bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacy comparison of different moxibustion treatments for allergic rhinitis: A systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Ke , Hou Chaofeng , Liu Chengjiang , Meng Yong 
Published: March 2023

Background:
At present, there are many commonly used moxibustion methods in clinical practice, but it is unclear which moxibustion is more suitable for the treatment of allergic rhinitis (AR), so we used a network meta-analysis to analyze the effectiveness of various moxibustion types in the treatment of AR.

Methods:
We searched 8 databases for comprehensive inclusion of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for moxibustion in the treatment of allergic rhinitis. The search time was from the beginning of database establishment to January 2022. The Cochrane Risk of Bias tool was used to analyze the risk of bias of the included RCTs. Bayesian network meta-analysis of the included RCT was performed using the R software GEMTC and the RJAGS package.

Results:
A total of 38 RCTs were included, involving 4257 patients and 9 types of moxibustion. The network meta-analysis results revealed that heat-sensitive moxibustion (HSM) not only has the best effect in terms of effective rate (Odd ratio [OR]: 32.77, 95% Credible intervals [CrIs]: 1.86–1360.2) among the nine types of moxibustion, but also has good effect in improving the quality of life score (standard mean differences [SMD]: 0.6, 95% CrIs: 0.07–1.29). In terms of improving IgE and VAS scores, various types of moxibustion were comparable to the efficacy of western medicine.

Conclusion:
The results showed that HSM was the most effective treatment for AR compared with other types of moxibustion. Therefore, it can be regarded as a complementary and alternative therapy for AR patients with poor effects of traditional treatment and patients who are susceptible to adverse reactions of western medicine.
Uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic (VATS) subtotal parietal pleurectomy for refractory tuberculous pneumothorax: Five case-reports
Authors: Liu Xiaoyu , Wang Xuan , Shen Lei , Wang Bing , Li Li , Dai Xiyong 
Published: March 2023

Objective:
This study explored the safety and feasibility of uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic (VATS) paretal pleurectomy in patients suffering from complex tuberculous pneumothorax. These cases were reported and summarized to present the experience of the authors with this procedure.

Methods:
The clinical data of a total of 5 patients with refractory tuberculous pneumothorax having undergone subtotal parietal pleurectomy by uniportal VATS in our institution were hereby collected from November 2021 to February 2022, and regular follow-up was conducted after surgery.

Results:
Parietal pleurectomy via VATS was successfully performed in all these 5 patients, among which, 4 received bullectomy at the same time, with no conversion to open surgery. Among the 4 cases of full lung expansion who were suffering from recurrent tuberculous pneumothorax, the preoperative chest drain duration ranged from 6 days to 12 days; the operation time, from 120 minutes to 165 minutes; intraoperative blood loss, from 100 mL to 200 mL; the drainage volume, from 570 mL to 2000 mL 72 hours after operation; and chest tube duration, from 5 days to 10 days. One rifampicin-resistant case had satisfactory postoperative lung expansion, but left a cavity, the operation time of which was 225 minutes; intraoperative blood loss, 300 mL; the drainage volume, 1820 mL 72 hours after operation; and chest tube duration, 40 days. The follow-up time ranged from 6 months to 9 months, and no recurrence was noted.

Conclusion:
Parietal pleurectomy with preservation of the top pleura via VATS is a safe and satisfactorily effective procedure for patients with refractory tuberculous pneumothorax.
Severe blood pressure elevation following ephedrine administration during carotid endarterectomy under general anesthesia: A CARE-compliant case report
Authors: Kim Hyunjee , Kim Jeong Eon , Yu Taeyoung 
Published: March 2023

Rationale:
During carotid endarterectomy (CEA) surgery, blood pressure management is particularly important to prevent cerebrovascular and cardiac complications. Ephedrine is a commonly used vasopressor, however, we report the case of a patient with unusually severe blood pressure elevation following intravenous ephedrine administration during CEA.

Patient concerns:
A 72-year-old man diagnosed with right proximal internal carotid artery stenosis underwent CEA under general anesthesia. After declamping the common carotid artery, blood pressure rapidly increased by 125 mm Hg (from 90 to 215 mm Hg) after ephedrine (4 mg) was administered, but the heart rate was stable.

Diagnoses:
There was an ordinal increase in blood pressure after the same small dose of ephedrine was administered at the early stage of the surgery. And the surgical approach was difficult because he had a high location of carotid bifurcation and a prominent mandibular angle. Because of the anatomical proximity of the cervical sympathetic trunk to the carotid bifurcation and the particularly complicated surgical process in the present case, we postulate the reason for this adverse reaction as transient sympathetic denervation supersensitivity.

Interventions:
Perdipine (0.5 mg) was administered repeatedly to reduce blood pressure.

Outcomes:
After surgery, he was diagnosed with right hypoglossal nerve palsy, and no other abnormal signs were found.

Conclusion:
This case highlights the need for caution in the use of ephedrine, which is commonly used in CEA surgery, wherein blood pressure management is particularly important. Although it is a rare and unpredictable case, α-agonists are considered safer in situations where sympathetic supersensitivity is possible.
Neoadjuvant immunotherapy versus chemoimmunotherapy in non-small cell lung cancer: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhu Qunying , Chen Guini , Liu Yunzhong , Zhou Yu 
Published: March 2023

Background:
Worldwide, lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer morbidity and mortality. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for approximately 80 to 85% of all lung cancers. Recently, a few studies have reported the use of neoadjuvant immunotherapy or chemoimmunotherapy in NSCLC. However, no meta-analysis comparing neoadjuvant immunotherapy with chemoimmunotherapy has yet been reported. We perform a protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant immunotherapy and chemoimmunotherapy in NSCLC.

Methods:
The statement of preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis protocols will be used as guidelines for reporting the present review protocol. Original clinical randomized controlled trials assessing the beneficial effects and safety of neoadjuvant immunotherapy and chemoimmunotherapy in NSCLC will be included. Databases searched include China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Scientific Journals Database, Wanfang Database, China Biological Medicine Database, PubMed, EMBASE Database, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Cochrane Collaboration’s tool is used to assess the risk of bias in included randomized controlled trials. All calculations are carried out with Stata 11.0 (The Cochrane Collaboration, Oxford, UK).

Results:
The results of this systematic review and meta-analysis will be publicly available and published in a peer-reviewed journal.

Conclusion:
This evidence will be useful to practitioners, patients, and health policy-makers regarding the use of neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy in NSCLC.
Percutaneous management of caliceal diverticula: a narrative review
Authors: Dean Nicholas S. , Guo Jenny N. , Krambeck Amy E. 
Published: March 2023

Purpose of review
Caliceal diverticula are relatively uncommon within urologic practice and may be difficult to diagnose and treat. We aim to highlight contemporary studies examining surgical interventions for patients with caliceal diverticula, with a focus on percutaneous intervention, and provide updated practical recommendations for the management of these patients.

Recent findings
Studies within the last 3 years examining surgical treatment options for caliceal diverticular calculi are limited. When flexible ureteroscopy (f-URS) and percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) are examined within the same observational cohorts, PCNL is associated with improved stone-free rates (SFRs), lower requirement for re-intervention, and longer lengths of stay (LOS). Retrograde f-URS for the treatment of caliceal diverticula and diverticular calculi is associated with satisfactory safety and efficacy outcomes. There are no studies in the last 3 years that provide supporting evidence to use shock wave lithotripsy to treat caliceal diverticular calculi.

Summary
Recent studies examining surgical interventions for patients with caliceal diverticula are limited to small observational studies. Heterogeneity in LOS and follow-up protocol limits comparisons between series. Despite technological advancements in f-URS, PCNL appears to be associated with more favorable and definitive outcomes. PCNL continues to be the preferred treatment strategy for patients with symptomatic caliceal diverticula when deemed technically feasible.
Neisseria elongata–mediated peritonitis in an end-stage renal disease patient on automated peritoneal dialysis: a case report and literature review
Authors: Alsayed Ahmed , Abdalla El Mustafa , Ali Bashir , Hatem Ahmed , Albsheer Khalid , Elhadi Mohamed , Makawi Amna 
Published: March 2023

Introduction:
Peritoneal dialysis (PD) can result in peritonitis, which frequently causes severe and near-fatal clinical implications if left untreated. Usually, gram-positive bacteria are the most common organisms involved. Uncommonly recognized as the cause of peritonitis in PD patients, Neisseria elongata is a gram-negative nasal and oropharyngeal normal flora organism.

Case presentation:
We report a rare case of a 29-year-old man who had received automated PD for 6 years and had N. elongata peritonitis.

Discussion:
Several case reports of Neisseria-related peritonitis may point to the potential pathogenicity of such organisms and suggest that many cases of culture-negative peritonitis may have been misdiagnosed. Poor nutrition and chronic kidney disease have been suggested as potential risk factors for N. elongata peritonitis, both of which are present in our patient. With appropriate antibiotic use, most of the cases respond well to empirical treatment.

Conclusion:
Although rare, N. elongata can lead to PD catheter. peritonitis that, in some cases, require changing to hemodialysis.
Case report: a rare presentation of typhoid fever due to eating over-ripened pineapple
Authors: Bereda Gudisa 
Published: March 2023

Background and Importance:
Typhoid fever is an acute infection caused by Salmonella typhi, especially when it is waterborne or foodborne. Overripe pineapple causes typhoid fever because overripe pineapple is a desirable host for the survival of S. typhi. The importance of typhoid fever as a public health burden is reduced by early detection and appropriate antibiotic treatment.

Case Presentation:
A 26-year-old black African male health care worker was admitted to the clinic on 21 July 2022, with a significant chief complaint of headache, loss of appetite, and watery diarrhea. The admitted patient presented with a 2-day history of hyperthermia, headache, loss of appetite, and watery diarrhea, as well as back pain, joint weakness, and insomnia. The H antigen titer was positive, which was 1 : 189 greater than the normal range and showed the past history of S. typhi infection. The O antigen titer value detected was a false negative result because it was done before the 7-day onset of fever. On admission, ciprofloxacillin 500 mg was given orally twice a day for 7 days to treat typhoid by inhibiting the deoxyribonucleic acid replication of S. typhi by preventing S. typhi deoxyribonucleic acid topoisomerase and deoxyribonucleic acid gyrase.

Clinical Discussion:
Typhoid fever pathogenesis is based on pathogenic factors, infecting species, and host immunity. By using the agglutination biochemical test, the Widal test was able to identify the patient’s bloodstream as carrying the S. typhi bacteria that causes typhoid fever.

Conclusion:
Due to contaminated food or unsafe drinking water sources, typhoid fever is associated with travel to developing nations.
Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy in situs inversus totalis: a case report
Authors: Ortiz Gómez Jesús E. , Arellanes Herrera Paloma S. , Guzmán Barba José A. , Esparza Estrada Isaac , Orozco Álvarez Malo José O. 
Published: March 2023

Introduction and Importance:
Obesity and being overweight are defined as abnormal and excessive fat accumulation, respectively. Obesity is defined as a BMI of 30 or higher. Sleeve gastrectomy, the most commonly performed bariatric surgery worldwide, is an effective treatment for obesity and its comorbidities. However, some cases, such as situs inversus, may present additional challenges for surgeons.

Case Presentation:
The authors present the case of a 28-year-old female scheduled for gastric sleeve surgery with a BMI of 49. During the preoperative evaluation, dextrocardia was evident, and a diagnosis of situs inversus totalis was made. The surgery was performed without complications in a high-volume hospital specializing in bariatric surgery.

Clinical Discussion:
Gastric sleeve surgery should be considered an effective and safe procedure in such patients as long as the surgeon is prepared, makes technical adjustments with their team, and has the necessary experience.

Conclusion:
Laparoscopic gastric sleeve surgery is a safe procedure in patients with situs inversus, as long as it is performed by an experienced surgeon.
The Relationship Between Directly Observed Therapy for Chlamydia Infections and Retesting Rates in an Adolescent Population
Authors: Nightingale Kira J. , Makeneni Spandana , Bonett Stephen , Wood Sarah M. 
Published: March 2023

Background

Chlamydia trachomatis is the most common reportable sexually transmitted infection in the United States, with >60% of reported cases occurring in individuals aged 15 to 24 years. US practice guidelines recommend directly observed therapy (DOT) for the treatment of chlamydia in adolescents, but almost no research has been done to evaluate whether DOT results in improved outcomes.

Methods
We conducted a retrospective cohort study of adolescents who sought care at 1 of 3 clinics within a large academic pediatric health system for a chlamydia infection. The study outcome was return for retesting within 6 months. Unadjusted analyses were performed using χ
2, Mann-Whitney U, and t tests, and adjusted analyses were performed using multivariable logistic regression.

Results
Of the 1970 individuals included in the analysis, 1660 (84.3%) received DOT and 310 (15.7%) had a prescription sent to a pharmacy. The population was primarily Black/African American (95.7%) and female (78.2%). After controlling for confounders, individuals who had a prescription sent to a pharmacy were 49% (95% confidence interval, 31%–62%) less likely than individuals who received DOT to return for retesting within 6 months.

Conclusions
Despite clinical guidelines recommending the use of DOT for chlamydia treatment in adolescents, this is the first study to describe the association between DOT and an increase in the number of adolescents and young adults who return for sexually transmitted infection retesting within 6 months. Further research is needed to confirm this finding in diverse populations and explore nontraditional settings for the provision of DOT.
Healthy vaccinee bias and MenB-FHbp vaccine effectiveness against gonorrhea
Authors: Abara Winston E. , Bernstein Kyle T. , Lewis Felicia M.T. , Pathela Preeti , Islam Aras , Eberhart Michael , Cheng Iris , Ternier Alexandra , Sanderson Slutsker Jennifer , Madera Robbie , Kirkcaldy Robert 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Observational studies demonstrated 30–40% effectiveness of OMV meningococcal serogroup-B vaccines against gonorrhea. To explore whether healthy vaccinee bias influenced such findings, we examined effectiveness of MenB-FHbp, a non-OMV vaccine that is not protective against gonorrhea. MenB-FHbp was ineffective against gonorrhea. Healthy vaccinee bias likely did not confound earlier studies of OMV vaccines.
Plasma and interstitial levels of endocannabinoids and N-acylethanolamines in patients with chronic widespread pain and fibromyalgia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kurlyandchik Inna , Lauche Romy , Tiralongo Evelin , Warne Leon N. , Schloss Janet 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is an essential endogenous signaling system that may be involved in the pathophysiology of chronic widespread pain (CWP) and fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). Further research is required to understand the role of ECS in the development and maintenance of CWP and FMS. We provided the first systematic review and meta-analysis exploring the clinical relevance of ECS alterations in patients with CWP and FMS by comparing plasma and interstitial levels of endocannabinoids and N-acylethanolamines in patients and healthy controls. A systematic search was conducted to identify studies that measured plasma and/or interstitial levels of endocannabinoids and N-acylethanolamines in patients with CWP or FMS and healthy controls. A total of 8 studies were included for qualitative review, and 7 studies were included for meta-analysis. The findings identified increased plasma levels of oleoylethanolamide and stearoylethanolamide in patients with FMS compared with those in controls (P = 0.005 and P < 0.0001, respectively) and increased plasma levels of palmitoylethanolamide and interstitial levels of stearoylethanolamide in patients with CWP compared with those in controls (P = 0.05 and P = 0.001, respectively). There were no significant differences in other ECS parameters. Most studies did not account for variables that may influence ECS function, including cannabis use, concomitant medication, comorbidities, physical activity, stress levels, circadian rhythm, sleep quality, and dietary factors, suggesting that future studies should explore the correlation between these variables and endocannabinoid activity. We highlight the importance of investigating endocannabinoid activity in CWP and FMS because it will underpin future translational research in the area.
Test–retest reliability of a simple bedside-quantitative sensory testing battery for chronic neuropathic pain
Authors: Sachau Juliane , Appel Christina , Reimer Maren , Sendel Manon , Vollert Jan , Hüllemann Philipp , Baron Ralf 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Introduction:
The sensory phenotype is believed to provide information about the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms and to be used in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic neuropathic pain. However, the use of standardized quantitative sensory testing (QST) protocols is limited due to high expenditures of time and costs. Thus, a simple bedside-QST battery was recently developed showing good agreement when compared with laboratory QST. The aim of this study was to preliminary validate this bedside-QST protocol.

Methods:
Patients experiencing chronic pain with neuropathic features (n = 60) attended 3 visits. During the first visit, laboratory QST and bedside-QST were performed by the same trained investigator. Three hours and 3 weeks later, bedside-QST was repeated. Patients completed questionnaires regarding their pain (intensity, quality), depression/anxiety, and quality of life. Test–retest reliability and convergent/divergent validity were investigated.

Results:
Most of the bedside-QST parameters, including also those recommended in our first study as being indicative for sensory phenotypes, revealed a moderate to excellent test–retest reliability. Overall, results for short-term reliability and interval-scaled parameters were slightly better. Most of the bedside-QST parameters did not correlate with the depression and anxiety score, suggesting a good divergent validity.

Conclusions:
Bedside-QST has good criterion and divergent validity as well as reliability. This battery consists of 5 low-cost devices that can be quickly and easily used to characterize the sensory phenotype of patients with neuropathic pain. A combination of bedside-QST parameters can be used to investigate patients' subgroups with specific pathophysiological mechanisms and to identify treatment responders.
Mitigating the Risk of Breast Cancer? Analysis of Incidentally Found Proliferative Lesions in Oncoplastic Breast Reductions and Breast Reductions for Macromastia
Authors: Morrison Kerry A. , Choi Mihye , Karp Nolan S. 
Published: March 2023

Background:
Reduction mammoplasty pathologic specimens can reveal incidentally found proliferative lesions. Yet, there is a lack of data investigating the comparative incidences and risk factors for such lesions.

Methods:
A retrospective review was conducted of all consecutively performed reduction mammoplasty cases at a single large academic medical institution in a metropolitan city by two plastic surgeons over a two-year period. All reduction mammoplasties, symmetrizing reductions, and oncoplastic reductions performed were included. There were no exclusion criteria.

Results:
Six hundred thirty-two total breasts were analyzed: 502 reduction mammoplasties, 85 symmetrizing reductions, and 45 oncoplastic reductions in 342 patients. Mean age was 43.9±15.9 years, mean BMI 29.2±5.7, and mean reduction weight 610.0±313.1 grams. Patients who underwent reduction mammoplasty for benign macromastia had a significantly lower incidence (3.6%) of incidentally found breast cancers and proliferative lesions compared to patients with oncoplastic reductions (13.3%) and symmetrizing reductions (17.6%) (p<0.001). In univariate analysis, personal history of breast cancer (p<0.001), first degree family history of breast cancer (p = 0.008), age (p<0.001), and tobacco use (p = 0.033) were all statistically significant risk factors. Using a backwards elimination stepwise reduced multivariable logistic regression model for risk factors associated with breast cancer or proliferative lesions, age (p<0.001) was the only retained significant risk factor.

Conclusion:
Proliferative lesions and carcinomas of the breast found in reduction mammoplasty pathologic specimens may be more common than previously reported. The incidence of newly found proliferative lesions was significantly lower in cases of benign macromastia compared to oncoplastic and symmetrizing reductions.