bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Use of the VENOVO™ and Sinus Obliquus™ venous stents in the treatment of non-thrombotic or post-thrombotic iliac vein lesions – Short-term results from a multi-centre Asian cohort
Authors: Tang Tjun Y , Lim Mervin HH , Damodharan Karthikeyan , Yap Charyl JQ , Lee Shaun QW , Yap Hao Y , Chong Tze T , Tan Jimmy WH 
Published: August 2020

Objectives Deep venous stenting with intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) guidance is gaining favour as the treatment modality of choice for symptomatic ilio-femoral venous occlusive disease. The aim was to determine the short-term patency and symptomatic relief gained using the Bard Venovo™ and Optimed Sinus Obliquus™ stents in the endovascular treatment of non-thrombotic iliac vein lesions (NIVL) and post-thrombotic venous obstruction (PTO) from two Asian tertiary vascular centres. Methods Sixty patients (males = 21/60 (35.0%); median age 67 years (interquartile range 54–77)) who underwent IVUS interrogation and ilio-femoral stenting (June 2018–May 2019) in two Asian centres were prospectively followed. Clinical improvement was determined by the revised Venous Clinical Severity Score (rVCSS), pain using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and ulcer healing rate. Patency rates were evaluated using Duplex ultrasound and computer tomography venogram. Results Seventy-one legs were interrogated and stented; 11/60 (18.3%) patients had a bilateral procedure. Indications for surgery were PTO ( n = 11/71 (15.5%)) and NIVL ( n = 60/71 (84.5%)). Twenty-seven of 71 (38.0%) patients had CEAP 6 disease. The median follow-up was 283 (interquartile range 211–370) days. Technical and procedural success was both 100%. Twenty-one of 71 (29.6%) legs had a combination of Venovo™ and Sinus Obliquus™ stents inserted for concurrent ilio-caval and iliac lesions. There were no major post-operative complications. Six-month primary, assisted primary and secondary patency rates were 94.1, 97.1 and 100%, respectively. There were no stent fractures. Mean rVCSS and VAS improved from 12.26 (±3.31) to 4.33 (±2.78) and 6.97 (±1.38) to 2.03 (±1.65), respectively, at three months (p < 0.01). Complete ulcer healing was seen in 27/27 (100%) patients at three months. Conclusion Use of Venovo™ and Sinus Obliquus™ stents for symptomatic ilio-femoral venous disease showed excellent six-month primary patency rate with no stent fractures. There were significant clinical improvement and low-device-related complications. Longer follow-up is awaited to see how these dedicated venous stents perform.
Added value of femoral artery atherosclerosis for determining severity of white matter lesion by carotid atherosclerosis: a magnetic resonance imaging study
Authors: Liu Yang , Han Yongjun , Guan Maobin , Cai Ying , Wang Wei , Chen Huijun , Zhao Xihai 
Published: August 2020

Background Previous studies reported that single vascular atherosclerosis was an effective indicator for white matter lesions (WMLs). Purpose To investigate the added value of femoral atherosclerosis for determining severity of WMLs by carotid atherosclerosis using three-dimensional vessel wall magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Material and Methods Elderly individuals without cardiovascular symptoms within the previous six months were recruited. The plaque features of carotid and femoral arteries were evaluated and compared between individuals with WML score ≤ 3 and those with WML score > 3. Logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses were used to determine the value of plaque features in discriminating WMLs with score > 3. Results In total, 112 individuals (49 men, mean age 72.0±5.6 years) were included. Participants with a WML score > 3 showed a significantly greater carotid wall area and femoral artery stenosis and higher incidence of carotid calcification and femoral artery calcification and lipid-rich necrotic cores (LRNC) compared to those with a WML score ≤ 3 (all P < 0.05). Carotid artery calcification and femoral artery calcification, LRNC, and stenosis were found to be significantly associated with severe WMLs before and after adjustment for clinical factors (odds ratio 1.51–3.79, all P < 0.05). ROC analysis showed, in discriminating severe WMLs, the area under the curve increased from 0.615 to 0.754 after combining femoral artery LRNC and stenosis with carotid calcification compared to the carotid calcification alone. Conclusion Characteristics of femoral artery atherosclerosis determined by vessel wall MRI have added value for carotid atherosclerosis in determining the severity of WMLs.
Percutaneous antegrade removal of foreign bodies in the urinary tract: a 20-year, single-center experience
Authors: Zheng Lin , Cho Young Chul , Shin Ji Hoon , Park Jung-Hoon , Jang Eun Bee , Ibrahim Alrashidi , Li Hai-Liang , Kim Jong Woo 
Published: August 2020

Background While removing urinary tract foreign bodies is mostly performed through retrograde cystoscopy, antegrade removal using interventional procedures is reported less frequently. Purpose To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of percutaneous antegrade removal of urinary tract foreign bodies. Material and Methods A total of 14 consecutive patients (age range 9–80 years) who percutaneous antegrade removal of urinary tract foreign bodies between January 2001 and March 2020 were reviewed. Detailed removal procedures and complications were reviewed retrospectively. Results Types of foreign bodies were sheared percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN) catheters (n = 5), sheared double J stents (n = 3), migrated ureteral catheters (n = 3), embolization coils (n = 2), and a 0.018-inch guide wire (n = 1). The mean and median indwelling times (range 0–306 days) of the foreign bodies were 58.3 and 1.5 days, respectively. Computed tomography (CT) scans were conducted in six patients, and the extent and nature of the foreign bodies were well-visualized on CT scans. The removal access was new PCN access (n = 8), the tract missing PCN catheter (n = 3), pre-existing PCN access (n = 2), and percutaneous dissection (n = 1). The removal success rate was 92.9% (13/14) with either a simple (n = 8) or modified (n = 4; combination of a snare and guide wire is used) snare technique or a direct forceps grasp (n = 1). The mean procedure time for successful cases was 14.2 min (range 7–25 min). Procedure-related hematoma with (n = 2) or without (n = 1) renal pelvis injury occurred in three patients, which were all self-limited within one week. Conclusion Percutaneous antegrade removal is safe and effective for urinary tract foreign bodies.
Association of miR-146a polymorphism rs2910164 and type 2 diabetes risk: a meta-analysis
Authors: Cheng Liqing , Zhou Min , Zhang Dongmei , Chen Bing 
Published: August 2020

Objective Circulating miR-146a is aberrantly expressed in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D), probably resulting from gene polymorphisms. However, the role of polymorphism rs2910164 in T2D pathogenesis remains controversial. Thus, we designed a meta-analysis to investigate the association between rs2910164 and T2D. Methods PubMed and Embase were searched for eligible papers in English published through September 2, 2019. Random or fixed effect models were used to determine risk estimates according to heterogeneities. Results Four studies, involving 2,069 patients and 1,950 controls, were included. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were used to pool the effect size. The pooled ORs and 95% CIs were 1.501 (0.887–2.541), 1.102 (0.931–1.304), 1.276 (0.900–1.811), 1.204 (0.878–1.652), 1.238 (0.880–1.740), and 1.350 (0.904–2.016) under the homozygote, heterozygote (CG vs. GG and CC vs. CG), dominant, allele, and recessive models, respectively. Heterogeneity was detected in most genetic models, with subgroup analyses performed by ethnicity, genotyping method, and disease duration. The co-dominant model was determined to be the most appropriate genetic model. Conclusions Our findings suggested that polymorphism rs2910164 is not correlated with T2D susceptibility. However, the results should be interpreted with caution because of confounding factors.
The anesthetic bupivacaine induces cardiotoxicity by targeting L-type voltage-dependent calcium channels
Authors: Gao YaNan , Chen Bo , Zhang Xue , Yang Rui , Hua QingLi , Li BaiDong 
Published: August 2020

Objective Bupivacaine is an amide local anesthetic with possible side effects that include an irregular heart rate. However, the mechanism of bupivacaine-induced cardiotoxicity has not been fully elucidated, thus we aimed to examine this mechanism. Methods We performed electrocardiogram recordings to detect action potential waveforms in Sprague Dawley rats after application of bupivacaine, while calcium (Ca2+) currents in neonatal rat ventricular cells were examined by patch clamp recording. Western blot and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction assays were used to detect the expression levels of targets of interest. Results In the present study, after application of bupivacaine, abnormal action potential waveforms were detected in Sprague Dawley rats by electrocardiogram recordings, while decreased Ca2+ currents were confirmed in neonatal rat ventricular cells by patch clamp recording. These alterations may be attributed to a deficiency of CaV1.3 (L-type) Ca2+ channels, which may be regulated by the multifunctional protein calreticulin. Conclusions The present study identifies a possible role of the calreticulin–CaV1.3 axis in bupivacaine-induced abnormal action potentials and Ca2+ currents, which may lead to a better understanding anesthetic drug-induced cardiotoxicity.
Altered levels of circulating natural antibodies against VEGFR1-derived peptide in atherosclerosis
Authors: Wang Peng , Liu Siqi , Wang Zhenqi , Zhao Huan , Zhang Xuan 
Published: August 2020

Background Several lines of evidence have pointed to a protective role of natural antibodies in chronic diseases like atherosclerosis and cancer. Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 (VEGFR1) and VEGFR2 are important regulators of angiogenesis and may be involved in the development of atherosclerosis. In this retrospective study, we developed an in-house enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to assess whether natural IgG levels against VEGFR1 and the regulatory T cell markers CD25 and FOXP3 were associated with atherosclerosis. Methods A total of 218 patients with atherosclerosis and 200 healthy controls were enrolled. All patients had atherosclerotic carotid plaques. Carotid intima–media thickness was analyzed using a diagnostic ultrasound system. Results Plasma anti-VEGFR1 IgG levels were significantly lower in patients with atherosclerosis than control subjects. Decreased anti-VEGFR1 IgG levels were more obvious in male patients. Spearman correlation analysis showed no significant correlation between natural IgG levels and carotid intima–media thickness. Conclusions Decreased levels of anti-VEGFR1 IgG may be involved in development of atherosclerosis and related conditions.
The Allied Health Professions Health and Work Report and the fit note: Perspectives of patients and stakeholders
Authors: Nouri Fiona , Coole Carol , Smyth Genevieve , Drummond Avril 
Published: August 2020

Introduction Although the role of occupational therapists in the provision of vocational support is established, there has been little research into their role in issuing Allied Health Professions Health and Work Reports or their potential to complete fit notes. Method Employed patients ( n = 14) and stakeholders ( n = 12) took part in semi-structured telephone interviews and were questioned about occupational therapy-run vocational clinics, experiences of the Allied Health Professions Health and Work Reports and their views of occupational therapists completing fit notes. Results Most interviewees saw the Allied Health Professions Health and Work Report as a valuable tool in affecting return to work and even employers with access to in-house occupational health predominantly found it useful in corroborating recommendations. There was consensus, amongst patients and stakeholders, that completion of the fit note by the occupational therapist could reduce the burden on the general practitioner, and potentially provide more in-depth advice via the ‘may be fit’ option. However, stakeholders strongly believed that the profile of the Allied Health Professions Health and Work Report needed to be raised nationally. Conclusion The potential value of Allied Health Professions Health and Work Reports in primary care is recognised. However, in order to maximise this, its profile and utility needs to be raised nationally as a matter of urgency. There was also support for occupational therapists completing fit notes.
Effect of Posterior Glenoid Bone Loss and Retroversion on Arthroscopic Posterior Glenohumeral Stabilization
Authors: Wolfe Jared A. , Elsenbeck Michael , Nappo Kyle , Christensen Daniel , Waltz Robert , LeClere Lance , Dickens Jonathan F. 
Published: August 2020

Background: Posterior glenohumeral instability is an increasingly recognized cause of shoulder instability, but little is known about the incidence or effect of posterior glenoid bone loss. Purpose: To determine the incidence, characteristics, and failure rate of posterior glenoid deficiency in shoulders undergoing isolated arthroscopic posterior shoulder stabilization. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: All patients undergoing isolated posterior labral repair and glenoid-based capsulorrhaphy with suture anchors between 2008 and 2016 at a single institution were identified. Posterior bone deficiency was calculated per the best-fit circle method along the inferior two-thirds of the glenoid by 2 independent observers. Patients were divided into 2 groups: minimal (0%-13.5%) and moderate (>13.5%) posterior bone loss. The primary outcome was reoperation for any reason. The secondary outcomes were military separation and placement on permanent restricted duty attributed to the operative shoulder. Results: A total of 66 shoulders met the inclusion criteria, with 10 going on to reoperation after a median follow-up of 16 months (range, 14-144 months). Of the total shoulders, 86% (57/66) had ≤13.5% bone loss and 14% (9/66) had >13.5%. Patients with moderate posterior glenoid bone loss had significantly greater retroversion (−11.5° vs −4.3°; P = .01). Clinical failure requiring reoperation was seen in 10.5% of patients in the minimal bone deficiency group and 44.4% in the moderate group ( P = .024). There was no difference between groups in rate of military separation or restricted duty. Patients with moderate posterior glenoid bone deficiency were more likely to be experiencing instability instead of pain on initial presentation ( P < .001), were more likely to have a positive Jerk test result ( P = .05), and had increased glenoid retroversion ( P = .01). Conclusion: In shoulders with moderate glenoid bone deficiency (>13.5%) and increased glenoid retroversion, posterior capsulolabral repair alone may result in higher reoperation rates than in shoulders without bone deficiency.
COVID-19-Associated Critical Illness—Report of the First 300 Patients Admitted to Intensive Care Units at a New York City Medical Center
Authors: Chand Sudham , Kapoor Sumit , Orsi Deborah , Fazzari Melissa J. , Tanner Tristan G. , Umeh Genevieve C. , Islam Marjan , Dicpinigaitis Peter V. 
Published: August 2020

Background: The first confirmed case of novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) infection in the United States was reported from the state of Washington in January, 2020. By March, 2020, New York City had become the epicenter of the outbreak in the United States. Methods: We tracked all patients with confirmed coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) infection admitted to intensive care units (ICU) at Montefiore Medical Center (Bronx, NY). Data were obtained through manual review of electronic medical records. Patients had at least 30 days of follow-up. Results: Our first 300 ICU patients were admitted March 10 through April 11, 2020. The majority (60.7%) of patients were men. Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) was documented in 91.7% of patients; 91.3% required mechanical ventilation. Prone positioning was employed in 58% of patients and neuromuscular blockade in 47.8% of mechanically-ventilated patients. Neither intervention was associated with decreased mortality. Vasopressors were required in 77.7% of patients. Acute kidney injury (AKI) was present on admission in 40.7% of patients, and developed subsequently in 36.0%; 50.9% of patients with AKI received renal replacement therapy (RRT). Overall 30-day mortality rate was 52.3%, and 55.8% among patients receiving mechanical ventilation. In univariate analysis, higher mortality rate was associated with increasing age, male sex, hypertension, obesity, smoking, number of comorbidities, AKI on presentation, and need for vasopressor support. A representative multivariable model for 30-day mortality is also presented, containing patient age, gender, body mass index, and AKI at admission. As of May 11, 2020, 2 patients (0.7%) remained hospitalized. Conclusions: Mortality in critical illness associated with COVID-19 is high. The majority of patients develop ARDS requiring mechanical ventilation, vasopressor-dependent shock, and AKI. The variation in mortality rates reported to date likely reflects differences in the severity of illness of the evaluated populations.
Evaluation of the protective effect of paricalcitol and vitamin D3 at doxorubicin nephrotoxicity in rats with 99mTechnetium-dimercaptosuccinic acid renal scintigraphy and biochemical methods
Authors: Demir Fadime , Demir Mustafa , Aygun Hatice 
Published: August 2020

Aim: The present study aimed to examine the effect of paricalcitol (PRC) and vitamin D3 (vit D3) on doxorubicin (DOX)-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. Materials and Methods: Forty-two Wistar rats were randomly categorized into six groups: control; 2) PRC(0.5 µg/kg) and 3) vit D3(5.000 IU/kg) administered for 14 days; 4) DOX, 18 mg/kg administered on the 12th, 13th and 14th days of the study; 5) PRC (0.5 µg/kg, +DOX(18 mg/kg); vit D3(5.000 IU)+DOX(18 mg/kg). On the 15th day of the experiment, 99mTc-DMSA uptake level and biochemical parameter in serum and tissue were assay. Results: Activities of 99mTechnetium-Dimercaptosuccinic Acid (99mTc-DMSA) were lower in groups receiving DOX and/or PRC+DOX, vit D3+DOX than in control groups. The 99mTc-DMSA level in the group PRC+DOX and vit D3+DOX were importantly higher than DOX group. DOX caused an important increase in blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, Tumor Necrosis Factor-α(TNF- α), interleukin-6(IL-6) and nitric oxide(NO) levels compared to control groups. However, PRC and vit D3 pretreatments lowered them. Uptake of 99mTc-DMSA level was higher in groups PRC+DOX than in vit D3+DOX group. Administration of PRC and vit D3 alone did not change alterations all of parameters. Conclusion: The results indicated that PRC administration protects kidney in DOX-induced nephrotoxic rats. In addition, PRC has a stronger nephroprotective effect than vit D3.
Electroacupuncture pretreatment promotes angiogenesis via hypoxia-inducible factor 1α and vascular endothelial growth factor in a rat model of chronic myocardial ischemia
Authors: Fu Yimeng , Li Jia , Wu Song , Wang Hua 
Published: August 2020

Objective: Electroacupuncture (EA) pretreatment appears useful in the treatment of chronic myocardial ischemia (CMI). The goal of this study was to investigate the effect of EA preconditioning on the regulation of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) proteins in a CMI model of vascular regeneration. Methods: A CMI model was established by subcutaneous injection of isoprinosine hydrochloride (ISO) for 14 days in 45 Wistar rats, which had been randomly divided into a model group ( n = 15), a CMI group pretreated with sham EA for 21 days (CMI + Sham group, n = 15) and a CMI group pretreated with verum EA for 21 days (CMI + EA, n = 15) prior to modeling. An additional 15 Wistar rats received 0.9% sodium chloride via intraperitoneal injection for 14 consecutive days (control group). Serum levels of VEGF and HIF-1α were measured by ELISA, while protein expression of VEGF and HIF-1α in the area of myocardial infarction was measured by Western blotting. The area of myocardial infarction and fibrosis of the myocardial tissue in the study groups were visualized by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and Masson staining, respectively. Results: EA pretreatment improved cardiac function by regulating left ventricular end-diastolic diameter and left ventricular end-systolic diameter, left ventricular ejection fraction and the ST segment voltage of the electrocardiogram. EA pretreatment promoted vascular regeneration by increasing serum levels of VEGF and HIF-1α and by increasing protein expression of HIF-1α and VEGF in the infarcted region of the myocardium, leading to a reduction in the area of myocardial infarction on HE staining and reduction of myocardial fibrosis on Masson staining. Conclusion: EA pretreatment promotes protein expression of HIF-1α and VEGF in areas of ischemic myocardium, which may represent useful biomarkers for coronary collateral establishment and offer potential targets for therapeutic angiogenesis in patients with CMI.
Three-Dimensional Analysis of the Pharyngeal Airway Volume and Craniofacial Morphology in Patients With Bilateral Cleft Lip and Palate
Authors: Kuang Wenying , Zheng Jie , Li Shaolin , Yuan Shiyu , He Hong , Yuan Wenjun 
Published: August 2020

Objective: This study aimed to determine the correlations between the craniofacial morphology and pharyngeal airway volume in patients with complete bilateral cleft lip and palate (BCLP). Design: Retrospective study. Setting: Tertiary hospital. Participants: Twenty-seven patients with complete BCLP and 27 class I control patients, aged 10 to 14 years. Main Outcome Measure: The pharyngeal airway volume and craniofacial morphology were evaluated using cone-beam computed tomography. Measurements were compared between groups and any correlations were identified. Results: A significantly smaller total pharyngeal airway volume (TPV), oropharyngeal airway volume, and upper (UOPV) and lower (LOPV) oropharyngeal airway volume were found in patients with BCLP than in class I control patients, with no difference in the nasopharyngeal volume between groups. Furthermore, the craniofacial morphology measurements of N-Me, S-Go, Or-C, Ptm-C, Me-C, Co-Go, Go-Me, Ptm-Or, N-S-Ar, and Ar-Go-Me significantly differed between the BCLP and control groups (all P < .05). Multiple regression analysis indicated that Ptm-C and Me-C; Ptm-C, Or-C, and Me-C; and Me-C explained 20.3%, 38.9%, and 17.1% of the variations in TPV ( P = .025), UOPV ( P = .002), and LOPV ( P = .018), respectively. Conclusions: Total pharyngeal airway volume, TPV, OPV, UOPV, and LOPV were significantly smaller in patients with BCLP than in class I controls. In patients with BCLP, the maxilla showed inhibited sagittal development and a retrograde position; moreover, the pharyngeal airway volume was weakly associated with the position of the maxilla and mandible relative to the coronal plane.