bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Elevated carcinoembryonic antigen predicts rapidly progressive interstitial lung disease in clinically amyopathic dermatomyositis
Authors: Zhu Dingxian , Qiao Jianjun , Tang Shunli , Pan Yunlei , Li Sheng , Yang Changyi , Fang Hong 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Objectives
The present study aimed to determine the correlation between serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level and the severity of interstitial lung disease (ILD) in clinically amyopathic DM (CADM) patients.

Methods
We performed a retrospective study including 41 Chinese CADM patients without malignancy. Serum CEA levels, clinical and laboratory findings were collected. Association tests between CEA levels and disease activity parameters were performed.

Results
Among the 41 patients, 16 (39.0%) developed rapidly progressive (RP)-ILD; of them, 14 (87.5%) had elevated serum CEA levels. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that an elevated serum CEA level was an independent risk factor for RP-ILD. The incidence of elevated CEA level was significantly higher in patients with RP-ILD than in those without RP-ILD (87.5 vs 16.0%, P &lt; 0.001). Furthermore, CEA levels were higher in patients with CADM with RP-ILD [26.87 (6.71) μg/l] than in those without RP-ILD [3.23 (0.64) μg/l] (P &lt; 0.001). CEA levels in CADM patients were associated with the ferritin, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase levels, and CT scores of the lungs. Also, elevated CEA levels are related to the organizing pneumonia pattern and lower lung zone consolidation in high-resolution CT. Moreover, the cumulative survival rate was significantly lower (68.4 vs 31.6%, P &lt; 0.001) in the group with a CEA level &gt;8.75 μg/l than that in the group with a CEA level &lt;8.75 μg/l.

Conclusions
An elevated serum CEA level is common in patients with CADM, and a higher serum CEA level is a powerful indicator of RP-ILD and poor prognosis in those patients.
A Review of Peripheral Nerve Blocks for Cesarean Delivery Analgesia
Authors: Mitchell K.D. , Smith C.T. , Mechling C. , Wessel C.B. , Orebaugh S. , Lim G. 
Published: November 2020

(Reg Anesth Pain Med. 2020;45:52–62)Peripheral nerve blocks are used in nonobstetrical surgery as part of a multimodal analgesic strategy. These blocks have been associated with reduced opioid requirements, better quality of recovery, and reduced hospital utilization. Yet, peripheral nerve blocks are not routinely performed for cesarean delivery. This review article discussed several peripheral nerve block options for cesarean delivery, including lumbar sympathetic paravertebral (PVB), transversus abdominis plane (TAP), quadratus lumborum (QL), ilioinguinal-iliohypogastric (II-IH), continuous wound infiltration (CWI), and erector spinae plane blocks.
The Effect of Chitosan in Wound Healing: A Systematic Review
Authors: Liu Ying , Chen JiaLi , Li PeiFang , Ning Ning 
Published: November 2020

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE
To systematically review the effectiveness of chitosan in wound healing.

DATA SOURCES
References were retrieved from PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane library, and Web of Science based on Medical Subject Headings and keywords (“chitosan” OR “chitin” OR “poliglusam” AND “wound healing”).

STUDY SELECTION
Eligible articles were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that required interventions for chitosan and its derivative dressings and included endpoints associated with wound healing. In summary, five RCTs (N = 319) were included in the final analysis.

DATA SYNTHESIS
Only two RCTS (40%) reported significant beneficial effects of chitosan on wound healing compared with conventional gauze dressings (eg, tulle gras, petroleum jelly). The remaining three studies reported that chitosan had no significant effect on clinical wound healing compared with other biologic dressings (eg, alginate, hydrocolloid).

CONCLUSIONS
Although the number of trials of new chitosan dressings has been increasing, studies on the relationship between chitosan and wound healing have been limited. Current data suggest that chitosan does not slow wound healing. However, the small number of available trials restricted adequate interpretation of the existing results. Future research needs to be rigorously designed to confirm any clinically relevant effect of chitosan in wound healing.
Histopathology of Pemphigus Vulgaris Revisited
Authors: Manocha Anisha , Tirumalae Rajalakshmi 
Published: November 2020

Abstract:

Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is a severe, potentially life-threatening autoimmune blistering disease, which is common in India. Although there is abundant literature on clinical and immunologic features, comprehensive studies on its histopathology are lacking. The aim of this study was to describe the histopathologic and immunofluorescence features as well as discuss various diagnostic pitfalls of PV. Histopathologic and immunofluorescence (DIF/IIF) findings were reviewed for 169 biopsies from 2007 to 2017 (11 years). The 169 samples included 152 skin, 16 oral mucosal, and 1 corneal biopsy. Maximum prevalence was noted in the fifth decade (57%) with a slight male preponderance. Vesicles were seen in 149 cases (88%), the level of which was suprabasal in 91(61%) and both suprabasal and intraepidermal in 50 cases (33.5%). Acantholytic cells were present in 142 cases (95%). Acantholytic keratinocytes showed rounded and polygonal acantholysis. 86 (51%) cases showed evidence of regeneration. Adnexal involvement was seen in 92 cases, commonest in the hair follicles. Unusual histologic findings included: intraepidermal bulla, absence of dermal inflammation, free floating hair shafts, multinucleated epithelial cells, eosinophil predominance; all of which are discussed. DIF was performed in 166 cases, of which 163 were positive (98%), and IgG was the commonest immunoreactant (96%). IIF was performed in 11 cases, of which 9 cases were positive for Dsg3. Although the diagnosis of PV rests on combined clinical, histologic, and IF features, histopathology as the sole means is also a powerful tool. It is important to be aware of the diagnostic pitfalls to optimize its utility.
Syringotropic Melanoma: A Diagnostic Challenge With Prognostic Implications
Authors: Torre-Castro Juan , Haya-Martínez Lara , Moya-Martínez Cristina , Núñez-Hipólito Lucía , Mendoza-Cembranos María Dolores , Sabaris María del Carmen Fariña , Eraña-Tomás Itziar , Santonja Carlos , Suárez Massa María Dolores , Cerroni Lorenzo , Requena Luis 
Published: November 2020

Abstract:
The presence of neoplastic melanocytes within the eccrine apparatus into the reticular dermis and/or subcutaneous tissue is extremely rare. The staging of syringotropic melanomas and their biological behavior are still controversial. We present 6 new cases of syringotropic melanoma and their main histopathologic features; review the previous literature; and discuss about the origin, staging, and prognosis of this rare variant of melanoma.
Seizures after percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy
Authors: Wu Junbei , Fang Yin , Jin Wenjie 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Rationale:
Percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) is a minimally invasive technique for removing nucleus pulposus and achieving neural decompression via a posterolateral approach. PELD is known to have a very low rate of complications during the perioperative period. Although quite rare, seizures can occur in patients undergoing PELD.

Patient concerns:
A 58-year-old man with severe low back pain underwent the PELD procedure under general anesthesia. During the recovery phase after general anesthesia, the patient developed a tonic-clonic seizure. Two additional episodes occurred subsequently.

Diagnoses:
Bilateral disc swelling indirectly supports the diagnosis of intracranial hypertension.

Interventions:
Midazolam and propofol were administered to control seizures. 1.0 g phenobarbital sodium was administered by intravenous injection. Ten milligrams of furosemide and 250 mL of mannitol (20%) were prescribed sequentially. Two hundred milligrams of hydrocortisone and an ice bag were used to protect the brain. Urapidil, metoprolol, and nicardipine were intermittently used to control his blood pressure. A sustained release of sodium valproate was administered and continued prophylactically for 4 weeks.

Outcomes:
No further seizures were recorded and the patient recovered well.

Lessons:
We conclude that total volume of fluid used for irrigation was considered a possible cause of seizure. This case illustrates the fact that irrigation should be performed cautiously in PELD procedure. And anesthesiologists should be familiar with the management strategies of perioperative acute seizures.
Identification of grade-related genes and construction of a robust genomic-clinicopathologic nomogram for predicting recurrence of bladder cancer
Authors: Peng Xiqi , Wang Jingyao , Li Dongna , Chen Xuan , Liu Kaihao , Zhang Chunduo , Lai Yongqing 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background:
Bladder cancer (BC) is a common tumor in the urinary system with a high recurrence rate. The individualized treatment and follow-up after surgery is the key to a successful outcome. Currently, the surveillance strategies are mainly depending on tumor stage and grade. Previous evidence has proved that tumor grade was a significant and independent risk factor of BC recurrence. Exploring the grade-related genes may provide us a new approach to predict prognosis and guide the post-operative treatment in BC patients.

Methods:
In this study, the weighted gene co-expression network analysis was applied to identify the hub gene module correlated with BC grade using GSE71576. After constructing a protein–protein interaction (PPI) network with the hub genes inside the hub gene module, we identified some potential core genes. TCGA and another independent dataset were used for further validation.

Results:
The results revealed that the expression of AURKA, CCNA2, CCNB1, KIF11, TTK, BUB1B, BUB1, and CDK1 were significantly higher in high-grade BC, showing a strong ability to distinguish BC grade. The expression levels of the 8 genes in normal, paracancerous, tumorous, and recurrent bladder tissues were progressively increased. By conducting survival analysis, we proved their prognostic value in predicting the recurrence of BC. Eventually, we constructed a prognostic nomogram by combining the 8-core-gene panel with clinicopathologic features, which had shown great performance in predicting the recurrence of BC.

Conclusion:
We identified 8 core genes that revealed a significant correlation with the tumor grade as well as the recurrence of BC. Finally, we proved the value of a novel prognostic nomogram for predicting the relapse-free survival of BC patients after surgery, which could guide their treatment and follow-up.
Can dorzolamide/timolol-fixed combination effectively treat primary open-angle glaucoma?
Authors: Qi Yan-Xiu , Liu Hong-wei , Sun Quan , Su Xing-jie , Han Lin 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background:
Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is a very common disorder, and it is the second leading cause that results in blindness worldwide after cataracts. Previous studies have reported that dorzolamide/timolol-fixed combination (DTFC) can be used in treating POAG. However, there are still inconsistent results. Thus, this study will systematically investigate the efficacy and safety of DTFC on POAG.

Methods:
A comprehensive search will be carried out in Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHI, ACMD, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and WANGFANG database from origin to the present. There are no limitations related to the language and publication status. Only randomized controlled trials that assessed the efficacy and safety of DTFC for the treatment of POAG will be included. Two researchers will independently undertake record selection, data extraction, and study quality assessment. Any divisions will be solved by discussion with a third researcher. We will perform statistical analysis using RevMan 5.3 software

Results:
This study will summarize the present evidence to identify the efficacy and safety of DTFC in treating POAG through mean intraocular pressure, best corrected visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, bioelectric activity of the retina, rate of progression of glaucoma, quality of life, and adverse events.

Conclusions:
The results of this study will provide evidence of DTFC for the treatment of POAG.

Systematic review registration:
INPLASY202040120.
Venetoclax + hypomethylating agents combined with dose-adjusted HAG for relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Wang Hongxia , Bai Junjun , Pei Zhixin , Zhang Bei , Wang Junjie , Lian Xingli , Song Qinglin 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Rationale:
Some acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients are unresponsive to treatment or have remission followed by worsening of disease (known as relapsed/refractory AML [R/RAML]) after standardized treatment. The CAG/HAG regimen is not often used clinically because heterogenous patient responses, resistance, and hematopoietic bone marrow dysfunction have been reported with its use. We present 2 cases of R/RAML treated with a new combined therapy (venetoclax+ hypomethylating agents [HMAs]) in which the HAG dose was adjusted and effective in the first course of treatment.

Patient characteristics:
Case 1 involved a 23-year-old man who had suffered from AML for >4 years, and his FLT3 mutation status was positive at the initial diagnosis. After the first course of treatment with the standard-dose “Da” plan, the patient experienced complete remission. During the subsequent courses of treatment, the patient experienced 6 recurrences and was treated with the “ID Ara-C + MIT + sidaaniline” and “CAG + sidaaniline” regimens. However, the disease did not respond. Case 2 involved a 26-year-old man who received chemotherapy with the “Da,” “ID Ara-C,” “decitabine + half-dose CAG,” and “HAE” regimens. In this patients, remission could not be achieved. Reintroduction of the “ia” scheme also failed after treatment in our hospital.

Diagnosis:
Two patients were diagnosed with R/RAML.

Interventions:
The patient in case 2 received chemotherapy interventions, whereas the patient in case 1 refused to receive medical services at our hospital.

Outcomes:
The patient in case 1 was discharged after complete response treatment due to economic reasons and relapsed 2 months later. The patient ultimately died of infection and heart failure. The patient in case 2 is receiving a second cycle of chemotherapy.

Lessons:
We recommend the “venetoclax + HMAs combined with dose-adjusted CAH/HAG” regimen as an effective treatment for adult R/RAML.
Photonic hybrid state entanglement swapping using cat state superpositions
Authors: Parker Ryan C. , Joo Jaewoo , Spiller Timothy P. 
Published: November 2020

We propose the use of hybrid entanglement in an entanglement swapping protocol, as means of distributing a Bell state with high fidelity to two parties. The hybrid entanglement used in this work is described as a discrete variable (Fock state) and a continuous variable (cat state super- position) entangled state. We model equal and unequal levels of photonic loss between the two propagating continuous variable modes, before detecting these states via a projective vacuum-one-photon measurement, and the other mode via balanced homodyne detection. We investigate homodyne measurement imperfections, and the associated success probability of the measurement schemes chosen in this protocol. We show that our entanglement swapping scheme is resilient to low levels of photonic losses, as well as low levels of averaged unequal losses between the two propagating modes, and show an improvement in this loss resilience over other hybrid entanglement schemes using coherent state superpositions as the propagating modes. Finally, we conclude that our protocol is suitable for potential quantum networking applications which require two nodes to share entanglement separated over a distance of

5
--
10

km

, when used with a suitable entanglement purification scheme.
Low Dose Radiation Therapy for COVID-19 Pneumonia: A Pilot Study
Authors: Sharma Daya Nand , Guleria Randeep , Wig Naveet , Mohan Anant , Rath Goura Kisor , Subramani Vellaiyan , Bhatnagar Sushma , Mallick Supriya , Sharma Aman , Patil Pritee , Madan Karan , Soneja Manish , Thulkar Sanjay , Singh Angel Rajan , Singh Sheetal 
Published: November 2020

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe World Health Organization (WHO) has declared coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) as pandemic in March 2020. Currently there is no vaccine or specific effective treatment for COVID-19. The major cause of death in COVID-19 is severe pneumonia leading to respiratory failure. Radiation in low doses (<100 cGy) has been known for its anti-inflammatory effect and therefore, low dose radiation therapy (LDRT) to lungs can potentially mitigate the severity of pneumonia and reduce mortality. We conducted a pilot trial to study the feasibility and clinical efficacy of LDRT to lungs in the management of patients with COVID-19.MethodsFrom June to Aug 2020, we enrolled 10 patients with COVID-19 having moderate to severe risk disease [National Early Warning Score (NEWS) of ≥5]. Patients were treated as per the standard COVID-19 management guidelines along with LDRT to both lungs with a dose of 70cGy in single fraction. Response assessment was done based on the clinical parameters using the NEWS.ResultsAll patients completed the prescribed treatment. Nine patients had complete clinical recovery mostly within a period ranging from 3-7 days. One patient, who was a known hypertensive, showed clinical deterioration and died 24 days after LDRT. No patients showed the signs of acute radiation toxicity.ConclusionResults of our study (90% response rate) suggest the feasibility and clinical effectiveness of LDRT in COVID-19 patients having moderate to severe risk disease. This mandates a randomized controlled trial to establish the clinical efficacy of LDRT in COVID-19 pneumonia.
Declining Trend in the Initial SARS-CoV-2 Viral Load During the Pandemic: Preliminary Observations from Detroit, Michigan
Authors: Zein Said El , El-Hor Nivine , Chehab Omar , Alkassis Samer , Mishra Tushar , Trivedi Vichar , Salimnia Hossein , Chandrasekar Pranatharthi 
Published: November 2020

AbstractWe report a downward trend in the initial SARS-CoV-2 viral load in nasopharyngeal swab samples of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 in Detroit, Michigan, coinciding with a decrease in the number of deaths during April-June 2020. A gradual decrease in the initial viral load reflected the downward progression of the pandemic.
Convalescent COVID-19 patients are susceptible to endothelial dysfunction due to persistent immune activation
Authors: Chioh Florence WJ , Fong Siew-Wai , Young Barnaby E. , Wu Kan-Xing , Siau Anthony , Krishnan Shuba , Chan Yi-Hao , Teo Louis LY , Gao Fei , Tan Ru San , Zhong Liang , Koh Angela S. , Tan Seow-Yen , Tambyah Paul A. , Renia Laurent , Ng Lisa FP , Lye David C , Cheung Christine 
Published: November 2020

ABSTRACTThe rapid rise of coronavirus disease 2019 patients who suffer from vascular events after their initial recovery is expected to lead to a worldwide shift in disease burden. We aim to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on the pathophysiological state of blood vessels in convalescent patients. Here, convalescent COVID-19 patients with or without preexisting conditions (i.e. hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia) were compared to non-COVID-19 patients with matched cardiovascular risk factors or healthy participants. Convalescent patients had elevated circulating endothelial cells (CECs), and those with underlying cardiovascular risk had more pronounced endothelial activation hallmarks (ICAM1, P-selectin or CX3CL1) expressed by CECs. Multiplex microbead-based immunoassays revealed some levels of cytokine production sustained from acute infection to recovery phase. Several proinflammatory and activated T lymphocyte-associated cytokines correlated positively with CEC measures, implicating cytokine-driven endothelial dysfunction. Finally, the activation markers detected on CECs mapped to the counter receptors (i.e.ITGAL, SELPLG, andCX3CR1) found primarily on CD8+ T cells and natural killer cells, suggesting that activated endothelial cells could be targeted by cytotoxic effector cells. Clinical trials in preventive therapy for post-COVID-19 vascular complications may be needed.Graphical abstract
Amphipathic Fluorescent Dyes for Sensitive and Long-Term Monitoring of Plasma Membranes
Authors: Takahashi Masataka , Seino Ryo , Ezoe Takatoshi , Ishiyama Munetaka , Ueno Yuichiro 
Published: November 2020

ABSTRACTThe plasma membrane (PM) plays a critical role in many cellular processes, and PM dysfunction is a key biomarker related to the cell status and several diseases. Imaging techniques using small fluorescent probes have become increasingly important tools for visualizing living cells, particularly their PMs. Among the commercially available PM-specific probes, PKH dyes are widely used; however, the utility of these dyes is limited by their short membrane retention times and high cytotoxicity. Herein, PlasMem Bright Green and Red are implemented as new PM-specific fluorescent probes, which employ a polycyclic aromatic fluorophore to improve their retention ability and a strong acid moiety to reduce their transmembrane diffusion and cytotoxicity. We demonstrate that the long retention and low cytotoxicity of the PlasMem Bright dyes enable them to be applied for observing neuronal PMs and monitoring PM dynamics involving the endocytic pathway. Furthermore, we successfully detected mitochondria in nerve axons over long periods using PlasMem Bright dyes. Finally, the combined use of exosome staining probes and PlasMem Bright dyes allowed clear visualization of the endocytic pathway.TOC graphic
Impact of COVID-19: Decrease in the Number of Fledging Barn Swallow Chicks in Tokyo
Authors: Hayashi Takuma , Yaegashi Nobuo , Konishi Ikuo 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBarn swallows that have crossed the sea from Southeast Asia usually appear in the Kyushu Region of Japan around March after passing through Okinawa Prefecture. When the climate becomes warmer, these birds then move further north, nesting and raising their chicks in various parts of Japan. It is worth noting that barn swallows typically nest on man-made objects, for example, the roofs of houses and barns. It is believed that this is because barn swallows protect their eggs and chicks from foreign enemies such as sparrows and crows so they build their nests in populated areas. The barn swallow’s behavior of using the presence of people to keep foreign enemies away shows that barn swallows are quite wise. However, it has been reported that from the spring to summer of 2020, barn swallows, nesting and raising their chicks, which were seen every year, were not found in various parts of Japan. Therefore, we investigated the relationship between people’s self-restraint from going out and the fledging of barn swallow chicks in Tokyo metropolitan during the corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) era. The results of the survey showed a link between people’s refraining from going out and the fledging of barn swallow chicks. Next spring of 2021, the termination of COVID-19 is an important environment for swallow chick fledging.