bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effectiveness of sexual health counseling based on cognitive-behavioral therapy on sexual satisfaction and inefficient sexual beliefs of primigravida women
Authors: Bokaie Mahshid , Gashiri Marzie Zarei , Khoshbin Azam , Salimi Hajar
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND:

Pregnancy may change sex life, this period may be associated with decreased sex, and this is due to fear of miscarriage, nausea and vomiting, fear of harm to the fetus, fatigue, and fear of ruptured membranes. Midwives could help them to improve their sexual life during this period. One of the important approaches to improving sexual life during pregnancy is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). This nonmedical approach could improve misconceptions about sex during pregnancy. The aim of this study was the effect of sexual health counseling based on CBT on sexual satisfaction and inefficient sexual beliefs of primigravida women.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This was a randomized clinical trial study, the research population being 52 pregnant women who were randomly divided into groups, the experimental (26) and the control (26). Before the sexual health counseling based on CBT, the Sexual Satisfaction Questionnaire and the Inefficient Sexual Beliefs Questionnaire were filled by both the groups. These standard questionnaires were completed three times (before, immediately, and 4 weeks after intervention). After pretest, eight sexual health counseling sessions (90 min) were performed for the experimental group. The control group received routine care. Data analysis was performed by using descriptive statistics tests, ANOVA, and post hoc tests by Bonferroni method in SPSS version 22. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS:

The mean score of inefficient sexual beliefs in the interventional group before intervention, immediately after the intervention, and 1 month later was obtained 22.85 ± 9.57, 12.92 ± 7.25, and 7.86 ± 13.88, respectively (P < 0.001). The mean score of sexual satisfaction before the study, immediately after the intervention, and 1 month later was 88.77 ± 11.89, 95.62 ± 9.27, and 94.65 ± 8.28, respectively, in the experimental group (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION:

Sexual health counseling based on CBT could reduce inefficient sexual beliefs and increase the sexual satisfaction of the primigravida women during pregnancy, but most participants preferred fewer sessions.
Relationship between psychological factors and perceived stigma of addiction among women with substance use disorders, Thailand
Authors: Yangyuen Suneerat , Kanato Manop , Somdee Thidarat
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND:

Substance use disorders (SUDs) are one of the most stigmatized health conditions that impact drug user's treatment engagement. However, to date, little is known about perceived stigma and its correlates with psychological factors among high-risk groups such as people with SUDs in the criminal justice system. This study aimed to determine the association of psychological factors and perceived stigma of addiction among women with SUDs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This cross-sectional design was conducted on 652 women with SUDs who were treated in all 7 compulsory drug detention centers in Thailand with consecutive sampling technique. The data were collected by standardized interviewers with interviewing questionnaire. Multiple logistic regression was applied to examine the effect of psychological factors and perceived stigma.

RESULTS:

More than half of SUD patients (57.2%) were methamphetamine abuse or dependence, approximately 69.9% reported high level of perceived stigma, 56.7% had mild depression, 34.8% had low level of perceived social support, and the average perceived stress score was 19.2 (standard deviation, 7.5). The perceived stigma was positively related to depressive symptom and perceived stress while was inversely related to perceived social support.

CONCLUSION:

The psychological factors were strongly associated with perceived stigma of addiction. Thus, the detection of psychological problems among SUD patients may be benefit clinicians for identifying which patients are most at risk of perceived stigma and are the potential targets of intervention to reduce stigma in clinical practice.
Comparing the effect of education based on PRECEDE – PROCEED model in person-centered and supportive group methods on women’s psychological well-being in the menopausal period
Authors: Moshki Mahdi , Yaghubi Reza , Pariafsai Fariba
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND:

Positive psychology introduce mental health as a positive psychological functioning and represent it as well-being psychology. From this point of view, psychological health is more supposed to be known as having positive characteristics such as self-esteem, positive social relationships, and satisfaction. This study was conducted to compare the effect of education in two methods of person-centered and supportive group based on the PRECEDE-PROCEED model on women's psychological well-being during menopause.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The present study was a clinical trial. One hundred and ten menopausal women have been placed in two groups (tests and control). The training program was designed according to the PRECEDE-PROCEED model. The educational intervention was implemented for two groups (person-centered and the supportive group) and the control group did not receive any training. Data analysis was used by descriptive statistics and in the case of normal distribution of alternative tests such as Kruskal–Wallis test, Man–Whitney test, Wilcoxon, spearman correlation, Spearman correlation was used.

RESULTS:

Results of variance analysis showed that awareness, attitude, self-efficacy, enabling factors, reinforcement, support, behavioral environment, six psychological well-being factors were significantly different from the individual group and control group. Furthermore, the overall score of the psychological well-being was significantly higher than the control group.

CONCLUSIONS:

As a result of the design and deployment of health care monitoring system, building and reform of community beliefs toward women's status in decision making and their role in menopause, the design and development of support group meetings in women's health care system and enhancing women's access to specialist and heterogeneous health services tailored to the needs of the menopause.
Assessment of educational intervention and Acupressure during labor on the mother's anxiety level and arterial oxygen pressure of the umbilical cord of infants (PO2). A randomized controlled clinical Trial
Authors: Masoudi Zahra , Kasraeian Maryam , Akbarzadeh Marzieh
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND:

Natural delivery is distressing, and the mother's anxiety in this condition can have negative impacts on the fetus, mother, and the delivery process. Hence, many women tend to use pharmacological or nonpharmacological methods for reduction of labor stress and anxiety. The aim was to assess the effect of supportive care and acupressure during labor on the mother's anxiety level and arterial oxygen pressure of the umbilical cord of infants.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This performed on 150 pregnant women were randomly assigned to two interventions and a control group in the delivery ward of the selected educational center of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences (Shoushtari Hospital) in Iran. Mothers’ anxiety scores before (beginning of the active stage of labor) and after intervention (the end of the first stage of labor) were measured using Spielberger's questionnaire. Then, infants’ cord blood samples for arterial blood gas and hematologic analyses were sent to the hospital's laboratory. After all, the data with SPSS version 16 and using Pearson's correlation coefficient, one-way ANOVA, were analyzed.

RESULTS:

The mean of anxiety score in the control group was 21.1% and in the supportive group and the acupressure group, respectively, decreased by 37.5% and 34.8%, respectively (P < 0.001). The mean of PO2 was also reported in the maternal supportive, acupressure, and control groups, 40.4 ± 8.8, 27.4 ± 2.8, and 18.1 ± 3.7, respectively. Additionally, a significant correlation was found between mothers’ anxiety scores after the intervention and the mean of PO2 (P = 0.014).

CONCLUSION:

The supportive care and acupressure at BL32 acupoint reduced mothers’ anxiety and consequently improved fetal oxygenation. Therefore, these methods are recommended to be used during labor for improving birth outcomes.
The effect of hypnosis on perceived stress in women with preeclampsia
Authors: Vahdat Sedighe , Fathi Mahdi , Feyzi Zhaleh , Shakeri Mohammad Taghi , Tafazoli Mahin
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND:

Perceived stress is one of the causes of preeclampsia; one of the ways to manage mental stress is hypnosis. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of hypnosis on perceived stress in women with preeclampsia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This randomized clinical trial was performed on 80 (40 people in each group) pregnant women 28–32 weeks with preeclampsia and hospitalized in two public hospitals in Mashhad in 2020. The Cohen Perceived Stress Questionnaire was first completed in two groups. Then, in the intervention group, three half-hour sessions of hypnosis were performed with an interval of 3 days (hypnosis consists of three sessions: each session is held for three consecutive nights). After each session, the intervention package, which included recording the dialogs of each session for posthypnotic suggestion, was delivered to the mothers on a CD to listen to every night before bed. The control group received routine care. Then, 2 weeks after the intervention, the Perceived Stress Questionnaire was completed by both groups. The results were analyzed by independent t-test, paired t-test, Mann–Whitney, Chi-square, Friedman and covariance tests, and by SPSS 16.

RESULTS:

At the beginning of the study, there was no statistically significant difference between demographic characteristics and the perceived stress score before the intervention between the two groups (P > 0.05). However, after the intervention, the mean perceived stress score was a statistically significant difference between the intervention and control groups (P = 0.005). Perceived stress after the intervention was significantly reduced in the intervention group, which was significant between the two groups.

CONCLUSION:

Perceived stress in mothers with preeclampsia is reduced by hypnosis.
Strategies for sharing pedagogical knowledge in clinical education in adapting to the impact of COVID-19
Authors: Ramazanzade Khaironnesa , Ayati Mohsen , Abedi Farshid , Shokohifard Hossein
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND:

The extent and complexity of knowledge in the field of medicine necessitate modern education systems. Rational performance in the education system depends on the synergy of educators through knowledge sharing as the basis of education. The aim of this study was to investigate the knowledge-sharing strategies in clinical education and its changes during the COVID-19 pandemic.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The content analysis was conducted in 2019 at Birjand University of Medical Sciences. Twenty-seven clinical instructors with enough experience and knowledge in the field of clinical education were chosen based on purposive theoretical sampling. Data collection was done by semi-structured interviews, which continued until data saturation. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and read several times to obtain a whole understanding. Next, the meaning units and initial codes were identified, and then, they were classified into subcategories and categories. To ensure the trustworthiness of the data, Lincoln and Guba criteria were considered.

RESULTS:

The results of the study include five pedagogical knowledge-sharing strategies: “peer-helping, clinical education workplace,” “use of cyberspace,” “student mediation,” “working teams,” and “scientific communities.” Coronavirus pandemic was identified as the “facilitator” and the “culturalization factor” of knowledge sharing. In addition, “lack of shared knowledge management,” “lack of compliance with needs,” and “dispersion of content” were considered as barriers to the efficiency of pedagogical knowledge sharing during the coronavirus pandemic.

CONCLUSIONS:

Sharing knowledge in a clinical education setting could continue by various strategies. The results can be used in planning for the professional development of professors.
Persian mobile health applications for COVID-19
Authors: Nouri Rasool , Salari Raheleh , Kalhori Sharareh R. Niakan , Ayyoubzadeh Seyed Mohammad , Gholamzadeh Marsa
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND:

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak, a significant number of mobile health apps have been created around the world and in Iran to help consequence reduction of this emerging pandemic.

OBJECTIVES:

This study aimed to review the characteristics of Persian Android and iOS apps related to COVID-19 and determine their use-cases based on a reference model.

METHODS:

This was a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted in three main steps. First, a systematic search was conducted via Iranian mobile apps’ markets using the keywords related to COVID-19 in January 2021. Then, the retrieved apps were analyzed according to their characteristics. Finally, the use-cases of the given apps were determined and categorized based on a reference model.

RESULTS:

Based on our inclusion criteria, 122 apps were selected and evaluated. Most of these apps (87.7%) was free. Small proportions (5%) of reviewed apps have been developed with participation of clinical expert and half of the apps mentioned the references they used. Furthermore, about half of the apps (50.8%) were provided contact information of the developers. The studied apps were classified into four use-case major categories, including educational (98%), fulfilling a contextual need (18%), communicating, and/or sharing the information (0.83%), and health-related management (2%).

CONCLUSION:

The results showed that the Persian mobile apps for COVID-19 are not in a satisfying situation. Furthermore, although these apps are significant in quantity but in terms of use-cases, they are not widespread.
Job burnout among nurses during COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Zareei Mahdi , Tabanejad Zeinab , Oskouie Fatemeh , Ebadi Abbas , Mesri Morteza
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND:

Nurses are in close contact with COVID-19 patients and due to the high risk of infection, they experience fear and anxiety that can result in burnout. This study aimed to review the studies on burnout among nurses during the COVID-19 epidemic.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The study followed the guideline for Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (PRISMA). Using the keywords: “burnout,” “nurse,” and “COVID-19” and with the help of Boolean operators, “AND” and “OR” the online databases, namely PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Science Direct were searched. Articles published from the first of February 2020 to 30 October, 2020 were retrieved. After the quality appraisal, the required data were extracted and analyzed.

RESULTS:

Out of 85 articles identified in the initial search, and after removing duplicates and those that did not have the required data, seven articles entered the analysis. Among these articles, four (57.14%) reported moderate burnout and three articles (42.86) reported high level of burnout among nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

CONCLUSIONS:

A majority of the studies reported that nurses experienced a moderate level of burnout during the COVID-19 pandemic. Given the prevalence of burnout in nurses and because nurses are the largest portion of the healthcare providers who are in close contact with patients infected by COVID-19, it is necessary for health care policymakers to adopt strategies for preventing or reducing burnout among nurses.
Relationship of eating behavior and self-esteem with body image perception and other factors among female college students of University of Delhi
Authors: Kapoor Abhilasha , Upadhyay Madhu Kumari , Saini Narinder Kumar
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND:

Eating disorders (EDs) can lead to life-threatening nutritional deficiencies whereas self-esteem influences interpersonal relationships and academic performance. Excessive concerns about body image resulting in body dissatisfaction not only affect psychological well-being but also predisposes to disordered eating behaviors. The objective of this study is to assess the eating behavior and level of self-esteem, their relationship with body image perception and also identify factors associated with them among undergraduate female college students.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This cross-sectional study was conducted among 180 female undergraduate students of University of Delhi. Sociodemographic characteristics and anthropometric measurements were recorded. Eating Attitude Test-26, Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale, Contour Drawing Rating Scale and Body Shape Questionnaire 34 were used to assess eating behavior, self-esteem, body image dissatisfaction and body shape concerns, respectively. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used and binary logistic regression was applied to identify the factors determining high risk eating behavior and low self-esteem.

RESULTS:

In this study, 27.8% of the study participants were overweight or obese, 30.6% had body shape concerns and 76.7% had body image dissatisfaction. Significant proportion (13.9%) of the participants was identified as high risk for the development of EDs and having low self-esteem (12.8%). Body shape concern and family influences were significant predictors of high risk eating behavior whereas type of college and family influences significantly predicted low self-esteem.

CONCLUSIONS:

The study concluded that factors such as nutritional status, family influences, type of college and body shape concerns lead to high risk eating behavior and low self-esteem. These findings will help in creating awareness on importance of concept of positive body image, healthy weight control behaviors and in developing future interventions.
Knowledge about attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder among primary schoolteachers in Sharjah, UAE
Authors: Saad Sara , Aljanahi Farida , Coumaravelou Saravanan , Agha Ammar , Alsamiri Muna , Allami Sajad
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND:

Teachers’ knowledge and awareness about the signs and symptoms, behavioral problems, and treatment are imperative to handling children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in the school. This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge about ADHD among primary schoolteachers in Sharjah, UAE.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

In this cross-sectional study, a convenient sampling method was used to collect data from 239 teachers working in private schools and 25 teachers working at the public schools in Sharjah. A self-administered questionnaire was used to measure the sociodemographic characteristics and the Knowledge of Attention-Deficit Disorders Scale was used to measure the knowledge about ADHD. Data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential methods.

RESULTS:

Private schoolteachers have more knowledge about ADHD than public Schoolteachers (P = 0.016). Teachers obtain information about ADHD through educational workshops (32%), social media (23%), friends and relatives (12%), TV and radio (9%), scientific journals (8%), campaigns (7%), and other sources (9%) such as the Internet, lectures, personal experience, and reading. Most of the teachers (56.3%) have knowledge about the signs and symptoms of ADHD, whereas teachers’ knowledge about the associated features and treatment of ADHD is 34.4% and 34.1%, respectively.

CONCLUSION:

Teachers’ level of knowledge about ADHD-associated features and treatment was inadequate in Sharjah. Hence, enhancing knowledge about ADHD by providing various training workshops and conducting social events, and campaigns are warranted to enhance their knowledge on ADHD.
A survey of nurses, midwives, and physicians attitudes in regard to health reform plan at Jahrom University of Medical Sciences in 2020
Authors: Pourfarid Yasaman , Hojat Mohsen
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND:

The health reform plan (HRP) is a plan to improve Iran's health systems that began in 2014. The three main approaches of this plan include financial protection of the people, creating justice in access to health services, and improving the quality of services. It predicted that the level of health system responsiveness would increase. Achieving this goal is possible only with the correct implementation. The best people to measure the correct implementation are nurses, midwives, and physicians. Hence, this study was conducted to assess the attitude of nurses, midwives, and physicians about the implementation of the HRP.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in educational hospitals of Jahrom University of Medical Sciences in 2020. By convenience sampling method, 325 nurses, midwives, and physicians participated in this study. Sampling was done in all work shifts, and in all wards. A researcher-making questionnaire was used to collect data. The scoring did by the Likert scale from (completely agree = 4 to completely disagree = 1). Quantitative and qualitative face and content validity was calculated (IS: 0.84, CVI: 0.92, CVR: 0.87), and its reliability was calculated by Cronbach's alpha method (0.78). The data were analyzed by SPSS software version 16. Descriptive statistics, Mann–Whitney U-test, and Kruskal–Wallis test were used for the data analysis (P ≤ 0.05).

RESULTS:

In the study, 90.15% agreed with the implementation of the HRP. There was no significant difference between the male and female (P = 0.063). There was a significant difference between the educational degree (P = 0.006), married and the single participants’ attitude (P = 0.003), the nurses, midwives, and physicians (P = 0.001).

CONCLUSION:

HRP is more successful in the field of financial protection, so policymakers should pay more attention to justice in access to health services and improving the quality of services fields.
Psychosocial Well-being among Diabetic Individuals
Authors: Samajdar Shambo Samrat , Mukherjee Shatavisa , Tripathi Santanu Kumar
Published: February 2024

Background:

Quality of life (QoL) assessment is considered an important outcome measure in chronic disease management. With an increase in the prevalence of diabetes in India, it becomes imperative to assess QoL in diabetic patients for their better care and control. The present study aimed to assess the QoL among diabetic patients attending the diabetic outpatient clinic and probe its association with glycemic status and management.

Methodology:

A cross-sectional study was conducted for 4 months among 185 type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. Information on sociodemographic profile, diabetic history, and current medications was obtained. QoL was assessed using the General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28). The results were statistically analyzed.

Results:

Using GHQ-28, the psychosocial components of the patients in the fields related to somatic symptoms, anxiety and insomnia, social dysfunction, and severe depression were assessed. Significantly higher GHQ scores (P < 0.05) were noted in T2DM patients with higher glycated hemoglobin and increased plasma glucose levels, suggesting stronger associations of poorer QoL with compromised glycemic status. Insulin users exhibited higher GHQ scores (higher scores for depression subdomains) compared to noninsulin users. QoL was also found significantly dependent on the duration of diabetes and other comorbidities.

Conclusion:

The psychosocial well-being of the patients is significantly impacted in cases of chronic ailments like diabetes which adds to the total disease burden eventually. The present study warrants periodic assessment of QoL in diabetic individuals as a part of routine care along with advise of psychiatric counseling for those in need.
Corneal stress-strain index in myopic Indian population
Authors: Kenia Vaishal P. , Kenia Raj V. , Bendre Pradnya , Pirdankar Onkar H.
Published: February 2024

AIM:

The purpose is to study the corneal stress-strain index (SSI) in myopic refractive error among Indian subjects.

METHODS:

A retrospective study where young myopic subjects aged between 11 and 35 years who had undergone corneal biomechanics assessment using Corvis ST between January 2017 and December 2021 were enrolled. Subjects with central corneal thickness (CCT) <500 m, intraocular pressure (IOP) >21 mmHg, history of any systemic and ocular disease or any previous ocular surgery, high astigmatism, corneal disease such as keratoconus were excluded. Subjects with missing data or having poor quality scan were excluded. Corneal biomechanical properties and corneal SSI were assessed using Corvis ST. For statistical purposes, eyes were divided into four different groups and were analyzed using one-way ANOVA.

RESULTS:

Nine hundred and sixty-six myopic eyes with mean ± standard deviation age, IOP, and CCT of 26.89 ± 4.92 years, 16.94 ± 2.00 mmHg, and 540.18 ± 25.23 microns, respectively, were included. There were 311, 388, 172, and 95 eyes that were low, moderate, severe, and extreme myopic. Deformation amplitude ratio at 1 mm and 2 mm were similar across different myopic groups. A significant increase in max inverse radius, ambrosia relational thickness, biomechanically corrected IOP, integrated radius was noted with an increase in myopic refractive error. Corvis biomechanical index, corneal SSI was found to be decreased significantly with an increase in myopic refractive error. We noted a significant positive association between myopic refractive error and SSI (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION:

Corneal SSI was found to be reduced in extreme myopic eyes.
The prevalence of functional amblyopia and its related risk factors in preschool children in North-Eastern Iran
Authors: Hamidi Aghdas , Jalalifar Samira , Atigh Somayyeh Boomi Quchan , Darvishi Azam , Sharif Nasrin Moghadas , Lashkardoost Hossein , Sangsefidi Negar , Shandiz Javad Heravian
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND:

Purpose was to determine the prevalence of amblyopia and its related risk factors in children aged 3–6 years in Bojnurd, north-eastern Iran.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, from 12,331 children aged 3–6 in Bojnurd, 6600 children participated in annual amblyopic screening program and among them, around 1100 suspected cases were referred for full ophthalmic examinations. Measurement of visual acuity, cycloplegic refraction, subjective refraction, and cover test were performed for all participants. Amblyopia was defined as CDVA of 0.2 LogMar or less in each eye or 2-line difference or more in best-corrected visual acuity between two eyes.

RESULTS:

The prevalence of amblyopia was estimated 0.95% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.73%–1.2%). There was no relationship between amblyopia with age and genders. Most amblyopic children were hyperopic (61.9%; 95% CI: 48.7–73.8). Strabismus was found in 17.4% of amblyopic patients (95% CI: 9.05%–29.09%). Approximately half of the amblyopic children were anisometropic (55.5%; 95% CI: 42.40%–68.08%). The most common type of amblyopia was anisohyperopic (55.56%; 95% CI: 42.5%–67.5%). The prevalence of bilateral amblyopia was more than unilateral amblyopia. The assessment of data showed that hyperopia, astigmatism, and anisometropia were the most common causes of amblyopia in this study.

CONCLUSIONS:

The prevalence of amblyopia was estimated about 1% in north-eastern Iran. Our study indicated a valuable information around the effect of refractive error and anisometropia on amblyopia which could be helpful in designing a comprehensive vision screening program for preschool children.
A simplified sclerocorneal tunnel approach in performing pediatric cataract surgery
Authors: Abdullah Omer Othman , Oksuz Huseyin
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Performing pediatric lensectomy, anterior vitrectomy with intraocular lens implantation in one session, using a long sclerocorneal tunnel and covering the incision site with 8/0 Vicryl sutures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This study includes 52 eyes of 30 patients with pediatric cataracts. At the temporal side, the conjunctival peritomy was performed, followed by two long sclerocorneal side ports and the main incision for intraocular lens (IOLs) implantation. At the end of the operation, the side port and the conjunctiva incisions were sutured with 8/0 Vicryl sutures. The IOLs were implanted in children older than 24 months, not in smaller ones. The operations and intraoperative complications were recorded. After the operation, the patients were examined on the 1st postoperative day, then six times for the first 6 months. During follow-ups, the impact of the suture on the anterior segment complications and astigmatism was evaluated.

RESULTS:

The age of the patients ranged between 2 months and 8 years. The average operation time was 28 ± 6 min. Due to the suture-related complication, neither re-suturing nor stitch removal was carried out; therefore, general anesthesia was not repeated. The average astigmatism value of the children in the postoperative 1st week was 1.5 ± 1.2 D (0.5–4.0). The mean astigmatism value was 0.8 ± 0.5 D (0.5–1.5) in the 3rd postoperative month.

CONCLUSION:

The long corneoscleral tunnel method has been found safe in pediatric cataract surgery.
Treatment outcomes for maculopathy secondary to retinal vein occlusion in Afghanistan
Authors: Delsoz Mohammad , Mousavi Sayed Hamid , Aslam Sher A.
Published: February 2024

OBJECTIVES:

The objective of this study was to investigate the efficacy of intravitreal antivascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy in the treatment of macular edema secondary to retinal vein occlusion (RVO) in Afghanistan.

METHODS:

A retrospective analysis was conducted of all RVO cases that underwent intravitreal ant-VEGF injection at the two leading hospitals in Kabul. The main outcome measures were visual acuity and central retinal thickness as determined by optical coherence tomography. Information was also collected on the distance traveled by each patient and the frequency of injections.

RESULTS:

One hundred and twenty-five eyes of 121 patients (86 males) with RVO were identified as having undergone treatment, with a mean age of 53.1 years (range 20–80). The only agent used was bevacizumab. The mean central retinal thickness reduced from 624.2 ± 24.9 mm at the baseline to 257.8 ± 5.7 mm following treatment (P < 0.001). There was a small increase in visual acuity from 1.33 LogMAR at the baseline to 1.13 LogMAR following the most recent injection (P = 0.03, paired t-test). The mean distance traveled by patients was 173.9 km (range 2–447 km).

CONCLUSION:

Despite the challenges of health-care provision in Afghanistan, this review shows that the use of intravitreal bevacizumab has provided an effective treatment for macular edema after RVO.
Inadvertent triple globe penetration during peribulbar anesthesia
Authors: Poornachandra B. , Hande Prathiba , Thomas Sherina , Shetty Rohit , Bhandary Ananth
Published: February 2024

Inadvertent globe perforation following peribulbar anesthesia can lead to unpleasant experiences if not identified early and managed appropriately. We present the case of a 75-year-old female who came with decreased vision in the left eye (LE) following cataract surgery under peribulbar block. Her visual acuity in the right eye (RE) was 6/24 and LE was 6/75. Fundus examination of LE showed vitreous hemorrhage with localized subretinal hemorrhage along the inferotemporal arcade suggestive of globe perforation. Optical coherence tomography (OCT, Spectralis. Heidelberg imaging, Germany) scan across the perforation site showed subretinal hemorrhage and full-thickness retinal tear. On follow-up, two more focal points of retinal whitening were noted in the inferotemporal equatorial region. The patient was kept under close monitoring, and 4 weeks later, vision improved to 6/9 and barrage laser was done around the perforation sites. Serial OCT scans and close follow-up in iatrogenic globe perforation can result in good visual outcomes.
A simplification of intricate multifocal electroretinogram understanding: A mini-review
Authors: Chen Ai-Hong , Rafiuddin Muhamad Syukri Mohamad , Ahmad Azmir , Rosli Saiful Azlan
Published: February 2024

Variation of multifocal electroretinogram (mfERG) data presentation in existing scientific publications is a challenge for eye care practitioners to apply the scientific information for evidence-based practice in patient management. This review offers an overview of the mfERG data presentation types. Eight types of data presentation in the form of a table, scatter plot, line graph, bar graph/box plot, single waveform/a group of waveforms, trace array topography, three-dimensional topography, and two-dimensional topography are identified. The table format is used to provide the exact values. Line graphs, scatter, and box plots offer information about the relationship of mfERG values. Waveforms are helpful for comparison between groups or conditions. Topographies outline the retinal, especially the specific localized retinal abnormalities. An infographic of fundamental mfERG electrical response with definitions and clinical indications is provided to bridge the gap between researchers and clinicians to facilitate efficient clinical application.
Phacoemulsification in patients with diabetic macular edema – A real-world data of 75 eyes
Authors: Bassi Shikha Talwar , Salim Shebin , Rishi Ekta
Published: February 2024

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of phacoemulsification with intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide (IVTA) injection in patients with cataract and diabetic macular edema (DME) across the grades of diabetic retinopathy (DR).

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

It was a retrospective observational study. The study included 70 patients (75 eyes) with cataract and clinically significant macular edema in diabetics with nonproliferative (61 eyes) or proliferative (14 eyes) DR who underwent phacoemulsification with IVTA. Visual outcome and progression of DME over 3 months were studied in terms of the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central macular thickness (CMT), respectively.

RESULTS:

The case records of 70 patients (75 eyes) were studied. The mean baseline BCVA (n = 75) in the logMAR scale ± SD was 0.92 ± 0.53. 3 weeks after the surgery, the mean BCVA improved to 0.39 ± 0.26 and the mean CMT (n = 40) was 382.57 ± 192.30 compared with the mean preoperative CMT of 480.57 ± 163.25 in the same set (P = 0.01). The mean CMT decreased at 3 weeks in 22 (55% of the eyes). An improvement of ≥2 lines was seen at 3 weeks in 52 (69.33%) eyes and in 49 (65.33%) eyes at 3 months. The mean CMT at 3 months was 445.51 ± 222.99 (n = 70) compared to the preoperative mean CMT of 470.72 ± 176.15 in the same set (P = 0.29). The mean CMT decreased at 3 months in 34 (48.5%) eyes.

CONCLUSIONS:

Phacoemulsification with IVTA injection improved the mean visual acuity at 3 weeks and 3 months in two-thirds of cases and decreased the mean CMT at 3 weeks in nearly half the numbers.
Rare presentation of orbital metastasis in multiple myeloma
Authors: O’Donovan Charles , Wu Angela D. , Lim Wei S.
Published: February 2024

Orbital manifestations are rarely observed in multiple myeloma (MM) and when they occur, they are often the first manifestation. We report a rare occurrence of vision loss in a 51-year-old female from orbital metastases in MM without proptosis or diplopia. The ophthalmic presentation of MM is usually progressive proptosis, pain, diplopia, and visual loss. The presence of metastasis in MM indicates poor prognosis and orbital metastases have worse survival rates. In conclusion, in cases of profound vision loss with no obvious cause, neuroimaging should be performed to evaluate the orbital extent of the disease and exclude intracranial pathology.
Scleral-fixated intraocular lens implantation with “irregular, knotless, zigzag-shaped scleral tunnel suture technique” combined with pars plana vitrectomy or anterior vitrectomy
Authors: Gunduz Abuzer , Ozturk Emrah , Cankaya Cem , Atas Pamuk B.U.
Published: February 2024

PURPOSE:

This study aims to introduce a new suture method and report surgical outcomes of patients who underwent scleral-fixated intraocular lens (SF-IOL) implantation combined with either pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) or anterior vitrectomy (AV).

METHODS:

Twenty-three eyes performed SF-IOL implantation combined with PPV (Group 1), and 34 eyes performed SF-IOL implantation combined with AV (Group 2) were included in the study prospectively. The SF-IOL, either polymethyl methacrylate or foldable IOL, was sutured into the sclera using PC-9 sutures in an irregular, knotless, and zigzag-shaped manner. The scleral tunnel was approximately 12-15 mm long, with at least four sharp edges. Suture tips were trimmed within the scleral tunnel. Postoperative outcomes and complications were evaluated.

RESULTS:

Both groups showed no complications such as suture tip expulsion, suture reaction, IOL dislocation, or increased intraocular pressure during postoperative visits. Group 1 exhibited a statistically significant improvement in visual acuity compared to preoperative values (P = 0.036 for the 1st month, <0.001 for the 3rd month). Similarly, Group 2 demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in visual acuity compared to the preoperative period (P = 0.001 for the 1st month, <0.001 for the 3rd month).

CONCLUSION:

The “irregular, knotless, and zigzag-shaped scleral tunnel suture technique” yielded favorable results in terms of IOL stability and visual acuity. This technique can be safely employed in patients undergoing SF-IOL implantation combined with PPV or AV.
Silicone oil emulsification: A literature review and role of widefield imaging and ultra-widefield imaging with navigated central and peripheral optical coherence tomography technology
Authors: Valentín-Bravo Francisco J. , Stanga Paulo E. , Reinstein Ursula I. , Stanga Sebastian E. F. , Martínez-Tapia Sebastián A. , Pastor-Idoate Salvador
Published: February 2024

Silicone oil (SO) emulsification is a significant concern in vitreoretinal surgery, leading to various complications. Despite the high prevalence of SO emulsification within the eye, there is currently no standardized method for its early detection. The recent introduction of widefield (WF) imaging and ultra-WF (UWF) imaging with navigated central and peripheral optical coherence tomography (OCT) techniques have shown promising results in providing high-resolution images of the peripheral vitreous, vitreoretinal interface, retina, and choroid. This enhanced visualization capability enables the early identification of emulsified SO droplets, facilitating a proactive therapeutic approach, and mitigating associated adverse events. This comprehensive literature review aims to provide an updated overview of the topic, focusing on the role of WFimaging and UWF imaging and navigated central and peripheral swept-source OCT (SS-OCT) in the early detection and management of SO emulsification. The review discusses the current understanding of SO emulsification, its associated complications, and the limitations of existing detection methods. In addition, it highlights the potential of WF and UWF imaging and peripheral OCT as advanced imaging modalities for improved visualization of SO emulsification. This review serves as a valuable resource for clinicians and researchers, providing insights into the latest advancements in the field of vitreoretinal surgery and the promising role of WF imaging and UWF imaging and navigated central and peripheral SS-OCT in the management of SO.
Refractive surgeries in children: Debunking the controversy and assessing the safety and efficacy
Authors: Eldweik Luai
Published: February 2024

New innovations in adults’ refractive surgeries have revolutionized the field, offering improved outcomes and enhanced patient experiences. While traditionally considered contraindicated in pediatric populations, emerging research suggests that this notion may not always hold true. Challenges, indications, safety, and other topics will be addressed in this review article.
Acceleration of moyamoya disease after anti-vascular endothelial growth factor intravitreal injections
Authors: Alotaibi Abdulaziz K. , Fallatah Sameeha , Refka Nabeel , Alrobaian Malek
Published: February 2024

Moyamoya disease (MMD) is a rare, progressive, irreversible vaso-occlusive disease affecting the cerebral vasculature. The progressive occlusion of blood vessels leads to the development of collateral vessels to compensate for the insufficient blood supply. Some growth factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) may cause excessive and aberrant angiogenesis in MMD. We report a case of a 55-year-old male, following up in retina clinics for diabetic retinopathy and macular edema who received anti-VEGF agents then he presented to the emergency room with left-sided face and body weakness, dysphagia, and dysarthria. Based on his clinical presentation and neuroimaging, he was diagnosed with moyamoya progression. We hypothesize that receiving anti-VEGF agents could have contributed to MMD progression in our patient and interfered with the collateral vessel development in a similar manner to their intended use in regressing neovascularization in diabetic retinopathy.
A Comprehensive Exploration of Artificial Intelligence Methods for COVID-19 Diagnosis
Authors: S Balasubramaniam , M Arishma , K Satheesh Kumar , Dhanaraj Rajesh Kumar
Published: February 2024

INTRODUCTION: The 2019 COVID-19 pandemic outbreak triggered a previously unseen global health crisis demanding accurate diagnostic solutions. Artificial Intelligence has emerged as a promising technology for COVID-19 diagnosis, offering rapid and reliable analysis of medical data.
OBJECTIVES: This research paper presents a comprehensive review of various artificial intelligence methods applied for the diagnosis, aiming to assess their effectiveness in identifying cases, predicting disease progression and differentiating from other respiratory diseases.
METHODS: The study covers a wide range of artificial intelligence methods and with application in analysing diverse data sources like chest x-rays, CT scans, clinical records and genomic sequences. The paper also explores the challenges and limitations in implementing AI -based diagnostic tools, including data availability and ethical considerations.
CONCLUSION: Leveraging AI’s potential in healthcare can significantly enhance diagnostic efficiency crisis management as the pandemic evolves.
Energy Market Prediction and Risk Assessment Based on China's Rural Collective Economy
Authors: Liu Xiaohang , Wang Ningning , Zhao Yuting
Published: February 2024

INTRODUCTION: Energy, as a core element supporting the functioning of modern society, is vital to the development of the rural collective economy. With the upgrading of the agrarian industrial structure and the improvement of rural electrification levels, the energy demand gradually increases. Therefore, for China's rural collective economy, an in-depth study of the forecasting and risk assessment of the energy market has essential theoretical and practical value for scientific planning of resource allocation and improving energy utilization efficiency.
OBJECTIVES: This study aims to reveal the development trend and key influencing factors through an in-depth analysis of China's rural collective economy's energy market and to make scientific forecasts of the future development of the energy market. At the same time, through risk assessment, it proposes risk prevention and resolution countermeasures of the energy market for the rural collective economy to provide decision support for rural energy security and sustainable development.
METHODS: This study adopts a comprehensive analysis approach, combining historical data, policy literature analysis, and expert interviews. First, a comprehensive analytical framework is established by combing the development history of the rural collective economy energy market over the past few years. Second, quantitative analysis models and numerical simulations are used to analyze the key factors affecting the energy market. Finally, expert interviews are conducted to obtain the views of experts in related fields on the future development and risks of the energy market to improve the research conclusions further.
RESULTS: The results of the study show that the energy market of China's rural collective economy will show a trend of gradual growth, but it also faces multiple risk challenges, including market price fluctuations, policy adjustments, and an imbalance between supply and demand. In the future, with the deepening of green energy policies, rural collective economies will pay more attention to the application of clean and renewable energy.
CONCLUSION: To summarize, this study provides a scientific reference for the energy strategy decision-making of rural collective economies by forecasting and assessing the risk of the energy market based on China's rural collaborative economies. In the future, it is necessary to pay more attention to the improvement of the policy system to promote the development of green energy, as well as the establishment of a sound market regulatory mechanism to reduce the uncertainty of the energy market and provide solid support for the sustainable development of the rural collective economy.
The Impact of Cloud Computing on Firms: A Case Study of Cloud Adoption in Saudi Airline Navigation Services Company
Authors: Alghamdi Nouf , Aboalela Rania
Published: February 2024

The world has become increasingly digital. Companies rely on technology to assist them in improving their business processes. They are searching for an information system capable of handling massive work. An Enterprise Resource Planning system (ERP) comes into play at this point. Most ERP systems have been implemented on-premise, also known as traditional ERP systems. ERP system offers a variety of advantages, including integrated submodules, mature system functionality, and enhanced customization and integration capabilities. Other software applications have shifted to cloud computing over the past decade, which has become one of the fastest-growing segments of the IT industry. In addition, cloud computing is a modern trend that reveals the architecture of the next generation of applications. In this paper, we present a case study of Saudi Air Navigation Services company regarding their migration to cloud computing, highlighting the key concepts and services that cloud computing provides today and its impact on their businesses. This research aims to provide a better understanding of the cloud computing transformation.
Arabic Extractive Summarization Using Pre-Trained Models
Authors: Einieh Yasmin , AlMansour Amal , Jamal Amani
Published: February 2024

Automatic Text Summarization (ATS) is a crucial area of study in Natural Language Processing (NLP) due to the vast amount of online information available. Extractive summarization, which involves selecting important sentences from the original document without altering their wording, is one approach to generating summaries. While many methods for Arabic text summarization exist, deep learning applications are still in their early stages, and there is a shortage of available datasets. Unlike English, there have been fewer experiments conducted on Arabic language summarization due to its unique characteristics. This study aims to fill this gap by experimenting with several models for summarizing Arabic text, including QARiB, AraELECTRA, and AraBERT-base models, all trained using the KALIMA dataset. The AraBERT model performed exceptionally well, achieving high scores of 0.44, 0.26, and 0.44 on the ROUGE-1, ROUGE-2, and ROUGE-L measures, respectively.