bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Outcomes of a survey of dry eye disease amongst cigarette smokers in a peripheral medical college
Authors: Chakraborty Soumen , Sama Mal Souvik 
Published: March 2020

To find out an association, if any, between smoking and dry eye diseases and whether it has any relation to the number of cigarettes smoked. Patients attending the hospital outpatient department were enquired about smoking and then given the option to enrol in the study following a written and informed consent. Depending on the number of cigarettes they smoked, patients were divided in three groups, namely low, moderate and high smokers based on the heaviness of Smoking Index. They were labelled as Group A, B and C respectively. Symptomatic assessment of each group was done by the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire, and a score greater than 12 was considered meaningful. Clinical evaluation was done by performing TBUT and Schirmer’s test. Respective cut off values were 10 seconds and 10 mm. Deviations from established normal values were observed and analyzed. A total of 205 patients participated in this study of which 90.7% (n= 186) were males and 9.3% (n= 19) were females. 30.7% (n= 63) patients were low smokers (Group A), 42.9% (n= 88) were moderate smokers (Group B) and 26.3% (n= 54) were high smokers (Group C). The mean TBUT and OSDI scores showed progressive deterioration from Group A to C, whereas the mean Schirmer’s values across all groups remained relatively unaffected. Cigarette smoking had a deleterious effect on the health of the ocular surface, but the aqueous tear secretion remained unaffected.
To study correlation of HbA1c and macular thickness changes in diabetic patients after phacoemulsification and small incision cataract surgery (SICS)
Authors: Sethia Rajni , Soni Avani , Mehta Parin , Patel Zeel , Vyas Aneesha 
Published: March 2020

To study the relationship between HbA1c and macular thickness using Optical coherence tomography (OCT) in phacoemulsification and SICS. Retrospective study where 100 eyes of type 2 Diabetes mellitus patients with mild to moderate Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (NPDR) were included. 50 PATIENTS underwent uncomplicated phacoemulsification surgery AND REST 50 FOR SICS and were divided into 3 groups based on HbA1c levels – Group 1: &#60;6.5%, Group 2: 6.5%–8% and group 3: &#62;8%. Nine macular subfields as defined by Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy study (ETDRS) were measured using OCT. The HbA1c level of each patient was measured and compared with the macular thickness as well as visual acuity. The macular thickness was found to be significantly higher postoperatively in SICS group (251.54 ± 22.69 μm) than the PHACO group (230.44 ± 26.47 μm) on post-operative day 7 and it further increased to (267.46 ± 43.44 μm) in SICS group as compared to phaco group (244.50 ± 37.30 μm)on postoperative 1 month in group C. CMT was highest if HbA1C levels were more than 8% as compared to other two groups on all post-operative day.No significant difference was found in BCVA between both the groups on 1 month and 3 months post-operatively. This study shows that cataract surgery increases the macular thickness and these increases are significantly higher in the SICS than in PHACO eyes on the POD 7, 1 month and 3 months after surgery, especially if HbA1c levels are more than 6.5%, which resolves to near normal levels in phaco group by POD 3 months. This indicates that phacoemulsification is more preferable surgery then SICS in adults with regard to postoperative increase in macular thickness. Also good control of HbA1c levels significantly decreases post-operative visual problems.
Clinical profile of retinal vasculitis in a tertiary eye care Centre in South Kerala
Authors: Sree O C Lekshmi , John C Biju 
Published: March 2020

Objective is to study the clinical profile of retinal vasculitis in a tertiary eye care Centre in South Kerala. All consecutive patients diagnosed with retinal vasculitis in a tertiary eye care Centre over a period of one year were evaluated for ocular and systemic risk factors for developing the disease. Patients more than 10 years of age were included in the study. Patients with diabetic and hypertensive retinopathy were excluded from the study. Data was collected using a pretested proforma. Demographic variables, risk factors, symptoms, clinical signs and visual acuity at presentation were studied. Examination tools used were Log MAR chart, slit lamp, direct & indirect ophthalmoscope. 38 eyes of 28 patients were included in the study. Defective vision and floaters were the main symptoms whereas vitritis and vascular sheathing were the most common signs. Secondary retinal vasculitis (82.2%) was more common than primary retinal vasculitis (17.8%). Also infectious etiology was commoner than autoimmune diseases. Unilateral disease was common in secondary retinal vasculitis. Toxoplasma gondii was the most common agent associated with secondary retinal vasculitis in our hospital.
PROBLEM BASED AUTHENTIC ASSESSMENT MODEL IN INDONESIAN LEARNING: STUDY IN GENERAL HIGH SCHOOL PADANG LAWAS UTARA, INDONESIA
Authors: Efendi Pohan Jusrin , Atmazaki  , Agustina  
Published: March 2020

Purpose of the study: The purpose of the study is to describe the results of the development of authentic problem-based assessment models in learning Indonesian in high school. This development uses the Plomp model which has stages, preliminary research, prototyping, and evaluation. The product developed is a problem-based authentic assessment model book and a teacher's manual. Both books were tested for validity, practicality, and effectiveness well.
Methodology: The development of this research follows the preliminary, prototype and evaluation research stages. The three steps are carried out selectively. The validity of the model is obtained from an expert judgment of the problem based authentic assessment model book and the problem based authentic assessment handbook. The trial was conducted in class XI of high school to see the practicality and effectiveness of the model book and the guidebook.
Main Findings: The development of this authentic problem-based assessment model has produced model books and manuals for Indonesian language teachers in high schools. The results of this study indicate that (1) the problem-based authentic assessment model is very valid, (2) the problem-based authentic assessment model is very practical, and (3) the problem-based authentic assessment model is very effective in learning Indonesian.
Applications of this study: Teachers can more easily assess the process and learning outcomes in learning Indonesian. The problem-based authentic assessment model can be used in language skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing). The teacher can develop appropriate assessment instruments used to assess students' knowledge, attitudes, and psychomotor. The grades obtained are not only numerical but in the form of student work.
Novelty/Originality of this study: This authentic problem-based assessment model presents problems in the form of text or questions to be answered by students. Assessment instruments are presented to teachers to assess students' attitudes, cognitive, and psychomotor. The teacher can judge according to the student's ability to answer the questions given. Furthermore, to assess student and psychomotor attitudes, teachers can use portfolio and project instruments.
The role of the language aptitude and self-reported strategy use on the achievement of EFL learners
Authors: Yavas Celik Gamze , Yavuz Fatih 
Published: March 2020

Whether the success depends on language aptitude or the language aptitude tests can predict the language learning achievement is one of the contradictive issues in SLA. Scholars have questioned the effect of aptitude on success, and they developed many language aptitude tests in time; because the success in aptitude measurement and the achievement prediction would mean to gain time in language learning. In addition, with the changing understanding of aptitude in recent years, language learning aptitude began to be compared to other individual differences (ID). These studies aim to increase the success of learners by designing instructions according to their aptitude and other ID. Therefore, this study aimed to find out the relationship between language aptitude, self-reported strategy use and language achievement of the Turkish EFL learners to see the decisiveness of language aptitude on strategy use and achievement. Results showed that the language aptitude influences foreign language learning achievement.
Keywords: Language aptitude, language learning strategies, achievement, individual differences, EFL.
Measles and Mumps Outbreaks in Lebanon : Trends and Links
Authors: Zarif Talal El , Kassir Mohamed Faisal , Bizri Nazih , Kassir Ghida , Musharrafieh Umayya , Bizri Abdul Rahman 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Lebanon has experienced several measles and mumps outbreaks in the past twenty years. In this article, a case-based surveillance of both measles and mumps outbreaks in Lebanon was carried out in an attempt to outline factors contributing to the failure of elimination plans and to provide potential solutions. The relationship between the outbreaks of both diseases was described and explored.
Methods: A retrospective descriptive study of confirmed cases of measles and mumps in Lebanon between 2003 and 2018 collected from the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health Epidemiological Surveillance Unit public database was carried out. The information collected was graphically represented taking into consideration dates of reported cases, age groups affected, and vaccination status.
Results: The mean number of measles cases was 150.25 cases/year in the 1-4 years age group, 87 cases/year in individuals aging between 5 and 14, and 63.68 cases/year in those > 14 years old. In the latter group, only 18.05% were unvaccinated. The mean number of mumps cases was 30.4 cases/year in the <4 year age group and 53.8 cases/year in the 10-19 years age group. During the study period, every spike in measles cases was followed by a similar spike in mumps. 9.66% of measles cases occurred in individuals who received at least 2 doses of the vaccine, 52.26% in the unvaccinated, and 38% in those whose vaccination status was undetermined.
Conclusions: Measles in Lebanon is a disease of the pediatric population, but adults remain at risk. Outbreaks of mumps followed those of measles and were mainly among adolescents. Presence of a large number of Syrian refugees in the country may further complicate the situation. Vaccination activities need to be intensified.
Keywords: Measles, mumps, elimination, vaccine, Lebanon.
The functions of ocu-miR-205 in regulating hair follicle development in Rex rabbits
Authors: Liu Gongyan , Li Shu , Liu Hongli , Zhu Yanli , Bai Liya , Sun Haitao , Gao Shuxia , Jiang Wenxue , Li Fuchang 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Hair follicles is an appendage from the vertebrate skin epithelium, and arise from the embryonic ectoderm andregenerate cyclically during adult life. Dermal papilla cells (DPCs) is the key dermal component of the hair follicle that directly regulates hair follicle development, growth and regeneration. Recent studies have reported that miRNA plays an important role in regulating hair follicle morphogenesis, proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis of hair follicle stem cells.
Results: The miRNAs expression profile of the DPCs from different hair density Rex rabbits shown that 240 differentially expressed of miRNAs were screened (log 2 (HD/LD)｜>1.00 and Q-value≤0.001). Among them, the expression of ocu-miR-205-5p in low hair densities DPCs was higher than that in high hair densities, and it is highly expressed in the skin tissue of Rex rabbits ( P <0.05). ocu-miR-205 could increase cell proliferation and cell apoptosis ratio, change cell cycle process ( P <0.05), affect the genes expression of PI3K/Akt, Wnt, Notch and BMP signaling pathways in DPCs and skin tissue of Rex rabbits, inhibit the protein phosphorylation level of CTNNB1, GSK-3β and the protein expression level of noggin (NOG), promote Akt phosphorylation level ( P <0.05). There was no significant change in primary follicle density ( P >0.05), but the secondary follicle density and total follicle density ( P <0.05) were changed after ocu-miR-205-5p interfered expression, and secondary/primary ratio (S/P) in ocu-miR-205-5p interfered expression group increased at 14 days after injection ( P <0.05).
Conclusion: ocu-miR-205 could promote the apoptosis of DPCs, affect PI3K/Akt, Wnt, Notch and BMP signaling pathways genes and proteins expression in DPCs and skin of Rex rabbits, promote the transformation of hair follicles from growth phase to regression and resting phase, and affect hair density of Rex rabbits.
The Effect of prenatal counseling on breastfeeding self-efficacy and frequency of breastfeeding problems in Mothers with Previous Unsuccessful Breastfeeding: A randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: shafaei fahimeh sehhatie , mirghafourvand mojgan , havizari shiva 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Abstract
Background: Breastfeeding is one of the most important interfering factors in infants’ health. Monitoring mothers’ performance and providing them with the feedback helps to increase their self-efficacy, interest in learning, and level of performance. The present research evaluates the effect of prenatal counseling on the breastfeeding self-efficacy and frequency of breastfeeding problems in mothers with previous unsuccessful breastfeeding.
Methods: This randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 108 pregnant women with unsuccessful breastfeeding in Tabriz health centers during 2017-2018. The participants were randomly assigned to intervention and control groups. The intervention group had four prenatal counseling sessions and the controls only received routine care. Then, the mothers who gave birth to their children received a counseling session up to 4 months after the delivery. The Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy (BSES) questionnaire and the frequency of breast feeding problems checklist on the 15 th day, and 2 nd and 4 th month were completed both by the intervention and control groups.
Results: The mean (SD) of breastfeeding self-efficacy was 119.3 (10.5), 128.3 (8.3) and 133.8 (10.3) in the intervention group and 105.3 (16.1), 105.7 (19.7) and 109.4 (24.7) in the control group on the 15 th day, 2 nd and 4 th month after the delivery, respectively. There was a significant difference in terms of breastfeeding self-efficacy between intervention and control group on the 15 th day (p<0.001), and 2 nd (p<0.001) and 4 th (p<0.001) month after the delivery. The frequency of breastfeeding problems on the 15 th (p=0.008), 2 nd (p<0.001) and 4 th (p<0.001) after the delivery was significantly different in most cases of the intervention group when compared to the controls. Conclusion : The results indicated that prenatal counseling can increase mothers’ breastfeeding self-efficacy and solves most breastfeeding problems during postpartum period. Trial registration: IRCT20100109003027N19
Key words: Self-efficacy, problems, exclusive breastfeeding, infant, counseling
Thickness profiles of the corneal epithelium along the steep and flat meridians of astigmatic corneas after orthokeratology
Authors: Zhou Jiaqi , Xue Feng , Zhou Xingtao , Naidu Rajeev Krishnan , Qian Yishan 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: To investigate the changes in corneal epithelial thickness along the principle meridians of astigmatic corneas after six months of overnight spherical myopic orthokeratology (OK) lens wear. Methods: A prospective study. Fifty-seven subjects with up to 1.50 diopters (D) of corneal toricity wore spherical OK lenses for 6 months. Evaluations of OK lens fit, visual acuity, refractions and corneal toricity (CT) were performed. Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography (FD-OCT) was conducted to measure the corneal epithelial thickness (ET) along the principle meridians of corneal toricity over a diameter of 6mm. The means of △ET of the same diameter at individual meridians (△ETSm and △ETFm) were calculated and compared. Results: Visual acuity and refraction improved significantly after OK lens wear. △ETFm (-4.2±3.4μm) thinned more than △ETSm (-3.4±4.0μm, P=0.027) at 1.5mm in radius. △ETSm thickened more than △ETFm at 2.5mm (△ETSm: 4.1±5.1μm, △ETFm: 2.8±4.2μm, P=0.019) and 3.0mm (△ETSm: 5.0±5.0μm, △ETFm: 3.7±4.9μm, P=0.036).∣△ETSm - △ETFm∣ were significantly correlated with the baseline central CT at 2.0mm, 2.5mm and 3.0mm (2.0mm: r=0.285, P=0.032; 2.5mm: r=0.422, P=0.001; 3.0mm: r=0.239, P=0.027). ∣△ETSm - △ETFm∣was significantly correlated with the baseline peripheral CT at 2.5mm (r=0.299, P=0.028). Conclusions: Overnight wear of spherical OK lenses resulted in differential changes in the thickness profiles of the corneal epithelium between the steep and flat meridians in eyes with corneal toricity.
Potential suitable habitat of Eleusine coracana (L) Gaertn (Finger millet) under the climate change scenarios in Nepal
Authors: Luitel Dol Raj , Siwakoti Mohan , Joshi Mohan D. , Rangaswami Muniappan , Jha Pramod K. 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

Abstract
Background: Finger millet is the fourth major crop in Nepal and is cultivated in a traditional integrated subsistence system. Timely rain and appropriate temperature predominately affects crop distribution and yield. Climate change is evident in Nepal and it is imperative to understand how it affects habitat suitability of finger millet. Main objective of this study was to map the current suitable habitat and predicting the potential changes in the future under different climate scenarios in Nepal. Habitat mapping is important for maximizing production and minimizing the loss of local landraces.
Results: Maxent model was used in this study to quantify the current suitable habitat and changes in the future habitat suitability of finger millet, based on representative concentration pathways (RCP)(RCP 2.6, 4.5, 6.0 and 8.5) in two different time periods (2050 and 2070AD) using climatic predictive variables and species localities. The model shows that 39.7% (58512.71km2) area of Nepal is highly suitable for finger millet, with cultivation mostly between 96-2300m above sea level. Eastern and central parts of Nepal have more suitable areas than western parts. Our research clearly shows that the future climatic suitable area of finger millet would shrink by 4.3 to 8.9% in 2050 and 8.9-10.5% under different RCPs by 2070.
Conclusion: Finger millet is mostly cultivated in mid-hill terraces. The substantial increase in temperature due to climate change may be one reason for decrease in habitat suitability of finger millet. This situation would further threat loss of local landraces of finger millet in the future. The findings can help in planning and policy framing for climate resilient smart agriculture practice.
Key words: Climate change, finger millet, habitat suitability, Maxent model
Histopathological assessment of optic nerve invasion guided by radiological findings in enucleated globes with retinoblastoma.
Authors: Abusayf Mohammed , Alkatan Hind Manaa , Elkhamary Sahar , Almesfer Saleh , Maktabi Azza MY 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Optic nerve (ON) invasion is an important high-risk feature, and an indicator for neoadjuvant chemotherapy and prognosis. We aim through this study to correlate the detected-ON invasion by Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with the corresponding confirmed histopathological level of invasion. Methods: A retrospective study of enucleated globes with the diagnosis of retinoblastoma received in the histopathology department(s) from January 2015 to December 2016 (2 years). Slides were reviewed for ON invasion assessment, charts were reviewed for basic demographic data. All patients underwent MRI under sedation upon diagnosis and MRI findings were collected for the above correlation. Results: A total of 38 patients were included: 21 males and 17 females. 29 (77.3%) had unilateral involvement, 7 (18.4%) had bilateral involvement and 2 cases had trilateral disease. The overall mean age at diagnosis was 22.63 ±15.15 months. Histopathological examination revealed ON invasion in 28 cases (74%) distributed as follows: prelaminar (31.6%), laminar (18.4%), and post-laminar (23.7%). MRI confirmed post-laminar ON invasion in 8 cases (true positive) but failed to detect this in 1 case. Additionally, MRI detected another 8 cases of ON invasion that were false positive on histopathology (accuracy: 63.3%; sensitivity: 88.9%; specificity: 72.4%; Positive predictive value (PPV): 50%; Negative predictive value (NPV): 95.5%). Conclusions: MRI is found to be less sensitive in evaluating prelaminar and laminar ON invasion (0.0 and 42.9%) compared to post-laminar invasion (88.9%). MRI has generally better specificity in detecting ON invasion irrespective of the invasion level. In our study, obtaining deeper and/or additional histologic sections from the other surface of the tissue block in cases where a post-laminar ON invasion by MRI is found but not confirmed histopathologically in routine sections is essential to avoid missing such an important high-risk feature.
Photosynthetic performance and growth responses of Liriope muscari (Decne.) L.H. Bailey (Asparagaceae) planted within poplar forests having different canopy densities
Authors: zhang jiaojiao , Zhu Ling , Zhang Xu , Zhou Jian 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Liriope muscari (Decne.) L.H. Bailey is a valuable horticultural and medicinal plant that grows under a range of light intensities, from high to low, in the understories of shrubs. To understand how this species adapts to these various environments, we selected two groups of lilyturf growing under poplar trees at two different spacings. Each group was divided into three types, open field, forest edge and shaded forest with high, medium and low irradiance levels, respectively, and then we examined their photosynthetic characteristics, physiology and biomasses.
Results: Light saturation point, light compensation point and in situ net photosynthetic rate ( P N ) were highest in lilyturf growing under high light. In contrast, lilyturf growing under low light had a higher apparent quantum yield and Chl a and b contents, indicating that they adapted to low light. Although the leaves of lilyturf growing under low light were small, their root tubers were heavier.
Conclusions: The research demonstrates the eco-physiological basis of lilyturf’s shade adaptation mechanism as indicated by photosynthetic activity, chlorophyll fluorescence, Chl a, Chl b and Car contents when grown under different irradiances. We believe that lilyturf is a shade-tolerant plant suitable for planting in undergrowth, but attention should be paid to the canopy density of the forest when interplanting. The findings presented here advance our understanding of the photosynthetic characteristics of understory plants and may assist in the optimization of irradiances in the future.