bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Circ_0000345 Protects Endothelial Cells From Oxidized Low-Density Lipoprotein-Induced Injury by miR-129-5p/Ten-Eleven Translocation Axis
Authors: Tiliwaldi Hasanjan , Tursun Abdusalam , Tohti Ali , Mamatzunun Mirahmat , Wu Zukai 
Published: March 2021

Abstract:
Circular RNAs have shown regulatory functions in atherosclerosis (AS) progression. Here, we explored the role and working mechanism of circ_0000345 in the AS cell model in vitro. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was applied to measure the enrichment of circ_0000345, microRNA-129-5p (miR-129-5p), and ten-eleven translocation-2 (TET2) messenger RNA. Cell Counting Kit 8 assay was used to analyze cell viability of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Flow cytometry was conducted to assess cell apoptosis and cell cycle progression. The target relationship between miR-129-5p and circ_0000345 or TET2 was verified by the dual-luciferase reporter assay. The Western blot assay was used to analyze the protein level of TET2. Circ_0000345 abundance was reduced in serum samples of AS patients and AS cell model compared with their matching counterparts. Circ_0000345 overexpression promoted cell viability and cell cycle progression and hampered cell apoptosis in HUVECs induced by oxidized low-density lipoprotein. MiR-129-5p was a target of circ_0000345 and circ_0000345 attenuated ox-LDL-induced damage in HUVECs through sponging miR-129-5p. MiR-129-5p bound to the 3′ untranslated region (3′UTR) of TET2, and miR-129-5p functioned in ox-LDL-induced HUVECs by targeting TET2. Circ_0000345 enhanced TET2 messenger RNA and protein expression through sponging miR-129-5p in HUVECs. Circ_0000345 attenuated ox-LDL-mediated injury in HUVECs through targeting miR-129-5p/TET2 axis. Increasing the levels of circ_0000345 and TET2 might be a novel insight into AS treatment.
Açaí Reverses Adverse Cardiovascular Remodeling in Renovascular Hypertension: A Comparative Effect With Enalapril
Authors: Vilhena Juliana Calfa , Lopes de Melo Cunha Letícia , Jorge Tayenne Moraes , de Lucena Machado Marcella , de Andrade Soares Ricardo , Santos Izabelle Barcellos , Freitas de Bem Graziele , Fernandes-Santos Caroline , Ognibene Dayane Teixeira , Soares de Moura Roberto , de Castro Resende Angela , Aguiar da Costa Cristiane 
Published: March 2021

Abstract:
This study aimed to determine if açai seed extract (ASE) could reverse pre-existing cardiovascular and renal injury in an experimental model of renovascular hypertension (2 kidney, 1 clip, 2K1C). Young male rats (Wistar) were used to obtain 2K1C and sham groups. Animals received the vehicle, ASE (200 mg/kg/d), or enalapril (30 mg/kg/d) in drinking water from the third to sixth week after surgery. We evaluated systolic blood pressure by tail plethysmography, vascular reactivity in the rat isolated mesenteric arterial bed (MAB), serum and urinary parameters, plasma inflammatory cytokines by ELISA, MAB expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase and its active form peNOS by Western blot, plasma and MAB oxidative damage and antioxidant activity by spectrophotometry, and vascular and cardiac structural changes by histological analysis. ASE and enalapril reduced the systolic blood pressure, restored the endothelial and renal functions, and decreased the inflammatory cytokines and the oxidative stress in 2K1C rats. Furthermore, both treatments reduced vascular and cardiac remodeling. ASE substantially reduced cardiovascular remodeling and recovered endothelial dysfunction in 2K1C rats probably through its antihypertensive, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory actions, supplying a natural resource for the treatment of renovascular hypertension.
A Review of Novel Agents and Clinical Considerations in Patients With ATTR Cardiac Amyloidosis
Authors: Benbrahim Meissane , Norman Kelsey , Sanchorawala Vaishali , Siddiqi Omar K. , Hughes David 
Published: March 2021

Abstract:
Transthyretin (ATTR) amyloidosis is a multisystem disease caused by organ deposition of amyloid fibrils derived from the misfolded transthyretin (TTR) protein. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of current treatment regimens and summarize important considerations for each agent. A literature search was performed with the PubMed database for articles published through October 2020. Search criteria included therapies available on the market and investigational therapies used for ATTR amyloidosis treatment. Both prospective clinical trials and retrospective studies have been included in this review. Available therapies discussed in this review article are tafamidis, diflunisal, patisiran, and inotersen. Tafamidis is FDA approved for treatment of wild-type ATTR (ATTRwt) and hereditary ATTR (ATTRv) cardiomyopathy, and patisiran and inotersen are FDA approved for ATTRv polyneuropathy. Diflunisal does not have an FDA-labeled indication for amyloidosis but has been studied in ATTRv polyneuropathy and ATTRwt cardiomyopathy. Investigational therapies include a TTR stabilizer, AG10; 2 antifibril agents, PRX004 and doxycycline/tauroursodeoxycholic acid; and 2 gene silencers, vutrisiran and AKCEA-TTR-LRx; and clinical trials are ongoing. ATTR amyloidosis treatment selection is based on subtype and presence of cardiac or neurological manifestations. Additional considerations such as side effects, monitoring, and administration are outlined in this review.
Pedicled Abdominal Flaps for Hand Reconstruction in Adults: Physiotherapy of the Attached Hand
Authors: Al-Qattan Mohammad M. , Alammar Alwaleed K. , Alfaqeeh Faisal A. , Altamimi Lamees A. , Alfehaid Norah S. , Mahabbat Nehal A. , Pant Rajeev 
Published: March 2021

Background:
Hand reconstruction using pedicled abdominal flaps has several disadvantages, including delayed hand therapy leading to stiffness.

Methods:
This is a retrospective study of 70 cases of pedicled abdominal flaps used for hand reconstruction in adults in whom physiotherapy of the attached hand was implemented. The review aims to investigate the rate of flap dehiscence, infection, hematoma, and flap edge necrosis in our cases, and to establish that physiotherapy of the attached hand is not associated with an increased risk of complications. The review also aims to establish the effectiveness of physiotherapy of the attached hand in reducing the risk of stiffness by documenting the range of motion of the uninjured digits immediately after flap division and at final follow-up.

Results:
There were no cases of flap dehiscence, infection, or hematoma. Six cases had minor partial flap edge necrosis that was treated conservatively and allowed to heal by secondary intention. In 62 patients, the range of motion of the uninjured digits was 90%–100% of the normal range of motion at day 1 post-flap division, and all of these patients recovered a full range of motion (in the uninjured digits) within 2 weeks of follow-up. Eight patients were reluctant to do the exercises as instructed because of low pain threshold; 4 of these 8 patients had residual stiffness at the final follow-up.

Conclusion:
The implementation of active exercises of the attached hand is feasible in selected cases and it helps minimize the risk of stiffness of the hand.
The Pediatric Arterialized Venous Flow-through Flap
Authors: Efanov Johnny Ionut , ElHawary Hassan , Chollet Andre , Mottard Sophie , Borsuk Daniel E. 
Published: March 2021

Summary:
Arterialized venous flow-through flaps are solely vascularized through the venous plexus. The flaps were first described 40 years ago; however, reports of venous congestion and ischemia discouraged surgeons from adopting them into their armamentarium. Nevertheless, recent studies have demonstrated a resurgence of venous flow-through flaps for reconstruction of small to medium defects of the hand and digits. Although current data report variable levels of success in adults, no case reports have been published in the pediatric population for this type of flap. In this study, an arterialized venous flow-through flap from the medial forearm was used to reconstruct a volar hand defect in a young child. Flap markings, surgical technique, and aftercare are described. The surgery was uncomplicated, and the postoperative outcomes were aesthetically and functionally excellent. Venous flow-through flaps restore full-thickness defects, are relatively easy to perform, allow an early return to daily activities, and have almost no morbidity. These flaps offer excellent options for pediatric hand and finger defects.
Antia-Buch versus Franssen-Frechner Technique
Authors: Abdelkader Rasha , Malahias Marco , Abdalbary Sahar Ahmed , Noaman Ayman 
Published: March 2021

Background:
We performed a retrospective study comparing 2 patient groups. Each cohort included 22 cases of skin cancer of the external ear. Each patient required resection of the affected part of the external ear, followed by flap reconstruction.

Methods:
The patients in Cohort A underwent external ear reconstruction with a classic Antia-Buch flap, as described by Antia and Buch in 1967: The defect was closed by mobilizing an advancement flap from the root of the helix (upper ear), which was closed in a V-Y fashion, after a rim of healthy scaphal cartilage was resected to allow approximation of the skin. The patients in Cohort B underwent external ear reconstruction with a modified Antia-Buch flap, as presented by Franssen and Frechner in 2010. Here, a wedge of skin was removed from the ear lobe (lower ear), to allow mobilization of an advancement flap from the caudal end of the ear, to close the defect.

Results:
Both techniques allowed tension-free closure. Cohort B, however, required less dissection of the ear. The entire cephalic ear remained unaffected and no scaphal cartilage was sacrificed, thus preserving ear width, with scars that were overall less visible. Also, the loss in ear height associated with Cohort B was easily symmetrized by contralateral ear lobe reduction.

Conclusions:
Cohort B achieved closure with less ear dissection, achieving excellent morphological outcomes. The patients in Cohort B had superior levels of satisfaction with scars and ear symmetry than those in Cohort A.
Pilot Study of Corneal Clearance With the Use of a Rho-Kinase Inhibitor After Descemetorhexis Without Endothelial Keratoplasty for Fuchs Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy
Authors: Davies Emma , Jurkunas Ula , Pineda Roberto 
Published: March 2021

Purpose:
To investigate corneal clearance time using a topical rho-kinase inhibitor, netarsudil, after descemetorhexis without endothelial keratoplasty (DWEK).

Methods:
Twenty eyes from 10 patients with Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy had DWEK with cataract surgery. For the first eye of each participant, netarsudil was administered immediately after surgery until corneal clearance. For the second eye, netarsudil was withheld 2 weeks beyond the time for corneal clearance of the first eye and then administered only if corneal edema was still present. Interpatient and intrapatient comparisons were made for pachymetry, endothelial cell count, intraocular pressure, and time to corneal clearance.

Results:
Intrapatient comparison demonstrated no significant difference in preoperative pachymetry (P value 0.58), endothelial cell counts (P value 0.97), and intraocular pressure (P value 0.46) between eyes treated with netarsudil immediately after DWEK and those with delayed netarsudil use. Average time for corneal clearance in eyes treated with netarsudil immediately after surgery was 4.6 ± 1.7 weeks, which was significantly shorter than eyes not treated with netarsudil immediately at 8 ± 1.9 weeks (P < 0.01). Corneal clearance occurred in eyes between 1 and 2 weeks after addition of netarsudil as a “rescue” drop. Interpatient comparison demonstrated significantly greater endothelial cell counts in eyes treated with netarsudil immediately compared with eyes with a delay in netarsudil use (P = 0.05).

Conclusions:
Netarsudil significantly reduces the time to corneal clearance after DWEK. Furthermore, increased endothelial cell counts in eyes with immediate netarsudil use versus delayed netarsudil use suggests that the immediate perioperative period is crucial in cell regeneration and migration.
Evaluation of Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Prolonged Treatment of Vernal and Atopic Keratoconjunctivitis Using Topical Tacrolimus
Authors: Hirota Akira , Shoji Jun , Inada Noriko , Shiraki Yukiko , Yamagami Satoru 
Published: March 2021

Purpose:
To evaluate the clinical improvement and safety of prolonged treatment of vernal (VKC) and atopic keratoconjunctivitis (AKC) using topical tacrolimus.

Methods:
We included 36 eyes of 36 patients who had VKC and AKC and were treated with topical tacrolimus ophthalmic suspension (0.1%) for 24 months. The demographic data of the enrolled patients were collected from their medical files. Clinical scores, remission rates, number of relapses, concomitant use of steroids, and refractory indices were assessed. Clinical outcomes were determined using papillae–limbus–cornea (PLC) scores and 5-5-5 exacerbation grading scale scores. Clinical characteristics associated with the need for concomitant steroid eye drops administration were determined using logistic regression analysis. All patients were classified into 3 subgroups using cluster analysis.

Results:
PLC scores recorded in the sixth month were significantly improved compared with those recorded at baseline. PLC scores recorded in the 18th, 21st, and 24th months were significantly improved compared with those recorded in the sixth month. The remission rates increased diachronically and significantly, reaching 92% in the 24th month. Logistic regression analysis showed that, for every 10-year increase in patient age, the risk for requiring concomitant administration of steroid eye drops was reduced by half (odds ratio, 0.53; 95% confidence interval, 0.29–0.96). Using cluster analysis, the patients were divided into 3 clusters: adolescent type, pediatric type, and adult type.

Conclusions:
Two years of treatment with topical tacrolimus ophthalmic suspension is an effective method for inducing and maintaining the stable stages of VKC and AKC.
Pachydermoperiostosis Presenting With Vision Loss Secondary to Severe Phlyctenular Keratoconjunctivitis
Authors: Cheng Shuk Kei , Michael Anika , Rizzuti Allison E. 
Published: March 2021

Purpose:
To report a case of severe phlyctenular keratoconjunctivitis in a patient with pachydermoperiostosis (PDP).

Methods:
A 29-year-old Hispanic man presented with a 1-year history of vision loss in the right eye and redness, photophobia, and pain in both eyes. Associated symptoms included enlargement of his hands and feet for 3 years, acne, and joint pain. Examination was notable for severe meibomian gland dysfunction, corneal and limbal phlyctenules in both eyes, and central stromal scarring of the right cornea. He had cystic acne of the face and a coarse, wrinkled forehead and scalp. Examination of his hands and feet revealed clubbing of the digits.

Results:
The patient had an extensive laboratory workup that was significant for elevated erythrocyte sediment rate and C-reactive protein. X-ray of his hands and feet revealed diffuse periosteal hyperostosis with diffuse bone expansion. The patient was diagnosed with PDP with severe meibomian gland dysfunction, phlyctenular keratoconjunctivitis, and corneal scarring. His pain and photophobia resolved with medical management of the phlyctenular keratoconjunctivitis but decreased vision in the right eye persisted because of neovascularization and scarring of the cornea.

Conclusions:
We report a rare case of phlyctenular keratoconjunctivitis associated with PDP. To our knowledge, this is the first case of PDP to initially present with vision loss.
Corneal Toxicity Secondary to Latex From Asclepias curassavica in a Pediatric Patient
Authors: Yang Jessica F. , Beal Casey J. 
Published: March 2021

Purpose:
To report a case of corneal milkweed toxicity on the corneal endothelium with epithelial damage in a pediatric patient.

Methods:
We report a case of a 13-year-old boy who presented to the emergency department with complaints of left eye pain and photophobia after direct corneal exposure to milkweed latex. He was found to have a large corneal epithelial defect and diffuse stromal edema suspected to be secondary to the cardiac glycosides present in the milkweed plant. Clinical examination and course are reported.

Results:
The patient was seen in the outpatient clinic on multiple visits. His epithelial defect had resolved within 3 days, and all corneal damage had healed within 18 days from injury. He was treated with antibiotic and steroid eye drops.

Conclusions:
Corneal exposure to cardiac glycosides from milkweed plants is known to damage the endothelial sodium–potassium pumps and to cause corneal edema and decreased visual acuity. All previously documented case reports of corneal milkweed toxicity are secondary to indirect exposure to the plant's latex. Here, we report the first case of corneal endothelial toxicity because of direct latex inoculation from an Asclepias plant and the first such toxicity reported in a pediatric patient.
Diagnostic Utility of CDC DPDx for an Atypical Presentation of Infectious Crystalline Keratopathy-Like Infiltrate Secondary to Microsporidia
Authors: Huck Andrew , Moore Lee E. , Firestone Brian K. , Siatkowski Rhea L. , Riaz Kamran M. 
Published: March 2021

Purpose:
To report a case of atypical infectious crystalline keratopathy-like stromal infection secondary to microsporidia wherein diagnosis of the causative organism was aided by use of the Center for Disease Control (CDC) DPDx program.

Methods:
We report the case of a 73-year-old woman who presented with atypical infectious crystalline keratopathy-like corneal infection without previous surgical history.

Results:
The patient had previously been treated for recalcitrant corneal infection with topical antibiotics and steroids at an outside provider before referral. Further treatment with topical fortified antibiotics failed to improve the infection. Corneal biopsy was performed and sent to the CDC DPDx for diagnostic confirmation for presumptive microsporidia. The patient underwent therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty without recurrence of ocular infection.

Conclusions:
Utilization of the DPDx resource may help guide appropriate and timely diagnosis and management strategies in atypical presentations of infectious keratitis.
Comparison of the diagnostic performances of circulating tumor cells and the serum tumor markers CEA, CA125, and CA15-3 for breast cancer: a retrospective case-control study
Authors: Luan Yi , Wei Jie , Wang Ke , Cai Donghao , Luo Xiaohong , Fan Wanhung , Wang Haijiang , Duan Chaohui 
Published: March 2021

Objective:
Serum tumor markers are seldom considered as diagnostic biomarkers for breast cancer because they lack good sensitivity or specificity. This study aimed to evaluate whether a combination of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and the serum tumor markers carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), cancer antigen (CA)125, and CA15-3 might improve their diagnostic performance.

Methods:
We performed a retrospective case-control study of patients with breast cancer or benign breast diseases (BBD) and healthy female donors (HDs) who underwent preoperative CTC detection and serum tumor marker tests between December 2017 and November 2018. CTC detection and serum tumor marker test results were collected from 177 breast cancer patients, 64 patients with BBD, and 20 HDs. Correlations between CTC, CEA, CA125, or CA15-3 and participants’ clinical characteristics were then analyzed. The diagnostic performances of CTC, CEA, CA125, and CA15-3 were estimated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, China (approval No. [2018] kuaishendi(75)) on May 24, 2018.

Results:

CTC, CEA, and CA15-3 were able to distinguish breast cancer patients from controls (BBD+HDs) (
P
<0.0001,
P
=0.0006, and
P
=0.0086, respectively). CTCs were associated with tumor size (
P
=0.0275) and lymph node involvement (
P
=0.0373), while CA15-3 was correlated with cancer stage (
P
=0.01) and lymph node involvement (
P
=0.001). The AUCs of CTCs, CEA, CA125, and CA15-3 were 0.845, 0.623, 0.477, and 0.58, respectively. CA125, with AUC<0.5, was not considered a biomarker for breast cancer. CEA and CA15-3 had low sensitivities (<10%) but high specificities (>98%). Combination with CTC improved the diagnostic performances of CEA and CA15-3 for breast cancer. CTC_CA15-3 had better diagnostic performance than CTC_CEA, with an AUC of 0.874, a sensitivity of 0.757, and a specificity of 0.905.

Conclusion:
CTCs, CEA, and CA15-3 are potential diagnostic biomarkers for breast cancer. The diagnostic performance of CEA and CA15-3 may be improved by combination with CTCs.
The Effects of an Educational Program on the Professional Quality of Life and Health of Nurses: A Cluster Experimental Design
Authors: FU Chia-Yun , KAO Chia-Chan , WANG Ruey-Hsia 
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACT

Background
The complexity of the healthcare environment and intense workloads may negatively impact the health and professional quality of life (ProQOL) of nurses. Prior research has identified a significant association in nurses between ProQOL and health. Developing an intervention to improve the ProQOL and health of nurses may benefit the quality of nursing care.

Purpose
The aim of this study was to explore the effects of a compassion fatigue Resiliency, mindfulness Respiration, and Relatives and friends’ support (i.e., 3Rs) educational program on ProQOL, physical health, and mental health in nurses.

Methods
A cluster experimental design was used in this study to recruit registered nurses at two regional teaching hospitals in southern Taiwan as participants. The experimental group (n = 67) attended the 4-week (2-hours-per-week) 3R educational program. The control group (n = 57) received no intervention. The outcome variables, including compassion satisfaction, burnout, secondary traumatic stress, physical health, and mental health, were measured at baseline, at the end of the intervention (immediate effect), at 4 weeks postintervention (short-term effect), and at 12 weeks postintervention (medium-term effect). The study was conducted from May 2017 to December 2017.

Results
Increases in compassion satisfaction and mental health and decreases in secondary traumatic stress were significantly greater in the experimental group than in the control group between baseline and all three posttest time points. Moreover, burnout decreased and physical health improved more significantly in the experimental group than in the control group between the baseline and end of intervention time points (p < .001).

Conclusions/Implications for Practice
The 3R educational program intervention, integrating compassion fatigue resiliency, mindfulness respiration, and support from relatives and friends, had immediate and positive effects on ProQOL as well as physical and mental health. Moreover, the intervention was shown to have short-term and medium-term positive effects on compassion satisfaction, secondary traumatic stress, and mental health. Nursing managers may apply programs that integrate compassion fatigue resiliency, mindfulness respiration, and relatives and friends’ support to improve ProQOL and health in nurses.