bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prognostic value role of radiofrequency lesion size by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging on outcomes of ablation in patients with ischemic scar-related ventricular tachycardia
Authors: Guler Tümer Erdem , Yalin Kivanç , Aksu Tolga , Golcuk Ebru , Sanli Sukru , Kaya Bilge Ahmet , Adalet Kamil 
Published: November 2018

Abstract
Inadequate ablation lesion formation may be responsible for post-ablation ventricular tachycardia (VT) recurrences.
We aimed to evaluate whether visualisation of radiofrequency (RF) lesion size by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) has any role in predicting adequacy of lesion and in estimating outcome.
Retrospective pilot study
Nine consecutive patients (8 male, age 60 ± 13 years) underwent ablation for sustained VT because of ischemic scar were evaluated for pre- and post-procedure scar tissue by CMR to characterize ablation lesions. Microvascular obstruction (MVO) surrounded by late gadolinium enhancement was defined as irreversible RF lesion. All patients were followed for at least 6 months for recurrences.
Five of the patients had previous inferior myocardial infarction (MI), whereas remaining 4 had anterior MI. Acute procedural success, as defined by termination of the arrhythmia without recurrence in 30 minutes, was attained in all patients. Contrast enhancement and wall motion abnormality in presumed infarction area were confirmed by pre-ablation CMR images. MVO was detected at the reported ablation site in 6/9 patients, all arrhythmia- and symptom-free at median 24 months (range 8–38 months) follow-up. In remaining 3 patients who had VT recurrence (clinical VT in 2, sustain VT with a new morphology in 1), MVO was not detected despite achievement of acute procedural success. There was no correlation with pre-ablation scar size and clinical arrhythmia recurrence.
CMR is a useful imaging modality to guide ablation procedures by detecting scar tissue. Additionally MVO seen by post-procedural imaging may be related to adequacy of RF ablation lesions and may correlate with clinical outcome.
A pilot study of the effect of ezetimibe for postprandial hyperlipidemia
Authors: Xue En-Zhong , Zhang Ming-Hui , Liu Chun-Li 
Published: November 2018

Abstract
This study aimed to explore the feasible effect of ezetimibe for postprandial hyperlipidemia (PPHP).
Sixty participants were included in this study. Of these, 30 subjects in the intervention group received ezetimibe, while the remaining 30 participants in the control group did not undergo ezetimibe. All patients in intervention group were treated for a total of 2 weeks. Primary endpoints consisted of serum levels of total cholesterol (Total-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and triglyceride (TG). Secondary endpoints included apoB-48, remnant lipoprotein cholesterol (RLP-C), blood glucose, insulin, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP). All outcomes were measured before and after 2-week treatment.
After 2-week treatment, participants in the intervention group did not show better outcomes in primary endpoints of Total-C, LDL-C, HDL-C, and TG; and secondary endpoints of apoB-48, RLP-C, blood glucose, insulin, HbA1c, and MCP, compared with subjects in the control group.
The results of this study showed that ezetimibe may be not efficacious for participants with PPHP after 2-week treatment.
A nonrandomized controlled study of sacral giant cell tumors with preoperative treatment of denosumab
Authors: Yang Yongkun , Li Yuan , Liu Weifeng , Xu Hairong , Niu Xiaohui 
Published: November 2018

Abstract
The aim of this nonrandomized controlled study (level 3)was to evaluate whether preoperative denosumab treatment can reduce intraoperative blood loss, facilitate surgical treatment, and improve local control of sacral giant-cell tumor (GCT).
Surgical treatment of sacral GCT is very difficult due to extensive bone destruction and complex anatomical structures. The huge intraoperative blood loss may interrupt surgical management and judgment of tumor range. Denosumab can inhibit the differentiation of osteoclast-like giant cells and bone destruction by blocking RANKL-RANK pathway.
Study group (preoperative denosumab treatment) and control group (no denosumab treatment) were matched for age, gender, tumor site, staging, and tumor size. In study group, enhanced computed tomography (CT) was performed before and after denosumab treatment. The comparison parameters between 2 groups: CT enhancement rate, intraoperative blood loss, and oncologic outcome.
The mean preoperative time of denosumab treatment was 5.2 months in study group. The mean CT enhancement rate of study group was 2.60 before treatment and 1.37 after treatment (P = .012). The posttreatment CT enhancement rate of study group was significantly lower than that of control group (P = .007). The mean intraoperative bleeding of study group and control group was 2166.7 and 5240 mL, respectively (P = .040). The mean operative time of study group and control group was 268.3 and 268.5 minutes, respectively (P = .997). The recurrence rate of study group (66.7%) was significantly higher than that of control group (0%) (P = .046).
Preoperative denosumab treatment has the tendency to reduce blood supply and intraoperative bleeding of sacral GCT. But the sclerosis and bony separation can increase the difficulty of tumor curettage and lead to high recurrence rate after denosumab treatment. It is necessary to study the best surgical opportunity after denosumab treatment and precise method to judge tumor range.
STROBE-anastomotic leakage after pull-through procedure for Hirschsprung disease
Authors: Peng Chun-Hui , Chen Ya-Jun , Pang Wen-Bo , Zhang Ting-Chong , Wang Zeng-Meng , Wu Dong-Yang , Wang Kai 
Published: November 2018

Abstract
This study was undertaken to explore the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of anastomotic leakage after pull-through (PT) procedure for Hirschsprung disease (HD).
A retrospective analysis of patients with anastomotic leakage after a PT procedure in the General Surgery Department of Beijing Children's Hospital from July 2013 to June 2016 was undertaken. The surgical characteristics, diagnosis, and treatment were retrospectively analyzed.
Among the 213 patients who underwent PT procedures, 5 patients had a documented anastomotic leakage. The median age of these 5 patients at the time of the PT procedure was 6.8 years old, and this was higher than those without anastomotic leakage (1.7 years old). In all patients, rectal examination in the lithotomy position revealed an anastomotic dehiscence at the 6 o’clock position. The abdominal ultrasonography demonstrated retrorectal pneumatosis with or without an abscess in 4 patients. All patients were treated with ileostomies and anastomotic resuturing. The median delay to management was 4 days (range: 1–29 days). Four patients (4/5, 80%) were cured, and 1 (delay, 29 days) of these 4 patients developed postoperative ileus. The remaining patient (delay, 9 days) was required to undergo a repeat PT procedure. For the 4 cured patients, the median follow-up time was 20 months (range: 15–37 months), and these patients defecated 3 times daily at most without soiling.
Older children with HD might be prone to anastomotic leakage. The findings of the rectal examination and ultrasonography were distinctive and useful for the diagnosis. Early ileostomy and resuturing of the anastomosis could be used to treat anastomotic leakage.
Efficacy and safety of rituximab in childhood-onset, difficult-to-treat nephrotic syndrome
Authors: Ahn Yo Han , Kim Seong Heon , Han Kyoung Hee , Choi Hyun Jin , Cho Heeyeon , Lee Jung Won , Shin Jae Il , Cho Min Hyun , Lee Joo Hoon , Park Young Seo , Ha Il-Soo , Cheong Hae Il , Kim Su Young , Lee Seung Joo , Kang Hee Gyung 
Published: November 2018

Abstract

Background:
The anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody rituximab (RTX) has been proposed as a rescue therapy for difficult-to-treat nephrotic syndrome (NS). We conducted a clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of RTX in children with difficult-to-treat NS dependent on or resistant to steroids and calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs).

Methods:
A multicenter open-label trial was performed at 8 major pediatric nephrology centers in Korea. The investigation consisted of a randomized controlled trial for steroid- and CNI-dependent NS (DDNS; randomization into the RTX group and the control group, at a ratio of 2:1) and a single-arm study of steroid and CNI-resistant NS (DRNS). DDNS patients in the RTX group and DRNS patients received a single dose of intravenous RTX (375 mg/m2 of body surface area) for B-cell depletion. A second RTX dose was administered at week 2 if the first dose failed to achieve depletion of CD19(+) cells. The primary endpoint was rate of maintaining remission at 6 months after treatment for DDNS and rate of remission achievement for DRNS.

Results:
Sixty-one children with DDNS were enrolled while in remission and randomized to the control group (21 patients) or the RTX group (40 patients). At 6 months after treatment, the remission rates were 74.3% in the RTX group and 31.3% in the control group (P = .003). The mean duration of remission maintenance was significantly higher in the RTX group than in the control group (9.0 vs 2.9 months, P = .004). Of the 23 patients with DRNS enrolled in the single-arm study and treated with RTX, 9 (39.1%) achieved partial or complete remission within 6 months. Depletion of B cells occurred in all patients with RTX therapy. Thirty patients (50.8% of 59 patients analyzed) experienced mild and transient infusion reaction during RTX administration, and most adverse events were mild.

Conclusions:
RTX administration was safe and effective in patients with difficult-to-treat NS. One or 2 doses of RTX may be sufficient to deplete B cells and achieve better control of pediatric NS.
Dexmedetomidine combined with local anesthetics in thoracic paravertebral block
Authors: Wang Kai , Wang Li-jun , Yang Tong-jiu , Mao Qing-xiang , Wang Zhen , Chen Li-yong 
Published: November 2018

Abstract

Background
Dexmedetomidine (DEX) improves postoperative pain scores and prolongs the duration of blockage when combined with local anesthetics (LAs) for neuraxial and brachial plexus block; however, there is little information about the effectiveness of DEX as an adjuvant to LAs in paravertebral block (PVB). Therefore, a systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of DEX combined with LAs in PVB.

Method
An electronic database search from inception date to February 2018 was performed. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing DEX as an adjuvant to LAs with LAs alone for PVB in adult patients were included. Postoperative pain scores, duration of analgesia, cumulative perioperative analgesic consumption, and adverse events were analyzed.

Result
We identified 7 trials enrolling 350 patients and found that DEX reduced pain scores at rest by standardized mean differences (SMD) −0.86 cm (95% confidence interval [CI] [−1.55, −0.17], P = .01) and SMD −0.93 cm (95% CI [−1.41, −0.26], P =.008) at postoperative 12 hours and 24 hours, respectively. DEX reduced pain scores while dynamic by SMD −1.63 cm (95% CI [−2.92, −0.34], P =.01) and SMD −1.78 cm (95% CI [−2.66, −0.90], P =.007) for postoperative 12 hours and 24 hours, respectively. DEX extended the duration of analgesia by weighted mean differences (WMD) 201.53 minutes (95% CI [33.45, 369.61], P =.02); and reduced cumulative postoperative analgesic consumption by WMD −7.71 mg (95% CI [−10.64, −4.78], P <.001) and WMD −45.64 mg (95% CI [−69.76, −21.53], P < .001) for 24 hours morphine and 48 hours tramadol subgroups, respectively. DEX also increased the odds of hypotension by odds ratio (OR) 4.40 (95% CI [1.37, 14.17], P = .01); however, there was no statistically significant difference for intraoperative fentanyl consumption and the incidence of the bradycardia.

Conclusions
DEX combined with LAs in PVB significantly improved postoperative pain scores, prolonged the duration of analgesia, reduced postoperative analgesic consumption, and increased the odds of hypotension. However, we cannot neglect the heterogeneity of the included RCTs. More large-scale prospective studies are needed to further clarify the above conclusions.

Systematic review registration
PROSPERO registration number CRD42018090251.
Rapid-onset hyponatremia and delirium following duloxetine treatment for postherpetic neuralgia
Authors: Wang Dandan , Lai Jianbo , Lu Shaojia , Huang Manli , Hu Shaohua , Xu Yi 
Published: November 2018

Abstract

Rationale:
Hyponatremia following duloxetine treatment has been reported in patients with major depressive disorder, fibromyalgia, diabetic neuropathy, or sciatic pain. The manifestations of duloxetine-induced hyponatremia are varying in different individuals. The overall prognosis for this type of hyponatremia is favorable if properly managed.

Patient concerns and diagnoses:
Herein, we reported rapid-onset hyponatremia and delirium in an older patient after 2 doses of duloxetine, which was used to control his postherpetic neuralgia. Laboratory examinations revealed a rapid decline in serum sodium level and indicated the possibility of syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH).

Interventions:
Discontinuation of duloxetine, restriction of water intake, and intravenous supplement of normal saline were adopted to manage the hyponatremia.

Outcomes:
Serum concentration of sodium gradually normalized following aforementioned strategies.

Lessons:
Special attention to the electrolyte abnormality is recommended in old patients undergoing duloxetine treatment.
A case report on cystic meningioma in cerebellopontine angle and recommendations for management
Authors: Li Jiuhong , Meng Jinli , Wang Qiguang , Wang Yanchao , Liu Wenke , Hui Xuhui 
Published: November 2018

Abstract

Rationale:
Cystic meningioma located at the cerebellopontine angle (CPA) is an extremely rare occurrence. It is frequently misdiagnosed preoperatively. Little is known about the clinical features and outcome of this rare disease.

Patient concerns:
A 70-year-old male presenting with progressive headache and gait disturbance.

Diagnosis:
According to the symptoms, signs, and Gd-enhanced magnetic resonance images (MRI), a preoperative diagnosis of hemangioblastoma located in left CPA was made. Finally, the histological examination revealed a meningioma.

Interventions:
A complete resection, including the part of the solid mass together with cyst, was performed.

Outcomes:
The postoperative course of the patient was uneventful, and no residual or recurrent tumor was found during the 24-month follow-up period.

Lessons:
Cystic meningioma should be included in the differential diagnosis of a CPA mass with atypical radiologic features, such as a large cyst and enhanced mural nodule. By summarizing the related literature, we found that the most common pathological subtype of CPA cystic meningioma is the clear cell subtype, which belongs to WHO grade II. Gross total resection including the enhanced cyst wall is extremely important. A close follow-up is necessary because of the high recurrence rate in this subset of meningioma.
Musculoskeletal ultrasonography for arthropathy assessment in patients with hemophilia
Authors: Zhang Cui-ming , Zhang Jun-feng , Xu Jing , Guo Yu-lin , Wang Gang , Yang Lin-hua 
Published: November 2018

Abstract
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is currently considered the gold standard for assessing hemophilic arthropathy (HA) severity; however, MRI is often costly, time-consuming, and difficult to perform in children. In the present study, we evaluated the joint status of hemophilic patients from Shanxi Province, China, using musculoskeletal ultrasonography (MSKUS) and identified the factors that most strongly correlated with disease severity.
The study included 104 patients with hemophilia, who underwent MSKUS examination. A total of 1248 joints (including the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, and ankle joints on both sides) from these patients were evaluated. Effusion, hypertrophy, cartilage modification, and bone erosion were assessed. The chi-square test was used to analyze categorical variables, and multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between joint disease and risk factors.
MSKUS allowed clear visualization of synovial lesions, effusion, cartilage modification, and bone surface damage; however, it was unable to identify changes deep within bones. The distribution of damaged joints was as follows: shoulder, 2 (1.0%); elbow, 80 (38.5%); wrist, 4 (1.9%); hip, 4 (1.9%); knee, 126 (60.6%); and ankle, 90 (43.3%). Damage was more common in the knee, elbow, and ankle joints than in the shoulder, wrist, and hip joints (P < .001). Among the 1248 joints, 306 showed lesions, which included effusion in 102 (8.2%) joints, synovium hypertrophy in 176 (14.1%), cartilage modification in 193 (15.5%), and bone damage in 176 (14.1%). Many joints had multiple lesions at the same time. The chi-square test and multivariate logistic analysis showed that age and hemophilia severity were significantly associated with joint disease, while type of hemophilia and treatment categories were not associated with joint disease.
MSKUS is a convenient and cost-effective examination that can play an important role in the diagnosis and long-term monitoring of HA.
A prospective evaluation and management of different types of placenta praevia using parallel vertical compression suture to preserve uterus
Authors: Ratiu Adrian C. , Crisan Doru C. 
Published: November 2018

Abstract
The rising tendency of cesarean sections will lead invariably to more complications such as placenta praevia. The aim of our study was to evaluate the utility of parallel vertical compression suture to preserve uterus in cases of placenta praevia, and to propose a rational approach of these problematic cases, according to their grade of myometrial invasion.
We prospectively included 95 consecutive cases diagnosed with placenta praevia (group1 [Gr1]) where we used parallel compression suture and compared to retrospectively analyzed 100 consecutive cases managed without using this technique (group 2 [Gr2]). We differentiated the types of placenta praevia according to their invasion in myometrium because this parameter appreciates best their degree of severity, so we had 4 Grs: simple praevia (no adherent), accreta, increta, and percreta. All patients underwent ultrasound evaluation before surgery. Cesarean section was planned at 35 to 36 weeks. The main goal was to preserve the uterus whenever was possible. After opening the peritoneal cavity, we first inspected the lower segment and bladder. If no signs of engorged and tortuous vessels we dissected first the bladder and then performed a transverse hysterotomy, removed the placenta and placed 2 parallel vertical sutures on the lower segment below the hysterotomy incision through the entire thickness of both uterine walls. In cases of massively engorged vessels we dissected the bladder after infant delivery and made a transverse uterine incision slightly higher. We measured the amount of blood loss and performed three postoperative ultrasound exams, on day 2, 4 and at 6 to 8 weeks.
Using this technique, we were able to preserve the uterus in 98.33% of Gr1 versus 78.47% from Gr2 of simple placenta praevia, in 88.23% in Gr1 compared to 42.86% in Gr2 of placenta accreta, only in 14.28% of increta type and in none (0%) of the 2 cases with placenta percreta.
The simplified compression technique for hemostasis and preserving uterus in cases of simple placenta praevia and accreta is easy to perform without special surgical skills and is rapid. There are no short and long-time complications related to the technique. In cases of placenta increta the problem is not that this technique is unsuccessful but getting to that point to place the sutures is difficult. In severe cases of placenta percreta, unfortunately, the hysterectomy remains the treatment of choice.
Serum levels of fetuin-A are negatively associated with log transformation levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone in patients with hyperthyroidism or euthyroidism
Authors: Tseng Fen-Yu , Chen Yen-Ting , Chi Yu-Chiao , Chen Pei-Lung , Yang Wei-Shiung 
Published: November 2018

Abstract
Fetuin-A is a protein with various biological functions. It plays a role in insulin resistance and arterial calcium deposition. Thyroid dysfunction may affect energy expenditure, glucose metabolism, and the risk of cardiovascular diseases. In the present study, we compared the serum fetuin-A concentrations in hyperthyroid patients with those in euthyroid patients.
We recruited 30 newly-diagnosed hyperthyroid patients (the HY group) and treated them with anti-thyroid regimens as clinically indicated. We recruited 30 euthyroid individuals (the EU group) as controls. We compared laboratory parameters at the baseline and at 6 months. We then determined the associations between the levels of fetuin-A and free thyroxine (fT4), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), or log transformation of TSH (logTSH).
At the baseline, the HY patients had significantly higher serum fetuin-A levels than the EU patients (median [Q1, Q3]: 735.4 [537.9, 843.4] ng/mL vs 561.1[449.2, 670.5] ng/mL, P = .010). At 6 months, the serum fetuin-A levels of the HY patients decreased but were still higher than those of the EU patients (698.4 [627.6, 924.3] ng/mL vs 616.5 [498.2, 727.7] ng/mL, P = .002). At baseline, the serum levels of fetuin-A were negatively associated with logTSH (β = –53.79, P = .010). At 6 months, the levels of fetuin-A were positively associated with fT4 (β = 86.91, P = .039), and negatively associated with logTSH (β = –104.28, P < .001). Changes to the levels of fetuin-A within 6 months were negatively associated with changes to logTSH (β = –57.80, P = .019). The negative associations between fetuin-A levels and logTSH at baseline and at 6 months, and the changes during the 6 months remained significant after adjustment for sex and age (β = –51.72, P = .016; β = –103.11, P < .001; and β = –59.36, P = .020, respectively).
The patients with hyperthyroidism had higher serum fetuin-A levels than the patients with euthyroidism. In patients with hyperthyroidism, the serum fetuin-A concentrations decreased after the anti-thyroid treatment. In the present study, serum fetuin-A concentrations were negatively associated with logTSH.