bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Host Defense against Klebsiella pneumoniae Pneumonia Is Augmented by Lung-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Rangasamy Tirumalai , Ghimire Laxman , Jin Liliang , Le John , Periasamy Sivakumar , Paudel Sagar , Cai Shanshan , Jeyaseelan Samithamby 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Klebsiella pneumoniae is a common cause of Gram-negative pneumonia. The spread of antibiotic-resistant and hypervirulent strains has made treatment more challenging. This study sought to determine the immunomodulatory, antibacterial, and therapeutic potential of purified murine stem cell Ag-1+ (Sca-1+) lung mesenchymal stem cells (LMSCs) using in vitro cell culture and an in vivo mouse model of pneumonia caused by K. pneumoniae. Sca-1+ LMSCs are plastic adherent, possess colony-forming capacity, express mesenchymal stem cell markers, differentiate into osteogenic and adipogenic lineages in vitro, and exhibit a high proliferative capacity. Further, these Sca-1+ LMSCs are morphologically similar to fibroblasts but differ ultrastructurally. Moreover, Sca-1+ LMSCs have the capacity to inhibit LPS-induced secretion of inflammatory cytokines by bone marrow–derived macrophages and neutrophils in vitro. Sca-1+ LMSCs inhibit the growth of K. pneumoniae more potently than do neutrophils. Sca-1+ LMSCs also possess the intrinsic ability to phagocytize and kill K. pneumoniae intracellularly. Whereas the induction of autophagy promotes bacterial replication, inhibition of autophagy enhances the intracellular clearance of K. pneumoniae in Sca-1+ LMSCs during the early time of infection. Adoptive transfer of Sca-1+ LMSCs in K. pneumoniae–infected mice improved survival, reduced inflammatory cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, reduced inflammatory cytokine levels and pathological lesions in the lung, and enhanced bacterial clearance in the lung and in extrapulmonary organs. To our knowledge, these results together illustrate for the first time the protective role of LMSCs in bacterial pneumonia.
Expansion of Unique Hepatitis C Virus–Specific Public CD8+ T Cell Clonotypes during Acute Infection and Reinfection
Authors: Mazouz Sabrina , Boisvert Maude , Abdel-Hakeem Mohamed S , Khedr Omar , Bruneau Julie , Shoukry Naglaa H 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection resolves spontaneously in ∼25% of acutely infected humans where viral clearance is mediated primarily by virus-specific CD8+ T cells. Previous cross-sectional analysis of the CD8+ TCR repertoire targeting two immunodominant HCV epitopes reported widespread use of public TCRs shared by different subjects, irrespective of infection outcome. However, little is known about the evolution of the public TCR repertoire during acute HCV and whether cross-reactivity to other Ags can influence infectious outcome. In this article, we analyzed the CD8+ TCR repertoire specific to the immunodominant and cross-reactive HLA-A2–restricted nonstructural 3-1073 epitope during acute HCV in humans progressing to either spontaneous resolution or chronic infection and at ∼1 y after viral clearance. TCR repertoire diversity was comparable among all groups with preferential usage of the TCR-β V04 and V06 gene families. We identified a set of 13 public clonotypes in HCV-infected humans independent of infection outcome. Six public clonotypes used the V04 gene family. Several public clonotypes were long-lived in resolvers and expanded on reinfection. By mining publicly available data, we identified several low-frequency CDR3 sequences in the HCV-specific repertoire matching human TCRs specific for other HLA-A2–restricted epitopes from melanoma, CMV, influenza A, EBV, and yellow fever viruses, but they were of low frequency and limited cross-reactivity. In conclusion, we identified 13 new public human CD8+ TCR clonotypes unique to HCV that expanded during acute infection and reinfection. The low frequency of cross-reactive TCRs suggests that they are not major determinants of infectious outcome.
Autoimmune Diseases, End Organ Dysfunction and Adverse Drug Reaction Following Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS)
Authors: Sasidharanpillai Sarita , Joseph Amala Theresa , Ajithkumar Kidangazhiathmana , Devi Keerankulangara 
Published: August 2021

Context:
Autoimmune diseases, organ dysfunction and new drug allergies are mentioned as long-term complications after DRESS. There is scarcity of data on this from the country.

Aims:
To determine the frequency of autoimmune diseases, organ dysfunction, and new drug allergies after the resolution of DRESS.

Settings and Design:
This retrospective cohort study was carried out among patients who received treatment for DRESS in a tertiary referral center.

Materials and Methods:
In this retrospective cohort study, DRESS patients who received inpatient care in the dermatology department of our tertiary referral center from August 2014 to February 2017 were included. We excluded patients aged 12 years or below and those who had not completed minimum two years after the resolution of DRESS as on December 2019. We collected information on new onset autoimmune disease, end organ damage and new drug allergies detected after the resolution of DRESS through a telephonic interview. Those who consented were evaluated in our department.

Results:
We could contact 40/50 (80%) identified individuals and all of them consented for telephonic interview. 17 patients gave consent for revaluation in our department. There were 22 females and 18 males. 17 had definite and 23 had probable DRESS. The frequency of detection of a new disease and a new drug allergy after DRESS was 10% (4/40) and 7.5% (3/40), respectively. We noted three (7.5%) autoimmune diseases (rheumatoid arthritis 1, alopecia areata 1, chronic autoimmune urticaria 1) and one end organ damage (chronic kidney disease) among the study participants.

Limitations:
Small sample size and retrospective study design were the limitations.

Conclusions:
Prospective studies with large sample size are needed to delineate the link between DRESS and autoimmunity, end organ damage, and new drug allergies.
All India Ophthalmological Society Financial Impact Survey on ophthalmology practice in India during COVID-19
Authors: Agarwal Divya , Saxena Rohit , Sinha Rajesh , Mishra Deepak , Sachdev Mahipal S , Sharma Namrata 
Published: August 2021

Purpose:
A survey was conducted by the All India Ophthalmological Society (AIOS) to document the initial coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related financial impact on ophthalmology practice in India. It also assessed various measures taken by ophthalmologists and the possible role of AIOS in mitigating the economic crisis.

Methods:
An online questionnaire-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among its registered members from July to August 2020. The prevalidated questionnaire contained 25 items related to the impact of COVID-19 on patient volume, the extent of financial distress faced by the ophthalmologists, and various proactive measures taken by them. All valid responses were tabulated and analyzed.

Results:
Out of 1,026 respondents, more than 90% ophthalmologists faced a 25% or more reduction in outpatient and surgical volume. Nearly 59% reported that they can suffer from serious financial distress in near future due to COVID-19 pandemic-related losses. Those who are young (P < 0.0005), salaried (P < 0.0005), and practicing in private sector (P < 0.0005) and Tier 1 cities (P < 0.0005) are reported to be more vulnerable to become financially unstable. The major concerns were revenue losses (70%), preexisting debts (39%), and increased operating costs (27%). The majority (90%) believed that AIOS can help in alleviating the distress. There was also hesitancy regarding the adoption of teleophthalmology and home-based care.

Conclusion:
COVID-19 has significantly affected the financial sustainability of ophthalmologists practicing in India. Identification of vulnerable groups and timely advocacy efforts by AIOS can help in mitigating this financial crisis.
Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on income and opportunities of ophthalmologists in India: Ophthalmologists’ Workplace Expectations and Satisfaction Survey (OWESS) Report 1
Authors: Edakhlon Sreeni , Mohan Prashob , Pillai Gopal S , Verma Lalit , Honavar Santosh G , Sharma Namrata , Nadaraj Ambily 
Published: August 2021

Purpose:
To evaluate the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the income and surgical training opportunities among the ophthalmologists in India and their opinion on salary reduction during this period.

Methods:
A questionnaire in the form of a Google survey was sent to ophthalmologists across India on May 1, 2021. The data collected until May 11, 2021 was analyzed.

Results:
A total of 1057 ophthalmologists all over India participated in the survey. Of the respondents, 559 (52.9%) were women and 730 (69.1%) were young ophthalmologists (below the age of 40 years). Salary reduction was reported by 569 (53.8%) of the respondents. The categories suffering the maximum salary reduction were – young ophthalmologists (407, 55.8%) (P < 0.001), women (304, 54.4%) (P < 0.001), and private sector employees (457, 67%) (P < 0.001). More women ophthalmologists (438, 78.4%) felt it was unfair to reduce the salary during the pandemic, as compared to men (330, 66.3%) (P < 0.001). A reduction in surgical training opportunities was reported by 689 (65.2%) of ophthalmologists. The categories who suffered the maximum loss of surgical training opportunities were young ophthalmologists (565, 77.4%) (P < 0.001), women ophthalmologists (415, 74.2%) (P < 0.001), and ophthalmologists in the government sector (147, 82.6%) (P < 0.001).

Conclusion:
Ophthalmologists in India, especially women and the younger professionals, had to face salary reduction and loss of surgical training opportunities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Most ophthalmologists in India do not favor a reduction in salary. There is a need to formulate policies to safeguard ophthalmologists, especially women and younger generation from future crises in training, employment, and income.
Risk of corneal epithelial defects with and without postoperative erythromycin ointment after laser photocoagulation for retinopathy of prematurity
Authors: Khan Hirah , Chebolu Apoorv , Richards Alan B , Barry Gerard P 
Published: August 2021

Purpose:
We aim to compare the incidence of corneal epithelial defects after laser for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) with and without the use of postoperative erythromycin ointment.

Methods:
In this retrospective observational cohort study, a total of 100 infants (200 eyes) consecutively treated with laser for ROP between 2012 and 2018. The primary outcome was presence or absence of corneal epithelial defect using fluorescein on bedside examination within the first week following laser for ROP. Additional data assessed included: the use of postoperative prophylactic erythromycin ointment for 1 week, postoperative day on which examination using fluorescein occurred, presence of corneal opacity, gender, birth weight, and gestation age. The presence or absence of postoperative corneal epithelial defects was compared between eyes receiving postoperative erythromycin ointment or not using a Fisher’s exact test.

Results:
Postoperative corneal epithelial defects were more common in eyes which did not receive postoperative erythromycin (7 of 40 eyes; 17.5%), compared to eyes which did receive erythromycin (1 of 160 eyes; 0.6%; P < 0.0001). Postoperative bedside examinations with fluorescein were performed within 2 days of surgery on 136 of 200 of eyes (68%). Corneal opacities were noted in 3 of 200 eyes (1.5%).

Conclusion:
We observed less corneal epithelial defects in eyes which received postoperative erythromycin ointment for 1 week after laser for ROP than in those which did not. While multiple variables may influence the presence or absence of postoperative corneal epithelial defects following laser for ROP, consideration for postoperative lubricating ointment following laser for ROP seems reasonable.
Combined intravitreal ranibizumab and zone I sparing laser ablation in infants with posterior zone I retinopathy of prematurity
Authors: Parchand Swapnil M , Agrawal Deepanshu , Gangwe Anil , Saraogi Tripti , Agrawal Deepshikha 
Published: August 2021

Purpose:
To evaluate the efficacy of combined intravitreal ranibizumab (IVR) and zone I sparing laser ablation in infants with posterior zone I Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP).

Methods:
This was a retrospective, interventional case series including premature infants diagnosed with posterior zone I ROP (n = 24) on ROP screening. Charts and RetCam images of preterm infants with posterior zone I ROP treated with immediate IVR and zone I sparing laser ablation at 4 weeks between April 2016 and September 2019 were reviewed. Data were analyzed and tabulated using frequency and descriptive statistics to describe the demography, morphology, and treatment outcomes. Primary outcome measure was structural outcome at 6 months. It was further categorized as favorable and unfavorable.

Results:
Twenty-four infants (48 eyes) with a mean gestational age of 28.54 ± 1.98 weeks and birth weight of 1180.33 ± 280.65 grams were analyzed. Thirty-six (75%) eyes had persistent tunica vasculosa lentis and twenty-six (54.1%) eyes had iris neovascularization. All eyes had features of aggressive posterior retinopathy of prematurity (APROP) limited to posterior zone I. The mean duration between IVR and zone I sparing laser ablation was 29.62 ± 6.36 (range: 24-34) days. One infant (2 eyes) received a second IVR treatment for recurrence of plus disease and persistent new vessels close to the fovea. Laser augmentation was done in 13 (27.1%) eyes. A favorable structural outcome was seen in 45 (93.7%) eyes.

Conclusion:
Posterior zone I ROP presents as APROP. Combined IVR and zone I sparing laser ablation appears effective treatment option in these eyes.
Correlation between systemic immune-inflammation index and routine hemogram-related inflammatory markers in the prognosis of retinopathy of prematurity
Authors: Akdogan Muberra , Ustundag Yasemin , Cevik Sadik G , Dogan Pelin , Dogan Nurhan 
Published: August 2021

Purpose:
To evaluate the prognostic potential of systemic inflammatory index in the course of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).

Methods:
This is a retrospective case-control study. 303 infants with a gestational age of ≤35 weeks were screened with and without ROP at birth and 1 month after the birth of complete blood counts (CBC) were included in this study. Serum neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR), platelet-to-lymphocyte (PLR), and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) was calculated at birth and one month after. LMR was calculated by dividing the absolute lymphocyte count by the absolute monocyte count. NLR and PLR were determined by dividing the absolute neutrophil count or the absolute platelet count by the absolute lymphocyte count, respectively. The SII was calculated by the formula = neutrophilxplatelet/lymphocyte. All statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 22 (SPSS for Windows, version 22.0; SPSS, Inc. Chicago, IL, USA).

Results:
A total of 303 infants were included 145 with ROP and 158 without ROP. The NLR, LMR, PLR and SII values were 0.56 ± 1.17/0.51 ± 1.04 (P = 0.997), 13.7 ± 18/9.49 ± 13.1 (P = 0.014), 31.69 ± 68/24.1 ± 37.7 (P = 0.268), 131.42 ± 326/124.66 ± 267 (P = 0.935) in with ROP and without ROP infant at birth respectively. The NLR, LMR, PLR, and SII values were 0.68 ± 1.27/0.34 ± 0.99 (P = 0.001), 2.58 ± 6.01/2.46 ± 14.5 (P = 0.706), 47.5 ± 78.33/33.55 ± 42.4 (P = 0.035), and 253 ± 681/114 ± 345 (P = 0.001), respectively in with ROP and without ROP infant at 1 month after birth.

Conclusion:
The NLR, PLR, and SII seem an independent predictor of the development of ROP.
Prevalence of color vision deficiency among school-going boys in South India
Authors: Krishnamurthy Sruthi Sree , Rangavittal Subhiksha , Chandrasekar Ambika , Narayanan Anuradha 
Published: August 2021

Purpose:
Impact of color vision deficiency (CVD) on activities at school and productivity at work and consequential psychosocial difficulties has been reported. Although early detection and awareness help in overcoming these difficulties, screening for CVD is not a part of the school eye-screening initiatives in many countries. This study aimed at reporting the prevalence of CVD among school-going boys in Kanchipuram district, South India.

Methods:
The study was carried out as part of a school eye-screening program (SES) conducted in Kanchipuram district, Tamil Nadu, India for children between 6 and 17 years. The SES followed a three-phased protocol, which also included screening for CVD for all the boys between 11 and 17 years. The boys underwent CVD screening with Dalton’s pseudo isochromatic plates (PIPs) followed by confirmation with Ishihara’s PIP. The data were analyzed and the proportion of CVD in boys among different class grades, type of schools, location of schools, blocks of the district, and other clinical characteristics are presented.

Results:
Totally 250,052 children were screened in 1047 schools of which 74986 (60.61%) were boys between 11 and 17 years (mean age: 13.75 ± 1.91). The overall prevalence of CVD was found to be 2.76% (n = 2073; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.65–2.88). CVD was associated with urban locations (3.17% odds ratio [OR]: 1.90 95%CI: 1.69–2.13 P < 0.05) and public schooling (2.87%) (OR: 1.29 95%CI: 1.17–1.43 P < 0.05). Boys with CVD were less likely to have vision impairment (P = 0.002) and myopia (P < 0.001) as compared with boys with normal color vision. There was no significant difference in the proportion of other ocular conditions between children with and without CVD (P > 0.05).

Conclusion:
The study shows a significant proportion of CVD among boys in Kanchipuram district, India and its association with various demographic and clinical characteristics. Identification of CVD and counseling the stakeholders earlier through school children screening is crucial.
Retrospective analysis of silicon intubation by Ritleng probe and Sutupak suture fixed in silicone tube in congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction
Authors: Killedar Milind , Sasurkar Pooja , Gokhale Nikhil , Shah Mitali , Visapure Rahul 
Published: August 2021

Purpose:
The aim of this study was to perform a retrospective review of the outcome of silicon intubation using the Ritleng probe and a modified braided silk suture (Ethicon Sutupak) fixed in a silicone tube in children with congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO).

Methods:
Records of all children between 1 and 12 years of age who underwent silicone tube intubation with the Ritleng probe and Ethicon Sutupak suture (2-0) fixed in silicone tube for CNLDO with a minimum of 1-year follow-up were identified. The hollow Ritleng probe was inserted via the canaliculus into the inferior meatus. The Sutupak thread-guide, attached to the silicone tube, was advanced through the probe lumen and retrieved using a hook under endoscopic visualization. The tube ends were tied to each other and tube removal was planned after 3 months. Absence of watering, discharge, and matted lashes after removal of silicone tube was defined as success.

Results:
One hundred and fifty-two eyes of 152 children with a mean age of 3.26 ± 2.3 years were included in the study. The procedure was successful in 145 eyes (95%) after removal of the silicone intubation with relief of symptoms observed in most patients by fifth-day follow-up (n = 120 eyes, 83%). The mean duration of follow-up was 3.48 ± 1.3 years. No other significant differences were observed between patients who did (n = 47) and did not (n = 105) have previous probing including success rates (95% vs. 96%, P = 0.89).

Conclusion:
Silicone intubation with Ritleng probe and Sutupak suture fixed in silicone tube was successful in resolution of symptoms of CNLDO in majority of patients. Using a low-cost suture did not affect success rates.
A survey of visual impairment and blindness in children attending eight schools for the blind in Myanmar: An update
Authors: Huang Sonia , Sun Michelle T , Mallipatna Ashwin , Carrillo Cesar , Tang Yi Fan , Nweni Khine , Win Tin , Aung Than Htun , Lin Naing , Win Ye , Griffiths Andy , Holmes Martin , Thapaw Naw Marina , Hlaing Soe , Casson Robert , Muecke James 
Published: August 2021

Purpose:
To determine the causes of visual impairment (VI) and blindness among children in schools for the blind in Myanmar; to identify the avoidable causes of VI and blindness; to provide spectacles, low-vision aids, and ophthalmic treatment where indicated; to provide an update of the 2007 survey performed and identify any major epidemiological changes.

Methods:
Two hundred and ninety children under 16 years of age from all eight schools for the blind in Myanmar were examined and the data entered into the World Health Organization Prevention of Blindness Examination Record for Childhood Blindness.

Results:
In total, 271 children (93.4%) were blind (visual acuity [VA] <3/60 in the better eye) and 15 (5.17%) had severe visual impairment (SVI = VA <6/60 to 3/60 in the better eye). Most children had whole globe as the major anatomical site of SVI or blindness (105, 36.6%). The cause was unknown in the majority of these (155, 54.0%). One hundred and twelve children had avoidable causes of blindness and SVI (39.0%). Forty children (13.9%) required an optical device and 10.1% required surgical or medical attention, with a potential for visual improvement through intervention in 3.48%.

Conclusion:
In all, 39.0% of children had potentially avoidable causes of SVI and blindness with cataracts and measles being the commonest causes. This follow-up survey performed after the first one completed in Myanmar in 2007 demonstrates a change in the major site of abnormality from the cornea to whole globe and a reduction in avoidable blindness but highlights the ongoing burden of measles.
Retinopathy of prematurity screening and retinal hemorrhages – Our experience among Indian babies
Authors: Hemalatha B C , Kalpana B N , Shilpa Y D , Ravi B , Bhavana G , Meghana S , Basumatary Jessica 
Published: August 2021

Purpose:
To evaluate the clinical characteristics of intraocular hemorrhages among babies screened for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and thereby their additional risk to the progression of ROP.

Methods:
A descriptive study was conducted at a tertiary referral hospital, which included 108 eyes of 60 neonates who were discovered to have retinal hemorrhages on retinal screening of 540 babies at risk for ROP. Maternal, obstetric, and neonatal risk factors were assessed in neonates with retinal hemorrhages. Retinal hemorrhages were assessed in terms of type, area, and relation to different retinal zones.

Results:
Among 540 neonates who were screened, retinal hemorrhages were found in 11.2% (n = 60 babies). Elderly primigravida mothers and spontaneous vaginal deliveries with prolonged second stage of labor were a common maternal risk factors for retinal hemorrhages. Low birth weight and preterm were fetal risk factors with neonatal retinal hemorrhages. These hemorrhages were more often bilateral (no. of babies = 48, 80%). Flame-shaped hemorrhages were more common than dot and blot ones. The majority of cases (no. of eyes = 74, 65%) resolved within 4 weeks, whereas four babies (8 eyes, 7.4%) progressed to ROP were treated with laser.

Conclusion:
Retinal hemorrhages in neonates are commonly associated with prolonged duration of second stage of labor, advanced maternal age, and anemia. Although not all progress to ROP, recognizing preterm and low birth weight babies with junctional hemorrhages is crucial not to delay the treatment. Regular follow-up until the clearance of hemorrhages and monitoring systemic conditions in these babies of amblyogenic age-group are required.