bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effectiveness of acupuncture therapy in patients with post-stroke depression
Authors: Zhang Xin-Yan , Li Yu-Xiang , Liu Dong-Ling , Zhang Bing-Yan , Chen Dong-Ming 
Published: May 2019

Abstract

Background:
To assess the effectiveness of acupuncture in patients with post-stroke depression (PSD).

Methods:
The Cochrane Library, CINAHL, EMBASE, PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and 4 Chinese databases were electronically searched for articles published between January 1, 2010 and May 31, 2018. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the effects of acupuncture on PSD were included. The quality of all included trials was assessed according to guidelines published by the Cochrane Collaboration.

Results:
Seven trials compared the effectiveness of acupuncture therapy with that of control in alleviating the symptoms of PSD. Pooled analysis demonstrated that patients in the acupuncture intervention group experienced a significantly higher treatment effect than controls (RR 1.16 [95% CI 1.08–1.24]; P < .0001), with low study heterogeneity (I
2 = 4%). Based on intervention methods, further analysis revealed a statistically significant difference in effectiveness between the acupuncture alone and medicine groups (RR 1.25 [95% CI 1.11 1.41]; Z = 3.78; P = .0002). There was no statistically significant difference in efficacy between the acupuncture combined with medicine and medicine groups (RR 1.07 [95% CI 0.98–1.17]; P = .11).

Conclusions:
This meta-analysis provides evidence supporting the viewpoint that acupuncture is an effective and safe treatment for PSD. Subgroup analyses further revealed that acupuncture alone resulted in better outcomes than drug therapy in improving depressive symptoms. Further high-quality RCTs are needed to systematically evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture for PSD and develop standardized acupuncture protocols.
Effect of forced-air warming system in prevention of postoperative hypothermia in elderly patients
Authors: Xu Huiying , Xu Guangjun , Ren Chunguang , Liu Liping , Wei Limin 
Published: May 2019

Abstract

Background:
Postoperative hypothermia in elderly patients is a well-known serious complication as it impairs wound healing, induces coagulopathy, increases the risk of blood loss, enhances oxygen consumption, and precipitates cardiac arrhythmias. We conducted this randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effect of a forced-air warming system on rewarming elderly patients undergoing total knee or hip arthroplasty.

Methods:
We recruited 243 elderly patients undergoing total knee or hip arthroplasty between May and December 2016. They were divided into three groups according to a computer-generated randomization table: group C (n = 78, rewarmed with only a regular blanket), group F1 (n = 82, rewarmed with a forced-air warming system set at 38°C), and group F2 (n = 83, rewarmed with a forced-air warming system set at 42°C). The nasopharyngeal temperature was recorded every 5 min for the first half hour, then every 10 min up to the end of the PACU (postanesthesia care unit) stay. The primary outcome was the rewarming time. The rewarming rate, increase in nasopharyngeal temperature (compared to the start of rewarming), hemodynamics, recovery time, and incidences of adverse effects were recorded.

Results:
No significant differences were found among the three groups in terms of the baseline clinical characteristics, use of narcotic drugs, intraoperative temperature, and hemodynamics (P > .05). Compared with the elderly patients in groups C and F1, both the heart rate and mean arterial pressure of those in group F2 were significantly increased 20 min after arrival at the PACU (P < .05). Patients in group F2 had the shortest rewarming time (35.89 ± 6.45 min, P < .001), highest rewarming efficiency (0.028 ± 0.001°C/min, P < .001), and fastest increased nasopharyngeal temperature among the three groups. Moreover, the elderly patients in group F2 had lower incidences of arrhythmia and shivering (P < .05).

Conclusions:
The use of a forced-air warming system set at 42°C was shown to be the most effective way of rewarming elderly patients with postoperative hypothermia.
Late-onset chylothorax during chemotherapy after lobectomy for lung cancer
Authors: Zhang Chu , Zhang Rui-Mei , Pan Yong , Wu Wen-Bin , Zhang Miao 
Published: May 2019

Abstract

Rationale:
Chylothorax is usually diagnosed within a few days after lobectomy. Late-onset chylothorax following trauma or thoracic surgery is rare but potentially lethal, lacking reliable preventive methods.

Patient concerns:
A 54-year-old male patient complained of dyspnea during adjuvant chemotherapy on the 35th postoperative day after right middle lobectomy and systemic lymph node dissection (SLND) for lung cancer. His computed tomography indicated massive pleural effusion filling in the right chest cavity.

Diagnoses:
The patient was primarily diagnosed as late-onset chylothorax, without definite evidence to exclude spontaneous chylous leakage.

Interventions:
Uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic thoracic duct ligation (TDL) was performed for him, as conservative treatment using octreotide with fat-free diet turned out to be ineffective.

Outcomes:
His pleural effusion was gradually diminished after reoperation, and the patient was discharged 9 days after TDL.

Lessons:
Postoperative late-onset or spontaneous chylothorax should be kept in mind after pulmonary resection and SLND, and the exclusion of chylous leakage could be considered as a precondition of chest tube removal.
A meta-analysis of the association between the presence of Helicobacter pylori and periodontal diseases
Authors: Chen Zheng , Cai Jiarong , Chen Yi-ming , Wei Jiaming , Li Hui-biao , Lu Yeming , Zhou Zhengyang , Chen Xin-lin 
Published: May 2019

Abstract

Background:
The objective of this meta-analysis is to evaluate the association between the presence of Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) and periodontal disease (PD).

Methods:
PubMed and EMBASE databases were searched to identify eligible articles published from inception up to April 2018. Further articles were retrieved through a manual search of recent reviews. Cross-sectional studies, case–control studies and cohort studies reporting the association between H pylori and PD were included. The pooled odds ratio (OR) and their 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated.

Results:
Four case-control studies and nine cross-sectional studies were included. A total of 6800 patients were included in this review. The odds for oral H pylori positivity was 2.31 times (95% CI: 1.99–2.68) greater than those without H pylori. Subgroup analyses involving different study locations, designs, and types of study population showed the similar results. The pooled OR for the gastric disease patients was the largest (3.50, 95% CI: 2.22–5.53, five articles). Stomach H pylori was also significantly associated with PD, with OR 2.90 (95% CI: 1.37–6.14, two articles).

Conclusions:
This meta-analysis supports an association between H pylori and PD. More well-designed studies, especially prospective cohort studies are necessary to confirm these results.
Efficacy and acceptability of immunosuppressive agents for pediatric frequently-relapsing and steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome
Authors: Tan Liping , Li Shaojun , Yang Haiping , Zou Qing , Wan Junli , Li Qiu 
Published: May 2019

Abstract

Introduction:
A network meta-analysis was conducted to regard the effects of available immunosuppressive medications in pediatric frequently-relapsing nephrotic syndrome (FRNS) and steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome (SDNS).

Methods:
We reviewed systematically 26 randomized controlled trials (1311 patients) that compared any of the following immunosuppressive agents to placebo/nontreatment (P/NT) or another drug for FRNS/SDNS treatment in children.

Results:
The main outcomes were efficacy and acceptability. At the 6-month, cyclophosphamide, chlorambucil, levamisole, and rituximab had better efficacy than P/NT (odds ratio [OR]: 0.09, 0.03, 0.28, and 0.07, respectively); cyclophosphamide was significantly more effective than azathioprine and chlorambucil. At 12 months, cyclophosphamide, chlorambucil, cyclosporine, levamisole, and rituximab had better efficacy than P/NT (0.10, 0.03, 0.10, 0.23, and 0.07, respectively); Chlorambucil were found to be more efficacious than levamisole and MMF (0.12 and 0.09, respectively). At 24 months, cyclophosphamide, chlorambucil, and levamisole had better efficacy than P/NT (0.09, 0.04, and 0.03, respectively); cyclophosphamide had better efficacy than cyclosporine and vincristine (0.17 and 0.39, respectively).

Conclusion:
No significant differences in acceptability were found. Our results suggest that cyclophosphamide may be preferred initially in children with FRSN/SDNS, chlorambucil, and rituximab may be acceptable medications for patients with FRSN/SDNS. Long-term follow-up trials focused on gonadal toxicity and limitation of maximum dosage of cyclophosphamide should been carried out.
Bilateral total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Liu Limin , Liu Hongtian , Zhang Hui , Song Jingtao , Zhang Ling 
Published: May 2019

Abstract

Background:
Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is one of the most successful orthopedic surgeries performed in recent decades. However, controversies still exist between conducting simultaneous or staged bilateral TKA. The objective of this study is to conduct a systematic review assessing the clinical outcome associated with simultaneous bilateral and staged bilateral total knee arthroplasty (BTKA).

Methods:
A search was applied to CNKI, Embase, Medline, and Cochrane central database (January 2000–July 2018). All studies that compared simultaneous bilateral TKA (simBTKA) with staged bilateral TKA (staBTKA) without language restriction were reviewed, and qualities of included studies were assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Data were pooled and a meta-analysis completed.

Results:
The 18 studies were identified to be eligible. The 18 comparative studies published from 2001 to 2018, covered 73617 participants in the simBTKA group and 61838 in the staBTKA group, respectively. Results of meta-analyses indicated that simBTKA showed a lower risk of deep infection and respiratory complications, but increased mortality, pulmonary embolism (PE), and deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) compared with staBTKA. There were no significant differences in revision, superficial infection, arthrofibrosis, cardiac complications, neurological complications and urinary complications between procedures.

Conclusions:
Since there are risks and benefits to both procedures, these potential complications must be interpreted in light of each individual patient's needs and concerns. Further research must be conducted, in the form of a randomized clinical trial, to evaluate the outcomes mentioned in this review.
Current status of dental implants survival and peri-implant bone loss in patients with uncontrolled type-2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Chambrone Leandro , Palma Luiz F. 
Published: May 2019

Purpose of review
The current review summarizes recent evidence on the impact of type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) on implant dentistry, highlighting the behavior of peri-implant bone.

Recent findings
There is no definitive information on the development and course of peri-implant bone loss associated with T2DM; however, poorly controlled T2DM patients present worse outcomes. Nevertheless, dental implants may be a successful therapy for these patients in a manner similar to healthy individuals, when glycemic levels and oral hygiene are strictly maintained.

Summary
The most recent literature on the impact of T2DM on peri-implant bone loss was reviewed to evaluate the feasibility of dental implant therapy over the time for these patients.
An update in facial gender confirming surgery
Authors: Juszczak Hailey M. , Fridirici Zachary , Knott P. Daniel , Park Andrea M. , Seth Rahul 
Published: May 2019

Purpose of review
To summarize current surgical and nonsurgical approaches to facial gender confirming surgery (FGCS) and highlight standards of care and areas of future research.

Recent findings
Gender nonconforming individuals may encounter considerable internal coping and external social stressors that may contribute to gender-associated dysphoria. FGCS provides patients the ability to align facial appearance with gender identity, using recently described advances in surgical and nonsurgical techniques. The majority of FGCS is performed on transwomen (individuals identifying as female), yielding the more common term of facial feminization surgery (FFS). Although no set protocols or standards are in place, certain procedures are commonly performed to alter sex-determining characteristics of the face, and further research may help define guidelines. As many training programs have minimal exposure to FGCS, promotion of transgender health awareness is paramount for diverse and inclusive surgical training.

Summary
Although demand for FGCS is increasing, there remains a need for improving surgical approaches, developing evidence-based care guidelines, and implementing education and awareness in training programs.
The true risk of living kidney donation
Authors: Liyanage Luckmini , Muzaale Abimerki , Henderson Macey 
Published: May 2019

Purpose of review
The safety of living donor nephrectomy is essential to the continued success, growth, and sustainability of the clinical practice of living donor kidney transplantation. This review summarizes recent advances in our understanding of the perioperative and long-term risks faced by living kidney donors.

Recent findings
Although adverse perioperative complications are extremely rare, donors particularly men, Black, or obese, frequently experience minor complications that result in delayed return to normal duties at home and work. Similarly, although long-term complications such as end-stage renal disease (ESRD) are rare, recent studies suggest a relative increase in risk of ESRD that is attributable to donation. Several risk calculators have been developed to help donors and their care providers quantify the baseline and postdonation risk of ESRD based on demographic and health characteristics. Thresholds of risk may help define what is an acceptable level of risk to the donor and the transplant center.

Summary
Individualized risk calculators now allow care providers and potential donors to objectively and transparently participate in shared decision-making about the safety of living kidney donation.
Noninvasive biomarkers in monitoring kidney allograft health
Authors: O’Callaghan John M. , Knight Simon R. 
Published: May 2019

Purpose of review
A key aspect of posttransplant management is to identify and treat graft injury before it becomes irreversible. The gold-standard for detection is histology, but biopsy is uncomfortable for the patient and carries a risk of complications. Detection of changes at a molecular level may preempt histological injury, and thereby identify injury earlier.

Recent findings
Indicators of immune system activation, such as candidate chemokines CXCL9 and CXCL10, and by-products of neutrophil activity, have been related to acute rejection and early allograft function. Transcriptomic studies of multiple-gene panels have identified candidate combinations that have proven very promising in risk-stratification and prediction of acute rejection, as well as diagnosis of both T-cell-mediated and antibody-mediated rejection. Serum and urine cell-free DNA is also a promising area of investigation, particularly in antibody-mediated rejection.

Summary
Noninvasive, rapid, and accurate tests for risk-prediction and diagnosis in renal transplant allografts are urgently required. The ideal candidate is one that can be measured in either urine or blood, is cheap, and is both sensitive and specific for the condition of interest. Numerous strategies have been proposed, with varying degrees of clinical and preclinical success. A few that meet the essential criteria have been evaluated; a few have made it as far as clinical testing.
Nontuberculous mycobacteria in solid organ transplant
Authors: Anjan Shweta , Morris Michele I. 
Published: May 2019

Purpose of review
Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are emerging pathogens of concern especially in solid organ transplant candidates and recipients. This review aims to address diagnostic challenges, new and emerging treatment options, and infection prevention.

Recent findings
The incidence of NTM infections in transplant candidates and recipients is rising. The infection prevalence of these environmental pathogens varies geographically by species with a coastal predominance. Although existing guidelines from the American Thoracic Society, Infectious Diseases Society of America, and British Thoracic Society provide recommendations for diagnosis and management, they do not fully address the subtle nuances and challenges faced in managing infections in immunocompromised transplant recipients. Evolving data on new therapeutic agents and their use in combination therapy will help individualize treatment regimens while limiting adverse effects and improving compliance. Use of combination β-lactams, avibactam, tedizolid, clofazimine, bedaquiline, liposomal amikacin, and ciprofloxacin for commonly isolated species such as Mycobacterium abscessus and Mycobacterium avium complex have proven effective.

Summary
Further studies are needed to determine the incidence of NTM infection in a prospective, multicentric manner and evaluate the most promising synergistic treatment combinations in transplant recipients.
The Relationship Between Circulating Interleukin-6 Levels and Future Health Service Use in Dementia Caregivers
Authors: Mausbach Brent T. , Decastro Gabrielle , Vara-Garcia Carlos , Bos Taylor C. , von Känel Roland , Ziegler Michael G. , Dimsdale Joel E. , Allison Matthew A. , Mills Paul J. , Patterson Thomas L. , Ancoli-Israel Sonia , Pruitt Christopher , Grant Igor 
Published: May 2019

ABSTRACTObjectiveOlder adults are among the most frequent users of emergency departments (EDs). Nonspecific symptoms, such as fatigue and widespread pain, are among the most common symptoms in patients admitted at the ED. Interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) are inflammation biomarkers associated with chronic stress (i.e., dementia caregiving) and nonspecific symptoms. This study aimed to determine whether IL-6 and TNF-α were prospectively associated with ED risk in dementia caregivers (CGs).MethodsParticipants were 85 dementia CGs, who reported during three assessments (3, 9, and 15 months after enrollment) if they had visited an ED for any reason. Cox proportional hazards models were used to examine the relations between resting circulating levels of IL-6 and TNF-α obtained at enrollment and subsequent risk for an ED visit, adjusting for age, sex, use of ED 1 month before enrollment, physical and mental health well-being, body mass index, and CG demands.Results(log) IL-6 significantly predicted ED visits during the 15-month follow-up (B= 1.96, SE = 0.82,p= .017). For every (log) picogram per milliliter increase in IL-6, the risk of visiting an ED was 7.10 times greater. TNF-α was not associated with subsequent ED visits. Exploratory analyses suggested that CGs with levels of IL-6 above the 80th percentile and experiencing high CG demands were at highest risk of an ED visit.ConclusionsIL-6 levels and CG demands may be useful for predicting vulnerability for future ED visits. Although further studies should be conducted to replicate and extend these findings, interventions that successfully modify inflammation markers, including the underlying pathophysiology related to stress and/or comorbid illnesses, may be useful in preventing costly and detrimental outcomes in this population.
Corticobasal degeneration: advances in clinicopathology and biomarkers
Authors: Svenningsson Per 
Published: May 2019

Purpose of review
Corticobasal degeneration (CBD) is a rapidly progressive neurodegenerative tauopathy diagnosed postmortem by pathological examination. The clinical presentation of corticobasal syndrome (CBS) is an apraxic, dystonic, and rigid limb with asymmetrical cortical signs and myoclonus. However, less than half of the patients with CBS receive a CBD diagnosis. As tau-lowering therapies have entered clinical trials, improved antemortem diagnosis of CBD is needed. Here, clinicopathological, neuroimaging, and biofluid data in CBS and/or CBD patients are briefly summarized and some knowledge gaps identified.

Recent findings
Developments of MRI-based and nuclear medicine imaging modalities have increased pathophysiological insights of CBS and may improve diagnostic accuracy. In particular, several tau-PET ligands have been evaluated in CBS patients. Cerebrospinal fluid and plasma levels of neurofilament light chain can distinguish CBS from Parkinson's disease but not from other atypical forms of Parkinsonism.

Summary
Structural and functional imaging approaches provide some aid in the diagnosis of CBD but have low-content validity. None of the currently available tau-PET ligands is suitable for detecting straight filament 4repeat tau disease in clinical routine. Biofluid markers reflecting the distinct tau and/or astrocyte disease of CBD are needed. Examining biosamples along with clinical parameters from longitudinally followed patients with autopsy-confirmed CBD diagnosis shall hopefully delineate improved biomarkers.
Quantifying the seasonal drivers of transmission for Lassa fever in Nigeria
Authors: Akhmetzhanov Andrei R. , Asai Yusuke , Nishiura Hiroshi 
Published: May 2019

Lassa fever (LF) is a zoonotic disease that is widespread in West Africa and involves animal-to-human and human-to-human transmission. Animal-to-human transmission occurs upon exposure to rodent excreta and secretions, i.e. urine and saliva, and human-to-human transmission occurs via the bodily fluids of an infected person. To elucidate the seasonal drivers of LF epidemics, we employed a mathematical model to analyse the datasets of human infection, rodent population dynamics and climatological variations and capture the underlying transmission dynamics. The surveillance-based incidence data of human cases in Nigeria were explored, and moreover, a mathematical model was used for describing the transmission dynamics of LF in rodent populations. While quantifying the case fatality risk and the rate of exposure of humans to animals, we explicitly estimated the corresponding contact rate of humans with infected rodents, accounting for the seasonal population dynamics of rodents. Our findings reveal that seasonal migratory dynamics of rodents play a key role in regulating the cyclical pattern of LF epidemics. The estimated timing of high exposure of humans to animals coincides with the time shortly after the start of the dry season and can be associated with the breeding season of rodents in Nigeria.This article is part of the theme issue ‘Modelling infectious disease outbreaks in humans, animals and plants: approaches and important themes’. This issue is linked with the subsequent theme issue ‘Modelling infectious disease outbreaks in humans, animals and plants: epidemic forecasting and control’.