bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Optometrists’ Knowledge, Skills and Practice on Cataract: A Cross-Sectional Study from Kisumu County, Western Kenya
Authors: Muma Shadrack , Obonyo Stephen 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Cataract not only contributes to blindness which is avoidable, but also impact negatively on the quality of life. The total prevalence of blindness in Kenya is estimated at 0.7%, however cataract contributes almost half (43%) of the total blindness in Kenya. Optometrists are well placed to assess and refer cataract patients however, little is known on their skills, practice and knowledge. Therefore, this study was designed to assess optometrists’ knowledge, skill and practice on cataract in Kisumu, Kenya. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was used. The study was conducted from June 2019 to August 219 using self-administered questionnaire. Basic socio-demographic characteristics were collected and participants’ knowledge, skills and practice on cataract investigated. The primary outcome measures were the proportions of participants who identified the questions related to knowledge, skills and practice on cataract. Chi-square analysis was performed to assess the association between demographic characteristics with practice, knowledge and skills. Results: A total of 49 optometrists were interviewed with a male to female ratio of 2:1, mean age of 30.4 years and mean duration of practice of 1-10 years. Most optometrists had good knowledge on various aspects of cataract. For example (98%) had a good knowledge on the types of cataract. Almost three quarter (75.5%) of the optometrists reported that they could diagnose cataract correctly based on skills. However, half (57.1%) of the optometrists could not identify nuclear cataract. Being a self reported practice and not observed practice, most optometrists (61.2%) reported that they do not screen patients aged 40 years and above for cataract. Almost half (52.6%) of the optometrists reported that they always do a routine eye examination but they do not know the importance of examining the crystalline lens for patient above 40 years. Conclusion The study established that despite the good level of knowledge among optometrist on cataract, there exist a gap on skills and practice. The results of this study calls for more clinical based activities among optometrists and other cadres. This will eases diagnosis of cataract and its management so as to reduce its burden in Kenya.
Effects of STIP1 and GLCCI1 polymorphisms on the risk of childhood asthma and inhaled corticosteroid response in Chinese asthmatic children
Authors: Huang Juan , Hu Xiaolei , Zheng Xiangrong , Kuang Jian , Liu Chentao , Wang Xia , Tang Yongjun 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Asthma is a common chronic lung disease in children. We aimed to determine the associations between stress-induced phosphoprotein 1 (STIP1) and glucocorticoid-induced transcript 1 (GLCCI1) polymorphisms and susceptibility of childhood asthma and inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) response in children. Methods: A total of 263 Chinese Han asthmatic children were recruited from the Xiangya Hospital, Central South University. Pulmonary function tests were performed before the treatment and 3 months after the treatment. 150 non-asthmatic children were recruited. Each participant's DNA was extracted from the peripheral blood and Method of MassARRAY was used to genotype the single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Results: STIP1 rs2236647 wild-type homozygote (CC) was associated with increased asthma risk of children (OR=1.858，95% CI：1.205-2.864), but not associated with the ICS response. GLCCI1 rs37969, rs37972 and rs37973 polymorphisms were not associated with the risk of childhood asthma. However, rs37969 mutant genotypes (TT/GT) were significantly associated with less improvement in PD20 (p = 0.028). We also found significant associations between rs37969, rs37972 and rs37973 mutant genotypes and less improvement in maximal midexpiratory flow (MMEF) after ICS treatment for 3 months (p=0.036, p=0.010 and p=0.003, respectively). Conclusions: STIP1 rs2236647 was associated with asthma risk of children and GLCCI1 rs37969 mutant genotypes were associated with less improvement in airway hyper-responsiveness. GLCCI1 rs37969, rs37972 and rs37973 polymorphisms might be associated with pulmonary function in childhood asthma patients after ICS treatment.
The Detrimental Impacts of Negative Age Stereotype on Episodic Memory of Older Adults: Does Social Participation Moderate the Effects?
Authors: Chan Stephen Cheong Yu , Au Alma May Lan , Lai Simon Man Kin 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Older adults' cognitive abilities can be impaired through priming of negative age stereotypes. However, it is unclear whether the effects of negative priming can be extended to episodic memory, which is believed to be the most age-sensitive type among the long-term memory systems, in Asian populations. Social participation has recently emerged as a potential protective factor for maintaining the cognitive function of older adults. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of negative age stereotype priming on episodic memory and the moderating role of social participation in the priming effect.Methods: A total of 105 community-dwelling older adults residing in Hong Kong were randomly allocated to two experimental conditions. Participants were primed either with negative age stereotype words (n = 53) or neutral words (n = 52) using an implicit priming task. Episodic memory performance was assessed using the Hong Kong List Learning Task (HKLLT), which includes total learning, two delayed recalls and a recognition task. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to assess group differences in the priming task and memory performance, while a series of moderation analyses were performed to examine the moderating effects of social participation.Results: The group that received negative age stereotype priming performed significantly worse than the group that received neutral words in their episodic memory test. Additional analyses showed that socially active individuals might be less prone to the effects of negative age stereotypes for the recognition task only.Conclusions: Older adults who are more socially active might be more immune to the effects of negative age stereotype priming on episodic memory. These results provide initial support for the hypothesis that social participation might act as an effective strategy to ward against negative age stereotype priming. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04202120 (first posted December 17, 2019), (Retrospectively registered)
Age and education as factors associated with medication literacy: a community pharmacy perspective.
Authors: Plaza-Zamora Javier , Legaz Isabel , Osuna Eduardo , Pérez-Cárceles M. D. 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Aging implies a higher prevalence of chronic pathologies and a corresponding increase in medication. The correct adherence and use of the medication are prerequisites for reducing risks of disease progression, comorbidity, and mortality. Medication literacy (ML) is the specific ability to safely access and understand the information available concerning medication, and to act accordingly. Currently, there are few specific instruments that ascertain the extent of ML in the general population. The aim of this work was to analyse ML in a large cohort of pharmacy customers. Methods: A total of 400 community pharmacy clients were analyzed to assess the level of ML (documental and numeracy) through the validated MedLitRxSE tool. Results: The results showed that out of a total of 400 community pharmacy clients only 136 (34%) had an adequate degree of ML, while the rest of the clients (n=264; 66%) were adjudged not to have this ability. Statistically significant differences were found between the different age groups in terms of ML (P<0.001; OR=0.312; 95% CI: 0.195-0.499), the 51-65 and ˃65-year age groups having a lower frequency of adequate ML (23.5% and 7.1%, respectively) than the rest of the age groups. A statistically significant increase in adequate ML was observed as the academic level of the clients increased (P <0.001; OR=15.403; 95% CI: 8.109-29.257). Multivariate logistic regression confirmed the influence of both variables on ML. Conclusions: An inadequate ML level was found in community pharmacy clients over the age of 51, and also in those with primary or non-formal studies. Our data add to our knowledge about ML, and should pharmacists and other health professionals to adopt new strategies to prevent, or at least reduce, errors in taking medicines, thus avoiding the undesirable effects of any misuse.
Risk Factors Associated With Infection of Blood-Borne Virus among People Who Used Methamphetamine
Authors: Cai Yilin , Dai Zheng , Wen Sijin , Bhandari Ruchi 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background The surge of methamphetamine use has been a complicating factor compounding the steeply increasing number of drug overdose deaths in the U.S. Infection from blood-borne viruses including hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and HIV, related to methamphetamine use continue to grow. This study aims to examine the risk factors associated with HBV, HCV and HIV among people who used methamphetamine. Methods People who ever used methamphetamine were identified from five National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) cohorts, 2007 to 2016. The outcome was either positive or negative for blood-borne viruses as identified from laboratory tests. Weighted statistics for the combined ten years of data were calculated by multiplying the weighted variable for laboratory measurements by 0.2. We examined the association of sexual activities (sexual partners, sexual identity), drug use behaviors (poly-drug use, injection drug use, frequency of drug use, age started using methamphetamine), demographics, and socio-economic status with blood-borne viruses using bivariate and multivariable logistic regression models. Results There were 1132 participants representing approximately 11,996,319 persons who ever used methamphetamine in the U.S. Blood-borne viruses’ positive rate was 13.0 per 100,000. Multivariable logistic regression analyses showed significant associations of blood-borne infections with age 40-49 years (vs. age 20-29 years, adjusted odds ratio 4.77, 95% CI 1.11–20.55), age 50-59 years (vs. age 20-29 years, 10.25, 2.40-43.82), living within poverty index 1-1.9 (vs. poverty index >=2, 2.55; 1.19–5.49), living below the poverty threshold (vs. poverty index >=2, 2.55; 1.11 – 5.86), having lower than high school education (vs. equal or higher than high school education, 3.13; 1.51 – 6.46), sexual identity as other than heterosexual (vs. heterosexual, 5.60; 1.72 – 18.28), using methamphetamine and heroin and cocaine (vs. using methamphetamine alone, 4.24; 1.06 – 16.92), injection drug use (vs. no injection drug use, 3.15; 1.61 – 6.16), and started using methamphetamine at age above 25 (vs. started using methamphetamine at age between 10-17, 2.09; 1.01 – 4.35). Conclusions Among people who use methamphetamine, those who use polysubstance, or who inject substances, are in urgent need for vaccination and interventions to avoid further harm from blood-borne infections.
Cost-effective joint Optimisation of BBU Placement and Fronthaul Deployment in Brown-field Scenarios
Authors: Marotta Andrea , Correia Luis Manuel 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
In this work , one proposes a model to evaluate the optimal deployment of Centralised Radio Access Network (C- RAN ) architecture elements , i.e. Base Band processing Units ( BBUs ) and fronthaul links , in a brown- field scenario, in which traditional base stations are already deployed and a physical network is present. The proposed optimisation framework jointly optimises BBU placement and access network infrastructures deployment . It clusterises the Remote Radio Heads in the scenario through a Multicommodity Flow approach , and solves the minimum cost fronthaul network deployment through a Rooted Delay - Constrained Minimum Spanning Tree approach . Optical fibre and microwave links are considered as fronthaul infrastructures . The proposed optimisation framework is validated through a comparison with a theoretical output for a canonical scenario, being afterwards applied to a real scenario. A cost analysis for different scenario configurations is presented , and trade - offs and guidelines for a cost optimal deployment of C- RAN are provided . The analysis of results for the real scenario of the city of Lisbon and its surrounding areas shows that the delay budget in the fronthaul network highly impacts on capital expenditures as well as on operational ones . It is shown that a larger delay budget enables an annual cost reduction up to 72 % in urban areas and 54 % in rural ones .
Number of long-term inpatients in Japanese psychiatric care beds: trend analysis from the Patient Survey and the 630 Survey
Authors: Okayama Tatsushi , Usuda Kentaro , Okazaki Emi , Yamanouchi Yoshio 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
BackgroundThe number of psychiatric care beds and the mean length of stay in psychiatric care beds in Japan have decreased over the past 10 years. However, as has long been indicated here and elsewhere, Japan lags behind other countries in terms of deinstitutionalization. Furthermore, the population of inpatients in psychiatric care beds is aging dramatically. In addition to the diversification of mental illness, the question of what measures to implement going forward regarding current psychiatric bed resources has emerged as a new challenge.MethodsUsing data from the Patient Survey and the 630 Survey, we examined trends in the number of long-term inpatients in psychiatric care beds in Japan through 2040. Population estimation was used for estimating long-term hospital bed demand because of small fluctuations in the admission and discharge of long-term inpatients.ResultsIn 2017, nearly one-third of all long-term hospitalized patients were aged ≥75 years, and an estimated 47% of the total are expected to die by 2040. Thus, the overall demand for long-term hospitalization is forecast to decrease sharply due to aging of currently hospitalized long-term inpatients. The number of long-term inpatients in 2017 was 167,579, and this is projected to decrease to 103,141 in 2040.ConclusionsWe believe it is necessary to adopt a multifaceted approach to promote hospital discharge and transition to the community, and to address the diversification of mental illness and the issue of psychiatric care bed supply/availability, which are forecast to decrease due to the natural decrease in long-term inpatients.
Cessation of nucleos(t)ide analogues therapy in chronic hepatitis B: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Xie Yandi , Jin Rui , Song Guangjun , Ma Hui , Feng Bo 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: To address the possibility of safe cessation of nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs) therapy in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and to identify factors associated with off-NAs virological relapse (VR). Methods: A published work search was performed to identify all published studies including patients who ceased NAs and were followed for ≥12 months. A meta-analysis was performed. Results: Twenty-six studies involving 2573 patients who discontinued NAs were included. The pooled rate of off-NAs VR was 0.64, being lower in initially hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive than HBeAg-negative patients (0.62 versus 0.63, P = 0.731). The pooled rates of VR were 0.48, 0.56, 0.61, 0.53, 0.71 and 0.65 at 6, 12, 24, 36, 48 and 60 months after NAs cessation, respectively, being relatively lower in initially HBeAg-positive (0.36, 0.50, 0.58, 0.49, 0.50, 0.60) than HBeAg-negative patients (0.51, 0.56, 0.67, 0.59, 0.53, 0.65) (P = 0.400) . The pooled rate of biochemical relapse was 0.45, being lower in initially HBeAg-positive than HBeAg-negative patients (0.43 versus 0.51, P = 0.572). The pooled rates of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss and seroconversion was 0.09 and 0.06, respectively. The pooled rates of VR at 12 months after NAs cessation were significantly different between duration of on-NAs virological response ≤24 months and >24 months in all patients (0.55 versus 0.41, P = 0.011), initially HBeAg-positive patients (0.59 versus 0.41, P = 0.031), and initially HBeAg-negative patients (0.53 versus 0.37, P = 0.025). Conclusions: Cessation of NAs therapy seems to be safe in a small subset of CHB patients. On-NAs virological response >24 months reduces the risk of off-NAs VR.
Experience of Management of Anorexia Nervosa Patients With Extremely Severe Malnutrition In A Transdisciplinary Eating Disorders Inpatient Unit
Authors: Guinhut Marie , Melchior Jean-Claude , Godart Nathalie , Hanachi Mouna 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: The question of where to hospitalize extremely malnourished patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) is a real dilemma. On one hand, psychiatrists have to deal with severe medical complications that are not within their competences and that justify hospitalization in an internal medicine ward. On the other hand, medical doctors have to face psychic decompensations that would justify admission to a psychiatric ward. In this context, we share our experience of management of severely malnourished AN adult patients in a transdisciplinary specialized eating disorders (ED) unit, referral center for AN associated with somatic severity.Method: First, we described the modalities of care proposed to patients with AN hospitalized in the medical unit. Intensive medical care, both somatic and psychiatric, are provided thanks to a transdisciplinary therapeutic program, where objectives are to: medically stabilize the patient, initiate progressive refeeding and start supportive psychotherapy before being transferred to a psychiatric ED unit. Secondly, we conducted a retrospective descriptive study that included all adult patients with AN admitted for the first time to the unit, between November 1997 and January 2014, for severe malnutrition and/or complications of the ED. Objective was to specify patients characteristics: demographic, nutritional status, history of ED, care pathway. Results: Among a cohort of 386 adult patients with AN (21 males and 365 females) admitted for the first time in the unit, mean age was 29.4 (± 11.5) years, mean BMI was 12.7 (± 2.2) kg/m². Before being supported in the unit, 78.2% of patients had already been hospitalized in other hospitals. Mean length of stay was 35.2 days. Patients were clinically serious and unstable because of life-threatening somatic complications due to a low BMI. During hospital stay, a temporary transfer to medical intensive care unit was necessary for 25.6% of patients. Average patient weight gain was 0.777 kg per week and 81.9% of patients benefited from enteral nutrition.Conclusion: This specialized transdisciplinary unit where physician nutritionists and psychiatrists coordinate medical care together, allow a better understanding and management of extreme malnutrition associated with AN. Thanks to their expertise, care teams are less critical and less rejecting towards patients. Thus, therapeutic alliance could be optimized.
Evaluation of adhesion barrier types in a rat hepatectomy-induced adhesion model
Authors: Shimizu Atsushi , Kai Miho , Tasaki Masako , Chino Naotaka , Hasegawa Kiyoshi , Kokudo Norihiro 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Adhesion formation after hepatectomy creates problems for repeat hepatectomy. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of a spray (AdSpray) and sheet adhesion barrier (Seprafilm) in a rat hepatectomy-induced adhesion model. Methods: Thirty male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent partial resection of the left lateral liver lobe. They were randomly assigned to control (n=10), AdSpray (n=10), and Seprafilm groups. Seven days after surgery, the animals were sacrificed, and adhesions at the hepatic resection surface were blindly evaluated. Results: In the control group, adhesions were formed in all 10 animals (100%), with a 69% adhesion extent (mean). In the AdSpray group, the incidence of adhesions (40%) and the adhesion extent (mean, 10%) were significantly lower than in the control group (incidence; p = 0.0147, adhesion extent; p = 0.0007). In the Seprafilm group, the incidence of adhesions was 70%. The adhesion extent of Seprafilm (mean, 30%) was significantly lower than in the control group (p = 0.0492). No significant differences were observed between the AdSpray and Seprafilm groups. As for histopathological examination, animals in the AdSpray group showed a similar healing profile to that of the control group without delayed healing and regeneration of mesothelial cells. In contrast, the Seprafilm group showed ongoing foreign body reaction to Seprafilm, and regeneration of mesothelial cells was immature at 7 days. Conclusions: Both the spray-type gel and sheet adhesion barriers significantly reduced adhesion formation after hepatectomy. The spray-type adhesion barrier caused no adverse events and induced favorable healing. These adhesion barriers may be effective in hepatectomy. Further animal studies and clinical trials are required to determine their benefits in clinical use.
Risk models and scores for metabolic syndrome: a systematic review
Authors: Ibrahim Musa Saulawa , Pang Dong , Pappas Yannis , Randhawa Gurch 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background:Metabolic syndrome - ‘a clustering of risk factors which includes hypertension, central obesity, impaired glucose metabolism with insulin resistance, and dyslipidaemia’ is linked with increased risk of CVD, T2DM and all-cause mortality. Despite the high number of models and scores for assessing the risk of developing MetS, there is hardly any used in research or practical setting. Hence, we conducted a systematic review to determine the performance of risk models and scores for predicting MetS.Methods:Following the methods proposed by EPPI-Centre, we systematically searched MEDLINE, CINAHL, PUBMED and Web of Science to identify studies that either derive or validate risk models or scores for predicting the risk of MetS. Search was originally done in September 2018 and updated in September 2020. Data concerning models’ statistical properties as well as details of internal or external validations were extracted. Tables were used to compare various components of models and statistical properties. Finally, PROBAST was used to assess the methodological quality (risk of bias) of included studies.Results:A total of 27 studies reporting about the development, validation or both of MetS risk models were included. There is significant heterogeneity between studies in terms of geography/demographics, data type and methodological approach. Majority of the models or risk scores were developed or validated using data from cross-sectional studies, or routine data. Various combinations of risk factors (predictors) were considered significant in the respective final model. Similarly, different criteria were used in the diagnosis of MetS, but, NCEP criteria including its modified versions were by far the most widely used (32.5%). There is generally poor reporting quality across the studies, especially concerning statistical data. Any form of internal validation is either not conducted, or not reported in nearly a fifth of the studies. Only two (2) risk models or scores were externally validatedConclusions:There is an abundance of MetS models in the literature. But, their usefulness is doubtful, due to limitations in methodology, poor reporting and lack of external validation and impact studies. Therefore, researchers in the future should focus more on externally validating/ applying such models in a different setting.