Use of large language models as artificial intelligence tools in academic research and publishing among global clinical researchers.

With breakthroughs in Natural Language Processing and Artificial Intelligence (AI), the usage of Large Language Models (LLMs) in academic research has increased tremendously. Models such as Generative Pre-trained Transformer (GPT) are used by researchers in literature review, abstract screening, and manuscript drafting. However, these models also present the attendant challenge of providing ethically questionable scientific information.

A Single-Center Pilot Study of Therapeutic Apheresis in Patients with Severe Post-COVID Syndrome.

After the COVID-19 pandemic, many patients have reported chronic fatigue and severe post-exertional malaise, with symptoms similar to those of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). The accumulation of agonistic receptor autoantibodies targeting beta-adrenergic (β1 and β2) and muscarinic (M3 and M4) neurotransmitter receptors may play a crucial role in the pathomechanism of both ME/CFS and post-COVID conditions. Therapeutic apheresis has been suggested as an effective treatment option for alleviating and mitigating symptoms in this desperate group of patients.

Aortic Valve Replacement vs Clinical Surveillance in Asymptomatic Severe Aortic Stenosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Current guidelines recommend a strategy of clinical surveillance (CS) for patients with asymptomatic severe aortic stenosis (AS) and a normal left ventricular ejection fraction.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to conduct a study-level meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effect of early aortic valve replacement (AVR) compared with CS in patients with asymptomatic severe AS.

Methods: Studies were quantitatively assessed in a meta-analysis using random-effects modeling.

Massively parallel sequencing of mitochondrial genome in primary open angle glaucoma identifies somatically acquired mitochondrial mutations in ocular tissue.

Glaucoma is a sight threatening neurodegenerative condition of the optic nerve head associated with ageing and marked by the loss of retinal ganglion cells. Mitochondrial dysfunction plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of neurodegeneration in the most prevalent type of glaucoma: primary open angle glaucoma (POAG). All previous mitochondrial genome sequencing studies in POAG analyzed mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) isolated from peripheral blood leukocytes and have not evaluated cells derived from ocular tissue, which better represent the glaucomatous disease context.

Contributors to Organ Damage in Childhood Lupus: Corticosteroid Use and Disease Activity.

Background: Awareness of paediatric-specific predictors of damage in Childhood-lupus is needed to inform mitigation measures.

Objectives: To ascertain how clinical and demographic variables correlate with damage accrual and identify predictors of damage.

Methods: Analysis included UK JSLE Cohort Study participants.

A systematic review of outcome measures evaluating treatment efficacy in vulval lichen sclerosus and evaluation of patients' priorities.

Vulval lichen sclerosus (VLS) is an inflammatory skin disease characterised by itching, apareunia, loss of vulval architecture and scarring. Heterogeneity in outcome reporting precludes comparison between treatments. This study aimed to systematically review outcome measures used to evaluate the efficacy of VLS treatments and present patients' treatment priorities.

An international consensus on the use of asthma biologics in pregnancy.

Uncontrolled asthma is associated with an increased risk of adverse perinatal outcomes. Asthma biologics reduce exacerbation frequency, are steroid sparing, and improve quality of life in people with severe asthma. However, evidence for the use and safety of asthma biologics during pregnancy is scarce, largely because pregnant women were excluded from clinical trials.

An improved understanding of pediatric chronic nonbacterial osteomyelitis pathophysiology informs current and future treatment.

Chronic nonbacterial osteomyelitis (CNO) is an autoinflammatory bone disease that primarily affects children and young people. It can cause significant pain, reduced function, bone swelling, and even (vertebral body) fractures. Because of a limited understanding of its pathophysiology, the treatment of CNO remains empiric and is based on relatively small case series, expert opinion, and personal experience.

IgA Nephropathy: Emerging Mechanisms of Disease.

Immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) is the most common primary glomerulonephritis reported across the world and is characterized by immunoglobulin A (IgA) dominant mesangial deposits, which are poorly -glycosylated. This deposition leads to a cascade of glomerular and tubulointerstitial inflammation and fibrosis, which can progress to chronic kidney disease. The variability in rate of progression reflects the many genetic and environmental factors that drive IgAN.

Routine cardiac biomarkers for the prediction of incident major adverse cardiac events in patients with glomerulonephritis: a real-world analysis using a global federated database.

Rationale & Objective: Glomerulonephritis (GN) is a leading cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) are prolific in CKD. The risk of MACE in GN cohorts is multifactorial.

Integration of Genetic and Clinical Risk Factors for Risk Classification of Uveitis in Patients With Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis.

Objective: Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA)-associated uveitis (JIAU) is a serious JIA comorbidity that can result in vision impairment. This study aimed to identify genetic risk factors within the major histocompatibility complex for JIAU and evaluate their contribution for improving risk classification when combined with clinical risk factors.

Methods: Data on single nucleotide polymorphisms, amino acids, and classical HLA alleles were available for 2,497 patients with JIA without uveitis and 579 patients with JIAU (female 2,060, male 1,015).

The "Road" to Malignant Transformation from Endometriosis to Endometriosis-Associated Ovarian Cancers (EAOCs): An mTOR-Centred Review.

Ovarian cancer is an umbrella term covering a number of distinct subtypes. Endometrioid and clear-cell ovarian carcinoma are endometriosis-associated ovarian cancers (EAOCs) frequently arising from ectopic endometrium in the ovary. The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a crucial regulator of cellular homeostasis and is dysregulated in both endometriosis and endometriosis-associated ovarian cancer, potentially favouring carcinogenesis across a spectrum from benign disease with cancer-like characteristics, through an atypical phase, to frank malignancy.

Tissue gene expression profiles and communication networks inform candidate blood biomarker identification in psoriasis and atopic dermatitis.

Overlapping clinical and pathomechanistic features can complicate the diagnosis and treatment of inflammatory skin diseases, including psoriasis and atopic dermatitis (AD). Spatial transcriptomics allows the identification of disease- and cell-specific molecular signatures that may advance biomarker development and future treatments. This study identified transcriptional signatures in keratinocytes and sub-basal CD4 and CD8 T lymphocytes from patients with psoriasis and AD.

The current use of proteomics and metabolomics in glomerulonephritis: a systematic literature review.

Background: Glomerulonephritis inherently leads to the development of chronic kidney disease. It is the second most common diagnosis in patients requiring renal replacement therapy in the United Kingdom. Metabolomics and proteomics can characterise, identify and quantify an individual's protein and metabolite make-up.

Comparison of Baseline Characteristics, Sociodemographics, and Gynecological Risk Factors Associated with Secondary Infertility of Females in Pakistan.

Introduction: Secondary infertility is characterized by the inability to conceive for a period of 1 year, after having previously conceived at least once.

Objectives: To explore the risk factors of secondary infertility and compare sociodemographics and anthropometric variables of each studied group.

Methods: Study was conducted at University Institute of Public Health, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, The University of Lahore, collecting data from Gilani Ultrasound Center in 18 months after approval of synopsis.