bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Correlation of left atrial wall thickness and atrial remodeling in atrial fibrillation
Authors: Zuo Kun , Li Kuibao , Liu Min , Li Jing , Liu Xiaoqing , Liu Xingpeng , Zhong Jiuchang , Yang Xinchun 
Published: April 2019

Abstract
Atrial remodeling plays a significant role during the progression of atrial fibrillation (AF). Left atrial wall thickness (LAT) is a subjective and easily acquirable indicator referring to structural remodeling. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the association between LAT and atrial remodeling substrate, and to explore the predictive role of LAT about strong maintenance substrate and poor response to catheter ablation.
LAT was measured by cardiac computed tomography in 2 selected locations (roof and floor) in 100 persistent AF patients. Then the low-dose-ibutilide-facilitated catheter ablation was performed and atrial maintenance substrate was categorized as weak, mild, and strong, based on the response to circumferential pulmonary vein isolation or complex fractionated atrial electrograms ablation. During follow-up, the success rate was evaluated. LAT showed a progressive thickening tendency from weak, mild, to strong maintenance substrate (roof: 2.2 mm vs. 2.6 mm vs. 3.9 mm, P < .0001; floor: 1.7 mm vs. 2.0 mm vs. 2.5 mm, P < .0001). During follow-up, the success rate of ablation was decreased with the maintenance substrate strengthening (weak 80%, mild 64.53%, strong 31.43%, P = .009). LA roof thickness >3.10 mm might be the predictor to strong atrial maintenance substrate and poor response to ablation.
LAT was associated with the remodeling extent of atrial maintenance substrate and might predict the response to catheter ablation. These findings could help the clinicians to select the appropriate ablative strategy and predict the complexity and prognosis before catheter ablation.
Serum vitamin D but not zinc levels are associated with different disease activity status in patients with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Mechie Nicolae-Catalin , Mavropoulou Eirini , Ellenrieder Volker , Petzold Golo , Kunsch Steffen , Neesse Albrecht , Amanzada Ahmad 
Published: April 2019

Abstract
The incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is increasing and the pathogenesis is still not completely understood. Micronutrients like vitamin D [25 (OH)D] and zinc play an important role in enzyme activities and the immune system. As the 25 (OH)D-receptor has been shown to be downregulated in patients with IBD, 25 (OH)D may emerge as a predictive marker for disease improvement. Studies on relationship of both micronutrients in IBD patients are lacking.
We retrospectively evaluated serum levels of 25(OH)D and zinc together with baseline characteristics of 232 IBD patients. Uni- and multivariate analyses were performed for association between serum levels of 25(OH)D and zinc with clinical and deep remission (CR and DR).
155 Crohn's disease (CD) and 77 ulcerative colitis (UC) patients were included. 54% (n = 125) and 6% (n = 14) of IBD patients showed deficient serum 25(OH)D levels below 20 ng/mL and zinc levels below 7 μmol/L. Serum 25(OH)D levels were significantly higher in IBD patients with CR (P = .02) and DR (P < .001) but not serum zinc levels, respectively. Serum 25(OH)D levels (P = .008), anti-tumor-necrosis-factor-α-trough-concentration (anti-TNF-α-TC) (P = .02) and CRP level (P = .02) were independently associated with CR in CD patients. Serum 25(OH)D threshold of 19 ng/mL discriminated CD patients with or without CR, having an area under the receiver operating curve analysis (AUROC) of 0.77 [95%-confidence interval (CI): 0.68–0.85]. In multivariate analysis serum 25(OH)D levels (P = .04) and anti-TNF-α-TC (P = .04) were associated with DR in CD patients. Serum 25(OH)D threshold of 26 ng/mL discriminated CD patients with or without DR, having an AUROC of 0.75 (95%-CI: 0.68–0.83).
Serum 25(OH)D (P = .04) and fecal calprotectin levels (P = .04) were independently correlated with CR in UC patients. Serum 25(OH)D threshold of 32 ng/mL discriminated UC patients in CR with an AUROC of 0.83 (95%-CI: 0.71–0.95). Zinc levels did not correlate with disease activity status in CD or UC patients either.
In conclusion, beside CRP and fecal calprotectin, serum 25(OH)D levels, but not serum zinc levels, may be an additional useful and noninvasive marker for characterizing different disease activity status of IBD patients. Measurement of serum 25(OH)D in IBD patients may be warranted. 25(OH)D supplementation in deficient IBD patients is recommended.
Early intervention and perceived quality
Authors: Romero-Galisteo Rita Pilar , Blanco-Villaseñor Ángel , Moreno-Morales Noelia , Gálvez-Ruiz Pablo 
Published: April 2019

Abstract
The current perspective on early intervention revolves around consideration of the family as a cornerstone, its opinion being essential in providing a quality service. Early intervention centers require an evaluation of the services they perform. The aim of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of the short version of the Inventory of Quality for Early Intervention Centers (IQEIC) and to obtain evidence of its validity and reliability. The sample consisted of 887 families from 21 early intervention centers in Spain, which were randomly divided into 2 groups to conduct a cross-validity analysis: exploratory factor analysis with the first group (n1 = 440), and confirmatory factor analysis with the second group (n2 = 447). A 8 factor structure was obtained in the confirmatory factor analysis that showed a good fit. Both the internal consistency (composite reliability ranging from 0.84 to 0.90) and the convergent (AVE values ranged from 0.12 to 0.50) and discriminant validity were adequate. Lastly, a multigroup analysis (n1 and n2) showed the invariance factorial through the difference in the CFI index. The IQEIC showed satisfactory reliability and validity in this study confirming the proposed model is a valid tool to assess the quality of the service provided in early intervention centers, therefore recommending its application for both research and management.
The effectiveness and safety of moxibustion for dry eye
Authors: Zi Yingxin , Ji Meiqi , Deng Yu , Qin Yali , Wang Rui , Meng Huan , Jin Ming 
Published: April 2019

Abstract

Background:
Dry eye (DE) is a common type of ocular surface disease that affects many people. Moxibustion has been widely used in China to treat ocular surface diseases, especially DE. Many clinical trials have demonstrated that moxibustion can increase the tear secretion quantity and improve tear film stability. The purpose of this review is to provide an objective and normative systematic review to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of moxibustion treatment in patients with DE.

Methods:
The systematic review will include all of the randomized controlled trials on the effectiveness and safety of moxibustion for DE. Nine medical databases, namely PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), China Science and Technology Journal database (VIP), Wanfang Database, and CBM, will be searched from the date of the database inception to February 28, 2019. We will also search registers of clinical trials, potential gray literature, and conference abstracts. There are no restrictions on language and publication status. Two reviewers will independently select studies, and extract and manage data. The reporting quality and risk of bias will be assessed by other 2 review authors. The primary outcomes will include ocular surface disease index (OSDI) scores, Schirmer test (SIT) results, tear meniscus height (TMH), and tear break-up time (TBUT) values. Quality of life, the main symptom scores before and after treatment, meibomian gland (MG) morphology, total treatment efficacy, and safety will be evaluated as the secondary outcomes. We will use RevMan V.5.3 software to synthesize and analyze data.

Results:
This systematic review will provide a comprehensive review of current evidence of moxibustion for DE from the following aspects: the OSDI, SIT, TMH, BUT, quality of life, the main symptom scores, MG morphology, total treatment efficacy, and safety.

Conclusion:
The conclusion of our systematic review will provide evidence to determine whether moxibustion is an effective and safe intervention for patients with DE.

Ethics and dissemination:
Since patients will not be involved in this study, it is not necessary to obtain ethical approval. The protocol and results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.

PROSPERO registration number:
PROSPERO CRD42018097399.
Evaluation of the adjunctive effect of Xing Nao Jing Injection for viral encephalitis
Authors: Cao Hui-Juan , Liang Shi-Bing , Zhou Wei , Wu Jia-Rui , Zhang Cheng-Liang 
Published: April 2019

Abstract

Background:
To systematically evaluate the effect and safety of Xing Nao Jing (XNJ) injection as an add-on treatment on the treatment for viral encephalitis (VE).

Methods:
Trials assessing the adjunctive effectiveness of XNJ injection for VE were searched from 4 electronic databases from inception to October 31, 2018. Two authors independently extracted data and assessed risk of bias. Statistical analyses were performed using RevMan 5.3 software. Meta-analysis and additional analysis were conducted if data permitted. Trial Sequential Analysis and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) were also performed.

Results:
This review involved 23 trials and 1757 participants, all trials were assessed as having unclear risk of bias. Results from 5 meta-analyses, 13 subgroup meta-analyses, and the single studies showed that based on conventional therapy XNJ injection (0.4–0.6 mL/kg daily for children, 20 mL/day for adults) may have better effect on increasing the numbers of cured patients and decreasing the time of recovery of main symptoms for patients with viral encephalitis. Patients used combination of XNJ injection and conventional therapy had higher cured rate (risk ratio 1.61, 95% confidence interval 1.45–1.80, 19 trials, 1456 participants) and less mortality rate (risk ratio 0.26, 95% confidence interval 0.10–0.71, 9 trials, 595 participants). The average difference of time for fever, conscious, or convulsive recovery was average 2 hours shorter in combination group than in control. No difference was found between children and adults according to the subgroup analysis. Safety of the XNJ injection was failed to evaluate due to the insufficient evidence in this review.

Conclusions:
This review found “very low” quality evidence which showed the potential effectiveness of combination of XNJ injection and conventional therapies for VE. Considering the TSA results, conclusion could only be draw on effectiveness of the XNJ injection as add-on treatment for VE patients on increasing the cured rate. Firm conclusion on other outcome measures for effectiveness assessment or safety of XNJ injection could not be draw according to this review due to the insufficient evidence.
Bilateral discoid medial Meniscus
Authors: Yang Xiaolong , Shao Decheng 
Published: April 2019

Abstract

Rationale:
Discoid meniscus is an anatomical congenital anomaly more often found in the lateral meniscus. A discoid medial meniscus is a very rare anomaly, and it is difficult to diagnose a bilateral discoid medial meniscus because not all the discoid medial menisci are symptomatic. Herein, we report 2 cases of bilateral discoid medial meniscus.

Patients concerns:
Case1: a 23-year-old man presented with complaints of pain and occasional clicking of the right knee for 6 years, the left knee was asymptomatic. Case 2: a 51-year-old woman had a 1-month history of pain and a feeling of “giving away” in both knees.

Diagnoses:
Based on physical examination and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, they were diagnosed with bilateral discoid medial meniscal tears.

Interventions:
Case 1: partial meniscectomy and reshaping were performed for the torn discoid medial meniscus of the right knee only. Case 2: partial medial meniscectomy and reshaping were performed for the torn discoid medial meniscus on both knees.

Outcomes:
The postoperative pain and the recovery of joint function were observed. The average follow-up time of 2 patients was 1 year. The Lysholm score of 2 patients was improved from 55 to 95 and 40 to 90 respectively. The pain of knee joint was relieved and the symptoms of disharmony were obviously improved.

Lessons:
We recommend preservation of the discoid medial meniscus in asymptomatic patients. Meniscectomy and reshaping for injured discoid medial meniscus produces promising short-term results.
Efficacy of lumbar orthoses after posterior lumbar interbody fusion—a prospective randomized study
Authors: Fujiwara Hiroyasu , Makino Takahiro , Yonenobu Kazuo , Moriguchi Yu , Oda Takenori , Kaito Takashi 
Published: April 2019

Abstract

Background:
Lumbosacral orthoses (LSOs) are used as standard care after lumbar fusion surgery though their efficacy is unknown. The purpose of this prospective randomized controlled study was to elucidate the clinical and radiographic efficacies of LSO treatment in patients who underwent posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) of less than 3 segments.

Methods:
Seventy-three patients who underwent PLIF were randomly allocated to 3 groups: 1 with custom-made LSO with metallic stays (C group); 1 with ready-made LSO without metallic stays (R group), and 1 without LSO (N group). The patients in the C and R groups were instructed to wear LSO postoperatively for 3 months. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, JOA-back pain evaluation questionnaire (JOABPEQ), Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire, and 100-mm visual analog scale for low back pain. Radiographic evaluation included intervertebral fusion rates and loss of correction postoperatively at 2 years.

Results:
A significant difference in the clinical outcomes was observed only for the lumbar dysfunction domain of JOABPEQ postoperatively at 1 month (N vs C groups; 45% vs 10%, P = .03). Radiographic outcomes were not different between the groups.

Conclusions:
No effect of orthosis treatment for less than 3 segments in PLIF was observed on clinical and radiographic outcomes. The type of orthosis also did not influence the outcomes. These results suggest that the use of LSO for PLIF can be simplified or is omissible except in patients with severe osteoporosis.
Laparoscopic approach to an incidentally found pelvic retroperitoneal liposarcoma
Authors: Mandato Vincenzo Dario , Mastrofilippo Valentina , De Marco Loredana , Aguzzoli Lorenzo 
Published: April 2019

Abstract

Rationale:
Well-differentiated liposarcomas (WDLPS) are rare retroperitoneal tumors that can reach significant size as they can grow without constrains before becoming symptomatic. Laparotomic open radical tumor resection represents the most common surgical approach.

Patient concerns:
A mass with “fat fluid level” was found in the right pelvis of an asymptomatic woman undergoing routine transvaginal ultrasound: the preoperative diagnosis was right mature ovarian teratoma.

Diagnosis:
Postoperative histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of WDLPS.

Interventions:
A radical laparoscopic excision of the retroperitoneal mass with bilateral salpingectomy was performed.

Outcomes:
Patient is free of disease at 18 months after surgery.

Lesson:
Despite computed tomography scan is the gold standard technique to identify WDLPS, such neoplasms can be misdiagnosed for mature ovarian teratomas. When a retroperitoneal mass is incidentally discovered during a surgery, an open core-needle biopsy is usually performed, and appropriate treatment planned only after complete staging and final pathology are available. Instead, when tumor margins are identified, resection of an incidentally diagnosed WDLPS would benefit from laparoscopic magnification that could improve distinguishing the disease from the surrounding tissues. Therefore, laparoscopy could represent a safe and effective technique to diagnose and treat retroperitoneal diseases.
Influence of previous corticosteroid treatment on the efficacy and safety of infliximab therapy in Crohn disease
Authors: Liu Ailing , Li Yue , Yang Hong , Lv Hong , Qian Jiaming 
Published: April 2019

Abstract
To determine the effect of prior corticosteroid treatment on the results of infliximab (IFX) therapy in patients with Crohn disease (CD).
Patients with CD treated with at least 3 IFX infusions between March 2009 and April 2017 were divided into steroid group (n = 43) and nonsteroid group (n = 22) and analyzed retrospectively.
The cumulative probabilities of clinical remission and response to IFX at weeks 14, 30, 54, and 78 were higher in the steroid group, though this difference was not statistical significant. At the mean interval of 11.7 months following the initiation of IFX treatment, the mucosal healing rate was significantly higher in the steroid group (71.0% vs 22.2%, P < .01). There was no statistical difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the 2 groups.
In CD, patients with prior corticosteroid treatment may increase the response rate to IFX therapy.
Decreased catalase expression is associated with ligamentum flavum hypertrophy due to lumbar spinal canal stenosis
Authors: Yücetaş Şeyho Cem , Çakir Tayfun 
Published: April 2019

Abstract

Background:
This is an immunohistologic study of gene expression between patients and controls.
This study aims to evaluate expression of the catalase gene in hypertrophied ligamentum flavum (LF) specimens obtained from patients with lumbar spinal canal stenosis (LSCS).
LSCS is one of the most common spinal disorders. It is well known that LF hypertrophy plays an important role in the onset of LSCS. Although degenerative changes, aging, and mechanical stress are all thought to contribute to hypertrophy and fibrosis of the LF, the precise pathogenesis of LF hypertrophy remains unknown. Previous genetic studies have tried to determine the mechanism of LF hypertrophy. However, the association between catalase gene expression and LF hypertrophy has not yet been explored.

Methods:
LF specimens were surgically obtained from 30 patients with spinal stenosis (LSCS group) and from 30 controls with lumbar disc herniation (LDH group). LF thickness was measured at the thickest point using calipers to an accuracy of 0.01 mm during surgical intervention. The extent of LF elastin degradation and fibrosis were graded (grades 0–4) by hematoxylin and eosin staining and Masson trichrome staining, respectively. The resulting LF measurements, histologic data, and immunohistologic results were then compared between the 2 groups.

Results:
The average LF thickness was significantly higher in the LSCS group than in the LDH group (5.99 and 2.95 mm, respectively, P = .004). Elastin degradation and fibrosis of the LF were significantly more severe in spinal stenosis samples than in the disc herniation samples (3.04 ± 0.50 vs 0.79 ± 0.60, P = .007; 3.01 ± 0.47 vs 0.66 ± 0.42, P = .009, respectively). Significantly lower expression of catalase was observed in the perivascular area of LF samples obtained from patients with LSCS compared with controls (61.80 ± 31.10 vs 152.80 ± 41.13, respectively, P = .009).

Conclusion:
Our findings suggest that decreased expression of catalase is associated with LF hypertrophy in patients with LSCS.
Acupuncture for perioperative care of total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Shin Hee-Ra , Park Kyungtae , Seo Jihye , An Sung-Hu , Yeom Seung-Ryong , Kwon Young-Dal 
Published: April 2019

Abstract

Introduction:
This protocol is intended to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture in perioperative care of total hip arthroplasty patients.

Methods and analysis:
The following databases will be searched from their inception to November 2018 without language restrictions: MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Oriental Medicine Advanced Searching Integrated System, Korean Traditional Knowledge Portal, KoreaMed, DBPIA, Research Information Service System, including the China National Knowledge Infrastructure. Any randomized controlled trials related to perioperative care of total hip arthroplasty will be included. The primary outcomes of this study are dosage of analgesics and pain intensity. For secondary outcomes, Harris hip score, incidence of postoperative cognitive dysfunction, mini-mental state exam score, incidence of deep vein thrombosis, D-dimer and fibrinogen level, adverse events will be assessed. Data analysis and synthesis will be carried out using RevMan version 5.3. The methodological quality will be assessed by the Cochrane Collaboration risk of bias tool.

Systematic review registration:
PROSPERO CRD42018112123.
Cytogenetic and molecular characterization of an oligoasthenozoospermia male carrier of an unbalanced Y;22 translocation
Authors: Jia Chunshu , Li Linlin , Chen Shuang , Li Dejun , Wang Xuan , Liu Ruizhi , Zhang Hongguo 
Published: April 2019

Abstract

Rationale:
Y;autosome translocations are associated with male infertility and azoospermia. Some carriers with a Y:22 translocation can produce offspring and transmit the translocation through generations without phenotypic repercussion. Hence, the clinical features of carriers with certain Y chromosome abnormalities remain uncertain.

Patient concerns:
An apparently healthy 33-year-old man, 175 cm tall and weighing 60 kg had a 6-month history of primary infertility.

Diagnoses:
The patient was diagnosed with oligoasthenozoospermia. A series of examinations have been performed to evaluate possible genetic causes of this diagnosis. Several methods included semen analysis, hormone measurements, cytogenetic analysis, and high-throughput multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification semiconductor sequencing.

Interventions:
The patient underwent detailed genetic counseling. Cytogenetic analysis was advised for his father. Preimplantation genetic diagnosis was performed to improve potential pregnancy success rate.

Outcomes:
Semen analysis revealed oligoasthenozoospermia. Hormone levels were within the normal limits. The karyotype of the patient and his father was 45,X,der(Y;22). Sequencing results indicated the presence of the sex-determining region on the Y chromosome gene. Y-chromosome microdeletion detection showed the presence of AZF (azoospermic factor)a, AZFb, and AZFc regions, but deletion of b2/b3 and duplication of b3/b4 regions.

Lessons:
A clinical karyotype report involving a Y chromosome abnormality should consider the results of semen analysis, which helps to identify the chromosomal breakpoint. Semiconductor sequencing technology was useful for clarifying AZF gene microdeletions.
Recurrence of papillary thyroid carcinoma from the residual pyramidal lobe: a case report and literature review
Authors: Wang Mingjun , Zou Xiuhe , Li Zhihui , Zhu Jingqiang 
Published: April 2019

Abstract

Rationale:
Recurrence of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) usually requires a second operation, which carries a high complication rate, especially if central neck dissection (CND) is necessary. Recurrent PTC from pyramidal lobe is a rare entity, which is mainly due to non-standardized operation. However, literature on this topic is limited.

Patients concerns:
Here, we present a case of a 46-year-old woman with the recurrence of PTC from the thyroid pyramidal lobe (PL) following two thyroid operations.

Diagnoses:
The final pathological result revealed recurrent PTC from the residual pyramidal lobe tissue.

Interventions:
The resection of the residual PL, the pretracheal nodes and the Delphian nodes plus intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) were performed, followed by TSH suppression therapy.

Outcomes:
After two previous operations, the recurrent PTC from the residual pyramidal lobe tissue was completed resected. Until the latest follow-up, the patient had an excellent response to the third intervention.

Lessons:
Complete excision of the PL is mandatory in patients with PTC if thyroid surgery was indicated, considering the potential risk of recurrence from the PL and the high incidence of multifocality of PTC.