bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigation on the mechanisms of guiqi huoxue capsule for treating cervical spondylosis based on network pharmacology and molecular docking
Authors: Liu Yingying , Zhang Jingyuan , Liu Xinkui , Zhou Wei , Stalin Antony , Fu Changgeng , Wu Jiarui , Cheng Guoliang , Guo Siyu , Jia Shanshan , Li Bingbing , Wang Haojia , Li Jialin , Lu Shan 
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Background:
Guiqi huoxue capsule (GQHXC) is a patented Chinese medicine used for treating a liver and kidney deficiency and blood stasis syndrome due to qi deficiency. It is caused by cervical spondylosis (cervical spondylotic radiculopathy (CSR), mixed cervical spondylosis mainly composed of nerve root type). Its underlying mechanisms need, however, to be further clarified.

Methods:
In this study, collecting compounds, predicting therapeutic targets, constructing networks, and analyzing biological functions and pathways were based on network pharmacology analysis. In addition, molecular docking verification was engaged to assess the binding potential of selected target-compound pairs.

Results:
We established 5 networks: compound-putative target network of GQHXC, protein-protein interaction (PPI) network related to CSR, compound-CSR target network, potential therapeutic targets PPI network, and herb-compound-target-pathway network. Network analysis indicated that 7 targets (tumor necrosis factor [TNF], interleukin 6 [IL6], nitric oxide synthase 3 [NOS3], Interleukin-8 [CXCL8], prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 [PTGS2], vascular endothelial growth factor A [VEGFA], and AP-1 transcription factor subunit [JUN]) might be the therapeutic targets of GQHXC in CSR. Moreover, molecular docking verification showed that TNF, IL6, NOS3, CXCL8, PTGS2, VEGFA, and JUN had a good is interaction with the corresponding compounds. Furthermore, enrichment analysis indicated that GQHXC might exert a curative role in CSR by regulating some important pathways, such as TNF signaling pathway, NF–kappa B signaling pathway, AGE–RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications, and so on.

Conclusion:
Our study preliminarily explained the underlying mechanisms of GQHXC for treating CSR, and molecular docking verification was adopted as an additional verification. These findings laid a valuable foundation for experimental research and further application of GQHXC in the clinical treatment of CSR.
Mortality associated with stopping statins in the oldest-old – with and without ischemic heart disease
Authors: Ioffe Marina , Kremer Anjelika , Nachimov Irena , Swartzon Michael , Justo Dan 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
The association between stopping statins and 1-year mortality in the general population of the oldest-old – with or without ischemic heart disease (IHD) – has been studied herein for the first time.
This was a retrospective study. Included were all consecutive patients (n = 369) aged 80 years or more (mean age 87.8 years) hospitalized in a single Geriatrics department during 1 year. The study group included 140 patients in whom statins were stopped upon admission (statin stoppers). The control group included 229 patients who did not use statins in the first place (statin non-users). All-cause 1-year mortality rates were studied in both groups following propensity score matching and in IHD patients separately.
Overall, 110 (29.8%) patients died during the year following admission: 38 (27.1%) statin stoppers and 72 (31.4%) statin non-users (P = .498). Cox regression analysis showed no association between stopping statins and 1-year mortality in the crude analysis (hazard ratio [HR] 0.976, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.651–1.463, P = .907) and following propensity score matching (HR 1.067, 95%CI 0.674–1.689, P = .782). Among 108 IHD patients, 38 (35.2%) patients died during the year following admission: 18 (27.7%) statin stoppers and 20 (46.5%) statin non-users (P = .059). Cox regression analysis showed a nearly significant association between stopping statins (rather than not using statins) in IHD patients and lower 1-year mortality (HR 0.524, 95%CI 0.259–1.060, P = .072).
Hence, stopping statins in the general population of the oldest-old – with or without IHD – is possibly safe. Future studies including the oldest-old statin continuers are warranted to confirm this observation.
Evaluation of efficacy and safety of propofol in the treatment of procedural sedation/anesthesia in neonates
Authors: Yu Pei-Xia , Bo Li-Jun 
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Background:
In newborns, propofol anesthesia is commonly utilized. Propofol is increasingly being shown to be effective and safe in treating procedural sedation and anesthesia in neonates. This research aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of propofol in neonates using systematic review and meta-analysis methodologies.

Methods:
A thorough review and meta-analysis of studies on propofol anesthesia in neonates will be conducted. Conduct comprehensive searches in Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE database, WanFang database, and Chinese biomedical literature database before May 25, 2021, to obtain published and qualified research. Two reviewers will assess the quality of the included papers and extract the data independently. Then, for meta-analysis, we will utilize RevMan 5.3 software.

Results:
This study will pool the data of separate trials to analyze the efficacy and safety of propofol in the treatment of procedural sedation/anesthesia in neonates.

Conclusion:
Our findings will give strong data for determining whether propofol is an effective treatment for procedural anesthesia in neonates.
Coffee consumption is associated with a decreased risk of incident chronic kidney disease
Authors: Li Yudong , Li Wenchang , Lu Yisheng , Zhang Jing 
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Background:
Recent studies have suggested a renal protective effect of coffee consumption against development of chronic kidney disease (CKD), although the results remain inconclusive. We performed a protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis to comprehensively investigate this association by summarizing all available data.

Methods:
An all-round retrieval will be performed in 5 electronic journal databases from their inception to June 2021, which comprise Medline, PubMed, Embase, ScienceDirect, and the Cochrane Library. The following key words were used on combination with Boolean operators AND or OR: “coffee,” “caffeine,” “renal insufficiency,” “chronic kidney diseases,” “chronic renal diseases.” Two authors completed the quality assessment using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale for observational studies. The meta-analysis was conducted using Review Manager 5.3 software from the Cochrane Collaboration (London, UK).

Results:
The findings of this study will be submitted to peer-reviewed journals for publication.

Conclusion:
Coffee consumption may be associated with a lower risk of incident CKD.
Partial response of donafenib as the third-line therapy in metastatic colon cancer
Authors: Yang Yang , Zhu Hong , Li Qiu 
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Rationale:
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a digestive tumor with high morbidity and mortality rates. After second-line treatment failure, third-line treatment options are limited, and the objective response rate is low. These patients are expected to have a short survival time. Therefore, it is very important to explore safer and more effective treatment options for patients with advanced colorectal cancer. Donafenib is a new type of tyrosine kinase inhibitor developed independently in China. Its effectiveness and safety as a first-line treatment for patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma in China have been verified.

Patient concerns:
The patient was a 60-year-old Asian man who presented with sudden lower abdominal pain, vomiting, anal exhaustion, and poor defecation, without an apparent cause. He had no history of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or other relevant past illnesses.

Diagnosis:
Metastatic colon cancer (stage IV).

Interventions:
mFOLFOX6 chemotherapy was administered in 15 cycles as first-line therapy. FOLFIRI chemotherapy was administered in 8 cycles as second-line therapy. Donafenib was administered as third-line therapy.

Outcomes:
The patient achieved partial response. No serious adverse events (grades III–IV) occurred.

Lessons:
This case report provides clinicians with a safe and effective option for donafenib as a later-line treatment option for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer to improve their overall survival and quality of life.
MORC2 gene de novo mutation leads to Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease type 2Z
Authors: Yang Haiyan , Yang Sai , Kang Qingyun , Yang Liming , Liao Hongmei , Wu Liwen 
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Rationale:
Mutations of the MORC2 gene have most commonly been associated with autosomal-dominant Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease type 2Z (CMT 2Z), while the impact of MORC2 mutations in CMT 2Z on neuronal biology and their phenotypic consequences in patients remain to be clarified.

Patient concerns:
We reported a 27-month-old child with a developmental lag of more than 1 year. He had progressive fatigue for 4 months, accompanied by dysphagia, choking while eating, and progressive aggravation. A genetic study revealed a de novo variant of MORC2, which has not yet been reported.

Diagnosis:
According to the child's clinical manifestations, genetic pattern, and American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics pathogenicity analysis, the patient was diagnosed with CMT 2Z caused by MORC2 gene mutation.

Interventions:
Mitochondrial cocktail therapy (arginine, vitamin B1 tablets, vitamin B2 tablets, coenzyme Q10 capsules, L-carnitine oral liquid, idebenone tablets, etc) was given.

Outcomes:
Mitochondrial cocktail therapy did not significantly improve the child's condition, head magnetic resonance imaging lesions were not significantly improved at outpatient follow-up more than 1 month later, and the lesions were basically unchanged.

Lessons:
The clinical manifestations of the disease were similar to those of Leigh syndrome, and they were not significantly improved by cocktail therapy. This site has not been reported in the literature domestically or abroad, and the pathogenesis of CMT 2Z caused by this site mutation is indeed not related to mitochondrial dysfunction. Our study is helpful for clinicians with regard to the differential diagnosis of Leigh syndrome and CMT 2Z and improvement of clinicians’ understanding of CMT 2Z disease.
Chinese medicine therapies for neurogenic bladder after spinal cord injury
Authors: Zhu Zhihong , Zhuo Yue , Jin Haitao , Wu Boyu , Li Zhijie 
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Background:
Neurogenic bladder (NB), a refractory disease, is characterized by voiding dysfunction of bladder and/or urethra, and spinal cord injury (SCI) is a common cause. Chinese medicine therapies have been applied extensively in the treatment of NB, especially in China, and the results are promising but varying. Thus, the aim of this work is to assess the efficacy and safety of various Chinese medicine therapies for NB after SCI.

Methods:
A retrieval will be performed in 8 online databases (the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, PubMed, EMBASE Database, China Biological Medicine Database, Chinese Scientific Journals Database, Wan Fang databases, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure) from their inception throughout June 2021. Only randomized controlled trials of testing Chinese medicine therapies for NB after SCI will be enrolled. The outcome indicators measured will be overall response rate, urodynamic tests, clinical assessment, and safety assessments. The methodological quality of this Bayesian-based network meta-analysis will be conducted with the “Risk of Bias” tool. Stata14.0 and WinBUGS 1.4.3 will be used to analyze the data. Furthermore, the assessment of heterogeneity, inconsistency, subgroup, sensitivity, and publication bias will also be taken into consideration with the help of Cochrane Collaboration's tool.

Results:
The findings of this study will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal for publication.

Conclusion:
This work will furnish evidence-based recommendations to figure out the optimal Chinese medicine therapy or their combinations for NB induced by SCI, and in turn contribute to further research and public health.
Prognostic value of pretreatment anemia in patients with soft tissue sarcoma
Authors: Shi Landa , Wang Yuqiang , Li Longqing , Chou Dean , Zhao Yao , Zhang Shuhao , Wang Limin , Zhang Min , Liu Yilin 
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Background:
Anemia is one of the most common manifestations in patients with cancer. Recently, multiple studies have shown a positive correlation between pretreatment anemia and tumor prognosis. Yet, the relationship between pretreatment anemia and the prognosis of soft tissue sarcomas (STS) is unclear.

Methods:
We searched the PubMed and EMBASE databases to identify relevant studies. Eligible studies were included according to the inclusion criteria to assess the relationship between pretreatment anemia and the prognosis of patients with STS. Prognostic significance was determined by studying hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results:
A total of 12 studies are included. If there is significant heterogeneity, a random-effects model is used. Pooled data indicated that pretreatment anemia is related to poor overall survival (HR = 2.13; 95%CI = 1.52–2.98), disease-specific survival (HR = 1.53; 95%CI = 1.20–1.96), and disease-free survival (HR = 1.55; 95%CI = 1.10–2.17). The results of the subgroup analysis also support this conclusion.

Conclusion:
Our results suggest that pretreatment anemia may be a prognostic biomarker for STS.
Impact of wearing personal protective equipment on the performance and decision making of surgeons during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Alarfaj Mosab A. , Foula Mohammed S. , Alshammary Shadi , Nwesar Fayrouz A. , Eldamati Ahmed M. , Alomar Abdullah , Abdulmomen Abdulrahim A. , Alarfaj Leenah , Almulhim Abdulmohsen , Alarfaj Odai , Zakaria Hazem M. 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the mandatory use of personal protective equipment (PPE) has resulted in a significant reduction in the infection rate among health care workers (HCWs). However, there are some ongoing concerns about the negative impact of using PPE for prolonged periods.
This study examined the impact of wearing PPE on surgeons’ performance and decision making during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In this cross-sectional study, an anonymous online questionnaire was created and disseminated to surgeons all over the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire included the demographic data, the local hospital policies, the non-technical skills (e.g., communication, vision, and comfort) and the technical skills, and the process of decision making.
From June 2020 to August 2020, 162 surgeons participated in this questionnaire. Of them, 80.2% were aged from 26 to 45 years, 70.4% have received a special training for PPE, and 59.3% of participants have operated on COVID-19 confirmed cases. A negative impact of wearing PPE was reported on their overall comfort, vision, and communication skills (92.6%, 95.1%, and 82.8%, respectively). The technical skills and decision making were not significantly affected (60.5% and 72.8%, respectively). More preference for conservative approach, damage control procedures, and/or open approach was reported.
Despite its benefits, PPE is associated with a significant negative impact on the non-technical skills (including vision, communication, and comfort) as well as a non-significant negative impact on technical skills and decision making of surgeons. Extra efforts should be directed to improve PPE, especially during lengthy pandemics.
Gastric emptying of preoperative carbohydrate in elderly assessed using gastric ultrasonography
Authors: Jeong Jae Yong , Ahn Jin Hee , Shim Jae-Geum , Lee Sung Hyun , Ryu Kyoung-Ho , Lee Sung-Ho , Cho Eun-Ah 
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Background:
Preoperative carbohydrate loading enhances postoperative recovery and reduces patient discomfort. However, gastric emptying of liquids can be delayed in elderly populations. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the gastric emptying of 400 mL of a carbohydrate drink ingested 2 hours before surgery in elderly patients.

Methods:
In this prospective, randomized controlled study, patients aged >65 years were allocated to either fast from midnight (nil per os [NPO] group, n = 29) or drink 400 mL of a carbohydrate drink 2 hours before surgery (carbohydrate group, n = 29). The gastric antrum was assessed using ultrasonography in the supine position, followed by the right lateral decubitus (RLD) position. The gastric antrum was graded as grade 0 (fluid not seen in both positions), grade 1 (fluid only seen in the RLD position), and grade 2 (fluid seen in both positions). The gastric antral cross-sectional area (CSA) and aspirated residual gastric volume were measured.

Results:
In 58 patients, the incidence of grade 2 stomach was 13.8% in NPO group and 17.2% in carbohydrate group (P = .790). The gastric antral CSA in the supine position was larger in carbohydrate group than in NPO group (4.42 [3.72–5.18] cm2 vs 5.31 [4.35–6.92] cm2, P = .018). The gastric antral CSA in the RLD position was not different in NPO and carbohydrate groups (P = .120). There was no difference in gastric volume (2 [0–7.5] vs 3 [0–13.4], P = .331) in NPO group versus carbohydrate group.

Conclusion:
The incidence of grade 2 stomach was not different between NPO group and carbohydrate group in elderly patients.
Variation in COVID-19 disease severity at hospital admission over time and across hospitals
Authors: Wayne Max T. , Weng Wenjing , O’Malley Megan , Bozyk Paul , Doshi Mona M. , Flanders Scott A. , McSparron Jakob I. , Sharma Pratima , Swaminathan Lakshmi , Prescott Hallie C. 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
During the spring 2020 COVID-19 surge, hospitals in Southeast Michigan were overwhelmed, and hospital beds were limited. However, it is unknown whether threshold for hospital admission varied across hospitals or over time.
Using a statewide registry, we performed a retrospective cohort study. We identified adult patients hospitalized with COVID-19 in Southeast Michigan (3/1/2020-6/1/2020). We classified disease severity on admission using the World Health Organization (WHO) ordinal scale. Our primary measure of interest was the proportion of patients admitted on room air. We also determined the proportion without acute organ dysfunction on admission or any point during hospitalization. We quantified variation across hospitals and over time by half-month epochs.
Among 1315 hospitalizations across 22 hospitals, 57.3% (754/1,315) were admitted on room air, and 26.1% (343/1,315) remained on room air for the duration of hospitalization. Across hospitals, the proportion of COVID-19 hospitalizations admitted on room air varied from 32.3% to 80.0%. Across half-month epochs, the proportion ranged from 49.4% to 69.4% and nadired in early April 2020. Among patients admitted on room air, 75.1% (566/754) had no acute organ dysfunction on admission, and 35.3% (266/754) never developed acute organ dysfunction at any point during hospitalization; there was marked variation in both proportions across hospitals. In-hospital mortality was 13.7% for patients admitted on room air vs 26.3% for patients requiring nasal cannula oxygen.
Among patients hospitalized with COVID-19 during the spring 2020 surge in Southeast Michigan, more than half were on room air and a third had no acute organ dysfunction upon admission, but experienced high rates of disease progression and in-hospital mortality.
The incidence of mumps in Taiwan and its association with the meteorological parameters
Authors: Lin Cheng-Yao , Su Shih-Bin , Peng Cheau-Jane , Chen Kow-Tong 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Mumps is an acute and common childhood disease caused by paramyxovirus. It has been reported that the occurrence of mumps is influenced by seasonality. However, the role of meteorological variables in the incidence of mumps remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between meteorological factors and the incidence of mumps infection. Poisson regression analysis was used to study the relationship between weather variability and the incidence of mumps in Taiwan. Between 2012 and 2018, 5459 cases of mumps cases were reported to the Centers for Disease Control, Taiwan (Taiwan CDC). The occurrence of mumps virus infections revealed significant seasonality in the spring and summer seasons in Taiwan. The incidence of mumps virus infections began to increase at temperatures of 15°C and started to decline if the temperature was higher than 29°C (r
2 = 0.387, P = .008). Similarly, the number of mumps cases began to increase at a relative humidity of 65% to 69% (r
2 = 0.838, P < .029). The number of mumps cases was positively associated with temperature and relative humidity during the period preceding the infection. This study showed that the occurrence of mumps is significantly associated with increasing temperature and relative humidity in Taiwan. Therefore, these factors could be regarded as early warning signals and indicate the need to strengthen the intervention and prevention of mumps.
Time from first tumor manifestation to diagnosis in patients with GEP-NET
Authors: Koch Christine , Koca Esra , Filmann Natalie , Husmann Gabriele , Bojunga Jörg 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Patients with neuroendocrine tumors (NET) often go through a long phase between onset of symptoms and initial diagnosis.
Assessment of time to diagnosis and pre-clinical pathway in patients with gastroenteropancreatic NET (GEP-NET) with regard to metastases and symptoms.
Retrospective analysis of patients with GEP-NET at a tertiary referral center from 1984 to 2019; inclusion criteria: Patients ≥18 years, diagnosis of GEP-NET; statistical analysis using non-parametrical methods.
Four hundred eighty-six patients with 488 tumors were identified; median age at first diagnosis (478/486, 8 unknown) was 59 years; 52.9% male patients. Pancreatic NET: 143/488 tumors; 29.3%; small intestinal NET: 145/488 tumors, 29.7%. 128/303 patients (42.2%) showed NET specific and 122/486 (25%) patients other tumor-specific symptoms. 222/279 patients had distant metastases at initial diagnosis (187/222 liver metastases). 154/488 (31.6%) of GEP-NET were incidental findings. Median time from tumor manifestation (e.g., symptoms related to NET) to initial diagnosis across all entities was 19.5 (95% CI: 12–28) days. No significant difference in patients with or without distant metastases (median 73 vs 105 days, P = .42).
A large proportion of GEP-NET are incidental findings and only about half of all patients are symptomatic at the time of diagnosis. We did not find a significant influence of the presence of metastases on time to diagnosis, which shows a large variability with a median of <30 days.