bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Demographic and clinical profile, surgical outcome, and quality of life in patients who underwent bilateral lamellar corneal grafts
Authors: Amar Sreelakshmi P , Sinha Rajesh , Kalra Nidhi , Agarwal Tushar , Sharma Namrata , Titiyal Jeewan S 
Published: June 2021

Purpose:
Lamellar corneal grafts have revolutionized the management of corneal blindness by replacing only the disease specific corneal layers. To the best of our knowledge, there is no study in literature describing the outcomes of bilateral lamellar keratoplasty in the Indian population. The aim of this work was to study the demographic profile, surgical outcomes, and quality of life in patients who underwent bilateral lamellar keratoplasty and to assess the correlation between these three.

Methods:
An observational cross-sectional study was conducted on 47 patients who underwent bilateral deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) (n = 31) or descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) (n = 16) with a minimum follow-up of 6 months after the second surgery. Demographic parameters were collected by interview, surgical outcomes by clinical examination, and quality of life by a questionnaire.

Results:
A total of 47 patients were evaluated, women 42.56%, (n = 20) and men 57.44% (n = 27) with 38.3% being in 18–30 years age group and 23.4% above 60 years; 17.02% patients had a good socioeconomic status (score >60) and 61.70% had poorer socioeconomic status (score <50). Quality of life score (VR-QoL) was ≥50 in 82.9% patients and ≥70 in 14.89%. No significant association existed between VR-QoL scores and demographic factors. However, statistically significant association existed between VR-QoL and age of patient (P < 0.05), postoperative vision (P ≤ 0.05), and contrast sensitivity (P ≤ 0.01).

Conclusion:
Bilateral lamellar corneal grafts provide satisfactory visual outcomes compatible with day-to-day functioning. VR-QoL has a direct correlation to the age, visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and inverse correlation with lenticule thickness in DSAEK and residual bed thickness in DALK.
Corneal endothelial cell density and microvascular changes of retina and optic disc in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease
Authors: Kurtul Bengi Ece , Elbeyli Ahmet , Kakac Ahmet , Turgut Faruk 
Published: June 2021

Purpose:
Vascular endothelial dysfunction in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) may affect the retinal vascular parameters due to structural similarities of kidney and retina. We aimed to evaluate the microvascular changes of retina and optic disc and also corneal endothelial cell density in patients with ADPKD.

Methods:
Forty-six eyes of 23 patients with ADPKD (Group 1), and 46 eyes of 23 sex- and age-matched healthy controls (Group 2) were included in this cross-sectional study. Demographic and ophthalmic findings of participants were collected. Corneal endothelial cell density (CECD) measurements were obtained by noncontact specular microscopy. Foveal retinal thickness, peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness, vessel density in different sections of the retina and optic nerve head were analyzed by optical coherence tomography angiography.

Results:
The mean ages were 41 ± 11 years for Group 1 and 39 ± 10 years for Group 2 (P = 0.313). CECD values were significantly lower in group 1 when compared to group 2 (2653 ± 306 cells/mm2 and 2864 ± 244 cells/mm2, respectively, P < 0.001). The foveal retinal thickness and RNFL thickness were similar, but superior quadrant thickness of RNFL was significantly lower in Group 1 than Group 2 (126 ± 14 μm vs. 135 ± 15 μm, P = 0.003). In Group 1, whole image of optic disc radial peripapillary capillary densities were significantly lower compared to Group 2 (49.4 ± 2.04%, and 50.0 ± 2.2%, respectively, P = 0.043). There was no significant difference regarding superficial, deep retinal vessel densities, foveal avascular zone and flow areas between the groups (P > 0.05 for all).

Conclusion:
Lower CECD values and decreased superior quadrant RNFL thickness, and microvascular densities of optic disc were revealed in patients with ADPKD. Evaluation of CECD and retinal microvasculature may be helpful in the management of these patients.
Nearwork-induced transient myopia and accommodation function before and after laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis surgery
Authors: Sivaraman Viswanathan , Price Holly C , Hussaindeen Jameel Rizwana , Ramani Krishnakumar , Allen Peter M 
Published: June 2021

Purpose:
To assess the change in Near Induced Transient Myopia (NITM) and other accommodation parameters, before and after undergoing LASIK surgery for myopia correction.

Methods:
Twenty-nine myopic subjects were recruited from a tertiary eye hospital in India. Age range was 21 to 35 years with an average age of 26.1 ± 3.5 years. Mean spherical equivalent was –3.86 D ± 1.50 D presurgery. NITM, lag of accommodation, near point of convergence (NPC), accommodative amplitude (AA), and binocular near accommodative facility (AF) were measured. All data were collected 21 days prior to and 30 days after LASIK surgery.

Results:
NITM, lag of accommodation and amplitude of accommodation were significantly lower (NITM - 0.05 ± 0.15, Lag 0.38 ± 0.38, AA 10.27 ± 2.24) after surgery when compared to before (NITM 0.26 ± 0.12, Lag 0.77 ± 0.51, AA 12.18 ± 2.02; P < 0.001). Accommodative facility increased and near point of convergence was significantly more distal following surgery (AF 10.70 ± 2.29, NPC 7.96 ± 1.63) when compared to prior (AF 8.65 ± 2.74, NPC 5.62 ± 1.71; P < 0.001).

Conclusion:
Significant changes in NITM and accommodation function should be expected in the short term following LASIK surgery. This study supports the importance of evaluating accommodative parameters and patient counselling prior to and following refractive surgery.
To compare central corneal thickness measurements obtained by Pentacam with those obtained by IOLMaster 700, Cirrus anterior segment optical coherence tomography and Tomey specular microscopy in normal healthy eyes
Authors: K Kiran Kumar , Prakash Akshata A , G Neeraja T , Adappa Karishma T , S Chandra Prabha T , Gangasagara Suresh Babu 
Published: June 2021

Purpose:
To compare central corneal thickness measurements obtained by Pentacam with those obtained by IOL Master 700, Cirrus Anterior segment optical coherence tomography and Tomey Specular microscopy in normal healthy eyes.

Methods:
Two hundred and six eyes of healthy subjects were included in the study. Each subject was assessed by four different methods of measuring central corneal thickness using Pentacam, IOL Master 700, Cirrus AS-OCT and Tomey Specular microscopy by a single examiner.

Results:
The mean CCT [± standard deviation (SD)] for Pentacam, IOL Master 700, Cirrus AS-OCT and Tomey Specular microscopy were Pentacam (Oculus), AS-OCT (Cirrus), IOL Master 700 and Specular microscopy (Tomey) were 523.75 (±27.75), 525.29 (±28.81),517.13 (±28.43) and 512.82 (±27.60) μm, respectively. All the means were significantly different from one another (P < 0.000). The differences between pairs of mean central corneal thickness (CCT) for Pentacam and IOL Master, Pentacam and anterior segment- optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT), and Pentacam and Specular microscopy are statistically significant. Bland–Altman plots showed that pentacam and IOL Master 700 have the closest agreement, followed by AS-OCT. Specular microscopy was found to have the poorest agreement with Pentacam.

Conclusion:
We found that CCT measurements of Pentacam did not correlate with measurements of IOL Master, or AS-OCT or Specular microscopy. In clinical practice, the devices analyzed should not be used interchangeably due to low agreement regarding CCT values.
Clinical outcomes and rotational stability following implantation of Eyecryl toric intraocular lens – Results of a 12-months prospective study
Authors: Brar Sheetal , Shah Mamta Lakhana , Sute Smith Snehal , Pereira Savio , Ganesh Sri 
Published: June 2021

Purpose:
To evaluate the clinical performance and rotational stability after implantation of Eyecryl Toric monofocal IOL following cataract surgery.

Methods:
Patients undergoing phacoemulsification for age-related cataract and satisfying the eligibility criteria were implanted with Eyecryl Toric IOL. All implantations were done under balanced salt solution. A marker-less system Callisto Eye (Carl Zeiss Meditec, Germany) was used to guide the intra-operative alignment of the toric IOL.

Results:
A total of 50 eyes from 39 patients with mean age of 68.2 ± 8.7 years were included in the study. At 12 months, 82% (41) eyes had cumulative UDVA of 20/20 or better. Post-op SE refraction accuracy was within ± 0.50 D for 94% (n = 47) eyes and refractive cylinder accuracy was within ≤0.50 D in 98% (n = 49) eyes. Average post-op rotation at 1 year was 4.06 ± 2.15 degrees. Eighty-four percent of eyes were within 5 degrees and 16% were within 6-10 degrees of intended axis. Two eyes required IOL re-positioning due to significant rotation of the toric IOL (>10 degrees), identified within the 1st week after surgery.

Conclusion:
Eyecryl toric IOL demonstrated the ability to achieve a significant reduction in astigmatism, improved UDVA outcomes, high levels of spectacle independence, low rates of intra-operative injector related complications and good rotational stability at 12 months post-op.
Reworking protocols of ophthalmic resident surgical training in the COVID-19 era – Experiences of a tertiary care institute in northern India
Authors: Gupta Parul Chawla , Singh Ramandeep , Khurana Surbhi , Behera Ranjan Kumar , Thattaruthody Faisal , Pandav Surinder Singh , Ram Jagat 
Published: June 2021

Purpose:
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has negatively impacted medical professionals in all fields of medicine and surgery in their academic, clinical and surgical training. The impact of surgical training has been described as ‘severe’ by most ophthalmology residents worldwide due to their duties in COVID-19 wards, disruption of outpatient and camp services.

Methods:
Ophthalmic surgery demands utmost accuracy and meticulousness. Fine motor proficiencies, stereoscopic skills and hand–eye coordination required can only be achieved by practice. So, a multileveled structured wet-lab teaching schedule was prepared for the residents and implemented to bridge this gap between theory and practice at our tertiary care institute. A semester-wise training schedule was made with the proper distribution of wet-lab and simulator training. Surgeries like phacoemulsification, scleral buckling, pars plana lensectomy and vitrectomy, trabeculectomy and intravitreal injections were practised by the residents on the goat eyes. Simulator training was provided for phacoemulsification and vitrectomy to increase the hand–eye coordination of the residents.

Results:
Residents noticed improvement in their surgical skills and ambidexterity post wet-lab and simulator training . It also increased their confidence and provided essential surgical skills required to be used in the operation theater later.

Conclusion:
It is imperative that wet-lab training be included in the residency training programme in this COVID-19 era.
COVID-19 Transmission among Healthcare Workers at a Quarantine Facility in Thailand: Genomic and Outbreak Investigations
Authors: Atsawawaranunt Kamolthip , Kochakarn Theerarat , Kongklieng Amornmas , Panwijitkul Pakkaporn , Tragoolpua Rujira , Jaradilokkul Kanyarat , Kaewmalang Prayuth , Loesbanluechai Duangkamon , Kotanan Namfon , Joonlasak Khajohn , Batty Elizabeth M. , Mungaomklang Anek , Pawun Vichan , Chantratita Wasun , Chookajorn Thanat 
Published: June 2021

ABSTRACT.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Thailand implemented a quarantine program at approved quarantine facilities for every international traveler. Here, we report an epidemiological and genomic investigation of a COVID-19 cluster consisting of seven healthcare workers (HCWs) at a quarantine facility and its partnered hospital in Thailand. Outbreak investigations were implemented to obtain contact tracing data and to establish chains of transmission. Genomic sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 with samples within the cohort was performed. Investigations of 951 HCWs and staff with quarantined travelers were implemented to determine the chain of transmission. Genomic and outbreak investigations identified the international travelers infected with the B.1.1.31 SARS-CoV-2 lineage as the source of this outbreak. The genomic data and the investigated timeline revealed a putative transmission chain among HCWs, pointing toward the transmission via the use of common living quarters at the investigated quarantine site. The evaluation of this cohort has led to a policy recommendation on quarantine facility management. International travel quarantine is an important strategy to contain importation of COVID-19 cases. However, a quarantine facility is likely to become a potential hotspot, requiring thorough preventive measures. Reducing the exposure risk by providing private living quarters and scheduling clinical duties at a quarantine site separated from the conventional healthcare workforce have been implemented.
The suitability of well water for domestic purpose, in Gwagwalada area council Abuja Nigeria
Authors: Bassey Ephraim Brigid , Ogah T. A. , Magaji J. I. , Stephen Oladeinde Olufemi 
Published: June 2021

Water wells are usually dug by artisans who lack professional skills. Such wells are used at various homes in Gwagwalada Area Council of Abuja for domestic purpose, on the assumption that underground water is safe. Thus, the suitability of such well water was assessed. The objectives were to assess their properties and compare with regulatory standard for domestic purpose. Thirty (30) water samples were purposely collected from six wards (Dobi, Ibwa, Paikon-Kore, Tungan Maje, Zuba and Ikwa). Five water samples were randomly collected from each ward for laboratory analysis. Laboratory results were statistically analyzed using range, mean, correlation and multiple determination coefficients. Suitability of water properties for domestic purposes was determined by comparing range and mean values with NSDWQ and WHO standard for domestic uses. Result showed that the concentrations of water properties ranges as follows: temperature (26.59-30.73oC), pH (7.17-8.23), electrical conductivity EC (222-354 μs/cm3), TDS (12.14-21.54mg/l), Turbidity (0.29-0.93NTU) hardness (13.58-39.72mg/l), chloride Cl-(4.29-8.93mg/l), Fe (0.54-0.71mg/l) and Cu (0.02-0.06mg/l).Water samples generally had low electrical conductivity (222-354 μs/cm3), and mineral nutrients but elevated concentration of some heavy metals. The twenty- three water quality parameters tested could explain 96% of the overall water quality leaving only 4% unexplained. All the samples fell short of regulatory standard in terms of EC, Fe and Cu while well water from Ikwa fell short of many heavy metals for domestic purpose. It was concluded that well water in Gwagwalada Area Council are not potable. Thus, treatment before direct consumption and precautionary use of well water were recommended for the residents.
Keywords: Water quality, Heavy metals, Water pollution, Well
Assessment of the interval heat flow and thermal resistance at the Faltu-1 well, Borno basin, NE Nigeria
Authors: Ali S. , Mosto-Onuoha K. 
Published: June 2021

The heat flowing through horizons in the Faltu-1 well, Borno Basin, NE Nigeria was calculated from their thermal conductivities and geothermal gradients with the aim of determining whether or not it is uniform, and if not, the depths where it is diverted, and the possible heat diversion process. The interval heat flow was assessed to be non-uniform. While fluid convection is adjudged to be the major heat diversion mechanism within the Chad Formation with minor heat refraction, the reversed is adjudged to be the situation for the underlying Kerri Kerri Formaton within which increasing sand content with depth is also predicted, with the lower interval predicted to be the Gombe Formation. Patterns of disruptions to the vertical heat flow within the Fika Formation were inferred to suggest rhythmic bedding of shale and sand beds that could serve as both source and reservoir rocks. Magmatic intrusions that impacted the maturation of organic matter into oil and gas also provided necessary entrapment structures and possible migration pathways. The Gongila and Bima Formations each has single disruption of the heat flows that are attributed to refraction. In the case of the Gongila Formation, the disruption is between the early-deposited more sandy and laterdeposited more shaley lithologies in the marine transgression of the area, while in the case of the Bima, it is between the more shaley Upper and more sandy Middle Bima Formations. Analysis of the Bullard plots also revealed disruptions to the vertical heat flow that are attributed either to convecting fluids or to heat refraction and diffraction. Two such disrupting heat advections were identified within the Chad Formation with the first being attributed to convection, while the other is attributed to a combination of both. Two similar disruptions for the Kerri Kerri Formation were attributed largely to lithological variations with minor contributions from convection of fluids. While unable to discern the rhythmic bedding, the five disruptions of the Bullard plot for the Fika Formation and one each for the Gongila and Bima Formations were interpreted to indicate similar features inferred from interval heat flow plots.
Keywords: Interval heat flow, heat convection, heat diffraction, thermal resistivity, shaliness
Reliability Evaluation of Compaction Water Content of Plantain Peel Ash Treated Lateritic Soil
Authors: Ishola K. , Olawuyi O.A. , Yohanna P. , Bello A.A. , Sani R.O. , Akin O.O. 
Published: June 2021

A first-order reliability method (FORM)was employed to assess the compaction water content, CWC (i.e optimum moisture content) of residual lateritic soil mixed with plantain peel ash (PPA) and compacted with British Standard Light (BSL)and British Standard Heavy (BSH)energies, for flexible pavement applications. A Multi-linear regression model was generated from values obtained via laboratory tests using Mini-tab R15 software, which served as a performance function that was applied for the analysis. Using the regression models for CWC, established distributions for the relevant soil factors, safety index (SI) was computed using CWC as a dependent factor and the soil factors Plantain Peel Ash (PPA); Plasticity Index (PI); Percentage File (PF); Specific Gravity (Gs) and Compactive Effort (CE)as self-determining factors). The results revealed that the safety index is sensitive to changeability in the soil factors. Outcome from the analysis show that Gs and CE are greatly affected by alteration in the coefficient of variation (COV), and so it is essential to control Gs and CE in lateritic soil–PPA mixes in road pavements. From the safety index values it reveals that PPA content has a minimal consequence as its value virtually remained constant at all COV used. Stochastically, lateritic soil mixed with PPA produces an acceptable safety index value of 1.0, as mentioned by the Nordic Committee on Building Regulation (NCBR) at 10% COV for BSH of compaction water content only. Therefore a more effective additive such as cement, lime, or bitumen is recommended for modeling CWC of lateritic soil-PPA mixes for road pavement at 10–100% series of COV.
Keywords: Coefficient of variation; compaction water content; lateritic soil; plantain peel ash; reliability index
Ti/RuO2 karışık metaloksit elektrot kullanılarak elektrokimyasal oksidasyon ile boyarmadde giderimine NaCl destek elektrolitinin etkisi ve toksik etkilerin değerlendirilmesi
Authors: DELİKTAŞ Elif , YAVUZ Yusuf 
Published: June 2021

Endüstriyel kirlenmede önemli bir paya sahip olan tekstil endüstrisi yalnız gelişmiş ülkelerde değil gelişmekte olan ülkelerde de ekonomik açıdan önemli rol almaktadır. Sanayi su ihtiyacının önemli bir kısmı tekstil endüstrisinden kaynaklanmaktadır. Bununla birlikte tekstil atıksuları geleneksel arıtma yöntemleri ile giderimi güç zehirli kimyasal bileşikleri içermektedir. Ayrıca renkli boyahane atıksuları alıcı ortamda organik kirliliğin yanı sıra güneş ışığı geçirimini engellemesi sebebi ile canlı yaşamını da engellemektedir. Tekstil atıksularının arıtılarak proses suyu olarak kullanılması gerek akademik gerekse de sektör bazında büyük ilgi çekmektedir.
Bu çalışmada Ti/RuO2 karışık metaloksit elektrot ile Reaktif Orange 16 (RO16) boyarmaddesinin elektrokimyasal oksidasyon yöntemi ile renk giderimine NaCl destek elektrolitinin katkısı araştırılmış ve analiz sonuçlarında toksik etkiler değerlendirilmiştir. NaCl destek elektroliti ile yapılan optimizasyon çalışmalarında akım yoğunluğu, akış hızı, pH, başlangıç kirlilik derişimleri gibi parametreler çalışılmıştır. Elde edilen optimum koşullar farklı kirlilik derişimlerine uygulanmış, renk ve toksisite değerlendirilerek çalışma sonlandırılmıştır.
Başlangıç kirlilik derişiminin 30 mg/L olduğu model çalışma çözeltisinin NaCl elektroliti ile elektrokimyasal oksidasyonunda 50 A/m2 akım yoğunluğu, 155,84 mL/dk akış hızı, pH0 (6,12) ve 0,06 M elektrolit varlığında 25 dk’lık bir arıtım süresi sonunda ~%100 renk giderimi ve 0,8008 kwh/m3 enerji tüketimi elde edilmiştir. Başlangıç kirlilik derişiminin 125 mg/L olduğu model çalışma çözeltisinin NaCl elektroliti ile elektrokimyasal oksidasyonunda 50 A/m2 akım yoğunluğu, 155,84 mL/dk akış hızı, pH0 (6,03) ve 0,06 M elektrolit varlığında 40 dk’lık bir arıtım süresi sonunda ~%100 renk giderimi ve 0,9240 kwh/m3 enerji tüketimi elde edilmiştir. Elde edilen optimum koşullarda başlangıç kirlilik derişiminin 125 mg/L olduğu deneysel çalışmada %80 toksisite giderimi elde edilmiştir.
Crisis Comercial en Honduras Producida por los Efectos de la Pandemia Covid-19
Authors: Servellon Valencia Lidia Yamileth 
Published: June 2021

Debido a la caída del comercio a nivel global, los países latinoamericanos se han visto afectados con mayor severidad. Es el caso especifico de Honduras, que ha tenido que enfrentar una contracción en su economía, resultante de una crisis comercial sin precedente.
El propósito de esta investigación es comprobar que las actividades económicas en Honduras se han visto afectadas por la incertidumbre y restricciones económicas que se han enfrentado los hondureños. El estudio utilizó una metodología cuantitativa utilizando como instrumento de recolección de información una encuesta semiestructurada y entrevista. Los resultados reflejaron que las MIPYME en Honduras son vulnerables ante la crisis de la pandemia y que en el intento de una reactivación económica se aplicaron estrategias que han mitigado parcialmente los daños, mediante propuestas innovadoras para contribuir al desarrollo de la economía del país. Aunque el pronóstico de crecimiento frente la crisis, esté sujeto a la incertidumbre, resulta crucial reducir los efectos económicos de la pandemia adoptando políticas y mecanismos eficientes.