bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spinal cord stimulation in the approach to chronic pelvic pain
Authors: Romero-Serrano Estefanía , Esparza-Miñana José Miguel 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Rationale:
Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is a pain related to pelvic structures that arise from posttraumatic pain, postsurgical pain, or somatic or visceral pain syndromes. Despite the available treatment options, CPP remains mostly untreated, due to difficulties in covering such a large area.

Patient concerns:
A 46-year-old woman presented chronic low back pain and CPP for more than 1 year and 6 months respectively after multiple pelvic fractures.

Diagnosis:
Pelvic fractures and a severe lumbar facet arthrosis were revealed through computed tomography and lumbosacral nuclear magnetic resonance imaging. Evidence of a reduced amplitude in the left femoral nerve and a demyelinating neuropathy in the left pudendal nerve were also detected.

Intervention:
A pharmacologic treatment was prescribed, consisting of celecoxib, fluoxetine, gabapentin, and morphine. Since no pain relief was achieved, spinal cord stimulation was performed using spectra WaveWriter system, placing 2 octopolar linear leads over the bilateral T8 and T9 vertebras with the help of a 3-dimensional neural targeting program.

Outcomes:
Two weeks after the intervention a reduction of 80% of the pain was achieved, which led to the removal of the pharmacologic treatment. Additionally, both EuroQOL-5D and visual analogue scale scores improved after the intervention.

Lesson:
Through the combination of spinal cord stimulation Spectra Wavewriter and 3D programming technology, both lumbar and leg pain and CPP were successfully relieved, along with an improvement in the quality of life of the patient.
Colonic diverticular perforation by a migrated biliary stent
Authors: Park Tae Young , Hong Sung Woo , Oh Hyoung-Chul , Do Jae Hyuk 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Rationale:
Plastic endobiliary stents, after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, can get spontaneously dislocated from the common bile duct and migrate intothe distal bowel. Most migrated biliary stents are removed with the passing of stool. However, migrated biliary stents can cause bowel perforation, albeit rarely, and surgical intervention may be required. Recently, we observed a colonic diverticular perforation caused by a migrated biliary stent, and we have reported this case with a review of the literature.

Patients concerns:
A 74-year-old man presented with severe right lower quadrant pain after biliary stent insertion 1month ago.

Diagnoses:
Abdominal computed tomography revealed perforation of the proximal ascending colon by the migrated biliary stent, combined with localized peritonitis.

Interventions:
Emergency diagnostic laparoscopic examination revealed penetration of the proximal ascending colon by the plastic biliary stent, and right hemicolectomy was performed.

Outcomes:
On pathological examination, colonic diverticular perforation by the biliary stent was confirmed. The patient was discharged without any additional complications.

Lessons:
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography endoscopists must always be cautious of the possibility of stent migration in patients with biliary stents in situ. In cases of biliary stent dislocation from the common bile duct in asymptomatic patients, follow-up with serial, plain abdominal radiographs, and physical examination is needed until confirmation of spontaneous passage through stool. In symptomatic cases suggesting peritonitis, abdominal computed tomography scan confirmation is needed, and early intervention should be considered.
Efficacy and safety of acupuncture combined with Chinese herbal medicine in the treatment of angina pectoris of coronary heart disease (CHD)
Authors: Wang Shuang , Liu Ai Dong , Wang Zhilei , Zhang Yue 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Background:
Coronary heart disease (CHD) angina pectoris is a clinical syndrome in which episodic chest pain or chest discomfort is the main manifestation of temporary ischemia and hypoxia of the myocardium due to coronary atherosclerosis and coronary artery functional changes (spasm). A large amount of clinical evidence confirms that acupuncture combined with Chinese herbal medicine in the treatment of CHD and angina pectoris can relieve the symptoms of angina pectoris and improve the performance of electrocardiograph ischemia; It still has obvious therapeutic effects in regulating the levels of cardiovascular regulatory peptides ET and cGRP. To better evaluate the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture combined with Chinese herbal medicine in the treatment of CHD and angina pectoris, we designed a systematic evaluation program to provide a reliable scientific basis for the future use of this method.

Methods:
Search Pubmed database, Embase, Cochrane library, Chinese Biomedical Literature CD-ROM Database (CBMdisk), China Journal Network Full-text Database (CNKI), Wanfang Database, Web of Science (SCI-E), the retrieval time is established from each database Until October 2021, search for relevant eligible randomized controlled trials with keywords or subject terms “acupuncture”, “Chinese herbal medicine”, and “CHD angina”. Outcome indicators were clinical symptoms of CHD and angina pectoris, changes in electrocardiogram, changes in blood lipids, and significant improvement in traditional Chinese medicine syndromes before and after treatment. Two researchers independently carried out data extraction and quality assessment, and use RevMan5.3 software to carry out final data analysis and assessment.

Results:
This study provides a reliable clinical scientific basis for acupuncture combined with Chinese herbal medicine for the treatment of CHD and angina pectoris.

Conclusion:
Acupuncture combined with Chinese herbal medicine can effectively relieve the clinical symptoms of CHD and angina pectoris and improve the performance of electrocardiograph. At the same time, it can reduce the cardiovascular regulatory peptide ET and increase the level of cGRP in the patient's plasma, thus confirming its effectiveness and safety.
Cooled-radiofrequency neurotomy for the treatment of chronic lumbar facet (zygapophyseal) joint pain
Authors: Candan Burcu , Gungor Semih 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Cooled-radiofrequency (CRFA) is a newer technique and may have some theoretical advantages over traditional radiofrequency ablation (TRFA). In this study, we aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of CRFA for the treatment of lumbar facet joint-mediated pain. In this retrospective study, we evaluated 185 CRFA performed on 105 patients. All patients with axial lower back who received the preliminary diagnosis of lumbar facet joint-mediated pain and refractory to conservative therapy underwent diagnostic medial branch blocks. CRFA was recommended to those patients who responded favorably to two sets of diagnostic medial branch blocks. Pain scores in numeric rating scale (NRS) were recorded pre-treatment and post-treatment at different time-points. The primary outcome measure was to report descriptive NRS score and average % improvement from baseline at each time point. A significant pain relief was determined by a decrease of ≥50% of mean NRS. Secondary outcome measure was the time to repeat treatment with subsequent CRFA. Adverse events were also recorded.
Primary outcome measure determined as the improvement in NRS, for at least 50% or more, was achieved in both 1st (4–8 weeks) and 2nd (>2–6 months) follow-up (FU) with 60.5% and 53.6% reduction in NRS respectively. Our subgroup analysis comparing the younger (<50) and older (≥50) age groups showed superior pain relief with CRFA in the older (≥50) age group, both in the 1st (4–8 weeks) and 2nd (>2–6 months) FU time points (63.4% and 58.4% reduction in NRS, respectively). Cooled-radiofrequency ablation is an effective and safe procedure for the treatment of chronic lumbar facet joint related pain. The duration of pain relief was comparable to traditional radiofrequency ablation as reported in the literature.
Multimodal ultrasound imaging of persistent urogenital sinus with uterus didelphys and double vagina malformation
Authors: Wang Yue , Hu Shourong , Wang Huifang 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Rationale:
Persistent urogenital sinus (PUG) with uterus didelphys and double vagina is a rare urogenital anomaly. The diagnosis is based on magnetic resonance examination and cystoscopy. To the best of our knowledge, there is no literature report of PUG diagnosed by ultrasound alone.

Patient concern:
A 23-year-old woman presented with atypical menstruation and recurrent hematuria for 13 years and recurrent lower abdominal pain for 12 years.

Diagnosis:
PUG was diagnosed through multiple ultrasound modalities, including transabdominal 2-dimensional ultrasound, transrectal bi-plane high-frequency ultrasound, and contrast-enhanced ultrasound. We diagnosed this malformation preoperatively by accurately measuring the length of urethra and common channel through multimodal ultrasound imaging.

Interventions:
Urethra separation and reconstruction, vaginal pull-through and artificial vaginoplasty, and bilateral hysterosalpingectomy were performed.

Outcomes:
The postoperative course was uneventful. She was urinating normally after half a year and used continuous vaginal dilatation to avoid stenosis.

Lessons:
PUG associated with uterus didelphys and double vagina is an extremely rare malformation of the reproductive system. Multimodal ultrasound imaging can be used to diagnose this malformation preoperatively clearly and to accurately measure the length of urethra and common channel, providing an imaging basis for preparing an operative plan.
Comparison of high and low-dose epinephrine & endoclip application in peptic ulcer bleeding
Authors: Akay Tamer , Leblebici Metin 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Peptic ulcer disease accounts for 50% to 70% of acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding cases. There is no consensus on the treatment of peptic ulcer bleeding (PUB) using endoscopic techniques. This study aimed to compare endoscopic techniques for PUB.
Patients with PUB who were hospitalized between January 2014 and June 2020 were included in this study. They were divided into 3 groups: endoclip and low-dose epinephrine injection (0–2 mg, Group 1, n = 62), endoclip and high-dose epinephrine injection (2–4 mg, Group 2, n = 54), and endoclip only (Group 3, n = 64).
Early bleeding and permanent hemostasis were higher in Group 2 (P = .014, .035). When evaluated in terms of late hemostasis and urgent surgical need, there was no significant difference between the groups (P > .05). Group 2 received a higher amount of blood. Thirty-day mortality occurred in 16.5%, 22.2%, and 9.4% of patients in Groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Group 2 had a longer hospital stay than Groups 1 and 3 (P = .008). The endoscopic success rates were 80.6%, 72.2%, and 90.6% in Groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively.
In PUB, if the patient's Rockall score is high and the ulcer size is larger than 2 cm, endoclip application can be used as the main treatment. Addition of epinephrine may be considered when necessary.
From Concept to Publication
Authors: Calhoun Aaron W. , Gross Isabel T. , Mallory Leah B. , Shepard Lindsay N. , Adler Mark D. , Maa Tensing , Auerbach Marc A. , Cheng Adam , Kessler David O. , Whitfill Travis M. , Duff Jonathan P. 
Published: December 2021

Background
As simulation matures, it is critical to develop pathways for researchers. A recent analysis, however, demonstrates a low conversion rate between abstract and peer-reviewed journal publication in our field. The International Network for Simulation-based Pediatric Innovation, Research, and Education has used the ALERT Presentation process for the past decade as a means of accelerating research. In this study, we analyze the scholarly products attributable to ALERT Presentations.

Methods
Surveys were distributed to all International Network for Simulation-based Pediatric Innovation, Research, and Education Advanced Look Exploratory Research Template (ALERT) Presentation first authors from January 2011 through January 2020. Presenters were asked to provide information on abstracts, grants, journal publications, and book chapters related to their ALERT Presentation, as well as basic demographic information. A structured literature search was conducted for those ALERT Presentations whose authors did not return a survey. The resulting database was descriptively analyzed, and statistical correlations between demographic variables and scholarship were examined.

Results
One hundred sixty-five new ALERT presentations were presented over 10 years. We identified 361 associated scholarly works (170 conference abstracts, 125 peer-reviewed journal publications, 65 grants, and 1 book chapter). Sixty-one percent (101 of 165) of ALERT Presentations produced at least 1 item of scholarship, and 59% (34 of 58) of ALERT Presentations that resulted in at least 1 abstract also led to at least 1 peer-reviewed journal article. Presenter gender was associated with likelihood of journal publication.

Conclusions
The ALERT Presentation process is an effective approach for facilitating the development of projects that result in disseminated scholarship. Wider adoption may benefit other simulation and education research networks.
ESBL plasmids in Klebsiella pneumoniae: diversity, transmission, and contribution to infection burden in the hospital setting
Authors: Hawkey Jane , Wyres Kelly L , Judd Louise M , Harshegyi Taylor , Blakeway Luke , Wick Ryan R , Jenney Adam W J , Holt Kathryn E 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundResistance to third-generation cephalosporins, often mediated by extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs), is a considerable issue in hospital-associated infections as few drugs remain for treatment. ESBL genes are often located on large plasmids that transfer horizontally between strains and species of Enterobacteriaceae and frequently confer resistance to additional drug classes. While plasmid transmission is recognised to occur in the hospital setting, the frequency and impact of plasmid transmission on infection burden, compared to ESBL+ strain transmission, is not well understood.MethodsWe sequenced the genomes of clinical and carriage isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae species complex from a year-long hospital surveillance study to investigate ESBL burden and plasmid transmission in an Australian hospital. Long-term persistence of a key transmitted ESBL+ plasmid was investigated via sequencing of ceftriaxone-resistant isolates during four years of follow-up, beginning three years after the initial study.ResultsWe found 25 distinct ESBL plasmids. One (Plasmid A, carrying blaCTX-M-15 in an IncF backbone similar to pKPN-307) was transmitted at least four times into different Klebsiella species/lineages and was responsible for half of all ESBL episodes during the initial one-year study period. Three of the Plasmid A-positive strains persisted locally 3–6 years later, and Plasmid A was detected in two additional strain backgrounds. Overall Plasmid A accounted for 21% of ESBL+ infections in the follow-up period.ConclusionsWhilst ESBL plasmid transmission events were rare in this setting, they had a significant and sustained impact on the burden of ceftriaxone-resistant and multidrug-resistant infections.summaryWe detected a blaCTX-M-15 plasmid (Plasmid A) that transferred four times into different Klebsiella lineages, causing 50% of ESBL episodes during the initial study. Three Plasmid A-positive strains persisted locally 3–6 years later, accounting for 21% of ESBL+ infections.
Assessing Immunity by Quantitative Measurement of SARS-CoV-2 IgG Antibodies in Fingerstick Samples
Authors: Garza Javier T. , Quick Jacob , Chatterjee Dev , Garr Robert P. , Varadhachary Atul , Linbeck Leo 
Published: December 2021

AbstractCOVID-19 has affected billions of people around the world directly or indirectly. The response to the pandemic has focused on preventing the spread of the disease and improving treatment options. Diagnostic technologies have played a key role in this response since the beginning of the pandemic. As vaccines and other treatments have been developed and deployed, interest in understanding and measuring the individual level of immune protection has increased. Historically, use of antibody titers to measure systemic immunity has been constrained by an incomplete understanding of the relationship between antibodies and immunity, the lack of international standards for antibody concentration to enable cross-study comparisons, and insufficient clinical data to allow for the development of robust antibody-immunity models.However, these constraints have recently shifted. With a deeper understanding of antibodies, the promulgation of WHO antibody standards, and the development of immunity models using datasets from multiple COVID-19 vaccine trials, certain types of quantitative antibody tests may now provide a way to monitor individual or community immunity against COVID-19. Specifically, tests that quantitate the concentration of anti-RBD IgG –antibodies that target the receptor binding domain of the S1 spike protein component of the SARS-CoV-2 virus – show promise as a useful and scalable measure of the COVID-19 immunity of both individuals and communities. However, to fulfill this promise, a rapid and easy-to-administer test is needed.To address this important clinical need, Brevitest deployed its point-of-care-capable technology platform that can run a rapid (<15 minute), quantitative antibody test with a sample of 10 μl of whole blood from a fingerstick. The test we validated on this platform measures the concentration of anti-RBD IgG in Binding Antibody Units per milliliter (BAU/mL) per WHO Reference Standard NIBSC 20/136.In this paper, we present studies used to characterize the Brevitest anti-RBD IgG assay and evaluate its clinical performance, lower limits of measurement, precision, linearity, interference, and cross-reactivity. The results demonstrate the ability of this assay to measure a patient’s anti-RBD IgG concentration. This information, together with models developed from recent COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials, can provide a means of assessing the current level of immune protection of an individual or community against COVID-19 infection.
The health effects of Chunga Dumpsite on surrounding communities in Lusaka, Zambia
Authors: Chibwe Wilson , Mbewe Aaron , Hazemba Alice Ngoma 
Published: December 2021

ABSTRACTBackgroundDumpsites in low and middle income countries (LMICs) are commonly used for solid waste disposal as opposed to landfills. However, these are naturally unsanitary hence provide ideal conditions for breeding of disease transmitting agents and become predisposing factors for spread of diseases and infections to surrounding communities. This study aimed at determining the Health Effects of Chunga Dumpsite on surrounding communities in Lusaka, Zambia.Design and MethodsThis was a mixed method design and employed a cross sectional approach and case study conducted concurrently. Communities were stratified by distance into Stratum One (within 250 meters radius) and Two (above 250 to 500 meters). Quantitative data were collected from total 200 households thus 100 households from each stratum by using self-administered questionnaires. Qualitative data were collected from Two Key informants from the Local Authority and 15 participants using semi-structured interview guide. Both data were collected from December 22nd, 2018 to February 18th, 2019.ResultsResults revealed that smoke and various gasses emitted from burning and decomposing waste compromised quality of air in surrounding communities. Communities were infested with flies, mosquitoes and vermin. Consequently, (73.5%) complained of persistent coughing, (65.1%) suffered from malaria, (72.6%) complained of persistent headaches and (62.2%) had frequent diarrhoea cases in stratum one. Respiratory problems were more pronounced at night possibly due to high humidity which hindered pollutants to easily escape. However, these cases reduced drastically in stratum two.ConclusionsUnsanitary dumpsites in LMICs including Zambia are commonly used as solid waste disposal facilities as opposed to sanitary landfills and become predisposing factors for spread of diseases. Short proximities to dumpsites by unplanned human settlements cause serious environmental challenges leading to public health risks to surrounding communities.
Home Monitoring for Fever: An Inexpensive Screening Method to Prevent Household Spread of COVID-19
Authors: Kim Justin , Threadcraft Marcus A. , Xue Wei , Yue Sijie , Wenzel Richard P. , Southwick Frederick S. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThe COVID-19 pandemic surge has exceeded testing capacities in many parts of the world. We investigated the effectiveness of home temperature monitoring for early identification of COVID-19 patients.Study DesignWe compared home temperature measurements from a convenience sample of 1180 individuals who reported being test positive for SARS-CoV-2 to an age, sex, and location matched control group of 1249 individuals who had not tested positive.MethodsAll individuals monitored their temperature at home using an electronic smartphone thermometer that relayed temperature measurements and symptoms to a centralized cloud based, de-identified data bank.ResultsIndividuals varied in the number of times they monitored their temperature. When temperature was monitored for over 72 hours fever (> 37.6°C or 99.7°F or a change in temperature of > 1°C or 1.8°F) was detected in 73% of test positive individuals, a sensitivity comparable to rapid SARS-CoV-2 antigen tests. When compared our control group the specificity of fever for COVID-19 was 0.70. However, when fever was combined with complaints of loss of taste and smell, difficulty breathing, fatigue, chills, diarrhea, or stuffy nose the odds ratio of having COVID-19 was sufficiently high as to obviate the need to employ RTPCR or antigen testing to screen for and isolate coronavirus infected cases.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that home temperature monitoring could serve as an inexpensive convenient screen for the onset of COVID-19, encourage earlier isolation of potentially infected individuals, and more effectively reduce the spread of infection in closed spaces.
Humoral and cellular immune responses to SARS CoV-2 vaccination in Persons with Multiple Sclerosis and NMOSD patients receiving immunomodulatory treatments
Authors: Bock H. , Juretzek T. , Handreka R. , Ruhnau J. , Löbel M. , Reuner K. , Peltroche H. , Dressel A. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundVaccination against SARS CoV-2 results in excellent personal protection against a severe course of COVID19. In persons with Multiple Sclerosis (PwMS) vaccination efficacy may be reduced by immunomodulatory medications.ObjectiveTo assess the vaccination induced cellular and humoral immune response in PwMS receiving disease modifiying therapies.MethodsIn a monocentric observational study on PwMS and patients with Neuromyelitis optica we quantified the cellular and humoral immune responses to SARS CoV-2.ResultsPwMS receiving Glatirameracetate, Interferon-ß, Dimethylfumarate, Cladribine or Natalalizumab had intact humoral and cellular immune responses following vaccination against SARS CoV-2. B-cell depleting therapies reduced B-cell responses but did not affect T cell responses. S1P inhibitors strongly reduced humoral and cellular immune responses.There was a good agreement between the Interferon gamma release assay and the T-SPOT assay used to measure viral antigen induced T-cell responses.ConclusionThis study demonstrates that S1P inhibitors impair the cellular and humoral immune response in SARS CoV-2 vaccination, whereas patients receiving B-cell depleting therapies mount an intact cellular immune response. These data can support clinicians in counselling their PwMS and NMOSD patients during the COVID 19 pandemic.