bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Increased serum pentraxin-3 level predicts poor prognosis in patients with colorectal cancer after curative surgery, a cohort study
Authors: Liu Bin , Zhao Yangying , Guo Lianrong 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
Pentraxin-3 (PTX3) is a glycoprotein involved in inflammation and immune regulation of cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the serum PTX3 level in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) and analyze its prognostic significance.
A total of 263 consecutive patients underwent radical resection for primary CRC and 126 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. Serum PTX3 level was measured within the day before surgery though enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, comparing with the level of healthy control. Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics were recorded. The association between serum PTX3 level and survival outcome was analyzed by the Kaplan–Meier with Log-Rank test and Cox regression methods.
Mean serum PTX3 level in CRC patients was higher than that of healthy control (13.8 ± 3.2ng/mL versus 3.3 ± 1.2ng/mL, P < .001). Finally, 55 (20.9%) patients out of all 263 patients studied had died during following-up period. All patients were divided into 2 groups using the optimal cutoff value (12.6 ng/mL) of PTX3 level using a sensitivity of 68.0% and a specificity of 71.7% as optimal conditions from receiver operating curve analysis. Patients with a PTX3≥12.6ng/mL had poorer 5 years overall survival rate (76.6% versus 67.8%, P = .025) patients with a PTX3 < 12.6ng/mL in univariate analysis and serum PTX3 level also been confirmed as an independent predictor for survival for CRC in multivariate analysis (Hazard ratio, 1.468; 95% [confidence interval] CI, 1.081–1.976; P < .001).
Serum PTX3 level can serve as an independent prognostic biomarker for CRC patients after curative resection.
Malakoplakia as a cause of severe hypercalcemia through ectopic 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 1-alpha-hydroxylase expression
Authors: Chemouny Jonathan Maurice , Sannier Aurélie , Hanouna Guillaume , Champion Laure , Vrtovsnik Francois , Daugas Eric 
Published: October 2018

Abstract

Rationale:
Malakoplakia is a rare disease characterized by the presence of nongranulomatous macrophage infiltration. In most cases, it affects the urinary tract. Malakoplakia can cause acute kidney injury when it is localized in the kidneys.

Patient concerns:
Here, we report the case of a 65-year-old female patient with renal malakoplakia responsible for hypercalcemia. During her initial assessment, she was also diagnosed 25-OH vitamin D insufficiency, for which she was prescribed oral cholecalciferol. Three months later, she developed severe hypercalcemia with normal 25-OH vitamin D and parathyroid hormone levels and high 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D levels.

Diagnoses:
After a superimposed granulomatous disease was excluded, malakoplakia cells were suspected to be responsible for the abnormal 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 1-alpha-hydroxylase activity, which was confirmed by immunohistochemistry.

Interventions:
Cholecalciferol was stopped, the patient was rehydrated with intravenous physiological saline, and prednisone was initiated to decrease the enzyme activity.

Outcomes:
Six months later, she displayed normal serum calcium, 25-OH vitamin D and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D levels.

Lessons:
This case illustrates that malakoplakia may exhibit ectopic 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 1-alpha-hydroxylase activity and cause severe hypercalcemia upon vitamin D supplementation. Therefore, such supplementation should not be given in malakoplakia patients without an actual deficiency and requires careful monitoring of serum calcium.
Risk factors related to metastasis of para-aortic lymph nodes in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zhang Xingmao , Zhang Jie , Fan Hua , Liu Yu , He Qiang 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
This study was designed to explore the risk factors related to metastasis of para-aortic lymph node (PALN).
Clinicopathologic data of 241 patients with resectable or borderline resectable pancreatic cancer who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy with extended lymphadenectomy between January 2008 and December 2015 were collected, potential factors related to metastasis of PALN were analyzed.
Positive rate of PALN was 19.5% (47/241). Univariate analysis showed that back pain (P = .028), preoperative CA19-9 level (P < .001), tumor size (P < .001), portal vein (PV)/superior mesenteric vein (SMV) invasion (P < .001), superior mesenteric artery (SMA) invasion (P < .001), and diameter > 1.0 cm were in correlation with PALN involvement, multivariate analysis revealed that preoperative CA19-9 level, PV/SMV invasion, SMA invasion and diameter > 1.0 cm were independent risk factors to metastasis of PALN. Patients with LN8+ had a higher positive rate of PALN than with LN8− (38.1% vs 15.6%, P = .001), similar results could be found when LN12+ (35.8% vs 13.2%, P < .001) and LN14+ (41.2% vs 11.0%, P < .001), multivariate analysis showed that LN8+ and LN14+ were closely in correlation with PALN metastasis.
Several factors were related to the status of PALN, preoperative CA19-9 level, PV/SMV invasion, SMA invasion and diameter > 1.0 cm were 4 independent risk factors to PALN metastasis. LN8+ and LN14+ were 2 strong predictors of PALN metastasis. A comprehensive analysis covering all possible risk factors related to metastasis of PALN should be given before design of treatment plan whenever involvement of PALN was suspected.
Arthroscopic management of elbow synovial chondromatosis
Authors: Zhu Weihong , Wang Wanchun , Mao Xinzhan , Chen You 
Published: October 2018

Abstract

Objective:
We aimed to identify factors that affect pain, complications, and function following elbow arthroscopy for elbow synovial chondromatosis.

Methods:
We retrospectively reviewed the cases of all patients with elbow synovial chondromatosis treated by arthroscopic synovectomy and loose body removal between January 2000 and January 2016 at our institution. Eleven patients were enrolled (8 male; mean age, 41.7 years). The mean duration of symptoms was 13.7 months, and all patients had a decreased range of motion (ROM) in the affected elbow. By Milgram criteria, there was 1 phase II case, and 10 cases were phase III.

Results:
All patients were followed postoperatively (mean follow-up, 65 months). The preoperatively restricted ROM of 100° flexion (range, 78°–120°) and extension of 30° (range, 15°–40°) were improved to 130° flexion (range, 120°–140°) and −5° hyperextension (range, −10°–0°). Pain, recorded as the pain subscore of the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons questionnaire for elbows, was significantly improved from 32 points (range, 20–50) preoperatively to 85 (range, 70–100) postoperatively (on a scale ranging from 0 [worst pain] to 100 [pain-free]). Recurrence occurred in 2 patients (18.2%) who then received arthroscopic synovectomy and loose body removal again. There were no fractures or neurovascular complications, and no patient developed an infection.

Conclusion:
Arthroscopic management of synovial chondromatosis of the elbow was an effective and safe therapeutic method. After the intervention, immediate and durable improvement of elbow function can be expected.
Clinical observation of 60 cases of treating cognitive disorder after cerebral injury in combination with scalp acupuncture and cognitive training
Authors: Du Jinyu , Yin Jiu , Liu Lin , Chen Jianlong , He Mingchuan 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
To observe the clinical effect of scalp acupuncture combined with cognitive training on cognitive disorder after cerebral injury.
Around 60 cases of cerebral injury patients for hospitalization in rehabilitation department of Chongqing Three Gorges Central Hospital from July in 2015 to June in 2017 are divided into control group and treatment group of 30 cases for each at random. The control group received routine treatment and cognitive rehabilitation training for 12 weeks. The treatment group received conventional treatment, cognitive rehabilitation training, and scalp acupuncture. Acupuncture with a scalp acupuncture is provided for the treatment group besides adopting above conventional treatment and rehabilitation training method.
Loewenstein Occupational Therapy Cognitive Assessment (LOTCA) score of both groups increases obviously after treatment compared with that before treatment, and there is difference (P < .01) through contrast. And LOTCA score of treatment group is higher than that of control group (P < .05) after treatment.
Scalp acupuncture in combination with cognitive training can effectively improve cognitive disorder degree of patients with cerebral injury, and the effect is more significant compared with simple cognitive rehabilitation training, thus it is worth of research and application.
Renal resistive index and aortic knob width relationship as a predictor of renal prognosis in essential hypertension
Authors: Sevencan Nurhayat Ozkan , Ozkan Aysegul Ertinmaz 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
The scientific studies that have been conducted so far highlight that renal resistive index (RI) and aortic knob width (AKW) indicate poor prognosis regarding renal and cardiovascular mortality. But the existence of a direct relationship RI and AKW is unclear. This study aims investigating the relationship between RI and the measured AKW in chest radiography of the patients with hypertensive nephropathy who do not require renal replacement therapy.
This prospective study included 268 consecutive patients with essential hypertension. Patients were divided into 2 groups as RI ≥0.7 and RI <0.7. The ROC curve, sensitivity, and specificity ratios were evaluated to determine which AKW value is the best predictive one for the RI ≥0.7.
The cutoff point of AKW was evaluated as ≥36 for the cases with RI ≥0.7: sensitivity was 71.22%; specificity was 71.32%; the positive predictive value (PPV) was 72.79; the negative predictive value (NPV) was 69.70, and the accuracy was 71.27. Area under the ROC curve ± standard error (AUC ± SE) = 0.729 ± 0.031 (P < .001).
AKW can provide important predictive information about the subclinical renal dysfunction in hypertensive patients with RI ≥0.7. Moreover; AKW is a predictive factor for both the diagnostic and prognostic evaluation of renal pathologies.
Manifestations and outcomes of nocardia infections
Authors: Steinbrink Julie , Leavens Joan , Kauffman Carol A. , Miceli Marisa H. 
Published: October 2018

Abstract

Nocardia is a ubiquitous environmental pathogen that causes infection primarily following inhalation into the lungs. It is generally thought to cause infection primarily in immunocompromised patients, but nonimmunocompromised individuals are also at risk of infection. We sought to compare risk factors, clinical manifestations, diagnostic approach, treatment, and mortality in immunocompromised and nonimmunocompromised adults with nocardiosis.
We studied all adults with culture-proven Nocardia infection at a tertiary care hospital from 1994 to 2015 and compared immunocompromised with nonimmunocompromised patients. The immunocompromised group included patients who had a solid organ transplant, hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT), hematological or solid tumor malignancy treated with chemotherapy in the preceding 90 days, inherited immunodeficiency, autoimmune/inflammatory disorders treated with immunosuppressive agents, or high-dose corticosteroid therapy for at least 3 weeks before the diagnosis of nocardiosis.
There were 112 patients, mean age 55 ± 17 years; 54 (48%) were women. Sixty-seven (60%) were immunocompromised, and 45 (40%) were nonimmunocompromised. The lung was the site of infection in 54 (81%) immunocompromised and 25 (55%) nonimmunocompromised patients. Pulmonary nocardiosis in immunocompromised patients was associated with high-dose corticosteroids, P = .002 and allogeneic HCT, P = .01, and in nonimmunocompromised patients with cigarette smoking, bronchiectasis, and other chronic lung diseases, P = .002.
Cavitation occurred only in the immunocompromised group, P < .001. Disseminated infection was more common in the immunocompromised, P = .01, and was highest in solid organ transplant recipients, P = .007. Eye infection was more common in nonimmunocompromised patients, P = .009. Clinical signs and symptoms did not differ significantly between the 2 groups. The initial treatment for most patients in both groups was trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole with or without a carbapenem. All-cause 1-year mortality was 19%; 18 (27%) immunocompromised and 3 (7%) nonimmunocompromised patients died, P = .01.
Immunocompromised patients with nocardiosis had more severe disease and significantly higher mortality than nonimmunocompromised patients, but clinical presentations did not differ.
99mTc-3PRGD2 single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography for the diagnosis of choroidal melanoma
Authors: Yan Bing , Fu Tong , Liu Yueming , Wei Wenbin , Dai Haojie , Fang Wei , Wang Feng 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
Recent successes in monitoring and diagnosing a variety of tumors using 99mTc-PEG4-E[PEG4-c(RGDfK)]2 (99mTc-3PRGD2) single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging encouraged us to expand the use of this tracer. This case-control study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of 99mTc-3PRGD2 imaging for detecting choroidal melanoma (CM) and for monitoring tumor response to plaque brachytherapy (PB). Ten consecutive patients with CM who underwent 99mTc-3PRGD2 imaging before and 3 months after PB were reviewed. The tumor-to-occipital bone (T/O) and mirrored contralateral normal tissue-to-occipital bone (N/O) ratios were calculated by region of interest analysis at baseline and 3 months post-PB. T/O values were compared between patients with CM with comorbid secondary retinal detachment (RD) and those without RD. The relationship between T/O value and tumor volume was also investigated. 99mTc-3PRGD2 SPECT/CT showed focal uptake in CM. The mean T/O ratio before PB was 1.90 ± 1.26 and the mean N/O ratio was 0.80 ± 0.21 (P
= .02). The 99mTc-3PRGD2 concentrations in 5 patients with CM with RD were higher (T/O = 2.69 ± 1.39) than in those without secondary RD (T/O = 1.10 ± 0.18) (P
= .008). T/O ratios at 3 months post-PB were significantly lower than that at baseline (1.23 ± 0.59, P
= .03). There was a linear relationship between T/O and tumor volume (y-hat = 0.028 + 0.003x, R
2 = 0.768, P = .001). The 95% confidence interval for the (T/O)/volume ratio was 0.002 to 0.005. 99mTc-3PRGD2 imaging is a feasible modality for the diagnosis of CM. Furthermore, follow-up for at least 20 months after PB indicated that coanalysis of 99mTc-3PRGD2 imaging and tumor volume may provide a promising prognostic predictor in patients with CM.
Viabahn stent graft compared with prosthetic surgical above-knee bypass in treatment of superficial femoral artery disease
Authors: Waezi Narges , Saha Shekhar , Bougioukas Ioannis , Emmert Alexander , Danner Bernhard Christoph , Baraki Hassina , Kutschka Ingo , Zenker Dieter , Stojanovic Tomislav , Jebran Ahmad Fawad 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
The prosthetic surgical above-knee bypass (pAKB) is a standard therapy in superficial femoral artery (SFA) occlusive disease in absence of suitable vein. Viabahn graft has been established as a promising alternative. Since limited comparative data are available, we conducted a retrospective study to compare long-term outcomes of these 2 therapies in a real-world setting.
Records of 52 patients (60 limbs), who were treated by pAKB (29 limbs) or Viabahn (31 limbs) were reviewed. Patients were followed up by clinical assessment, physical examination, and resting ankle brachial index (ABI) after 3, 6, 12 months and yearly thereafter. Long-term data were available for 97% in the Viabahn and 93% for pAKB after 73 ± 3.7 months (mean ± standard error [SE]).
Long-term primary and secondary patencies in Viabahn group were 40% and 70%, respectively, after 63 ± 2.8 months (mean ± SE). Total lesion length was 19 ± 11.06 cm (mean ± SE), graft size was 6 ± 0.72 mm (mean ± SE). Hospital stay was 4.8 ± 0.72 days (mean ± SE). Limb salvage was achieved in 90%. Patients in the pAKB group showed a total lesion length of 24.39 ± 1.97 cm (mean ± SE), graft size was 7 ± 0.99 mm (mean ± SE). Long-term analysis after 83 ± 6.8 months (mean ± SE) revealed a primary patency of 78% with a secondary patency of 94%. Hospital stay was 10.4 ± 1.27 days (mean ± SE). Limb salvage was ensured in 97%. Long-term primary patency was lower for Viabahn (P = .044), secondary patency (P = .245), and leg salvage (P = .389) were not significantly different. However, hospital stay was shorter (P = .0002) for Viabahn.
Long-term analysis of Viabahn revealed a significantly lower primary patency, a similar secondary patency, limb salvage, and significantly shorter hospital stay when compared with pAKB. Our data suggest that pAKB is still a valuable option in patients suitable for an open operation. However, Viabahn can be used as a less invasive treatment in high risk patients.
Phosphaturic mesenchymal tumor and related wound problem
Authors: Xiao Xian , Sun Xiaofang , Ni Pengwen , Huang Yao , Xie Ting 
Published: October 2018

Abstract

Introduction:
Phosphaturic mesenchymal tumor mixed connective tissue type (PMT/MCT) is the most common type (up to 90%) of phosphaturic mesenchymal tumor (PMT), a rare clinicopathologic entity. Besides overproduction of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), there is a big variation of immunohistochemical characteristic across types of PMT, which makes it difficult to obtain an early diagnosis of PMT/MCT. As a benign tumor, PMT/MCT usually happens in subcutaneous tissues and leads to nonhealing of wound. A complete excision of PMT/MCT facilitates wound healing.

Conclusions:
Review of the existing evidence indicates that early diagnosis of PMT/MCT is critically important when treating PMT/MCT wound. Hence standardization of early diagnosis for PMT/MCT is mandated.
Winged scapula caused by dorsal scapular neuropathy combined with suprascapular neuropathy
Authors: Lee Sung Young , Lee Hyeok Dong , Cho Young-Shin , Han Seung Hoon 
Published: October 2018

Abstract

Rationale:
Scapular winging is caused by neuromuscular dysfunction of shoulder stabilizer muscles. Clinically, a winged scapula can be easily diagnosed by typical physical findings. We report a case of atypical winged scapula caused by dorsal scapular neuropathy combined with suprascapular neuropathy, which has rarely been reported.

Patient concerns:
A 25-year-old right-handed male was admitted to the clinic due to right arm weakness for 1 year. On physical examination, right winged scapula with medially rotated inferior angle was observed on flexion.

Diagnoses:
Under the diagnostic impression of a winged scapula due to long thoracic nerve injury based on physical examination, electrodiagnostic study was performed. However, the results showed right dorsal scapular neuropathy combined with suprascapular neuropathy.

Interventions:
Neck and right shoulder MRI were also performed to rule out other causes of winged scapula, but these showed only a partial thickness tear of the rotator cuff tendon. The patient received rehabilitation.

Outcomes:
The symptoms have not improved.

Lessons:
In this case, combined suprascapular neuropathy might contribute to scapular winging and can confuse the diagnosis of winged scapula based on physical findings. This is the first report that indicates suprascapular neuropathy as a contributing factor of scapular winging.
ICAM-1 gene rs5498 polymorphism decreases the risk of coronary artery disease
Authors: Liu Ailing , Wan Ailing , Feng Aifang , Rui Ruping , Zhou Bingzhi 
Published: October 2018

Abstract

Background:
Many studies investigated the association between intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) gene rs5498 polymorphism and the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). However, the results were inconsistent.

Methods:
To clarify convincing association, we conducted a comprehensive meta-analysis by searching in PubMed, Embase, Web of sciences, Sciences citation index, Google scholar, Cochrane Library, and the CNKI databases. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated.

Results:
A total of 29 case–control studies with 5,494 cases and 6,364 controls for rs5498 polymorphism were included. The studied populations of this meta-analysis included Caucasians and Asians. Meta-analysis showed that rs5498 polymorphism was associated with the decreased risk of CAD. Stratification analysis of ethnicity found that rs5498 polymorphism decreased the risk of CAD among Caucasians, but not among Asians. Stratification by type of CAD revealed that ICAM-1 gene rs5498 polymorphism was also correlated with the decreased risk of myocardial infarction (MI).

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this meta-analysis indicates that ICAM-1 gene rs5498 polymorphism decreases the risk of CAD.
Herbal medicine Yukgunja-tang for functional dyspepsia protocol for a systematic review of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Ko Seok-Jae , Park Jae-Woo , Lee Jae-hong , Cho Soo-ho , Lee Jaehyung , Nam Seonguk , Kim Jinsung 
Published: October 2018

Abstract

Background:
Functional dyspepsia (FD) is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by recurrent dyspeptic symptoms. Yukgunja-tang (YGT) is a traditional herbal formula that has been used for treating FD. This systematic review protocol aims to provide a guideline for investigating the efficacy and safety of YGT in the treatment of FD.

Methods:
The following databases will be searched from their inception until July 2018: Medline (via PubMed), EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Allied and Complementary Medicine Database (AMED), KoreaMed, National Digital Science Library (NDSL), Korean Medical Database (KMbase), Oriental Medicine Advanced Searching Integrated System (OASIS), Korean Studies information Service System (KISS), China National Knowledge Infrastructure Database (CNKI), and Citation Information by Nii (CiNii). Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that used YGT or modified YGT for treating FD will be included. The control groups in these RCTs will include placebo, no-treatment waiting, and conventional western medicine groups. Trials testing YGT as an adjunct to western medicine for synergistic effect will also be included. The main outcome will be the total clinical efficacy rate. Data extraction and risk of bias assessment will be performed by two independent assessors. RevMan V.5.3 will be used for data analysis.

Results:
This study will provide a high-quality synthesis of current evidence of YGT for FD from several aspects including dyspepsia-related symptoms, quality of life and adverse events.

Conclusion:
The conclusion of our systematic review will provide evidence to judge whether YGT is an effective intervention for patient with FD.

Ethics and dissemination:
The protocol does not need ethics approval because identifying information of the participants will not be revealed. The systematic review will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and disseminated electronically and in print.

Trial registration number:
PROSPERO CRD42018090139.