Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the Intraocular Pressure Measured with the Ocular Response Analyzer

Purpose: Comparison of the magnitude and repeatability of the intraocular pressure (IOP) measured with the Ocular Response Analyzer (ORA) to that measured with the Goldmann tonometer. Methods: Two sets of IOP measurements were made, for 89 eyes of eighty-nine subjects, approximately 1-week apart. Goldmann tonometry was performed subsequent to non-contact tonometry, in which the order of measurement was randomized between the ORA and the Topcon CT80 non-contact tonometer (CT80). Each method was assessed twice for intrasession repeatability. The limits of agreement between each non-contact pressure and that measured with the Goldmann tonometer were assessed once per session. The level of statistical significance was 0.05. Results: The mean differences between the ORA-corneal compensated, Goldmann-correlated, and CT80-IOP (ORA-IOPcc; ORA-IOPg and CT80-IOP) versus the Goldmann IOP were −0.3 ± 2.7 mmHg (mean ± SD), −0.3 ± 2.2 mmHg and −0.3 ± 2.1 mmHg, respectively for session 1 and 0.3 ± 3.0 mmHg, 0.2 ± 2.2 mmHg, and −0.5 ± 2.2 mmHg, respectively, for session 2. The repeatability coefficients were ± 5.3 mmHg, ± 4.2 mmHg, ± 2.5 mmHg, and ± 1.9 mmHg, respectively for ORA-IOPcc, ORA-IOPg, CT80-IOP, and Goldmann IOP in session 1 and ± 3.8 mmHg, ± 3.6 mmHg, ± 1.6 mmHg, and ± 1.9 mmHg, respectively for session 2. Conclusion: The repeatability indices for the ORA were poorer than those with the Goldmann tonometer and the CT80 in both sessions. However, the average IOP measured with the ORA did not vary significantly from those measured with the other two tonometers in either session. The ORA provides valid, repeatable measures of IOP.
Geohelminthiasis among Nigerian preschool age children

A study of the prevalence, intensity and risk factors of geohelminth infections was investigated among preschool children aged 1-5 years old in Ibilo, Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. Two hundred and ninety eight children (94.30%) out of 316 volunteers examined were infected with one or more geohelminth parasites. The predominant geohelminth was Ascaris lumbricoides (85.7%, 104.4 epg), followed by hookworm (65.7%, 172.2 epg) and Trichuiris trichuira (2.9%, 305 epg). The difference in the prevalence of infection of the geohelminths among the preschool children was statistically significant (F=6.708, p 0.05). Of the three anthelmintic drugs administered, namely, Albendazole, Mebendazole and Pyrantel pamoate, children treated with Pyrantel pamoate had the lowest parasitic load post treatment and highest cure rate. Places of defecation such as pit latrines, bushes and water closets as well as mothers’/caregivers’ occupation have been identified as potential risk factors contributing to the high infection rates of helminth parasites among preschool age children studied.
Evaluation of the Aptima HBV Quant assay vs. the COBAS TaqMan HBV test using the high pure system for the quantitation of HBV DNA in plasma and serum samples

Abstract Background: Proper management of patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection requires monitoring of plasma or serum HBV DNA levels using a highly sensitive nucleic acid amplification test. Because commercially available assays differ in performance, we compared herein the performance of the Hologic Aptima HBV Quant assay (Aptima) to that of the Roche Cobas TaqMan HBV test for use with the high pure system (HPS/CTM). Methods: Assay performance was assessed using HBV reference panels as well as plasma and serum samples from chronically HBV-infected patients. Method correlation, analytical sensitivity, precision/reproducibility, linearity, bias and influence of genotype were evaluated. Data analysis was performed using linear regression, Deming correlation analysis and Bland-Altman analysis. Results: Agreement between the assays for the two reference panels was good, with a difference in assay values vs. target <0.5 log. Qualitative assay results for 159 clinical samples showed good concordance (88.1%; κ=0.75; 95% confidence interval: 0.651–0.845). For the 106 samples quantitated by both assays, viral load results were highly correlated (R=0.92) and differed on average by 0.09 log, with 95.3% of the samples being within the 95% limit of agreement of the assays. Linearity for viral loads 1–7 log was excellent for both assays (R2>0.98). The two assays had similar bias and precision across the different genotypes tested at low viral loads (25–1000 IU/mL). Conclusions: Aptima has a performance comparable with that of HPS/CTM, making it suitable for use for HBV infection monitoring. Aptima runs on a fully automated platform (the Panther system) and therefore offers a significantly improved workflow compared with HPS/CTM.
Combined Intracervical PGE2 and Intra‐Amniotic PGF2α for Induction of 2nd Trimester Abortion

Fourteen consecutive patients (mean gestational age 18.1 weeks, range 15‐23 weeks) referred for therapeutic termination of pregnancy were induced into abortion by intra‐amniotic PGF2α 40 mg followed by oxytocin stimulation. 14 other patients (mean gestational age 17.9 weeks, range 15‐23 weeks) were pretreated with intracervical PGE2 1.0 mg in gel for 4 h prior to induction of abortion with intra‐amniotic PGF2α 40 mg without further stimulation. The induction‐abortion interval for patients treated with intra‐amniotic PGF2α and oxytocin, was 19.1 ± 2.94 h (±SE, n=14) with a success rate of 80% after 24 h. After pretreatment with intracervical PGE2α 1.0 mg in viscous gel, intra‐amniotic PGF2α 40 mg induced abortion after 11.2 ± 1.12 h (± SE, n = 14) with a 100% success rate after 24 h. No systemic side effects of the PGE2 pretreatment were noted. No cervical laceration was observed. The results need further confirmation, but still suggest cervical priming with intracervical PGE2 1.0 mg in gel and subsequent induction of abortion by intra‐amniotic PGF2α 40 mg as an attractive principle for 2nd trimester abortion.
Knowledge of Health Care Providers of Standard Precautions and Infection Control at Students’ Hospital, Mansoura University, Egypt -

Abstract Aim: to assess knowledge of Standard Precautions and infection control by health care providers (HCPs) at the Students’ Hospital, Mansoura University, Egypt. Methods: All HCPs were targeted for a cross-sectional study. A previously validated self-administered questionnaire was used to gather information regarding basic characteristics and the following knowledge domains; the general concept of standard precautions, hand hygiene, personal protective equipments, sharp disposal, environmental sanitation and care of health workers. Scoring system was assigned for different responses, with a total score of 50. Results: The mean (minimum, maximum) knowledge scores are: 28.5 (13,44) for the total score, 3.6 (0,5) for general concepts, 5.0 (0,9) for hand hygiene, 6.9 (1,10) for personal protective equipment, 2.1 (0,5) for sharp injuries and occupational infection, 5.0 (0,10) for sharp disposal and environmental sanitation, and 6.0 (1,10) for care of health care workers (HCW) domains. The mean total score and most of the domain scores show significant variation with specialty, educational level and duration of work. Compared to physicians/dentists/pharmacists, nurses are about 12 times more likely to have poor knowledge (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR]=11.8, CI=6.2-22.7) and technicians/health inspectors are about 31 times more likely to have poor knowledge (AOR=31.4, CI=11.2-88.3). Conclusion: In-service training and education curricula need to be revised.
Immediate break-down of blood retinal barrier by infusion of triolein emulsion observed by fluorescein angiography.

PURPOSE The purpose of this study is to investigate immediate changes in the blood retinal barrier (BRB) after the infusion of triolein emulsion. MATERIALS AND METHODS Triolein emulsion was infused into the carotid artery of 12 cats to induce experimental fat embolism. The injection of fluorescein dye into the carotid artery followed immediately. Early retinal vascular flow was recorded by a fluorescein angiography (FA) video, and then a FA photograph was obtained up to 30 min after the injection. Leakage of the dye in the choroidal or retinal vessels was evaluated. RESULTS In the early phase, multifocal non-perfuse areas were noted in all cats due to embolism by triolein emulsion, which was released by blood perfusion in the late phase. Perfusion defects persisted in the retina of five cats and in the choroid of four cats. Leakage of the dye through the retinal vessels was seen in five cats (42%) in the early phase and in nine cats (75%) in the late phase. In the choroid, leakage of the dye was seen in seven cats (58%) in the early phase and in all cats (100%) in the late phase. CONCLUSIONS The inner and outer BRB was opened immediately after infusion of triolein emulsion into the carotid artery. Embolism by triolein emulsion was readily resolved due to the liquid nature of triolein.
Efficacy and safety of add on low-dose mirtazapine in depression

Objectives: Although antidepressant medications are effective, they have a delayed onset of effect. Mirtazapine, an atypical antidepressant is an important option for add-on therapy in major depression. There is insufficient data on mirtazapine in Indian population; hence this study was designed to study the add-on effect of low-dose mirtazapine with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in major depressive disorder (MDD) in Indian population. Materials and Methods: In an open, randomized study, 60 patients were divided into two groups. In Group A (n=30) patients received conventional SSRIs for 6 weeks. In Group B (n=30) patients received conventional SSRIs with low-dose mirtazapine for 6 weeks. Patients were evaluated at baseline and then at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 weeks. Results: There was significant improvement in Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), Montgomery and Asberg depression rating scale (MADRS) scores (P<0.05) in both groups. Mirtazapine in low dose as add on therapy showed improvement in scores, had earlier onset of action, and more number of responders and remitters as compared to conventional treatment (P<0.05). No serious adverse event was reported in either of the groups. Conclusion: Low-dose mirtazapine as add-on therapy has shown better efficacy, earlier onset of action and more number of responders and remitters as compared to conventional treatment in MDD in Indian patients.
Stability of Epitheliotrophic Factors in Autologous Serum Eye Drops from Chronic Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Dry Eye Compared to Non-autoimmune Dry Eye

Purpose: To compare the concentrations of epitheliotrophic factors in autologous serum eye drops (ASE) prepared from sera of chronic Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) patients with dry eyes to those prepared from non-autoimmune dry eye controls and to study the stability of the epitheliotrophic factors in different storage conditions. Methods: Twenty-percent ASE were prepared from 10 chronic SJS patients with dry eyes and 10 age-matched non-autoimmune dry eye controls. The concentrations of major epitheliotrophic factors comprising epidermal growth factor (EGF), transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-β1), transforming growth factor-beta2 (TGF-β2), and fibronectin in those ASE preparations were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) at baseline and after different storage conditions: at 4°C for 1 week and 1 month; and at −20°C for 1, 3 and 6 months. Results: There were no significant differences in the concentrations of EGF, TGF-β1, TGF-β2 and fibronectin in 20% ASE between the SJS and control groups (EGF: 176.9 ± 40.9 vs. 185.5 ± 36.9 pg/mL, TGF-β1: 9.5 ± 2.1 vs. 9.5 ± 1.9 ng/mL, TGF-β2: 55.3 ± 30.0 vs. 63.91 ± 45.6 pg/mL and fibronectin: 70.5 ± 20.2 vs. 62.2 ± 21.3 µg/mL, respectively). These factors were stable at 4°C for up to 1 month. Storage at −20°C for up to 6 months resulted in a slight decrease in TGF-β1 (SJS: from 9.5–8.4 ng/mL, p < 0.01 and control: from 9.5–8.1 ng/mL, p < 0.01). Conclusions: The results suggested that the epitheliotrophic capacity of ASE from chronic SJS should be comparable to those from non-autoimmune dry eye patients, and that ASE should be sufficiently stable for up to 6 months, if stored properly at −20°C.
Deleterious Role of Anti-high Mobility Group Box 1 Monoclonal Antibody in Retinal Ischemia-reperfusion Injury

Purpose: To investigate the effect of anti-high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) monoclonal antibody (mAb) against ischemia-reperfusion injury in the rat retina. Materials and Methods: Retinal ischemia was induced by increasing and then maintaining intraocular pressure at 130 mmHg for 45 min. An intraperitoneal injection of anti-HMGB1 mAb was administered 30 min before ischemia. Retinal damage was evaluated at 7 days after the ischemia. Immunohistochemistry and image analysis were used to measure changes in the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the localization of anti-HMGB1 mAb. Dark-adapted full-field electroretinography (ERG) was also performed. Results: Pretreatment with anti-HMGB1 mAb significantly enhanced the ischemic injury of the retina. HMGB1 expression increased at 6–12 h after ischemia in the retina. After the ischemia, production of ROS was detected in retinal cells. However, pretreatment with anti-HMGB1 mAb increased the production of ROS. On the seventh postoperative day, the amplitudes of both the ERG a- and b-waves were significantly higher in the vehicle group than in the groups pretreated with anti-HMGB1 mAb. Conclusions: The current in vivo model of retinal injury demonstrated that anti-HMGB1 mAb plays a large deleterious role in ischemia-reperfusion injury. In order to develop neuroprotective therapeutic strategies for acute retinal ischemic disorders, further studies on anti-HMGB1 mAb function are needed.
Intravitreal Bevacizumab for Macular Edema Due to Central Retinal Vein Occlusion: Perfused vs. Ischemic and Early vs. Late Treatment

Purpose/aims: This study investigates the efficacy of intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) for cystoid macular edema (CME) secondary to central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO). Subgroup analysis was performed comparing early (within 90 days of CRVO onset) and late treatment (after 90 days) as well as perfused and ischemic subgroups. Materials and Methods: Retrospective review of 48 consecutive eyes with CRVO treated with IVB was performed. Data collected at various time points included best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central foveal thickness (FT) on optical coherence tomography (OCT), perfusion status on fluorescein angiography (FA), and complications. Results Mean initial BCVA was 20/288 compared to 20/214 at 12 months (p = 0.07) and 20/204 (p = 0.03) at final follow-up. Initial mean central FT was 591 micrometers compared to 339 micrometers at 12 months (p = 0.003). Mean follow-up was 10.5 months, and mean number of injections was 3.7. After IVB, no significant difference in BCVA gain or edema resolution on OCT was noted between the early and late treatment groups or between the perfused and ischemic subgroups. Conclusions: IVB improves foveal thickness in eyes with CRVO, but this does not always correlate with visual recovery. No difference in efficacy was observed for IVB treatment of perfused versus ischemic CRVO or when used for early versus late treatment.
Contribution of indirect obstetric deaths to maternal mortality at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi.

Introduction : Maternal death is unacceptably high in this center like in most centers in the developing world. Objective : To determine the maternal mortality ratio and the contribution of the direct and indirect obstetric complications to maternal deaths. Method: A retrospective review of all maternal deaths at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital Nnewi, between January, 2003 and December 2007, a 5 year period. Maternal deaths, were identified from the labour ward, lying-in ward, sick prenatal ward, postnatal ward, gynaecology ward records and the medical records. The total number of births was gotten from the labour ward register. Results : There were 36 maternal deaths within the study period, and maternal mortality ratio of 1282 per 100,000 deliveries. The majority (64%) were due to indirect causes. The most common cause was pulmonary tuberculosis (25%). Anaemia contributed 14% and, viral hepatitis 11%. Cerebral malaria, intestinal obstruction and metastatic breast cancer caused 2.8% of maternal deaths each. The direct obstetrics causes contributed 36%, with preclampsia/eclampsia 19.4%, sepsis (Septic abortion and puerperal Sepsis) 8.4%, haemorrhage 5.6% and uterine rupture 2.8%. Conclusion : Indirect obstetric causes accounted for majority of the maternal deaths recorded within the study period.
Development and evaluation of reverse-transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification for rapid detection of human immunodeficiency virus type 1.

PURPOSE The objective of this study was to establish a reverse-transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) method for rapid detection of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). MATERIALS AND METHODS The HIV-1 integrase gene region was selected because it was a conserved part of the HIV-1 genome. Six primers specific to eight regions of the HIV-1 integrase gene were designed. A total of 171 samples (18 HIV-1 confirmed positive samples and 153 serum specimens were collected in this study) were tested by RT-LAMP and reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). After amplification in an isothermal water bath for 45 min, samples containing HIV-1 generated the expected ladder-like products while other viruses generated no product. RESULTS The sensitivity and specificity of the RT-LAMP assay were evaluated by comparison with RT-PCR. The assay was significantly more sensitive than normal gel-based RT-PCR. CONCLUSION Because it is specific and simple, the RT-LAMP assay can be widely applied in clinical laboratories for rapid detection of HIV-1.
Filtering Bleb Structure Associated with Long-Term Intraocular Pressure Control after Amniotic Membrane-Assisted Trabeculectomy

Purpose/Aim: To determine whether amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) at trabeculectomy affects intrableb structures and which intrableb parameters are significantly correlated with the long-term intraocular pressure (IOP) control. Materials and Methods: Enrolled were 64 eyes of 56 glaucoma patients who underwent trabeculectomy without (36 eyes) or with (28 eyes) AMT. Bleb structure was evaluated by ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) at least one year after surgery. IOP control was defined as good when the eyes had a more than 30% decrease in the preoperative IOP and an IOP value <18 mmHg if the preoperative IOP was higher than 21 mmHg. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify factors significantly associated with IOP control. Results: Intervals between surgery and the timing of the UBM examinations (median; 2.5 years) and the overall frequency of good IOP control (28/36 in the eyes without AMT and 17/28 in those with AMT; chi-square test, P = 0.2276) were similar in the two groups. The eyes with AMT had a significantly lower number of type H (high reflective) or L (low reflective) blebs and a higher number of type E (encapsulated) blebs compared to those without AMT (P < 0.0001). Among independent variables, which included age, sex, glaucoma type, lens status, the number of ocular hypotensives, and previous intraocular surgeries, only type F (flattened) bleb in eyes without AMT (P = 0.0008, odds ratio [OR] = 0.0256) and no or limited intrableb fluid-filled space in eyes with AMT were significantly associated with poor IOP control (P = 0.0026, OR = 0.0111, and 0.0071, 0.0167, respectively). Conclusions: Intrableb structures after trabeculectomy alone versus AMT-assisted trabeculectomy were distinct. The bleb wall reflectivity in the former and the extent of the subconjunctival fluid-filled space in the latter were factors associated with long-term IOP control.
Voxel-based Morphometry of the Visual-related Cortex in Primary Open Angle Glaucoma

Purpose: To study changes in the morphometric characteristics of the whole brain visual-related cortex in various stages of primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) in vivo. Materials and methods: Thirty POAG patients (nine early stage cases and 21 advanced-late stage cases) and 30 gender-, education-, and age-matched healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Image data were obtained with a T1 weighted three-dimensional magnetization prepared rapid acquisition gradient echo sequence (T1WI 3D MP RAGE). Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) analysis was used to assess regional differences in gray matter (GM) densities on T1WI 3D MP RAGE scans of patients versus controls. Results: Compared with controls, brain regions with GM density changes were not found in the early stage of POAG patients but were found in the advanced-late stage of POAG patients. These changes with GM density reduction were mainly located in the bilateral primary visual cortex (BA17 and BA18), bilateral paracentral lobule (BA5), right precentral gyrus (BA6), right middle frontal gyrus (BA9), right inferior temporal gyrus (BA20), right angular gyrus (BA39), left praecuneus (BA7), left middle temporal gyrus (BA21), and superior temporal gyrus (BA22). Conversely, patients showed increased GM density in BA39 near the most damaged regions. In addition, in the advanced-late stage of POAG, some reduced GM density areas were related to binocular mean defect (MD) and disease duration (ranging from r = −0.761 to r = –0.458). Conclusions: Our results suggest that there are different types of pathogenesis at different stages of POAG. Atrophy and degeneration of the visual-related cortex existed in the dorsal and ventral visual pathways in the advanced-late stage of POAG but were not found in the early stage of POAG using VBM. Such GM density changes are likely associated with the pathogenesis of POAG.