microRNA-mediated pyroptosis: A review
Authors: Ma Hanwen , Zhu Luwen
Published: September 2024

Stroke, also known as “cerebrovascular accident,” is a disease caused by acute impairment of brain circulation, which has a high rate of disability and mortality. Ischemic stroke (IS) is the most common type of stroke and a major cause of death and disability worldwide. At present, there are still many limitations in the treatment of IS, so it may be urgent to explore more treatments for IS. In recent years, the clinical application of traditional Chinese medicine rehabilitation methods such as traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture, massage, traditional exercises and modern rehabilitation technology has achieved good results in the treatment of IS. Concurrently, studies have identified microRNA (miRNA), which are intimately associated with traditional Chinese medicine rehabilitation, as regulators of pyroptosis through their influence on microglia activity, inflammatory response, oxidative stress, angiogenesis and other factors, but at present, the mechanism of this direction has not been systematically summarized. Consequently, this article delineates in detail the specific role of miRNA in IS and the related activation pathways of pyroptosis in IS. This article presents a detailed discussion of the role of microRNA-mediated pyroptosis in IS, with a particular focus on the signaling pathways involved. The aim is to provide new insights for the research of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) rehabilitation in the prevention and treatment of IS. In addition, the article explores the potential of TCM rehabilitation in regulating miRNA-mediated pyroptosis to intervene in IS.
Causal association between blood metabolites and vertigo: A Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Zhang Bin , Chen Sulan , Teng Xin , Han Qi , Wu Tong , Liu Yin , Xiang Ke , Sun Li
Published: September 2024

Metabolic disorders have been identified as an important factor causing nervous system diseases. However, due to the interference of confounding factors, the causal relationship between them has not been clearly elucidated, so it is necessary to study the causal relationship between them. To explore the causal relationship between blood metabolites and vertigo by Mendelian randomization. To assess causality, the inverse variance weighting method was employed as the primary analytical approach, complemented by additional sensitivity analyses. Metabolic pathway enrichment analysis and genetic correlation analysis were employed to further assess the metabolites. All statistical analyses were conducted using the R software. The study employed metabolite Genome Wide Association Study and vertigo diseases summary data sets to examine the causal relationship between 486 blood metabolites and 3 types of vertigo. A total of 55 potential metabolites associated with the 3 types of vertigo were identified, with 22, 16, and 13 candidate metabolites showing relatively reliable MR Evidence for Vestibular Dysfunction, Peripheral Vertigo, and Central Vertigo, respectively. Enrichment analysis was conducted to investigate the biological significance of these candidate metabolites, resulting in the identification of 7 key metabolic pathways across the 3 diseases, the metabolic pathway known as “Valine, leucine, and isoleucine biosynthesis” was found to be associated with all 3 types of vertigo, suggesting its potential influence on the vestibular system. Genetic correlation analysis revealed a genetic correlation between X-10510 and dodecanedioate with Vestibular Dysfunction. This study offers novel perspectives on the causal impact of blood metabolites on vertigo through the integration of genomics and metabolomics. Identifying metabolites that contribute to vertigo could serve as potential biomarkers and contribute to a better understanding of the underlying biological mechanisms associated with vertigo.
Longitudinal analysis of social and community factors effective in increasing the number of liver donors in the United States
Authors: Anilir Ender
Published: September 2024

In this research, it was aimed to evaluate of social and community factors effective in increasing the number of liver donors. Descriptive and relational scanning models were used to conduct the research. Data on liver donors was gathered from the USA Health Resources & Services Administration’s Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network between 1988 and 2023. The United States (USA) World Bank Country Reports provided the mortality rates. The data was analyzed using Spearman rho correlation, year-controlled partial correlation, and Generalized Linear Model-Logit analysis. Deceased donor numbers were significantly and negatively correlated with government health expenditure (r = −0.816; P < .01), current health expenditure (r = −0.768; P < .01), female education attainment (r = −0.804; P < .01) and Gini index (r = 0.434; P < .05). Living donor numbers were significantly and negatively correlated with government health expenditure (r = −0.731; P < .01), current health expenditure (r = −0.781; P < .01), male percentage (r = −0.786; P < .01), female education attainment (r = −0.640; P < .05), employment (r = 0.751; P < .01), GDP (r = −0.792; P < .01) and Gini index (r = −0.486; P < .01). Living donor numbers were significantly and positively correlated with age dependency (r = 0.815; P < .01). Generalized Linear Model-Logit (GLM-L) results showed that effect of female education attainment had significant contribution on deceased liver donor (B = −3290.605; P < .01). Effects of significantly correlated community factors on living liver donor numbers were found to be statistically insignificant (P > .05). Research findings reveal that among community factors, especially women’s participation in education has a statistically significant effect on liver donors. These results show that the health expenditures made over the years do not provide any added value for liver donors, and role of women on liver donor is significantly dominant.
An evaluation of serum blood parameters and amyloid-A levels in women with hyperemesis gravidarum; A prospective observational study
Authors: Onder Durmus , Birsen Meryem Busra , Erturk Derya , Eryilmaz Ahmet Ilker , Ozdemir Ozgur , Aykal Guzin , Ozturk Inal Zeynep
Published: September 2024

This study aimed to investigate whether serum amyloid A (AA) level can be used as a biomarker in women with hyperemesis gravidarum (HEG). This prospective observational study was conducted at the Antalya Training and Research Hospital Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinic, Türkiye, between July and December 2023. Forty women diagnosed with HEG and 40 healthy women were included. No statistically significant differences were observed between the groups in terms of sociodemographic data such as age, body mass index, family history, educational status, economic level, place of residence, occupation, smoking and alcohol use, or drug habits. However, obstetric characteristics such as number of miscarriages, number of dilatation curettages, and gestational age and laboratory values including complete blood count, hematocrit, leukocyte, neutrophil, lymphocyte, platelet, free T4, albumin, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, urea, creatinine, hs-C-reactive protein, and sodium (P > .05) all differed significantly. In addition, significant differences were observed between the HEG and healthy groups in terms of numbers of gravidities (2 [1–3] vs 1 [0–1], respectively, P < .001), numbers of parities (1 [0–1] vs 1 [0–1], P < .001), numbers of living children (1 [0–2] vs 1 [0–1], P < .001), presenting complaints (nausea 0 [0%], nausea + vomiting 0 [0%], none 40 [100.0%] vs nausea 27 [67.5%], nausea + vomiting 13 [32.5%], none 0 [0%], P < .001), serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (1.16 ± 0.56 vs 1.81 ± 0.624, P = .004), potassium (4.1 ± 0.7 vs 3.8 ± 0.2, P = .001), and AA values (7.29 ± 2.61 vs 10.74 ± 3.04, P < .001). At receiver operating characteristic analysis, the area under the curve (AUC: 0.881) was statistically significant for serum AA (P: <.001), with a cutoff value of ≥ 8.79 ([95% confidence interval] 0.743–0.919, sensitivity 87.4%, specificity 80.2%). The positive predictive value of serum AA was 81.1% and the negative predictive value was 80.4%. The study results showed that serum AA can be used as a diagnostic biomarker in HEG. Prospective studies involving more participants are now required to confirm our results.