bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Scrub Typhus-Associated Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis: Not a Rare Entity in Pediatric Age Group
Authors: Basu Ankika , Chowdhoury Satyabrata Roy , Sarkar Mihir , Khemka Arpita , Mondal Rakesh , Datta Kalpana , Mondal Kalyanbrata
Published: January 2021

Background

Our goal was to study the demographic, clinical and laboratory profile and outcome of scrub typhus-associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) in the pediatric age group.

Methods

We conducted a prospective observational study in a tertiary care teaching hospital over a period of 1 year. Children in the age group of 1 month to 12 years with IgM ELISA positive for scrub typhus were included in the study. HLH was diagnosed using HLH-2004 criteria. Demographic, clinical and laboratory profile, treatment and outcome of HLH patients were noted and also compared with non-HLH scrub typhus patients.

Results

Among 58 children with scrub typhus infection, 18 had HLH. The mean age of patients with HLH was 35.3 ± 44.8 months and 61% were male. Anemia, thrombocytopenia and hyperferritinemia were seen in all the patients. Hypertriglyceridemia, hypofibrinogenemia and coagulopathy were noted in 78%, 56% and 44%, respectively. All the patients were treated with intravenous doxycycline for an average duration of 9.5 days. Intravenous immunoglobulin and methylprednisolone were given in 33% and 22% cases, respectively. Complications like acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) (p = 0.001) and MODS (p = 0.004) were significantly high in the HLH group. Younger age (<3 years), fever > 7 days, presence of convulsion, ARDS and MODS were the clinical predictors of scrub typhus-associated HLH.

Conclusion

HLH in scrub typhus infected children is being increasingly recognized. Younger age, prolonged fever, presence of convulsion, ARDS and MODS should alert clinicians of the risk of HLH. Treating the primary cause usually cures the disease and immunomodulator therapy need not be routinely administered.
Melanin production in coelomycetous agents of black grain eumycetoma
Authors: Lim Wilson , Parel Florianne , de Hoog Sybren , Verbon Annelies , van de Sande Wendy W J
Published: January 2021

Background

Eumycetoma is a fungal infection characterised by the formation of black grains by causative agents. The melanin biosynthetic pathways used by the most common causative agents of black-grain mycetoma are unknown and unravelling them could identify potential new therapeutic targets.

Method

Melanin biosynthetic pathways in the causative fungi were identified by the use of specific melanin inhibitors.

Results

In Trematosphaeria grisea and Falciformispora tompkinsii, 1,8-dihydroxynaphthalene (DHN)-melanin synthesis was inhibited, while DHN-, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA)- and pyo-melanin were inhibited in Medicopsis romeroi and Falciformispora senegalensis.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that Me. romeroi and F. senegalensis synthesise DHN-, DOPA- and pyo-melanin, while T. grisea and F. tompkinsii only synthesise DHN-melanin.
The Effectiveness of the SKINCARE Bundle in Preventing Medical-Device Related Pressure Injuries in Critical Care Units: A Clinical Trial
Authors: Tayyib Nahla , Asiri Mousa Yahya , Danic Sanja , Sahi Sharmaine L. , Lasafin Joem , Generale Leah Flor , Malubay Ana , Viloria Peter , Palmere Marie Grace , Parbo Angelica Rose , Aguilar Kethleen Eingie , Licuanan Patty Mae , Reyes Marinette
Published: January 2021

OBJECTIVE

To examine the impact of a medical device-related pressure injury (MDRPI) prevention bundle/mnemonic on the incidence of acquired MDRPIs in critically ill patients.

METHODS

This study used a prospective, single-arm, open-label clinical design and was carried out from January to April 2020 in CCUs in a Saudi Arabian tertiary hospital. All participants received the SKINCARE bundle intervention, which is based on the best available evidence for MDRPI prevention in CCUs. The primary outcome was the development of MDRPI.

RESULTS

The MDRPI cumulative incidence was significantly lower after the implementation of the SKINCARE bundle (0.89%, 90% lower than historic incidence).

CONCLUSIONS

The SKINCARE bundle demonstrates significant improvement of skin care through decreased cumulative incidence of acquired MDRPI.
Insufficient Lactation Leading to Postpartum Diagnosis of Placenta Accreta Spectrum Disorder in a Primigravid Patient
Authors: Knill Courtney N. , Crandall R. Scott , Jurus Derek T.
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND:

Placenta accreta spectrum is most commonly diagnosed antenatally or at the time of delivery, but it may also present in the postpartum period.

CASE:

A 29-year-old primigravid patient without risk factors for placenta accreta spectrum had an uncomplicated vaginal birth with normal blood loss and delivery of an intact-appearing placenta. Five days postpartum, she was not lactating and uterine imaging to evaluate for retained products of conception was suspicious for placenta accreta spectrum. She began to develop bleeding in the following days and elected for definitive management. She underwent an uncomplicated hysterectomy on postpartum day 16 and began lactating on postoperative day 1.

CONCLUSION:

Retained placenta should be included in the differential diagnosis when lactation is insufficient.
Revisiting Gillies’ “Cocked Hat” Reconstruction for Thumb Reconstruction
Authors: Pulos Nicholas , Jones E. Ladd
Published: January 2021

A technique for reconstructing a thumb following amputation through the metacarpal phalangeal joint is described. This technique was first described by Gillies and involves bony augmentation with iliac crest bone graft to lengthen the first ray and a random pattern flap to cover and provide durable sensate soft tissue coverage. As opposed to more commonly performed procedures, this technique does not involve microsurgery or any specialized equipment. There are several limitations to this technique, but it remains a good option where resources do not allow more modern reconstructive procedures. We present our use of the technique, which was performed at a forward operating base for a coalition service member.
Retrospective analysis of sentinel lymph node biopsy using methylene blue dye for early breast cancer
Authors: Yang Shan , Xiang Hong-Yu , Xin Ling , Zhang Hong , Zhang Shuang , Cheng Yuan-Jia , Liu Qian , Xu Ling , Li Ting , Duan Xue-Ning , Ye Jing-Ming , Liu Yin-Hua
Published: January 2021

Background

Methylene blue is the most commonly used tracer for sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy (SLNB) in China. This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of clinical application of SLNB using methylene blue dye (MBD) for early breast cancer and the prognosis of patients with different SLN and non-SLN statuses.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the clinicopathological data of patients with early breast cancer treated at the Peking University First Hospital between 2013 and 2018. We calculated the SLN identification rate (IR) in SLNB with MBD and the false-negative rate (FNR), and analyzed the prognosis of patients with different SLN and non-SLN statuses using Kaplan-Meier curves.

Results

Between January 2013 and December 2018, 1603 patients with early breast cancer underwent SLNB with MBD. The SLN IR was 95.8% (1536/1603). Two SLNs (median) were detected per patient. There were significant differences in FNR between patients with SLN micrometastasis and macrometastasis (19.0% vs. 4.5%, χ
2 = 12.771, P < 0.001). Chi-square test showed that there were significant differences in SLN successful detection rates among patients with different vascular tumor embolism status (96.3% vs. 90.8%, χ
2 = 9.013, P = 0.003) and tumor (T) stages (96.6% vs. 94.1%, χ
2 = 5.189, P = 0.023). Multivariate analysis showed that vascular tumor embolism was the only independent factor for SLN successful detection (odds ratio: 0.440, 95% confidence interval: 0.224−0.862, P = 0.017). Survival analysis showed a significant difference in disease-free survival (DFS) between patients with non-SLN metastasis and patients without non-SLN metastasis (P = 0.006).

Conclusion

Our single-center data show that, as a commonly used tracer in SLNB in China, MBD has an acceptable SLN IR and a low FNR in frozen sections. This finding is consistent with reports of dual tracer-guided SLNB. Positive SLNs with non-SLN metastasis are associated with DFS.
Factors associated with an increased risk of instrumental vaginal delivery in women with epidural analgesia for labour
Authors: Au-Yong Phui Sze , Tan Chin Wen , Tan Wee How , Tan Kah Heng , Goh Zhaohan , Sultana Rehena , Sng Ban Leong
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND

Epidural analgesia is the most effective form of labour analgesia, but is associated with an increased risk of instrumental delivery.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate factors that are associated with an increased risk of instrumental delivery.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort data study.

SETTING

Singapore's major public maternity institution.

PATIENTS

All obstetric patients who received labour epidural analgesia for vaginal delivery between January 2012 to December 2015.

INTERVENTION

None.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Our primary outcome was the incidence of instrumental delivery.

RESULTS

Out of 17 227 pregnant women who received labour epidural analgesia, 12% (n = 2069) had instrumental delivery. Independent factors associated with an increased risk of instrumental delivery included maternal factors [nulliparity (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2.97, 95% CI 2.61 to 3.39, P < 0.0001] and advanced maternal age (aOR 1.04, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.05, P < 0.0001)). Greater maternal height (aOR 0.18, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.40), P < 0.0001) was associated with a reduced risk of instrumental delivery. Significant labour-related factors increasing the risk of an instrumental delivery were the use of prostin (aOR 1.19, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.32, P = 0.0014), pre-epidural analgesia (aOR 1.16, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.28, P = 0.0040), a longer second stage of labour (aOR 1.23, 95% CI 1.20 to 1.26, P < 0.0001), higher infant birth weight (aOR 1.27, 95% CI 1.12 to 1.43, P = 0.0002) and an epidural performed by a senior anaesthetist (aOR 1.94, 95% CI 1.72 to 2.18, P < 0.0001). Labour epidural-related factors for an increased risk of instrumental delivery were the occurrence of breakthrough pain (aOR 1.55, 95% CI 1.37 to 1.76, P < 0.0001), a more dense motor block (aOR 1.14, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.25, P = 0.0097) and having an epidural infusion stopped at full cervical dilatation (aOR 1.18, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.32, P = 0.0048) [receiver operating characteristic (ROC) = 0.75].

CONCLUSIONS

The multivariate model generated would help identify women at higher risk of instrumental delivery, which can help clinicians to address potentially modifiable factors and improve clinical care.
Breast Reconstruction Using the Lateral Thoracic, Thoracodorsal, and Intercostal Arteries Perforator Flaps
Authors: Mangialardi Maria Lucia , Baldelli Ilaria , Salgarello Marzia , Raposio Edoardo
Published: January 2021

Background:

Breast-conserving surgery followed by radiotherapy represents the standard of care for early-stage breast cancer. The aim of this article was to provide a review of the literature about the use of the lateral thoracic artery perforator (LTAP) flap, the lateral thoracodorsal (LTD) flap, and the lateral intercostal artery perforator (LICAP) flap in lateral partial breast defect.

Methods:

A literature search was performed via PubMed, Medline, and Cochrane. Patient’s characteristics, topography and size of breast defect, flap size and design, number of perforators, and operative time were analyzed. Aesthetic and patient-reported outcomes, postoperative complications, and donor site morbidity were also registered.

Results:

Thirteen articles fulfilled inclusion criteria, and 432 patients were included. Different flap designs and flap combinations were described. Satisfactory outcomes were reported for between 78% and 100% of cases. Patient satisfaction ranged from 75.8% to 92.5% of cases. The overall complication rate was 9.25%, and donor site morbidity was very low (3.7%).

Conclusions:

A distinct advantage of LTAP, LTD, and LICAP flap reconstruction is that the thoracodorsal pedicle is not sacrificed, not compromising eventual delayed breast reconstruction with TDAP or latissimus dorsi flaps. This staged approach to partial breast reconstruction is especially useful in cases where the oncological margins are uncertain and wider resections (or mastectomies) are secondly required.
POSITIVE RESULTS BIAS AND IMPACT FACTOR IN RETINA CLINICAL TRIALS 2016 to 2019
Authors: Parikh Ankur , Markle Jonathan , Venincasa Michael , Kuriyan Ajay E. , Gupta Mrinali , Sridhar Jayanth
Published: January 2021

Purpose:

To assess for a positive results bias in recently published randomized controlled trials in the field of vitreoretinal disease.

Methods:

A bibliometric analysis was conducted examining randomized controlled trials published in the field of retina between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2019. Studies were classified as positive result or negative result based on the statistical significance of their primary outcome. Publication date and sample size were documented. These variables were compared against Journal Citation Reports Impact Factor in the year of publication.

Results:

Two hundred and eighty-eight randomized controlled trials from 64 unique journals were included and analyzed. One hundred and eighty-five (64.2%) studies were classified as positive result, and 103 (35.8%) studies were classified as negative result. There was no association between impact factor and positive result. Studies classified as positive result had larger sample sizes, and higher sample size was associated with higher impact factor.

Conclusion:

These results do not support the presence of a recent positive results bias in retina randomized controlled trials. This is reassuring, although several factors could be contributing to this finding including studies that were conducted but never submitted and selective reporting of outcomes. Thus, it will be important to remain cognizant of potential publication biases moving forward.
NEGATIVE VESSEL REMODELING IN STARGARDT DISEASE QUANTIFIED WITH VOLUME-RENDERED OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY ANGIOGRAPHY
Authors: Reich Michael , Dreesbach Michelle , Boehringer Daniel , Schottenhamml Julia , Gehring Esteban , Scholl Hendrik P. N. , Inglin Nadja , Agostini Hansjuergen , Reinhard Thomas , Lagrèze Wolf A. , Spaide Richard F. , Lange Clemens , Maloca Peter M.
Published: January 2021

Purpose:

To quantify retinal vasculature changes in Stargardt disease1 (STGD1) with volume-rendered optical coherence tomography angiography.

Methods:

Optical coherence tomography angiography volumes from healthy subjects and two subgroups of patients with STGD1 with the presence/absence of definitely decreased autofluorescence areas were compared. Optical coherence tomography angiography vessel surface area and vessel volume were measured in central zones (Z) of 1-, 2-, and 3-mm diameter.

Results:

Twenty nine eyes of 15 patients with STGD1 (20/9 eyes with/without definitely decreased autofluorescence) and 30 eyes of 15 controls contributed data. An enlarged foveal avascular zone was found in patients with STGD1 without and even more with definitely decreased autofluorescence associated with a vessel rarefication in central and also paracentral zones with unnoticeable autofluorescence. Vessel surface area and vessel volume were reduced in both STGD1 subgroups for all zones (P < 0.0001). Stargardt disease 1 eyes when compared to without definitely decreased autofluorescence showed reduced vessel surface area and vessel volume in Z2+3 (both P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

Volume rendering of optical coherence tomography angiography in STGD1 shows a reduced retinal flow in the central macula. This is most likely secondary to loss of neurosensory tissue with disease progression and therefore not likely be favorably influenced by gene transfer and retinal pigment epithelial transplantation. Retinal blood flow assessed by 3D volume-rendered optical coherence tomography angiography could serve as surrogate marker for vascular changes of the central retina.
Advances in perimetry for glaucoma
Authors: Prager Alisa J. , Kang J. Minjy , Tanna Angelo P.
Published: January 2021

Purpose of review

Perimetry remains important for the diagnosis and management of glaucoma despite advances in imaging technology. The purpose of this review is to describe advances in the acquisition and analysis of visual field data and highlight novel techniques for performing perimetry.

Recent findings

Studies have focused on improving the detection of patients at highest risk of severe vision loss and the development of innovative testing strategies that allow for more frequent testing. Artificial intelligence has been utilized in research settings to improve detection and characterization of glaucomatous field damage. Furthermore, tablet-based strategies and virtual reality headsets show promise for glaucoma screening and remote monitoring of patients with glaucoma.

New testing strategies and research findings have improved our ability to identify patients with both paracentral and mid-peripheral visual field progression. New strategies have the potential to make visual field testing more efficient, reliable and accessible for patients with glaucoma.
Long-term inflammatory pain does not impact exploratory behavior and stress coping strategies in mice
Authors: Burek Dominika J. , Massaly Nicolas , Doering Michelle , Zec Azra , Gaelen Jordan , Morón Jose A.
Published: January 2021

Pain puts patients at risk for developing psychiatric conditions such as anxiety and depression. Preclinical mouse models of pain-induced affective behavior vary widely in methodology and results, impairing progress towards improved therapeutics. To systematically investigate the effect of long-term inflammatory pain on exploratory behavior and stress coping strategy, we assessed male C57BL/6J mice in the forced swim test (FST), elevated zero maze, and open field test at 4 and 6 weeks postinjection of Complete Freund's Adjuvant, while controlling for testing order and combination. Inflammatory pain did not induce a passive stress coping strategy in the FST and did not reduce exploratory behavior in the elevated zero maze or the open field test. Using systematic correlational analysis and composite behavioral scores, we found no consistent association among measures for mice with or without inflammatory pain. A meta-analysis of similar studies indicated a modest, significant effect of Complete Freund's Adjuvant on exploratory behavior, but not immobility in the FST, and high heterogeneity among effect sizes in all 3 paradigms. Given the urgency for understanding the mechanisms of pain comorbidities and identifying novel therapies, these findings support the reallocation of our limited resources away from such unreliable assays and toward motivated and naturalistic behaviors. Future studies in pain and psychiatric translational research may benefit by considering outcomes beyond binary categorization, quantifying the associations between multiple measured behaviors, and agnostically identifying subtle yet meaningful patterns in behaviors.
Conditioned open-label placebo for opioid reduction after spine surgery: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Flowers Kelsey M. , Patton Megan E. , Hruschak Valerie J. , Fields Kara G. , Schwartz Emily , Zeballos Jose , Kang James D. , Edwards Rob R. , Kaptchuk Ted J. , Schreiber Kristin L.
Published: January 2021

Placebo effects have traditionally involved concealment or deception. However, recent evidence suggests that placebo effects can also be elicited when prescribed transparently as “open-label placebos” (OLPs), and that the pairing of an unconditioned stimulus (eg, opioid analgesic) with a conditioned stimulus (eg, placebo pill) can lead to the conditioned stimulus alone reducing pain. In this randomized control trial, we investigated whether combining conditioning with an OLP (COLP) in the immediate postoperative period could reduce daily opioid use and postsurgical pain among patients recovering from spine surgery. Patients were randomized to COLP or treatment as usual, with both groups receiving unrestricted access to a typical opioid-based postoperative analgesic regimen. The generalized estimating equations method was used to assess the treatment effect of COLP on daily opioid consumption and pain during postoperative period from postoperative day (POD) 1 to POD 17. Patients in the COLP group consumed approximately 30% less daily morphine milligram equivalents compared with patients in the treatment as usual group during POD 1 to 17 (−14.5 daily morphine milligram equivalents; 95% CI: [−26.8, −2.2]). Daily worst pain scores were also lower in the COLP group (−1.0 point on the 10-point scale; 95% CI: [−2.0, −0.1]), although a significant difference was not detected in average daily pain between the groups (−0.8 point; 95% CI: [−1.7, 0.2]). These findings suggest that COLP may serve as a potential adjuvant analgesic therapy to decrease opioid consumption in the early postoperative period, without increasing pain.
Effect of anodal high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation on the pain sensitivity in a healthy population: a double-blind, sham-controlled study
Authors: Kold Sebastian , Graven-Nielsen Thomas
Published: January 2021

High-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) of brain areas related to pain processing may provide analgesic effects evident in the sensory detection and pain thresholds. The somatosensory sensitivity was assessed after HD-tDCS targeting the primary motor cortex (M1) and/or the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). Eighty-one (40 females) subjects were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 anodal HD-tDCS protocols (20 minutes) applied on 3 consecutive days: Sham-tDCS, DLPFC-tDCS, M1-tDCS, and DLPFC&M1-tDCS (simultaneous transcranial direct current stimulation [tDCS] of DLPFC and M1). Subjects and experimenter were blinded to the tDCS protocols. The somatosensory sensitivity were assessed each day, before and after each tDCS by detection and pain thresholds to thermal and mechanical skin stimulation, vibration detection thresholds, and pressure pain thresholds. Subjects were effectively blinded to the protocol, with no significant difference in rates of whether they received real or placebo tDCS between the 4 groups. Compared with the Sham-tDCS, none of the active HD-tDCS protocols caused significant changes in detection or pain thresholds. Independent of tDCS protocols, pain and detection thresholds except vibration detection were increased immediately after the first tDCS protocol compared with baseline (P < 0.05). Overall, the active stimulation protocols were not able to induce significant modulation of the somatosensory thresholds in this healthy population compared with sham-tDCS. Unrelated to the HD-tDCS protocol, a decreased sensitivity was found after the first intervention, indicating a placebo effect or possible habituation to the quantitative sensory testing assessments. These findings add to the increasing literature of null findings in the modulatory effects of HD-tDCS on the healthy somatosensory system.
Argon Plasma Coagulation (APC) for the Treatment of Excessive Dynamic Airway Collapse (EDAC)
Authors: Kheir Fayez , Ospina-Delgado Daniel , Beattie Jason , Singh Rani , Vidal Barbara , VanderLaan Paul A. , Parikh Mihir , Chee Alex , Gangadharan Sidhu P. , Wilson Jennifer , Majid Adnan
Published: January 2021

Background:

Surgical stabilization of the airway through tracheobronchoplasty (TBP) is the current treatment modality for patients with severe symptomatic excessive dynamic airway collapse. However, TBP is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Bronchoscopic treatment of the posterior membrane using argon plasma coagulation (APC) may be a safer alternative to TBP in highly selected patients. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of APC in the tracheobronchial tree of a sheep animal model.

Patients and Methods:

Two adult sheep were used for this study. Under flexible bronchoscopy, the posterior tracheal membrane was treated with precise APC using different power settings. Chest computed tomography was done at 2 days and bronchoscopy was performed at 30 days following initial procedure, before euthanasia. The airways were assessed for the presence of treatment-related histopathologic changes along with expression of genes associated with fibrosis.

Results:

There was no perioperative or postoperative morbidity or mortality. Chest computed tomography showed no signs of pneumomediastinum or pneumothorax. Flexible bronchoscopy showed adequate tracheobronchial tissue healing process, independent of the power settings used. Histologic changes demonstrated an increased extent of fibroblastic collagen deposition in the treated posterior membrane when higher power settings were used. In a similar manner, APC treatment managed to activate fibrosis-associated gene transcription factors, with higher settings achieving a higher level of expression.

Conclusion:

APC at high-power settings achieved higher levels of fibroblast collagen deposition at the posterior membrane and higher expression of fibrosis-associated gene transcription factors, when compared with lower settings.
The Impact of Thoracentesis On Postprocedure Pulse Oximetry
Authors: Taylor Trevor M. , Radchenko Christopher , Sanchez Trinidad M. , Shepherd Ray W. , Kang Le , Shojaee Samira
Published: January 2021

Background:

Although thoracentesis can offer considerable symptomatic relief to the patient, its physiologic impact on oxygen saturation has not been well established in the literature. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of thoracentesis on postprocedure pulse oximetry (SpO2) in an inpatient population.

Methods:

A retrospective study of patients undergoing thoracentesis from January 2012 to November 2017 was performed. Inclusion criteria were age above 18 and thoracentesis performed in an inpatient setting. Records were reviewed for patient demographics, procedure reports, and laboratory values. SpO2 and FiO2 values were collected before and 6 and 24 hours postprocedure. Multivariable linear regression models were used to evaluate for changes in SpO2 and SpO2/FiO2. Analyses were adjusted for age, sex, serum hemoglobin, effusion etiology, volume removed, nonexpandable lung physiology and procedural complications and FiO2.

Results:

A total of 502 patients were included. The mean (SD) age was 60 (14) years, and 53.4% of the patients were male. The most common cause of pleural effusion was malignant effusion (37%). The median (interquartile range) volume of fluid removed was 1400 (1000 to 2000) mL and nonexpandable lung physiology was noted in 35%. There was no significant within-subject difference in 24 hours postprocedure SpO2 compared with preprocedure SpO2. In multivariable analysis, there was a small increase in 24-hour postprocedure SpO2 [β=0.31, 95% confidence interval (0.22, 0.41), P<0.01] and a similar small increase in 24-hour postprocedure SpO2/FiO2 [β=0.84, 95% confidence interval: (0.68, 1.01), P<0.01).

Conclusion:

Among inpatients undergoing thoracentesis, there is no clinically significant change in SpO2 or SpO2/FiO2 at 24-hours post-procedure compared to pre-procedural SpO2 or SpO2/FiO2.
Bile Acid Sequestrant Therapy in Microscopic Colitis
Authors: Northcutt Michael J. , Gentile Nicole M. , Goldstein Jay L. , Yen Eugene F.
Published: January 2021

Goals:

There is an unmet need in investigating corticosteroid-sparing treatments for induction and maintenance of remission in microscopic colitis (MC). The authors’ aim was to evaluate the outcomes of patients with MC treated with bile acid sequestrants (BAS).

Background:

MC is a common chronic diarrheal illness. Budesonide is effective induction therapy, but relapses are high after cessation of treatment.

Study:

Our cohort consisted of patients enrolled in our institutional MC registry, a biorepository of histology-confirmed diagnoses of MC. Patients receiving BAS for the treatment of MC were reviewed at each clinical visit for efficacy or ability to decrease budesonide maintenance dosing.

Results:

The authors included 79 patients (29 collagenous colitis and 50 lymphocytic colitis) with a median follow-up period of 35 months (range, 1 to 120). Most patients were female individuals (78%) and the median age was 69 years (range, 29 to 87). BAS therapy was used in 21 patients who were budesonide-naive, with a response rate of 76% (16/21). In patients treated previously with budesonide, 46 patients were budesonide-dependent and given BAS as maintenance therapy. Of these patients, 23 (50%) were able to decrease their budesonide dosing and 9 (20%) were able to stop budesonide completely. Seven of 46 patients (15%) stopped BAS because of intolerance, perceived lack of benefit, or treatment of concomitant diarrhea illness.

Conclusions:

BAS may be an effective corticosteroid-sparing option in the treatment of MC and should be considered after budesonide induction. Larger controlled studies are needed to confirm the efficacy for long-term maintenance and tolerability of BAS in patients with MC.
Cochlear implantation in children with white matter lesions
Authors: Wang Sufang , Wang Yannan , Li Yongxin , Wei Yanyan , Han Fugen , Ren Hongbo , Xu Ying , Cui Yanhong
Published: January 2021

Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) white matter lesions have been reported in some preoperative cochlear implant children. However, the role of white matter lesions in predicting the hearing outcome is yet unclear. The present study investigated the outcomes of cochlear implantation (CI) in 40 children with white matter lesions.

The data from children with white matter lesions were reviewed in this retrospective study. Based on brain MRI, the patients were divided into 3 groups: mild, moderate, and severe. The children were treated with unilateral CI and monitored for a follow-up period of at least 3 years. The main outcome measures were category of auditory performance (CAP) and speech intelligibility rating (SIR). MRI white matter lesions, age at implant, gender, physical impairment, and cognitive impairment were obtained from a research database to assess the correlation with long-term CAP and SIR outcome by multiple regression analysis.

The data of children with white matter lesions were reviewed (18 females and 23 males). The mean age at implantation was 31.6 months. Strikingly, all children obtained better CAP and SIR scores. The age at implantation, brain white matters lesions on MRI, and cognitive and physical disabilities were associated with CAP and SIR scores. Multiple regression established a weak correlation between the degree of white matter lesions on brain MRI and long-term CAP and SIR, while cognitive impairment strongly accounted for long-term CAP and SIR outcome.

The majority of the children with brain white matter lesions obtained a satisfactory postoperative effect. The cognitive impairment before CI is a major factor, and such factor should be considered.
Rehabilitation training combined acupuncture for limb hemiplegia caused by cerebral infarction
Authors: Wang Jinqiu , Ran Chunlong , Pan Ping , Wang Yingrui , Zhao Yinglin
Published: January 2021

Background:

Previous studies have reported that rehabilitation training combined acupuncture (RTA) can be used for the treatment of limb hemiplegia (LH) caused by cerebral infarction (CI). However, its effectiveness is still unclear. In this systematic review study, we aim to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of RTA for LH following CI.

Methods:

We will retrieve the databases of CENTRAL, EMBASE, MEDILINE, CINAHL, AMED, CBM, PUBMED, and CNKI from inception to June 1, 2020 with no language restrictions. The randomized controlled trials of RTA for evaluating effectiveness and safety in patients with LH following CI will be included. Cochrane risk of bias tool will be used to measure the methodological quality for all included studies. Two authors will independently select the studies, extract the data, and assess the methodological quality of included studies. A third author will be invited to discuss if any disagreements exist between 2 authors. We will perform heterogeneity assessment before carrying out meta-analysis. According to the heterogeneity, we select random effect model or fixed effect model for meta-analysis of the included cohort studies. Cochrane risk of bias tool will be used to determine the methodological quality for included studies. RevMan 5.3 software (Cochrane Community, London, UK) will be utilized to perform statistical analysis.

Results:

This systematic review will assess the effectiveness and safety of RTA for LH caused by CI. The primary outcome includes limbs function, as measured by the Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT) Assessment scale, or other associated scales. The secondary outcomes consist of muscle strength, muscle tone, quality of life, and any adverse events.

Conclusion:

The findings of this study will summarize the current evidence of RTA for LH caused by CI, and may provide helpful evidence for the clinical treatment.

Dissemination and ethics:

The findings of this study are expected to be published in peer-reviewed journals. It does not require ethical approval, because no individual data will be utilized in this study.

Systematic review registration:

INPLASY202070114.
Trends in the research profile of matched independent plastic surgery fellows
Authors: Ngaage Ledibabari M. , Elegbede Adekunle , McGlone Katie L. , Knighton Brooks J. , Landford Wilmina , Nam Arthur J. , Lifchez Scott D. , Slezak Sheri , Rasko Yvonne
Published: January 2021

The independent plastic surgery pathway recruits candidates with 5 years of surgical training who are typically more advanced in research than their integrated counterparts. Research productivity helps to discriminate between applicants. However, no studies exist detailing the academic attributes of matched independent plastic surgery candidates.

We performed a cohort study of 161 independent plastic surgery fellows from accredited residency programs from the 2015 to 2017 application cycles. We performed a bibliometric analysis utilizing Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar to identify research output measures at the time of application.

The cohort was predominantly men (66%) with a median of 3 articles and a H-index of 1 at the time of application. Interestingly, 16% of successful candidates had no published articles at the time of application, and this did not change significantly over time (P = .0740). Although the H-index remained stable (R 0.13, P = .1095), the number of published journal articles per candidate significantly decreased over 3 consecutive application cycles (R −0.16, P = .0484). Analysis of article types demonstrated a significant increase in basic science articles (R 0.18, P = .0366) and a concurrent decrease in editorial-type publications (R = −0.18, P = .0374).

Despite the decline in publication volume of matched independent plastic surgery fellows, the quality of their research portfolio has remained constant. Matched applicants appear to be shifting focus from faster-to-publish articles to longer but higher impact projects. In selecting a training route, applicants must weigh the highly competitive integrated path against the dwindling number of independent positions.
Baseline serum triglyceride predicts early-onset peritonitis and prognosis in incident CAPD patients
Authors: Wan Sheng , Tian Hongdan , Cheng Li , Ding Yanqiong , Luo Qing , Zhang Yanmin
Published: January 2021

We aimed to investigate the hypothesis that serum triglyceride (TG) may be an independent predictor of early-onset peritonitis and prognosis in incident continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients.

In this retrospective, observational study, we screened 291 adults admitted to the PD center of the Wuhan No. 1 hospital from August 1, 2013 to November 31, 2017. All biochemical data were collected at the first 1 to 3 months after the initiation of CAPD. Early-onset peritonitis was defined as peritonitis occurring within 6 months after the initiation of PD. All of PD patients were followed up to July 31, 2018. The primary endpoint was the incidence of early-onset peritonitis while the second endpoints included overall mortality and technical failure.

A total of 38 patients occurred early-onset PD peritonitis and the Lasso logistic regression selected TG and age in the final model for early-onset peritonitis. We divided patients into two groups based on the median baseline TG levels: TG ≥ 1.4mmo/L group (n = 143) and TG < 1.4mmol/L group (n = 148). There were 34 (11.7%) patients died and 33 (11.3%) patients transferred to hemodialysis during the follow-up, Moreover, a level of TG ≥ 1.4mmol/L at the initiation of CAPD was associated with a significantly increased probability of technical failure (hazard ratio, HR, 1.30; 95% confidence interval, 95% CI, 1.09 to 2.19, P = .043) and overall mortality (HR, 2.33; 95% CI, 1.16–4.72, P = .018).

Serum TG levels measured at the initiation of PD therapy is an independent predictor of early-onset peritonitis and prognosis of CAPD patients.
Comparison of the efficacy of rivaroxaban and dabigatran etexilate in preventing venous thrombosis after arthroplasty
Authors: Song Runze , Qu Ruisheng , Wang Yu , Zhou Dong , Zhang Anping
Published: January 2021

Background:

New oral anticoagulants (NOAC) are gradually accepted by clinical practice for its convenient route of administration and stable effect. Both rivaroxaban and dabigatran etexilate have been used in the prevention and treatment of venous embolism after arthroplasty, but there is a lack of direct comparison between the 2 effects. Therefore, the purpose of this randomized controlled trial was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of 2 new oral anticoagulants, rivaroxaban, and dabigatran etexilate, in the prevention of venous thromboembolism after joint replacement.

Methods:

This is a prospective randomized controlled trial to study the efficacy and safety of rivaroxaban and dabigatran etexilate in the prevention of venous thromboembolism after joint replacement, and is approved by the clinical research ethics of our hospital. Patients were randomly divided into 1 of 2 treatment regimens:

Patients, doctors, nurses, and data collection assistants were blinded to group allocation. The indicators of observation include:

Data were analyzed using the statistical software package SPSS version 25.0 (Chicago, IL).

Discussion:

This study will evaluate the efficacy and safety of rivaroxaban and dabigatran etexilate in preventing venous thrombosis after joint replacement. The results of this experiment will provide clinical basis for the use of rivaroxaban or dabigatran etexilate to prevent venous thrombosis after joint replacement.

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/QVDCW.
A randomized study protocol comparing the platelet-rich plasma with hyaluronic acid in the treatment of symptomatic knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Li Deyan , Wang Yu , Shen Yi
Published: January 2021

Background:

In recent years, intra articular injection of platelet rich plasma has attracted increasing attention. The major aim of our current randomized controlled double-blind study was to compare long-term outcomes of intra-articular injection of hyaluronic acid or platelet rich plasma in the treatment of the patients with knee osteoarthritis.

Methods:

This is a kind of double-blind, randomized, prospective, and comparative clinical investigation with the allocation ratio of 1:1 and was approved by our institutional review Committee. Between 2020 and 2021, altogether 2 hundred patients will be selected to participate in our present study. We will report the randomized experiments in accordance with the guidelines of Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials and then offer the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials flow chart. The inclusion criteria were: patients aged from 40 to 70 years old, patients with chief complaint history of at least 1 month and knee joint pain for nearly 6 months, need the analgesic drug treatment, and radiology confirmed knee osteoarthritis. The eligible patients would be randomly divided into 2 groups through applying the random numbers generated by computer before surgery. Outcomes after treatment were assessed using the Western Ontario and McMaster University and the scoring systems of visual analogue scale which were recorded through questionnaires accomplished via the patients prior to the first injection and then at three and six months, 1 and 2 years follow-up. Any adverse events occurred within 1 year after surgery were recorded during follow-up.

Results:

This should suggest whether biological methods can offer more lasting outcomes than the viscosification.

Trial registration:

This study protocol was registered in Research Registry (researchregistry6265).
Diagnostic value of copeptin combined with hypersensitive cardiac troponin T detection in early acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Yang Yan , Gao Songtao , Fang Qiuju , Yang Jing
Published: January 2021

Background:

The sensitivity and specificity of the routine detection of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in early diagnosis are not high, which can not meet the clinical needs. Copeptin combined with hypersensitive cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) is a new detection scheme, and its value in the early diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction is still unclear. Accordingly, the aim of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic value of copeptin combined with hypersensitive troponin T detection in early acute myocardial infarction.

Methods:

This is a prospective, randomized; double-blind diagnostic trial to investigate the diagnostic value of copeptin combined with hypersensitive troponin T detection in early acute myocardial infarction. Approved by the clinical research ethics of our hospital. Patients were randomly divided into one of 2 test protocols: (A) copeptin combined with hs-cTnT group and (B) cardiac troponin I (cTnI) group. Patients, doctors, nurses, inspectors, and data-gathering assistants were blinded to group allocation. We will focus on the sensitivity comparison of the 2 detection methods at different time periods and the sensitivity and specificity comparison of the two detection methods. Data were analyzed using the statistical software package SPSS version 25.0 (Chicago, IL).

Discussion:

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic value of copeptin combined with hypersensitive cardiac troponin T detection in early acute myocardial infarction. The results of this study will establish clinical evidence for the detection of high sensitivity cardiac troponin T in the early diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction.

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/6TE5Z.
Acupoint catgut embedding for the treatment of sciatica
Authors: Zhang Yingrong , Zhang Yanji , Chen Xia , Xu Kou , Huang Mengyuan , Tan Sanchun , Zhou Zhongyu
Published: January 2021

Background:

Sciatica is a common and frequent peripheral neuropathic pain disease, which causes a great burden on peoples life. Recently, acupoint catgut embedding (ACE) has been widely applied for treating sciatica in China, however, there is no enough evidence to prove the efficiency and safety of ACE for sciatica. Our study aims to evaluate the efficiency and safety of ACE for sciatica.

Methods and analysis:

Searches of the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Springer Medline, EMBASE, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wan-Fang Data (WANFANG), Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), and Chinese Scientific Journal Database (VIP databases) will be performed from inception to November 2020. The main outcomes are the pain intensity and the whole efficiency assessment. The secondary outcomes will include Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), life quality, physical examination, and adverse events. Two reviewers will separately conduct the study selection, data extraction and study quality assessments. RevMan 5.3 software will be used for meta-analysis

Results:

This study will provide an evidence-based review of acupoint catgut embedding therapy for sciatica according to the pain intensity, the whole efficiency assessment, life quality, DOI index and adverse events.

Conclusions:

This systematic review will present the current evidence for acupoint catgut embedding therapy for sciatica.

Ethics and dissemination:

Ethical approval is unnecessary as this protocol is only for systematic review and does not involve privacy data. The findings of this study will be disseminated electronically through a peer-review publication or presented at a relevant conference.

Trial registration number:

INPLASY2020110087.
The effect of anesthesia on the magnitude of the postoperative systemic inflammatory response in patients undergoing elective surgery for colorectal cancer in the context of an enhanced recovery pathway
Authors: Alhayyan Aliah M. , McSorley Stephen T. , Kearns Rachel J. , Horgan Paul G. , Roxburgh Campbell S.D. , McMillan Donald C.
Published: January 2021

There are reports that the use of regional anesthesia (RA) may be associated with better perioperative surgical stress response in cancer patients compared with general anesthetics (GA). However, the role of anesthesia on the magnitude of the postoperative systemic inflammatory response (SIR) in colorectal cancer patients, within an enhanced recovery pathway (ERP), is not clear.

The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of anesthesia, within an enhanced recovery pathway, on the magnitude of the postoperative SIR in patients undergoing elective surgery for colorectal cancer.

Database of 507 patients who underwent elective open or laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery between 2015 and 2019 at a single center was studied. The anesthetic technique used was categorized into either GA or GA + RA using a prospective proforma. The relationship between each anesthetic technique and perioperative clinicopathological characteristics was examined using binary logistic regression analysis.

The majority of patients were male (54%), younger than 65 years (41%), either normal or overweight (64%), and were nonsmokers (47%). Also, the majority of patients underwent open surgery (60%) and received mainly general + regional anesthetic technique (80%). On univariate analysis, GA + RA was associated with a lower day 4 CRP (≤150/>150 mg/L) concentration. On day 4, postoperative CRP was associated with anesthetic technique [odds ratio (OR) 0.58; confidence interval (CI) 0.31–1.07; P = .086], age (OR 0.70; CI 0.50–0.98; P = .043), sex (OR 1.15; CI 0.95–2.52; P = .074), smoking (OR 1.57; CI 1.13–2.19; P = .006), preoperative mGPS (OR 1.55; CI 1.15–2.10; P = .004), and preoperative dexamethasone (OR 0.70; CI 0.47–1.03; P = .072). On multivariate analysis, day 4 postoperative CRP was independently associated with anesthetic technique (OR 0.56; CI 0.32–0.97; P = .039), age (OR 0.74; CI 0.55–0.99; P = .045), smoking (OR 1.58; CI 1.18–2.12; P = .002), preoperative mGPS (OR 1.41; CI 1.08–1.84; P = .012), and preoperative dexamethasone (OR 0.68; CI 0.50–0.92; P = .014).

There was a modest but an independent association between RA and a lower magnitude of the postoperative SIR. Future work is warranted with multicenter RCT to precisely clarify the relationship between anesthesia and the magnitude of the postoperative SIR.