bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Medical treatment for an isolated renal multilocular hydatid cyst in an elderly: a case report
Authors: Moghtadaie Atie , Yazdi Seyed Amir Miratashi , Mohraz Minoo , Asefi Hoda , Razeghi Effat 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background
Almost all cases of renal hydatid cysts need surgical intervention for treatment. We report a case of isolated renal hydatid cyst treated successfully only with medical therapy.

Case presentation
This case is a 79-year-old veterinarian presented with right flank pain, hydatiduria and positive echinococcus granulosus serology. A 70*50 mm cyst with daughter cysts in mid-portion of right kidney on presentation was changed into a 60*40 mm cyst without daughter cysts at last follow-up. Due to patient’s refusal of surgery, our patient received medical treatment including praziquantel and albendazole. After completion of first round of treatment, recurrence occurred and the same treatment was repeated. At last, the cyst became inactive and calcified with negative serology and no clinical symptoms under medical treatment.

Conclusion
The treatment of choice in renal hydatid cyst is surgery; although there are some reports about the efficacy of medical treatments for hydatid cysts but lower rates of recurrence and higher efficacy put surgery in a superior position compared to medical approaches. Our case showed relative success of medical treatment, despite the presence of a large multilocular renal involvement. Thus, medical therapy without surgery can be considered in very particular cases with isolated renal hydatid cysts.
Does prolonged labor affect the birth experience and subsequent wish for cesarean section among first-time mothers? A quantitative and qualitative analysis of a survey from Norway
Authors: Gaudernack L. C. , Michelsen T. M. , Egeland T. , Voldner N. , Lukasse M. 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background
Prolonged labor might contribute to a negative birth experience and influence first-time mothers’ attitudes towards future pregnancies. Previous studies have not adjusted for possible confounding factors, such as operative delivery, induction and postpartum hemorrhage. We aimed to determine the impact of prolonged labor on birth experience and a wish for cesarean section in subsequent pregnancies.

Methods
A survey including the validated “Childbirth Experience Questionnaire”. First-time mothers giving birth between 2012 and 2014 at a Norwegian university hospital participated. Data from deliveries were collected. Regression analysis and thematic content analysis were performed.

Results
459 (71%) women responded. Women with labor duration > 12 h had significantly lower scores on two out of four sub-items of the questionnaire: own capacity (p = 0.040) and perceived safety (p = 0.023).
Other factors contributing to a negative experience were:
Cesarean section vs vaginal birth: own capacity (p = 0.001) and perceived safety (p = 0.007). Operative vaginal vs spontaneous birth: own capacity (p = 0.001), perceived safety (p < 0.001) and participation (p = 0.047).
Induced vs spontaneous start: own capacity (p = 0.039) and participation (p = 0.050). Postpartum hemorrhage ≥500 ml vs < 500 ml: perceived safety (p = 0.002) and participation (p = 0.031).
In the unadjusted analysis, prolonged labor more than doubled the risk (odds ratio (OR) 2.66, 95%CI 1.42–4.99) of a subsequent wish for cesarean delivery. However, when adjustments were made for mode of delivery and induction, emergency cesarean section (OR 8.86,95%CI 3.85–20.41) and operative vaginal delivery (OR 3.05, 95%CI 1.46–6.38) remained the only factors significantly increasing the probability of wanting a cesarean section in subsequent pregnancies.
The written comments on prolonged labor (n = 46) indicated four main themes:

Difficulties gaining access to the labor ward.

Being left alone during the unexpectedly long, painful early stage of labor.

Stressful operative deliveries and worse pain than imagined.

Lack of support and too little or contradictory information from the staff.

Conclusions
Women with prolonged labors are at risk of a negative birth experience. Prolonged labor per se did not predict a wish for a cesarean section in a subsequent pregnancy. However, women with long labors more often experience operative delivery, which is a risk factor of a later wish for a cesarean section.
Risk score for predicting primary cesarean delivery in women with gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Phaloprakarn Chadakarn , Tangjitgamol Siriwan 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background
Women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) have a higher risk of cesarean delivery (CD) than glucose-tolerant women. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a risk score for predicting primary CD in women with GDM.

Methods
A risk score for predicting primary CD was developed using significant clinical features of 385 women who had a diagnosis of GDM and delivered at our institution between January 2011 and December 2014. The score was then tested for validity in another cohort of 448 individuals with GDM who delivered between January 2015 and December 2018.

Results
The risk score was developed using the features nulliparity, excess gestational weight gain, and insulin use. The scores that classified the pregnant women as low risk (0 points), intermediate risk (1–3 points), and high risk (≥ 4 points) were directly associated with the primary CD rates of the women in the development cohort: 14.7, 38.2 and 62.3%, respectively (P <  0.001). The model showed good calibration and acceptable discriminative power with a C statistic of 0.724 (95% confidence interval, 0.670–0.777). Similar results were observed in the validation cohort.

Conclusion
A risk score using the features nulliparity, excess gestational weight gain, and insulin use can estimate the risk for primary CD in women with GDM.
Mortality among persons experiencing musculoskeletal pain: a prospective study among Danish men and women
Authors: Holmberg Teresa , Davidsen Michael , Thygesen Lau Caspar , Krøll Mikala Josefine , Tolstrup Janne Schurmann 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background
Musculoskeletal (MSK) pain affects many people worldwide and has a great impact on general health and quality of life. However, the relationship between MSK pain and mortality is not clear. This study aimed to investigate all-cause and cause-specific mortality in relation to self-reported MSK pain within the last 14 days, including spread of pain and pain intensity.

Methods
This prospective cohort study included a representative cohort of 4806 men and women aged 16+ years, who participated in a Danish MSK survey 1990–1991. The survey comprised questions on MSK pain, including spread of pain and pain intensity. These data were linked with the Danish Register of Causes of Death to obtain information on cause of death. Mean follow-up was 19.1 years. Cox regression analyses were performed with adjustment for potential confounders.

Results
In the study population (mean age 44.5 years; 47.9% men), 41.0% had experienced MSK pain within the last 14 days and 1372 persons died during follow-up. For both sexes, increased all-cause mortality with higher spread and intensity of MSK pain was observed; a high risk was observed especially for men with strong pain (HR = 1.66; 95% CI:1.09–2.53) and women with widespread pain (HR = 1.49; 95% CI:1.16–1.92). MSK pain within last 14 days yielded c-statistics of 0.544 and 0.887 with age added. Moreover, persons with strong MSK pain had an increased cardiovascular mortality, persons with moderate pain and pain in two areas had an increased risk of cancer mortality, and persons with widespread pain had an increased risk of respiratory mortality.

Conclusions
Overall, persons experiencing MSK pain had a higher risk of mortality. The increased mortality was not accounted for by potential confounders. However, when evaluating these results, it is important to take the possibility of unmeasured confounders into account as we had no information on e.g. BMI etc.

Significance
The present study provides new insights into the long-term consequences of MSK pain. However, the discriminatory accuracy of MSK pain was low, which indicates that this information cannot stand alone when predicting mortality risk.
Ellipse method for measuring Liaw’s anteversion of the acetabular component after total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Yeh Kuei-Lin , Wu Tai-Yin , Ma Hsuan-Hsiao , Hou Sheng-Mou , Liaw Chen-Kun 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background
Several cup anteversion measurements for post-operative total hip arthroplasty (THA) surgery have been described. We developed the standardized Liaw’s trigonometric method to eliminate the influence of patient position, which is the most accurate method for cup anteversion measurement. We then developed an ellipse method using the Elliversion software and reported an interobserver error reduction in 2013. In this study, we attempted to apply this ellipse method in the clinic and compared its accuracy with the standard trigonometric version.

Methods
In the present study, we attempted to incorporate the ellipse method with Liaw’s standardized anteversion in the simulated cup position. We measured standardized Liaw’s anteversion for 434 radiographs in the clinic using the ellipse method. Repeated standard deviation (RSD) was calculated for accuracy evaluation. Furthermore, paired t-test was used for comparison with the interobserver and intraobserver errors.

Results
We found that the standardized Liaw’s anteversion measured using the ellipse method showed lower RSD than the radiographic version. RSD was 0.795 in the standardized Liaw’s anteversion with ellipse method group. The p-values of the paired t-test were all higher than 0.05 when measuring the interobserver and intraobserver errors. It indicated that the ellipse method was a precise and simple tool for cup anteversion measurement.

Conclusion
We believe that this ellipse measurement can assist surgeons while placing the acetabulum cup into the precise position and enable early diagnosis of acetabulum loosening.
Clinical efficacy of short-term pre-operative halo-pelvic traction in the treatment of severe spinal deformities complicated with respiratory dysfunction
Authors: Qi Longtao , Xu Beiyu , Li Chunde , Wang Yu 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background
Halo traction has been used as an adjunctive method in the treatment of severe spinal deformities. But there are few reports on the clinical efficacy of halo-pelvic traction (HPT) in the treatment of severe spinal deformities complicated with respiratory dysfunction. This study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy and complications associated with pre-operative HPT in the treatment of severe spinal deformities with respiratory dysfunction.

Methods
Thirty patients with severe spinal deformities complicated with respiratory dysfunction treated with short-term pre-operative HPT were retrospectively reviewed. Inclusion criteria were: (1) patients with severe kyphoscoliosis (coronal Cobb angle or kyphosis angle ≥100°) and respiratory failure, (2) patients undergoing HPT until posterior fusion surgery. All patients underwent general anesthesia for HPT application, which the pelvic ring used in this study was a half-ring, and the rods were all placed on the anterolateral side of the truck.

Results
The major coronal curve scoliosis averaged 116.00 ± 16.70° and was reduced to 63.23 ± 14.00° after HPT, 46.33 ± 10.70° after surgery. The major kyphosis was 102.40 ± 27.67° and was reduced to 52.23 ± 14.16° after HPT, 42.0 ± 11.92° after surgery. A significantly increased FVC was observed after HPT (p < 0.001), with a significantly improved FVC% (p < 0.001). Similarly, a significantly increased FEV1 was also observed (p < 0.001), with a significantly improved FEV1% (p < 0.001).

Conclusion
This study indicated that the modified HPT could be used to help patients with severe spinal deformities complicated with respiratory dysfunction achieve significant correction in both the coronal and sagittal deformities during the pre-operative treatment period along with improved respiratory function and in the absence of severe complications.
The effectiveness of Baduanjin exercise for hypertension: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Shao Bao-yi , Zhang Xia-tian , Vernooij Robin W. M. , Lv Qiu-yi , Hou Yao-yang , Bao Qi , Lao Li-xing , Liu Jian-ping , Zhang Ying , Guyatt Gordon H. 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background
Hypertension, a major risk factor of cardiovascular mortality, is a critical issue for public health. Although Baduanjin (Eight Brocades, EB), a traditional Chinese exercise, might influence blood pressure, glucose, and lipid status, the magnitude of true effects and subgroup differences remains unclear. Therefore, we performed a systematic review of relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate the effect of EB on patient-important outcomes.

Methods
We systematically searched PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Chinese databases since inception until March 30, 2020. Meta-analysis was carried out using “meta” package in R 3.4.3 software. A prespecified subgroup analysis was done according to the type of comparisons between groups, and the credibility of significant subgroup effects (P < 0.05) were accessed using a five-criteria list. A GRADE evidence profile was constructed to illustrate the certainty of evidence.

Results
Our meta-analysis, including 14 eligible trials with 1058 patients, showed that compared with routine treatment or health education as control groups, the mean difference (MD) in systolic blood pressure (SBP) of the EB groups was − 8.52 mmHg (95%CI:[− 10.65, − 6.40], P < 0.01) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was − 4.65 mmHg (95%CI: [− 6.55, − 2.74], P < 0.01). For blood pressure, the evidence was, however, of low certainty because of risk of bias and inconsistency, and for the outcomes of most interest to patients (cardiovascular morbidity and mortality directly), of very low certainty (measurement of surrogate only). Subgroup analysis showed there was no significant interaction effect between different type of comparisons (SBP P = 0.15; DBP P = 0.37), so it could be easily attributed to chance.

Conclusion
Regularly EB exercising may be helpful to control blood pressure, but the evidence is only low certainty for blood pressure and very low certainty for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Rigorously designed RCTs that carry out longer follow-up and address patient-important outcomes remain warranted.

Trial registration
PROSPERO Registration number: CRD42018095854.
The effect of curcumin ointment on knee pain in older adults with osteoarthritis: a randomized placebo trial
Authors: Jamali Neda , Adib-Hajbaghery Mohsen , Soleimani Alireza 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background
Some studies have shown the effect of oral administration of curcumin on knee pain. However, limited studies are available on the effect of topical curcumin. This study aimed to investigate the effect of curcumin ointment on knee pain in older adults with osteoarthritis.

Methods
This double-blind randomized placebo trial was conducted on 72 older adults with knee pain associated with osteoarthritis. The subjects were randomly assigned into an intervention and a placebo group to apply either curcumin 5% ointment or Vaseline ointment twice daily for 6 weeks. Using a Visual Analog Scale, the severity of knee pain was measured at the beginning of the study, at the end of the fourth and sixth week. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential methods.

Results
The mean baseline knee pain intensity was not significantly different between the two groups (P = 0.15). The mean pain intensity was significantly lower in the intervention group than in the placebo group at the third measurement (P = 0.02). The repeated-measures analysis showed that over time, the curcumin significantly decreased the mean pain intensity in the intervention group (P = 0.001). The mixed model showed an absolute difference of 1.133 (i.e. 11.33 mm) score which signifies a medium effect size and that the patient in the intervention group achieved the minimal clinically important difference.

Conclusion
Topical administration of curcumin 5% ointment can significantly reduce knee pain in older adults with knee osteoarthritis. Curcumin ointment can be used as an alternative treatment in older adults with knee pain associated with osteoarthritis.

Trial registration
Retrospectively registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT) (IRCT20100403003618N6, 2019-03-08), https://en.irct.ir/trial/37155
Complexity in psychological self-ratings: implications for research and practice
Authors: Olthof Merlijn , Hasselman Fred , Lichtwarck-Aschoff Anna 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundPsychopathology research is changing focus from group-based “disease models” to a personalized approach inspired by complex systems theories. This approach, which has already produced novel and valuable insights into the complex nature of psychopathology, often relies on repeated self-ratings of individual patients. So far, it has been unknown whether such self-ratings, the presumed observables of the individual patient as a complex system, actually displaycomplexdynamics. We examine this basic assumption of a complex systems approach to psychopathology by testing repeated self-ratings for three markers of complexity:memory, the presence of (time-varying) short- and long-range temporal correlations;regime shifts, transitions between different dynamic regimes; andsensitive dependence on initial conditions, also known as the “butterfly effect,” the divergence of initially similar trajectories.MethodsWe analyzed repeated self-ratings (1476 time points) from a single patient for the three markers of complexity using Bartels rank test, (partial) autocorrelation functions, time-varying autoregression, a non-stationarity test, change point analysis, and the Sugihara-May algorithm.ResultsSelf-ratings concerning psychological states (e.g., the item “I feel down”) exhibited all complexity markers: time-varying short- and long-term memory, multiple regime shifts, and sensitive dependence on initial conditions. Unexpectedly, self-ratings concerning physical sensations (e.g., the item “I am hungry”) exhibited less complex dynamics and their behavior was more similar to random variables.ConclusionsPsychological self-ratings display complex dynamics. The presence of complexity in repeated self-ratings means that we have to acknowledge that (1) repeated self-ratings yield a complex pattern of data and not a set of (nearly) independent data points, (2) humans are “moving targets” whose self-ratings display non-stationary change processes including regime shifts, and (3) long-term prediction of individual trajectories may be fundamentally impossible. These findings point to a limitation of popular statistical time series models whose assumptions are violated by the presence of these complexity markers. We conclude that a complex systems approach to mental health should appreciate complexity as a fundamental aspect of psychopathology research by adopting the models and methods of complexity science. Promising first steps in this direction, such as research on real-time process monitoring, short-term prediction, and just-in-time interventions, are discussed.
Serological prevalence of six vector-borne pathogens in dogs presented for elective ovariohysterectomy or castration in the South central region of Texas
Authors: Fudge J. Mack , Boyanowski Bailey , Page Bernie , Liu Shuling , Rogovskyy Artem S. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundMost vector-borne pathogens cause zoonotic diseases. These zoonoses often have wild animal reservoirs that play a significant role in disease epidemiology. However, pet animals have also been implicated in transmission of zoonotic agents to humans. To exemplify, dogs are competent reservoir hosts for several zoonotic vector-borne bacteria and protozoa. Despite that vector-borne diseases can be life-threatening for both pets and humans, studies on pathogen seroprevalence are very limited. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the serological prevalence of six zoonotic vector-borne agents in dogs from the South Central region of Texas (US).Electronic medical records of dogs, presenting over 2014–2019 for elective ovariohysterectomy or castration at a high volume spay and neuter clinic, were reviewed for serological testing. Sera from 418 dogs were tested for theDirofilaria immitisantigen, and antibodies toAnaplasma phagocytophilum, Anaplasma platys,Borrelia burgdorferi, Ehrlichia canis,andEhrlichia ewingi,using a commonly available commercial test kit. Descriptive statistics were computed to characterize the respective seroprevalence rates of the dog population. The study involved 192 (46%) male and 226 (54%) female dogs.ResultsOverall, 85 (20%) dogs tested positive for at least one of the 6 pathogens investigated. The highest seroprevalence rate averaged over the 6-year period was 11.7% forD. immitisfollowed by 8.4% forE. canisand/orE. ewingii, 4.3% forA. phagocytophilumand/orA. platys, and 0.2% forB. burgdorferi. The co-exposure or co-infection was only detected in 3.8% of the dog population.ConclusionsTogether, opportunistic testing of dogs presenting for elective surgical procedures may provide an effective way of assessing seroprevalence and/or risk factors for common vector-borne diseases within a geographic region of concern.
Dexamethasone rescues TGF-β1-mediated β2-adrenergic receptor dysfunction and attenuates phosphodiesterase 4D expression in human airway smooth muscle cells
Authors: Chung Elena , Ojiaku Christie A. , Cao Gaoyuan , Parikh Vishal , Deeney Brian , Xu Shengjie , Wang Serena , Panettieri Reynold A. , Koziol-White Cynthia 
Published: October 2020

AbstractGlucocorticoids (GCs) and β2-adrenergic receptor (β2AR) agonists improve asthma outcomes in most patients. GCs also modulate gene expression in human airway smooth muscle (HASM), thereby attenuating airway inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness that define asthma. Our previous studies showed that the pro-fibrotic cytokine, transforming growth factor- β1 (TGF-β1) increases phosphodiesterase 4D (PDE4D) expression that attenuates agonist-induced levels of intracellular cAMP. Decreased cAMP levels then diminishes β2 agonist-induced airway relaxation. In the current study, we investigated whether glucocorticoids reverse TGF-β1-effects on β2-agonist-induced bronchodilation and modulate pde4d gene expression in HASM. Dexamethasone (DEX) reversed TGF-β1 effects on cAMP levels induced by isoproterenol (ISO). TGF-β1 also attenuated G protein-dependent responses to cholera toxin (CTX), a Gαs stimulator downstream from the β2AR receptor. Previously, we demonstrated that TGF-β1 treatment increased β2AR phosphorylation to induce hyporesponsiveness to a β2 agonist. Our current data shows that expression of grk2/3, kinases associated with attenuation of β2AR function, are not altered with TGF-β1 stimulation. Interestingly, DEX also attenuated TGF-β1-induced pde4d gene expression. These data suggest that steroids may be an effective therapy for treatment of asthma patients whose disease is primarily driven by elevated TGF-β1 levels.