bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation for Patients With Acute Tinnitus
Authors: Li Li , Shi Hao , Wang Min 
Published: January 2019

Abstract

Background:
This pilot study aimed to evaluate the feasibility effectiveness and safety of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for patients with acute tinnitus.

Methods:
A total of 46 eligible patients with acute tinnitus were entered and included in this randomized controlled trial. All the included patients were equally and randomly divided into a verum TENS group and a sham TENS group, each group 23 participants. All patients received parenteral intramuscular therapy of 1 ml Vitamin B12 weekly for a total of 4 weeks. In addition, they also underwent verum or sham TENS 30 min daily, 3 times weekly for 4 weeks. The primary efficacy endpoint was measured by the Tinnitus Severity Scale (TSS) and Tinnitus Questionnaire (TQ) sum score. The secondary efficacy endpoints were assessed by the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12) questionnaire, and adverse events. All outcome efficacy endpoints were measured at baseline and after 4 weeks of treatment.

Results:
After 4-week treatment, the patients undergoing verum TENS showed statistically efficacy of symptoms relief, as measured by the scales of TSS (P < .01), TQ (P < .01), and THI (P < .01), and improvement of quality of life, as assessed by the SF-12 (P < .01), compared with patients receiving sham TENS. In addition, no adverse events related to the treatment were recorded in either group.

Conclusions:
The results of this study showed that verum TENS may benefit patients with acute tinnitus after 4 weeks of treatment.
Osteitis secondary to BCG vaccine in immunocompetent patients
Authors: Saldaña Napoleón González , Ranero Agustín Rafael De Colsa , Trujillo Diego Mauricio Galvis , Garza Eduardo Arias De la , Tortoriello Ana Isabel Quesada , Ruiz Bárbara Varela , Jurado Rodolfo Rodríguez , Olguín Hugo Juárez , Silva Miroslava Lindoro 
Published: January 2019

Abstract

Rationale:
Osteitis corresponds to a rare but potentially serious complication reported in pediatric population after the application of the Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine. In the present study, 3 clinical cases associated with this entity are reported.

Patient concerns:
The 1st case corresponds to a 1-year-old female patient who presented an increase in the volume of the right pelvic limb after BCG application. The second case is a 2-year-old male who began with an increase in volume, overactive gait and pain at the level of the left knee on walking that began after a trauma in the left low limb. The 3rd case corresponds to a 3-year-old patient who started with intense pain and limitation for ambulation.

Diagnosis:
Both the radiographical and histological studies presented data suggestive of infection by Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex, corroborated through biopsy and genotyping analysis with the isolation of Mycobacterium bovis as the causal agent.

Interventions:
The basic treatment scheme was based on Ethambutol, Rifampicin, Pyrazinamide, and Isoniazid. When M. bovis was typified, clarithromycin was added in the treatment.

Outcomes:
Osteitis secondary to BCG vaccine usually has a favorable evolution, especially in immunocompetent patients.

Lessons:
It was possible to confirm the association of BCG vaccine with the clinical picture of the patients who presented improvement after the start of antimicrobial management. Osteitis secondary to BCG vaccine usually presents a favorable evolution, especially in immunocompetent patients; however, the involvement of joint, growth discs and vertebrae increases the risk of presenting long-term sequels.
Association between condom use and perspectives on contraceptive responsibility in different sexual relationships among sexually active college students in China
Authors: Long Lu , Han Yutong , Tong Longxia , Chen Zhenhua 
Published: January 2019

Abstract
China has increasing incidence of unplanned pregnancies among college students these years. Increasing students’ sense of responsibility to protect sexual partners may help reduce the rate of unplanned pregnancies.
A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to students from 3 colleges in Sichuan, China. Among them, 559 of male students and 267 of female students were included in this study. The questionnaire collected participants’ characteristics, usage of condom, and investigated male and female students’ perceptions of who should be responsible for contraception use.
We found that relationship status was closely related to students perceiving responsibility for reproductive health and condom using. Male students who were in casual relationships during their most recent sexual encounter and shared responsibility for contraception were more likely to use condoms than other male students (P < .001). Female students who were in steady relationships during their most recent sexual encounter and shared responsibility for contraception were more likely to use condoms than other female students (P = .007). The multivariate analysis revealed condom use was associated with greater odds of sharing responsibility for contraceptive use in different types of sexual relationships.
Improving students’ attitudes toward responsibility for contraception may increase condom use among students at risk for unplanned pregnancies. Programs providing targeted health education and services may help reduce the rate of unplanned pregnancies among students in China.
Prognostic value of numbers of metastatic lymph node in medullary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Meng Kexin , Luo Hua , Chen Hailong , Guo Haiwei , Xia Wenjie 
Published: January 2019

Abstract
Lymph node (LN) metastases are widely considered as a vital assessment of disease progression, as well as an essential indicator for biochemical cure of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). Prognostic effect of numbers of metastatic LN has not been fully studied and the optimal cut-point of LN numbers has not been established. This population-based study designed to investigate prognostic value of numbers of positive LN and determinate the prognostic factors.
Data were generated from Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database between 1998 and 2013. X-tile program was applied and cut points for division of LN numbers as low-, medium- and high-risk were 0, 1 to 10, and ≥11. The relationship between numbers of metastatic LN, age, tumor size, extent of tumor, and radiotherapy on overall survival (OS) and disease-specific survival (DSS) were evaluated.
A total of 1466 diagnosed primary MTC patients without metastases were eligible for analysis in current study. 945 (64%) patients were classified as no positive LNs, 327 (22%) as 1 to 10 positive LNs, 194 (14%) as ≥11 positive LNs. Patients with older age, tumor size, ≥11 positive LN were associated with unfavorable OS. Those dispensed with radiation had statistically better prognosis than the others. When stratified by age, there was a significant difference in patients ≥45 years within LN categories (log-rank P < .001). When stratified by tumor size, a significant correlation was noted between rising numbers of involved nodes and falling rates of OS in tumor measuring >2cm setting (2–4 cm setting, log-rank P = .003 and >4 cm setting, log-rank P = .014, separately). There was no statistical difference of the area under the curve (AUC) for OS and DSS prediction between LN group and N stage, suggesting the 2 LN systems had the same predictive power for OS and DSS.
Numbers of metastatic LN showed prognostic power in survival analysis and remained an independent survival predictor which can be evaluated in MTC treatment decisions for optimum assessment.
A case report of ocular tuberculosis in a patient with membranous nephropathy
Authors: Yin Xiaofang , Ge Haibo , Miao Ruifen 
Published: January 2019

Abstract

Rationale:
Membranous nephropathy (MN), a chronic kidney disease (CKD), due to hypoproteinemia, malnutrition, anemia, long-term intake of immunosuppressive agents, changes in cellular immune state, and decrease in antimicrobial peptides, is a high risk for Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) infection, which can cause tuberculosis (TB). TB manifests by various clinical symptoms. Ocular symptoms is a rare presentation of TB. Here, we describe a case of ocular tuberculosis in a patient with MN.

Patient concerns:
A 63-year-old man with membranous nephropathy (MN) history presented with ocular symptoms.

Diagnoses:
According to the pathological manifestations of ocular tissue biopsy and a positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on samples from sputum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), we elicited a diagnosis of disseminated tuberculosis.

Intervention:
The patient received antituberculous therapy and immunosuppressive therapy.

Outcomes:
The clinical manifestations significantly improved.

Lessons:
Clinicians should be aware of the possibility of TB in cases of immunocompromised patients and perform an appropriate diagnostic work-up for TB.
Acupuncture as an add-on therapy to sublingual allergen-specific immunotherapy for patients with allergic rhinitis
Authors: Li Jiang-hua , Yang Lin-hong , Chen Ying , Fan Zong-xian 
Published: January 2019

Abstract
This study retrospectively analyzed the effectiveness of acupuncture as add-on therapy (AAOT) to sublingual allergen-specific immunotherapy (SASIT) for patients with allergic rhinitis (AR). A total of 120 eligible cases of adult patients with AR were included in this retrospective study. Of these, 60 patients received AAOT plus SASIT and were assigned to a treatment group, while the other 60 subjects underwent SASIT only, and were assigned to a control group. Primary outcome was AR symptoms. The secondary outcome was quality of life, as evaluated by the Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (RQLQ). In addition, adverse events were also recorded during the study period. All outcomes were assessed before and after 8 weeks treatment. After 8 weeks treatment, patients in the treatment group had much better effectiveness in symptoms relief (P <.05), and quality of life improvement (activity domain, P = .04; practical domain, P = .03), compared with patients in the control group. In addition, although patients in the treatment group reported more mild pain at local area after the treatment than that in the control group (P <.01), no patients stopped the treatment. The results of this study showed that AAOT plus SASIT achieved more benefits in patients with AR than SASIT alone.
Visual acuity of young men in China
Authors: Wan Yi , Jiang Xun , Zhang Jie-Qiong , Zhang Jin-Peng , Chen Ning-Xu , Cao Yang , Xu Yong-Yong , Shang Lei 
Published: January 2019

Abstract
The prevalence of low vision has increased in China especially among youth population, which is an important public health issue. The trend on the prevalence of subnormal visual acuity and updated information is essential to quantify health effects and to prompt decision makers to prioritize action and assess the effectiveness of measures. Therefore, the study aimed to analyze the prevalence and geographical distribution of visual acuity level among young men in China based on 3 national cross-sectional surveys from 1974 to 2012.
The data on visual acuity of young men were collected from 3 national surveys among military recruit youth conducted in 1974, 2001, and 2012 by using a stratified cluster sampling method in China. The prevalence of visual acuity among military recruit youth during this period was analyzed by region, year, age, and economic level.
A total of 139,929, 72,894, and 58,106 young men were included, covering all 31 provinces of mainland of China, from the 3 national surveys respectively. The prevalence of subnormal visual acuity had geographic diversity and increased significantly from 1974 to 2012 (P < .05). The visual acuity level was negatively correlated with the age (17–23 years) in 2012 (P < .05). Furthermore, the prevalence of subnormal visual acuity was positively correlated with the gross domestic product in 31 provinces of China (P ≤ .001).
The prevalence of subnormal visual acuity increased with economic development among young men from 1974 to 2012, with distinct variation among geographic areas in China. Furthermore, subnormal visual acuity was increasingly prevalent with age and warrant public health attention.
Ulnar osteotomy and the ilizarov mini-fixator for pediatric chronic monteggia fracture-dislocations
Authors: Take Masaki , Tomori Yuji , Sawaizumi Takuya , Majima Tokifumi , Nanno Mitsuhiko , Takai Shinro 
Published: January 2019

Abstract
Treatment of chronic Monteggia fracture-dislocations remains controversial in skeletally immature patients. The present study aimed to review the clinical outcomes of surgical treatment with an Ilizarov mini-fixator for chronic Monteggia fracture-dislocations in children. From April 2003 to March 2014, 5 pediatric patients (4 males, 1 female) with chronic Monteggia fracture-dislocation were treated with an Ilizarov mini-fixator at our institution. The median age at the time of surgery was 9 years (range 5–14 years), median duration from injury to surgery was 31 months (range 2–125 months), and median duration of follow-up was 12 months (range 11 months–10 years). All patients underwent opening wedge osteotomy of the proximal ulna followed by the application of an Ilizarov mini-fixator. Although closed reduction was attempted after ulnar osteotomy and application of the Ilizarov mini-fixator, open reduction of the radial head was required in all patients. In 4 patients, dense scar tissue in the radiocapitellar joint was excised to enable reduction of the radial head; the remaining patient had traumatic radioulnar synostosis, and underwent separation of the synostosis followed by anconeus interposition arthroplasty. No patient received bone grafting at the ulnar osteotomy site, repair or reconstruction of the annular ligament, or temporary fixation of the radial head with transarticular wire. The median period of external fixation was 10 weeks (range 8–13 weeks). Although there were no severe complications such as deep infection and neurovascular disturbance, asymptomatic radial head subluxation occurred in 2 patients. The patient with traumatic synostosis had residual posterior subluxation with limitation of forearm rotation, and another patient with radial head enlargement had residual anterior subluxation. The median postoperative ranges of motion in pronation, supination, extension, and flexion were 90°, 90°, 0°, and 140°, respectively. The median Kim's elbow performance score was 65 (range 50–75) preoperatively, which improved to 94 (range 80–100) at final follow-up. The outcome was rated as excellent in 4 cases, and good in 1. In pediatric chronic Monteggia fracture-dislocations, ulnar osteotomy followed by the application of an Ilizarov mini-fixator is a viable option that is less invasive than plate fixation.
Comparison of the long-term efficacy of tenofovir and entecavir in nucleos(t)ide analogue-naïve HBeAg-positive patients with chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Cai Dachuan , Pan Chen , Yu Weihua , Dang Shuangsuo , Li Jia , Wu Shanming , Jiang Nan , Wang Maorong , Zhang Zhaohua , Lin Feng , Xin Shaojie , Yang Yongfeng , Shen Baoshen , Ren Hong 
Published: January 2019

Abstract

Objective:
We conducted this study to compare the efficacy and safety of entecavir and tenofovir in the treatment of treatment-naïve HBV e antigen (HBeAg)-positive patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) for 144 weeks.

Methods:
A total of 320 treatment-naïve HBeAg-positive CHB patients who received randomly a single regimen of either entecavir capsule (ETV) (n = 160) or tenofovir disoproxil fumarate capsule (TDF) (n = 160) for 144 weeks were consecutively enrolled from 14 tertiary hospitals or university hospitals in China between January 2012 and December 2014.

Results:
Two groups showed no difference in baseline characteristics. After 144 weeks of treatment, HBV DNA levels were similarly suppressed in both groups (ETV vs TDF; -6.6485 vs −6.692 log10IU/mL, P = .807). At the same time, both groups showed no difference in terms of the serologic and biochemical response. Of all patients, 2 dropped out due to adverse events and 5 experienced serious adverse reactions.

Conclusion:
Both capsules (ETV or TDF) were equally effective in nucleos(t)ide-naive CHB patients with a comparable side-effect profile even in a long-term of 144 weeks.
Respiratory electrophysiologic studies in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Wang Yu , Liu Na , Zhang Zhecheng 
Published: January 2019

Abstract
Respiratory failure is common during acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AE-COPD). Phrenic nerve conduction (PNC), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and cervical magnetic stimulation (CMS) are of great value in identifying the feature and site of AE-COPD.
PNC, TMS, and CMS were performed in 20 AE-COPD patients with respiratory failure, and re-examined after weaning. Latencies and amplitudes of the diaphragmatic compound muscle action potential (dCMAP), motor evoked potential of the diaphragm (dMEP) evoked by TMS and CMS, and central motor conduction time (CMCT) were measured. Blood gas analysis and serum electrolyte levels were also evaluated. The results were compared with those from 20 healthy subjects.
AE-COPD patients showed prolonged CMCT and latencies of dCMAP and dMEP, decreased amplitudes of dCMAP and dMEP evoked by CMS, while CMCT and the latency of dMEP evoked by TMS were shortened after weaning. Significant correlation was identified between arterial blood gas analysis, serum electrolyte levels, disease duration, the duration of mechanical ventilation and the electrophysiological findings in AE-COPD patients prior to weaning.
The central and peripheral respiratory pathway is involved in AE-COPD. Central respiratory pathway function is improved after weaning in AE-COPD patients with respiratory failure.
The analgesic efficacy of oblique subcostal transversus abdominis plane block after laparoscopic hysterectomy
Authors: Korkmaz Toker Melike , Altiparmak Basak , Uysal Ali İhsan , Demirbilek Semra Gumus 
Published: January 2019

Abstract

Background:
We aimed to assess whether an ultrasound (US)-guided oblique subcostal transversus abdominis plane (OSTAP) block would improve the postoperative pain scores and decrease the tramadol consumption after a laparoscopic hysterectomy.

Methods:
Sixty-six female patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists I, II, or III, aged 18 to 65 years who were scheduled for laparoscopic hysterectomy for benign gynecologic pathologies were recruited in this randomized, controlled, observer-blinded trial. Sixty patients completed the study. Patients were randomized into 2 groups. In the OSTAP group, the patients received a bilateral OSTAP block with 40 mL of 0.375% bupivacaine and in the Sham group received an US-guided bilateral OSTAP with 40 mL of 0.9% saline. All patients received tramadol patient-controlled analgesia for the first 24th hour. Patients in the Sham group received an US-guided bilateral OSTAP with 40 mL of 0.9% saline. The primary outcome was the 24th hour tramadol consumption. The secondary outcomes included visual analog scale (VAS) scores during movement, the tramadol consumption at the 1st, 4th, and 12th postoperative hours, and nausea scores at the 24th hour postoperatively.

Results:
At all time points, tramadol consumption of the OSTAP group remained significantly lower when compared with Sham group. The OSTAP group showed a statistically significant reduction at the postoperative 24th hour tramadol consumption (mean difference 22 mg, 95% confidence interval −38.4 to −5.6 mL; P = .009). Compared with the Sham group, OSTAP block reduced the VAS scores at all time points during movement. Nausea scores at the 24th postoperative hour were significantly lower in the OSTAP group compared with the Sham group

Conclusion:
We concluded that bilateral US-guided OSTAP blocks reduced 24th hour tramadol requirements and VAS scores after laparoscopic hysterectomy. The OSTAP block is a promising technique for producing effective and prolonged postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing laparoscopic hysterectomy surgeries.
A novel variation of SERPINC1 caused deep venous thrombosis in a Chinese family
Authors: Peng Yu , Wang Tun , Zheng Yu , Lian Aojie , Zhang Di , Xiong Zhimin , Hu Zhengmao , Xia Kun , Shu Chang 
Published: January 2019

Abstract

Rationale:
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is the formation of a blood clot formed in the deep veins of the lower limbs. Known genetic factors of DVT include deficiencies of antithrombin (AT), protein C, protein S, factor V Leiden mutation, and prothrombin G20210A mutation. Here, a 5-generation Chinese family with inherited DVT was recruited for genetic analysis.

Patient concerns:
The patient came to see a doctor because of leg swelling. A color Doppler ultrasound examination showed extensive thrombosis within the deep veins of her left leg. Computed tomography angiography showed a pulmonary embolism in her right lower pulmonary artery.

Diagnoses:
Type II AT deficiency lead to inherited DVT.

Interventions:
Whole-exome sequencing and cosegregation analysis were carried for the DVT family.

Outcomes:
An unreported heterozygous missense variation, c.281T>C, was identified within the SERPINC1 gene. This missense variation of SERPINC1 leads to type II AT deficiency.

Lessons:
This result further enriched the variation spectrum of the SERPINC1 gene.
A giant mesenteric fibromatosis involving the muscular layer of the colon wall
Authors: Ji Haibin , Zhu Wentao , Zhao Baolei , Shi Jian , Wei Qiang , Sun Baofang , Chen Qiangpu 
Published: January 2019

Abstract

Rationale:
Mesenteric fibromatosis (MF) is a rare tumor whose biological behavior is intermediate between benign fibrous neoplasms and fibrosarcomas, and the characteristic of these tumors are local aggressive lesions which is prone to local recurrence but non-metastasizing. The common symptom is abdominal distention or painless mass. We report a case of giant MF in abdominal cavity with abdominal distention as the main symptom.

Patient concerns:
A 26-year-old male presented with 2-month history of abdominal distention, lack of appetite, and symptoms grew progressively more debilitating with time.

Diagnoses:
This patient underwent a contrast-enhanced computed tomography scan which showed a giant (37 × 25 × 13 cm), inhomogeneous enhancing, well-defined, and soft tissue density mass in abdominal cavity, possibly arising in mesocolon, which suggested a high possibility of MF. The postoperative pathology showed that the tumor cells to be positive for β-catenin, vimentin, negative for CD34, CD117, DOG-1, S-100, Desmin, which confirmed the diagnosis of MF.

Interventions:
Exploratory laparotomy was performed, which revealed a large mass involving the transverse colon wall, the root of mesocolon, and encasing the middle colic vessels and the 1st branch of jejunal arteries. The complete surgical resection was performed and the mass weighted 10 kilograms (kg).

Outcomes:
The patient recovered uneventfully and was discharged 9 days after surgery. Three-month, 6-month, 12-month and 18-month on follow-up after surgery, showed no evidence of recurrence.

Lessons:
The MF is a very rare tumor, especially a giant tumor (10 kg) involving the muscular layer of colon wall. In addition, treatment of giant MF still remains a challenge. We consider that surgical resection with negative margins is the goal but not at the expense of damaging the function of vital organs. Specific measures should be considered based on the individual patient in order to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life.