bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in Muscle Tone, Function, and Pain in the Chronic Hemiparetic Shoulder after Dry Needling Within or Outside Trigger Points in Stroke Patients: A Crossover Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Hernández-Ortíz Alma R , Ponce-Luceño Raquel , Sáez-Sánchez Carlos , García-Sánchez Olga , Fernández-de-las-Peñas César , de-la-Llave-Rincón Ana I
Published: June 2020

Objectives

To investigate the effects of applying dry needling into a trigger point (TrP) or non-TrP area in people who have suffered a stroke and to investigate if the effects of dry needling are maintained at six-week follow-up.

Methods

A controlled, repeated-measures, crossover, double-blinded randomized trial was conducted. Nineteen patients with hemiparetic shoulder pain after a stroke event were randomly assigned to receive a single multimodal treatment session combined with TrP dry needling or non-TrP dry needling. The neuro-rehabilitation session included modulatory interventions targeting the central nervous system. Spasticity (Modified Ashworth Scale), shoulder pain intensity (numerical pain rate scale, 0–10), and upper extremity function (Motor Evaluation Scale for Upper Extremity in Stroke [MESUPES], Reaching Performance Scale [RPS]) were assessed before (baseline) and one, two, three, four, five, and six weeks after the treatment session by a blinded assessor. All participants received both sessions in a randomized order where they were followed up for six weeks before receiving the opposite treatment and then followed up for another six weeks.

Results

Changes in muscle tone (all P > 0.266) and upper extremity function (MESUPES: F = 0.544, P  = 0.465; RPS close task: F = 0.820, P = 0.371; RPS far task: 0.830, P  = 0.368) were similar after both interventions at all follow-up periods. The decrease in shoulder pain was higher within the TrP dry needling group as compared with the non-TrP dry needling group, particularly at two and four weeks (P  = 0.01).

Conclusions

The effect of dry needling on muscle tone (spasticity) and upper extremity function is not related to its application in or outside of a TrP area. The effect of dry needling on shoulder pain was slightly superior when applied over a TrP in poststroke people. These effects were maintained six weeks after treatment.
Effectiveness of a Khorasan Wheat–Based Replacement on Pain Symptoms and Quality of Life in Patients with Fibromyalgia
Authors: Pagliai Giuditta , Colombini Barbara , Dinu Monica , Whittaker Anne , Masoni Alberto , Danza Giovanna , Amedei Amedeo , Ballerini Giovanna , Benedettelli Stefano , Sofi Francesco
Published: June 2020

Objective

To investigate the effects of a replacement diet with Khorasan wheat products in patients with fibromyalgia, in comparison with a similar replacement diet with control products made from organic semi-whole-grain modern wheat.

Design

Randomized, double-blinded crossover trial.

Setting

Outpatient clinic.

Subjects

Twenty subjects (19 female and one male, mean age = 48.9 ± 12.3 years) with fibromyalgia.

Methods

Participants were randomly assigned to consume either Khorasan or control wheat products (pasta, bread, crackers, biscuits) for eight weeks and then crossed. Validated self-administered questionnaires were collected from each subject at the beginning and end of each intervention period.

Results

A general linear model for repeated measurement, adjusted for potential confounders, showed that the overall score reported from each questionnaire improved after both intervention and control periods, but the effect was more evident after the intervention with Khorasan. In particular, a statistically significant difference in Widespread Pain Index (WPI) + Severity Scale (SS) and Functional Outcome of Sleep Questionnaire (FOSQ) was observed, which decreased significantly by 21.5% and 11.7% respectively, only after the Khorasan period, while no statistically significant variations were reported after the control period. Similarly, FM Impact Questionnaire scores decreased significantly only after the Khorasan period, with a reduction that was significantly different between the intervention and control periods (–22.5% vs –0.3%, P = 0.037). The improvement was even greater in people with higher symptom severity.

Conclusions

A dietary intervention with Khorasan wheat products seems to benefit patients with fibromyalgia, especially those with greater symptom severity.
Use of the Activity Measure for Post-Acute Care “6 Clicks” Basic Mobility Inpatient Short Form and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale to Predict Hospital Discharge Disposition After Stroke
Authors: Covert Stephanie , Johnson Joshua K , Stilphen Mary , Passek Sandra , Thompson Nicolas R , Katzan Irene
Published: June 2020

Objective

Therapists in the hospital are charged with making timely discharge recommendations to improve access to rehabilitation after stroke. The objective of this study was to identify the predictive ability of the Activity Measure for Post-Acute Care “6 Clicks” Basic Mobility Inpatient Short Form (6 Clicks mobility) score and the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score for actual hospital discharge disposition after stroke.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, data were collected from an academic hospital in the United States for 1543 patients with acute stroke and a 6 Clicks mobility score. Discharge to home, a skilled nursing facility (SNF), or an inpatient rehabilitation facility (IRF) was the primary outcome. Associations among these outcomes and 6 Clicks mobility and NIHSS scores, alone or together, were tested using multinomial logistic regression, and the predictive ability of these scores was calculated using concordance statistics.

Results

A higher 6 Clicks mobility score alone was associated with a decreased odds of actual discharge to an IRF or an SNF. The 6 Clicks mobility score alone was a strong predictor of discharge to home versus an IRF or an SNF. However, predicting discharge to an IRF versus an SNF was stronger when the 6 Clicks mobility score was considered in combination with the NIHSS score, age, sex, and race.

Conclusion

The 6 Clicks mobility score alone can guide discharge decision making after stroke, particularly for discharge to home versus an SNF or an IRF. Determining discharge to an SNF versus an IRF could be improved by also considering the NIHSS score, age, sex, and race. Future studies should seek to identify which additional characteristics improve predictability for these separate discharge destinations.

Impact

The use of outcome measures can improve therapist confidence in making discharge recommendations for people with stroke, can enhance hospital throughput, and can expedite access to rehabilitation, ultimately affecting functional outcomes.
Establishing prison-led contact tracing to prevent outbreaks of COVID-19 in prisons in Ireland
Authors: Clarke Mattea , Devlin John , Conroy Emmett , Kelly Enda , Sturup-Toft Sunita
Published: June 2020

Background

Preventing transmission of COVID-19 within prisons is both important and challenging. The confined conditions in prisons can encourage person-to-person spread with the potential for outbreaks occurring. Contact tracing is an important contributor to the longer-term management strategy for COVID-19 in prisons as well as in the community but is highly resource-intensive. This paper describes the approach to contact tracing taken by the Irish Prison Service (IPS).

Methods

The IPS National Infection Control Team, in collaboration with the National Quality Improvement (QI) team and Health Service Executive (HSE) in Ireland, implemented a programme to develop and train in-prison contact tracing teams (CTTs). CTTs were run by prison staff with experience of working with detainees, prison IT systems and CCTV. Protocols for undertaking contact tracing for both detainee and staff cases of COVID-19 were established.

Results

All prisons, and two support agencies, within the IPS now have fully functional in-prison CTTs. Every CTT has responded to at least one case COVID-19, undertaken contact tracing and instigated quarantine of contacts.

Conclusions

A partnership approach with development of prison-led CTTs can provide an effective mechanism for contact tracing of COVID-19 cases within the prison setting.
A study to assess smoking habits and smoking exposure in sportspeople
Authors: O’Sullivan B , Scully P , Curtin R J , Plant B J
Published: June 2020

Background

Tobacco smoking is a leading public health concern and is the most preventable cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Sportspeople are no exception and those who smoke are predisposed to the same hazardous health effects as the general public, in addition to the potential effects it may have on their sporting performance.

Aim

We aimed to ascertain the prevalence of tobacco consumption in a sporting population. We also endeavoured to quantify the use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) and assess exposure to passive smoking.

Design

Observational study.

Methods

A web-based e-questionnaire was distributed to participants from various sports across Ireland between November 2017 and January 2018, and data were analysed using SPSS.

Results

A total of 546 sportspeople completed the survey with more than twice as many male respondents. Of whom, 16% of participants were current smokers, with males significantly more likely to smoke (P < 0.001), 26% of rugby players were current smokers which was significantly higher when compared with other sports (P < 0.01), 10% of all participants were exposed to second-hand smoke for more than 1 h per day and 2% of all participants were current users of e-cigarettes.

Conclusion

The prevalence of smoking in our study population was higher than other literature reports. Further studies are essential to evaluate the potential negative effects this may be having on sporting performance, career progression and indeed injury occurrence/rehabilitation. It is imperative to address the matter of smoking in athletes, not only for public health concerns but also considering they are important role models in our society.
Misperceptions of income distributions: cross-country evidence from a randomized survey experiment
Authors: Bublitz Elisabeth
Published: June 2020

Can imperfect information, as revealed in individual misperceptions about income distributions, explain the demand for redistribution? I conduct a representative survey experiment in Brazil, France, Germany, Russia, Spain and the USA, providing a personalized information treatment on income distribution to a randomly chosen subsample. Most respondents misperceive their own position in the income distribution. These biases differ notably by country and the true income position. Correcting misperceptions slightly shifts the demand towards less redistribution in Germany and Russia. This shift appears to be driven by respondents with a negative position bias. The lack of significant treatment effects in other countries may result from different individual reactions that cancel each other out. Thus, the existence of systematic misperceptions underscores their importance for understanding preferences for redistribution.
The Place to Heal and the Place to Die. Patients and Causes of Death in Nineteenth-Century Venice
Authors: Derosas Renzo , Munno Cristina
Published: June 2020

We used death records to highlight the main features of mid-nineteenth-century Venetian hospitals. At that time, the medicalisation of hospitals was well under way. The Civic Hospital, in particular, had up to 1,400 beds, a large medical staff and a rational structure. By contrasting hospital deaths with deaths occurring at home, we asked whether the patterns seen reflect the modernisation of the hospital system. On one hand, those admitted to hospital were mostly poor, elderly, immigrants, with little support at home, suggesting that social rather than medical conditions determined hospitalisation. On the other hand, there were differences in the causes of death, implying that the hospital pursued some therapeutic specialisation, which attracted also patients of better social standing. Notwithstanding the deep transformation that took place in the nineteenth century, the Venetian experience confirms the coexistence and interdependency of care and cure as permanent features of hospital history.
Infant Case of Co-infection with SARS-CoV-2 and Citrobacter koseri Urinary Infection
Authors: Tchidjou Hyppolite K , Romeo Bernard
Published: June 2020

Since 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is highly contagious with a high mortality rate. France has taken strict infection control measures. According to the report by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, children are less affected with COVID-19 and seem to have less severe disease than adults. We reported the first confirmed infant case of co-infection with SARS-CoV-2 and Citrobacter koseri urinary infection in 6-week-old child admitted on 25 March 2020 with mild symptoms in the Pediatric COVID Unit of Amiens University Hospital, France.
Two Clonal Species of Phytophthora Associated to Solanaceous Crops Coexist in Central and Southern Colombia
Authors: Chaves Sandra Catalina , Guayazán Natalia , Mideros Maria Fernanda , Parra Mayra , Lucca Florencia , Restrepo Silvia
Published: June 2020

In Colombia, late blight is considered one of the most limiting diseases on potato and tomato production. Recently, a new Phytophthora species, P. betacei, was described infecting tree tomato crops in the south of Colombia. However, the distribution and the host range of this new emerging pathogen in the country are unknown. The main aims of this study were to determine if this novel species is confined to the south of Colombia, to assess if P. betacei represents a genetically uniform clone across Colombia and to determine if in all regions there is a clear differentiation between the two Phytophthora species. Therefore, we characterized Phytophthora isolates obtained from tree tomato and potato crops in a central region of Colombia and compared them with the strains from the south. Initially, we evaluated the genetic differentiation among Phytophthora strains obtained from tree tomato and potato crops using simple sequence repeat markers. Results showed a strong population structure between P. infestans and P. betacei. However, we did not detect any genetic differentiation within P. infestans or P. betacei populations from different regions. Furthermore, we detected significant morphological differences among the species based on growth and sporangial morphology measurements. We also showed that strains of Phytophthora spp. are predominantly of the A1 mating type and belong to EC-1 and EC-3 clonal lineages for P. infestans and P. betacei, respectively. Our results describe the expanded geographical range of the new species of P. betacei in the central region of Colombia.
Chinese Expert Consensus on Clinical Application of Patch Test (Revised 2020)#
Authors: Chen Bang-Tao , Hao Fei , Fang Hong , Gu Heng , Jin Hong-Zhong , Lai Wei , Li Cheng-Xin , Li Lin-Feng , Liu Wei , Lu Yan , Shi Xin , Tao Juan , Wang Gang , Wen Li-Ping , Xiao Ting , Xu Jin-Hua , Zhang Fu-Ren , Zhang Li-Tao , Zhao Zuo-Tao , Zhong Hua , Zou Ying
Published: June 2020

Allergic contact dermatitis is a common clinical allergic disease. The patch test is the gold standard for finding and clarifying contact allergens. With the deepening understanding of the epidemiology, pathogenesis, and clinical manifestations of contact dermatitis, as well as the increased requirements for the standardized application of patch tests, the relevant consensus needs to be continuously updated. This consensus is updated on the basis of the version issued in 2015. In this revised version, it refines the selection of clinical indications, improves the judgment and interpretation of results, adds delayed detection and patient education, and so on, which aims to further standardize clinical applications and improve the value of patch test.
The efficacy and safety of salvianolic acids on acute cerebral infarction treatment
Authors: Xin Meiying , Hao Yulei , Huang Ge , Wang Xu , Liang Zhen , Miao Jing , Ma Di , Feng Jiachun
Published: June 2020

Background:

Salvianolic acids (SA) has been widely used for the treatment of acute cerebral infarction (ACI) combined with basic western medicine therapy in China. This study was aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of SA on ACI treatment and its influence on neurological functions, activity of daily living, and cognitive functions.

Methods:

We retrieved related articles from PubMed, the Cochrane Center Controlled Trials Register, EMBASE, Medline, Ovid, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, and Wanfang Database without date and language restrictions. Finally, 58 randomized controlled trials were included from 239 retrieved records. Two researchers extracted the basic information and data from included articles and assessed the quality and analysis of data by using Review Manager 5.3.

Results:

The administration of SA significantly increased the total clinical effective rate of ACI treatment (P < .001) and improved the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale scores, modified Rankin Scale scores, and Barthel Index scores after treatment and 3 months after ACI (P < .05). The activities of daily living scores in the SA group were significantly increased after treatment (P < .001), whereas they were remarkably decreased 3 months after ACI (P < .001) compared with that in the control group. Besides, SA profoundly promoted the recovery of Montreal Cognitive Assessment scores (P < .001). However, the use of SA increased the risk of adverse events occurrence (P = .007).

Conclusion:

SA combined with basic western medicine treatment could promote neurological functions, daily living activities, and cognitive functions recovery of ACI patients. Although SA increased the risk of adverse events occurrence, these adverse events were easily controlled or disappeared spontaneously.
T2-weighted cardiac magnetic resonance image and myocardial biomarker in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Chen Shi , Huang Liwei , Zhang Qing , Wang Jie , Chen Yucheng
Published: June 2020

The phenomenon of high signal intensity on T2-weighted imaging of cardiac magnetic resonance in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) has been previously studied. However, the underlying histopathologic mechanism remains unclear. Elevated cardiac troponin can be detected in some HCM patients. A reasonable hypothesis is that high myocardial T2 signal is a potential marker of myocardial injury in HCM. We sought to investigate the association between cardiac troponin and the extent of high T2 signals in HCM patients.

Forty-four HCM patients underwent 3.0T cardiac magnetic resonance scanning. On T2-weighted images, the number of segments with high-signal intensity (myocardium-to-skeletal muscle signal intensity ratio >2) and the percentage of high-signal area (>2 standard deviation above the remote tissue) were measured in 16 myocardial segments along the LV mid-myocardial circumference on 3 short-axis images. The level of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) was also assessed.

Myocardial high T2 signals were identified in 33 (75%) patients and 144 (20.5%) segments. Elevated hs-cTnT was observed in 28 (63.6%) patients. The Cochran–Armitage test showed a statistically significant trend of increasing levels of hs-cTnT with elevated number of segments with myocardial high T2 signal (P = .002). Further, the percentage of myocardium with high T2 signal was significantly associated with the hs-cTnT level (Pearson correlation: r = 0.388, P = .009).

Myocardium with high T2 signals was very common in patients with HCM.Its extent is related with the level of plasma hs-cTnT.
Effects of oxymatrine on the proliferation of human liver cancer Bel-7404 cells
Authors: Li Jing , Liu Zhi-Ye , Yu Hai-Bo , Xue Qing , Qu Xiu-Sheng
Published: June 2020

Background:

This study will examine the effects of oxymatrine on the proliferation of human liver cancer Bel-7404 cells (HLCBC).

Methods:

This study will search electronic bibliographic databases available in PUBMED, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, China Biology Medicine, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure. We attempt to search case-controlled studies (CCSs) or randomized controlled studies (RCSs) pertaining to HLCBC from their inception to the February 29, 2020 without limitations of language and publication time. We will include any CCSs or RCSs on exploring oxymatrine on the proliferation of HLCBC. We will assess the methodological quality of CCSs by Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, and RCSs by Cochrane risk of bias tool. Review Manager 5.3 software will be utilized for statistical analysis.

Results:

The current study will summarize most recent eligible studies to investigate the effects of oxymatrine on the proliferation of HLCBC.

Conclusion:

Its results may provide reliable scientific evidence on effects of oxymatrine on the proliferation of HLCBC.

Systematic review registration:

INPLASY202040026.
Meta-analysis of the diagnostic performance of diffusion magnetic resonance imaging with apparent diffusion coefficient measurements for differentiating glioma recurrence from pseudoprogression
Authors: Yu Yang , Ma Yue , Sun Mengyao , Jiang Wenyan , Yuan Tingting , Tong Dan
Published: June 2020

Objective:

The accurate differentiation of glioma recurrence from pseudoprogression (PSP) after therapy remains a considerable clinical challenge. Several studies have shown that diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has potential value in distinguishing these 2 outcomes. The current meta-analysis examined the diagnostic accuracy of diffusion MRI with the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) in the differentiation of glioma recurrence from PSP.

Method:

PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Chinese Biomedical databases were reviewed to identify studies that fulfilled our inclusion/exclusion criteria and were published on or before May 5, 2019. Threshold effects; heterogeneity; pooled sensitivity (SENS), specificity, positive likelihood ratio, and negative likelihood ratio; and diagnostic odds ratio were calculated. The overall diagnostic usefulness of diffusion MRI-derived ADC values was assessed by calculating the area under the curve (AUC) following summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) analysis.

Results:

Six eligible studies examined a total of 214 patients. Calculation of pooled values indicated the SENS was 0.95 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.89–0.98), specificity was 0.83 (95% CI = 0.72–0.91), positive likelihood ratio was 4.82 (95% CI = 2.93–7.93), negative likelihood ratio was 0.08 (95% CI = 0.04–0.17), and diagnostic odds ratio was 59.63 (95% CI = 22.63–157.37). The SROC AUC was 0.9322. Publication bias was not significant, and SENS analysis indicated the results were relatively stable.

Conclusions:

Our meta-analysis indicated that diffusion MRI with quantitative ADC is an effective approach for differentiation of glioma recurrence from PSP, and can be used as an auxiliary tool to diagnose glioma progression.
Pregnancy outcomes in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Luo Jun , Shi Huafang , Xu Li , Su Wei , Li Jiang
Published: June 2020

The mortality of pregnant women with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) remains high. The aim of this study was to evaluate and analyze perinatal and postpartum outcomes in patients with PAH.

A total of 79 pregnant patients with PAH who underwent abortion or parturition were reviewed retrospectively. Preoperative characteristics, anesthesia method, intensive care management, PAH-specific therapy, and maternal and neonatal outcomes were analyzed in this case series study.

This study was a retrospective analysis of 79 pregnant women with PAH. We collected data on maternal, obstetrical, and neonatal outcomes. The mean age of the parturient women with mild and severe PAH was 26.6 ± 5.7 and 26.0 ± 4.9 years, respectively, and the mean systolic pulmonary arterial pressure of the 2 groups was 43.8 ± 4.2 mmHg and 76.7 ± 15.6 mmHg, respectively. Of the 79 patients, 43 (54.4%) had severe PAH and 36 (45.6%) had mild PAH. The gestational weeks were significantly shorter and the rate of fetal death was higher in the severe PAH group than in the mild PAH group (36.0 vs 37.3 weeks and 6/24 vs 1/30, respectively; P < .05). Fifty-seven patients received PAH-specific therapy during pregnancy, including sildenafil, iloprost, and treprostinil. Overall, 22 PAH patients underwent therapeutic abortion and 57 continued their pregnancy. A total of 9 women, all of whom had severe PAH, died within 3 months of labor, giving a mortality rate of 15.8% (9/57). Of the 57 parturients, 21 (35.6%) gave birth prematurely and 36 (64.4%) delivered at term. Overall, 55 (96.5%) patients delivered by cesarean section and 2 (3.5%) delivered vaginally. There were 7 fetal deaths - 6 in the severe PAH group and one in the mild PAH group (6/24 vs 1/30).

Although the mortality rate of this group of women with PAH was lower than that previously reported, patients with PAH should still be advised against pregnancy.
Treatment of solitary hepatocellular carcinoma up to 2 cm
Authors: Fan Hongyan , Zhou Chenggang , Yan Jianzhou , Meng Weihua , Zhang Wenquan
Published: June 2020

Background:

In recent years, there has been considerable uncertainty about the optimal treatment option for very early hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with tumor size less than 2 cm. Therefore, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the outcomes of the different treatments.

Methods:

This study was designed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (PRISMA). PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane library were searched for calculating the survival rates, and the “time to event” method was used to compare the outcomes of liver resection (LR) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA). All studies focusing on the treatment of solitary HCC up to 2 cm by different techniques were included in our analysis. The Hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) derived from multivariate and univariate analysis were utilized to assess the treatment risks.

Results:

We included 32 studies in our systematic review. The median 5-year overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival rate (RFS) for LR were 73% and 47%, respectively, and those for RFA were 73% and 43%, respectively. RFA was found to be associated with increased risk of mortality and recurrence compared to LR (HR = 1.61, 95% CI: 1.35–1.92, P < .0001 for OS and HR = 1.75, 95% CI: 1.56–1.96, P < .0001 for RFS).

Conclusion:

Our meta-analysis demonstrated that LR is superior to RFA in the treatment of solitary HCC up to 2 cm, with reduction in mortality and recurrence risk and improved long-term outcome.
Effectiveness of acupuncture combined mecobalamin in the treatment of elderly diabetic peripheral neuropathy
Authors: Duan Yu-hong , Liu Ai-xia , Su Hong-xia , Lv Ji-hong , Gong Xue-ying , Wang Li
Published: June 2020

Background:

Although previous studies have reported the effectiveness of acupuncture combined mecobalamin (AM) in the treatment of elderly diabetic peripheral neuropathy (EDPN), no systematic study has assessed its effectiveness and safety. Thus, this study will evaluate the effectiveness and safety of AM for the treatment of patients with EDPN.

Methods:

Bibliographic electronic databases will be searched as follows: Cochrane Library, PUBMED, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, WANGFANG, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure. All of them will be searched from each database initial to March 1, 2020 without language restrictions. All study selection, information extracted, and study quality evaluation will be performed by 2 independent authors. Any disagreements between 2 authors will be resolved by a third author via discussion. RevMan 5.3 software will be used for data pooling and meta-analysis performance if it is possible.

Results:

This study will provide synthesis of current evidence of AM for patients with EDPN through primary outcome of glycemic profile, and secondary of neuropathic pain intensity, plantar tactile sensitivity, sensory nerve conduction velocity and motor nerve conduction velocity, health-related quality of life, and adverse events.

Conclusion:

This study will provide helpful reference for the efficacy and safety of AM for the treatment of patients with EDPN to the clinicians and further studies.

Study registration number: INPLASY202040094.
Can neuroprotection effectively manage primary open-angle glaucoma? a protocol of systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Qi Yan-xiu , Zhang Jian , Su Xing-jie
Published: June 2020

Background:

This study aims to assess the efficacy of neuroprotection (NP) for the management of patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG).

Methods:

A comprehensive search will be carried out from the beginning to the February 29, 2020 in the electronic databases: Scopus, Web of Science, PUBMED, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, WANGFANG, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure. There are no limitations related to the language and publication date. Two researchers will independently undertake study selection from searched literatures, extract data from included trials, and appraise study quality using Cochrane risk of bias tool. Any disagreements will be solved by a third researcher through consultation. RevMan 5.3 software will be employed for statistical analysis.

Results:

This study will provide a high-quality synthesis of randomized controlled trials of NP for the management of patients with POAG.

Conclusions:

The results of this study will help to create proposals for the treatment of POAG using NP.

Systematic review registration:

INPLASY202040107.
Effect of high-quality nursing intervention on the psychological disorder in patients with gastric cancer during perioperative period
Authors: He Xiu-Li , Cao Zhi-Min
Published: June 2020

Background:

This study will be proposed for investigating the effects of high-quality nursing intervention (HQNI) on the psychological disorder in patients with gastric cancer during perioperative period (GC-PPP).

Methods:

A cumulative search from inception up to the March 31, 2020 will be performed in the following databases: Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, VIP database, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure. We will search all potential studies from those electronic databases regardless their language and publication status. We will only consider randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for inclusion, which explores the effect of HQNI on the psychological disorder in patients with GC-PPP. Study identification, information extraction, and study quality appraisal will be independently and respectively done by 2 researchers. Any different opinions between 2 researchers will be disentangled by a third researcher after discussion. Cochrane risk of bias tool will be used for study quality assessment, and RevMan 5.3 software will be utilized for statistical analysis.

Results:

This study will provide a high-quality synthesis of psychological disorder outcomes to evaluate the effects and safety of HQNI for patients with GC-PPP.

Conclusion:

The findings of this study will provide reference and evidence to appraise whether HQNI is an effective on the psychological disorder in patients with GC-PPP

Study registration number:

INPLASY202040080.
Efficacy of pirarubicin for nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer
Authors: Chen Da-Yin , Cheng Liang , Dong Long-Xin , He Wen-Jie , Cao Hui-Feng , Wang Ping , Yue Cai-Fang
Published: June 2020

Background:

This study will aim to appraise the efficacy and safety of pirarubicin for the treatment of patients with nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC).

Methods:

We will perform a comprehensive literature search in MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Scopus, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Allied and Complementary Medicine Database, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure from their beginning to the February 29, 2020. All randomized controlled trials of pirarubicin for NMIBC will be included regardless limitations related to the language and publication time. Two researchers will independently select studies from searched records, extract data from included randomized controlled trials, and assess study quality using Cochrane risk of bias tool. Any differences between them will be solved with the help of another researcher. RevMan 5.3 software will be utilized for statistical analysis.

Results:

This study will provide a synthesis of current evidence to investigate the efficacy and safety of pirarubicin for NMIBC using overall survival, progression-free survival, recurrence-free survival, quality of, rates of recurrence, and adverse events.

Conclusion:

This study will explore whether or not pirarubicin can be used as an effective and safety treatment for patients with NMIBC.

Registration number:

INPLASY202040113.
Door-in to door-out times in acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction in emergency departments of non-interventional hospitals
Authors: Clot Sandrine , Rocher Thomas , Morvan Claire , Cardine Mathieu , Lotfi Mohamed , Turk Julien , Usseglio Pascal , Descotes-Genon Vincent , Vanzetto Gerald , Savary Dominique , Debaty Guillaume , Belle Loic
Published: June 2020

In France, one in eight patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is admitted direct to an emergency department (ED) in a hospital without percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) facilities. Guidelines recommend transfer to a PCI center, with a door-in to door-out (DI–DO) time of ≤30 min. We report DI–DO times and identify the main factors affecting them.

RESURCOR is a French Northern Alps registry of patients with STEMI of <12 h duration. We focused on patients admitted direct, without prehospital medical care, to EDs in 19 non-PCI centers from 2012 to 2014. We divided DI–DO time into diagnostic time (ED admission to call for transfer) and logistical time (call for transfer to ED discharge).

Among 2007 patients, 240 were admitted direct to EDs in non-PCI centers; 57.9% were treated with primary angioplasty and 32.9% received thrombolysis. Median (interquartile range) DI–DO time was 92.5 (67–143) min, with a diagnostic time of 41 (23–74) min and a logistical time of 47.5 (32–69) min. Five patients (2.1%) had a DI–DO time ≤30 min. Five variables were independently associated with a shorter DI–DO time: local transfer (mobile intensive care unit [MICU] team available at referring ED) (P = .017) or transfer by air ambulance (P = .004); shorter distance from referring ED to PCI center (P < .001); shorter time from symptom onset to ED admission (P = .002); thrombolysis (P = .006); and extended myocardial infarction (P = .007).

In view of longer-than-recommended DI–DO times, efforts are required to promote urgent local transfer and use of thrombolysis.
Up-to-date comparison of robotic-assisted versus open distal pancreatectomy
Authors: Zhou Jiangjiao , Lv Zhuo , Zou Heng , Xiong Li , Liu Zhongtao , Chen Wenhao , Wen Yu
Published: June 2020

Background:

Although robot-assisted distal pancreatectomy (RADP) has been successfully performed since 2003, its advantages over open distal pancreatectomy (ODP) are still uncertain. The objective of this meta-analysis is to compare the clinical and oncologic safety and efficacy of RADP vs ODP.

Methods:

Multiple databases (PubMed, Medline, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library) were searched to identify studies that compare the outcomes of RADP and ODP (up to February, 2020). Fixed and random effects models were applied according to different conditions.

Results:

A total of 7 studies from high-volume robotic surgery centers comprising 2264 patients were included finally. Compared with ODP, RADP was associated with lower estimated blood loss, lower blood transfusion rate, lower postoperative mortality rate, and shorter length of hospital stay. No significant difference was observed in operating time, the number of lymph nodes harvested, positive margin rate, spleen preservation rate, rate of severe morbidity, incidence of postoperative pancreatic fistula, and severe postoperative pancreatic fistula (grade B and C) between the 2 groups.

Conclusions:

With regard to perioperative outcomes, RADP is a safe and feasible alternative to ODP in centers with expertise in robotic surgery. However, the evidence is limited and more randomized controlled trials are needed to further clearly define this role.
Effects of tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy on skin toxicity and skin-related quality of life in patients with lung cancer
Authors: Tseng Li-Chuan , Chen Kang-Hua , Wang Chih-Liang , Weng Li-Chueh
Published: June 2020

Epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI) therapy is the primary treatment option for patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, one of the major adverse effects associated with this therapy is skin toxicity, which impacts the patient's quality of life. This study aimed to describe the severities and locations of skin toxicity, and to analyze their association with the quality of life in patients with advanced NSCLC who received EGFR-TKI therapy as first-line treatment.

This cross-sectional and correlation study was conducted at a tertiary medical center in northern Taiwan between July 2015 and March 2016. Skin toxicity was assessed and graded using the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (version 4.03). The Skindex-16 scale was used to measure the skin disease-related quality of life.

A total of 146 NSCLC patients who received EGFR-TKI therapy within the first 3 months of diagnosis were included in this study; 93.2% of these patients experienced skin toxicities. Approximately 70% of the patients developed xerosis and pruritus, while 50% had papulopustular eruptions and paronychia. The mean skin symptom impact score was 5.38 (standard deviation = 2.65). The skin-related quality of life varied widely among the participants but remained acceptable (mean score = 13.96, standard deviation = 16.55). Skin symptoms correlated significantly with poor quality of life (r = 0.50, P < .001). Younger patients and those treated with afatinib were the most affected, reporting the poorest quality of life. Patients who required EGFR-TKI dose reduction had experienced more severe skin symptoms than had patients who did not require it (7.35 vs 5.01, P < .001).

Skin toxicity related to EGFR-TKI treatment impacts the quality of life in patients with NSCLC. During the treatment period, skin assessment and tailored management should be incorporated into the daily care plan.
The association between depression and length of stay in the intensive care unit
Authors: Liao Kuang-Ming , Ho Chung-Han , Lai Chih-Cheng , Chao Chien-Ming , Chiu Chong-Chi , Chiang Shyh-Ren , Wang Jhi-Joung , Chen Chin-Ming , Cheng Kuo-Chen
Published: June 2020

Depression is common after patients are discharged from the intensive care unit (ICU) and has a negative impact on quality of life and mortality. There is inconsistent information about ICU admission and the risk of depression. The aim of our study was to investigate the association between the risk of depression and length of ICU stay.

ICU survivors between 20 and 65 years old were enrolled in this study using data from Taiwan's nationwide population database. All study subjects were followed for a maximum of 1 year or until they were diagnosed with new-onset depression. The association between the length of ICU stay and the depression risk among ICU survivors was estimated using a Cox regression model. The screened diagnostic records of ICU survivors with depression were also investigated to find the potential disease effect of depression.

Compared to patients with ICU stays between 8 and 14 days, the adjusted HR (95% confidence interval) for depression in patients with ICU stays between 1 to 3 days, 4 to 7 days, 15 to 21 days, and ≥22 days were 1.08 (1.03–1.13), 1.01 (0.96–1.05), 1.08 (1.01–1.14), and 1.12 (1.06–1.19), respectively. For patients with depression after discharge from the ICU, the most common primary diagnosis was intracerebral hemorrhage.

There is a risk of depression after ICU discharge, and the incidence of depression may be higher among patients between 20 and 49 years old. The risk of depression was U-shaped, with higher risks associated with ICU stays of 1 to 3 days and more than 15 days.
The role of protocol biopsies after pediatric kidney transplantation
Authors: Kanzelmeyer Nele K. , Lerch Christian , Ahlenstiel-Grunow Thurid , Bräsen Jan H. , Haffner Dieter , Pape Lars
Published: June 2020

Data on protocol biopsies (PBs) after pediatric kidney transplantation are rare.

We evaluated 6-month post-transplantation renal function in 86 children after PB as observational study. Patients were divided into 3 groups:

Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and delta GFR were determined.

PBs 6 months post-kidney transplantation did not influence the clinical course in stable pediatric patients and are therefore of questionable value. Decreased kidney function may however be stabilized by therapeutic intervention according to results of PB.
The efficacy of masks for influenza-like illness in the community
Authors: Wang Hua , Chen Mao-Bing , Cui Wei-Yan , Xu Hua-Lan , Zheng Qi-Han
Published: June 2020

Background:

During the COVID-19 period, there was a huge gap in the understanding of masks between east and west. At the same time, the mechanism of the mask and the effect after use, also appeared differences. The Objective of this Meta-analysis is to systematically evaluate the efficacy of masks for influenza in the community.

Methods:

The Web of Science, PubMed, The Cochrane Library, EMBASE and Clinical Trials will be electronically searched to collect randomized controlled trials regarding the efficacy of masks for influenza in the community through Apr 2020. Two researchers independently screened and evaluated the obtained studies and extracted the outcome indexes. Revman 5.3 software will be used for the meta-analysis.

Results:

The outbreak is continuing, and we need to be prepared for a long fight. If masks are effective, we need to promote their use as soon as possible. If masks are ineffective, strong evidence should be given. This is an urgent task and our team will finish it as soon as possible.

Conclusion:

Provide stronger evidence to solve the problem, should we wear masks or not right now.
Effect of Fenugreek on vasomotor symptoms in menopausal women
Authors: Wu Tingchao , Yue Rensong , He Mingmin , Xu Chenyi
Published: June 2020

Background:

Vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes or night sweats) are closely related to the impaired quality of life in menopausal women. Fenugreek is the ripe seed of Trigonella foenum graecum Linn. In China, this plant is used to relieve menopausal symptoms in women. Although recent studies have shown that fenugreek may have a good effect on the menopausal symptoms, there is no meta-analysis to systematically evaluate its efficacy in improving menopausal vasomotor symptoms.

Methods:

Randomized controlled trials that met the inclusion criteria will be retrieved in 5 English online databases and 4 Chinese online databases. The primary outcomes are changes in frequency and intensity of vasomotor symptoms that measured by validated scales. The secondary outcomes will include quality of life, blood hormone parameters, blood biochemical parameters, and adverse events. Heterogeneity of data will be assessed by I
2 and Cochrane Q statistics. Sensitivity analysis and subgroup analysis will be performed to explore the sources of heterogeneity. Egger test and Begg test will be used to assess the publication bias. Finally, we will evaluate the quality of evidence by the GRADE approach. All the data statistics will be performed using the STATA 15.0 software.

Results:

All the results of will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.

Conclusions:

This meta-analysis will systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of fenugreek in the treatment of menopausal vasomotor symptoms.

OSF registration number:

10.17605/OSF.IO/3BCY8.
Blood DNA methylation and type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Wang Xian , Yang Jiao , Qiu Xianliang , Wen Qing , Liu Min , Chen Qiu
Published: June 2020

Background:

Epidemiology of type 2 diabetes (T2D) is affected by genetic and environmental factors. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) methylation as a kind of epigenetic mechanism has been reported to affect the pathogenesis of T2D. Both global DNA methylation and candidate genes were observed differentially methylated and identified changes. Peripheral blood biomarkers could have significant clinical utility due to the noninvasive operation and showed efficacy in measuring T2D-related DNA methylation. Moreover, due to the reversible feature of DNA methylation, it can be an effective therapy for T2D.

Methods:

This study will be conducted according to the preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis protocols 2015 statement. The protocol of this systematic review and meta-analysis was registered on international platform of registered systematic review and meta-analysis protocols (No. 202040136). The following electronic bibliographic databases will be searched from inception: EMBASE, MEDLINE, Web of Science, Cochrane Central, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang and China Science and Technology Journal Database, and Clinical Trials (ClinicalTrials.gov). A search strategy will be developed using a combination of medical subheadings words and keywords related to T2D, human peripheral blood, and DNA methylation. Two reviewers will screen the literature, and a third reviewer will adjudicate in case of disagreements. All the data will be extracted by 2 independent reviewers. The Cochrane Risk of Bias Assessment Tool will be used to assess the bias of randomized controlled studies, and the Newcastle–Ottawa scale for nonrandomized controlled studies. All the assessment will be investigated by 2 independent reviewers. The overall quality of extracted data will be assessed by using the grading of recommendations, assessment, development, and evaluation assessment tool. Disagreements and conflicts will be resolved by discussing it with a third reviewer. The narrative synthesis and meta-analysis of all evidence will be performed as the main findings analyzed.
Chinese patent medicine (Jinlong Capsule) for gastric cancer
Authors: Li Jianwei , Han Bin , Sun Guangzong , Zheng Zhong , Mu Ying , Chi Jingxia
Published: June 2020

Background:

JLC has been widely applied as a promising adjunctive drug for GC. However, the exact effects and safety of JLC have yet to be systematically investigated. We aimed to summarize the efficacy and safety of JLC for the treatment of advanced GC through the meta-analysis, in order to provide scientific reference for the design of future clinical trials.

Methods:

The protocol followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols. Relevant randomized controlled trials were searched from Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science (WOS), Excerpt Medica Database (Embase), Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), China Scientific Journal Database (VIP), and Wanfang Database. Papers in English or Chinese published from their inception to January 2020 will be included without any restrictions.

Study selection and data extraction will be performed independently by 2 investigators. The clinical outcomes including overall response rate, complete response rate, overall survival, Disease-free survival, quality of life (QoL), immune function, and adverse events, were systematically evaluated. Review Manager 5.3 and Stata 14.0 were used for data analysis, and the quality of the studies was also evaluated.

Results and conclusion:

The findings of this research will be published in a peer-reviewed journal, and provide more evidence-based guidance in clinical practice.

International Platform of Registered Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (INPLASY) registration number:

INPLASY202040105. URL: https://inplasy.com/inplasy-2020–4–0105/