bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quality of Life and Cataracts: A Review of Patient-Centered Studies of Cataract Surgery Outcomes
Authors: Legro Marcia West 
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACTIn the next 10 years growing numbers of adults will be reaching the age at which senile cataracts typically develop. At the same time, pressure is strong to contain medical expenses. In order to formulate wise public policy in this area it is important to describe the effects of this treatment on the patient's quality of life. After a general discussion of research on patientcentered medical outcomes, 18 studies of patientcentered cataract surgery outcomes are reviewed. Then the findings, both direct outcomes (visual acuity, percentage visual impairment, complications, visual functioning, physical and mental functioning, general well-being, and satisfaction with care) as well as modifying factors (type of prosthesis, presurgical functional status, condition of fellow eye, other ocular pathology, comorbidity, age, gender, socioeconomic status, attitudes, and values) are summarized. The closing discussion summarizes findings, describes two studies underway, and suggests directions for future studies of cataract surgery effects.
The Keratoprosthesis: Improved Biocompatability Through Design and Surface Modification
Authors: Kirkham Steven M , Dangel Matthew E 
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACT
Due to poor biocompatability, the success of keratoprostheses has been limited. We compared a newly-designed PMMA intracorneal keratoprosthesis, covalently coated with type-I collagen, with an identical, uncoated keratoprosthesis in 12 rabbit eyes. While both keratoprostheses were retained for 15 months, the uncoated implants had more extensive adjacent corneal melting, greater inflammatory response, and more epithelial down growth than their collagen-coated counterparts. Electron microscopy showed that stromal collagen fibers had attached to the surface of the coated implants, but not to that of the uncoated ones. Intracorneal keratoprostheses covalently coated with type-I collagen may offer superior biocompatability and become significantly incorporated into corneal tissues.
Modified Tessier Flap for Reconstruction of the Upper Eyelid
Authors: Avram D R , Hurwitz J J , Kratky V 
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACT
We present a modification of the Tessier or orbitonasojugal flap for use in upper eyelid reconstruction. It is suitable for repairing full-thickness defects involving 60% or more of the lid margin and has the advantage of being a one-step procedure.
Cataract Extraction in a Patient With Carotid Cavernous Sinus Fistula
Authors: Slochower Dennis , Dowhan Thomas P 
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACT
We report for the first time, to our knowledge, a case of successful cataract extraction and insertion of an intraocular lens in a patient with a "low-flow" carotid cavernous sinus fistula and suggest guidelines for reducing the risk of cataract surgery in such patients.
Inadvertent Penetrating Injury to the Globe With Periocular Corticosteroid Injection
Authors: Jain Vikas K , Mames Robert N , McGorray Susan , Giles Conrad L 
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACT
We surveyed 488 physicians regarding their experience with inadvertent ocular penetration with steroid injections over a 5-year period. Sixty-six cases of ocular penetration were reported by the 209 physicians who responded. Of the 18 patients whose retinal status was known, 12 (67%) had retinal detachments resulting from the penetration. Final visual acuities in 85% of the 26 cases were worse than 20/100.
Temporal Artery Biopsy Technique: A Clinico-Anatomical Approach
Authors: Scott Kevin R , Tse David T , Kronish Jan W 
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACT
A positive temporal artery biopsy is required to conclusively establish the diagnosis of temporal arteritis. The temporal artery biopsy technique we describe is based on the anatomical branching patterns of the superficial temporal artery, the various fascial layers, and the location of the temporal branches of the facial nerve. Special emphasis is placed on avoiding facial nerve trauma during a biopsy of the frontal branch of the superficial temporal artery. Proper surgical technique combined with a working knowledge of the anatomy of the temporalis region enhances the safety of a temporal artery biopsy procedure.
Contact Transscleral Nd:YAG Laser Cyclophotocoagulation for the Treatment of Refractory Pediatric Glaucoma
Authors: Phelan Mark J , Higginbotham Eve J 
Published: April 2021

*BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Nd:YAG contact transscleral laser cyclophotocoagulation (CTLC) has been used in the treatment of adult glaucoma patients. However, little information is available regarding the use of this modality in pediatrie glaucoma.
*PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively studied 10 pediatrie patients (ages 8 months to 13 years) treated with Nd: YAG CTLC for refractory glaucoma. All patients were treated using our standard technique in an outpatient setting. Average treatment energy was 190.5 ±35.0 J.
*RESULTS: The overall result was an average intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction of 48% ± 6%. An IOP of less than 21 mm Hg was achieved in five patients (50%), and the average follow up was 15.5 ± 5 months. Retreatment was required in 7 of 1 0 eyes. Loss of vision was seen in four patients, and one case of phthisis bulbi was noted.
*CONCLUSION: Nd:YAG CTLC effectively lowers IOP in refractory pediatrie glaucoma.
[Ophthalmic Surg Lasers 1995;26:401-403-]
Anterior Chamber Maintenance During Drainage of a Suprachoroidal Hemorrhage in Two Phakic Eyes
Authors: Birt Catherine M , Berger Alan R 
Published: April 2021

* BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The authors describe a technique for hemorrhage drainage following glaucoma surgery that uses an anterior chamber maintainer to minimize risk to the anterior lens capsule.
* PATIENTS AND METHODS: Two patients had suprachoroidal hemorrhages following filtration surgery. Because their eyes were phakic, an anterior chamber maintainer, as opposed to a 23-gauge butterfly needle, was used for aqueous replacement during hemorrhage drainage.
* RESULTS: The maintainer provided a stable anterior chamber environment during both drainage procedures. No damage to anterior chamber structures occurred, and the postoperative course was unremarkable in both patients.
* CONCLUSIONS: The use of a sharp-tipped infusion cannula may be contraindicated for the phakic patient who has a suprachoroidal hemorrhage. The anterior chamber maintainer is a useful alternative instrument in such cases.
[Ophthalmic Surg Lasers 1996;27:739-745.]
Examining the relationship between competitive capability and perceived service quality in university libraries
Authors: Arachchige J. J. G. , Singh Diljit , Weerasooriya W. A. 
Published: April 2021

As modern Information Technology has created a way to a variety of information service opportunities, many options other than the conventional library service are available for users. A stiff competition has emerged among information service providers and therefore university library professionals too have to think of their competitive advantage. Service quality has gained a high concern as a strategy for developing the competitive position of an organization and many studies in different fields have established a strong relationship between service quality and competitive advantage. Viewing inversely, some practitioners contemplate that the competitive position of resource capabilities can influence the improvement of service quality. In order to examine the relationship between competitive position and the service quality in a university library context, an exploratory survey was employed utilizing a VRIO based questionnaire and LibQUAL+ based instrument with 89 library professionals selected from 15 state university libraries in Sri Lanka. The study reveals that there is a moderate positive correlation between two variables (r = .286, n= 66, p = .020). As the relationship is moderate, further studies seem essential to support the hypothesis. The large percentage of residuals indicates that there are more factors contributing to the service quality in university libraries. This study deploys a robust process to develop a measuring instrument for a competitive position in university libraries and uncovers many research areas in the field.
Detecting Malaria Hotspots in Haiti, a Low-Transmission Setting
Authors: Dismer Amber M. , Lemoine Jean Frantz , Jean Baptiste Mérilien , Mace Kimberly E. , Impoinvil Daniel E. , Vanden Eng Jodi , Chang Michelle A. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract.In 2006, Haiti committed to malaria elimination when the transmission was thought to be low, but before robust national parasite prevalence estimates were available. In 2011, the first national population-based survey confirmed the national malaria parasite prevalence was < 1%. In both 2014 and 2015, Haiti reported approximately 17,000 malaria cases identified passively at health facilities. To detect malaria transmission hotspots for targeting interventions, the National Malaria Control Program (NMCP) piloted an enhanced geographic information surveillance system in three departments with relatively high-, medium-, and low-transmission areas. From October 2014–September 2015, NMCP staff abstracted health facility records of confirmed malaria cases from 59 health facilities and geo-located patients’ households. Household locations were aggregated to 1-km2 grid cells to calculate cumulative incidence rates (CIRs) per 1,000 persons. Spatial clustering of CIRs were tested using Getis-Ord Gi* analysis. Space–time permutation models searched for clusters up to 6 km in distance using a 1-month malaria transmission window. Of the 2,462 confirmed cases identified from health facility records, 58% were geo-located. Getis-Ord Gi* analysis identified 43 1-km2 hotspots in coastal and inland areas that overlapped primarily with 13 space–time clusters (size: 0.26–2.97 km). This pilot describes the feasibility of detecting malaria hotspots in resource-poor settings. More data from multiple years and serological household surveys are needed to assess completeness and hotspot stability. The NMCP can use these pilot methods and results to target foci investigations and malaria interventions more accurately.
Omics Tools Applied to the Study of Chagas Disease Vectors: Cytogenomics and Genomics
Authors: Borsatto Kelly Cristine , Coronado Monika Aparecida , Arni Raghuvir Krishnaswamy , Cesar Chaboli Alevi Kaio 
Published: April 2021

Abstract.Chagas disease is an illness caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi that is distributed in 21 countries of Latin America. The main way of transmission of T. cruzi is through the feces of triatomines infected with the parasite. With technological advances came new technologies called omics. In the pre-genomic era, the omics science was based on cytogenomic studies of triatomines. With the Rhodnius prolixus genome sequencing project, new omics tools were applied to understand the organism at a systemic level and not just from a genomic point of view. Thus, the present review aims to put together the cytogenomic and genomic information available in the literature for Chagas disease vectors. Here, we review all studies related to cytogenomics and genomics of Chagas disease vectors, contributing to the direction of further research with these insect vectors, because it was evident that most studies focus on cytogenomic knowledge of the species. Given the importance of genomic studies, which contributed to the knowledge of taxonomy, systematics, as well as the vector’s biology, the need to apply these techniques in other genera and species of Triatominae subfamily is emphasized.
Parenteral Vaccination with a Cholera Conjugate Vaccine Boosts Vibriocidal and Anti-OSP Responses in Mice Previously Immunized with an Oral Cholera Vaccine
Authors: Akter Aklima , Kelly Meagan , Charles Richelle C. , Harris Jason B. , Calderwood Stephen B. , Bhuiyan Taufiqur R. , Biswas Rajib , Xu Peng , Kováč Pavol , Qadri Firdausi , Ryan Edward T. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract.Oral cholera vaccination protects against cholera; however, responses in young children are low and of short duration. The best current correlates of protection against cholera target Vibrio cholerae O-specific polysaccharide (anti-OSP), including vibriocidal responses. A cholera conjugate vaccine has been developed that induces anti-OSP immune responses, including memory B-cell responses. To address whether cholera conjugate vaccine would boost immune responses following oral cholera vaccination, we immunized mice with oral cholera vaccine Inaba CVD 103-HgR or buffer only (placebo) on day 0, followed by parenteral boosting immunizations on days 14, 42, and 70 with cholera conjugate vaccine Inaba OSP: recombinant tetanus toxoid heavy chain fragment or phosphate buffered saline (PBS)/placebo. Compared with responses in mice immunized with oral vaccine alone or intramuscular cholera conjugate vaccine alone, mice receiving combination vaccination developed significantly higher vibriocidal, IgM OSP-specific serum responses and OSP-specific IgM memory B-cell responses. A combined vaccination approach, which includes oral cholera vaccination followed by parenteral cholera conjugate vaccine boosting, results in increased immune responses that have been associated with protection against cholera. These results suggest that such an approach should be evaluated in humans.
Prevalence and factors associated with hypertension among rural community dwellers in a local government area, South West Nigeria
Authors: P Opreh Owigho , O Olajubu Temitope , J Akarakiri Kunmi , Ligenza Vojtech , T Amos John , V Adeyeye Adebanke , Z Oyelade Olufunke , C Oyewole Funmilayo 
Published: April 2021

Background: Many African countries including Nigeria are said to be at various stages of an epidemiological transition from communicable to non-communicable diseases (NCD).
Objective: This study determined the current pattern and correlates of hypertension among adults in some rural commu- nities in South West Nigeria.
Methods: It was a descriptive cross-sectional study of 1012 individuals across 16 rural communities. The respondents’ blood pressure, weight, height and waist circumference were measured. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were done.
Results: Among the participants, 461 (45.6%) had hypertension out of whom 217 (47.1%) and 244 (52.9%) had stage 1 and stage 2 hypertension respectively. The systolic, diastolic and mean arterial blood pressures increased with age. The significant predictors of hypertension were; increasing age (p<0.001), higher waist circumference (p = 0.01) and overweight / obesity (p = 0.03). While systolic blood pressure (SBP) had the strongest correlation with age, waist circumference (WC) was the strongest correlate of diastolic blood pressure (DBP).
Conclusion: Despite being a rural population, there was a high prevalence of hypertension in the study area.
Keywords: Prevalence; hypertension; rural; community; Nigeria.
Atrial electromechanical delay and p wave dispersion associated with severity of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Celik Yunus , Yıldırım Nesligül , Demir Vahit , Alp Cağlar , Sahin Omer , Tolga Doğru Mehmet 
Published: April 2021

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate atrial electromechanical delay (AEMD) with both electrocardiography (ECG) and echocardiography in patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
Methods: Total of 110 patients were included in this cross-sectional case-control study. P-wave dispersion (PWD) was measured on a 12-lead ECG. Atrial electromechanical intervals (PA) were measured as the time interval between the onset of the P wave on the ECG and the beginning of the late diastolic A wave.
Results: PWD was found to be 40.9±9.2 ms in the healthy control group, 45.6±8.2 ms in the mild COPD and 44.8±8.7 ms in the severe COPD group (p<0.05). Intra-right atrial EMD was found to be 10.7±5.8 ms in mild COPD, 11.0±7 ms in severe COPD, and it was 16.4±7.3 ms in healthy control group (p<0.001). Interatrial EMD was detected to be 29.5±9.1 ms in the control group, 24.1±9 ms in mild COPD group, and 23.9±11.1 ms in the severe COPD group (p<0.001).
Conclusion: Both mild and severe COPD groups decreased PWD, increased tricuspid PA and significantly decreased inter- and right intra-AEMD times in comparison to the control group.
Keywords: Atrial eletromechanical delay; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; P wave dispersion.
COVID-19: sitting is the new smoking; the role of exercise in augmenting the immune system among the elderly
Authors: Tokunbo Olorunfemi , Abayomi Taiwo , Adekomi Damilare , Oyeyipo Ibukun 
Published: April 2021

Introduction: Like smoking, sedentary lifestyle is an issue of great concern because of its deleterious health challenges and implications. Given the global spread of the new coronavirus (COVID-19), social isolation regulations and laws have been implemented in many countries to contain the spread of the virus and this has caused a drastic shift from the usual physically demanding life to a sedentary lifestyle characterized by significantly reduced physical activities and prolong sitting.
Methods/Data Source: Human and nonhuman primate literature was examined to compare experimental and clinical modulation of inflammatory cytokines by exercised-induced myokines.
Data synthesis: Experimental and clinical evidence was used to examine whether exercised-induced myokines can prime the immune system of the elderly population during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Conclusion: The immune system changes with advancement in age which increases the likelihood of infectious disease morbidity and mortality in older adults. Several epidemiological studies have also shown that physical inactivity among geri- atric population impacts negatively on the immune system. Evidences on the importance of exercise in priming the immune system of elderly individuals could be an effective therapeutic strategy in combating the virus as it may well be a case of “let those with the best immune system win”.
Keywords: Exercise; immune system; sedentary lifestyle; myokines.
Prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms in nurses and civil servants working at a hospital: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Kok Gulsah , Kocaoz Semra , Guvenc Gulten , Akyuz Aygul 
Published: April 2021

Background: Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are common in women and can interrupt daily living activities of the individuals. The study aimed at determining the LUTS prevalence and the influencing factors in nurses and civil servants working at a hospital.
Methods: This cross-sectional and descriptive study was conducted with 158 female nurses and 105 female civil servants. The data were obtained with a data collection form and the Bristol Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms-Short Form.
Results: This paper exposes that the prevalence of at least one LUTS was 94.2% in nurses and 97.1% in civil servants. The most common LUTS symptoms of nurses and civil servants were urgency (60.1%nurses, 81.9%civil servants) and urge incontinence (59.5%nurses, 81.9%civil servants). Nurses (60.8%) expressed significantly higher rates of having inadequate time going to the toilet due to their work conditions compared to the civil servants (41.9%) (p<0.05). BFLUTS-SF scores in terms of age, BMI, parity, having cesarean and vaginal delivery and urinary incontinence in their previous pregnancies were compared between two groups, statistically significant differences were found (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Workplace conditions of the health workers should be reorganizing to have healthy urinary habits for prevent- ing them from the development of LUTS.
Keywords: Lower urinary tract symptoms; prevalence; nurses; civil servants.
Ectopic pregnancy at the Gambian Tertiary hospital
Authors: Anyanwu Matthew , Titilope Grace 
Published: April 2021

Background/Aims: Ectopic pregnancy is a gynaecological emergency with significant burden of maternal mortality and morbidity in the tropics. The incidence reported in the literature range from 1:60 to 1:250 pregnancies. The aim was to determine incidence and risk factors of ectopic pregnancy in the Gambia.
Methodology: A longitudinal study of ectopic pregnancy at Gambian tertiary hospital from January 2016 to April 2018. Data was collected from patients’ folders, entered into SPSS version 20 and analysed with de- scriptive statistics. The test of variation and significance was by ANOVA and Chi-square respectively with error margin set at 0.05 and confidence interval of 95%.
Results: A total number of 2562 pregnancies were recorded, 43 were ectopic pregnancies. The estimated incidence was 0.2%. Majority of the patients were between 26 – 35 years (56%), primiparous (32%), heterogeneous marriage (82%) and housewives (86%). Occupation was not associated with ruptured or unruptured ectopic pregnancy (p-0.421). Low parity was associated with more ectopic pregnancy than high parity (p-0.001). The commonest clinical feature was abdominal pain (65.1%), whilst the most prominent risk factors were pelvic inflamma- tory disease (27.9%) and previous abortion (23.3%). Ectopic pregnancy was seasonal.
Conclusion: The incidence rate of 0.2% was in the range reported in the literature. Low parity, previous abortion and pelvic inflammatory disease were the risk factors.
Keywords: Ectopic; pregnancy; incidence; risk factors.
Factors that influence management of postpartum hemorrhage among midwives in a rural setting in Kenya
Authors: Mumbi Muthoni Doris , Njeri Kabue Priscilla , Kurwa Ambani Elizabeth 
Published: April 2021

Background: Postpartum hemorrhage is the cumulative blood loss of 500 milliliters or more in a spontaneous vaginal delivery and approximately 1,000 milliliters or more for caesarean section birth and a leading cause of maternal mortality1.
Objective: The overall aim of the study was to determine midwives’ factors that influence the management of PPH.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study that employed a quantitative approach through the use of a research self- ad- ministered questionnaire and an observational checklist targeting midwives were used. 85 midwives filled the questionnaire and 71 were observed respectively. The study was hospital- based conducted in Muranga County, Kenya. Convenience sam- pling technique was used to select the midwives in the study sites.
Results: The following factors were statistically significant in influencing management of postpartum hemorrhage; age (P-value = 0.021). professional qualification ( P= 0.047), experience in management of PPH ( P= 0.032) and training on emergency PPH ( P= 0.010), knowledge factors that were found to influence the management of PPH positively include knowledge on; prevention of PPH (p value-0.000), correct use of prophylactic uterotonic agents ( P= 0.000), uterotonics use ( P= 0.043), uterine massage during 3rd stage of labour ( P= 0.012), examination of the placenta ( P= 0.034), management of PPH (P= 0.028), causes and diagnosis of PPH ( P= 0.001), (Fischer’s exact value= 0.043).
Conclusion: Results of the study indicate a statistical association between midwives’ factors and management of PPH.
Keywords: Midwifery factors; management of postpartum haemorrhage.