bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A lightweight double-channel depthwise separable convolutional neural network for multimodal fusion gait recognition
Authors: Liu Xiaoguang ,   College of Electronic and Information Engineering, Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei, China, Chen Meng , Liang Tie , Lou Cunguang , Wang Hongrui , Liu Xiuling ,   Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering of Hebei Province, Hebei University, Baoding Hebei, China
Published: November 2021

Gait recognition is an emerging biometric technology that can be used to protect the privacy of wearable device owners. To improve the performance of the existing gait recognition method based on wearable devices and to reduce the memory size of the model and increase its robustness, a new identification method based on multimodal fusion of gait cycle data is proposed. In addition, to preserve the time-dependence and correlation of the data, we convert the time-series data into two-dimensional images using the Gramian angular field (GAF) algorithm. To address the problem of high model complexity in existing methods, we propose a lightweight double-channel depthwise separable convolutional neural network (DC-DSCNN) model for gait recognition for wearable devices. Specifically, the time series data of gait cycles and GAF images are first transferred to the upper and lower layers of the DC-DSCNN model. The gait features are then extracted with a three-layer depthwise separable convolutional neural network (DSCNN) module. Next, the extracted features are transferred to a softmax classifier to implement gait recognition. To evaluate the performance of the proposed method, the gait dataset of 24 subjects were collected. Experimental results show that the recognition accuracy of the DC-DSCNN algorithm is 99.58%, and the memory usage of the model is only 972 KB, which verifies that the proposed method can enable gait recognition for wearable devices with lower power consumption and higher real-time performance.
Socio-demographic Determinants of Low Physical Activity in Peruvian Adults: Results of a Population-based Survey Performed in 2017-2018
Authors: Hernández-Vásquez Akram , Vargas-Fernández Rodrigo
Published: November 2021

Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of low physical activity (PA) in Peruvian adults and to identify associated factors.Methods: An analytical study was performed using data from the 2017-2018 Nutritional Food Surveillance by Life Stages survey. The outcome variable was low PA (yes or no), assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-short form. Prevalence ratios were estimated as a measure of association.Results: Among the 1045 persons included in the analysis, the age-standardized prevalence of low PA was 61.9%. The adjusted model showed that being female and migrating from a rural to an urban area in the last 5 years were associated with a higher probability of having low PA than males and individuals who had not migrated, while residing in rural highlands and jungle areas was associated with a reduced probability of having low PA compared to people residing in other geographic domains.Conclusions: Being a female and migration from a rural to an urban area in the last 5 years were associated with a higher likelihood of having low PA. Therefore, promotion and prevention strategies related to PA are required, especially in the female and migrant populations.
Analysis of the MOOC Capabilities for Student Training in the Humanities
Authors: Sharov Sergii , Filatova Oksana , Biliatska Valentyna , Yankova Nadia
Published: November 2021

The article provides a quantitative analysis of the online courses which can be used for student training in the humanities. It is noted that the development of in-formation society influenced the ways of educational activities organization, the process of obtaining new knowledge and competency formation. Under the con-ditions when online education, blended and distance learning are considerably relevant, massive open online courses are an effective tool for learning and self-development. It was found that training in the humanities plays an important role in personal development of the future specialist. It involves the development of social competence, communication culture, leadership skills, as well as skills of conflict avoidance, teamwork, etc. The effectiveness of training in the humanities is influenced by active teaching methods, interactive technologies, and various means of information and communication technologies. The authors analyzed both the English-language (Coursera, Udemy, Edx) and Ukrainian-language (Prometheus, EdEra, OUM) online platforms. The article provides a quantitative analysis of online courses according to various directions in the humanities on each of the platforms. As of October 2021, we identified 4,769 free and fee-paying courses. The largest number of online courses for training in the humani-ties is presented on the Udemy platform (4,295 courses), the smallest number – on all Ukrainian-language platforms together (45 courses).
Patrimoines alimentaires sur le vif
Authors: Bianquis Isabelle
Published: November 2021

Des modes de vie basés sur la consommation de certains produits dits traditionnels connaissent des adaptations, des hybridations qui contribuent à redéfinir les contours d’une identité collective via la constitution d’un nouveau patrimoine alimentaire. L’objectif de cette recherche collective, conduite avec la North-Eastern Federal University de Iakoutsk (République de Sakha, Russie) consiste à documenter les pratiques alimentaires contemporaines dans un contexte multiculturel ouvert à de multiples influences exogènes. Elle permet de revisiter la question des processus de patrimonialisation et des constructions identitaires qui y sont associées.
Produits de terroir et politiques de la différence
Authors: Papa Cristina
Published: November 2021

L’article montre comment les produits du terroir, chargés de valeurs symboliques et identitaires, constituent des médiateurs par excellence des « différences » territoriales en tant qu’ils construisent la valeur d’un objet global qui est sous-entendu, comme le territoire. Le résultat est un transfert de la valeur du plan économique au plan politique et vice-versa, dont l’imaginaire constitue le médiateur. Un exemple de marchandisation territoriale qui est présenté dans l’article est la manifestation appelée Fior di cacio, centrée sur le fromage, qui se tient à Vallo di Nera dans la région de l’Ombrie (Italie).
Fraude et signes de qualité
Authors: PESTEIL Philippe
Published: November 2021

Le texte porte sur la question de la fraude alimentaire dont l’importance est saisie au niveau international. Les solutions développées localement pour y remédier sont diverses et s’appuient sur une valorisation identitaire des spécificités. Parmi les moyens possibles, la certification permet aux producteurs de se regrouper et de définir des critères de qualité. Mais constitue-t-elle un outil réellement efficace ? En parallèle une agriculture prônant la démocratie participative se développe pour contourner l’économie de marché. Les exemples sont issus du terrain corse, iakoute (République de Sakha, Russie) et italien.
Enjeux et tensions autour de la reconnaissance des fromages corses
Authors: Sorba Jean Michel
Published: November 2021

Dans l’ombre des laiteries de l’appellation Roquefort durant presque tout le XXème siècle, les productions fromagères de Corse rencontrent depuis une trentaine d’années un succès commercial lié à la forte tradition pastorale de l’île. Si la Corse fait vendre, la pluralité des identités fromagères qu’elle recouvre semble faire obstacle à une reconnaissance officielle des fromages. L’article appréhende la construction de « l’origine corse » à partir des dynamiques de reconnaissance et de qualification des collectifs, des territorialités, des composantes vivantes et des objets qu’elles mobilisent (berceau de production, races, modes d’élevage, savoirs fromagers). Les nouveaux enjeux alimentaires autour de la localité parviendront-ils à rassembler les acteurs dans le sens d’une définition commune des fromages corses ou, au contraire, sont-ils de nature à sonner le glas du patrimoine fromager insulaire ?
As Festas da Uva de Caxias do Sul, RS (Brasil) : Historicidade, mensagens, memórias e significados
Authors: Zanini Maria Catarina C. , de Oliveira Santos Miriam
Published: November 2021

Este artigo tem por objetivo apresentar e analisar elementos presentes na Festa da Uva, evento que ocorre bianualmente na cidade de Caxias do Sul (Brasil). Trata-se de uma festa que teve seu início no ano de 1931 e acompanhou vários momentos da história da migração italiana para o Brasil, bem como dialogou constantemente com momentos marcantes da sociedade regional e nacional. Inicialmente uma festa que tinha o objetivo de exibir os produtos dos colonos italianos ligados à vitivinicultura, assumiu ao longo do tempo um papel de mostra econômica local e regional. Nas últimas edições tem reassumido seu papel de festividade comemorativa e revivificadora da italianidade local desempenhando um importante papel nas construções mnemônicas da imigração italiana para a região serrana do estado do rio Grande do Sul, iniciada em 1875.
“São os farrapos que voltam” : o heroísmo farroupilha entre o passado e o futuro do Rio Grande do Sul
Authors: Silva Camila
Published: November 2021

O presente artigo analisa um conjunto de textos publicados pela imprensa periódica porto-alegrense, na ocasião do Centenário da Revolução Farroupilha (1935). O estudo insere-se nos debates sobre o trabalho da memória e os usos do passado, por meio dos quais se discute os elementos que colaboraram na representação do heroísmo farroupilha e na identificação dos farrapos com os heróis do presente. Considerando a rememoração como o diálogo de um determinado presente com o passado, assim como a forma pela qual o primeiro inscreve-se no transcuro temporal, procura-se refletir sobre os significados da atualização do passado para a contemporaneidade tratada. Desta forma, pretende-se contribuir para os estudos sobre a construção da memória de um dos episódios mais repercutidos na sociedade sul-rio-grandense.
Festas, patrimônio cultural e identidade negra. Rio de Janeiro, 1888 – 2011
Authors: Abreu Martha , Mattos Hebe
Published: November 2021

Esse texto tem como objetivo discutir as relações entre festa e luta política, através das comemorações do Treze de maio no Quilombo São José da Serra, situado no município de Valença, estado do Rio de Janeiro. Essas comemorações são estudadas em articulação com a nova política de valorização do patrimônio imaterial e com a emergência do jongo e das identidades negra e quilombola no sudeste do Brasil, entre 1990 e 2010. A pesquisa envolveu a realização de entrevistas, filmagens de jongos, calangos e folias, e a consulta de textos de folcloristas produzidos ao longo do século XX. Dentre os produtos dessa pesquisa, destaca-se o site www.historia.uff.br/jongos e uma caixa de DVDs – Passados Presentes – com 4 vídeos historiográficos (www.labhoi.uff.br/passadospresentes).
A festa em perspectiva antropológica : carnaval e os folguedos do boi no Brasil
Authors: Cavalcanti Maria Laura Viveiros de Castro
Published: November 2021

O artigo compreende a festa no contexto das teorias antropológicas da cultura e dos rituais. Sugerem-se dois fatores histórico-culturais relevantes para a compreensão da riqueza e diversidade das festas no mundo social brasileiro : o catolicismo de tradição ibérica, e o nacionalismo cultural inclusivo do modernismo brasileiro. Indica-se a continuidade dos estudos das festas, dos estudos de folclore à antropologia atual. O carnaval e os folguedos do boi são então abordados em dois de seus desdobramentos contemporâneos : o desfile das escolas de samba no Rio de Janeiro e o festival dos Bois Bumbás de Parintins, Amazonas. Esse breve exame busca indicar a heterogeneidade e complexidade interna desses universos festivos.
Un jansénisme provincial
Authors: Michaud Claude
Published: November 2021

La ville d’Orléans fut dans le peloton de tête des villes épiscopales atteintes par le jansénisme, ce complexe mouvement religieux, culturel, social et politique aux XVIIe et XVIIIe siècles. Les évêques s’acharnèrent contre les curés et persécutèrent les communautés féminines de la ville dont les religieuses furent privées de sacrement « à la vie, à la mort ». C’est donc une spécificité du cas orléanais que cette forte implication des femmes dans le mouvement. Tout comme à Paris, le jansénisme du XVIIIe siècle n’est plus celui de la retraite aux champs du temps de Port-Royal ; il investit les lieux de pouvoir, la municipalité, le bailliage, les fabriques des paroisses, les écoles et l’Université, les institutions charitables, d’où des conflits entre autorités ecclésiastique et civile. Les élites administratives et intellectuelles de la ville comme le monde opulent des négociants et raffineurs de sucre s’investirent dans un mouvement qui, à l’origine, prônait la pauvreté. Là n’est pas l’un des moindres paradoxes. Au bout du compte demeure posée la question du poids du jansénisme dans une décléricalisation de la société pouvant, à terme, être facteur de déchristianisation.
Elderly with refractory chronic severe hyponatremia and anesthesia management dilemma: a case report with literature review
Authors: Keshwani Manish , Karim Habib Md Reazaul , Nagalikar Suresh , Kumar Biswal Deepak , Dey Samarjit
Published: November 2021

Hyponatremia is a common electrolyte disorder, especially in the frail elderly population. With the increasing number of surgeries in the aging population, hyponatremia is frequently encountered by anesthesiologists and surgeons. Unfortunately, management of hyponatremia is often complex in the elderly population as it is often multifactorial, and they are physiologically susceptible. While it is well known that preoperative hyponatremia is associated with increased perioperative morbidity and mortality, a lack of recommendations or guidelines adds to the dilemma in managing such cases. The most common cause of chronic hyponatremia in the elderly is the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH), which can be resistant to conventional treatment. On the other hand, paraneoplastic SIADH leading to hyponatremia is rare, and surgery may be the only option available for its correction. We present a case of a 78- years-gentleman to highlight such a dilemma. He was diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma and had chronic refractory severe hyponatremia despite treatment with fluid restriction, low dose hydrocortisone, tolvaptan, and 3% sodium chloride.
Ionized calcium level predicts in-hospital mortality of severe sepsis patients
Authors: Cekmen Bora , Koylu Ramazan , Akilli Nazire Belgin , Gunaydin Yahya Kemal , Koylu Oznur , Atis Seref Emre , Cander Basar
Published: November 2021

Objective:

To evaluate the effect of serum ionized calcium levels on the prognosis of severe sepsis patients.

Methods:

This retrospective cross-sectional study included sepsis patients who were hospitalized in an intensive care unit between January 2011 and December 2014. The demographic and baseline data of the patients who died and survived were compared. The cutoff value of ionized calcium for in-hospital mortality was determined by the receiver operating characteristics curve (ROC). In-hospital mortalities and the survival rates were compared between patients with different ionized calcium levels. Besides, the risk factor of in-hospital mortality was determined.

Results:

This study included 145 patients with 113 patients who died in the hospital. The patients who died had significantly lower ionized calcium levels (U=2.25, P=0.034). A cut-off value of 0.93 mmol/L of ionized calcium was determined by the ROC curve. The patients with ionized calcium>0.93 mmol/L showed a significantly lower morality (χ2=9.90, P=0.002) and higher survival rate than with ≤0.93 mmol/L (log rank=6.20, P=0.010). Multivariate Cox regression revealed that ionized calcium ≤0.93 mmol/L was a risk factor of in-hospital mortality.

Conclusions:

Ionized calcium level≤0.93 mmol/L was an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality of severe sepsis.
Folic acid protects against fluoride-induced oxidative stress and testicular damage in rats
Authors: Dibyendu Ray , Tiasa Chatterjee , Das Monalisha , Pradip Panda , Sandip Mukherjee
Published: November 2021

Objective:

To investigate the effects of folic acid on testicular oxidative damage in sodium fluoride-induced male Wistar rats.

Methods:

A total of 24 male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups: the control, sodium fluoride (fed with 100 mg/L sodium fluoride through drinking water orally for 21 days), folic acid (36 μg/kg body weight/day, orally), and sodium fluoride plus folic acid (received similar dose orally) groups. At the end of 21 days, epididymal sperm parameters, biochemical analysis of testicular tissue, and serum hormonal levels were performed along with histopathological studies.

Results:

Sodium fluoride intoxication resulted in marked reduction in gonado somatic index, serum luteinizing hormone, and testosterone level along with 3 β -hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and 17 β -hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activities. In addition, reduction in sperm density, as well as loss of sperm motility and sperm viability, were also observed. Besides, increased levels of testicular malondialdehyde, nitrite, interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor- α as well as decreased levels of superoxide dismutase and catalase activities and reduced glutathione content were found to be associated with this toxicity. Folic acid co-treatment, on the other hand, could prevent all the sodium fluoride-induced testicular pathophysiology and oxidative stress related parameters. Histological examinations of testicular sections from the experimental rats supported these results.

Conclusions:

Combining all, this study suggests that being an antioxidant, folic acid plays a beneficial role against fluoride-induced adverse effects on the male reproductive system.
Somatic Versus Cognitive Depressive Symptoms as Predictors of Coronary Artery Disease Among Women with Suspected Ischemia
Authors: Emami Ashley S. , Bairey Merz C. Noel , Eastwood Jo-Ann , Pepine Carl J. , Handberg Eileen M. , Bittner Vera , Mehta Puja K. , Krantz David S. , Vaccarino Viola , Eteiba Wafia , Cornell Carol E. , Rutledge Thomas
Published: November 2021

Background:

Depression is an established predictor of coronary artery disease (CAD) progression and mortality. “Somatic” symptoms of depression such as fatigue and sleep impairment overlap with symptoms of CAD and independently predict CAD events. Differentiating between “somatic” and “cognitive” depressive symptoms in at-risk patients may improve our understanding of the relationship between depression and CAD.

Methods:

The study utilized data from the Women's Ischemia Syndrome Evaluation. Participants (N = 641; mean age = 58.0 [11.4] years) were enrolled to evaluate chest pain or suspected myocardial ischemia. They completed a battery of symptom and psychological questionnaires (including the Beck Depression Inventory [BDI]) at baseline, along with quantitative coronary angiography and other CAD diagnostic procedures. The BDI provided scores for total depression and for cognitive and somatic depressive symptom subscales.

Results:

Two hundred and fourteen (33.4%) women met criteria for obstructive CAD. Logistic regression models were used to examine relationships between depression symptoms and obstructive CAD. Neither BDI total scores (odds ratio [OR] =1.02, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.99–1.05, P = 0.053) nor BDI cognitive scores (OR = 1.02, 95% CI, 1.00–1.04, P = 0.15) predicted CAD status. BDI somatic symptom scores, however, significantly predicted CAD status and remained statistically significant after controlling for age, race, and education (OR = 1.06, 95% CI, 1.01–1.12, P = 0.02).

Conclusion:

Among women with suspected myocardial ischemia, somatic but not cognitive depressive symptoms predicted an increased risk of obstructive CAD determined by coronary angiography. Consistent with prior reports, these results suggest a focus on somatic rather than cognitive depressive symptoms could offer additional diagnostic information.
Interpersonal Psychotherapy Knowledge Dissemination in China
Authors: Zheng Wanhong , Liu Xuejun , Chandran Dilip N. , Twist Joanna L. , Yadava Aradhita , Li Weihui , Miller Mark
Published: November 2021

While many Chinese mental health professionals are familiar with modern psychotherapy, psychoanalysis, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) are the mainstream therapy education and practice in today's China. Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) is a time-limited evidence-based psychotherapy that was originally developed for the treatment of depression. It has since been supported by over 250 randomized clinical trials in the treatment of various mental conditions including anxiety, and eating disorders. Despite good evidence for efficacy, IPT was not formally introduced to China until recently. This article describes a strategic plan for disseminating IPT knowledge in China and reports on current progress to date. We also summarize the discussion results from recent training lectures and workshops, and present suggestions for cultural adaptation per feedback from many enthusiastic trainees. Challenges and the future of promoting further integration of IPT as another effective psychotherapy option in China are discussed as well.
A Comparative Epidemiology Model for Understanding Mental Morbidity and Planning Health System Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Cawthorpe David
Published: November 2021

Introduction:

This particular coronavirus disease is a pandemic giving rise to great global affliction and uncertainty, even among those who have dedicated their lives to health care or the study of disease, or both. Notwithstanding those directly affected, the lives of all people have been turned upside down. Each person has to cope with her or his personal situation and a story is taking shape for everyone on earth. Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 virus, the source of the 2020 pandemic. This paper contains brief highlights from a duplicable PubMed search of the COVID-19 literature published from January 1 to March 31, 2020, as well as a duplicable search of past influenza-related publications. Excerpts from select papers are highlighted. The main focus of this paper is a descriptive analysis of influenza and other respiratory viruses based on a 16-year population-based dataset. In addition, the paper includes analyses based on the presence or absence of mental disorder (MD) in relation to influenza and all other respiratory viruses.

Methods:

The investigation is descriptive and exploratory in nature. Employing a case-comparison design, a 16-year population-based dataset was analyzed to both understand the present and plan for the future. While not all viral infections are equal, this paper focuses on system responses by describing the epidemiology of respiratory viruses, such as influenza. Influenza is established in the global population and has caused epidemics in the past. Where possible direct comparisons are made between COVID-19, influenza, and other respiratory viruses.

Results:

Those with MD had a higher rate of viral infection per 100,000 capita compared to those with the viral infection and no MD. Further, the postviral infection MD rate was not higher compared to the MD per capita rate before viral infection. The postinfluenza rate of MD among those who were without mental disorder before influenza represents an estimate of postinfection mental health burden.

Conclusions:

In summary, those with preinfluenza MD are at greater risk for viral infection. Further, while the postviral infection MD rate was not higher compared to the MD per capita rate before viral infection, this independent estimate may inform the degree to which services may need to undergo a sustained increase to address the bio psychosocial needs of each served population were COVID-19 to persist and become established in the global population.
Immediate impact of COVID-19 on eye banking in India
Authors: Nathawat Rakhi , Sharma Namrata , Sachdev Mahipal S , Sinha Rajesh , Mukherjee Gobinda
Published: November 2021

Purpose:

In India, COVID-19 infected more than 10 million and caused more than 148,000 fatalities during 2020. Due to “lockdown” eye banks were shuttered in March, 2020 and reopened for operations in the month of May, 2020. This study assesses the immediate impact of the pandemic on eye banking and cornea transplantation in India.

Methods:

Data was gathered through an online survey of the eye banks and cornea surgeons in India. The questionnaire collected information on the vital statistics of eye bank operations and cornea transplants for the period from March to June for the years 2019 and 2020.

Results:

47 eye banks responded to the survey. Collectively in the March–May 2020 period, corneas collected and transplanted declined by 78.27% and 79.14%, respectively, compared to the same period of 2019. In June 2020, the first full month after operations restarted, the collection and transplants were respectively, 82.10% and 81.82%, lower than June, 2019. Long-term glycerine preservation of corneas in the period from March to June 2020 increased by 124.5% compared to same period in 2019, but overall only 5.26% of the corneas recovered were preserved in this way. 44.44% of the eye banks collected corneas only from donors with negative COVID-19 diagnosis. 36.11% of the respondents rejected all suspicious cases, such as donors with respiratory pathologies, and 2.78% of the respondents accepted donations from medico legal cases only. 19.44% of the responding eye banks did SARS-CoV-2 nasal swab test for the deceased donor. 79.5% of the eye banks reported that staff were willing to work during the pandemic, and 82.05% eye banks gave special training to staff before restarting services.

Conclusion:

Due to the steep decline in collections and transplants, 2020 can be termed as a lost year in Indian eye banking. Attention to Hospital Cornea Recovery Programs, continuous situation monitoring, and ongoing staff training programs are recommended.
Endogenous fungal endopthalmitis treated with intravitreal caspofungin in a COVID-19 recovered patient: A case report
Authors: Nakhwa Chinmay
Published: November 2021

We present a case of endogenous fungal endophthalmitis in a nondiabetic, nonhypertensive patient who recovered from COVID-19 infection. Endogenous fungal endophthalmitis in an immunocompetent individual is quite uncommon. The organism in our patient was resistant to amphotericin and voriconazole and was successfully treated with intravitreal caspofungin. The rarity of an opportunistic nosocomial infection in an immunocompetent person with a drug-resistant organism prompted us to write this report.
Insights into career prospects after post-graduation in ophthalmology
Authors: Gurnani Bharat , Kaur Kirandeep
Published: November 2021

Postgraduate ophthalmic education in India has taken considerable strides and improved tremendously over the last decade. Career options have improved manyfold and trainee residents and fellows are often required to make key trade-off decisions when choosing a particular option. This leads many toward anxiety, fear, and dissatisfaction toward the decision-making process, and eventually even toward their career in ophthalmology. Candidates often seek guidance from mentors to aid in driving clarity of thought. To help candidates with a solid foundational knowledge of key ophthalmic education and training programs in our country and abroad, we have documented many career opportunities available after post-graduation and fellowship in this article. We have also added insights on various international fellowship and job opportunities along with notes on various national/international ophthalmic exams a post-graduate can consider.
Avoiding predatory publishing for early-career ophthalmologists
Authors: Gurnani Bharat , Kaur Kirandeep
Published: November 2021

This article aims at analyzing the impact of predatory publishing in ophthalmology, criteria to identify a legitimate journal, red flags of a predatory journal, sources, and checkpoints available before publishing scientific work in a standard ophthalmology journal. A retrospective review was performed and a list of suspected Ophthalmology predatory journals was extracted through four major so-called blacklists: Beall’s, Cabell’s, Manca’s, and Strinzel’s list. This list of journals was then cross-referenced with the UGC CARE and vetted whitelist of vision science journals to remove the legitimate journals. Moreover, as all the predatory journals are supposed to be open access, all possible types of open-access journals on the Scimago webpage were also searched. A gross estimate in terms of publication cost was searched for, and a list of authentic links to find out a legitimate journal was prepared. Additionally, the methodology by which these predatory journals penetrate legitimate indexes such as PubMed was also evaluated. A total of 51 ophthalmology predatory journals were enlisted. Thirty-eight out of 124 Ophthalmology journals listed on Scimago were open access, and the cost of publishing in predatory journals ranged from USD50–500, which is substantially lower than that in legitimate journals (USD 50–3000). A total of 13 open-access platforms exist, with 10 characteristic red flags to identify a predatory journal. These journals have penetrated legitimate indexes such as PubMed by similar-sounding names to the legitimate journals and have published articles with external funding, which needs indexing. Predatory publishing impacts the quality of research in every field, including Ophthalmology, and must be discouraged.
Acute abducens nerve palsy after COVID-19 vaccination in a young adult
Authors: Pawar Neelam , Ravindran Meenakshi , S Padmavathy , Chakrabarty Sabyasachi
Published: November 2021

We present the case of a 23-year-old young man with left-eye abducens nerve palsy following the COVID-19 vaccination. Given the temporal relationship between vaccination and the onset of symptoms, the lack of systemic history, and unremarkable magnetic resonance imaging, the patient’s abducens nerve palsy was related to his vaccination. The ophthalmologist should be aware of this neurotropic sequela of COVID-19 vaccination in young adults.
COVID-19-associated mucormycosis: Preliminary report from a tertiary eye care centre
Authors: Walia Shweta , Bhaisare Vijay , Rawat Preeti , Kori Neetu , Sharma Manushree , Gupta Niti , Urdhwareshwar Shishir , Thakur Sanchiyka , Arya Niharika
Published: November 2021

Purpose:

Mucormycosis is a life-threatening infection that has made sudden comeback in COVID-19 era. We conducted this study to determine demography, site of involvement, management, and outcome in these patients.

Methods:

All cases presenting with signs and symptoms of mucormycosis were thoroughly evaluated and confirmed diagnosis was made on demonstration of fungi in the tissue (or body fluids) either by direct microscopy and/or culture. Patients underwent computerized tomography scan for paranasal sinuses and magnetic resonance imaging scan with contrast orbit and brain to know extent of disease.

Results:

540 proven cases of mucormycosis were included. Most common age group affected was 41–50 years with male preponderance (69%). Sinonasal was the most common site of involvement in mucormycosis (100%), followed by orbital (51.85%), cerebral (9.44%), cutaneous (1.85%), and pulmonary (0.18%). Most common presentation was periocular and facial swelling (28%). 97.96% patients had associated diabetes and 89.44% patients had history of COVID-19 with concurrent steroids use (84.85%), higher antibiotics (82.59%), oxygen therapy (52.40%), remdesivir (28.89%), and biological agents (2.56%). Duration from COVID-19 positivity to presentation of mucormycosis was 22.56 days, while 4.44% patients had coexisting COVID-19 with mucormycosis. The mortality rate was 9.25% (50/540).

Conclusion:

Timely diagnosis and appropriate management can ameliorate the consequences of mucormycosis. With the third wave of COVID-19 coming, epidemiological study to identify risk factors and possible management options can help physicians to develop the treatment strategy.
After the Storm: Ophthalmic Manifestations of COVID-19 Vaccines
Authors: Sen Mrittika , Honavar Santosh G
Published: November 2021

Several COVID-19 vaccines have been developed and approved for use around the world from December 2020, to combat the pandemic caused by the novel SARS-CoV-2 virus. Several ophthalmic manifestations of the COVID-19 vaccines have been reported by ophthalmologists. This review was undertaken to recognize, encourage active reporting and determine the pathogenesis and time of appearance for better awareness and understanding of the ophthalmic manifestations of COVID-19 vaccines. A literature search was performed for publications on the ophthalmic manifestations of COVID-19 vaccines between January 1, 2021 and November 7, 2021. 23 case reports, 17 letters to editors, 3 ophthalmic images, 4 brief communications, 4 retrospective cohort studies and 2 case control studies were included. Posterior segment, including the uvea, choroid and retinal vasculature, was most commonly affected and the reported clinical features developed at a median of four days from the time of vaccination. The possible mechanisms include molecular mimicry of the vaccine components with host ocular tissues, antigen-specific cell and antibody-mediated hypersensitivity reactions to viral antigens and adjuvants present in the vaccines. The causal relationship of the ocular signs and symptoms and COVID-19 vaccines has not been established and requires long-term and large multicentre data. Most of the reported manifestations are mild, transient and adequately treated when diagnosed and managed early. The benefits of COVID-19 vaccination outweighs the reported rare adverse events and should not be a deterrent to vaccination.
Effect of short-term meditation training in central serous chorioretinopathy
Authors: Nongrem Grisilda , Surve Abhidnya , Venkatesh Pradeep , Sagar Rajesh , Yadav Raj K , Chawla Rohan , Vohra Rajpal , Kumar Atul
Published: November 2021

Purpose:

Stress and Type A personality are established risk factors for the development of central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC). Meditation is known to have a positive effect on reducing stress levels. This study aimed to assess the effect of short-term meditation training in patients of CSC.

Methods:

A pilot study was conducted where 40 patients diagnosed with acute and non-resolving CSC were randomly assigned to either of two groups – meditation training and routine care (without meditation). The primary outcome measure was time to resolution of CSC based on optical coherence tomography and fluorescein angiography. Secondary outcome measures were changes in anxiety score (State–Trait Anxiety Inventory [STAI] scores) and blood pressure. The patients were followed up for a minimum period of 4 months.

Results:

Twenty cases were included in each group. The demographic pattern, baseline swept-source optical coherence tomography parameters, and STAI scores were similar in both groups. The time to disease resolution was 9.4 ± 4.22 weeks in the meditation group and 19.5 ± 2.79 weeks in the nonmeditation group (P < 0.001). At 4 months, CSC had failed to resolve in 60% of patients with routine care compared with 8% in cases following short-term meditation training. STAI scores showed a reduction in stress levels in the meditation group. Furthermore, statistically significant improvement in systolic and diastolic blood pressures was also observed following meditation training.

Conclusion:

Short-term meditation training may be a useful approach in the management of patients with CSC as it tends to reduce stress and prehypertension, and promotes earlier resolution of the condition. However, patient’s motivation to complete and pursue the meditation training is a significant barrier.
Outdoor activity and myopia progression in children: A follow-up study using mixed-effects model
Authors: Gupta Saroj , Joshi Ankur , Saxena Harsha , Chatterjee Anirban
Published: November 2021

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of outdoor activity on myopia progression.

Methods:

It was a hospital-based longitudinal prospective observational study. Children between 7 and 14 years of age with a myopia of − 0.5 D or worse were included. Myopia progression was evaluated by cycloplegic refraction, every 6 months for 18 months. Parents were asked to record the daily outdoor activity of the child in hours per day at school and at home during weekdays and at weekends separately, based on which the daily outdoor activity score was calculated. The independent variables measured included age and gender of the participant, degree of myopia, and the daily outdoor activity score. Progression of myopia was defined as an increase in the spherical equivalent (SE) over 18 months. The magnitude of the association was determined by two mixed-effects models.

Results:

A total of 495 participants (250 males and 245 females) completed three visits during the study period. On taking age groups and paired observations as a random effect and adding SE at the last visit as the random slope in Model 1, each unit increase in outdoor activity had a negative effect on change in SE of − 0.01 (−0.02 to 0.00; P = 0.045). The same inverse relationship between outdoor activity and absolute SE as − 0.06 (−0.07 to − 0.03; P < 0.001) is estimated in Model 2.

Conclusion:

The study demonstrates a statistically significant inverse relationship between outdoor activity and myopia.
Intraocular lens power calculation formula in congenital cataracts: Are we using the correct formula for pediatric eyes?
Authors: Kaur Savleen , Sukhija Jaspreet , Ram Jagat
Published: November 2021

The major challenge these days in pediatric cataract surgery is not the technique of surgery or intraocular lens (IOL) used but the postoperative refractive error. Amblyopia occurring due to postoperative refractive error which the child has; destroys the benefit obtained by a near-perfect and timely surgery. Even if we settle the debate as to what should be the ideal postoperative target refraction, there is a postoperative surprise that is not explained by our conventional insights of an accurate power calculation in children. The role of IOL power calculation formulae in affecting the postoperative refractive error should not be underestimated. Therefore, which age-appropriate formula is to be used for children is unclear. This review is an update on major IOL power calculation formulas used in pediatric eyes. We have tried to define why we should not be using these formulas made for adult eyes and review the literature in this regard.
Pathologic evidence of retinoblastoma seeds supported by field emission scanning electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Das Dipankar , Bhattacharjee Kasturi , Barman Manab J , Bhattacharjee Harsha , Maity Surjendu , Bandyopadhyay Dipankar , Thakur Siddharth , Deshmukh Saurabh , Garg Mohit , Deka Apurba
Published: November 2021

Purpose:

The aim of this study was to examine the pathology of retinoblastoma (RB) seeds with supportive evidence by field emission scanning electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy.

Methods:

This study was a laboratory-based observational study. Enucleated eyeballs received in the ocular pathology department of a tertiary eye care center in northeast India were included in the cohort after obtaining written informed consent during the surgery. The study was carried out for 6 years (2015–2020). Most of the eyeballs were Group-E RBs. Standard eyeballs sectioning were done by bread loaf techniques. Gross documentations included RB seeds seen in the smallest calotte done with utmost care. Seeds were documented also in permanent sections. Scanning electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy were carried out in an index case.

Results:

Out of the total 59 cases, 35 RB cases had different seedings. The mean age at enucleation was 2.9 years. RB seeds were seen in vitreous (n = 19), subretinal plus vitreous (n = 7), anterior chamber (n = 1), over crystalline lens (n = 3), retinal surface (n = 1), retinal pigment epithelium (RPE; n = 2), subretinal (n = 1), calcified seeds (n = 2). Other characteristics were dusts (n = 7), clouds (n = 11), spheres (n = 4), and unspecified type (n = 13). Histopathological high-risk factors showed significant choroidal (n = 22) and optic nerve (n = 15) involvement. Few cases had extraocular spread. Undifferentiated tumor (n = 24) was seen with higher evidence of necrosis (n = 23). Raman spectra differentiated the seeds from the normal tissue on the basis of lipid and protein content.

Conclusion:

This study highlights the different types of RB seeds with high-risk factors. The morphology of those seeds showed the difference between vitreous and subretinal seeds under advanced microscopic observations.
The relationship between angle kappa and astigmatism after phacoemulsification with implanting of spherical and aspheric intraocular lens
Authors: Tutchenko Larysa , Patel Sudi , Skovron Mykhailo , Horak Olha , Voytsekhivskyy Oleksiy
Published: November 2021

Purpose:

To determine the significance of any association between either change in angle kappa (K°) or the rectilinear displacement (L, mm) of the first Purkinje image relative to the pupil center and unexpected changes in astigmatism after phacoemulsification.

Methods:

Orbscan II (Bausch and Lomb) measurements were taken at 1, 2, and 3 months after unremarkable phacoemulsification in patients implanted with spherical (group 1, SA60AT, Alcon) or aspheric (group 2, SN60WF, Alcon) nontoric IOLs. The outputs were used to calculate L. Astigmatism, measured by autorefractometry and subjective refraction, was subjected to vector analysis (polar and cartesian formats) to determine the actual change induced over the periods 1–2 and 2–3 months postop.

Results:

Chief findings were that the mean (n, ±SD, 95%CI) values for L over each period were as follows: Group 1, 0.407 (38, ±0.340, 0.299–0.521), 0.315 (23, ±0.184, 0.335–0.485); Group 2, 0.442 (45, ±0.423, 0.308–0.577), 0.372 (26, ±0.244, 0.335–0.485). Differences between groups were not significant. There was a significant linear relationship between (A) the change in K (ΔK = value at 1 month-value at 2 months) and K at 1 month (x), where ΔK =0.668-3.794X (r = 0.812, n = 38, P = <0.001) in group 1 and ΔK = 0.263x -1.462 (r = 0.494, n = 45, P = 0.002) in group 2, (B) L and the J45 vector describing the actual change in astigmatism between 1 and 2 months in group 2, where J45 (by autorefractometry) =0.287L-0.160 (r = 0.487, n = 38, P = 0.001) and J45 (by subjective refraction) =0.281L-0.102 (r = 0.490, n = 38, P = 0.002), and (C) J45 and ΔK between 2 and 3 months in group 2, where J45 (by subjective refraction) =0.086ΔK-0.063 (r = 0.378, n = 26, P = 0.020).

Conclusion:

Changes in the location of the first Purkinje image relative to the pupil center after phacoemulsification contributes to changes in refractive astigmatism. However, the relationship between the induced change in astigmatism resulting from a change in L is not straightforward.
Results of using the AssiAnchor capsule device for subluxated crystalline lenses
Authors: Goldfeather Ben-Zaken Shalhevet , Kleinmann Guy
Published: November 2021

Purpose:

To describe our results with the AssiAnchor capsule device in cases of subluxated crystalline lenses.

Methods:

This was a retrospective consecutive case series. Seven eyes of four patients with subluxated crystalline lenses underwent lensectomy/phacoemulsification with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation using the AssiAnchor capsule device in the Kaplan medical center, ophthalmology department. Three patients had Marfan syndrome and one patient had experienced blunt trauma. Demographic data were collected as well as parameters of pre- and postoperative distance visual acuity and refraction, intra-, and postoperative complications, and IOL stability and centration.

Results:

Six out of the seven surgical procedures were uneventful with in-the-bag implantation of the IOL. In the first surgery, a tear of the capsular bag lead to IOL exchanging and fixating to the AssiAnchor and to the iris. In the traumatic cataract case, two AssiAnchors were used. A capsular tension ring was implanted in six out of seven surgeries. The average follow-up time was 9.5 ± 6.8 months. All the IOLs were stable and well centered except for the first IOL that exhibited a slight temporal, but not clinically significant, decentration. The distance visual acuity and the refractive parameters improved significantly in all cases.

Conclusion:

We found the AssiAnchor capsule device an effective tool with a short learning curve for treating subluxated lenses.
Clinical profile and demographic distribution of Terrien’s marginal degeneration in a multitier ophthalmology network in India
Authors: Das Anthony V , Pillutla Nimeshika L , Chaurasia Sunita
Published: November 2021

Purpose:

To describe the clinical profile and demographic distribution of Terrien’s marginal degeneration (TMD) in patients presenting to a multitier ophthalmology hospital network in India.

Methods:

This cross-sectional hospital-based study included 2,470,793 new patients presenting between September 2012 and September 2020 (~8 years period). Patients with a clinical diagnosis of TMD in at least one eye were included as cases. The data were collected using an electronic medical record system.

Results:

Overall, 184 (0.007%) new patients were diagnosed. Over half of patients were males (56.52%) with bilateral affliction (54.89%). The mean age of the patients was 38.63 ± 16.75 years. Majority (28.26%) of the patients were between 21 and 30 years of age bracket. The number of patients were from rural and urban districts were comparable (41.85% vs. 48.37%). The most common clinical signs were ectasia/thinning (50.53%), corneal scar (44.21%), and prominent nerves (5.26%). Associated ocular comorbidities included vernal keratoconjunctivitis in 6 (2.11%) eyes, meibomitis in 6 (9.7%) eyes, squamous blepharitis in 2 (3.2%) eyes, dry eye in 2 (3.2%) eyes, cataract in 46 (74.2%) eyes, and glaucoma in 6 (9.7%) eyes. Most of the eyes had mild or no visual impairment (43.86%). Two (0.7%) eyes had spontaneous perforation patients. None of patients had hydrops in the years of follow-up. Keratoplasty was performed in 3.86%.

Conclusion:

TMD is a rare disease affecting patients seeking eye care at the ophthalmology network. It commonly affects adult males and is predominantly bilateral. The disease progression is slow, and risk of spontaneous perforation was low. At initial presentation, visual impairment was mild to moderate in majority and the most common surgical intervention was cataract surgery during the study period.
Outcomes of combined treatments in patients with retinal arterial macroaneurysm
Authors: Wang Chenghu , Cao Guofan , Xu Xiangzhong , Wang Jian , Zhang Shu
Published: November 2021

Purpose:

To evaluate the outcome of the combined approach between intravitreal ranibizumab (IVR) and focal laser photocoagulation (FLP) in the treatment of symptomatic retinal arterial macroaneurysm (RAM).

Methods:

A total of 10 patients were included in this clinical case series report. They were diagnosed with symptomatic RAM (one eye in each) and assessed by a comprehensive ophthalmologic examination, including fluorescein angiography (FA), optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A), and indocyanine green angiography (ICGA). All patients were treated with an IVR followed by an FLP 2 weeks later. If necessary, a second IVR was given 1 month after the first one (or 2 weeks after the first FLP), which was followed by a second FLP treatment 2 weeks later in the needed cases. All cases were followed up for 6 months after the last treatment.

Results:

Both the retina hemorrhage and edema were resolved by the treatment. No ocular and/or systemic side effects were evident, and no recrudescence of RAM was seen within the 6 months of follow-up.

Conclusion:

The combined treatment of IVRs and FLPs was successful in the management of symptomatic RAM.