bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The COVID-19 pandemic impact on clinical load of plastic and reconstructive surgery in a tertiary care hospital of north India
Authors: Mir Mohd Altaf , Chattopadhyay Debarati , Manohar Nishank , Vathulya Madhubari , Mago Vishal , Kapoor Akshay , Rao Neeraj
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND:

The objective of the study was to analyze and determine statistically significant impact of the COVID-19 on clinical load of plastic and reconstructive surgery practices.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The retrospective analysis and comparison of the number of patients visiting to outpatient clinic, number of patients admitted, number of patients operated in the plastic and reconstructive surgery department during the COVID-19 pandemic months of January 2020–June 2020 with the same months of preceding non-COVID-19 year was done. The data obtained were tabulated in Microsoft Excel spread sheet and the statistical analysis done using MedCalc statistical software.

RESULTS:

The mean ± standard deviation of patients attended in outpatient department (OPD), admitted in inpatient department (IPD), emergency surgeries performed, and elective surgeries performed during -COVID-19 versus COVID-19 pandemic period is (651.167 ± 310.42 vs. 212.5 ± 307.591), (83.5 ± 16.263 vs. 34.333 ± 53.74), (5.167 ± 4.243 vs. 3.333 ± 4.95), and (74.333 ± 28.284 vs. 40.833 ± 60.811), respectively. The difference in means is highly significant statistically in the number of patients attended in OPD, admitted in IPD, and elective surgeries performed during pre-COVID versus COVID period; however, the difference in the means is not statistically significant in the number of emergency surgeries performed during pre-COVID versus COVID period.

CONCLUSION:

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly reduced the number of patients attended in OPD, admitted in IPD, and elective surgeries performed in the department of plastic surgery. However, there is a reduction in number of emergency surgeries but statistically insignificant. The strategy is to use telemedicine portal e-Sanjeevani services for OPD, encourage admission of patients with reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction negative for COVID-19, and perform reconstructive and esthetic plastic surgery operative procedures using COVID-19 appropriate precautions.
The relationship between health-related quality of life of students at Tehran University of Medical Sciences and their knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding COVID-19 in 2020
Authors: Heidari-Soureshjani Reza , Mohammadi Tayeb , Hashemi-Shahraki Ali , Estakhri Roya Khorrami , Rasti Arezoo
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND:

Present study attempts to investigate health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and its relation with knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of students of Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS) during this pandemic.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

In this cross-sectional study which was conducted between 23 may to 21 June 2020, 470 students in different levels of TUMS were included to the study randomly. participants completed validate, designed online questionnaire which assessed KAP towards coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and HRQoL. All statistical tests were applied, including Chi-square and Fisher's exact test, Partial correlation, analysis of variance, multiple linear regression, multiple binary and multinomial logistic regression models (P < 0.05) and were performed in SPSS 16, R 4.0.2, and GraphPad Prism 6.0 softwares.

RESULTS:

A total of 470 students were included in the study. The overall correct answer rate of the COVID-19 knowledge questionnaire was 74.43% and total score of the HRQoL was 72.50 (14.85). 61.7% of the students were agreed that COVID-19 will finally be successfully controlled, 44.3% had confidence that Iran can win the battle against the COVID-19, and 92.6% agreed that Quarantine will reduce the prevalence of COVID-19. Most of them adhered to health protocols and about a relation between HRQoL and knowledge we have a weak positive and unsignificant correlation between them (r = 0.05, P = 0.27).

CONCLUSIONS:

TUMS students showed expected levels of knowledge, proper attitudes, and preemptive practices regarding COVID-19, whereas COVID-19 outbreak substantially affected the physical and mental health but, the students were in a way better physical health rather than mental. Therefore, motivational planning and other related intervention to improve mental health can be noticeable.
The effect of educational intervention based on the theory of planned behavior aimed at mothers on osteoporosis prevention behaviors in lower secondary school female students
Authors: Shahmohamadi Fatemeh , Hoseini Meimanat , Matbouei Mahsa , Nasiri Malihe
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND:

Osteoporosis is mainly characterized by a low bone mineral density and a sharp architectural and biomechanical deterioration in bone tissue required to maintain bone homeostasis. The theory of planned behavior (TPB) can be considered as one of the leading theories when designing an evidence-based intervention. This study was carried out based on the TPB to determine the effect of an educational intervention aimed at mothers on the prevention of osteoporosis in female students.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

A total of seventy mothers of lower secondary school students in Tehran, Iran, participated in this experimental study which was conducted in 2019–2020. The participants were randomly assigned to two groups, namely experimental and control groups. Based on the TPB, a demographic and a researcher-made questionnaire consisting of five sections were used in order to collect data. The validity and reliability of the questionnaires were confirmed before data collection. Four 45–60 min training programs were delivered to the subjects using the TPB. Data were collected before, immediately after, and 1 month following the training program. Finally, IBM SPSS Statistics 21 was used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS:

No significant difference was observed in terms of attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, behavioral intention, and osteoporosis prevention-related behavior between the experimental and control groups before proceeding with the intervention (P > 0.05). However, the mean scores of attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, behavioral intention, and behavior were significantly higher in the experimental group compared to those of the control group following the educational intervention (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION:

It can be concluded that such interventions based on the TPB can, in fact, produce a significant effect on osteoporosis prevention-related behaviors. Thus, it can serve as a useful model for planning educational interventions.
Awareness, practices, and myths related to coronavirus disease-19 among rural people in Kolar District, South India
Authors: Naresh Surahalli J , Reddy Mahendra M , Suryanarayana Ravishankar , Bhattacharyya Ananta , T Kamath Prasanna B
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND:

Capturing the baseline information on awareness, practices, and prevailing myths related to the ongoing coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic in rural India will help in planning interventions to improve the health literacy on COVID-19. The aim of the study was to assess the level of awareness, practices, and myths regarding COVID-19 among rural population of Kolar district in South India.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

A concurrent mixed-methods study with a quantitative community-based cross-sectional analytical design and a qualitative phenomenological design was conducted in five randomly selected villages during June 2020. A prevalidated and pretested semi-structured questionnaire was administered to one adult in the households selected using systematic random sampling to capture the sociodemographic details and their awareness, practices, and myths related to COVID-19. The supervisors additionally and concurrently used a nonparticipant observation technique to record the real-time behaviors and preventive practices adopted by the villagers. Quantitative analysis was done using STATA and included multivariable regression analysis, and the association was reported using prevalence rates along with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Qualitative analysis was done manually as per discussion and concordance among supervisors and reported as categories along with supporting statements.

RESULTS:

Among the 298 respondents, “poor awareness” was seen in 128 (43.0%, 95% CI: 37.5%–48.6%). Among the responders, 89 (29.9%) believed in the myth that “Corona disease is due to God's wrath or curse.” The field observations were categorized under three categories – “avoidance of masks,” “nonexistent social distancing,” and “rampant spitting.”

CONCLUSION:

About two in five villagers were found to have “poor awareness” to COVID, and practices related to COVID were found to be largely unsatisfactory. Lower level of education and belonging to nuclear family were associated with “poor awareness.” Various myths were identified that has to be debunked on priority basis by the government, especially targeting the people having low level of education in rural India.
Vaccine hesitancy and coronavirus disease-19
Authors: Khan Zaid , Khursheed Syed Quibtiya , Dar Shabir Ahmad , Shah Naveed Nazir , Reagu Shuja , Alabdulla Majid , Haq Inaamul , Ud Din Azad Aaliya Mohi , Dar Khurshid Ahmad , Farooq Syed Suraiya , Wani Zaid Ahmad
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND:

Vaccine hesitancy is seen, globally, as a major factor that will determine future coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) spread and its effective management. This study aimed to identify COVID-19 vaccine perception, acceptance, confidence, hesitancy, and barriers among the general population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This was an online survey which was developed and shared through social media platforms among the general population of Kashmir. The survey captured demographic data and used a validated hesitancy measurement tool. We analyzed the data using descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression using Stata 15 (Stata Corp. 2017. Stata Statistical Software: Release 15. College Station, TX, USA: Stata Corp LLC).

RESULTS:

A total of 835 responses were received. Most participants were males, with females compromising of 19.5% participants. 65.1% of participants were in the age group of 30–50, whereas 19.2% were below 30 years of age. 52.70% of respondents were willing to take the vaccine when available, while 32.5% of respondents were unsure about their decision of inoculation. The most cited reason for willingness to get vaccinated was an understanding of the disease and vaccination. 41.70% felt that the vaccines developed against COVID-19 have not been fully tested; therefore, concerns around the safety and its longer-term side effects were the reasons cited. Public health messaging should be tailored to address these concerns.

CONCLUSIONS:

Vaccine hesitancy is a global threat undermining the control of preventable infections. The government should take proactive steps to address the factors that may potentially impact the benefits expected from the introduction of a COVID-19 vaccine in the union territory.
Influence of knowledge on Brazilian student’s perception of life and clinical classes during COVID-19
Authors: e Silva Ramos Fernanda de Souza , Castro Oliveira Laryssa de , Mardegan Gonçalves Diego Felipe , Rocha Rafael Santos , Bresciani Eduardo , Fagundes Ticiane Cestari
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND:

The current pandemic associated with SARS-CoV-2 has negatively influenced several activities, including teaching in Operative Dentistry. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of knowledge in Operative Dentistry on undergraduate students’ perception related to personal life and return to clinical practices classes during pandemic.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The present research was a cross-sectional, observational, and qualitative survey. The 16-item based questionnaire was sent to undergraduate students in 2020, which were divided into two groups, according to the Operative Dentistry knowledge: G1-not started clinical practice; G2-already started or completed clinical practice. Questions were focused on the impact of the pandemic in relation to their personal lives and return to clinical practice classes. Chi-square association test was performed using the SigmaPlot 12.0 software (P ≤ 0.05).

RESULTS:

The response rate was 55.5% for G1 and 44.4% for G2. Regarding the questions related to personal life, G1 demonstrated higher percentages of fear of contracting the virus during theoretical classes. Same observations were found when students answered about their fear of contracting coronavirus during the clinical practice classes. However, G2 presented the highest agreement responses for the preparedness feeling to return to theoretical classroom, clinical practice classes, and the possibility of applying online learning.

CONCLUSIONS:

In general, students’ knowledge had little influence on perception of personal life. However, students who have more knowledge in operative dentistry presented more security about returning to clinical classes.
The effect of online cognitive behavioral therapy on depressive symptoms in recovered patients with COVID-19
Authors: Araghi Navid Mirzakhani , Zarei Mehdi Alizadeh , Saei Shafagh , Yousefi Nodeh Hamid Reza , Mahmoudi Ebrahim
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND:

COVID-19 virus is on the rise globally, and people with the disease experience a variety of physical and mental problems. According to studies, depression can be a complication of the virus. So far, limited measures have been taken to prevent and treat emotional–psychological complications of COVID-19. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of online cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) on depressive symptoms in recovered patients with COVID-19.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This study was conducted in a quasi-experimental design. A sample of 150 recovered patients with COVID-19 who referred to Imam Reza Hospital in Tabriz city, were selected by random sampling method. The patients’ emotional–psychological status was assessed by the Beck Depression Inventory, and they entered the treatment process according to the inclusion criteria. As a therapeutic intervention, a scientific and valid approach called CBT was implemented, which two occupational therapists performed in eight treatment sessions in the context of a social communication application. Paired sample t-test was used to analyze the time sequence of quantitative data due to its normality.

RESULTS:

After the last session of the intervention, the effect of this therapeutic approach on reducing the depressive symptoms of patients was evaluated. According to the findings, the Beck score of the participants decreased significantly after the intervention (MD = −45/9, P < 0/001).

CONCLUSION:

Therefore, in order to promote the recovery of patients with COVID-19 and help health authorities to develop preventive measures and effective treatment of emotional–psychological problems caused by this virus, it is recommended to use the online CBT approach.
Assessment of patient’s knowledge, attitude, and beliefs about cancer
Authors: Vidhya K , Gupta Sweety , Lekshmi R , Bhardwaj Kritika , Kusum K , Kalyani Vasantha C , Gupta Amit
Published: February 2024

INTRODUCTION:

Knowledge about cancer, treatment, and likely treatment outcomes is critically important for decision-making regarding adherence to the treatment. Hence, it seems imperative to find out the attitude and belief of cancer patients to determine the efficacy of cancer diagnostic and treatment available along with assessing the efficacy of prevention. The purpose of this study was to determine the level of knowledge, belief, and attitude of cancer patients who came to our facility.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The present study was a descriptive cross-sectional study which was conducted at All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, from July 2020 to December 2020. One hundred fifty-six newly diagnosed cancer patients were recruited. The participants were provided with a validated 44 key questionnaire divided into four different categories including the sociodemographic profile, knowledge, belief, and attitude subheading. Mean, frequency, percentage, and Chi-square test were calculated to do data analysis using SPSS version 23.0.

RESULTS:

Out of the total of 156 newly diagnosed cancer patients, only 130 patients provided responses so the overall response rate was 84.3%. Most of cancer patients had moderately adequate knowledge (79 [60.5%]), poor belief (111 [86%]), and neutral attitude (69 [54%]) regarding cancer. The Chi-square test revealed a link between educational level and cancer knowledge (P = 0.01). Males showed a more positive attitude than females, and this difference was statistically significant (P = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS:

Cancer patients need to be made more aware of the red flag signs of cancer and improvise their attitude toward cancer. Cancer care programs should not only involve cancer patients but also involve their caregivers because the understanding of family members is of utmost importance to fight this disease.
The impact of sensitizing 1st year undergraduate medical students to research methodology
Authors: Singh Harinder Jot , Kaur Sharanjit , Bhatia Kuldeep Singh
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND:

Research is a core essential component of evidence-based medicine. The current study was undertaken to sensitize the undergraduate medical students the concept of biomedical research to sharpen their clinical skills.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This educational interventional study was done with a systemic random sample of 120 medical students in a tertiary care hospital. A workshop on biomedical research was conducted by the institutional ethics and medical education committee members followed by group activity regarding how to write the protocol of a research study. The protocols were then assessed using prestructured checklist by facilitators and feedback from the students and facilitators were assessed using student t-score.

RESULTS:

The pretest (5.86 ± 1.75) scores and posttest scores (11.82 ± 2.47) of multiple choice questions and open-ended questions showed statistically significant difference. The feedback of students showed that 49.48% of students strongly agreed that contents discussed in the workshop were adequate, 61.85% agreed about better understanding of the topics of the workshop, 60.80% agreed that their queries and doubts are cleared, 53.6% agreed that the workshop motivates them to do research, and 44.3% agreed that they will attend the similar workshops in future. The protocols submitted by groups of students using the checklist showed 26%–80% scores.

CONCLUSION:

The student's knowledge on research methodology was significantly improved and teaching basic research methods to medical students at an early stage motivates the student to do research.
Perspectives on healthy aging in middle age
Authors: Solhi Mahnaz , Pirouzeh Razieh , Zanjari Nasibeh
Published: February 2024

CONTEXT:

Understanding how middle-aged people perceive healthy aging and what they need to do to stay healthy as they age can help public policy planning to enhance the lifestyles of middle-aged and elderly people.

AIMS:

The purpose of this study was to clarify the concept of healthy aging and strategies to achieve it from the perspective of middle-aged people in Tehran, Iran.

SETTING AND DESIGN:

This qualitative study was performed on 21 middle-aged people aged 45–59 years of Tehran in 2019.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS:

The data collection was carried out through semi-structured and in-depth interviews; the interviews were audiotaped, transcribed. Sampling was carried out gradually until data saturation through purposive sampling was achieved.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED:

Data collection and analysis were performed simultaneously. Data were analyzed using conventional content analysis. To establish the reliability and validity of findings, Graneheim and Landman criteria were considered.

RESULTS:

The middle-aged perspective on healthy aging was included in four main themes: having good physical and mental health, having financial well-being, having social support. Strategies for achieving healthy aging were included in five themes: future financial planning, promoting physical health, promoting psychological health, maintaining and improving communication.

CONCLUSION:

From the middle-aged perspective, healthy aging and strategies to achieve it are multidimensional. Planning for promotional interventions to have a healthy old age should be including all dimensions and done from the years before old age.
Botulinum toxin augmented surgery versus conventional surgery in the management of large-angle concomitant esotropia: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Alattar Sara , Saad Mohamed Sayed , Rashed Gamal El-Deen , Anwar Mohamed
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND:

The surgical management of large-angle concomitant esotropia is challenging with high reoperation rates. This study aims to assess the effectiveness and safety of intraoperative botulinum toxin A (BTA) augmentation compared to surgery alone in large angle concomitant esotropia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This is a prospective randomized interventional study. Patients with large angle concomitant esotropia (≥55 prism diopter [PD]) were randomly allocated to either surgery only (Group I) or BTA augmented surgery (Group II). The surgical effect in PD/mm was calculated and compared between the study groups at all follow up intervals. Treatment was considered successful if the patients had orthotropia ± 10 PD at their final examinations.

RESULTS:

A total of 23 patients were included in the study, 11 in Group I and 12 in group II. The surgical effect was significantly greater in Group II compared to Group I at all follow up durations. The 1-year surgical effect was 32.5% greater in Group II compared to Group I (5.99 ± 0.69 vs. 4.52 ± 0.91 PD/mm, respectively,P= 0.001). The success rate was greater for Group II compared to Group I (75% vs. 63.64%, respectively), but this difference was not statistically significant (P= 0.901).

CONCLUSION:

Botulinum toxin augmented surgery is a good alternative to surgery alone in the treatment of large angle concomitant esotropia. BTA injection exerts a significant augmentation effect on medial rectus muscle recessions.
Optical coherence tomography-angiography findings of prediabetic patients
Authors: Emre Sinan , Altin Cihan , Ulusoy Mahmut Oguz , Aydin Elcin
Published: February 2024

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate prediabetic patients for microvascular changes using optical coherence tomography-angiography (OCT-A) and compare with diabetic patients and healthy controls.

METHODS:

OCT-A images of 60 eyes of 30 patients with diabetes mellitus (DM), 72 eyes of 36 prediabetic patients, and 108 eyes of 54 healthy controls were retrospectively evaluated and compared in this study. A swept-source OCTA (Triton, Topcon) instrument was used for collecting OCT-A images. Duration of the diabetic or prediabetic period, glycated hemoglobin, fasting blood glucose level, postprandial glucose (PPG) level, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, triglyceride, and creatinine values of all participants were recorded.

RESULTS:

Microaneurysm, nonperfusion areas, perifoveal capillary disruption, and capillary network disorganization were detected in both prediabetics and diabetics but statistically more common in diabetic patients. Neovascularization and intraretinal microvascular anomalies were detected only in diabetic patients.

CONCLUSIONS:

OCT-A seemed to be effective in detecting microvascular changes in diabetic patients. More importantly, results showed us that in prediabetic patients, microvascular changes can be seen before the onset of DM and before or concurrently with neurodegenerative changes.
Anatomical outcome of laser treatment alone in aggressive retinopathy of prematurity
Authors: Dwivedi Anamika , Dwivedi Deepak , Lakhtakia Sujata , Charudutt Chalisgaonkar
Published: February 2024

PURPOSE:

The purpose is to study the anatomical outcome of eyes in aggressive retinopathy of prematurity (AROP), treated with laser photocoagulation alone and to evaluate factors affecting outcomes.

METHODS:

Records of consecutive babies diagnosed with AROP, undergoing laser photocoagulation treatment in rural tertiary care centers from October 2016 to January 2021 were reviewed retrospectively. Anatomical outcome at 6 months follow-up was grouped as good in eyes with complete regression and poor in those who developed retinal detachment (stage IV a, IV b, and V). Both groups were compared with respect to the period of gestation, birth weight (BW), age at screening, age at treatment, zone of disease, presence of retinal fibrovascular proliferation (FVP), tunica vasculosa lentis, preretinal bleed, need for supplement laser, and associated systemic risk factors.

RESULTS:

Of the total of 2468 babies screened, 124 (5.02%) were diagnosed with severe retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), of which 54 (43.5%) lasered AROP babies were analyzed. Mean BW and gestation period of the AROP cohort were 1.43 kg and 31.1 weeks, respectively. Eighty-six eyes (79.6%) had good outcomes with laser photocoagulation alone. Posterior location of disease, presence of FVP, neonatal sepsis, shock, and late screening for ROP were found to be factors associated with poor outcomes.

CONCLUSION:

Adequate and timely treatment with laser photocoagulation in AROP can achieve good treatment outcomes in a significant proportion of babies. Although a combined approach using laser, anti-vascular endothelial growth factor and early vitrectomy is better, laser remains a viable treatment option in AROP, especially with limited resources and high risk of loss to follow-up.
A case of granulomatosis with polyangiitis-associated scleritis presenting as conjunctivitis
Authors: Doshi Aashna , Shah Mauli , Srinivasan Bhaskar , Majumder Parthopratim Dutta
Published: February 2024

A 42-year-old male presented initially with conjunctivitis and was treated with topical medical medications without any improvement. He developed ocular pain subsequently and further examination revealed lid edema, conjunctival hyperemia with chemosis, matting of lashes with yellowish discharge, and deeper episcleral congestion which did not blanch with topical vasoconstrictor. Subsequent laboratory investigation revealed positive cytoplasmic-antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (Anti-PR 3 antibody). He continued to develop recurrences and finally responded to oral azathioprine. Granulomatosis with polyangitis may rarely present as conjunctivitis and subsequently manifest as scleritis.
Progression of diabetic retinopathy following uncomplicated phacoemulsification: A prospective study from South India
Authors: Sruthi R. , Saikumar Seshadri J. , Gopalakrishnan Mahesh
Published: February 2024

AIM:

The aim of this study was to study the progression of diabetic retinopathy (DR) and macular edema in uncomplicated phacoemulsification in patients with diabetes mellitus with a follow-up of 6 months.

METHODS:

A prospective, nonrandomized study was conducted on patients with established or no DR in a known case of diabetes mellitus undergoing cataract surgery by phacoemulsification, with no intraoperative complications. Detailed ophthalmic evaluation including fundus examination was done in all cases, and DR staging was done. Optical coherence tomography and fundus fluorescein angiography were done in indicated cases. Fundus evaluation was done during the follow-up visits in 3 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months postsurgery and the tests were repeated if necessary.

RESULTS:

In the current study, there was a statistically significant improvement in best-corrected visual acuity after cataract surgery compared to the preoperative value. From the 330 eyes we analyzed, there was a progression of DR in only 18 eyes (5.45%) following phacoemulsification. There was a statistically significant increase in central macular thickness (CMT) at 3 weeks postoperative (433.82 ± 137.572) compared to that of the preoperative CMT (295.98 ± 97.959). From the 22 eyes which showed a progression of diabetic maculopathy, 11 eyes had developed new-onset macular edema following the cataract surgery, 11 eyes had progression of preexisting edema, and 4 of them had to undergo intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections as the treatment.

CONCLUSION:

The chance of progression of DR staging is low after uncomplicated phacoemulsification, on a short term. However, the chances of worsening of macular edema as well as worsening of proliferative stages should be kept in mind while advising a patient for cataract surgery.
Idiopathic intracranial hypertension in Omani adults: A tertiary center experience
Authors: Sabt Buthaina Issa , Al Busaidi Aisha Suleiman , Azeem Sitara , Al Dhabbari Lojain
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND:

To evaluate the clinical profile, risk factors, and ophthalmic diagnostic and monitoring tools in Omani patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) using optical coherence tomography (OCT).

METHODS:

A retrospective single institutional cohort study on Omani patients with a fulfilled diagnosis of IIH from January 1, 2014, to January 1, 2020, was conducted. The data obtained from the neuro-ophthalmic clinic contained age of onset of the disease, gender of patients, body mass index (BMI), presence of other associated conditions, and medication use.

RESULTS:

Our study group comprised 21 patients with IIH with an annual incidence rate of 2.8 per 100,000 population. Female-to-male ratio was 9.5:1 with a mean age of 27.24 ± 7.1. Headaches appeared to be the most prevalent symptom in 21 (100%) patients, followed by transient obscuration of vision in 9 (42.9%) patients and diplopia in 3 (14.3%) patients, and the least common symptom was pulsatile tinnitus in 2 (9.5%) patients. Increased BMI was seen in 19 (90.5%) patients and noted to be the most prevalent predisposing factor among our study group. The use of oral contraceptive pills was documented in 4 (19%) patients and 1 (4.8%) patient was noted to have polycystic ovary syndrome. All patients (100%) had a best-corrected visual acuity of 1.0 in both eyes pre- and postrecovery and 7 (33.3%) patients had an enlarged blind spot on visual field testing. All patients had papilledema on presentation and an average of 14.1 months to resolve to normal clinically and on OCT monitoring. All patients were treated with medications and only 1 (4.8%) continued to have intractable headaches that did not respond to maximum medical therapy and required surgery.

CONCLUSION:

The incidence of IIH in the Omani population was found to be less than neighboring countries but comparable worldwide. OCT is considered a useful tool to confirm and document papilledema and more importantly monitor recovery.
Sodium fluorescein dye as an adjunct in vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment in oculocutaneous albinism
Authors: Kumar Nitin , Bazgain Krinjeela , Singh Simar Rajan , Katoch Deeksha
Published: February 2024

A 48-year-old male with oculocutaneous albinism (OCA) presented with bilateral diminution of vision. Ocular examination revealed bilateral central corneal thinning, scarring with ectasia, depigmented irides, transillumination defects, and pseudophakia. Examination of the right eye also revealed a hyperoleon, emulsified silicon oil in the vitreous cavity, and an attached retina, while the left eye had a total rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). This case describes a unique set of challenges (the presence of an ectatic scarred cornea and a hypopigmented fundus) and sodium fluorescein dye as an adjunct in the surgical management of a complex RRD. A review of literature highlighting the association of keratoconus and RRD in OCA is also presented in this report.
The impact of intraocular pressure on optical coherence tomography angiography: A review of current evidence
Authors: Williams Parker J. , Gregory Andrew , Komro Jack , You Qisheng , Ross Bing , Colón Clara , Juzych Mark S. , Hughes Bret A. , Ridha Faisal
Published: February 2024

A scoping review of 45 peer-reviewed manuscripts involving intraocular pressure (IOP) change and concurrent optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) assessments was performed to aggregate knowledge, summarize major findings, and identify gaps in literature and methodology relating to the effect of IOP change on OCTA. Articles were identified through PubMed/Medline, Google Scholar, Cochrane, Web of Science, and article reference lists. A total of 838 results were identified, and 45 articles met the inclusion and exclusion criteria for detailed analysis. OCTA metrics including vessel density (VD), perfusion density, and flow density of the superficial capillary plexus and the radial peripapillary capillaries were analyzed in relation to relative temporal IOP changes. Overall, IOP changes were found to affect superficial vascular plexus (VD) measurements on OCTA, especially when IOP elevated above the physiologic normal range (10-21 mmHg). No significant association was found between diurnal IOP variation and OCTA metrics. Cataract surgery improved the whole-image signal strength and VD regardless of changes in IOP. Beta-blockers were associated with paradoxically reduced vessel density in normal tension glaucoma patients in two studies. Although glaucoma surgical intervention studies were inconsistent and limited by scan quality and low sample sizes, patients requiring glaucoma surgery exhibited attenuated postoperative superficial VD recovery despite significant IOP reductions with surgical intervention. In addition to ensuring near-perfect signal strength with minimal media opacities and controlling for high myopia, central corneal thickness, and the presence of retinopathy, clinicians should consider the statistically significant impact of IOP on OCTA metrics when interpreting results.
Management of ectopia lentis in children
Authors: Mandal Sohini , Singhal Deepali , Saluja Gunjan , Nagpal Ritu , Tripathy Koushik , Tripathi Manasi , Sharma Namrata , Maharana Prafulla K.
Published: February 2024

The medical management of ectopia lentis involves refractive correction as well as co-management of any associated systemic disease. Surgical management remains a challenge, as inherent defects in the lens capsule make implantation of an intraocular lens (IOL) difficult. Multiple visual rehabilitative measures are available such as aphakic contact lenses or spectacles, capsular bag fixation with implantation of in-the-bag IOL, iris-fixated, and scleral-fixated IOL. It depends on the surgeon’s expertise and discretion whether the capsular bag needs to be preserved or compromised.
Optical coherence tomography imaging of the peripheral retina
Authors: Pattathil Niveditha , Choudhry Netan
Published: February 2024

This review critically assesses the applicability of retinal periphery imaging technology, scrutinizing its practical limitations and potential advancements within ophthalmology. It underscores the significant costs and the need to evaluate the clinical utility of optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography devices. It emphasizes how clinicians should consider their practice-specific use-cases while investing in devices with capabilities like ultra-widefield OCT, autofluorescence imaging, and angiography. The paper also highlights the challenges associated with image acquisition, such as artifact management and patient cooperation for extended fixation periods. This review outlines the utility of these modalities in various retinal pathologies, as well as their contribution to telemedicine and personalized care, facilitated by artificial intelligence for improved image processing, quantification, and interpretation. These techniques potentially offer a more comprehensive understanding of peripheral retinal conditions and associated pathologies, thus influencing clinical decision-making, particularly in remote regions with limited specialist access.
Eculizumab in myasthenia gravis: A review
Authors: Zhou Avery , Ho Sabrina , Vickers Aroucha
Published: February 2024

Eculizumab, a monoclonal antibody against complement C5, is a novel therapy to treat refractory myasthenia gravis (MG). The present review was undertaken to study the role of eculizumab in MG. This includes the drug’s mechanism, pharmacokinetics, clinical trial findings, tolerability, side effects, safety, dosage, administration, and cost. An English-language search for relevant items was undertaken using Embase and PubMed from 1946 to present. Clinical trial registries/databases and websites were also searched for relevant data. Keywords were eculizumab and MG. The present review found 103 articles after initial screening. Current data support eculizumab as an effective, safe, and tolerable drug in cases of refractory MG. However, its cost can prevent it from being widely accessible to a majority of the general population.
Integration and Recommendation System of Profiles based on Professional Social Networks
Authors: Dayang Paul , Mbouche Bomda Ulriche
Published: February 2024

The aim of our investigation is to personalize bilateral recommendation of job-related proposals based on existing professional social networks. In a context where the points of view of job seekers and employers can be contradictory, our approach consists in trying to bring the both in a best possible matching. To this end, we propose an integration system that gives a minimum of credit to the users’ data in order to facilitate the discovery of relevant proposals based on the users’ behaviors, on the characteristics of the proposals and on possible relationships. The main contribution is the proposal of an architecture for the recommendation of profiles and job offers including social and administrative factors. The particularity of our approach lies in the freedom from the recommendation problem by using metrics proven in the literature for the estimation of similarity rates. We have used these metrics as default values to appropriate data dimensions. It emerges that, the user’s behavior is exclusively responsible for the recommendations. However, the cross-analysis of randomly generated behaviors on real profiles collected on Cameroonian sites dedicated to job offers, shows the influence of the most active users. But, for requests via the search bar (interface with the script respecting the path of our architecture) the central subject remains the user. Our current work is limited by a data set that is not very representative of changing socio-economic conditions.
Bereavement and Loss: Understanding Grief in Older People
Authors: Werner Kirsten , Wick Jeannette Y.
Published: February 2024

Everyone experiences grief from time to time, but older people are more likely to experience grief simply because they live longer. Grief, bereavement, and mourning are different elements associated with death of a loved one. For most people, grief follows a fairly predictable trajectory,
and over time resolves. One of the most used descriptions of grief was developed by Elizabeth Kubler-Ross and it is reviewed herein. However, for some people, grief becomes unbearable and chronic leading to prolonged grief disorder. For clinicians, it's essential to differentiate between prolonged
grief disorder and major depressive disorder. Older people who experience unbearable grief often need medication to deal with some of its symptoms, which include depression, anxiety, hypertension, and lack of sleep. Older people also need considerable support as they deal with grief so that
they do not become isolated, experience comorbidities, or spiral into physical and mental decline. Little specific research has examined pharmacists’ opportunities to help older people who have prolonged grief, but some data suggest that these patients are more likely to visit the pharmacy
and need medication more than others.
Iterated monodromy groups of exponential maps
Authors: Reinke Bernhard
Published: February 2024

This paper introduces iterated monodromy groups for transcendental functions and discusses them in the simplest setting, for post-singularly finite exponential functions. These groups are self-similar groups in a natural way, based on an explicit construction in terms of kneading sequences. We investigate the group theoretic properties of these groups, and show in particular that they are amenable, but they are not elementary subexponentially amenable.
Quasi-isometries for certain right-angled Coxeter groups
Authors: Edletzberger Alexandra
Published: February 2024

We construct the JSJ tree of cylinders

T_{c}

for finitely presented, one-ended, two-dimensional right-angled Coxeter groups (RACGs) splitting over two-ended subgroups in terms of the defining graph of the group, generalizing the visual construction by Dani and Thomas [J. Topol. 10 (2017), 1066–1106] given for certain hyperbolic RACGs. Additionally, we prove that

T_{c}

has two-ended edge stabilizers if and only if the defining graph does not contain a certain subdivided

K_{4}

. By use of the structure invariant of

T_{c}

introduced by Cashen and Martin [Math. Proc. Cambridge Philos. Soc. 162 (2017), 249–291], we obtain a quasi-isometry invariant of these RACGs, essentially determined by the defining graph. Furthermore, we refine the structure invariant to make it a complete quasi-isometry invariant in case the JSJ decomposition of the RACG does not have any rigid vertices.
Supernilpotent semigroups
Authors: Radović Jelena , Mudrinski Nebojša
Published: February 2024

Regular abelian semigroups are isomorphic to a direct product of an abelian group and a rectangular band (Warne, 1994). Seeking for a similar result for nilpotency, solvability, and supernilpotency of regular semigroups, we obtain that an analogous statement is true only in orthodox semigroups. We provide an example that shows that the same does not have to be true in regular semigroups that are not orthodox.
Estimates for some bilinear wave operators
Authors: Kato Tomoya , Miyachi Akihiko , Tomita Naohito
Published: February 2024

We consider some bilinear Fourier multiplier operators and give a bilinear version of Seeger, Sogge, and Stein’s result for Fourier integral operators. Our results improve, for the case of Fourier multiplier operators, Rodríguez-López, Rule, and Staubach’s result for bilinear Fourier integral operators. The sharpness of the results is also considered.
Validación de instrumento sobre exposición a discursos de odio de comunidades migrantes en el ecosistema mediático chileno: resultados preliminares
Authors: Sibrian Nairbis , Alfaro Amaranta , Núñez Juan Carlos
Published: February 2024

Introducción: Investigaciones advierten un aumento de las formas de ciberodio hacia grupos migrantes en contextos digitales. Sin embargo, escasas herramientas relevan la experiencia de quienes enfrentan tales agresiones. Metodología: El objetivo es validar un instrumento diseñado para recoger la exposición a discursos de odio, así como los efectos en la participación de comunidades migrantes en el ecosistema mediático chileno. Se recurre al método Delphi, mediante juicio de expertos, así como entrevistas cognitivas. El cuestionario está compuesto por 26 ítems y es aplicado a una muestra piloto de 453 personas migrantes en Chile, de las cuales un 51% se ubica en el rango etario de 30 a 59 años, 58% se identifica con el género femenino y el 60% proviene de Venezuela. Resultados: Se alcanza un Alpha de Cronbach de 0.95 y se constata que un 62% de los encuestados ha recibido mensajes de odio a través de Instagram (56%) y Facebook (45%), vinculados a su nacionalidad (33%) y bajo el encuadre de seguridad (43%), experimentando incomodidad (53%) y desesperanza (56%). En consecuencia, un 41% “a veces” elimina cuentas de medios de su dieta informativa digital y sólo un 7% participa en entornos mediáticos “frecuentemente”. Discusión: Se avierte que el ciberodio hacia personas migrantes podría producir desinformación, por evitación noticiosa, e incidir en la participación mediática de estas comunidades. Conclusiones: Se obtiene un cuestionario validado para recoger la exposición de personas migrantes a discursos de odio y sus posibles efectos.
Cyber Security Threats and Protection Technologies for Al Rajhi Bank
Authors: Alsayed Abrar , Aboalela Rania
Published: February 2024

Technologies are the basis of practically every social action in today's connected world. Although technology has greatly benefited the banking industry, experts have noted the challenges and risks of cybersecurity. A bank can detect, analyze and protect people from these risks thanks to real-time conditions. The majority of financial institutions, including Al Rajhi Bank, are implementing technology in their daily operations as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak [1], which exposes them to cybersecurity issues. The purpose of this project is to investigate and search for encryption algorithms used by Al-Rajhi Bank and what are the most important security attacks that Al-Rajhi Bank faces, as this was done by communicating with an employee in the information technology department at Al-Rajhi Bank, and interviewing. In addition, a literature review of related works, investigation of algorithms and comparison was carried out, in order to verify the efficiency and strength of encryption algorithms in Al-Rajhi Bank and the results of previous works. Al Rajhi Bank's algorithms are very effective and secure, but the various decision-makers believe that as technology develops, financial institutions should think about incorporating other encryption algorithms, like Rivest-Shamir-Adleman (RSA), Triple Data Encryption Standard (TDES), and Twofish algorithms, into their cyber security systems.
Verification Process for Thermal Runaway Mitigation in Large Electrical Energy Storage Powertrain Systems in Normal Category Aircraft and Rotorcraft
Authors:   AE-7D Aircraft Energy Storage and Charging Committee
Published: February 2024

This SAE Aerospace Recommended Practice (ARP) is an industrial collaboration with regulatory bodies like the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to determine the worst-case credible thermal runaway (TR) condition (energy released and maximum temperature) for the design of an aviation large propulsion battery system to quantitatively verify TR in lieu of battery level RTCA DO-311A testing with protections disabled. The ARP considers the three stages of TR within a cell and defines the two critical temperatures for a specific cell design. These temperatures are key to understanding the layers of monitoring necessary to determine the severity of a TR event.

Different trigger methods can be used to quantify the heating characteristics and resultant energy profile releases as a function of time. Results show three general phases of the event critical temperature (see 1.5) corresponding with the reaction between the cell’s solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) for graphite anodes and the electrolyte, resulting in heat generated by the cell rather than heat supplied from the accelerating rate calorimeter (ARC). The temperature of the cell continues to rise until the separator begins to melt. Critical Temperature 2 occurs after the separator melts and electrodes are shorted together to generate large amounts of heat, raising the cell temperature quickly to 377 °C. These temperatures are key precursors of TR, regarding the length and severity of an event. Understanding this key bit of information is vital to the approach presented herein.