bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biometric and Structural Ocular Manifestations of Anterior Megalophthalmos
Authors: Chen Tian-Hui , Chen Ze-Xu , Zhang Min , Chen Jia-Hui , Lan Li-Na , Jiang Yongxiang 
Published: May 2022

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to examine the biometric ocular manifestations and structural ocular features of anterior megalophthalmos (AM).MethodsFifteen patients with AM (30 eyes) from the Eye &amp; ENT Hospital of Fudan University were included. The age-matched control group consisted of 30 participants (30 eyes) who underwent Pentacam HR and IOLMaster 700 measurements for one normal eye. Data on demographics, biometric manifestations, and genotypes were carefully compared.ResultsA total of 15 patients with AM and 30 control patients were enrolled. There were no differences in age (37.27 ± 19.1 vs. 31.43 ± 19.69 years, P = 0.249) between these two groups. AM eyes were characterized by premature cataracts (11/30, 36.67%) and zonular weakness with lens subluxation (22/30, 73.33%) compared with the control group. Notably, 20 of the 30 AM eyes (66.67%) had significant posterior iris bowing, and 16 of the 30 AM eyes (53.33%) showed an enlarged ciliary ring on ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM). Mean corneal curvature was lower in the AM eyes (42.01 ± 2.06 D vs. 43.14 ± 1.38 D, P = 0.023). There was no significant difference in corneal pachymetry and central endothelial cell count between the AM and control groups. Significant differences were found in terms of the anterior chamber and white-to-white (WTW) among the Pentacam HR and IOLMaster 700 in patients with AM (P &lt; 0.05). The difference was 0.53 ± 0.48 mm and 0.36 ± 0.14 mm, respectively (P &lt; 0.001).ConclusionThe results of this cohort study conclude the biometric and structural ocular manifestations in Chinese cohorts. Posterior iris bowing (66.67%) and lens subluxation (73.33%) are the most characteristic findings in patients with AM with anatomical abnormalities of megalocornea and a deep anterior chamber, although corneal biometric manifestations of AM included flatter cornea and lower total corneal astigmatism. The knowledge of ocular manifestations of AM is important for diagnosis and preparation for the operation in advance to avoid intraoperative and postoperative complications. Significant differences were found in the anterior chamber and WTW values between the Pentacam HR and IOLMaster 700. Thus, we suggest that various examinations should be carefully considered before determining an AM diagnosis.
Differentiating Phenotypes of Coronavirus Disease-2019 Pneumonia by Electric Impedance Tomography
Authors: Lovas András , Chen Rongqing , Molnár Tamás , Benyó Balázs , Szlávecz Ákos , Hawchar Fatime , Krüger-Ziolek Sabine , Möller Knut 
Published: May 2022

IntroductionCoronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia has different phenotypes. Selecting the patient individualized and optimal respirator settings for the ventilated patient is a challenging process. Electric impedance tomography (EIT) is a real-time, radiation-free functional imaging technique that can aid clinicians in differentiating the “low” (L-) and “high” (H-) phenotypes of COVID-19 pneumonia described previously.MethodsTwo patients (“A” and “B”) underwent a stepwise positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) recruitment by 3 cmH2O of steps from PEEP 10 to 25 and back to 10 cmH2O during a pressure control ventilation of 15 cmH2O. Recruitment maneuvers were performed under continuous EIT recording on a daily basis until patients required controlled ventilation mode.ResultsPatients “A” and “B” had a 7- and 12-day long trial, respectively. At the daily baseline, patient “A” had significantly higher compliance: mean ± SD = 53 ± 7 vs. 38 ± 5 ml/cmH2O (p &lt; 0.001) and a significantly higher physiological dead space according to the Bohr–Enghoff equation than patient “B”: mean ± SD = 52 ± 4 vs. 45 ± 6% (p = 0.018). Following recruitment maneuvers, patient “A” had a significantly higher cumulative collapse ratio detected by EIT than patient “B”: mean ± SD = 0.40 ± 0.08 vs. 0.29 ± 0.08 (p = 0.007). In patient “A,” there was a significant linear regression between the cumulative collapse ratios at the end of the recruitment maneuvers (R2 = 0.824, p = 0.005) by moving forward in days, while not for patient “B” (R2 = 0.329, p = 0.5).ConclusionPatient “B” was recognized as H-phenotype with high elastance, low compliance, higher recruitability, and low ventilation-to-perfusion ratio; meanwhile patient “A” was identified as the L-phenotype with low elastance, high compliance, and lower recruitability. Observation by EIT was not just able to differentiate the two phenotypes, but it also could follow the transition from L- to H-type within patient “A.”Clinical Trial Registrationwww.ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT04360837.
Increased Cardiovascular Risk in Psoriatic Arthritis: Results From a Case-Control Monocentric Study
Authors: Degboé Yannick , Koch Richard , Zabraniecki Laurent , Jamard Bénédicte , Couture Guillaume , Ruidavets Jean Bernard , Ferrieres Jean , Ruyssen-Witrand Adeline , Constantin Arnaud 
Published: May 2022

BackgroundPsoriatic arthritis (PsA) is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The aims of our real-life study were to compare the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs) and cardiovascular events (CVEs) among patients with PsA with a control population, to evaluate the impact of correcting factors in equations that assess cardiovascular risk (CVR) in PsA, and to determine the percentage of patients who reach the LDLc target as indicated by the European guidelines.MethodsIn this observational cross-sectional monocentric case-control study, we used a standardized procedure to systematically assess patients with PsA aged 25–85 years who met the Classification for Psoriatic Arthritis (CASPAR) criteria. Controls were extracted from the MOnitoring NAtionaL du rISque Artériel (MONALISA) study. We compared the prevalence of CVRFs, CVEs, the CVR, and the percentage of patients reaching recommended LDLc target in both populations. The CVR was first assessed using SCORE and QRISK2 equations. Then, the SCORE equation was corrected by applying a 1.5 multiplication factor, as recommended by EULAR for rheumatoid arthritis (SCORE-PsA), and the QRISK2 was corrected using the “rheumatoid arthritis” item (QRISK2-PsA).ResultsA total of 207 PsA and 414 controls were included. CVRFs and CVEs were more frequent in the PsA group. After controlling for age and gender, atherothrombotic disease was increased in the PsA population (SCORE p = 0.002, QRISK2 p = 0.001). Using the SCORE-PsA increased the percentage of patients with a high or very high CVR from 39.3 to 45.3% in the PsA group. Similarly, using the QRISK2-PsA increased the percentage of patients with a CVR ≥ 10% from 44.9 to 53.2%. The percentages of patients with PsA with high LDLc in the high and very high CVR groups were not significantly different from controls, despite a trend in favor of patients with PsA. Of the 83 PsA with a QRISK2 ≥ 10%, only 22.9% were treated with statin vs. 35.8% of the 134 controls. The QRISK2-PsA score did not alter these results.ConclusionIn real-life, patients with PsA have a higher prevalence of CVRFs, as well as a higher prevalence of CVEs compared to the general population. The CVR is higher in the PsA population than in the controls either using the SCORE and QRISK2 equations or using the corrected SCORE- PsA and QRISK2-PsA equations.
Associations of Gut Microbiota and Fatty Metabolism With Immune Thrombocytopenia
Authors: Yu Xiaomin , Zheng Qingyun , He Yun , Yu Dandan , Chang Guolin , Chen Cheng , Bi Laixi , Lv Jia , Zhao Misheng , Lin Xiangyang , Zhu Liqing 
Published: May 2022

ObjectiveTo determine whether gut microbiota, fatty metabolism and cytokines were associated with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP).MethodsIn total, 29 preliminarily diagnosed ITP patients and 33 healthy volunteers were enrolled. Fecal bacterial were analyzed based on 16S rRNA sequencing. Plasma cytokines and motabolites were analyzed using flow cytometry and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), respectively.ResultsBacteroides, Phascolarctobacterium, and Lactobacillus were enriched at the genus level in ITP patients, while Ruminococcaceae UCG-002, Eubacterium coprostanoligeues, Megamonas, and Lachnospiraceae NC2004 were depleted. At the phylum level, the relative abundance of Proteobacteria and Chloroflexi increased in ITP patients, while Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, and the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio decreased. Plasma levels of 5-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (5-HETE), 6-trans-12-epi-leukotriene B4 (6t,12e-LTB4), and resolvin D2 (RvD2) were upregulated, and stachydrine, dowicide A, dodecanoylcarnitine were downregulated in ITP patients. Furthermore, RvD2 is positively correlated with order Bacteroidetes VC2.1 Bac22, 5-HETE is positively correlated with genus Azospirillum, and 6t,12e-LTB4 is positively correlated with genus Cupriavidus. In addition, stachydrine is positively correlated with family Planococcaceae, dowicide A is positively correlated with class MVP-15, and dodecanoylcarnitine is positively correlated with order WCHB1-41. Plasma levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were upregulated in ITP patients.ConclusionOur study revealed a relationship between microbiota and fatty metabolism in ITP. Gut microbiota may participate in the pathogenesis of ITP through affecting cytokine secretion, interfering with fatty metabolism.
Clinical, Laboratory, and Electrocardiographic Findings in Colchicine Toxicity: 10 Years of Experience
Authors: Sheibani Mehdi , Zamani Nasim , Gerami Amir Hushang , Akhondi Hossein , Hassanian-Moghaddam Hossein 
Published: May 2022

Background:We aimed to investigate the clinical, laboratory, and electrocardiographic (ECG) findings of colchicine poisoning and to evaluate if there is a correlation between them and the two major outcomes of this toxicity which are respiratory/cardiovascular failure and death.Materials and MethodsMedical records of 34 colchicine-intoxicated patients that were treated in our center during the past 10 years were retrospectively evaluated. The patient's clinical presentation, vital signs, laboratory tests, ECGs, and outcomes were reviewed.ResultsAbdominal pain, and hypotension at presentation had significant correlation with mortality (p = 0.003, OR: 2.2 [4.1, 7.9], p = 0.029, OR: 13.0 [1.5, 111.8]). Mortality significantly occurred in those with sinus tachycardia, hypokalemia, metabolic acidosis, and impaired liver and kidney function tests (p-values = 0.025, 0.007, 0.04, and 0.008, respectively). All the patients had some ECG abnormalities. Most frequent ECG abnormalities were pathologic ST segment elevation and depression (70%), left atrial enlargement (48%), and sinus tachycardia (37%), PR elevation in aVR lead (37%), and T wave inversion (37%).ConclusionsColchicine toxicity is a dangerous entity regarding the cardiovascular events and requires close general and cardiac monitoring.
Relationship Between Tamsulosin Use and Surgical Complications of Cataract Surgery in Elderly Patients: Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Kwak Jiehoon , Han Jung Yeob , Moon Su Young , Nam Sanghyu , Kim Jae Yong , Tchah Hungwon , Lee Hun 
Published: May 2022

PurposeAlthough several previous studies have investigated the relationship between tamsulosin use and surgical complications of cataract surgery, no population-based cohort study has been conducted for the Asian population. We aimed to investigate the relationship between tamsulosin use and surgical complications of cataract surgery in the Korean elderly population.MethodsThis nationwide population-based retrospective cohort study included elderly patients (≥60 years) who had undergone cataract surgery in the period from 2003 to 2015. Baseline characteristics were age, sex, income, residence, and systemic, and ocular comorbidities (glaucoma, myopia, eye trauma, diabetes mellitus with ophthalmic manifestations, severe cataract, age-related macular degeneration). The exposure of interest was tamsulosin use within 1 year before cataract surgery. Logistic regression model was used to evaluate the relationship of tamsulosin use with surgical complications of cataract surgery.ResultsThe rate of surgical complications of cataract surgery was 0.88% (375/42,539) in the non-tamsulosin group and 0.83% (71/8,510) in the tamsulosin group. The groups showed no significant difference in the risk of surgical complications of cataract surgery in the unadjusted model [odds ratio (OR) = 0.946; 95% confidence interval (CI):0.733–1.220; P = 0.669]. Additionally, tamsulosin use was not significantly associated with surgical complications of cataract surgery in the fully adjusted model accounting for age, income, residence, and systemic and ocular comorbidities (OR = 0.997; 95% CI: 0.749–1.325; P = 0.981).ConclusionsThe rate or risk of surgical complications of cataract surgery does not change with tamsulosin use. We suggest that better surgical techniques and surgeons' cognizance of the patient's tamsulosin use could improve surgical outcomes, without increasing surgical complications.
CO2 Laser-Assisted Sclerectomy vs. Microcatheter-Assisted Trabeculotomy in the Management of a Bilateral Congenital Ectropion Uveae With Glaucoma: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Chen Min , Li Yuhang , Cheng Bo , Zhang Qi , Liu Xin , Wang Kaijun 
Published: May 2022

IntroductionBilateral congenital ectropion uveae (CEU) is rare syndrome, usually accompanied by refractory glaucoma. Proper and timely treatment was very important for the prognosis. The report aims to compare the long-term outcomes and complications between the two eyes after different approaches of surgery in a case of bilateral CEU with advanced glaucoma.Case PresentationThe patient was a 20-year-old male with bilateral CEU and glaucoma. The intraocular pressure (IOP) was 48 mm Hg in the right eye (OD) and 52 mm Hg in the left eye (OS). The vertical cup-to-disc (C/D) ratio was nearly 1.0 in both eyes. Despite maximum medical therapy, the target IOP could not be achieved. Therefore, CO2 laser-assisted sclerectomy surgery (CLASS) was performed in OS, and the IOP was remarkably decreased. 1 month after the surgery, the IOP rebounded slightly and was controlled with a fixed-combination anti-glaucoma medicine. 3-month postoperatively, a YAG laser goniopuncture (LGP) was performed to enhance the IOP-lowing effect and the anti-glaucoma agent was discontinued. An ab externo microcatheter-assisted trabeculotomy (MAT) was performed in OD, and the IOP was also significantly decreased. During the follow-up period, the IOP was well controlled for both eyes without any medication. Shallow anterior chamber and complicated cataract developed in OS after CLASS, and there was no obvious late complication in OD after MAT.ConclusionsTo our knowledge, this was the first attempt to perform two different surgeries, CLASS and MAT, in both eyes of a single patient presented with bilateral CEU with glaucoma. Our results showed that the IOP was lower after CLASS, but there were potential complications such as shallow anterior chamber and complicated cataract. MAT could achieve a moderate IOP-lowing effect but had a higher safety. CLASS and MAT may be considered effective surgical options for the management of such patients.
SARS-CoV-2 Within-Host and in vitro Genomic Variability and Sub-Genomic RNA Levels Indicate Differences in Viral Expression Between Clinical Cohorts and in vitro Culture
Authors: Agius Jessica E. , Johnson-Mackinnon Jessica C. , Fong Winkie , Gall Mailie , Lam Connie , Basile Kerri , Kok Jen , Arnott Alicia , Sintchenko Vitali , Rockett Rebecca J. 
Published: May 2022

BackgroundLow frequency intrahost single nucleotide variants (iSNVs) of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) have been increasingly recognised as predictive indicators of positive selection. Particularly as growing numbers of SARS-CoV-2 variants of interest (VOI) and concern (VOC) emerge. However, the dynamics of subgenomic RNA (sgRNA) expression and its impact on genomic diversity and infection outcome remain poorly understood. This study aims to investigate and quantify iSNVs and sgRNA expression in single and longitudinally sampled cohorts over the course of mild and severe SARS-CoV-2 infection, benchmarked against an in vitro infection model.MethodsTwo clinical cohorts of SARS-CoV-2 positive cases in New South Wales, Australia collected between March 2020 and August 2021 were sequenced. Longitudinal samples from cases hospitalised due to SARS-CoV-2 infection (severe) (n = 16) were analysed and compared with cases that presented with SARS-CoV-2 symptoms but were not hospitalised (mild) (n = 23). SARS-CoV-2 genomic diversity profiles were also examined from daily sampling of culture experiments for three SARS-CoV-2 variants (Lineage A, B.1.351, and B.1.617.2) cultured in VeroE6 C1008 cells (n = 33).ResultsIntrahost single nucleotide variants were detected in 83% (19/23) of the mild cohort cases and 100% (16/16) of the severe cohort cases. SNP profiles remained relatively fixed over time, with an average of 1.66 SNPs gained or lost, and an average of 4.2 and 5.9 low frequency variants per patient were detected in severe and mild infection, respectively. sgRNA was detected in 100% (25/25) of the mild genomes and 92% (24/26) of the severe genomes. Total sgRNA expressed across all genes in the mild cohort was significantly higher than that of the severe cohort. Significantly higher expression levels were detected in the spike and the nucleocapsid genes. There was significantly less sgRNA detected in the culture dilutions than the clinical cohorts.Discussion and ConclusionThe positions and frequencies of iSNVs in the severe and mild infection cohorts were dynamic overtime, highlighting the importance of continual monitoring, particularly during community outbreaks where multiple SARS-CoV-2 variants may co-circulate. sgRNA levels can vary across patients and the overall level of sgRNA reads compared to genomic RNA can be less than 1%. The relative contribution of sgRNA to the severity of illness warrants further investigation given the level of variation between genomes. Further monitoring of sgRNAs will improve the understanding of SARS-CoV-2 evolution and the effectiveness of therapeutic and public health containment measures during the pandemic.
The Connection Between Selected Caspases Levels in Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid and Severity After Brain Injury
Authors: Siwicka-Gieroba Dorota , Terpilowska Sylwia , Robba Chiara , Barud Małgorzata , Kubik-Komar Agnieszka , Dabrowski Wojciech 
Published: May 2022

ObjectiveThe interaction between the brain and lungs has been the subject of many clinical reports, while the exact impact of brain injury on the physiology of the respiratory system is still subject to numerous experimental studies. The purpose of this study was to investigate the activation of selected caspases levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (mini BALF) of patients after isolated brain injury and their correlation with the severity of the injury.MethodsThe analysis was performed on patients who were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) for severe isolated brain injury from March 2018 to April 2020. All patients were intubated and mechanically ventilated. Mini BALF was collected within the first 6–8 h after trauma and on days 3 and 7 after admission. The concentrations of selected caspases were determined and correlated with the severity of brain injury evaluated by the Rotterdam CT Score, Glasgow Coma Score, and 28-day mortality.ResultsOur results showed significantly elevated levels of selected caspases on days 3 and 7 after brain injury, and revealed apoptosis activation during the first 7 days after brain trauma. We found a significant different correlation between the elevation of selected caspases 3, 6, 8, and 9, and the Glasgow Coma Score, Rotterdam CT scale, and 28-day mortality.ConclusionsThe increased levels of selected caspases in the mini BALF in our patients indicate an intensified activation of apoptosis in the lungs, which is related to brain injury itself via various apoptotic pathways and correlates with the severity of brain injury.
Sex Differences in Collateral Circulation and Outcome After Mechanical Thrombectomy in Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Lagebrant Christian , Ramgren Birgitta , Hassani Espili Ashkan , Marañon Antonio , Kremer Christine 
Published: May 2022

BackgroundCollateral circulation is known to lead to smaller infarct volume and better functional outcome after mechanical thrombectomy (MT), but studies examining sex differences in collateral circulation are scarce. The aim of this study was to investigate if collateral circulation has a different impact on outcome in women and men.MethodsA single-center retrospective study of 487 patients (230 men and 257 women) treated with MT for acute ischemic stroke in the anterior cerebral circulation. Collateral circulation was assessed on computed tomography angiography images. The outcome was evaluated at 90 days according to the modified Rankin Scale (mRS).ResultsWomen were older, median age 76 years (IQR 68-83) vs. 71 years (IQR 63–78). Stroke severity and time to recanalization were comparable. More women had moderate or good collaterals in 58.4 vs. 47.0% for men (p = 0.01). Among patients with moderate and good collaterals significantly more men (61%) were functionally independent (mRS 0–2) than women (41.5%) (p = &lt; 0.01). This difference remained significant after correcting for age by linear weighting, 60.4 vs. 46.8% (p = 0.03).ConclusionWomen had better collateral flow but showed worse functional outcomes, while good collateral flow led to better outcomes in men, even after correcting for age. Further clinical studies on peri- and post-interventional care, factors affecting recovery after hospital discharge as well as basic research on the neurovascular unit are needed to find modifiable targets to improve clinical outcomes for women.
The “Black Straight-Line Sign” in the Putamen in Diffusion-Weighted Imaging: A Potential Diagnostic MRI Marker for Multiple System Atrophy
Authors: Zheng Yiming , Wang Xiwen , Zhao Huajian , Jiang Yanyan , Zhu Ying , Chen Jing , Sun Wei , Wang Zhaoxia , Sun Yunchuang 
Published: May 2022

Background and PurposeThe diagnosis of multiple system atrophy (MSA) remains challenging in clinical practice. This study investigated the value of hypointense signals in the putamen (“black straight-line sign”) in diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) of brain MRI for distinguishing (MSA) from Parkinson's disease (PD).MethodsWe retrospectively enrolled 30 MSA patients, 30 PD patients, and 30 healthy controls who had undergone brain MRI between 2016 and 2020. Two readers independently assessed the signal intensity of the bilateral putamen on DWI. The putaminal hypointensity was scored using 4-point visual scales. Putaminal hypointensity and the presence of a “black straight-line sign” were statistically compared between MSA and PD or healthy controls.ResultsThe mean scores of putaminal hypointensity in DWI in the MSA group were significantly higher than in both the PD (U = 315.5, P = 0.034) and healthy control groups (U = 304.0, P = 0.022). Uni- or bilateral putaminal hypointensity in DWI with a score ≥2 was identified in 53.3% (16/30), 16.7% (5/30), and 13.3% (4/30) of MSA, PD, and healthy controls, respectively, with significant differences between MSA and PD (X2 = 8.864, P = 0.003) or healthy controls (X2 = 10.800, P = 0.001). Notably, the “black straight-line sign” of the putamen was observed in 16/30 (sensitivity 53.3%) patients with MSA, while it was absent in PD and healthy controls (specificity 100%). There were no significant differences for the presence of “black straight-line sign” in the MSA-P and MSA-C groups (X2 = 0.433, P = 0.510).ConclusionThe “black straight-line sign” of the putamen in DWI of head MRIs has the potential to serve as a diagnostic marker for distinguishing MSA from PD.