bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lacrimal Sac Bacteriology and Susceptibility Pattern in Infants with Congenital Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction in the 1st Year of Life: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Zheng Xiaoyu , Choy Bonnie Nga Kwan , Zhou Mingming , Shi Caiping , Zhao Zhengyan 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO) is one of the main causes of epiphora in infants, and antibiotics are usually used as a conservative therapy in the first year. Yet, little is known about the bacteriology of the occluded lacrimal drainage system in this group of patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the microbiology of lacrimal sac (LS) in Chinese children with CNLDO in their first year of life.Methods: Patients with CNLDO between May 1, 2017 and August 31, 2018 at a tertiary care children’s hospital were enrolled. The study recruited infants who received lacrimal probing under 1 year old, and refluxed discharge from LS was collected. Samples were cultured and susceptibility test was performed for positive culture.Results: Thirty-two patients with CNLDO were included. The ratio of male to female was 23:9. The mean age was 6.7 ± 2.4 (1.7-12) months. Positive cultures was identified in 87.5% of the sample, and presented 38 strains of bacteria. Mixed infection was identified in 10 (31.3%) children. Gram-positive bacteria accounted for 60.5% of all the strains, with Streptococcus (50%) being the most frequent species, whereas Haemophilus (21.1%) and Neisseriae (13.2%) were most common isolates for Gram-negative organisms. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was detected in 2 infants whose symptoms resolved by a routine probing. No difference of bacteriology pattern was detected between patients under 6 months old and those beyond. The pathogens were highly sensitive to chloramphenicol (88%) and levofloxacin (84%), but resistant to erythromycin (40%) and sulfamethoxazole (32%).Conclusions: Infants with CNLDO under 1 year of age presented predominance of Streptococcus as Gram-positive organism, and Haemophilus as Gram-negative organism. Levofloxacin was an active topical antibiotic agent with few chance of resistance especially for Chinese children. These findings could help clinicians choose optimal medicine for CNLDO as the conservative treatments.
Non-target screening for detecting the occurrence of plant metabolites in river waters
Authors: Nanusha Mulatu Yohannes , Krauss Martin , Brack Werner 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: In surface waters, using liquid chromatography coupled to high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS), typically large numbers of chemical signals often with high peak intensity remain unidentified. These chemical signals may represent natural compounds released from plants, animals and microorganisms, which may contribute to the cumulative toxic risk. Thus, attempts were made to identify natural compounds in significant concentrations in surface waters by identifying overlapping LC-HRMS peaks between extracts of plants abundant in the catchment and river waters using a non-target screening (NTS) work flow. Results: The result revealed the presence of several thousands of overlapping peaks between water – and plants from local vegetation. Taking this overlap as a basis, 12 SPMs from different compound classes were identified to occur in river waters with flavonoids as a dominant group. The concentrations of the identified compounds ranged from 0.02 to 5 µg/L with apiin, hyperoside and guanosine with highest concentrations. Most of the identified compounds exceeded the threshold for toxicological concern (TTC) (0.1 µg/L) for non-genotoxic and non-endocrine disrupting chemicals in drinking water often by more than one order of magnitude. Conclusion: Our results revealed the contribution of chemicals eluted from the vegetation in the catchment to the chemical load in surface waters and help to reduce the number of unknowns among NTS high-intensity peaks detected in rivers. Since secondary plant metabolites (SPMs) are often produced for defence against other organisms and since concentrations ranges are clearly above TTC a contribution to toxic risks on aquatic organisms and impacts on drinking water safety cannot be excluded. This demands for including these compounds into monitoring and assessment of water quality.
Frailty, delirium and hospital mortality of older adults admitted to intensive care: the Delirium (Deli) in ICU study.
Authors: Sanchez David , Brennan Kathleen , Safye Masar El , Shunker Sharon-Ann , Bogdanoski Tony , Hedges Sonja , Hou Yu Chin , Lynch Joan M , Hunt Leanne , Alexandrou Evan , Saxena Manoj , Abel Simon , Lakshmanan Ramanathan , Bhonagiri Deepak , Parr Michael J. , Aneman Anders , Chroinin Danielle Ni , Hillman Kenneth M. , Frost Steven Alfred 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: As the population ages clinical frailty among older adults admitted to intensive care has been proposed as an important determinant of patient outcomes. Among this group of patients an acute episode of delirium is also common, but its relationship to frailty and increased risk of mortality has not been extensively explored. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the relationship between clinical frailty, delirium and hospital mortality of older adults admitted to intensive care.Methods: This study is part of a Delirium in Intensive Care (Deli) study that is being conducted across the SWSLHD between May 1st 2019 and the end of April 2020. During the initial 6-month baseline period, clinical frailty status on admission to intensive care, among adults aged 50-years or more, acute episodes of delirium, and the outcomes of intensive care and hospital stay will be described.Results: During the 6-month baseline period 997 patients, aged 50-years or more, were included in this study. The average age was 71-years (IQR, 63-79), 55% were male (n = 537). Among these patients 39.2% (95% CI 36.1 – 42.3%, n = 396) had a Clinical Frailty Score (CFS) of 5 or more, and 13.0% (n=127) had at least one acute episode of delirium. Frail patients were at greater risk of an episode of delirium (17% versus 10%, adjusted Rate Ratio (adjRR) = 1.71, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.20 – 2.43, p = 0.003), had a longer hospital stay (2.6 days, 95% CI 1-7 days, p = 0.009), and higher risk of hospital mortality (19% versus 7%, adjRR = 2.54, 95% CI 1.72 – 3.75, p < 0.001), when compared to non-frail patients. Patients who were frail and experienced an acute episode of delirium in the intensive care had a 35% rate of hospital mortality, versus 10% among non-frail patients who also experienced delirium in the ICU.Conclusion: This study among adults, aged 50-years or more, admitted to intensive care has been able to show that clinical frailty on admission increases the risk of delirium by approximately 60%, and both increase the risk of hospital mortality. One in three frail patients who experienced an acute episode of delirium during their stay in the intensive care did not survive to hospital discharge. These results suggest the importance of recognising clinical frailty in the intensive care setting, not just to improve the prediction of outcomes from critical illness, but to identify patients at the greatest risk of adverse events such as delirium, and institute measures to reduce risk, and, importantly to discuss these issues in an open and empathetic way with the patient and their families.
Influence of MIF polymorphisms on CpG island hyper-methylation of CDKN2A in the patients with ulcerative colitis
Authors: Sakurai Naoko , Shibata Tomoyuki , Nakamura Masakatsu , Takano Hikaru , Hayashi Tasuku , Ota Masafumi , Nomura-Horita Tomoe , Hayashi Ranji , Shimasaki Takeo , Otsuka Toshimi , Tahara Tomomitsu , Arisawa Tomiyasu 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: CDKN2A hypermethylation is among the major events associated with carcinogenesis and is also observed in non-neoplastic colonic mucosa in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) plays a crucial role in promoting gastrointestinal inflammation characteristic of UC. The aim of this study is to explore associations between CDKN2A methylation status and MIF polymorphisms (rs755622 and rs5844572). Methods: One hundred and fifty-nine patients diagnosed with UC were enrolled in this study. The methylation status of p14ARF and p16INK4a was determined by MSP; MIF genotypes were identified by PCR-SSCP. Results: We found no differences with respect to mean age, gender, clinical type (chronic continuous or relapse/remitting), or extent of disease among the patients with methylated and unmethylated p14ARF or p16INK4a. Carrying the rs755622 C allele indicated a significantly higher risk for p14ARF methylation (odds ratio (OR), 2.16; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.08-4.32; p=0.030); similarly, carrying the rs5844572 7-repeat allele indicated a significantly higher risk for p16INK4a methylation (OR, 2.57; 95% CI, 1.26–5.24; p=0.0094) after an adjusted regression analysis. The carriers of the rs755662 C allele or the rs5844572 7-repeat allele were both at a significantly higher risk for methylation of both p14ARF and p16INK4a when compared to the cohort in which neither of the genes were methylated (OR, 2.70; 95% CI, 1.22–6.01; p=0.015 and OR, 2.87; 95% CI, 1.25–6.62; p=0.013, respectively). Additionally, carrying rs755622 C allele was significantly associated with CIHM in chronic continuous of clinical type and total colitis (OR, 25.9; 95% CI, 2.55-262.6; p=0.0059 and OR, 4.38; 95% CI, 1.12-17.2; p=0.034, respectively), and carrying 7-repeat allele of rs5844572 was significantly associated in chronic continuous type (OR, 14.5; 95%CI, 1.46-144.3; p=0.022).Conclusions: Taken together, our findings suggest that MIF genotypes associated with inflammation may also be involved in promoting carcinogenesis via CDKN2A hypermethylation in patients diagnosed with UC.
The magnitude and associated Factors of Postoperative Trichiasis among adults who underwent Trachomatous Trichiasis Surgery in Ambassel District, North-East Ethiopia
Authors: Yimam Abdu Tabor , Wassie Gizachew Tadesse , Alene Getu Degu 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background

In Trachoma endemic countries, many people who underwent Trichiasis surgery faced a recurrence of the disease. Postoperative Trichiasis is a significant problem for patients and health care providers because it puts the eye at renewed risk of sight loss. Despite the low utilization of Trachomatous Trichiasis (TT) surgery and high recurrence rate, evidences that elucidate why TT recurs after surgery are limited. This study was aimed to assess the magnitude and associated factors of postoperative Trichiasis among 18 years and above individuals who underwent Trachomatous Trichiasis surgery between 2006 and 2011 Ethiopian Fiscal year in Ambassel District, North-East Ethiopia, 2020.
Methods

The community-based cross-sectional study design was conducted from March 10 to March 23/2020 in selected kebeles of Ambassel District. The required sample size was calculated using EPI-INFO Version 7. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to employ a total of 506 individuals. Data were collected through the interviewer-administered structured pre-tested questionnaire and entered into EpiData version 3.1 and then exported to SPSS version 23.0. Bi-variable and multivariable logistic regression models were fitted to identify associated factors of Trachomatous Trichiasis recurrence.
Results

Four hundred ninety two individuals participated in this study with response rate of 97.2%. In Ambassel district the prevalence of postoperative Trichiasis was 23.8% (95%CI = 19.9–27.8). Among associated factors of postoperative Trichiasis age 50–59 AOR = 3.34 (CI = 1.38–8.1), 60–69 AOR = 3.24(CI = 1.38–7.61), ≥ 70 years AOR = 6.04 (CI = 2.23–16.41), duration since surgery AOR = 1.7(CI = 1.35–2.14), complication AOR = 2.98(CI = 1.24–7.2), washing the face two times AOR = 0.25(CI = 0.13–0.47), washing the face three and more times AOR = 0.1(CI = 0.41 − 0.25), taking Azithromycin following surgery AOR = 0.19(CI = 0.09–0.41), pre-operative epilation history AOR = 2.11, (CI = 1.14, 3.9)and having a knowledge about TrachomaTtrichiasis AOR = 0.21(CI = 0.08–0.58) showed a statistical significant association.
Conclusions

The prevalence of postoperative Trichiasis in Ambassel District was higher than most Ethiopian studies. Age, frequency of face washing, medication following surgery, duration since the last surgery, knowledge about trachoma, pre-operative epilation history and complication after surgery were identified to be independent factors. To minimize postoperative Trichiasis stakeholders need to consider health education for patients, provision of Azithromycin after surgery and proper training for IECWs.
VDAC1 and RhoA in Plasma Exosomes Influence the Severity of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
Authors: Li Huizhen , Shen Nan , Mao Lin , Chen Meijia , Zhou Xuan , Chen Nan , Li Xin , Liang Juping , Yang Yuqi , Du Qing 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is the most common spine deformity, but biomarkers for its condition are lacking. Rhodopsin A (RhoA) and voltage-dependent anion-selective channel 1 (VDAC1) in plasma exosomes were defined as differentially expressed proteins between AIS patients and healthy controls. The purpose of this study was to assess exosomes as biomarkers for the occurrence and progression of AIS. Methods：We recruited 10 AIS patients and 8 healthy controls to detect expressed proteins from plasma by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry. Plasma samples were analyzed by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Pathway analysis identified that the VDAC1 and RhoA proteins were alterations expressed in the AIS patients, with the most different alteration was found in extracellular exosomes. Ultracentrifugation was carried out to isolate exosomes from plasma. Verification of the most differentially expressed protein was accessed by Western blot analysis and bioinformatics analysis was performed to predict the pathway of it.Results: 42 of significantly differentially expressed proteins were found in all subjects, and 17 proteins had significant difference. The differentially expressed proteins were enriched in plasma exosomes, and some proteins, such as FN1, were upregulated and others, such as VDAC1, RhoA and AHNAK, were downregulated in the AIS patients. Furthermore, ultracentrifugation was carried out to isolate exosomes from plasma, and RhoA and VDAC1 proteins in plasma exosomes were verified to downregulate by western blot. KEGG signaling pathways were used to predict potential pathways involved in the RhoA and VDAC1 proteins in the AIS patients. We found that the RhoA protein influences AIS probably through the chemokine signaling pathway, platelet activation and cAMP signaling pathway, and the VDAC1 protein is a key factor that participates in the necroptosis pathway, acting on the development of AIS.Conclusions: Consequently, this study mapped a profile of plasma protein, found the differentially expressed protein in AIS, which indicating that plasma exosomes, as a novel biomarker with high specificity, could be associated with the severity of AIS.
Policy Assessments for the Carbon Emission Flows and Sustainability of Bitcoin Blockchain Operation in China
Authors: Jiang Shangrong , Li Yuze , Lu Quanying , Hong Yongmiao , Guan Dabo , Xiong Yu , Wang Shouyang 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
The large energy consumption and the associated carbon emission of the Bitcoin blockchain operations are growing to a non-negligible problem that could potentially undermine the sustainable efforts of many countries around the world. In this paper, we make the first and original attempt to investigate the carbon emission flows of the Bitcoin blockchain operations in China under different carbon policies with a Bitcoin blockchain carbon emission (BBCE) model. We find that without any policy interventions, the annual energy consumption of the Bitcoin blockchain in China is expected to maximize in 2024 at 296.59 Twh and generate 130.50 million metric tons of carbon emission flows correspondingly, which would exceed the annualized greenhouse gas emission level of the Czech Republic and Portugal in 2016. Moreover, the maximum carbon emission per GDP of the Bitcoin industry is estimated to reach 10.77 kg/USD in June 2026 based on benchmark assessments. In addition, policies that induce changes in the energy consumption structure of the mining activities may be more effective than intuitive punitive measures in limiting the total amount of carbon emission in the Bitcoin blockchain operation. In particular, we find that market access policy has an incentive effect on the emission reduction of the Bitcoin industry. After evaluating the policy effectiveness, we provide some novel insights for the sustainable operations of the disruptive blockchain technology by analyzing the carbon emissions pattern of the Bitcoin blockchain.
National identity predicts public health support during a global pandemic
Authors: Bavel Jay Van , Boggio Paulo 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is a devastating global health crisis. Without a vaccine or effective medication, the best hope for mitigating virus transmission is collective behavior change and support for public health interventions (e.g., physical distancing, physical hygiene, and endorsement of health policies). In a large-scale international collaboration (N = 46,650 across 67 countries), we investigated why people adopted public health behaviors and endorsed public policy interventions (e.g., closing bars and restaurants) during the early stages of the pandemic (April-May, 2020). Results revealed that respondents who identified more strongly with their nation consistently reported engagement in public health behaviors and greater support for public health policies. We also found a small effect of political orientation, indicating that left-wing respondents were more likely to report public health behaviors and support for public health measures than right-wing respondents. We discuss the implications of links between national identity, leadership, and public health for managing the COVID-19 and future pandemics.
Seeking social support through Religion, Psychological wellbeing and Social capital: A Global Survey on Coronavirus situational stress and coping strategies&nbsp;
Authors: Saud Muhammad , Ashfaq Asia , Abbas Ansar , Mahmood Qaisar Khalid 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
The novel of Coronavirus (COVID-19) which emerged in Wuhan, China in December 2019 has quickly spread in China and exported to around the world including economically developed countries and it has hit Indonesia as well. It is changing social life, practices, everyday habits, and government policies toward all walks of life. The main cause of COVID-19 is to be primarily transmitted by the respiratory droplets with similar incubation time (1). The present study aimed to highlight the relationship of religiosity, social capital and psychological wellbeing of the general public with a pandemic, particularly during COVID-19 days. There are various social and religious factors which lead to a cure and give the presence of religious and social function of the society. The purpose of this study is to give socialization and to give awareness, on social distancing, religious coping strategies, and how to live a healthy lifestyle. It is also to mention that, author (s) ensured the ethical consideration from the respondents and to use this survey for the academic purpose and scientific publications. This COVID-19 awareness survey started in Indonesia and its surrounding areas to access maximum respondents. This campaign can also suggest a recommendation for safety and ensure public health precautions from such pandemics.
Applicability of Commercial Clinical Chemistry Test Kits For Horse Serum
Authors: Megerssa Yoseph Cherinet , Gari Fikru Regassa , Woldemariyam Fanos Tadesse 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Validation of a test method to determine its fitness for a particular use is critical for conﬁrming that the test can generate accurate and precise data. Although several commercial biochemical test kits exist and validated for humans there is no specific and validated commercial clinical chemistry test kits designed for horse Objective: The aim of this study was to validate commercial clinical chemistry test kits designed for human serum for use in horses to accurately measure total cholesterol urea and total protein in serumMethods: This study used 25 apparently healthy adult horses. Blood samples were collected and pooled serum was prepared. Analytical validation comprises replication and recovery experiments. Total observable error (TEo%), Sigma metrics and quality goal index (QGI) was used to support the analytical validation studies.Result: Intra- and inter-assay variability was 2.05% and 2.08%, 2.26% and 1.89%, 2.4% and 1.63%, for total cholesterol urea and total protein for respectively; recovery was 99.46%, 97.32% and 100.1% for total cholesterol urea and total protein for respectively. TEo% for the specified analytes were within the allowable error indicated ASVCP guidelines. All the three anaytes satisfied the recommended requirement (>3 sigma values). The QGI for urea, as it had below 6σ was 0.95 indicating imprecision and inaccuracy.Conclusion: The results of the research endorse the suitability of the studied commercial clinical chemistry test kits and illustrated the acceptance criteria for serum collected from horse.
A Retrospective&nbsp;Review of Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty Functional Outcome and the Incidence of Medial Meniscus Posterior Root Tear in Spontaneous Osteonecrosis of the Knee
Authors: WU PO-JU , Lin TsungYu , Lu Yung Chang 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Spontaneous osteonecrosis of the knee (SONK) can lead to severe knee osteoarthritis predominantly localized to the medial compartment. We aimed to determine whether unicompartmental knee arthroplasty was an effective treatment for primary SONK.Methods: We analyzed the functional outcomes in 23 patients with SONK (with a magnetic resonance imaging [MRI]-confirmed diagnosis) who underwent UKA at a single center. The mean follow-up time was 67 months post-UKA.Results: Significant improvements in function were indicated by reduced Oxford Knee and Visual Analogue Scale scores after UKA, and there were no specific complications after the procedures. The incidence of MRI-identified medial meniscus posterior root tear (MMPRT) was 69.6% (16/23). Conclusion: Unicompartmental arthroplasty for SONK is less destructive to the native knee structure than total knee arthroplasty, but can achieve comparable prognosis with strict patient selection. While the precise etiology of SONK is unknown, one theory posits that a MMPRT may change the biomechanical circumstances of the knee joint, leading to osteonecrosis. Although not confirmatory, the high prevalence rate suggests that MMPRT may have a key role in the development of SONK. UKA is an effective treatment option for SONK, resulting in significant functional improvement. Long-term (>10 years) outcomes should be investigated.