bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long Term Evaluation of the Efficacy And And Safety of Nd:Yag Laser Vitreolysis for Symptomatic Vitreous Floaters
Authors: Nunes Guilherme , Ludwig Gustavo , Gemelli Henrique , Serracarbassa Pedro D , Zanotele Márgara 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
PURPOSE: this study evaluates the long-term safety and efficacy of Nd:YAG vitreolysis for symptomatic vitreous floaters, as it remains a controversial procedure due to the lack of robust evidence in the literature for its maintenance of the results and absence of adverse effects. METHODS: this is an observational extension to the previously presented prospective, randomized, double-blind clinical trial study. Eight of thirteen subjects who underwent vitreolysis with YAG laser returned for a late reevaluation, 18 months after the procedure, to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the procedure.RESULTS: all patients maintained the improvement in symptomatology noted after the procedure, with 25% showing complete improvement, and a similar proportion (37.5%) reporting significant or partial improvement. Objective improvement in opacity was similar to that found at 6 months follow-up. The NEI-VFQ 25 quality of life questionnaire showed no statistically significant difference in responses between the sixth and eighteenth month. No adverse effects were noted on clinical examination or reported by patients.CONCLUSION: vitreolysis efficacy observed at 6 months of follow-up was maintained until the eighteenth month, with all patients reporting improvement from the pre-procedure state. No late adverse effects were noted. A larger randomized clinical trial is needed to confirm the safety of the procedure.
Risk factors associated with transport gap bending deformity after bone transport in the treatment of lower extremity bone defects caused by infection
Authors: Liu Kai , Liu Yanshi , Cai Feiyu , Fan Chenchen , Abulaiti Alimujiang , Ren Peng , Yusufu Aihemaitijiang 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: The objective of this study was to observe the efficacy of bone transport using Orthofix external fixator in the treatment of lower limb bone defects caused by infection, and analyze the mechanism and risk factors of transport gap bending deformity (TGBD).Methods: From January 2008 to December 2019, 326 cases of infected bone defects of the lower extremities were treated by bone transport in our medical institution. The location and other relevant information of TGBD were collected, summarized, and analyzed. The Association for the Study and Application of the Method of Ilizarov (ASAMI) standard was applied to assess the bone and functional outcomes. Results: A total of 326 patients have reconstructed the bone defects in the lower extremities successfully, with a mean size of 6.2 centimeters (3.4 - 9.1 cm). TGBD was observed in 42 patients (12.8%) after removing the external fixator, including 32 tibias and 10 femurs, after a mean follow-up of 28.6 months (22 – 47 months). Age>45years, BMI>25kg/m2, defect of the tibia, diabetes, osteoporosis, glucocorticoid intake, duration of bone infection>24months, EFT>9months, EFI>1.8months/cm were associated significantly with a higher incidence of TGBD in the binary logistic regression analysis. The independent risk factors associated with TGBD included age>45 years, BMI>25 kg/m2, defect of tibia, diabetes, osteoporosis. Conclusions: The bone transport using the Orthofix external fixator is a safe and practical method in the treatment of lower limb bone defects caused by infection. The incidence of TGBD was 12.8%, and the top five risk factors included defect of tibia, BMI>25kg/m2, duration of bone infection>24 months, age>45years, and diabetes. Age>45years, BMI>25kg/m2, defect of tibia, osteoporosis, diabetes were the independent risk factors. The higher incidence of TGBD may be associated with more risk factors.
Ellagic acid alleviates high glucose-induced podocyte and renal epithelial cell apoptosis and hyperglycemia-induced renal injury by regulating NF-κB/miR-150-3p/BCL2
Authors: Cai Ying , Xu Yong , Ni Qicheng , Guo Bei , Chen Sheng , Jiang Xiaoli , Wu Qiyuan 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Objective

Ellagic acid (EA) as a multi-target bioactive compound has been reported to improve diabetes-related complications, including diabetic nephropathy (DN). Herein, we plan to investigate the molecular mechanism underlying EA-mediated renal protection in diabetic mice.
Methods

Streptozotocin (STZ; 35 mg/kg successive injection for 5 times) was applied to establish DN model in mice. Normal or diabetic mice were administrated by EA (100 mg/kg/day) by intragastric administration for 8 weeks. In vitro diabetic cell model, podocytes and renal tubular epithelial cells (RTECs) were exposed to normal glucose (NG; 5 mM) or high glucose (HG; 30 mM).
Results

Our results demonstrated that EA treatment prevented HG-induced podocyte and RTEC apoptosis and growth inhibition by inhibiting NF-κB/miR-150-3p to activate BCL2 in vitro. In vivo diabetic model of mice, EA administration improved renal filtration function, tubular and glomerular injury, and interstitial fibrosis. More importantly, supplementation of EA also suppressed NF-κB/miR-150-3p activation and accelerated BCL2 expression in the kidney of diabetic mice. In another experiment, miR-150-3p antagomir as a potential gene therapeutic choice has been validated to rescue hyperglycemia-induced renal dysfunction in mouse model. Taken together, in vitro and in vivo experimental measurements corroborate that EA modulates NF-κB/miR-150-3p/BCL2 cascade signaling to attenuate renal damage in diabetic models.
Conclusion

Our findings revealed that EA modulated the suppression of NF-κB/miR-150-3p to activate BCL2 that contributed to prevent hyperglycemia-induced renal dysfunction. In addition, synthetic miR-150-3p antagomir or inhibitors could alleviate tubular injury and interstitial fibrosis, and prevent HG-induced podocyte and RTEC apoptosis.
Estimating Core Body Temperature Using Electrocardiogram Signals
Authors: Kurosaka Chie , Maruyama Takashi , Yamada Shimpei , Hachiya Yuriko , Ueta Yoichi , Higashi Toshiaki 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Purpose: Core body temperature is one of the diagnostic criteria for heatstroke. This study proposed an algorithm that estimates core body temperature based on electrocardiogram signals that are received by a wearable sensor.Methods: A total of 12 healthy males aged 21–64 years performed an ergometric exercise load test in an environmental chamber adjusted to a temperature of 35°C and humidity of 50% under two exercise conditions. Physical data were obtained from participants pre- and post-experiment, while electrocardiograms, core body temperatures, and body surface temperatures were continuously measured. Amount of change in core body temperature was estimated by multiple regression analysis wherein indexes derived from electrocardiograms was treated as the dependent variables.Results: Findings showed that continuous core body temperature can be estimated using electrocardiogram signals regardless of individual characteristics such as age and physique. Conclusions: In this study, we developed a core body temperature estimation model using the Poincaré plot method. Changes in heartrate were related to heat production and yielded valid results. As the basic estimation model is positioned for use under limited conditions, we also plan to enhance estimation accuracy and further verify efficacy in consideration of clothing and environmental conditions.
Effect of supporting structure design on residual stresses in selective laser melting of AlSi10Mg
Authors: Jiang Xiaohui , Yu Chunbo , Guo Honglan , Gao Shan , Zhang Yong 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Residual stress is a key indicator to measure the forming quality of SLM components, and its control method has received extensive attention. As an auxiliary structure for forming SLM components, the structural characteristics of the supporting structure will affect the residual stress distribution of the formed parts. Therefore, it is extremely meaningful to explore the influence of the supporting structure design on the residual stress of SLM AlSi10Mg alloy. In this study, an approach is proposed to select and design the support structure for forming SLM components with different structural characteristics to achieve the purpose of reducing the residual stress in the overhanging structure of the components. As the result shows, when the contact area of single supporting tooth structure and component overhanging structure is 0.25mm2 and the X/Y interval of main supporting structure is 2.5mm, the forming effect is relatively good. Furthermore, the block supporting structure is more suitable for the overhanging structure which has small areas and less height, and the contour support is more suitable for the overhanging structure with larger area.
Change in country-level COVID-19 case fatality rate is explicable by improved testing; no apparent role of medical care or disease-specific knowledge
Authors: Smith Maia P. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Observed case fatality rate (CFR) of COVID-19 has decreased since the beginning of the pandemic. Reasons for this decline include improved knowledge of COVID19 pathogenesis, leading to improved medical care of confirmed cases. However, ascertainment also plays a role: as more low-risk individuals are tested and more mild cases identified, observed CFR will decline. Previously I showed that geography-level CFR was cross-sectionally negatively associated with test density; here I test for similar trends within geography over six months, and check plausibility of various posited causes. Although CFR varied between geographies, its association with testing did not: in 162 geographies, CFR dropped by an average of 18% (median 21; IQR 5–30) for each doubling of test density. Change in CFR within a given geography was not associated either with that geography’s medical spending or with whether the bulk of cases occurred early or late in the pandemic. This shows that medical interventions, including those specific to COVID-19, have only a minimal effect on total CFR. Two major conclusions follow. First, interventions to reduce CFR should be evaluated by comparing groups that received the intervention to those who did not: decline in CFR after an intervention is not evidence of effectiveness. Second, improving clinical care of confirmed COVID-19 cases has only a minimal effect on death rates. To minimize the total death toll of COVID-19, policymakers should prioritize reducing infections.
Aniseikonia and visual functions with optical correction and after refractive surgery in axial anisometropia
Authors: Abdelzaher Hassan Ali , Sidky Mohamed Karim , Awadein Ahmed , Hosny Mohamed 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate differences in the subjective aniseikonia and stereoacuity in patients with axial anisometropia after full correction of the refractive error with spectacles. contact lenses, and refractive surgery.METHODS A prospective study was performed in Cairo University Hospitals on 20 patients with axial anisometropia caused by unilateral myopia > 5 D with > 4 D inter-ocular difference in spherical equivalent who were suitable candidates for excimer laser ablation (LASIK) or implantable collamer lens implantation (ICL) were included. All patients had measurement of corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), fusion, and stereoacuity testing, and measurement of aniseikonia with spectacles, contact lenses, and after surgery.RESULTS Mean age at time of surgery was 25.7 ± 3.1 years. There were no statistically significant differences in the CDVA or stereoacuity with spectacles, contact lenses, or after refractive surgery. Microkonia < 5%) was perceived with spectacles in 8 patients (40%) and remained unchanged in 7 of these 8 patients with contact lenses. Following LASIK (n = 11), there was macrokonia < 2% in 4 patients (36%), persistent microkonia of 3% in 1 patient (9%), and no change in image size in 6 (55%) patients. Following ICL implantation (n = 9), there was perceived macrokonia of 2% in 4 patients (44%), disappearance of microkonia in 1 patient (11%) and no change in 4 patients (44%).CONCLUSIONS Differences in CDVA, stereoacuity, and aniseikonia after correction of anisometropia by glasses, contact lens and surgery are both clinically and statistically significant. Retinal or neural adaptation might have a role in correction for differences in image size.
LncRNA-ATB Participates in the Regulation of Calcium Oxalate Crystal-induced Renal Injury by Sponging the miR-200 Family
Authors: Li Yinhui , Ding Tao , Hu Haiyan , Zhao Tingting , Zhu Chao , Ding Jiarong , Yuan Jihang , Guo Zhiyong 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: LncRNA-ATB is a long noncoding RNAs (lncRNA) activated by transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) and it has important biological functions in tumours and nontumor diseases. Meanwhile, TGF-β is the most critical regulatory factor in the process of nephrotic fibrosis and calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystal-induced renal injury. The present study aimed to investigate the biological function and mechanism of lncRNA-ATB in CaOx crystal-induced renal injury. Methods: The expression level of lncRNA-ATB was detected by quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), the expression levels of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers and TGF-β1 were detected by qRT-PCR and western bloting, cell proliferation was measured with the CCK-8 kit, cell apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry, and cell injury was detected with the Cytotoxicity lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) Assay kit.Results: The expression levels of lncRNA-ATB and TGF-β1 significantly increased in HK-2 cells after coincubation with calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM). COM stimulation caused significant injury in HK-2 cells, induced cell apoptosis, inhibited cell proliferation, and induced EMT changes . After COM stimulation, the expression levels of epithelial cell markers E-cadherin and zonula occludens (ZO)-1 in HK-2 cells significantly decreased, whereas the levels of mesenchymal cell markers N-cadherin and vimentin significantly increased. Interference with lncRNA-ATB expression significantly relieved COM-induced cell injury, cell apoptosis, proliferation inhibition, and EMT changes. The expression levels of the microRNA-200 (miR-200) family in HK-2 cells after coincubation with COM significantly decreased. MiR-200a mimics relieved the COM-induced cell injury, apoptosis, proliferation inhibition, and EMT changes, whereas miR-200a inhibitors abolished the lncRNA-ATB interference-induced relief of COM-induced cell injury, apoptosis, proliferation inhibition, and EMT. Conclusion: lncRNA-ATB promote d COM-induced cell injury, cell apoptosis, proliferation inhibition, and EMT to participate in the process of CaOx crystal-induced renal injury by sponging miR-200s.
Cuticle Deposition Duration In The Uterus Is One Of The Major Factors Affecting Eggshell Cuticle Quality In White Leghorn Laying Hens
Authors: Chen Xia , He Zhaoxiang , Li Xingzheng , Song Jianlou , Huang Mingyi , Shi Xuefeng , Li Xianyu , Li Junying , Xu Guiyun , Yang Ning , Zheng Jiangxia 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: The cuticle formed in the uterus is the outermost layer as the first defense line of eggshell against microbial invasions in most avian species, and analyzing its genetic regulation and influencing factors are of great importance to egg biosecurity in poultry production worldwide. The current study compared the uterine transcriptome and proteome of laying hens producing eggs with good and poor cuticle quality (GC and PC, the top and tail of the cuticle quality distribution), and identified several genes involved with eggshell cuticle quality (ESCQ).Results: Overall, transcriptomic analysis identified 53 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between PC vs GC group hens, among which 25 were up-regulated and 28 were down-regulated. No differences were found in the uterine proteome. Several DEGs, including PTGDS, PLCG2, ADM and PRLR related to uterine functions and reproductive hormones, were validated by qPCR analysis. Egg quality measurements between GC and PC hens showed GC hens had longer laying interval between two consecutive ovipositions (25.64 ± 1.23 vs 24.94 ± 1.12 h) and thicker eggshell thickness (352.01 ± 23.04 vs 316.20 ± 30.58 μm) (P < 0.05). Apart from eggshell traits, other egg quality traits didn’t differ. The results above suggested the expression patterns of PTGDS, PLCG2, ADM and PRLR genes in the uterus regulated the muscular activity rhythm and secretion function, which ensured the eggshell and cuticle deposition duration, and lead to the good ESCQ of the GC hens.Conclusions：The present study demonstrated eggshell and cuticle deposition duration in the uterus is one of the major factors affecting ESCQ in laying hens. PTGDS, PLCG2, ADM and PRLR genes were discovered and might play crucial roles in cuticle deposition by regulating the uterine muscular activities and secretion function. The findings in the present study provide new insights into the genetic regulation of cuticle deposition in laying hens and establish a foundation for further investigations.
Nomogram for Single-pass Two-speed Automated Microkeratome Graft Preparation for Ultrathin Descemet Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty
Authors: Ventosa Álvaro Sánchez , Cano-Ortiz Antonio , L. Pablo Morales , Cruces Timoteo González , Mesa Vanesa Mª Díaz , Villarrubia Alberto 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
PurposeTo create a nomogram including the translational speed of the microkeratome blade, microkeratome head size and precut tissue thickness to predict the postcut thickness for Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) to obtain the thinnest possible graft.MethodsThis prospective study incorporated 48 grafts for DSAEK from March 2017 to June 2020. Corneal tissue for DSAEK was prepared by 3 experienced physicians using the Moria Evolution 3E (Moria Inc, Antony, France) microkeratome with 400, 450 and 500 mm head sizes. Precut central corneal thickness was measured with a DGH 550 handheld pachymeter (Pachette 2), taking an average of 3 readings. The microkeratome head was selected according to precut tissue thickness. The target donor lamella thickness ranged from 70 to 120 μm, and the selected microkeratome head size was 150μm less than the donor cornea thickness. Two translational speeds were used for the microkeratome cuts. One month after surgery, the central lenticular thickness was measured with a Visante® Optical Coherence Tomography caliper (Carl Zeiss Meditec Inc, Germany). A descriptive analysis was performed.ResultsForty-eight donor grafts were prepared. Mean graft thickness was 97.58 ± 29.84 μm (range 39-176 μm). Of the 48 samples, central graft thickness was <120µm (81.3%) in 39, <100 µm (58.3%) in 28 and <80µm (37.5%) in 18 at 1-month follow-up. There were no statically significant differences between translational speeds. ConclusionsA nomogram with an automated microkeratome to obtain thin grafts for DSAEK provided good graft thickness results without donor waste.
The Association of Sexual Orientation with Prostate, Breast, and Cervical Cancer Screening and Diagnosis
Authors: Herriges Michael , Pinkhasov Ruben , Lehavot Keren , Shapiro Oleg , Jacob Joseph M. , Sanford Thomas , Liu Nick , Bratslavsky Gennady , Goldberg Hanan 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
PurposeData on heterogeneity in cancer screening and diagnosis rates among lesbians/gays and bisexuals (LGBs) is lacking. Recent studies showed that LGBs have decreased healthcare utilization compared to heterosexual counterparts. Few studies have examined how sexual orientation impacts cancer screening and prevalence. We, therefore, investigated the association between sexual orientation and prevalent sex-specific cancer including prostate (PCa), breast (BC), and cervical (CC) cancer.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional survey-based US study, including men and women aged 18+ from the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) database between 2017-2019. The primary endpoint was individual-reported prostate, breast, and cervical cancer screening and prevalence rates among heterosexual and LGB men and women. Multivariable logistic regression analyses assessed association of various covariates with undergoing screening and diagnosis of these cancers.ResultsOverall, 4,441 and 6,333 heterosexual men and women, respectively, were compared to 225 and 213 LGB men and women, respectively. LGBs were younger and less likely to be screened for PCa, BC, and CC than heterosexuals. A higher proportion of heterosexual women than lesbian and bisexual women were screened for CC with pap smears (95.36% vs. 90.48% and 86.11%, p=<0.001) and BC with mammograms (80.74% vs. 63.81% and 45.37%, p=<0.001). Similarly, a higher proportion of heterosexual men than gay and bisexual men were screened for PCa with PSA blood tests (41.27% vs. 30.53% and 27.58%, p=<0.001). ConclusionThere were more heterosexuals than LGBs screened for CC, BC, and PCa. Healthcare professionals should be encouraged to improve cancer screening among LGBs.
Selected 'Starter Kit' energy system modelling data for Angola (#CCG)
Authors: Allington Lucy , Cannone Carla , Pappis Ioannis , Barron Karla Cervantes , Usher Will , Pye Steve , Brown Edward , Howells Mark , Taliotis Constantinos , Sundin Caroline , Sridha Vignesh , Ramos Eunice , Brinkerink Maarten , Deane Paul , Gritsevskyi Andrii , Moura Gustavo , Rouget Arnaud , Wogan David , Barcelona Edito , Rogner Holger , Hirmer Stephanie 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Energy system modelling can be used to assess the implications of different scenarios and support improved policymaking. However, access to data is often a barrier to starting energy system modelling in developing countries, thereby causing delays. This article therefore provides data that can be used to create a simple zero order energy system model for Angola, which can act as a starting point for further model development and scenario analysis. The data are collected entirely from publicly available and accessible sources, including the websites and databases of international organizations, journal articles, and existing modelling studies. This means that the dataset can be easily updated based on the latest available information or more detailed and accurate local data. These data were also used to calibrate a simple energy system model using the Open Source Energy Modelling System (OSeMOSYS) and two stylized scenarios (Fossil Future and Least Cost) for 2020–2050. The assumptions used and results of these scenarios are presented in the appendix as an illustrative example of what can be done with these data. This simple model can be adapted and further developed by in-country analysts and academics, providing a platform for future work.