bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reference values of the central corneal thickness with different refractive errors for the adult Egyptian population
Authors: Gab-Alla Amr A. 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: To generate reference values of the central corneal thickness (CCT) with different refractive errors for the adult Egyptian population. Methods: A retrospective, observational, and cross-sectional study of 2200 eyes in 1166 subjects scheduled for LASIK, who came to private refractive eye center, Ismailia, Egypt. The study period was from January 2018 to January 2020. The subjects were divided into a broad range of myopia with spherical equivalent (SE) <-0.5D and hyperopia SE> +0.5D. Then, the myopic eyes divided into low (SE>-3.0D), moderate (SE-3.0D to >-6.0D), and high (SE<-6.0D). Similarly, the hyperopic eyes were divided into low (SE<+3.0 D) and moderate (SE+3.0D to <+6.0D) and high >+6.0D. The refractive error was measured by an auto-refractometer (Topcon, Tokyo Optical Co., Ltd., Japan), and CCT was measured using Sirius (CSO, Florence, Italy). Results: The data of 1100 myopic eyes in 556 subjects (30.5% males and 69.5% females) and 1100 hyperopic eyes in 610 subjects (33.6% males and 66.4% females). The mean+SD of CCT for the total myopic subjects was 531.98+32.92μm, range (406 to 636μm). The mean+SD of SE was -4.1±2.5D, range (-0.5 to -12.0D). The mean+SD of CCT for the total hyperopic subjects was 529±38.8μm, range (448 to 619 μm). The mean+SD of SE was +3.65+1.97D, range (+0.5 to +8.5D).Conclusion: In this study, the mean of CCT of the Egyptian population was 531.9 μm for myopic and 529μm for hyperopic subjects respectively. The myopic and hyperopic subjects show a reduction in CCT with age. Females have a thinner cornea than males, 23.6% of the myopic eyes, and 16.5% of the hyperopic eyes have CCT less than 500μm.
Irreversibility of Nerve Root Sedimentation Sign in Lumbar Spinal Stenosis After Decompression Surgery: Incidence and Risk Factors
Authors: Zhang Jinhong , Zhang Qunhu , Xia Shaoxiang , Xu Yunshan , Ni Jinrong , Yin Guoyong , Cao Xiaojian 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background. The nerve root sedimentation sign (Sed-sign) is a new diagnostic test for lumbar spinal stenosis. However, few studies have evaluated radiographical outcomes of positive Sed-sign after decompression surgery. The current study aims to evaluate the radiographicaland clinical outcomes of Sed-signafter decompression surgery among a relatively large sample sizeMethods. Patients with positive Sed-sign who underwent transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) surgery were reviewed. Based on postoperative MRI scans, patients with negative or irreversible Sed-sign were assigned to the reversible (R) or irreversible (Ir) groups, respectively. Demographics, radiographic parameters, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) were evaluated.Results. The R and Ir groups were comprised of 67 and 15 patients, respectively. There were no significant differences between two groups in terms of mean age, sex, postoperative complications as well as mean follow-up time (all P>0.05). After surgery, disc height (DH), foramina height (FH), and segmental lordosis (SL) in both groups were restored. At the latest follow-up, the smallest cross-sectional area (CSA) was significantly increased when compared with preoperatively (P<0.05). The CSA value and correction rate in the R-group was considerably higher than in the Ir-group (P=0.002 and P=0.007). Both groups had improved HRQOL after TLIF surgery; however, the Oswestry disability index, Zürich Claudication Questionnaire, and visual analog scale for back and leg pain were higher in the Ir vs. R groups (P<0.05). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that a postoperative CSA less than 131.4 mm2 was a risk factor for the irreversibility of Sed-sign.Conclusion.TLIF surgery resulted in reversibility of positive Sed-sign for most patients. The irreversibility of Sed-sign was associated with poor clinical outcomes. Independent risk factor for the irreversibility of Sed-sign was CSA less than 131.4 mm2.
Distribution of Genes Encoding Virulence Factors of Shigella Strains Isolated from Children with Diarrhea in Southwest Iran.
Authors: Afzali maryam , jomehzadeh nabi , ahmadi khadijeh 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: This study aimed to investigate the distribution of virulence factor genes in Shigella strains isolated from children with diarrhea in the southwest, Iran.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a total of 91 Shigella spp. were isolated from diarrhea specimens of 1 530 children aged under 15 years in Ahvaz and Abadan, southwest Iran. The Shigella strains were identified by biochemical methods. Subsequently, Shigella spp. were identified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR).All Shigella spp evaluated by PCR for the presence of 9 virulence genes (ipaH, ial, virF, invE, sat, sigA, pic, pet, and sepA).Results: A total of 91 isolates including 47 S. flexneri, 36 S. sonnei, and 8 S. boydii were identified. All isolates were positive for the ipaH gene. The other genes include ial, virF, invE, sigA, sat, sepA, pic and pet found in 84.6%, 72.5%,68.1%, 62.6%, 51.6%, 39.5%, 37.3% and 28.5% of the isolates, respectively.Conclusion: Our results showed a high distribution of virulence genes among Shigella strains in our region. It seems that for different Shigella spp. different virulence factors contribute to pathogenesis. The current study provided insights into some baseline information about the distribution of some virulence genes of Shigella isolates in Southwest Iran.
High Rates of Malaria Microscopy but Low Turnaround of Test-results Among Inpatients in Tertiary Care: With Delayed Initiation, Monotherapy and Incomplete Dosing of Antimalarials
Authors: Kiguba Ronald , Karamagi Charles , Bird Sheila M. 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Objectives:To describe the patterns of malaria diagnosis and antimalarial use: monotherapy, missed Day 1 dosing and risk-factors. Methods: Prospective cohort of consented adult inpatients on the medical and gynaecological wards of Uganda’s 1790-bed Mulago National Referral Hospital.Results: One in five (19%, 146/762; 95% confidence interval (CI): 16% to 22%) inpatients had an admitting or discharge malaria diagnosis or both. Microscopy was requested in 77% (108/141; 95% CI: 69% to 83%) of inpatients with an admitting malaria diagnosis; results were available for 46% (50/108; 95% CI: 37% to 56%), of whom 42% (21/50; 95% CI: 28% to 57%) were positive. Artesunate (AS) only (47%, 47/100; 95% CI: 37% to 57%) was the most frequently hospital-administered antimalarial followed by quinine (Q) only (23%, 95% CI: 15% to 32%). A quarter (25%, 25/100; 95% CI: 17% to 35%) of the inpatients missed their Day 1 dose of hospital-initiated antimalarials. Nearly half (47%, 95% CI: 34% to 61%) of 57 inpatients on AS and 18%(95% CI: 4% to 32%) of 28inpatients on Q missed at least one day of dosing in Days 1-3. Number of admitting diagnoses was a significant risk-factor for missed Day 1 dosing of hospital-initiated antimalarials (OR = 2.7, 95% CI: 1.53-4.54; P-value < 0.001).Conclusions: Half the malaria microscopy results were not available; yet, the rate of testing was high. Improvement in laboratory services, procurement, prescription, dispensing and administration of antimalarials could curb missed treatment for confirmed malaria cases, monotherapy and delayed doses.
The decrease of CD4 T cell is associated with mortality in critical inpatients with COVID-19
Authors: Xiong Jun , Yang Mei , Yang Weize , Luo Xiaomin , Hu Ke , zhao qingyan 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background The 2019 novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has caused an outbreak in the world. The critically ill patients had a high mortality. However, the possible risk factors of critical patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are not fully known. We aim to investigate the risk factors in critical patients with COVID-19 and to address their role in predicting disease progression.Methods In this single-centered, retrospective, observational study, we enrolled 91 critically ill adult patients with COVID-19 in Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University between Jan 20, 2020 and Feb 28, 2020. Data were collected using a standard method including clinical records and laboratory findings.Results 39 patients (42.9%) were dead and 52 patients (57.1%) were cured and discharged before Mar 22, 2020. CD4 T cell count, CD8 T cell count and glomerular filtration rate were significantly lower in non-survivors than in survivors. However, the non-survivors presented a higher proportion of D-dimer, Cardiac troponin and immunoglobulin G than in survivors. Intravenous immunoglobulin was more common in survivors than in non-survivors. On multivariate analysis, D-dimer (༞1 µg/mL, OR = 9.53, 95% CI, 2.53–35.88), CD4 + T count (༜200/µl, OR = 9.68, 95%CI, 2.76-40.00 ) and cardiac troponin (༞0.04 ng/mL, OR = 5.73, 95% CI, 1.86–17.66) were independent risk factors for mortality.Conclusion The decrease of CD4 T cell is associated with higher risk mortality in critical inpatients with COVID-19. Intravenous immunoglobulin was more common in survivors than in non-survivors.
Demonstrate the Capacity, Vulnerability and Community Based Disaster Risk Management Scenario of the vulnerable Groups in the Coastal Belt Area Dacope and Chalna in Khulna District of Bangladesh
Authors: Debnath Pronab Kumar 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Cyclones, floods and salinity are the most common hazards in the coastal zone of Bangladesh. The Dacope and Chalna are the coastal zones located in the south-western region of the country which has the experience to face devastating disasters. There are mentionable positive changes seen in the area since 2004. Despite that, there are many vulnerable peoples in the region. This study has been conducted to demonstrate the capacities & vulnerabilities and community-based disaster risk management of the area. The data and information have been collected via stakeholder consultation, literature study, and field visits. There are many peoples live on the shore and roadside. The illiteracy, lack of negotiation, lack of cyclone shelters and its capacity, corruption in relief, etc. made them vulnerable. The good social bonding, indigenous knowledge, experience, different volunteer groups have been found as their capacities. They use different measures for disaster risk management.
Research on the Flow Resistance Coefficient of a Multi-Hole, Secondary Pressure-Reducing Sleeve Valve
Authors: Xu Dong-tao , Ge Chang-rong , Meng Xiang-rui , Xu Shu-fang , Yu Xiao-guang 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
To solve the problem of valve noise, a multi-hole sleeve valve with secondary pressure-reducing function is presented in this paper. During the flow design of the valve, the flow resistance coefficient of the valve served as an important parameter. Because of two pressure-reducing components assembled to a multi-hole sleeve valve, the flow resistance coefficient of the valve changed. Thus, correction of the flow resistance coefficient had to be affected. In this paper, the relationship between the flow rate and flow resistance coefficient of the valve was first mapped and established. Then, the flow rate of the sleeve was obtained using SolidWorks simulation software. Locally refined finite element mesh technology was applied to the simulation to improve simulation accuracy. A parallel flow test platform for the regulating valve was established, and the flow rate of the multi-hole sleeve valve was detected at different openings, thus, verifying the reliability of the numerical simulation results. Finally, the simulation flow rate of the valve at different openings was substituted into the mapping relationship formula, in this way, the flow resistance coefficient of the sleeve valve was obtained. By using the modified flow resistance coefficient, the flow rate characteristics of the multi-hole, secondary pressure-reducing sleeve valve were efficiently and accurately established.
High BTBD7 Expression Positive Correlated with SLUG Predicted Poor Prognosis in Hormone Receptor Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Zi-xiong Li , Ze-nan Huang , Luo Hui , Xiong-bin Yang , Yu-lin Wang , Jie-xin Chen , Xiao-kai Ma , wang tiantian , Ling Lin 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
There is a poor prognosis of metastasis in hormone receptor negative breast cancer (HRNBC), including triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and HER-2 overexpression breast cancer. Recent studies have indicated that BTB/POZ domain-containing protein 7 (BTBD7) regulates SLUG which is a key EMT (epithelial-mesenchymal transformation)-associated protein. The role of BTBD7 in HRNBC, however, has not been identified. In this study, The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) was used to identify BTBD7 mRNA expression in breast cancer. In addition, GO and Metascape were used to identify differentially expressed genes. Immunohistochemical staining were applied to determine the protein expression of Btbd7 and Slug in paraffin-embedded samples from 144 HRNBC patients and 30 benign lesion patients. In cancer tissue, 64.9% in TNBC and 70.0% in HER-2+ overexpression breast cancer of Btbd7 protein was expressed when compared with a 20% expression in benign lesion tissues. Increased Btbd7 expression was further associated with larger tumor volume and poor TNM stages in HRNBC patients. Higher BTBD7 mRNA expression level was associated with shorter disease free survival (DFS) time from TCGA data. Higher Btbd7 protein expression in HRNBC tissue was associated with shorter DFS and OS time. Btbd7 protein expression significantly correlated with Slug expression in HRNBC tissue. Combining Btbd7 and Slug expression had a high predictive value for 3-year and 5-year DFS. As such, the positive expression of Btbd7 may contribute towards the development of breast cancer, specifically HRNBC via the up-regulation of Slug expression. Btbd7 was concluded to be an important predictor for the diagnosis of HRNBC patients.
Prognostic value of inflammation-based indices in patients with resected hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Kong Weihao , Yang Mingwei , Zhang Jianfeng , Cheng Ya , Dai Tianxing , Zhang Jian , Wang Guoying , Zhang Jianlin 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Purpose: As is well recognized that inflammation plays a crucial role in the genesis and progression of various cancer. Here we investigate the prognostic value of a novel index: the combination of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and platelet distribution width (coNLR-PDW) in post-operation patients with resectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).Methods: 250 HCC patients who underwent hepatectomy were retrospectively analyzed. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was utilized to determine the optimal cutoff values of continuous variables, including the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet distribution width (PDW). Kaplan-Meier method and the Log-rank test were used to compare survival differences across three groups stratified by the coNLR-PDW score. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were adopted to identify independent factors of HCC patient’s prognosis.Results: 1.59 and 13.0 were perceived as the optimal cutoff value for NLR and PDW based on the ROC curve, respectively. Kaplan-Meier method revealed that higher coNLR-PDW score predicts poorer overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) (P <0.001). coNLR-PDW was demonstrated as independent factor for both OS and DFS using Cox regression analysis (HR: 3.674, 95%CI: 2.092-6.452, P <0.001 for OS; HR: 2.166, 95%CI: 1.523-3.082, P <0.001 for DFS).Conclusion: coNLR-PDW is recognized as a valuable biomarker for predicting the survival of patients with HCC.
Antimicrobial resistance patterns of WHO priority pathogens isolated in children from a tertiary care hospital in Southern India: A descriptive and time trend analysis
Authors: Mogasale Vijayalaxmi V , Saldanha Prakash , Pai Vidya , PD Rekha , Mogasale Vittal 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background

There is global consensus that Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) poses an unprecedented challenge to modern medicine as we know it today; and the lack of new antibiotics in the pipeline is compounding the threat to contain emerging drug-resistant infections. In 2017, the World Health Organization (WHO) has articulated a priority pathogens list (PPL) to provide strategic direction to research and development of new anti-microbials. Anti-microbial resistance patterns of selected ‘drug-bug’ combinations based on the WHO-PPL in one tertiary health care facility in India are explored in this paper.
Methods

Culture reports of laboratory specimens, collected between 1st January 2014 and 31st October 2019 from paediatric patients in a tertiary care hospital in India, were retrospectively extracted. The antimicrobial susceptibility patterns for selected antimicrobials based on the WHO-PPL are analysed and reported.
Results

Of 12,256 culture specimens screened, 2,335 (19%) showed culture positivity; of which 1,556 were organisms from the WHO-PPL. E. coli was the most common organism isolated (37%) followed by Staphylococcus aureus (16%). Total 72% of E. coli were extended-spectrum beta-lactamases producers, 55% of Enterobacteriaceae were resistant to 3rd generation cephalosporins, and 53% of Staphylococcus aureus were Methicillin resistant. Time-trend analysis of the data showed continued high resistance to carbapenem in E coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Enterobacter cloacae.
Conclusions

The AMR trends and prevalence patterns are likely to be different, across various local settings, than as defined at the national level or the WHO-PPL. This difference needs to be recognised in decision and policy making. It is critical, that the evidence used at national and global levels, have reasonable geographical and population representation through standardised and more granular AMR surveillance, in order to improve the effectiveness of the overall national AMR response.
Effect of Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam on the Water Footprint of Aswan High Dam Hydropower
Authors: Elbaradei Sherine Ahmed , Abdelkader Sarah Ehab 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Construction of the Ethiopian Grand Renaissance dam (GRD) has many impacts and implication on the water share and future use in Egypt. Especially the period of the reservoir filling will have a great effect on the Nile River and its water in Egypt. Many of these effects of the GRD on Egypt has been studied before, but no study was done on the effect of its existence on the hydropower water footprint of the High Aswan dam. This research is concerned by simulating the effect of the different GRD reservoir filling scenarios on the water footprint of the hydropower generated from the High Aswan dam. Also, the effect on the hydropower of the Aswan dam itself is also simulated and assessed. Mathematical modeling is used to reach those goals. Three filling scenarios of the GRD were investigated: namely 3 years, 5 years, and 6 years. It was found that as the filling duration of the GRD decreases the negative effect on the hydropower water footprint increases.
Development of significant disease in a cohort of patients with non-specific enteritis on capsule endoscopy. Clinical suspicion and a high base line Lewis score are predictive of Crohn’s disease.
Authors: Sihag Sandeep , Tan Brandon , Semenov Serhiy , Ismail Mohd Syafiq , Ryan Barbara , O'Connor Anthony , Breslin Niall , Douglas Atiyekeogbebe Rita , McNamara Deirdre 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Introduction: As with isolated ileitis the findings of nonspecific small bowel enteritis (NSE) on capsule endoscopy (CE) poses a clinical challenge. There is lack of available evidence to help clinicians to predict significant disease and long-term prognosis.Aim: To define the natural history of NSE in an Irish cohort. Methods: Patients with a finding of NSE were identified from a database. Subsequent investigations, treatments and diagnosis were recorded. Patients were grouped based on ultimate diagnosis: Crohn’s disease (CD), Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), NSAIDs enteritis (NSAIDs), persistent NSE and no significant disease (NAD).Results: 88 patients, 46 (52%) male, mean age 52 +- 17.8 years were included with a mean follow up of 23 +- 19 months. The ultimate diagnoses were NAD=43 (49%), CD =17 (19%), IBS =14 (16%), NSAIDs =12 (14%) and persistent NSE=2 (2%). Significantly, more patients diagnosed with CD on follow up were referred with suspected CD. CD= 14/17 (82%) vs 13/57 (23%), p < 0.001. While a diagnosis of CD was associated with a positive baseline Lewis score (>135); 11/17 (65%) CD versus 16/ 71 (23%). Female gender was associated with an ultimate diagnosis of IBS (OR 5, p <0.02). Older age was associated with NSAIDs enteritis, while more subjects without significant gastrointestinal disease were anemic on presentation.Conclusion: The majority (49%) of NSE patients do not develop significant small bowel disease. CD occurred in 19% of NSE patients on follow up. Clinical suspicion and capsule severity are predictive of Crohn’s disease on initial CE.
A pilot study of thiamine and folic acid in hemodialysis patients with cognitive impairment
Authors: Lu Renhua , Fang Yan , Zhou Yijun , Che Miaolin , Shen Jianxiao , Liu Qian , Zhang Haifen , Pan Shuting , Lin Yan , Wang Qin , Mou Shan , Ni Zhaohui , Gu Leyi 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: This study aimed to explore the effectiveness of thiamine and folic acid supplementation on the improvement of the cognitive function in patients with maintenance hemodialysis. Methods: In the present study, we randomly assigned patients undergoing hemodialysis who had the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score lower than 26 to treatment group (n=25, thiamine 90mg/day combined with folic acid 30mg/day) or control group (n=25, nonintervention). All subjects were followed up for 96 weeks. The primary outcome was the improvement of the MoCA score. The secondary outcomes included homocysteine level, survival and safety. Results: Patients in treatment group had an increase of the MoCA score from 21.95±3.81 at baseline to 25.68±1.96 at week 96 (P<0.001, primary outcome), as compared with the MoCA score from 20.69±3.40 to 19.62±3.58 in control group. Thiamine combined with folic acid treatment also resulted in lower level of serum homocysteine in treatment group compare with control group at week 96 (P<0.05, secondary outcome). 3 patients and 9 patients died during follow-up period in treatment and control group respectively (P=0.048). The proportion of adverse events in treatment group was significantly lower than that in control group. Conclusion: Hemodialysis patients with cognitive impairment treated with thiamine and folic acid had a significant improvement in MoCA score. Trial registration: Clinical trial registration number: ChiCTR-IPR-17012210.