Russian-language publication activities of medical researchers during the COVID-19 pandemic: results of the year

Aim. To study the dynamics and patterns of medical publications in Russian, made during the year from February 2020, in order to assess the completeness of data on the etiology, pathogenesis, prevention and treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), as well as rehabilitation and healthcare management during a pandemic.Material and methods. We searched for publications using the Pubmed database and the Elpub platform. The search was carried out using the following requests: “COVID-19” and “SARS-CoV-2”. Thematic sections were allocated according to source type, specialization and research design. The publications were classified according to keywords and meaning. The publication time was estimated by the date it was accepted for publication. Values were assessed using numerical values and graphs.Results. One hundred fifteen (28,5%) publications presented data from original research, while 288 (71,5%) — reflected the results of already existing sources. An increase in proportion of primary sources with the pandemic spread was established. There were following most common study designs: case series — 87 (77,7%); case reports — 15 (13,4%); cohort studies — 8 (7,1%); randomized clinical trials — 2 (1,8%). By topic, the largest number of articles are devoted to the diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19 — 250 (62%), epidemiology — 36 (8,9%), etiology and pathogenesis — 36 (8,9%), healthcare management — 30 (7,4%), “Other” — 20 (4,9%), and policy papers from expert communities — 13 (3,25%). The smallest number of publications is directly related to cardiology and prevention, including immunoprophylaxis — 12 (2,9%), as well as rehabilitation — 6 (1,5%).Conclusion. The dynamics and patterns of publications on COVID-19 in Russian are generally in line with global trends and reflect the pandemic characteristics in Russia. Due to disease novelty, there is currently a knowledge gap in the treatment, prevention and long-term outcomes of COVID-19. In the future, studies with a higher evidence level are needed on possible methods of treatment, prevention, including cardiology issues and vaccination, as well as rehabilitation.

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Villoglandular adenocarcinoma of the uterine cervix: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics ◽

10.1007/s00404-021-06077-9 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Anna K. Dietl ◽

Matthias W. Beckmann ◽

Konrad Aumann

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Uterine Cervix ◽

Case Reports ◽

Case Series ◽

Disease Free Survival ◽

Conservative Group ◽

Pubmed Database ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Stage Ia ◽

Invasive Management

Abstract Purpose Villoglandular adenocarcinoma (VGA) of the uterine cervix has been classified as a rare subtype of cervical adenocarcinoma with good prognosis. A conservative surgical approach is considered feasible. The main risk factor is the presence of other histologic types of cancer. In this largest systematic review to date, we assess oncological outcomes associated with conservative therapy compared to those associated with invasive management in the treatment of stage Ia and Ib1 VGA. Methods Case series and case reports identified by searching the PubMed database were eligible for inclusion in this review (stage Ia–Ib1). Results A total of 271 patients were included in our literature review. 54 (20%) patients were treated by “conservative management” (conization, simple hysterectomy, and trachelectomy) and 217 (80%) by “invasive management” (radical hysterectomy ± radiation, hysterectomy, and radiation). Recurrences of disease (RODs) were found in the conservative group in two (4%) cases and in the invasive group in nine (4%) cases. There was no significant difference in disease-free survival (DFS) according to conservative or invasive treatment (p = 0.75). The histology of VGA may be complex with underlying usual adenocarcinoma (UAC) combined with VGA. Conclusion The excellent prognosis of pure VGA and the young age of the patients may justify the management of this tumor using a less radical procedure. The histological diagnosis of VGA is a challenge, and pretreatment should not be based solely on a simple punch biopsy but rather a conization with wide tumor-free margins.

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Neuroendocrine Testicular Tumors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Current Urology ◽

10.1159/000447146 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 10 (1) ◽

pp. 15-25 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Mseddi M. Amine ◽

Bouzguenda Mohamed ◽

Hadjslimane Mourad ◽

Hamza Majed ◽

Charfi Slim ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Survival Rate ◽

Neuroendocrine Tumors ◽

Carcinoid Syndrome ◽

Case Reports ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Case Series ◽

Palpable Mass ◽

Pubmed Database ◽

Evolutionary Features ◽

Radical Orchiectomy

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to study the main epidemiological, clinical, para clinical, pathological, therapeutic, and evolutionary features of patients with testicular neuroendocrine tumors (TNET). Materials and Methods: Nine case series and sixteen case reports were identified by searching PubMed database and qualified for inclusion in this study. We added the data of one case treated in the department of urology in Habib Bourguiba Hospital in Sfax, to the published cases. Results: A total of 132 cases were collected. Median age at diagnosis was 39 years old (range 10- 83 years). The most common presenting symptom was either a testicular mass or a swelling in 38.46% of cases. Carcinoid syndrome was documented in 10.60% of patients. The clinical examination revealed a palpable mass in 44.70% of patients. This mass was painless and firm in most cases. Serum tumor markers (β-gonadotrophine chorionique humaine, α-feto protein, and lactate dehydrogenase) were within normal limits in all patients except in one case. Most testicular neuroendocrine tumors (76.52%) were primary and pure. The tumors were positive for chromogranin (100%), synaptophysin (100%) and cytokeratin (93.10%). Metastases were detected at time of diagnosis in eight cases (6.06%). The main treatment was radical orchiectomy performed in 127 patients (96.21%). The 5-year overall survival rate was 78.70% and the 5-year specific survival rate was 84.30%. Conclusion: The diagnosis of testicular carcinoids is based on the immunohistochemistry study. The treatment of choice for these tumors is radical orchiectomy. Somatostatin analogues were reported to be effective in patients with carcinoid syndrome.

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COVID-19 and Influenza Co-infection: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Frontiers in Medicine ◽

10.3389/fmed.2021.681469 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 ◽

Author(s):

Masoud Dadashi ◽

Saeedeh Khaleghnejad ◽

Parisa Abedi Elkhichi ◽

Mehdi Goudarzi ◽

Hossein Goudarzi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Case Reports ◽

Influenza Infection ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Clinical Manifestations ◽

Case Series ◽

Influenza Viruses ◽

Original Research ◽

Respiratory Pathogens ◽

Prevalence Studies

Background and Aim: Co-infection of COVID-19 with other respiratory pathogens which may complicate the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of COVID-19 emerge new concern. The overlap of COVID-19 and influenza, as two epidemics at the same time can occur in the cold months of the year. The aim of current study was to evaluate the rate of such co-infection as a systematic review and meta-analysis.Methods: A systematic literature search was performed on September 28, 2019 for original research articles published in Medline, Web of Science, and Embase databases from December 2019 to September 2020 using relevant keywords. Patients of all ages with simultaneous COVID-19 and influenza were included. Statistical analysis was performed using STATA 14 software.Results: Eleven prevalence studies with total of 3,070 patients with COVID-19, and 79 patients with concurrent COVID-19 and influenza were selected for final evaluation. The prevalence of influenza infection was 0.8% in patients with confirmed COVID-19. The frequency of influenza virus co-infection among patients with COVID-19 was 4.5% in Asia and 0.4% in the America. Four prevalence studies reported the sex of patients, which were 30 men and 31 women. Prevalence of co-infection with influenza in men and women with COVID-19 was 5.3 and 9.1%, respectively. Eight case reports and 7 case series with a total of 123 patients with COVID-19 were selected, 29 of them (16 men, 13 women) with mean age of 48 years had concurrent infection with influenza viruses A/B. Fever, cough, and shortness of breath were the most common clinical manifestations. Two of 29 patients died (6.9%), and 17 out of 29 patients recovered (58.6%). Oseltamivir and hydroxychloroquine were the most widely used drugs used for 41.4, and 31% of patients, respectively.Conclusion: Although a low proportion of COVID-19 patients have influenza co-infection, however, the importance of such co-infection, especially in high-risk individuals and the elderly, cannot be ignored. We were unable to report the exact rate of simultaneous influenza in COVID-19 patients worldwide due to a lack of data from several countries. Obviously, more studies are needed to evaluate the exact effect of the COVID-19 and influenza co-infection in clinical outcomes.

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Proposed modified diagnostic criteria for recurrent painful ophthalmoplegic neuropathy: Five case reports and literature review

Cephalalgia ◽

10.1177/0333102420944872 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 40 (14) ◽

pp. 1657-1670

Author(s):

Yinglu Liu ◽

Miao Wang ◽

Xiangbing Bian ◽

Enchao Qiu ◽

Xun Han ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Diagnostic Criteria ◽

Cranial Nerve ◽

Current Knowledge ◽

Case Reports ◽

Case Series ◽

Oculomotor Nerve ◽

Multiplanar Reformation ◽

Unilateral Headache ◽

Pubmed Database ◽

Recurrent Painful Ophthalmoplegic Neuropathy

Background Recurrent painful ophthalmoplegic neuropathy (RPON) is an uncommon disorder characterized by recurrent unilateral headache attacks associated with ipsilateral ophthalmoplegia. We intend to study the clinical picture in our case series along with the published literature to discuss the pathogenesis and propose modified diagnostic criteria for recurrent painful ophthalmoplegic neuropathy. Methods We reported five cases diagnosed as ophthalmoplegic migraine/RPON in our medical centers and reviewed the published literature related to RPON from the Pubmed database between 2000 and 2020. In one of these cases, a multiplanar reformation was performed to look at the aberrant cranial nerve. Results The mean onset age for RPON was 22.1 years, and the oculomotor nerve was the most commonly involved cranial nerve (53.9%) in 165 reviewed patients. In most patients, ophthalmoplegia started within 1 week of the headache attack (95.7%, 67/70). Additionally, 27.6% (40/145) of patients presented enhancement of the involved nerve(s) from MRI tests. Finally, 78 patients received corticosteroids, out of which 96.2% benefited from them. Conclusion This is the first time multiplanar reformation has been performed to reveal the distortion of the oculomotor nerve. Modified diagnostic criteria are proposed. We hope to expand the current knowledge and increase the detection of recurrent painful ophthalmoplegic neuropathy in the future.

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Bibliometric analysis of adverse drug reactions and pharmacovigilance research activities in Nepal

Therapeutic Advances in Drug Safety ◽

10.1177/2042098620922480 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 11 ◽

pp. 204209862092248

Author(s):

Sunil Shrestha ◽

Krisha Danekhu ◽

Bhuvan KC ◽

Subish Palaian ◽

Mohamed Izham Mohamed Ibrahim

Keyword(s):

Bibliometric Analysis ◽

Adverse Drug Reactions ◽

Case Reports ◽

Research Performance ◽

Case Series ◽

Original Research ◽

Drug Reactions ◽

Drug Induced ◽

Scientific Publications ◽

Research Activities

Background: Bibliometric analyses have been used previously to study the measures of quality and impact of research performed in several health-related areas such as adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and pharmacovigilance (PV), etc. This method can assess the research performance of publications quantitatively and statistically. There is no evidence of bibilometric studies analyzing ADRs and PV from Nepal. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess scientific output on ADRs and PV-related research activities in Nepal using a bibliometric analysis of publications from 2004 January to December 2018, that is, 15 years. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Scopus and Nepal Journal Online (NepJOL) databases. ‘Adverse Drug Reactions‘ or ‘ADRs‘ or ‘ADR‘ or ‘Adverse drug reaction‘ or ‘AE‘ or ‘Adverse Event‘ or ‘Drug-Induced Reaction‘ or ‘Pharmacovigilance‘ or ‘PV‘ and ‘Nepal‘. The search covered 15 years (January 2004 to December 2018) of study on ADRs and PV in Nepal. Only articles retrieved from databases were included, whereas published/unpublished drug bulletins, pharmacy newsletters and thesis were excluded. The articles thus retrieved were recorded, and thereafter analyzed. Word count code was used for the analysis of keywords used in the retrieved articles. Results: A total of 124 articles were retrieved, with the highest rate of publications in 2006 and 2007, with 16 papers each. Among the articles, 10 (8.1%) were published in Kathmandu University Medical Journal (KUMJ). Single papers were published in 38 different journals. Brief reports (1.6%), case reports (31.2%), case series (0.8%), education forums (0.8%), letters to the editor (5.6%), original research articles (41.9%), review articles (9.7%), short communications and short reports (8.1%) on ADRs and PV were recorded. Out of 124 papers, 52 (41.9%) were original research publications. The majority (74.1%) of research was done in the category of ADR incidence, types, prevention, and management, followed by policy and suggestions for strengthening national and regional pharmacovigilance centers of Nepal (14.5%). Conclusions: During the study years, there was an increase in scientific publications on drug safety. A total of 124 published articles were found during bibliometric analysis of ADRs and PV research activities in Nepal.

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Methodological quality and synthesis of case series and case reports

BMJ evidence-based medicine ◽

10.1136/bmjebm-2017-110853 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 23 (2) ◽

pp. 60-63 ◽

Cited By ~ 312

Author(s):

Mohammad Hassan Murad ◽

Shahnaz Sultan ◽

Samir Haffar ◽

Fateh Bazerbachi

Keyword(s):

Methodological Quality ◽

Medical Literature ◽

Case Reports ◽

Case Series ◽

Evidence Based ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Study Designs ◽

Inform Decision Making

Case reports and case series are uncontrolled study designs known for increased risk of bias but have profoundly influenced the medical literature and continue to advance our knowledge. In this guide, we present a framework for appraisal, synthesis and application of evidence derived from case reports and case series. We propose a tool to evaluate the methodological quality of case reports and case series based on the domains of selection, ascertainment, causality and reporting and provide signalling questions to aid evidence-based practitioners and systematic reviewers in their assessment. We suggest using evidence derived from case reports and case series to inform decision-making when no other higher level of evidence is available.

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Current Management Options in Irvine–Gass Syndrome: A Systemized Review

Journal of Clinical Medicine ◽

10.3390/jcm10194375 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (19) ◽

pp. 4375

Author(s):

Michał Orski ◽

Maciej Gawęcki

Keyword(s):

Macular Edema ◽

Randomized Clinical Trials ◽

Treatment Strategies ◽

Case Series ◽

Functional Results ◽

Theoretical Background ◽

Invasive Treatment ◽

Management Options ◽

First Line Therapy ◽

Pubmed Database

Irvine–Gass syndrome (IGS) remains one of the most common complications following uneventful cataract surgery. In most cases, macular edema (ME) in IGS is benign, self-limiting, and resolves spontaneously without visual impairment; however, persistent edema and refractory cases may occur and potentially deteriorate visual function. Despite the relatively high prevalence of IGS, no solid management guidelines exist. We searched the PUBMED database for randomized clinical trials (RCT) or case series of at least 10 cases published since 2000 evaluating different treatment strategies in patients with cystoid macular edema (CME). The search revealed 28 papers that fulfilled the inclusion criteria with only seven RCTs. The scarceness of material makes it impossible to formulate strong recommendations for the treatment of IGS. Clinical practice and theoretical background support topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) as the first-line therapy. Invasive procedures, such as periocular steroids, intravitreal corticosteroids, and anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF), are usually applied in prolonged or refractory cases. Results of novel applications of subthreshold micropulse laser (SML) are also promising and should be studied carefully in terms of the safety profile and cost effectiveness. Early initiation of invasive treatment for providing better functional results must be examined in further research.

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Vasculitis induced by biological agents used in rheumatology practice: A systematic review

Archives of Rheumatology ◽

10.46497/archrheumatol.2022.9049 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Camila da Silva Cendon Duran ◽

Adriane Souza da Paz ◽

Mittermayer Barreto Santiago

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Leukocytoclastic Vasculitis ◽

Case Reports ◽

Case Series ◽

Final Analysis ◽

Infusion Reaction ◽

Biological Agents ◽

Necrosis Factor Alpha ◽

Pubmed Database ◽

Meta Analyses

Objectives: Biological medications have been used with an increasing frequency to treat rheumatological diseases. Autoimmune events can be induced by these drugs, such as psoriasiform lesions, alopecia, lupus and, vasculitis, which more often affects the skin (small-sized vessels) and eventually other organs. In this review, we describe the clinical profile of patients with vasculitis induced by the main biological agents used in rheumatology. Patients and methods: We performed a systematic review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) recommendations. The PubMed database was used for searching eligible articles. We included case reports, case series, and letter to the editor of patients on anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha (anti-TNF-a) molecules, as well as tocilizumab, ustekinumab, secukinumab, rituximab, and abatacept, who had vasculitis induced by these agents. Results: Eighty-one articles were included for final analysis (n=89). Twenty-seven patients were using infliximab, 20 adalimumab, 18 etanercept, seven secukinumab, four certolizumab, four rituximab, three golimumab, three ustekinumab, two abatacept, and one tocilizumab. Unspecific leukocytoclastic vasculitis (LCV) was the most common type of vasculitis (n=37), followed by anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)- associated vasculitis (n=16). The medication was replaced with another biological molecule in 23 cases, with only four relapses. In six cases, the biological was maintained, but vasculitis worsened/persisted in one case, being necessary drug removal. Conclusion: Infections, infusion reaction, cancer, and autoimmune events are well-known side effects of biological therapy. This review demonstrates that vasculitis is another adverse effect of this type of therapy, particularly the anti-TNF-a molecules, and LCV the most reported type of vasculitis.

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18 Years of Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (MRONJ) Research: Where Are We Now?—An Umbrella Review

Applied Sciences ◽

10.3390/app11198818 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (19) ◽

pp. 8818

Author(s):

Roberto Sacco ◽

Monica Diuana Calasans-Maia ◽

Julian Woolley ◽

Oladapo Akintola ◽

Carlos Fernando de Almeida Barros Mourão ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Reviews ◽

Case Reports ◽

Case Series ◽

Osteonecrosis Of The Jaw ◽

Umbrella Review ◽

Severe Condition ◽

Manual Search ◽

Number Of Patients ◽

Retrospective Cohort Studies ◽

Study Designs

Background: Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) is a condition affecting patients exposed to medications used to treat benign and malignant conditions of bone tissue. Many studies have highlighted that ONJ is a severe condition, which is very challenging to manage, especially in individuals with oncologic disease. The aim of this umbrella review is to analyze all available interventional and non-interventional systematic reviews published on medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) and summarize this evidence. Material and methods: A multi-database search (PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL) was performed to identify related multi-language papers published from January 2003 until June 2021. An additional manual search was also performed in systematic review registries (PROSPERO, INPLASY, JBI and OFS) to identify possible missing reviews. Data were extracted from relevant papers and analyzed according to the outcomes selected in this review. Results: The search generated 25 systematic reviews eligible for the analysis. The total number of patients included in the analysis was 80,840. Of the reviews, 64% (n = 16) were non-interventional and 36% (n = 9) were interventional. Study designs included case series 20.50% (n = 140), retrospective cohort studies 12.30% (n = 84) and case reports 12.20% (n = 83). It was unclear what study design was used for 277 studies included in the 25 systematic reviews. Conclusions: The data reviewed confirmed that the knowledge underpinning MRONJ in the last 20 years is still based on weak evidence. This umbrella review highlighted a widespread low-level quality of studies and many poorly designed reviews.

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Onplant Use for Orthodontic Anchorage Reinforcement

Journal of Dentistry Open Access ◽

10.31487/j.jdoa.2020.01.06 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 1-5

Author(s):

Aslam Alkadhimi ◽

John Ahn

Keyword(s):

Animal Studies ◽

Information Gain ◽

Case Reports ◽

Case Series ◽

Supporting Evidence ◽

Orthodontic Anchorage ◽

Design Features ◽

Specific Design ◽

Study Designs ◽

Bone Anchorage

Introduction: In 1995, Block and Hoffman reported the successful use of a subperiosteal disk (onplant) to reinforce orthodontic anchorage in an experimental study in dogs and monkeys. It was concluded that onplants provide sufficient anchorage to successfully move and anchor teeth. Aims: The aim of this article is to discuss the development of onplant, key design features, clinical indications for use as well as any available supporting evidence. Methods: Review of the literature was carried out using the following search methods: MEDLINE and EMBASE. The search was focused on various keywords including: "onplant", "bone anchorage device" and "subperiosteal disk", which were conducted on studies published until January 2020. Results: Evidence from clinical studies is scarce, a total of 9 related papers were retrieved from the literature (2 animal studies, 3 RCTs, 2 case series and 2 case reports). All types of study designs were included in the summary to maximize potential information gain. Conclusion: In this article, we reviewed the development of onplant and outlined the general design features as well as specific design features. The onplant is no longer available in the market given that it never gained acceptance among the orthodontic community and its use is almost obsolete.

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