bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Motor and Sensory Impairments of the Lower Extremities After L2 Nerve Root Transection During Total en Bloc Spondylectomy
Authors: Kato Satoshi , Murakami Hideki , Demura Satoru , Ota Takashi , Takahashi Naoki , Yoshioka Katsuhito , Shinmura Kazuya , Yokogawa Noriaki , Kawahara Norio , Tomita Katsuro , Tsuchiya Hiroyuki
Published: March 2019

Study Design.

Retrospective study.

Objective.

The purpose of this study was to examine motor and sensory impairments of the lower extremities after L2 nerve root transection during total en bloc spondylectomy (TES) for spinal tumors.

Summary of Background Data.

At our institute, for TES at L3 to L5 lumbar levels, the nerve roots are preserved. However, at the level of L1 and L2, the vertebral resection and spinal reconstruction via a posterior approach is employed with transection of the nerve roots during dissection and resection of the vertebra.

Methods.

This study included 13 patients who had undergone TES for spinal tumors involving L2 between 2007 and 2016. Postoperative motor function of the lower extremities was quantified using the Manual Muscle Testing grade for the iliopsoas (IP) and quadriceps femoris (QF) muscles, and a grade of the modified Frankel Classification. Postoperative sensory impairment was quantified by the sites of lower extremity pain and numbness.

Results.

An initial decrease in strength of the IP and QF muscles in more than 60% of the patients, with a decline in the modified Frankel grade in 76.9%, was observed at 1-week after surgery. All patients recovered by the final follow-up, with 12 of the 13 patients walking without a gait aid. The other patient, who had undergone a bilateral dissection of L3 nerve root during TES of L2 and L3, had a mild QF muscle weakness, requiring a cane for walking. Eleven of 13 patients developed pain or numbness in the groin or thigh area after surgery, with the most common area being the anterior aspect of the thigh.

Conclusion.

Although IP and QF weakness was observed in the majority of patients who underwent bilateral transection of L2 nerve roots during TES, these deficits recovered over time and did not finally affect activities of daily living.

Level of Evidence: 4
Reporting of Organ Support Outcomes in Septic Shock Randomized Controlled Trials: A Methodologic Review—The Sepsis Organ Support Study
Authors: Bourcier Simon , Hindlet Patrick , Guidet Bertrand , Dechartres Agnès
Published: March 2019

Objectives:

Many recent randomized controlled trials in the field of septic shock failed to demonstrate a benefit on mortality. Randomized controlled trials increasingly report organ support duration and organ support-free days as primary or secondary outcomes. We conducted a methodologic systematic review to assess how organ support outcomes were defined and reported in septic shock randomized controlled trials.

Data Sources:

MEDLINE via PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Web of Science.

Study Selection:

We included randomized controlled trials published between January 2004 and March 2018 that involved septic shock adults and assessed organ support duration and/or organ support-free days for hemodynamic support, respiratory support, or renal replacement therapy.

Data Extraction:

For each randomized controlled trial, we extracted the definitions of organ support duration and organ support-free days. We particularly evaluated how nonsurvivors were accounted for. Study authors were contacted to provide any missing information regarding these definitions.

Data Synthesis:

We included 28 randomized controlled trials. Organ support duration and organ support-free days outcomes were reported in 17 and 15 randomized controlled trials, respectively, for hemodynamic support, 15 and 15 for respiratory support, and five and nine for renal replacement therapy. Nonsurvivors were included in the organ support duration calculation in 13 of 14 randomized controlled trials (93%) for hemodynamic support and nine of 10 (90%) for respiratory support. The organ support-free days definition for hemodynamic support, respiratory support, and renal replacement therapy was reported in six of 15 randomized controlled trials (40%), eight of 15 randomized controlled trials (53%), and six of nine randomized controlled trials (67%) reporting an organ support-free days outcome, respectively. Of these, one half assigned “0” to nonsurvivors, and the other half attributed one point per day alive free of organ support up to a predefined time point.

Conclusions:

This study highlights the heterogeneity and infrequency of organ support duration/organ support-free days outcome reporting in septic shock trials. When reported, the definitions of these outcome measures and methods of calculation are also infrequently reported, in particular how nonsurvivors were accounted for, which may have an important impact on interpretation.
Cancer cachexia, a clinical challenge
Authors: Argilés Josep M. , Busquets Sílvia , López-Soriano Francisco Javier
Published: March 2019

Purpose of review

The aim of this article is to review the metabolic background of the cachectic syndrome and to analyze the recent therapeutic approaches designed to counteract the wasting suffered by the cancer patient with cachexia.

Recent findings

The main changes associated with the development of this multiorganic syndrome are glucose intolerance, fat depletion and muscle protein hypercatabolism. Among the most promising approaches for the treatment of cachexia include the use of ghrelin agonists, beta-blockers, beta-adrenergic agonists, androgen receptor agonists and antimyostatin peptides. The multitargeted approach seems essential in these treatments, which should include the combination of both nutritional support, drugs and a suitable program of physical exercise, in order to ameliorate both anorexia and the metabolic changes associated with cachexia. In addition, another very important aspect for the design of clinical trials for the treatment of cancer cachexia is to staging cancer patients in relation with the degree of cachexia, in order to start as early as possible, this triple approach in the course of the disease, even before weight loss can be detected.

Cancer cachexia has two main components: anorexia and metabolic alterations and both have to be taken into consideration for the treatment of the syndrome.
Immunotherapy in nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer: current and emerging treatments
Authors: Gupta Mohit , Kates Max , Bivalacqua Trinity J.
Published: March 2019

Purpose of review

There is a significant unmet need for efficacious second-line treatment options for patients who have failed bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) therapy for nonmuscle invasive urothelial carcinoma (NMIBC). Recent advances in our understanding of systemic immunotherapy have transformed the management of advanced urothelial carcinoma and have led to the development of multiple novel agents. Using this insight, these agents are now being investigated for use in NMIBC.

Recent findings

Although BCG has been used to treat high-risk NMIBC for decades, new applications of immunotherapy include the use of exogenous cytokines to boost immune response, vaccines to activate the immune system against specific tumor-associated antigens, intravesical agents that cause generalized local inflammation, and targeted antibodies against proteins on the surface of immune checkpoint inhibitors. Although most of these agents are still being investigated in clinical trials and are not yet considered standard of care, they hold significant promise in the treatment of patients with high-risk NMIBC.

The use of immunotherapy has significantly improved survival outcomes in advanced urothelial carcinoma. Based on rapid advances in our understanding of the immune system and tumor biology, these agents are also poised to alter the therapeutic landscape for NMIBC dramatically as clinical trials are completed.
New research strategies in retroperitoneal sarcoma. The case of TARPSWG, STRASS and RESAR: making progress through collaboration
Authors: van Houdt Winan J. , Raut Chandrajit P. , Bonvalot Sylvie , Swallow Carol J. , Haas Rick , Gronchi Alessandro
Published: March 2019

Purpose of review

Retroperitoneal sarcoma (RPS) is a rare disease, and until recently, its natural history and outcome were poorly understood. Recently, collaborations between individual centers have led to an unprecedented collection of retrospective and prospective data and successful recruitment to the first randomized trial as described here.

Recent findings

A debate about the beneficial role of extended surgery in RPS triggered an initial collaboration between Europe and North America, the TransAtlantic RetroPeritoneal Sarcoma Working Group (TARPSWG). This collaboration has been instrumental in harmonizing the surgical approach among expert centers, characterizing the pattern of postresection failure of the different histological subtypes, identifying new ways to stage RPS and testing the role of preoperative radiotherapy in a randomized fashion (STRASS-1 study). The collaboration has now expanded to include centers from Asia, Australia and South America. A prospective registry has been started and a new randomized trial, STRASS-2, is in preparation to analyze the role of neoadjuvant chemotherapy for high-grade liposarcoma and leiomyosarcoma of the retroperitoneum.

Collaboration is critical to study a rare disease like RPS. Both retrospective and prospective data are useful to improve knowledge, generate hypotheses and build evidence to test, whenever possible, in clinical trials.
Cardiovascular Disease Risk Is Associated With Middle Cerebral Artery Blood Flow Velocity in Older Adults
Authors: Perdomo Sophy J. , Ward Jaimie , Liu Yumei , Vidoni Eric D. , Sisante Jason F. , Kirkendoll Kiersten , Burns Jeffrey M. , Billinger Sandra A.
Published: March 2019

Purpose:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship of cardiovascular disease (CVD) on middle cerebral blood flow velocity (MCAv) at rest and during exercise. A secondary aim was to explore the relationship between MCAv and (1) the presence of white matter lesions (WMLs) and (2) cognitive function.

Methods:

We recruited individuals who were cognitively normal older adults. Cardiovascular disease risk was assessed by the Pooled Cohort atherosclerotic CVD (ASCVD) risk score. Transcranial Doppler ultrasound measured middle cerebral artery at rest and during a bout of moderate-intensity exercise. We quantified WMLs from magnetic resonance imaging and cognitive function outcomes included executive function, language, processing speed, and attention.

Results:

Seventy-two participants 70.1 ± 4.7 years of age completed the study protocol. Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk score was significantly associated with resting and exercise MCAv (P< .01) but not associated with WMLs (P> .468). We observed a significant association between resting and exercise MCAv and language processing (P= .010) but not other cognitive domains.

Conclusions:

In cognitively normal older adults, higher ASCVD risk score was associated with blunted resting and exercise MCAv and with lower language processing performance. These results highlight the need for CVD risk management to maintain optimal brain health.
Evaluating Missouri’s Handgun Purchaser Law
Authors: Hasegawa Raiden B. , Webster Daniel W. , Small Dylan S.
Published: March 2019

In the comparative interrupted time series design (also called the method of difference-in-differences), the change in outcome in a group exposed to treatment in the periods before and after the exposure is compared with the change in outcome in a control group not exposed to treatment in either period. The standard difference-in-difference estimator for a comparative interrupted time series design will be biased for estimating the causal effect of the treatment if there is an interaction between history in the after period and the groups; for example, there is a historical event besides the start of the treatment in the after period that benefits the treated group more than the control group. We present a bracketing method for bounding the effect of an interaction between history and the groups that arises from a time-invariant unmeasured confounder having a different effect in the after period than the before period. The method is applied to a study of the effect of the repeal of Missouri’s permit-to-purchase handgun law on its firearm homicide rate. We estimate that the effect of the permit-to-purchase repeal on Missouri’s firearm homicide rate is bracketed between 0.9 and 1.3 homicides per 100,000 people, corresponding to a percentage increase of 17% to 27% (95% confidence interval: 0.6, 1.7 or 11%, 35%). A placebo study provides additional support for the hypothesis that the repeal has a causal effect of increasing the rate of state-wide firearm homicides.
Physical Exertion Immediately Before Early Preterm Delivery
Authors: Chahal Harpreet S. , Gelaye Bizu , Mostofsky Elizabeth , Sanchez Sixto E. , Mere Juan F. , Mercado Francisco G. , Pacora Percy , Williams Michelle A.
Published: March 2019

Background:

Occupational exertion is associated with a higher risk of preterm delivery, although studies of leisure time activities generally document reduced risks. Less is known about the risk of preterm delivery immediately following episodes of moderate or heavy physical exertion.

Methods:

We conducted a case–crossover study of 722 women interviewed during their hospital stay for early preterm delivery, defined by a gestational age before 34 weeks, and after 20 weeks. Interviews occurred between March 2013 and December 2015 in seven hospitals in Lima, Peru.

Results:

The incidence rate ratio (RR) of early preterm delivery was 5.82-fold higher (95% confidence interval [CI] = 4.29, 7.36) in the hour following moderate or heavy physical exertion compared with other times and returned to baseline in the hours thereafter. The RR of early preterm delivery within an hour of physical exertion was lower for exertion at moderate intensity (RR = 2.43; 95% CI = 1.50, 3.96) than at heavy intensity (RR = 23.62; 95% CI = 15.54, 35.91; P-homogeneity < 0.001). The RR of early preterm delivery was lower in the hour following moderate physical exertion among women who habitually engaged in physical exertion >3 times per week in the year before pregnancy (RR = 1.56; 95% CI = 0.81, 3.00) compared with more sedentary women (RR = 6.91; 95% CI = 3.20, 14.92; P-homogeneity = 0.003).

Conclusions:

Our study showed a heightened risk of early preterm delivery in the hour following moderate or heavy physical exertion.
Validation of miRNA prognostic significance in stage II colorectal cancer
Authors: Sabarimurugan Shanthi , Kumarasamy Chellan , Madurantakam Royam Madhav , Lakhotiya Karthik , Kodiveri Muthukaliannan Gothandam , Ramalingam Suja , Jayaraj Rama
Published: March 2019

Background:

Advances in early detection and treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC) has seen marked improvements in recent years. However, it is still the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Although there are studies reporting the significance of miRNAs in stage II colorectal cancer, there is no known comprehensive study utilising collective data from multiple published studies. Thus, this study will focus on performing a systematic review and meta-analysis using published data to identify and underline multiple miRNA targets, with regard to disease prognosis in stage II CRC patients.

Methods:

The systematic review will be reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines, 2015 statement. The required articles will be obtained via a search of bibliographical databases such as Cochrane Library, EMBASE, MEDLINE, PubMed, and Web of Science. A set of keywords in multiple permutations will be used for the search. The reference lists of included studies will also be manually searched to further increase the robustness of the search results. The systematic review will primarily be done via a literary synthesis.

Results:

Quantitative data synthesis will be based on estimated effect across the studies with forest plots generated to observe pooled outcome measures. A fixed or random-effect model of meta-analysis will be used depending upon the heterogeneity observed between studies. Subgroup analysis will be carried out depending on the availability of sufficient clinical data.

Conclusion:

Based on the systematic review and meta-analysis results of this study, the possible miRNAs could be predicted toward the prognosis of stage II colorectal cancer, and specific miRNAs may perhaps be considered as a biomarker and therapeutic target for this malignancy.
Association between KRAS G13D mutations and anastomotic recurrence in colorectal cancer
Authors: Okada Satoshi , Hata Keisuke , Kawai Kazushige , Yamamoto Yoko , Tanaka Toshiaki , Nishikawa Takeshi , Sasaki Kazuhito , Kaneko Manabu , Emoto Shigenobu , Murono Koji , Nozawa Hiroaki
Published: March 2019

Rationale:

The prevalence of anastomotic recurrence (AR) in colorectal cancer (CRC) after resection of the primary tumor (PT) is 5% to 14%. However, no association has been observed between specific somatic genetic alterations and AR. Such associations may shed light on the mechanism of AR.

Patient concerns:

We experienced 2 patients with AR of CRC. The first patient was a 42-year-old woman who underwent resection of an AR of rectal cancer 2 times within 19 months after resection of the PT. The second patient was a 77-year-old woman who underwent resection of an AR of ascending colon cancer twice within 38 months after resection of the PT.

Diagnosis:

Both cases were diagnosed as repetitive AR.

Interventions:

Loss of heterozygosity analysis, microsatellite instability (MSI) study of 9 microsatellite loci, and mutational analysis of KRAS, BRAF, APC, TP53, and SMAD4 were performed.

Outcomes:

All the lesions, except 1, harbored mutations in APC, KRAS, and TP53, without MSI, after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. The APC, KRAS, and TP53 mutations were pathogenic or likely pathogenic in the PTs and ARs. Both women harbored the same KRAS G13D mutation, which accounts for 8% of all KRAS mutations in sporadic CRC s. The probability of the incidental occurrence of KRAS G13D mutations in both cases is 0.64%, provided that the mutations were independent of AR.

Lessons:

Our findings may shed light on the mechanism of AR in CRC, namely, that the PT harbored the same mutations as the AR and the lesions in both cases harbored the KRAS G13D mutation.
G-CSF-induced severe thrombocytopenia in a healthy donor
Authors: Lu Xuan , Wu Yu , Wang Huafang , Xia Linghui
Published: March 2019

Rationale:

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) is most frequently used in healthy donors to mobilize progenitor cells into the peripheral blood for collection. While mild thrombocytopenia is common in allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplant donors after G-CSF mobilization, serious thrombocytopenia is rarely reported. Herein, we report a case of severe thrombocytopenia caused by G-CSF in a 14-year-old healthy donor and review the relevant literature. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of severe thrombocytopenia caused by G-CSF in a healthy adolescent donor.

Patient concerns:

A 14-year-old sister of a girl with T lymphocyte leukemia was selected as a matched donor for transplantation. The donor was healthy with normal blood parameters.

Diagnoses:

The donor received 10 μg/kg/day G-CSF via subcutaneous injection. On day 4 of G-CSF administration, blood tests before stem cell collection indicated that platelets dropped to 51 g/L. Abdominal ultrasound showed that the spleen was mildly enlarged.

Interventions:

In order to prevent blood loss and other effects caused by a too low platelet count after collection, the donor's peripheral blood hematopoietic stem cells were collected after platelet transfusion.

Outcomes:

Checkups for 1 year after G-CSF administration showed normal blood parameters.

Lessons:

Due to the rare risk of severe thrombocytopenia in G-CSF mobilization, it is necessary to routinely monitor blood parameters during mobilization to ensure smooth progress of the transplantation process.
A prospective randomized trial of povidone-iodine suppository before transrectal ultrasonography-guided prostate biopsy
Authors: Ryu Hoyoung , Song Sang Hun , Lee Sang Eun , Song Kyoung-Ho , Lee Sangchul
Published: March 2019

Objectives:

To investigate a way to reduce infectious complication after transrectal ultrasonography-guided prostate biopsy (TRUS-Bx), we planned a randomized trial to determine whether the use of the povidone-iodine suppository is effective in preventing infectious complications.

Methods:

This study prospectively assessed 250 patients who underwent TRUS-Bx during December 2014 and May 2016. Clinical questionnaire responses and safety were evaluated. Povidone-iodine suppository after glycerin enema was performed 1 to 2 hours before TRUS-Bx. Both groups received the prophylactic antibiotics (ceftriaxone 2.0 g) 30 to 60 minutes before TRUS-Bx. No antibiotics were prescribed after TRUS-Bx.

Results:

The 120 were assigned in the treatment group using povidone-iodine suppository and 130 were assigned in the control group. There was no significant difference of clinicopathologic features including age, prostate-specific antigen and cancer detection rate in both groups (P > .05). No infectious and non-infectious complications were reported in both groups. Povidone-iodine suppository-related side effects were not reported. No significant differences in international prostate symptom score, sexual health inventory for men score, and European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life questionnaire scores were found between the 2 groups (P > .05). No changes in each questionnaire scores between before and after TRUS-Bx were observed.

Conclusions:

Despite satisfying the predefined sample size, we could not prove the hypothesis that the use of povidone-iodine suppositories after TRUS-Bx would reduce infectious complications. A large-scale, multicenter, prospective study is needed to fully evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of povidone-iodine suppository prior to TRUS-Bx.
The impact of marital status on health care utilization among Medicare beneficiaries
Authors: Pandey Kiran Raj , Yang Fan , Cagney Kathleen A. , Smieliauskas Fabrice , Meltzer David O. , Ruhnke Gregory W.
Published: March 2019

To explain prior literature showing that married Medicare beneficiaries achieve better health outcomes at half the per person cost of single beneficiaries, we examined different patterns of healthcare utilization as a potential driver.

Using the Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey (MCBS) data, we sought to understand utilization patterns in married versus currently-not-married Medicare beneficiaries. We analyzed the relationship between marital status and healthcare utilization (classified based on setting of care utilization into outpatient, inpatient, and skilled nursing facility (SNF) use) using logistic regression modeling. We specified models to control for possible confounders based on the Andersen model of healthcare utilization.

Based on 13,942 respondents in the MCBS dataset, 12,929 had complete data, thus forming the analytic sample, of whom 6473 (50.3%) were married. Of these, 58% (vs. 36% of those currently-not-married) were male, 45% (vs. 47%) were age >75, 24% (vs. 70%) had a household income below $25,000, 18% (vs. 14%) had excellent self-reported general health, and 56% (vs. 36%) had private insurance. Compared to unmarried respondents, married respondents had a trend toward higher odds of having a recent outpatient visit (unadjusted odds ratio (OR) 1.11, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.04–1.19, adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 1.10, (CI) 0.99–1.22), and lower odds in the year prior to have had an inpatient stay (AOR 0.84, CI 0.72–0.99) or a SNF stay (AOR 0.55, CI 0.40–0.75).

Based on MCBS data, odds of self-reported inpatient and SNF use were lower among married respondents, while unadjusted odds of outpatient use were higher, compared to currently-not-married beneficiaries.
Continuous blood purification for severe acute pancreatitis
Authors: Hu Yong , Xiong Wenjun , Li Chunyan , Cui Yunfeng
Published: March 2019

Background:

The incidence of acute pancreatitis (AP) is rising around the world, thus further increasing the burden on healthcare services. Approximately 20% of AP will develop severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) with persistent organ failure (>48 h), which is the leading cause of high mortality. To date, there is no specific drug in treating SAP, and the main treatment is still based on supportive care. However, some clinical control studies regarding the superiority of continuous blood purification (CBP) has been published recently. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy of CBP in SAP treatment.

Methods:

Four databases (Medline, SinoMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library) were searched for eligible studies from 1980 to 2018 containing a total of 4 randomized controlled trials and 8 prospective studies.

Results:

After the analysis of data amenable to polling, significant advantages were found in favor of the CBP approach in terms of Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score (WMD = −3.00,95%CI = −4.65 to −1.35), serum amylase (WMD = −237.14, 95% CI = −292.77 to 181.31), serum creatinine (WMD = −80.54,95%CI = 160.17 to −0.92), length of stay in the ICU (WMD = −7.15,95%CI = −9.88 to −4.43), and mortality (OR = 0.60, 95%CI = 0.38–0.94). No marked differences were found in terms of C-reactive protein (CRP), alamine aminotransferase (ALT) and length of hospital stay (LOS).

Conclusion:

Compared with conventional treatment, CBP remedy evidently improved clinical outcomes, including reduced incidence organ failure, decreased serum amylase, APACHE II score, length of stay in the ICU and lower mortality rate, leading us to conclude that it is a safer treatment option for SAP. Furthermore, relevant multicenter RCTs are required to prove these findings.
Effects of allisartan isoproxil on blood pressure and target organ injury in patients with mild to moderate essential hypertension
Authors: Zhang Jian-Qi , Yang Guo-Hong , Zhou Xin , Liu Jun-Xiang , Shi Rui , Dong Yan , Chen Shao-Bo , Li Yu-Ming
Published: March 2019

Evidence has shown that angiotensin II type 1 receptor antagonists have lower blood pressure and have target organ protective effects, but this is not the case for the drug allisartan isoproxil. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of allisartan isoproxil on blood pressure and target organ injury in patients with mild to moderate essential hypertension.

In total, 80 essential hypertensive participants were randomly divided into an allisartan group and a nifedipine group (n = 40 per group), and their blood pressure was measured once per month for 6 months. A 2-dimensional echocardiogram was performed at baseline and at the end of the study. The serum levels of renal injury indexes, endothelial function markers, inflammatory factors, blood biochemical assays and urinary measurements were determined at baseline and at 6 months.

At the end of the study, both systolic and diastolic blood pressure were significantly decreased in the allisartan group compared with baseline and showed the same antihypertensive effect as the nifedipine group. Meanwhile, the left ventricular remodeling, 24-hours levels of urinary microalbumin, endothelial dysfunction, and arterial stiffness were all significantly improved compared with that of the baseline and the nifedipine group (all P < .05).

The present study showed that allisartan isoproxil had favorable blood pressure lowering and heart, renal, and endothelial protective effects in patients with mild to moderate essential hypertension.
Comparison of oxcarbazepine efficacy and MHD concentrations relative to age and BMI
Authors: Yang Xue , Yan Yuanliang , Fang Shu , Zeng Shuangshuang , Ma Hongying , Qian Long , Chen Xi , Wei Jie , Gong Zhicheng , Xu Zhijie
Published: March 2019

Genetic polymorphisms are related to the concentration and efficacy of oxcarbazepine (OXC). 10-Hydroxycarbazepine (MHD) is the major pharmacologically active metabolite of OXC, and it exerts an antiepileptic effect. This study aimed to explore the connection between the MHD concentration and genes such as ATP-binding cassette B1 (ABCB1), ATP-binding cassette C2 (ABCC2), UDP-glucuronosyltransferase-2B7 and sodium voltage-gated channel alpha subunit 2 (SCN2A), which participate in the antiepileptic function of OXC.

Total 218 Chinese epileptic patients, were stratified into different groups according to their age, body mass index (BMI) and OXC efficacy. The genotypes of 7 single nucleotide polymorphisms in all subjects were determined by polymerase chain reaction-improved multiple ligase detection reaction assay. The MHD plasma concentration was detected by high-performance liquid chromatography and then standardized through dosage and body weight.

In general, the ABCC2 rs2273697 mutant (P = .026) required a significantly higher standardized MHD concentration. For age groups, carriers of the ABCC2 rs2273697 mutant showed a significantly higher standardized MHD concentration than noncarriers in the juvenile group (P = .033). In terms of BMI, a significantly higher standardized MHD concentration was found in the ABCB1 rs2032582 mutant of the normal weight group (P = .026). The SCN2A rs17183814 mutant required a significantly higher OXC maintenance (P = .014) in the low-weight group, while lower OXC maintenance dose (P = .044) and higher standardized MHD concentration (P = .007) in the overweight group.

The ABCC2 rs2273697 polymorphism was significantly associated with MHD plasma concentration in the whole patient cohort and in patients stratified by different ages, this finding provides potential theoretical guidance for the rational and safe clinical use of OXC.
A randomized controlled trial on the effectiveness of 8-week high-intensity interval exercise on intrahepatic triglycerides, visceral lipids, and health-related quality of life in diabetic obese patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Abdelbasset Walid Kamal , Tantawy Sayed A. , Kamel Dalia M. , Alqahtani Bader A. , Soliman Gaber S.
Published: March 2019

Background:

Medications are limited for patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). It has been reported that aerobic exercise is effective in reducing the characteristics of NAFLD, although unclear data have ascertained the effects of high-intensity interval aerobic exercise on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in diabetic obese patients with NAFLD.

Objectives:

This a randomized controlled trial aimed to ascertain the effectiveness of 8-week high-intensity interval exercise on intrahepatic triglycerides (IHTG), visceral lipids and HRQoL in diabetic obese patients with NAFLD.

Study design:

Between August and December 2017, 32 diabetic obese patients with NAFLD aged 45 to 60 years (21 men and 11 women) were enrolled in this study. They were randomly assigned to 2 groups, 16 patients in each group, high-intensity interval (HII) exercise and control groups. The HII group received a program of HII aerobic exercise for 8 weeks with medications of NAFLD and the control group received only medications without any type of exercise intervention. The test of IHTG, visceral lipids, and HRQoL were recorded at the initial assessment and at the end of the program after 8 weeks.

Results:

There were significant differences between the 2 groups at the end of the study. These study findings exhibited significant improvements in IHTG, VO2peak, visceral lipids, glycohemoglobin, plasma glucose, and all dimensions of HRQoL in the HII group (P <.05), But there was non-significant improvement in any measure in the control group (P >.05) after the 8-week intervention.

Conclusion:

Eight-week high-intensity interval aerobic exercise has a beneficial effect on IHTG, visceral lipids, and HRQoL in diabetic obese patients with NAFLD. Effort and awareness should be dedicated to encouraging the active lifestyle among different population, especially diabetic obese patients with NAFLD.
Preoperative colonoscopy in patients with a supposed primary ovarian cancer
Authors: Raś Renata , Barnaś Edyta , Magierło Joanna Skręt- , Drozdzowska Anna , Bartosiewicz Ewelina , Sobolewski Marek , Skręt Andrzej , Gutkowski Krzysztof
Published: March 2019

The final diagnosis of ovarian cancer is based on surgery and pathological verification. Therefore patients who are presented to surgery may be described only as supposed ovarian cancer. According to the literature the diagnosis of ovarian cancer is confirmed only in 2/3 of them. The rest are that which mimic ovarian cancer. One of them is colorectal cancer. Colonoscopy is a gold standard in its diagnostics. On the other hand, ovarian cancer may disturb the bowel patency and makes the bowel resection or stoma necessary.

The main aim was to find out the distribution of bowel patency disturbances in ovarian cancer patients during preoperative colonoscopy and to assess their predictive value with respect to the bowel resection or stoma and the additional aim to identify the pathologies which mimic the ovarian cancer.

In a prospective study among 104 patients with supposed ovarian cancer, primary ovarian cancer was diagnosed in 68 patients. The rest of them suffered from colorectal cancer found at colonoscopy (N = 6), ovarian benign pathology (N = 8), ovarian borderline tumor (N = 5), and other nonandexal malignant diseases (N = 17). In ovarian cancer group dominated serous carcinoma and fedération international de gynécologie et d’obstétrique stage 3 (N = 33).

During preoperative colonoscopy in ovarian cancer patients, the complete obstruction was found in 27.9%, and relative risk of bowel resection or stoma was in them 4.29 and 4.38, respectively. Another colonoscopic finding was limited patency caused by extrinsic compression (29%) which is connected with relative risk of bowel resection or stoma 3.16 and 3.21 accordingly. The last colonoscopy finding was described as moderate limited patency of unknown origin (20.6%) and the relative risk of bowel resection or stoma was 5.14 and 4.17, respectively.

Colonoscopy enables the diagnoses of colorectal cancer one of the diseases which mimic ovarian cancer in patients supposed to have this diseases.

Bowel patency disturbances found at colonoscopy are a potential risk factor to intestine resection or ostomy.

Colonoscopy is not fully noninvasive procedure and its obligatory use in patients supposed to have ovarian cancer should be limited to the cases with specific symptoms, and tumor marker pattern. Preoperative computed tomography, dedicated to bowel examination, candidates as an alternative to colonoscopy, but not completely.
Influence of vertebral bone mineral density on total dispersion volume of bone cement in vertebroplasty
Authors: Liu Jun , Liu Zhenghua , Luo Jing , Gong Liqun , Cui Yaqing , Song Qichun , Xiao Pei Fen , Zhou Yongchun
Published: March 2019

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of vertebral bone mineral density (BMD) on total diffusion volume of bone cement in percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP). This study was a retrospective review of prospectively collected data of consecutive patients with A1.2 thoracolumbar compression fractures treated by PVP. Vertebral BMD was measured before surgery and participants were divided into 3 groups according to World Health Organization diagnostic criteria for osteoporosis: Group A (normal BMD), Group B (reduced BMD), and Group C (osteoporosis). All vertebrae were injected with 3 mL of bone cement via the unilateral pedicle and scanned by computed tomography after surgery. Actual injection volume (bone cement only) and total diffusion volume (bone cement plus trabeculae and space) were calculated. Pain severity was determined by the visual analog scale before surgery and at both 1 day and 1 month after surgery. There were no significant differences in injection volume among the groups (P > .05), but the total dispersion volume was greater than injection volume in all groups (P < .05). Pairwise comparison showed a significant difference in total diffusion volume of bone cement between groups, with Group A having the largest volume and Group C the smallest volume. Pain was significantly reduced 1 day after surgery in each group compared with before surgery, but there were no significant between-group differences at 1 day or 1 month. Increasing vertebral BMD was positively correlated with increasing total diffusion volume. BMD does not significantly affect pain relief, despite producing a significantly lower distribution volume in osteoporotic patients.
The longitudinal study for the work-related factors to job performance among nurses in emergency department
Authors: Chen Fu-Li , Chen Kuan-Chen , Chiou Shy-Yang , Chen Peter Y. , Du Man-Li , Tung Tao-Hsin
Published: March 2019

To explore the relationship between baseline information, personal factors, working characteristics and job performance among nurses in emergency department in northern Taiwan.

Two-hundred twenty-two nursing staff were interviewed repeated with structured questionnaires for data collection in 3 time points (From August to September, 2008, from February to March, 2009, and from November to December, 2009). The generalized estimating equation (GEE) is used to test the relationship between the domains of independent variables (baseline information, personal factors, working characteristics) and dependent variables (task performance, contextual performance).

The mean age of participants is 30.1 ± 5.1 years. 50.0% are junior college or bachelor degrees. From the GEE model, biological protection (β = 0.17, P value = .002) and safety climate (β = 0.24, P value < .001) are significantly related to task performance. Contextual performance is strongly affected by safety climate (β = 0.15, P value < .001).

To improve the job performance among nurses in emergency department, it should consider personal psychological and environmental factors.
Metformin use and prostate cancer risk
Authors: Feng Zhaohan , Zhou Xiaofeng , Liu Naibo , Wang Jianfeng , Chen Xing , Xu Xin
Published: March 2019

Background:

The relationship between metformin use and the risk of prostate cancer is still inconclusive. Therefore, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of all eligible cohort studies to evaluate a potential association of metformin use with prostate cancer risk.

Methods:

A comprehensive literature search was performed in PubMed and Web of Science databases through July 2018. A DerSimonian and Laird random-effects model was applied to calculate the pooled relative risk (RR) and its 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results:

Eighteen cohort or nested case-control studies were included in this study with a total of 52,328 cases. In a random-effect pooled analysis, metformin use was not significantly associated with the risk of prostate cancer (RR 0.97, 95% CI 0.80–1.16, P = .711). Statistically significant heterogeneity was identified among included studies (P < .001, I

2
 = 98.1%). Sensitivity analysis indicated that no single study dominated the pooled RR.

Conclusion:

The present large meta-analysis of cohort studies did not find an association between metformin use and prostate cancer risk.
Relationship between knee extension strength and gait styles in patients with dementia
Authors: Nakayama Naoyuki , Suzuki Makoto , Hamaguchi Toyohiro
Published: March 2019

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between knee extension strength and gait performance with walking aids and the threshold level of strength to predict gait performance with walking aids in patients with dementia using ordinal logistic modeling.

This cross-sectional, observational correlation study was conducted in 56 hospital inpatients with dementia. Knee extensor strength was measured using a hand-held dynamometer. Gait performance was assessed by determining the walking aid that enables the subject to walk 10 m independently as well as without a walking aid.

Ordinal logistic modeling showed that the strength of the knee extensor muscles was a significant gait predictor with walking aids (P = .028). Knee extension strength of 0.17, 0.43, and 0.57 N m/kg could reach 80% independence probability for gait with walker, with cane, and without walking aid, respectively.

Knee extension strength was significantly related to gait performance with walking aid in people with dementia. Moreover, there are threshold levels of strength that could predict gait with particular walking aid in people with dementia. With regard to resistance training and prescription of walking aids, the probability of independence evaluated from ordinal logistic modeling contributes to efficient rehabilitation intervention.
Clinical characteristics of dysphagic stroke patients with salivary aspiration
Authors: Yu Kwang Jae , Park Donghwi
Published: March 2019

The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between radionuclide salivagram findings and clinical characteristics in stroke patient with swallowing difficulty.

In this study, dysphagic stroke patients who had undergone both a radionuclide salivagram and videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) were included retrospectively. To evaluate the correlations between clinical parameters and salivary aspiration, clinical parameters, such as stroke lesion, the degree of paralysis, sex, age, onset duration of stroke, the score of the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), the score of the Global Deterioration Scale (GDS), the total score of the Modified Barthel Index (MBI), and each sub-score of the MBI were collected and analyzed.

In the results of this study, the MMSE score was the only significant parameter for predicting positive findings in a salivagram in a multivariate logistic regression analysis in patients with supratentorial stroke. In patients with infratentorial stroke, however, the transfer sub-score of MBI was the only significant parameter for predicting positive findings in a salivagram in a multivariate logistic regression analysis.

In conclusion, care should be taken to prevent salivary aspiration when the MMSE score is less than eight in patients with supratentorial stroke, and the transfer sub-score of MBI score is less than three in patients with infratentorial stroke.
CRISPR: a promising tool for lipid physiology and therapeutics
Authors: Furgurson Mia , Lagor William R.
Published: March 2019

Purpose of review

The purpose is to review recent progress in applying the CRISPR/Cas9 system to lipid metabolism and therapeutics.

Recent findings

The CRISPR/Cas9 system has been used to generate knockout animals for lipid genes in multiple species. Somatic genome editing with CRISPR/Cas9 can efficiently disrupt genes in adult animals, including a new strategy for generating atherosclerosis. Refinements to the CRISPR/Cas9 system including epigenetic modulators and base editors offer new avenues to manipulate gene expression. The recent report of germline genome editing in humans highlights the promise as well as perils of this technology.

CRISPR/Cas9 is a transformative technology that will help advance on our understanding of lipid metabolism and physiology. Somatic genome editing is a particularly promising approach for editing genes in tissues of live organisms, and represents a new means of addressing unmet therapeutic challenges in humans. Educational outreach, public debate, and consideration of ethics and safety must guide the use of genome editing in humans.
New insights into angiopoietin-like proteins in lipid metabolism and cardiovascular disease risk
Authors: Kersten Sander
Published: March 2019

Purpose of review

The angiopoietin-like proteins (ANGPTLs), consisting of ANGPTL3, ANGPTL4, and ANGPTL8, have gained significant interest for their role as inhibitors of lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and for their potential as therapeutic targets for correcting dyslipidemia. This review provides an overview of the most relevant new insights on the connection between ANGPTLs, plasma lipids, and coronary artery disease.

Recent findings

Carriers of loss-of-function variants in ANGPTL3 have a reduced risk of coronary artery disease and reduced plasma levels of triglycerides and LDL-C, while carriers of loss-of-function variants in ANGPTL4 have a reduced risk of coronary artery disease and reduced plasma levels of triglycerides and increased HDL-C. There is evidence that carrier status of ANGPTL4 loss-of-function variants may also influence risk of type 2 diabetes. ANGPTL3 is produced in liver and is released as a complex with ANGPTL8 to suppress LPL activity in fat and muscle tissue. ANGPTL4 is produced by numerous tissues and likely mainly functions as a locally released LPL inhibitor. Both proteins inactivate LPL by catalyzing the unfolding of the hydrolase domain in LPL and by promoting the cleavage of LPL. Antisense oligonucleotide and monoclonal antibody-based inactivation of ANGPTL3 reduce plasma triglyceride and LDL-C levels in human volunteers and suppress atherosclerosis in mouse models.

ANGPTL3/ANGPTL8 and ANGPTL4 together assure the appropriate distribution of plasma triglycerides across tissues during different physiological conditions. Large-scale genetic studies provide strong rationale for continued research efforts to pharmacologically inactivate ANGPTL3 and possibly ANGPTL4 to reduce plasma lipids and coronary artery disease risk.
Identifying Drug Repurposing Opportunities in Oncology
Authors: Orecchioni Stefania , Roma Stefania , Raimondi Sara , Gandini Sara , Bertolini Francesco
Published: March 2019

The never-ending explosion in the cost of new oncology drugs is reducing in many countries the access to the most recent, effective anticancer therapies and represents a significant obstacle to the design and realization of combinatorial trials. Already approved, anticancer and nonanticancer drugs can be considered for in silico, preclinical, and clinical repurposing approaches and offer the significant advantages of a potentially cheaper, faster, and safer validation. This review discusses recent advances and challenges in the field.
Abdominal Contouring and Male Gender
Authors: Donato Daniel P. , Simpson Andrew M. , Garlick Jared W. , Kwok Alvin C. , Crombie Courtney , Agarwal Jayant P.
Published: March 2019

Background

Males represent a significant portion of patients undergoing abdominal contouring. Despite this, there are few studies examining the implication of gender on complications.

Objective

The aim of this study was to examine the association between gender and early postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing abdominal contouring procedures.

Methods

The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database (2006–2016) was queried to identify subjects undergoing panniculectomy or abdominoplasty. Minor and major complications were identified. Operative time and length of hospital stay were evaluated. A logistic regression model was used to examine associations between patient gender and adverse outcomes.

Results

Ten thousand four hundred seventy-three patients were identified. Of these, 4369 underwent abdominoplasties, and 6104 underwent panniculectomies. Males represented a higher percentage of the panniculectomy cohort (15.3% vs 9.2%). Males were older and generally had more comorbidities including diabetes, hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and elevated body mass index. Males also had a higher American Society of Anesthesiologists classification (P < 0.001). In the abdominoplasty cohort, male gender is an independent risk factor for any complication (odds ratio [OR], 1.3; confidence interval [CI], 1.16–1.45; P < 0.001) and major complications (OR, 1.52; CI, 1.01–2.29; P = 0.043). In the panniculectomy cohort, male gender is also an independent risk factor for any complication (OR, 1.47; CI, 1.24–1.75; P < 0.001) and major complications (OR, 1.43; CI, 1.12–1.83; P < 0.001). Males also had a significantly longer operative times in this cohort (171.3 vs 157.5 minutes; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Male gender is independently associated with minor and major complications in these patient populations. With this knowledge, plastic surgeons may be better able to identify higher-risk individuals and educate patients on their risk profile.