bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Herpes Simplex Virus Necrotising Stromal Keratitis post-Descmets stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty - A Rare Case
Authors: Rajarajan Mugundhan , Das Nikita 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

PURPOSE:
This study aims to report a case of HSV keratitis post-Descemet’s stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK)
METHODS:
A 69-year-old male presented with right eye defective vision in the last 1 year. He had poor visual recovery after he underwent cataract surgery 1 year ago. On examination, he had an old Descemet membrane detachment with a taut membrane.
He underwent RE DSAEK, on postoperative day 15 he came with complaints of foreign body sensation, and he was diagnosed with HSV Epithelial keratitis. Topical steroids were stopped and topical antiviral and cycloplegics were given. He reviewed back to us after 2 days with a large central geographic ulcer, therapeutic dose of oral acyclovir was added to his treatment regimen. He reviewed back on post-operative day 25 even though the geographic ulcer had reduced in size but, he had developed a central anterior to mid stromal whitish infiltrate- a diagnosis of HSV necrotising stromal keratitis was made and he was continued on topical and oral antivirals. On postoperative day 36, the geographic ulcer had reduced to 60% of its original size- topical steroids, oral antivirals, and topical cycloplegics were given. On his follow-up visit after 3 days (postoperative day 39)- the epithelial defect had heaped up margins with a resolving anterior stroma infiltrate, here a diagnosis of meta herpetic ulcer was made. He underwent an amniotic membrane transplant and tarsorrhaphy on the same day. On postoperative day 1 month 14 days Amniotic membrane graft (AMG) was well integrated, anterior to mid stromal corneal scar was noted lenticule was well attached, here slow steroid taper was advised, with a prophylactic dose of oral acyclovir.
CONCLUSION:
We successfully managed a case of HSV keratitis post-DSAEK, HSV keratitis can develop following keratoplasty even in the absence of a previous history of infection, hence early clinical suspicion and medical management can allow complete resolution of infection with scarring.
There are very few case reports of HSV keratitis after endothelial keratoplasty in literature and according to our knowledge, there are no previous case reports of HSV NSK after DSAEK.
Presentation, treatment, and outcomes in patients with spontaneous isolated celiac artery dissection
Authors: Zhang Xinyang , Zhu Feng , Zhang Liqiang , Guo Chao , Li Chunting , Shang Dan 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Objective: Spontaneous isolated celiac artery dissection (SICAD) is a rare condition, and its natural history and outcomes have not been thoroughly studied. The aim of this study was to review our institution’s experience in the evaluation, treatment, and outcomes of patients with SICAD.
Methods: A retrospective review was conducted on 76 patients who presented with SICAD between January 2010 and July 2022. The clinical manifestations, initial radiological findings, methods of treatment and follow-up computed tomography were reviewed, and patients were contacted for assessment of current symptoms.
Results: in this study, a total of 76 patients with SICAD were collected. The mean age of the patients was 52.8±8.7 years. The mean angle between celiac trunk and aorta in symptomatic patients was 57.78 ± 14.94°, and 59.65 ± 20.11° in asymptomatic patients. Of the 76 patients, 27underwent endovascular treatment due to refractory pain or aneurysmal dilatation. Among these 27 patients, 2 experienced failure in the endovascular intervention due to issues with the guide wire reaching the true cavity and challenges in inserting the long sheath behind the celiac artery. The remaining 49 patients were managed conservatively. Within the conservative group, one patient (1.3%) without aneurysmal dilation experienced a recurrence of abdominal pain one year after the initial hospitalization. Subsequent CT revealed slight dilation of the celiac trunk dissection compared to the initial presentation. After rehospitalization and conservative treatment, symptoms improved, and no recurrence have been observed since discharge. It is noteworthy that all patients, whether treated with endovascular or conservative methods, experienced improvement in symptoms.
Conclusions:The symptoms of SICAD may not be influenced by the angle between celiac trunk and aorta. Conservative treatment is effective in more than half of the patients. Even if abdominal pain recurs, as long as the patient’s condition is stable, conservative treatment remains effective. Endovascular treatment had more favorable outcomes in achieving complete remodeling compared to conservative treatment.
Role and Expression of Annexin IV (ANXA4) and Matrix-remodeling Associated 5 protein (MXRA5) in connective tissue remodeling of placenta in preeclampsia.
Authors: Hafeez Shimaa , Baz Mona El , Sobh Ahmed , Atta Sara 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the expression of Annexin IV (ANXA4), Matrix-remodelling associated 5 (MXRA5), and Tissue inhibitor metalloproteinase 2 (TIMP2) level in connective tissue remodelling of placenta in women with preeclampsia.Methods: Forty-eight pregnant women complicated by preeclampsia, their age range from 20 to 40 years, in addition to 48 age and sex matched normotensive pregnant women served as control group were enrolled in the study. The placental samples in this study were obtained by cesarean section, frozen immediately in liquid nitrogen, and stored at − 80°C till time of assay for subsequent RNA and protein biochemical measurements.Results: There was statistically significant decrease in mean ANXA4 among cases compared to controls. Additionally, there was statistically significant decrease in mean MXRA5 among cases compared to controls (p < 0.001 for both). There was statistically significant decrease in mean MXRA5 among patients with severe PE compared to mild PE (p < 0.001). A statistically significant moderate positive correlation between ANXA4 and MXRA5 (r = 0.571, p < 0.001) in total sample, and the degree of correlation increased to 0.732 among cases when stratified the groups to cases and controls. There was a statistically significant lower mean difference of pAKT-ELIZA among PE patients (0.29 ± 0.04) compared to controls (0.56 ± 0.14, p < 0.001).Conclusions: In pre-eclampsia patients, there was a statistically significant positive correlation between the pAKT protein level and ANXA4 and MXRA5 compared to controls. Reduced MXRA5 expression is a more sensitive biomarker for predicting the severity of PE compared to ANXA4.
Inhibition of the P38 MAPK/NLRP3 Pathway Mitigates Cognitive Dysfunction and Mood Alterations in Aged Mice after Abdominal Surgery Plus Sevoflurane
Authors: Lv Jin-Meng , Wang Lu-Ying , Li Bao-Dong , Shan Yong-Lin , Wu Zi-Qiang , Lu Qing-Meng , Peng Heng-Yue , Zhou Ting-Ting , Li Xiao-Ming , Zhang Li-Min 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Cognitive dysfunction, encompassing perioperative psychological distress and cognitive impairment, is a prevalent postoperative complication within the elderly population, and in severe cases, it may lead to dementia. Building upon our prior research that unveiled a connection between postoperative mood fluctuations and cognitive dysfunction with the phosphorylation of P38, this present investigation aims to delve deeper into the involvement of the P38 MAPK/NLRP3 pathway in perioperative neurocognitive disorders (PND) in an abdominal exploratory laparotomy (AEL) aged mice model.
Methods
C57BL/6 mice (male, 18-month-old) underwent AEL with 3% anesthesia. Then, inhibitors targeting P38 MAPK (SB202190, 1 mg/kg) and GSK3β (TWS119, 10 mg/kg) were administered multiple times daily for 7 days post-surgery. The NLRP3-cKO AEL and WT AEL groups only underwent the AEL procedure. Behavioral assessments, including the open field test (OFT), novel object recognition (NOR), force swimming test (FST) and fear conditioning (FC), were initiated on postoperative day 14. Additionally, mice designated for neuroelectrophysiological monitoring had electrodes implanted on day 14 before surgery and underwent novel object recognition while their local field potential (LFP) was concurrently recorded on postoperative day 14. Lastly, after they were euthanasized, pathological analysis and western blot were performed.
Results
SB202190, TWS119, and astrocyte-conditional knockout NLRP3 all ameliorated the cognitive impairment behaviors induced by AEL in mice and increased mean theta power during novel location exploration. However, it is worth noting that SB202190 may exacerbate postoperative depressive and anxiety-like behaviors in mice, while TWS119 may induce impulsive behaviors.
Conclusions
Our study suggests that anesthesia and surgical procedures induce alterations in mood and cognition, which may be intricately linked to the P38 MAPK/NLRP3 pathway.
Antithrombotic therapy at discharge and prognosis in patients with chronic coronary syndrome and atrial fibrillation who underwent PCI: a real-world study
Authors: Wang Yimeng , Wang Lulu , Yang Yanmin , Zhang Han , Tan Jiang-shan , Shu Yuyuan 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to describe the status of antithrombotic therapy at discharge and prognosis in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).
Methods: This was an observational, prospective study. The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), including all-cause death, myocardial infarction, stroke, systemic embolism or ischemia-driven revascularization. Bleeding events were collected according to the Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) criteria.
Results:Between 2017 and 2019, a cohort of 546 patients (mean age 65.78, [SD 8.73], of whom 18.3% were female) with AF and CCS who underwent PCI were evaluated, with a median followed-up time of 36 months (Interquartile range: 22-45). MACE events occurred in 13.0% of the patients, while the TIMI bleeding events were observed in 17.4%. Utilization of oral anticoagulation (OAC) therapy increased from 23.2% in 2017 to 51.0% in 2019 (p<0.001).
History of heart failure (HF) (Hazard ratio [HR], 1.744; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.011-3.038) and TAT (HR, 2.708; 95%CI, 1.653-4.436) had independent associations with MACE events. OAC (HR, 10.378; 95%CI, 6.136-17.555) was identified as a risk factor for bleeding events. A higher creatine clearance (HR, 0.986; 95%CI, 0.974-0.997) was associated with a lower incidence of bleeding events.
Conclusions: Antithrombotic therapy has been improved among patients with AF and CCS who underwent PCI these years. History of HF and TAT were independently associated with MACE events. Higher creatine clearance was protective factors of bleeding events, while OAC was a risk factor for TIMI bleeding events.
The Relationship between Cathepsins and Sepsis: A Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Zhou Li , Liu Hai , Wen Shu , Wang Xiaolan , Liu Hongmei , Dong Wei , Liu Yiwen 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background An increasing body of evidence suggests a connection between cathepsins and sepsis. However, more research is needed to better understand the causal relationship between the two. To gain a deeper insight into the association between cathepsins and sepsis, we conducted multiple Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses. Methods In this study, MR analysis was employed to investigate the causal associations between nine cathepsins and various severities of sepsis (sepsis, 28-day death, under 75). The research design consisted of forward MR analysis, reverse MR analysis and multivariable MR analysis. Under the premise of meeting the three fundamental assumptions of MR studies, genetic instrumental variables (IVs) were selected for specific analyses. The MR studies utilized the inverse variance-weighted (IVW) method as the primary analytical approach. Results In the forward MR analysis, the IVW method indicated that Cathepsin E and Cathepsin O are identified as potential risk factors for the occurrence of sepsis and sepsis (under 75). Additionally, a negative correlation was observed between Cathepsin F and 28-day mortality. Conversely, results from the reverse MR analysis suggested that the occurrence of sepsis might contribute to a reduction in the levels of Cathepsin Z. Within the multivariable MR analysis, incorporating nine cathepsins as covariates, Cathepsin O emerged as a risk factor for 28-day mortality. Interestingly, the multivariable MR analysis also affirmed that with an elevation in the levels of Cathepsin E, the risk of sepsis (under 75) increases. Conclusion Our MR study, for the first time from a genetic perspective, provides evidence of a causal relationship between cathepsins and the susceptibility to sepsis. This discovery holds significant implications for guiding clinical practices in the treatment of sepsis.
Overcoming barriers in the introduction of early warning scores for in-hospital emergencies in Austrian medical centers - a mixed methods approach
Authors: Treml Benedikt , Dahlmann Philipp , Rajsic Sasa , Bauernfeind Lydia 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background: In-hospital cardiac arrest is associated with high mortality and data regarding an effect of early warning scores upon mortality remains inconsistent. Moreover, an aging population and a shortage of skilled health care workers strain Austrian acute care hospitals. The question arises if this constitutes barriers in the implementation of early warning scores in Austria. Therefore, this work sought to identify barriers by assessing local and national data. The first retrospective part investigated i) the local situation regarding in-hospital cardiac arrests at Medical University Innsbruck. The second prospective part focused on ii) the identification of barriers during implementation of early warning scores at Austrian medical centers.
Methods: The interviews were part of a master thesis (BT). Ten experts with profound expertise in in-hospital emergency medicine were interviewed using guided interviews. The main results were identified using a structured content analysis according to Mayring. The retrospective analysis included all patients experiencing an in-hospital cardiac emergency between 2017 and 2022. Using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research, we stratified our data into five domains described. Finally, we applied the eight steps of leading change to develop and consider best practice guidelines.
Results: In six years, 1317 patients were treated by one of the emergency medical teams, with 365 of them being resuscitated. The incidence rate of in-hospital cardiac arrests was demonstrated to be 0.86 cases/1000 admissions per year.
The guided interviews demonstrated a nearly complete absence of the usage of early warning scores in Austria. Strained human resources after the pandemic, the fear of an increased workload and the lack of robust data regarding the benefit of survival were mentioned as main reasons. The best practice tutorial considers the challenges identified and provides guidance for structured implementation in hospitals.
Conclusion: Implementing one of the most established early warning scores, the NEWS, correctly as a „fire alarm“, may facilitate ongoing clinical education. Moreover, this could mitigate a further increasing workload. Identifying common barriers and facilitators in five domains described and applying this to the eight steps of leading change enabled us to provide a tutorial for overcoming these barriers.
Comparison of the ongoing pregnancy rate with Progesterone Vaginal Gel 180 mg/d vs. Progesterone Vaginal Gel 90 mg/d combined with oral dydrogesterone for luteal phase support in frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycles in Chinese women: A pilot randomized study
Authors: Li Na , Fan Lijuan , Mu Xin , Wang Rui , Cai He , Bian Geyan , Yang Chen , Shi Wenhao , Shi Juanzi 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
The preferred modality of progesterone for luteal phase support in Western countries and China is different. This study investigated two different programs of Progesterone Vaginal Gel for frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) in terms of pregnancy outcomes.
Methods
This single-center, randomized pilot trial (ChiCTR2000034113) enrolled women 20–40 years old with endometrial thickness > 8mm, and at least two good-quality blastocysts. All participants received a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist for their first frozen-thawed single blastocyst transfer and hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) for endometrial preparation. The participants were 1:1 randomized to Progesterone Vaginal Gel 90mg bid vs. Progesterone Vaginal Gel 90mg qd combine oral Dydrogesterone10mg bid after blastocyst transfer. The primary outcome was the ongoing pregnancy rate at 12 weeks of gestation. Safety was evaluated using patient-reported outcomes.
Results
Ninety-seven and ninety-nine participants completed the study in the Progesterone Vaginal Gel 180mg/d and 90mg/d groups, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups regarding the ongoing pregnancy rate at 12 weeks of gestation (57.73% vs. 65.66%, OR 1.40, 95% [CI] 0.79–2.50, P = 0.2544). The positivity, clinical pregnancy, early abortion, late abortion and ectopic pregnancy were comparable between the two groups (all P > 0.05), as well as the live birth and premature birth rate. There were no statistically significant differences in the patient-reported safety outcomes between the two groups (all P > 0.05), and no severe adverse events or adverse events leading to study termination occurred.
Conclusion
This study preliminarily showed comparable ongoing pregnancy rates and similar safety profile with Progesterone Vaginal Gel 180mg/d compared to Progesterone Vaginal Gel 90mg/d plus oral dydrogesterone tablets for luteal phase support in FET, which need to be further verified due to the limitation of the pilot design.
Uniformly dispersed ruthenium nanoparticles on porous carbon from coffee waste outperform platinum for hydrogen evolution reaction in alkaline media
Authors: Sukhbaatar Bayaraa , Qing Wang , Seo Jinmyeong , Yoon Sanghwa , Yoo Bongyoung 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Biowaste-derived carbon materials are a sustainable, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective way to create valuable materials. Activated carbon can be a supporting material for electrocatalysts because of its large specific surface area and porosity. However, activated carbon has low catalytic activity and needs to be functionalized with heteroatoms, metals, and combinations to improve conductivity and catalytic activity. Ruthenium (Ru) catalysts have great potential to replace bench market catalysts in hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) applications due to their similar hydrogen bond strength and relatively lower price. This study reports on the synthesis and characterizations of carbon-supported Ru catalysts with large surface areas (~1,171 m2 g-1) derived from coffee waste. The uniformly dispersed Ru catalyst on the porous carbon has excellent electrocatalytic activity and outperformed the commercial catalyst platinum on carbon (Pt/C) toward the HER. As-synthesized catalyst needed a 27 mV to reach a current density of 10 mA cm−2, 58.4 mV dec-1 Tafel slope, and excellent long-term stability. Considering these results, the Ru nanoparticles on coffee waste-derived porous carbon can be utilized as excellent material that can replace platinum-based catalysts for the HER and contribute to the development of eco-friendly and low-cost electrocatalyst materials.
EBV Infection as a Risk Factor for SLE Development in Adult Sudanese Patients: A Case‒Control Study
Authors: Gamil Sahar , Mohamed Hala K. A. , Mohamed Abdelrahim O. , Alagib Alnour 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
To evaluate Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection as a risk factor for the development of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in Sudanese patients. This was a case‒control study. Forty-two SLE patients and forty-one age- and sex-matched controls were included. Demographic, clinical and laboratory data were collected. Venous blood samples were drawn, and EBV-viral capsid antigen (EBV-VCA) IgG titre levels were quantified. Demographic, clinical and laboratory data were compared between the two groups by either Student’s t test or the Mann‒Whitney U test for continuous data or by χ² analysis for categorical data. P values < 0.05 were considered to indicate statistical significance.
Results
The SLE patients in the present study had a low mean Hb concentration (11.5 ± 1.7 gm/dL) and a low RBC count (4.1 ± 0.73). Almost all patients (41, 97.6%) and controls (40, 97.6%) were positive for VCA-IgG (P = 0.99). The titre levels of VCA-IgG between the two groups were similar (153.8 ± 58.2 RU/ml for patients, 156.6 ± 64.1 RU/ml for control groups; p = 0.83). The mean EBV-VCA-IgG levels were similar between the positive and negative anti-dsDNA patients, with a p value of 0.98. The mean VCA-IgG titre was also similar between anti-Sm-positive and anti-Sm-negative patients (p = 0.22).
Conclusions
No association was found between EBV infection and SLE development in adult Sudanese patients. A larger sample size and younger population are recommended to elucidate any associations between EBV and SLE.
Thiol-Disulfide Homeostasis in Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease: A Cross-Sectional Cohort Study
Authors: Elcioglu Omer Celal , Koktasoglu Fatmanur , Ozturk Burak Baris , Aris Özlem , Mirioglu Safak , Gursu Meltem , Selek Sahabettin , Kazancioglu Rumeyza 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background: Oxidative stress (OS) is implicated in the pathogenesis of various chronic inflammatory diseases, including polycystic kidney disease (PKD). While there are indications of OS involvement in PKD development, conclusive evidence is lacking. This study aimed to investigate Thiol-disulfide homeostasis (TDH), a closely related marker to OS, in PKD patients with different renal functions.
Methods: A cross-sectional cohort study included 140 participants divided into four groups: ADPKD with eGFR > 60 ml/min/1.73m2 (PKD), ADPKD with eGFR < 60 ml/min/1.73m2 (PKD_CKD), chronic kidney disease unrelated to diabetes or ADPKD (CKD), and healthy controls (HC). Serum for TDH evaluation was collected after an 8-hour fast. Routine metabolic parameters were assessed, and TDH parameters were determined using the automated photometric Erel method.
Results: No significant differences were observed between groups in age, sex, BMI, and smoking, except the PKD group had a significantly higher proportion of males than the other groups. Serum TTHIOL and NTHIOL levels were significantly higher in PKD_CKD compared to CKD (p=0.001 and p<0.001, respectively). Serum disulfide values showed no significant differences between PKD_CKD and CKD (p=0.464) or between PKD and HC (p=0.279).
Conclusions: Our study reveals altered OS through TDH in ADPKD patients with varying eGFR levels. Significantly higher TTHIOL and NTHIOL levels were found in ADPKD patients with eGFR <60 ml/min/1.73 m2 compared to non-diabetic CKD patients with similar eGFR. Additionally, a significant positive correlation was identified between TTHIOL levels and eGFR values.