bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identifying clinical phenotypes for hospitalized patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease acute exacerbation
Authors: Mamdoh Mayar , El Nady Mohamed A.H. , Assal Hebatallah H. , Saad Gihan , Eldin Amira I.A. , Soliman May S. , Elkholy Amani A. , Haddad Sara E.E. , Soliman Noha S. , Hamdy Gehan 
Published: December 2024

Background/aim
Acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) is common and has clinical consequences, such as a decline in quality of life, reduction in lung functions, hospitalization, and death. This study aims to assess the clinical phenotyping of hospitalized patients with AECOPD, and the correlation between the phenotype of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) exacerbation and clinical outcome.

Patients and methods
This is a prospective cross-sectional study which included thirty- nine patients from the Chest diseases department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University. Each patient was subjected to full history taking, clinical examination, plain chest radiography, bacterial culture, viral polymerase chain reaction, modified medical research council dyspnea scale, and COPD assessment test.

Results
Most of our patients were males (92.3%), mean age was 65.33±9.73 years, 92% of the study populations were smokers and the mean BMI was 25.94±5.04 kg/m2. Four phenotypes were identified as bacterial, viral, co-infection, and noninfectious. Regarding the clinical outcome, the viral phenotype had the highest ICU admission rate (58.3%), while the co-infection phenotype had the highest mean duration of hospital stay (18.13±16.8 days), and in-hospital mortality of 37.5%.

Conclusion
Clinically important differences in outcomes suggest that a phenotyping strategy based on etiologies can enhance AECOPD management.
Melittin ameliorates schistosomiasis-induced liver fibrosis by suppressing signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 and nuclear factor kappa B
Authors: Rozik Ola I. , Hussein Manal M. , El-elebiarie Ahmed S. , Nady Soad 
Published: December 2024

Background/aim
Liver fibrosis is a persistent inflammatory liver disorder that contributes to a wide variety of conditions, including schistosomiasis. There is no approved therapy for liver fibrosis to date; therefore, finding effective therapeutic targets is a crucial need. There are several studies on natural products, such as bee venom and its bioactive substances like melittin (MEL), for the treatment of inflammatory disorders. The therapeutic effect of MEL in a BALB/c mouse model of Schistosoma
mansoni-induced liver fibrosis was studied in this research.

Materials and methods
Forty-eight male BALB/c mice were classified into six groups (eight mice each): a healthy control group and five groups infected subcutaneously with cercariae of S. mansoni. The infected groups were classified into the infected control group, the Praziquantel (PZQ)-treated group, and three MEL-treated groups that received three different doses (0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 mg/kg, respectively) for 14 days. Hepatic granuloma index (GI) was measured in each experimental mouse, and serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-17 (IL-17), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and immunoglobulin E were measured by ELISA techniques. Additionally, expressions of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) were assessed in splenocytes. Moreover, histopathology of the liver and spleen were also investigated.

Results

S. mansoni-infected mice showed significant (P<0.05) increases in the pro-inflammatory mediators and upregulate expression of STAT3, and NF-κB compared with the healthy group. MEL exhibited potent anti-inflammatory effects, as evidenced by significant (P<0.05) inhibition of the elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α and IL-17, as well as immunoglobulin E levels and hepatic GI, while the anti-inflammatory IL-10 was significantly (P<0.05) increased. In addition, MEL treatment significantly (P<0.05) inhibited the expression of STAT3 and NF-κB in splenocytes compared with healthy mice. The most positive effects were associated with MEL were observed at the maximum dose.

Conclusion
According to the findings of this study, MEL alleviates the degree of hepatic inflammation in a mouse model of S. mansoni-induced liver fibrosis by modulating inflammation through suppression of STAT3 and NF-κB.
The relation of MEFV gene variants to clinical phenotype and selected laboratory markers in Egyptian patients with familial Mediterranean fever
Authors: El-Bassyouni Hala T. , Eldeen Ghada Nour , Sokkar Mona F. , Taher Mohamed B. , Sayed-Ahmed Mohammed M. , Salama Iman I. , Raslan Hala M. 
Published: December 2024

Background/aim
Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is an autoinflammatory disease, with a high prevalence in the Mediterranean region. It is brought out by variants in the MEFV gene. The present goal is to describe the demographic, clinical features, and MEFV gene variants among Egyptian FMF patients and to explore the relation of MEFV variants with clinical features and selected laboratory markers.

Patients and methods
The present study enrolled 302 patients with FMF from both sexes with a mean age 18.01±8.73 years. Patients were recruited from the Clinical Genetic Clinic, Medical Research Centre of Excellence, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt, during the period from 2021 to 2023. All patients were subjected to complete history taking, clinical evaluation, and laboratory investigations. C-reactive protein, serum amyloid A (SAA) protein and vitamin D were measured using enzyme-linked immuno-sorbent assay technique, while erythrocyte sedimentation rate was measured by Westergren method. In addition, MEFV genetic variants were investigated using a real-time PCR genotyping assay and direct sequencing of exon 2 and exon 10 of the MEFV gene.

Results
The average age of FMF cases was 18.01±8.73 years (with a range between 2 and 34 years), and the female/male ratio was 1.07. The most prevalent symptoms were abdominal pain, fever, and arthritis. Genotyping of the MEFV gene demonstrated that 215 (71.2%) patients were heterozygotes, 26 (8.6%) patients were compound heterozygotes and 12 (4.0%) patients were homozygotes, while 49 (16.2%) patients had no detected mutation. p. Met 694Ile was the most common MEFV variant (36.7%), followed by p. Met680Ile (21.5%), p.Val726Ala (9.6%), p.Glu148Gln (8.94%), and p.Met694Val (7.94%). There was no significant variation in clinical manifestations between different MEFV gene variants. The level of SAA protein was higher in FMF patients carrying the Met694Val variant, while carriers of the p. Glu148Gln variant showed lower erythrocyte sedimentation rate, SAA, and higher serum vitamin D.

Conclusion
The most commonly encountered MEFV gene variants among our Egyptian FMF cases were p. Met694Ile followed by p. Met680Ile. No phenotype-genotype association was observed. The p. Met694Val variant could be a possible risk factor for developing amyloidosis. Investigating the whole MEFV gene is recommended to fully understand the molecular background of FMF cases and properly establish a good correlation with the variable phenotypes.
Assessing the Clinical Impact of Emergency Physician-performed Ultrasound-guided Peripheral Nerve Blocks in a Level 1 Trauma Center: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Bhoi Sanjeev , Gopinath Bharath , Khandelwal Utkarsh , Nayaka Rakesh , Bhaskararayuni Jyothiswaroop , Gupta Devansh , Srivastava Ayush , Anshu Anisha , Katyal Aaditya , Sinha Tej Prakash 
Published: December 2024

Introduction:
Effective pain management is crucial in the emergency department (ED), particularly for trauma patients. Ultrasound-guided regional analgesia (UGRA) has emerged as a promising technique for acute pain relief. The objective of this study is to describe the various UGRA performed and assess their effectiveness among trauma patients in our Level 1 Trauma Center ED over the past 2.5 years.

Methods:
Data from 485 trauma patients who underwent UGRA over 2.5 years were analyzed retrospectively. The primary outcome was the median Defense and Veterans Pain Rating Scale (DVPRS) reduction at 30 min and 1 h after nerve block administration. Patient characteristics, types of nerve blocks administered, procedural details, and outcomes were also noted. Statistical analysis was performed to determine the median reduction in pain scores and evaluate the success of UGRA.

Results:
UGRA demonstrated a significant reduction in pain scores, with a median DVPRS decrease from 9 (interquartile range [IQR]: 9–10) preprocedure to 4 (IQR: 2–5) at 30 min and 1 (IQR: 0–2) at 1 h postprocedure. Sixteen types of nerve blocks were administered in our ED, with the serratus anterior block (n = 91) and fascia iliaca compartment block (n = 58) being the most common. Pain relief was the most common indication for block administration. A higher volume was injected for plane blocks compared to nerve-specific blocks. No complications or failed blocks were reported.

Conclusion:
This study describes 16 different UGRA that can be performed by emergency physicians (EPs) in ED for trauma patients. UGRA is effective in providing substantial pain relief for trauma patients in the ED. UGRA performed by EPs offers a safe and feasible approach for managing acute pain in the ED.
Utilisation of Cryopreserved Gametes in Cancer Patients who Underwent Fertility Preservation
Authors: Gunasheela Devika , Ashwini N. , Saneja Yoshita , Deepthi D 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:
Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy often compromise fertility by damaging gonadal function, creating a critical need for fertility preservation options. Despite advancements in fertility preservation techniques, there is a significant lack of research focused on their application in Asian cancer patients and their utilisation remains underexplored in this population.

Aim:
This study aims to evaluate the utilisation rates and outcomes of cryopreserved gametes in cancer patients who underwent fertility preservation before their cancer treatment.

Settings and Design:
This retrospective study was conducted at our hospital from January 2003 to May 2023. It investigated the utilisation of cryopreserved gametes in 557 male patients aged 15–50 years and 39 female patients aged 15–40 years who opted for fertility preservation before chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

Materials and Methods:
Data were retrospectively collected, including patient demographics and fertility preservation outcomes. Various fertility preservation methods were employed based on patient suitability and availability. Participants were surveyed to identify reasons for non-utilisation of cryopreserved gametes. All data were collected and analysed following institutional ethical guidelines.

Statistical Analysis Used:
Descriptive statistics were used to calculate utilisation rates and report clinical pregnancy and live birth rates. Reasons for non-usage were categorised into mortality, spontaneous pregnancies, financial constraints and social factors.

Results:
Out of 596 participants, only 11 utilised their cryopreserved gametes, yielding a utilisation rate of 1.8%. Among those who used their gametes, clinical pregnancy rates were 66.66% for males and 50% for females, with live birth rates of 33.33% for males and 50% for females. Non-usage was primarily due to mortality, spontaneous pregnancies, financial constraints and social issues.

Conclusion:
The utilisation rate of cryopreserved gametes was low at 1.8%. Challenges such as mortality, financial constraints and social factors highlight the need for improved counselling and a refined approach to fertility preservation, ensuring services better align with patients’ future needs.
Assessment of Thyroid Auto-antibodies in Euthyroid Infertile Women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome - A Cross-sectional Analytical Study
Authors: Anusha K. H. , Thyagaraju Chitra , Nandeesha H 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:
Thyroid auto-antibodies could be one of the many causes of infertility in women, especially with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) with a prevalence of 5%–15%. Patients with anti-thyroid antibodies have shown significantly lower fertilisation rates, implantation rates, lower pregnancy rates and increased risk of first-trimester abortions when compared with those without anti-thyroid antibodies.

Aim:
The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of thyroid auto-antibodies in euthyroid infertile women with PCOS and to compare the prevalence of thyroid autoantibodies in euthyroid infertile women with PCOS and without PCOS.

Settings and Design:
This is a cross sectional analytical study involving 132 Infertile women with and without PCOS visiting the department of OBG in a tertiary care center. The study was conducted for period of 2 years.

Materials and Methods:
A total of one hundred two women were enrolled in to the study. Sixty six women (66) had features of PCOS based on Rotterdam’s criteria and 66 women were controls without PCOS features. Detailed history and examination were done for all women after taking informed and written consent. Previous hospital records were collected along with all biochemical investigations. The blood sample was collected for hormonal levels and thyroid auto-antibodies (anti-thyroid peroxidase [TPO] and anti-thyroglobulin [TG]) were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The antibody levels were compared between the two groups along with the other parameters.

Statistical Analysis Used:
Statistical tests were done using SPSS version 26. The Chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test would be used to study the association of categorical data like the presence of hirsutism, acne, etc. The association of independent variables with outcome variables was assessed using Chi-square. The P < 0.05 was considered significant with a confidence interval of 95%.

Results:
Anti-TPO antibody levels were found to be elevated in 25.4% of the PCOS group in comparison to only 3% of the non-PCOS group. Anti-TG antibodies of >100 U/mL were seen in 23 patients (34.3%) in PCOS group in comparison to two patients (3%) in non-PCOS group (P = 0.001). Both the antibodies (anti-TPO and anti-TG) were present in 21.2% of the PCOS group and 1.5% of the non-PCOS group.

Conclusion:
Women with PCOS were found to be 11 times more likely to have anti-TPO antibodies and 20 times more likely to have anti-TG antibodies compared to non-PCOS women. This heightened prevalence of anti-thyroid antibodies suggests that testing for these antibodies may be warranted in women with PCOS, even if they have normal thyroid function. However, further studies with larger sample sizes are needed to validate these findings.
Self-gripping mesh in laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair: A comparative study about surgical time, post-operative pain and recurrence
Authors: Aragone Lucía , Pasquini Mariana Toffolo , Croceri Raul , Medina Pablo , Pirchi Daniel 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Introduction:
In laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair (LIHR), fixation means for meshes (FMMs) are commonly used to reduce hernia recurrence risk. Their use may result in post-operative pain (PP) and may even increase surgical time (ST). Recently, self-gripping meshes (SGMs) have been developed, which leave aside fixation devices; they could potentially reduce PP and even decrease ST. Our primary outcome was to compare ST, PP and recurrence rates in LIHR using SGM versus FMM.

Patients and Methods:
A comparative retrospective study with prospective case registry was conducted. All patients who underwent LIHR with transabdominal pre-peritoneal approach from January to December 2022 in a high-volume centre were analysed. Patients were divided into two groups according to the type of mesh used in surgery (SGM vs. FMM). Demographic variables, hernia type and size, mesh type and size, ST, PP, recurrence and other morbidities were compared between the groups.

Results:
A total of 411 LIHRs were performed during the period, of which 283 were included in the study. Of these, 234 patients were repaired with FMM and 49 with SGM. ST had a statistically significant reduction in the SGM group (P = 0.0004) with a mean time of 58.9 min (±13.6), compared to 68.1 min (±18.9) for the FMM group. A trend towards lower PP in the SGM group was noted (P = 0.08). No recurrences were found in the SGM group with a median follow-up of 18 months (interquartile range: 3).

Conclusions:
SGMs have proven to be a safe, efficient and fast for LIHR in our series. They are a feasible alternative for LIHR, reducing ST and potentially reducing PP. Prospective randomised trials are needed to confirm this trend, along with a longer follow-up period to determine potential advantages in terms of recurrences.
Outcomes following laparoscopic adrenalectomy: Experience of more than two decades at a tertiary care centre
Authors: Bansal Virinder Kumar , Asuri Krishna , Singh Deepti , Agarwal Keshav , Dixit Raghunandan , Prakash Om , Kumar Subodh , Subramaniam Rajeshwari , Ramachandran Rashmi , Tandon Nikhil , Misra M. C. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Introduction:
Laparoscopic transperitoneal adrenalectomy was first described by Gagner M et al. Here, we present our experience of more than two decades of laparoscopic adrenalectomy performed in a single surgical unit at a tertiary care centre.

Patients and Methods:
A prospectively collected database of patients undergoing laparoscopic adrenalectomy from December 1994 to May 2020 was analysed retrospectively. The demographic profile, details of clinical workup and laboratory parameters were recorded in a pre-structured pro forma. Functional workup and anatomical imaging were performed for all the patients. Patients were taken up for surgery after adequate pre-operative optimisation using a multidisciplinary approach. All the patients were operated by a single surgical team of experienced laparoscopic surgeons.

Results:
A total of 158 patients underwent laparoscopic transperitoneal adrenalectomy. The majority patients were females (64.5%). The median tumour size was 5 cm (range, 1–18 cm). The diagnosis in the majority of the patients was pheochromocytoma (56.3%). The mean operative time was 80 min (range: 45–210 min). The most common complication was bleeding in 6 (3.7%) patients, which required laparotomy. The median duration of post-operative hospital stay was 3 days (range: 1–13). There was no 30-day mortality. The mean follow-up period was 15 months (range: 6–72 months), during which two patients developed local recurrence.

Conclusion:
The advantages of laparoscopic surgery are well established and have been extensively explored for the management of adrenal lesions. A multidisciplinary approach to management, consisting of endocrinologists, surgeons and anaesthesiologists is preferred. Pre-operative evaluation, optimisation and accurate selection of patients are crucial for successful laparoscopic adrenalectomy.
Scientometric analysis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis revaccination: Dynamics, impact and analysis of collaborative networks
Authors: Vieira Luis Roberto Checa , Dávila Aylén Solange Vásquez , Mayta-Tovalino Frank 
Published: December 2024

Background:

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) is an infectious disease that remains a significant global health problem. Despite efforts to reduce the disease, the disease remains prevalent in many parts of the world. This study aims to analyse the dynamics, impact and analysis of collaborative networks in revaccination against M. tuberculosis through a scientometric study in Scopus (2018–2024).

Methods:
This study is retrospective, descriptive and observational, and everything was carried out with a scientometric approach in which the unit of analysis was all publications in journals indexed in the Scopus database between 2018 and 2024, without language limitation. To collect the articles, an advanced search strategy was carried out in the Scopus database. Specific search criteria were defined using combinations of key terms such as ‘revaccination’ and ‘M. tuberculosis’, articulated through Boolean operators to optimize the relevance of the results.

Results:
The most productive institution was the University of Cape Town, while University College London had the highest citation impact. Frontiers in Immunology was the most productive journal, with Nature Communications having the highest citation count. The Hatherill Mark was the most prolific author with 17 publications, although the highest h-indexes did not necessarily correspond to the most productive authors. An increase in the number of publications was observed, peaking in 2020 at 52 publications. In terms of collaboration, strong networks were identified between countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom and China, with authors such as Hatherill Mark and Scriba Thomas J. occupying central positions in these networks.

Conclusions:
This scientometric analysis highlights the growing interest in tuberculosis revaccination, with an increase in scientific production and international collaboration. However, the variability in the quality of publications emphasizes the need to promote high-quality research and innovative strategies to improve global health.
Changes in the quality of life and mental health in adolescents with irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Polivanova Tamara V. , Vshivkov Vitaliy A. 
Published: December 2024

Aim. To study the quality of life and mental health in adolescents with irritable bowel syndrome.
Material and methods. 12–19 years adolescents were examined. They were divided into two groups: 12 patients with and 170 cases without irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Grading was carried out in accordance with the Rome IV criteria for functional gastrointestinal disorders. The quality of life of the subjects was studied using the PedsQL questionnaire, and mental health — with the questionnaire «strengths and difficulties» (SDQ). The reliability of differences in quantitative features was analyzed using the Mann-Whitney criterion, qualitative features — with the χ2 criterion. Values ​​p < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.
Results. In accordance with the Rome IV criteria IBS was diagnosed in 6.6%. In IBS adolescents, the quality of life according to the emotional functioning scale was significantly reduced (p = 0.017). According to the R. Goodman questionnaire, individuals with functional bowel disorders also more often had problems communicating with peers (p = 0.010) and emotional symptoms (p = 0.003) compared to children without IBS, which characterize mental health disorders. At the same time, deviant mental health disorders were noted in every fourth IBS child, and every third of them had borderline mental disorders, which is higher in total than in individuals without IBS (p = 0.005). To a greater extent, mental health deviations affected the emotional sphere.
Conclusion. In IBS adolescents, mental health disorders with a predominance of emotional disorders in its structure were more often recorded, and a decrease in the quality of life according to the emotional scale was noted.