bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Population-level investigation of the knowledge of ocular chemical injuries and proper immediate action
Authors: Seraj Hadeel , Khawandanh Shahad , Fatani Arwa , Saeed Afnan , Alotaibi Ghadeer , Basheikh Ahmed 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Objective: Although the eyes occupy 0.1% of the total body surface, eye injuries are serious because vision is arguably the most important sense. We aimed to assess knowledge of Saudi Arabian residents regarding steps to be taken in cases of chemical eye injury, in order to promote awareness of such procedures.
Results: A cross-sectional design was done. A random sampling method was utilized to select 888 individuals in the Saudi community. Participants completed an electronic closed ended, validated, anonymous, self-administered questionnaire. Two experts assessed content and face validity. Respondents were 18–29 years of age. 74 (8.3%) had a history of chemical eye injury. Regarding the first step taken in case of chemical eye injury, 697 (78.5%) respondents indicated washing with water, 164 (18.5%) indicated visiting the emergency department, 11 (1.2%) indicated using eye drops, and 5 (0.6%) indicated covering the eye immediately. Seventy-five (8.4%) respondents agreed that an eye injured with an acidic material should be washed with an alkaline solution. These results should be confirmed by health authorities and appropriate interventions should be developed for improving knowledge among masses, thereby promoting a healthier society.
Keywords:
Eye damage, Saudi Arabia, corrective steps, alkaline, acidic
Title of Manuscript: Health System Performance Towards Universal Health Coverage in Iran: A Comparative Panel Data Analysis
Authors: Sajadi Haniye Sadat , Goudarzi Zahra , Takian Amirhossein , Mohamadi Efat , Olyaeemanesh Alireza , Lotfi Farhad Hosseinzadeh , Sharafi Hamid , Hekmat Somaye Noori , Jowett Matthew , Majdzadeh Reza 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background Building upon decades of continuous reforms, since 2014 under the banner of health transformation plan (HTP), Iran has been implementing various initiatives to strengthen its health system. Improving efficiency of the health system is fundamental to achieve better performance and reach universal health coverage (UHC). This article aimed to measure the efficiency and productivity changes in the Iranian health system during 2010-2015 in comparison with 36 selected other upper-middle income countries. Methods We used panel data to measure the variations in technical efficiency (TE) and total factor productivity (TFP) through an extended data envelopment analysis (EDEA) and Malmquist productivity index, respectively. General Government Health Expenditure (GGHE) per capita (International dollar) was selected as input variable. Service coverage of diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis; family planning; antiretroviral therapy; skilled attendants at birth; Tuberculosis treatment success rate; and GGHE as % of Total Health Expenditure (THE) were considered as output variables. The data for each indicator were taken from Global Health Observatory data repository and World Development Indicator database, for a period of six years (2010-2015). Results The TE scores of Iran’s health system were 0.75, 0.77, 0.74, 0.74, 0.97 and 0.84 in the period 2010-2015, respectively. TFP improved in 2011 (1.02), 2013 (1.01), and 2014 (1.30, generally). The overall efficiency and TFP increased in 2014. Changes made in CCHE per capita and GGHE/THE attributed to the increase of efficiency. ConclusionThere is a growing demand for efficiency improvements in the health systems to achieve UHC. While there are no defined set of indicators or precise methods to measure heath system efficiency, EDEA helped us to draw the picture of health system efficiency in Iran. Our findings also highlighted the essential need for targeted and sustained interventions, i.e. allocation of enough proportion of public funds to the health sector, to improve universal financial coverage against health costs aiming to enhance the future performance of Iran’s health system, ultimately. Such tailored interventions may be also useful for settings with similar context to speed up their movement towards improving efficiency, which in turn might lead to more resources to reach UHC.
Barriers and motivators to participation and retention in HIV/HCV cohort studies among people who inject drugs; A community consultation in Iran
Authors: mirzazadeh ali , Hooshyar Samira Hosseini , Shahesmaeili Armita , Bahramnejad Ali , Barsham Adibeh , Moosavian Ghazal , Najafi Ismail , Sharifi Hamid , Haghdoost Ali-Akbar , Briceno Alya , McFarland Willi , Page Kimberly 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background The lack of robust estimates of HIV/HCV incidence among people who inject drugs (PWID) in Iran calls for well-designed prospective cohort studies. Successful recruitment and follow-up of PWID in cohort studies may require formative assessment of barriers PWID are faced with in participation and retention in cohort studies and factors they think may facilitate their engagement in such studies. Using a focus group discussion (FGD) format, we conducted a consultation with PWID in southeast Iran to recognize those barriers and motivators. Methods Using targeted sampling, we recruited PWID (aged≥18, injected in last 6 months) from community-based drop-in centers (DICs), homeless shelters, and through outreach efforts to participate in four FGDs (one women-only). Socio-demographic characteristics, injection behaviors and self-reported HCV/HIV testing and diagnosis history were obtained. Then, a semi-structured FGD guide was applied to explore barriers and motivators to participation and retention in cohort studies among study participants. All FGD sessions were recorded and transcribed verbatim, removing any identifying information. The content of FGDs were analyzed by thematic analysis using an inductive approach. Results In total, 30 individuals (10 women) participated in the study. The mean age of participants was 35.4 years (SD 7.6), with majority (73.3%) reporting injecting drug use within the last month. Only 40.0% reported ever being tested for HCV whereas a larger proportion (63.4%) reported ever being tested for HIV. While the majority were willing to participate in cohort studies, breach of confidentiality, fear of positive test results, perceived required commitment, and marginalization were reported as barriers to participation and retention in such studies. Monetary incentive, the thought of a better life, protection from police interventions and trust between health workers and PWID were addressed as motivators of engagement in cohort studies among PWID.Conclusions Strategies to enhance data security and reduce stigma associated with injecting drug use along with involving peer workers in research, providing pre and post-test counselling and education and addressing the needs of more marginalized groups potentially through integrated healthcare programs and housing support are among few approaches that may help address barriers and strengthen the motivators for successful cohort studies among this population.
Clinical features of Guillain–Barré syndrome patients with elevated serum creatine kinase levels
Authors: Hosokawa Takafumi , Nakajima Hideto , Sawai Taiki , Nakamura Yoshitsugu , Sano Eri , Tsukahara Akihiro , Unoda Kiichi , Ishida Shimon , Sakane Sadaki , Kimura Fumiharu , Arawaka Shigeki 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: It is not well defined whether Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) patients with elevated serum creatine kinase (CK) levels have characteristic clinical features and are related to the subgroups of GBS. Methods: We retrospectively studied 51 consecutive patients with GBS, who visited our hospital, and compared clinical, laboratory and electrophysiological findings between patients with and without elevated CK levels. Results: Of 51 patients, 14 patients (27%) showed an elevation of serum CK levels. When compared with patients with the normal CK levels, the ratios of male, antecedent infections, and anti-GM1 antibody positivity were significantly higher in patients with elevated CK levels. The ratios of hypoesthesia, cranial nerve involvement, and urinary retention were significantly less in patients with elevated CK levels. There were no significant differences in disability at peak between two groups. In the electrophysiological examination, sensory nerve abnormalities were not observed. Although some patients with elevated CK levels showed prolongation of distal motor latencies (DMLs) and increase of durations in the initial examination, development of the prolongation of DMLs and increase of durations was not observed in the follow-up examinations. The findings were consistent with acute motor axonal neuropathy (AMAN) with reversible conduction failure (RCF) but not acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (AIDP). Conclusions: The results suggest that the GBS patients with elevated CK levels represent not a group of AIDP but a group of AMAN with axonal degeneration or RCF even though the initial electrophysiological examination shows AIDP pattern. Key words: Creatine kinase, Guillain-Barré syndrome, AIDP, AMAN, reversible conduction failure
Efficacy and Safety of Mono Antiplatelet Treatment for Cardioembolic and Undetermined Etiological Stroke after Receiving Successful Mechanical Thrombectomy
Authors: Deng Jiangshan , He Guangchen , Lu Haitao , Wei Liming , Li Minghua , Li Yuehua , Zhao Yuwu , Zhu Yueqi 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background Periprocedural antithrombotic medication after mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for acute intracranial large vessel occlusion (LVO) is still controversial. Recent studies have indicated that majority of stroke with undetermined etiology (SUE), as defined by the TOAST classification, showed strong overlap with cardioembolic stroke (CE). We intended to determine the efficacy of the mono antiplatelet (MA) therapy in both stroke types after receiving successful MT recanalization in the acute stage. Methods 178 consecutive stroke patients who received MT treatment were retrospectively analyzed. CE and SUE type stroke patients were chosed to received MA therapy. Aspirin 100mg or clopidogrel 75 mg was added immediate for patients who didn`t received intravenously recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (IV-rtPA) and after 24 hours for those received IV-rtPA if symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) was not found. MA treatment outcomes included recanalized artery patency, subsequent sICH and functional independence (mRS score of 0-2) were compared between two stroke types. Results Successful recanalization (TICI 2b/3) was achieved in 75 CE stroke patients and 50 SUE patients without hemorrhagic transformation were included into final analysis. Target artery at 7 days after recanalization was confirmed 100% patency in the CE group and 97.5% in the SUE group. Hemorrhagic transformation after 24h was found in 26% patients in the SUE group and in 26.7% patients in the CE group (P > 0.05). sICH was confirmed in 3 patients in the SUE group and in 10 patients in the CE group. At 90 days, 45.8% in the SUE group and 46.5% in the CE group of patients had achieved good outcomes (mRs 0-2) (P=1.00). However, accumulative death was higher in the CE group than in the SUE group (21% vs. 15%; P=0.47) Conclusion Mono antiplatelet strategy for the treatment of accurate stage of cardioembolic stroke received mechanical thrombectomy is safe and effective. Meanwhile, for patients considered SUE stroke type, mono antiplatelet therapy after thrombectomy achieved similar treatment outcomes as compared to cardioembolic stroke patients.
Maternal genes and pathways affecting birth weight and weaning weight traits in sheep: A GWAS and pathway enrichment analysis
Authors: Esmaeilifard Mehdi , Hafezian Seyed Hasan , Gholizadeh Mohsen , Abdollahi-Arpanahi Rostam 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background Ewe productivity is considered as the most important economic trait in sheep meat production. Due to very limited reports, the objective of this study was the application of alternative GWAS approaches followed by gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) on the maternal genome to unravel the genomic architecture underlying ewe productivity in Iranian Baluchi sheep. Six maternal composite traits including progeny birth weight (PBW), litter mean weight at birth (LMWB), total litter weight at birth (TLWB), progeny weaning weight (PWW), litter mean weight at weaning (LMWW) and total litter weight at weaning (TLWW) were studied. Results Genes such as RDX , FDX1 , ARHGAP20 , ZC3H12C , THBS1 , and EPG5 on OAR6, OAR7, OAR15, and OAR23 were identified for composite traits at birth. The genes are involved in pregnancy, including autophagy in the placenta, progesterone production by the placenta, maternal immune response and placenta formation. Some maternal pathways, related to calcium ion transport, signal transduction, neurogenesis, and immune response were also identified for birth weight traits. Moreover, many genes including NR2C1 , VEZT , HSD17B4 , RSU1 , CUBN , VIM , PRLR , and FTH1 were located on OAR2, OAR3, OAR5, OAR7, OAR13, OAR16, and OAR25 identified as maternal genes affecting weaning weight traits. Most of the identified genes were involved in mammary glands development and milk components production. Also, many GO terms related to protein processing and transport, ion transport and homeostasis, proteins and lipid phosphorylation, and phospholipid translocation were identified in association with weaning weight traits. Conclusions The results of the present study revealed that calcium ion homeostasis and transport and the maternal immune system could have an important role in progeny’s birth weight. Also, the results showed that genes and pathways affecting mammary glands development during pregnancy and milk components production have the most impact on lambs weaning weight. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the genetic architecture of the studied traits and providing opportunities for improving ewe productivity via marker-assisted selection.
Uncovering genomic regions controlling plant architectural traits in hexaploid wheat using GWAS
Authors: Wang Lingqiang , Muhammad Ali , Hu Weicheng , Yu Jinsheng , Khan Shahid Ullah , Xie Guosheng , Wang Jibin 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: Wheat is a staple food crop worldwide. Plant height is a key factor in plant architecture as it plays a crucial role in lodging and thus affects yield and quality. Genome-wide studies are mostly applied in crop plants, due to its advanced genotyping technologies, identification of novel loci, and improved statistical approaches. Results: In this study, the population was genotyped by using Illumina iSelect 90K single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) assay and finally 22,905 high-quality SNPs were used to perform a genome-wide association study (GWAS) for plant architectural traits employing four multi-locus GWAS (ML-GWAS) and three single-locus GWAS (SL-GWAS) models. As a result, 174 and 97 significant SNPs controlling plant architectural traits were detected by four ML-GWAS and three SL-GWAS methods, respectively. Among these SNP makers, 43 SNPs were commonly detected, including seven across multiple environments and thirty-six across multiple methods. Interestingly, five most stable SNPs (Kukri_c34553_89, RAC875_c8121_1490, wsnp_Ex_rep_c66315_64480362, Ku_c5191_340, and tplb0049a09_1302) consistently detected across multiple environments and methods, possibly played a role in modulating plant height and flag leaf length. When comparing ML-GWAS methods, pLARmEB was the most powerful and accountable for the detection of 49 significant SNPs that mostly contributed to plant height (36 SNPs). However, in SL-GWAS the FarmCPU model detected most of the significant SNPs. Moreover, a total of 152 candidate genes were found that are likely to be involved in plant growth and development which may provide insightful information related to plant architectural traits.Conclusion: Altogether, our results reveal 174 and 97 significant SNPs controlling plant architectural traits using four ML-GWAS and three SL-GWAS methods, respectively. The detection of the stable loci across multiple environments and methods, possibly play a role in modulating plant architectural traits in hexaploid wheat, and finally will contribute to the discovery of valuable SNP loci for marker-assisted selection (MAS) in wheat molecular breeding.
CircSEC24A promotes colorectal cancer progression by regulating miR-488-3p/TMEM106B axis
Authors: Hu Gaowu , Peng Wei , Cao Yongqing 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: Currently, more and more circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been identified to exert their functions in tumor progression, including colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the role of circSEC24A (circ_0003528) in CRC remains unknown.Methods: Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was conducted to determine the levels of circSEC24A, SEC24A and microRNA-488-3p (miR-488-3p). The characterization of circSEC24A was investigated by Actinomycin D and RNase R digestion assays. 3-(4, 5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2, 5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was used to assess cell proliferation. Flow cytometry analysis was adopted for cell apoptosis and cell cycle process. Transwell assay was employed to evaluate cell migration and invasion. Western blot assay was performed to determine protein levels. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was utilized to explore the relationship between miR-488-3p and circSEC24A or transmembrane protein 106B (TMEM106B). Murine xenograft model was constructed to explore the effect of circSEC24A in vivo .Results: CircSEC24A level was increased in CRC tissues and cells. CircSEC24A deficiency impeded cell proliferation, cell cycle process, migration and invasion and induced apoptosis in CRC cells in vitro and blocked tumorigenesis in vivo . MiR-488-3p was a target of circSEC24A and miR-488-3p was downregulated in CRC tissues and cells. The inhibitory effect of circSEC24A silencing on CRC cell progression was restored by miR-488-3p inhibition. Moreover, TMEM106B could be negatively regulated by miR-488-3p via acting as a downstream gene of miR-488-3p. MiR-488-3p overexpression decelerated CRC cell progression by targeting TMEM106B.Conclusion: CircSEC24A facilitated CRC progression by regulating miR-488-3p/TMEM106B axis, which might provide a promising treatment approach for CRC.
The efficacy of diaphragmatic plication in patients with unilateral diaphragmatic paralysis; a two-centre experience
Authors: Ibrahim Mohamed Abdel Bary , Rashad Alaa , Elgendy Hamed , Beshay Morris 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background and objective: Diaphragm is not an uncommon problem. is the most presenting in most of the cases. In this study, we used diaphragm (DUS) and to evaluate the outcome of post-surgical diaphragmatic plication (SDP) in adults with unilateral diaphragmatic paralysis (UDP). To our knowledge, no large reports about the efficacy of and the utilization of DUS for these patients were done. Methods: A retrospective analysis of all patients who underwent SDP at two (2014 - 2018) was done. Data of all patients were patients' characteristics, preoperative (chest X-ray, chest computed tomography, DUS, and ) , two years postoperative follow up. Results: Among 47 (UDP) patients. 40 patients underwent SDP. 30 (75%) males (mean age 45±14 years). Left-sided SDP was found in 57% of cases (n=23). Most of the patients were suffering from Dyspnea (n=38). Minor complications occurred in 12% (n=5). Excellent results in 90% (n=36), good results in 7,5% and unsatisfactory in one patient (2,5%). Patients up at one month and 6 months and two years showed a significant increase in FEV1 up to 20% (range 15-40%), P=0.011 and FVC up to 30% (range 10%45%) P=0.024. There was a significant postoperative improvement in (P<0.005). There was a significant correlation between postoperative FEV1 and the height of the copula on CXR and DUS (P<0.001 and P<0.005 respectively). Conclusion: SDP is an effective and safe procedure which can be performed to treat UDP in adult patients suffering from chronic . is a significant improvement in the patient’s functional is correlated to the assessment. Keywords: Diaphragm Diaphragmatic Eventration Diaphragmatic Eventration/surgery diaphragm/ultrasonography, fluoroscopy, Recovery of Function Thoracic Surgical Procedures/methods
The effect of short-course antibiotics on the resistance profile of colonizing gut bacteria in the ICU: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Munck Christian , Sheth Ravi U , Cuaresma Edward , Weidler Jessica , Stump Stephania L , Zachariah Philip , Chong David H , Uhlemann Anne-Catrin , Abrams Julian A , Wang Harris H , FREEDBERG DANIEL E 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: The need for early antibiotics in the intensive care unit (ICU) is often balanced against the goal of antibiotic stewardship. Long-course antibiotics increase the burden of antimicrobial resistance within colonizing gut bacteria, but the dynamics of this process are not fully understood. We sought to determine how short-course antibiotics affect the antimicrobial resistance phenotype and genotype of colonizing gut bacteria in the ICU by performing a prospective cohort study with assessments of resistance at ICU admission and exactly 72 hours later.Methods: Deep rectal swabs were performed on 48 adults at the time of ICU admission and exactly 72 hours later, including patients who did and did not receive antibiotics. To determine resistance phenotype, rectal swabs were cultured for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE). In addition, Gram-negative bacterial isolates were cultured against relevant antibiotics. To determine resistance genotype, quantitative PCR (qPCR) was performed from rectal swabs for 87 established resistance genes. Within-individual changes in antimicrobial resistance were calculated based on culture and qPCR results and correlated with exposure to relevant antibiotics (e.g., did β-lactam antibiotic exposure associate with a detectable change in β-lactam resistance over this 72-hour period?). Results: Of 48 ICU patients, 41 (85%) received antibiotics. Overall, there was no increase in the antimicrobial resistance profile of colonizing gut bacteria during the 72 hour study period. There was also no increase in antimicrobial resistance after stratification by receipt of antibiotics (i.e., no detectable increase in β-lactam, vancomycin, or macrolide resistance regardless of whether patients received those same antibiotics). This was true for both culture and PCR. Antimicrobial resistance pattern at ICU admission strongly predicted resistance pattern after 72 hours.Conclusions. Short-course ICU antibiotics made little difference in the antimicrobial resistance pattern of colonizing gut bacteria over 72 hours in the ICU. This provides improved understanding of the dynamics of antimicrobial resistance in the ICU and some reassurance that short-course antibiotics may not adversely impact the stewardship goal of reducing antimicrobial resistance.