bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Discomfort in Discussing Sexual Issues: Developing a New Scale for Staff at Long-Term Care Facilities for Older Adults
Authors: Gewirtz-Meydan Ateret , Levkovich Inbar , Pinto Galit , Ayalon Liat
Published: August 2022

Interviews reveal that many health professionals working with older adults are uncomfortable discussing sexual issues with those under their care. Nevertheless, to date, discomfort in discussing sexual issues with older adults has not been empirically investigated. To facilitate exploration of this subject, the current study evaluated the psychometric properties of a new measure: The Discomfort in Discussing Sexual Issues (DDSI) with Older Adults scale. The study was conducted via online survey among 127 long-term care staff (e.g., nurses, physicians, physical therapists, social workers, speech therapists, occupational therapists) serving older adults. A confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the DDSI scale's structure as a single, four-item construct. More conservative attitudes regarding sexuality in later life were associated with higher DDSI scores. In addition, DDSI scale scores were negatively correlated with knowledge about sexuality in later life and educational level. Findings indicate that the DDSI has good psychometric properties, as reflected by its high reliability and adequate validity, making it a useful assessment tool for future research. [
Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 48
(9), 27–37.]
A novel discrete-time COVID-19 epidemic model including the compartment of vaccinated individuals
Authors: Almatroud A Othman , Djenina Noureddine , Ouannas Adel , Grassi Giuseppe , Al-sawalha M Mossa
Published: August 2022

Referring tothe study of epidemic mathematical models, this manuscript presents a noveldiscrete-time COVID-19 model that includes the number of vaccinated individuals as an additional state variable in the system equations. The paper shows that the proposed compartment model, described by difference equations, has two fixed points, i.e., a disease-free fixed point and an epidemic fixed point. By considering both the forward difference system and the backward difference system, some stability analyses of the disease-free fixed point are carried out.In particular, for the backward difference system a novel theorem is proved, which gives a condition for the disappearance of the pandemic when an inequality involving some epidemic parameters is satisfied. Finally, simulation results of the conceived discrete model are carried out, along with comparisons regarding the performances of both the forward difference system and the backward difference system.
Social Impact in Arts and Culture
Authors: Kosmos Iva , Pogačar Martin
Published: August 2022

“Social impact” seems to be the buzzword of the past decade, a term dominant in art and science (of) project writing, but also in thinking and talking about art and science. However, apart from the principles of measurability and predictability of desired impact, there is lack of sources to clearly explain what the idea is all about: What kind of art and society and the relationship between them it envisions? The motivation for this book was the dynamic between social impact as defined by funders and as understood by the people who live with it. This book is therefore a collaborative effort of curators, critics, essayists, artists, and researchers. Some of them reflect on the concept, others write about their own practice, and still others discuss the issue in the context of practical examples. What they all have in common, however, is the question and reflection on what is meant by the social impact of art, how it can be achieved as well as problematized.
Copublished with Zavod Bunker.
‘Everything is translatable, nothing is translatable’: the migrant as translated/translator in Nadeem Aslam’s Maps for Lost Lovers
Authors: Vitolo Daniela
Published: August 2022

A translation is always a process and never a simple one or a complete one. The task of the translator is to transpose meanings allowing distant worlds to make sense of each other but this always bears with itself a dimension of failure as nothing can be perfectly transposed from one language to another without losing or altering part of its meaning. If, as Salman Rushdie observes, from an etymological point of view to translate means to carry across, then the migrant is a ‘translated man’. The migrant’s translation implies physical, linguistic and cultural border-crossings that generate a process that shapes the migrant’s identity. This process is an act of sur-vival, both in the sense of living on the margins and in the sense of the migrant‘s dream for survival (Benjamin, Bhabha, Derrida, Rushdie). The paper proposes a reading of Nadeem Aslam’s novel Maps for Lost Lovers that analyses how it represents the relationship between translation and the Pakistani migrants’ processes of identity construction.
History Education in Ethiopia Post-1991: Rethinking the Nation’s History in the Context of “Decolonization” Debates
Authors: Abbink Jon
Published: August 2022

African postcolonial national identities are under (re)construction, facing persistent problems of disparity and social and “ethnic” inequality. Ethiopia, despite a heritage of State identity and “unity in diversity,” is vulnerable to fragmentation and identity politics, notably since the “ethno-federalist” political model introduced by the EPRDF regime (1991-2018). The resultant questioning of shared historical identity is also reflected in history education and curricula. Based on the last product of the process of rethinking Ethiopian history teaching (the “History Module” of 2020) and against the background of the recent academic movement towards “decolonizing” the historical and social sciences, I discuss the main positions in the current debate. I raise the question of whether a common, minimally shared history of Ethiopia—as a nation and a political entity—is now illusory or still an aim and if so, how it could be taught.
Trajectoires de femmes : pouvoir masculin et discrimination féminine en milieu universitaire aux Burundi, Cameroun et Gabon
Authors: Bilé Paule Christiane , Manirakiza Désiré , Kpoundia Fadimatou Mounsade
Published: August 2022

À partir d’enquêtes qualitatives et quantitatives, cet article documente les mutations qui opèrent dans le milieu académique de trois pays africains, le Burundi, le Cameroun et le Gabon, depuis la fin de la colonisation, telles qu’on peut les observer au prisme du genre. L’argument développé est que, bien que l’accès à l’enseignement supérieur des femmes et, conséquemment, au métier d’enseignant-chercheur, soit une réalité juridico-politique dans les trois sociétés retenues, le genre continue de structurer les choix académiques et de déterminer les trajectoires professionnelles.
Fucoxanthin suppresses OxLDL-induced inflammation via activation of Nrf2 and inhibition of NF-κB signaling
Authors: Rajendran Peramaiyan , AlZahrani Abdullah M
Published: August 2022

Objective:

To explore the impact of fucoxanthin on oxidized low-density lipoprotein (OxLDL)-induced stress and inflammation in human endothelial cells and its underlying mechanisms.

Methods:

HUVECs were treated with OxLDL and/or fucoxanthin for a range of time points and concentrations. We evaluated the effects of fucoxanthin on OxLDL-induced HUVECs using the MTT assay, reactive oxygen species accumulation assay, ELISA, RT-PCR, immunofluorescence, and Western blotting.

Results:

Fucoxanthin enhanced the cell viability in a dose dependent manner after OxLDL exposure. Furthermore, fucoxanthin pretreatment significantly decreased OxLDL-induced reactive oxygen species production and prevented the activation of the nuclear factor kappa-B pathway, which led to substantial suppression of pro-inflammatory gene expressions. OxLDL-induced upregulation of interleukin-6, intercellular adhesion molecule-1, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, interleukin-1β, monocyte chemotactic protein-1, cyclooxygenase-1, and tumor necrosis factor-α was significantly reduced by fucoxanthin.

Conclusions:

Fucoxanthin can inhibit OxLDL-induced vascular inflammation and oxidative stress in HUVECs by targeting Nrf2 signaling pathways.
Naringin attenuates oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and oxidative DNA damage in acrylamide-induced nephrotoxicity in rats
Authors: Gelen Volkan , Yıldırım Serkan , Şengül Emin , Çınar Ali , Çelebi Fikret , Küçükkalem Merve , Gök Melahat
Published: August 2022

Objective:

To explore the possible effects of naringin on acrylamide-induced nephrotoxicity in rats.

Methods:

Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 200-250 g were randomly divided into five groups. The control group was given intragastric (i.g.) saline (1 mL) for 10 d. The acrylamide group was given i.g. acrylamide in saline (38.27 mg/kg titrated to 1 mL) for 10 d. The treatment groups were administered with naringin in saline (50 and 100 mg/kg, respectively) for 10 d and given i.g. acrylamide (38.27 mg/kg) 1 h after naringin injection. The naringin group was given i.g. naringin (100 mg/kg) alone for 10 d. On day 11, intracardiac blood samples were obtained from the rats when they were under anesthesia, after which they were euthanized. Urea and creatinine concentrations of blood serum samples were analyzed with an autoanalyzer. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to quantify malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, tumor necrosis factor-β, nuclear factor-κB, interleukin (IL)-33, IL-6, IL-1β, cyclooxygenase-2, kidney injury molecule-1, mitogen-activated protein kinase-1, and caspase-3 in kidney tissues. Renal tissues were also evaluated by histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations for 8-OHdG and Bcl-2.

Results:

Naringin attenuated acrylamide-induced nephrotoxicity by significantly decreasing serum urea and creatinine levels. Naringin increased superoxide dismutase, glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase activities and decreased malondialdehyde levels in kidney tissues. In addition, naringin reduced the levels of inflammatory and apoptotic parameters in kidney tissues. The histopathological assay showed that acrylamide caused histopathological changes and DNA damage, which were ameliorated by naringin.

Conclusions:

Naringin attenuated inflammation, apoptosis, oxidative stress, and oxidative DNA damage in acrylamide-induced nephrotoxicity in rats.
Prodigiosin from Serratia
Authors: Mnif Sami , Jardak Marwa , Bouizgarne Brahim , Aifa Sami
Published: August 2022

Prodigiosin is a red pigment with a pyrrolylpyrromethane skeleton. It is mainly produced by bacterial strains belonging to the Serratia genus, but also by some other genera, including Streptomyces and Vibrio. Within the genus Serratia, the pigment is generally produced as a virulence factor. However, it also has many important beneficial biological activities such as immunosuppressive and anti- proliferative activities. Moreover, the pigment has many industrial applications in textile and cosmetics. In this mini-review, we discuss the genetic and molecular mechanisms supporting prodigiosin synthesis and production from the Serratia genus, as well as its potential applications.
Myocutaneous cysticercosis – A hidden worm caught by an ultrasound
Authors: Babu Guguloth Ramesh , Mahalingam Sasikumar , Naik Yogesh , Gara Mounika , Ramamoorthy Thirumoorthy
Published: August 2022

Cysticercosis is one of the common parasitic infections that can affect many sites in the human body, though often seen in the brain and the eyes. Myocutaneous form of cysticercosis is often rare since most of them are asymptomatic and often go unnoticed. They often present to the emergency department due to pain over the lesion or central nervous manifestations. Here, we report a case of subcutaneous swelling, initially thought of as lipoma/abscess, later diagnosed as cysticercosis with the ultrasound. Myocutaneous cysticercosis can mimic various conditions such as lipoma, abscess, epidermoid cyst, ganglion, tuberculous lymphadenitis, pyomyositis, or fat necrosis. Hence, differentiating this from others in the clinical setting is essential because treatment modality is different.
Use of stroke scales in clinical practice
Authors: Siniscalchi Antonio
Published: August 2022

With stroke being the leading global cause of disability in adults, the use of clinical rating scales in stroke patients is important not only for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes but also for prognostic and care implications. Scales that quantify neurological disability can be particularly useful for assessing and guiding decisions in acute management and rehabilitative treatment. We analyzed and discussed some of the main rating scales most used in stroke in clinical practice, which measure both acute neurological deficit and functional outcome in stroke. In acute stroke, it is that in most cases, the scales evaluate a neurological deficit attributable to an alteration of the anterior and not posterior circulation and most of them assess a moderate stroke rather than a mild or severe one. In a rehabilitation treatment, they are sometimes too simplified; thus, the patient can reach a near-normal score and can have significant cognitive deficits that can affect both the possibility of communication and the reliability of responses. A patient with autonomy in the activities of daily living may not be completely autonomous. In future, the use of composite rating scales could be useful for a detailed measurement of neurological deficits in acute stroke and better assess the efficacy of a treatment and functional outcome.
The acute effect of systemic blood pressure reduction on intraocular pressure in hypertensive patients
Authors: Tiambeng Canan , Batur Ali , Dikmetas Özlem , Aksu Nalan Metin
Published: August 2022

OBJECTIVES:

Previous studies have shown an association between systemic hypertension and intraocular pressure (IOP). We analyzed the relationship between the decreases of the blood pressure (BP) and IOP in hypertensive patients.

METHODS:

The study includes a total of 214 patients: 158 hypertensive and 56 normotensive patients as study and control groups, respectively. The IOP of each eye in both the groups was measured once with a noncontact tonometer at presentation and an hour after BP reduction to normal in the study group. We analyzed the reduction in IOP with decreasing BP.

RESULTS:

In the study group, the mean IOP was 15.29 ± 4.05 mmHg in the right and 15.11 ± 3.78 mmHg in the left eyes. The mean IOP measured an hour after the patients became normotensive was 13.78 ± 4.06 mmHg in the right and 13.51 ± 3.82 in the left eyes. There was a statistically significant decrease in the IOPs (P < 0.001). The mean IOP in the control group was 13.54 ± 3.51 mmHg in the right and 13.20 ± 3.33 mmHg in the left eyes. The mean IOP at presentation in the study and control groups was found to be significantly different (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS:

Patients in the study group showed a significantly higher IOP compared to patients in the normotensive group. Furthermore, patients in the study group showed a significant reduction in IOP after BP reduction. This may indicate that uncontrolled hypertension poses a risk for prolonged higher IOP. Prolonged higher IOP can be considered a risk factor for the glaucoma.
Incidence and seasonal variation of hospital admissions for acute bronchiolitis among children younger than two years in a Northern Emirates hospital
Authors: Saeed Balsam Qubais , Sharif Hanan Abdulgader , Al-Shahrabi Rula , Adrees Ahmed Omar , Alkokhardi Zainab Mansour
Published: August 2022

Background:

There is limited information about acute bronchiolitis (AB) in the United Arab Emirates. The study aims to describe incidents, hospitalizations, and seasonal variation of AB among children less than 2 years.

Methods:

The retrospective data were collected for children ≤24 months who were admitted in the University Hospital Sharjah with AB from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2019. Demographic characteristics, vital signs, management, admission data, cases seasonality, maternity history, and co-infections related to the cases were analyzed.

Results:

A total of 2496 AB cases were reported. Males and children more than 6 months were more infected than females and infants ≤ 6 month. Most of the cases were from emergency room, discharged within the same day and delivered by normal vaginal delivery. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) was the commonest cause of AB. Other etiological agents included influenza viruses, adenoviruses, Streptococcus spp., and Mycoplasma pneumoniae. The seasonal variation peak of AB for the 2 years was found in the Autumn months, with a small peak reported in the beginning of Spring months. The number of AB cases in 2019 was greater than that in 2018.

Conclusion:

AB is a common reason for hospitalization among males and children more than 6 months during the Autumn season. RSV is the common responsible virus for hospital admissions and morbidity. Our results may guide effort toward healthcare provision and implementation of AB prevention.
Evaluating the impact of sociodemographics and BMI on social anxiety among the students of the University of Sharjah
Authors: Dalla Emad Eddin , Maziek Abdulrahman , Hamood Shorouq , AlRaeesi Hayat , Mogharbel Afaf , Omran Shamma
Published: August 2022

Background:

The association between social anxiety and specific confounders such as body mass index (BMI) and gender has not been studied in the UAE yet. This study aims to assess the impact of sociodemographics and BMI on social anxiety levels among the university students.

Methods:

A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was performed on 578 students using a modified version of the established and validated self-administered “Social Anxiety Questionnaire-Adult 30” (SAQ-A30), which aims to assess social anxiety across five different dimensions. Furthermore, height and weight measurements were obtained using manual scales to calculate the participants’ BMI.

Results:

About 553 students were eligible for data analysis. Based on analytical tests, the female gender was associated with increased social anxiety (P<0.05). In addition, negative changes of body self-perception were associated with increased social anxiety scores among college students (P<0.0001). However, we found no correlation between social anxiety levels and different BMI groups among the university students.

Conclusion:

Social anxiety levels increase based on gender and change of body self-perception after entering college in students.
Serum vitamin D level and micro-ribonucleic acid-146a expression pattern in dry eye disease associated with rheumatoid arthritis in an Egyptian population
Authors: Shousha Shireen M. , EL-Ghobashy Nehal , Alhelf Maha , El-kareem Dalia Abd , Moawad Pavly
Published: August 2022

Aim

The aim of this research was to study serum vitamin D and micro-ribonucleic acid-146a (miRNA-146a) expression in dry eye disease (DED) associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and their clinical correlations to DED parameters.

Setting and design

This is an observational cross-sectional study that was conducted at Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.

Patients and methods

The study participants were divided into three groups: group A, DED/RA (n=35); group B, non-DED/RA (n=36); and group C, non-DED/non-RA (n=35). All participants were assessed for ocular surface disease index, tear breakup time (TBUT), serum level of vitamin D, and miRNA-146a expression. In the DED group (with TBUT<10 s), DED evaluation was performed, including Schirmer I test, corneal and conjunctival scoring, and impression cytology.

Results

The mean serum vitamin D level was 17.1±16.2 ng/ml in group A, 35.1±13.4 ng/ml in group B, and 38.1±8.7 ng/ml in group C, with a statistically significant difference (P<0.001). The mean miRNA-146a expression was 4.7±1.5 in group A compared with 4.8±1.8 in group B (P=0.959) and 1.0±0.1 in group C (P<0.001, compared with each of groups A and B). In group A, serum vitamin D level showed a significant moderate negative correlation to each of impression cytology grading (r=−0.456, P=0.019) and miRNA-146a expression (r=−0.387, P=0.041). Both serum vitamin D and miRNA-146a expression showed nonsignificant correlations to ocular surface disease index, TBUT, Schirmer I test, and corneal and conjunctival scoring.

Conclusion

DED associated with RA showed a statistically significantly lower serum level of vitamin D, which was negatively correlated to impression cytology grading and miRNA-146a expression. Expression of miRNA-146a did not differ between the dry eye and non-dry eye RA groups.
Quantitative assessment of xanthelasma palpebrarum treated by argon laser photocoagulation using ImageJ software
Authors: Salamah Moustafa A. , Elsayed Tamer G.
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of argon laser photocoagulation on xanthelasma using ImageJ software.

Patients and methods

The study included 41 eyes of 23 patients (49 individual xanthelasmic lesions). All lesions were treated by a single session of argon laser photocoagulation. The lesions were assessed prelaser and postlaser using ImageJ software.

Results

All xanthelasmic lesions improved in height and color. The pretreatment mean height in ImageJ was 168.93±11.64 pixels, while the mean posttreatment height was 131±8.39 pixels (P<0.001). The color moderately improved in 24.4% of the cases and markedly improved in 68.3% of the cases.

Conclusion

Argon laser treatment of xanthelasma is a safe and effective treatment modality. This finding was documented using ImageJ software.
Lateral tarsal strip vs. lower lid retractors reinsertion for treatment of involutional entropion
Authors: Ezzeldin Ezzeldin R.
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The aim of this study was to report the clinical efficacy of lateral tarsal strip (LTS) procedure for correction of senile entropion compared with lower lid retractors reinsertion.

Patients and methods

This is a retrospective comparative, nonrandomized interventional study that was conducted on patients attending the outpatient clinic of the Ophthalmology Department in Al Azhar University Hospital (Damietta branch), Damietta, Egypt, during the period from February 2019 to April 2021. The study recruited 56 lower eyelids of 44 patients who had involutional entropion; 12 of them were bilateral. In 29 eyelids, LTS procedure (group 1) was performed, whereas 27 eyelids were treated by lower lid retractors reinsertion (group 2).

Results

There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups regarding age, sex, and laterality. Regarding the postoperative correction of entropion, the first group (treated by LTS procedure) achieved a 100% success rate, whereas the second group (treated by lower lid retractors reinsertion) had a success rate of 81.5%, with a statistically significant difference (P=0.015). Although lid lag occurred only in the second group, it was not statistically significant.

Conclusion

The advantages of the LTS procedure over the lower lid retractors reinsertion are less risk of undercorrection and good cosmetic acceptance of the lid margin because of the stability of the lid margin that is achieved by the LTS procedure.
Comparison between therapeutic effects of 0.18% sodium hyaluronate and 1% carboxymethyl cellulose on ocular surface damage induced by anti-glaucoma medications
Authors: Maheshwari Meemansha , Jain Amit K. , Singh Naveen K. , Singh Neha , Nath Tirupati
Published: August 2022

Purpose

This study was conducted to compare the therapeutic effect of 1% carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and 0.18% sodium hyaluronate (SH) on ocular surface damage induced by various anti-glaucoma medications.

Patients and methods

The study included 100 patients who were diagnosed as having primary open-angle glaucoma, normal tension glaucoma, or ocular hypertension and were on anti-glaucoma drugs. The patients were divided in two groups: group A patients received 1% CMC, whereas group B patients received 0.18% SH for 3 months. The severity of ocular surface disease symptoms was assessed by the ocular surface disease index (OSDI) questionnaire. Ocular examination with tear film break-up time, fluorescein staining, Schirmer's test, and conjunctival impression cytology was performed sequentially on days 0, 30, and 90.

Results

Both CMC-treated and SH-treated groups showed improvement in the OSDI scores at days 30 and 90. However, the OSDI scoring was statistically significantly better in the SH group at both follow-up intervals (P<0.05). Fluorescein staining improved significantly with SH compared with CMC at day 30 (P<0.03). Schirmer's test, tear film break-up time, and conjunctival impression cytology improved in both drugs. However, the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.5).

Conclusion

Both SH and CMC improved the symptoms and signs of ocular surface damage caused by the preservatives used in anti-glaucoma medication. However, SH showed faster efficacy than the CMC-based formulation.
Corneal epithelial profile in psoriasis patients with and without dry eye disease
Authors: Tolba Doaa A. , Esmat Sara M. , AlOrbani Aya M. , Amin Rana H.
Published: August 2022

Background

Psoriasis is an immune-mediated systemic inflammatory disease in which corneal affection takes various forms such as dry eye disease (DED), punctate epithelial keratitis, and sterile corneal infiltrates.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the corneal epithelial profile of psoriasis patients using anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT).

Patients and methods

This is a cross-sectional analytic study that included 81 eyes: 39 eyes of 20 psoriasis patients and 42 eyes of 21 healthy age-matched and sex-matched controls. They were divided into three groups: psoriasis patients with dry eye disease (PDED), psoriasis patients without DED (PS), and healthy subjects (HS). AS-OCT was done to study the epithelial profile data of each eye and to correlate any finding with the disease activity evaluated by the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index score and disease extent.

Results

The PDED patients showed significantly lower central corneal thickness (CCT), higher central epithelial thickness (CET), and thicker inferior epithelium (P=0.004, 0.002, and 0.005, respectively). A significantly thinner superior epithelium was detected in the PS group compared with the PDED and HS groups (P=0.001 and 0.010, respectively). In addition, the topographic thickness variability (SD) and minimim–maximum were significantly higher in both the PDED and PS groups compared with the HS group (P<0.001). The CCT showed a significantly positive correlation with the tear breakup time (r=0.373,P=0.020), while the CET showed a significantly negative correlation with it (r=−0.331,P=0.040). The CET also had a significant positive correlation with disease duration (r=0.390,P=0.014) and disease extent (r=0.323,P=0.045).

Conclusion

AS-OCT has proved to be a valuable method for screening and detecting the corneal whole thickness and epithelial thickness abnormalities in psoriasis patients in the presence or absence of DED. The presence of thicker epithelium and thinner CCT were significant findings in the PDED, while in psoriasis patients without DED, superior epithelial thinning was the significant finding. A statistically significant high topographic thickness variability was detected in both groups compared with the controls.
Role of sex in retinal nerve fiber layer and macular thickness measurement by spectral domain optical coherence tomography
Authors: Sood Amit , Jain Vibhor , Gupta Megha , Paliwal Rahul O. , Mishra Rishu
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of sex on retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness and macular thickness measurement by spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT).

Patients and methods

In this prospective observational study, 200 participants who fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria were scanned three times as per predefined guidelines at 0, 30, and 60 min on the same day, by the same investigator using SD-OCT for measurement of RNFL and macular thickness. The observations were statistically analyzed and correlated.

Results

The RNFL thickness was greatest in the superior quadrant and thinnest in the temporal quadrant. The mean value of average RNFL thickness was 87.90±6.12 μm in females and 93.18±4.04 μm in males (range=74.33–99.67 μm). A statistically significant difference was found between males and females in all quadrants and in average RNFL thickness (P<0.0005). The macular thickness was thinnest at the central zone (innermost 1-mm ring), thickest within the inner 3-mm ring, and diminished peripherally. The mean macular thickness was 272.95±8.40 μm in females and 289.42±12.32 μm in males. A statistically significant difference was found between males and females in all macular zones and in the mean macular thickness (P<0.0005).

Conclusion

RNFL thickness and macular thickness were significantly thicker in males compared with females in healthy eyes. Sex should be used as an additional parameter in commercially available OCT machines, in addition to age, because of its potential in improving the existing RNFL thickness and macular thickness norms.
Evaluating corneal changes after corneal collagen cross-linking in keratoconus by optical coherence tomography
Authors: Barakat Abdallah , Elmassry Ahmed , Othman Ihab , El-Kateb Mohamed
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the corneal changes after corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) in progressive keratoconus using anterior segment optical coherence tomography.

Patients and methods

This prospective interventional noncomparative case-series study was conducted on 30 eyes of 18 patients of both sexes with a mean age of 23.11±4.06 years diagnosed as progressive keratoconus patients with clear central cornea. All eyes underwent epithelium-off accelerated CXL. Anterior segment optical coherence tomography and Scheimpflug camera imaging were done to all cases preoperatively and at 1, 3, and 6 months, postoperatively.

Results

The demarcation line (DL) was detected in all eyes 1 month postoperatively, and was still detected at 3 and 6 months, postoperatively. However, it was accurately measured until 3 months postoperatively. At 6 months, it was barely visible, so measuring its depth was difficult to be done. There was a statistically significant positive correlation between the thinnest corneal thickness and the central corneal DL depth (r=0.480, P=0.006). There was no statistically significant correlation between the maximum keratometric reading (K-max) and the depth of central corneal DL (r=−0.253, P=0.17). In addition, there was no statistically significant correlation between corneal densitometry and the depth of central corneal DL (r=−0.68, P=0.715).

Conclusions

The DL is a direct clinical sign of corneal CXL and can be found within 6 months after the treatment, being most clearly visible at 1 month after CXL. However, the line starts to be less visible after 3 months and becomes barely visible after 6 months postoperatively, making it difficult to measure its depth at that time.
Short-term evaluation of clear corneal incision after phacoemulsification using anterior segment optical coherence tomography
Authors: Abdelmaged Hossam Mostafa Ahmed , Aldghaimy Ahmed H. , Ali Tarek A. M. , Amer Ahmed Ali A.
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The aim of this study was to investigate the ultrastructure of corneal incisions after phacoemulsification by anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT).

Patients and methods

This is a prospective interventional study of 50 eyes of 50 patients with senile cataract attending the Outpatient Clinic of the Ophthalmology Department, Qena University Hospital, Qena, Egypt, for whom clear corneal-incision phacoemulsification was performed from July 2020 to July 2021. The patients had preoperative and postoperative AS-OCT, and were followed up at 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, and 3 months, postoperatively. The four AS-OCT features that were studied were corneal thickness at the site of the main incision, epithelial and endothelial changes at the wound, and Descemet's membrane detachment.

Results

The mean age of the patients was 62.16±7.71 years. The mean corneal thickness was 768.06±102.03, 883.24±96.59, 841.98±100.70, 797.68±98.12, and 782.26±101.66 μm preoperatively, at 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, and 3 months postoperatively, respectively (P<0.001). Descemet's membrane detachment was observed in nine (18%) and seven (14%) patients at 1 and 2 weeks postoperatively, respectively. Epithelial gaping was observed in five (10%) patients at 1 week and in two (4%) patients at 2 weeks. It was not observed after 1 month, postoperatively. Endothelial gaping was observed in 36 (72%) patients at 1 week, in 30 (60%) patients at 2 weeks, and in four (8%) patients at 1 month, and was not present after 3 months.

Conclusion

AS-OCT is an excellent tool to assess the integrity and structure of the corneal wound after phacoemulsification sensitively and quantitatively. So, it could play an important role in the early detection and management of endophthalmitis.
Medial rectus recession versus lateral rectus advancement in surgical correction of consecutive esotropia
Authors: Elsayed Sahar H. , Basyoni Omar El-Shabrawy , El-Marakby Mohammad A. , Attia Riham S.
Published: August 2022

Background

Following surgery to address intermittent exodeviation, consecutive esotropia (ET), in which postoperative ET continues for more than 6 months, may arise. Both lateral rectus advancement (LRA) and medial rectus recession (MRR) are effective in correction of consecutive ET.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to compare the results of LRA and MRR in correction of consecutive ET (within 40 PD) following bilateral lateral rectus recession for treatment of intermittent exotropia.

Patients and methods

This was a randomized double-blind controlled trial that included 30 patients who were divided into two groups: group 1 (LRA group, 15 patients) and group 2 (MRR group, 15 patients). Unilateral or bilateral LRA or MRR was done according to the preoperative angle of deviation. All patients had preoperative ocular examination, which included history taking, visual acuity testing, slit-lamp examination, fundus examination, preoperative angle of deviation at near and far using the Krimsky method, stereopsis using the Titmus test, and suppression using the Worth 4-dot test. The patients were followed up at 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery.

Results

There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in the preoperative angle of deviation (P=0.213). In group 1, the mean preoperative angle of consecutive ET was 29.0±6.14 PD, which improved to 0.87±3.56 PD 6 months after surgery, with a statistically significant difference (P<0.001). In group 2, the mean preoperative angle of consecutive ET was 25.47±8.81 PD and improved to 1.67±4.58 PD 6 months after surgery, with a statistically significant difference (P<0.001). However, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in the postoperative angle of deviation (P=0.562). Six months postoperatively, there were two (13.3%) undercorrected cases and one (6.7%) overcorrected case, with a success rate of 80% in group 1, whereas in group 2, there were two (13.3%) undercorrected cases and two (13.3%) overcorrected cases, with a success rate of 73.4%, with no statistically significant difference between the two groups in the success rate (P=0.66). In group 1, the mean preoperative stereoacuity value was 291.7±206.5, which improved significantly postoperatively to 140±35.71 (P=0.005). Similarly, in group 2, the mean preoperative stereoacuity value was 506.7±810.5 and improved significantly postoperatively to 150±46.41, (P=0.003).

Conclusion

Both LRA and MRR were effective in the correction of consecutive ET.
Accuracy of intraocular lens power calculation using Scheimpflug tomography and OKULIX ray-tracing software in paracentral corneal scarring not interfering with postoperative refraction
Authors: Nabil Karim M.
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation using Scheimpflug tomography and OKULIX ray-tracing software in cases of paracentral corneal scarring.

Patients and methods

The study was conducted on 40 consecutive eyes: 20 with corneal scarring and coexisting cataract and 20 controls with clear cornea, for whom uneventful phacoemulsification and IOL implantation was performed. Preoperatively, Scheimpflug tomography and OKULIX ray-tracing software and third-generation IOL power calculation formulas were used for IOL power calculation. Accuracy of IOL power calculation was evaluated by subtracting the expected and achieved spherical refraction, 3 months postoperatively and was recorded as the mean absolute error (MAE). The distance uncorrected visual acuity for each eye was measured preoperatively and 3 months postoperatively; the visual acuity was scored and converted to the logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (LogMar) for statistical analysis.

Results

In cases of corneal scarring, all eyes (100%) yielded a postoperative spherical refraction which differed by less than 1 D from the predicted. In 16 (80%) eyes, the postoperative spherical refraction was within 0.50 D from the expected. The MAE was 0.2 D in cases of corneal scarring, which did not differ significantly from the controls (MAE=0.1 D), P=0.142. In corneal scarring cases, the distance uncorrected visual acuity showed significant improvement from 1.3 LogMar (Snellen's equivalent 20/400), preoperatively, to 0.5 LogMar (Snellen's equivalent 20/60), 3 months postoperatively.

Conclusion

Scheimpflug tomography combined with OKULIX ray-tracing software for the calculation of IOL power provided accurate results in cases of corneal scarring.
Pulsed Radiofrequency Treatment of the Dorsal Root Ganglion in Patients with Chronic Neuropathic Pain
Authors: Waicus Sarah , Bhambra Nishaant
Published: August 2022

Background:

Chronic neuropathic pain (CNP) is a complex condition that has profound impacts on quality of life. Pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) on the dorsal root ganglia (DRGs) is a novel treatment that has shown clinical efficacy in pain relief, however, its mechanism remains unknown.

Objectives:

The objective of this review is to synthesize the literature on inflammatory markers and clinical pain outcomes in CNP patients treated with PRF.

Study Design:

A narrative review was conducted.

Setting:

Eligibility criteria included human trials on adults diagnosed with CNP. Monopolar and bipolar PRF treatments on the DRG were included.

Methods:

Four peer reviewed electronic databases (Medline, EMBASE, PubMed, and Cochrane) were systematically searched for studies on PRF on the DRG to treat CNP. The primary outcome measures included pain scores and cerebrospinal fluid samples taken pre- and posttreatment measuring inflammatory markers.

Results:

Thirty-three articles were identified in the database searches. Titles, abstracts, and full-text articles were evaluated, and eight articles met the inclusion criteria. The study designs included five randomized-controlled trials and three quasi-experimental studies.

Patients:

There were 311 patients pooled with an age range of 35–76 years. Types of CNP included chronic radicular pain, postmastectomy pain syndrome, chronic lumbosacral pain, and postherpetic neuralgia.

Intervention:

Treatments in included studies included monopolar and bipolar PRF stimulation ranging from 120 s at 2 Hz to 360 s with 5 Hz pulses.

Measurement:

The main findings revealed that PRF treatment provided significant pain relief (P < 0.05), with the greatest pain reduction at 3 months. Pro-inflammatory markers were found to decrease, whereas anti-inflammatory markers increased post-PRF intervention.

Limitations:

There were differing PRF procedure standards, and it is uncertain whether a higher frequency or duration is correlated with better outcomes. Studies had small sample sizes increasing the margin of error. Longer duration randomized-controlled trials are needed to understand the optimal therapeutic duration using PRF.
The effectiveness of reality therapy on sexual satisfaction and marital intimacy of infertile women
Authors: Koleshtajani Esmat Jamshidi , Zabihi Rozita , Yekta Mehrnaz Azad
Published: August 2022

BACKGROUND:

Infertility is one of the most important challenges in the modern life that can damage the sexual satisfaction and marital intimacy of couples. The present study was aimed to investigate the effectiveness of reality therapy on sexual satisfaction and marital intimacy of infertile women.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This quasi-experimental study was conducted with a pretest-posttest design and follow-up. The statistical population was infertile women who were referred to Imam Sajjad Shahriyar Hospital in 2019–2020. 15 infertile women selected by purposive sampling and underwent reality therapy (8 sessions of 90 min). Data were collected using index sexual satisfaction (ISS) and marital intimacy questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using SPSS-24 software, analysis of variance with repeated measures and post hoc Bonferroni test.

RESULTS:

The results of analysis of variance showed that there was a significant difference between the scores of sexual satisfaction and marital intimacy in posttest and follow-up stages compared to pretest (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS:

Based on the results, reality therapy can be used as an effective intervention to improvement sexual satisfaction and marital intimacy of infertile women.
Exploring Challenges of Access to Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) Prevention, Treatment and Care
Authors: Biswas Sutapa , Podder Debayan , Jha Sweety Suman , Kathuria Prachi , Paul Bobby
Published: August 2022

BACKGROUND:

People living with noncommunicable diseases (PLWNCDs) are often disproportionately affected due to adverse interaction with socioecological and biological factors. Hence, it is imperative to learn from their lived experience to gain a greater understanding of interactions as well as explore their priorities and needs in accessing care and identify areas of priority action through multistakeholder engagement.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The qualitative study with grounded theory approach was conducted between October and December 2020. An online key-informant interview with the health policymaker, virtual group discussion with eight PLWNCDs, and in-depth telephonic interviews with five PLWNCDs were conducted, after obtaining informed consent using interview guide, developed, and validated by the experts. Data collection continued till data saturation was achieved. Transcripts generated from the interview recordings were coded using hand-code technique and analyzed thematically.

RESULTS:

Challenges faced by PLWNCDs in accessing care were lack of empathy and support from health-care professionals, stigma, financial hardship, and hospital overcrowding. Caregivers emphasized on the felt need to involve civil society organizations (CSOs) in raising awareness toward noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) at family, community, and policymaking levels. The need for home-based NCD care and rehabilitation centers was voiced by the PLWNCDs. Impediments toward effective implementation of NCD policies were adoption of a “top-down” approach, poor awareness about government health insurance schemes, skewed distribution of empanelled hospitals in and around cities, nonavailability of qualified health-care professionals in underserved areas, aggravated allocation-utilization disparity during COVID-19 pandemic, and lack of robust information technology infrastructure to support access to telemedicine services.

CONCLUSION:

The collective role of governments, CSOs, and health-care providers, along with meaningful involvement of PLWNCDs, would help to create an enabling environment for overcoming the challenges of access to care and thus achieve universal health coverage.
Exploring the effective elements on the personal and professional development among health-care providers
Authors: Farahmand Shervin , Rad Elaheh Malakan , Keshmiri Fatemeh
Published: August 2022

BACKGROUND:

A new domain of “personal and professional development” was introduced as a core competency of health-care providers. This study aimed to explore the experiences of learners and faculty members about what competencies or skills were essential for the professional development and success of health-care providers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This is a qualitative study using an inductive content analysis approach in 2019–2020. In the present study, 58 academic faculty members participated by purposeful sampling including ten associate professors (17.24%) and 24 assistance professors (41.37%), in addition to 23-year medical residents (20.65%) and 4th-year nursing students (20.65%). Individual and group interviews were conducted. Data were analyzed by the inductive content analysis approach introduced by Graneheim and Lundman.

RESULTS:

The qualitative data were classified in 953 open codes and eight categories, which were further divided into four main categories: “socio-emotional skills,” “life-long learning skills,” “coping skills,” and “well-being strategies.”

CONCLUSIONS:

The present results showed socioemotional and coping skills affect interpersonal and professional interactions that contributed to their improved health-care providers’ capabilities. Participants also considered lifelong learning as influential in developing professional capabilities and keeping their knowledge and skills up-to-date for accountability to duties. Moreover, using well-being strategies protects the mental and physical health of health-care providers. These skills are synergistic, and their combination can have a significant role in improving the personal and professional capabilities.
Psychological implications of Covid-19 in healthcare workers
Authors: Garg Rashi , Gupta Neelam , Puri Shraddha , Kakkar Naveen
Published: August 2022

BACKGROUND:

The Covid-19 outbreak has led to an unprecedented burden on the healthcare infrastructure. High morbidity and mortality rates have resulted in a state of stress and distress among the general population which has also impacted health professionals.

AIMS:

This study was conducted to identify mental health disturbances among health professionals during the Covid-19 pandemic.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

It was a cross-sectional study, conducted in a Medical College in Himachal Pradesh, India. A self-administered anonymized questionnaire was administered to the healthcare workers. Mental health status was assessed using Patient Health Questionnaire Anxiety-Depression Scale (PHQ-ADS). In addition, a 15-item questionnaire was prepared to identify the probable causes of stress in HCWs during the Covid-19 Pandemic. A statistical analysis used t-test was used to find the significance of the correlation between the PHQ-ADS score and the agreement score of different factors.

RESULTS:

The response rate for the questionnaire was 27%. Anxiety and depression were seen in 29% of participants, ranging from mild (18.3%), moderate (4.7%), and severe (5.9%). Among females 43.7% of the participants and among males, 13.1% had anxiety and depression. High PHQ-ADS scores were seen in nursing staff (70%) and postgraduate students (30%), who were in the third decade of life. Most (81.7%) of the HCWs were concerned about transmitting the disease to their near ones. Fear of coming to the hospital and dealing with patients.

CONCLUSION:

Even sub-threshold syndromes among HCWs need to be identified before they evolve into overt diseases. The psychological needs of healthcare workers should be prioritized as they are key players in the fight against Covid-19.