bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Comparative Assessment of Dry Eye Disease Among Outdoor Street Sweepers and Indoor Office Cleaners
Authors: Echieh Chigozie Ifeoma , Etim Bassey A , Echieh Chidiebere Peter , Ajewole Jeff 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background:Occupational predisposition to dry eye disease is known. Simultaneous exposure to multiple factors may pose more risk. Street sweepers are exposed to sunlight in addition to dust which all sweepers are exposed to. This study aims to assess the prevalence of dry eye disease (DED) amongst Street sweepers and Office cleaners in Calabar metropolis.Methods:A cross sectional study was conducted among street sweepers and office cleaners. A systematic random sampling and multi-stage sampling method was used to select street sweepers (n=115) and office cleaners (n=115) respectively for the study. A pretested semi-structured interviewer administered questionnaire was used to obtain information after which the respondents had an ophthalmic examination. An assessment of DED was done with Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire, Schirmer’s test and tear break up time (TBUT).Results:Majority of respondents were females 215(93.5%) compared to males 15 (6.5%). The overall mean age of respondents was 40.96 ± 9.8 years. The prevalence of DED among Street sweepers was 35.7% compared to 20% among office cleaners using the OSDI questionnaire. The prevalence of DED among street sweepers was 32.2% compared to 30.4% among Office cleaners using the Schirmer’s test. The TBUT reported a prevalence of 38.3% of DED among Street sweepers compared to 32.2% in Office cleaners.Conclusion:This study concluded that street sweepers had higher odds of developing dry eye disease compared to office cleaners. This effect is possibly due to synergy of factors. Studies on dose response are warranted. Strict use of protective gears that protect from multiple risk factors are recommended.
Notch signaling in mouse blastocyst development and hatching
Authors: Batista Mariana , Diniz Patrícia , Torres Ana , Murta Daniel , Lopes-da-Costa Luís , Silva Elisabete 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background Mammalian early embryo development requires a well-orchestrated interplay of cell signaling pathways. Notch is a major regulatory pathway involved in cell-fate determination in embryonic and adult scenarios. However, the role of Notch in embryonic pre-implantation development is controversial. In particular, Notch role on blastocyst development and hatching remains elusive, and a complete picture of the transcription and expression patterns of Notch components during this time-period is not available.Results This study provided a comprehensive view on the dynamics of individual embryo gene transcription and protein expression patterns of Notch components (receptors Notch1-4; ligands Dll1 and Dll4, Jagged1-2; and effectors Hes1-2), and their relationship with transcription of gene markers of pluripotency and differentiation (Sox2, Oct4, Klf4, Cdx2) during mouse blastocyst development and hatching. Transcription of Notch1-2, Jagged1-2 and Hes1 was highly prevalent and dynamic along stages of development, whereas transcription of Notch3-4, Dll4 and Hes2 had a low prevalence among embryos. Transcription levels of Notch1, Notch2, Jagged2 and Hes1 correlated with each other and with those of pluripotency and differentiation genes. Gene transcription was associated to protein expression, except for Jagged2, where high transcription levels in all embryos were not translated into protein. Presence of Notch signaling activity was confirmed through nuclear NICD and Hes1 detection, and downregulation of Hes1 transcription following canonical signaling blockade with DAPT. In vitro embryo culture supplementation with Jagged1 had no effect on embryo developmental kinetics. In contrast, supplementation with Jagged2 abolished Jagged1 transcription, downregulated Cdx2 transcription and inhibited blastocyst hatching. Notch signaling blockade by DAPT downregulated transcription of Sox2, and retarded embryo hatching. Conclusion Transcription of Notch genes showed a dynamic pattern along blastocyst development and hatching. Data confirmed Notch signaling activity, and lead to the suggestion that Notch canonical signaling may be operating through Notch1, Notch3, Jagged1 and Hes1. Embryo culture supplementation with Jagged1 and Jagged2 unveiled a possible regulatory effect between Jagged1, Cdx2 and blastocyst hatching. Overall, results indicate that a deregulation in Notch signaling, either by its over or under-activation, affects blastocyst development and hatching.
Valgus Intertrochanteric Osteotomy for Salvage of Failed Femoral Cervicotrochanteric Fracture Fixation
Authors: Odeh Rabea M , Lu Yu-Der , Wu Cheng-Ta , Sung Pei-Hsun , Lin Yi-Ting , Yip Hon-Kan , Lee Mel S. 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
BackgroundFemoral cervicotrochanteric fracture fixation failure often requires a salvage procedure to preserve the hip. To understand its limitations, this study investigated the use of intertrochanteric osteotomy for this purpose and analyzed causes of failure.MethodsDuring 2001 − 2017, 21 patients (males:females = 12:9; 47 ± 17 years) with failed femur cervicotrochanteric fracture fixation were treated with intertrochanteric osteotomy. All patients were followed-up using functional assessment according to the Harris hip score (HHS) and radiological assessment. The clinical end-point was conversion to hip arthroplasty for any reason or acquiring a symptomatic hip with a HHS < 80.ResultsWith a follow-up duration of 124 ± 63 months, success was achieved in 16 patients, whereas 5 patients developed fixation failure. Early failure was associated with fixation loss in 2 hips with subcapital fractures, while late failure was related to progression of pre-existing osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) in 3 hips. Aside from the 2 early failure hips, the osteotomy healed uneventfully in all cases, and the original fracture sites healed within 17.2 ± 6.3 weeks. Of the 5 hips converted to arthroplasty, standard femoral implants were used without the need to re-perform an osteotomy to align the medullary canal. At the final follow-up, significant improvements in limb-length discrepancy (LLD), neck-shaft angle (NSA), and HHS were observed. The valgus osteotomy angle for correction was 21.9° ± 8.4°, and this was maintained at 21.1° ± 10.5° during follow-up.ConclusionsIntertrochanteric osteotomy is a useful operation and can promote fracture-healing in cases of failed cervicotrochanteric fracture fixation. Subcapital fracture with limited bone to enable secure purchase of the fixation device and pre-existing ONFH were associated with high failure rates. In such cases, salvage should not be attempted using this procedure alone, and arthroplasty or other salvage procedures may be necessary.
Transcriptome analysis of two contrasting genotypes of pearl millet to gain insight into heat stress responses
Authors: Maibam Albert , Nigombam Sunil , Vishwakarma Harinder , Lone Showkat Ahmad , Gaikwad Kishor , Mithra S. V. Amitha , Singh Madan Pal , Singh Sumer Pal , Dalal Monika , Padaria Jasdeep Chatrath 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background

Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br. is mainly grown in arid and semi-arid regions. Being naturally tolerant to various adverse condtitions, it is a good biological resource for deciphering the molecular basis of abiotic stresses such as heat stress in plants but limited studies have been carried out till date to this effect. Here, we performed RNA-sequencing from the leaf of two contrasting genotypes of pearl millet (841-B and PPMI-69) subjected to heat stress (42 °C for 6 h).
Results

Over 274 million high quality reads with an average length of 150 nt were generated. Assembly was carried out using trinity, obtaining 47,310 unigenes having an average length of 1254 nucleotides, N50 length of 1853 nucleotides and GC content of 53.11%. Blastx resulted in annotation of 35,628 unigenes and functional classification showed 15,950 unigenes designated to 51 Gene Ontology terms, 13,786 unigenes allocated to 23 Clusters of Orthologous Groups and 4,255 unigenes distributed into 132 functional KEGG pathways. 12,976 simple sequence repeats were identified from 10,294 unigenes for the development of functional markers. A total of 3,05,759 SNPs were observed in the transcriptome data. Out of 2,301 differentially expressed genes, 10 potential candidates genes were selected based on log2 fold change and adjusted p-value parameters for their differential gene expression by qRT-PCR.
Conclusions

The dynamic expression changes in two genotypes of P. glaucum reflect transcriptome regulation of signaling pathways in heat stress response. In order to develop genetic markers, 12,976 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) were identified. The sequencing data generated in this study shall serve as an important resource for further research in the area of crop biotechnology.
Central Osteophytes in Patients with Osteoarthritis of the Hip Joint Compared to Healthy Subjects: A Histological study
Authors: Klose-Jensen Rasmus , Nielsen Andreas Wiggers , Hartlev Louise Brøndt , Thomasen Jesper Skovhus , Boel Lene Warner Thorup , Laursen Mogens , Keller Kresten Krarup , Hauge Ellen-Margrethe 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and size of marginal and central osteophytes in patients with osteoarthritis (OA), and to compare these to that of healthy subjects. Design: We investigated femoral heads from 25 patients with OA following hip replacement surgery, and 25 femoral heads from healthy subjects obtained post-mortem. The area and boundary length of the femoral head, marginalosteophytes, and central osteophytes were determined with histomorphometry. Marginal osteophytes were defined as bony projections at the peripheral margin of the femoral head, while central osteophytes were defined as areas of bone that expanded from the normal curvature of the femoral head up into the articular cartilage.Results: The median[25th−75th percentile] number of marginal osteophytes was 5[5−6] for patients with OA compared to 0[0−1] for the healthy subjects (P<0.001). The median number of central osteophytes was 3[2−4] for patients with OA, which was significantly higher thanthat of 1[0−2]for the healthy subjects (P < 0.001). The marginal and central osteophytes were significantly larger in patients with OA than in healthy subjects. In healthy subjects, the central osteophytes were more frequent than the marginal osteophytes (P = 0.045).Conclusion: At the hip, bothmarginal- and central osteophytes were more frequent and larger in patients with OA than in healthy subjects. The higher number of central osteophytes compared to marginal osteophytes in the healthy subjects may suggest that central osteophytes arean early phenomenon of osteoarthritis.
3D Co-Culture model of Endothelial Colony Forming Cells (ECFCs) Reverses Late Passage Adipose-derived Stem Cell Senescence for Wound Healing
Authors: Hu Wansheng , Zhu Shengqian , Fanai Mimi Lalrimawii , Wang Jing , Cai Junrong , Feng Jingwei 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
BackgroundExtensive passage of adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) in vitro leads to loss of function. Endothelial colony forming cells (ECFCs) can be isolated from adult peripheral blood. A 3D co-culture system may rescue in vitro ASC senescence.MethodsA 3D co-culture model was successfully established using hyaluronic acid (HA) gel and a 10:1 ratio of late-passage ASCs and ECFCs. Cell density and culture conditions were optimized. Stem cell phenotype was characterized by flow cytometry. ELISA was used to measure the trophic effect of angiogenic growth factors and compare the effects of these factors between the 3-D co-culture and single cell culture. Therapeutic potential of ASC/ECFC 3-D co-cultures was evaluated in a mouse chronic injury model.ResultsFollowing incubation in a HA substrate 3D co-culture system, ASC morphology, phenotype, secretory profile and differentiation capacity was restored. The ASC/ECFC co-culture increased the secretion of cytokines, such as hepatocyte growth factor, compared with single cell 3D culture or monolayer culture. Mice radiation-ulcer wounds treated with ASC/ECFC 3-D co-cultures (spheroids) showed epithelialization and improved healing compared with wounds treated with ASCs or ECFCs alone. Further, transplanted ASC/ECFC spheroids exhibited superior angiogenic potential due to the ability of the ASCs to transdifferentiate into pericytes.Conclusion3D co-culture of ECFCs and ASCs in vitro restored native ASC properties by reversing cellular senescence and loss of trophic function. Transplant of ASC/ECFC 3D spheroids in vivo demonstrated pro-angiogenic capacity with improved therapeutic potential.
Clinical characteristics and risk factors of patients with severe COVID-19 in Jiangsu province, China
Authors: Liu Songqiao , Luo Huanyuan , Wang Yuancheng , Cuevas Luis E. , Wang Duolao , Ju Shenghong , Yang Yi 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
BackgroundTo describe the characteristics of patients with Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) and factors associated with severe or critically ill presentation.MethodsMulticentre retrospective cohort study of all individuals with confirmed Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV2) infections diagnosed at 24 COVID-19-designated hospitals in Jiangsu province between the 10th January and 15th March 2020. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, and radiological data were collected at hospital admission and data on disease severity were collected at from admission. Patients were categorised as asymptomatic/mild/moderate, and severe/critically ill according to the worst level of COVID-19 recorded during hospitalisation.ResultsA total of 625 patients, 64 (10.2%) were severe/critically ill and 561 (89.8%) were asymptomatic/mild/moderate. All patients were discharged and no patients died. Multivariable regression showed that odds of being a severe/critically ill case were associated with age (year) (OR, 95%CI 1.06, 1.03–1.09), lymphocyte count (109/L) (OR 0.25, 0.08–0.74), and pulmonary opacity in CT (per 5%) on admission (OR 1.31, 95%CI 1.15–1.51).ConclusionsSevere or critically ill patients with COVID-19 is about one-tenths of patients in Jiangsu. Age, lymphocyte count, and pulmonary opacity in CT on admission were associated with risk of severe or critically ill COVID-19.# Songqiao Liu, Huanyuan Luo, Yuancheng Wang contributed equally to this manuscript
The Prevalence of depression in outpatients attending a chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction clinic in a tertiary academic centre in Johannesburg, South Africa
Authors: Tsabedze Nqoba , Kinsey Jamie-Leigh , Mpanya Dineo , Mogashoa Vanessa , Klug Eric , Manga Pravin 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: In high income countries depression is reported to affect at least one-fifth of patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). Mental health problems have been associated with frequent rehospitalisation and an increased risk of all-cause mortality. Despite the reported high prevalence of depression in CHF, there is a paucity of data on this subject from the developing world. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of depression, stress and anxiety in patients attending a dedicated chronic heart failure clinic. Methods: A prospective study was conducted at an outpatient heart failure clinic, in a tertiary academic centre over a nine month period in 2016. The study participants completed a Depression, Anxiety and Stress (DASS-21) questionnaire to screen for the presence and severity of depression, anxiety and stress. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors of depression.Results: The study population comprised of 103 patients, predominantly female (62.1%) with a median age of 53 (interquartile range 38 – 61). Hypertension was the most common co-morbidity, reported in 35.9% of patients. Depression was reported by 54 (52.4%) with 12(11.7%) reporting extremely severe depression. Anxiety was diagnosed in 55 (53.4%) patients with extremely severe anxiety reported by 19 (18.4%) patients. Fifty patients (48.5%) were classified as stressed and only 8 (7.7%) had extremely severe stress. More than half of the patients (54.4%) were in New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class I with a mean (SD) left ventricular ejection (LVEF) of 30.5 (11.1) %. The six-minute walk test (odds ratio (OR) -0.07, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.01 – 0.00, p=0.012) and the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure score (OR 0.04, CI 0.02 – 0.01, p=0.001) were identified as independent predictors of depression. Conclusion: The prevalence of depression and anxiety was found in over half of our patients attending the chronic heart failure clinic. In view of the high prevalence of psychosocial stressors in CHF, we recommend that mental health screening should be considered. Prospective, adequately powered, multicentre studies from developing countries investigating the impact of depression on heart failure hospitalisation and mortality are still required.
Economic Burden of Moderate to Severe Burns and its Association with Health-related Quality of Life of Nigerian Women
Authors: Chinweuba Anthonia U , Chinweuba Ifunanya S. , Diorgu Faith C. , Ubochi Nneka E. , Ezeruigbo Chinwe S. , Wasini Kenneth B. , Nnabuenyi Anthonia I. 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Burns cases are frequent in Nigeria hospitals, however, literature on its economic burden and the association with health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of women in Nigeria is scarce. This study determined the weight of cost of hospitalization on women’s economic status and its associated HRQOL.
Methods
This was a three-month cross-sectional study of seventy-three female patients ≥ 25 years, treated of mixed or full thickness burns in four teaching hospitals in south-east Nigeria, discharged between September-November, 2018. Study instruments were participants’ case notes for socio-demographic and disease history, interviewer-administered questionnaires, namely-economic-burden-of-burns questionnaire and English version of the EuroQol Five-Dimensions-Three-Level Health Questionnaire for Nigeria. Data were collected on second- or third-day post-discharge through home visits or phone calls. This lasted for thirteen weeks.
Results
Most participants were married, fairly educated, mainly traders or housewives. Thirty-four (46.6%) had subjective estimated family monthly income below NGN 50,000 (low economic status). Participants’ average monthly income reduced drastically after hospitalization. Their average family monthly income was NGN110,439 (USD307), while their average total expenses incurred during hospitalization was NGN691,093 (USD1,920). Almost all (93.2%) had at least one surgical intervention during management. Their average length of hospital stay was 35.4 days; eleven consequently lost their job. Many had moderate to severe economic burden of treatment; only eleven could bear all the treatment expenses independently. Women in the low economic class were more inclined to extreme anxiety/depression (p = .001) and pain/discomfort (p = .002) dimensions of HRQOL. Low and middle-class women had poorer health state on the EQ VAS scale than the high class.
Conclusion
Burns places high level of economic burden on women and unfortunately, Nigerian government’s commitment to healthcare of burns patients is low. The long course of hospitalization and economic depletion impact negatively on the women’s HRQOL. Based on these findings, we recommend that government parastatals create special trust fund for burns treatment and the National Health Insurance Scheme be restructured for more accessibility.
A method for identifying and predicting the geometric errors of a rotating axis
Authors: Fan Jinwei , Wang Peitong , Tao Haohao , Li Zhongsheng , Yin Jian 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
To improve the machine tool accuracy, an integrated geometric error identification and prediction method is proposed to eliminate the positioning inaccuracy of tool ball for a double ball bar (DBB) caused by the rotary axis’ geometric errors in a multi-axis machine tool. In traditional geometric errors identification model based on homogenous transformation matrices (HTM), the elements of position-dependent geometric errors(PDGEs) are defifined in the local frames attached to the axial displacement, which is inconvenient to do redundance analysis. Thus, this paper proposed an integrated geometric error identification and prediction method to solve the uncertainty problem of the PDGEs of rotary axis. First, based on homogeneous transform matrix (HTM) and multi-body system (MBS) theory, The transfer matrix only considering the rotary axes is derived to determine the tool point position error model. Then a geometric errors identification of rotary axis is introduced by measuring the error increment in three directions. Meanwhile the geometric errors of C-axis are described as position-dependent truncated Fourier polynomials caused by fitting discrete values. Thus, The geometric error identification is converted to the function coefficient. Finally, the proposed new prediction and identification model of PDGEs in the global frame are verified through simulation and experiments with double ball-bar tests.
Closure of Petersen's defect in gastrectomy for gastric cancer: an interrupted time-series analysis from a high-volume institution in China
Authors: Pan Tao , Wang Hui , Liu Kai , Chen Xin-zu , Zhang Wei-han , Chen Xiao-long , Yang Kun , Zhang Bo , Zhou Zong-guang , Hu Jian-Kun 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Internal hernia (IH) and small bowel obstruction (SBO) are serious complications after gastrectomy for gastric cancer. Whether closure of Petersen's defect (PD) might reduce the rates is unknown.
Methods
Patients underwent gastrectomy with PD were enrolled. From January 2014 to January 2017, we performed gastrectomy without closure of PD (non-closure group). From February 2017 to June 2018, we closed PD (closure group). The rates of IH, suspected internal hernia (SIH), and SBO were compared between the two groups.
Results
Among a total of 1213 patients, 151 patients (12.4%) developed SBO after gastrectomy, 10 patients (0.8%) developed IH and 20 patients (1.6%) developed SIH. The rate of SBO and SIH were 15.0% (124/828) and 2.3% (19/828) respectively in the non-closure group, compared with 7.0% (27/385) and 0.3% (1/385) in the closure group (p = 0.017 and p = 0.015 respectively). The rate of IH in the closure group (1/385, 0.3%) was lower than the non-closure group (9/828, 1.1%). Non-closure of PD was a risk factor for IH and SIH [odds ratio (OR) 6.58, 95%CI 1.56–27.85, p = 0.011].
Conclusions
Closure of PD is recommended after gastrectomy, as we noticed a significantly lower rate of SBO and SIH, and a tendency for lower rate of IH.