bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of COVID-19 pandemic on stress level of residents and fellows during ophthalmology training
Authors: Aragão Itamara O , Alencar Tatiana G C , Soares Ana Karine A , da Rocha Camilla S , Ventura Camila V 
Published: June 2022

Purpose:To evaluate the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on the mental health of residents and fellows in ophthalmology.Methods:A questionnaire composed of 42 questions was applied to Brazilian residents and fellows in Ophthalmology. The questionnaire addressed the demographics of participants, their working conditions before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10).Results:The study had a total of 271 participants in Ophthalmology training, from which 100 were fellows and 171 were residents. Before the pandemic, Ophthalmology residents and fellows had a higher workload (P< 0.001), and residents worked more hours than fellows (P= 0.001). During the pandemic, the workload of both residents and fellows decreased and equalized (P= 0.195). No correlation was found between the working hours during the pandemic and their stress level were observed (P= 0.760). Higher stress scores were identified in women ophthalmologists (P= 0.001) as well as in residents and fellows that had their surgical training interrupted during the pandemic (P< 0.001).Conclusion:The stress level of residents and fellows during the COVID-19 pandemic was similar, however, those that had their surgical training interrupted during the pandemic presented higher level of stress. Female physicians also presented higher level of stress compared to male physicians.
Reasons for delay in cataract surgery in patients with advanced cataracts during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Vedachalam Rajesh , Yamini Kumaresan , Venkatesh Rengaraj , Kalpana Narendran , Shivkumar Chandrashekaran , Shekhar Madhu , Haripriya Aravind , Sathya Ravilla 
Published: June 2022

Purpose:
To analyze the reasons for delay in cataract surgery in patients with advanced cataracts during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods:
This was a prospective, cross-sectional, multicenter questionnaire study which included patients with mature cataract, nuclear sclerotic cataract grade IV, and cataracts with best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) <5/60, during the COVID-19 pandemic from December 2020 to April 2021. Reasons for delay in presentation to the hospital were analyzed.

Results:
One thousand four hundred seventy two patients were recruited with advanced cataracts. Absence of ophthalmic care nearby (44.2%), lack of awareness regarding elective surgeries (42.6%), lack of public transportation (37%), fear of contracting COVID-19 (23.4%), and waiting for outreach camps (20.4%) were found to be the reasons behind the delay in cataract surgery. 53.7% of the patients had worsening of defective vision and 55.3% of them had difficulty in carrying out activities of family living. 30.8% of the patients faced difficulty in commuting and 8.4% of the patients suffered a fall during this pandemic due to worsening of the visual acuity.

Conclusion:
The lockdown imposed during the pandemic has created a significant backlog of patients who are progressing to advanced cataracts due to lack of ophthalmic care nearby, lack of awareness regarding elective surgeries, lack of public transportation, and no outreach camps. Proactive measures to deal with this backlog are of utmost need to prevent blindness due to cataract.
Automated and ImageJ thresholding algorithm-based analysis of macular vessel density in diabetic patients
Authors: Kumawat Devesh , Chawla Rohan , Shah Pooja , Sharma Anu , Sachan Anusha , Pandey Veena 
Published: June 2022

Purpose:
To assess the macular vessel density (VD) on optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) using proprietary software (automated) and image processing software (manual) in diabetic patients.

Methods:
In a retrospective study, OCT-A images (Triton, TOPCON Inc.) of type 2 diabetics presenting to a tertiary eye care center in North India between January 2018 and December 2019 with or without nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) and with no macular edema were analyzed. Macular images of size 3 × 3 mm were binarized with global thresholding algorithms (ImageJ software). Outcome measures were superficial capillary plexus VD (SCP-VD, automated and manual), deep capillary plexus VD (DCP-VD, manual), and correlation between automated and manual SCP-VD.

Results:
OCT-A images of 89 eyes (55 patients) were analyzed: no diabetic retinopathy (NoDR): 29 eyes, mild NPDR: 29 eyes, and moderate NPDR: 31 eyes. Automated SCP-VD did not differ between NoDR and mild NPDR (P = 0.69), but differed between NoDR and moderate NPDR (P = 0.014) and between mild and moderate NPDR (P = 0.033). Manual SCP-VD (Huang and Otsu methods) did not differ between the groups. Manual DCP-VD differed between NoDR and mild NPDR and between NoDR and moderate NPDR, but not between mild and moderate NPDR with both Huang (P = 0.024, 0.003, and 0.51, respectively) and Otsu (P = 0.021, 0.006, and 0.43, respectively) methods. Automated SCP-VD correlated moderately with manual SCP-VD using Huang method (r = 0.51, P < 0.001) with a mean difference of −0.01% (agreement limits from −6.60% to +6.57%).

Conclusion:
DCP-VD differs consistently between NoDR and NPDR with image processing, while SCP-VD shows variable results. Different thresholding algorithms provide different results, and there is a need to establish consensus on the most suited algorithm.
Comparison of laparoscopic and open surgery in hepatic hydatid disease in children
Authors: Masood Pirzada Faisal , Mufti Gowhar Nazir , Wani Sajad Ahmad , Sheikh Khurshid , Baba Aejaz Ahsan , Bhat Nisar Ahamd , Hamid Raashid 
Published: June 2022

Background:
Surgery continues to be the mainstay of treatment of hydatid cysts of the liver. Laparoscopy provides a lesser invasive tool for achieving results same as with the established open surgical techniques. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the feasibility and safety of laparoscopic management of hepatic hydatid disease in children.

Patients and Methods:
It was a prospective randomised study conducted over a period of 7 years. Children with Gharbi Type I, II, III cysts, ≤3 cysts and superficial accessible cysts were treated laparoscopically and their outcomes were compared with matched controls treated by open approach.

Results:
Sixty patients were included in the study with thirty patients in each matched group. Thirty paediatric patients (male 12:female 18) with 35 liver hydatid cysts underwent laparoscopic surgery. The mean cyst size was 8.8 ± 2.39 cm. Two patients needed conversion to open. No significant spillage of cyst contents was observed in any of the patients. Duration of hospital stay, time to removal of drains, duration of parenteral analgesia, severity of pain in postoperative period, time to ambulation and time to return to full orals were significantly lower in laparoscopic group compared to open group. Complication rates in both the groups were similar.

Conclusion:
With proper patient selection, laparoscopic management of hydatid cysts of the liver in children is feasible and safe option with low morbidity, low rates of conversion and minimal complications.
Thyroidectomy using a single-port cervico-mental angle approach
Authors: Li Hua-Shui , Lin Qiang , Xie Wen-Jun 
Published: June 2022

Background:
Over the last two decades, several endoscopic thyroidectomy methods have been developed. However, there are some limitations in these procedures. To date, the optimal surgical approach for thyroid cancer has not yet been developed. This study reported the surgical operation steps, clinical outcomes, and experience of 30 patients who underwent trans-cervico-mental angle single-port endoscopic thyroidectomy (TCMASPET) at our centre.

Patients and Methods:
A total of 30 patients were enrolled in the present study. Patients underwent unilateral or bilateral thyroidectomy through a cervico-mental angle incision of 2.48 ± 0.31 cm, after which the lymphoid adipose tissues in the central region were dissected.

Results:
All surgeries were successfully completed. Two patients underwent bilateral thyroid carcinoma resection with bilateral central region lymph node dissection, 23 patients received unilateral thyroid cancer resection with unilateral central region lymph node dissection, four patients underwent unilateral thyroid resection, and one patient received bilateral thyroid resection with unilateral central region lymph node dissection. No permanent post-operative complications were observed.

Conclusions:
TCMASPET was a safe and feasible approach that was relatively easy to perform. This approach may expand the indications for endoscopic thyroidectomy while maintaining excellent cosmetic outcomes.
Urinary Calcium and Uric Acid Excretion in Children with UTI Having Vesicoureteral Reflux
Authors: Khatun Sufia , Rahman Md Habibur , Jahan Ishrat , Ashraf Rezwana , Hasan SKM Nazmul , Afroje Nayema , Mamun Abdullah Al. , Islam Mohammad Maajharul , Karim Rezaul 
Published: June 2022

Introduction:
Patients with urinary tract infection (UTI) associated with vesicoureteric reflux (VUR) are prone to develop hypercalciuria and hyperuricosuria compared with UTI patients without VUR, which may lead to the formation of stones due to stasis, infection, and inflamed urinary mucosa.

Objective:
To assess calcium and uric acid excretion in children with VUR and without VUR having a history of treatment for UTI.

Materials and Methods:
This cross-sectional and analytical study was conducted in the Department of Paediatric Nephrology and Urology of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka. Sixty-one children of both sex from 2 months to 12 years were treated for UTI 4 weeks prior to enrollment for the study and evaluated by micturating cystourethrogram taking all precautionary measures to detect VUR. Patients were grouped into Group A (30 patients with VUR) and Group B (31 patients without VUR). Fasting urine was analyzed for calcium/creatinine (Ca/Cr) and uric acid/creatinine (UA/Cr) ratios. Urinary calcium and urinary uric acid levels were determined by the colorimetric test, and urinary creatinine was measured by the clinical risk and error analysis method by using the Dimension RxL Max System (SIEMENS) of both groups of patients in the Department of Biochemistry, BSMMU.

Results:
Median (min–max) of Ca/Cr ratio was 0.207 (0.034–0.646) and 0.150 (0.090–0.500) in Group A and Group B, respectively, and the difference between these two groups was statistically significant (P < 0.050). Median (min–max) of UA/Cr ratio was 0.972 (0.307–1.951) and 0.616 (0.500–1.390) in Group A and Group B, respectively, and the difference between these two groups was also statistically significant (P < 0.050). Hypercalciuria was significantly higher in Group A (20.0%) than in Group B (3.2%; P < 0.050). Similarly, hyperuricosuria was significantly higher in Group A (33.3%) than in Group B (6.5%; P < 0.05).

Conclusion:
Children with VUR having UTI may have a higher level of hypercalciuria and hyperuricosuria than those without VUR.
Intellectual Disability in Young Children with Hearing Impairment
Authors: Ferdousy Sheikh Mosammat Fatema , Rahman Md Mizanur , Fatema Kanij , Akhter Shaheen 
Published: June 2022

Background:
Hearing impairment (HI) is an important disability hampering the overall development, particularly cognitive domain in children. Coexistence of HI with intellectual disability (ID) affects adversely the overall prognosis of a child. To highlight this underdetermined issue, this study has been done to determine the proportion of ID in children of HI.

Materials and Methods:
This cross-sectional study is held in children with HI of 0–42 months. In the study subjects, psychological assessment was done by Baily Scale of Infant Development III (BSID III). Detailed history was taken; physical examination was done in each patient after taking informed written consent. Hearing assessment was done by an audiologist and was leveled as mild, moderate, severe, and profound.

Results:
The study subject was 203, and mean age was 27.2 ± 8.7 (3–42) months. There was a slight male predominance. Majority of children mode of birth was lower uterine segment cesarean section. Neonatal seizure was significantly associated with intellectual impairment in the study subject (P <0.001). No significant association of the HI was found in different levels of intellectual status of the children; however, 35% of the study subject had borderline intellectual status and most of them belonged to the profound HI.

Conclusion:
A significant proportion of the study subjects had borderline intellectual status, although very limited numbers had ID. Moreover, children with profound hearing loss were most affected.
Evaluation of fractional carbon dioxide laser in the treatment of hypertrophic scars
Authors: Hamad Asmaa E.E. , El Eslam Shaker Engi S. , Abd El Moneim Sarhan Naglaa I. , Abd Elnaby Dawoud Naeim M. 
Published: June 2022

Background
Scars affect millions of patients and can significantly influence the physical and psychological functions of patients. Hypertrophic scars are raised nodules or plaques that develop as a result of an excessive collagen deposition during the wound healing process. There are several medical and surgical treatments available. Fractional carbon dioxide (CO2) laser is currently emerging as a minimally invasive therapeutic alternative.

Aim
The aim was to evaluate the effect of fractional CO2 laser in the treatment of hypertrophic scars.

Patients and methods
This study included 11 patients with hypertrophic scars (skin type III–IV), and their age ranged from 5 to 25 years old, with a mean of 18.27±7.43 years. Each patient received four sessions of treatment with 1-month interval. Final evaluation was performed 1 month after the last session by the opinion of three dermatologists blinded to the study protocol. The Vancouver scar scale and patient satisfaction before and after treatment were assessed. Skin biopsies were obtained before and 1 month after treatment for light microscopic studies.

Results
All patients showed clinical improvement. There was a statistically significant difference in the Vancouver scar scale between before and after treatment, where P=0.003. Response to treatment was excellent in 18.2%, good in 27.3%, fair in 36.4%, and poor improvement in 18.2% of patients according to dermatologists’ assessments. Overall, 27.3% of patients were highly satisfied, 54.5% were satisfied, and 18.2% were slightly satisfied. Patients tolerated the procedure well with minimal adverse effects.

Conclusion
Fractional CO2 can be an effective modality in the treatment of hypertrophic scars, without serious adverse events.
Study of the effects of quercetin on experimentally induced hepatic toxicity in rats
Authors: Nassar Salma E. , Abdalfattah Ahmed A. , Hassan Samar S. , Nasif Elham M. 
Published: June 2022

Backgrou
nd Quercetin (QCT) is one of the polyphenolic compounds. Oxidative stress and inflammation are the main items involved in the pathogenesis of many liver diseases. Thioacetamide (TAA), an organosulfur compound, is considered as an ideal model for induction of hepatotoxicity.

Aim
This study was achieved to spotlight on the possible protective effect of QCT against experimentally induced hepatic toxicity.

Materials and methods
Sixty adult male healthy Wister albino rats, after 2 weeks of acclimatization, were randomly subdivided into five groups (12 per each): G1: control (received vehicle alone). G2: QCT (100 mg/kg dissolved in 0.5 ml of normal saline intraperitoneal). G3: TAA toxic group (injected with two doses of TAA 350 mg/kg intraperitoneal) with an interval of 48 h. G4: TAA+QCT 50 mg/kg (QCT 50 mg/kg dissolved in 0.5 ml of normal saline intraperitoneal initiated 2 h after the second dose of TAA). G5: TAA+QCT 100/kg body weight (QCT 100 mg/kg dissolved in 0.5 ml of normal saline intraperitoneal initiated 2 h after the second dose of TAA).

Results
TAA showed significant elevation of the liver enzymes (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase), total bilirubin, and plasma ammonia levels, together with reduction of the antioxidants, and increased oxidative stress, inflammation, DNA damage, increased pro-apoptotic Bax mRNA, and reduced the beta-cell lymphoma 2. QCT alleviated the elevated parameters and increased the antioxidants with no significant difference between QCT 50 and 100 mg/kg. QCT attenuated the TAA-induced elevation of Bax mRNA and restored the level of beta-cell lymphoma 2 nearby its normal level. The results were supported by histopathology and agarose gel DNA electrophoresis.

Conclusion
TAA produces hepatotoxicity. It also induces oxidative stress, inflammation, DNA damage, and apoptosis. However, QCT produced significant improvement in all parameters and protects liver tissue against the liver damage induced by TAA.
Accuracy of gestational age estimation using fetal kidney length in normal singleton pregnancies
Authors: Nouh Mohamed M.A.H. , El Sharawy Mohamed A.T. , El Said Haitham H. , El Sayed Aglaan Diaa M. 
Published: June 2022

Background
A genuine appraise of gestational age (GA) plays a really vital part within the quality of care. Any wrong assessment can lead to perinatal morbidity and mortality from iatrogenic preterm or postnatal problems. Ultrasound estimation of fetal parameters is the premise for exact assurance of GA and detection of abnormalities of the fetal development. The choice of the foremost valuable single-biometric parameters depends on the timing and reason of the estimation and is influenced by different factors, especially in the second and third trimesters in which the evaluation of GA is accomplished by measuring the biparietal diameter, head circumference, abdominal circumference (AC), and femur length (FL). In the second half of pregnancy, the first trimester (CRL) is more dependable than those indices that become nonreliable as the pregnancy proceeds.

Aim
The aim was to evaluate the accuracy of fetal kidney length as a single indicator in estimation of GA.

Patients and methods
In total, 50 pregnant women with normal uncomplicated singleton pregnancy were subjected to complete history taking, general abdominal examination, and ultrasound measuring of PBD, AC, FL, right, and left kidney length.

Results
No noteworthy distinction was found between right and left renal lengths. The mean kidney length correlated well with the assigned GA. Fetal kidney length is considered a solid parameter, regardless of the fetal sex or kidney position.

Conclusion
Fetal kidney length can be utilized as an exact parameter for estimation of GA either exclusively or in combination with biparietal diameter, AC, and FL.
Conforming an Extracorporeal Lithotripter System for Video Urodynamic Studies
Authors: Xiao Ning , Tang Qi , Zhu Sheng , Guo GuangRong , Chen LianHua , Wang JianFeng , Zhao HuaSheng 
Published: June 2022

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency using existing fluoroscopic unit and lithotripter table of an extracorporeal lithotripter system for video urodynamic studies (VUDS) to determine anatomical abnormalities in patients with neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD).
Methods: The extracorporeal lithotripsy system was adapted to obtain optimum fluoroscopic view according to body shape and observed organs of patients. We reviewed the VUDS data of 25 patients with NLUTD.
Results: “Christmas tree bladder” (CTB) was found in 5 (20%) patients. Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) and external detrusor sphincter dyssynergia (DESD) were detected in 3 (12%) and 4 (16%) patients, respectively. Four (16%) patients with normal coordination between detrusor contraction and external sphincter relaxation were proven by VUDS. CTB, VUR, or DESD was not observed in 10 (40%) patients with flaccid bladder. Hematuria, urinary tract infection, or autonomic dysreflexia did not occur in any of the patients.
Conclusions: VUDS can discern anatomical abnormalities of the urinary tract, and patients in undeveloped areas of the world who have NLUTD can have easier access to VUDS because of the decreasing capital cost of VUDS.
Water closets as breeding sites for Aedes mosquitoes in dry seasons
Authors: Ojianwuna C.C. , Enwemiwe V.N. 
Published: June 2022

The challenges of reducing vectors that transmit diseases such as mosquitoes have been very tasking, especially in dry seasons where there are no visible breeding habitats. The identification of these breeding habitats and control measures during dry periods are important in the integrated control approach. This study assessed various water closets to ascertain the occurrence and density of mosquitoes and the physicochemical parameters of the water in a University in Southern Nigeria. Water closets in the main campus and its annexes were examined for either the presence or absence of immature stages and adult mosquitoes. Mosquito density in each sampled closet was determined. Water parameters were taken using standard techniques. The association between the density of immature stages and adults with water parameters was equally determined. Mosquitoes were morphologically identified. Hydrogen ion concentration (7.57), electrical conductivity (498.60 μS/cm), and salinity (249.20 ppm) were highest in closets with mosquitoes compared to the closets without mosquitoes. Significant differences were observed between all the sampled water parameters of closets with and without mosquitoes (p< 0.05). Mean larval density (40.77) and occurrence were higher than eggs, pupal and adults. All adult mosquitoes (49) identified was Aedes aegypti. Out of the closets sampled, 48.2% had mosquitoes. Temperature and Hydrogen ion concentration (pH) positively influenced larval and pupae density while conductivity and salinity showed no correlation to all stages of mosquitoes. This study revealed that closets in this area also serve as reservoir habitats for Aedes aegypti especially when they are not in use during dry seasons and has implications for disease transmission in the region. This requires urgent awareness and prompt public health interventions.
MicroRNA-300 inhibits the metastasis of prostate cancer through the regulation of TRIM63
Authors: Ma Dechen , Chen Yin , Ge Qingqiu , Huang Yasheng 
Published: June 2022

Purpose: To investigate the role of microRNA-300 in the tumorigenesis of prostate cancer (PCa), and the relationship between microRNA-300 level and clinical data of PCa patients.Methods: MicroRNA-300 levels in 63 matched PCa and adjacent tissues were determined via quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The relationship between microRNA-300 level and the clinical profile of PCa patients was assessed. PCa cell phenotypes influenced by microRNA-300 were evaluated by a series of functional experiments, including CCK-8, colony formation, Transwell and wound healing assays. The role of microRNA-300/TRIM63 axis in the development of PCa was also examined.Results: MicroRNA-300 was more lowly expressed in PCa tissues than in adjacent normal tissues. PCa patients expressing lower levels of microRNA-300 had a higher Gleason score, higher rates of lymphatic metastasis and distant metastasis, and lower survival. Overexpression of microRNA-300 suppressed its proliferative and metastatic potential. Dual-luciferase reporter assay data confirmed that microRNA-300 specifically binds Tripartite Motif-containing Protein 63 (TRIM63). TRIM63 level was downregulated in PCa cells overexpressing microRNA-300. Moreover, overexpression of TRIM63 abolished the role of microRNA-300 in influencing PCa cell phenotypes.Conclusion: MicroRNA-300 is downregulated in PCa. Its level is related to Gleason score, lymphatic metastasis, distant metastasis and poor prognosis of PCa patients. MicroRNA-300 stimulates proliferative and metastatic abilities in PCa cells by targeting TRIM63. This study may provide new targets for the development of new therapeutics for of PCa as well as its diagnosis.