bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early Intraocular Pressure Response to Laser Trabeculoplasty 180° Without Apraclonidine Versus 360° With Apraclonidine
Authors: Allf Bryan E , Shields M Bruce
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACT

Early postoperative intraocular pressure elevation (IOP) is less common after 180-degree than after 360-degree argon laser trabeculoplasty (ALT). We retrospectively reviewed the charts of 38 patients treated with 360-degree ALT and perioperative 1% apraclonidine, and those of 39 patients treated with 180-degree ALT without apraclonidine, to determine whether apraclonidine offset the increased risk of transient pressure elevation following 360-degree treatment, as compared with that after 180-degree therapy. The average IOP change and the frequency of pressure elevations at 1 hour, 1 day, and 1 month postoperatively were similar in the two groups. With respect to early postoperative IOP elevation, 360degree ALT with perioperative apraclonidine appears to be as safe as 180-degree ALT without apraclonidine.
Apraclonidine 0.5% Versus 1% for Controlling Intraocular Pressure Elevation After Argon Laser Trabeculoplasty
Authors: Threlkeld Anisa B , Assalian Alfred A , Allingham R Rand , Shields M Bruce
Published: April 2021

* BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Topical apraclonidine hydrochloride 1% is effective for controlling the intraocular pressure (IOP) rise following argon laser trabeculoplasty (ALT). The 0.5% formulation has recently become available commercially. The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of these two concentrations for controlling IOP after ALT.

* PATIENTS AND METHODS: All patients undergoing ALT were prospectively randomized to receive either 1% or 0.5% apraclonidine 1 hour before and immediately after the laser surgery. IOP was measured before and 2 and 24 hours after the treatment.

* RESULTS: No statistically significant difference in mean IOPs was found between the two treatment groups at any time.

* CONCLUSION: These data suggest that 0.5% and 1% apraclonidine are equally effective for preventing IOP rise after ALT.

[Ophthalmic Surg Lasers 1996;27:657-660.]
Intraconal Amphotericin B for the Treatment of Rhino-Orbital Mucormycosis
Authors: Luna José D , Ponssa Xavier S , Rodríguez Silvio D , Luna Norma C , Juárez CIaudio P
Published: April 2021

Abstract. Rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis is a disease that is frequently fatal. A 39-year-old man with diabetic ketoacidosis was referred to the authors' ophthalmic service with fever, orbital apex syndrome in the right eye, lethargy, and a black eschar in the palate. He was treated with systemic and local (intraconal) amphotericin B and his ketoacidosis was controlled; exenteration was not performed. Biopsy of the palate proved mucormycosis. Eighteen months later the patient was still alive and had a blind, anatomically preserved right eye with ptosis and intact extraocular muscle function without proptosis or pain. The authors propose this alternative means of treatment to achieve higher doses of the drug at the site of infection and better cosmetic and psychological results. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers 1996;27:706-708.]
Use of a Mirror Needle Holder With Transsclerally Sutured Posterior Chamber Intraocular Lenses
Authors: Tsai Julie C , Rowsey J James , Fouraker Bradley D , Stevens Scott X , Young Douglas A , Polack Peter J
Published: April 2021

Abstract. A mirror needle holder has been designed to facilitate the passage of a needle through the ciliary sulcus during transscleral fixation of posterior chamber (PC) intraocular lens (IOLs). Two human postmortem eyes were used to demonstrate the efficacy of this mirror used as the needle holder. This method was compared with the current method of passing sutures without view of the ciliary sulcus. The mirror needle holder demonstrated precise passage of the needle into the ciliary sulcus by direct visualization of the ciliary processes and sulcus. This method may avoid the complications associated with transsclerally sutured PC IOLs during penetrating keratoplasty and secondary IOL placement. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers 1996;27:720-724.]
An Ophthalmic Drape With a Built-in Breathing Outlet
Authors: Miller Gordon R , Glassman Jacob A
Published: April 2021

Abstract. An ophthalmic surgical drape with an ancillary breathing outlet is described and illustrated. It is believed that this drape will supply a needed emergency feature in current ophthalmic surgical drapes that will contribute to greater safety among elderly patients and give greater assurance to the surgeon who may experience a sudden interruption in surgery caused by an unexpected respiratory problem. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers 1996;27:725-727.]
Comparison of Fastpak With Full-Threshold 24-2 Glaucoma Field Tests
Authors: Gillies Bill , Rivers Marion , Brooks Anne M V
Published: April 2021

* BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The authors noted an underestimation of the mean deviation for field testing using the Fastpak (Humphrey Instruments, San Leandro, CA) strategy, and set out to define the extent of this difference.

* PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixty-seven eyes of 35 glaucomatous patients were examined. Patients received full-threshold 24-2 tests before and after the Fastpak strategy was used, each test on a different day. For some patients, another full-threshold test was performed using a different birth date in order to obtain a result uninfluenced by prior data.

* RESULTS: The mean deviation (MD) was significantly underestimated by Fastpak compared with the full-threshold tests. The time taken for Fastpak was almost identical to that taken for full-threshold tests. Short-term fluctuation (SF) appeared to have very little reliability statistically, and, consistent with this, there was a greater concordance among pattern standard deviation (PSD) data than among corrected pattern standard deviation (CPSD) data.

* CONCLUSION: Fastpak was an effective method for charting the visual field, but did so with greater variation than full-threshold tests. It significantly underestimated the MD, and this was not a fatigue effect. Fastpak was no faster than full-threshold testing in advanced glaucoma. CPSD was a less consistent reading than PSD in these glaucomatous patients.

[Ophthalmic Surg Lasers 1996;27:758-762.]
Effect of Scleral Buckling on Unsutured Cataract Wound Strength
Authors: Wyszynski Richard E , Khosrof Samer , Shands Philip , Kalski Richard S , Bruner William E
Published: April 2021

* BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Modern cataract surgery has evolved to include small, unsutured wounds with rapid visual rehabilitation and fewer complications. Properly constructed, these unsutured wounds can withstand increased intraocular pressures without leakage, rupture, or incarceration of intraocular contents. However, scleral buckling surgery may alter the architecture of these wounds and thus their strength. The authors wanted to study the effect of scleral buckling on the integrity of these unsutured cataract wounds.

* MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighteen fresh human globes underwent creation of scleral and limbal corneal incisions so as to create self-sealing wounds. Scleral buckles were then placed. Intraocular pressures were elevated to 400 mm Hg before and after placement of the scleral buckles and evidence for wound leakage was sought.

* RESULTS: Two globes with clear corneal incisions and no scleral buckles leaked slighdy at 300 mm Hg, but no globe with a scleral buckle, regardless of incision type or silicone element style, leaked at pressures to 400 mm Hg.

* CONCLUSION: Sutureless cataract incisions, if properly constructed, provide a strong, pressure-resistant wound. Scleral buckling does not appear to affect the strength of these wounds.

[Ophthalmic Surg Lasers 1996;27:787-789.]
The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Field of Economics of Education
Authors: Kesim Eren
Published: April 2021

Every era exists within its own paradigm, and the COVID-19 pandemic era is a game changer that requires new perspectives. This requirement also holds true for the field of economics of education. This era of change requires the reevaluation of educational institutions. The economics of education are venturing beyond traditional fields of study regarding the development of digital skills. Topics such as financial administration, budget management, costs, supply and demand of educational services, and the reflections of learning losses on the knowledge economy represent the changing dynamic locus of the economics of education regarding digital skills during the pandemic period. In this chapter, the general impact of the pandemic on educational institutions is portrayed, the importance of digital skills in global competition in the digital economy is discussed, and lastly, the paradigm shifts in economics of education as an important field of educational sciences caused by the COVID-19 pandemic are described and evaluated within the context of the economics of distance education.
Play Specialist-Based Intervention in the COVID-19 Era
Authors: Perasso Giulia , Boldrini Giulia , Maggiore Alice , Allegri Chiara , Camurati Gloria
Published: April 2021

The present chapter provides insights about the play specialist-based intervention for children with a wide range of pathologies. Telematic adaptations of pedagogical interventions are needed in order to overcome the obstacles given by pandemic emergency and social isolation. The chapter offers a literature review around the role of the play specialist, providing definitions, historical evolution, and outcomes on children's wellbeing. Plus, results from a research around parental wellbeing after the telematic play specialist-based adaptation are displayed and discussed. Finally, qualitative outcomes from parent and educator interviews over the telematic intervention are presented.
The Democratic Potential of Narrative, Poetry, and Performance
Authors: Zimmerman Aaron S.
Published: April 2021

This chapter will present an overview of three particular methodologies of arts-based research: narrative, poetry, and performance. This chapter will discuss the ways in which these methodological approaches to research may be effective means through which to capture and share the knowledge possessed by community stakeholders. This chapter has positioned community stakeholders as partners in arts-based research. When university faculty and community stakeholders form reciprocal, mutually beneficial partnerships, it becomes possible to create and disseminate the knowledge needed to support a democratic society.
Recent Advances Delivered in Mobile Cloud Computing's Security and Management Challenges
Authors: Stergiou Christos , Psannis Kostas E.
Published: April 2021

Mobile cloud computing provides an opportunity to restrict the usage of huge hardware infrastructure and to provide access to data, applications, and computational power from every place and in any time with the use of a mobile device. Furthermore, MCC offers a number of possibilities but additionally creates several challenges and issues that need to be addressed as well. Through this work, the authors try to define the most important issues and challenges in the field of MCC technology by illustrating the most significant works related to MCC during recent years. Regarding the huge benefits offered by the MCC technology, the authors try to achieve a more safe and trusted environment for MCC users in order to operate the functions and transfer, edit, and manage data and applications, proposing a new method based on the existing AES encryption algorithm, which is, according to the study, the most relevant encryption algorithm to a cloud environment. Concluding, the authors suggest as a future plan to focus on finding new ways to achieve a better integration MCC with other technologies.
A Survey of Efficient Trust Management Schemes in Mobile Ad-Hoc Network
Authors: Kaur J. , Kaur S.
Published: April 2021

Mobile Ad Hoc Networks (MANETs) are comprised of an arrangement of self-sorting mobile hosts furnished with wireless interaction devices gathered in groups without the need of any settled framework as well as centralized organization to maintain a system over radio connections. Every mobile node can react as a host and also, the router freely utilizes the wireless medium inside the correspondence range to deal with the interaction between huge quantities of individual mobile nodes by framing a correspondence system and trading the information among them without using any described group of the base station. A trust-based model in MANET estimates and sets up trust relationship among objectives. Trust-based routing is utilized to keep away data from different attackers like a wormhole, DOS, black-hole, selfish attack and so forth. Trust can be executed in different steps like reputation, subjective rationale and from the supposition of the neighboring node. A trust estimation approach not just watches the behavior of neighbor nodes, additionally it screens the transmission of the information packet in the identification of the route for exact estimation of trust value. A survey is carried out to find some of the limitations behind the existing works which has been done by the researchers to implement various approaches thus to build the trust management framework. Through the survey, it is observed that existing works focused only on the authenticated transmission of the message, how it transmits packets to the destination node securely using a trust-based scheme. And also, it is observed that the routing approach only focused on the key management issues. Certain limitation observed in the implemented approaches of existing work loses the reliability of framework. Thus, to withstand these issues it is necessary to establish a reliable security framework that protects the information exchanged among the users in a network while detecting various misbehaving attacks among the users. Confidentiality, as well as the integrity of information, can be secured by combining context-aware access control with trust management. The performance parameters should be evaluated with the previous works packet delivery ratio, packet drop, detection accuracy, number of false positives, and overhead.
Communiqué Issues in MANET and VANET Protocols With Network Security Disquiet
Authors: Rath Mamata , Pati Bibudhendu , Swain Jhum
Published: April 2021

With faster expansion of mobile networks and quicker increment of web clients, more individuals approach worldwide data and communication innovation, because of which the issues of utilizing web as a worldwide stage and empowering the savvy protests and machines to coordinate, discuss, register, and ascertain slowly develops. In mobile ad-hoc networks (MANETs) and vehicular ad-hoc networks (VANET), the mobile stations and vehicles are self-reconfigurable as per the difference in network topology. Joint action between convenient centers is more basic because of the way that they confront significant difficulties, for example, frailty to work securely while protecting its advantages and performing secure guiding among center points. In the presence of vindictive hubs, one of the rule challenges in MANET is to plot ground-breaking security course of action that can shield MANET from different routing assaults.
Techniques for Analysis of Mobile Malware
Authors: Palaniappan Gopinath , Rajendran Balaji , Sangeetha S. , NeelaNarayanan V
Published: April 2021

The rapid rise in the number of mobile devices has resulted in an alarming increase in mobile software and applications. The mobile application markets/stores too have created a fundamental shift in the way mobile applications are delivered to users, with apps being added and updated in thousands every day. Even though research progresses have been achieved towards detection and mitigation of mobile security, open challenges still remain and also keep evolving in this area. Several studies reveal that mobile application markets/stores do harbor applications that are either vulnerable or malicious in nature, leading to compromises of millions of devices. This chapter (1) captures the attack surface of mobile devices, (2) lists the various mobile malware analysis techniques, and (3) lays the ground for research on mobile malware by providing mobile malware dataset resources, tools for malware analysis, patent landscaping for mobile malware detection, and a few open challenges in malware analysis.
Android Application Security
Authors: Omar Marwan , Mohammed Derek , Nguyen Van , Dawson Maurice , Banisakher Mubarak
Published: April 2021

Android is a free, open source platform that allows any developer to submit apps to the Android Market with no restrictions. This enables hackers to pass their malicious apps to the Android Market as legitimate apps. The central issue lies at the heart of the Android permission mechanism, which is not capable of blocking malicious apps from accessing sensitive phone resources (e.g., contact info and browsing history); it either allows or disallows apps from accessing the resources requested by the app at the installation time. This chapter investigated the scope of this issue and concluded that hackers use malicious apps as attack vectors to compromise Android smartphones and steal confidential data and that no security solutions exist to combat malicious apps. The researcher suggested designing a real time monitoring application to detect and deter malicious apps from compromising users' sensitive data; such application is necessary for Android users to protect their privacy and prevent financial loss.
A Hybrid Approach to Detect the Malicious Applications in Android-Based Smartphones Using Deep Learning
Authors: Rajkumar Manokaran Newlin , Kumar Varadhan Venkatesa , Vijayabhasker Ramachandhiran
Published: April 2021

This modern era of technological advancements facilitates the people to possess high-end smart phones with incredible features. With the increase in the number of mobile applications, we are witnessing the humongous increase in the malicious applications. Since most of the Android applications are available open source and used frequently in the smart phones, they are more vulnerable. Statistical and dynamical-based malware detection approaches are available to verify whether the mobile application is a genuine one, but only to a certain extent, as the level of mobile application scanning done by the said approaches are in general routine or a common, pre-specified pattern using the structure of control flow, information flow, API call, etc. A hybrid method based on deep learning methodology is proposed to identify the malicious applications in Android-based smart phones in this chapter, which embeds the possible merits of both the statistical-based malware detection approaches and dynamical-based malware detection approaches and minimizes the demerits of them.
Towards Privacy Risk Analysis in Android Applications Using Machine Learning Approaches
Authors: Sharma Kavita , Gupta B. B.
Published: April 2021

Android-based devices easily fall prey to an attack due to its free availability in the android market. These Android applications are not certified by the legitimate organization. If the user cannot distinguish between the set of permissions requested by an application and its risk, then an attacker can easily exploit the permissions to propagate malware. In this article, the authors present an approach for privacy risk analysis in Android applications using machine learning. The proposed approach can analyse and identify the malware application permissions. Here, the authors achieved high accuracy and improved F-measure through analyzing the proposed method on the M0Droid dataset and completed testing on an extensive test set with malware from the Androzoo dataset and benign applications from the Drebin dataset.
The Mediating Role of Perceived Value in the Effect of Multi-Dimensional Risk in Mobile Banking
Authors: Pham Long , Williamson Stan , Mohebbi Cyrus , Nguyen Binh , Nguyen Hien
Published: April 2021

This study examines which risk factors contribute most to perceived risk in Vietnam's mobile banking environment; explores the relationships among perceived risk, perceived value and intention to use mobile banking in Vietnam's mobile banking environment; and investigates any mediating role perceived value may have in the relationship between perceived risk and intention to use mobile banking in Vietnam's mobile banking environment. A convenience sample of 403 respondents who were customers of one of the largest joint stock commercial banks in Vietnam was used. The results of this study indicated that perceived risk is negatively related to intention to use mobile banking; that perceived value is positively associated with intention to use mobile banking; that perceived risk is negatively related to perceived value; and that perceived value plays a partial mediating role in the relationship between perceived risk and intention to use mobile banking.
Digital Heritage
Authors: Guazzaroni Giuliana
Published: April 2021

Virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and artificial intelligence (AI) are new ways to provoke an emotional response to heritage and culture. In a place of interest, augmented by technologies, visitors meet various stimuli. Consequently, the public activates complex neural responses in the brain. Neural responses will lead to specific actions, decision-making, and learning. Engaging an audience is desirable for institutions that organize exhibitions, as many people see museums and heritage as stagnant spaces. Museums and art galleries should use VR and AR facilities to develop creative thinking and to advance cultural context. Artists, on the other hand, may represent a sort of facilitator, helping to develop positive actions in the smart cities of the future or to educate the audience toward active citizenship.
Translating 2D Geometric Illusions for 3D Contexts
Authors: Wodehouse Andrew J. , Castell Kathleen MacKenzie
Published: April 2021

This paper describes the creation and evaluation of four novel, interactive objects that have been used to evaluate the effectiveness of 2D optical illusions within 3D objects. Illusions are recognised as a key means to understand how one processes visual input and perceives the world around them. A huge number of 2D illusions have been generated from the 18th century onwards, and a significant body of work exists that explores their characteristics, classifications, and operations. This paper identifies and selects four established 2D geometric illusions and explores their viability as 3D objects. A controlled experiment was conducted to ascertain whether they retained their perceptive illusory strength. A sample population of 30 participants was used and their interaction with purpose-built models was measured. Means are discussed whereby the illusions can be utilised in product design to either emphasise or counteract optical effects in geometric form.
ResumeVis Interactive Visualization of Resumes Based on Multi-Source Data
Authors: Wang Xiaohui , Zhang Jiaqi , Yao Kekuan , Qin Jingyan
Published: April 2021

Resumes are critical for individuals to find jobs and for HR to select staffs. To explore the career patterns and demographic information correlation, 372,829 Chinese resumes working in Beijing in 2015 are collected with rich attributes. Besides, 1,837,281 documents in the People's Daily from May 1946 to December 2015 and the national college entrance examination scores of 42 majors in 27 Beijing universities from 2005 to 2015 are collected to build the multi-source dataset to assist resume data mining. The decade characteristics and major characteristics are explored from the multi-source dataset. Based on the data observation, an interactive visualization system called ResumeVis is developed to explore career patterns in the context of the times, especially the correlations among the resume attributes. The system is helpful for both job seekers and human resources.
BATF Regulates T Regulatory Cell Functional Specification and Fitness of Triglyceride Metabolism in Restraining Allergic Responses
Authors: Xu Chengxian , Fu Yongyao , Liu Sheng , Trittipo Jack , Lu Xiaoyu , Qi Rong , Du Hong , Yan Cong , Zhang Chi , Wan Jun , Kaplan Mark H. , Yang Kai
Published: April 2021

Preserving appropriate function and metabolism in regulatory T (Treg) cells is crucial for controlling immune tolerance and inflammatory responses. Yet how Treg cells coordinate cellular metabolic programs to support their functional specification remains elusive. In this study, we report that BATF couples the TH2-suppressive function and triglyceride (TG) metabolism in Treg cells for controlling allergic airway inflammation and IgE responses. Mice with Treg-specific ablation of BATF developed an inflammatory disorder characterized by TH2-type dominant responses and were predisposed to house dust mite–induced airway inflammation. Loss of BATF enabled Treg cells to acquire TH2 cell–like characteristics. Moreover, BATF-deficient Treg cells displayed elevated levels of cellular TGs, and repressing or elevating TGs, respectively, restored or exacerbated their defects. Mechanistically, TCR/CD28 costimulation enhanced expression and function of BATF, which sustained IRF4 activity to preserve Treg cell functionality. Thus, our studies reveal that BATF links Treg cell functional specification and fitness of cellular TGs to control allergic responses, and suggest that therapeutic targeting of TG metabolism could be used for the treatment of allergic disease.
The psychological and clinical impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on orthopaedic patients: An Italian gender-specific analysis
Authors: Moretti Lorenzo , Vitale Elsa , Bettinsoli Marialaura , Bizzoca Davide , Delmedico Michelangelo , Papalia Rocco , Solarino Giuseppe , Moretti Biagio
Published: April 2021

This observational study aims to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on orthopaedic patients’ psychology and clinical management, focusing on gender differences in the following items: (1) pain perception and therapeutic compliance during the pandemic, compared with the pre-pandemic period; (2) relationship doctorpatient (considering both general practitioners and orthopaedic surgeons); (3) patient referral to Orthopaedic emergency room. An Ad Hoc online questionnaire was developed and administered to patients referring to Orthopaedic emergency departments and Orthopaedic outpatient departments throughout Italy, between March and April 2020. The patients’ psychological status during the pandemic was evaluated, mainly focusing on the following aspects, i.e., the fear of contracting the COVID-19 infection, the perceived risk of COVID-19 contagion and the compliance with the COVID-19 restrictions. Differences between genders were also assessed. 782 patients finally took part in the present study. A significant decrease of general practitioner and Orthopaedic surgeon clinical referral was recorded during the lockdown period, compared with pre-COVID period (p<0.001; p=0.031). Nonetheless, the number of phone calls to the general practitioner did not undergo substantial differences (p=0.093), compared to patients’ the phone consult with orthopaedic surgeons (p=0.042). A significant correlation was found between the fear of COVID-19 contagion the perceived risk of contracting the infection (p<0.001). The COVID pandemic significantly impacted on orthopaedic patients’ psychology and perception of the disease. During the lockdown, patients gave a higher priority to the pandemic event and significantly reduced the treatment of their orthopaedic disease.
The effect of body mass index on one-year functional outcome, quality of life and postoperative complications in total shoulder arthroplasty
Authors: Kadum Bakir , Hashem Mohammed , Fjeldså Emil , Eriksson Karl , Sayed-Noor Arkan S.
Published: April 2021

The aim of this retrospective cohort study was to investigate the effect of BMI on 1-year functional outcome, quality of life (QoL) and rate of postoperative complications after shoulder arthroplasty. We included 121 patients (59 men and 62 women) with primary osteoarthritis (OA) who underwent anatomical or reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA or rTSA) between 2011 and 2016. Age, sex, preoperative BMI, preoperative medical status using American score of anesthesiologists (ASA) class, type of prosthesis, preoperative and 1-year postoperative functional outcome using the Constant score and quality of life (QoL) using the EQ-5D as well as postoperative complication rate were documented. Patients were divided into three groups based on their BMI, group 1 (normal weight, BMI <25), group 2 (overweight, BMI 25-30) and group 3 (obese, >BMI 30). All three groups were comparable regarding age, sex and ASA class, preoperative Constant score EQ-5D. We found significant improvement of the Constant score and EQ- 5D at 1-year postoperative follow-up, regardless of BMI (p<0.05). Comparing the three groups, we found no significant differences among them in 1-year Constant score, EQ-5D or postoperative rate of complications. This study showed that BMI did not affect functional outcome, QoL and postoperative complication rate in TSA. These results can help physicians and patients to make reasonable perioperative expectations and planning.
The writing room: writing helps healing
Authors: Ruiz L. , Ferrandi D. , Bolgeo T. , Montobbio G. , Pepoli A. , Barbierato A.
Published: April 2021

It is described the project and actuation of a room for writing inside of Alessandria’s Hospital. The idea was organized from know out matured by doctors and nurses who have participated in training curses in narrative medicine in these years. The realization was asked by the head of the Neurology Department and his assistant where is located. The writing room is thinking on the base of typology of the emerging needs of their patients. In a simple and practical way it is detailed the instruction of this rooms model with the purpose to make writing, in this contest, an effective behavioral resource in the adaptation to illness. In the base of the first results, the strategies are suggested to make initiated practical effectively.
Mindfulness e caregiver burden
Authors: De Rosa V. , Valorio P.
Published: April 2021

The following work is focused on the theoretical investigation, about the development of opportunities for linking the reality of caregiving, with its emotional and relational consequences, and a way of relating to one's own experience, mindfulness, aimed at eliminating automatic modes of reaction, guided by preconceptions, categorizations and routines, to act responses oriented to the present, aware and non-judgmental. This is an excerpt from the Master's thesis in Science of the Mind of V. De Rosa, developed during the period of internship at the ASO of Alessandria (SSA of Psychology), and advanced in collaboration with the Psychologist Tutor, Dr. P. Valorio, and the supervisor, Prof. G.C. Geminiani, Professor of Clinical Neuropsychology at the Department of Psychology, University of Turin. In particular, in the first chapter there will be a review of the literature on caregivers, relational modes and responses, often stress, that are established during a period of life which is often accompanied by a sense of overwhelm and uncertainty for the future. In the second chapter, however, we will delve into the studies on mindfulness, its history, its developments and the constant progress of research; we will see how more and more branches of psychology, social sciences and neuroscience are approaching the study of its effectiveness with curiosity. Finally, in the third chapter, we will discuss the proposal of the inclusion of mindfulness elements in the path of psychological support to caregivers. This experiential approach has numerous potentials and applications, and more and more are being proposed. The area of interest in this work is the mindful approach to the reality of life of family caregivers for people with physical, motor or mental deficits that require daily assistance. We will therefore explore various aspects related to both caregiver engagement and the applicability of mindfulness in this area.
A retrospective review of specialist referrals for refugees into Greece’s health system: A humanitarian organization’s perspective
Authors: Yarwood Vanessa , Gunst Meghan , Chen Christine Yen-Ting , Jarman Kate , Rokadiya Sakib , Isreb Majd , Abbara Aula
Published: April 2021

Aim: Refugee arrivals to Europe have numbered more than one million since 2015 with the majority arriving through Greece. The healthcare needs of refugees have placed strains on Greece’s healthcare system which has already been affected by its ongoing economic crisis. At the peak of arrivals during 2016, primary healthcare was primarily provided by humanitarian organizations with specialist referrals into the Greek healthcare system. There is little published literature on the type and impacts of specialist referrals for refugees in Greece. The aim of this retrospective review is to identify the type and impacts of specialist referrals for refugees into Greece’s health system. Methods: This retrospective study reviewed the number and type of specialty referrals from one humanitarian organization providing primary healthcare for refugees in Greece. All consultations during an 8-month period (December 1, 2016–July 31, 2017) were reviewed. Results: Of 4168 consultations, 42% were patients aged 17 years or younger, 52% were male, and 90% were Syrian. Two hundred and thirty-three patients (11%) required a specialist referral; 25% were for dental (provided by another humanitarian organization), 10% each for obstetrics and gynecology and pediatrics, and 8% for ophthalmology. Respiratory complaints were most frequently seen, and these were more predominant in the winter months. Pediatric consultations varied according to month, likely due to population movements. Conclusion: Dentistry was noted to be a gap in humanitarian response programming and accounted for the greatest need for specialist input with referrals for women and children accounting for a large proportion of referrals.
Trends in health behaviors over 20 years: findings from the 1998-2018 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
Authors: Kim Soyeon , Choi Sunhye , Kim Jihee , Park Suyeon , Kim Young-Taek , Park Ok , Oh Kyungwon
Published: April 2021

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to examine the trends in health behaviors in Korean population using data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES).METHODS: The subjects were 96,408 adults aged 19 years or older who participated in the first (1998) through seventh (2016-2018) KNHANES health interview. The prevalence of health behaviors (cigarette smoking, alcohol drinking, and physical activity) and annual percent change (APC) were estimated using SAS and the Joinpoint program.RESULTS: The prevalence of current cigarette smoking in men decreased by 2.8%p (APC= -2.8, p< 0.001) annually over the 20-year period, and the prevalence of exposure to secondhand smoke at home substantially decreased compared to 2005 (APC= -8.8, p< 0.001). Compared to 2005, the prevalence of current alcohol drinking in women, but not men, increased (APC= 2.0, p< 0.001), and the prevalence of binge drinking decreased in men (APC= -0.7, p< 0.001) and increased in women (APC= 2.4, p< 0.001). The prevalence of aerobic physical activity decreased from 2014 in both gendersd (p< 0.001). The prevalence of healthy behaviors practice (non-smoking, alcohol abstinence, and aerobic physical activity) was down-trending (APC= -5.3, p< 0.001), especially among women (APC= -6.4, p< 0.001).CONCLUSIONS: Over the past 20 years, smoking behaviors improved. However, drinking behavior was unchanged and physical activity indicators markedly decreased. More active programs are necessary for improving health behaviors, which are major risk factors linked to chronic diseases.
Trends in the prevalence and management of major metabolic risk factors for chronic disease over 20 years: findings from the 1998-2018 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
Authors: Kim Yoonjung , Nho Sun Jin , Woo Gyeongji , Kim Hyejin , Park Suyeon , Kim Youngtaek , Park Ok , Oh Kyungwon
Published: April 2021

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to explore trends in the prevalence and management of obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and hypercholesterolemia in Korean adults from 1998 to 2018 using data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES).METHODS: The study participants included 79,753 individuals aged ≥ 30 years who had participated in the health examination and health interview of the first (1998) to the seventh (2016-2018) KNHANES. The prevalence and management as well as annual percent change (APC) in chronic diseases were analyzed using SAS and the Joinpoint software program.RESULTS: The prevalence of obesity in men significantly increased from 26.8% in 1998 to 44.7% in 2018 (APC= 1.9, p< 0.001), whereas that in women decreased slightly from 30.5% in 1998 to 28.3% in 2018 (APC= -0.5, p< 0.001). The prevalence of hypertension in men was 33.2% in 2018, with no significant change, whereas that in women slightly decreased to 23.1% in 2018 (APC= -0.9, p< 0.001). The prevalence of diabetes in men increased slightly from 10.5% in 2005 to 12.9% in 2018 (APC= 1.6, p< 0.001), whereas that in women remained at approximately 8%, with no significant change. The prevalence of hypercholesterolemia in both men and women increased 3-fold in 2018 (20.9% in men [APC = 8.2, p < 0.001] and 21.4% in women [APC= 7.1, p< 0.001]) compared to that in 2005. The awareness rate, treatment rate, and control rate of hypertension and hypercholesterolemia increased 2-3 fold. Regarding diabetes, the treatment rate increased, but the control rate did not change.CONCLUSIONS: Over the past 20 years, the prevalence of obesity (in men), diabetes, and hypercholesterolemia has increased and management indicators, such as the awareness rate, treatment rate, and control rate of chronic diseases, have improved continuously.
Cyclamen europaeum nasal spray, a novel phytotherapeutic product for the management of acute rhinosinusitis: a randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Pfaar O. , Mullol J. , Anders C. , Hörmann K. , Klimek L.
Published: April 2021

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a phytotherapeutic nasal spray containing Cyclamen europaeum (CE) in the treatment of acute rhinosinusitis (ARS). MATERIAL/METHODS: We performed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of CE nasal spray once daily for 15 days in 99 adult patients with moderate-to-severe ARS who also received amoxicillin 500 mg three times daily for the first 8 days. The primary endpoint was the change in mean total symptom scores (TSS) on day 7. Secondary endpoints included individual symptom scores (nasal congestion, mucus secretion, facial pain, impairment of smell) and endoscopic findings on days 7 and 15 and others. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference in TSS was noted for CE versus placebo on day 7. Moreover, the individual scores were not statistically different between the groups for the ITT-population on day 7. However, both a reduction in facial pain and an improvement in endoscopically-assessed mucosal obstruction significantly favoured CE on day 7. The most common adverse events were nasal burning and mild epistaxis, but no severe adverse events were documented. CONCLUSION: In summary, this is the first randomized controlled trial on phytotherapy in patients with moderate-to-severe ARS demonstrating clinical safety and some encouraging effects of CE which merit to investigate phytotherapeutic products in further large-scale clinical trials.
Development of rSs-NIE-1 and rSs-IR Recombinant Antigen-Based Immunoblot for Detection of Antibody to Strongyloides stercoralis
Authors: De Souza Joelma Nascimento , Langford I’Isha , Wang Yong , Soares Neci Matos , Handali Sukwan
Published: April 2021

Strongyloides stercoralis is a soil-transmitted nematode that can cause life-threatening conditions in immunocompromised persons. In the United States, strongyloidiasis should be considered mainly in immigrants, refugees, or travelers. The confirmatory laboratory diagnosis is usually performed by detecting larvae from the stool, duodenal material, and sputum. In persons who are immunocompromised with severe strongyloidiasis, adult worms and eggs can be detected from duodenal material. For serological diagnosis, most assays use crude antigens to detect anti-S. stercoralis IgG. Recently, recombinant proteins such as rSs-NIE-1 and rSs-IR have been used to detect IgG antibodies. We used rSs-NIE-1 and rSs-IR recombinant antigens to develop a biplex Western blot assay to detect the IgG4 antibody in individuals with strongyloidiasis. The sensitivities of rSs-NIE-1 and rSs-IR were 97.4% and 90.8%, respectively, whereas the specificities were 97.6% and 98%, respectively. In conclusion, the biplex rSs-NIE-1 and rSs-IR immunoblot performs well in detecting IgG4 antibody in S. stercoralis-infected persons.
The Newcastle satisfaction with nursing scales in a Mexican Oncology Hospital
Authors: Rodríguez-Herrera Cecilia , López-Jiménez José de Jesús , Del Toro-Valero Azucena , Magdalena Torres-Carrillo Nora , Torres-Carrillo Norma , Alberto Godínez-Peña Carlos , Cecilia Méndez-Magaña Ana , Guadalupe Herrera-Godina Melva , Lilia Fletes-Rayas Ana
Published: April 2021

Objectives: The principal aim of this study was to identify whether the Newcastle Satisfaction with Nursing Scales (NSNS) could be used on cancer patients.

Methods: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study carried out on cancer patients (n = 298).

Results: We found that a majority of cancer patients were around 50 years old (hospitalized patients [HP]: 49.5 ± 14.9; chemotherapy outpatients [COP]: 49.4 ± 12.7), were female (HP: 74%; COP: 63.5%), and had received education at least up to elementary level (HP: 70%; COP: 80%). Breast cancer was the principal type of cancer (>34%) in both groups (HP and COP). The groups were comparable in age, sex distribution, place of origin, educational qualification, and type of cancer. Among HP, the experience and satisfaction scales of the NSNS showed good internal consistency (n = 235, α >0.9, r > 0.7), while among COP, only the satisfaction scale showed good internal consistency (n = 62, α = 1.00). Most patients’ perceptions (level of satisfaction) of hospitalization and chemotherapy services were positive (98% and 97%, respectively).

Conclusion: An NSNS instrument specifically designed for ambulatory care cancer patients is necessary for it to be useful in assessing cancer patients' perception of nursing care. This will help improve the quality of care in Mexico. The presence of cancer by itself could modify the patients’ satisfaction level. Further large-scale studies are required to inves- tigate the patients’ perceptions of nursing care using the NSNS on different cancer patient groups.

Keywords: Spanish satisfaction tool; hospital; patient satisfaction; oncology nursing; health care evaluation mechanisms.
Medical mortality in an emergency department in Nigeria: the transition is obvious!
Authors: Olusegun-Joseph AD , Akande O , Otrofanowei E , Nwoye EO , Olopade OB , Ajuluchukwu JN
Published: April 2021

Introduction: The emergency department (ED), a major entry point into the hospital, provides an insight to the type of cases seen, the quality of care and mortality spectrum in a health institution. We aim to identify the spectrum of medical causes of mortality in our ED, the demographic pattern and duration of stay before death.

Method: This is a retrospective study that looked at medical mortality in the ED from January 2004 to December 2009. We obtained data on the demographics and causes of death from the medical records and case notes of the deceased.

Results: A total of 16587 patients were admitted during the period under review, of these 1262 (7.61%) died in the ED. The male to female ratio was 1.58:1.0 [772 males (61.2%), and 489 females (38.8%)]. Mortality was highest among the 20-45years age range, followed by 46-65 years, >65years and < 20 years in decreasing frequency [589(46.7%), 421(33.4%), 186 (14.8%) and 66(5.2%) respectively]. The three most common causes of death were stroke 315(25%), HIV related illness- es 126(10.0%), and heart failure 123(9.7%). Most deaths occurred less than 24hours of admission, 550(43.6%), followed by one day (36.0%) and two days (10.8%) post admissions respectively.

Conclusion: The commonest cause of death in the ED was stroke. The burden of death was highest in the younger age group, with most occurring less than 24 hours of admission.

Keywords: Emergency department; duration; mortality.
Association of variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) and T941G polymorphism of monoamine oxidase (MAO-A) gene with aggression in Pakistani subjects
Authors: Sarwar Sumbal , Shabana  , Hasnain Shahida
Published: April 2021

Background: Human behavioral traits are known to be significantly heritable. Certain individuals have a greater tendency of negative behavioral aspects including aggression. The quest to identify tunderlying genetic causes has led to identification of a number of genetic markers, one of them is the monoamine oxidase-A (MAO-A) gene.

Objective: We aimed to genotype a variable number of tandem repeats (VNTRs) in the promoter region and a functional SNP within this gene (T941G, dbSNP ID: rs6323) in the recruited cohort of 482 subjects.

Methods: After DNA isolation, genotyping was done by PCR-RFLP and the results were confirmed by sequencing.

Results: For VNTRs, the results showed, highest frequency of 3.5 repeats in males and 4 repeats in females in the promoter region. The genotype frequencies for the SNP in cases were GG=16.3%, TG=20.6% and TT=63.1%, while in controls, the frequencies were GG=12.7%, TG=6.3%, and TT=81.0%. The allele frequencies were significantly different between cases and controls (p=0.015; OR=1.51; CI=1.085-2.102).

Conclusion: The selected VNTR and SNP appeared to be significantly associated with aggression. These VNTRs and SNP have not been studied previously in the Pakistani population, hence they represent a unique ethnic group. These results, however, would have to be replicated in larger cohorts.

Keywords: Aggression; MAO-A gene; VNTRs; T941G; rs6323; Pakistan.
Early hearing threshold changes and peculiarities of audiometric assessments among patients in a drug-resistant tuberculosis treatment center
Authors: A Sogebi Olusola , O Adefuye Bolanle , A Ajayi Ebenezer
Published: April 2021

Background: Hearing threshold changes occurred relative to baseline at both one and two weeks after onset of aminogly- coside therapy.

Objectives: To assess changes in audiometric hearing thresholds between pre-treatment values and two weeks into therapy. To document observed changes, and occurrence of ototoxicity within the period.

Methods: Prospective analytical cohort study on drug-resistant tuberculosis patients. Basic demographic parameters were taken. Three-point audiometric assessments within two weeks into therapy were done. Percentage of patients with ototoxic- ity were calculated. Pure tone threshold changes between the three audiometric values were compared.

Results: Audiograms of 53 patients comprising 56.6% males; age range was 13 to 91 years. Both air and bone conduction hearing thresholds significantly worsened between baseline and one week into therapy (p=0.011, and 0.015 respectively), and between baseline and two weeks into therapy (p=0.003 and 0.042 respectively). Minimal insignificant reduction occurred between both air and bone conduction hearing values of week 1 and week 2 of therapy (p= 1.000 and 0.856 respectively). By audiometric criteria, 4 patients (7.5%) developed ototoxicity within two weeks of treatment.

Conclusion: Audiometric assessments within two weeks into therapy with anti-tuberculous therapy may not represent baseline audiometry. 7.5% of the patients developed ototoxicity within two weeks of therapy.

Keywords: Early hearing threshold changes; audiometric assessments; tuberculosis treatment center.