bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Combined phacoemulsification surgery and intravitreal triamcinolone injection versus stand-alone surgery in patients with type 2 diabetes: A prospective randomized trial
Authors: Addeen Sarah Zaher , Shaddoud Iyad 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Background
We would assess the efficacy of intravitreal injection of triamcinolone acetonide IVTA combined with standard phacoemulsification on the central subfield macular thickness (CSMT), the progression of diabetic retinopathy (DR), and the corrected distant visual acuity (CDVA) in type 2 diabetic patients.
Methods
In this prospective single-blinded randomized clinical trial we recruited patients with type 2 diabetes who were eligible for cataract surgery. The patients were randomly assigned to two groups. The case group received an intravitreal IVTA at the end of phacoemulsification, and the control group had routine surgery. CSMT, progression of DR, CDVA, IOP, and adverse events including endophthalmitis were compared between the groups preoperatively and at 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively.
Results
Among a total of 66 patients that were treated within the study period, 50 patients were included in the final analysis. The case group comprised 21 eyes, and the control group included 29 eyes. Regression models and corrected ANOVA test for repeated measures showed a significant reduction in CSMT at 3 and 6 months postoperatively, which was most significant when the preoperative CSMT was no less than 300 µm, with a cut-off value of 347.3 µm in the case group (p < 0.000). DR progression was halted in the case group at 6 months with 52.38% of patients having their DR classified as moderate (P = 0.012). CDVA was significantly improved from baseline 6/60 (logMAR 1.0) pre-op to 6/6 (logMAR 0.00) at 6 months post-op in the case group, and from baseline 6/120 (logMAR 1.3) pre-op to 6/12 (logMAR 0.3) at 6 months post-op in the control group. The gain in visual acuity was significantly higher in the case group at all study points (p < 0.001). No significant rise in IOP was observed at any study point in both groups (p = 0.23 > 0.05). No endophthalmitis was recorded.
Conclusions
Diabetic patients benefit significantly from cataract surgery. This study supports IVTA injection at the end of phacoemulsification in diabetic patients. Triamcinolone is an affordable (which is of particular importance in low-income countries as per our setting), and relatively safe “phaco-enhancer”.
Trial registration:
NCT05413330. Initial release 10/06/2022. Unique Protocol ID: UDMS-Opthal-01-2022.
Isoenzyme and Molecular Characterization of Larval Stage of the Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato Based on the Host Variation in Iran
Authors: Dousti Majid , Sadjjadi Seyed Mahmoud , Solgi Rahmat , Vafafar Arghavan , Radfar Amirhossein , Hatam Gholamreza 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Background: Simultaneous isoenzyme and molecular characterization of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato have not been investigated in Iran. The present study aims to investigate the isoenzyme pattern of the larval stage of Echinococcus spp. genotypes based on their host types in Iran.Methods and Results: A total of 32 samples, including 8 human and 24 animal hydatid cyst isolates, were collected from May 2018 to December 2020. The protoscolices were removed from the cyst, and their genotypes were determined by the molecular method followed by isoenzyme electrophoresis. The activities of five enzymatic systems including glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), malate dehydrogenase (MDH), malic enzyme (ME), nucleoside hydrolyse 1 (NH1) and isocitrate dehydrogenase (ICD) were evaluated. Sequence analysis of the samples showed the specimens as E. granulosus sensu stricto (G1) 24 (75%), and E. canadensis (G6) 8 (25%) genotypes. The isoenzyme pattern of ICD of both the strains produced a six-band pattern, with different Relative Factors (RF). The G6PD produces two bands with different relative migration in both genotypes. The MDH and NH1 systems revealed two-band pattern in the E. granulosus sensu stricto strain, while it produced only one band in the ME enzyme. Furthermore, in the E. canadensis strain the MDH and NH1 enzymes showed one band and the ME enzyme represented a two-band pattern.Conclusion: The finding of the present study revealed that the entirely different isoenzyme patterns in the systems of NH1, G6PD, MDH and ME may be used for differentiation of E. granulosus sensu stricto and E. canadensis strains.
Association between MTHFR C677T Variant and Risk for Conotruncal Heart Defects in Egyptian Children: A Meta-analysis based on 217 cases and 213 controls
Authors: Esmaiel Nora nassef , Ashaat Engy A. , AlEttribi G M , Fayez Alaaeldin , Alsaiedi Sonia A. , Ruby Mona O. El 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Stratification analysis studies showed that ethnicity has a significant association regarding MTHFR C677T variant and congenital heart diseases (CHDs) risk, and many published studies have controversial conclusions toward this association. A total of 3 case-control studies in the Egyptian population published before 2021 were included in this meta-analysis, besides new 186 participants to evaluate the association between the MTHFR C677T variant and the risk for CHDs. The association was assessed by the odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) based on 217 cases and 213 controls. The overall meta-analysis showed a significant association between MTHFR C677T variant and CHDs risk in Egyptian children with heterogeneity (Heterogeneity = 0.001) in all the genetic models with the highly significant association in T vs. C allele (pooled OR 1.85, 95% CI: 1.41–2.43; p-value < 0.0001). The limitation of the analysis was detected by Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) in two studies that demonstrated statistical significance. Our results support the MTHFR − 677T allele as a susceptibility factor for CHDs in the Egyptian pediatric population.
Transcriptomic signatures in trophectoderm and inner cell mass of human blastocysts with different expectations of pregnancy
Authors: Kai Yoshiteru , Mei Hailiang , Kawano Hiroomi , Nakajima Naotsuna , Takai Aya , Kumon Mami , Inoue Azusa , Yamashita Naoki 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Selection of high-quality embryos is important to achieve successful pregnancy in assisted reproductive technology (ART). Recently, it has been debated whether RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) should be applied to ART to predict embryo quality. However, the information on which genes can serve as markers for pregnant expectancy is limited. Furthermore, there is no information on which transcriptome of trophectoderm (TE) or inner cell mass (ICM) is more highly correlated with pregnant expectancy. Here we performed RNA-seq analysis for TE and ICM, respectively, in human blastocysts of which the expectation of pregnancy was retrospectively determined by the clinical outcomes of 1,890 cases of frozen-thawed blastocyst transfer. We identified dozens of genes that were correlated with the expected pregnancy rate in ICM and TE, respectively, with a larger number of genes identified in TE. Importantly, downregulated genes in TE of blastocysts that were estimated to have lower expectation of pregnancy included tight junction-related genes, such as CXADR, CLDN10, and ATP1B1, which were implicated in peri-implantation development. Additionally, we showed that aneuploidy estimation by RNA-seq datasets does not correlate with pregnancy expectation. Our study thus provides an expanded list of candidate genes for prediction of pregnancy in human blastocyst embryos.
Surgical Correction of Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Return in an Adult Patient
Authors: Bae Yohan , Jang Woo Sung , Song Kyungsub 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Background: Total anomalous pulmonary venous return (TAPVR) is rare congenital heart disease. Most TAPVRs require surgical corrections in the neonatal period and survival to adulthood without surgical correction is extremely rare. Most untreated patients with large atrial septal defects and no pulmonary venous obstruction have pulmonary vascular damage from pulmonary over circulation.Case presentation: 44-year-old TAPVR patient admitted to our medical center. A snowman-shaped heart, including cardiomegaly and an increase in pulmonary blood flow, was seen in the chest X-ray. A large-sized (around 3 cm) atrial septal defect (ASD) with dilated right atrium, right ventricle, and pulmonary artery was detected on echocardiography. Heart computed tomography was performed for further evaluation, and supra-cardiac type TAPVR without any obstructive lesion was identified.Conclusions: TAPVR in an adult patient is extremely rare, and this patient was treated successfully with surgical correction and is doing well. A sinus rhythm and mild mitral valve regurgitation have remained during 2.5 years of outpatient follow-up.
Assamese Dialect Identification System Using Deep Learning
Authors: Das Hem Chandra , Bhattacharjee Utpal 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
The goal of a dialect Identification is to label speech in an audio file with dialect labels. This paper presents a method for automatically identifying four Assamese dialects: Central Assamese, Eastern Assamese dialect, Kamrupi dialect, and Goaplari dialect, using Convolution Neu-ral Networks (CNN). In this study, utterances of four major regional dialects of the Assamese language, namely Central Assamese spoken in and around Nagaon district, Eastern Assamese dialect spoken in the Sibsagar and its neighboring districts, Kamrupi dialect spoken in Kam-rup, Nalbari, Barpeta, Kokarajhar and some parts of Bongaigaon district and Goaplari dialect spoken in the Goaplara, Dhuburi and part of Bon-gaigaon district were used. The classifier was trained on audio samples from each of the four dialects that lasted 2 hours. The CNN uses Mel spectrogram images created from two to four seconds divisions of raw audio input with varied audio quality. The performance of the system is also examined as a function of train and test audio sample durations. When compared to machine learning models, the suggested CNN model obtains an accuracy of 90.82 percent, which may be considered the best.
Identification of Growth Hormone (GH) Gene Polymorphisms and Their Association with Growth Traits in European Sea Bass (Dicentrarchus labrax)
Authors: Gökçek Emel Özcan , ISIK RAZIYE , Karahan Bilge , Gamsız Kutsal 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
The growth hormone (GH) gene has an important regulatory roles in postnatal somatic growth, metabolism and development of vertebrates and fish. The aim of this study was to identify the genetic variation of the GH gene and its associations with growth traits by DNA sequencing in 200 European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) individuals. Ten novel SNPs were identified as g.1557 A > T, g.1611 T > C, g.1663 C > G, g.1799 T > C, g.1824 T > C, g.1912 T > A, g.2052 G > C in the 1st partial intron, 2nd exon, 2nd intron and 3rd partial exon of GH gene in European sea bass. The genotypes of GH g.1611 T > C locus were found associated with total weight, fillet weight and head length (p < 0.05). Association between the genotypes of GH g.1557A > T and pre-anal length, abdominal length were found statistically significant (p < 0.05). Similarly, the genotypes of GH g.1799 T > C locus which caused the amino acid change from Leucine to Serine (L8S) were found related to body length and abdominal length (p < 0.05). This amino acid change also caused the 3D tertiary structure of the GH peptide. Thus, these SNPs have an effect on the growth traits of European sea bass and could be used for genomic selection in European sea bass breeding.
Preservation of Cultural Heritage of Thanjavur – The Cultural Hub of Tamil Nadu
Authors: M Sona 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Cultural heritage is the legacy of physical artefacts and intangible attributes of a group or society that are inherited from past generations, maintained in the present and bestowed for the benefit of future generations. Thanjavur, one of the cultural hubs of Tamil Nadu is the house to indigenous art and craft forms, developed through the Chola period and Maratha period. With time, the artists involved in performance arts have moved away from the city in search of a better livelihood. The artists involved in fine arts, although continued to live in the city, have started to pursue other modes of occupation for the same reason. The study aims at preserving the culture of Thanjavur, in the present-day working context, by envisioning it as a living entity that interacts with its tourists for a wholesome experience. It focusses on the idea of a cultural experience centre that integrates the tangible and intangible elements of the cultural heritage of Thanjavur.
Methylene blue dosing strategies in critically ill adults with shock – a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Sari-Yavuz Sibel , Heck-Swain Ka-Lin , Keller Marius , Magunia Harry , Feng You-Shan , Haeberle Helene A. , Wied Petra , Schlensak Christian , Rosenberger Peter , Koeppen Michael 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Background: Shock increases mortality in the critically ill and the mainstay of therapy is the administration of vasopressor agents to achieve hemodynamic targets. In the past, studies have found that the NO-pathway antagonist methylene blue improves hemodynamics. However, the optimal dosing strategy remains elusive. Therefore, we investigated the hemodynamic and ICU outcome parameters of three different dosing strategies for methylene blue. Methods: We performed retrospective cohort study of patients in shock treated with methylene blue. Shock was defined as norepinephrine dose > 0.1 µg/kg/min and serum lactate level > 2 mmol/l at the start of methylene blue administration. Different demographic variables, ICU treatment, and outcome parameters were evaluated. To compare the differences in the administration of vasopressors or inotropes, the vasoactive inotropic score (VIS) was calculated at different time points after starting the administration of methylene blue. Response to methylene blue or mortality at 28 days were assessed. Results: 262 patients from July 2014 to October 2019 received methylene blue. 209 patients met the inclusion criteria. Three different dosing strategies were identified: bolus injection followed by continuous infusion (n=111), bolus injection only (no continuous infusion; n=59) or continuous infusion only (no bolus prior; n=39). The groups did not differ in demographics, ICU scoring system, or comorbidities. In all groups, VIS decreased over time, indicating improved hemodynamics. Cardiogenic shock and higher doses of norepinephrine increased the chance of responding to methylene blue, while bolus only decreased the chance of responding to methylene blue treatment. 28-day mortality increased with higher SAPSII scores and higher serum lactate levels, while bolus injection followed by continuous infusion decreased 28-day mortality. No severe side effects were notedConclusions: Methylene blue as a bolus injection followed by continuous infusion decreases 28-day mortality in patients with shock. Clinicians should consider the administration of methylene blue in patients with refractory shock, regardless of the cause.
Magnetic resonance Diffusion-Weighted Imaging (DWI) analysis of the anatomical distribution characteristics and the imaging of lateral retropharyngeal lymph nodes
Authors: Li Shaoming , Pan Bingcan , Li Xiaoyi , Jin Zhongmin , Liu Hongxia , Mao Chunying 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Purpose: The characteristics of lymph node distribution in the normal lateral retropharyngeal lymph nodes and the quantitative analysis of ADC value were explored by magnetic resonance imaging, which provides a reference for clinical identification of lymph node lesions in the lateral retropharyngeal lymph nodes.Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed in our hospital from January 1, 2019 to January 1, 2021. A total of 920 patients were randomly selected for 1.5T MRI scans and they were divided into groups based on age and gender. The following analysis was performed：(1) Lymph node size and anatomical location in the retropharyngeal group; (2) Differences between gender and age; (3) Quantification of ADC values.Results: A total of 3017 lateral retropharyngeal lymph nodes were counted, which were oval and irregular triangles, isointense on T1WI, high signal on T2WI, FS-FLAIR-T2WI, and DWI (b = 1 000), and measured on ADC map, which can be unilateral or bilateral, with one or more lymph nodes. (1) The average value of the longest and short-axis diameters of lymph nodes in the retropharyngeal group was larger in children and adolescents (group A) than in adults (group B) and in female than in male; (2) The average number of lymph nodes in children and adolescents was higher than that in adults. Compared with the same age, there are more females than males. The comparison between the left and right position arrays showed no difference (p = 0.645); (3) The number of lateral retropharyngeal lymph nodes with the longest diameter ≥ 10 mm was highest in the children and adolescent female group (B1), followed by children and adolescent male group (A1), adult male group (A2), adult female group (B2) and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001); (4) There was no statistical significance between the groups of lymph nodes with short-axis diameter ≥ 10 mm; (5) When b = 1000 s/mm2, the ADC values of lateral retropharyngeal lymph nodes were (0.789 ± 0.179) × 10-3 mm2/s to (0.819 ± 0.150) × 10-3 mm2/s, the difference between groups was not statistically significant.Conclusions: The number and size of lateral retropharyngeal lymph nodes are related to age and gender. There is no significant difference in the distribution of left and right positions. When b=1 000 s/mm2, the ADC values are different among the groups, but it is not statistically significant, which can be used as a basis for judging the nature of lymph nodes by magnetic resonance imaging.
Association between Serum Apolipoprotein A1 and Atrial Fibrillation: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Zhong Xia , Jiao Huachen , Zhao Dongsheng , Yang Mengqi , Teng Jing 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Background: The relationship between apolipoprotein A1(APOA1) and atrial fibrillation (AF) is not known. Therefore, we sought to investigate the associations between APOA1 and AF by sex in the Chinese population. Methods: This case-control study included 950 patients with AF (29-83 years old, 50.42 % male) who were hospitalized consecutively between January 2019 and September 2021. Controls with sinus rhythm and without AF were matched (1:1) to cases by sex and age. Pearson correlation analysis was performed to investigate the correlation between APOA1 and blood lipid profiles. Multivariate regression models were used to explore the association between APOA1 and AF. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve was constructed to examine the performances of the APOA1. Results: Low APOA1 in male and female patients with AF patients was significantly associated with AF (OR=0.261, 95% CI:0.162-0.422, P＜0.001), regardless of statin use. Pearson correlation analysis indicated serum APOA1 was positively correlated with total cholesterol (TC) (r=0.456, p＜0.001), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (r=0.825, p＜0.001), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (r=0.238, p＜0.001) , and apolipoprotein B(APOB) (r=0.083, p=0.011). ROC curve analysis showed APOA1 levels=1.105 g/L in men and APOA1 levels=1.205 g/L were the most optimal cut-off values for predicting AF.Conclusion: Low APOA1 in male and female patients is significantly associated with AF in the Chinese population. APOA1 may be a potential biomarker for AF and contribute to the pathological progress of AF along with low blood lipid profiles. The potential mechanisms remain to be further explored.
Cardiac neural crest lineage diversity and underlying gene regulatory networks revealed by multimodal analysis
Authors: Iwase Akiyasu , Uchijima Yasunobu , Seya Daiki , Kida Mayuko , Higashiyama Hiroki , Matsui Kazuhiro , Izumi-Taguchi Akashi , Yamamoto Shogo , Fukuda Shiro , Nomura Seitaro , Kohro Takahide , Shukunami Chisa , Akiyama Haruhiko , Seki Masahide , Suzuki Yutaka , Wada Youichiro , Aburatani Hiroyuki , Kurihara Yukiko , Miyagawa-Tomita Sachiko , Kurihara Hiroki 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Neural crest cells (NCCs), a multipotent stem cell population, contribute to cardiac development as a source of the outflow septum, vascular smooth muscle and semilunar valves. However, genetic programs underlying lineage diversification of cardiac NCCs remain largely unknown. Using single-cell (sc) and spatial transcriptomics, we demonstrate multiple NCC subpopulations with distinct gene expression signatures; smooth muscle(-like), non-muscle mesenchymal, and Schwann cell progenitor/melanoblast-like cells. Integrative scRNA-seq and scATAC-seq analyses predict lineage trajectories starting from immature NCCs, which bifurcate into smooth muscle(-like) and non-muscle mesenchymal lineages in association with hierarchical transcription factor networks. Combinatory analyses with Cre-mediated genetic lineage tracing characterize intermediate NCCs at the bifurcation as Sox9+/Scx+ tendon and cartilage progenitor-like cells with genetic programs, some of which are common to skeletal tissues whereas others are unique to cardiac NCCs. These findings provide a basis for understanding the roles of NCCs in cardiac development and pathogenesis particularly associated with calcification.
Absence of a framework challenges group-based education to adults with type 1 diabetes – A qualitative study
Authors: Cairns Sophie Rodebjer , Sjöström Elisabeth Stoltz 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Background: Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder characterized by hyperglycaemia. The condition is treated with insulin therapy and involves self-administrating multiple daily doses of insulin, adjusted based on glucose, exercise, carbohydrate- and food intake. Dietitians in diabetes offer specialist evidence-based advice to patients and provide education in either individual or group settings. The purpose of this study was to explore dietitians’ perception of, and role in, group-based education as well as prospects for development. The study also focuses on the framework for group-based patient education. Methods: This was a qualitative descriptive study conducted in Sweden using a strategic sampling of dietitians working in adult diabetes care. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants and data were analysed using a content analysis approach. Results: This study included ten dietitians with a median experience of 14.5 years in diabetes care. The informants were all appreciative of patient education and how it benefited the patients being part of group processes, but the informants did also suggest that there were challenges for their personal and professional role. The main challenges reported was to adjust the level of depth and complexity to the information provided and the lack of possibility to individualize the education-sessions in a heterogenic group. None of the dietitians reported performing pre-assessment or follow-up audits on the group-based patient education. Conclusions: This study addresses the requirement of a patient-centred approach to deliver a diabetes care that is equal, cost-effective and outcome driven. There was a great optimism and engagement from the informants to evolve group-based education to adults with T1DM, but the informants experienced a lack of framework that addressed the challenges suggested in this study, and of making group-based education a part of systematic and standardised care. Still, there were many examples of patient-centred care, and patients benefiting from group-based education regarding T1DM.