bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Survey of Corneal Surgeons' Attitudes Regarding Keratoplasty Rejection Risk Associated With Vaccinations
Authors: Lockington David , Lee Barry , Jeng Bennie H. , Larkin Daniel F. P. , Hjortdal Jesper
Published: January 2021

Purpose:

To investigate the attitudes and practice of corneal specialists if patients with keratoplasty sought advice regarding common vaccinations and risk for potential graft rejection.

Methods:

An online questionnaire was posted on the Kera-net listserv and the EuCornea Web site in early 2020. Attitudes toward vaccinations and keratoplasty were obtained. Decision making for common keratoplasty (endothelial keratoplasty, deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty, and penetrating keratoplasty) scenarios at early and late time points was explored regarding the herpes zoster and influenza vaccines.

Results:

There were 142 respondents: 51.1% (70/137) specifically advise their patients with keratoplasty to get all vaccinations; 19.7% (27/137) stated clinical experience of a vaccine-associated rejection episode; 42.2% (57/135) were unaware of any such cases; and 64% (27/42) of those concerned would recommend delay if within 3 months of transplant surgery, recent corneal infection, or a recent rejection episode. The 2245 total responses to 18 clinical scenarios demonstrated wide variability in management of grafts in the setting of vaccination. Generally, 45.9% would not alter management, 26.2% would increase frequency of topical steroids, and 22.2% would recommend delay to vaccinations. Increased concern was expressed with recent surgery, live zoster vaccine and higher-risk penetrating keratoplasty scenarios.

Conclusions:

Nearly half of the respondents do not alter management in the setting of keratoplasty and zoster and/or influenza vaccinations. Anecdotal rejection episodes possibly associated with vaccinations were reported by some. Vaccine-related rejection has not been shown in higher-level research, but that has not eliminated clinical concerns. Prospective research into the true vaccine-related risks in keratoplasty is necessary if evidence-based management guidelines are to be developed or definitive reassurance provided.
The addition of autologous stem cell transplantation to neoadjuvant chemotherapy, radiation, and HIPEC for patients with unresectable desmoplastic small round cell tumor: a single center case series
Authors: Siddiqui Amir , Pinto Navin , Applebaum Mark A. , Mak Grace Z. , Cunningham John M. , LaBelle James L. , Nassin Michele L.
Published: January 2021

Desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT) is a rare, highly aggressive malignancy primarily affecting children and young adults. Although modest improvements have been gained by intensification of chemotherapy and radiation, survival of patients with DSRCT remains poor, particularly in those with unresectable or disseminated disease. We report 3 pediatric patients who were treated with a combination of therapy including chemotherapy, surgical debulking, hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy, whole abdominal irradiation, and autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation following busulfan and melphalan conditioning. We find that this approach is well tolerated and may offer improved survival in patients with DSRCT.
Psychometric Validation of the Chinese Version of Atrial Fibrillation Effect on Quality-of-Life Questionnaire Among Chinese Patients
Authors: Li Polly W.C. , Yu Doris S.F. , Yan Bryan P.
Published: January 2021

Background

The Atrial Fibrillation Effect on Quality-of-Life Questionnaire (AFEQT) is a psychometrically sound instrument for measuring disease-specific health-related quality of life in atrial fibrillation populations.

Objective

In this study we aimed to validate the Chinese version of AFEQT (AFEQT-C) among Chinese patients with atrial fibrillation.

Methods

The AFEQT was translated into Chinese according to Brislin's model. The psychometric properties of internal consistency, stability, and concurrent and factorial validity were examined in a convenience sample.

Results

A total of 200 participants (mean age, 69.8 ± 5.2 years) were recruited. The Cronbach's α of the AFEQT-C was 0.94, and item-to-total correlations ranged from 0.44 to 0.80. The test-retest reliability was supported by good to excellent intraclass correlation coefficients, which ranged from 0.68 to 0.92. The AFEQT-C scores significantly correlated with the EuroQoL 5-Dimensional Questionnaire score to support concurrent validity. Confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated a 3-factor structure and all items loaded strongly onto their respective factors.

Conclusions

The AFEQT-C is a reliable and valid measure of health-related quality of life in Chinese patients with atrial fibrillation.
Socioeconomic Factors Associated With an Intention to Work While Sick From COVID-19
Authors: Tilchin Carla , Dayton Lauren , Latkin Carl A.
Published: January 2021

Objective:

We sought to understand barriers to staying home from work when sick from COVID-19 (COVID-19 presenteeism) to understand COVID-19 health disparities and transmission and guide workplace and social policy.

Methods:

We used logistic regression models to assess which socioeconomic factors were associated with intended COVID-19 presenteeism among an online study population working outside their home in March 2020 (N = 220).

Results:

Overall, 34.5% of participants reported intended COVID-19 presenteeism. Younger individuals and individuals making over $90,000 per year were less likely to report COVID-19 presenteeism. Individuals who were worried about having enough food had 3-fold higher odds of intended COVID-19 presenteeism.

Conclusion:

Current policies around food access, paid sick leave, and other workplace protections need to be expanded and made more accessible to reduce health disparities as well as the transmission of COVID-19 and other infections.
Cryobiopsy of the Pleura
Authors: Tousheed Syed Z. , Manjunath Poojaramuddanahally Hanumantharayappa , Chandrasekar Sagar , Murali Mohan Bangalore Venkatraman , Kumar Hemanth , Hibare Kedar R. , Ramanjaneya Ranganatha
Published: January 2021

Background:

Medical thoracoscopy (rigid and semirigid pleuroscopy) has revolutionized the approach to the diagnosis of pleural disease by offering a very high diagnostic yield. Rigid pleuroscopy offers the advantages of therapeutic intervention and larger biopsy specimens, whereas semirigid pleuroscopy using a standard biopsy forceps yields smaller and more superficial pleural samples. Cryobiopsy through semirigid pleuroscope in anecdotal studies has been used to overcome these disadvantages. We compared the safety and efficacy of cryobiopsy with conventional forceps biopsy in terms of the specimen size and diagnostic yield.

Methods:

We analyzed data of 139 (87 cryobiopsies and 52 forceps biopsies) patients with undiagnosed pleural effusion who underwent pleuroscopy using a semirigid pleuroscope. A cryoprobe (ERBE, 2.4 mm) was passed through the working channel of the semirigid pleuroscope, the target area of parietal pleura was frozen for an average freezing time of 8 seconds, then the semirigid pleuroscope along with the probe was forcibly withdrawn en bloc avulsing the frozen parietal pleura. Two to 3 samples were taken from each patient.

Results:

The diagnostic yield was 99% with cryobiopsy and 96% with forceps biopsy. The average specimen size through cryoprobe (13.2±6.7; range, 7 to 35 mm) was significantly larger than with the conventional forceps (6.8±3.3; range, 2 to 15 mm) (P<0.001), and no major complications were noted.

Conclusion:

Cryobiopsy of the parietal pleura through the semirigid pleuroscope is a safe procedure with a very high diagnostic yield.
The Effect of Soft Tissue Stimulation on Skull Vibrations and Hearing Thresholds in Humans
Authors: Chordekar Shai , Perez Ronen , Adelman Cahtia , Sohmer Haim , Kishon-Rabin Liat
Published: January 2021

Hypothesis:

Hearing via soft tissue stimulation involves an osseous pathway.

Background:

A recent study that measured both hearing thresholds and skull vibrations found that vibratory stimulation of soft tissue led to hearing sensation that correlated with skull vibrations, supporting the hypothesis of an osseous pathway. It is possible, however, that a lower application force of the vibrator on the stimulated soft tissue would not be sufficient to elicit skull vibration suggesting hearing via a nonosseous pathway. The purpose of the present study was to confirm the osseous pathway by measuring skull vibrations and behavioral thresholds using a low application force on a layer of ultrasound gel. Gel was used to mimic soft tissue because of its similar acoustic impedance and to control for variability between participants.

Methods:

Hearing thresholds and the skull vibrations of five patients who were implanted with bone-anchored implants were assessed in two conditions when the bone vibrator was applied on the forehead: 1) direct application with 5N force; 2) through a layer of ultrasound gel with minimal application force. Skull vibrations were measured in both conditions by a laser Doppler vibrometer focused on the bone-anchored implant.

Results:

Skull vibrations were present even when minimal application force was applied on soft tissue. The difference in skull vibrations when the vibrator was directly on the forehead compared with the gel condition was consistent with the variability in hearing thresholds between the two conditions.

Conclusion:

These results reinforce the hypothesis that skull vibrations are involved in hearing when sound is transmitted via either soft tissue or bone.
Isolated Saccular Hydrops on High-resolution MRI Is Associated With Full Spectrum Menière's Disease
Authors: Maxwell Anne K. , Ishiyama Gail , Karnezis Stellios , Ishiyama Akira
Published: January 2021

Objective:

To describe the clinical presentation of patients with isolated saccular endolymphathic hydrops (EH) detected.

Study Design:

Clinical case series.

Setting:

University-based tertiary referral center.

Patients:

All subjects presenting with vertigo or hearing loss who had isolated saccular EH detected.

Intervention:

High-resolution delayed-contrast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) conducted between November 2015 and November 2016.

Main Outcome Measures:

Audiovestibular testing results and analysis of clinical histories.

Results:

Isolated saccular EH was detected in 18 subjects. Sixteen met criteria for definite Menière's disease (MD, n = 12) or delayed endolymphatic hydrops (DEH, n = 4). One had a history of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) and 3 years after MRI developed recurrent vertigo characteristic of DEH. One patient had a history of atypical DEH (Tumarkin falls without vertigo following SSNHL). Four patients had Tumarkin falls. Most (83%) demonstrated mild-to-severe low-frequency fluctuating loss, and six (33.3%) had a history of ipsilateral sudden profound SNHL. Nine of the 17 (53%) patients tested had an ipsilateral caloric paresis ranging from 26 to 67%. Ipsilateral vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials showed reduced or absent responses in 5 of the 17 tested (29%).

Conclusions:

The full spectrum of MD may be associated with saccular hydrops. We propose that MD and DEH often begin in the saccule, and MRI may provide clues to the pathophysiology of MD. Saccular hydrops was present in one patient with SSNHL who did not develop vertigo spells until 3 years after MRI, indicating that saccular hydrops may be the first manifestation of MD or DEH.
Impact of Reconstruction With Hydroxyapatite Bone Cement on CSF Leak Rate in Retrosigmoid Approach to Vestibular Schwannoma Resection: A Review of 196 Cases
Authors: Hwa Tiffany Peng , Luu Neil , Henry Laura E. , Naples James G. , Kaufman Adam C. , Brant Jason A. , Lee John Y. K. , Ruckenstein Michael J. , Bigelow Douglas C.
Published: January 2021

Objective:

To assess the impact of reconstructive technique on the incidence of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak following retrosigmoid approach to acoustic neuroma resection.

Study Design:

Retrospective case series.

Setting:

Academic medical center.

Patients:

A total of 1,200 patients with acoustic neuromas presented to our institution from 2005 to 2018. Of these, 196 patients underwent surgical resection via a retrosigmoid approach.

Intervention:

At our institution, internal auditory canal (IAC) reconstruction following a retrosigmoid approach was performed with bone wax and muscle plug or Norian hydroxyapatite bone cement from 2005 to 2013. Starting in 2014, a newer model of bone cement, Cranios hydroxyapatite, was used exclusively for reconstruction.

Main Outcome Measures:

Rates of CSF leak were evaluated across different methods of IAC reconstruction and types of bone cement. Patients whose leaks were attributable to the craniectomy site were excluded from analysis.

Results:

The postoperative CSF leak rate among patients who did not receive bone cement for IAC reconstruction was 15.6% (n.5). The leak rate amongst patients who received Norian bone cement was 6.3% (n.4). After introduction of Cranios bone cement, the total leak rate decreased to 1% (n.1). Compared with all other types of closure, Cranios had a significantly reduced rate of postoperative CSF leak (p < 0.005). The leak rate following Cranios versus Norian was also significantly reduced (p < 0.05). Leak rate was not affected by tumor size (p.0.30) or age (p.0.43).

Conclusion:

CSF leak rate following acoustic neuroma resection was significantly reduced by introduction of Cranios hydroxyapatite bone cement.
The effect of folate intake on ovarian cancer risk
Authors: Wang Kena , Zhang Qinwei , Yang Jianhua
Published: January 2021

Background:

Previous publications studied the correction about folate intake and ovarian cancer risk, with inconsistent results. This meta-analysis aimed to explore the association between folate intake and ovarian cancer risk using the existing published articles.

Method:

We searched for relevant studies in electronic databases of PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane, and Wanfang databases from inception to May 31, 2020. The overall relative risk (RR) and its 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were pooled using a random-effect model.

Results:

A total of 12 articles with 6304 ovarian cancer cases were suitable for the inclusion criteria. The evaluated of the ovarian cancer risk with total folate intake and dietary folate intake were reported in 6 articles and 10 articles, respectively. Overall, highest category of dietary folate intake compared with lowest category had nonsignificant association on the risk of ovarian cancer (RR = 0.90, 95% CI = 0.77–1.06). The association was not significant between total folate intake and ovarian cancer risk (RR = 1.06, 95% CI = 0.89–1.27). The results in subgroup analyses by study design and geographic location were not changed either in dietary folate intake analysis or in total folate intake analysis.

Conclusion:

Our meta-analysis demonstrates that folate intake had no significant association on the risk of ovarian cancer. Study design and geographic location were not associated with ovarian cancer while some other related factors were not investigated due to the limited information provided in each included study. Therefore, further studies are needed to verify our results.
Radiotherapy of granulomatosis with polyangiitis occurring in the eyelid
Authors: Wei Jinlong , Zhao Qin , Yao Min , Meng Lingbin , Xin Ying , Jiang Xin
Published: January 2021

Introduction:

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is a chronic systemic vasculitis characterized by necrotizing granulomatous vasculitis. The disease mainly affects the middle and small blood vessels and mainly occurs in the upper respiratory tract (nose and paranasal sinuses), lower respiratory tract (lungs), and kidneys. Disease occurrence in the eyelid area is relatively rare. The standard GPA treatment is combination therapy with adrenocortical hormone and immunosuppressants. Radiotherapy as a treatment option for GPA has not been widely investigated.

Patient concerns:

A 29-year-old man presented with a 1.0 × 1.0 cm mass without exophthalmos and decreased vision in the left lower eyelid. Computed tomography revealed a mass-like high-density shadow below the left eye with a computed tomography value of 80-108 U.

Diagnosis:

The laboratory investigations revealed positive cytoplasmic antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (titer = 1:40). Biopsy of the lower left eyelid mass revealed necrosis and granulomatous reaction with a large number of inflammatory cell infiltration. After consultation with the pathology department, the diagnosis was determined as left lower eyelid GPA.

Interventions:

The patient received 9MeV electron beam radiation therapy in the area of the left lower eyelid lesion.

Outcomes:

The lesion in the patient was significantly reduced and the symptom relieved obviously. No symptom recurrence or significant toxicity occurred during or after the treatment. The patient remains under routine follow-up.

Conclusion:

We present a case of a male patient with GPA located exclusively in the eyelid area, who underwent successful radiotherapy and achieved a complete response. The lesson we learned from this case study is that for GPA patients, when the standard treatment model fails to achieve good results, novel treatments such as radiotherapy should be considered according to the situation.
Vitamin A supplementation prevents the bronchopulmonary dysplasia in premature infants
Authors: Ding Yueqin , Chen Zhifeng , Lu Yanling
Published: January 2021

Background:

It is necessary to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of vitamin A supplementation on the bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in premature infants.

Methods:

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the role of supplemental vitamin A in preterm infants were searched. The Medline et al databases were manually searched from inception to April 30, 2020. Related outcomes including incidence of BPD, retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), sepsis and mortality were assessed with Review Manager 5.3 software, and Random-effect model was applied for all conditions.

Results:

A total of 9 RCTs with 1409 patients were included. The analyzed results showed that the incidence of BPD in vitamin A group was significantly less than that of control group (OR = 0.67, 95%CI [0.52–0.88]). There was no significant difference in the incidence of ROP (OR = 0.65, 95%CI [0.29–1.48]), NEC (OR = 0.88, 95%CI [0.59–1.30]), IVH (OR = 0.90, 95%CI [0.65–1.25]), sepsis (OR = 0.84, 95%CI [0.64–1.09]) and mortality (OR = 0.98, 95%CI [0.72–1.34]) among two groups.

Conclusion:

Vitamin A supplementation is beneficial to the prophylaxis of BPD in premature infants, further studies on the administration approaches and dosages of vitamin A in premature infants are warranted.
LncRNA NEAT1 promotes proliferation of ovarian cancer cells and angiogenesis of co-incubated human umbilical vein endothelial cells by regulating FGF9 through sponging miR-365
Authors: Yuan Jialing , Yi Ke , Yang Lingyun
Published: January 2021

Objective:

To uncover the function of lncRNA NEAT1 in ovarian cancer (OC) cells and its mechanism.

Methods:

The expression patterns of lncRNA NEAT1 and FGF9 in human OC cells and human ovarian epithelial cells was determined. OC cells were transfected with sh-NEAT1, pcDNA3.1-NEAT1, miR-365 mimic, miR-365 inhibitor or pcDNA3.1-NEAT1 + sh-NEAT1 before cell proliferation rate and cell clone formation rate were measured. After the transfected OC cells were co-cultivated with human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), Matrigel angiogenesis assay tested angiogenesis of HUVECs; qRT-PCR and Western blot tested the expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), angiogenin 1 (Ang-1) and matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2). Dual-luciferase reporter assay determined the targeted binding of NEAT1 and FGF9 to miR-365.

Results:

LncRNA NEAT1 and FGF9 are over-expressed in OC cells. Knockdown of NEAT1 or FGF9, or over-expression of miR-365 results in decreased proliferation rate and cell clones as well as inhibited angiogenesis and down-regulated expressions of VEGF, Ang-1 and MMP2. Over-expression of NEAT1 or knockdown of miR-365 can reverse the effect caused by FGF9 knockdown. NEAT1 can down-regulate the expression of miR-365 while up-regulating that of FGF9. Dual-luciferase reporter assay determined that NEAT1 competes with FGF9 for binding to miR-365.

Conclusion:

LncRNA NEAT1 up-regulates FGF9 by sponging miR-365, thus promoting OC cell proliferation and angiogenesis of HUVECs.
Effect of moxibustion on quality of life after chemotherapy in patients with the malignant tumor
Authors: Tao Dan , Xu Jingyu , Zou Shuyuan , Tan Yanfu , Ai Shuangchun
Published: January 2021

Background:

The quality of life of patients with malignant tumor can be affected by the severity and treatment of the disease. After chemotherapy, the main symptoms are gastrointestinal reactions, including nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and so on, and hematologic response including leukopenia, anemia, and bleeding in severe cases. Currently, moxibustion is conducted to improve the living life of patients after chemotherapy. This article will make a comprehensive and objective discussion in terms of the effect of moxibustion on quality of life after chemotherapy in patients with malignant tumors.

Methods:

After searching the Chinese database (CNKI, VIP, Wanfang Database, and Chinese Biomedical Database) and English database (PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library Web of Science), Meta-analysis was performed according to the randomized controlled trial of moxibustion after chemotherapy in patients with malignant tumors. The retrieval time was limited from the time of building the repository to October 2020. Two researchers independently conducted data extraction and quality evaluation of literature on the included studies, and RevMan5.3 was used for Meta-analysis on the included literature.

Results:

After analyzing the included literature, this study suggested that by combining chemotherapy with moxibustion, the adverse reactions such as nausea, vomiting, appetite, and insomnia can be relieved. Meanwhile, the psychological burden of patients can be alleviated to a certain extent. Therefore, moxibustion can improve the overall health level and quality of life of patients with malignant tumors.

Conclusion:

This study will provide evidence-based medical evidence that moxibustion can improve the quality of life after chemotherapy and reduce chemotherapy's adverse reactions in patients with malignant tumors.

Ethics and dissemination:

Private information from individuals will not be published. This systematic review also does not involve endangering participant rights. Ethical approval was not required. The results may be published in a peer-reviewed journal or disseminated at relevant conferences.

OSF Registration number:

DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/Q5NYM.
Effectiveness and safety of different dressings therapy for pressure injuries
Authors: Cai Yitong , Zhou Yuying , Xing Lina , Kang Yingying , Li Hailing , Cheng Peng , Wang Yujuan
Published: January 2021

Background:

Pressure injuries, also known as pressure ulcers, are local skin injuries. Once a pressure injury occurs, clinical treatment is relatively difficult, the treatment cycle is long, and the treatment cost is high, which brings heavy burdens to patients and society. Therefore, look for a reliable pressure injuries treatment method is 1 of the focus of clinical nursing workers.

Objective:

At present, there are many kinds of dressings to treat pressure injuries, and there is no uniform conclusion about which dressing is the most effective. Therefore, we systematically evaluate the effects of different dressings on the treatment of pressure injuries.

Methods:

We systematically searched the Chinese and English databases: PubMed, Embase, CENTRAL, CINAHL, Web of Science, CNKI, CBM, VIP, Wan Fang. Literature screening, data extraction, and quality evaluation were carried out by 2 researchers, and finally, use R software to carry out network meta-analysis.

Results:

This study is ongoing and the results will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal for publication.

Ethics and dissemination:

Ethical approval is not applicable, since this is an overview based on published articles.

Protocol registration number:

INPLASY2020100087.
Renal tissue elasticity by acoustic radiation force impulse
Authors: Lee Alan , Joo Dong Jin , Han Woong Kyu , Jeong Hyeon Joo , Oh Min Jung , Kim Yu Seun , Oh Young Taik
Published: January 2021

Background:

Some studies reported the correlations between renal parenchymal stiffness measured by transient elastography or acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) and the extent of interstitial fibrosis. This study was prospectively designed to evaluate the correlation between clinical, histological findings and the kidney shear wave velocity (SWV, m/s) assessed by ARFI elastography to identify factors affecting the kidney SWV in normal patients.

Methods:

Seventy-three adult living kidney transplantation donors were enrolled in our center between September 2010 and January 2013. Before transplantation, all donors were evaluated by ARFI elastography to identify the range of SWV in kidneys. Time-zero biopsies were performed on all graft kidneys before implantation.

Results:

Mean age of donors was 42.0 ± 11.3 years. The mean SWV and depth were 2.21 ± 0.58 m/s and 5.37 ± 1.06 cm. All histological findings showed mild degree of the Banff score, only grade I. In univariate analyses, the SWV was not associated with all histological parameters. Age (r = -0.274, P = .019) diastolic blood pressure (DBP, r = -0.255, P = .030) and depth for SWV measurement (r = -0.345, P = .003) were significantly correlated with the SWV. In multivariate linear regression analysis, age, gender, body mass index (BMI), and depth for SWV measurement were significantly correlated with the SWV (P = .003, .005, .002, and .004, respectively).

Conclusions:

We demonstrated that all histological findings are not correlated with the SWV of donor kidney. Otherwise, factors influencing the kidney SWV assessed by ARFI elastography are age, gender, BMI, and depth for the SWV measurement in donors for kidney transplantation.
The coronavirus disease of 2019 pandemic-associated stress among medical students in middle east respiratory syndrome-CoV endemic area
Authors: Batais Mohammed A. , Temsah Mohamad-Hani , AlGhofili Hesham , AlRuwayshid Nawaf , Alsohime Fahad , Almigbal Turky H. , Al-Rabiaah Abdulkarim , Al-Eyadhy Ayman A. , Mujammami Muhammad Hussain , Halwani Rabih , Jamal Amr A. , Somily Ali Mohammed
Published: January 2021

The coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic significantly affected different life aspects, including healthcare communities and academic institutes. We aimed to assess the level of stress and risk factors among medical students and interns during the COVID-19 pandemic in the setting of the middle east respiratory syndrome -CoV endemic area.

A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted on a randomly selected sample of medical students and interns. The questionnaire was anonymously self-administered to indicate perceive hygienic practice change, importance of viral prevention domestic hygiene, perceive adequacy of received information, perceived agreement to facilitators to alleviate covid stress, self-reported stress level, and generalized anxiety disorder score.

A total of 322 returned the questionnaire (69.7% response rate). Participants had good knowledge regarding severe acute respiratory syndrome -CoV2 in multiple aspects, with an average score of 13.8 out of 14. Two-thirds (62.4%) of the students experienced mild anxiety, (23.9%) had moderate anxiety, (6.8%) had clinically high anxiety level, and another (6.8%) had a clinically very high anxiety level. The stress level, as reported by the respondents (on a 1-10 scale), showed a correlation with the Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale. We observed an increased level of social avoidance and hygienic practice facilitated by availability of hand sanitizers. Majority of the students receive information regarding COVID-19 from reliable and official resources

Most students reported mild to moderate levels of anxiety, and was associated with enhancement of their universal precaution measures. The availability of alcohol-based hand sanitizers and the off-campus study were great relievers. The importance of reliable pandemic resources in educating students during pandemics is emphasized. Furthermore, this study indicate the importance of students’ support services to address mental health and students’ wellbeing in the era of pandemics.
Traditional Chinese medicine for gouty arthritis
Authors: Pu Meng-jun , Yao Cheng-jiao , Liu Li-ming , Ren Li-jun , Li Yong-li , Xie Yan
Published: January 2021

Background:

Gouty arthritis (GA) is a chronic disease caused by monosodium urate crystal deposition. Repeated attacks of arthritis may lead to the deposition of urate to form gout stone, resulting in joint deformity and joint damage. Although GA is not fatal, it causes low work productivity and low quality of life. Western drug, such as febuxostat, colchicine, allopurinol, often cannot get satisfying curative effect, and may even lead to serious side effects, such as exfoliative dermatitis or uremia. However, the therapeutic effect of Traditional Chinese medicine is very satisfactory. The treatment effect of simiao powder, a Chinese patent medicine, combined with acupuncture was widely used on treatment of GA. Although it has been widely used in clinical practice, its relative effectiveness and safety have not been confirmed. Therefore, this study will use meta-analysis to verify the efficacy and safety of simiao powder combined with acupuncture in the treatment of GA.

Methods:

All randomized controlled trial of simiao powder combined with acupuncture for the treatment of RA from their inception 29 October, 2020 will be searched form the China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Database, Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, Pubmed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane library. Two authors will independently select studies, extract data based on pre-designed inclusion and exclusion criteria. Methodological quality assessment and risk of bias will be assessed using Cochrane bias risk tool. All data analysis will be conducted using Revman5.3, WinBUGS 1.4.3, and Stata14.2 software.

Results:

We will compare the different outcome indicators of various studies to provide a synthesis of the efficacy and safety of Simiao powder combined with acupuncture for GA patients. The main outcome measures included efficacy, remission rate (no drug symptoms), recurrence rate, clinical absolute score and relative score. Secondary outcome measures included related adverse reactions and uric acid concentration.

Conclusion:

The findings of the study will provide helpful evidence for the efficacy and safety of simiao powder combined with acupuncture in the treatment of GA.

Registration number:

This study protocol have been funded through a protocol registry. The registry number is INPLASY2020110028
Association study of single nucleotide polymorphism in tryptophan hydroxylase 1 gene with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis
Authors: Li Junyu , Yang Zexi , Yu Miao
Published: January 2021

Background:

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is a common spinal deformity among children and adolescents worldwide with its etiology uncertain. Over a decade, a single nucleotide polymorphism rs10488682 in tryptophan hydroxylase 1 (TPH1) gene has been investigated in several association studies. We perform this study to summarize the current evidence of TPH1 rs10488682 polymorphisms and adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS).

Methods:

Six databases were systematically searched: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Chinese Biomedical Literature, and Wanfang database. Eligible case–control studies related to TPH1 and AIS were selected. Reference lists of them were reviewed for more available studies. Two authors independently screened and evaluated the literature and extracted data. The odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were derived in association tests. Subgroup analysis was conducted by ethnicity. Sensitivity analysis was performed to examine the stability of the overall results.

Results:

A total of 1006 cases and 1557 controls in 3 independent studies were included for meta-analysis. Statistical significance was discovered in heterozygote model (AT vs AA: OR = 1.741, 95%Cl = 1.100–2.753, P = .018 < .05, I
2 = 0%), recessive model (AA vs AT + TT: OR = 0.640, 95%Cl = 0.414–0.990, P = .045 < .05, I
2 = 0%) and over-dominant model (AT vs AA + TT: OR = 1.366, 95%Cl = 1.115–1.673, P = .003 < .05, I
2 = 84.7%) in overall populations. Similar associations were also found in the Caucasian population. No significant associations were found in other genotypic comparisons and allelic comparisons.

Conclusions:

Statistically significant correlations were discovered between the TPH1 rs10488682 polymorphisms and AIS. Heterozygous AT genotype seems to be risky with an over-dominant effect. Ethnicity appears to modify the disease association.

Registration:

Not applicable.
Nursing intervention using healing touch in total knee replacement
Authors: Liu Pingfang , Yao Juan , Qiu Chengfeng
Published: January 2021

Objective:

To assess the efficacy of healing touch (HT) for reducing pain and promoting wound healing in patients undergoing total knee replacement (TKR).

Method:

The experiment will be implemented from December 2020 to December 2021 and was granted through the Research Ethics Committee of Huaihua First People's Hospital (3928/823). 60 patients are included in the study. The recruitment criteria of patients includes:

The exclusionary criteria includes

The measurement of pain is conducted by the visual analog scale, while the levels of anxiety is measured with the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. For all data, they are analyzed through using the software of IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, version 20 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA).

Results:

Table 1 indicates the comparison of clinical outcomes between the control group and study group.

Conclusion:

HT appears to reduce the postoperative pain and improve patient satisfaction after TKR.
Comparison of clinical outcomes and spino-pelvic sagittal balance in degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis
Authors: Li Renjie , Shao Xiaofeng , Li Xuefeng , Liu Yijie , Jiang Weimin
Published: January 2021

Spino-pelvic sagittal parameters are closely related to the lumbar degenerative diseases. The present study aims to compare clinical results and spino-pelvic sagittal balance treated with oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) in patients with degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis at single segment.

We retrospectively reviewed and compared 28 patients who underwent OLIF (OLIF group) and 35 who underwent TLIF (TLIF group). Radiological results were evaluated with disc height (DH), foraminal height (FH), fused segment lordosis (FSL), lumbar lordosis (LL), pelvic tilt (PT), pelvic incidence (PI), and sacral slope (SS). Clinical results were evaluated with the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and VAS for back and leg pain.

The OLIF group showed higher improvement of DH and FH than the TLIF group at all time points after surgery (P < .05). No significant differences were found in PT, PI, and SS between the 2 groups (P > .05). Significant restoration of spino-pelvic sagittal balance was observed in the 2 groups after surgery. Significant differences in postoperative lumbar lordosis and fused segment lordosis were found between the 2 groups (P < .05). Significant difference in the improvement of symptoms was observed between the 2 groups. The OLIF group had lower VAS scores for back pain and ODI compared after surgery (P < .05).

It can be concluded that there are exactly differences in improvement of radiographic parameters between 2 approaches, which confirmed that OLIF is better in restoring spinal alignment. Besides, due to the unique minimally invasive approach, OLIF did exhibit a greater advantage in early recovery after surgery.
Immunotherapy vs platinum for advanced or metastatic thymic carcinoma
Authors: Qian Jiekun , Tong Zhangwei , Zhang Yannan , Chen Chun
Published: January 2021

Background:

Thymic carcinoma is a rare malignancy, and platinum-based chemotherapy has not previously been established as a standard treatment for advanced or metastatic thymic carcinoma. With the breakthrough and progress of immunotherapy, the possibility of curing thymic carcinoma has greatly increased. Some clinical trials have reported that compared with traditional platinum-based chemotherapy, the use of programmed death 1 and programmed death ligand 1 inhibitors alone can benefit patients and effectively prolong their overall survival. We compare the efficacy of single immunotherapy with traditional platinum-based chemotherapy in a systematic review and meta-analysis to provide a reliable basis for clinicians.

Methods:

Pubmed (Medline), Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Google Scholar will be searched for relevant randomised controlled trials, quasi- randomised controlled trials, and Hi-Q(high quality) prospective cohort trials published or unpublished in any language before March 1, 2021. Subgroup analysis will be performed in tumor pathological stage and ethnicity. INPLASY registration number: INPLASY2020110060.

Results:

The results of this study will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.

Conclusion:

The results of this systematic review and meta-analysis will provide a basis for clinicians to formulate the best chemotherapy regimen for patients, as well as a research clue for clinical researchers in this field. The results of this study will expand the treatment options for thymic carcinoma, but due to the nature of the disease and intervention, large sample clinical trials are not abundant, so we will include some high-quality small sample trials, which may cause high heterogeneity.

INPLASY registration number:

INPLASY2020110060
Effectiveness and safety of different doses of tenecteplase in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Chen Guanfeng , Bai Chunfeng , Zhu Zhou , Li Junheng , Shao Sen
Published: January 2021

Background:

Tenecteplase is a modified recombinant tissue-plasminogen activator, which is effective and safe in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke. However, the therapeutic dose of tenecteplase has been controversial. The purpose of this study is to systematically investigate the efficacy and safety of different doses of tenecteplase thrombolytic therapy for acute ischemic stroke.

Methods:

Computer retrieval of English databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library) and Chinese databases (CNKI, Wanfang, Viper, and Chinese Biomedical Database) is conducted for a randomized controlled clinical study on thrombolytic treatment of acute ischemic stroke with different doses of tenecteplase from the establishment of the database to October 2020. Two researchers independently conduct data extraction and literature quality evaluation on the quality of the included studies, and meta-analysis is conducted on the included literatures using RevMan5.3 software.

Outcome:

In this study, National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score scale, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (SICH) incidence, All-cause mortality, and so on are used to evaluate the efficacy and safety of tenecteplase thrombolytic therapy in acute ischemic stroke with different doses.

Conclusion:

This study will provide reliable evidence-based evidence for the clinical application of different doses of tenecteplase in thrombolytic therapy for acute ischemic stroke.

OSF Registration number:

DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/2MPCW.
Diagnostic accuracy of different computer-aided diagnostic systems for prostate cancer based on magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Xing Xiping , Zhao Xinke , Wei Huiping , Li Yingdong
Published: January 2021

Background:

Computer-aided detection (CAD) system for accurate and automated prostate cancer (PCa) diagnosis have been developed, however, the diagnostic test accuracy of different CAD systems is still controversial. This systematic review aimed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of CAD systems based on magnetic resonance imaging for PCa.

Methods:

Cochrane library, PubMed, EMBASE and China Biology Medicine disc were systematically searched until March 2019 for original diagnostic studies. Two independent reviewers selected studies on CAD based on magnetic resonance imaging diagnosis of PCa and extracted the requisite data. Pooled sensitivity, specificity, and the area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve were calculated to estimate the diagnostic accuracy of CAD system.

Results:

Fifteen studies involving 1945 patients were included in our analysis. The diagnostic meta-analysis showed that overall sensitivity of CAD system ranged from 0.47 to 1.00 and, specificity from 0.47 to 0.89. The pooled sensitivity of CAD system was 0.87 (95% CI: 0.76–0.94), pooled specificity 0.76 (95% CI: 0.62–0.85), and the area under curve (AUC) 0.89 (95% CI: 0.86–0.91). Subgroup analysis showed that the support vector machines produced the best AUC among the CAD classifiers, with sensitivity ranging from 0.87 to 0.92, and specificity from 0.47 to 0.95. Among different zones of prostate, CAD system produced the best AUC in the transitional zone than the peripheral zone and central gland; sensitivity ranged from 0.89 to 1.00, and specificity from 0.38 to 0.85.

Conclusions:

CAD system can help improve the diagnostic accuracy of PCa especially using the support vector machines classifier. Whether the performance of the CAD system depends on the specific locations of the prostate needs further investigation.
Acupuncture for postoperative delirium (POD)
Authors: Joo Chanwoo , Lee Seunghoon , Kang Jung Won , Lee Jae-Dong
Published: January 2021

Background:

Postoperative delirium (POD) is a form of delirium that is newly diagnosed after a surgical procedure. This study aims to examine the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture treatment for POD in patients who underwent surgery.

Methods:

Randomized controlled trials for patients diagnosed with POD using validated delirium assessment scales will be included in this review. Electronic databases, such as MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, CINAHL (English DB), CNKI, Wanfang, VIP (Chinese database), KoreaMed, RISS, KISS, DBpia, OASIS (Korean DB), and J-STAGE (Japanese DB) will be searched without language limitation from their inception to October 2020. The intervention group will include patients who have received any type of acupuncture treatment for POD. The control group will include individuals with no treatment, sham acupuncture treatment, and conventional treatment. The primary outcome is the incidence of POD in each study. Quality assessment will be performed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. A meta-analysis will be performed to pool the estimated effect.

Conclusion:

This study will provide evidence for acupuncture as a potential treatment for POD, in researchers, patients, and policy makers.

Dissemination:

The result of the study will be disseminated through posters, press releases, conference presentations, and peer-reviewed papers.

Trial registration number:

OSF 2020: (https://osf.io/usvdg)
Identification and prognostic value of a glycolysis-related gene signature in patients with bladder cancer
Authors: Wu Zhengyuan , Wen Zhenpei , Li Zhengtian , Yu Miao , Ye Guihong
Published: January 2021

Bladder cancer (BC) is one of the most common malignancies worldwide. Several biomarkers related to the prognosis of patients with BC have previously been identified. However, these prognostic models use only one gene and are thus not reliable or accurate enough. The purpose of our study was to develop an innovative gene signature that has greater prognostic value in BC. So, in this study, we performed mRNA expression profiling of glycolysis-related genes in BC (n = 407) cohorts by mining data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. The glycolysis-related gene sets were confirmed using the Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA). Using Cox regression analysis, a risk score staging model was built based on the genes that were determined to be significantly associated with BC outcome. Eventually, the system of risk score was structured to predict a patient's survival, and we identified four genes (CHPF, AK3, GALK1, and NUP188) that were associated with the outcomes of BC patients. According to the above-mentioned gene signature, patients were divided into two risk subgroups. The analysis showed that our constructed risk model was independent of clinical features and that the risk score was a highly powerful tool for predicting the overall survival (OS) of BC patients. Taking together, we identified a gene signature associated with glycolysis that could effectively predict the prognosis of BC patients. Our findings offer a new perspective for the clinical research and treatment of BC.
Effect of blood transfusion during cesarean section on postpartum hemorrhage in a tertiary hospital over a 4-year period
Authors: Zhou Changqing , Zhang Li , Bao Yang , Li Ling , Zhang Ting , Zhang Xiyan , Wang Chunling
Published: January 2021

Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is the leading cause of maternal morbidity and death worldwide. The history of cesarean section and the occurrence of placenta previa were significantly associated with the increase in blood transfusion. Therefore, to prevent PPH, it is important to understand the effect of blood transfusion during cesarean section on postpartum hemorrhage. The purpose of this study is to determine the cause of blood transfusion during cesarean section, especially large amounts of blood transfusion, and to take measures to reduce the blood demand caused by PPH with limited blood supply.

This study was a retrospective study of patients who underwent blood transfusion during cesarean section in Qilu Hospital of Shandong University (China) from January 2013 to December 2016. Red blood cell infusion ≥10 U during cesarean section was defined as massive blood transfusion. The study collected the demographics of pregnant women, obstetric characteristics and reasons for blood transfusions, as well as blood components and blood transfusion results. Multivariate regression analysis was performed for evaluating the risk factors of PPN.

From 2013 to 2016, a total of 587 patients received blood transfusions during cesarean section. The proportion of women receiving blood transfusion during cesarean section increased (from 3.21% to 7.40%, P < .001). The history of cesarean section (P = .005) and the occurrence of placenta previa were positively correlated with the increase in blood transfusion (P = .016). There were 72 cases of massive blood transfusion, accounting for 12.27% of blood transfusion patients. Among mass blood transfusions, 93.1% of cases had prior cesarean delivery, and placenta previa accounted for 95.8%. 19.4% of patients receiving massive blood transfusions underwent hysterectomy. There was no significant difference in maternal BMI and gestational age between the mass blood transfusion group and the non-mass blood transfusion group.

From 2013 to 2016, the demand for blood transfusion, especially the demand for massive blood transfusion, increased. Repeated cesarean section and placental previa combined with uterine scar are positively correlated with increased blood transfusion. Reducing the initial cesarean section should help reduce the massive blood transfusion caused by placenta previa with a history of cesarean section.