bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Use of contrast-enhanced post-mortem computed tomography to diagnose intestinal perforation caused by malpractice
Authors: Wang Zhuoqun , Ma Kaijun , Wan Lei , Zou Donghua , Liu Ningguo , Chen Yijiu 
Published: April 2019

Abstract

Rationale:
The application of post-mortem computed tomography (PMCT) and PMCT angiography (PMCTA) is becoming increasingly common in forensic investigations. One of the most frequently applied techniques today is PMCTA. However, few studies have focused on the application of contrast-enhanced PMCT of hollow organs such as the gastrointestinal tract. The intestine is a special digestive organ with a complicated anatomical structure; it is difficult to separate in medicolegal investigations, during which new rupture may occur, affecting the examiner's judgment. Moreover, the formalin-fixed intestine is more difficult to separate because of its increased brittleness. In the present case, the authors applied contrast-enhanced PMCT to the diagnosis of intestinal perforation caused by a medical accident.

Patient concerns:
A 67-year-old woman with cholecystitis underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the hospital. The gallbladder was successfully removed, but the doctor was suspected to have accidentally perforated her intestinal tract with the laparoscopic machinery. The patient developed severe peritonitis and died after the operation.

Diagnosis, interventions, and outcomes:
Contrast-enhanced PMCT with isolation of the intestinal tract was performed after dissection of the body. The results suggested that the contrast agent flowed out through the rupture. The autopsy and histological examination revealed a perforated crevasse, confirming the cause of peritonitis while excluding other probabilities despite the doctor's denial.

Lessons:
Contrast-enhanced PMCT was an effective technique with which to interpret this gastrointestinal tract rupture and served as a non-invasive tool for identifying the injury.
The association between thyroid echogenicity and thyroid function in pediatric and adolescent Hashimoto's thyroiditis
Authors: Jeong Sun Hye , Hong Hyun Sook , Lee Ji Ye 
Published: April 2019

Abstract
In this study, we evaluated the association between thyroid echogenicity on ultrasonography (US) and thyroid function in pediatric and adolescent Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) patients.
In 86 pediatric and adolescent HT patients, the association between echogenicity and thyroid function and microsomal autoantibody status was evaluated. Among patients with overt hypothyroidism, 89.2% (33/37) showed a US grade of 3 or 4. All of the patients at grade 4 presented with overt hypothyroidism. In contrast, 97.8% (44/49) of the patients with subclinical hypothyroidism or euthyroidism showed grades 1 or 2. Patients with increased thyroid-stimulating hormone titer also tended to have increased US grades (P < .001). In contrast, free thyroxine levels were significantly decreased with increasing US grade (P < .001).
In conclusion, patients with higher US grades had decreased thyroid function (P < .001).
The value of diffusion tensor imaging for differentiating autism spectrum disorder with language delay from developmental language disorder among toddlers
Authors: Zhang Lin , Ma Rui , Yuan Yanran , Lian Dandan , Qi Xianlong , Zheng Ning , Li Kailong 
Published: April 2019

Abstract

Background:
Impaired language function is frequently observed as an initial sign in people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, clinically, the early stages of ASD are difficult to distinguish from those of developmental language disorder (DLD).

Objective:
To evaluate the ability of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) parameters for language-related white matter tracts (arcuate fasciculus) to differentiate ASD from DLD among toddlers.

Materials and methods:
We included 16 ASD toddlers with language delay and 18 DLD toddlers in this study. Magnetic resonance imaging sequences included T2-weighted imaging (T2WI), T1 3-dimensional magnetization-prepared rapid acquisition gradient-echo (3D MP-RAGE), and DTI. Tractography was performed using Neuro 3D in the Siemens Syngo Workstation, and fractional anisotropy (FA), average fiber length (AFL), tract volume (TV), and number of voxels (NV) were automatically calculated. Data were then analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics 22.

Results:
The ASD group exhibited significantly lower FA values, as well as significantly higher TV and NV values compared with the DLD group. With age as the covariate, analysis of covariance revealed different significances in TV and NV. Analysis of variance for AFL revealed no significant differences between the 2 groups.

Conclusion:
DTI parameters of arcuate fasciculus were useful for differentiating ASD with language delay from DLD among toddlers. DTI has the potential to provide an objective and effective method for aiding early diagnosis, early intervention and improving long-term outcomes of ASD.
Low expression of PIK3C2A gene
Authors: Tan Buchuan , Liu Miao , Yang Yushuang , Liu Long , Meng Fanbo 
Published: April 2019

Abstract

Aims:
Phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3Ks) are a family of enzymes that phosphorylate the 3′-OH of inositol ring of phosphatidylinositol (PI) and regulate a broad range of signaling pathways. PIK3C2A is structurally distinct from the other members of this class and is expressed in endothelial cells, vascular endothelium, and smooth muscle. In ischemic cardiovascular diseases, such as coronary artery disease, pathology is associated with endothelial damage and inflammation, downregulation of the EPC cell population and function, and impaired angiogenesis. This study aims to make an assessment on whether expression of PIK3C2A gene can be used as a biomarker for predicting the risk of acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

Methods:
We collected peripheral blood from 84 subjects with non-coronary heart disease and 70 patients with AMI. The real-time quantitative PCR test was applied to measure levels of PIK3C2A gene expression at mRNA level in peripheral blood.

Results:
Our results indicated that the level of PIK3C2A gene expression in peripheral blood of AMI patients was significantly lower than one in the non-coronary heart disease subjects. Binary logistic regression analysis showed that low expression of PIK3C2A gene was an independent risk factor of AMI and increased the risk of AMI by 2.231 folds. Moreover, it was found that low expression of PIK3C2A gene was not associated with level of fasting blood glucose, platelet count, Gensini score of coronary artery, and quantity of cardiac troponin.

Conclusion:
The level of PIK3C2A gene expression in patients with AMI is significantly lower than that of healthy people. Low expression of PIK3C2A gene is an independent risk factor of AMI. Low expression of PIK3C2A could serve as a potential biomarker to predict risk of AMI.
PCSK9 positively correlates with plasma sdLDL in community-dwelling population but not in diabetic participants after confounder adjustment
Authors: Liu Yan , Wang Xiaona , Han Jie , Liu Lu , Jin Ying , Jin Liyuan , Ye Ping 
Published: April 2019

Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the relationship between plasma proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin 9 (PCSK9) and small dense low-density lipoprptein (sdLDL) in diabetic and non-diabetic participants in a community-dwelling cohort.
The plasma levels of PCSK9 and sdLDL were detected in 1766 participants (median age: 61.40 years; 733 males vs 1033 females; 383 diabetic vs 1383 non-diabetic patients) from the Pingguoyuan community of Beijing, China.
Results showed that Pearson correlation analysis revealed a positive correlation between PCSK9 and sdLDL (r = 0.263, P < .001). Multiple linear regression analysis showed a significant positive correlation between plasma PCSK9 and sdLDL in the whole population study. sdLDL was used as the dependent variable, and the potential cofounders were adjusted. However, any independent relationship was not observed between circulating PCSK9 and sdLDL in the diabetic subpopulation (r = 0.269, P < .05, β = 9.591, P > .05).
Thus, there is a positive correlation between plasma PCSK9 and sdLDL in a community-dwelling cohort, but not in type 2 diabetic subpopulation, after confounder adjustment.
Qian lie an suppository (prostant) for chronic prostatitis
Authors: Hui-juan Cao , Shi-bing Liang , Jian-ping Liu , Bin Wang , Hai-song Li , Ji-sheng Wang , Si-qi Guan , Yu-tian Zhu , Heng-heng Dai , Chun-yu Zhou 
Published: April 2019

Abstract

Background:
Chronic prostatitis (CP) is an inflammation of the prostate gland that seriously affects the quality of life of patients. The existing evidence of antibiotics and α-blockers for the treatment of CP is limited.

Objectives:
This review evaluated the effectiveness and safety of Qian Lie An Suppository (Prostant) in treating CP.

Methods:
Randomized controlled trials comparing Prostant (alone or plus the control) with placebo, conventional drugs, or nonpharmaceutical therapies for CP were included in this article through searching from 6 databases. Data were analyzed using RevMan 5.3 software. Meta-analysis was performed when the clinical or statistical heterogeneity was found acceptable among trials. Estimate effects were present with risk ratio (RR) or mean difference and their 95% confidence interval (CI) for dichotomies or continuous variables. Quality of the evidence for each primary outcome was assessed using GRADE criteria.

Results:
Totally 21 trials involving 3359 participants were included. There were 2 included trials had unclear risk of bias, and the remaining trials had high risk of bias. Meta-analyses showed the number of cured patients in the Prostant group was 2 times more than that of the placebo (RR 2.05, 95%CI 1.10 to 3.81) or antibiotics (RR 1.95, 95%CI 1.18 to 3.23) groups. Similar results were found when Prostant in combination with antibiotics or hyperthermia compared with the antibiotics (RR 1.78, 95% CI 1.10–2.89) or hyperthermia (RR 1.72, 95% CI 1.23–2.40) alone. However, there was no difference in the number of cured patients between Prostant and α-blockers or hyperthermia therapy. No severe adverse event was reported in all included trials. The main adverse events in Prostant group were reported (in 8 included trials) as diarrhea and anal discomfort.

Conclusions:
Low-quality evidence showed that the Prostant may have add-on effect for patients with CP on increasing the number of cured patients, relieving pain, and improving the quality of life. There is not sufficient evidence to determine the effectiveness and safety of Prostant for the treatment of CP compared with placebo, antibiotics, α-blockers or the hyperthermia therapy.
Identification of aberrantly methylated differentially expressed genes in age-related macular degeneration
Authors: Xu Zixuan , Ruan Zhaohui , Huang Xuetao , Liu Qiang , Li Zhaozhi , Zhou Xueyun , Zhang Xian , Shang Lei 
Published: April 2019

Abstract
DNA methylation plays a significant role in many diseases. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss for people aged 50 years and above, but the etiology and pathogenesis are largely unknown. This study aimed to identify the aberrantly methylated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in AMD and predict the related pathways on the basis of public data.
Aberrant methylation can influence the functions of key genes by altering their expression. Here, we found out DEGs by overlapping public microarray data (GSE29801 and GSE102952). Functional and enrichment analyses of selected genes were performed using the DAVID database. Subsequently, protein–protein interaction (PPI) networks were constructed by using STRING and visualized in cytoscape to determine hub genes. Finally, we collected AMD patients’ blood samples to identify the methylation statuses of these hub genes by using methylated DNA immunoprecipitation.
In total, 156 hypermethylation-low expression genes and 127 hypomethylation-high expression genes were predicted. The hypermethylation-low expression genes were enriched in biological processes of response to cardiac conduction, ATP binding, and cell–cell junction assembly. The top 5 hub genes of the PPI network were HSP90AA1, HSPA1L, HSPE1, HSP90B1, and NOP56. Meanwhile, the hypomethylation-high expression genes were enriched in the biological processes of response to positive regulation of the MAPK cascade, actin cytoskeleton reorganization, dentate gyrus development, and cell migration. The top 5 hub genes of this PPI network were PIK3R1, EZR, IGF2, SLC2A1, and CDKN1C. Moreover, the methylation statuses of NOP56, EZR, IGF2, SLC2A1, CDKN1C were confirmed to be altered in the blood of AMD patients.
This study indicated possible aberrantly methylated DEGs and differentially expressed pathways in AMD by bioinformatics analysis, providing novel insights for unraveling the pathogenesis of AMD. Hub genes, including NOP56, EZR, IGF2, SLC2A1, CDKN1C, might serve as aberrant methylation-based candidate biomarkers for AMD in future applications.
Influence of OATP1B1 and OATP1B3 mutations and glomerular filtration rate on trough serum digoxin concentration in the Chinese population
Authors: Chen Shu-qing , Ding Wen-hui , Zhang Nan , Xiang Qian , Cui Yi-min , Zhao Xia 
Published: April 2019

Abstract
Polymorphisms of organic anion transporting polypeptides (OATPs) have been reported to affect trough serum digoxin concentration (SDC). However, the association of these polymorphisms with trough SDC in Chinese heart failure patients has not been studied. We aim to explore whether OATP1B1 388A>G, OATP1B1 521T>C, and OATP1B3 699G>A influence trough SDC in Chinese heart failure patients and to make clinical recommendations.
Chinese patients (n = 104) diagnosed with heart failure under long-term digoxin therapy (0.125 mg daily) were enrolled in this study. Blood samples were collected for the analysis of trough SDC (immunofluorescence) and the polymorphisms of OATP1B1 388A>G, OATP1B1 521T>C, and OATP1B3 699G>A (PCR-RFLP and Sanger sequencing).
Patients with glomerular filtration rate (GFR) under 30 mL/min had significantly higher trough SDC (1.20 ± 0.50 ng/mL) than recommended trough SDC for heart failure patients. Trough SDC was not significantly influenced by mutations of OATP1B1 388A>G (P = .890), 521T>C (P = .054), and OATP1B3 699G>A (P = .854). Patients with OATP1B1 521T>C mutant-type carrier had slightly higher trough SDC (0.98 ± 0.53 ng/mL) than those with wild-type carrier (0.74 ± 0.40 ng/mL) when they have repaired renal function.
Heart failure patients with severe renal dysfunction (GFR<60 mL/min) and/or OATP1B1 521T>C mutant-type carriers are recommended a smaller dosage of digoxin and strict therapeutic drug monitoring.
The effects of physical activity on executive function in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Zhang Mei-Qi , Liu Zhan , Ma Hong-Tao , Zhang Dong 
Published: April 2019

Abstract

Background:
The effects of physical activity on executive function are well documented, but whether physical activity contributes to the executive function of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) children are still inconclusive.

Methods:
The study is guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P). We will search the following databases PubMed, EMBASES, the Cochrane Library, CNKI, and Wanfang-Data to identify the Randomized Controlled Trials evaluating the effects of physical activity on executive function among ADHD children. The language of literature restricted in Chinese and English, which published from inception to January 2019. Two reviewers will screen the studies independently, while risk of bias assessment, data extraction, and inconsistent results will be discussed by the third reviewer. Revman 5.3 and Stata 12 software will be used to complete data analysis and synthesis.

Conclusion:
This study will be based on findings of previous studies, thus the ethics approval is not required. The final results will be presented at an international conference and submitted to a peer-reviewed journal of relative field for consideration of publication.

PROSPERO registration number:
CRD42019118622.
Protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis of the efficacy of acupuncture and electroacupuncture against chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy
Authors: Hwang Man-Suk , Lee Hye-Yoon , Lee Jin-Hyun , Choi Tae-Young , Lee Jung-Han , Ko Youn-Seok , Choi Sung-Youl , Park Tae-Yong 
Published: April 2019

Abstract

Introduction:
Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) occurs in approximately 30% to 40% of patients who receive chemotherapy; however, standardized treatment for CIPN has not yet been developed. Acupuncture is widely used to treat CIPN in Korea, but its efficacy has not been investigated. The purpose of this study is to review the current literature on the efficacy of acupuncture and electroacupuncture (EA) in treating CIPN.

Materials and Methods:
We will perform a literature review using the relevant databases, including MEDLINE, Embase, the Allied and Complementary Medicine Databases (AMED), and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), as well as Korean databases, including the National Digital Science Library (NDSL), Oriental Medicine Advanced Searching Integrated System (OASIS), DBpia, and Korean studies Information Service System (KISS). Randomized controlled trials describing treatment of CIPN symptoms with acupuncture or EA will be included. The primary outcomes will be scores on a visual analog scale and a numeric rating scale for neuropathic pain. We will also assess the risk of bias by evaluating the available studies using the tools of the Cochrane Collaboration and carry out a meta-analysis.

Ethics and dissemination:
Ethical approvals and patient consent are not necessary because the meta-analysis will be based on published research. We will submit our meta-analysis to a peer-reviewed journal for publication.

PROSPERO registration number:
CRD42018111509
Responsiveness of the modified lower extremity functional scale in patients with low back pain and sciatica
Authors: Horng Yi-Shiung , Hou Wen-Hsuan , Liang Huey-Wen 
Published: April 2019

Abstract
We tested the responsiveness of the modified Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) for patients with low back pain (LBP) and sciatica and made a comparison with the modified Roland-Morris Disability Scale for sciatica (RMS-L) and self-reported pain intensity measured by visual analogue scale (VAS).
One hundred and forty-eight participants were recruited from 2 university hospitals. The evaluation included demographic data, LBP history, and the modified LEFS, RMS-L, and VAS, with a follow-up one month later. Several responsiveness statistics were calculated.
The study followed 132 participants, approximately 25% reported improvement. Guyatt responsiveness index (GRI) was 0.8 or higher for 3 measures, while standardized response means were 0.8 or higher for the RMS-L and VAS, but only 0.6 for the modified LEFS among improved group. According to ROC analysis, the modified LEFS had an area under curve (AUC) similar to that of the modified RMS-L, but significantly smaller than that of the VAS.
The responsiveness of the modified LEFS was moderate but not superior to the VAS or RMS-L. Although, the modified LEFS could not replace the RMS-L or VAS, it could still be used as a complementary measure since these three measurements covered different body function, activity and participation domains.
Effects of a multifaceted individualized pneumoperitoneum strategy in elderly patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal surgery
Authors: Liu Liping , Lv Na , Hou Chunmiao 
Published: April 2019

Abstract

Background:
Laparoscopic colorectal surgery may adversely affect respiration, circulation, and acid-base balance in elderly patients, owing to the relatively long duration of CO2 absorption. We conducted this retrospective study to determine the safety and efficacy of warmed, humidified CO2 pneumoperitoneum in elderly patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal surgery.

Methods:
We enrolled 245 patients between January 2016 and August 2018.
The experimental group (warming and humidification group [WH]) received warmed (37°C), humidified (98%) insufflation of CO2, and the control group (cold, dry CO2/control group [CD]) received standard CO2 (19°C, 0%). All other aspects of patient care were standardized. Intraoperative hemodynamic data, arterial blood pH, and lactic acid levels were recorded. We also recorded intra-abdominal pressure, incidence of shivering 1 hour after surgery, satisfaction scores of patients and surgeons 24 hours after surgery, times to first flatus/defecation, first bowel movement, and tolerance of semiliquid food, discharge time, and incidence of vomiting, diarrhea, and surgical site infections.

Results:
Compared with the WH group, heart rate and mean arterial pressure were significantly higher from T3 to T8 (P < .05), lactic acid levels were significantly higher from T4 to T9 (P < .05), and recovery time in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) was significantly longer in the CD group (P < .05). Patient and surgeon satisfaction scores were significantly higher in the WH group than the CD group (P < .05). In addition, the times to first flatus/defecation and bowel movement were significantly longer in the CD group (P < .05). No significant differences were noted between the groups in the time to tolerance of semiliquid food and time of discharge (P > .05). The incidence of vomiting, diarrhea, and shivering was significantly lower in the WH group (P < .05). The number of patients with a shivering grade of 0 was significantly higher in the WH group, whereas the number with a shivering grade of 3 was significantly higher in the CD group (P < .05).

Conclusion:
Warmed, humidified insufflation of CO2 in elderly patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal surgery could stabilize hemodynamics, and reduce lactic acid levels, recovery time in the PACU, and the incidence of acute gastrointestinal injury-related symptoms.
Efficacy and safety of once daily versus twice daily mesalazine for mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis
Authors: Zheng Xin , Zhang Zhen , Wang Botao , Li Jiaxin , Qiu Chongyang , Zhang Qi , Wang Ximo 
Published: April 2019

Abstract

Background:
We aimed to conduct a meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety between once daily (OD) and twice daily (BD) regime dosing of mesalazine for mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis (UC).

Methods:
PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane library, and Web of Science from 1990 to November 2018 were investigated. We searched randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing OD with BD regime dosing of mesalazine for mild-to-moderate UC. The software Review Manager 5.3 was used to pool the risk ratio (RR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results:
Eight RCTs containing 3495 patients were identified. Regardless of induction of remission or maintenance of remission of UC, OD regime dosing of mesalazine was as effective as BD regime dosing in clinical and endoscopic remission and clinical remission. Also, no obvious difference was found between OD and BD regime dosing of mesalazine regardless of total adverse events, treatment-related adverse events or serious adverse events.

Conclusion:
OD is as effective and safe as BD regime dosing of mesalazine for active UC.