bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Epigenetic modifications of tumor necrosis factor-alpha in joint cartilage tissue from osteoarthritis patients - CONSORT
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Ouyang Zhengxiao , song Xiaoxia , Zhu Wei , Tang Xinqiao , Liu Zhong , Chen Xiaoming 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Background:
Osteoarthritis (OA) remains one of the most common osteopathy for centuries, which can be attributed to multiple risk factors including mechanical and biochemical ones. More and more studies verified that inflammatory cytokines play important roles in the progression of OA, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between epigenetic manifestations of TNF-? and the pathogenesis of OA.

Methods:
Totally, 37 OA patients’ cartilage was collected through the knee joint and 13 samples of articular cartilage as healthy control was collected through traumatic amputation. Real-time PCR, Western blot and ELISA analysis were performed to observe the expression of target genes and proteins in collected samples.

Results:
Compared with the healthy control group, TNF-? was over-expressing in cartilage which was collected from OA patients. DNA hypomethylation, histone hyperacetylation and histone methylation were observed in the TNF-? promoter in OA compared with normal patients, and we also studied series of enzymes associated with epigenetics. The results showed that by increasing DNA methylation and decreasing histone acetylation in the TNF-? promoter, and TNF-? over-expression in OA cartilage was suppressed, histone methylation has no significant correlation with OA.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, the changes of epigenetic status regulate TNF-α expression in the cells, which are pivotal to the OA disease process. These results may give us a better understanding of OA and may provide new therapeutic options.
Comparison of laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy with double-tract reconstruction and laparoscopic total gastrectomy for proximal gastric cancer with stage cT1–2
Authors: Wang Yong , Chen Ke , Feng Xu , Jin Ren-an , Pan Yu , Cai Xiu-jun , Wang Xian-fa 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and nutritional benefits of laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy (LPG) with double-tract reconstruction (DTR) in comparison with laparoscopic total gastrectomy (LTG).
The demographic, clinical, and pathological data and postoperative nutritional status of patients undergoing LPG with DTR (n = 21) or LTG (n = 26) at Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital between January 2016 and January 2019 were retrospectively reviewed and compared.
The operative time in the LPG group was slightly longer than that in the LTG group; however, the difference was not statistically significant. Blood loss was not significantly different between groups. The mean number of retrieved lymph nodes was higher in the LTG group than in the LPG group (P = .02). The time to first flatus, postoperative hospital stay, and postoperative complications were comparable between the groups. During the 3-year postoperative follow-up, a statistically significant decrease in hemoglobin level was observed in the LTG group. There were no differences between the two groups of patients before and after the operation regarding albumin levels. The mean vitamin B12 level was higher in the LPG group than in the LTG group from 12 to 18 months postoperatively.
LPG with DTR is an acceptable procedure for patients with upper gastric cancer. LPG with DTR has numerous potential advantages in preserving the physiological and nutritional functions of the remnant stomach and the conservation of the gastric reservoir.
Sustained low efficiency dialysis is non-inferior to continuous renal replacement therapy in critically ill patients with acute kidney injury
Authors: Dalbhi Sultan Al , Alorf Riyadh , Alotaibi Mohammad , Altheaby Abdulrahman , Alghamdi Yasser , Ghazal Hadeel , Almuzaini Hussam , Negm Helmy 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Background:
Critically ill adults with acute kidney injury (AKI) experience considerable morbidity and mortality. This systematic review aimed to compare the effectiveness of continuous renal replacement therapy (CCRT) versus sustained low efficiency dialysis (SLED) for individuals with AKI.

Methods:
We carried out a systematic search of existing databases according to standard methods and random effects models were used to generate the overall estimate. Heterogeneity coefficient was also calculated for each outcome measure.

Results:
Eleven studies having 1160 patients with AKI were included in the analyses. Meta-analysis results indicated that there was no statistically significant difference between SLED versus continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) in our primary outcomes, like mortality rate (rate ratio [RR] 0.67, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.44–1.00; P = .05), renal recovery (RR 1.08, 95% CI 0.83–1.42; P = .56), and dialysis dependence (RR = 1.03, 95% CI 0.69–1.53; P = .89). Also, no statistically significant difference was observed for between SLED versus CRRT in the secondary outcomes: that is, length of intensive care unit stay (mean difference –0.16, 95% CI –0.56–0.22; P = .41) and fluid removal rate (mean difference –0.24, 95% CI –0.72–0.24; P = .32). The summary mean difference indicated that there was a significant difference in the serum phosphate clearance among patients treated with SLED and CRRT (mean difference –1.17, 95% CI –1.90 to –0.44, P = .002).

Conclusions:
The analysis indicate that there was no major advantage of using continuous renal replacement compared with sustained low efficiency dialysis in hemodynamically unstable AKI patients. Both modalities are equally safe and effective in treating AKI among critically ill patients.
Diagnostic value of exosome derived long noncoding RNA in gastric cancer in Chinese population
Authors: Zhu Kangle , Yang Jinxian , Zhu Huixia , Wang Qingqing 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Background:
Objective to systematically evaluate the diagnostic value of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) in gastric cancer (GC) in the Chinese population.

Methods:
PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, CNKI, and Wanfang Database were searched. According to the search strategy and inclusion and exclusion criteria, 2 staff members screened the relevant kinds of literature from January 2010 to December 2020 and extracted the relevant data. Revman5.3, Meta-Disc1.4, and Stata15.1 software were used to analyze the relationship between lncRNA from exosomes and the diagnosis of GC. The combined values of sensitivity (SEN), specificity (SPE), positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. The summary receiver operating characteristic curve was drawn and the area under the ROC curve (AUC) value was calculated.

Results:
In 9 studies, 1314 samples were included, including 792 cases in the case group and 522 cases in the control group. The combined SEN was 0.82 (95% CI: 0.77–0.86), the combined SPE was 0.78 (95% CI: 0.72–0.83), the combined positive likelihood ratio was 3.7 (95% CI: 2.9–4.6), the negative likelihood ratio was 0.23 (95% CI: 0.18–0.29), and the DOR was 16 (95% CI: 12–23), AUC was 0.87 (95% CI: 0.84–0.90). Subgroup analysis showed that the SEN, SPE, likelihood ratio, DOR, and AUC of plasma-derived lncRNA in the diagnosis of GC were better than those of serum.

Conclusions:
Exosome-derived lncRNA may be a new potential biomarker for the clinical diagnosis of GC.
Calcineurin inhibitor therapy in combination with Tripterygium wilfordii polyglycoside tablets for idiopathic membranous nephropathy
Authors: Gao Ying , Liu Yingying , Guo Zhaoan , Zhang Lei 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
To compare the efficacy and safety of calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) and Tripterygium wilfordii polyglycoside tablets (TWPs) in treating idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN) with CNI and glucocorticoids (GCs).
Data of patients with IMN who were treated with CNI+TWPs (TWP group) or CNI+GCs (GC group) and followed up for more than 12 months at the Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from 2017 to 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. The 24-h urine protein (24hUP), serum albumin (ALB), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), serum creatinine, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate transaminase levels on the third, sixth, ninth, and twelfth months of treatment and phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R) level before and after treatment were compared in both groups.
We recruited 64 patients who were assigned to either the GC group (n = 31) or TWP group (n = 33). No difference in baseline indicators between the two groups were observed (P > .05). After 12 months, the 24hUP levels of both groups significantly decreased compared with that at baseline (P < .01). At the end of the sixth month, 24hUP of the TWP group were less and reduced more quickly than those in the GC group (P < .05), but there is no difference at the other time point (P > .05). After treatment, the number of patients who up to the standard of TG and the ALB levels in both groups increased (P < .05), the LDL-C levels and the number of patients positive for PLA2R in both groups were reduced (P < .05), and no significant difference was observed in the overall changes of 24hUP, ALB and LDL-C levels, TG compliance rate, and PLA2R positive rate between both groups (P > .05). During treatment, no patient in either group had hepatorenal dysfunction, one case in the TWP group and two cases in the GC group experienced side effects, but no apparent difference in the side effects were observed between both groups (P > .05).
Two therapeutic schemes have the advantage of reducing urinary protein excretion in patients with IMN. Compared with CNI+GCs, CNI+TWPs have high efficiency and is widely applied, which might be considered as an optimum therapy in the future.
Impact of early mobilization on discharge disposition and functional status in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Okamura Masatsugu , Konishi Masaaki , Sagara Akiko , Shimizu Yasuo , Nakamura Takeshi 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Whereas early rehabilitation improves the patients’ physical function in patients with cerebral infarction and hemorrhage, complications in the early stage are the main barriers in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Therefore, the clinical impact of early rehabilitation in patients with SAH is not well documented. We sought to investigate whether early mobilization is associated with favorable discharge disposition and functional status in patients with SAH.
Hospitalization data of 35 patients (65.7 ± 13.7 years, 37.1% men) were retrospectively reviewed. The early and delayed mobilization groups were defined as those who had and had not participated in walking rehabilitation on day 14, respectively. We investigated whether patients were discharged or transferred to another hospital and assessed their functional status using the Functional Ambulation Categories, Ambulation Index, Glasgow Outcome Scale, and modified Rankin Scale scores.
Nine patients (69.2%) in the early mobilization group and one patient (4.5%) in the delayed mobilization group were discharged home directly (P < .001). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, early mobilization was independently associated with home discharge after adjustment using the World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies grade (adjusted odds ratio = 30.20, 95% CI = 2.77–329.00, P < .01). Early mobilization was associated with favorable functional status at discharge through multivariate linear regression analysis (standardized beta = 0.64 with P < .001 for the Functional Ambulation Category and beta = -0.62 with P < .001 for the modified Rankin Scale, respectively).
Early mobilization was associated with home discharge and favorable functional status at discharge. Larger prospective studies are warranted.
Effectiveness and safety of acupotomy on lumbar spinal stenosis
Authors: Han Ji Hoon , Lee Hyun-Jong , Woo Sang Ha , Park Yu-kyeong , Choi Ga-Young , Heo Eun Sil , Kim Jae Soo , Lee Jung Hee , Park Chung A. , Lee Woo Dong , Yang Chang Sop , Kim Ae-Ran , Han Chang-Hyun 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Introduction:
Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is a pathological condition that causes a variety of neurological symptoms due to narrowing of the anatomical structures; usually, conservative treatment is recommended, rather than surgical treatment. Acupotomy combines conventional acupuncture with small scalpels; the procedure can be considered minimally invasive, and has recently received considerable attention in clinical practice. Still, there is a lack of data and randomized controlled trials regarding acupotomy related to LSS. Additional studies are necessary, considering the low methodological quality and small size of the study.

Methods and analysis:
This is a pragmatic, pilot, randomized controlled trial. The trial comprises 8 weeks of treatment, with 16 visits and a 4-week follow-up period. Forty participants diagnosed with LSS will be randomly assigned to either the experimental or control groups; both groups will receive acupuncture and interferential current therapy twice a week for 8 weeks, while the experimental group will receive an additional acupotomy intervention once a week for 8 weeks. The primary outcome will be assessed using the visual analog scale; the secondary outcome will be measured by self-rated walking distance, Oswestry Disability Index, and short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire. Measurements will be obtained prior to the start of the clinical trial, 4 weeks after the interventional procedure, 8 weeks after the procedure, and 4 weeks after the end of the interventional procedure. Blood tests and adverse reactions will be performed to ensure safety of the treatments.

Conclusion:
We expect that this study will provide basic data for future large-scale acupotomy studies regarding LSS.
Combined Korean medicine therapies in children with allergic rhinitis
Authors: Chu Hongmin , Jang Bo-Hyoung , Lee Eunkoung , Moon Seunghwan 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Introduction:
Allergic rhinitis (AR) is the third most prevalent disease in early and middle adolescence in South Korea and one of the most common allergic diseases worldwide. Due to the ineffectiveness and frequent side effects of conventional medications for AR (such as antihistamines, corticosteroids) complementary and alternative medical (CAM) therapies have been in the spotlight. Although previous clinical trials conducted on AR with CAM showed efficacy and safety, these research results have limitations in that they did not estimate the effectiveness of combining multiple interventions. In this respect, this study aims to investigate the efficacy and safety of combined Korean medicine therapy by establishing an observational registry study at 13 Korean medical clinics that specialize in treating pediatric rhinitis.

Methods:
This is a prospective, observational, registry study of adolescent patients with AR. After screening, eligible subjects will be allocated to the registry. The patients will undergo a 4-week treatment and a 4-week post-treatment follow-up. The primary outcome will be the change in the average total nasal symptom score evaluated from baseline to the end of treatment. The secondary outcomes will include the numerical range scale, quality of life questionnaire in Korean children with AR, and the Pediatric Allergic Disease Quality of Life Questionnaire. KiFDA 3.0 will be measured for explanatory application on adolescents. Medical cost data and characteristics of patients such as weight, height, and sex will be collected by researchers.

Discussion:
This is the first multi-center observational registry study to compare combined Korean medicine treatment for AR. The results of this study will shed light on the effectiveness and safety of Korean medicine treatments for the treatment of patients with AR.

Trial registration:
KCT0006625 (2021.09.30)/IRB approval: Kyung-hee University Institutional Review Board (approval number: KHSIRB-21-358-1 [NA]).
Trial Status: Protocol version 1.2(2021.09.16).
The limbus in developmental dysplasia of the hip
Authors: Lee Soon Hyuck , Ahn Kyung-Sik , Jung Hae Woon , Jang Woo Young 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
This study aimed to describe the shape of the limbus arthroscopically and via arthrogram and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and to determine whether it prevents concentric reduction of the femoral head in developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH).
Twelve patients (mean age, 10.2 months; range, 3–31 months) who underwent arthroscopic-assisted reduction for DDH were retrospectively reviewed. Limbus shapes were captured on arthrogram before reduction, after closed reduction, and after arthroscopic-assisted reduction and categorized according to the Miyake classification.
On arthrogram, the superior limbus was blocked in 2 hips, inverted in 2, intermediate in 5, and everted in 3 after attempted closed reduction. After arthroscopic-assisted reduction, the limbus was everted in 7 hips and normal in 5. On arthroscopy, in all cases, the limbus appeared as a whitish, cartilage-like ring with a variably blunted edge before reduction, without inversion or eversion. On postoperative MRI, 10 of 12 superior limbi showed hypertrophy or globular compression by the femoral head with intermediate or mixed MRI signal intensities and blunted edges. The remaining 2 hips had hypertrophied superior limbi with sharp edges. On transverse plane MRI, the posterior limbus of all hips showed sharp margins with low MRI signal intensity. Residual subluxation was observed in 7 of the 12 hips with interposition of the anteroinferior limbus.
The appearance of the limbus varied according to the femoral head position, and it was neither inverted nor everted. Interposed anteroinferior limbi with residual subluxation suggest impeded concentric reduction in DDH.
The effectiveness of dextrose prolotherapy in plantar fasciitis
Authors: Lai Wei-Fu , Yoon Chang Ho , Chiang Meng Ting , Hong Ying-Han , Chen Hui-Chuan , Song Wenyu , Chin Yen Po (Harvey) 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Background:
Dextrose prolotherapy (DPT) is considered to be a type of regenerative therapy and is widely used in various musculoskeletal disorders. Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain that affects the quality of life of many people. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of DPT for plantar fasciitis.

Methods:
PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched from their respective inception dates to June 2021. Only randomized controlled trials comparing DPT and other interventions for plantar fasciitis were included in this review. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals were calculated for comparison. The outcome measurements included visual analog score, numeric rating scale, Foot Function index, Revised Foot Function index, American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Score, and plantar fascia thickness. Post-treatment duration was classified as short-term (1–2 months), medium-term (3 months), or long-term (6 months).

Results:
Six studies with 388 adult patients diagnosed with plantar fasciitis were included for the meta-analysis. In terms of pain scores improvement, DPT was superior to placebo or exercise in the short-term (SMD: −1.163, 95%CI: −2.17 to −0.156) and the medium-term (SMD: −1.394, 95%CI: −2.702 to −0.085). DPT was inferior to corticosteroid injection in the short-term (SMD: 0.781, 95%CI: 0.41 to 1.152). For functional improvement, DPT was superior to placebo or exercise in the short-term (SMD: −1.51, 95%CI: −2.96 to −0.059), but inferior to corticosteroid injection (SMD: 0.526, 95%CI: 0.161 to 0.89) and extracorporeal shock wave therapy in the short-term (SMD: 0.484, 95%CI: 0.145 to 0.822). Randomized controlled trials showed a better pain improvement in the long-term for patients treated with DPT compared to corticosteroid (P = .002) and exercise control (P < .05). No significant differences were found between patients treated with DPT and patients treated with platelet-rich plasma.

Conclusion:
Dextrose prolotherapy was a safe and effective treatment option for plantar fasciitis that may have long-term benefits for patients. The effects were comparable to extracorporeal shock wave therapy or platelet-rich plasma injection. Further studies with standardized protocols and long-term follow-up are needed to address potential biases.
Novel clinical risk scoring model for predicting mortality in patients with necrotizing fasciitis
Authors: Khamnuan Patcharin , Chuayunan Nipaporn , Duangjai Acharaporn , Saokaew Surasak , Chaomuang Natthaya , Phisalprapa Pochamana 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a life-threatening soft tissue infection that rapidly progresses and requires urgent surgery and medical therapy. If treatment is delayed, the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome, including death, is significantly increased. The goal of this study was to develop and validate a novel scoring model for predicting mortality in patients with NF. The proposed system is hereafter referred to as the Mortality in Necrotizing Fasciitis (MNF) scoring system. A total of 1503 patients with NF were recruited from 3 provincial hospitals in Thailand during January 2009 to December 2012. Patients were randomly allocated into either the derivation cohort (n = 1192) or the validation cohort (n = 311). Clinical risk factors used to develop the MNF scoring system were determined by logistic regression. Regression coefficients were transformed into item scores, the sum of which reflected the total MNF score. The following 6 clinical predictors were included: female gender; age > 60 years; white blood cell (WBC) ≤5000/mm3; WBC ≥ 35,000/mm3; creatinine ≥ 1.6 mg/dL, and pulse rate > 130/min. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AuROC) analysis showed the MNF scoring system to have moderate power for predicting mortality in patients with NF (AuROC: 76.18%) with good calibration (Hosmer-Lemeshow χ2: 1.01; P = .798). The positive likelihood ratios of mortality in patients with low-risk scores (≤2.5) and high-risk scores (≥7) were 11.30 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 6.16–20.71) and 14.71 (95%CI: 7.39–29.28), sequentially. When used to the validation cohort, the MNF scoring system presented good performance with an AuROC of 74.25%. The proposed MNF scoring system, which includes 6 commonly available and easy-to-use parameters, was shown to be an effective tool for predicting mortality in patients with NF. This validated instrument will help clinicians identify at-risk patients so that early investigations and interventions can be performed that will reduce the mortality rate among patients with NF.