bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparative effectiveness of 3 Traditional Chinese Medicine treatment methods for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Pang Li-Jian , Liu Jian-Ping , Lv Xiao-Dong 
Published: July 2019

AbstractIntroduction:The morbidity of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) was found in an increasing trend, progressive worsening of symptoms and deterioration in lung function tend to trigger off a lower quality of life (QoL). Only pirfenidone and nintedanib have been recommended in the guidelines, which can modify the disease process. However, no evidence was verified to significantly alleviate the main clinical manifestations of IPF. At present, Chinese herbal formula (CHF) is widely prescribed as an adjunct to western medicine to treat the disease, and have shown promising benefits on clinical symptoms and QoL. There are mainly 3 Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treatment methods guiding the composition of CHFs, which are devoting to comfort the common symptoms of IPF. Nevertheless, the paucity of direct comparative evidence of them posed a challenge for clinicians to determine the relative merits options. Therefore, we formulate this protocol, which is described for a systematic review to investigate relative advantages among different TCM treatment method and provide more reliable evidence for clinical decision-making.Methods and analysis:A systematic literature search will be employed in 10 electronic databases. Inclusion criteria are randomized control trials of CHFs composed based on the 3 TCM treatment methods, which act as an adjuvant treatment with routine drugs, compared with routine drugs alone. The primary outcomes we focus on include St George's Hospital Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) scores, TCM symptom (dyspnea, cough) scores. The research screening, data extraction, and methodological quality assessment will be conducted by 2 individuals separately, and dispute will be adjudicated by a third senior reviewer. We will employ network meta-analysis (NMA) in a Bayesian framework with vague priors and the surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) to obtain the comprehensive rank for the 3 TCM treatment methods.Results:This systematic review will provide an evidence of CHFs composed under the guidance by 3 TCM treatment methods with routine drugs, compared with routine drugs alone for IPF, and will submit to a peer-reviewed journal for publication.Conclusion:The conclusion of this systematic review will provide evidence for relative advantages among the 3 TCM treatment methods.
Systematic review with network meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Xiao-Hong , Liang Hui-Min 
Published: July 2019

Abstract

Background and objective:
Ischemic stroke is a foremost cause for disability and death worldwide. This study is conducted in order to compare the diagnostic values between transcranial Doppler ultrasound (ultrasonography), computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients suffering from ischemic stroke by performing a network meta-analysis.

Methods:
We made use of Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Embase in order to obtain literature and papers. The combination analysis of both direct and indirect evidence in terms of sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) and accuracy was conducted so as to assess the odds ratios (ORs) and surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) values of the seven different imaging methods. These imaging techniques include ultrasonography, computed tomography (traditional CT, computed tomography angiography [CTA], computed tomography perfusion [CTP]), and MRI (traditional MRI, diffusion-weighted imaging [DWI], magnetic resonance angiography), in order to properly diagnose ischemic stroke patients.

Results:
Thirteen eligible diagnostic trials were enrolled into this network meta-analysis. The results of the traditional meta-analysis showed that among CT methods, CTP showed higher sensitivity, NPV, and accuracy; among MRI methods, DWI had relatively higher sensitivity, NPV, and accuracy. The results of network meta-analysis showed that DWI had relatively higher sensitivity, NPV, and accuracy when compared with traditional CT, CTA, magnetic resonance angiography and traditional MRI. CTP showed higher SUCRA among CT methods while DWI showed higher SUCRA among MRI methods. A cluster analysis revealed that DWI had the highest diagnostic value in terms of sensitivity, PPV, NPV, and accuracy amongst the aforementioned seven imaging techniques.

Conclusion:
This network meta-analysis provides supporting evidence to the idea that DWI has a higher diagnostic value regarding ischemic stroke among MRI methods, and CTP has a poor diagnostic value among CT methods, which provide therapeutic considerations for Ischemic stroke intervention.
Elevated fasting serum glucose levels increase the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Liu Tong , Wang Wanchao , Cui Haozhe , Sun Miaomiao , Wang Yiming , Liu Xining , Cao Liying , Liu Hai , Liu Siqing 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Previous studies have demonstrated a positive relationship between liver cancer and diabetes mellitus. However, elevated fasting blood glucose (FBG) itself may be a risk factor for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) rather than diabetes, and during the follow-up period, death is an event that may occur before the occurrence of HCC, which should be dealt with competing risk models. Our study aims to investigate the relationship between FBG and new-onset HCC by using competing risk regression models.
We prospectively studied the relationship between FBG concentrations and risk of HCC in a cohort of 93,447 participants who were free of prior HCC, and whose demographic characteristics and biochemical parameters were recorded. Cox proportional hazards regression models and competing risk regression models were used to evaluate the association between FBG concentrations and risk of incident HCC.
A total of 302 participants were diagnosed with HCC among 93,447 subjects during 810,499 person-years of follow-up. The multivariable hazard ratios (HRs) [95% confidence interval (95% CI)] for the association of FBG and log(FBG) with HCC were 1.07 (1.01∼1.12), 1.84 (1.23∼2.74) in an analysis adjusted for other potential variables. In the multivariable adjusted analysis, participants who were in 4.82 mmol/L≤FBG≤5.49 mmol/L group and FBG >5.49 mmol/L group would have increased the risk of HCC by 47% and 69%, respectively. In a cause-specific hazard model (CS model), the multivariable HRs (95% CI) for the association of FBG with HCC were 1.46 (1.09∼1.98), 1.69 (1.27∼2.27) in the multivariable adjusted analysis. Similar results were also observed in sub-distribution hazard function model (SD model) with corresponding multivariate HRs (95% CI) of 1.46 (1.09∼2.00), 1.69 (1.25∼2.27) in 4.82 mmol/L≤FBG≤5.49 mmol/L group and FBG >5.49 mmol/L group, respectively.
Higher FBG concentrations itself were positively associated with new-onset HCC in the Cox proportional hazards regression models and competing risk models. FBG concentrations can be used as a scientific and important way to identify individuals with a higher risk of HCC and control of FBG concentrations might serve as a possible way to decrease the risk of HCC among Chinese population.

Trial registration: ChiCTR–TNRC–11001489. Registered August 24, 2011 (retrospectively registered).
Effects of moxibustion on pain behaviors in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Shen Biyu , Sun Qian , Chen Haoyang , Li Yongchang , Du Xian , Li Huiling , Xu Guang-yin 
Published: July 2019

Abstract

Background:
Pain is the main symptom of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Reports of the effects of moxibustion on patients with rheumatoid arthritis have reached various conclusions. The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the effect of moxibustion on pain in patients with RA.

Methods:
A systematic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and the Chinese databases Wan Fang Med Database, CNKI, and VIP (until November, 2018) was used to identify studies reporting pain (on a visual analogue scale (VAS)), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP) and rheumatoid factor (RF) levels, response rate, and the ACR50 rate in patients with RA. Results were expressed as mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results:
Six studies involving 281 participants were included. Moxibustion had significant effects on pain (VAS: MD = −0.53, 95% CI [−0.94, −0.12], P =.01). Moreover, moxibustion had effects on CRP (MD = −2.84, 95% CI [−5.13, −0.55], P =.01), ESR (MD = −8.44, 95% CI ([−13.19, −3.68], P =.0005), and RF (MD = −6.39, 95% CI [−18.57, 5.79], P =.30). Additionally, it had effects on response rate (n = 249, RR = 1.26, 95% CI [1.11, 1.43], P =.0004) and ACR50 rate (n = 140, RR = 1.44, 95% CI [1.11, 1.88], P =.007).

Conclusion:
We found that moxibustion with Western medicine therapy is superior to Western medicine therapy alone for pain in patients with RA. Moxibustion had significant effects on pain in patients with RA, but the effects of moxibustion on inflammatory factors in RA were unclear.
Comparative effectiveness of different forms of traditional Chinese medicine for treatment of post-stroke depression
Authors: Chen Huiling , Zhao Meidan , Li Xiuming , Zhang Yanhong , Hao Yu , Xiao Ergang , Gao Wenyuan , Wang Hongwu 
Published: July 2019

Abstract

Background:
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) therapy is effective for post-stroke depression (PSD). TCM therapy encompasses various forms of practices. However, the comparative effectiveness of these therapies is still not clear. Here, we provide a network meta-analysis protocol to compare the effects of different types of TCM therapy on PSD, using both direct and indirect evidence.

Methods:
Twelve databases investigation will be conducted through the keywords from their inception to June 1, 2019. At least 2 independent reviewers will identify eligible articles. EndNote X7 software is utilized to manage the literatures and RevMan V.5.3 (The Cochrane Collaboration) software is for data processing throughout the review. The package “netmeta” (version 0.5-0) in R (version 3.0.2, The R Foundation for Statistical Computing) will be used to perform network meta-analysis (NMA). In addition, the overall quality of evidence is evaluated by GRADEPro software, and Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias Tool is employed for the methodological quality. Generally speaking, this review protocol is reported according to the preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis protocols 2015 guidelines.

Results:
According to this protocol, it will provide evidence in support of, or against, the hypothesis that TCM therapy for PSD is more effective than pharmacotherapy. The results of this study will also provide evidence on relative efficacy of different forms of TCM. Furthermore, this analysis will show which form(s) of TCM therapy is (are) the most effective.

Conclusion:
The results will help PSD doctors and patients choose the treatment regimen which is effective, time-saving and economical.

PROSPERO registration number:
CRD42016041594.
A study on the correlation between radiation field size and gamma index passing rate for MatriXX
Authors: Xie Kai , Sun Hongfei , Gao Liugang , Sui Jianfeng , Lin Tao , Ni Xinye 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
This study aimed to analyze the influence of the radiation field size on the passing rate of the treatment planning system using MatriXX if the field irradiated the circuit.
Two sets of static fields which were 10 cm and 30 cm in the left-right direction (X), and was 31 cm to 40 cm in gun-target direction (Y) were designed. In these fields, the gantry was 0 and the monitor units were 200 MU. Two plans from an esophagus carcinoma patient with a planning target volume of 86.4 cm3 and a cervical carcinoma patient with a planning target volume (PTV) of 2094.1 cm3 were chosen. The passing rates of these plans were gained without and with protecting the circuit area from lead alloys. The gamma analysis was used and the standard was set to 3%/3 mm.
The verification passing rate decreased from 95.0% to 69.2% when X was 10 cm while Y increased from 31 cm to 40 cm. With the protection from low melting point lead alloys, the passing rate was from 96.2% to 89.6%. The results of the second set of plans without lead alloys were similar but the passing rate decreased more sharply. The passing rates of the 2 patients were 99.5% and 57.1%. With the protection of the lead alloys, their passing rates were 99.8% and 72.1%, respectively.
The results showed that with the increase of the radiation field size in the Y direction, more areas were irradiated in the circuit, and the passing rate gradually decreases and dropped sharply at a certain threshold. After putting lead alloys above the circuit, the passing rate was much better in the static field but was still less than 90% in the second patient volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) because the circuit was irradiate in other directions. In daily QA, we should pay attention to these patients with long size tumor.
Effectiveness and safety of transvenous extraction of single- versus dual-coil implantable cardioverter-defibrillator leads at single-center experience
Authors: Ząbek Andrzej , Boczar Krzysztof , Dębski Maciej , Ulman Mateusz , Pfitzner Roman , Musiał Robert , Lelakowski Jacek , Małecka Barbara 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
The available literature lacks data concerning direct comparison of the effectiveness and safety of single- versus dual-coil implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) leads transvenous extraction. Certainly, additional shocking coil in superior vena cava adds to the amount of metal in the vascular system. Adhesions developing around the superior vena cava coil add to the difficulty of extraction of ICD lead if lead removal is required. The aim of the study was to assess the effectiveness and safety of single- and dual-coil ICD leads transvenous extraction using mechanical systems. We performed transvenous lead extraction (TLE) of 197 ICD leads in 196 patients. There were 46 (23.3%) dual-coil leads removed from 46 (23.5%) patients. Cardiovascular implantable electronic device-related infection was an indication for TLE in 25.0% of patients. The following extracting techniques were used: manual direct traction, mechanical telescopic sheaths, controlled-rotation mechanical sheaths, and femoral approach. Complete ICD lead removal and complete procedural success in both groups were similar (99.3% in single-coil vs 97.8% in dual-coil, P = .41 and 99.3% in single-coil vs 97.8% in dual-coil, P = 0.41, respectively). We did not find significant difference between major and minor complication rates in both groups (2.0% in single-coil vs 4.3% in dual-coil, and 0.7% in single-coil vs 0.0% in dual-coil, P = .58, respectively). There was 1 death associated with the TLE procedure of single-coil lead.
This study shows that extraction of dual-coil leads seems to be comparably safe and effective to extraction of single-coil leads. On the other hand, it requires longer fluoroscopy time and frequent utilization of advanced tools.
Intraosseous epithelioid haemangioendothelioma of the mandible
Authors: Yang Haili , Wang Jun , Song Li , Zou Haixiao 
Published: July 2019

Abstract

Introduction:
Epithelioid haemangioendothelioma (EHE) is a rare vascular neoplasm that primarily occurs in the soft tissues of the extremities, with “intermediate” or “borderline” malignant biological characteristics and a propensity for recurrence and metastasis. Oral cavity involvement is extremely rare, with only 5 reported cases of intraosseous EHE of the mandible. Herein, we report an additional case and review the related literature.

Patient concerns:
A 44-year-old man was referred to our institution with a 2-month history of left lower lip numbness and a 2-week history of painful swelling of the left mandible. He had received antibiotic treatment, which failed to ameliorate his symptoms. His medical and family histories were not significant.

Diagnosis:
Enhanced computed tomography revealed a poorly defined, 4.5 × 3.5 × 1.0 cm osteolytic lesion in the angle and ramus of the mandible, as well as an eroded lingual cortex. Histopathological examination confirmed a diagnosis of EHE.

Interventions:
Surgical resection was performed via segmental mandibulectomy and the defect was reconstructed using a vascularized fibular flap.

Outcomes:
The patient did not exhibit signs of locoregional recurrence after 3 years of follow-up.

Conclusions:
Intraosseous EHE of the mandible is an unpredictable lesion with a relatively benign course; however, the few reported cases of this disease do not highlight any factors that can predict the risk of locoregional recurrence or metastasis. There is also no consensus regarding the optimal treatment for intraosseous EHE; however, we recommend extensive local excision with close clinical follow-up.
Successful management of severe acute respiratory distress syndrome caused by sodium polystyrene sulfonate aspiration
Authors: Ko Cheng-Yu , Liu Ping-Yen , Chen Po-Wei 
Published: July 2019

Abstract

Rationale:
Sodium polystyrene sulfonate is commonly administered to treat hyperkalemia. Severe pneumonia due to aspiration of this drug is rare and no survival case has thus far been reported.

Patient concerns:
A 45-year-old man was hospitalized for acute decompensated heart failure and acute kidney injury with hyperkalemia. He aspirated sodium polystyrene sulfonate while consuming the drug. Severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) developed rapidly, and he was transferred to the intensive care unit (ICU).

Diagnoses:
Chest radiography results after aspiration showed new consolidation in the left upper lung. He underwent emergency bronchoscopy, which revealed a considerable amount of yellow mud-like material in the trachea and bronchi. Chest radiography results after the bronchoscopic removal of the foreign material revealed rapid resolution of the left upper lung consolidation.

Interventions:
In the ICU, mechanical ventilation with low tidal volume and high positive end-expiratory pressure was administered and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) was set up for treating severe ARDS. We arranged an emergency bronchoscopy for diagnosis and removal of polystyrene sulfonate.

Outcomes:
ECMO was discontinued after 10 days and the patient was discharged after approximately 2 weeks.

Lessons:
Aspiration of sodium polystyrene sulfonate is not common but can be lethal. Clinicians should be cautious and appropriately inform patients of the aspiration risk while administering this drug. Mechanical ventilation and bronchoscopy were effective treatments for severe ARDS caused by aspiration of this drug.
A case of bilateral leg edema associated with levofloxacin
Authors: Na Jeonggu , Lee Tae Won , Bae Eunjin , Lee Eun Ju , Jang Ha Nee , Cho Hyun Seop , Chang Se-Ho , Park Dong Jun 
Published: July 2019

Abstract

Rationale:
A number of medicines are associated with edema. However, only 2 cases of edema of both lower legs, associated with levofloxacin, have been reported.

Patient:
We report the case of levofloxacin–associated bilateral leg edema in an 81–year-old male. The patient was referred to the Division of Nephrology due to edema limited to both lower legs, which had developed 1 day before. He had undergone supraglottic laryngectomy due to supraglottic cancer in our institution 6 months ago. He had been admitted to the Department of Otolaryngology due to persistent aspiration and general weakness 5 days ago.

Diagnosis:
The patient had no underlying diseases that could result in edema. No abnormalities were detected in several diagnostic tests. He strongly denied using other medications including herbal or traditional remedies, recreational drugs, or drugs of abuse. The patient had been intravenously administered levofloxacin at 750 mg per day 5 days earlier; on this basis levofloxacin–induced edema was suspected.

Interventions and outcomes:
Levofloxacin was immediately withdrawn and conservative management (salt restriction and withdrawal of intravenous fluid) was initiated. His edema was completely restored within 3 weeks after withdrawal of levofloxacin.

Outcomes:
The patient stopped taking levofloxacin and he did not have any recurrent edema until his death due to uncontrolled pneumonia.

Lessons:
Levofloxacin should be added to the list of drugs associated with the development of bilateral leg edema. This might obviate the need for time–consuming studies for diagnostic purposes and application of ineffective or harmful treatments.
Epithelial keratitis mimicking herpes simplex keratitis in a patient after cataract surgery
Authors: Zou Ming , Zhang Yi , Huang Xi , Gao Sheng , Liu Chunling 
Published: July 2019

Abstract

Rationale:
Epithelial keratitis is a common complication after cataract surgery. Many factors have been attributed to this clinical phenomenon.

Patient concerns:
An 82-year-old woman without previous herpes simplex keratitis (HSK) underwent an uncomplicated clear corneal phacoemulsification procedure in the right eye. In the late postoperative period, epithelial keratitis developed in this same eye.

Diagnosis:
An initial diagnosis of HSK was made clinically. The lesion was refractory to antiviral treatment and had progressed. After topical acyclovir cessation and vigorous lubrication, a diagnosis of toxic keratitis was finally made.

Outcomes:
The corneal epithelial defect and dendritic lesion presented initially. Responding to antiviral treatment, this corneal lesion aggravated and revealed large epithelial erosion. After topical acyclovir cessation and initiation of vigorous lubrication, the toxic keratitis was completely resolved.

Lessons:
Epithelial keratitis following cataract surgery is a common complication and can be misdiagnosed early in its disease course. Physicians should be alert to the possibility of HSK. Polymerase chain reaction detection is helpful in diagnosing this disease.
Thalamic and cerebellar hypoperfusion in single photon emission computed tomography may differentiate multiple system atrophy and progressive supranuclear palsy
Authors: Alster Piotr , Nieciecki Michał , Koziorowski Dariusz M. , Cacko Andrzej , Charzyńska Ingeborga , Królicki Leszek , Friedman Andrzej 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Neuroimaging in the context of examining atypical parkinsonian tauopathies is an evolving matter. Positron emission tomography and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) bring tools, which may be reasonable in supplementary examination, however, cannot be interpreted as a criterion standard for correct diagnosis. The aim of this observational study was to assess the differentiating potential of perfusion SPECT in 3 types of atypical parkinsonisms: multiple system atrophy parkinsonian type (MSA-P), corticobasal syndrome (CBS), and progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). The study was carried out using the comparison of standard deviations of perfusion in patients from these 3 groups. Data obtained from 10 patients with clinical diagnosis MSA-P, 14 patients with CBS and 21 patients with PSP, which were analyzed using Tukey honest significant difference post-hoc test, revealed significant differences of perfusion P < .05 between MSA-P and PSP within the cerebellum and thalamus. No significant differences between CBS and PSP were observed.