bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Membrane-free stem cell components ameliorate atopic dermatitis in 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene-induced NC/Nga mice
Authors: Stalin Nattan , Lee Dongyup , Sharma Amitesh , Devi Shivani , Choi Jiwon , Hwang Yunbhin , Kim Young Sil , Park Tae-Sik 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background:
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a prevalent inflammatory skin disorder characterized by skin barrier dysfunction, thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) production and an imbalance in the Th1/Th2 immune response. While numerous studies have examined the therapeutic potential of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSC) in repairing and regenerating damaged skin tissues caused by AD, the effects of membrane-free stem cell components derived from ADSC extract (ADSCE) on AD have not been investigated.

Objectives:
The objective of this study was to investigate the alleviating effects of ADSCE on AD in mice and validate the therapeutic application of ADSCE on AD.

Methods:
An AD-like lesion was induced by the administration of 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) on the dorsal skin of NC/Nga mice. Then, ADSCE was administered subcutaneously for 3 weeks. Dermatitis score, epidermal thickness, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and serum levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE) were measured. Expression of the skin barrier proteins and inflammatory cytokines were measured by western blotting and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction.

Results:
The administration of ADSCE demonstrated a significant amelioration in several skin diseases, as indicated by improvements in dermatitis score, epidermal thickness, TEWL, and total blood levels of IgE. ADSCE treatment led to an upregulation in the expression of various skin barrier proteins, including involucrin, loricrin, occludin, and zonula occludens-1. In addition, ADSCE inhibited the infiltration of mast cells and the expression of TSLP. Expression of inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1 β, IL-4, and inducible nitric oxide synthase, was also lowered by ADSCE.

Conclusions:
The use of ADSCE resulted in enhanced skin features and exerted anti-inflammatory properties on AD-like lesions in mice.
Hand eczema and its severity in nonmedical personnel: A study of the use of hand sanitizer on transepidermal water loss and skin capacitance
Authors: Oktarina Caroline , Astriningrum Rinadewi , Hoemardani Aida S. D. , Budianti Windy K. , Widaty Sandra , Friska Dewi 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background:
An increased frequency of hand sanitizer use and washing hands with soap seems to increase the incidence of hand eczema (HE).

Objectives:
The aim was to analyze HE in nonmedical personnel, its severity, and the effect of hand sanitizer use on transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and skin capacitance.

Methods:
This observational cross-sectional study was conducted from July to September 2022. Subjects were recruited based on the study criteria with cluster random sampling method. Each subject’s identity, data related to hand sanitizer use and handwashing, atopic stigmata, and duration of HE were documented. The severity of HE was assessed with the HE Severity Index (HECSI). TEWL and skin capacitance were measured with the Tewameter® TM 300 and Corneometer® CM 825 instruments.

Results:
Out of 240 subjects who were selected randomly, 24 normal subjects and 24 subjects with HE were recruited. The incidence of HE in nonmedical personnel using hand sanitizer was 10%, with a median disease duration of 22 weeks and a mean HECSI score of 9.25 ± 6.33. There was no significant difference in TEWL and skin capacitance between the groups (P > 0.05). There was no significant correlation between TEWL and skin capacitance with the HECSI score (P > 0.05). Subjects with HE washed their hands more frequently than subjects without HE (6 vs. 4.5 times per day; P 0.005).

Conclusion:
Most nonmedical personnel with HE had a mild form of the condition. There were no significant barrier function and skin hydration differences between the groups.
Efficacy of serratus posterior superior intercostal plane block (SPSIPB) on post-operative pain and total analgesic consumption in patients undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS): A double-blinded randomised controlled trial
Authors: Avci Onur , Gundogdu Oğuz , Balci Fatih , Tekcan Muhammed N. , Ozbey Mahmut 
Published: December 2023

Background and Aims:
Serratus posterior superior intercostal plane block (SPSIPB) is a novel technique that can provide analgesia in the hemithorax, shoulder, and back of the neck. This study aimed to evaluate the post-operative analgesic effect of SPSIPB in patients undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS).

Methods:
It is a double-blind, randomised controlled trial. Twenty-four adult patients who underwent VATS via the uniportal technique were randomised into two groups: the SPSIPB group (n = 12) received SPSIPB along with intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) with tramadol, whereas the control group (n = 12) received only PCA with tramadol. At the end of the surgery, patients in the SPSIPB group received a unilateral SPSIPB under ultrasound guidance with the use of 30-mL bupivacaine 0.25%. The primary outcome was the numerical rating scale (NRS) scores of the patients. Secondary outcomes included the amount of tramadol and rescue analgesic (paracetamol) consumed by the patients, followed up for post-operative 24 hours. Categorical variables were compared using the Chi-Square Test. Mann–Whitney U Test was used to compare groups of variables that were not normally distributed.

Results:
The SPSIPB group had lower NRS values during post-operative 24 hours (P < 0.001). Mean (standard deviation) total tramadol consumption was 58.33 (26.23) mg in the SPSIPB group and 144.17 (13.11) mg in the control group (P < 0.001). Rescue analgesic need was lower in the SPSIP group in the first 18 post-operative hours (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:
Serratus posterior superior intercostal plane block provides good analgesia in the thoracic region after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery.
Effect of timing of intraoperative administration of paracetamol on postoperative shivering: A randomised double-blind controlled trial
Authors: Mohta Medha , Mounika T. Bindu , Tyagi Asha 
Published: December 2023

Background and Aims:
Paracetamol (PCM) has an anti-shivering effect and may also exacerbate intraoperative hypothermia. This study compares the incidence of shivering as the primary outcome and the incidence of perioperative hypothermia (<36°C) and the time to the analgesic requirement as secondary outcomes when PCM was administered after induction of anaesthesia or towards the end of surgery.

Methods:
In this randomised study, 225 adult patients of either gender undergoing elective surgical procedures under general anaesthesia with an expected duration of surgery of 1–4 h were studied. They received intravenous (IV) PCM 15 mg/kg (maximum 1 g) immediately after anaesthesia induction (Early PCM group), 30 min before completion of surgery (Late PCM group) or no PCM (Control group). IV morphine 0.1 mg/kg was administered for analgesia in all three groups. The Chi-square test and repeated measures analysis of variance followed by Tukey’s test were used for statistical analysis.

Results:
The incidence of shivering was lower in Late PCM (12%) than in Early PCM (29.3%) (P = 0.009) and Control groups (30.6%) (P = 0.005). The incidence of postoperative hypothermia was also significantly lower in the Late PCM group than in the Early PCM (P = 0.002) and Control groups (P = 0.016). Early PCM and Control groups did not significantly differ. The number of patients requiring postoperative analgesia was smaller, and the time to the analgesic requirement was longer in Late PCM compared to other groups.

Conclusion:
Administration of IV PCM 30 min before completion of surgery results in a lower incidence of postoperative shivering and hypothermia when compared to PCM administered after induction of anaesthesia or no PCM.
A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials evaluating the effectiveness and safety of the repeated low-level red light therapy in slowing the progression of myopia in children and adolescents
Authors: Deng Bo , Zhou Mo , Kong Xiangmei , Luo Linbi , Lv Hongbin 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Purpose:
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of repeated low-level red light (RLRL) therapy in controlling myopia progression in children through a meta-analysis.

Methods:
We searched several databases including PubMed, Embase, The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CNKI, WANFANG, CBM, and VIP with languages restricted to both Chinese and English. The search was conducted from the establishment of the databases to March 23, 2023. We collected randomized controlled trials and controlled experiments to evaluate changes in axial length (AL) and spherical equivalent (SE) before and after RLRL intervention. Two researchers performed literature screening and data extraction, and RevMan software (Ver 5.3) and StataMP 17.0 were used for meta-analysis.

Results:
A total of 141 articles were retrieved, and finally, six randomized controlled trials met the inclusion and exclusion criteria, including 820 eyes (RLRL group: 411 eyes, control group: 409 eyes). The meta-analysis results showed that the RLRL group was significantly better than the control group in controlling AL, and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (mean difference [MD] = −0.22, 95% confidence interval [CI] [ - 0.28, −0.16]; P < 0.001). The RLRL group was also better than the control group in terms of SE, and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (MD = 0.46, 95% CI [0.32, 0.6]; P < 0.001). Five studies reported adverse reactions in the RLRL group, and two cases stopped treatment due to the feeling of too bright light, while the others had no significant side effects in the short term.

Conclusion:
RLRL therapy is a safe and effective method for controlling myopia, which can inhibit the growth of AL and slow down the progression of myopia. However, further research and validation are needed to determine its treatment efficacy and course.
The role of corneal biopsy in the management of microbial keratitis
Authors: Dutta Anirban , Sahu Srikant K , Das Sujata , Mohanty Amrita , Priyadarshini Smruti R 
Published: December 2023

Purpose:
Corneal biopsy helps in diagnosing deep-seated or recalcitrant lesions of microbial keratitis (MK). We aim to analyze its role in managing these challenging cases.

Methods:
This is a retrospective review of 22 cases of corneal biopsy at our institute from January 2010 to December 2021. Data were retrospectively collected using the electronic medical record (EMR) system. Those cases of indolent, progressive MK or deep-seated lesions where cornea scraping was not possible were considered for corneal biopsy to establish the microbiological diagnosis. The primary aims of our study were to analyze the indications, success rates, and outcomes for biopsy patients in our series. Additional outcomes that were analyzed included the average time from presentation to biopsy, the type of causative organism isolated from the biopsy by either histopathological or microbiological method, and the frequency and outcome of surgical interventions performed. Descriptive statistics using mean (±standard deviation) and median (±range) were used to interpret the demographic data.

Results:
Overall, 15 of 22 patients (68%) had a positive corneal biopsy after microbiological or histopathological examinations. The most identified organism was microsporidia (n = 4,30.7%), followed by mycobacteria (n = 2,15.4%), gram-negative bacilli (n = 2,15.4%), acid-fast bacilli (n = 1,7.6%), fungus (n = 2,15.4%), gram-positive cocci (n = 1,7.6%), and mixed bacterial infection (n = 1,7.6%).

Conclusion:
Corneal biopsy should be considered a diagnostic modality for patients with deep-seated or unresponsive MK. It can improve the treatment for MK, ensuring targeted therapy.
Influence of high altitude on choroid thickness, retinal thickness, and myopia: A cross-sectional study comparing adolescents in Shanghai and Tibet
Authors: Cai Chunyang , Ma Yingyan , He Shuai , Meng Chunren , Gu Chufeng , He Jiangnan , Lhamo Thashi , Draga Deji , Zhou Chuandi , Qiu Qinghua 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Purpose:
This study aimed to explore the influence of high altitude on myopia, macular choroidal thickness (mCT), and macular retinal thickness (mRT) in adolescents.

Methods:
Two schools, one in Shanghai (at sea level) and one in Shigatse, Tibet (more than 4000 m above sea level), were selected. Refractive error was measured by an autorefractor instrument and subjective refraction, and mCT and mRT were measured at three concentric circles by optical coherence tomography. Student’s t-test, Chi-square test, and multiple linear regression analyses were used to analyze the data.

Results:
A total of 1114 participants (657 and 457 in Shanghai and Tibet, respectively) were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. The average age of the participants was 18.81 ± 1.10 years, and 44.34% were males. The spherical equivalent (SE) of adolescents in Shanghai was significantly lower than that of adolescents in Tibet (-4.14 ± 2.37 D and -2.12 ± 1.87 D, P < 0.01). The prevalence of myopia and high myopia among adolescents in Shanghai (94.52%, 19.48%) was significantly higher than those among adolescents in Tibet (44.74%, 2.41%) (P < 0.01). The mCT of Tibetan adolescents was significantly thicker than that of Shanghai adolescents (295.80 ± 62.46 μm and 218.71 ± 61.42 μm, P < 0.01), especially the central mCT. The mRT of Tibetan adolescents was also thicker than that of Shanghai adolescents (301.42 ± 23.26 μm and 281.04 ± 12.24 μm, P < 0.01).

Conclusions:
Compared with Shanghai adolescents, the choroid of Tibet adolescents is thicker, and the myopia prevalence is lower. It is speculated that increased altitude is associated with the thickening of mCT and a low myopia prevalence.
Understanding visual snow syndrome: A retrospective study from a tertiary eye care center
Authors: Satgunam PremNandhini , Kannan Kiruthika , Hathibelagal Amithavikram R 
Published: December 2023

Purpose:
Visual snow syndrome is a debilitating neurological condition. A comprehensive eye examination may not detect any abnormalities in this condition. Presently the condition is recognized only through the history elicited. Hence, it becomes important to understand the presenting complaints and profile of these patients. A retrospective study at a tertiary eye care center was undertaken to achieve this goal.

Methods:
Electronic medical records of patients presenting to a Binocular Vision and Orthoptics clinic were reviewed. Records of the patients containing keywords such as “light sensitivity, shadowing, visual snow, multiple images, and night vision” were retrieved and inspected. Those matching the diagnostic criteria of visual snow syndrome were included in the study.

Results:
A total of 33 patients (average age ± standard deviation: 29.7 ± 9.8 years) were identified. Majority of the patients were males (69%). All the patients had logMAR visual acuity 0 or better in each eye. The most prominent (84.4%) presenting symptom was palinopsia (or afterimage or trailing). About 34.4% complained of floaters (including snow-like appearance). More than half (54.6%) of the patients also had binocular dysfunction.

Conclusion:
Visual snow syndrome is a relatively new condition on the rise, with unclear pathology. The symptoms of this condition can easily be confused with regular floaters or black spots seen in vitreous and retinal pathologies. In the absence of such pathology, an elaborate history should be elicited, and the distress of the patient should be acknowledged. The patient should also be reassured that this is not a blinding condition.
Bedside assessment of ophthalmic manifestations in neurocritical care: A study in Southern India
Authors: Warad Chethana , Mohapatra Shrusty , Mehta Abhyudaya 
Published: December 2023

Purpose:
This study aimed to investigate the incidence of Ocular Surface Disorders (OSDs), including Dry Eye Disease, Chemosis, and Exposure Keratitis, among patients admitted to the Neurocritical Care Unit (NCC). Additionally, we sought to assess the correlation between these OSDs, the length of hospitalization at NCC, and the Glasgow Coma Score (GCS). The heightened risk of OSD development in the NCC environment, coupled with pre-existing neurological impairments, can lead to conditions like dry eye disease, chemosis, corneal abrasions, and infectious keratitis, ultimately resulting in corneal opacities and perforations that significantly impact visual acuity and overall quality of life.

Methods:
In this observational cross-sectional study, we examined the ocular health of all patients admitted to an NCC unit from February to May 2022. We assessed the presence of Conjunctivitis, chemosis, Keratitis, and Dry Eyes in relation to the duration of stay at NCC, GCS, lagophthalmos, adherence to the prescribed eye care protocol in NCC, and the use of mechanical ventilation. Our study comprised one hundred subjects over a four-month period, with a mean age of 51.92 ± 18.73 years (ranging from 17 to 89), including 70% males and 30% females (gender ratio of 2.33).

Results:
Our findings revealed that 26 eyes (13%) exhibited Conjunctival Hyperemia, 23 eyes (11.5%) displayed Chemosis, and severe dry eye was prevalent in 41 (20.5%) eyes. A statistically significant association was observed between GCS (p-value <0.001) and Keratitis (p-value 0.0035) with dry eyes (Chi-Square Test). Notably, the incidence of dry eyes was significantly higher among patients with a prolonged stay of ≥10 days (p-value 0.003).

Conclusions:
Patients admitted to Neurocritical Care Units necessitate meticulous eye care and structured protocols to mitigate the risk of long-term ocular complications such as exposure keratitis. Given their heightened susceptibility to these conditions, proactive measures are imperative to ensure optimal ocular health among NCC patients.
Clinical spectrum and clinicopathological correlation of pediatric orbital tumors: 20 years’ experience from a tertiary eye care center
Authors: Vijay Vathsalya , Alam Md. Shahid , Subramanian Nirmala , Krishnakumar Subramanian , Biswas Jyotirmay , Mukherjee Bipasha 
Published: December 2023

Purpose:
To study the epidemiological profile of various pediatric orbital tumors and determine their clinicopathological correlation over 20 years.

Methods:
A retrospective analysis of all pediatric patients with orbital tumors from the medical records between 1995 and 2015 was done. Tumors were categorized based on their cellular origin. Demographic details, clinical and histopathological diagnoses, frequency, and clinicopathological correlation were studied.

Results:
A total of 265 pediatric patients with orbital tumors were analyzed, of which 145 (54.7%) patients were males and 120 (45.3%) were females. The mean age was 7 years (median: 6 years; range: 10 days–16 years). The distribution of lesions in each group was as follows: vasculogenic, 76 (28.7%); lipogenic and myxoid, 66 (25%); myogenic, 31 (11.7%); optic nerve and meningeal, 22 (8.3%); lymphoid and lymphoproliferative, 18 (6.8%); secondary orbital tumors, 14 (5.2%); histiocytic, 9 (3.4%); miscellaneous, 9 (3.4%), lacrimal gland, 8 (3%); mesenchymal with neural differentiation, 6 (2%); osseous, 4 (1.5%), and fibrocystic, 2 (0.8%). The most common benign and malignant pediatric orbital tumors were dermoid cysts (65, 24.5%) and rhabdomyosarcoma (31, 11.7%). A statistically significant (P < 0.0001) clinicopathological correlation was observed in 208 (83.2%) out of 250 biopsy-proven cases.

Conclusion:
Pediatric orbital neoplasms include a broad spectrum of benign and malignant lesions. Vasculogenic tumors constitute the majority of them, followed by lipogenic and myxoid tumors. A thorough knowledge of the incidence, clinical profile, imaging features, and histopathology of specific orbital tumors aids in accurate diagnosis and their successful management.
Conjunctiva in strabismus surgery – to stitch or to stick? – A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Kadam Aishwarya R , Prabu V Rajesh , Reddy Jagadeesh K , Muralidhar Venu , Thulasidas Mithun 
Published: December 2023

Purpose:
To evaluate the clinical outcomes with fibrin glue in comparison with vicryl sutures for limbal conjunctival wound closure in strabismus surgery.

Methods:
In this prospective interventional study, patients undergoing horizontal muscle strabismus surgery were randomized into two groups: the vicryl suture group and the fibrin glue group. The limbal conjunctival incisions were closed with 8–0 vicryl in the suture group and with fibrin glue in the other group. The outcomes measured were post-operative conjunctival inflammation and wound apposition, patient comfort with the help of a questionnaire, and conjunctival thickness using anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) for both groups at 6 weeks.

Results:
The study included 64 eyes of 64 patients (32 eyes in each group). The fibrin glue group performed better than the vicryl suture group for most of the symptoms like redness, irritation, watering, and foreign body sensation till 2 weeks post-operatively (P < 0.001), after which both the groups performed similarly. As for clinical signs, no significant difference was noted between the two groups, except for conjunctival hyperemia, which was significantly lesser in the fibrin glue group at 2 weeks post-operatively (P < 0.001). The conjunctival thickness measured at 6 weeks using AS-OCT revealed that the thickness increased significantly in the suture group compared to that in the glue group (P < 0.001 medial site, P = 0.004 lateral site).

Conclusion:
Because of greater patient comfort and reduced inflammation associated with fibrin glue, it may be considered as a procedure of choice for conjunctival wound closure in strabismus surgery in the absence of the cost constraints.
Factors affecting corneal deformation amplitude measured by Corvis ST in eyes with open-angle glaucoma
Authors: Pradhan Zia S , Sreenivasaiah Shruthi , Deshmukh Sujit , Mangala Lavi , Shroff Sujani , Devi Sathi , Webers Carroll AB , Rao Harsha L 
Published: December 2023

Purpose:
To evaluate the factors affecting corneal deformation amplitude (DA) measured using Corvis ST in eyes with open-angle glaucoma.

Methods:
This prospective, longitudinal study included 48 eyes with open-angle glaucoma who required additional intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering drops. All eyes underwent a complete eye examination at baseline, including a Corvis ST, which was repeated 4–8 weeks after the change in therapy. Factors affecting the corneal biomechanics, namely the DA, were determined using mixed effect models.

Results:
The mean age of the cohort was 65.0 ± 7.9 years. The mean IOP reduced from 23.4 ± 5.4 mmHg to 17.9 ± 5 mmHg after the change in glaucoma treatment (P < 0.001). The DA increased from 0.89 ± 0.16 mm to 1.00 ± 0.13 mm after IOP reduction (P < 0.001). On mixed effect model analysis, IOP (−0.02 ± 0.001, P < 0.001) and corneal pachymetry (−0.0003 ± 0.0001, P = 0.02) affected the change in the DA.

Conclusion:
IOP and corneal pachymetry affect the DA and must be accounted for when using Corvis ST to evaluate corneal biomechanics in glaucoma.