bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Medial Rectus Muscle Resection Versus Plication: A Comparison of Conjunctival-Scleral Thickness Measured by AS-OCT
Authors: Suzuki Hiroko , Hikoya Akiko , Inagaki Risako , Haseoka Takashi , Arai Shinji , Takagi Yuuri , Hotta Yoshihiro , Sato Miho 
Published: February 2022

Purpose:
To compare conjunctival-scleral thickness measured with anterior segment optical coherence tomography before and after medial rectus muscle resection and plication for exotropia.

Methods:

In this prospective observational study, patients with exotropia aged 5 years and older who underwent medial rectus muscle resection or plication through limbal incision of the conjunctiva between April 2016 and June 2018 were enrolled. Conjunctivalscleral thickness was measured with anterior segment optical coherence tomography before and 3 and 6 months after surgery at 1.5 mm (limbus), 4 mm (insertion), and 5.5 mm (tendon) posterior to the scleral spur. One examiner made measurements twice blinded for the initial data. Conjunctival-scleral thickness was compared between groups using the Mann-Whitney
U
test.

Results:
Twenty participants were divided into two groups: resection (n = 11) and plication (n = 9). The respective conjunctival-scleral thicknesses before and 3 and 6 months after surgery in the resection group were as follows: 0.76, 0.90, and 0.86 mm at the limbus; 0.86, 1.18, and 1.12 mm at the insertion; and 1.04, 1.41, and 1.33 mm at the tendon. Corresponding values in the plication group were as follows: 0.74, 0.87, and 0.81 mm at the limbus; 0.84, 1.16, and 1.08 mm at the insertion; and 1.00, 1.39, and 1.27 mm at the tendon. No between-group differences were observed at any location or time.

Conclusions:
No differences in conjunctival-scleral thickness were observed between the resection and plication groups before surgery or at 3 months and 6 months postoperatively.

[
J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus
. 2022;59(4):274–278.]
Comparison of Unilateral Versus Bilateral Lateral Rectus Recession for Small Angle Intermittent Exotropia: Outcomes and Surgical Dose-Responses
Authors: Lee Ming-Han Hugo , Smith David R. , Kraft Stephen P. , Wan Michael J. 
Published: February 2022

Purpose:
To compare the surgical outcomes of unilateral lateral rectus recession to bilateral lateral rectus recession for small angle intermittent exotropia.

Methods:
This was a retrospective cohort study of pediatric patients with an intermittent exotropia between 16 and 20 prism diopters (PD) who underwent unilateral lateral rectus recession or bilateral lateral rectus recession at a single tertiary care pediatric hospital. The primary outcome was success (exotropia < 10 PD of esotropia < 5 PD, no decrease in stereopsis > 0.6 log arcsec, and no reoperation) at 12 months postoperatively. Secondary outcomes included survival analysis of time to surgical failure, surgical dose-response, and improvement in central fusion or stereopsis.

Results:

At 12 months, successful outcomes were achieved in 13 of 27 patients (46%) in the bilateral lateral rectus recession group and 19 of 28 patients (70%) in the unilateral lateral rectus recession group, which was not a statistically significant difference (
P
= .10). Survival analysis showed a trend toward a higher rate of failure in the bilateral lateral rectus recession group compared to the unilateral lateral rectus recession group (
P
= .04). The mean surgical dose-response was 1.7 PD/mm at 1 week and 1.0 PD/mm at 12 months for the bilateral lateral rectus recession group, and 2.0 PD/mm at 1 week postoperatively and 1.4 PD/mm at 12 months postoperatively for the unilateral lateral rectus recession group. There were no cases of long-term postoperative lateral incomitance in either group.

Conclusions:
Unilateral lateral rectus recession and bilateral lateral rectus recession have similar success rates for small angle intermittent exotropia after at least 12 months of follow-up. Randomized controlled trials in surgical management of intermittent exotropia should consider unilateral lateral rectus recession as a treatment arm.

[
J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus
. 2022;59(5):350–355.]
Fetal Liver–Derived Alveolar-like Macrophages: A Self-Replicating Ex Vivo Model of Alveolar Macrophages for Functional Genetic Studies
Authors: Thomas Sean T , Wierenga Kathryn A , Pestka James J , Olive Andrew J 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Alveolar macrophages (AMs) are tissue-resident cells in the lungs derived from the fetal liver that maintain lung homeostasis and respond to inhaled stimuli. Although the importance of AMs is undisputed, they remain refractory to standard experimental approaches and high-throughput functional genetics, as they are challenging to isolate and rapidly lose AM properties in standard culture. This limitation hinders our understanding of key regulatory mechanisms that control AM maintenance and function. In this study, we describe the development of a new model, fetal liver–derived alveolar-like macrophages (FLAMs), which maintains cellular morphologies, expression profiles, and functional mechanisms similar to murine AMs. FLAMs combine treatment with two key cytokines for AM maintenance, GM-CSF and TGF-β. We leveraged the long-term stability of FLAMs to develop functional genetic tools using CRISPR-Cas9–mediated gene editing. Targeted editing confirmed the role of AM-specific gene Marco and the IL-1 receptor Il1r1 in modulating the AM response to crystalline silica. Furthermore, a genome-wide knockout library using FLAMs identified novel genes required for surface expression of the AM marker Siglec-F, most notably those related to the peroxisome. Taken together, our results suggest that FLAMs are a stable, self-replicating model of AM function that enables previously impossible global genetic approaches to define the underlying mechanisms of AM maintenance and function.
Building blocks for a public health ethics framework for the geriatric community
Authors: Lategan Laetus O.K. , Van Zyl Gert J. , Kruger Willem H. 
Published: February 2022

Background: The elderly population is steadily growing in South Africa. However, there is limited strategic planning or policy initiatives to address this group’s vulnerability resulting in several public health ethical issues that need to be considered and addressed. This article aims to develop a public health ethics framework for the geriatric community with the purpose to review ethical implications when working with the geriatric community.Methods: The Q-methodology was selected for data collection. Fifteen statements were ranked by means of a five-point Likert-scale questionnaire. Twenty-two participants from six geriatric institutions participated in the ranking of the statements.Results: The ranking of the statements confirmed the need for a public health ethics framework to provide guidance when working with the geriatric community and to evaluate decisions about geriatric care. Such a framework should be application-based and practice-oriented which can assist in addressing unfamiliarity with public health ethics in general and can extend the capacity for decision-making. The ranking of these statements contributed to the scope of the planned framework, by considering the vulnerability of healthcare practitioners (as community of practitioners) and the geriatric community as a basis from which to promote justice in public health programmes.Conclusion: Based on the ranking of statements, eight building blocks for a public health ethics framework were identified. The building blocks are imbedded in professional ethics and care ethics. The proposed framework can give rise to social justice in public health and the ability to evaluate what the ethical implications are for public health policies, programmes and interventions aimed at the geriatric community.
Fatal non-accidental injury in South Africa: A Gauteng hospital’s perspective on the incidence and fracture types in post-mortem skeletal surveys
Authors: Wessels Robyn M. , Moodley Halvani 
Published: February 2022

Background: In its severest form, non-accidental injury (NAI) in children is fatal. South Africa has been reported to have double the global average of child homicides. Autopsy is the main investigation in fatal NAI with post-mortem skeletal surveys (PMSS) playing an adjunctive role. Whilst fracture patterns associated with NAI in living patients have been established, this has not been investigated in PMSS in South Africa.Objectives: To determine the incidence and characteristics of fractures in suspected fatal NAI cases. To calculate the incidence of fractures according to high-, moderate- and low-specificity fracture locations for NAI.Methods: A retrospective review of all PMSS performed between 01 January 2012 and 03 December 2018 was conducted at the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital.Results: Of the 73 PMSS, 33 (45.2%) demonstrated fractures. No statistical significance in sex was found: 38 (52.1%) were male and 35 (47.9%) were female (p 0.05). The mean age of those who sustained fractures was 28 months (standard deviation [s.d.]: 21 months). A total of 115 fractures were sustained, of that the top five bones fractured were the ribs 37 (32.2%), parietal bone 13 (11.3%), ulna 13 (11.3%), femur 13 (11.3%), and radius 11 (9.6%). High-specificity fracture locations accounted for 40/133 (30.1%).Conclusion: The fracture types in PMSS were similar to those in live skeletal surveys. Our study’s fracture rate was higher in comparison to international studies. The PMSS is a valuable adjunct to autopsy in detecting occult fractures of the limbs. We recommend that PMSS be performed in suspected fatal NAI cases at least in children up to 24 months of age.
Assessment of Psychosocial Medical Needs with Well-Being among Geriatric Population of Hyderabad
Authors: Bala Sudha , Sai Shyam Sundar , Pandve Harshal 
Published: February 2022

ABSTRACT

Background:
There is strong evidence that the prevalence of chronic conditions substantially increases with age as multimorbidity the coexistence is associated with poor quality of life and health outcome.

Objective:
The objective of this study is to assess the psychosocial medical domains and their association with well-being among the Geriatrics.

Materials and Methods:
A community-based cross-sectional study at Urban Health Training Center, Jeedimetla including all the participants whose aged 60 years and above with written consent. A total of 140 participants were subjected to “Integrated care tool” brief questionnaire by interview schedule method including domains such as physical, functional, psychological, mental health, geriatric syndromes, financial security, social involvement, and elder abuse. The association between various domains and well-being was analyzed using binary logistic regression analysis.

Results:
The well-being was affected among 72.9% mainly suffering with noncommunicable diseases such as hypertension and related complications. Higher mean scores were recorded for those whose well-being is affected for the domains such as physical, geriatric syndromes 1 and 2, mental health, social and family security, and elder abuse. On binary logistic regression analysis, the main predictors for their affected well-being were elder abuse and geriatric syndromes.

Conclusions:
This gives a comprehensive health status of geriatrics with domain-wise classification of health care needs, thereby improving the health-seeking behavior and preventing frequent hospitalization and related complications.
Clinical Profile and Outcome of Pediatric Inflammatory Multisystem Syndrome Temporally Associated with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Series in Eastern India
Authors: Sen Bonny , Sarkar Mihir , Raychaudhuri Dibyendu , Pal Priyankar , Roychowdhoury Satyabrata , Chattopadhyay Amitabha , Hazra Avijit , Mondal Rakesh 
Published: February 2022

Objective:
The objective of this study is to delineate the characteristics and outcome of Pediatric Inflammatory Multisystem Syndrome temporally associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARSCoV2) infection (PIMS-TS) in Eastern Indian settings.

Materials and Methods:
We conducted a prospective observational multicentric study from May 2020 to August 2020, collecting data on clinical profile, investigation findings, and outcome of the children aged 1 month–12 years admitted with the features of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) related hyperinflammation satisfying criteria for PIMS-TS from three tertiary care hospitals of Kolkata.

Results:
A total of 38 patients fulfilling the criteria of PIMS-TS were recruited. The median age of the study population was 5 years (1.9–8 years). Gastrointestinal symptoms were present in 33 (86.6%) of patients. Nasopharyngeal swab for COVID-19 reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction was positive in 19 (50%) of patients, and immunoglobulin G antibody against COVID-19 was found in 12 (66.6%) of patients, whereas 19 (50%) of patients had a positive contact history of SARS-Co-V2 exposure. The features of Kawasaki, like illness with coronary changes, were seen in 12 (32%) cases, whereas myocarditis with ejection fraction <55% was reported in 17 (45%) of patients. Intensive care admissions were needed in 27 (71%) patients, and inotropes were given in 18 (47%), whereas four patients required mechanical ventilator support. Immunotherapy was used in 32 (84%) of patients. The outcome was good, with one death.

Conclusions:
PIMS TS has varied clinical presentation ranging from milder cases to severe cardiac dysfunction with shock. However, timely intervention and prompt initiation of immunomodulators can improve the prognosis.
Comparative scores of ABO and Rh hemagglutination reactions
Authors: Khuje Prashant Devidas , Karandikar Mahesh S. , Sable Bharti U. 
Published: February 2022

Background:
Blood group determination is done by the slide test and tube test. Grading/scoring of hemagglutination reactions is performed through the naked eye and microscopy to detect spurious (false positive and negative) reactions.

Objectives:
In our observational study, comparative scoring of ABO and Rh hem-agglutination reactions was done based on degree of hemolysis and agglutination through the macroscopic and microscopic technique.

Materials and Methods:
The determination of blood group of 209 participants was done by the porcelain slide method using commercially prepared antisera (manufactured by TULIP DIAGNOSTICS (P) LTD.) containing anti-A, anti-B, and anti-D monoclonal antibodies followed by scoring/grading based on degree of hemolysis and red blood cell clumping. The data were statistically analyzed using the Chi-square test and Z-test of proportion.

Results:
ABO hemagglutination reactions showed significantly higher score ([A-Macro Z = 7.153, Micro Z = 4.65] [B-Macro Z = 11.17, Micro Z = 21]) (Z >2.5, P < 0.001) than Rh hemagglutination reactions. B hemagglutination reactions showed insignificantly higher score (B-Macro Z = 1.29, Micro Z = 1.816) (Z <1.95, P < 0.05) than A hemagglutination reaction.

Conclusion:
ABO hemagglutination reactions showed significantly higher score than Rh hemagglutination reactions as ABO system agglutinin are pentavalent (immunoglobulin M) binding 10 agglutinogens while that of Rh system are bivalent binding 4 agglutinogens. B hemagglutination reactions showed insignificantly higher score than A hem-agglutination reaction which required further evaluation.
The Risk Factors Associated with Rotavirus Gastroenteritis among Children Under Five Years at University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Borno State, Nigeria
Authors: Ali Kellu Bukar , Gadzama Galadima Bala , Zailani Sambo Bello , Mohammed Yahaya , Daggash Batula Bishara , Yakubu Yakubu Mohammed , Sadiq Baba Abubakar , Baba Shettima Ashe , Usman Kadaura Mairo 
Published: February 2022

Background:
Diarrhea is a major cause of childhood morbidity and mortality in both developing and developed countries. It remains a common cause of hospitalization worldwide. Rotavirus is a cause of acute watery diarrhea in children under five years of age. The incidence of diarrhea decreases with increasing age.

Aim:
This study aimed at finding some risk factors associated with rotavirus infection in children <five years of age presenting with acute diarrhea at the university of Maiduguri teaching hospital.

Patient, Materials and Methods:
This is a cross-sectional study. A total of 173 children <five years presenting with diarrhea of <two weeks were recruited for the study. Stool samples were collected, and rotavirus antigen was detected using immunochromatographic, and the positive sample was then further analyzed using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction for the VP4 and VP7 genotyping. The risk factors were analyzed using multivariate analysis conditional regression model after collecting data using a well-structured questionnaire.

Results:
The Source of water supply and presence of persons with gastroenteritis in the household were found to be risk factors for acquiring the infection with statistically significant P < 0.05. Breastfeeding was found to be protective of rotavirus gastroenteritis.

Conclusion:
Rotaviruses cause morbidity and mortality in children under five years of age. In view of the associated risk factors, making available safe drinking water and encouraging good personal hygiene is important. Promotion of exclusive breastfeeding and vaccination is advocated. Public health strategies like creating awareness to affected communities are a good strategy.
Efficacy of Admission Cardiotocography in Early Stage of Labour in Predicting Perinatal Outcome among Parturients in a Tertiary Health Facility in Ogun State, Southwest Nigeria
Authors: Ojo Oluwole Olutola , Awonuga David O. , Dedeke Iyabode Olabisi Florence , Adenaya Olaide Rufus , Ade-Onojobi Adedoyin Olatunde , Odelola Oluwaseyi Isaiah , Grillo Elizabeth Oluwakemi 
Published: February 2022

Background:
Some fetuses will present with hypoxia at admission into the labour room and may not be able to withstand the stress of frequent and adequate uterine contractions. Admission cardiotocography (CTG) in early labour has been thought to be useful in detecting babies with such conditions therefore affording the obstetrician early intervention to prevent adverse perinatal outcome.

Aim:
This study aims to determine the predictive value of admission cardiotocogram in early labour in the early detection of fetal hypoxia and its adverse perinatal outcome.

Patients, Materials and Methods:
It was a prospective cross-sectional study among low- and high-risk pregnant women in a tertiary health institution in Abeokuta, Southwest Nigeria. Two hundred participants with singleton fetus in cephalic presentation were recruited consecutively at term in early first stage of labour and were subjected to 20 min admission CTG (ACTG). The resulting cardiotocograms were classified into reactive, suspicious or pathological and further management was based on the cardiotocogram findings. Perinatal outcomes were assessed and statistical analysis done using IBM SPSS version 20. The main outcome measures were mode of delivery and perinatal outcome using Apgar scores, neonatal pulse oximetry, and neonatal unit (NNU) admission.

Results:
Seventy percent of the participants were multipara, 42% were aged between 26 and 30 years. Suspicious and pathological CTGs were 9% and 1%, respectively. Operative delivery, birth asphyxia, and NNU admission of babies were more common among the non-reactive (suspicious/pathological) CTG groups compared to reactive CTG group. The test, in predicting perinatal asphyxia, has low sensitivity (42.86%) and positive predictive values (15%) but high specificity (91.19%) and negative predictive values (97.78)

Conclusion:
ACTG is a simple, noninvasive screening tool in labour. It is highly effective in predicting fetuses unlikely to develop birth asphyxia but not so effective at predicting those likely to develop asphyxia. The test should be used with caution.
Impact of COVID-19 on the Vector-Borne Disease Research and Applied Public Health Workforce in the United States
Authors: Weldon Caroline T. , Weaver Scott C. , Jacobsen Kathryn H. 
Published: February 2022

ABSTRACT.
The coronavirus pandemic has imposed extraordinary demands on the public and environmental health workforce, including those who work on vector-borne disease (VBD) prevention and control. In late 2021, we surveyed more than 100 applied public health professionals, academic researchers, and others working on VBDs in the United States. They reported that the supply chain disruptions and limited access to facilities that impeded laboratory work in the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 have largely resolved. However, many public health personnel across job types and career stages are still working fewer hours on VBDs than they did before the pandemic. Many reported that they expect it to take several years for VBD specialists to fully reengage with clinicians and the public, reinvigorate their partnerships and professional networks, and recover from interruptions to work productivity and professional development. Despite these challenges, most applied and academic VBD workers remain enthusiastic about their work and eager to advance this important area of infectious disease research and practice.
Energy consumption and thermal properties of drying banana (musa ssp) under varied relative humidity
Authors: Sarpong F. , Rashid M. T. , Owusu-Kwarteng J. , Zhou C. 
Published: February 2022

The drying of banana slices was investigated under different relative humidity (RH) in a convective hot-air dryer. The experiments were conducted using 10, 20, 30 and 40% RH, 75oC and 2.0 m/s air velocity drying conditions. Drying kinetics, energy consumption and thermal properties were investigated. Eight mathematical models describing thin layer drying were employed and results were compared to their goodness of fit in terms of coefficient of correlation (R2), the root mean square error (RMSE) and the reduced chi square (χ2). The Midilli–Kucuk model could satisfactorily describe RH-convective drying of banana slices with R2, RMSE and χ2 in the ranges of 0.99947-0.99986, 0.00002-0.00008, and 0.0142-0.01618 respectively. For energy consumption, RH condition increased the energy consumption such that at every 10% increase in RH, a range of 17.9-41.0% increase in energy consumption was observed. In the case of thermal properties, endothermic peak revealed precise composition, fine particle size, and dispersion in a matrix of banana slices thus altering the transition in solid state. In effect, RH drying present new drying concept with prospecting thermodynamics absorbing properties. However, energy consumption issue needs to be addressed in further research.