bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical acupuncture therapy for children with allergic rhinitis
Authors: Li Jun , Liu Lanhua , Jiao Lin , Liao Kai , Xu LingnLing , Zhou Xiaohong , Xiong Jun 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Background:
Allergic rhinitis (AR) in children has become a common clinical allergic disease, the incidence of which is increasing in pediatric. The side effects of the drug cause parents to worry about the health of their child. However, a large number of current clinical studies have shown that acupuncture therapy is effective in treating children with AR. Therefore, this systematic review aims to explore the safety and effectiveness of acupuncture in the treatment of AR in children.

Methods:
We will conduct a comprehensive literature search in Medline, PubMed, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Embase, Chinese Biomedical Literatures Database (CBM), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wang Fang Database (WF), Chinese Scientific Journal Database (VIP) from inception to November 2020 without any language restriction. In addition, we will retrieve the unpublished studies and the references of initially included literature manually. Reviewers will identify studies, extract data, and assess the quality independently. The outcomes of interest include: total effective rate; the total nasal symptom score; Rhinitis quality of life questionnaire (RQLQ); Visual Analog Scale (VAS); Laboratory inspection indicators: the level of IgE, IL6, IL10 or TNF-α; Recurrence rate; adverse events. Randomized clinical trials will be collected, methodological quality will be evaluated using the Cochrane risk-of-bias assessment tool, and the level of evidence will be rated using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach. Meta-analysis will be performed using RevMan 5.4.0 software. The heterogeneity test will be conducted between the studies, P < .1 and I
2 > 50% are the thresholds for the tests. We will utilize the fixed effects model or the random effects model according to the size of heterogeneity.

Results:
The results of this systematic review will provide a synthesis of current evidence of AR in children. We will report this result shortly.

Conclusion:
This study will explore whether or not acupuncture therapy can be used as one of the non drug therapies to prevent or treat allergic rhinitis in children.

Trial registration number:
INPLASY2020110053.
Chinese herbal medicine injections (CHMIs) for chronic pulmonary heart disease
Authors: Lei Yuping , Wang Meili , Sun Guiqiang , Liu Yong , Yang Yapei , Hao Dong 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Background:
Chinese herbal medicine injections (CHMIs) are frequently used for various refractory diseases including chronic pulmonary heart disease (CPHD). However, due to the diversity of CHMIs treatments, its relative effectiveness and safety remain unclear. In our study, Bayesian network meta-analysis will be used to identify differences in efficacy and safety between diverse CHMI for CPHD.

Methods:
Relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and prospective controlled clinical trials published in PubMed, Google Scholar, Excerpt Medica Database, Medline, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, China Scientific Journal Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database and Wanfang Database will be systematic searched to identify eligible studies from their establishment to December 2020. The methodological qualities, including the risk of bias, will be evaluated using the Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool. Stata14.2 and WinBUGS 1.4.3 software were used for data synthesis. The evidentiary grade of the results will be also evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach.

Results:
The results of this study will be published in a peer-reviewed journal, and provide reliable evidence for different CHMIs on CPHD.

Conclusions:
The findings will provide reference for evaluating the efficacy and safety of different CHMIs for CPHD, and provide a helpful evidence for clinicians to formulate the best adjuvant treatment strategy for CPHD patients.

Trial registration number:
INPLASY2020120004.
Comparison of the ductal carcinoma in situ between White Americans and Chinese Americans
Authors: Kuang Xin-Wen , Sun Zhi-Hong , Song Jun-Long , Zhu Zhanyong , Chen Chuang 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Currently, the wide-spread use of screening mammography has led to dramatic increases in ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). However, DCIS of Chinese Americans, the largest Asian subgroup in American, has rarely been comprehensively studied over the past decade. This work compared the DCIS characteristics and prognosis of Chinese American patients with White Americans in the USA to determine the characteristics and prognosis of DCIS patients of Chinese Americans.
The data were obtained using the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) data. The diagnosis and treatment variables between the two groups were compared by means of Chi-square tests. Survival was determined with the use of the Kaplan–Meier method and the multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression model.
From 1975 to 2016, 81,745 White Americans and 2069 Chinese Americans were diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ. Compared with the white patients, the Chinese Americans were younger (P < .001) with smaller tumors (P < .001) and higher family income (P < .001). DCIS patients of Chinese American group accounted for a higher percentage of all breast cancers than the whites (P < .001). In the multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression analysis, Chinese American was an independent favorable prognostic factor in terms of overall survival (OS) (HR, 0.684; 95% CI, 0.593–0.789; P < .001) compared with the white group.
In conclusion, DCIS characteristics of the Chinese group, which exhibited a higher proportion of younger age, a higher DCIS ratio, and a better prognosis, were distinct from those of the White Americans.
Plasma rich in growth factors versus Mitomycin C in photorefractive keratectomy
Authors: Sanchez-Avila Ronald M. , Uribe-Badillo Edmar E. , Sanz Javier Fernández-Vega , Muruzabal Francisco , Jurado Nancy , Alfonso-Bartolozzi Belén , Alfonso Jose F. , Baamonde Begoña , Anitua Eduardo , Merayo-Lloves Jesus 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) in photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) versus Mitomycin C (MMC).
This is a comparative, longitudinal and retrospective case-control study (MMC vs PRGF), in patients with a spherical correction from −0.25 to −8.00 D and cylinder correction from −0.25 to −3.00. The uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), refractive efficacy and safety indices, and changes in endothelial cell density were evaluated. The predictability was assessed with the postoperative manifest spherical equivalent.
Forty-four patients (72 eyes) were treated with MMC and twenty-five patients (45 eyes) with PRGF. The final UDVA (LogMar) in MMC was 0.029 ± 0.065 and in PRGF it was 0.028 ± 0.048 (p = 0.383). The efficacy index for MMC was 0.98 ± 0.10 and 1.10 ± 0.46 for patients treated with PRGF (p = 0.062). The safety index for MMC was 1.03 ± 0.11 and 1.12 ± 0.46 (p = 0.158) for PRGF group. The change percentage of endothelial cell density was 0.9 ± 11.6 for MMC and 4.3 ± 13.1 for PRGF (p = 0.593). The predictability for MMC was 92.1% and for the PRGF was 91.9% (p = 0.976). Hyperemia, eye pain and superficial keratitis were observed in 11.1% of the MMC group; no adverse events were observed with the PRGF.
The use of PRGF in PRK surgery is as effective as MMC. The PRGF shows a better safety profile than MMC for its intraoperative use in PRK.
Tuina therapy for temporomandibular joint disorder syndrome
Authors: Chen Jing , Li Yongchao , Zeng Lirong , Sun Wei , Wei Ni , Xie Hui , He Wenjuan 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Background:
Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) is common in clinic at present, which seriously affects the mental health and quality of life of patients. With the development of society, the incidence of TMD is gradually increasing. At present, there are many treatment methods, Tuina as a characteristic traditional Chinese medicine therapy, clinical treatment of TMD has a significant effect. In recent years, there are many clinical studies on Tuina in the treatment of TMD, but the clinical efficacy of Tuina in the treatment of TMD has not been systematically evaluated. In this study, we systematically evaluated the relevant literature of Tuina in the treatment of TMD by using the method of evidence-based medicine, in order to provide reference for clinical research in this direction in the future.

Methods:
VIP Chinese database, China knowledge Network, Wanfang, China Biomedical Database, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and Web of Science were searched for clinical randomized controlled trials of Tuina in the treatment of TMD from the establishment of the database to December 2020. The 2 researchers independently screened the literature and carried out quality assessment and data extraction for the included study, and used RevMan5.3 software for risk assessment and Meta analysis.

Results:
In this study, the efficacy and safety of Tuina in the treatment of TMD were evaluated by effective rate, visual analog score (VAS) of temporomandibular joint pain, dysfunction index ((DI), palpation index (PI), craniomandibular index (CMI), maximum mouth opening (MMO), incidence of adverse reactions and so on.

Conclusion:
This protocol can provide evidence-based basis for the treatment of TMD, with Tuina to significantly improve the symptoms and function of patients with TMD.

OSF Registration number:
DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/J75A8.
Dexamethasone for the treatment of traumatic brain injured patients with brain contusions and pericontusional edema
Authors: Pérez-Bárcena Jon , Castaño-León Ana María , Lagares Gómez-Abascal Alfonso , Barea-Mendoza Jesús Abelardo , Navarro Maín Blanca , Pomar Pons Jaume , Periañez Párraga Leonor del Mar , Ibáñez Domínguez Javier , Chico-Fernández Mario , Llompart-Pou Juan Antonio , Frontera Juan Guillem 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Background:
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) constitutes a leading cause of death and disability. Patients with TBI and cerebral contusions developing pericontusional edema are occasionally given dexamethasone on the belief that this edema is similar to that of tumors, in which the beneficial effect of dexamethasone has been demonstrated.

Methods:
The DEXCON TBI trial is a multicenter, pragmatic, randomized, triple-blind, placebo controlled trial to quantify the effects of dexamethasone on the prognosis of TBI patients with brain contusions and pericontusional edema. Adult patients who fulfill the elegibility criteria will be randomized to dexamethasone/placebo in a short and descending course: 4 mg/6 h (2 days); 4 mg/8 hours (2 days); 2 mg/6 hours (2 days); 2 mg/8 hours (2 days); 1 mg/8 hours (2 days); 1 mg/12 hours (2 days). The primary outcome is the Glasgow Scale Outcome Extended (GOSE) performed 1 month and 6 months after TBI. Secondary outcomes are: number of episodes of neurological deterioration; symptoms associated with TBI; adverse events; volume of pericontusional edema before and after 12 days of treatment; results of the neuropsychological tests one month and 6 months after TBI. The main analysis will be on an “intention-to-treat” basis. Logistic regression will estimate the effect of dexamethasone/placebo on GOSE at one month and at 6 months, dichotomized in unfavorable outcome (GOSE 1–6) and favorable outcome (GOSE 7–8). Efficacy will also be analyzed using the 'sliding dichotomy’. An interim and safety analysis will be performed including patients recruited during the first year to calculate the conditional power. A study with 600 patients would have 80% power (2 sided alpha = 5%) to detect a 12% absolute increase (from 50% to 62%) in good recovery.

Discussion:
This is a confirmative trial to elucidate the therapeutic efficacy of dexamethasone in a very specific group of TBI patients: patients with brain contusions and pericontusional edema. This trial could become an important milestone for TBI patients as nowadays there is no effective treatment in this type of patients.

Trial Registration:
eudraCT: 2019–004038–41; Clinical Trials.gov: NCT04303065.
Efficacy of minimally invasive surgery for the treatment of hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage
Authors: Liu Jiang , Cheng Jing , Zhou Hongjun , Deng Chunyan , Wang Zhengxin 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Introduction:
Hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage (HICH) is the most serious complication of hypertension. Clearing intracranial hematoma as soon as possible, reducing brain cell edema, and controlling intracranial pressure could effectively reduce neuron damage, lower patient mortality, and improve patient prognosis. At present, minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has been widely used and plays an important role in the treatment of HICH. However, it is still in controversies about the choice of surgical treatment and medication treatment for HICH. Therefore, we try to conduct a randomized, controlled, prospective trial to observe the efficacy of MIS treatment against HICH compared with medication treatment.

Methods:
Patients will be randomly divided into treatment group and control group in a 1:1 ratio using the random number generator in Microsoft Excel. Stereotactic soft channel minimally invasive intracranial hematoma puncture and drainage treatment and medication treatment will be applied respectively. The outcomes of intracerebral hemorrhage volume, Glasgow coma scale, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale will be recorded.

Conclusions:
The findings of the study will be helpful for the choice of MIS and conservative treatment when treating HICH patients.

Trial registration:
OSF Registration number: DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/ME6Y5.
Acupuncture for polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Liao Zaibo , Fan Huaying , Fan Huayu , Chen Xiaohua 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Background:
As the results of previous systematic reviews and meta-analyses on acupuncture for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have provided inconsistent evidence. This overview of systematic reviews (SRs) and meta-analyses will aim to critically appraise the methodology and reporting quality of the relevant SRs and meta-analyses with the aim of identifying whether acupuncture could provide an effective treatment for patients with PCOS or not.

Methods:
Electronic databases including MEDLINE via Ovid, EMBASE, PubMed, Cochrane library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Scientific Journal Database (VIP database), and Wanfang Database will be searched for related SRs and meta-analyses from inceptions to the search date without language restrictions. Two reviewers will independently select SRs and meta-analyses and collect related data, and a third reviewer will be introduced if any disagreement happened during the assessing. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) and the latest Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews 2 (AMSTAR2) checklists will be employed to evaluate the reporting and methodology quality.

Results:
This overview will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.

Conclusion:
This overview will identify related SRs and meta-analyses of acupuncture for treating PCOS.

Ethics and dissemination:
Ethics approval and patient consent are not required as this study is an overview based on published systematic reviews and meta-analyses.
CTPA pulmonary artery distensibility in assessment of severity of acute pulmonary embolism and right ventricular function
Authors: Wang Dawei , Yang Fei , Zhu Xiaolong , Cui Shujun , Dong Shanglin , Zhang Zhenming , Zhang Yujiao 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
To investigate the characteristics of pulmonary artery distensibility (PAD) in patients with acute pulmonary embolism (APE) and to assess the correlation of PAD with APE severity and right ventricular function. A total of 33 patients who underwent retrospective electrocardiogram (ECG)-gated computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) with a definite diagnosis of APE were included in the study. According to APE severity, the patients were divided into severe (SPE) and non-severe (NSPE) groups. Data from a control group without APE matching the basic demographics of the APE patients were collected. Pulmonary artery distensibility (PAD) and right ventricular function parameters were compared among the 3 groups, their relationships were investigated, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to determine the sensitivity and specificity of the above parameters for the diagnosis of APE severity. The PAD values of the control, NSPE, and SPE groups were (7.877 ± 2.637) × 10−3 mm/Hg, (6.050 ± 2.011) × 10−3 mm/Hg, (4.321 ± 1.717) × 10−3 mm/Hg, respectively (P < .01). There were statistically significant differences in right ventricular function parameters among the 3 groups (P < .05). The correlation analysis between PAD and right ventricular function parameters showed a weak negative correlation (r = −0.281–−0.392). The area under the ROC curve of PAD was 0.743, the critical value was 4.200, and the sensitivity and specificity were 62.5% and 94.1%, respectively. The PAD obtained by retrospective ECG-gated CTPA could accurately evaluate APE severity and right ventricular function. As the severity of APE increases, PAD decreases, which is helpful to identify patients at high risk of APE.
Influence of Comorbidities on Short-Term Functional Outcomes After Unilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Kim Youn Ji , Kim Bo Ryun , Kim Sang Rim , Nam Kwang Woo , Lee So Young , Choi Jun Hwan , Kim Won Bin , Kim Beom Su 
Published: January 2021

Objective
The aim of the study was to determine the effect of comorbidities on physical function and quality of life of patients at 3 mos after total knee arthroplasty.

Design
Data from 140 patients who underwent a primary unilateral total knee arthroplasty were examined retrospectively. Comorbidities were osteoporosis, presarcopenia, degenerative spine disease, diabetes, and hypertension. All patients completed the following: range of motion, stair climbing test, 6-min walk test, Timed Up and Go Test, peak torque of the knee extensor and flexor, instrumental gait analysis, Western Ontario McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, and EuroQoL five-dimension questionnaire.

Results
Univariate analyses revealed that osteoporosis led to a significantly longer time to complete the stair climbing test–ascent, stair climbing test–descent, and Timed Up and Go Test and to lower scores for the 6-min walk test and peak torque of the knee extensor. Patients with degenerative spine disease showed significant negative scores for knee extension range of motion. Diabetes showed a negative correlation with peak torque of the knee extensor and knee flexion range of motion, as well as a higher Western Ontario McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index–stiffness score. Multivariable linear regression analysis showed that Western Ontario McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index–stiffness remained independently associated with diabetes. Six-minute walk test, Timed Up and Go Test, stair climbing test–ascent, and peak torque of the knee extensors showed a significant association with osteoporosis.

Conclusions
Comorbidities, particularly osteoporosis and diabetes, affect short-term functional outcomes 3 mos after total knee arthroplasty.
Implementation and Sequencing of Practice Transformation in Urban Practices with Underserved Patients
Authors: Quigley Denise D. , Predmore Zachary S. , Chen Alex Y. , Hays Ron D. 
Published: January 2021

Background:
Patient-centered medical home (PCMH) has gained momentum as a model for primary-care health services reform.

Methods:
We conducted interviews at 14 primary care practices undergoing PCMH transformation in a large urban federally qualified health center in California and used grounded theory to identify common themes and patterns.

Results:
We found clinics pursued a common sequence of changes in PCMH transformation: Clinics began with National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) level 3 recognition, adding care coordination staff, reorganizing data flow among teams, and integrating with a centralized quality improvement and accountability infrastructure. Next, they realigned to support continuity of care. Then, clinics improved access by adding urgent care, patient portals, or extending hours. Most then improved planning and management of patient visits. Only a handful worked explicitly on improving access with same day slots, scheduling processes, and test result communication. The clinics' changes align with specific NCQA PCMH standards but also include adding physicians and services, culture changes, and improved communication with patients.

Conclusions:
NCQA PCMH level 3 recognition is only the beginning of a continuous improvement process to become patient centered. Full PCMH transformation took time and effort and relied on a sequential approach, with an early focus on foundational changes that included use of a robust quality improvement strategy before changes to delivery of and access to care.
Fighting Frailty in Underserved Communities
Authors: Migliarese Sara , Smith Nancy , Annas Austin , Healy Catherine 
Published: January 2021

Methods:
Participants older than 50 years were recruited for frailty screenings and a 6-week exercise intervention. Participants were screened using grip strength, Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy Fatigue Scale, and the Short Physical Performance Battery.

Results:
Seventy-six adults were screened, with 62 meeting criteria for frailty (81.6%). Thirty-four adults (mean age = 64.9, range 50-104, 26% < 65) received exercise intervention. Significant increases in Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy Fatigue Scale (P = .042), grip strength (P < .001), and Short Physical Performance Battery (P < .001) were found.

Conclusion(s):
Medically underserved individuals may have a higher prevalence and earlier onset of frailty and respond favorably to exercise.
Performance of National and Foreign Models for Predicting the 6-Minute Walk Distance for Assessment of Functional Exercise Capacity of Brazilian Elderly Women
Authors: Marques Neysa Laila Xavier Rangel , de Sá Ferreira Arthur , da Silva Débora Pedroza Guedes , de Menezes Sara Lúcia Silveira , Guimarães Fernando Silva , Dias Cristina Márcia 
Published: January 2021

Objectives:
To compare the results of the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) with those estimated using national and foreign predictive equations of the six-minute walked distance (6MWD) in Brazilian elderly women.

Methods:
Fifty healthy elderly women (72 ± 5 years, 29.4 ± 4.7 kg/m2) performed the 6-Minute Walk Test.

Results:
Predicted distances using different equations showed significant differences and the percentage of predicted 6MWD varied between 71 ± 7% and 112 ± 12%. Correlations between predicted distances were all significant (P < .05). The classification of normal-reduced 6MWD was significantly different among equations.

Conclusion:
National or foreign equations failed to accurately predict functional exercise capacity in healthy elderly women, highlighting the need to recalibrate those equations before clinical use in this population.