bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantitative corneal neural imaging using in vivo confocal microscopy in cases of congenital corneal anesthesia
Authors: Gopal Madhumita , Ramappa Muralidhar , Mohamed Ashik , Dhakal Rohit , Chaurasia Sunita 
Published: January 2021

Purpose:
Congenital corneal anesthesia (CCA) is a rare clinical entity that poses a diagnostic dilemma, particularly in the pediatric age group with very little literature on this. Accurate initial diagnosis, evaluation, early identification of risk factors, aggressive systemic workup, and appropriate therapy are paramount to prevent visual loss due to long-term complications of corneal anesthesia. The purpose of the study was to estimate and compare the corneal neural architecture using real time, in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) in patients with CCA as against a control population.

Methods:
This was a retrospective nonconsecutive, comparative clinical case series in a tertiary hospital in South India from June 2015 to December 2018.

Methods:
IVCM was accomplished in cooperative children in whom central cornea was relatively clear. The clearest three to five images from each eye were selected, and the nerves were analyzed for length, thickness, density, dichotomous pattern, and beading. Statistical analysis was done using Origin v7.0 (Origin Lab Corporation, Northampton, MA, USA).

Results:
In total, 15 eyes of 11 cases and 20 eyes of 10 controls were imaged. Measurements on corneal nerve density showed a significant difference (P = 0.0005), cases having a lower mean (3.85 ± 1.38 mm per mm2) compared to the controls (6.74 ± 1.75 mm per mm2). Measurements on corneal nerve length (P = 0.28), thickness (P = 0.45), and presence of beading (P = 0.97) and dichotomous pattern (P = 0.07) did not reveal a significant difference between cases and controls.

Conclusion:
There is a strong relationship between the functional loss (absent corneal sensation) and anatomical decrease (reduced subbasal nerve density) of corneal nerves in congenital corneal anaesthesia.
Pneumoretinopexy versus scleral buckling in retinal detachments with superior breaks
Authors: Singh Arshi , Behera Umesh Chandra 
Published: January 2021

Purpose:
The purpose of this study is to study single surgery reattachment rate, refractive shift, surgical time, cost, and complications of pneumoretinopexy (PR) compared to scleral buckling (SB) in rhegmatogenous retinal detachments (RRDs) with superior breaks.

Methods:
Data of RRD with superior breaks, from 2013 through 2016, treated either with PR or SB surgery at a tertiary eye-care center were retrospectively reviewed. Treatment outcomes, procedural costs, refractive shift, surgical time, and complications, namely, cataract and glaucoma, were analyzed.

Results:
Thirty-two cases treated by PR (n = 15) and SB surgery (n = 17) fulfilled the selection criteria. Macula off RRD (91%) was the commonest presentation. Baseline parameters like duration of vision loss, presenting vision, and ocular characteristics were comparable. Single surgery retinal reattachment (66.7% PR vs. 76.5% SB) was analogous (P = 0.698). Retinal reattachment with secondary intervention was achieved in all cases at the last follow-up. Average vision gain in logMAR of 0.8 in PR and 0.6 in SB was not significantly different (P = 0.645) between the two groups, with SB group having a 1.9 Dioptre myopic shift and PR group none. Surgical time was shorter in PR versus SB at 15 versus 85 min and surgical cost (including additional surgery) was 50% less in PR. Complications like cataract progression (P > 0.99) and glaucoma (P = 0.71) were analogous among the groups. Horse-shoe tears were associated with failed primary surgery in 60% of PR and 75% of SB procedures.

Conclusion:
In RRDs secondary to superior breaks, PR proved to be faster, more economical, and less tissue manipulative than scleral buckle surgery, with equivalent efficacy and safety profile.
The effects of active warming on perioperative inadvertent hypothermia in patients undergoing vitreoretinal surgery under local anesthesia
Authors: Urfalioglu Aykut , Urfalioglu Selma , Oksuz Gozen , Doganer Adem , Teksen Seyma , Guler Ozlem , Calisir Feyza 
Published: January 2021

Purpose:
Perioperative inadvertent hypothermia (PIH) is the decrease in core temperature below 36°C. We aimed to assess whether PIH develops in patients operated under local anesthesia (ULA) for vitreoretinal surgery in the operating room and investigate active warming efficacy.

Methods:
Seventy-two patients were divided into two groups: Group 1 contained unwarmed patients (n = 36), and Group 2, warmed patients (n = 36). The core temperatures, heart rate (HR), and mean arterial pressure (MAP) of the patients were measured at the beginning of surgery, after 20 min, 40 min, 1 h, at the end of the operation, and during the postoperative period.

Results:
PIH incidence was 44.6% in Group 1, whereas no hypothermia was observed in Group 2. Patient temperatures at 20 min (P = 0.001), 40 min (P < 0.001), 1 h (P < 0.001), the end of the operation (P < 0.001), and the postoperative period (P < 0.001) were significantly higher in Group 2 than in Group 1. Patient HRs at the end of the operation and during the postoperative period were significantly lower in Group 2 (P = 0.005) than in Group 1 (P < 0.001). The intraoperative 40th (P = 0.044) and 60th (P < 0.001) minutes, end of operation (P < 0.001), and postoperative MAP (P < 0.001) values of Group 1 were significantly higher than those of Group 2.

Conclusion:
PIH may develop in patients operated ULA, especially with a low ambient temperature. Actively warming may help prevent the harmful effects of PIH.
Clinical efficacy and safety of Razumab® (CESAR) study
Authors: Verma Lalit , Thulasidas Mithun , Purohit Ajay , Gupta Avnindra , Narula Ritesh , Talwar Dinesh 
Published: January 2021

Purpose:
The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Razumab (the biosimilar Ranibizumab by Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd.) for the treatment of chorioretinal vascular diseases such as diabetic macular edema (DME), choroidal neovascular membrane (CNVM), and macular edema secondary to retinal vein occlusion (RVO).

Methods:
We conducted a single-center, retrospective study, including patients with DME, CNVM, and RVO, who had received treatment with Razumab® between October 2018 and September 2019. Primary outcome measures were the changes in corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) and central foveal thickness (CFT) from baseline to 1 month and 3 months. Secondary outcome measures included intraocular pressure (IOP) at day 1, any signs of ocular inflammation or systemic adverse events during the follow-up.

Results:
One hundred and fifty-three eyes of 141 patients were analyzed. The indications included DME in 70 (45.8%) eyes, CNVM in 70 (45.8%) eyes, and RVO in 13 (8.4%) eyes. Mean CDVA improved from baseline (0.62 ± 0.44) to month 1 (0.45 ± 0.42) and maintained till 3 months (0.42 ± 0.44; P < 0.001). Mean CFT showed significant reduction from baseline (405.68 ± 192.422 μm) to month 1 (286.08 ± 118.36 μm) and month 3 (271 ± 104.24 μm; P < 0.001). None of the eyes recorded IOP >20 mmHg on day 1. No evidence of ocular toxicity or systemic adverse event was noted.

Conclusion:
Razumab® showed a rapid improvement in CDVA and CFT in most of the eyes with efficacy observed as early as 1 month and maintained till 3 months. The biosimilar Ranibizumab can be a safe and effective low-cost drug for treating macular diseases.
A comparative study on endothelial cell loss in nanophthalmic eyes undergoing cataract surgery by phacoemulsification
Authors: Rajendrababu Sharmila , Wijesinghe Hiruni Kaushalya , Uduman Mohammed Sithiq , Kannan Naresh Babu , Mishra Chitaranjan , Prajna Lalitha 
Published: January 2021

Purpose:
The purpose of this study is to compare the endothelial cell loss (ECL) in nanophthalmic eyes and age-matched controls undergoing cataract surgery by phacoemulsification and also to identify the risk factors influencing the endothelial cell density (ECD). This was a prospective comparative interventional case series.

Methods:
We enrolled 19 nanophthalmic eyes (study group) and 42 age-matched cataract controls (control group) undergoing phacoemulsification after meeting the inclusion criteria. Ocular parameters like best-corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure, pachymetry, specular microscopy, and slit lamp findings were noted preoperatively and at month 1 and 3 postsurgery. All nanophthalmic eyes underwent cataract surgery with concomitant prophylactic posterior sclerostomy.

Results:
The median percentage endothelial loss in nanophthalmic eyes was 4.0 (IQR 0–23.5), 7.4 (IQR 1.0–-22.4) at 1 and 3 months postoperatively compared to 6.3 (IQR 1.7–14.1) and 6.4 (IQR 2.6–-12.1) in age controlled normal eyes (P = 0.94, P = 0.46, respectively). Linear regression analysis showed increasing age as the only variable influencing the percentage decrease in corneal ECD in the study group (P = 0.001). Nanophthalmic eyes with ACD <2.5 mm had a significantly greater reduction in ECD at 3 months postcataract surgery compared to baseline (P = 0.039). Visual outcomes and IOP reduction in the study group with ACD >2.5 mm were significantly better postcataract surgery (P = 0.02 and P = 0.002, respectively).

Conclusion:
The percentage of ECL in nanophthalmic eyes undergoing phacoemulsification is equivalent to normal eyes. However, in the nanophthamic eyes with AC depth <2.5 mm, the percentage cell loss was significantly higher warranting the need for extensive intraoperative care. Increasing age was found to be the only significant risk factor influencing the ECD in short eyes.
Test-retest reliability of subjective visual vertical measurements with lateral head tilt in virtual reality goggles
Authors: Wang Chia-Han , Winnick Ariel A. , Ko Yu-Hung , Wang Zheyu , Chang Tzu-Pu 
Published: January 2021

Objective:
The objective is to investigate the test-retest reliability of subjective visual vertical (SVV) in the upright position and with lateral head tilts through a computerized SVV measuring system using virtual reality (VR) goggles.

Materials and Methods:
Thirty healthy controls underwent SVV test in upright position, with the head tilted to the right 30°, and with the head tilted to the left 30°. Subjects wore SVV VR goggles, which contained a gyroscope for monitoring the angle of head tilt. Each subject completed 10 adjustments in each head position. The mean value of SVV deviations and SVV imprecision (the intra-individual variability of SVV deviations from the 10 adjustments) were recorded and compared across different head positions. The participants then repeated the same SVV protocol at least 1 week later. The test-retest reliability of SVV deviation and SVV imprecision were analyzed.

Results:
The SVV deviation (mean ± standard deviation) was 0.22° ± 1.56° in upright position, −9.64° ± 5.91° in right head tilt, and 7.20° ± 6.36° in left head tilt. The test-retest reliability of SVV deviation was excellent in upright position (intra-class correlation coefficient [ICC] = 0.77, P < 0.001), right head tilt (ICC = 0.83, P < 0.001) and left head tilt (ICC = 0.84, P < 0.001). The SVV values from the 10 adjustments made during right and left head tilts were less precise than when measured at upright (P < 0.001). The test-retest reliability of SVV imprecision was poor at upright (ICC = 0.21, P = 0.26) but fair-to-good in right head tilt (ICC = 0.72, P < 0.001) and left head tilt (ICC = 0.44, P = 0.04).

Conclusion:
The test-retest reliability of SVV deviation during lateral head tilts via VR goggles is excellent, which supports further research into the diagnostic value of head-tilt SVV in various vestibular disorders. In addition, the degree of SVV imprecision during head tilt has fair-to-good test-retest reliability, which suggests SVV imprecision may have clinical applicability.
Could Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizer Be an Option for Hand Hygiene for Households in Rural Bangladesh?
Authors: Yeasmin Dalia , Dutta Notan C. , Nizame Fosiul A. , Rahman Musarrat J. , Ashraf Sania , Ram Pavani K. , Leontsini Elli , Rahman Mahbubur , Winch Peter J. , Luby Stephen P. , Unicomb Leanne 
Published: January 2021

ABSTRACTIn low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), hand sanitizer may be a convenient alternative to soap and water to increase hand hygiene practices. We explored perceptions, acceptability, and use of hand sanitizer in rural Bangladesh. We enrolled 120 households from three rural villages. Promoters distributed free alcohol-based hand sanitizer, installed handwashing stations (bucket with tap, stand, basin, and bottle for soapy water), and conducted household visits and community meetings. During Phase 1, promoters recommended handwashing with soap or soapy water, or hand sanitizer after defecation, after cleaning a child’s anus/feces, and before food preparation. In Phase 2, they recommended separate key times for hand sanitizer: before touching a child ≤ 6 months and after returning home. Three to 4 months after each intervention phase, we conducted a survey, in-depth interviews, and group discussions with child caregivers and male household members. After Phase 1, 82/89 (92%) households reported handwashing with soap after defecation versus 38 (43%) reported hand sanitizer use. Participants thought soap and water removed dirt from their hands, whereas hand sanitizer killed germs. In Phase 2, 76/87 (87%) reported using hand sanitizer after returning home and 71/87 (82%) before touching a child ≤ 6 months. Qualitative study participants reported that Phase 2–recommended times for hand sanitizer use were acceptable, but handwashing with soap was preferred over hand sanitizer when there was uncertainty over choosing between the two. Hand sanitizer use was liked by household members and has potential for use in LMICs, including during the coronavirus pandemic.
Twelve-Year Longitudinal Trends in Trachoma Prevalence among Children Aged 1–9 Years in Amhara, Ethiopia, 2007–2019
Authors: Sata Eshetu , Nute Andrew W. , Astale Tigist , Gessese Demelash , Ayele Zebene , Zerihun Mulat , Chernet Ambahun , Melak Berhanu , Jensen Kimberly A. , Haile Mahteme , Zeru Taye , Beyen Melkamu , Dawed Adisu Abebe , Seife Fikre , Tadesse Zerihun , Callahan Elizabeth Kelly , Ngondi Jeremiah , Nash Scott D 
Published: January 2021

ABSTRACTTrachoma control in the Amhara region of Ethiopia, where all districts were once endemic, began in 2001 and attained full scale-up of the Surgery, Antibiotics, Facial cleanliness, and Environmental improvement (SAFE) strategy by 2010. Since scaling up, the program has distributed approximately 14 million doses of antibiotic per year, implemented village- and school-based health education, and promoted latrine construction. This report aims to provide an update on the prevalence of trachoma among children aged 1–9 years as of the most recent impact or surveillance survey in all 160 districts of Amhara. As of 2019, 45 (28%) districts had a trachomatous inflammation-follicular (TF) prevalence below the 5% elimination threshold. There was a statistically significant relationship between TF prevalence observed at the first impact survey (2010–2015) and eventual achievement of TF < 5% (2015–2019). Of the 26 districts with a first impact survey < 10% TF, 20 (76.9%) had < 5% TF at the most recent survey. Of the 75 districts with a first survey between 10% and 29.9% TF, 21 (28.0%) had < 5% TF at the most recent survey. Finally, among 59 districts ≥ 30% TF at the first survey, four (6.8%) had < 5% TF by 2019. As of 2019, 30 (18.8%) districts remained with TF ≥ 30%. Amhara has seen considerable reductions of trachoma since the start of the program. A strong commitment to the SAFE strategy coupled with data-driven enhancements to that strategy is necessary to facilitate timely elimination of trachoma as a public health problem regionally in Amhara and nationwide in Ethiopia.
Characterization, purity assessment, and preparation of liposomal formulation of 2,4,6-trihydroxygeranylacetophenone
Authors: Alkhateeb Yamen , Jarrar Qais B. , Abas Faridah , Rukayadi Yaya , Shaari Khozirah 
Published: January 2021

Purpose: To prepare, characterize, and determine the purity of 2,4,6-trihydroxygeranylacetophenone (tHGA), and also to develop and characterize a liposomal formulation of tHGA to overcome its poor water solubility.
Methods: The tHGA was synthesized and then purified in two steps using two types of column chromatography separation techniques. The compound was characterized using different analytical techniques, while the purity of tHGA was determined by quantitative-nuclear magnetic resonance (qNMR). Proliposomes method was developed to produce liposome-encapsulated tHGA which was characterized based on particle size, polydispersity, stability, and encapsulation efficiency. A selective and rapid high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method was developed and validated to quantify tHGA in a liposomal formulation in order to evaluate the encapsulation efficiency.
Results: The tHGA was successfully prepared and characterized with 98.4 % purity. A simple and reproducible proliposomes method was successfully developed to produce liposome-encapsulated tHGA. The liposomal formulation exhibited excellent encapsulation efficiency (90.4 %). This formulation also yielded a homogenous liposome population (polydispersity index = 0.39) with a small particle size (250.8 nm). The prepared liposome-encapsulated tHGA was stable at refrigerated temperature (4 ºC) for at least four weeks. The developed HPLC method showed good linearity over the range of 10 to 500 μg/mL with high precision and accuracy.
Conclusion: The compound produced has a high purity which can be used as an analytical reference standard. The developed formulation is effective for dissolving and entrapping a high amount of tHGA which helps to overcome its poor solubility.
Keywords: Liposomes, Proliposomes, Trihydroxygeranylacetophenone, tHGA, Spectroscopic characterization, Poor solubility
Antimicrobial properties of bioactive compounds isolated from epidermal mucus in two Ray species (Dasyatis marmorata and Gymnura altavela)
Authors: Uyan Ali , Turan Cemal , Erdogan-Eliuz Elif Ayse , Sangun Mustafa Kemal 
Published: January 2021

Purpose: To investigate the occurrence and antimicrobial effects of certain biochemical compounds in the epidermal mucus secretions of fish and to demonstrate their potential for biomedical applications.Methods: Crude, aqueous, and acidic epidermal mucus samples were collected from live ray specimens. Gas chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analyses were performed to identify the biochemical compounds present in the mucus. The spectrophotometric broth microdilution method was used to determine the antibacterial and antifungal properties of the mucus extracts. The bacterial strains, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, and Klebsiella pneumonia, were used for the tests, as well as the fungal strains, Candida parapsilosis and Candida albicans.Results: GC/MS analysis revealed the presence of several hydrocarbon-derived compounds in the epidermal mucus of the two ray species. The acidic extract of G. altavela epidermal mucus produced a high MIC value, indicating the highest inhibitory effect of 8.64 μL against E. coli, while the crude extract of G. altavela epidermal mucus (41.13 μL against B. subtilis) was the least effective.
Conclusion: Epidermal mucus extracts, especially when acid-based, displays strong antimicrobial properties against all the tested pathogens. These findings suggest the plants possess some potential for the development of novel antimicrobial components for applications in medicine.
Keywords: Fish, Ray species, Epidermal mucus, Antimicrobial properties, Bioactive compounds
The mushroom, Cordyceps cicadae, ameliorates renal interstitial fibrosis via TLR2-mediated pathways
Authors: Zheng Rong , Wang Yuhuang , Zhong Yifei , Zhu Rong 
Published: January 2021

Purpose: To evaluate the mushroom, Cordyceps cicadae, for its ability to suppress tissue fibrosis and Toll-like receptors 2 (TLR 2) pathway activation in a mouse model of renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF).Methods: Cordyceps cicadae powder was obtained from BioAsia Group (Shanghai, China). RIF was induced via unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) in male C57Bl/6 mice. Animals were treated via the intragastric administration of Cordyceps cicadae powder (0.1g, 0.3 g/ml/100 g/day), beginning 24 h prior to UUO, and the treatment was continued for the following 14 days. Changes in tissue histology were then assessed via hematoxylin and eosin, and Sirius red stainings. Tissue macrophages were characterized based upon their expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and interleukin-10 (IL-10), while Western blotting technique was used to measure the levels of TLR2, Myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB)/p-NF-κB in samples from these animals.Results: Treatment with Cordyceps cicadae powder is associated with a shift in macrophage phenotype that in turn decreased the production of extracellular matrix and alleviated RIF occurrence in mice model.Conclusion: This mechanistic study highlights the novel potential approach for treating and preventing RIF using Cordyceps cicadae powder.
Keywords: Renal interstitial fibrosis, TLR2-mediated pathway, Cordyceps cicadae
A cross-sectional assessment of health-related quality of life among healthcare providers in Alkharj, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Albassam Ahmed A. , Iqbal Muhammad Shahid , Ain Mohammad Ruhal , Alotaibi Anwar , Althemery Abdullah , Alfaifi Abdullah 
Published: January 2021

Purpose: To determine the current level of health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and evaluate factors influencing it among health-care providers (HCPs) in Alkharj, Saudi Arabia.Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted among HCPs in Alkharj, Saudi Arabia, using the standardized research tool, BREF-WHOQOL. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed in hospitals, in the medical colleges of Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, andcommunity pharmacies in Alkharj, Saudi Arabia. Descriptive, comparative, and inferential statistics were performed using SPSS.Results: A total of 289 HCPs agreed to participate in the study, 52 % of whom were female. Most participants were married (69 %), and most had fewer than 10 years of experience (58 %). Statistically significant differences in marital status, education level, income, and year of practice were found that correlated with HCPs’ HRQoL (p ≤ 0.05). Overall, respondents reported an above-average score for all survey items.Conclusion: The results indicate that HCPs see their general quality of life as good - a particularly important consideration in view of the demanding nature of their job. This study will help the concerned authorities to exactly know the current level of HRQoL among HCPs in Alkharj, Saudi Arabia, as well as help in designing better healthcare policies in Saudi Arabia.
Keywords: Healthcare providers (HCP), Health-related quality of life (HRQoL), Healthcare policies, Occupational stress