bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Trifocal diffractive intraocular lens implantation in patients after previous corneal refractive laser surgery for myopia
Authors: Li Qiu-Mei , Wang Feng , Li Shao-Wei , Stieger Knut , Wu Zhe-Ming , Liu Zhen , Zhan Chuan , Chen Bing-Heng , Sima Jing 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: With the difficulties in IOL power calculation and the potential side effects occurring postoperatively, multifocal IOL implantation after previous corneal refractive surgery are rarely reported especially for the trifocal IOL. Herein we report the clinical observation of trifocal IOL implantation in patients with previous myopia excimer laser correction. In this study, a multi-formula average method was performed for the IOLs power calculation to improve the accuracy. Visual and refractive outcomes were analyzed, and the subjective quality of patients’ life was evaluated by questionnaires survey.Methods: This retrospective case series included patients with previous myopia excimer laser correction who underwent femtosecond laser assisted phacoemulsification and trifocal IOL (AT LISA tri 839 MP) implantation. Follow-up was done at 1-day, 1-month and 3-month to assess the visual outcomes. Outcome measures were uncorrected distance, intermediate and near visual acuity (UDVA, UIVA, UNVA), manifest refraction, defocus curve, and subjective quality of vision.Results: 16 patients (14 eyes with previous laser in situ keratomileusis and 7 eyes with previous photorefractive keratectomy) were included. Mean postoperative spherical equivalent (SE) at 3-month was −0.56 D ± 0.49 SD, wherein, 48% of eyes were within ±0.50 D of emmetropia, and 91% were within ±1.0 D. Mean monocular UDVA, UIVA and UNVA (logMAR) at last visit were 0.02 ± 0.07, 0.10 ± 0.10, and 0.15 ± 0.11 respectively. Three patients (19%) reported halos and glare in postoperative 3 months, two of them needed to use spectacles to improve the intermediate visual acuity. Fifteen patients (94%) reported a satisfaction score of ≥3.5 out of 4.0, and thirteen patients (81%) did not need spectacles at all distances. Mean composite score of the VF-14 questionnaire was 95.00 ± 7.29 out of 100.Conclusions: Trifocal IOL implantation after myopia excimer laser correction could safely achieve a full range of adequate vision and accurate refractive outcomes.
Political Economy Analysis of the Performance-Based Financing Programme in Afghanistan
Authors: Salehi Ahmad Shah , Blanchut Karl , Vassal Anna , Borghi Josephine 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background Performance-based financing (PBF) has attracted considerable attention in recent years in low and middle-income countries. Afghanistan’s Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) implemented a PBF programme between 2010 and 2015 to strengthen the utilisation of maternal and child health services in primary health facilities. Methods We used a political economy analysis framework which aims to understand the main dynamics that influence the adoption and design of a policy and facilitates the exploration of policy processes and the roles played by key actors at various stages of implementation. Retrospective qualitative research methods were employed. The data comprised transcripts of key informant interviews and a review of PBF related documents. Results This study discovered a range of contextual factors contributing to the introduction of PBF in Afghanistan. In addition, the study identified the role, power, interest, and ideas of actors in relation to PBF and the extent to which they were involved in and affected the design, adoption, and implementation of PBF programme in the country. Besides, the study described the process of PBF programme design and how it was implemented in practice, including nonconformities to the initial design and reasons for these. Discussion Political economy factors played a critical role in the introduction, design and implementation of PBF programme in Afghanistan. This study highlighted a number of contextual factors including global and local forces supporting the introduction of PBF in Afghanistan. The process underlying the design and implementation of the PBF programme was a result of power and resource dynamics between PBF programme actors. This study makes an important contribution to the global literature through its focus on a low-income setting and a fragile and conflict-affected state where numerous forces have combined to bring a programme into existence and have influenced its implementation and outcome. Conclusion PBF programmes are inherently political as they enforce distinct arrangements for the sharing of resources and represents a risk or opportunity to actors as a result of changes to their roles and responsibilities and the modification of organisational processes. Future studies are required to focus on conducting empirical research to understand the main political economy dynamics that influence the policy cycle of such programmes. We recommend further use of political economy analysis in such studies.
Treatment of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review
Authors: Vescio Andrea , Testa Gianluca , Culmone Annalisa , Sapienza Marco , Valenti Fabiana , Maria Fabrizio Di , Pavone Vito 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), as known as Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, is characterized by chronic, spontaneous and provoked pain of the distal extremities, whose severity is disproportionate to the triggering event. In growing age, CRPS affects most commonly women aged 5 to 17 years, with a maximum incidence peak around the 13th year of age. Among the orthopedics, diagnosis remains challenging, as well as, the treatment is still debated and multidisciplinary. The purpose of this systematic review is to analyze the available literature to provide an update on the latest evidence related to the treatment of CRPS in growing age. Methods: Three reviewers searched Pubmed and Web of Science databases from their date of inception to the 20th September 2019 in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systemic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines.Data extraction was performed independently by 3 reviewers based on predefined criteria and the methodologic quality of included studies was quantified by the the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale Cohort Studies. Results:A total of n = 264 articles were found. At the end of the first screening, following the previously described selection criteria, we selected n = 103 articles eligible for full-text reading. Ultimately, after full-text reading and a reference list check, we selected n = 6. The articles focused on physical (PT), cognitive-behavioral (CBT) and pharmacological (PhT) treatments. The combination of PT+CBT is the most efficacy and suggested, but a commonly accepted protocol has been not developed. Despite the good patients outcome, several are the adverse events recorded in PT. Conclusions: Physical therapy in association with occupational, and cognitive behavioral treatment is the recommended option in the management of pediatric CPRS. Pharmacological therapy should be reserved for refractory and selected patients. The design and development of a standard protocol are strongly suggested.
GABARAP Suppresses EMT and Breast Cancer Progression Via the AKT/mTOR Signaling Pathway
Authors: Liu Ying , Wang Dandan , Lei Mengxia , Gao Jiayi , Cui Yuqing , Jin Xiaoying , Yu Qiujie , Jiang Ying , Guo Yan , Liu Yali , Cai Li , Chen Xuesong 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Recent studies document that γ-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptor-associated protein (GABARAP) plays an important role in cancer autophagy. However, little is known about its role in tumor invasion, migration and metastasis. Here, the authors investigated the expression and significance of GABARAP in breast cancer. Method: A large group of clinical samples was assessed to detect GABARAP expression and its associations with clinicopathological features and prognosis. Gain- and loss-of-function experiments in cell lines and mouse xenograft models were performed to elucidate the function and underlying mechanisms of GABARAP-regulated tumor progression. Results: We analyzed GABARAP levels in clinical breast cancer samples and cell lines and confirmed that GABARAP was negatively correlated with advanced clinicopathologic features, such as tumor size (P=0.025) and TNM stage (P=0.001). Importantly, patients with low GABARAP levels had a poor prognosis (p = 0.0047). Functionally, our data revealed that GABARAP can inhibit proliferation, migration and invasion in vitro and in vivo. Importantly, low levels of GABARAP induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), one of the most important mechanisms for the promotion of tumor metastasis, in breast cancer cells. Mechanistically, low levels of GABARAP increased the levels of p-AKT (S473) and p-mTOR (S2448), and a specific AKT pathway inhibitor reversed the downregulation of GABARAP-induced tumor progression. In clinical breast cancer specimens, immunohistochemistry (IHC) revealed that the distribution and intensity of GABARAP expression were negatively correlated with those of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 2 (P=0.0013) and MMP14 (P=0.019). Conclusions: Collectively, these data indicated that GABARAP suppressed the malignant behaviors of breast cancer cells, illuminating that the possible mechanism acts via the AkT/mTOR pathway. Targeting GABARAP may provide a potential diagnosis and treatment strategy for breast cancer.
CGA: A New Feature Selection Model for Visual Human Action Recognition
Authors: Guha Ritam , Kha Ali Hussain , Singh Pawan Kumar , Sarkar Ram 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Recognition of human actions from visual contents is a budding field of computer vision and image understanding. The problem with such recognition system is the huge dimensions of the feature vectors. Many of these features are irrelevant to the classification mechanism. For this reason, in this paper, we propose a novel Feature Selection (FS) model called Co-operative Genetic Algorithm (CGA) to select some of the most important and discriminating features from the entire feature set to improve the classification accuracy as well as the time requirement of the activity recognition mechanism. In CGA, we have made an effort to embed the concepts of co-operative game theory in GA to create a both-way reinforcement mechanism to improve the solution of the FS model. The proposed FS model is tested on four benchmark video datasets such as Weizmann, KTH, UCF11, HMDB51 and two sensor-based UCI HAR datasets. The experiments are conducted using four state-of-the-art feature descriptors, namely HOG, GLCM, SURF, and GIST. It is found that there is a significant improvement in the overall classification accuracy while considering nearly 50 to 60% of the original feature vector.
Short-term changes in behaviors resulting from COVID-19-related social isolation and their influences on mental health
Authors: Asiamah Nestor , Opuni Frank Frimpong , Mends-Brew Edwin , Mensah Samuel Worlanyo , Mensah Henry Kofi , Quansah Fidelis 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Withdrawing from social activities abruptly can be associated with anxiety and mental health struggles, but this behavior is unavoidable when an infectious disease such as Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) is spreading. With many governments taking to social distancing protocols, short-term changes in behaviors and their influences on health are expected. This study adopted a correlational research approach to assess the behavioral outcomes of the social distancing protocols and its influences on mental health. An online survey hosted by Survey Monkey was utilized to collect data from residents of three cities under a COVID-19 mandatory lockdown. A total of 621 surveys were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression analysis, with a sensitivity analysis utilized to select potential covariates for the final regression model. Findings indicate that reduced physical activity time, increased sedentary behavior time, and a change in sexual activity and smoking frequency are some short-term changes in behavior resulting from social isolation during the lockdown. An increase in sedentary behavior made a negative influence on mental health (β = -0.85; t = -46.76, p = 0.000). The only change in behavior that has a positive influence on mental health is substance use. For the most part, changes in behaviors in the short-term attributable to COVID-19 social isolation were associated with lower mental health scores. Our findings imply that COVID-19 social distancing measures should be rolled out alongside public education programs for discouraging unhealthy changes in behaviors.
Significant reduction in abundance of peridomestic mosquitoes (Culicidae) and Culicoides midges (Ceratopogonidae): an additional benefit of a novel attract-and-kill intervention applied against Leishmania infantum transmission, in São Paulo Brazil
Authors: González Mikel A. , Dilger Erin , Ronderos María M. , Spinelli Gustavo R. , Courtenay Orin , Hamilton James Gordon Campbell 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Following the long-term (42-month) evaluation of residual insecticide (co-located with sand fly pheromone) and insecticide-impregnated dog-collars in a randomised control trial (RCT) against leishmaniasis, we assessed the impact of these interventions on the peridomestic abundance and distribution of mosquitoes (Culicidae) and midges (Ceratopogonidae) in Western São Paulo, Brazil. Both of these Dipteran groups are vectors of diseases of medical and veterinary relevance to humans and domestic animals in Brazil.
Methods
The interventions in the 3-arm RCT: pheromone + insecticide (PI) (chicken roosts sprayed with microencapsulated lambda-cyhalothrin), dog-collars (DC) (dogs fitted with deltamethrin-impregnated collars), and control (C) (unexposed to pyrethroids) were extended by 12 months. During that time adult mosquitoes and midges were sampled at three household locations (inside human dwellings, dog sleeping sites, chicken roosts).
Results
We collected 3,145 culicids (9 genera mostly Culex spp.) distributed relatively uniformly across all 3 arms; 43.5% inside houses, 36.2% at chicken roosts and 20.3% at dog sleeping sites. We collected 11,464 Culicoides (at least 15 species) found mostly at chicken roosting sites (84.7%) compared with dog sleeping sites (12.2%) or houses (3.1%). Mosquitoes and Culicoides were predominant during the hot and rainy reason. Increased daytime temperature was significantly associated with increased mosquito abundance (z = 1.97; P = 0.049) but marginally associated with Culicoides abundance (z = 1.71; P = 0.087). There was no significant association with average rainfall for either group. Household-level mosquito and midge numbers were both significantly reduced by the PI intervention 56% (Incidence Rate Ratio, IRR = 0.54 [95% C.I. 0.30, 0.97], P ≤ 0.05] and 53% (IRR = 0.47 [0.26, 0.85], P ≤ 0.05), respectively. The abundance of both Dipteran groups at dog sleeping sites was largely unaffected by the PI and DC interventions. The PI intervention significantly reduced abundance of mosquitoes inside houses (41%) and at chicken roosting sites (48%) and reduced midge abundance by 51% in chicken roosting sites.
Conclusions
Sprayed insecticide at chicken roosting sites reduced the abundance of mosquitoes and midges at the peridomestic level while dog collars had no effect on numbers for any group.
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Infection in Patients Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus: Case Reports and Review of the Literature
Authors: Chen Liping , Xiao Fang , Cao Li , Xie Meng , Wen Yue , Zhang Zhicheng , Ding Qiang , Yan Wei , Tian Dean , Wang Ge 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Novel coronavirus pneumonia (COVID-19) outbreak caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has rapidly spread over the globe. The knowledge about SARS-CoV-2 infection in immunocompromised patients was limited. Case presentation: We presented here two human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected cases with laboratory confirmed COVID-19 and clinically confirmed COVID-19, respectively. The patients both presented with fever at illness onset and patchy shadows in radiological images of lungs. Laboratory findings revealed leukopenia, lymphopenia and positive anti-HIV antibody. The younger case had a moderate course and was discharged after a 28-day hospitalization. However, the elder case with multiple comorbidities developed dyspnea and died on the fourth day after admission. Conclusions: Combining our data with two case reports, we summarize that disease course varies in HIV-infected patients with COVID-19. More attention should be paid to the management of these patients. Whether there is any difference about clinical characteristics and prognosis of COVID-19 between HIV-infected and non-HIV infected patients, remains to be further investigated.
An Analysis of the ‘Failed States Index’ by Partial Order Methodology
Authors: Carlsen Lars , Brüggemann Rainer 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Often objects are to be ranked. However, there is no measurable quantity available to express the ranking aim and to quantify it. The consequence is that indicators are selected, serving as proxies for the ranking aim. Although this set of indicators is of great importance for its own right, the most commonly used practice to obtain a ranking is an aggregation method. Any aggregation, however suffers from the effect of compensation, because the aggregation technique is in the broadest sense an averaging method. Here an alternative is suggested which avoids this averaging and which is derived from simple elements of the theory of partially ordered sets (posets). The central concept in partial order is the ‘concept of comparison’ and the most general outcome is a web of relations between objects according to their indicator values, respecting the ranking aim.
As an example the ‘Failed State Index’ (FSI), annually prepared by the Fund of Peace is selected. The FSI is based on twelve individual contextual different indicators, subsequently transformed into a single composite indicator, by simple addition of the single indicator values. Such an operation leaves space for compensation effects, where one or more indicators level out the effect of others. Hence, a comparison between the single states (in total 177) based on their mutual FSI ranking has its limitations as the comparisons are made based on the composite indicator. We show that brain drain is one of the indicators in the FSI-study that plays a crucial role in the ranking, whereby the ranking aim is the stabilization of nations.
In Silico Structural and Functional Analysis of Bacillus Uricases
Authors: Nelapati Anand Kumar , Meena Shubham , Singh Aditya Kumar , Bhakta Narsimha , PonnanEttiyappan JagadeeshBabu 
Published: May 2020

Background:
Excluding humans, the peroxisomal uricase is responsible for the
catabolism of uric acid into allantoin in many species like microorganisms, plants, and invertebrates.
Particularly in humans, the synthesis and excretion of uric acid are naturally balanced.
When the uric acid concentration crosses 7 mg/dl, it results in conditions such as hyperuricemia
and gout. Uricase is one of the potential sources for the reduction of uric acid in humans. Uricase is
also widely used as a commercial diagnostic reagent in medical and clinical biochemistry to estimate
the uric acid concentration in blood and other biological fluids. Computational approaches
can be used for screening and investigation of uricase enzyme with desirable characteristics that
can be employed in diverse industrial applications.

Objectives:
The present study deals with computational-based structural, functional, and phylogenetic
analyses of uricase enzymes from various Bacillus species.

Methods:
Seventy uricase protein sequences from Bacillus species were selected for multiple sequence
alignment, phylogenetic analysis, motif assessment, domain architecture examination, understanding
of basic physicochemical properties and in silico identification of the composition of
amino acids in uricase. Further, structural (secondary and tertiary structure prediction), and functional
(CYS_REC, MOTIF scan, CD-search, STRING, SOSUI, and PeptideCutter) analyses of uricase
were performed.

Results:
Bacillus simplex (WP_063232385.1) was chosen as the representative species of the Bacillus
genera. The three-dimensional (3D) structure of B. simplex uricase was predicted and validated
using QMEAN, RAMPAGE, ERRAT, Verify 3D and PROQ servers. The analysis revealed that
the tertiary structure of the selected uricase has good quality and acceptability.

Conclusion:
Computational analysis of uricase from various Bacillus sources revealed that all the
selected Bacillus uricases are active within acidic to a neutral environment, and thermally stable
with a molecular weight ranging from 35.59-59.85kDa. The secondary structure analysis showed
that all uricases are rich in alpha-helices and sheets. The CDD tool identified two conserved domains,
one of which belongs to OHCU decarboxylase and another belongs to Uricase superfamily.
The quality estimation of 3D modeled protein gave a high overall quality factor score of 94.64. Also,
all Bacillus species of uricase enzyme and their corresponding genes showed a strong correlation
from the phylogenetic comparison of the selected taxa. The present detailed computational investigation
on the uricase protein could help in screening a suitable uricase producing microbe with
desirable characteristics for industrial application.
Azacitidine, as a DNMT Inhibitor Decreases hTERT Gene Expression and Telomerase Activity More Effective Compared with HDAC Inhibitor in Human Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cell Lines
Authors: Atri Sepideh , Nasoohi Nikoo , Hodjat Mahshid 
Published: May 2020

Background:
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is one of the most fatal malignancies worldwide and
despite using various therapeutic strategies for the treatment of HNSCC, the surveillance rate is low. Telomerase has been remarked
as the primary targets in cancer therapy. Considering the key regulatory role of epigenetic mechanisms in controlling genome
expression, the present study aimed to investigate the effects of two epigenetic modulators, a DNA methylation inhibitor and a
histone deacetylase inhibitor on cell migration, proliferation, hTERT gene expression, and telomerase activity in HNSCC cell lines.

Methods:
Human HNSCC cell lines were treated with Azacitidine and Trichostatin A to investigate their effects on telomerase
gene expression and activity. Cell viability, migration, hTERT gene expression, and telomerase activity were studied using MTT
colorimetric assay, scratch wound assay, qRT-PCR, and TRAP assay, respectively.

Results:
Azacitidine at concentrations of ≤1μM and Trichostatin A at 0.1 to 0.3nM concentrations significantly decreased FaDu
and Cal-27 cells migration. The results showed that Azacitidine significantly decreased hTERT gene expression and telomerase
activity in FaDu and Cal-27 cell lines. However, there were no significant changes in hTERT gene expression at different
concentrations of Trichostatin A in both cell lines. Trichostatin A treatment affected telomerase activity at the high dose of 0.3 nM
Trichostatin A.

Conclusion:
The findings revealed that unlike histone deacetylase inhibitor, Azacitidine as an inhibitor of DNA methylation
decreases telomerase expression in HNSCC cells. This might suggest the potential role of DNA methyltransferase inhibitors in
telomerase-based therapeutic approaches in squamous cell carcinoma.