bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Traditional Chinese medicine combined with conventional therapy for female kidney stone
Authors: Du Hong , Lei Yi , Gao A-Ni , Sun Xiao-Min , Song Rui , Yu Xu-Dong , Deng Sheng , Si Hong-Mei , Chen Jia 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

Introduction:
Kidney stone is caused by abnormal accumulation of crystalline substances in the kidneys. Kidney stone is one of the urinary system diseases with a high incidence. In this study, we will use the research method of randomized controlled trials to explore the effects of Traditional Chinese medicine combined with western medicine on renal function and urine metabolism in women with kidney stones. We hope that the results of this study will provide more evidence-based medical evidence for TCM to treat kidney stones, and also provide patients with more treatment options.

Methods/design:
This pragmatic randomized controlled trial will recruit 100 patients who are diagnosed with kidney stone. Simple randomization to conventional drug treatment with a 1:1 allocation ratio will be used. The participants will continue to receive ESWL treatment and TCM therapy. The selection of outcomes will be evaluated by the overall effectiveness of clinical efficacy.

Discussion:
This trial may provide evidence regarding the clinical effectiveness, safety, and cost-effectiveness of Traditional Chinese medicine for patients with Female kidney stone.
Potential mechanisms and serum biomarkers involved in sex differences in pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Li Chan , Zhang Zeyu , Xu Qian , Wu Ting , Shi Ruizheng 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a disease associated with high mortality, but notable sex differences have been observed between males and females. For this reason, further research on the mechanisms underlying sex differences in PAH is required to better understand and treat the disease. This study mainly focused on gene expression levels to investigate potential differences in the pathogenesis and progression of PAH between the male and female sexes.
Sex-specific differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were analyzed using the Gene Expression Omnibus datasets GSE117261 and GSE38267. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses were conducted, and a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was established based on the identified DEGs to predict potential mechanisms involved in the observed sex differences in the pathogenesis of PAH.
We identified 26 female- and 53 male-specific DEGs from lung tissue and 498 female-specific DEGs in blood samples. No male-specific DEGs were identified from blood samples. GO and KEGG pathway analyses revealed that female-specific DEGs in lung tissue were enriched in inflammatory response and cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, whereas male-specific DEGs were mainly enriched in cellular chemotaxis and the nuclear factor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B-cell (NF-kappa B) signaling pathway. Lipocalin 2 (LCN2) was the only gene that was differentially expressed in both the lung tissue and the blood of female patients.
In conclusion, inflammation and immunity may play key roles in the pathogenesis of female PAH, and LCN2 may act as a serum biomarker of female PAH, whereas the pathogenesis in males is more complicated.
Physical and psychological effects of different temperature-controlled breast prostheses on patients with breast cancer during rehabilitation: a randomized controlled study (CONSORT)
Authors: Qiu Jiajia , Tang Lichen , Huang Lijin , Hou Shengqun , Zhou Jie 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

Background:
Breast loss causes negative influence on women physically, psychologically, and socially. Breast prosthesis can improve patient's figure externally, increase self-confidence, thus improving quality of life (QOL). Prospective study of different breast prostheses has not yet been performed in China. Our objective was to evaluate the QOL of patients wearing different types of breast prostheses and to compare the physical and psychological effects of different temperature-controlled breast prostheses on patients.

Methods:
Thirty patients with breast cancer were recruited through the Yankang E-follow-up Platform at the Department of Breast Surgery of Fudan University, Shanghai Cancer Center and were randomized into either intervention or control group. Random number tables were used in this study for randomization. In the first 6 weeks of the study, self-adhesive breast prostheses and conventional breast prostheses had been used in the intervention and control group, respectively. In the later 6 weeks, the breast prostheses used were switched into another kind. Several dimensional parameters including skin conditions, breast prosthesis knowledge, breast prosthesis knowledge, QOL, and body image were examined by different questionnaires in the end of both 6th and 12th week.

Results:
There were no significant difference in QOL and body image between the 2 groups during 6th and 12th week. At the 6th week of the study, patients of the intervention group preferred to the self-adhesive breast prosthesis, indicating that the self-adhesive breast prosthesis seemed more likely to feel like part of their body, while prosthesis cleaning remaining their biggest concern. At the end of 12th week, in comparison with the number at 6th week, more patients in both groups were willing to choose self-adhesive breast prosthesis.

Conclusions:
We conclude that women are satisfied with the temperature-controlled breast prosthesis and are more willing to choose self-adhesive breast prostheses although cleaning remains a problem. In China, patients still lack information about breast prostheses. Therefore, specialist breast nurses should provide comprehensive information about breast prostheses, assist patients in selecting suitable breast prostheses, collect feedback about the prostheses, and reduce each patient's physical and mental discomfort.
Endocrine therapies in postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative, pretreated, advanced breast cancer
Authors: Lee Cho-Hao , Kang Yi-No , Ho Ching-Liang , Lin Chin , Chen Po-Huang , Wu Yi-Ying , Huang Tzu-Chuan 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

Background:
Recently, many endocrine therapies have become available for hormone receptor-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative, pretreated, advanced breast cancer. Direct comparisons of these novel treatments to assess their added value, however, are lacking

Methods:
Our aim was to synthesize available evidence to compare all current endocrine treatments for hormone receptor-positive / human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative advanced breast cancer. We performed a systematic review to identify available randomized controlled trial evidence. We searched Embase, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Clinical Trials. Two trials presented at international oncology congresses (American Society of Clinical Oncology [ASCO]) were added to include the most recent evidence. A frequent network meta-analysis was used, and the surface under cumulative ranking area (SUCRA) was calculated to determine the best treatment

Results:
In total, 32 trials and 12,726 patients were identified, including 27 arms. Compared with fulvestrant 500 mg alone, novel target inhibitors combined with fulvestrant or exemestane had significantly prolonged progression-free survival with hazard ratios ranging from 0.62 to 0.82. Fulvestrant 500 mg plus palbociclib 125 mg and exemestane 25 mg plus entinostat 5 mg similarly extended progression-free survival (hazard ratio: 0.64 and 0.62 with SUCRA values of 91% and 92%, respectively). The exemestane 25 mg plus everolimus 10 mg combination had the best clinical benefit rate (risk ratio: 1.84, SUCRA: 91%) and overall response rate (risk ratio: 6.05, SUCRA: 97%)

Conclusions:
On the basis of this analysis, the 2 combinations of exemestane plus everolimus and fulvestrant plus palbociclib were the best treatment options
Effect of vitamin K1 on survival of patients with chronic liver failure
Authors: Xiong Zhuang , Liu Yangyang , Chang Tianying , Xu Xiaohao , Huo Shaokai , Deng Houbo , Liu Tiejun , Leng Yan 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
The effectiveness of vitamin K1 for the treatment of liver failure has been controversial, and no studies have investigated the effect of vitamin K1 on the risk of death and coagulation function in patients with chronic liver failure. This study aimed to explore the effect of vitamin K1 on death risk and international normalized ratio in patients with chronic liver failure.
From December 2013 to August 2017, this retrospective cohort study screened patients hospitalized for chronic liver failure (n = 80) who received routine treatment. The patients were categorized into the vitamin K1 and control groups according to whether they had received intramuscular injection of vitamin K1 on the basis of conventional treatment. Baseline data were analyzed with χ2 test and independent sample t-test; the survival curve of 48 weeks was created with Kaplan–Meier estimator. Correlation between death event and vitamin K1, age, sex, albumin (ALB), total bilirubin (TBIL), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) was determined with the Cox proportional risk regression model.
Fifty-seven Chinese patients were finally included in the analysis. Patients treated with vitamin K1 had a lower risk of death (hazards ratio [HR] 0.37, P = 0.009) than the control group (P = 0.006). Men had a higher risk of death (HR 2.97, P = 0.005). Age, ALB, TBIL, and ALP had a certain correlation with risk of death. Vitamin K1 reduced the international normalized ratio levels [P < 0.01 (95% confidence interval 0.000–0.002)].
Vitamin K1 may reduce the risk of death in patients with chronic liver failure. Male sex, age, ALB, TBIL, and ALP are potential risk factors for increased risk of death in these patients. Based on these findings, vitamin k1 can be used in patients with chronic liver failure. Prospective studies are still needed, however, to validate the role of vitamin K1 in the chronic liver failure.
Endovascular coiling versus surgical clipping for the treatment of unruptured cerebral aneurysms
Authors: Kang Xiao-kui , Guo Sheng-fu , Lei Yi , Wei Wei , Liu Hui-xin , Huang Li-li , Jiang Qun-long 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

Background:
Endovascular coiling and surgical clipping are routinely used to treat unruptured cerebral aneurysms (UCAs). However, the evidence to support the efficacy of these approaches is limited. We aimed to analyze the efficacy of endovascular coiling compared with surgical clipping in patients with UCAs.

Method:
A systematic search of 4 databases was conducted to identify comparative articles involving endovascular coiling and surgical clipping in patients with UCAs. We conducted a meta-analysis using the random-effects model when I2> 50%. Otherwise, a meta-analysis using the fixed-effects model was performed.

Results:
Our results showed that endovascular coiling was associated with a shorter length of stay (WMD: −4.14, 95% CI: (−5.75, −2.531), P < .001) and a lower incidence of short-term complications compared with surgical clipping (OR: 0.518; 95% CI (0.433, 0.621); P < .001), which seems to be a result of ischemia complications (OR: 0.423; 95% CI (0.317, 0.564); P < .001). However, surgical clipping showed a higher rate of complete occlusion after surgery, in both short-term (OR: 0.179, 95% CI (0.064, 0.499), P = .001) and 1-year follow-ups (OR: 0.307, 95% CI (0.146, 0.646), P = .002), and a lower rate of short-term retreatment (OR: 0.307, 95% CI (0.146, 0.646), P = .002). Meanwhile, there was no significant difference in postoperative death, bleeding, and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) > 2 between the 2 groups.

Conclusions:
The latest evidence illustrates that surgical clipping resulted in lower retreatment rates and was associated with a higher incidence of complete occlusion, while endovascular coiling was associated with shorter LOS and a lower rate of complications, especially ischemia.
Comparison of stereotactic body radiation therapy with and without sorafenib as treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein tumor thrombosis
Authors: Que Jenny , Wu Hung-Chang , Lin Chia-Hui , Huang Chung-I , Li Li-Ching , Ho Chung-Han 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) has emerged as a treatment option for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. However, the treatment outcomes for patients with portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT) remain poor. In this study, we evaluate the efficacy of SBRT with and or without sorafenib for advanced HCC with PVTT.
Fifty four HCC patients with PVTT treated with SBRT using the Cyberknife system was retrospectively analyzed between January 2009 and June 2016. Of these, sorafenib combined with SBRT was administered to 18 patients and SBRT alone was administered to 36 patients. SBRT was designed to target the liver tumor and tumor thrombosis, with a radiation dose of 36 to 45 Gy (median 40 Gy) given in 3 to 5 fractions.
The mean follow-up period for SBRT with sorafenib and SBRT alone was 13.22 ± 10.07 months and 15.33 ± 22.01 months, respectively. The response rate was comparable in both groups. Complete response and partial response rates were 77.77% for SBRT with sorafenib and 75.00% without sorafenib (P = .43). The median progression-free survival rate was 6 months (2–11 months) versus 3 months (2–5.6 months) (P = .24) and the 1- and 2-year progression-free survival rates were 25.7% and 15.2% versus 11.1% and 8.3% (P = .1225). The median, 1- and 2-year overall survival rates (OSR) were 12.5 months, 55.6% and 17.7% versus 7 months (5–13.5 months), 33.3% and 11.1% (P = .28), for SBRT with sorafenib versus SBRT alone groups, respectively.
The result of our study shows that SBRT with sorafenib administered group resulted in a higher median, progression-free, and OSR for HCC patients with PVTT. However, the trends did not attain statistical significance. A large-scale randomized study is needed to assess the benefits of SBRT with sorafenib administration for patient with PVTT.
Association between blood lipid level and embryo quality during in vitro fertilization
Authors: Wang Shanshan , Wang Jun , Jiang Yiqun , Jiang Weihua 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between blood lipid level and the parameters of embryo morphology of in vitro fertilization (IVF).
A total of 488 patients undergoing conventional IVF were divided into pregnant (n = 286) and nonpregnant (n = 202) groups. Levels of triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoproteins (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), lipoprotein (a), lipoprotein (b), and embryo outcomes were studied. Spearman correlation was performed to analyze the correlation between blood lipid levels and embryo quality in pregnant group.
The normal fertilization rate and number of good quality embryos were higher than nonpregnant group (P < .05). TG, TC, and LDL levels were negatively correlated with number of normal fertilized oocytes, while TG, TC, and Lp(b) were negatively correlated with number of good quality embryos. TG level was negatively correlated with number of oocytes and cleavage embryos while HDL and Lp(a) were positively correlated with number of oocytes, normal fertilized oocytes and cleavage embryos (P < .05).
TG, TC, LDL, and Lp(b) levels had negative correlation with embryo quality, while HDL and Lp(a) had positive correlation with the embryo quality. Our present findings showed blood lipid levels may provide certain reference for the prediction of IVF pregnancy outcome.
Closed reduction with crossed Kirschner wire fixation for displaced supracondylar femoral fractures in young children
Authors: Li Jin , Ma Jiewen , Guo Xikai , Yue Changjie , Chen Kailei , Wang Jing , Tang Xin 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Supracondylar femoral fractures are uncommon in children, but may result in various deformities. Though many approaches have been used to manage them, there is no literally approved standard yet.
From 2015 to 2017, 12 young children at the average age of 2.5 years old (range 3.6–1.6) with displaced supracondylar fractures were admitted to our department and received closed reduction with crossed Kirschner wire (K-wire) fixation as treatment. After the surgeries, we performed follow-up to every patient at the average length of 26 months (range 24–30) and used the Knee Society Score scale to evaluate the outcome.
Fracture healing was observed within 10 weeks for all patients and walking was resumed between 10 to 13 weeks. No patient reported a valgus deformity more than 10°, neurovascular injury or knee infection. The average limb length discrepancy was 0.4 cm at the end of our follow-up. Every patient had perfect score on the Knee Society Score scale.
Our study suggests that closed reduction with percutaneous crossed Kirschner wire is a favorable method for displaced supracondylar femoral fractures in young children.
The burden of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in open heart surgery—a retrospective cohort analysis of postoperative complications
Authors: Szylińska Aleksandra , Kotfis Katarzyna , Listewnik Mariusz , Brykczyński Mirosław , Marra Annachiara , Rotter Iwona 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has a major impact on mortality and morbidity in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Mortality risk increases by 50% in patients who were re-intubated or required prolonged mechanical ventilation after the operation. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of COPD on the prediction of postoperative complications and outcome including intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital stay, postoperative morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing all types of cardiac surgery.
We performed a retrospective cohort analysis of prospectively collected data from a tertiary cardiac surgery department of a university hospital between 2014 and 2016. We divided patients undergoing cardiac surgery into 2 sub-groups – the first – with a clinical diagnosis of COPD (n = 198) and the second comprised all other non-COPD patients (n = 2980).
Among patients with COPD a longer intubation time (P = .039), longer ICU stay (P < .001) and longer hospitalization time (P = .006) was noted as compared with non-COPD patients. Patients with COPD required reintubation more often than non-COPD patients, reintubation occurring twice, 19 (9.60%) versus 144 (4.83%) P = .002, reintubation occurring 3 or more times, 7 (3.54%) versus 34 (1.14%) P = .006. Mortality within 30 days after surgery was higher in patients with pulmonary problems before surgery (P = .003). Multivariable logistic regression analysis corrected for interfering variables showed an increased risk of postoperative bronchoconstriction (odds ratio [OR] = 4.40, P = .002), respiratory failure (OR = 1.67, P = .018), atrial fibrillation (OR = 1.45, P = .023), and use of hemofiltration (OR = 1.60, P = .029) for patients with COPD.
Patients with COPD undergoing all types of cardiac surgery are at increased risk of respiratory complications and mortality. The occurrence of COPD was associated with longer ICU and hospital stay. In COPD patients, undergoing cardiac surgery, treatment strategies aimed at preventing reintubation and early weaning mechanical ventilation must be employed to reduce postoperative complications.
Probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics supplementation in prediabetes: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Du Xuqin , Xie Chunguang , Shi Lipeng , Gao Hong , Yang Chan , Liu Qionghui 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

Background:
The prevalence of prediabetes and diabetes is increasing rapidly, and 5% to 10% of prediabetic patients will develop diabetes every year. Diabetes causes major health problems as well as a large economic burden. Human studies have demonstrated the beneficial effects of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics supplementation in prediabetes. However, there are no systematic reviews that explore the therapeutic efficacy of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics supplementation in patients with prediabetes. Therefore, we aim to synthesize the existing evidence evaluating the effectiveness and safety of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics supplementation in prediabetic patients.

Methods:
We will search PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, the Clinical Trials.gov website, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, China Science and Technology Journal Database, and Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform from inception to August 2020. Additionally, the search will be conducted in multiple languages. Search terms are keywords and medical subject headings related to prediabetes, probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics. The primary outcomes are differences in glycated hemoglobin and fasting blood glucose. The secondary outcomes are differences in fasting insulin, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, quantitative insulin sensitivity check index, and adverse events. The meta-analysis will be performed using the Revman5.3.0 software provided by the Cochrane Collaboration.

Results:
Our study will systematically evaluate the effectiveness and safety of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics supplementation in prediabetes.

Conclusion:
The findings of this study will provide the best available evidence for probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics in the treatment of prediabetes, and provide a strong basis for clinical treatment.
Changes in Health Care Access, Behaviors, and Self-reported Health Among Low-income US Adults Through the Fourth Year of the Affordable Care Act
Authors: Griffith Kevin N. , Bor Jacob H. 
Published: March 2020

Background:
Health care access increased for low-income Americans under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). It is unknown whether these changes in access were associated with improved self-reported health.

Objective:
Determine changes in health care access, health behaviors, and self-reported health among low-income Americans over the first 4 years of the ACA, stratified by state Medicaid expansion status.

Design:
Interrupted time series and difference-in-differences analysis.

Subjects:
Noninstitutionalized US adults (18–64 y) in low income households (<138% federal poverty level) interviewed in the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System 2011–2017 (N=505,824).

Measures:
Self-reported insurance coverage, access to a primary care physician, avoided care due to cost; self-reported general health, days of poor physical health, days of poor mental health days, and days when poor health limited usual activities; self-reported health behaviors, use of preventive services, and diagnoses.

Results:
Despite increases in access, the ACA was not associated with improved physical or general health among low-income adults during the first 4 years of implementation. However, Medicaid expansion was associated with fewer days spent in poor mental health (−1.1 d/mo, 95% confidence interval: −2.1 to −0.5). There were significant changes in specific health behaviors, preventive service use, and diagnosis patterns during the same time period which may mediate the relationship between the ACA rollout and self-reported health.

Conclusion:
In nationally-representative survey data, we observed improvements in mental but not physical self-reported health among low-income Americans after 4 years of full ACA implementation.