bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of paternal age on intracytoplasmic sperm injection outcomes in cryptozoospermic men
Authors: Yu Yang , Wang Ruixue , Xi Qi , Zhang Hongguo , Jiang Yuting , Li Leilei , Liu Ruizhi , Zhang Xinyue 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
It is not clear whether age has any influence on the outcomes for sperm used for assisted reproductive technology in cryptozoospermic men. We evaluated intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) outcomes using ejaculated or testicular sperm in men with cryptozoospermia from different paternal age ranges.
We conducted a retrospective observational study of 35 men with cryptozoospermia who underwent ICSI from 2010 to 2018. They were classified into 2 groups based on male age, namely < 35 years and ≥ 35 years. Each group was further divided into 2 subgroups according to the origin of sperm (ejaculated or testicular).
In the <35 years group, the normal fertilization and high-quality embryo rates for ejaculated sperm were significantly higher than with testicular sperm (74.7% vs. 62.4%, P = .02; 50.5% vs. 36.6%, P = .03, respectively). However, in the ≥35 years group, the high-quality embryo and clinical pregnancy rates were significantly lower in the ejaculated sperm subgroup than in the testicular sperm subgroup (26.2% vs. 63%, P = .002; 12.5% vs. 71.4%, P = .04, respectively).
This study indicates that ICSI should be performed as soon as possible for men with cryptozoospermia. When the paternal age ≥35 years, testicular sperm should be used for ICSI, as this offers better high-quality embryo and clinical pregnancy rates.
Efficacy and safety of Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F preparations for the treatment of Crohn disease
Authors: Zhang Jianying , Han Gang , Yu Zhenwei 
Published: June 2019

Abstract

Background:
Crohn disease (CD) is associated with substantial healthcare related costs and impairment of quality of life. Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F (TwHF) is proved to be effective for CD in animal and human. However, there is no systemic review and meta-analysis regarding the clinical efficacy and safety of TwHF preparation for the treatment of CD.

Methods:
Six electronic databases (Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane database, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Database and Chongqing VIP Database) will be searched for eligibility studies. Data from the included studies will be extracted and the quality of studies will be assessed. Data synthesis will be performed using Review Manager software. Sensitivity analysis and publication bias assessment will also be carried out.

Results:
This systemic review and meta-analysis will provide synthesized result of clinical efficacy and safety of TwHF preparation for the treatment of CD.

Conclusion:
This research will determine the clinical efficacy and safety of TwHF preparation for the treatment of CD.
Registration: PROSPERO CRD42019127893
Efficacy and safety of glucocorticoids in the treatment of severe community-acquired pneumonia
Authors: Jiang Shan , Liu Tiecheng , Hu Yuxin , Li Ranwei , Di Xin , Jin Xin , Wang Yanqiao , Wang Ke 
Published: June 2019

Abstract

Background:
Recent clinical trials have shown that adjunctive glucocorticoids is associated with inhibiting excessive inflammatory response and modulating cytokines release offering several advantages over conventional therapy on relieving clinical symptoms, reducing mortality, and improving prognosis. However, given the severe complications triggered by glucocorticosteroid, whether similar benefits may be achieved by patients undergoing glucocorticosteroid intervention remains controversial. Our meta-analysis aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of adjunctive glucocorticoids in the treatment of severe community acquired pneumonia.

Methods:
A search of PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, EBASO, Medline, Google Scholar, Science Dicet, CBM, and CNKI databases was performed to analyze all relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of corticosteroids in patients with severe community acquired pneumonia (CAP) up to January 2018. All-cause mortality, C-reactive protein (CRP) level, incidence of septic shock, and requirement of mechanical ventilation were selected as efficacy outcomes. Major adverse events involving super infection, upper gastrointestinal bleeding, and hyperglycemia were safety outcomes. Meta-analysis was conducted with RevMan 5.3 software.

Results:
A total of 10 RCTs comprising 665 patients were included for analysis. Regarding efficacy outcomes, adjunctive corticosteroid seemed to be superior compared with conventional treatment in terms of all-cause mortality (relative risk [RR]: 0.47, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.3–0.74, P = .001), CRP level on day 8 after administration (standard mean difference [SMD]: −0.8, 95% CI, −1.11 to −0.5, P < .001), incidence of septic shock (odds ratio [OR] 0.15, 95% CI, 0.07–0.29, P < .001) and requirement for mechanical ventilation (OR: 0.32, 95% CI, 0.20–0.52, P < .001). Meanwhile, we found that low dose (≤86 mg) (RR: 0.41, 95% CI, 0.21–0.82, P = .01) and prolonged (>5 days) (RR: 0.35, 95% CI, 0.15–0.81, P = .01) use of corticosteroids in dosage modus of a maintenance dose after a bolus (RR: 0.28, 95% CI, 0.14–0.55, P = .002) obtained better results in death through subgroup analysis. Regarding safety outcomes, no difference was observed between 2 groups in terms of upper gastrointestinal bleeding (OR: 0.83, 95% CI, 0.27–2.52, P = .74), hyperglycemia (OR: 1.3, 95% CI, 0.68–2.49, P = .42), and super infection (OR: 1.11, 95% CI, 0.14–9.13, P = .92).

Conclusion:
Adjunctive corticosteroid yielded favorable outcomes in the treatment of severe community acquired pneumonia (SCAP) as evidenced by decreased all-cause mortality, incidence of septic shock, and requirement for mechanical ventilation without increasing risk of adverse events. Low dose (≤86 mg/d), prolonged use (>5 days) of corticosteroid in dosage modus of a maintenance dose after a bolus can be recommended as preferred regimen to guard against SCAP.
Pediatric eosinophilic esophagitis effectively treated with a short-term 6-food-group elimination diet and reintroduction therapy
Authors: Kakiuchi Toshihiko , Nakayama Aiko , Matsuo Muneaki 
Published: June 2019

Abstract

Rationale:
Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is an inflammatory disease diagnosed based on clinical symptoms and pathological findings. EoE is treated with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), topical steroids, and elimination diet-reintroduction therapy. After remission is achieved with the elimination diet, foods can be reintroduced sequentially to identify specific food triggers; however, this reintroduction method was not previously standardized.

Patient concerns:
A 12-year-old girl presented to our hospital with a 3-year history of epigastric pain. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed linear furrows, esophageal rings, white exudates, and pallor throughout the esophagus. Histopathological findings revealed eosinophilic infiltration >15 eos/hpf on esophageal biopsy. There were no obvious abnormal findings in the stomach and duodenum.

Diagnoses:
EoE

Interventions and outcomes:
Because PPI was ineffective, we proposed a 6-food-group elimination diet (SFGED) and reintroduction therapy for EoE, which was initially planned out over a 6-week interval. However, a 5-day interval of SFGED and reintroduction therapy was performed instead. The treatment was effective and causative food antigens (egg and nuts) were identified. Since her symptoms recovered following short-term treatment, the nutritional impact was minimized, as was the duration of her hospitalization. Consequently, the patient's quality of life was well-preserved.

Lessons:
SFGED and reintroduction therapy for EoE may be effective even for short-term treatments involving 5-day intervals.
Challenges in diagnosing community-acquired carbapenem-susceptible Acinetobacter baumannii enterogenic sepsis
Authors: Ye Gongjie , Ye Longqiang , Zhou Jianqing , Shi Linhui , Yang Lei , Dong Zhouzhou 
Published: June 2019

Abstract

Introduction:
Community-acquired (CA) carbapenem-susceptible Acinetobacter baumannii (CSAB) enterogenic sepsis is very rare but has a high mortality. Although CA A. baumannii bloodstream infections have been known to develop from respiratory tract, urinary tract, and intravenous device-related infections, CA A. baumannii bloodstream infections from the gastrointestinal tract have not yet been reported.

Patient concerns:
A 73-year-old male with the chief presentation of gastrointestinal symptoms was initially diagnosed with acute gastroenteritis and showed poor clinical response to empirical antibiotic therapy.

Diagnoses:
The diagnosis of CSAB enterogenic sepsis was established based on results of blood culture, elevated serum procalcitonin level, and specific hemodynamic changes related to septic shock.

Interventions:
The patient initially received empirical antibiotic treatment (cefodizime 2.0 q12 hours plus moxifloxacin 0.4 qd); then, treatment was changed to the conventional dose of carbapenem (imipenem 0.5 q6 hour).

Outcomes:
Finally, CSAB was eliminated from the bloodstream, and the patient was discharged.

Lessons:
Although severe, CA CSAB enterogenic sepsis is often misdiagnosed because of its clinical rarity. Early diagnosis and appropriate initial empirical antibiotic therapy are crucial for treating such cases.
Real-world observational experience with direct-acting antivirals for hepatitis C: baseline resistance, efficacy, and need for long-term surveillance
Authors: Loo Nicole , Hanysak Bryan , Mann Jena , Ramirez Ruben , Kim Jae , Mitchell Robert , Van Frank Timothy , Guerrero Richard , Hinojosa Kim , Christensen Kimberley , Pedicone Lisa D. , Alkhouri Naim , Wells Jennifer , Landaverde Carmen , Rodas Fabian , Lawitz Eric , Poordad Fred 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
The aim of this study was to obtain real-world, US, observational data on the effect of baseline resistance-associated substitutions (RASs) on achieving sustained virologic response (SVR) in hepatitis C (HCV) patients treated with direct-acting antiviral (DAA) regimens; the need for long-term follow-up in post-SVR patients.
It is uncertain if the presence of RASs limits efficacy to DAAs. Once SVR is achieved, society guidelines recommend long-term surveillance for hepatocellular carcinoma in certain patients. Real-world data are limited on these topics.
Adult patients treated with DAAs at community hepatitis clinics between January 2015 and April 2017 were included in this study. Baseline resistance testing was performed before treatment. Per guidelines, post-SVR long-term monitoring was required in patients with F3 to F4 fibrosis before treatment or with elevated ALT levels (>19 U/L females; >30 U/L males).
A total of 875 chronic, mostly GT1a (60%) HCV patients were treated with an approved DAA regimen. Average baseline AST and ALT were 75 and 67 U/L, respectively, and 47% had F3 to F4 fibrosis at baseline. SVR was achieved in 863 (98.6%) patients despite a high presence of baseline RASs (61%). Long-term monitoring was required post-SVR in 539 patients (62%).
In a real-life, US cohort of HCV-infected patients, nearly all patients achieved SVR with available DAA regimens regardless of baseline RASs. Approximately two-thirds of these patients required long-term follow-up, despite viral eradication.
The effects of hip strengthening exercises in a patient with plantar fasciitis
Authors: Lee Jin Hyuck , Park Jong Hoon , Jang Woo Young 
Published: June 2019

Abstract

Rationale:
Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of foot pain presenting with morning stiffness and plantar area pain. This case study is to optimize the management in patient with plantar fasciitis accompanied by apparent high-arch foot.

Patient concerns:
A 55-year-old women presented with plantar fasciitis accompanied by apparent high-arch foot. The pain presents for the heel and pelvic areas with long-distance walking.

Diagnoses:
She was diagnosed with plantar fasciitis accompanied by apparent high-arch foot for physical examination and plain radiographs. In muscle performance and dynamic postural stability tests, indicated the muscle weakness and postural instability.

Interventions:
The patient was treated with manual therapy such as joint and soft tissue mobilization interventions including plantar fascia and gastrocnemius stretching, but the heel and pelvic pain were aggravated during long-distance walking. After hip strengthening exercises, the heel and pelvic pain significantly improved.

Outcomes:
The 3-month follow-up revealed that the heel and pelvic pain did not occur in the long-distance walking, and there was no pain and discomfort at one year follow-up.

Lessons:
To optimize the management in patient with plantar fasciitis accompanied by apparent high-arch deformity, clinicians should try to identify the hip abductor muscles weakness, and therapists should consider incorporating hip strengthening exercises.
Comparison of 2 curative treatment options for very early hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Kim Tae Hyung , Chang Jung Mi , Um Soon Ho , Jee Heejung , Lee Yoo Ra , Lee Han Ah , Yim Sun Young , Han Na Yeon , Lee Jae Min , Choi Hyuk Soon , Kim Eun Sun , Yu Young-Dong , Keum Bora , Kim Min Ju , An Hyunggin , Park Beom Jin , Seo Yeon Seok , Kim Dong-Sik , Yim Hyung Joon , Cho Sung Bum , Jeen Yoon Tae , Lee Hong Sik , Chun Hoon Jai , Kim Yun Hwan , Kim Chang Duck 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
Curative treatments for very early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), defined as single HCC with a maximum diameter of <2 cm in patients with well-preserved liver function, consist of surgical resection or radiofrequency ablation (RFA). In this retrospective study, we compared the efficacy of both treatments in 154 patients with very early-stage HCCs who underwent resection or RFA as initial therapy and were followed up for a median of 56.8 months. Propensity score matching analysis was also conducted. Overall survival was comparable between treatment groups (median survival time of 143 vs 97 months for resection and RFA, respectively; P = .132). Resection group; however, demonstrated a significantly lower recurrence rate after initial therapy than RFA group (42.3% vs 65.7%; P = .006) with a longer median recurrence-free survival time (66.7 vs 33.8 months; P = .002), which was confirmed even after matching (P = .04). In contrast, the recurrence pattern in advanced-stage (9.6% vs 1.0%; P = .01) or incurable recurrences (19% vs 13%; P = .04) was more frequent following resection than RFA. Recurrent lesions were comparatively more curable in RFA group than in resection group (80% vs 54.5%; P = .02). The recurrence of HCC was independently associated with lower serum albumin level (P = .027), the presence of comorbid diabetes mellitus (P = .010), and RFA (P = .034). In conclusion, in patients with very early-stage HCC, surgical resection has achieved significantly better recurrence-free survival than RFA. A closer follow-up is required after resection.
Non-syndromic occurrence of true generalized microdontia with hypodontia
Authors: Chen Yuan , Zhou Fangjie , Peng Yiran , Chen Luxian , Wang Yan 
Published: June 2019

Abstract

Rational:
Dental abnormalities can occur at any stage of tooth development. Of these abnormalities, true generalized microdontia is a rare condition in which all teeth are smaller than normal, while hypodontia is defined as the absence of 1 to 5 teeth. As far as we are aware, no article has reported a case of the non-syndromic occurrence of true generalized microdontia with hypodontia.

Patient concerns:
A 9-year-old girl who had no systemic diseases presented with congenital absence of maxillary lateral incisors bilaterally and small teeth involving the whole dentition.

Diagnoses:
Based on intraoral examinations and panoramic radiograph, the patient was diagnosed with the simultaneous occurrence of true generalized microdontia, hypodontia, and a variation of maxillary 1st molar with a single root and single canal. Also, the patient had premature loss of mandibular molars and canines, periapical periodontitis in the mandible left 1st primary molar and deep caries in mandible left secondary primary molar.

Interventions:
A removable appliance to hold space for early loss of mandibular molars and canines was made at the present stage. The mandible left 1st primary molar had periapical periodontitis and the affected tooth was extracted. Furthermore, the distal surface of the mandible left 2nd primary molar was filled with complex resin materials. A multi-disciplinary therapy plan was carefully designed including orthodontics, dental implants and esthetic restoration in the future.

Outcomes:
The patient complied well with instructions for wearing the removable space maintainer, which helps prevent mesial migration of the permanent 1st molars, at the current stage. The therapeutic efficiency on periapical periodontitis and caries lesions was also good.

Lessons:
The non-syndromic presence of true generalized microdontia is extremely rare. A personalized treatment plan with multi-disciplinary considerations should be given for these patients. The pathogenesis remains unclear but may be related to genetic as well as environmental factors. More studies are urgently needed to explore the pathogenesis and treatment options for the future.
Beware of Osteogenesis Imperfecta
Authors: Dinca Eduard B. , Carron Romain 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by disruption of normal collagen formation resulting in varying degrees of ligamentous laxity and skeletal vulnerability; the low bleeding potential is easily overlooked. Subdural hematoma (SDH) is a common neurosurgical condition, classically related to the rupture of bridging cortico-dural veins after trauma. In the pediatric population, the age distribution shows a massive preponderance for children in their early first decade. We report a very unusual case of SDH in a 10-year-old boy with OI type I, with history of minor trauma. SDH remains exceedingly rare in OI, and its pathophysiology is unclear. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a unilateral subacute SDH associated with OI in a child of such advanced age. These cases may also carry legal ramifications, including misdiagnosis of child abuse in ambiguous situations that are not thoroughly investigated.
An Integrative Review of the Barriers to Job Acquisition for People With Severe Mental Illnesses
Authors: Charette-Dussault Élyse , Corbière Marc 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
This integrative review analyses and synthesizes specialized literature of 20 years up to 2017 studying barriers/obstacles to employment for people with severe mental illnesses. The inclusion and exclusion criteria led to 35 experimental and nonexperimental studies. Results of the prospective studies were analyzed with the evidence synthesis method to isolate the most salient obstacles. Six main themes emerged from the findings, grouped into personal and environmental barriers. Environmental barriers were related to disability benefits and other physical resources, to stigma and social support, and to vocational services. Individual barriers included those related to illness, to work experience and skills, and to self-perception, fears, and motivation. The most prominent obstacles are lack of work experience and lack of use of effective strategies toward employment. Systematically identifying barriers to employment for people with severe mental illnesses will enable employment specialists to better support their clients in overcoming them, thus facilitating their work integration.
A Simplified Cost-Utility Analysis of Inpatient Flap Monitoring after Microsurgical Breast Reconstruction and Implications for Hospital Length of Stay
Authors: Jablonka Eric M. , Lamelas Andreas M. , Kanchwala Suhail K. , Rhemtulla Irfan , Smith Mark L. 
Published: June 2019

Background:
The number of free flap take-backs and successful salvages following microsurgical breast reconstruction decreases as time from surgery increases. As a result, the cost of extended inpatient monitoring to achieve a successful flap salvage rises rapidly with each postoperative day. This study introduces a simplified cost-utility model of inpatient flap monitoring and identifies when cost-utility exceeds the thresholds established for other medical treatments.

Methods:
A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database was performed of patients who underwent microsurgical breast reconstruction to identify flap take-back and salvage rates by postoperative day. The number of patients and flaps that needed to be kept on an inpatient basis each day for monitoring to salvage a single failing flap was determined. Quality-of-life measures and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios for inpatient flap monitoring following microsurgical breast reconstruction were calculated and plotted against a $100,000/quality-adjusted life-year threshold.

Results:
A total of 1813 patients (2847 flaps) were included. Overall flap take-back and salvage rates were 2.4 percent and 52.3 percent, respectively. Of the flaps taken back, the daily take-back and salvage rates were 56.8 and 60.0 percent (postoperative day 0 to 1), 13.6 and 83.3 percent (postoperative day 2), 11.4 and 40.0 percent (postoperative day 3), 9.1 and 25.0 percent (postoperative day 4), and 9.1 and 0.0 percent (>postoperative day 4), respectively. To salvage a single failing flap each day, the number of flaps that needed to be monitored were 121 (postoperative day 0 to 1), 363 (postoperative day 2), 907 (postoperative day 3), 1813 (postoperative day 4), and innumerable for days beyond postoperative day 4. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of inpatient flap monitoring begins to exceed a willingness-to-pay threshold of $100,000/quality-adjusted life-year by postoperative day 2.

Conclusion:
The health care cost associated with inpatient flap monitoring following microsurgical breast reconstruction begins to rise rapidly after postoperative day 2.
Preoperative Perforator Mapping in SGAP Flap: Does Magnetic Resonance Imaging Make the Difference?
Authors: Zoccali Giovanni , Mughal Maleeha , Roblin Paul , Farhadi Jian 
Published: June 2019

Background:
Preoperative vascular mapping has emerged as an excellent adjunct to perforator flap surgery, improving operative time while aiding the surgeon in the selection of the ideal perforator. This study evaluated the effect of preoperative vascular mapping by magnetic resonance imaging to identify tissue for a superior gluteal artery perforator (SGAP) flap on total operative time and compared radiologic mapping by magnetic resonance imaging with Doppler ultrasonography for perforator localization. The authors also investigated whether drawing the flap according to magnetic resonance imaging perforator localization or tissue availability affected the outcome of the donor site.

Methods:
A prospective study was performed on patients undergoing SGAP flap breast reconstruction. Patients were randomized into two groups. One group received preoperative magnetic resonance imaging for flap tissue planning based on localization of the perforator. The other group received flap planning based on tissue availability and then underwent external Doppler ultrasonography to identify the dominant perforator. An ad hoc outcome scale was created to evaluate outcomes of the donor sites.

Results:
Preoperative vascular mapping by magnetic resonance imaging or external Doppler ultrasonography was performed the day of surgery on 35 and 27 patients, respectively. The mean flap elevation times of the imaging patients versus the ultrasonography patients were 252 and 228 minutes, respectively. The differences between flap elevation times and cosmetic outcomes for the two patient groups were not significant.

Conclusion:
The authors’ findings indicate that the use of magnetic resonance imaging for SGAP flap planning did not reduce operative time, and that donor-site outcomes were not affected by the modality used for preoperative perforator mapping.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:
Therapeutic, II.