bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anchor Organizations Embedded in Communities
Authors: Howard Joanne E.
Published: December 2022

Anchor organizations are typically, but not exclusively, not-for-profit organizations that are based in a city or town and are unlikely to move because their mission is intrinsically bound up in that area. The author has worked for non-profit-organizations embedded in residential communities. The communities may benefit from their relationship with the non-profit. Some non-profits and communities have a beneficial relationship. The author will review a nonprofit that has aligned its core functions to improve the socioeconomic conditions of the community where it is based. The analysis will be with Centers for New Horizons, a 52-year-old nonprofit located in the Bronzeville section of Chicago.
Perspectives on Building Racial Equity in Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, and Health Science Education and Workforce Systems
Authors: Curvey Johnson Rukiya , Gallegos Natalia , Freeman Angela
Published: December 2022

Persistent and deeply entrenched systemic racism too often contributes to the lack of Black and Latinx people from low-income communities ascending and succeeding at the highest levels of STEM and healthcare careers. The authors examine the relationships between equity-centered innovations in K-12 STEM education, persistence, and attainment. The authors identify community-specific constructs with potential to engage partners and increase collective capacity for more Black and Latinx youth. They focus on how to structure social-emotional health into STEM and health science learning models, occupational identity development, and specific work-based learning strategies for students. Data and infrastructure are considered, and approaches to program design are discussed from a methodological point of view. This analysis considers these elements through its case study of the rush education and career hub (REACH), a pipeline and workforce intermediary. REACH is distinct for its position within Rush University Medical Center, an anchor institution on Chicago's west side.
Motherhood
Authors: Orozco Sandy
Published: December 2022

The incarceration of women and the impact on children, families, caregivers, and the prisoner in terms of motherhood and parenting has become an increasingly prominent area of interest within the criminal justice system. The number of women in state and federal prisons has dramatically increased; however, gender-responsive policies and practices that address incarcerated women's needs and circumstances have been limited. These findings give rise to concern regarding the number of women in jail or prison who are mothers of minor children. This paper investigates the differences between inmate mothers' and fathers' reported incarceration rates and examines the associations between early mother-child separation behaviors and children's outcomes. The impact of COVID-19 will also be included to address the ongoing harms to the lives of female prisoners. Based on these findings and other studies, prisons and jails need to develop a comprehensive strategy to fully address the needs of incarcerated mothers and reduce the harmful impact of incarceration on their children.
Exploring the Incredible Potential and Opportunity of the Metaverse World
Authors: Chugh Mitali , Vyas Sonali
Published: December 2022

Technology is playing a very important role in transforming the industry. Currently, the advancement has been to Web3 technology, where we are using mutual interaction online in order to communicate with each other, or to organize the meetings or any social gathering with the help of internet. In the evolution of technology from radio to internet, metaverse is the current and upcoming technology supporting web3. Metaverse is expanding exponentially, the implementation of new technology is necessary for the progression to deliver the best experience using AR (augmented reality), VR (virtual reality), XR (extended reality). This chapter discusses the incredible potentials in which one can achieve outstanding results for implementing Metaverse technology, or to establish connection and connect with people in more live manner (in virtual spaces) and to achieve real-time experience.
Metaverse in Investment Using Sentiment Analysis and Machine Learning
Authors: Den Yeoh Eik , Chung Tinfah , Wang Yuyang
Published: December 2022

At the end of 2019, individuals' outdoor activities were restricted due to the emergence of COVID-19. As a result of this phenomenon, interest in online activities and interaction in the metaverse environment has increased. Online games have exploded in popularity with the young generation in Metaverse where they can earn money through the platforms. Thus, it is desirable to investigate emerging technology and analyse how to invest using techniques, such as sentiment analysis and machine learning (ML), to predict crypto trends. This study analysed time series data for crypto price and text, where information like news, articles, and feedback from social media can use the input to generate the sentiment score to understand the crypto trends. FinBERT is a sentiment model that was used for this study to generate the result. The AI investing framework is built to incorporate both sentiment analysis technique and predictive model for this chapter, to address the research questions and enable one to make more informed decisions.
Research on College Students' Purchasing Using Webcast Platform
Authors: Pan WeiXiang , Lai P. C.
Published: December 2022

This paper studies the purchasing behavior of college students using the webcast platform; understanding the factors that college students use the webcast platform and understanding the main factors that promote their consumption so that school managers can effectively manage and guide students to consume rationally. At the national economic level, we need to develop live e-commerce, and at the national education level, we need to ensure that students are not affected by external transition interference. The research uses the technology acceptance model (TAM). Several key factors include webcast platform design, webcast marketing, webcast celebrity webcast, perceived usefulness, and perceived ease of use. The survey data are collected by using the five-point scale, the goodness of fit of the measurement model is used for statistics, and the data are analyzed by using the standardized regression weight of the structural model.
Customer E-Satisfaction Towards Online Grocery Sites in the Metaverse World
Authors: Hussain Mohamed Salman Faiz B. Mohamed Jahir , Hwa Evelyn Toh Bee
Published: December 2022

The retail industry has changed drastically whereby in 2022, a further evolution into the metaverse is having a dramatic effect on the future of retail into virtual shopping and digital experiences. This study examines the factors influencing consumers' satisfaction towards online grocery shopping in Malaysia with the evolution of the metaverse. The technology acceptance model (TAM) serves as the underpinning theory for this study to assess the factors influencing people's intention to shop in online grocery websites. The main objective of this study is to establish the dimensions of customer satisfaction which is hypothesized to have a relationship with customer intention to purchase from online grocery sites and testing the robustness of the TAM model. This study was conducted in Klang Valley with 200 responses obtained and tested on SPSS and Smart PLS3.0. The findings of this research papers showing that PEOU, SEC, and PA do not influence customer satisfaction (SAT) and this will provide organizations insights behind customer satisfaction in e-commerce in the metaverse.
A Critical Overview of Digital Twins
Authors: Adjei Princess , Montasari Reza
Published: December 2022

In recent years, organisations have invested heavily in the digitisation of their processes to maximise productivity. A digital twin is one of the most recent emerging technologies that is to disrupt business models and to leverage competitive advantage; applications can be found in many industries including, but not limited to healthcare, manufacturing and supply chains, and engineering. This article provides a critical perspective to the benefits of digital twins, their applications as well as the challenges encountered following their use. Cybersecurity risks as one of these key challenges will be further discussed within the article.
Coupling BIM and Game Engine Technologies for Construction Knowledge Enhancement
Authors: Buhammood A. H. , Abanda Henry , Garstecki Peter , Manjia M. B. , Pettang Chrispin , Abdullahi Abdulrasheed Madugu
Published: December 2022

Interactions and collaboration between parties in construction projects are often characterised by misunderstandings and poor information exchange. Game engine technologies, when employed with building information modelling (BIM), can help address these shortcomings. Quite often, the visualisation capabilities of BIM models are not explored fully partly because of their limited interactive capability. While game engines are powerful in visualisation and interactions in the gaming industry, the literature suggests a lack of understanding of the applicability of the same in construction. This study investigates the potential of the use of game engines in construction practice which culminated in a framework that can guide the implementation of the same in enhancing interactive building walkthroughs.
HBIM Data Management and Visualization for Healthcare Facilities
Authors: Del Giudice Matteo , De Luca Daniela , Osello Anna
Published: December 2022

BIM and VAR represent technological frontiers able to innovate the building industry in the drawing field. Through multidisciplinary approach, their integration requires multidisciplinary skills that have to find a significant framework in the representation field. The SAM4Care (Smart Advanced Modelling for Care) project aims at enhancing the use of innovative technologies investigating data management and visualization topics. Through a selected case study, BIM and VAR were evaluated, testing possible ways to innovate healthcare system buildings developing a digital model, following HBIM methodology. In this way, different information can be provided to satisfy user's needs through participatory planning able to improve people awareness for healthcare building stock.
4D BIM for the Management of Infrastructure Projects
Authors: Vilventhan Aneetha , R. Rajadurai
Published: December 2022

Building information modelling has become a core topic in the architectural engineering and construction (AEC) industry, and its benefits have been realised over different phases of project construction. Adoption of nD BIM in the domain of infrastructure projects has provided challenges and is yet evolving. This chapter reviews the adoption of Building information modelling in the management of infrastructure projects. The use of nD planning (4D, 5D, 6D, 7D, and 8D planning) in infrastructure planning and management is discussed through Mapping n-D BIM with different applications in infrastructure projects. 4D BIM models are developed integrating the 3D models with the schedule and they support multiple construction management tasks. The implementation of 4D planning and management in infrastructure projects is demonstrated with the help of two case studies.
BIM and M&E Systems for the Performance of Slum Upgrading Projects in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Abanda F. H. , Weda C. , Manjia M. B. , Pettang C.
Published: December 2022

Recent research reveals a surge in the number of slums in Sub-Saharan Africa with no sign of abating. Thus, the upgrading of slums to improve the living conditions of those who live in such environments is imperative. However, the performance of past slum upgrading projects has been quite contentious with many failing to meet their pre-defined objectives. This study investigates the influence of integrated BIM and M&E on the performance of slum upgrading projects in Sub-Saharan Africa. A questionnaire was used to gather data from 88 M&E and BIM experts. It emerged that on average 68.6% “Agreed and Strongly Agreed” that integrating both M&E and BIM can significantly improve the performance of slum upgrading projects compared to each when applied in isolation. Consequently, future studies should focus on developing an integrated BIM and M&E framework for monitoring slum upgrading projects.
BIM Bin
Authors: Codinhoto Ricardo , Becher Olivia , Heron Jonathan Neil , Donato Vincenzo
Published: December 2022

A groundswell of opinion exist about the present and future use of smart cities and digital twin technologies and processes and, despite increasing use of information modelling, artificial intelligence, and internet of things, many challenges remain in designing and implement integrated smart systems in large scale contexts. Often, the big picture is shadowed by fragmented processes, and there is a disconnect between the problem and the solution. This chapter aims to address this inverted approach, based on a solution looking for a problem by focusing on the problems of developing integrated solutions for smart cities based on digital twins. The narrative in this chapter is informed by a research project exploring the digitalisation of facilities management processes in Bath, UK. The conclusion is that the development of digital twins goes far beyond linking digital models to sensors.
Videogames and Sensory Theory
Authors: Goode Kaila , Vasinda Sheri
Published: December 2022

The act of playing video games is a multimodal experience, immersing the gamer in a sensorial experience in the digital world. Video games incorporate sensory literacies such as haptics, graphics, sound effects, music, auditory dialogue, visual text, and character movement. The sensory literacies allow gamers to connect the digital world to the physical world, becoming engrossed in the world and story of the video game. Thus, due to the multimodal and sensorial nature of video games, they have the potential to be a beneficial tool for increasing student engagement within the classroom and assisting students in further increasing literacy skills and content knowledge. In addition, a review of literature of classroom use of video games as an instructional tool found increased engagement, use of video games as texts, cross-literacies that supported traditional literacy processes and skills.
Software Requirements Definition Processes in Gamification Development for Immersive Environments
Authors: Gomes Paulo Veloso , Donga João , Sá Vítor J.
Published: December 2022

The implementation of gamification in immersive environments is a complex and multidimensional process. A socio-technical approach is necessary to cover all the specifications that the system needs to satisfy the needs and the purpose of its genesis. The use of virtual reality (VR) technologies in mental healthcare associated with gamification mechanisms has been gaining popularity. Two projects were developed using VR, one that allows people to experience and better understand mental health conditions through empathy construct and the other can be used to help patients with social phobia or Arachnophobia to reduce their phobias using VR solutions and real-time biofeedback. The authors analyze the aspects that influence the development of immersive environments and gamification mechanisms and propose a socio-technical methodology based on actor-network theory for the survey and definition of requirements.
User Experience Design of History Game
Authors: Wong Seng Yue , Ghavifekr Simin
Published: December 2022

User experience (UX) and user interface design of an educational game are important in enhancing and sustaining the utilisation of Game Based Learning (GBL) in learning history. Thus, this article provides a detailed literature review on history learning problems, as well as previous studies on user experience in game design. Future studies on educational history games will benefit from this systematic review and analysis of current educational history games, as this article examines in detail which game features are the most effective in promoting engagement and supporting the process of learning Malaysian history. The results have revealed that mobile game applications with historical content can indeed be a meaningful way to create gaming experience, learning experience, adaptivity and usability, which can facilitate history learning through UX of playing history mobile games. The correlation results of these four dimensions have indicated four positive and significant relationships.
Serious Games, Meditation, Brain-Computer Interfacing, and Virtual Reality (VR)
Authors: Murdoch Ryan
Published: December 2022

Brain-computer interfacing (BCI), the ability to interact with software and technology with our thoughts and feelings, presents an exciting new frontier for serious games and learning. This chapter outlines an approach to incorporating real-time brain-monitoring in educational games. Both outlining and suggesting how technically this can be achieved using affordable and accessible “off the shelf” consumer technology and the popular game engine Unity. By designing such experiences considering pedagogy and serious game theory, we can attempt to classify this new form of user interaction and its value for educational purposes. Specifically, this chapter looks to engage players with ideas of meditation by monitoring their “meditation” using BCI technology and visualizing it in engaging game worlds and experiences. As a valuable tool for addressing mental illness and personal wellbeing, meditation is worth exploring as a learning outcome within serious games.
Flip-Game Engineering and Technology Methodology
Authors: Gómez de Merodio Milagros Huerta , Dodero Juan Manuel , Núñez Nestor Mora , Núñez José Mª Portela
Published: December 2022

Flip-GET has been developed with the objective of optimizing engineering practicals. The innovative element of this methodology is the use of serious games, as a complement to the flipped classroom method, in the teaching-learning process of engineering studies. This methodology uses serious games to take advantage of the capacity of motivation that video games have for the current generation of students, who have been involved with digital content, software, and electronic devices. This methodology has been evaluated using the method of case studies and by an experimental evaluation carried out in different stages, each of which has been developed during an academic course. In the experimental evaluation of the methodology, the control group carried out the practicals dividing the students into subgroups, without using the Flip-GET methodology, while the experimental group performed them with the methodology.
Educational Games as Software Through the Lens of Designing Process
Authors: Ahmad Mifrah
Published: December 2022

Educational games (EG) as learning software have become more dominant in the educational industry and have gained immense popularity. However, a constant battle between designing an EG that combines fun and educational content in delivering learning objective is a prominent challenge through the designing phase for various stakeholders involved, especially game designers. This chapter discusses three major contributions to game design fundamentals and principles and unpacks their concepts on designing EG. Moreover, an in-depth discussion of game design models/frameworks is understood. This analysis highlights issues and problems raised through the gaps existing between models/frameworks against them. This chapter proposes a combined prototyping process adopted from the discussion and emphasizes aspects required in documenting game design. With the process documented and aligned, game designers will be able to reflect a better understanding of a game design process in the industry.
Towards a Role-Playing Game Procedural Dungeon Generation Strategy to Help Developing Working Skills
Authors: Durán-Yañez Esteban A. , Rodríguez-Díaz Mario A. , López-Luévano César A.
Published: December 2022

This chapter describes the insights towards a proposal to integrate a procedural content generation strategy in a computer role-playing usable and accessible learning video game for gaining replayability to encourage engagement and motivation in learners. In order to explain the contextual issues of the topic, the chapter includes a discussion on how computer role-playing video games impact the skills considered crucial for the work in the future—abstraction, system thinking, experimentation, and collaboration—emphasizing the importance of usability and accessibility to ensure effectiveness of the proposal. A first approach of a computer role-playing video game is presented to provide an illustrative example. The prototype will serve for future evaluations with people for usability and accessibility.
The Cyber Awareness of Online Video Game Players
Authors: Seok Soonhwa , DaCosta Boaventura
Published: December 2022

The cyber awareness of online video game players (n = 183) was investigated by examining their online safety practices and the degree to which they were exposed to threats. With findings revealing that gamers engaged in poor online practices, despite expressing concern for their safety, this investigation supports the view that gamers are unaware of the possible consequences of their online actions, and/or continue to show resistance to cybersecurity practices perceived to hinder gameplay. While the findings should be regarded as preliminary, game developers and publishers, policymakers, and researchers may find them valuable in obtaining a clearer understanding of gamers' cyber awareness and online practices. Coupled with ongoing research, these findings may also prove valuable for the identification of strategies that may be used to curb risky online behavior.
Central serous chorioretinopathy
Authors: Jain Manish , Mohan Sashwanthi , van Dijk Elon H. C.
Published: December 2022

Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) has remained an enigmatic disease since its initial description by Von Graefe. Over the years, multiple risk factors have been recognized: these include psychological stress, behavioral traits, and corticosteroids. The basic pathophysiology of CSC involves choroidal thickening, vascular congestion, altered choroidal blood flow (ChBF), and choroidal hyperpermeability, leading to retinal pigment epithelium decompensation and subsequent neurosensory detachment. Multiple organ systems, mainly the nervous, cardiovascular, endocrinal, and renal systems participate in the control of the vascular tone and the ChBF via hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal axis and renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system, while others such as the hepatic system regulate the enzymatic degradation of corticosteroids. Many vasoactive and psychotropic drugs also modulate the ocular perfusion. In addition, there are anatomical and genetic predispositions that determine its progression to the chronic or recurrent form, through cellular response and angiogenesis. We herein review the basic pathophysiology and immunogenetics in CSC along with the role of multiple organ systems. With this background, we propose an etiological classification that should provide a framework for customized therapeutic interventions.
Prognostic Nutritional Index - A Predictive Tool for Treatment Tolerance in Head and Neck Radiotherapy
Authors: George Anu , Ponni T. R.
Published: December 2022

Background:

Head-and-neck cancer (HNC) constitutes one-third of all cancers in developing countries, and the majority present in locally advanced stages. Poor nutritional status is invariably present which compromises treatment compliance, quality of life and survival outcome, posing a major treatment challenge. The aim of this study was to assess the role of pretreatment biomarkers including neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and prognostic nutritional index (PNI) in predicting treatment tolerance.

Materials and Methods:

This prospective observational study included 82 patients receiving definitive and adjuvant radiotherapy for HNC. Utilizing baseline blood investigations, the NLR, PLR, and PNI (10 × albumin + 0.005× lymphocyte count) were calculated for each patient. The cutoff values of NLR, PLR, and PNI were based on the median values. Treatment tolerance in terms of weight loss of more than 10% during treatment, the need for feeding procedure, treatment breaks, and not completing planned treatment as per the schedule were assessed. Associations of NLR, PLR, and PNI with the treatment tolerance factors were assessed using the Chi-square test and Fisher's exact test, and a P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:

Low PNI significantly correlated with feeding procedure requirement and treatment breaks, thus compromising treatment completion. NLR and PLR did not show statistically significant correlations.

Conclusion:

Low PNI is a reliable predictive factor of poor treatment tolerance. It is an accessible screening tool to identify patients at risk of poor treatment tolerance in whom early interventions can be made to aid in uneventful treatment completion.
The Efficacy of Sorafenib after Progression on Atezolizumab and Bevacizumab Combination Therapy in a Patient with Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Lin Yun-Tzu , Wu Hung-Chang
Published: December 2022

Sorafenib was approved for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma more than 10 years ago; however, the efficacy is limited. The IMbrave150 trial demonstrated better overall survival and progression-free survival with atezolizumab plus bevacizumab combination therapy compared to sorafenib, and so it has become the choice of first-line treatment. However, the optimal choice of subsequent therapy after atezolizumab plus bevacizumab is unknown. We present a case with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma who achieved a complete response for more than 2 years under sorafenib treatment after progression with atezolizumab and bevacizumab combination therapy.
Lymphoepithelioma-like Cholangiocarcinoma Mimicking Hepatocellular Carcinoma Imaging Features in a Young Patient with Hepatitis B Virus Infection
Authors: Lee Chi-Yu , Wang Horng-Yuan , Wu Pao-Shu , Chang Ching-Wei
Published: December 2022

Lymphoepithelioma-like cholangiocarcinoma (LEL-CC) is a rare variant of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Only a few cases of LEL-CC have been reported, and the understanding of LEL-CC remains limited. Herein, we describe a case involving a 38-year-old Asian man with hepatitis B virus infection and LEL-CC. The patient's liver tumor was incidentally discovered during routine abdominal ultrasonography without obvious clinical signs or symptoms. Dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed features of hepatocellular carcinoma and he underwent laparoscopic partial hepatectomy. Histologically, the liver tumor exhibited a lymphoepithelioma-like appearance and features of cholangiocarcinoma with Epstein–Barr virus infection.
Combined Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors, Immunotherapy with Picibanil-based Intraperitoneal Imiquimod, and Chemotherapy in Cases of Advanced Cervical Cancer and Failure of Concurrent Chemoradiation Therapy
Authors: Peng Hsiu-Huei , Soong Yung-Kwei , Wu Chiao-En , Lin Cheng-Tao
Published: December 2022

This is a case of cervical cancer stage IIB according to the International Federation of Obstetrics and Gynecology Staging who initially presented with abnormal vaginal bloody discharge noted in August 2018. A cervical biopsy showed poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma, and pelvic magnetic resonance imaging revealed a 4.3-cm cervical mass involving the anterior lip, upper third of the vagina, and right parametrium without nodal or distant lesions. Although she underwent concurrent chemoradiotherapy, a residual cervical tumor was noted in April 2019. She then underwent salvage radical hysterectomy, bilateral pelvic lymph node dissection, and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy with cisplatin in May 2019, followed by immunotherapy (picibanil-based intraperitoneal imiquimod), immune checkpoint inhibitors (pembrolizumab, atezolizumab, ipilimumab, and nivolumab), and concurrent chemoradiotherapy until March 2020. The immune risk profile showed T cell proliferation and alteration of Th1/Th2 activation after immunotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy. There was significant increase in natural killer (NK) T cells (3.9-fold) and CD4+CD25 (4.25-fold). CD3, CD4, CD8, CD19, CD8+CD28−, and CD4/CD8 cells were increased, while CD2+CD279+ and NK cells were decreased. She received eight cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy (cisplatin, paclitaxel) and bevacizumab in June 2020 for local tumor recurrence in the pelvis which was found in April 2020. Unfortunately, she died in November 2020 due to septic shock.
Sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis
Authors: Al Trabulsi Hussam , Muassess Tala , Guraya Salman Yousuf
Published: December 2022

Sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis (SEP) is a rare clinical condition that occurs secondary to a triggering factor such as peritoneal dialysis. The condition entails the encasement of a part of or entire small bowel in a fibro-collagenous membrane, causing subacute, acute, or chronic bowel obstruction. This case report presents a middle-aged man with recurring episodes of vague abdominal pain. The clinical examination and investigations showed small-bowel obstruction mostly focused around the previous area of mesh placement for umbilical hernia repair. The abdominal exploration showed a fibrous sac encasing the small-bowel loops, which necessitated adhesiolysis. Most of the fibrous encapsulating membrane was removed. The patient made an uneventful recovery. The treating surgeons for patients with vague manifestations of small obstruction should have a high index suspicion for rare causes of abdominal pain such as SEP.
Barriers in attaining low-vision care services
Authors: Vishal Biswas , Gaurav Kr Bhardwaj , Sourav Karmakar , Animesh Mondal
Published: December 2022

The main goal of this narrative review was to examine the literature on the barriers that low-vision patients experience while utilizing low-vision care services (LVCS). Reviewing the difficulties or the barriers that an eye care professional (ECP) encounters when delivering the LVCS is also important. To review the studies about the people with visual impairment and the barriers they encounter in receiving the appropriate LVCS, and the articles discussing the barriers an ECP faces when providing LVCS, an electronic search was carried out using Google Scholar and PubMed. The inclusion criteria were all original articles published between 2012 and 2022 and the subjects who were visually impaired as per the criteria of the WHO and the studies that included the ECPs, to assess their perspectives regarding the LVCS being less approachable. A total of 12 studies met the inclusion criteria, and were reviewed further. Very few studies have been conducted in the last 10 years to investigate the challenges faced by the low-vision patients and the eye care practitioners. The most frequent barriers identified from the patients’ perspective were lack of knowledge, money, transportation, social acceptability and linkage with other health-related problems. Shortage of training, missed referrals, lack of LVCS and devices, and most importantly, lack of awareness were the barriers, according to the ECPs. The majority of the barriers were simple to overcome. So, if the medical community wants to, they can be easily removed. Therefore, the purpose of this review was to describe and highlight such barriers.
Effect of surgical intraocular pressure lowering on peripapillary blood flow in primary open glaucoma patients using optical coherence tomography angiography
Authors: Fouad Heba M. , Marei Nehal A.L. , El-Saied Heba M.A. , Edris Noha A.
Published: December 2022

Objective

The aim of this research was to study the effect of intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering after trabeculectomy on peripapillary blood flow and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness using optical coherence tomography angiography.

Study design

This is a prospective, nonrandomized, single-center, observational study.

Patients and methods

The study included 18 eyes of 18 patients with primary open angle glaucoma scheduled for trabeculectomy. Using optical coherence tomography angiography, the radial peripapillary vessel density (PVD) and RNFL thickness were quantified before and 1 week after surgery. Changes were calculated as total, superior hemi, and inferior hemi. They were then correlated with the change in IOP.

Results

One week after surgery, the mean IOP reduction was −14.28±7.70 mmHg (−56.87±14.97%, P=0.000). The mean change in the radial PVD was +0.47±2.48% (P=0.431), and the mean change in RNFL thickness was +0.44±3.36 μm (P=0.582). There was no statistically significant correlation between these changes and the reduction in IOP (r=−0.104, P=0.682, and r=−0.287, P=0.249, respectively).

Conclusion

There was a nonsignificant increase in the radial PVD and RNFL thickness after IOP reduction with trabeculectomy in primary open angle glaucoma, 1 week after surgery.
A comparison of the circadian rhythm of intraocular pressure in patients with primary glaucoma and normal individuals
Authors: Namrata Devappa , Pradeep Thanuja G. , Krishnaswamy Malavika
Published: December 2022

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the 24-h intraocular pressure (IOP) fluctuations in patients with glaucoma and to compare them with normal persons.

Patients and methods

This is a cross-sectional comparative study of the circadian rhythm of IOP that was conducted on 30 patients diagnosed with primary glaucoma on medical or surgical treatment and 30 normal individuals with no signs of glaucoma. There were three cases of primary angle closure glaucoma, and so they were excluded from the analysis.

Results

The mean age of all participants was 60.25±12.15 years. The mean age of the normal individuals was 58.60±12.33 years compared with 62.22±11.66 years in patients with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG), with no statistically significant difference (P=0.486). A higher proportion of females (63%) were found in the glaucoma group, though not statistically significant (P=0.138). The mean IOP was higher among the glaucoma group (19.92±6.18 mmHg) than in the normal individuals (14.83±1.75 mmHg), with a statistically significant difference (P=0.001). The mean diurnal variation of IOP in the right eye among the normal individuals (3.6±1.1 mmHg) was significantly lower than in the POAG group (7.11±4.8 mmHg) (P=0.001). Similarly, in the left eye, the mean diurnal variation was significantly higher in the POAG group (6.07±2.25 mmHg) compared with the normal individuals (3.52±1.25 mmHg) (P=0.00). The average peak of IOP among normal individuals and patients with POAG was 19.75±2.0 and 37.56.9 mmHg, respectively, in the right eye (P=0.01) and 20.00 ± 1.6 mmHg and 26.25 ± 2.2 in normal individuals and patients with POAG, respectively, in the left eye (P=0.001). The peak IOP among the POAG group was seen at 6 p.m. and 6 a.m., mostly outside office hours.

Conclusion

The diurnal variation of IOP was more among patients with glaucoma than normal individuals. The average peak of the IOP was seen only after office hours (9 a.m.–5 p.m.), thus emphasizing the need for 24-h monitoring of IOP. The 24-h measurement would help recognize the IOP spikes and help decide the time of instillation of antiglaucoma medication to avoid further glaucoma progression.
Epithelial thickness mapping
Authors: El-Shahed Ahmed F. , El-Shahed Reem F. , Gaballah Karim A.
Published: December 2022

Aim

The aim of this study was to compare mechanical photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) to transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy (tPRK), used to correct mild and moderate myopia, with respect to the epithelial thickness mapping (ETM).

Setting

The study was carried out at Al-Mashreq Eye Center, Cairo, Egypt.

Patients and methods

This is a prospective comparative study that was carried out on 20 myopic patients (40 eyes), with spherical equivalent (SE) ranging from −1.0 to −5.0 D. The cases were divided into two groups: group A included the right eyes (OD) of all patients, and group B included the left eyes (OS). Group A underwent mechanical PRK using ‘hockey stick’ and excimer laser, using Mel-90 excimer laser with 250 Hz mode, and 0.7-mm spot scanning. Group B underwent tPRK using Mel-90 (8-mm lamellar ablation for 55 μm, 250 Hz). Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), manifest refraction, and ETM using AngioVue spectral domain optical coherence tomography systems were performed. The ETM was measured preoperatively and at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months postoperatively. In addition, postoperative pain was assessed.

Results

The median preoperative UCVA was 0.3 (range, 0.2–0.4) in both eyes (OU), whereas the median preoperative best-corrected visual acuity was 1 (range, 0.8–1). There was a statistically significant increase in UCVA across the postoperative period in both groups (P<0.001). The median UCVA improved to 0.5 (OU) after 1 week, and to 0.9 (OD) and 1.0 (OS) after 1 month and remained almost the same at 3 months postoperatively. There was a statistically significant decrease in SE at all points of the follow-up period in both groups (P<0.001). A slight change in SE was observed between the first and third month postoperatively in both groups, which was statistically insignificant. Patients reported postoperative pain on the first postoperative day, which was more in the tPRK group. There was a statistically significant change in epithelial thickness across the study period in both groups (P<0.001). The ETM showed a faster epithelial regeneration in group B, which was statistically significant at 1 week postoperatively (P=0.004). The epithelial thickness continued to increase in both groups to reach almost the preoperative value at the third month postoperatively. All cases that showed postoperative haze were less than grade 1.0 (Hanna’s scale).

Conclusion

Mechanical PRK and tPRK provided very similar results 3 months postoperatively. Both procedures were predictable, effective, and safe. The patients reported postoperative pain on the first postoperative day that was more in the tPRK group. The tPRK group expressed a faster epithelial regeneration than the PRK group at 1 week postoperatively. However, at 3 months postoperatively, the corneal epithelium reached an almost normal thickness in both groups. Visual recovery was noted to be faster in the tPRK group.
Peripheral Ulcerative Keratitis and its Management
Authors: Bharti Priyanka , Ranjan Abhishek , Prasad Vivek
Published: December 2022

Peripheral ulcerative keratitis (PUK) is a destructive inflammation of the peripheral cornea associated with corneal epithelial sloughing and keratolysis. It could be associated with various ocular and systemic infections and noninfectious diseases. Rheumatoid arthritis is the most frequent underlying disease. Various systemic autoimmune vasculitic diseases that can prove fatal may present as PUK. If not treated properly, PUK can progress to perforation resulting in significant ocular morbidity and when associated with a systemic autoimmune condition, may be life-threatening. PUK-associated complications may be prevented with timely diagnosis, detection of the underlying systemic inflammatory disorders, and proper treatment.
Optical Coherence Tomography in Glaucoma
Authors: Perween Farhat , Kumar Sumit , Singh Ojaswita , Karak Pradeep
Published: December 2022

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) evaluates the optic nerve head (ONH), peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer, and inner retinal layers at the macula for detecting structural abnormalities in glaucoma. The optic disc and retinal nerve fiber layer are the principal sites of apparent glaucomatous damage, which precedes glaucomatous visual field defects. The currently accepted gold standards for glaucoma diagnosis are ONH analysis for structural changes and perimetry to monitor changes in function. However, imaging technology OCT is playing an increasing role in glaucoma diagnosis, monitoring of disease progress, and quantification of structural damage. This article focused on the principle of OCT, applications of both anterior and posterior segment OCT in glaucoma management, and interpretation of OCT reports.
Interleukin-17 levels in gingival crevicular fluid of aggressive periodontitis and chronic periodontitis patients
Authors: Wankhede Anand Narayanrao , Dhadse Prasad Vijayrao
Published: December 2022

Context:

Interleukin-17 (IL-17) plays an important function in initiation, progression of any inflammatory condition. It is a pro-inflammatory cytokine and considered to be founding member. Periodontitis being an inflammatory condition of periodontium, IL-17 does have a potential role in periodontitis. The current research has shown positive correlation between the IL-17 and severity of periodontitis. Therefore, this research study aimed to evaluate the levels of IL-17 in aggressive periodontitis (AgP), chronic periodontitis (CP), and “healthy gingival sites.”

Materials and Methods:

A total of 45 selected subjects (90 samples) were equally divided into three different groups. Group 1 (Healthy gingiva on clinical examination): Subjects with healthy gingiva and no evidence of periodontal attachment level (PAL), probing pocket depth (PPD) <3 mm papillary bleeding index (PBI) <1. Group 2 (AgP): Subjects having age <35 years with at least six permanent teeth apart from the incisors and first molars with PPD and PAL ≥5 mm. Group 3 (CP): It consist of subjects with clinical features of inflammation of gingiva with minimum six teeth in each jaw, with PPD ≥4 mm, PAL ≥4 mm. IL-17 levels were analyzed by using Gingival crevicular fluid (GCF). It was collected from the sulcus of first maxillary molar sites for quantitative analysis.

Results:

GCF IL-17 levels in AgP were found to be 1.12 ± 0.29, 1.96 ± 1.71 in CP and 0.64 ± 0.23 in healthy gingival sites. Clinical parameters such as (1) plaque index (Turesky et al., modification of Quigley-Hein), (2) PPD, (3) PBI were higher (significantly) in periodontitis group as compared to healthy gingiva. Positive correlation was found to be significant between levels of IL-17 with PAL and PPD in AgP however in cases of CP, positive correlation of IL-17 levels was found only with PAL but not PPD.

Conclusion:

Our study shows that the IL-17 levels were comparatively higher in GCF of AgP, CP in comparison to healthy gingiva, but the GCF IL-17 levels were higher in CP as compared to AgP.
Evaluation of the efficacy of sticky bone and concentrated growth factor membrane along with a coronally advanced flap as compared to coronally advanced flap alone in the treatment of Miller’s Class I and Class II gingival recession defects
Authors: Mitra Dipika , Kandawalla Shazneen , Potdar Priyanka , Patil Shruti , Naniwadekar Amruta , Shetty Gaurav
Published: December 2022

Context:

Gingival recessions are commonly seen in the dentally cognizant population as well as those with limited access to dental attention. When root coverage is planned, the ultimate goal is to obtain complete root coverage, thus restoring the lost gingival unit covering the root.

Aims:

To determine the efficacy of sticky bone and concentrated growth factor (CGF) membrane along with a coronally advanced flap (CAF) as compared to CAF alone in treating Miller’s Class I and Class II gingival recessions (Cairo RT1).

Settings and Design:

The current study was a randomized double-blind controlled trial on 15 subjects using a split-mouth design.

Materials and Methods:

Fifteen subjects who were systemically healthy and had recession sites (30 sites) were randomly assigned to two groups: Group A (test group = CAF + CGF + sticky bone) and Group B (control group = CAF alone). Clinical outcome was assessed with parameters such as recession depth, recession width, keratinized gingival width, gingival mucosal thickness, and relative attachment level (RAL), and these were assessed at baseline and 1, 3, and 6 months.

Results:

A distinct improvement was observed in the depth and width of recession, RAL, keratinized gingival width, and mucosal thickness of the gingiva in the two groups from baseline to 6 months. Statistical significance was not seen on intergroup comparisons.

Conclusions:

Thus, clinical outcomes revealed noticeable improvement for both the groups. However, statistically, the efficacy of CGF and sticky bone was not perceived to be superior to that of CAF alone.
Host Factors and Risk of Pin Site Infection in External Fixation
Authors: Fridberg Marie , Bue Mats , Rölfing Jan Duedal , Kold Søren
Published: December 2022

Introduction:

Host factors affecting pin site infections were selected by The Pin site Consensus Group, using a modified Delphi approach, to be one of the top 10 priorities to investigate how to reduce rates of pin site infections, improve clinical management, and inform research. The aim of this study was to perform a systematic literature review of the association between host factors and pin site infection, focused on age, smoking, body mass index, and comorbidities, in particular diabetes.

Materials and Methods:

The literature search strategy was developed as advised in the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions following the PRISMA guidelines with the help from a scientific librarian. The protocol was registered in the International Register of Systematic Reviews, PROSPERO (ID: CRD42021273305). The literature search was executed in three electronic bibliographic databases, including Embase MEDLINE (1111 hits) and CINAHL (2066 hits) through Ovid and Cochrane Library CENTRAL (387 hits).

Results:

A total of 3564 titles were found. 3162 records were excluded by title and abstract screening. 140 studies were assessed for full-text eligibility. All excluded studies were not reporting specific numbers of patients with pin site infection and the associations of interest. 11 studies were included for data extraction. The included studies were all designed retrospective, and the risk of bias assessment was done using Joanna Briggs Institute risk appraisal tool. The extracted data are presented as results in tabular summaries. This review reveals an increased risk of pin site infection associated with increased HbA1C level in diabetic patients and congestive heart failure in diabetic patients. An increased risk of pin site infection was associated with a lower ASA score. None of the included studies found any association between pin site infection and smoking, age, or body mass index.

Conclusion:

This systematic literature search identified a surprisingly low number of studies examining the association between pin site infection and the specific host factors. Thus, this review most of all serves to demonstrate a gap of evidence about the correlation between host factors and risk of pin site infection, and further studies are warranted.