bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Serum Beclin 1 in HCC and correlation with MDA as an oxidant
Authors: Mohammed Zeinab A. , Attia Fatma A.K. , El-Senosy Fatma M. , Younes Eman R. , Elsayed Fadila M. 
Published: March 2024

Background
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second most lethal cancer worldwide with persistently increasing mortality in Europe, North/South America, and Africa, in contrast to the decreasing trend in East Asia. Cirrhosis was estimated to cause more than 1.2 million deaths (2% of global deaths) in 2013, an increase of 47% since 1990.

Aim
The aim was to assess serum Beclin 1 as a biomarker in HCC regarding its role in pathogenesis and its correlation with serum malondialdehyde (MDA) as an oxidant.

Patients and methods
This is a case–control study conducted on 60 participants who were divided into two groups: group 1 included 30 patients with HCC, comprising 26 males and four females, with ages ranging from 55 to 75 years. Group II included 30 healthy participants as a control group, comprising 21 males and nine females, with ages ranging from 25 to 42 years. Routine laboratory investigations were done, and serum Beclin 1 and serum MDA were measured in both groups. Abdominal ultrasonography and triphasic computed tomography were done for the patient group. All patients were recruited from Internal Medicine Department (Al-Mansoura University Hospital) after obtaining oral consent to be participated in the study.

Results
There was a highly significant decrease in serum Beclin 1 levels (<0.001) in patients with HCC when compared with the control group. The significant association between Beclin 1 and HCC suggests that low Beclin 1 levels may play an important role in the development of HCC. Moreover, there was a statistically significant increased serum MDA level (>0.001) in patients with HCC as compared with control group. There was a positive correlation between Beclin 1 and BMI in the patient group (r=0.42 and P=0.02), a negative correlation between MDA and red blood cells in the patient group (r=−0.40 and P=0.03), and a positive correlation between MDA and aspartate transaminase in the patient group (r=0.41 and P=0.02).

Conclusion
Findings of our study have demonstrated that serum Beclin 1 and MDA levels could be used as possible predictors of pathogenesis of HCC.
The correlation between the size, site, and type of vocal fold polyp and voice quality, before and after laryngeal microsurgery
Authors: Kadah Sayed M. , Sallam Yossra A. , Mohamed Bothina A. , Zakzouk Hend M. 
Published: March 2024

Introduction
Vocal fold polyps have detrimental effects on voice quality. These effects vary according to their site, size, and histopathological type.

Patients and methods
This observational prospective study was performed on 30 patients with unilateral vocal fold polyp. Their voice quality was analyzed perceptually and acoustically preoperatively and 3 and 6 weeks postoperatively. Results of voice analysis were studied against polyp size (small ≤3 mm and large >3 mm), site (anterior and middle), and histopathological type (fibrous, edematous, and vascular).

Results
Results showed that Jt-per, Sh-per, and HNR were significantly affected in large anterior vascular polyps both preoperatively (P=0.023, 0.008, and 0.034, respectively) and postoperatively, together with large anterior edematous polyps (P=0.002, 0.004, and 0.025, respectively). In addition, grade of dysphonia showed significant improvement in second follow-up in edematous and vascular anterior large polyps than fibrous ones (P=0.027).

Discussion/conclusion
Small polyps have the least effect on voice quality regardless of its site and histopathological type preoperatively. Large anterior edematous polyps have the worst effect on voice quality with subsequently most significant improvement postoperatively.
Evaluating the use of fibrin glue in the treatment of pilonidal sinus disease
Authors: Alfy Mohamed O. , Mohamed Sawsan S. 
Published: March 2024

Background
Pilonidal sinus disease (PSD) is frequently encountered in clinical practice affecting the natal clefts of the buttocks and is associated with high morbidity and discomfort. There are various surgical and nonsurgical methods for its treatment. The use of fibrin glue in PSD is relatively new and encouraging results have been reported. This study aimed to evaluate fibrin glue as a primary treatment for PSD.

Patients and methods
This was a prospective observational study on 54 patients with PSD, who were admitted to our hospital during the period from September 2017 to September 2019. Patients with signs of acute abscess and complicated cases were excluded from this study. Patients had curettage of the sinus with a small Volkmann's spoon; fibrin glue was then injected through the sinus opening to the sinus bed to obliterate the dead space.

Results
In all, 54 patients were identified, 42 (77.7%) men and 12 (22.3%) women. The mean duration of operative time was 20 min. Thirty-six (66.6%) had returned to normal activities within a week. There were six (11.1%) recurrences after one glue application and had subsequent excision and lateral closure.

Conclusion
Fibrin glue treatment for pilonidal sinus can be used as a first-line treatment. It is associated with patient satisfaction and rapid return to normal activities.
Video-assisted thoracoscopic bullectomy with pleurectomy versus pleural abrasion in the treatment of primary spontaneous pneumothorax
Authors: Abogamila Rezk Zenhom 
Published: March 2024

Background
Comparative study between partial pleurectomy and mechanical pleural abrasion in the treatment of primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) by video-assisted thoracoscopy (VATS) to show its efficacy and safety.

Patients and methods
Between August 2014 and January 2018, 120 patients with PSP underwent VATS pleural abrasion and partial pleurectomy with bullectomy for both groups in the Security Force Hospital, Riyadh, KSA. All patients were reviewed retrospectively according to medical records.

Results
Partial pleurectomy was performed in 60 (50%) patients while other 60 patients underwent pleural abrasion. There is no significant differences in sex, age, weight, or history of smoking at the time of surgery. There was longer operative duration in the pleurectomy group (90±12.4 min) versus the pleural abrasion group (40±7.55 min) but with more blood loss in the latter one (P<0.001). There was no significant differences between studied groups regarding number, site, and size of bullae (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in major postoperative complications (P=0.132). Nine (7.5%) patients developed pneumothorax after surgery with mechanical pleurodesis. The incidence of recurrent pneumothorax in patients who underwent pleural abrasion was higher than in patients who underwent pleurectomy (13.3 vs. 1.7%, P=0.045).

Conclusion
In our study, VATS pleurectomy is more effective in the treatment of PSP than pleural abrasion. The recurrent rate of pneumothorax is significantly lower in the pleurectomy group than in the pleural abrasion group. So, VATS pleurectomy is the procedure of choose in the management of PSP.
Acupuncture in polycystic ovary syndrom
Authors: Gazar Nadia M. , Mahmoud Maher F. , Alkafrawy Mona E. , Hafez Mai I. 
Published: March 2024

Introduction
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is characterized by the clinical signs of oligomenorrhoea, infertility, and hirsutism. Biochemically, women with PCOS often show signs of hyperandrogenism (excessive production of androgen).

Aim
The aim was to evaluate the use of acupuncture to prevent and reduce symptoms related to PCOS in patients with infertility.

Patients and methods
This study was carried out on 32 women with PCOS of reproductive age (20–35 years) who presented with infertility. The diagnostic criteria of PCOS applied in this study were based on the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology and the American Society of Reproductive Medicine consensus in Rotterdam, 2003.

Results
A total of 15 (46.9%) women experienced a good effect. Women with good effect from acupuncture had significantly lower BMI (from 27.68±3.36 to 26.97±3.34; P=0.006), but there was no significant change in waist-to-hip circumference (from 0.85±0.14 to 0.84±0.14; P=0.188). There was a significant decrease in mean serum concentration of luteinizing hormone (LH) (from 13.81±3.91 to 10.30±5.14), LH/follicle stimulating hormone ratio (from 2.32±0.81 to1.69±0.90), serum testosterone (from 1.26±0.68 to 1.08±0.75), and fasting insulin (from 31.32±9.90 to 27.53±7.67); a decrease in mean and SD for serum concentration of LH (from 13.81±3.91 to 10.30±5.14), LH/follicle stimulating hormone ratio (from 2.32±0.81 to 1.69±0.90), serum testosterone (from 1.26±0.68 to 1.08±0.75), and fasting insulin (from 31.32±9.90 to 27.53±7.67); and a significant increase in serum E2 (from 34.23±15.32 to 49.02±26.08).

Conclusion
Acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment of PCOS, as the adverse effect of pharmacologic interventions are not present in patients with PCOS who use acupuncture. Acupuncture therapy increases the blood flow to the ovaries, reducing ovarian volume and the number of ovarian cysts. Reducing serum testosterone, increasing insulin sensitivity, and decreasing insulin level also assist in weight loss.
Serum interleukin-18 and carotid intima-media thickness in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: El Shazly Aya , El-Refaee Khalida E. , Abdel Kader Mona A. , ElBagoury Iman , Maghraby Hend M. 
Published: March 2024

Background
Interleukin-18 (IL-18), known as a member of IL-1 family cytokines, is found to be elevated as a part of the chronic low-grade inflammatory process in obesity, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Patients with carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) exhibited a higher level of IL-18 in the serum.

Objective
To study the relation between serum IL-18 and CIMT in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Patients and methods
A total of 60 patients diagnosed as having T2D and 30 age-matched and sex-matched patients as a control group were recruited in this study. Diabetic patients were divided into two groups according to the presence or absence of diabetic nephropathy. Clinical examination and laboratory investigations including serum IL-18 (by ELISA) and CIMT of both common carotid arteries were carried out.

Results
Mean serum IL-18 level was significantly increased in patients with T2DM when compared with the control group. There was a significant increase in the mean serum IL-18 in patients with diabetic nephropathy compared with those patients without nephropathy. Moreover, there was a significant positive correlation between serum IL-18 and CIMT, glycated hemoglobin, serum lipids, creatinine, urea, and urinary protein in patients with T2DM (group I) (P<0.001).

Conclusion
Serum IL-18 level and CIMT were higher in T2DM than that in controls and in diabetic patients with nephropathy compared with those without nephropathy. Higher serum IL-18 levels correlated with larger CIMT, suggesting a role of IL-18 in atherosclerosis.
Efficacy and safety of intravaginal misoprostol and intracervical foley's catheter ballooning in second trimester pregnancy termination
Authors: Mohammed Naglaa H. , Hakam Faiza A.A. 
Published: March 2024

Background
Termination of pregnancy in second trimester is one of the greatest challenges in modern obstetrics practice and is more risky than during first trimester. Now the main concern of the obstetrician is to provide the most effective, safest, and cost-effective regimen with least or no complications.

Objective
To compare the efficacy and safety of intravaginal misoprostol alone and in combination with intracervical Foley's catheter ballooning for termination of pregnancy at second trimester.

Patients and methods
This prospective randomized clinical study was conducted at Alzahra University Hospital and Alglaa Teaching Hospital from June 2019 till June 2020. A total of 100 pregnant women with second trimester who missed abortion were randomly divided into two groups: group I included 50 patients who received misoprostol 200-mg tab intravaginally per 6 h till maximum of four doses, in addition to intracervical Foley's catheter being placed till the catheter got expelled out spontaneously or after 24 h. Group II included 50 patients who received only misoprostol (200 μg) tab, same dose as group I.

Results
In this study, the success of abortion within 24 h was 42 (84%) cases in group I and 29 (58%) cases in group II. The failure of abortion after 48 h was 6% (three cases) in group I and in 18% (nine cases) in group II. The mean induction to abortion time was 14.26 h in group I and 17.243 in group II, with P value of 0.002. There was a significant decrease in the need for surgical evacuation [three (6%) cases − in group I compared with seven (14%) cases in group II]. There is no significant difference between both groups regarding complications (lower abdominal pain, postabortion bleeding, vomiting, headache, and fever); all these complications were mild.

Conclusion
Combined use of intravaginal misoprostol and intracervical Foley's catheter has a shorter induction to abortion time than misoprostol alone and less need for surgical evacuation, with no significant increase in adverse effects.
Efficacy of intravenous tranexamic acid in reducing blood loss during and after elective cesarean section
Authors: Shalabi Hanaa M. , Yosry Lamyaa M. , Mohammad Suzan Z. 
Published: March 2024

Background
Tranexamic acid (TXA) is one of the prominent amino acid lysine synthetic derivatives having its antifibrinolytic effect through the reversible blockade of the lysine-binding sites on plasminogen molecules. It is regularly administered intravenously to treat and avoid bleeding, with good results.

Objective
This study was carried out to evaluate the effectiveness, safety, and complications of using TXA in elective cesarean section (CS).

Patients and methods
This was a prospective study that was conducted at Al-Zahraa University Hospital and El Sahel Teaching Hospital on 200 patients planned for elective CS: 100 patients were given 1 g/10 ml TXA (group A) diluted with 20 ml of 5% glucose, whereas another 100 patients received 30 ml of 5% glucose (group B) 10 min before CS. Following the delivery, patients in both groups received a 5 IU intravenous bolus of pre-prepared oxytocin followed by 30 IU oxytocin in 500-ml lactated Ringer's solution, infused at a rate of 125 ml/h. An antibiotic, 1 g cefazolin, was diluted in normal saline of 20 ml, and it was administered over a duration of 5 min. Estimated blood loss was measured by comparing the hematocrit values before and after the procedure.

Results
The study revealed a statistically significant decrease in hemoglobin level in group B (placebo group) compared with group A (TXA group), which indicates that there was a significant reduction in the amount of intraoperative and postoperative blood loss in CS in TXA group.

Conclusion
The use of TXA before CS shows positive effects and can be used as a prophylaxis against postpartum hemorrhage, as revealed by the findings of this study.
Desflurane versus total intravenous anesthesia in improving the postoperative outcome for the patient undergoing spinal fixation
Authors: Hamouda Samia I. , Awad Amira A.E. , Elsayed Ruqaya M. , Awdan Tarek M. Elsaid Al , Ibrahim Radwa S. 
Published: March 2024

Background
Total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) and volatile inhalation anesthesia are both standardized techniques for lumbar laminectomy and discectomy procedures.

Objective
To compare TIVA versus desflurane anesthesia in improving postoperative recovery for patients undergoing spinal fixation.

Patients and methods
This prospective, double-blind, randomized study was carried out on 60 patients undergoing spinal fixation. Patients were randomized into two equal groups: group D received desflurane anesthesia, and group T received TIVA technique. Induction was done by propofol, fentanyl, and rocuronium. Anesthesia was maintained using desflurane in oxygen air mixture in group D. Still, anesthesia was maintained by intravenous infusion of propofol and dexmedetomidine in group T. Intraoperative vital signs, recovery time, postoperative nausea and vomiting, visual analog score, postanesthetic care unit stay time, total first 24 h postoperative analgesic needs, and serum cortisol and interleukin 6 preoperative and postoperative were assessed.

Results
TIVA group had lower intraoperative heart rates and mean arterial blood pressure. TIVA group also had a faster recovery time, shorter postanesthetic care unit stays, lower postoperative visual analog score for pain assessment, lower total analgesic requirements, and lower incidence of nausea and vomiting.

Conclusions
TIVA provided better postoperative recovery with fewer postoperative adverse effects and analgesia need.
Analgesic efficacy of continuous subcutaneous presternal bupivacaine infusion vs ultrasound-guided bilateral pectoral nerve block in poststernotomy pain
Authors: Abdelmaboud Mofeed A. 
Published: March 2024

Background
The most common cause of pain after cardiac surgery is median sternotomy. Poor postoperative (PO) pain control has serious effect on pulmonary and cardiovascular systems and induces stress and hyperglycemia. Good PO analgesia helps early recovery and discharge.

Aim
The primary aim was to compare analgesic efficacy of continuous presternal bupivacaine infusion and ultrasound-guided bilateral pectoral nerve 2 block (Pec 2). The secondary aim was to evaluate their efficacy in controlling respiratory parameters, duration of PO ventilation, ICU stay, and hospital stay.

Patients and methods
A total of 100 patients of American Society of Anesthesiologists status II were randomly divided into group I, which received continuous presternal bupivacaine infusion, and group II, which received ultrasound bilateral Pec 2 block. PO visual analog scale (VAS) was recorded at extubation, 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 h. Pain severity was divided into four grades: no pain, VAS less than 4; mild, VAS 4–5; moderate, VAS 6–7; and severe, VAS greater than 7. Morphine, bupivacaine consumption (mg), and number of request of analgesia in first PO 24 h and inspiratory flow rate (IFR) (l/min) at extubation, 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 h were recorded. Arterial blood gas parameters were recorded at extubation, 3, 6, 12, and 24 h. Duration of PO ventilation (min), ICU stay (h), and hospital stay (days) were recorded.

Results
PO VAS, pain severity, IFR, and arterial oxygen tension/inspired oxygen fraction (PaO2/FIO2) were significantly higher in group II at all study times. Morphine, bupivacaine consumption, and number of request of analgesia in first PO 24 h were significantly higher in group I. Duration of PO ventilation, ICU stay, and hospital stay were significantly longer in group I.

Conclusion
First, Pec 2 block was safe and effective in controlling sternotomy pain with lower VAS and pain severity, less bupivacaine, morphine consumption, and less request of PO analgesia. Second, Pec 2 block showed better IFR and PaO2/FIO2, with shorter duration of PO ventilation, ICU stay, and hospital stay.
Shuangshen Granules Suppress Myeloid-derived Suppressor Cell-mediated Lung Premetastatic Niche Development by Targeting Sphingosine-1-Phosphate Receptor-1/Signal Transducer, Activator of Transcription 3 Signaling
Authors: Liu Rui , Hu Jia-Qi , Zhang Xing , Wu Xiao-Yi , Wei Hua-Min , Zhao Yuan-Chen , He Shu-Lin , Yu Jing , Qi Xin , Pei Ying-Xia , Chen Hong , Li Wei-Dong , Hua Bao-Jin 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background:
Shuangshen granules (SSGs) are extensively utilized for the treatment of lung cancer in China and have been reported to possess tumor-protective and anti-metastatic effects. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the precise mechanism. Building upon the findings of our previous study, the objective of the present study was to explore the impact of SSGs on the sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor-1 (S1PR1)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) axis, as well as the recruitment of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) during the formation of the premetastatic niches (PMNs).

Methods:
In a mouse xenograft model utilizing Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) cells that express green fluorescent protein (GFP), the initiation of lung metastasis was monitored every three days until day 35 following transplantation. Lung metastasis, MDSC recruitment, the expression of PMN and S1PR1/STAT3 axis biomarkers, as well as the blood levels of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) were assessed in the SSG treatment and control groups.

Results:
The LLC cells did not reach the lung until 14–17 days following subcutaneous implantation, which was concurrent with the formation of lung PMNs. SSG significantly postponed the initiation of lung metastasis and reduced the recruitment of MDSCs to the lung PMNs. SSG also suppressed the S1PR1/STAT3 axis in tumor tissues, bone marrow, and lung PMNs. Additionally, SSG suppressed the blood levels of GM-CSF and TGF-β, as well as the PMN markers, matrix metalloproteinase-9 and versican.

Conclusion:
Our findings suggested that SSG suppressed the development of MDSC-mediated PMNs by inhibiting the S1PR1/STAT3 axis, consequently postponing the initiation of lung metastasis.
Predictores clínicos de revascularización quirúrgica en pacientes cursando internación por síndromes coronarios agudos sin elevación del segmento ST - Registros Buenos Aires I y ReSCAR22
Authors: Feder Julián M. , Sigal Alan R. , Seoane Leonardo A. , Rivero Mirza , Perez Gonzalo , Zaidel Ezequiel J. , Procopio Fabricio G. , Conde Diego , Costabel Juan P. 
Published: March 2024

Objetivo. Identificar predictores independientes de cirugía de revascularización miocárdica (CRM) en pacientes con síndrome coronario agudo sin elevación del segmento ST (SCASEST) del mundo real. Materiales y métodos. Se realizó un análisis preespecificado de forma individual de pacientes con SCASEST, a partir de dos registros argentinos prospectivos entre 2017 y 2022. Se analizó la diferencia en las características basales entre los pacientes que requirieron CRM y los que no requirieron esta intervención. Luego, se realizó un análisis de regresión logística para determinar predictores independientes en los pacientes que recibieron CRM como método de revascularización. Resultados. Se incluyeron 1848 pacientes con una mediana de edad de 54,8 (rango intercuartílico [RIC]): 53,7-56) años y una fracción de eyección de 42,1% (RIC: 41,2-43,1). Un total de 233 pacientes requirieron CRM (12,6%). Las características basales entre ambos grupos fueron similares, excepto en los pacientes que requirieron CRM, que mostraron ser más jóvenes (51,5 vs. 55,7 años; p=0,010), más frecuentemente diabéticos (38,2% vs. 25,7%; p=0,001) y hombres (90,1% vs. 73,7%; p=0,001); además, presentaron en menor medida, una cirugía cardíaca previa (2,1% vs. 11,2%; p=0,011). Luego del análisis multivariable, se asociaron de forma independiente con la CRM: la edad (Odds Ratio [OR]: 0,99, intervalo de confianza [IC] al 95%: 0,98-0,99; p=0,008), sexo masculino (OR: 3,08, IC 95%: 1,87-5,1; p=0,001), antecedente de CRM previa (OR: 0,14, IC 95%: 0,05-0,30; p=0,001) y diabetes (OR: 1,84, IC 95%: 1,31- 2,57; p=0,001). Conclusiones. En este análisis de dos registros de SCASEST, la edad más joven, el sexo masculino, el diagnóstico de diabetes y la ausencia de cirugía previa, fueron predictores independientes del requerimiento de CRM durante la internación.