bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Tono-Pen Avia and Handheld Applanation Tonometry in Primary Congenital Glaucoma
Authors: Cronemberger Sebastião , Veloso Artur W. 
Published: February 2021

Précis:
Tono-Pen AVIA (TPA) intraocular pressure (IOP) values are different from those taken with handheld Goldmann applanation tonometer (GAT) in primary congenital glaucoma (PCG). These differences indicate both tonometers cannot be used interchangeably for measuring IOP in PCG.

Purpose:
The aim was to compare IOP measurements obtained using TPA and a handheld version of GAT in children with PCG.

Materials and Methods:
Forty-two eyes from 23 patients were evaluated for central corneal thickness (CCT), axial length, biomicroscopy and IOP measurement with TPA and a handheld GAT under inhalation anesthesia. After 1 eye from each patient was randomized, paired the Student t-test and the Pearson correlation were used for analysis. Generalized linear mixed model was used to estimate the difference between tonometers.

Results:
Mean age of children was 28.3±20.5 months. Mean axial length was 24.89±3.33 mm and mean CCT was 605.9±81.0 µm. Mean IOP was 22.1±9.6 for TPA and 14.0±4.5 mm Hg for GAT. There was a significant difference of 8.1±6.9 mm Hg between TPA IOP and GAT IOP (P<0.001). Each 6 months increase in age was associated with 1.32 mm Hg reduction in the difference between tonometers (P=0.002) and each 1 mm Hg higher of mean GAT IOP was associated with −0.73 mm Hg in the difference between TPA and GAT (P=0.002). Also, for every 20 µm increase in CCT an increase of 1.16 mm Hg in the difference between both devices was expected (P=0.003), after adjustment for potentially confounding variables.

Conclusion:
There is a significant difference between TPA IOP and GAT IOP in PCG. The difference between TPA and GAT in PCG is influenced by CCT, age and GAT IOP value.
Kelly Punch Punctoplasty and Simple Punctal Dilatation Are Equally Effective for Punctal Stenosis: A Prospective Study
Authors: Zloto Ofira , Weissman Alon , Moroz Iris , Weidenfeld Jonathan , Ben Simon Guy , Sagiv Oded , Rosner Mordechai , Priel Ayelet 
Published: February 2021

Purpose:
To examine the clinical, imaging, and histopathologic differences between Kelly punch punctoplasty and punctal dilatation, both with mini Monoka stent insertion.

Methods:
This is a prospective, comparative clinical study. Patients with bilateral punctal stenosis and for whom surgery was advised participated in the study. The right eye underwent Kelly punch punctoplasty and the left eye simple punctal dilatation, both with mini Monoka stents were participated. Data were collected and analyzed before and 3 months following the procedure and included the degree of epiphora (Munk score) and punctal size as measured by anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AC- OCT). All specimens removed by the Kelly punch punctoplasty were sent for histopathologic evaluation, including Masson’s trichome muscle staining.

Results:
The study included 46 eyes of 23 patients (4 males and 19 females) whose mean age at presentation was 60.43 ± 14.81 years (range 19–84 years). There was a significant decrease in the Munk score after both punctoplasties compared with baseline values (P < 0.01, matched pairs). There were no significant differences between groups in the delta Munk score. There was a significant increase in punctal size after both procedures compared with baseline values as measured by AS-OCT. Horner–Duverney’s muscle was visible in only 3 of the 23 (13.04%) specimens from patients who underwent the Kelly punch punctoplasty.

Conclusions:
The Kelly punch punctoplasty and the simple dilator punctoplasty, both with stents, are equally effective treatments for epiphora due to acquired punctal stenosis. Only a few specimens removed during the Kelly punch method show muscle fibers.
Changes of lymphocyte subsets in patients with COVID-19 and clinical significance: a case-control observational study
Authors: Yang Guang , Feng Fan , Li Xue , Zhang Tian , Li Xiang , Li Boan 
Published: February 2021

Objective:
To investigate and analyze changes of T lymphocyte and other lymphocyte subsets in the peripheral blood of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), with the goal of improving clinical understanding and the value of research applications.

Methods:

General data of 66 confirmed COVID-19 patients admitted to the Fifth Medical Center of Beijing PLA General Hospital from January 2 to March 23, 2020 were collected in this retrospective case-control observational study, and they were divided into mild (
n
=26), mid-grade (
n
=19), and severe/critical disease groups (
n
=21) according to disease severity. Neutrophils, lymphocytes, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratios, CD4 absolute counts, CD8 absolute counts, and CD4/CD8 expression ratios of peripheral whole blood among the three patient groups were compared. The study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Fifth Medical Center, General Hospital of Chinese PLA (approval No. 2020-69-D) on May 5, 2020.

Results:

Among the 66 COVID-19 patients examined, 38 were male and 28 were female, with an average age of 53 ± 17 years. Among patients, 26 cases were mild, 19 cases were mid-grade, and 21 cases were severe/critical. Neutrophils, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratios, and CD4
+
/CD8
+
ratios of the severe/critical group were significantly higher compared with mild and mid-grade groups (
P
< 0.01); however, there was no obvious difference between mid-grade and mild groups (
P
> 0.05). Lymphocytes, CD4 absolute counts, and CD8
+
absolute counts of the severe/critical group were significantly lower compared with mild and mid-grade groups (
P
< 0.01); however, there was no significant difference between mid-grade and mild groups (
P
> 0.05).

Conclusion:
Counts of lymphocytes and T lymphocytes in severe/critically ill patients were decreased, which is of great significance for the identification of severe and critical COVID-19 patients.
Impact of COVID-19 on Heart Failure Self-Care
Authors: Radhakrishnan Kavita , Allen Catherine , DeMain Atami Sagna , Park Linda 
Published: February 2021

Background
Difficulties in coping with and self-managing heart failure (HF) are well known. The COVID-19 pandemic may further complicate self-care practices associated with HF.

Objective
The aim of this study was to understand COVID-19's impact on HF self-care, as well as related coping adaptations that may blunt the impact of COVID-19 on HF health outcomes.

Methods
A qualitative study using phone interviews, guided by the framework of vulnerability analysis for sustainability, was used to explore HF self-care among older adults in central Texas during the late spring of 2020. Qualitative data were analyzed using directed content analysis.

Results
Seventeen older adults with HF participated (mean [SD] age, 68 [9.1] years; 62% female, 68% White, 40% below poverty line, 35% from rural areas). Overall, the COVID-19 pandemic had an adverse impact on the HF self-care behavior of physical activity. Themes of social isolation, financial concerns, and disruptions in access to medications and food indicated exposure, and rural residence and source of income increased sensitivity, whereas adaptations by healthcare system, health-promoting activities, socializing via technology, and spiritual connections increased resilience to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Conclusions
The study's findings have implications for identifying vulnerabilities in sustaining HF self-care by older adults and empowering older adults with coping strategies to improve overall satisfaction with care and quality of life.
Evaluating Integrated Care for People Living With HIV and Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis in South Africa: A Case-Based Approach Using the Chronic Care Model
Authors: Geiger Keri , Bergman Alanna , Farley Jason E. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
In South Africa, tuberculosis (TB) and multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) frequently occur in people living with HIV. World Health Organization guidelines recommend the integration of MDR-TB and HIV care but, in practice, fully integrated care is difficult to achieve. In this article, we use five elements of the Chronic Care Model as a framework for evaluating a case of integrated MDR-TB/HIV care and to highlight opportunities for nurses to improve care delivery and patient outcomes. We apply the Chronic Care Model framework to a concrete example by examining the case of a 33-year-old man who developed MDR-TB treatment failure while concurrently taking a powerful new MDR-TB antiretroviral therapy regimen for his HIV.
The Effect of Ulnar Deviation Orthosis in Patients with Zigzag Deformity Due to Rheumatoid Hand
Authors: Yazdan Ramaji Reza , Daryabor Aliyeh , Ahmadi Bani Monireh 
Published: February 2021

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is known as a chronic and multisystem disease accompanied by synovial inflammation leading to deformities such as finger ulnar deviation and pain, as well as functional difficulties. Thus, a conservative treatment in this domain includes orthoses, that is, features added to the body that aim to correct deformity, reduce pain, and finally improve functionality.

Objective
The purpose of this quasi-experimental study was to evaluate the effect of ulnar deviation orthosis in patients with zigzag deformity due to RA.

Material and Methods
In total, 12 participants with RA were measured two times: before the start of orthosis use and after 4 weeks of use. The rate of pain, grip strength, and upper-limb function were also measured using a visual analog scale, the Jamar Hydraulic Hand Dynamometer, and the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Questionnaire, respectively.

Results
After 4 weeks of orthosis use, it was found that the scores of pain (P = 0.03), upper-limb function (P = 0.008), and grip strength had significantly improved in the hands treated over time.

Conclusion
The use of an ulnar deviation orthosis by patients with RA could reduce hand pain, improve grip strength, and promote upper-limb function.
Acupuncture as add-on treatment for functional dyspepsia
Authors: Kwon Chan-Young , Ko Seok-Jae , Lee Boram , Cha Jae Myung , Park Jae-Woo 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Background:
Functional dyspepsia (FD) is a common functional gastrointestinal disease with a high prevalence. However, due to the limitations of conventional Western treatments, such as acid suppressants, prokinetics, Helicobacter pylori eradication treatment, and antidepressants, the popularity of complementary and alternative medicine, such as acupuncture, is steadily increasing. We describe the methods that will be used to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture as add-on therapies to conventional Western medications in patients with FD.

Methods and analysis:
A total of 12 English, Korean, and Chinese electronic databases will be searched by 2 researchers from their inception dates to December 2020. Randomized controlled trials assessing the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture as add-on therapies to conventional Western medications in patients with FD will be included. The primary outcome measure will be the symptom score of FD, and secondary outcome measures will be total effective rate, quality of life, level of gut peptide hormones, incidence of adverse events, and recurrence rate. Data analysis will be performed using the Review Manager version 5.3. The risk of bias of the included studies and the quality of evidence for the main findings will be evaluated using the Cochrane Collaborations risk of bias tool and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach, respectively.

Conclusion:
The findings of this review will provide evidence on the complementary effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for FD for clinicians, patients, and policy makers in decision making.

OSF registration number:
DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/MXREN (https://osf.io/mxren).
The efficacy and safety of auricular acupuncture versus electroacupuncture in ameliorating chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting among patients receiving cisplatin-based regimens
Authors: Liu Meng-yue , Sung Lai , Liao Yan-Sen , Jiao Yi-fei , Sun Chang-sheng , Peng Xiao-dong 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Background:
Nausea and vomiting are among the most common and distressing side effects of chemotherapy. Difference in views about the effectiveness of auricular acupuncture (AA) versus electroacupuncture (EA) of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) lies at the heart of the debate. The aim of this study is to compare the antiemetic efficacy and safety of AA and EA for CINV.

Methods:
One hundred twenty participants, 18 to 75 years old malignant tumors will receiving chemotherapy with cisplatin, will be recruited and randomized into 3 groups equally, Group A (the AA group), Group B (the EA group), and Group C (the control group). The participants in Group A and Group B will receive AA or EA regimens, alternatively, beginning on the day before first day of chemotherapy for a third consecutive cycles. All participants will continue to receive conventional treatment. The incidence and severity of CINV will be assessed using the definition and classification of nausea and vomiting (NCI-CTC AE4.0) and the MASCC (Multinational Association for Supportive Care in Cancer) Antiemesis Tool (MAT). Secondary outcome measures include the degree of abdominal distension, the first time of flatus and defecation, and life quality. Additionally, adverse events will also be documented during the period of the treatment.

Discussion:
This trial may provide evidence regarding the clinical effectiveness and safety of AA versus EA for CINV following cisplatin-based regimens.

Trail registration:
This study is registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR2000040942.
The effect of nurse-led interventions on re-admission and mortality for congestive heart failure
Authors: Qiu Xiaoqin , Lan Chunhan , Li Jinhua , Xiao Xi , Li Jinlian 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Background:
The European Society of Cardiology guidelines recommend the implementation of nurse-led heart failure programs to achieve optimal management of patients with congestive heart failure (CHF). In this analysis, we aimed to systematically show the impact of nurse-led interventions (NLI) on re-admission and mortality in patients with CHF (reduced ejection fraction).

Methods:
Publications reporting the impact of NLI on readmission and mortality in patients with CHF were carefully searched from electronic databases. Rehospitalization and mortality were the endpoints. For this analysis, the latest version of the RevMan software was used. Risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to represent data following analysis.

Results:
A total number of 3282 participants with CHF were included in this analysis. A total of 1571 patients were assigned to the nurse-led intervention group whereas 1711 patients were assigned to the usual care group. The patients had a mean age ranging from 50.8 to 80.3 years. Male patients varied from 27.3% to 73.8%. Comorbidities including hypertension (24.6%–80.0%) and diabetes mellitus (16.7%–59.7%) were also reported. Patients had a mean left ventricular ejection fraction varying from 29.0% to 61.0%. Results of this current analysis showed that rehospitalization (RR: 0.81, 95% CI: 0.74–0.88; P = .00001) and mortality (RR: 0.69, 95% CI: 0.56–0.86; P = .0009) were significantly lower among CHF patients who were assigned to the nurse-led intervention. Whether during a shorter (3–6 months) or a longer (1–2 years) follow up time period, rehospitalization for shorter [(RR: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.65–0.82; P = .00001) vs for longer (RR: 0.81, 95% CI: 0.72–0.91; P = .0003) respectively] and mortality for shorter [(RR: 0.55, 95% CI: 0.38–0.80; P = .002) vs longer follow up time period (RR: 0.76, 95% CI: 0.58–0.99; P = .04) respectively] were significantly lower and in favor of the nurse-led interventional compared to the normal care group.

Conclusions:
This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials showed that NLI had significant impacts in reducing the risk of rehospitalization and mortality in these patients with CHF (reduced ejection fraction). Hence, we believe that nurse-led clinics and other interventional programs would be beneficial to patients with heart failure and this practice should, in the future be implemented to the health care system.
The clinical efficacy of external application of mirabilite and rhubarb combined with intrathoracic chemotherapy in treating malignant pleural effusion
Authors: Zhang Huachun , Jiang Mengyuan , Gao Lirong , Lin Zhen 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Background:
Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) is one of the commonest causes of an exudative pleural effusion. Breathlessness, dyspnea and other symptoms often seriously distress and affect the quality of life. The external application of mirabilite and rhubarb (EAMR) combined with intrathoracic infusion of cisplatin, as an alternative treatment for MPE, is popular in China. The study aims to assess its effectiveness and safety combined with intrathoracic chemotherapy.

Methods:
This study is a prospective, randomized controlled clinical trial. Patient visits were performed at baseline and days 14 and 28 after treatment. Clinical outcomes were measured after chest drain placement using the criterion of efficacy refer to WHO standard, and QLQ-C30 questionnaire.

Results:
Database records of patients treated in our institution for MPE between October, 2016 and March, 2019. The study included 84 eligible patients. They were categorized with a randomization schedule into treatment group (N = 42) and control group (N = 42). There is statistical significance in the comparison of the total effective rate between these 2 groups (66.67% vs 54.76%, P < .05). Furthermore, there is statistical significance in the comparison of items of Physical (1.95 ± 0.50 vs 2.19 ± 0.58%, P < .05), Pain (1.98 ± 0.42 vs 2.07 ± 0.32, P < .05), and Global Health (1.23 ± 0.64 vs 1.13 ± 0.23%, P < .05) between these 2 groups. None of the patients had adverse reactions such as skin allergy and chest tightness.

Conclusions:
The total effective rate of treatment group using extra external application of mirabilite rhubarb powder is significantly higher than that of control group. The improvement of patients’ clinical symptoms is greater in treatment group and no adverse reactions is found. Therefore, external application of mirabilite and rhubarb combined with intrathoracic infusion of cisplatin is an effective method for the treatment of MPE, which is worth popularizing.
COVID-19 Disruption of Nursing Education and the Effects on Students' Academic and Professional Confidence
Authors: Gaffney Mary K. , Chargualaf Katie A. , Ghosh Santu 
Published: February 2021

Background
In spring 2020, the novel coronavirus prompted a sudden shift in nursing education. This study evaluated students' perceptions of their ability to adjust to these challenges.

Methods
A cross-sectional survey of students (n = 286) in BSN programs throughout the United States was conducted via email to examine 3 areas of student confidence (academic success, NCLEX-RN success, and patient care delivery) and to determine how these were affected by the abrupt transition to remote learning.

Results
Variables, including alignment of remote instruction styles with learning styles, ease of transition to distance learning, and educating children at home, were significantly associated with students' confidence in their ability to be successful academically, on NCLEX-RN, and in patient care.

Conclusions
With potential for ongoing challenges due to the coronavirus, faculty need to identify and support students at greater risk of experiencing difficulties and threats to success, thereby preventing attrition and ensuring preparation of a diverse workforce.
Sexual Activity and Dyspareunia 1 Year After Surgical Repair of Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Authors: Lukacz Emily S. , Sridhar Amaanti , Chermansky Christopher J. , Rahn David D. , Harvie Heidi S. , Gantz Marie G. , Varner R. Edward , Korbly Nicole B. , Mazloomdoost Donna 
Published: February 2021

(Abstracted from Obstet Gynecol 2020;136:492–500)
A significant concern for women and their surgeons is sexual function after pelvic organ prolapse (POP) surgery. Women who prioritize goals and expectations after prolapse surgery rate sexual function just below resolution of bulge symptoms and improvement in physical function.
When to Operate, Hesitate and Reintegrate: Society of Gynecologic Oncology Surgical Considerations During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Fader Amanda N. , Huh Warner K. , Kesterson Joshua , Pothuri Bhavana , Wethington Stephanie , Wright Jason D. , Bakkum-Gamez Jamie N. , Soliman Pamela T. , Sinno Abdulrahman K. , Leitao Mario , Martino Martin A. , Karam Amer , Rossi Emma , Brown Jubilee , Blank Stephanie , Burke William , Goff Barbara , Yamada S. Diane , Uppal Shitanshu , Dowdy Sean C. 
Published: February 2021

(Abstracted from Gynecol Oncol 2020;158:236–243)
The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged our abilities to provide timely surgical care for patients, including women with gynecologic cancer. In March 2020, the American College of Surgeons, The US Surgeon General, and many medical and surgical academic societies recommended postponing elective surgical interventions.
Microscopy of Stained Urethral Smear in Male Urethritis; Which Cutoff Should be Used?
Authors: Moi Harald , Hartgill Usha , Skullerud Kristin Helene , Reponen Elina J. , Syvertsen Line , Moghaddam Amir 
Published: February 2021

Background
The microscopical diagnosis of male urethritis was recently questioned by Rietmeijer and Mettenbrink, lowering the diagnostic criteria of the diagnosis to ≥2 polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMNL) per high power field (HPF), and adopted by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in their 2015 STD Treatment Guidelines. The European Non-Gonococcal Urethritis Guideline advocates a limit of ≥5 PMNL/HPF.

Objective
To determine if syndromic treatment of urethritis should be considered with a cutoff value of ≥2 PMNL/HPF in urethral smear.

Methods
The design was a cross-sectional study investigating the presence and degree of urethritis relative to specific infections in men attending an STI clinic as drop-in patients.

Results
The material included 2 cohorts: a retrospective study of 13,295 men and a prospective controlled study including 356 men. We observed a mean chlamydia prevalence of 2.3% in the 0–9 stratum, and a 12-fold higher prevalence (27.3%) in the strata above 9. Of the chlamydia cases, 89.8% were diagnosed in strata above 9. For Mycoplasma genitalium, the prevalence was 1.4% in the 0–9 stratum and 11.2% in the stratum ≥10, and 83.6% were diagnosed in strata above 9. For gonorrhea, a significant increase in the prevalence occurred between the 0–30 strata and >30 strata from 0.2% to 20.7%. The results of the prospective study were similar.

Conclusions
Our data do not support lowering the cutoff to ≥2 PMNL/HPF. However, a standardization of urethral smear microscopy seems to be impossible. The cutoff value should discriminate between low and high prevalence of chlamydia, mycoplasma, and gonorrhea to include as many as possible with a specific infection in syndromic treatment, without overtreating those with few PMNL/HPF and high possibility of having nonspecific or no urethritis.
Incidentally Diagnosed Esophago-Pulmonary Fistula on 18F-FDG PET/CT in a Case of Carcinoma Esophagus
Authors: Ravina Mudalsha , Bansal Himanshu , Lukose Tinu Thadiyananickal , Mishra Ajit Kumar , Moideen Amal 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Esophago-pulmonary fistulas are very less reported in literature. 18F-FDG PET/CT scan is routinely used for evaluation of patients of carcinoma esophagus. We present a case of carcinoma esophagus with acquired esophago-pulmonary fistula diagnosed on 18F-FDG PET/CT scan.