bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of liuzijue qigong on patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Gao Pincao , Tang Fang , Liu Weiguo , He Kai , Mo Yu 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBackgrounds:Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common, preventable disease of airflow limitation that accounts for the third leading deaths of any disease process in the worldwide. Health benefits of liuzijue qigong (LQG) on patients with stable COPD has been assessed. This study was designed to perform a systemic review and meta-analysis of the effect of Liuzijue breathing exercise on patients with stable COPD.Methods:Published articles from 1970 to December 2020 were conducted using electronic searches. Two independents reviewers conducted data extraction. The Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool was used to evaluate the quality of the included studies.Results:A total of 16 eligible trials with 1039 patients with stable COPD were identified. Compared with control group, the pool meta-analysis of LQG showed a significant improvement in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) (MD = −0.16, 95% CI [0.09, 0.23],P < .00001), FEV1% (MD = 9.71, 95% CI [8.44, 10.98],P < .00001), the ratio of forced expiratory volume to forced vital capacity in the first second (FEV1/FVC [%]) (MD = 4.81, 95% CI [2.12, 7.51],P = .0005), 6 minutes walking distance (6MWD) (MD = 21.89, 95% CI [14.67, 29.11],P < .00001), health-related quality of life (SMD = −0.84, 95% CI [−1.12,-0.55],P < .00001) and modified medical research council dyspnea scale (mMRC) (MD = −0.73, 95% CI [−0.96, −0.50],P < .00001). The observed effect was more pronounced for short term and medium-term duration interventions of study. It also showed improvements in the secondary outcome measures by LQG.Conclusions:In this systematic review and meta-analysis, LQG can improve lung ventilation function, exercise endurance and health-related quality of life of patients with stable COPD.Ethic and dissemination:This study is a systematic review and it does not involve harming to the rights of participants. Ethical approval will not be require for this study. The research results may be published in a peer-reviewed journals.
Effects of preoperative radiotherapy on survival of patients with stage II and III esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Dong Jing , Shen Wenbin , Du Xingyu , Zhu Shuchai 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
The impact of preoperative radiotherapy (PRT) on survival in patients with stage II and III esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains controversial. The aim of this study was to explore the effect of PRT on survival of these patients.
Patients with stage II and III ESCC who underwent chemotherapy ± PRT were identified and retrieved from the SEER database from 2010 to 2015. Cox regression analysis was used to identify independent prognostic factors in patients. Subgroup analysis stratified by T stage and N stage was performed. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was performed to assess disease specific survival (DSS).
A total of 1160 patients were retrieved, of whom 289 (24.9%) underwent PRT plus chemotherapy, and 871 (75.1%) did not receive PRT. In multivariate analysis, PRT plus chemotherapy was a favorable prognostic factor for patients with stage T2 (hazard ratio [HR], 0.364, 95% CI, 0.202–0.658; P < .001), T3 (HR, 0.536, 95% CI, 0.413–0.695; P < .001) and T4 (HR, 0.318, 95% CI, 0.125–0.805; P = .016), but PRT plus chemotherapy was not statistically significant on DSS in patients with T1 disease (HR, 0.556, 95% CI, 0.262–1.179; P = .126). All 3 different N stages (N0, N1, and N2 + N3) were statistically significant (P < .05) in chemotherapy with or without PRT.
In conclusion, patients with stage II and III ESCC at the T2-T4 stage gained significant survival benefit from PRT plus chemotherapy.
Efficacy of therapies in the treatment of Guillain-Barre syndrome
Authors: Lin Jingfeng , Gao Qiang , Xiao Kang , Tian Danfeng , Hu Wenyue , Han Zhenyun 
Published: November 2021

Abstract

Background:
Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) is a disease with the features of acuteness, paralysis, inflammation, and in peripheral nerves. There are many current treatment options with varying efficacy, and to assess their effectiveness, we performed a network meta-analysis (NMA). The study protocol was registered at PROSPERO (CRD: 42019119178). Posted history: this manuscript was previously posted to medRxiv: doi: https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.06.03.20121780.

Methods:
The literature search database includes Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane library that meets the requirements. We performed the NMA using controlled trials with 2 kinds of outcomes. We used the gemtc R package to perform the NMA to evaluate different GBS treatments’ relative results. The consistency of direct and indirect evidence was also assessed by R software with gemtc package.

Results:
This NMA study included a total of 2474 subjects from 28 trials with 15 kinds of therapies. No improvement was observed in methylprednisolone and prednisolone compared with placebo. Conversely, plasma exchange (PE) and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) were more effective than placebo. There was no significant difference between different doses and courses of PE and IVIg. For combination treatment, such as IVIg+eculizumab, immunoadsorption followed by IVIg and PE followed by IVIg, they didn’t show significant advantages than IVIg and PE in NMA. On the consistency examination between direct and indirect evidence, there was no apparent heterogeneity between them. Funnel plots indicated there was little possibility of publication bias in this study.

Conclusion:
PE or IVIg has significant efficacy for GBS patients. The effects of several kinds of therapies should be further explored. Corticosteroids have no considerable impact on GBS.
Has COVID-19 changed the approach to HIV diagnosis?
Authors: Mazzitelli Maria , Ciccullo Arturo , Baldin Gianmaria , Cauda Roberto , Rusconi Stefano , Giacomelli Andrea , Oreni Letizia , Borghi Vanni , Mussini Cristina , Guaraldi Giovanni , Sterrantino Gaetana , Lagi Filippo , Candelaresi Bianca , Cirioni Oscar , De Vito Andrea , Rossetti Barbara , Torti Carlo , Di Giambenedetto Simona 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
The occurrence of COVID-19 pandemic had a significant negative effect on health care systems over the last year. Health care providers were forced to focus mainly on COVID-19 patients, neglecting in many cases equally important diseases, both acute and chronic. Therefore, also screening and diagnostic strategies for HIV could have been significantly impaired.
This retrospective, multicenter, observational study aimed at assessing the number and characteristics of new HIV/AIDS diagnoses during COVID-19 pandemic in Italy and compared characteristics of people living with HIV at diagnosis between pre- and post-COVID-19 era (2019 vs 2020).
Our results showed a significant reduction of HIV diagnoses during pandemic. By contrast, people living with HIV during pandemic were older and were diagnosed in earlier stage of disease (considering CD4+ T cell count) compared to those who were diagnosed the year before. Moreover, there was a significant decrease of new HIV diagnoses among men who have sex with men, probably for the impact of social distancing and restriction applied by the Italian Government. Late presentation incidence, if numbers in 2020 were lower than those in 2019, is still an issue.
Routinely performing HIV testing in patients with suspected SARS-CoV-2 infection is identifying and linking to care underdiagnosed people living with HIV earlier. Thus, combined tests (HIV and SARS-CoV-2) should be implemented in patients with SARS-CoV-2 symptoms overlapping HIV's ones. Lastly, our results lastly showed how urgent implementation of a national policy for HIV screening is necessary.
Use of bile acids as potential markers of liver dysfunction in humans
Authors: Azer Samy A. , Hasanato Rana 
Published: November 2021

Abstract

Objective:
This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of using total, individual serum, or urinary bile acids (BA) as potential markers of liver dysfunction.

Methods:
We searched the PubMed and Web of Science databases using the following keywords- “serum bile acids,” “liver dysfunction,” “liver injury,” “liver disease,” “traditional liver function tests,” “Chronic liver disease,” “acute liver injury”. The search was complemented by manual screening of the list of references for relevant articles. We selected only English-language manuscripts for adult patients based on predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Animal studies and studies on neonates and children were not included.

Outcome measures:
Changes in BA concentrations or ratios at or prior to changes in liver function tests.

Results:
A total of 547 studies were identified, of which 28 were included after reading the entire manuscript. These studies included 1630 patients and 836 controls published between 1990 and 2017. The methods used in BA assays varied significantly, and the studies did not agree. on specific individual BA or BA ratios as biomarkers of specific liver injury or dysfunction. Except for the prognostic value of BA in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP), studies have failed to provide evidence for BA as a liver biomarker.

Conclusions:
Despite the research conducted on BA for over 27 years, there are inconsistencies in the reported results and a lack of solid evidence to support the use of individual BA or BA ratios as biomarkers of liver injury. Adequately conducted studies needed to resolve this limitation in the literature.
Monotherapy with mirabegron had a better tolerance than the anticholinergic agents on overactive bladder
Authors: Yi Wei , Yang Yue , Yang Jin 
Published: November 2021

Abstract

Background:
We conducted this meta-analysis to explore the tolerance of monotherapy with mirabegron (50 mg) on an overactive bladder, compared with a common dosage of anticholinergic agents.

Materials and methods:
A comprehensive search for all randomized controlled trials that evaluated the safety of mirabegron and anticholinergic agents on overactive bladder was performed, and we searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled trials databases, Pubmed, Embase, and relevant trials from 2013.02 to 2019.10.

Results:
Eight studies included 5500 patients with treatment of monotherapy on overactive bladder were identified. The total number of treatment-emergent adverse events had no significantly difference between two monotherapies (RR = 0.88 95%CI: 0.76–1.01; P = .08); however, patients would have a better tolerance with mirabegron (50 mg) in adverse events of dry mouth (RR = 0.42; 95%CI: 0.33–0.53; P < .01) and tachycardia (RR = 0.52; 95%CI: 0.29–0.94; P = .03); and there were no significant differences between two groups in hypertension (RR = 1.02; 95%CI: 0.80–1.30; P = .90), constipation (RR = 0.91; 95%CI: 0.65–1.26; P = 0.57), blurred vision (RR = 1.03; 95%CI: 0.60–1.77; P = 0.92), and urinary tract infection (RR = 0.90; 95%CI: 0.70–1.16; P = .41).

Conclusions:
Treatment-emergent adverse events in patients with overactive bladder who underwent monotherapy of mirabegron (50 mg) or the anticholinergic agents had no significant differences, but mirabegron has a better tolerance in the aspect of dry mouth and tachycardia.
A comparative study of cumulative stress patterns within 14 days postpartum in healthy mothers and those with gestational diabetes
Authors: Park Seungmi , Yu Soo-Young , Kwak Eunju , Min Deulle 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Although the number of mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is on the rise, only few studies have examined the cumulative stress associated with breastfeeding after childbirth. GDM mothers are susceptible to stress due to insulin resistance, and their level of stress is associated with breastfeeding. This study aimed to identify patterns of stress change over time in GDM mothers and healthy mothers and to identify the factors influencing those patterns.
The participants of this study were mothers within 14 days after childbirth. The GDM group consisted of 32 mothers, and the healthy group comprised 30 mothers. Cumulative stress was measured in terms of heart rate variability, and linear mixed models were used to analyze changes over time.
The cumulative stress of healthy mothers was about 8 points higher than that of mothers with GDM (t = −2.95, P = .005). The cumulative stress level was inversely associated with the mother's age (β=-1.20, P = .018), the mother's weight (β=-0.64, P = .008), and the baby's body mass index (β=-3.09, P = .038). Furthermore, an insufficient amount of breast milk was associated with higher stress (β=16.09, P = .007).
GDM mothers and healthy mothers experienced different patterns of cumulative stress. Breastfeeding should be started quickly to promote health and stress reduction among mothers who are physically and psychologically vulnerable after childbirth.
It is necessary to incorporate programs to promote breastfeeding considering stress levels at an appropriate time according to the mother's health condition.
Comparison between fluoropyrimidine-hepatic arterial infusion and systemic chemotherapy for unresectable liver metastases
Authors: Zhao Jianmeng , Zheng Yuenan , Liu Tao , Chang Jinzhe , Shan Hongqing , Cong Ke 
Published: November 2021

Abstract

Background:
The benefit of loco-regional treatments such as hepatic arterial infusion (HAI) in terms of survival and response rate is unclear. The aim of this work is to quantitatively summarize the results of both randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-randomized studies of interventions (NRSIs) comparing fluoropyrimidine-HAI (F-HAI) to systemic chemotherapy (SCT) for the treatment of colorectal liver metastases (CRLMs).

Methods:
We searched the Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science up to July 1, 2021. The outcome measures were tumor response rate and overall survival (OS). Both RCTs and NRSIs comparing HAI to SCT for patients with unresectable CRLMs were included. The outcome measures were tumor response rate and OS. Two reviewers assessed trial quality and extracted data independently. All statistical analyses were performed using standard statistical procedures provided in Review Manager 5.2.

Results:
A total of 16 studies including 11 RCTs and 5 NRSIs were identified for the present meta-analysis. Nine RCTs compared F-HAI to SCT for patients with unresectable CRLMs and the pooled result indicated that patients who received F-HAI experienced more than twofold response rate than SCT, with a pooled risk ratio of 2.10 (95%CI 1.59–2.79; P < .00001). In addition, the pooled result based on RCTs showed that F-HAI had a significant benefit regarding OS, with a pooled HR of 0.83 (95% CI 0.70–0.99; P = .04). Similarly, the benefit of F-HAI in terms of OS was also observed in the results of NRSIs.

Conclusions:
Our results indicated that the F-HAI regimen had a greater tumor response rate and survival advantage than SCT for patients with unresectable CRLMs. Future propensity score-matched analyses with a large sample size should be conducted to support the evidence of our results based on RCTs and NRSIs.
The prevalence and clinical implications of pancreatic fat accumulation identified during a medical check-up
Authors: Okada Kosuke , Watahiki Takahisa , Horie Kaoru , Takayama Takako , Aida Yuka , To Keii , Shida Takashi , Ishige Kazunori , Nishiyama Hiroyuki , Shoda Junichi , Suzuki Hideo 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Fatty pancreas (FP) is characterized by pancreatic fat accumulation and the subsequent development of pancreatic and metabolic complications. However, FP has not been categorized in the manual for abdominal ultrasound in cancer screening and health check-ups in Japan, and the pathology of FP has not been fully elucidated.
Nine hundred and nineteen people who underwent a medical check-up had the severity of their pancreatic fat accumulation categorized after transabdominal ultrasonographic examination. The relationships between FP, lifestyle-related diseases, and fatty liver disease at this time were assessed using stratification analysis.
The prevalence of FP was 46.8% (430/919). People with FP were more likely to be male and had higher prevalences of lifestyle-related diseases, including fatty liver disease. Men and women were similarly represented in each tertile of pancreas brightness. Older age; high waist circumference, triglyceride and glucose index, serum low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, hepatic steatosis index; and low serum amylase were associated with the presence of severe FP. Moreover, the group with severe liver steatosis had a higher prevalence of FP and a higher pancreatic brightness score. Logistic regression analysis showed that individuals with liver steatosis were more likely to have severe FP.
The severity of FP is associated with features of lifestyle-related diseases and the severity of liver steatosis. These findings suggest that high visceral fat content is associated with more severe fatty pancreas as a phenotype of ectopic fat accumulation, as well as fatty liver disease.
Association between uric acid level and incidence of albuminuria in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Lai Yun-Ju , Chen Yu-Yen , Ku Po-Wen , Chen Li-Jung , Yen Yung-Feng 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Using animal models and molecular biology researches, hyperuricemia has been shown to instruct renal arteriolopathy, arterial hypertension, and microvascular injury involving the renin-angiotensin system and resulting in renal function impairment. Nevertheless, the association between uric acid levels and the development of albuminuria has been under-investigated in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Patients with type 2 diabetes and regular outpatient visits were recruited from the Puli Branch of the Taichung Veterans General Hospital in Taiwan since January 2014. Demographics, lifestyle features, and medical history were gathered by well-trained interviewers. All participants underwent comprehensive physical examinations, including a biochemical assay of venous blood specimens and urine samples after an 8-hour overnight fast. Participants were followed until June 2018. The primary outcome was the albuminuria incidence. Univariable and multivariable Cox regression analysis were employed to explore the relation between uric acid and incident albuminuria. Uric acid cutoffs for incident albuminuria were determined with the receiver operator characteristic curve. We included 247 qualified subjects (mean age: 64.78 years old [standard deviation = 11.29 years]; 138 [55.87%] men). During a 4.5-year follow-up duration, 20 subjects with incident albuminuria were recognized. Serum uric acid was significantly associated with an increased risk of incident albuminuria (adjusted hazard ratio = 2.39; 95% confidence interval: 1.53–3.75; P < .001) with potential confounders adjustment. The uric acid cutoff point was 6.9 mg/dL (area under the curve 0.708, sensitivity 60.0%, specificity 84.58%) for incident albuminuria. Serum uric acid was associated with incident albuminuria among patients with type 2 diabetes.
The application of quality control circle to improve functional exercise execution rate of orthopaedic surgery patients
Authors: Shi Chuan , Zhang Yanyan 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Since its application in medical institutions in China, quality control circle (QCC) has gained achievements in medical care and thus earned more attention from the administrative department of health. This paper focuses on the application of QCC (bone-strength test circle) as a new management concept and tool circle in improving the implementation rate of functional exercise in patients undergoing orthopedic surgery, which further effectively improve the accuracy and compliance of functional exercise in patients undergoing surgery, and further effectively promote the rehabilitation of patients.
From July 2018 to November 2018, the management tools and statistical methods of QCC were used to compare the promotion effect of functional exercise execution rate of orthopedic surgery patients before and after QCC activities.
The checklist investigated 6 key causes of functional exercise in patients undergoing orthopedic surgery, the operative rate of orthopaedic surgery in all aspects changed significantly. Among them, the factors of inadequate propaganda and education were compared before and after the improvement, which decreased by 71% after the improvement. The incorrect factors of exercise decreased by 69% after improvement, the effect was more obvious, the difference was statistically significant (P < .05). The improvement rate was 59.4%.
Through this activity, functional exercise education process and functional exercise paths, and corresponding standards for various orthopedic diseases were established. At the same time, the measures such as health education for patients were strengthened, and the expected goals were effectively achieved.
Insights on defeating coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak and predicting tourist arrival on the Chinese Hainan Leisure Island during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Liu Gang , Chen Jingyao , Chen Zhuo , Zhu GuanLai , Lin Shidao , Huang Shigao , Li Xin 
Published: November 2021

Abstract

Background:
Hainan province is a very popular leisure tourist arriving city in China. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) emerged in China and rapidly in early 2020, and due to its rapid worldwide spread, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 as a global emergency. During the COVID-19 pandemic in Hainan province, many businesses and economies were influenced in this unexpected event, especially in tourism.

Methods:
This study used 2 classical forecasting methods to predict the number of tourists on Hainan Leisure Island from September to December in the second half of 2020 and to summarize the COVID-19 fighting experience during the pandemic. In addition, the Hainan government implemented epidemic control measures to resume production and work, and promote new tourism measures to acquire superior COVID-19 protection.

Results:
Winter's method provides a statistical model for predicting the number of visitors to Hainan under normal conditions. The trend analysis method considers the impact of the black swan event, an irregular event, and only uses the data under the influence of the event to predict according to the trend.

Conclusion:
If the impact of the black swan event (COVID-19) continues, the prediction can be made using this method. In addition, the Hainan government has undertaken timely and effective measures against COVID-19 to promote leisure tourism development.