bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Posterior Scleritis Following COVID-19 Vaccination or Infection Simulating Uveal Melanoma in 8 Consecutive Patients
Authors: Negretti Guy , Zeiger Jennifer , Cherkas Elliot , Shields Carol 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Objectives
To determine clinical features and outcomes of posterior scleritis masquerading as uveal melanoma following vaccination against COVID-19 and/or COVID-19 infection.
Subjects/Methods:
All patients with posterior scleritis referred to our service to rule out intraocular tumor between February 2021 and June 2022, who previously had COVID-19 vaccination and/or infection (n = 8). A retrospective detailed review of patient charts and imaging was carried out.
Results
Previous COVID-19 vaccination was documented in 6 patients (75%) and previous COVID-19 infection and vaccination in 2 patients (25%). Demographic features included mean age of 59 years (median 68, range 5–86 years), white race (n = 7, 87%), and male sex (n = 5, 63%). Mean visual acuity at presentation was 0.24 LogMAR (median 0.18, range 0.0-0.70). The main presenting symptom was blurred vision with pain (n = 5, 63%). Features that suggested scleritis and not uveal melanoma included pain (n = 6, 75%), anterior scleritis (n = 3, 38%), disc edema (n = 1, 13%), choroidal detachment (n = 3, 38%), choroidal folds (n = 3, 38%), diffusely thickened scleral wall on ultrasonography (n = 2, 25%), Tenon’s edema (n = 5, 63%), and scleral nodule with medium/high internal reflectivity on ultrasonography (n = 4, 50%). Follow-up information at mean of 2 months (range 0.25-7 months) revealed visual acuity at date last seen was mean 0.30 LogMAR (median 0.29, range 0.0-0.54). By 2 months, resolution of “tumor” was noted in 5/6 (83%) patients with follow-up.
Conclusions
Posterior scleritis following COVID-19 vaccination and/or infection can masquerade as choroidal melanoma. At 2 months duration, partial or complete resolution of features with minimal visual consequence was noted.
Faricimab in Neovascular AMD
Authors: Stanga Paulo Eduardo , Bravo Francisco Javier Valentin , Stanga Sebastian , Reinstein Ursula , Idoate Salvador Pastor , Downes Susan 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Assess short-term real-world outcomes in neovascular aged-related macular degeneration (nAMD) treated with novel faricimab.
Methods
Retrospective case series of nine patients with nAMD (11 eyes) treated with faricimab between May and November 2022. Treatment-naïve patients and non-naïve patients underwent best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), optical coherence tomography (OCT) DRI OCT-1 Triton (Topcon Corp, Tokyo, Japan), ultra-widefield (UWF) and fundus autofluorescence (FAF) (California Optomap, Optos plc, Dunfermline, Scotland, UK). Previous treatment intervals, number of intravitreal injections, sub/intra retinal fluid (SRF/IRF), central retinal thickness (CRT) and presence/changes in pigment epithelial detachments (PEDs) were recorded.
Results
Mean baseline BCVA and CRT values of patients who switched from other agents were 0.612 and 256.16 µm respectively, with a mean 36-day previous treatment interval. The median number of other previous anti-VEGF intravitreal injections was 8. The mean baseline BVCA and CRT values of the 3 naïve patients were 0.33 and 874.67 µm, respectively. At one month follow-up, mean BCVA improvement was 0.32 and mean CRT reduction was 338.44 µm. A complete resolution of SRF and IRF was observed in 75% and 33.33%, respectively. Drusenoid PED morphology changes were observed in all patients. No drug-related adverse events were observed.
Conclusion
Real-world outcomes showed improvement in BCVA and anatomic parameters at an early timepoint, demonstrating the efficacy and durability of faricimab in nAMD patients. Larger numbers of patients and longer follow-up are needed to determine whether the loading dose is required in all; what percentage of patients experience an improvement, and whether improvement it is maintained.
5-Aminolevulinic acid combined with ferrous iron ameliorates scrotal heat stress-induced spermatogenic damage through inhibiting MAPK pathway and inducing CD4+Foxp3+ Treg generation by enhancing HO-1 expression
Authors: Gao Peng , Zhuang Jingming , Chen Haoran , Fang Zujin , Zheng Jie , Zhu Daqian , Hou Jiangang 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Objective
to explore whether 5-Aminolevulinic acid combined with ferrous iron(5-ALA/Fe2+) could protect testicular tissues damage of mice subjected to heat stress (HS) and provide its underlying mechanisms.
Methods
5-ALA/Fe2+ was administered intragastrically to mice for 10 days, then exposed to a scrotal heat stress at 43℃ for 20 minutes on third day. Testes were harvested for morphologic and histopathological examination, oxidative stress, apoptosis, heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and inflammation detection. The mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) signaling pathway in testis and CD4+FoxP3+regulatory T(Treg) cells in spleen were also detected.
Results
Compared to control group, the testis weight decreased and histological damage severed in HS group. Besides, HS also increased the oxidative stress, apoptosis and inflammation in testis. However, these indicators were ameliorated after 5-ALA/Fe2+ treatment but deteriorated after receiving ZnPPIX. The expression of HO-1 was increased both in HS group and 5-ALA/Fe2+ group. The protein expression levels of MAPK proteins were activated by HS and inhibited by 5-ALA/Fe2+. The CD4+FoxP3+ Treg generation was reduced by HS and increased by 5-ALA/Fe2+.
Conclusion
In this study, we have demonstrated that 5-ALA/Fe2+ ameliorated the spermatogenic damage induced by scrotal heat stress via up-regulating the expression of HO-1 and inhibiting MAPK mediated oxidative stress and apoptosis and inducing CD4+Foxp3+ Tregs to inhibit the inflammation induced by HS in mice.
Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) plus systemic chemotherapy versus systemic chemotherapy alone in locally advanced gastric cancer after D2 radical resection: a randomized controlled study
Authors: Yu Pengfei , Huang Xingmao , Huang Ling , Dai Gaiguo , Xu Qi , Fang Jingquan , Ye Zeyao , Chai Tengjiao , Du Yian 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background: Currently, there is a lack of effective strategy for the prevention of peritoneal metastasis(PM) from locally advanced gastric cancer (AGC). This randomized controlled study aimed to evaluate the outcome of D2 radical resection with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) plus systemic chemotherapy versus systemic chemotherapy alone in locally AGC patients.
Methods: All patients enrolled were randomly assigned to receive HIPEC plus systemic chemotherapy (HIPEC group) or systemic chemotherapy alone (non-HIPEC group) after radical gastrectomy. HIPEC was performed intraperitoneally with cisplatin (40 mg/m2) within 72h after surgery, while systemic chemotherapy based on SOX regimen (S-1 combined with oxaliplatin) was administered 4-6 weeks after radical surgery. Patterns of recurrence, adverse events, 3-year disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were analyzed.
Results: A total of 134 patients were enrolled in the present study. The 3-year DFS rate was 73.8% in the HIPEC group, which was significantly higher than that in the non-HIPEC group (61.2%, P=0.031). The 3-year OS rate was 73.9% in the HIPEC group and 77.6% in the non-HIPEC group, with no significant difference (P = 0.737). PM was the most common distant metastasis in both groups. The occurrence rate of PM in the HIPEC group was statistically lower than that in the non-HIPEC group (20.9% vs. 40.3%, P=0.015). Grade 3 or 4 adverse events were occurred in 19 (14.2%) patients, and there was no statistic difference between the two groups.
Conclusion: Radical surgery followed by HIPEC combined with systemic chemotherapy is a safe and feasible strategy for locally AGC patients and could effectively improve the DFS and reduce the occurrence of PM. However, more prospective randomized studies with a large sample size are warranted.
Trial registration: This study was registered with www.medresman.org.cn as ChiCTR2200055966 on 30/01/2022.
Deep Learning Techniques for Prediction of Pneumonia from Lung CT images
Authors: k Meena , Veeramakali T , Singh Ngangbam Herojit , L Jeya Kumar 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Pneumonia disease is caused by viruses and bacteria which affect one or both lungs. It is the most dangerous disease that causes huge cancer death worldwide. Early detection of Pneumonia is the only way to improve a patient’s chance for survival. We can detect this disease from X-ray or Computed Tomography (CT) lung images using Deep Learning Techniques. This research paper provides a solution to medical practitioners in predicting the impact of virus as high-risk, low-risk and medium-risk among the population being tested through various Deep Learning techniques such as Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN), Artificial Neural Network (ANN) and Recurrent Neural Networks (RNN) using Long Short Term Memory (LSTM) cells. We observed 3000 CT images of Pneumonia confirmed patients and achieved the accuracy resulting 98–99%. The performance of the classifiers are evaluated using parameters such as confusion matrix, accuracy, F-measure, precision and Recall. The results proves that deep learning afford a fitting tool for fast screening of Pneumonia and discovering high-risk patients and preventing them by providing suitable medical remedies.
Virucidal activity of three standard chemical disinfectants against Ebola virus suspended in tripartite soil and whole blood
Authors: Jonsdottir Hulda R. , Zysset Daniel , Lenz Nicole , Siegrist Denise , Ruedin Yelena , Ryter Sarah , Züst Roland , Geissmann Yannick , Ackermann-Gäumann Rahel , Engler Olivier B. , Weber Benjamin 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Proper disinfection and inactivation of highly pathogenic viruses is an essential component of public health and prevention. Depending on environment, surfaces, and type of contaminant, various methods of disinfection must be both efficient and available. To test both established and novel chemical disinfectants against risk group 4 viruses in our maximum containment facility, we developed a standardized protocol and assessed the chemical inactivation of the two Ebola virus variants Mayinga and Makona suspended in two different biological soil loads. Standard chemical disinfectants ethanol and sodium hypochlorite completely inactivate both Ebola variants after 30 s in suspension at 70 % and 0.5 % v/v, respectively, concentrations recommended for disinfection by the World Health Organization. Additionally, peracetic acid is also inactivating at 0.2 % v/v under the same conditions. Continued vigilance and optimization of current disinfection protocols is extremely important due to the continuous presence of Ebola virus on the African continent and increased zoonotic spillover of novel viral pathogens. Furthermore, to facilitate general pandemic preparedness, the establishment and sharing of standardized protocols is very important as it allows for rapid testing and evaluation of novel pathogens and/or chemical disinfectants.
Local delivery of decorin via hyaluronic acid microrods improves cardiac performance and ventricular remodeling after myocardial infarction.
Authors: Desai Tejal , Mohindra Priya , Zhong Justin , Fang Qizhi , Huynh Cindy , Cuylear Darnell , Qiu Huiliang , Gao Dongwei , Kharbikar Bhushan , Huang Xiao , Springer Matt , Lee Randall 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Heart failure (HF) is a global public health burden and associated with significant morbidity and mortality. HF can result as a complication following myocardial infarction (MI), with cardiac fibrosis forming in the myocardium as a response to injury. The dense, avascular scar tissue that develops in the myocardium after injury following MI creates an inhospitable microenvironment that hinders cellular function, survival, and recruitment, thus severely limiting tissue regeneration. We have previously demonstrated the ability of hyaluronic acid (HA) polymer microrods to modulate fibroblast phenotype using discrete biophysical cues and to improve cardiac outcomes after implantation in rodent models of ischemia-reperfusion MI injury. Here, we developed a dual-pronged biochemical and biophysical therapeutic strategy leveraging bioactive microrods to more robustly attenuate cardiac fibrosis after acute myocardial injury. Incorporation of the anti-fibrotic proteoglycan decorin within microrods led to sustained release of decorin over one month in vitro and after implantation, resulted in marked improvement in cardiac function and ventricular remodeling, along with decreased fibrosis and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. Together, this body of work aims to contribute important knowledge to help develop rationally designed engineered biomaterials that may be used to successfully treat cardiovascular diseases.
Wnt signaling enhances the capacity of cochlear Frizzled 10-positive glial cells as neural stem cells
Authors: Wang Man , Xu Lei , Han Yuechen , Wang Xue , Lu Junze , Chen Fang , Yao Zhiqun , Meng Yu , Li Yan , Wang Yanqing , Li Jingxin , Zhao Chunjie , Chai Renjie , Liu Wenwen , Wang Haibo 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
The degeneration of cochlea spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) results in irreversible sensorineural hearing loss due to the fact that SGNs lack regenerative ability. Cochlear glial cells (GCs) possess limited capacity for neural differentiation. However, the identity of these progenitor cells has been elusive. Here, we identified a distinct subpopulation of cochlear GCs that express Frizzled 10 (FZD10+), which may be the predominant type of GCs responsible for self-proliferation and neuronal differentiation in the neonatal and adult cochlea. Wnt signaling activation significantly promoted the capacity of FZD10 + GCs as neural stem cells, both in vitro and in vivo, and enhanced the neural excitability of the newly induced-neurons. Single-cell RNA sequencing analysis of the proliferated and differentiated FZD10 + GCs revealed that a cluster of neurogenesis-like cells possess characteristics of auditory neurons, suggesting they may be immature SGNs, with multiple signaling pathways, related regulatory genes, and three transcription factors (Pou3f4, Maf and Foxp1) highly expressed in them. Overall, this study identified FZD10 + GCs play a vital role in neurogenesis in the mouse cochlea, and demonstrated the essential function of the Wnt signaling in SGNs regeneration, as well as probed the underlying mechanisms that may be involved in this process.
Effective utilization and characterization of carbon derived from non-biodegradable waste based electrical switches for supercapacitor applications: A green approach
Authors: VS Prabhin , S BENITHA V , K Jeyasubramanian , R Shantha Selvakumari , Divakaran Divya 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
This work describes the utilization of carbon (Char) held after the slow pyrolysis of Disposed Electric Switches made of Thermoset Plastic (DESTP) as a high-capacity electrode material for supercapacitor applications. Char is prepared by pyrolysis strategy and exposed to severe milling in high energy planetary ball mill for size reduction. By suspending the pulverised DESTP in silver (Ag) nanoparticles dispersed solution obtained by reducing AgNO3 with hydrazine hydrate as a reducing agent, the DESTP is loaded with Ag nanoparticles. The Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis (EDAX) validates the elemental makeup of the manufactured char. The DESTP and Ag@DESTP are coated separately on a low-cost etched brass substrate, and their electrochemical charge-storage properties are investigated using an electrochemical workstation. The specific capacitance of DESTP and Ag@DESTP electrodes are discovered to be 32 Fg-1and 67 Fg-1, respectively. The fabricated electrodes provide a maximum volumetric capacitance of 93 mFcm-3and 21 mFcm-3 with a current density of 5 mA for Ag@DESTP and DESTP electrodes respectively. This work gives a great model of repurposing the e-waste advertising with good electrochemical energy storage applications.
Evidence for an association of serum microanalytes and myofascial pain syndrome
Authors: Pradeep Aishwarya , Birerdinc Aybike , Branigan Travis , Phan Vy , Morris Hailey , Shah Jay , DeStefano Secili , Sikdar Siddhartha , Srb John , Kumbhare Dinesh , Stecco Antonio , Paik James , Gerber Lynn H. 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background
Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS) is a common pain disorder. Diagnostic criteria include physical findings which are often unreliable or not universally accepted. A precise biosignature may improve diagnosis and treatment effectiveness. The purpose of this study was to assess whether microanalytic assays significantly correlate with characteristic clinical findings in people with MPS.
Methods
This descriptive, prospective study included 38 participants (25 women) with greater than 3 months of myofascial pain in the upper trapezius. Assessments were performed at a university laboratory. The main outcome measures were the Beighton Index, shoulder range of motion, strength asymmetries and microanalytes: DHEA, Kynurenine, VEGF, interleukins (IL-1b, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-7, IL-8, IL-13), growth factors (IGF-1, IGF2, G-CSF, GM-CSF), MCP-1, MIP-1b, BDNF, Dopamine, Noradrenaline, NPY, and Acetylcholine. Mann-Whitney test and Spearman’s multivariate correlation were applied for all variables. The Spearman’s analysis results were used to generate a standard correlation matrix and heat map matrix.
Results
Mean age of participants was 32 years (20–61). Eight (21%) had widespread pain (Widespread Pain Index ≥ 7). Thirteen (34%) had MPS for 1–3 years, 14 (37%) 3–10 years, and 11 (29%) for > 10 years. The following showed strong correlations: IL1b,2,4,5,7,8; GM-CSF and IL 2,4,5,7; between DHEA and BDNF and between BDNF and Kynurenine, NPY and acetylcholine. The heat map analysis demonstrated strong correlations between the Beighton Index and IL 5,7, GM-CSF, DHEA. Asymmetries of shoulder and cervical spine motion and strength associated with select microanalytes.
Conclusion
Cytokine levels significantly correlate with selected clinical assessments. This indirectly suggests possible biological relevance for understanding MPS. Correlations among some cytokine clusters; and DHEA, BDNF kynurenine, NPY, and acetylcholine may act together in MPS. These findings should be further investigated for confirmation that link these microanalytes with select clinical findings in people with MPS.
Lamin A upregulation reorganizes the genome during rod photoreceptor degeneration
Authors: Nađ Ivana , Fernandes José , Shir-Mohammadi Khatereh , Mattar Pierre 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are accompanied by dynamic changes in gene expression, including the upregulation of hallmark stress-responsive genes. While the transcriptional pathways that impart adaptive and maladaptive gene expression signatures have been the focus of intense study, the role of higher order nuclear organization in this process is less clear. Here, we examine the role of the nuclear lamina in genome organization during the degeneration of rod photoreceptors. Two proteins had previously been shown to be necessary and sufficient to tether heterochromatin at the nuclear envelope. The lamin B receptor (Lbr) is expressed during development, but downregulates upon rod differentiation. A second tether is the intermediate filament lamin A (LA), which is not normally expressed in murine rods. Here, we show that in the rd1 model of retinitis pigmentosa, LA ectopically upregulates in rod photoreceptors at the onset of degeneration. LA upregulation correlated with increased heterochromatin tethering at the nuclear periphery in rd1 rods, suggesting that LA reorganizes the nucleus. To determine how heterochromatin tethering affects the genome, we used in vivo electroporation to misexpress LA or Lbr in mature rods in the absence of degeneration, resulting in the restoration of conventional nuclear architecture. Using scRNA-seq, we show that reorganizing the nucleus via LA/Lbr misexpression has only minor effects on rod gene expression. Next, using ATAC-seq, we show that LA and Lbr both lead to similar increases in genome accessibility. Novel ATAC-seq peaks tended to be associated with stress-responsive genes. Together, our data reveal that heterochromatin tethers have a global effect on genome accessibility, and suggest that LA –dependent genome reconfiguration contributes to the stress response of rod
photoreceptors.
Prognostic Value of Sarcopenia in Older Adults with Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Yang Yan-Wu , Pan Pan , Xia Xin , Zhou Yi-Wu , Ge Meiling 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background
Some studies associated sarcopenia and postoperative mortality in aortic stenosis patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), however, their findings were not consistent. Therefore, we conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis to summarize the prevalence of sarcopenia and its impact on mortality in patients undergoing TAVI.
Methods
Medline, EMBASE, and PubMed were searched from inception to October 14, 2022 to retrieve eligible studies that assessed sarcopenia in patients undergoing TAVI. The PRISMA (2020) was employed to evaluate study quality. Pooled sarcopenia prevalence was calculated with 95% confidence interval (CI), and heterogeneity was estimated using the I2 test. Associations of sarcopenia with mortality of post-TAVI were expressed as hazard ratio (HR) or odds ratios (OR) and 95% CI.
Results
13 studies involving 5248 patients (mean age from 78.1 to 84.9 years) undergoing TAVI were included. There were eleven studies defined sarcopenia based on loss of skeletal muscle mass index (SMI), while only two studies used low muscle mass plus low muscle strength and/or low physical performance. Overall, the pooled prevalence of sarcopenia in patients undergoing TAVI was 49% (95% CI 41%-58%). Sarcopenia was associated with an increased risk of long-term (≥ 1 year) mortality in patients after TAVI (HR 1.57, 95% CI 1.33–1.85, P < 0.001), with similar findings in the subgroups stratified by follow-up time, definition of sarcopenia, study location, and study design. Furthermore, the 1-, 2-, and 3-year cumulative probabilities of survival in patients with sarcopenia were significantly lower than non-sarcopenia (74.0% vs 91.0%, 68.3% vs 78.0%, and 72.6% vs 79.8%, all P < 0.05).
Conclusions
Although there are substantial differences in diagnostic criteria, sarcopenia is highly prevalent in patients undergoing TAVI and its linked to increased long-term mortality after TAVI. The standardization of sarcopenia diagnostic criteria would be beneficial and future longitudinal studies are needed to investigate the prevalence and prognostic value of sarcopenia in TAVI patients.