bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ureteroureteral anastomosis for endometriosis involving the ureter: Case series and literature review
Authors: Goggins Emily R , Wong Marron , Lindsey Alexis , Einarsson Jon I , Cohen Sarah L 
Published: May 2019

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to review operative management of endometriosis involving the ureter. Materials and methods: Retrospective case series of three patients undergoing resection of ureteral endometriosis with ureteroureterostomy for endometriosis involving the ureter by minimally invasive gynecologic surgeons between 2007 and 2018 at a large academic medical center in the Northeastern United States. A literature review was conducted to find cases with a similar approach. Results: Three cases of ureteral endometriosis surgically managed at our institution with ureteroureteral anastomosis were identified. Ureteral endometriosis was identified preoperatively by hydroureteronephrosis on imaging. Intrinsic ureteral endometriosis was confirmed by pathology in two cases; extrinsic endometriosis was grossly visualized in one case. Operative times ranged from 300 to 387 min. Estimated blood loss ranged from 150 to 250 mL. There were no intraoperative complications. A total of 151 cases with a similar approach were described in the literature. Recurrence of obstructive uropathy occurred in 11 cases. Conclusion: Ureteral endometriosis is a rare complication with several management options. Ureterectomy with ureteroureterostomy has been described in the literature and in three cases at our institution with low complication rates and rare stricture formation. This technique can be successful in the management of ureteral endometriosis and warrants further investigation.
Comparative outcomes of endoscopic ultrasound–guided cystogastrostomy for peripancreatic fluid collections: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Renelus Benjamin D. , Jamorabo Daniel S. , Gurm Hashroop K. , Dave Niel , Briggs William M. , Arya Mukul 
Published: May 2019

Background: Endoscopic ultrasound–guided cystogastrostomy has become the first-line treatment for symptomatic peripancreatic fluid collections. The aim of this study is to analyze the efficacy and safety of cystogastrostomy via a meta-analysis of the literature. Methods: We performed a systematic search of PubMed and Medline databases for studies published from January 2005 to May 2018. We included randomized controlled trials along with retrospective and prospective observational studies reporting endoscopic ultrasound–guided cystogastrostomy stent placement for peripancreatic fluid collections. The primary outcome for our meta-analysis was complete peripancreatic fluid collection resolution on imaging. Our secondary outcomes included comparative efficacy and safety of the procedure for pseudocysts and walled-off pancreatic necrosis using metal and plastic stents. Results: Seventeen articles involving 1708 patients met our inclusion criteria for meta-analysis. Based upon the random effects model, the pooled technical success rate of cystogastrostomy was 88% (95% confidence interval = 83–92 with I2 = 85%). There was no difference in the technical success rate between pancreatic pseudocysts and walled-off pancreatic necrosis (91% and 86%, respectively p = nonsignificant). The adverse event rates for metal and plastic stents were equivalent (14% and 18%, respectively, p = nonsignificant). Conclusion: Endoscopic ultrasound–guided cystogastrostomy stents are effective in the treatment of pancreatic pseudocysts and walled-off pancreatic necrosis. We found no difference in technical success or adverse event rates of drainage based on peripancreatic fluid collection type or stent used.
ACPA-negative RA consists of subgroups: patients with high likelihood of achieving sustained DMARD-free remission can be identified by serological markers at disease presentation
Authors: Boeters Debbie M. , Burgers Leonie E. , Sasso Eric H. , Huizinga Tom W. J. , van der Helm – van Mil Annette H. M. 
Published: May 2019

Abstract

Background
Disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD)-free remission, the sustained absence of synovitis after DMARD cessation, is increasingly achievable, especially in autoantibody-negative rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, underlying mechanisms are unknown and patient subgroups that achieve this outcome are insufficiently characterized. We evaluated whether serological biomarkers at disease onset, as measured within the multi-biomarker disease activity (MBDA) score, are differently expressed in RA patients who achieve sustained DMARD-free remission.

Methods
Two hundred ninety-nine RA patients were evaluated for achievement of sustained DMARD-free remission during a median follow-up of 4.3 years. Twelve biomarkers, as included in the MBDA score, were determined from the serum obtained at disease onset. Patients were categorized as having a low (< 30), moderate (30–44) or high (> 44) score. Analyses were stratified for anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA) based under the assumption that ACPA-positive and ACPA-negative RA are different disease entities.

Results
Twenty percent achieved sustained DMARD-free remission. Overall, high MBDA scores were associated with achieving DMARD-free remission (high vs. low HR 3.8, 95% CI 1.2–12.2). Among ACPA-negative RA patients, moderate or high scores associated strongly with DMARD-free remission (moderate vs. low HR 9.4, 95% CI 1.2–72.9; high vs. low HR 9.7, 95% CI 1.3–71.1). This association was independent of age and other clinical factors (high vs. low HR 8.2, 95% CI 1.1–61.8). For ACPA-negative RA patients, the biomarkers C-reactive protein, serum amyloid A and matrix metalloproteinase-3 were individually associated with sustained DMARD-free remission. Among ACPA-positive RA patients, scores were not associated with DMARD-free remission.

Conclusions
ACPA-negative RA patients who achieved sustained DMARD-free remission after treatment withdrawal were characterized by moderate to high MBDA scores at diagnosis. This is the first evidence that ACPA-negative RA can be subdivided in clinically relevant subsets at disease onset using a protein profile.
Treatment of Primary Aldosteronism With mTORC1 Inhibitors
Authors: Trinh Beckey , Hepprich Matthias , Betz Matthias J , Burkard Thilo , Cavelti-Weder Claudia , Seelig Eleonora , Meienberg Fabian , Kratschmar Denise V , Beuschlein Felix , Reincke Martin , Odermatt Alex , Hall Michael N , Donath Marc Y , Swierczynska Marta M 
Published: May 2019

Abstract

Context
Mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) activity is often increased in the adrenal cortex of patients with primary aldosteronism (PA), and mTORC1 inhibition decreases aldosterone production in adrenocortical cells, suggesting the mTORC1 pathway as a target for treatment of PA.

Objective
To investigate the effect of mTORC1 inhibition on adrenal steroid hormones and hemodynamic parameters in mice and in patients with PA.

Design
(i) Plasma aldosterone, corticosterone, and angiotensin II (Ang II) were measured in mice treated for 24 hours with vehicle or rapamycin. (ii) Plasma aldosterone levels after a saline infusion test, plasma renin, and 24-hour urine steroid hormone metabolome and hemodynamic parameters were measured during an open-label study in 12 patients with PA, before and after 2 weeks of treatment with everolimus and after a 2-week washout.

Main Outcome Measures
(i) Change in plasma aldosterone levels. (ii) Change in other steroid hormones, renin, Ang II, and hemodynamic parameters.

Results
Treatment of mice with rapamycin significantly decreased plasma aldosterone levels (P = 0.007). Overall, treatment of PA patients with everolimus significantly decreased blood pressure (P < 0.05) and increased renin levels (P = 0.001) but did not decrease aldosterone levels significantly. However, prominent reduction of aldosterone levels upon everolimus treatment was observed in four patients.

Conclusion
In mice, mTORC1 inhibition was associated with reduced plasma aldosterone levels. In patients with PA, mTORC1 inhibition was associated with improved blood pressure and renin suppression. In addition, mTORC1 inhibition appeared to reduce plasma aldosterone in a subset of patients.
MR guided high intensity focused ultrasound (MRgHIFU) for treating recurrent gynaecological tumours: a pilot feasibility study
Authors: Giles Sharon L , Imseeh Georgios , Rivens Ian , ter Haar Gail R , Taylor Alexandra , deSouza Nandita M 
Published: May 2019

Objective: To assess the feasibility of targeting recurrent gynaecological tumours with MR guided high intensity focused ultrasound (MRgHIFU). Methods: 20 patients with recurrent gynaecological tumours were prospectively scanned on a Philips/Profound 3 T Achieva MR/ Sonalleve HIFU system. Gross tumour volume (GTV) and planning target volume (PTV) were delineated on T 2W and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). Achievable treatment volumes that (i) assumed bowel and/or urogenital tract preparation could be used to reduce risk of damage to organs-at-risk (TVoptimal), or (ii) assumed no preparations were possible (TVno-prep) were compared with PTV on virtual treatment plans. Patients were considered treatable if TVoptimal ≥ 50 % PTV. Results: 11/20 patients (55%) were treatable if preparation strategies were used: nine had central pelvic recurrences, two had tumours in metastatic locations. Treatable volume ranged from 3.4 to 90.3 ml, representing 70 ± 17 % of PTVs. Without preparation, 6/20 (30%) patients were treatable (four central recurrences, two metastatic lesions). Limiting factors were disease beyond reach of the HIFU transducer, and bone obstructing tumour access. DWI assisted tumour outlining, but differences from T 2W imaging in GTV size (16.9 ± 23.0%) and PTV location (3.8 ± 2.8 mm in phase-encode direction) limited its use for treatment planning. Conclusions: Despite variation in size and location within the pelvis, ≥ 50 % of tumour volumes were considered targetable in 55 % patients while avoiding adjacent critical structures. A prospective treatment study will assess safety and symptom relief in a second patient cohort. Advances in knowledge: Target size, location and access make MRgHIFU a viable treatment modality for treating symptomatic recurrent gynaecological tumours within the pelvis.
Ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of benign symptomatic thyroid nodules – initial UK experience
Authors: Jawad Susan , Morley Simon , Otero Sofia , Beale Timothy , Bandula Steven 
Published: May 2019

Objective: To report on the use of RFA for the treatment of symptomatic benign and autonomously functioning thyroid nodules (AFTNs) in the first reported UK cohort. Methods: Patients treated over a 19-month period were retrospectively reviewed. Nodules were assessed pre-treatment and at 1 and 6 months post-treatment. Nodule volume was calculated and cosmetic assessment and thyroid-related quality of life (QoL) scores were recorded at each time point. Thyroid function tests (TFTs) were recorded at all three time points for patients with ATFNs. Results: 46 patients with 50 nodules were treated with no complications. The mean volume reduction 1-month post-treatment was 53 +- 14.9 % ( p < 0.0001). Six month data was available for 31 nodules and showed a mean 67 +- 17.6% vol reduction ( p < 0.0001). Five of the six patients with ATFNs were euthyroid at 1-month post-procedure. 6-month data was available on three of these patients, and all remained euthyroid. The thyroid-related QoL and cosmetic scores also improved. Data from 23 patients was available pre-treatment and at 6 months post-treatment and there was a significant ( p < 0.0001) reduction in QoL score. Pre-treatment, 82 % of nodules were readily visible at rest, decreasing to 12.5 % 6 months after treatment ( p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Results align with published data suggesting that RFA is effective at reducing nodule volume and at treating ATFNs and leads to improvement in thyroid-related QoL and cosmetic scores. Advances in knowledge: This early UK experience demonstrates that day-case radiofrequency ablation can provide safe and effective treatment of benign symptomatic thyroid nodules.
Usefulness of white blood cell count to mean platelet volume ratio in the prediction of SYNTAX score in patients with non-ST elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Sivri Serkan , Sökmen Erdoğan , Celik Mustafa , Ozbek Sinan Cemgil , Yildirim Alp , Boduroglu Yalcin 
Published: May 2019

Objective: White blood cell (WBC) count to mean platelet volume (MPV) ratio (WMR) is associated with major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). We aimed to compare WMR between NSTEMI patients and matched-controls and to evaluate its predictive value on SYNTAX score.
Methods: Total 175 patients with NSTEMI and 160 age and co-morbidity matched subjects were recruited in our study. WMR was compared between the patient and control groups. The patient group was further subdivided into 3 tertiles according to SYNTAX scores as follows: low SYNTAX score tertile (score ≤22, 141 patients); intermediate SYNTAX score tertile (score between 23 and 32, 20 patients); and, high SYNTAX score tertile (score ≥33, 14 patients). WMR was further assessed among the tertiles.
Results: WMR was significantly greater in the patient group compared to the control group (p<0,001). WMR among low, intermediate and high score tertiles were calculated to be 890±26, 1090±042 and 1500±65, respectively (p <0,001). In receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis, WMR >960 predicted a SYNTAX score ≥23 with 80.6% sensitivity and 67.6% specificity (AUC: 0.756; 95% CI: 0.685 - 0.818; p <0.0001) and a WMR >1360 predicted a SYNTAX score ≥33 with 71.4% sensitivity and 93% specificity (AUC: 0.840; 95% CI: 0.777 - 0.892; p <0.0001).
Conclusions: WMR value was significantly elevated in NSTEMI patients, compared to controls. Higher WMR was associated with greater SYNTAX score in patients with NSTEMI. WMR may be used to predict severity of the CAD and to implement risk stratification in patients with NSTEMI.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.35.3.1017
How to cite this:Sivri S, Sokmen E, Celik M, Ozbek SC, Yildirim A, Boduroglu Y. Usefulness of white blood cell count to mean platelet volume ratio in the prediction of SYNTAX score in patients with non-ST elevation myocardial infarction. Pak J Med Sci. 2019;35(3):824-829. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.35.3.1017
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Etiology and outcomes of convulsive status epilepticus in children
Authors: Uzair Muhammad , Ibrahim Asif , Zafar Faisal , Sultan Tipu 
Published: May 2019

Objective: The study aimed to ascertain different causes and outcomes of convulsive status epilepticus in children.
Methods: From January 2018 to June 2018, seventy three patients who presented with status epilepticus were studied. Data were recorded with the help of a pre-formed performa. Etiological factors and outcomes in terms of recovery, morbidity and mortality were studied.
Results: Out of 73 children, forty one (56%) were males and 32(44%) were females with median age of 1.09±0.27 years. Etiologies were acute symptomatic 25(34%), febrile 19(26%), progressive encephalopathy 10(14%), remote symptomatic 10(14%) and idiopathic 7(9%) with p-value 0.005. Status epilepticus was controlled within one hour in 42(57%), within 1-6 hours in 21(29%) and more than 6 hours in 10(14%) patients with p-value 0.027. During hospitals stay, twenty one (29%) patients recovered completely, seizure recurred in 12(16%), Twelve (16%) became mentally retarded, Twelve (16%) developed mental retardation along with seizures and 16(22%) died. Eight (10.9%) deaths were attributed to acute symptomatic etiology with p-value less than 0.001.
Conclusion: This study concluded that acute symptomatic etiology was more common cause of status epilepticus as compared to other etiologies and it is associated with poorer outcomes as compared to other etiologies.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.35.3.120
How to cite this:Uzair M, Ibrahim A, Zafar F, Sultan T. Etiology and outcomes of convulsive status epilepticus in children. Pak J Med Sci. 2019;35(3):620-623. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.35.3.120
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Oxidant-Antioxidant balance in patients with coronary slow flow
Authors: Baysal Sadettin Selçuk , Koç Şahbender 
Published: May 2019

Objective: Recent studies have focused on the probable role of oxidative stress in cardiovascular diseases. We aimed to assess the oxidant/antioxidant biomarkers in coronary slow flow (CSF).
Methods: The study included 51 subjects with CSF and age and sex matched 32 controls. Detailed anamnesis of the patients in the study was taken and routine physical examinations were performed. Routine biochemical blood tests were analyzed. Total oxidative status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI) and lipid hydroxyperoxide (LOOH) levels as oxidant biomarkers; paraoxonase (PON1), ceruloplasmin (CP), free sulphydryl (SH) groups, and total antioxidant capacity (TAS) levels as antioxidant biomarkers were studied.
Results: Baseline demographic characteristics of the study population did not differ significantly between groups. TOS, OSI and LOOH concentrations were higher in study group than in control group. However, there was no significant difference detected in levels of TAS, PON1, SH and CP. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that TOS, hsCRP and smoking were indepedent risk factors of CSF.
Conclusions: Although there was not any significant difference in antioxidant biomarkers (TAS, PON1, SH and CP) in CSF patients, we detected increased TOS, OSI and LOOH levels which have oxidant properties. These data supported the possible involvement of oxidative stress in pathogenesis of CSF as previous studies reported.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.35.3.162
How to cite this:Baysal SS, Koc S. Oxidant-Antioxidant balance in patients with coronary slow flow. Pak J Med Sci. 2019;35(3):786-792. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.35.3.162
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Effectiveness and Quality of Life with Montelukast in Asthma – A double-blind randomized control trial
Authors: Ullah Baig Mirza Saif , Khan Rashid Ahmed , Khan Kamran , Rizvi Nadeem 
Published: May 2019

Objective: To determine the role of montelukast – a leukotriene receptor antagonist (LTRA) – in improving the quality of life (QOL) and asthma control of adult patients with mild to moderate persistent asthma.
Methods: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, non-crossover trial was conducted from March 2017 till November 2018 in three hospitals of Karachi and Hyderabad. Adults of age 15 years or more with mild to moderate persistent asthma. Treatment group was administered tablet montelukast 10mg once daily; the other group was given a similar looking placebo; as an adjuvant to the current medication. QOL was assessed with Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire – Standard (AQLQ-S) before and after the treatment. Asthma control was monitored via Asthma Control Test (ACT).
Results: After 4 weeks, the mean ± SD of overall QOL on AQLQ-S improved from 3.74±0.88 to 5.06±0.89 for montelukast group and from 3.58±0.92 to 4.71±0.97 for placebo group (p=0.02). The improvement in sub-domains of symptoms, activity, and emotional functions was not significant; however, the sub-domain “environmental stimuli” significantly improved with 5.06±0.89 for montelukast group and 4.71±0.97 for placebo group (p=0.02). The mean ± SD of ACT, after four weeks, for montelukast group was 18.19±2.91 and for placebo group 17.28±3.36. Only on ACT, Montelukast did not show any statistically insignificant results.
Conclusion: The role of montelukast in improving QOL of adult patients with mild to moderate persistent asthma is quite beneficial. It improves patient quality of life. It has the ease of once daily oral administration and also eradicates side effects associated with long-term adherence to steroids.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.35.3.42
How to cite this:Baig S, Khan RA, Khan K, Rizvi N. Effectiveness and Quality of Life with Montelukast in Asthma – A double-blind randomized control trial. Pak J Med Sci. 2019;35(3):731-736. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.35.3.42
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Pattern of changes in latissimus dorsi, gluteus maximus, internal oblique and transverse abdominus muscle thickness among individuals with sacroiliac joint dysfunction
Authors: Bashir Muhammad Salman , Noor Rabiya , Hadian Mohammad Reza , Olyaei Gholamreza 
Published: May 2019

Background and Objective: Altered Pattern of the Global Muscle system is presented in literature among individuals with sacroiliac Joint Dysfunctions. However, the pattern of changes in the Latissimus dorsi (LD) and gluteal maximus (GM) among sacroiliac joint dysfunctions (SIJD) is not reported. This study aimed to investigate the changes in the resting muscle thickness of the Latissimusdorsi and gluteal maximus in SIJD.
Method: A total of 88 subjects (44 individuals with SIJD and 44 healthy individuals as matched control) was included in this study. The resting thickness of the Latissimusdorsi and gluteal maximus was measured using real time musculoskeletal ultrasonography and data was compared between the ipsilateral side and contra lateral side among subjects with SIJD as well as healthy subjects. Independent sample t test was used to analyze the data by using SPSS version-25.
Results: The results showed that contralateral LD were reduced significantly among subjects with SIJD when compared with the other side and with control. It also showed that ipsilateral IO, TrA and GM were reduced significantly among subjects with SIJD when compared with the controls and with contralateral side.
Conclusion: The reduced resting muscle thickness showed an altered motor pattern of Deep Muscles of local system and Gross muscles of global system among patients with sacroiliac joint dysfunction.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.35.3.62
How to cite this:Bashir MS, Noor R, Hadian MR, Olyaei G. Pattern of changes in latissimus dorsi, gluteus maximus, internal oblique and transverse abdominus muscle thickness among individuals with sacroiliac joint dysfunction. Pak J Med Sci. 2019;35(3):818-823. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.35.3.62
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Cryptogenic Multifocal Ulcerative Sclerosing Enteritis: A Curious Case of Intestinal Obstruction in the Setting of Human Immunodeficiency Virus
Authors: Hathorn Kelly , Qazi Taha , Caton Michael Travis , Allegretti Jessica R. 
Published: May 2019

ABSTRACT
Cryptogenic multifocal ulcerative sclerosing enteritis (CMUSE) is a rare clinical entity characterized by chronic, relapsing episodes of ileus and obstruction resulting from superficial ulcerating lesions of the small intestine with a clinical course that responds favorably to corticosteroids. We report a case of CMUSE arising in a patient with a history of human immunodeficiency virus infection. This case highlights the unique pathology of CMUSE as well as the potential pathogenesis of this atypical clinical entity.