bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Circulating tumor cells counts are associated with CD8+ T cell levels in programmed death-ligand 1-negative non-small cell lung cancer patients after radiotherapy
Authors: Liu Qingyun , Zhao Chaoren , Jiang Penghui , Liu Dawei 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
This study aimed to explore the dynamics of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and CD8+ T cells in stage II–III non-small cell lung cancer patients with CTCs in different programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) status treated with radiotherapy and evaluate the correlation between CTCs and CD8+ T cells.
This study was a retrospective study which reviewed 69 stage II–III non-small cell lung cancer patients underwent postoperative radiotherapy and peripheral blood tests of CTCs and T lymphocyte were available before radiation, 1 week after radiation and 1 month after radiation.
In this study, 25 patients had PD-L1 positive CTCs and 44 patients had PD-L1 negative CTCs. The CTCs count was significantly decreased compared with baseline in patients with different PD-L1 status CTCs at 1 week and 1 month after radiotherapy. The proportion of CD8+ T cells was significantly increased at 1 month after radiotherapy compared with baseline in the total population (mean change, 7.24 ± 2.12; P < .05) and patients with PD-L1 negative CTCs (mean change, 7.17 ± 2.65; P < .05). One month after radiotherapy, the proportion of CD8+ T cells was negatively correlated with the CTCs count in the total population (r = −0.255, P = .034) and PD-L1 negative patients (r = –0.330, P = .029). In patients with PD-L1 negative CTCs, the CTCs count 1 week after radiotherapy (hazard ratio, 0.150 [95% confidence intervals., 0.027–0.840], P = .031) and the proportion of CD8+ T cells 1 month after radiotherapy (hazard ratio, 7.961 [95% confidence intervals, 1.028–61.68], P = .047) were independent prognostic factors for disease recurrence.
After radiotherapy, only PD-L1-negative patients had a significant increase in the CD8+ T cell levels, while it was negatively correlated with CTCs count and was an independent prognostic factors of disease recurrence.
The long-term consequences of Corona Virus Disease 2019 patients receiving Chinese herbal medicine treatments in acute phase
Authors: Sun Yi-ming , Liu Jia-yan , Sun Ran , Zhang Jie , Xiao Meng-lu , Li Gui-ping 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Background:
In December 2019, the first case of Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 viral infection was described in Wuhan. Similar to SARS in 2003, COVID-19 also had a lasting impact. Approximately 76% of patients discharged after hospitalization for COVID-19 had neurological manifestations which could persist for 6 months, and some long-term consequences such as the gradual loss of lung function due to pulmonary interstitial fibrosis could have comprehensive effects on daily quality of life for people who were initially believed to have recovered from COVID-19.

Methods and analysis:
Our comprehensive search strategy developed in consultation with a research librarian. We will search these following electronic databases: PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Google Scholar, Embase, ProQuest, China Science and Technology Journal Database (VIP), China National Knowledge Infrastructure, WANFANG DATA, WHO covid-19 website, and Centers for Disease Control and the Prevention COVID-19 websites of the United States and China. The bias of publication will be confirmed via the P value of Egger test. The quality of studies will be evaluated by the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.

Ethics and dissemination:
There are no ethical considerations associated with this study protocol for this systematic review which mainly focuses on the examination of secondary data. On completion of this analysis, we will prepare a manuscript for publication in a peer-reviewed medical journal.

PROSPERO registration number:
CRD42021258711.
Effect of the stellate ganglion block on symptoms of ulcerative colitis
Authors: Kim Young Shin , Song Jang Ho , Kim Young Jun , Lee Kyung Joo , Lee Sun Hee , Kim Na Eun 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Rationale:
Chronic ulcerative colitis is an autoimmune disease in which epithelial injury continuously occurs in the colonic mucosa. While mesalazine (5-aminosalicylic acid) is used to treat ulcerative colitis, it can also cause liver failure, headaches, and abdominal pain; therefore, an alternative treatment is required. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of 80 stellate ganglion blocks in reducing pain and other symptoms in a patient with chronic ulcerative colitis.

Patient concerns:
A 54-year-old female patient with a history of ulcerative colitis was concerned with worsening symptoms, such as abdominal discomfort and bloody-mucous stools, over the past 3 years.

Diagnoses:
Oozing mucosal bleeding and a small amount of exudate were observed on colonoscopy; a diagnosis of ulcerative colitis was made upon histologic examination.

Interventions and outcomes:
A total of 80 stellate ganglion blocks were administered, after which the patient's symptom and pain level was decreased from 6 to 4 points on the numeric rating scale (11-point, 0 = no pain, 10 = worst pain imaginable). Improved clinical signs were observed on colonoscopy at a follow-up assessment.

Lessons:
The stellate ganglion block may be effective for the reduction of pain and other symptoms in patients with chronic ulcerative colitis.
Effect assessment of laparoscopy in combination with traditional Chinese medicine decoction in the treatment of endometriosis
Authors: Peng Jiahua , Wang Ruiqi , Ding Zhiling , Song Xin 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Background:
Endometriosis (EMs) affects about 10% of women of childbearing age. It is defined as functional endometrial tissue appearing in other parts of the uterine cavity, manifested by varying degrees of pelvic pain and pelvic mass, etc. Therefore, to improve the therapeutic effect of endometriosis, we must constantly explore new ways to treat the disease. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the combined use of laparoscopy and traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of patients with EMs.

Methods:
A systematic literature search will be conducted at China National Knowledge Infrastructure, WanFang databases, VIP, SinoMed, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane library. The search period limit is from the time the date of database establishment to June 21, 2021. To ensure the comprehensiveness of the search, relevant references and conference literature are also included. The risk of bias in the final included studies will be evaluated based on the guidelines of the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. The RevMan software will be employed to perform data synthesis and statistical analysis.

Results:
The effectiveness and safety of laparoscopic surgery combined with traditional Chinese medicine decoction in the treatment of patients with EMs will be systematically evaluated.

Conclusion:
The results of this study will provide strong evidence for judging whether laparoscopy combined with traditional Chinese medicine decoction is an effective strategy for the treatment of patients with EMs.
Combination therapy of Tocilizumab and steroid for management of COVID-19 associated cytokine release syndrome
Authors: Dravid Ameet , Kashiva Reema , Khan Zafer , Memon Danish , Kodre Aparna , Potdar Prashant , Mane Milind , Borse Rakesh , Pawar Vishal , Patil Dattatraya , Banerjee Debashis , Bhoite Kailas , Pharande Reshma , Kalyani Suraj , Raut Prathamesh , Bapte Madhura , Mehta Anshul , Reddy M. Sateesh , Bhayani Krushnadas , Laxmi S. S. , Vishnu P. D. , Srivastava Shipra , Khandelwal Shubham , More Sailee , Shinde Rohit , Pawar Mohit , Harshe Amol , Kadam Sagar , Mahajan Uma , Joshi Gaurav , Mane Dilip 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) or cytokine storm is thought to be the cause of inflammatory lung damage, worsening pneumonia and death in patients with COVID-19. Steroids (Methylprednislone or Dexamethasone) and Tocilizumab (TCZ), an interleukin-6 receptor antagonist, are approved for treatment of CRS in India. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of combination therapy of TCZ and steroid in COVID-19 associated CRS.
This retrospective cohort study was conducted at Noble hospital and Research Centre (NHRC), Pune, India between April 2 and November 2, 2020. All patients administered TCZ and steroids during this period were included. The primary endpoint was incidence of all cause mortality. Secondary outcomes studied were need for mechanical ventilation and incidence of systemic and infectious complications. Baseline and time dependent risk factors significantly associated with death were identified by Relative risk estimation.
Out of 2831 admitted patients, 515 (24.3% females) were administered TCZ and steroids. There were 135 deaths (26.2%), while 380 patients (73.8%) had clinical improvement. Mechanical ventilation was required in 242 (47%) patients. Of these, 44.2% (107/242) recovered and were weaned off the ventilator. Thirty seven percent patients were managed in wards and did not need intensive care unit (ICU) admission. Infectious complications like hospital acquired pneumonia, blood stream bacterial and fungal infections were observed in 2.13%, 2.13% and 0.06% patients respectively. Age ≥ 60 years (P = .014), presence of co-morbidities like hypertension (P = .011), IL-6 ≥ 100 pg/ml (P = .002), D-dimer ≥ 1000 ng/ml (P < .0001), CT severity index ≥ 18 (P < .0001) and systemic complications like lung fibrosis (P = .019), cardiac arrhythmia (P < .0001), hypotension (P < .0001) and encephalopathy (P < .0001) were associated with increased risk of death.
Combination therapy of TCZ and steroids is likely to be safe and effective in management of COVID-19 associated cytokine release syndrome. Efficacy of this anti-inflammatory combination therapy needs to be validated in randomized controlled trials.
Brimonidine related acute follicular conjunctivitis
Authors: Yeh Po-Han , Cheng Yu-Chun , Shie Shian-Sen , Lee Yung-Sung , Shen Su-Chin , Chen Henry Shen-Lih , Wu Wei-Chi , Su Wei-Wen 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
To evaluate the duration of topical brimonidine therapy before the onset of brimonidine-related allergic conjunctivitis and the clinical characteristics associated with the development of brimonidine allergy.
We retrospectively enrolled patients who presented brimonidine allergy from December 1, 2008 to November 30, 2020. The duration of brimonidine treatment, concomitant medications, benzalkonium chloride (BAK) exposure, change in IOP, and season of onset were evaluated.
292 patients were included, among which 147 were female and 145 were male. The mean age was 58.3 ± 13.6 years old. The mean (median) duration of brimonidine therapy was 266.6 (196) days, with a peak at 60–120 days. The duration was similar whether the patients received brimonidine monotreatment or in combination with other glaucoma drugs, with or without BAK. The IOP increased by 5.6% after brimonidine allergy (P < .001), which was even higher in the brimonidine monotherapy group (9.2%, P < .001). There was no significant IOP elevation in patients treated with multiple glaucoma medications.
Around half of brimonidine allergy occurred within 6 months, with a peak in 2 to 4 months. The duration did not differ in patients receiving brimonidine monotherapy or multiple glaucoma medications. The presence of BAK did not affect the duration either. When brimonidine allergy occurred, there was a loss of IOP control, especially in patients receiving brimonidine monotherapy. It is recommended to switch to other types of glaucoma medications for better IOP control.
Investigating the correlation between serum albumin level and the prognosis of Bell's palsy
Authors: Shang Wenfang , Hu Haiyu , Shen Mengxia , Wu Jiangxia , Yu Zelin , Xuan Lihua 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
To investigate the correlation between the serum albumin level and the prognosis of patients with Bell's palsy.
We retrospectively analyzed the clinical records of 311 inpatients with Bell's palsy (BP) in our hospital between September 2018 and October 2019. The patients were divided into 2 groups: the recovered group (with the House-Brackmann grade ≤ 2) and the unrecovered group (with the House-Brackmann grade > 2), according to the follow-up results within 3 months after discharge. Blood test indicators (white blood cell count, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, red cell distribution width, serum albumin level, globulin level) and basic clinical data (age, sex, course of the disease, inpatient days, comorbidity of hypertension, diabetes, and hepatitis B) of the 2 groups were compared to explore whether they were correlated with the prognosis of patients with Bell's palsy.
The serum albumin level of patients with BP in the unrecovered group was significantly lower than that of the recovered group (medians [interquartile range], 40.75 [38.40, 43.85] vs 44 [42.10, 46.20], P < .001). Multivariate binary logistic regression revealed that serum albumin (odds ratio 0.772, 95% confidence interval 0.711–0.839, P < .001) was a protective factor for BP prognosis.
Serum albumin is a protective factor for the prognosis of BP. Although more prospective clinical controlled trials are needed, our study provides valuable and crucial prognostic information for physicians.
Association of gastroesophageal reflux disease with increased risk of chronic otitis media with effusion in adults
Authors: Yeo Cha Dong , Kim Jong Seung , Lee Eun Jung 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the risk of developing chronic otitis media with effusion (OME) in individuals with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
A retrospective propensity score-matched cohort study was performed using data from the Korea National Health Insurance Service. The GERD group (n = 3532) included certain individuals who had been diagnosed with GERD between January 2002 and December 2005. A comparison control group (n = 14,128) was calculated by 1:4 Propensity Score (PS) matching considering age, sex, and comorbidities and year of enrolment. Each patient was monitored until 2013. Survival analysis, the log-rank test, and Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to calculate the incidence, survival rate, and hazard ratio (HR) of chronic OME for each group.
Among the 17,660 individuals included in the study population (53.2% male), the overall incidence of chronic OME during the 11-year follow-up was 1.84-fold higher in the GERD group than in the non-GERD group (1.8 vs 3.0 per 1000 person-year; adjusted HR 1.84; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.46–2.31). Moreover, the adjusted HRs of developing chronic OME (allergic rhinitis, 1.69 [95% CI, 1.37–2.10]; asthma, 1.29 [95% CI, 1.02–1.64]; chronic rhinosinusitis, 1.61 [95% CI, 1.26–2.05]) were greater in study population with comorbidities.
From long-term follow-up, the prevalence of chronic OME in adults was 1.84 times higher in the GERD group compared with the non-GERD group. Specifically, it found that allergic rhinitis, asthma, or chronic rhinosinusitis showed increase the risk of developing chronic OME than those without these conditions.
A retrospective cohort study of disease-related risk factors for central venous catheter-related symptomatic thrombosis in intensive care unit inpatients
Authors: Kuang Zhiming , Liu Xiaochun , Zhu Yunlin , Xie Hailiang , Liu Yuanfei 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Central venous catheters (CVC) are widely used in critically ill patients given their benefits in monitoring vital signs, treatment administration, and renal replacement therapy in intensive care unit (ICU) patients, but these catheters have the potential to induce symptomatic catheter-related venous thrombosis (CRVT). This study reported the rate of symptomatic CRVT in ICU patients receiving CVC and analyzed the disease-related risk factors for symptomatic CRVT in ICU patients.
A retrospective analysis was performed on the consecutive ICU 1643 critically ill patients with CVCs inserted from January 2015 to December 2019. Symptomatic CRVT was confirmed by ultrasound. CVCs were divided into 2 groups based on the presence of symptomatic CRVT, and the variables were extracted from the electronic medical record system. Logistic univariate and multivariate regression analyses were used to determine the disease-related risk factors of symptomatic CRVT.
A total of 209 symptomatic CRVT events occurred among 2114 catheters. The rate of CRVT was 9.5 per 1000 catheter days. Univariate analysis revealed that trauma, major surgery, heart failure, respiratory failure, and severe acute pancreatitis were risk factors for symptomatic CRVT in the ICU. Multivariate analysis showed that trauma (odds ratio [OR], 2.046; 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.325–3.160], P = .001), major surgery (OR, 2.457; 95% CI [1.641–3.679], P = .000), and heart failure (OR, 2.087; 95% CI [1.401–3.111], P = .000) were independent disease-related risk factors for symptomatic CRVT in ICU. The C-statistic for this model was 0.61 (95% CI [0.57–0.65], P = .000).
The incidence rate of symptomatic CRVT in the ICU population was 9.5 per 1000 catheter days. Trauma, major surgery, and heart failure are independent disease-related risk factors of symptomatic CRVT.
Cyclophosphamide induction dose and outcomes in ANCA-associated vasculitis with renal involvement
Authors: Speer Claudius , Altenmüller-Walther Christine , Splitthoff Jan , Nusshag Christian , Kälble Florian , Reichel Paula , Morath Christian , Zeier Martin , Bergner Raoul , Schaier Matthias 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Treatment of ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) improved over the last decades but disease-unspecific agents such as cyclophosphamide are still associated with serious adverse events, including high rates of infectious complications and malignancy with increased mortality.
In this comparative cohort study, we included 121 AAV patients with renal involvement from 2 German vasculitis centers. Patients were separated into subsequent groups: 2.5 to 3 g vs >3 g cumulative cyclophosphamide induction dose. We investigated if a cyclophosphamide induction dose of 2.5 to 3 g could maintain efficacy while minimizing adverse events in AAV patients with renal involvement.
Patients with 2.5 to 3 g vs >3 g cumulative cyclophosphamide (median 3.0 g vs 5.5 g, P < .001) had a comparable time to remission (median 4.0 vs 3.8 months, log-rank P = .87) with 90.6% and 91.5% achieving remission after 12 months. Refractory disease was low in both groups (median 3.6% vs 6.2%, P = .68) and relapse rate did not differ (median 36% vs 42%, log-rank P = .51). Kidney function was comparable at disease onset in both groups (eGFR, mean ± SD 29 ± 20 mL/min/1.73 m2 vs 35 ± 26 mL/min/1.73 m2, P = .34) and improved after 2 years irrespective of the cyclophosphamide dose (ΔeGFR, mean ± SD +8.9 ± 1.4 mL/min/1.73 m2 vs +6.0 ± 1.1 mL/min/1.73 m2, P = .33). The 2.5–3 g group had a lower rate of leukopenia (HR = 2.73 [95% CI, 1.2−6.3], P = .014) and less infectious episodes per patient (median 1.2 vs 0.7, P = .012), especially urinary tract infections (HR = 2.15 [95% CI, 1.1–4.5], P = .032).
A cyclophosphamide induction dose of 2.5 to 3 g was able to induce remission and prevent from relapses with fewer cases of leukopenia and less infectious episodes during follow-up. Especially elderly AAV patients who are particularly susceptible to infectious complications could benefit from minimizing dosing regimens with maintained efficacy to control disease activity.
Retrospective review of cutaneous metastasis among 11,418 patients with solid malignancy
Authors: Teyateeti Phurichaya , Ungtrakul Teerapat 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Cutaneous metastasis (CM) occurs infrequently and usually presents during the later stages of cancer, and has a poor prognosis. Although there are insufficient current data, cancer treatment changes could have a positive impact on the outcome. This retrospective study aimed to review the pattern and prognosis of CM in patients with solid malignancy in a tertiary cancer center in Thailand.
We reviewed the medical records of cancer patients diagnosed with CM between October 2009 and August 2015 at Chulabhorn Hospital, a tertiary cancer center in Thailand. Patients with primary skin cancer and hematological malignancies were excluded. We collected and analyzed data, including the time of cancer diagnosis and CM, type of cancer, clinical characteristics, and survival outcome.
Of 11,418 patients, there were 33 (0.3%) were diagnosed with CM. Breast cancer was the most common primary cancer (12 cases, 36%). Skin nodules were commonly detected on the anterior chest wall. Also, 79% of CM patients had concomitant visceral metastasis. The median overall survival of those with CM was 9.21 months (95% confidence interval 4.75–83.38 months) regardless of presentation either at onset or disease recurrence (P = .083). However, the change of management was affected in 78% diagnosed with a later stage of CM. No statistical difference in survival was observed between breast cancer and non-breast cancer patients (8.79 vs 9.21 months, P = .613).
Despite CM being a sign of poor prognosis, it may still be an indicator for changing cancer patients’ treatment. Hence, early CM diagnosis and prompt novel therapy may positively affect outcomes for cancer patients.
The real experience of patients after liver transplantation in intensive care unit: Retraction
Authors: Shi XR , Yang XY , Zhong J. , Luo WX , Yao JM , Lian RL , Chen WQ 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
We aimed to explore the real experience of patients after liver transplantation in the intensive care unit (ICU).
Objective sampling method was used to select patients transferred to the ICU in 10 hospitals in Zhuhai from May 2018 to August 2020. Patients need liver transplantation due to advanced liver cancer and decompensated cirrhosis. The eligibility criteria of patients mainly included liver transplant patients who were clear-minded and willing to participate in the study and had stayed in ICU. Phenomenological research methods and in-depth interviews were used in this qualitative study.
The results showed that the true experience of patients after liver transplantation during ICU stay was summarized into four themes. The strengths of our qualitative research are that we can find the trend from a phenomenon through interviews and other methods to provide a directional foundation for future quantitative research. Its limitations are that it requires a lot of manpower and time, and its objectivity and universality are limited.
Hospitalization experience in the ICU may lead to many negative experiences for liver transplant patients. Nurses should fully understand and pay attention to the psychological changes in patients. Nurses should take effective targeted measures to reduce or eliminate patients’ fear of ICU stay and promote rehabilitation.