bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long-term Cardiovascular and All-Cause Mortality following Elective Infrarenal Repair of the Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: van Knippenberg Samira E. M. , Fenelli Cecilia , van Dieren Susan , Delewi Ronak , Balm Ron , Yeung Kak Khee 
Published: December 2024

Background: Patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) have poor survival rates after aneurysm repair compared with the general population, potentially due to increased cardiovascular risk. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the long-term incidence of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality after elective, infrarenal AAA repair. Method: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines were followed (PROSPERO ID: CRD42022344547). Studies published in PubMed, Web of Science, and COCHRANE databases between January 2013 and May 2023 with a mean follow-up time of ≥5 years were included. A weighted linear regression analysis was performed to determine the annual incidence of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality five years after AAA repair. A random effects model calculated the overall incidence rates per 1000 person-years (PY). Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) and open surgical repair (OSR) were compared. Results: Nineteen studies with 84 212 patients (mean follow-up: 68.9 [±13.3] months) were included. Common preoperative cardiovascular comorbidities included hypertension (74.4%), dyslipidemia (43.6%), and coronary artery disease (27.6%). At five years, the mean all-cause mortality was 29.78%, and cardiovascular mortality was 11.98%, with an annual increase of 6.59% and 2.46%, respectively (R2=0.809, p<0.001 and R2=0.824, p<0.001). The random effects model showed an all-cause mortality rate of 62.99 events (95% CI=57.53–68.96; I2=93%) per 1000 PY and a cardiovascular mortality rate of 24.19 events per 1000 PY (95% CI=21.69–26.98; I2=66%). Patients undergoing an EVAR had a significant higher incidence of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality than patients undergoing an OSR (B-coefficient 4.10 and 2.39, both p<0.001, respectively). Conclusion: The long-term all-cause and cardiovascular mortality remain high following elective, infrarenal AAA repair. These findings highlight a much needed optimization and emphasis of cardiovascular risk management, to minimize the long-term incidence of cardiovascular mortality in patients with AAA following surgical intervention. Clinical Impact This study evaluated the long-term outcomes of cardiovascular and all-cause mortality rates following elective repair of the infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm. The results of this systematic review and meta-analysis emphasizes the suboptimal cardiovascular risk profile observed in this patient population. Futhermore, it highlights the importance of optimization and emphasis of cardiovascular risk management, including in the long-term after surgical intervention.
Role of Sesamoid Position and Recurrence of Hallux Valgus Deformity
Authors: Lewis Thomas L. , Ray Robbie , Murphy Evelyn , Jia Chua Min , Watt Clare , Robinson Peter , Lam Peter 
Published: December 2024

Category: Bunion; Midfoot/Forefoot Introduction/Purpose: One of the most important complications of hallux valgus surgery (when performed either through an open or minimally invasive technique) is recurrence of deformity. Recurrence is often multifactorial due to patient factors such as anatomy, pre-operative deformity, soft tissues, comorbidities and compliance with instructions and surgical factors such as choice of surgical technique, implant and technical competency. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of sesamoid position and impact on recurrence of hallux valgus deformity following percutaneous minimally invasive hallux valgus surgery. Methods: A prospectively maintained research registry of fourth-generation percutaneous metatarsal extra-capsular transverse osteotomy (META) for hallux valgus between 2017-2023 was retrospectively analysed to identify feet that had recurrence of hallux valgus deformity (defined as HVA>20°). Comparative analysis was then performed to assess the impact of pre-operative deformity and sesamoid position on recurrence. Radiographic deformity and sesamoid position (including ‘Round sign’) were assessed according to AOFAS guidelines. Secondary outcomes included clinical patient reported outcome measures including the Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire (MOXFQ) and Visual Analogue Scale for Pain. All p-values < 0.05 were considered significant. Results: Between November 2017 and January 2023, 729 feet underwent META with minimum 12-month radiographic follow up (mean 2.6±1.3 years). There were 33 cases with HVA>20° at final radiographic follow up (4.5%). There was a statistically significant difference in sesamoid position between feet which had recurrence with higher rates of Grade 2 and 3 compared to those which didn’t (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in Round sign assessment between cases which recurred and those that did not (p=0.27). The mean pre-operative deformity in cases which underwent recurrence was significantly greater than those which did not recur (p < 0.05), (HVA:44.3±6.5, IMA:15.6±3.7° compared to HVA:28.8±8.0°, IMA:12.8±3.3°). Of the 33 cases which had recurrence, 13 demonstrated HVA>20° at 6 month XR suggesting incomplete deformity reduction. Conclusion: Incomplete reduction of sesamoids appears to be a risk factor for recurrence. Incomplete deformity reduction at the time of surgery, particularly in cases of severe deformity (HVA>40°) is an important factor to acknowledge when considering risk of recurrence. The deformity correction achieved through bony correction (using the fourth-generation META technique) appears to be maintained from 6-months to final radiographic follow up suggesting that recurrence is predominantly linked to incomplete deformity reduction and sesamoid position at the time of surgery.
Caregivers’ experiences, challenges, and needs in caring for people with dementia in India: a scoping review
Authors: Lillekroken Daniela , Halvorsrud Liv , Bjørge Heidi , Gandhi Sailaxmi , Sivakumar Palanimuthu T. , Goyal Alka Rani 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
As the world’s most populous country, India faces a growing challenge in addressing dementia, in which advancing age remains the strongest risk factor. Approximately 8.8 million Indians over the age of 60 are currently affected by this condition. While much of the research on dementia caregiving focuses on Western societies, caregiving experiences are shaped profoundly by cultural and socioeconomic contexts, which vary significantly in India. Unique social norms, combined with limited resources, make the burden on dementia caregivers in India both distinct and understudied. This scoping review synthesized existing literature on the experiences, challenges, and needs of dementia caregivers in India, providing critical insights for developing culturally tailored support systems and informing public health initiatives.

Methods
A comprehensive database search for literature was conducted in April 2022 and updated in September 2024 in six databases (Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Web of Science and Epistemonikos). The databases were systematically searched for original qualitative and quantitative peer-reviewed studies conducted in India between 2000 and 2024. The scoping review was registered with the Open Science Framework and was reported in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews Checklist (PRISMA-ScR).

Results
After identifying, screening, and reviewing articles for eligibility, we critically appraised and included a sample of 27 studies in this review. The data synthesis process identified three main themes: (1) navigating the dual realities of caregiving: challenges and rewards for family caregivers in India, (2) gaps in support for home-based care: challenges faced by family caregivers in rural parts of India, and (3) addressing the present and future needs of caregivers for people with dementia in India.

Conclusion
This scoping review reveals the experiences, challenges, and needs of caregivers for people with dementia, including caregiver burden, stress, and poor health among caregivers resulting from inadequate support, insufficient respite care, and a lack of information about dementia. Health and social services offering dementia care are critically needed in India, where population aging is imminent.

Trial registration
https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/4MJDC.
Potential of right ventricular function assessment with echocardiography in transcatheter aortic valve replacement:
Authors: Morita Yoshihisa , Kariya Taro , Dougherty Michael , Peters Andrew , Ruggiero Nicholas 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
Right ventricular (RV) function assessment by echocardiography can be challenging due to its complex morphology. Also, increasing use of sedation rather than general anesthesia for transfemoral approach transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) reduces the need for intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). Recent clinical studies have demonstrated the importance of 3-dimensional (3D) echocardiography and a longitudinal strain for RV function assessment. In this study, we compared RV function echocardiographic assessment methodologies in TAVR and investigated its clinical utility.

Methods
This was a prospective, observational study of TAVR at a large academic hospital. Inclusion criteria were adult patients undergoing TAVR requiring intraoperative TEE between April 2023 and October 2023. Exclusion criteria include an absolute contraindication to TEE, a pacemaker, or suboptimal intraoperative echocardiography images. The primary goal is to assess the correlation of 3D RV ejection fraction (EF) with RV fraction area change (FAC), and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE). The secondary goal is to assess the correlation of RV free wall longitudinal strain (FWLS) with any newly diagnosed postoperative ventricular arrhythmia, including complete atrioventricular block (CAVB) and left bundle branch block (LBBB).

Results
Among 33 patients who underwent TAVR, 4 patients were excluded due to poor image quality, and 7 patients were excluded due to existing pacemaker. Thus, data for 22 patients were analyzed in this study. There was a good correlation between 3D RVEF and RV FAC (correlation coefficient 0.789. p = 0.0000482), but poor correlation between 3D RVEF and TAPSE (correlation coefficient 0.182. p = 0.444). Eight patients developed a new left or right BBB and CAVB postoperatively, and 3 patients required permanent pacemaker. Regression analysis of pre and post valve deployment showed RV free wall RVFWLS was each correlated with postoperative new BBB or CAVB (pre valve deployment: hazard ratio 1.272, 95% CI 1.075 to 1.505, p = 0.004981; post valve deployment: hazard ratio 1.134, 95% CI 1.001 to 1.286, p = 0.04846). No mortality was reported during the follow-up period, and no significant tricuspid regurgitation (more than moderate) was reported.

Conclusion
3D RVEF and RV FAC showed a good correlation. Intraoperative RVFWLS has the potential to predict postoperative new occurrence of BBB or CAVB.
G-cleave LC3B biosensor: monitoring autophagy and assessing resveratrol's synergistic impact on doxorubicin-induced apoptosis in breast cancer cells
Authors: Liao Chiao-Chun , Long Yuqing , Tsai Ming-Lin , Lin Chun-Yu , Hsu Kai-Wen , Lee Chia-Hwa 
Published: December 2024

AbstractAutophagy, a crucial process in cancer, is closely intertwined with both tumor progression and drug resistance development. However, existing methods used to assess autophagy activity often pose invasiveness and time-related constraints, limiting their applicability in preclinical drug investigations. In this study, we developed a non-invasive autophagy detection system (NIADS-autophagy, also called G-cleave LC3B biosensor) by integrating a split-luciferase-based biosensor with an LC3B cleavage sequence, which swiftly identified classic autophagic triggers, such as Earle's Balanced Salt Solution and serum deprivation, through protease-mediated degradation pathways. The specificity of G-cleave LC3B biosensor was confirmed via CRISPR gene editing of pivotal autophagy regulator ATG4B, yielding diminished luciferase activity in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. Notably, the G-cleave LC3B biosensor exhibited strong concordance with established autophagy metrics, encompassing LC3B lipidation, SQSTM1 degradation, and puncta accumulation analysis. To underscore the usage potential of the G-cleave LC3B biosensor, we discovered that resveratrol acts as a synergistic enhancer by significantly potentiating apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 cells when combined with doxorubicin treatment. Overall, the luminescence-based G-cleave LC3B biosensor presents a rapid and dependable avenue for determining autophagy activity, thereby facilitating high-throughput assessment of promising autophagy-associated anti-cancer therapies across diverse malignancies.
Identification of serum biomarkers for cystic echinococcosis in sheep through untargeted metabolomic analysis using LC–MS/MS technology
Authors: Wu Xiao-Xia , Ban Wan-Li , Wu Li-Jiang , Qi Wen-Jing , Borhani Mehdi , He Xiao-Ying , Liu Xiao-Lei , Liu Ming-Yuan , Ding Jing 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
Echinococcosis is a zoonotic disease caused by an Echinococcus tapeworm infection. While diagnostic methods for humans often rely on ultrasound imaging and immunodiagnostic techniques, diagnosis in intermediate hosts typically has no widely used diagnostic markers, hampering disease control efforts.

Methods
The differences in serum metabolites of sheep infected with Echinococcus granulosus and a control group were analyzed using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) separation with tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) detection. This provided a basis for the early diagnosis and pathogenetic study of cystic echinococcosis (CE) in intermediate hosts at the metabolomics level. Orthogonal projections to latent structures–discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) were used to analyze different metabolites in the serum of the two groups. The differentially abundant metabolites were entered into the MetaboAnalyst 5.0 online analysis website for processing, and the top-15-ranked metabolic pathways were set to produce bubble plots and differential abundance score plots, with a significant difference of P < 0.05 and a false discovery rate (FDR) < 0.1 as the screening conditions.

Results
Data analyses of serum samples from both groups identified a total of 1905 significantly different metabolites, where 841 metabolites were upregulated and 1064 metabolites were downregulated. Twelve metabolites were significantly upregulated and 21 metabolites were significantly downregulated in the experimental group. Then, the 1,7-dihydroxyxanthone, 2-methylbutyrylglycine, 3,3-dimethylglutaric acid, 5,12-dihydroxy-6,8,10,14,17-eicosapentaenoic acid, 9-hydroperoxy-10E,12Z,15Z-octadecatrienoic acid, and trimethylamine N-oxide 6 metabolites were selected as diagnostically valuable candidate biomarkers (area under the curve [AUC] > 0.7). These differential metabolites are involved in various metabolic pathways, including amino acid metabolites (arginine, l-isoleucine, l-valine) and fatty acid metabolism (fenugreek, arachidonic acid, linolenic acid). Compared with the control group, sheep in the CE group had increased serum levels of fenugreek acid, while all other metabolites such as glycine showed significantly reduced serum levels (P < 0.01).

Conclusions
Through non-targeted metabolomic analysis of the serum of CE-infected sheep, differential metabolites closely related to amino acid metabolism and the fatty acid metabolism pathway were identified. These differentially abundant metabolites can serve as biomarkers for diagnosing CE infection in intermediate sheep hosts.

Graphical abstract
Blood-based biomarkers and plasma Aβ assays in the differential diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease and behavioral-variant frontotemporal dementia
Authors: Mohaupt Pablo , Kindermans Jana , Vialaret Jérôme , Anderl-Straub Sarah , Werner Leonie , Lehmann Sylvain , Hirtz Christophe , Otto Markus , Oeckl Patrick 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Introduction
The differentiation between Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and behavioral-variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) can be complicated in the initial phase by shared symptoms and pathophysiological traits. Nevertheless, advancements in understanding AD’s diverse pathobiology suggest the potential for establishing blood-based methods for differential diagnosis.

Methods
We devised a novel assay combining immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry (IP-MS) to quantify Amyloid-beta (Aβ) peptides in plasma. We then assessed its performance against existing assays (Shimadzu and Simoa) and evaluated a range of other blood-based biomarkers, including GFAP, NfL, and pTau-181, for differentiating between AD and bvFTD.

Results
The novel IP-MS assay measuring the Aβ42/40 ratio demonstrated an AUC of 0.82 for differentiating AD from control subjects. While it did not significantly outperform the composite biomarker score from the Shimadzu assay (AUC = 0.79, P = 0.67), it significantly outperformed the Shimadzu Aβ42/40 ratio (AUC = 0.65, P = 0.037) and the Simoa Aβ42/40 assay (AUC = 0.57, P = 0.023). Aβ biomarkers provided limited utility in distinguishing AD from bvFTD. In contrast, pTau181 and GFAP exhibited strong discriminatory power for differentiating AD from bvFTD, with AUCs of 0.90 and 0.87, respectively. Combining pTau181 and GFAP enhanced diagnostic accuracy, achieving an AUC of 0.94.

Conclusion
We introduced a novel IP-MS assay that demonstrated comparable precision to the Shimadzu composite score in differentiating AD from non-neurodegenerative control groups. However, Aβ levels did not enhance the discrimination between AD and bvFTD. Furthermore, our findings support the utility of combining pTau181 and GFAP as a robust strategy for the blood-based differentiation of AD and bvFTD.
L-carnitine attenuates autophagic flux, apoptosis, and necroptosis in rats with dexamethasone-induced non-alcoholic steatohepatitis
Authors: Amer Ahmed E. , Ghoneim Hamdy A. , Abdelaziz Rania R. , Shehatou George S.G. , Suddek Ghada M. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
UpToDate, no drugs have been approved to treat nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, the advanced stage of the most prevalent liver disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The present study was conducted to explore the potential influences of L-carnitine on the pathomechanisms of hepatic injury that mediate progression to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis in dexamethasone-toxified rats.

Methods
Male Wistar rats were allocated as follows: dexamethasone group, rats received dexamethasone (8 mg/kg/day, intraperitoneally) for 6 days; DEXA-LCAR300, DEXA-LCAR500, and DEXA-MET groups, rats administered L-carnitine (300 or 500 mg/kg/day, IP) or metformin (500 mg/kg/day, orally) one week prior to dexamethasone injection (8 mg/kg/day, IP) and other six days alongside dexamethasone administration. Two groups of age-matched normal rats received either the drug vehicle (the control group) or the higher dose of L-carnitine (the drug-control group). At the end of the experiment, sets of biochemical, histological, and immunohistochemical examinations were performed.

Results
L-carnitine (mainly at the dose of 500 mg/kg/day) markedly abolished dexamethasone-induced alterations in glucose tolerance, hepatic histological features, and serum parameters of hepatic function and lipid profile. Moreover, it significantly ameliorated dexamethasone-induced elevations of hepatic oxidative stress, SREBP-1 and p-MLKL protein levels, and nuclear FOXO1, LC3, P62, and caspase-3 immunohistochemical expression. Furthermore, it markedly diminished dexamethasone-induced suppression of hepatic Akt phosphorylation and Bcl2 immunohistochemical expression. The effects of L-carnitine (500 mg/kg/day) were comparable to those of metformin in most assessments and better than its corresponding lower dose.

Conclusion
These findings introduce L-carnitine as a potential protective drug that may mitigate the rate of disease progression in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease patients with early stages or those at the highest risks.
The role of endoscopic ultrasound in the diagnosis and characterization of focal liver lesions
Authors: Hashim Ahmed Morad , Gamal Gamal Eldin Mansour Mohamed , Abdellatef Abeer , Ahmed Hany Hagag 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
Incidentally discovered focal liver lesions (FLLs) are a common reason for referral to hepatobiliary services. These lesions are frequently found in patients with colorectal cancer, cirrhosis, or incidentally during evaluations for abdominal pain or shock. Several established diagnostic tools such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), transabdominal ultrasound (US), and computed tomography (CT) are well-studied for assessing liver diseases. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), traditionally used for evaluating the mediastinum, biliary tract, esophagus, stomach, and pancreas, is increasingly complementing these traditional diagnostic methods in hepatology. The study aimed to delineate the endoscopic ultrasound elastography role in visualization and hepatic focal hepatic tissue differentiation of lesions in comparison to the routine radiological and laboratory methods.

Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted, we enrolled 41 patients with hepatic focal lesions, abdominal ultrasonography, triphasic CT abdomen, and Endosonography examinations were performed on all participants.

Results
There was a highly significant difference between the studied groups as regards the Strain Ratio and Echogenicity (P0.01).

Conclusion
Ultrasound elastography and strain ratio are promising, non-invasive, nondependent on any contrast material techniques that could significantly enhance routine grey-scale sonographic examinations of the liver by better delineating the characteristics of hepatic focal lesions.