bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and causes of bilateral visual impairment in rural areas of Tianjin, China – The Tianjin Eye Study
Authors: Meng Xiangda , Zhou Wei , Sun Zhuoyu , Han Qi , Zhang Jingkai , Zhang Hongwen , Wang Weijuan , Zhong Min , Wang Meiyan , Zhang Junlan , Hao Jing , Han Han , Zhao Xiao , Hu Xingxing , Zhu Xinlei , Li Jianan , Wang Tian , Huang Yunli , Liao Mengyu , Song Yinting , Yan Hua 
Published: June 2020

AbstractPurposeTo estimate the prevalence, causes and risk factors of bilateral visual impairment in rural areas of Tianjin, China.MethodsA large population‐based, cross‐sectional study. A stratified random cluster sampling method was used to investigate 12 233 participants in all age groups living in rural Tianjin. Participants completed questionnaires and received professional ophthalmology examinations.ResultsAccording to World Health Organization best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA) criteria, the crude prevalence of bilateral visual impairment (BCVA < 20/63), bilateral low vision (BCVA < 20/63 to ≥20/400) and bilateral blindness (BCVA < 20/400) was 2.53%, 2.40% and 0.14% (age‐ and gender‐standardized prevalence was 1.86%, 1.76% and 0.11%). The prevalence increased with age and was higher in women than men. The most common causes of bilateral visual impairment in the total population were cataract (48.39%), refractive error/amblyopia (17.74%), age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) (10.00%), diabetic retinopathy (5.81%) and glaucoma (3.87%). For participants younger than 50 years, refractive error/amblyopia was the leading cause of low vision and blindness, while cataract was the major cause in the participants over 50. Female gender, older age and self‐reported diabetes were associated with increased risks of visual impairment.ConclusionThe age‐ and gender‐standardized prevalence of low vision, especially in the older group (50+), was higher in this study compared with previous studies in China. Refractive error/amblyopia was the leading cause of bilateral visual impairment in younger group, while cataract was the primary cause in the older group. These findings will provide useful information for planning comprehensive eye healthcare programmes in China.
Detailed optical coherence tomography angiographic short‐term response of type 3 neovascularization to combined treatment with photodynamic therapy and intravitreal bevacizumab
Authors: Smid Lisette M. , Vermeer Koenraad A. , Wong King T. , Martinez Ciriano José P. , de Jong Jan H. , Davidoiu Valentina , de Boer Johannes F. , van Velthoven Mirjam E. J. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractPurposeTo explore the short‐term vascular and structural changes of type 3 neovascularization using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT‐A) when treated with a combination of photodynamic therapy (PDT) and intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB), and to evaluate the course of different sequences of the combined therapies.MethodsThirty eyes of 29 treatment‐naïve patients with a type 3 neovascularization were included in this prospective observational cohort study. They were all treated with PDT and IVB 2 weeks apart, starting either with PDT (PDT‐first group) or IVB (IVB‐first group). Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT‐A) imaging was performed at week 0, 2, 4 and 18, and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at week 0 and 18. Vascular, structural and functional features were graded and analysed over time.ResultsIn all patients, at all follow‐up visits, vascular and structural features were significantly more often decreased or resolved than unchanged or increased. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) significantly improved at 18 weeks. Vascular, structural and functional outcomes were all slightly better in the PDT‐first group compared to the IVB‐first group, although not statistically significant.ConclusionCombined treatment of PDT and IVB is effective in short‐term for type 3 neovascularization based on vascular and structural features. Initial treatment with PDT tended to be more effective than with IVB.
Prevalence, risk factors and impact of posterior staphyloma diagnosed from wide‐field optical coherence tomography in Singapore adults with high myopia
Authors: Zheng Feihui , Wong Chee‐Wai , Sabanayagam Charumathi , Cheung Yin‐Bun , Matsumura Saiko , Chua Jacqueline , Man Ryan Eyn Kidd , Ohno‐Matsui Kyoko , Wong Tien‐Yin , Cheng Ching‐Yu , Tai E. Shyong , Lamoureux Ecosse Luc Edouard Denis , Schmetterer Leopold , Kuo Anthony , Hoang Quan V. , Saw Seang‐Mei 
Published: June 2020

AbstractPurposeTo investigate the prevalence and risk factors of posterior staphyloma using wide‐field optical coherence tomography (WF‐OCT) in adults with high myopia in Singapore.DesignPopulation‐based cross‐sectional study.MethodsAdults with spherical equivalent (SE) ≤ −5D in either eye at the first visit of Singapore Epidemiology of Eye Diseases study and Singapore Prospective Study Program study were recruited. Posterior staphyloma was diagnosed using WF‐OCT (PLEX®Elite9000, Carl Zeiss Meditec). Myopic macular degeneration (MMD), myopic traction maculopathy (MTM) and vision‐related quality of life (VRQoL) were assessed using fundus photographs, DRI‐Triton OCT (Topcon) and the Impact of Vision Impairment (IVI) questionnaire, respectively. Factors associated with posterior staphyloma were identified with multilevel, multivariable logistic regression. Impact of posterior staphyloma on MMD, MTM and visual function was analysed with multilevel, multivariable logistic regression and linear mixed model, respectively.ResultsAmong the 225 eyes [mean SE = −6.5 ± 2.2 D, mean axial length (AL) = 26.2 ± 1.5 mm] of 117 participants (mean age = 60.3 ± 7.1 years), posterior staphyloma was detected in 47 (20.9%) eyes of 38 (32.5%) participants. Older age [odds ratio (OR), 1.18; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.10–1.26], more myopic SE (0.63; 0.51–0.77) and increased AL (2.51; 1.69–3.73) were associated with higher prevalence of posterior staphyloma (all p < 0.001). Adults with posterior staphyloma had higher odds of MMD (2.67; 1.23–5.82; p = 0.013), MTM (3.79; 1.13–12.68; p = 0.031) and worse IVI Reading (β = −1.44; −2.31 to 0.58; p = 0.001) scores.ConclusionsAbout one in three adults with high myopia had posterior staphyloma, which was associated with increased odds of having myopic maculopathy and a detrimental impact on VRQoL.
Systematic review showed that low and moderate prenatal alcohol and nicotine exposure affected early child development
Authors: Römer Pia , Mathes Birgit , Reinelt Tilman , Stoyanova Polina , Petermann Franz , Zierul Claudia 
Published: June 2020

AbstractAimWe systematically reviewed the literature on the influence of low and moderate amounts of prenatal alcohol and nicotine exposure on early child development. This paper also suggests possible directions for future research in order to tackle the controversial findings identified.MethodsThe PubMed and Web of Science electronic databases were searched together with the reference lists of the selected papers. Empirical studies were included if they focused on the effects of low or moderate exposure, reported outcomes on child development within the first 2 years of life and were published in English between January 2009 and December 2019. The eligibility of the included studies was based on three authors reading the full text.ResultsThe final sample comprised 17 papers. Of these, 13 focused on the effects of prenatal alcohol exposure and they reported decreased sensory sensibility, smaller body sizes and increased cognitive capacities. The other four looked at prenatal nicotine exposure, and they primarily found impairments in children's orienting, communication and motor skills.ConclusionAny amount of prenatal alcohol and nicotine exposure appeared to risk healthy child development. There were many reasons for consumption and numerous effects on the child, but representative data from interdisciplinary research were missing.
Phenotypic bases of NOTCH2NLC GGC expansion positive neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease in a Southeast Asian cohort
Authors: Chen Zhiyong , Xu Zheyu , Cheng Qianhui , Tan Yi Jayne , Ong Helen L. , Zhao Yi , Lim Weng Khong , Teo Jing Xian , Foo Jia Nee , Lee Hwei Yee , Tan Jeanne M.M. , Hang Liting , Yu Wai‐Yung , Ting Simon K.S. , Tan Eng‐King , Lim Tchoyoson C.C. , Ng Adeline S.L. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractNeuronal intranuclear inclusion disease (NIID) is a neurodegenerative disorder associated with GGC repeats of >60 to 500 copies in the 5′‐untranslated region of NOTCH2NLC. The clinical and genetic characterization of NIID outside of East Asia remains unknown. We identified twelve patients who underwent genetic testing using long‐read sequencing or repeat primed polymerase chain reaction. All were positive for a GGC repeat expansion; the median repeat length was 107 (range 92‐138). Ten were Chinese and two of Malay ethnicity. Age at onset ranged from 50 to 69 years. Eight (66.7%) patients had dementia, while four (33.3%) patients were oligosymptomatic, without typical NIID symptoms of dementia, Parkinsonism, or muscle weakness. GGA interruptions within the GGC expansion were present in four patients; the number of GGA interruptions was highest (6.71%) in the patient with the earliest age at onset (50 years). Median plasma neurofilament light level was 47.3 pg/mL in seven patients (range 26‐380 pg/mL). The highest level (380 pg/mL) was found in one patient who experienced an encephalitic episode. Overall, we describe a cohort of genetically confirmed NIID patients from Southeast Asia and provide further information that the presence of GGA interruptions within GGC repeat expansions may serve as a potential genetic modifier in NIID.
Fiscal and monetary interdependence
Authors: Steele G R 
Published: June 2020

AbstractWhere classical economics integrates the quantity theory of money with the concept of Ricardian equivalence, the tendency of recent macroeconomic presentations is to focus either upon money and inflation or upon taxation and debt. That neglect of classical monetary–fiscal integration is surprising, given an initiative by the International Monetary Fund that set credit, money, and fiscal policy within a single structure. This article places those ‘credit counterparts of broad money’ in the context of the Great Depression and the recent global financial crisis. The upshot is a set of conclusions: that, to counter the prospect of deflation, quantitative easing is a weak policy response; that fiscal deficits are better; and that cuts in taxation are preferable to increased government spending.
Luck or insight? The Simon–Ehrlich bet re‐examined
Authors: Pooley Gale , Tupy Marian 
Published: June 2020

AbstractAfter a long argument about the effect of population growth on the availability of resources, Julian Simon and Paul Ehrlich undertook a $1,000 bet in October1980. The wager concerned the inflation‐adjusted prices of five metals. If, over ten years, prices rose, Simon would pay Ehrlich. If they fell, Ehrlich would pay Simon. In October 1990 Ehrlich mailed Simon a cheque, as the real price of the five‐metal basket of commodities had fallen by 36 per cent. Since then, some researchers have argued that Simon ‘got lucky’; over other periods the result would have been different. We review data from 1900–2019 and find that, if war years are excluded, Simon would have won the bet 69.9 per cent of the time. During this 119‐year period, the time price of the five‐metal basket fell by 87.2 per cent despite both US and world populations having grown substantially.
The trouble with naïve Keynesianism
Authors: Caporale Tony , Poitras Marc 
Published: June 2020

AbstractSince the Keynesian Revolution of the 1930s, many prominent economists have argued that a useful policy response to economic depression is to boost government spending. But pressure to spend quickly increases the potential for waste and inefficiency: this is ignored or dismissed in the Keynesian literature. For example, a widely cited cost–benefit analysis of stimulus spending does not even acknowledge the possibility of waste, and some Keynesians go so far as to argue that wasteful spending during a crisis can nonetheless be desirable. Here we extend the typical analysis by accounting explicitly for the leading sources of cost including waste, resource costs, and the excess burden of taxation. Our results suggest that stimulus spending that is largely wasteful is unlikely to generate net wealth. A proper response to economic depression must consider the possibility that government waste can render stimulus spending counterproductive.
Optical coherence tomography measures correlate with brain and spinal cord atrophy and multiple sclerosis disease‐related disability
Authors: Vidal‐Jordana A. , Pareto D. , Cabello S. , Alberich M. , Rio J. , Tintore M. , Auger C. , Montalban X. , Rovira A. , Sastre‐Garriga J. 
Published: June 2020

Background and purposeBoth optical coherence tomography (OCT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) volumetric measures have been postulated as potential biomarkers of multiple sclerosis (MS)‐related disability. The aim of the study was to investigate the association between OCT and brain volume and spinal cord area (SCA) parameters in patients with relapsing MS and to assess their independent associations with disability.MethodsThis was a cross‐sectional analysis of 90 patients with MS who underwent OCT and MRI examination. Values of peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer (pRNFL), ganglion cell/inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) and inner nuclear layer of eyes without previous optic neuritis were obtained. SCA and brain parenchymal fraction (BPF), grey and white matter fractions were obtained. Multivariable regression analyses were conducted with disability as dependent variable.ResultsLower pRNFL thickness and lower GCIPL volume as well as lower BPF, grey matter fraction and SCA were associated with a longer disease duration and a higher Expanded Disability Status Scale score. Lower pRNFL thickness and GCIPL volumes were associated with lower BPF and SCA. In the multivariable logistic regression analyses, pRNFL thickness and GCIPL volume outperformed MRI in predicting disability.ConclusionsThe OCT measures correlate with brain and spinal cord atrophy and appear more closely associated with disability than MRI volumetric measures.
Central nervous system infections in a tropical area: influence of emerging and rare infections
Authors: Chaumont H. , Roze E. , Tressières B. , Lazarini F. , Lannuzel A. 
Published: June 2020

Background and purposeThe frequency of infectious encephalitis and the distribution of causative pathogens in tropical areas are poorly known and may be influenced by emerging and rare infections. The aim was to characterize a large series of acute infectious encephalitis and myelitis in immunocompetent patients from the Caribbean island of Guadeloupe identifying clinical, biological and radiological features according to pathogens.MethodsUsing a hospital database, detailed information on a comprehensive series of immunocompetent patients with acute infectious myelitis and encephalitis over the 2012–2018 period was retrospectively collected.ResultsFrom 259 suspected cases with acute central nervous system infection, 171 cases were included for analysis, comprising 141 encephalitis, 22 myelitis and eight encephalomyelitis. The annual incidence peaked at 15.0/100 000 during the Zika 2016 outbreak. Children accounted for 22.2% of cases. Eight adults died during hospital stay, all encephalitis. Seventeen infectious agents, two of which had never been described in Guadeloupe so far, were identified in 101 cases (59.1%), including 35 confirmed cases (34.7%), 48 probable cases (47.5%), 15 possible cases (14.9%) and three clinical cases (3.0%). The most frequent etiologic agents were Zika virus in 23 cases (13.5%), herpes simplex in 12 (7.0%), varicella zoster virus in 11 (6.4%), dengue virus in 11 (6.4%) and leptospirosis in 11 (6.4%).ConclusionsThe Zika outbreak had a major influence on the annual incidence of acute central nervous system infection. Acute neuroleptospirosis is over‐represented in our series. Further efforts are mandatory to develop new diagnostic tools for pathogen profiling.
Experiences of advance care planning in Parkinson's disease and atypical parkinsonian disorders: a mixed methods systematic review
Authors: Nimmons D. , Hatter L. , Davies N. , Sampson EL , Walters K. , Schrag A. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackground and purposeAdvance care planning allows people to plan for their future care needs and can include medical, psychological and social aspects. However, little is known on the use, experience of and attitudes towards advance care planning in patients with parkinsonian disorders, their family carers and healthcare professionals.MethodsA systematic search of online databases was conducted in April 2019 using a narrative synthesis approach with thematic analysis and tabulation to synthesize the findings.ResultsIn all, 507 articles were identified and 27 were included. There were five overarching themes: (i) what is involved in advance care planning discussions, (ii) when and how advance care planning discussions are initiated, (iii) barriers to advance care planning, (iv) the role of healthcare professionals and (v) the role of the family carer. This evidence was used to highlight eight effective components to support optimal advance care planning in parkinsonian disorders: advance care planning discussions should be individualized in content, timing and approach; patients should be invited to discuss advance care planning early and regularly; palliative care services should be introduced early; a skilled professional should deliver advance care planning; support to family carers should be offered in the advance care planning process; healthcare professionals should be educated on parkinsonian disorders and palliative care; advance care planning should be clearly documented and shared with relevant services; and healthcare professionals should be enabled to conduct effective advance care planning.ConclusionsThese components can inform best practice in advance care planning in patients with parkinsonian disorders.
The intrinsic ATPase activity of Mycobacterium tuberculosis UvrC is crucial for its damage‐specific DNA incision function
Authors: Thakur Manoj , Agarwal Ankit , Muniyappa Kalappa 
Published: June 2020

To ensure genome stability, bacteria have evolved a network of DNA repair mechanisms; among them, the UvrABC‐dependent nucleotide excision repair (NER) pathway is essential for the incision of a variety of bulky adducts generated by exogenous chemicals, UV radiation and by‐products of cellular metabolism. However, very little is known about the enzymatic properties of Mycobacterium tuberculosis UvrABC excinuclease complex. Furthermore, the biochemical properties of Escherichia coli UvrC (EcUvrC) are not well understood (compared to UvrA and UvrB), perhaps due to its limited availability and/or activity instability in vitro. In addition, homology modelling of M. tuberculosis UvrC (MtUvrC) revealed the presence of a putative ATP‐binding pocket, although its function remains unknown. To elucidate the biochemical properties of UvrC, we constructed and purified wild‐type MtUvrC and its eight variants harbouring mutations within the ATP‐binding pocket. The data from DNA‐binding studies suggest that MtUvrC exhibits high‐affinity for duplex DNA containing a bubble or fluorescein‐dT moiety, over fluorescein‐adducted single‐stranded DNA. Most notably, MtUvrC has an intrinsic UvrB‐independent ATPase activity, which drives dual incision of the damaged DNA strand. In contrast, EcUvrC is devoid of ATPase activity; however, it retains the ability to bind ATP at levels comparable to that of MtUvrC. The ATPase‐deficient variants map to residues lining the MtUvrC ATP‐binding pocket. Further analysis of these variants revealed separation of function between ATPase and DNA‐binding activities in MtUvrC. Altogether, these findings reveal functional diversity of the bacterial NER machinery and a paradigm for the evolution of a catalytic scaffold in UvrC.
Ecosystem response to earlier ice break‐up date: Climate‐driven changes to water temperature, lake‐habitat‐specific production, and trout habitat and resource use
Authors: Caldwell Timothy J. , Chandra Sudeep , Feher Karly , Simmons James B. , Hogan Zeb 
Published: June 2020

AbstractClimate warming has yielded earlier ice break‐up dates in recent decades for lakes leading to water temperature increases, altered habitat, and both increases and decreases to ecosystem productivity. Within lakes, the effect of climate warming on secondary production in littoral and pelagic habitats remains unclear. The intersection of changing habitat productivity and warming water temperatures on salmonids is important for understanding how climate warming will impact mountain ecosystems. We develop and test a conceptual model that expresses how earlier ice break‐up dates influence within lake habitat production, water temperatures and the habitat utilized by, resources obtained and behavior of salmonids in a mountain lake. We measured zoobenthic and zooplankton production from the littoral and pelagic habitats, thermal conditions, and the habitat use, resource use, and fitness of Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis). We show that earlier ice break‐up conditions created a "resource‐rich" littoral–benthic habitat with increases in zoobenthic production compared to the pelagic habitat which decreased in zooplankton production. Despite the increases in littoral–benthic food resources, trout did not utilize littoral habitat or zoobenthic resources due to longer durations of warm water temperatures in the littoral zone. In addition, 87% of their resources were supported by the pelagic habitat during periods with earlier ice break‐up when pelagic resources were least abundant. The decreased reliance on littoral–benthic resources during earlier ice break‐up caused reduced fitness (mean reduction of 12 g) to trout. Our data show that changes to ice break‐up drive multi‐directional results for resource production within lake habitats and increase the duration of warmer water temperatures in food‐rich littoral habitats. The increased duration of warmer littoral water temperatures reduces the use of energetically efficient habitats culminating in decreased trout fitness.
Davids versus Goliaths: Epigenetic dynamics and structural change in the Swedish innovation system
Authors: Romano Silvina A. , Zabala‐Iturriagagoitia Jon Mikel 
Published: June 2020

AbstractEntrepreneurship induces novelty in the innovation system, generates selection processes, and shapes market structure over time. Entrepreneurial firms participate in the creation and diffusion of new technologies, the creation, and early development of new markets and industries, and the renewal of existing firms and industries. But does entrepreneurship also facilitate the transformation and adaptability of innovation systems? In this paper, we analyze whether the Swedish innovation system's industrial structure underwent a transformation as a result of the emergence, growth, and development of new entrepreneurial firms during the last financial crisis. In particular, we focus on the dynamics of two relevant sectors of the Swedish economy which, however, show however different structural characteristics: manufacture of machinery and industrial equipment, and computer programming. Our analysis reveals that large companies use firm acquisitions to respond to the threats posed by new emerging entrepreneurial firms. In the current context of disruptive change, acquisitions are thus used as a defensive mechanism for firms’ survival and adaptation rather than as a means to transfer/gain new knowledge/technology. We discuss how entrepreneurial ecosystems and innovation support policies can take two forms depending on the stage of development of an innovation system.