bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene polymorphisms with endometriosis
Authors: Wang Yu-Mei , Wu Meng-Jun , Lin Yong-Hong , Chen Jie 
Published: April 2019

Abstract

Aims:
To investigate the association between polymorphism in the gene encoding the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and susceptibility to endometriosis among women in southwest China.

Methods:
A case-control study involving 201 endometriosis patients and 237 control women without endometriosis was carried out at West China Second Hospital of Sichuan University from June 2016 to December 2017. Two tag single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of EGFR gene, rs11977660 and rs2072454 were selected, and the distribution of genotypes and alleles was compared between the 2 groups using the chi-squared test with 2-sided contingency tables.

Results:
Genotype at rs11977660 was significantly associated with endometriosis (P < .05 for genotype and allele). T/T+C/T genotypes were associated with significantly higher risk of developing endometriosis than the C/C genotype (OR 2.129, 95%CI 1.411–3.212). No significant association was found between genotype at rs2072454 and endometriosis.

Conclusion:
Genotypes with a T nucleotide at rs11977660 may significantly increase risk of endometriosis in Chinese.
Comparison of high risk factors (hot food, hot beverage, alcohol, tobacco, and diet) of esophageal cancer
Authors: Chai Tianci , Shen Zhimin , Zhang Peipei , Lin Yuhan , Chen Sui , Zhang Zhenyang , Lin Wenwei , Kang Mingqiang , Lin Jiangbo 
Published: April 2019

Abstract

Background:
Esophageal cancer (EC) is one of the most common malignant tumors with a poor prognosis and identified as one of the leading causes of cancer death in the world. Many studies have reported that the incidence of EC is closely related to the intake of alcohol, hot food, and hot beverages, as well as smoking and diet. However, there is a lack of studies on the quantitative analysis of these risk factors for EC. If the solid quantitative evidence of these risk factors is provided for the prevention of EC, the prevalence of EC can be effectively reduced. We will conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of high risk factors for EC in order to provide reliable evidence for the prevention of EC.

Methods and analysis:
We will search PubMed (Medline), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase, and Google Scholar for related studies published without language restrictions before December 1, 2019. Two review authors will search and assess relevant studies independently. Trials used a case-control, cross-sectional, cohort studies, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and quasi-RCTs will be included. We will perform subgroup analysis in sex, age, ethnicity, and region.

Results:
The results of this study will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.

Conclusion:
We will perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of high risk factors for EC in order to provide reliable evidence for the prevention of EC. However, because of the characteristics of disease and intervention, large-sample trials that meet the inclusion criteria of this study may be insufficient. We will consider including some high-quality small-sample related trials, which may lead to high heterogeneity and affect the reliability of the results.
Proximal humeral internal locking plate combined with a custom neutral-position shoulder and elbow sling for proximal humerus fractures
Authors: Chen Xiong , Yu Zheng-Xi , Wang Huai-Yun , Shen Feng , Lin Guo-Bing , Wang Sheng , Yin Zong-Sheng 
Published: April 2019

Abstract

Objectives:
The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of the proximal humeral internal locking system (PHILOS) plate combined with a custom neutral-position shoulder and elbow sling for proximal humerus fractures.

Methods:
A total of 112 patients with proximal humerus fractures were assigned randomly into 2 groups. Group A (n = 56) was treated by open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with a PHILOS plate; group B (n = 56) was treated by ORIF with a PHILOS plate in combination with the use of a custom neutral-position shoulder and elbow sling for 30 days after surgery. The incidence of internal fixation failure, the Constant–Murley shoulder assessment, and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score were recorded and analyzed.

Results:
Patients included were followed up for an average of 15 months (range, 6–24 months). No significant differences were observed in mean VAS scores and mean Constant–Murley shoulder assessment scores at 1-day preoperative and postoperative day 3 between groups A and B. However, mean VAS scores and mean Constant–Murley shoulder assessment in group B were significantly improved when compared with group A at postoperative day 30 and the final follow-up. No cases of postoperative infection, loss of reduction, PHILOS break, or vascular nerve injury occurred in either group.

Conclusions:
Proximal humerus fractures treated with the combination of the PHILOS and custom neutral-position shoulder and elbow sling for 30 days after operation was associated with a lower incidence of internal fixation failure. There was no increase in adverse events compared with open reduction and internal fixation with a PHILOS plate alone.
The clinical and pathological features of toxic encephalopathy caused by occupational 1,2-dichloroethane exposure
Authors: Dang Jing , Chen Jihua , Bi Fangfang , Tian Fafa 
Published: April 2019

Abstract
To understand the clinical and pathological features of 1,2-dichloroethane (DCE) toxic encephalopathy.
The cases of 4 patients who were admitted to Xiangya hospital between January 8, 2008 and November 8, 2012 with diagnoses of DCE toxic encephalopathy were examined. We recorded data on gender, age of onset, exposure time to DCE, symptom onset to admission interval, symptom onset to worst symptom experience interval, and clinical manifestations, as well as cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and brain biopsy pathology results.
All 4 patients had a history of DCE exposure and presented with symptoms of intracranial hypertension. Cranial MRI revealed extensive brain edema throughout the subcortical white matter, the bilateral globus pallidus, and the cerebellar dentate nuclei. The brain biopsy confirmed severe cerebral edema, including peripherovascular edema, with swelling of various cell types, with extensive glial cell necrosis. After treatment with steroids and mannitol (3–10 weeks), all 4 patients recovered, partially or completely.
Severe brain edema and extensive glial cell necrosis were the main pathological features observed in the present cases, with a likely etiology of DCE toxicity. Early, prompt, and long-term treatment with dehydrating agents and glucocorticoids was an effective treatment for this condition.
Comparisons of clinical manifestations and prognosis between giant cell arteritis patients with or without sensorineural hearing loss
Authors: Chu Xiaotian , Wang Dongmei , Zhang Yun , Yin Yue , Cao Yu , Han Xinxin , Shen Min , Jiang Hong , Zeng Xuejun 
Published: April 2019

Abstract
Auditory manifestations has rarely been mentioned in studies concerning giant cell arteritis (GCA). This study explores the proportion of hearing loss (HL) in Chinese GCA patients and investigates the differences in clinical features between GCA patients with and without HL.
The study retrospectively reviewed the clinical records of 91 patients diagnosed with GCA at Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH) from November 1998 to October 2017. GCA diagnoses were reconfirmed according to the American College of Rheumatology 1990 criteria. Diagnosis of HL was made based on a patient's symptoms combined with physical examination or ear-nose-throat (ENT) audiometry tests. Subgroup analysis was conducted according to the occurrence of HL.
Totally 23 patients (25.3%) had HL. A higher percentage of males (65.2% vs 38.2%, p = 0.025) was seen in HL group. Symptoms such as headache (91.3% vs 61.2%, p = 0.011), visual loss (56.5% vs 32.4%, p = 0.039) and CNS symptoms (39.1% vs 17.6%, p = 0.035) were more frequent in HL group. Moreover, they were more likely to have smoking history (p = 0.019), lower lymphocyte count (p = 0.049), positive ANA or APL (p = 0.047, p = 0.017) or negative biopsy results (p = 0.015). Symptom like myalgia (26.1% vs 66.2%, p = 0.001) as well as comorbid disease like coronary artery disease (p = 0.037) and hypertension (p = 0.040) was more frequent in patients without HL. Either C-reactive protein (90.91 ± 65.86 vs 76.05 ± 61.15 mg/L, p = 0.347) or erythrocyte sedition rate (83.04 ± 29.61 vs 93.69 ± 26.78 mm/h, p = 0.136) was high in both groups but the differences were not significant. Meanwhile, no significant differences were found in age, disease course, vascular involvement or prognosis between the two groups. Unilateral HL tended to happen at the same side with unilateral headache, visual loss, scalp tenderness or jaw claudication.
HL is probably not rare in GCA patients and is more frequently to be seen in patients presented with headache, visual loss or CNS symptoms. Differentiation of HL is necessary for specialists and GCA should be considered as a potential diagnosis especially in HL patients with high inflammatory markers. Auditory assessment should be conducted in GCA management.
The effect of ifosfamide, epirubicin, and recombinant human endostatin therapy on a cardiac angiosarcoma
Authors: Jiang Lijun , Xu Xingjie , Davies Henry , Shi Kexin 
Published: April 2019

Abstract

Rationale
Cardiac angiosarcoma is a rare malignant tumor, for which only surgery has been proven to be effective to date. Currently there are no reports as to whether a postoperative regimen of ifosfamide, epirubicin, and recombinant human endostatin is effective.

Patient concern
The patient presented to us with chest pain and dyspnea.

Diagnosis
Enhanced computerized tomography (CT) and positron emission tomography–computerized tomography (PET-CT) suggested pericarditis and an atrial perforation, but malignancy was suspected, so the patient underwent an operation to resect the tumor and repair. Pathology of the tumor reseccted at operation showed the tumor to be an angiosarcoma.

Intervention
After the surgery, the patient was stared on a paclitaxel chemotherapy regimen (135 mg/m2 once every 3 weeks). However, 2 cycles later, pulmonary and hepatic metastases were found. Chemotherapy was then changed to ifosfamide, epirubicin (ifosfamide 2000 mg/m2 days 1–3, epirubicin 70 mg/m2 days 1–2) and recombinant human endostatin (7.5 mg/m2 days 1–14) in 3 weekly cycles.

Outcome
Three cycles later, follow-up showed that chemotherapy had delayed progression of the pulmonary metastases, but that the hepatic node was still growing. The patient has now survived 8 months post surgery and is still on follow-up.

Lessons
This case shows us that operation on late stage cardiac angiosarcomas can alleviate a patient's symptoms; postoperative paclitaxel monotherapy was insufficient and ifosfamide and epirubicin plus recombinant human endostatin has a limited effect on late stage cardiac angiosarcoma. Studies with a larger sample size are needed for verification of these findings.
Intracranial solitary fibrous tumor
Authors: Sun Lian-Jie , Dong Jun , Gao Feng , Chen Dong-Ming , Li Ke , Liu Jiang , Zhang Cheng , Tohti Maitiyiming , Yang Xiao-Peng 
Published: April 2019

Abstract

Rationale:
Intracranial solitary fibrous tumor (ISFT) is a rare spindle cell tumor derived from dendritic mesenchymal cells expressing CD34 antigens, which are widely distributed in human connective tissues.

Patient concerns:
In two case reports, we describe a 61-year-old woman and a 42-year-old man who present with intracranial malignant SFTs. Computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging of head revealed that the largest size is about 3.3 × 3.0 cm in left occipital part and 4.0 × 3.0 cm in right skull base.

Diagnosis:
Postoperative pathological results demonstrated that all of two cases are SFT. Case one: Immunohistochemical examination demonstrated a strong immunoreaction for cluster of differentiation (CD)34, B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) and Vimentin (Vim). Case two: The tumor was distinctively positive for Bcl-2, but not for CD34 and Vim.

Interventions:
One of the two patients recurred 6 years after the first tumor resection. After the recurrence, two gamma knife treatments were given, and another operation was performed about five years later. In one case, only tumor resection was performed.

Outcomes:
Case one: The postoperative neurological status was substantially improved and regular follow-up examinations for 6 months postsurgery have shown that the patient is currently disease-free. Case two: The patient achieved a good outcome, with no epilepsy or other neurological symptoms experienced on a regular 6-month follow-up. The patient is currently disease free.

Lessons:
Imaging findings can be used to assist the diagnosis. The diagnostic method is pathology, and total surgical resection is the most effective treatment. The main treatment methods were total resection, supplemented by radiotherapy and chemotherapy if necessary.
Association of the MUTYH Gln324His (CAG/CAC) variant with cervical carcinoma and HR-HPV infection in a Chinese population
Authors: Chen Huaizeng , Wang Hanzhi , Liu Jia , Cheng Qi , Chen Xiaojing , Ye Feng 
Published: April 2019

Abstract
This study was performed to investigate the relationship between the MUTYH Gln324His (CAG/CAC) genotype and risk of cervical squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) in a case-control setting. Mismatch amplification-polymerase chain reaction (MA-PCR) was applied to detect the polymorphism in 400 CSCC, 400 CIN III and 1200 control participants. The homozygous His324His (CAC/CAC) genotype of MUTYH was associated with significantly increased risk of CIN III (OR = 1.94) and CSCC (OR = 3.83). Increased risk of CIN III (OR = 1.34) and CSCC (OR = 1.97) was additionally observed with the heterozygous CAG/CAC genotype. Overall, individuals in both CAC/CAC and CAG/CAC genotype groups were at higher risk of cervical carcinoma (CINIII (OR = 1.46) and CSCC (OR = 2.34)). Within the HR-HPV infection-positive group, CAC/CAC and CAG/CAC genotypes were significantly enriched in relation to CIN III and CSCC. Moreover, we observed a positive correlation between the proportion of homozygous CAC/CAC MUTYH genotype and malignant prognostic factors of CSCC, such as cell differentiation grade and lymph node metastasis. These findings clearly highlight associations between the MUTYH Gln324His (CAG/CAC) polymorphism and susceptibility to CSCC, HR-HPV infection and specific prognostic factors, supporting the utility of this variant as an early indicator for patients at high risk of cervical carcinoma.
Do lumbar magnetic resonance imaging changes predict neuropathic pain in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain?
Authors: Vagaska Eva , Litavcova Alexandra , Srotova Iva , Vlckova Eva , Kerkovsky Milos , Jarkovsky Jiri , Bednarik Josef , Adamova Blanka 
Published: April 2019

Abstract
The aim of this observational, cross-sectional study was to analyse lumbar magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in patients with non-specific chronic low back pain (CLBP), and to evaluate any correlation with pain intensity and their capacity to predict neuropathic pain (NP) in these patients.
Fifty-two patients with non-specific CLBP, between 21 and 62 years of age, 50% men, were investigated. Lumbar MRI was employed to assess disc degeneration, endplate changes, Modic changes, disc displacement, facet degeneration, foraminal stenosis and central lumbar spinal stenosis. The characteristics of pain were evaluated and patients were divided into 2 subgroups: with NP (24 patients) and without NP (28 patients), based on the results of a DN4-interview. Correlations between particular MRI changes and their relations to the intensity of pain were evaluated. Logistic regression was used to disclose predictors of NP.
Lumbar spine degenerative features were frequent in patients with non-specific CLBP, with L4/5 the most affected level. A significant correlation emerged between the severity of degenerative changes in particular lumbar spine structures (correlation coefficient ranging between 0.325 and 0.573), while no correlation was found between severity of degenerative changes and pain. Multivariate logistic regression revealed only 2 independent predictors of NP – female sex (odds ratio [OR] = 11.9) and a mean pain intensity of ≥4.5 in the previous 4 weeks (OR = 13.1).
Degenerative changes in the lumbar spine are frequent MRI findings, but do not correlate with the intensity of pain and do not predict NP. However, female sex and pain intensity do predict NP.
Early enteral nutrition supplemented with probiotics improved the clinical outcomes in severe head injury
Authors: Yi Li-Juan , Tian Xu , Shi Bing , Pi Yuan-Ping , Chen Wei-Qing 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackground:The role of early enteral nutrition (ENN) supplemented with probiotics (<48 hours) in improving clinical outcomes of patients with severe head injury (SHI) remains controversial. We performed this meta-analysis to investigate the efficacy of EEN supplemented with probiotics on clinical outcomes in these patients.Methods:Systematic searches were performed in PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang database, and Chinese Biomedical Literature to identify potential studies. Two investigators checked citations, extracted data, appraised risk of bias, and then STATA 12.0 was used to perform statistical analysis.Results:A total of 18 trials were eventually included in the present study. Meta-analysis indicated that EEN supplemented with probiotics was associated with decreased risk of infection (risk ratio [RR], 0.53; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.44–0.65), decreased risk of mortality (RR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.38–0.82), decreased risk of gastrointestinal complications (RR, 0.19; 95% CI, 0.13–0.25), and shortened stays in intensive care unit (ICU) (mean difference [MD], −4.55; 96% CI, −5.91 to −3.19).Conclusion:EEN supplemented with probiotics may be a promising alternative for patients with SHI because it effectively decreased the risk of infection, mortality, and gastrointestinal complications, as well as shortened the stays in ICU.
Regulation of virulence and antibiotic resistance in Gram-positive microbes in response to cell wall-active antibiotics
Authors: Evans Jessica J. , Bolz Devin D. 
Published: April 2019

Purpose of review
Antibiotic stress can evoke considerable genotypic and phenotypic changes in Gram-positive bacteria. Here, we review recent studies describing altered virulence expression in response to cell wall-acting antibiotics and discuss mechanisms that coordinate regulation of the antibiotic response.

Recent findings
Pleiotropic effects induced by antibiotic exposure include alterations to bacterial metabolism, cell wall structure and antibiotic resistance. In addition, subinhibitory concentrations of cell wall-active (CWA) antibiotics have increasingly been shown to induce the production of exotoxins and biofilm formation that may influence virulence. Remarkably, phenotypes associated with comparable antibiotic stresses can vary considerably, emphasizing the need to better understand the response to CWA antibiotics. Recent studies support both direct antibiotic recognition and recognition of antibiotic-induced stress to the bacterial cell wall. Specifically, bacterial two-component systems, penicillin-binding protein and serine/threonine kinase-associated kinases and conserved oxidative-stress sensors each contribute to modulating the antibiotic stress response.

Summary
Bacterial sensory systems and global regulators coordinate signaling in response to CWA antibiotics. Regulation of the antibiotic response is complex and involves integration of signals from multiple response pathways. A better definition of the antibiotic stress response among Gram-positive pathogens may yield novel therapeutic targets to counter antibiotic resistance and virulence factor expression.
Major Structural Airway Pathologies of Patient Complaining Nasal Obstruction: Analysis of Frequency, Preoperative Complaints and Benefit from Surgery
Authors: Üstün Galip Gencay , Öztürk Semih , Gürsoy Koray , Ergun Elif , Dağ Osman , Koçer Uğur 
Published: April 2019

Introduction:Modern rhinoplasty has an aesthetic and a functional component that cannot be separated. Functional rhinoplasty generally concentrates on optimizing nasal airflow. Numerous techniques have been described for correction of each pathology. There seems to be a consensus on the benefit of surgery to patients with nasal obstruction. Present study aimed to determine if specific airway pathologies have differential effects on patient complaints and techniques addressing them have differential effects on perceived benefit from surgery.Patients/Method:The records of 300 patients complaining nasal obstruction and had computerized tomography (CT) between April 2015 and April 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Based on surgical notes, surgical techniques used for each patient were recorded. A survey using Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scale is done by phone. After descriptive statistics, preoperative complaint-diagnosed pathology, and postoperative relief-treated pathology relationships were evaluated.Results:Preoperative and postoperative NOSE scores showed statistically significant difference (P <0.001). The CT analysis showed that septal deviation rate among patients complaining nasal obstruction is 85%, internal valve insufficiency rate is 34.4%, mild and severe inferior turbinate hypertrophy was 71% and 6%, respectively. Bullous and total concha bullosa of middle turbinate was 17.3%. Nearly 90% of patients had 2 or more types of pathology in CT analysis. Preoperative and postoperative NOSE scores showed no statistically significant relationship with singular intranasal pathologies and techniques used for correcting them, respectively.Conclusion:Despite general fall in NOSE scores in the whole study group, treatment of a specific pathology does not change NOSE score more than a patient who already does not have the pathology. None of the pathologies or treatments addressing them have a dominating effect on preoperative complaints or obtained relief after the surgery. So, success of functional rhinoplasty cannot rely on correction of a specific pathology. A comprehensive analysis and correction of every pathology is paramount.