Medicine

Symptomatic posterior fossa and supratentorial subdural hygromas as a rare complication following transarticular screw fixation with posterior wiring for atlantoaxial instability: A case report Rationale: Atlantoaxial transarticular screw fixation has been an effective and appealing method for inducing fusion of the C1-C2 complex. This technique is usually performed with Gallie fusion. In performing Gallie fusion using sublaminar wiring, a major concern is the risk of dural tear associated with passing sublaminar wires through the epidural space. We present the first report on symptomatic symptomatic subdural hygroma (SDH) due to transarticular screw fixation with posterior wiring. Patients concerns: A 50-year-old man had sustained dens fracture 20 years ago and presented with severe neck pain following a recent traffic accident. The images showed atlantoaxial instability due to nonunion of the dens fracture and the patient underwent transarticular screw fixation with posterior sublaminar wiring using Gallie technique. When the U-shaped wire was passed under the arch of C1 from inferior to superior, a dural tear and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak occurred. The site of dural tear was repaired by direct application of sutures. The patient was discharged in good condition. Fifteen day after surgery, the patient was readmitted with a history of a progressive headache associated with vomiting and vertigo. Diagnonsis: Brain CT and MRI showed bilateral posterior fossa and a right-sided supratentorial SDH. Interventions: The patient underwent right occipital burr hole and evacuation of posterior fossa SDH due to deteriorating neurological status. Outcomes: The patient's condition gradually improved after the operation and became asymptomatic at 3-year follow-up. Lessons: Posterior fossa and supratentorial SDH could occur resulting from any intraoperative dural tear and CSF leakage during posterior cervical spinal surgery. Symptomatic SDH after posterior cervical spinal surgery should be cautiously assessed and treated. Level of Evidence: 5

Diagnostic and prognostic role of HE4 expression in multiple carcinomas: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis Background: Human epididymis protein 4 (HE4) protein has garnered a great degree of interest as a complementary biomarker to carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125), or even as an independent biomarker for monitoring, diagnosis, and prognostication of ovarian cancer. Its use is currently limited to ovarian cancer. Recent studies have suggested that it could also be used in other types of cancers. Methods: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P) guidelines was used to design this meta-analysis protocol. The final study will also be conducted under the PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews and meta-analyses. The core bibliographic database search will be carried out by 2 reviewers working individually, with each conducting an initial screening based on titles and abstracts. The shortlisted articles will be selected for review and statistical analysis based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Study characteristics, relevant clinicopathological characteristics and statistical data required for meta-analysis (hazard ratios [HRs] and 95% confidence interval [CIs) will be extracted and compiled into a MS Excel datasheet. Meta-analysis will be performed, using a random-effects model, and the results (pooled HR and 95% CI) will be presented in the form of a forest plot. Publication bias will also be assessed by use of Egger bias indicator test and funnel plot symmetry. If data are insufficient, a narrative line of review will be pursued. Discussion: HE4 protein has been shown to have great potential for clinical use as a diagnostic and prognostic marker in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). However, HE4 is not only limited to expression in ovarian cancer, but is also overexpressed in lung and endometrial cancers. The effectiveness of HE4 as a biomarker in cancers (other than EOC) has not yet been studied in the form of a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis. The results of this study should allow for expanded use of HE4 as a multiutility biomarker in multiple cancer types, thereby, elevating HE4's value as a cancer biomarker. PROSPERO registration: CRD42019120326.

Prognostic significance of polyvascular disease in heart failure with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction The prognostic significance of systemic atherothrombosis in heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the relation between the presence of polyvascular disease (PVD) and cardiovascular outcomes in HFpEF patients. A total of 510 consecutive HFpEF patients were prospectively observed for up to 1500 days or until occurrence of cardiovascular events. PVD was defined as ≥2 coexistence of coronary artery disease, peripheral arterial disease, and cerebrovascular disease. Overall, 124 cardiovascular events were observed during follow-up (median: 1430 days). Kaplan–Meier curve showed HFpEF with PVD (n = 84) experienced more cardiovascular events than did those without PVD patients (44.0% vs 20.4%, log-rank: P < .001). Multivariable Cox proportional hazards analysis with significant factors from univariate analysis showed the presence of PVD (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.875, 95% [CI]: 1.894–4.365, P < .001), previous HF hospitalization (HR: 1.578, 95% CI: 1.031–2.414, P = .036), hemoglobin (HR: 0.889, 95% CI: 0.805–0.983, P = .021), serum sodium (HR: 0.946, 95% CI 0.896–1.000, P = .048), ln-BNP (per 1.0, HR: 1.255, 95% CI: 1.055–1.494, P = .010), and E/e' (HR: 1.047, 95% CI: 1.020–1.075, P < .001) significantly predicted future cardiovascular events. Multivariable Cox hazard analysis with 4 established factors (age, BNP, diabetes mellitus, and previous HF hospitalization) from the I-PRESERVE (Irbesartan in HFpEF) study showed PVD was independently associated with cardiovascular events in HFpEF patients (HR: 2.562, 95% CI: 1.715–3.827, P < .001). The presence of PVD is significantly associated with cardiovascular events in HFpEF, suggesting the importance of screening PVD in HFpEF.

Disappearance of the blood supply to a giant uterine myoma due to childbirth: A CARE-compliant article Rationale: Giant uterine myomas may be life-threatening due to pressure effects on the lungs and other contiguous organs. Patient concerns: A 32-year-old pregnant Asian woman was admitted to our hospital early in her pregnancy with a pre-pregnancy history of multiple uterine myomas. Diagnosis: She was diagnosed with multiple giant uterine myomas in pregnancy. Interventions: No intervention was performed on the woman. Outcomes: A reduction in tumor size and disappearance of tumor blood supply were seen on conventional and contrast-enhanced ultrasounds (CEUS) on postpartum day 34. Mass volume gradually decreased and no blood flow signals were seen on CEUS during postpartum follow-up. Lessons: Childbirth can block the blood supply of giant uterine myomas and reduce mass size. In such cases, childbirth may be considered therapeutic.

Effect and safety of LCZ696 in the treatment of hypertension: A meta-analysis of 9 RCT studies Background: LCZ696 has been introduced in patients with hypertension in several trials. Here, we performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the effect and safety of LCZ696 in hypertensive patients. Methods: PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library and ClinicalTrials.gov databases were searched to identify the available randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the effect and safety of LCZ696 in hypertension patients. The last search date was October 31, 2018. Results: Nine RCTs with 6765 subjects were finally included, in which 8 trials compared the effect and safety between LCZ696 and angiotensin receptor antagonists (ARBs). Evidences showed LCZ696, compared with ARBs, achieved a better blood pressure control rate (OR 1.24, 95% CI: 1.14–1.35), specifically, LCZ696 were better at reducing systolic blood pressure [WMD −4.11 mmHg, 95% CI: (−5.13, −3.08) mmHg], diastolic blood pressure [WMD −1.79 mmHg, 95% CI: (−2.22, −1.37) mmHg], mean 24-hour ambulatory systolic blood pressure [WMD −3.24 mmHg, 95% CI: (−4.48, −1.99) mmHg] and mean 24-hour ambulatory diastolic blood pressure [WMD −1.25 mmHg, 95% CI: (−1.81, −0.69) mmHg]. There was no difference in the events of adverse events (risk ratio [RR] 1.01, 95% CI: 0.39–1.09), serious adverse events (RR 0.80, 95% CI: 0.52–1.22) and discontinuation of treatment for any adverse events (RR 0.79, 95% CI: 0.56–1.11) between LCZ696 group and ARB/placebo group, except LCZ696 reduced the rate of headaches (RR 0.69, 95% CI: 0.48-0.99) while increased cough (RR 2.12, 95% CI: 1.11–4.04; P = .02; I2 = 25%). Conclusion: Our finding provides evidence that LCZ 696 was more effective than ARB on blood pressure control and was safe enough in patients with hypertension.

Association between tongue coating thickness and ultraviolet fluorescence in patients with functional dyspepsia: A prospective observational study The aim of this study was to examine the correlation between the tongue coating thickness (TCT) and ultraviolet (UV) fluorescence and propose a new method for the estimation of TCT using a computerized tongue image acquisition system (CTIS). In this prospective and observational single-center study, we acquired tongue images under visible light and near-UV light for 60 patients with functional dyspepsia. Tongue images were acquired twice within a 30-minute interval to assess the reliability of CTIS. Then, the tongue coating was scraped and weighed to derive the wet weight of the tongue coating (WWTC). The percentage of the tongue coating area was calculated from the tongue images acquired under visible light. Mean color values (mCVs) for the UV fluorescence of the dorsal surface of the tongue were also computed. The reliabilities of the derived mCVs and percentage of the tongue coating area were acceptable (intraclass correlation coefficients, 0.907–0.947). The mCVs were more strongly correlated with WWTC than with the area, with mCV of modified lightness showing the strongest association (r = 0.785, P < .01). Finally, we suggested an estimation model for TCT based on the results. The results of this study suggest that both UV fluorescence of the dorsal tongue and the distribution area of tongue coating are useful parameters for the quantitative assessment of tongue coating. We believe that these findings will contribute to the development of a clinically useful CTIS.

A network meta-analysis protocol of adjuvant chemotherapy for unresectable patients with advanced gastric cancer Background: The treatment methods about surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy were recommended for gastric cancer (GC) patients by National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines. However, for the advanced gastric cancer patients or with metastatic lesions who have lost their chance of surgery, the current adjuvant chemotherapy treatments are still controversial. Therefore, this network meta-analysis is mainly to assess the relative efficacy of different adjuvant chemotherapy regimens for advanced gastric cancer (AGC). Methods: In order to compare the relative efficacy among different adjuvant chemotherapy regimens for AGC patients, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-RCTs were systematic searched in PubMed, Web of Science, Clinical Trials, Cochrane Library and Embase database. R-3.4.1 software will be used for data analysis. The risk of bias in RCTs and non-RCTs will be evaluated through the risk of bias tool from the Cochrane Handbook version 5.1.0 and non-randomized studies of interventions (ROBINS-I), respectively. Results and conclusion: The results of this network meta-analysis will evaluate the relative effectiveness and rank the interventions among all chemotherapy methods for unresectable AGC patients, and provide more evidence-based guidance in clinical practice. Protocol registration number: CRD42018111835.

The effect of magnesium sulfate on surgical field during endoscopic sinus surgery: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials Introduction: The benefits of magnesium sulfate for surgical field during endoscopic sinus surgery remain controversial. We conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the influence of magnesium sulfate versus placebo on surgical field during endoscopic sinus surgery. Methods: We search PubMed, EMbase, Web of science, EBSCO, and Cochrane library databases through November 2018 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effect of magnesium sulfate versus placebo on surgical field during endoscopic sinus surgery. This meta-analysis is performed using the random-effect model. Results: Four RCTs and 404 patients are included in the meta-analysis. Overall, compared with control group endoscopic sinus surgery, magnesium sulfate has remarkably positive impact on surgical field scores (MD = −1.76; 95% CI = −2.33 to −1.18; P < .00001), and intraoperative blood loss (MD = −89.09; 95% CI = −163.20 to −14.97; P = .02), but shows no markedly effect on surgery duration (MD = −7.08; 95% CI = −21.38 to 7.22; P = .33), fentanyl (MD = −0.64; 95% CI = −1.97 to 0.70; P = .35), and vecuronium (MD = −3.64; 95% CI = −10.99 to 3.70; P = .33). Conclusions: Magnesium sulfate exerts positive impact on surgical field and blood loss reduction for endoscopic sinus surgery.

Uniport video assisted thoracoscopic surgery (U-VATS) exhibits increased feasibility, non-inferior tolerance, and equal efficiency compared with multiport VATS and open thoracotomy in the elderly non-small cell lung cancer patients at early stage This study aimed to compare the feasibility, efficacy and safety among uniport video assisted thoracoscopic surgery (U-VATS), multiport VATS (M-TATS), and open thoracotomy in elderly non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients at early stage. One hundred ninety-one elderly NSCLC patients at early stage underwent U-VATS (N = 73), M-VATS (N = 56) or open thoracotomy (N = 62) were included. Perioperative parameters, short-term outcomes, postoperative complications, and overall survival (OS) were assessed. Three-group analysis disclosed that operational duration, blood loss, drainage duration, hospital stay, pain score on the first day (D1) and D3, patients' global assessment (PGA), lasing air leak, infection, arrhythmia, and cardio-cerebrovascular events incidences were different among U-VATS, M-VATS, and open thoracotomy groups. Subsequently, 2-group analysis revealed that: Pain score on D1 and D3 and PGA score were decreased in U-VATS group compared with M-VATS group;The operational duration was longer, blood loss, drainage duration, hospital stay, pain score on D1 and D3, PGA score, lasing air leak, infection, arrhythmia, and cardio-cerebrovascular events were decreased in U-VATS group than open thoracotomy group;The operational duration was longer, blood loss, drainage duration, hospital stay, pain score on D1 and D3, lasing air leak, infection, and arrhythmia were reduced in M-VATS group than open thoracotomy group. In addition, there was no difference of OS among 3 groups, nor between any of the 2 groups. U-VATS presents with elevated feasibility, non-inferior tolerance, and similar efficacy compared with M-VATS and open thoracotomy in the elderly NSCLC patients at early stage.

The mediating and moderating roles of self-acceptance and self-reported health in the relationship between self-worth and subjective well-being among elderly Chinese rural empty-nester: An observational study This study aims to test the moderation and mediation effects of self-acceptance and self-reported health on self-worth's impact on subjective well-being among elderly Chinese rural empty-nester elderly, and confirm whether self-report health is a moderating variable between self-worth and subjective well-being. This cross-sectional study was performed from May 2017 to April 2018; the participants were 365 empty-nest elderly adults from rural areas of Chifeng City in Inner Mongolia. Data were collected with the General information questionnaire, Self-worth questionnaire for adults, Self-acceptance Questionnaire, and Memorial University of New Found land Scale of Happiness. For the analyses, correlations, regressions, and structural equation models were used. Bootstrapping was performed to confirm the mediation effect. Multiple regression analysis was performed to confirm the moderation effect. Self-worth showed significant correlations with self-acceptance and subjective well-being (all P < .01). Bootstrapping indicated that the mediating role of self-acceptance was statistically significant. And self-reported health moderated the self-worth and subjective well-being association. Self-acceptance partially mediated the relationship between self-worth and subjective well-being of the rural empty-nest elderly and self-reported health moderated self-worth and subjective well-being association. Consequently, to improve the subjective well-being of the rural empty-nest elderly, self-acceptance and personal health should be the focus.

Alexandros Sfakianakis
Anapafseos 5 . Agios Nikolaos
Crete.Greece.72100
2841026182

6948891480

alsfakia@gmail.com