bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Application of Response Surface Methodology in Predicting and optimizing the properties of Concrete containing Ground Scoria and Metakaolin blended Cement in Concrete
Authors: Sabo Baba Abubakar , Umar Auwal Abdullahi , Abubakar Aliyu , Adagba Terlumun 
Published: August 2023

The effect of Metakaolin and ground Scoria on various properties of concrete were investigated and optimised using Response Surfaces Methodology (RSM) in this study. Seven batches of concretes were cast at water to cement ratio of 0.5 and 5% fixed Metakaolin with 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20% Ground Scoria replaced cement. The resulting concrete then was tested for Slump. The Concrete cubes were cast and cured for 3, 7, 14, 28 and 60days before Water absorption and Compressive strength test were carried out. at all replacement levels of Metakaolin/Scoria content, Workability, Water absorption, Density and Compressive strength decreased when compared with the control concrete. However, Water absorption, Density and Compressive strength slightly increased with increase in curing age. The models developed were quite accurate as the percentages of error were in a good agreement and can explain the variability in Metakaolin/Ground Scoria concrete. Numerical method of optimisation was applied to determine the optimum mix proportions for Metakaolin/Ground Scoria. The optimum mix of concrete was obtained by addition of 8.60% GS after curing for 12-days with 0.8 desirability. Based on the result of optimisation, incorporating the optimum values of 13.6% (5%MK+8.6%GS) metakaolin and ground Scoria in concrete as cement substitute for every one kilogram of cement, can potentially result in reduction of CO2 emissions by 0.07-0.1224kg.
Posterior capsule opacification following implantation of hydrophilic compared to hydrophobic intraocular lenses
Authors: Rehan Karim R.A.E. , Elwan Sheriff , Nada Ossama T.S. , Elkitkat Rania S. 
Published: August 2023

Purpose
The aim of this study was to compare the onset of posterior capsule opacification (PCO) in patients who underwent hydrophilic intraocular lens (IOLs) implantation compared with hydrophobic IOL implantation.

Patients and methods
This is a retrospective, comparative, observational study that was conducted on patients who sought medical advice at the Ophthalmology Outpatient Clinic of the Ophthalmology Department, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt, and underwent uneventful phacoemulsification cataract surgery and hydrophilic or hydrophobic acrylic nonheparinized IOL implantation. The electronic medical records were searched for surgeries performed by equal-caliber experienced surgeons. All enrolled cases underwent ‘in-the-bag’ implantation of a square-edged IOL after continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis with cortical cleanup. The evaluated data included age, sex, medical history, date of phacoemulsification cataract surgery, type of implanted IOL, and the duration till Nd : YAG capsulotomy was needed. The patients were divided into two groups: group 1 (29 eyes of 29 patients), which underwent hydrophilic acrylic IOL implantation, and group 2 (27 eyes of 27 patients), which underwent hydrophobic acrylic IOL implantation.

Results
There was no statistically significant difference between the hydrophilic and hydrophobic IOLs regarding the time of onset of postoperative PCO development [median=1.92 years, interquartile range=1.17–2.75 in group 1 and 1.34 years (0.5–2.41) in group 2, P=0.192). In addition, there was no statistically significant relation between the onset of PCO and the general medical condition of the enrolled patients, including diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hepatitis C virus, renal disease, systemic lupus erythematosus, hypocalcemia, and patients on chemotherapy (P>0.05).

Conclusion
There was no statistically significant difference in the onset of PCO development with different IOL materials. Moreover, the patients’ general medical condition did not show a significant association with PCO incidence.
Chandelier-assisted pars plana vitrectomy decreases the rate of retinal re-detachment following silicone oil removal
Authors: Alagorie Ahmed R. , Sorour Osama A. , Waly Mostafa A. , El-Shehawy Ahmed , El-Bakary Molham A. , Nassar Elsayed 
Published: August 2023

Background
Recurrent retinal detachment is one of the major complications after silicone oil (SO) removal. Therefore, finding ways to decrease its incidence would be of great significance.

Purpose
The aim of this study was to compare the rate of retinal re-detachment following SO removal in eyes that underwent scleral self-indentation during chandelier-assisted vitreous base shaving compared to the eyes that underwent scleral indentation by an assistant.

Patients and methods
This is a retrospective study that included 381 eyes of 381 consecutive patients who underwent SO removal between December 2017 and December 2021, after a successful pars plana vitrectomy for primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. Scleral self-indentation (group A) was performed in 186 eyes, while scleral indentation by an assistant (group B) was performed in 195 eyes. The primary outcome measure was the rate of retinal re-detachment after SO removal. The secondary outcome measures were the rate of iatrogenic peripheral retinal tears and intraoperative complications.

Results
Retinal re-detachment occurred in 21 (11.29%) eyes in group A compared to 38 (19.49%) eyes in group B, with a statistically significant difference (P=0.027). Iatrogenic retinal tear during vitreous base shaving occurred in two (1.08%) eyes in group A compared with 17 (8.71%) eyes in group B, with a statistically significant difference (P=0.001). Slipped infusion cannula during indentation occurred in two (1.02%) eyes in group B and resulted in serous choroidal detachment in one eye, a complication that was not reported in group A. Lens touch occurred in three (1.61%) eyes in group A versus eight (4.1%) eyes in group B, a statistically nonsignificant difference (P=0.065).

Conclusion
Scleral self-indentation during chandelier-assisted vitrectomy facilitated safe and satisfactory vitreous base shaving with a lower risk of retinal re-detachment after SO removal. It was also associated with a lower rate of iatrogenic retinal breaks and intraoperative complications.
Comparative study between three-snip punctoplasty with and without mitomycin C in the management of punctal stenosis or occlusion
Authors: Tharwat Ehab , Hussein Mostafa O. 
Published: August 2023

Background
Punctal stenosis is a progressive constriction of the puncta with resultant epiphora. One of the most effective treatment options is one- to four-snip punctoplasty with or without mitomycin C (MMC).

Aim
The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of intraoperative MMC in increasing the success rate of three-snip punctoplasty in cases of punctal stenosis.

Patients and methods
This is a nonrandomized interventional prospective comparative study that was conducted at the Department of Ophthalmology, Al-Hussein and Bab El Sheria Al-Azhar University Hospitals, Cairo, Egypt. It included 31 eyes of 18 patients who underwent three-snip punctoplasty. The patients were divided into two groups: group 1 (15 eyes), in which MMC was not used during surgery, and group 2 (16 eyes), in which MMC was used intraoperatively for 2 min. Complete ocular examinations were performed in all patients using the slit lamp. Punctal stenosis grading was done as follows: grade 0 (absent punctum), grade 1 (a membrane covering the papilla), grade 2 (less than average size, however, can be recognized), grade 3 (normal), grade 4 (small slit <2 mm), and grade 5 (large slit ≥2 mm). Follow-up was conducted at 1 week, 1 month, and at 3 months postoperatively.

Results
In group 1, five (33.3%) eyes had a total postoperative recurrent anatomical obstruction and scarring of their puncta, compared with one (6.2%) case in group 2, with a statistically significant difference (P=0.000).

Conclusion
MMC demonstrated a favorable, secure, and efficient adjunct treatment for punctal stenosis in the punctoplasty procedure.
Descriptive study of patients with nonsyndromic retinitis pigmentosa
Authors: Tawfik Caroline A. , Roshdy Maged M. , ElFiky Mona M. , Morris Nancy M. 
Published: August 2023

Purpose
The aim of this study was to describe the demographic and clinical characteristics of a large cohort of patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) in Egypt.

Patients and methods
An extensive electronic medical record search was performed to gather data on all patients with RP who were evaluated at two major referral hospitals: Ain Shams University Hospital and Watany Eye Hospital, Cairo, Egypt during a 7-year period from January 2015 to October 2022. The age at last visit, sex, family history, history of parental consanguinity, status of the fundus, lens, and macula, visual acuity, visual field, and electroretinogram (ERG) data were recorded.

Results
The study included 766 patients with nonsyndromic RP. They were diagnosed based on either clinical examination alone or clinical examination and superadded investigations in the form of any of the following: color fundus photography, fundus autofluorescence, fundus fluorescein angiography, optical coherence tomography, and/or electrophysiological studies such as full-field and pattern ERG. The mean age at the last visit was 39.6±17.3 years, and 57.9% of the patients were males. Cataract was found in 343 (44.8%) patients, of whom 178 (51.9%) patients underwent cataract surgery. ERG was reduced in 12.9% and abolished in 87.1% of the patients. The foveal area was preserved in five (4.9%) patients, atrophic in 72 (69.9%), edematous in 13 (12.6%), and revealed an epiretinal membrane in 37 (35.9%) patients. A hyperautofluorescent ring was present in 87.5% of the patients.

Conclusions
Cataract was a significant comorbidity in patients with RP, and atrophic macula was the most prevalent among the macular status changes. RP is the subject of clinical intervention trials, and population-based epidemiological data can guide genetic testing and provide more candidates for possible gene therapy and other new treatment modalities.
Double flanged prolene intrascleral fixation of Cionni capsule tension ring
Authors: Elsayed Ayman M.A. , Samir Ahmed , Alyan Ahmed M.E. , Lotfy Ayman 
Published: August 2023

Background
Transconjunctival intrascleral fixation using double flanged prolene suture was used for scleral fixation of intraocular lenses (IOLs), Cionni capsule tension ring, and Ahmed segment. This technique carries the risk of flange exposure with subsequent hypotony and inflammation.

Aim
This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of combining the Hoffman pocket with the traditional technique of Cionni ring scleral fixation in the prevention of flange exposure.

Patients and methods
This is a prospective study that included nine cases in which scleral fixation of the Cionni ring was indicated to treat severe zonular dialysis due to pseudo-exfoliation syndrome. The patients were followed up on the first day, after 1 week, and monthly for 6 months. During each postoperative visit, slit lamp biomicroscopy was performed to evaluate the status of the cornea, IOL centration, and position of the prolene flanges. Uncorrected visual acuity and best-corrected visual acuity were recorded.

Results
The mean best-corrected visual acuity improved significantly from 0.21±0.1 preoperatively to 0.76±0.24, 6 months postoperatively (P=0.0056). In all cases, the IOLs were well-centered and stable all through the postoperative follow-up period which ranged from 6 to 8 months (mean=6.9±0.66 months). No hypotony or endophthalmitis were reported.

Conclusion
The use of the Hoffman pocket to bury the terminal flanged ends of prolene sutures proved to be an efficient method to decrease the risk of conjunctival erosion and flange exposure.
Comparison of therapeutic effects of topical azithromycin versus topical azithromycin with systemic doxycycline on posterior blepharitis
Authors: Ibrahim Mohamed A. H. , Hashem Ahmed O. , Esmail Ahmed , Elashri Mohammed 
Published: August 2023

Purpose
The aim of this study was to compare the therapeutic effects of topical azithromycin versus topical azithromycin with systemic doxycycline on posterior blepharitis.

Patients and methods
This is a prospective comparative study that was performed on 80 eyes of 40 patients with posterior blepharitis. The patients were divided into two groups: group A included the patients who received a 1-week topical azithromycin 1.5% solution twice a day, followed by another 1-week topical azithromycin 1.5% solution once daily, while group B included the patients who received the same regimen with additional oral doxycycline 100 mg once a day for 3 weeks. All patients were examined by the slit lamp for lid collarettes, lid redness, plugging of meibomian gland orifices, and tear breakup time after 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months.

Results
Before treatment, there were no statistically significant difference between the two groups regarding the symptoms and signs. After treatment, all symptom and sign scores were decreased compared with the baseline scores. Group B patients significantly improved more than group A patients after 1 month (P=0.002) and after 3 months (P=0.001) regarding the symptoms and most of the signs [lid collarettes after 1 month (P=0.013), lid redness after 1 month (P=0.009), and after 3 months (P=0.002), plugging of meibomian gland orifices after 1 month (P=0.001) and after 3 months (P>0.001), tear breakup time after 1 month (P=0.001) and after 3 months (P=0.004), and corneal staining after 1 month (P=0.001) and after 3 months (P>0.001)]. Only concerning lid collarettes, the difference in improvement between the two groups was insignificant after 3 months (P=0.177).

Conclusion
Adding systemic doxycycline with topical azithromycin to the management plan of posterior blepharitis were found to be more superior than using topical azithromycin alone.
Optical coherence tomography angiography changes after vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment and its correlation to visual outcome
Authors: El-Mofty Randa , Abd El Shafy Vlavia N M. , Helmy Youssef Ahmed Hazem , Raafat Karim , Eddin Abdelhakim Mohamad Amr Salah , Elessawy Kareem Bakr 
Published: August 2023

Purpose
The aim of this study was to evaluate the capillary vessel density (CVD) and the flow of superficial and deep capillary plexuses (SCP and DCP) using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) after vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) and to correlate these changes with the visual outcome.

Patients and methods
This is a prospective interventional study that was conducted on 17 eyes with macula-off RRD. All patients underwent 23-G vitrectomy with silicone oil (SO) injection. OCTA was performed 1 month after SO removal. The outcome measures included the CVD, SCP arcade disruption, capillary dropout, SCP and DCP disorganization, and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA).

Results
There was a statistically significantly less density of the mean DCP (40.82±6.87%, P=0.03), and the mean SCP (38.95±6.75%, P=0.007) in the operated eye compared to the fellow eye. The central foveal thickness (CFT) was statistically significantly higher in the operated eye (309.06±92.12 μm) compared to the fellow eye (242.29±25.48 μm), (P=0.019). The SCP capillary arcade disruption was statistically significantly more frequent in the operated eyes (12=70.6%) especially in the eyes with subretinal fluid (SRF) (P=0.049) and those with cystoid spaces (P=0.049).

Conclusion
The CVD, excluding the fovea, was significantly worse in the operated eyes. The SCP arcade disruption, capillary dropout, and SCP and DCP disorganization were detected in most patients following RRD repair, but with no significant correlation with BCVA.
Activities-specific balance confidence scale in elderly in community nursing home
Authors: Feng Jing , Ding Yuchuan , Cai Lipeng , Kim Enoch , Gu Pan , Song Zhaohui , Fan Huimin , Geng Xiaokun 
Published: August 2023

Background:
To investigate the incidence of falls in elderly in nursing homes and to determine the differences in confidence indexes of daily living in the Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC) in elderly fallers or nonfallers.

Methods:
We conducted a perspective study with elderly (ages >75 years old) from January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2020, living in community nursing homes in Tongzhou district, Beijing. All the participants were able to walk independently, had not experienced any fall episodes, were capable of following commands, and they sufficiently cooperated with the process of the examination. A face-to-face visit or telephone interview was conducted with participants on a regular basis for 12 months. The falling incidence and the differences of ABC scale confidence indexes between fallers and nonfallers were investigated.

Results:
This study included 87 older adults (67 nonfall participants and 20 fall participants). Falls occurred at a rate of 23 per 100 people per year. The ABC scale index of the faller group was 37%, which indicated very low balance confidence and a high risk of falling. The ABC scale index of the nonfaller group was 80%, which indicated normal balance confidence and no risk of falling. There were significant differences in ABC scale indexes between the faller and nonfaller groups (37% vs. 80%, P = 0.005). There were significant differences in activities such as walking around the house, climbing up and down stairs, picking up slippers from floor, reaching on tiptoes, standing on a chair to reach, walking outside to a nearby car, getting in/out of a car, walking across a parking lot, walking up and down a ramp, walking in a crowded mall between two groups of people, walking in a crowd (risk of bumping into other people), going up an escalator without rail assistance, and walking on an icy sidewalk between the two groups (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:
Nursing homes have a high rate of falls among older adults. The ABC scale can assess balance confidence and the risk of falling in older adults. To reduce or prevent falls, health-care professionals should screen those who are at high risk of falling and enroll them in a fall prevention program.
Elevated neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio
Authors: Wang Yanling , Geng Xiaokun , Cheng Zhe , Li Fengwu , Ding Yuchuan 
Published: August 2023

Objective:
This study aimed to determine the risk factors associated with short-term neurological decline in acute ischemic stroke patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO) who have undergone successful endovascular recanalization through mechanical thrombectomy.

Subjects and Methods:
We included 168 LVO patients who had successful recanalization in this study. We collected the patients' demographic data and related disease test results. We noted the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores at the onset and on the 7th day postonset. After comparing the NIHSS scores at these two time points, we analyzed the correlation between the collected data and the NIHSS scores. We selected the logistic regression model variables based on the correlation significance. We included gender, age, diastolic blood pressure, glycosylated hemoglobin, urea nitrogen, hemoglobin, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), low-density lipoprotein, and total protein in a logistic regression model. We used the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve to evaluate the predictive power of NLR for deterioration.

Results:
Mechanical thrombectomy significantly lowered the median NIHSS score of LVO patients on the 7th day of onset, while a subset of patients experienced an increased NIHSS score. Correlation analysis revealed significant correlations between the NIHSS score at onset and diastolic pressure, white blood cell count, neutrophil count, creatinine, and urea nitrogen. On the 7th day postonset, NIHSS scores showed significant correlations with glycosylated hemoglobin, white blood cell count, neutrophil count, NLR, red blood cell count, hemoglobin, and urea nitrogen. Logistic regression analysis further revealed that patients with higher NLR are at significantly increased risk of short-term neurological decline. ROC analysis indicated that a higher NLR can serve as a diagnostic marker for potential adverse outcomes of mechanical thrombectomy.

Conclusion:
While mechanical thrombectomy substantially improves neurological deficits in LVO patients, some patients still experience deterioration. Higher NLR at stroke onset is associated with short-term neurological function decline in acute LVO patients postsuccessful recanalization.
Prevalence of dental fluorosis and dental caries among people consuming water in urban Vadodara
Authors: Patel Sangita Vashrambhai , Khokhariya Rahul D. , Rathod Jagruti , Chatterji Deya G. , Patel Jesal 
Published: August 2023

Introduction:
High fluoride concentration in groundwater can result in endemic fluorosis and is a major public health problem in India.

Aim:
To know the association between prevalence of dental fluorosis and dental caries and fluoride level in the water in urban Vadodara.

Methodology:
An analytical ecological cross-sectional study was conducted in 4 zones of Vadodara district. Thirty-eight water samples were sent to Gujarat Ecology Society in Vadodara for chemical analysis to test fluoride levels. The data collection was made by house-to-house visit twice during the study involving 2,609 participant interviews. These participants included 449 children belonging to the age group of <15 years. Examination for dental fluorosis and dental caries using Dean's criteria was done. Chi-Square and Mental Hensel Chi-Square were applied for statistical analysis.

Results:
The prevalence of dental fluorosis was 17.36% in high-fluoride areas and 22.46% in normal-fluoride areas among children (<15 years of age). There was no statistically significant association in dental fluorosis between high-fluoride areas and normal-fluoride areas (P = 0.2533). The prevalence of dental caries was 29.26% in high-fluoride areas and 75.36% in normal-fluoride areas. There was a statistically significant association in dental caries between high-fluoride areas and normal-fluoride areas (P ≤ 0.0001).

Conclusions:
The risk of dental caries was clearly higher in the areas showing normal-fluoride content compared to places with high fluoride levels in drinking water. The risk of dental fluorosis was higher in area with high-fluoride level but the difference was not statistically significant.