bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predicting in-hospital death in patients with type B acute aortic dissection
Authors: Zhang Jing , Cheng Baoshan , Yang Mengsi , Pan Jianyuan , Feng Jun , Cheng Ziping 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
The outcome of patients with acute type B aortic dissection (BAAD) is largely dictated by whether or not the case is “complicated.” The purpose of this study was to investigate the risk factors leading to in-hospital death among patients with BAAD and then to develop a predictive model to estimate individual risk of in-hospital death.
A total of 188 patients with BAAD were enrolled. Risk factors for in-hospital death were investigated with univariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis. Significant risk factors were used to develop a predictive model.
The in-hospital mortality rate was 9% (17 of 188 patients). Univariate analysis revealed 7 risk factors to be statistically significant predictors of in-hospital death (P < .1). In multivariable analysis, the following variables at admission were independently associated with increased in-hospital mortality: hypotension (odds ratio [OR], 4.85; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.12–18.90; P = .04), ischemic complications (OR, 8.24; 95% CI, 1.25–33.85; P < .001), renal dysfunction (OR, 12.32; 95% CI, 10.63–76.66; P < .001), and neutrophil percentage ≥80% (OR, 5.76; 95% CI, 2.58–12.56; P = .03). Based on these multivariable results, a reliable and simple prediction model was developed, a total score of 4 offered the best point value.
Independent risk factors associated with in-hospital death can be predicted in BAAD patients. The prediction model could be used to identify the prognosis for BAAD patients and assist physicians in their choice of management.
Pseudo progression in heterogeneity of right-sided metastatic colon carcinoma during nivolumab therapy
Authors: Wang Jing , Zhen Wei , Kang Xindan 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Rationale:
Pseudo progression is a noted phenomenon of immune checkpoint inhibitors therapy, which has been defined as a response after an initial enlargement of the tumor followed by tumor reduction. In July 2017, the Food and Drug Administration granted accelerated approval of nivolumab for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer patients whose tumor harbors deficient mismatch repair.

Patient concerns and diagnosis:
We present a patient who received nivolumab for heterogeneity of right-sided metastatic colon carcinoma.

Intervention:
The patient was treated with nivolumab combined with chemotherapy.

Outcome:
The computed tomography showed mass lesion in the left lobe of liver remained stable while metastasis tumors under envelop of liver were exacerbated after 6 cycles of nivolumab combined with chemotherapy, and later regressed.

Lessons:
The status of mismatch repair in primary tumor and metastatic liver carcinoma is contradictory but using nivolumab demonstrated encouraging efficacy. This is the first case of pseudo progression undergoing immunotherapy for heterogeneity of right-sided metastatic colon carcinoma.
The impact of Medicare part D prescription drug benefit program on generic drug prescription
Authors: Jung Changmi , Padman Rema , Anwar Shamena 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
To examine whether the Medicare Part D program had an impact on the generic drug prescription rate among residents in long-term care facilities.
We analyzed prescription data for 3 drug classes (atypical antipsychotic, proton pump inhibitor, and statin) obtained from a regional online pharmacy serving long-term care centers in Pennsylvania from January 2004 to December 2007.
Difference-in-difference is used as a primary analysis method, and different regression methods (probit and multinomial) are used to accommodate different types of outcome measures.
Contrary to expectations, the Part D program did not have a statistically significant impact on the generic prescription rate in the long-term care setting during the study period. Only the statin class showed a dramatic increase in generic drug prescriptions, mainly due to the loss of patent protection for one of the most popular brand-name drugs in the class.
The complex dynamics of the prescription drug market, particularly the availability of generic versions of popular prescription medications, had a bigger role in increasing the prescription rate of generic drugs than the Part D program. This warrants the need to relax prescription medicines’ patent policies and for further study on the impact of such policies.
Efficacy and safety of Kanglaite injection combined with radiochemotherapy in the treatment of advanced pancreatic cancer
Authors: Liu Jianling , Yu Lingbo , Ding Wei 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Background:
Kanglaite (KLT) injection, a kind of Chinese medicine, is considered a promising complementary therapeutic option for malignant cancer treatment. This study aimed to systematically investigate the efficacy and safety of the combination of KLT injection and radiochemotherapy for the treatment of advanced pancreatic cancer (PC).

Methods:
Studies were identified by searching Cochrane Library, Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Biological Medicine Database (CBM), Wanfang database and Chinese Scientific Journal Database (VIP) before October 2018. The primary reported outcomes including efficacy, quality of life (QoL), and adverse events were systematically evaluated.

Results:
Data from 16 trials with 960 patients with advanced PC were included. Compared with radiochemotherapy alone, the combination of KLT injection and radiochemotherapy significantly improved the 1-year overall survival (OS, odds ratio [OR] = 2.58 95% CI: 1.12–5.93 P = .03), overall response (ORR, OR = 2.16 95% CI: 1.58–2.94 P <.00001) and disease control rates (DCR, OR = 2.50 95% CI: 1.84–3.38 P <.00001). The QoL of patients, who received a combination of radiochemotherapy and KLT injection, also improved compared with radiochemotherapy treatment alone as indicated by the increased quality of life improved rate (QIR, OR = 3.68 95%CI: 2.36–5.75 P <.00001), pain relief rate (PRR, OR = 3.70 95% CI: 2.23–6.14 P <.00001) and weight gain rate (WGR, OR = 3.69 95% CI: 2.22–6.13 P <.00001). Adverse events related to radiochemotherapy including gastrointestinal side effects, nephrotoxicity, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and myelosuppression were alleviated (P <.05) when KLT was injected to patients with PC.

Conclusions:
Evidence from the Meta-analysis suggested that the combinational treatment of radiochemotherapy and KLT injection is more effective in advanced PC treatment than radiochemotherapy alone. Additionally, the combination therapy improved QoL of the patients. KLT injection can alleviate the adverse effects associated with the radiochemotherapy.
Refractory adult-onset Still disease treated by tocilizumab combined with methotrexate
Authors: Wang Chun-yan , Guo Shao-hua , Wang Li-ping , Shen Hai-li 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Some patients have poor response to adult-onset Still disease (AOSD) traditional treatment, which easily recurs during the reduction of prednisone. We observed the efficacy and safety of tocilizumab combined with methotrexate (MTX) in the treatment of refractory AOSD, and to explore the possibility of reducing the dosage of tocilizumab after disease control.
A total of 28 refractory AOSD cases who had an inadequate response to corticosteroids combined with at least 1 traditional immunosuppressive agent, and even large-dose prednisone could not relieve their conditions after recurrence, were selected in this study. They were treated with tocilizumab (intravenous 8 mg/kg) combined with MTX (oral 12.5 mg once a week). In detail, tocilizumab was firstly given every 4 weeks and after 6-month remission, it was then given every 8 weeks. Some items including body temperature, skin rash, joint swelling and pain, hepatosplenomegaly, blood routine, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), serum ferritin, and dosage of prednisone were observed before treatment as well as 2, 4, 8, 12, 24, 36, and 48 weeks after treatment. The adverse reactions occurring during the treatment were recorded.
The body temperature was normal, the skin rash as well as joint swelling and pain disappeared, and laboratory indexes including CRP, ESR, white blood cell, neutrophilic granulocyte, platelet, hemoglobin, and ferritin were significantly improved after 8-week treatment (all P < .05). The clinical symptoms and laboratory indexes above mentioned were continuously improved 12, 24, 36, and 48 weeks after treatment. The mean dosage of prednisone was reduced from 71.4 ± 20.7 mg/day to 55.0 ± 11.1 mg/day after 2-week treatment, and to 3.3 ± 2.1 mg/day after 48-week treatment (all P < .05). Prednisone was discontinued in 5 cases after 36-week treatment and in 7 cases after 48-week treatment. No serious adverse reactions occurred during the treatment.
Tocilizumab can rapidly and markedly improve the clinical symptoms and laboratory indexes and contribute to reduction and discontinuation of prednisone in refractory AOSD. The patients’ conditions are stable after reduction or discontinuation of prednisone and the tocilizumab possesses good safety.
Efficacy and safety of interferon alpha therapy in children with chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Hu Yao , Ye Yingzi , Ye Lijing , Wang Xiaohong , Yu Hui 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Interferon-alpha (IFN-α) is currently the preferred antiviral treatment for children with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) aged >1-year-old. However, the evidence regarding the exact efficacy and safety in the real world is not sufficient. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of IFN-α therapy in children with CHB and to provide a theoretical basis for practically identifying ideal antiviral therapies for CHB children.
Clinical manifestations, baseline characteristics, related laboratory tests, and adverse events were retrospectively analyzed in children with CHB who visited the Children's Hospital of Fudan University, were treated with IFN-α and were followed up from January 2003 to October 2018.
A total of 18 immune-active patients without advanced fibrosis were enrolled, and their average age at the start of treatment was 4.45 ± 2.75 years old. IFN α-2b was administered subcutaneously by body surface area (BSA) category, based on 3 MU/m2, for a median 48 weeks. Before treatment, the alanine aminotransferase (ALT) range was 81 to 409 U/L (median 158 U/L). The median hepatitis B virus (HBV)-DNA load was 9.89 × 107 IU/mL, and the HBV-DNA load varied from 3.10 × 104 to 4.56 × 108 IU/mL. The ALT levels of 17 children became normal at an average of 12 weeks during treatment, and those of 1 child became normal at 6 weeks after IFN-α withdrawal. Sixteen (88.9%, 16/18) children became HBV-DNA negative (<103 IU/mL) at an average of 24 weeks during treatment, while 1 became negative at 96 weeks after IFN-α withdrawal and 1 remained HBV-DNA positive. HBV e antigen (HBeAg) seroconversion occurred in 13 of 14 (92.9%, 13/14) HBeAg-positive patients at an average of 12 weeks during treatment. HBV s antigen (HBsAg) loss or seroconversion occurred in 4 (22.2%, 4/18) patients at an average of 21 weeks during treatment. Only mild flu-like symptoms and transient neutropenia appeared in some children at the early treatment stage. No severe abnormal results were observed in other laboratory parameters.
The antiviral monotherapy of 48 weeks of IFN-α was well tolerated and good responded, which was associated with higher rates of HBeAg seroconversion and HBsAg clearance in the children in this study than in previously reported adults and pediatric patients.
A new sensitive and accurate model to predict moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea in patients with obesity
Authors: Ahlin Sofie , Manco Melania , Panunzi Simona , Verrastro Ornella , Giannetti Giulia , Prete Anna , Guidone Caterina , Berardino Alessandro Di Marco , Viglietta Luca , Ferravante Anna , Mingrone Geltrude , Mormile Flaminio , Capristo Esmeralda 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has a high prevalence in patients with obesity. Only patients with clinical symptoms of OSA are admitted to polysomnography; however, many patients with OSA are asymptomatic. We aimed to create and validate a population-based risk score that predicts the severity of OSA in patients with obesity.
We here report the cross-sectional analysis at baseline of an ongoing study investigating the long-term effect of bariatric surgery on OSA. One-hundred sixty-one patients of the Obesity Center of the Catholic University Hospital in Rome, Italy were included in the study. The patients underwent overnight cardiorespiratory monitoring, blood chemistry analyses, hepatic ultrasound, and anthropometric measurements. The patients were divided into 2 groups according OSA severity assessed by the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI): AHI < 15 = no or mild and AHI ≥ 15 moderate to severe OSA. A statistical prediction model was created and validated. C statistics was used to evaluate the discrimination performance of the model.
The prevalence of OSA was 96.3% with 74.5% of the subjects having moderate/severe OSA. Sex, body mass index, diabetes, and age were included in the final prediction model that had excellent discrimination ability (C statistics equals to 83%). An OSA risk chart score for clinical use was created.
Patients with severe obesity are at a very high risk for moderate or severe OSA in particular if they are men, older, more obese, and/or with type 2 diabetes. The OSA risk chart can be useful for general practitioners and patients as well as for bariatric surgeons to select patients with high risk of moderate to severe OSA for further polysomnography.
Acupoint injection treatment for primary osteoporosis
Authors: Huang Rui , Xu Shihong , Li Dingpeng , Xie Xingwen 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Background:
Acupoint injection has currently received increasing attention as a treatment for primary osteoporosis (POP). A number of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have reported that acupoint injection have some advantages in treatment of POP. However, no article has summarized the existing evidence. This study will evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupoint injection as a clinical treatment for POP, so as to provide an important reference for clinical decision-making.

Methods:
RCTs of acupoint injection compared with conventional non-acupoint injection for POP were identified in searches of 7 databases from their inception to March 2019. All data were assessed and extracted by 2 authors independently. The risk of bias assessment recommended by the Cochrane Collaboration was used to assess the quality of the selected studies. Review Manager 5.3 (Cochrane Collaboration) was used to conduct meta-analysis for the efficacy and safety of acupoint injection.

Result:
The results of this systemic review and meta-analysis will be submitted to a recognized journal for publication.

Conclusion:
This systemic review and meta-analysis will evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupoint injection as a clinical treatment for POP. We hope this study can make a definitive conclusion for acupoint injection in the treatment of POP.

Registration:
PROSPERO (registration number CRD42019130890).
18F-FDG PET/CT imaging findings of multiple solitary fibrous tumor
Authors: Liu Xiaofei , Zhu Wenhua , Zhou Xiaohong , Yao Hao , Su Jiagui , Ouyang Xiaohui , He Baoming 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Rationale:
Solitary fibrous tumor(SFT) is a rare and distinct clinical entity. There are few descriptions in the literature regarding the PET manifestations of SFTs. Herein,we report a case of multiple malignant SFT with PET/CT imaging findings and PET/Contrast Enhanced CT image findings.

Patient concerns:
A 30-year-old woman presented with a history of a mass in neck increased gradually over 6 months without jaundice or other symptoms of obstruction.Serum laboratory results and tumor markers (AFP, CEA,CA199,CA724,CA153 and CA125)were normal. The whole body PET/CT scan showed lightly or mildly hypermetabolic and inhomogeneous metabolic which was different from other reports, and it was the first report of 18F-FDG-PET/CT findings of multiple malignant SFTs, which were confirmed by positive immunohistochemical staining for CD2-40, CD99, SMA and negative immunohistochemical staining for S100 and CD34.

Diagnoses:
She was diagnosed with multiple malignant solitary fibrous tumors which was confirmed by pathological results and 18F-FDG-PET/CT findings.

Interventions:
The patient didn’t receive any treatment because she was not suitable for surgery and refused any other therapy.

Outcomes:
The patient has been followed up for one year,and she was still alive.

Lessons:
SFTs should be detected early and treated early.It was of high value in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of SFTs by PET/CT imaging findings, which can not only identify the benign and malignant lesions, but also identify the lesion involved range.
Synergistic effect of enteral nutrition on remission induction in a patient with penetrating Crohn disease
Authors: Xie Chenxi , Lin Jinzhou , Su Jingling , Ren Jianlin 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Rationale:
Crohn disease includes 3 phenotypes, inflammatory, stricturing, and penetrating. In cases where corticosteroids and immunosuppressive agents are not suitable treatment options, enteral nutrition (EN) can be used to reduce disease severity and enhance barrier defense with fewer potential adverse effects.

Patient concerns:
A 23-year-old man with abdominal pain and diarrhea presented at our hospital in 2014. The frequency of defecation was 3 or 4 times a day without mucus or blood in the stool. His body mass index was 15.8, and in laboratory tests the erythrocyte sedimentation rate was 42.4 mm/h, serum C reactive protein was 65.2 mg/L, the leukocyte count was 11.64 × 109/L, and hemoglobin was 111 g/L.

Diagnosis:
In computed tomography (CT) enterography the ascending colon was thickened, and there was effusion and enlarged lymph nodes around the colon. Colonoscopy revealed ulcer, polypoid proliferation, and bowel stenosis in many segments. Chronic inflammation was evident in multiple biopsies. Crohn disease was diagnosed based on the above observations.

Interventions:
Mesalazine was administered at a dose of 4 g daily for 2 years. The patient was hospitalized again due to severe abdominal pain and ongoing fever. Intestinal perforation was detected via CT. Percutaneous drainage was performed followed by administration of intravenous metronidazole (0.5 g) and ciprofloxacin (0.2 g) twice a day. Peptison liquid was used as exclusive EN. After 2 weeks the antibiotics regimen was changed to metronidazole 0.4 g twice a day and ciprofloxacin 0.25 g 3 times a day, both administered orally.

Outcomes:
CT revealed that the infection was eliminated and the fistula was healed after 10 weeks, at which point antibiotics and exclusive EN was discontinued. Azathioprine was prescribed at a dose of 2 mg/kg daily to maintain clinical remission. The patient did not report any pain or diarrhea at a 1-year follow-up visit.

Lessons:
The present case suggests that exclusive EN combined with antibiotics is useful in inducing remission in Crohn disease patients with active disease and penetrating complications.
Pulmonary sarcomatoid carcinoma presenting both ALK rearrangement and PD-L1 high positivity
Authors: D’Antonio Federica , De Sanctis Rita , Bolengo Isabella , Destro Annarita , Rahal Daoud , De Vincenzo Fabio , Santoro Armando 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Rationale:
Pulmonary sarcomatoid carcinoma (PSC) represents <1% of all lung cancers and is characterized by a very poor prognosis. The optimal therapeutic regimen remains unclear. We describe a rare case of PSC with both anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-arranged and high levels of programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression.

Patient concerns:
A 46-year-old woman, nonsmoker, came to our attention due to uncontrolled pain in the lower left limb.

Diagnosis:
PSC with both ALK rearrangement and high levels of PD-L1 expression.

Interventions:
The patient started first-line systemic treatment with pembrolizumab reporting stable disease; at progression, she received second-line treatment with crizotinib. The treatment was not well-tolerated, and the patient then underwent 5 cycles of ceritinib treatment.

Outcomes:
The patient showed a partial response to targeted therapy. At progression, brigatinib was initiated, but the patients reported liver progression soon after the initiation of this therapy.

Lessons:
Molecular-driven investigation is necessary in PSC for treatment selection.
Could platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio be a predictor for contrast-induced nephropathy in patients with acute coronary syndrome?
Authors: Jiang Jie , Ji Hong-Yan , Xie Wei-Ming , Ran Lu-Sen , Chen Yu-Si , Zhang Cun-Tai , Quan Xiao-Qing 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Background:
Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is acute renal failure observed after administration of iodinated contrast media during angiographic or other medical procedures. In recent years, many studies have focused on biomarkers that recognize CIN and/or predict its development in advance. One of the many biomarkers studied is the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR). We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the correlation between PLR level and CIN.

Methods:
Relevant studies were searched in PUBMED, EMBASE, and Web of Science until September 15, 2018. Case-control studies reporting admission PLR levels in CIN and non-CIN group in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) were included. The pooled weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were calculated to assess the association between PLR level and CIN using a random-effect model.

Results:
Six relevant studies involving a total of 10452 ACS patients (9720 non-CIN controls and 732 CIN patients) met our inclusion criteria. A meta-analysis of 6 case-control studies showed that PLR levels were significantly higher in CIN group than those in non-CIN group (WMD = 33.343, 95%CI = 18.863 to 47.823, P < .001, I2 = 88.0%).

Conclusion:
For patients with ACS after contrast administration, our meta-analysis shows that on-admission PLR levels in CIN group are significantly higher than those of non-CIN group. However, large and matched cohort studies are needed to validate these findings and assess whether there is a real connection or just an association.