bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Experiences following cataract surgery – patient perspectives
Authors: Webber Kathryn J , Fylan Fiona , Wood Joanne M , Elliott David B 
Published: July 2020

AbstractPurposeMost patients report being highly satisfied with the outcome of cataract surgery but there are variable reports regarding the impact of cataract surgery on some real‐world activities, such as fall rates. We hypothesised that adaptations to changed refractive correction and visual function may cause difficulties in undertaking everyday activities for some patients and used a series of focus groups to explore this issue.MethodQualitative methods were used to explore patients’ experiences of their vision following cataract surgery, including adaptation to vision changes and their post‐surgical spectacle prescription. Twenty‐six participants took part in five focus groups (Mean age = 68.2 ± 11.4 years), and the data were analysed using thematic analysis.ResultsWe identified three themes. ‘Changes to Vision’ explores participants’ adaptation following cataract surgery. While several had problems with tasks relying on binocular vision, few found them bothersome and they resolved following second eye surgery. Participants described a trial and error approach to solving these problems rather than applying solutions suggested by their eyecare professionals. ‘Prescription Restrictions’ describes the long‐term vision problems that pre‐surgery myopic patients experienced as a consequence of becoming emmetropic following surgery and thus needing spectacles for reading and other close work activities, which they did not need before surgery. Very few reported that they had the information or time to make a decision regarding their post‐operative correction. ‘Information Needs’ describes participant’s responses to the post‐surgical information they were given, and the unmet information need regarding when they can drive following surgery.ConclusionThe findings highlight the need for clinicians to provide information on adaptation effects, assist patients to select the refractive outcome that best suits their lifestyle, and provide clear advice about when patients can start driving again. Patients need to be provided with better guidance from clinicians and prescribing guidelines for clinicians would be beneficial, particularly for the period between first‐ and second‐eye surgery.
Changes in ocular biometry during short‐term accommodation in children
Authors: Hughes Rohan P J , Read Scott A , Collins Michael J , Vincent Stephen J 
Published: July 2020

AbstractPurposeNear work has been linked with myopia development; however, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Small increases in axial length during accommodation have previously been reported in adults, and therefore, this study aimed to examine if accommodation‐induced changes in ocular biometry also occur in school‐aged children.MethodsA range of ocular biometric measurements were captured during brief accommodation tasks at four demands (0, 3, 6, and 9 D), in a group of 87 non‐myopic, school‐aged children using a Badal optometer mounted to a non‐contact optical biometer (Zeiss IOLMaster 700, https://www.zeiss.com/meditec/int/product‐portfolio/optical‐biometers/iolmaster‐700.html). Reliable biometry measurements and active accommodation were observed for 76 participants who were included in the analysis. The average central corneal thickness (CCT), anterior chamber depth (ACD), crystalline lens thickness (LT), anterior segment length (ASL), vitreous chamber depth (VCD), and axial length (AL) were determined for each accommodation demand. Raw measurements of AL and VCD were corrected to account for the effect of LT changes during accommodation.ResultsOn average, AL increased with increasing levels of accommodation (p = 0.005). The mean (SEM, standard error of the mean) AL increase from 0 D to the 3, 6, and 9 D demands was 4 (1), 8 (1), and 15 (2) µm, respectively. All other biometric parameters, except CCT, changed significantly during accommodation. LT and ASL increased, and ACD and VCD decreased significantly with increasing accommodation (all p ≤ 0.02). A longer baseline AL was associated with greater levels of accommodation‐induced axial elongation at the 9 D demand (p < 0.0001).ConclusionsAL increased significantly during accommodation in children, consistent with previous findings in adults up to a 6 D demand. AL continued to increase for higher levels of accommodation (9 D demand), which children may experience during near tasks. These findings provide further insights into potential mechanisms linking near work, axial elongation, and myopia development. However, no myopic children participated in this experiment; therefore, further research is required.
Does physical exercise and congruent visual stimulation enhance perceptual learning?
Authors: Campana Gianluca , Fongoni Laura , Astle Andrew , McGraw Paul V 
Published: July 2020

AbstractPurposeThere is currently great interest in methods that can modulate brain plasticity, both in terms of understanding the basic mechanisms, and in the remedial application to situations of sensory loss. Recent work has focussed on how different manipulations might be combined to produce new settings that reveal synergistic actions. Here we ask whether a prominent example of adult visual plasticity, called perceptual learning, is modified by other environmental factors, such as visual stimulation and physical exercise.MethodsWe quantified the magnitude, rate and transfer of perceptual learning using a peripheral Vernier alignment task, in two groups of subjects matched for a range of baseline factors (e.g. age, starting Vernier threshold, baseline fitness). We trained subjects for 5 days on a Vernier alignment task. In one group, we introduced an exercise protocol with congruent visual stimulation. The control group received the same visual stimulation, but did not exercise prior to measurement of Vernier thresholds.ResultsAlthough the task generated large amounts of learning (~40%) and some transfer to untrained conditions in both groups, there were no specific benefits associated with either the addition of an exercise schedule or congruent visual stimulation.ConclusionIn adults, short periods of physical exercise and visual stimulation do not enhance perceptual learning.
Transantral approach for surgical removal of impacted maxillary second premolar located in trifurcation of molar roots: a case report
Authors: Ibrahim H.H.H. , AlAli A.M. , Schütz P. , Rajab B. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractImpaction of teeth is a well‐documented phenomenon, and multiple cases have been reported in various sites in the oral and perioral structures. However, to our best knowledge, no single case has been reported of an impacted premolar with its crown lying in trifurcation of the roots of the neighbouring molar and its root projecting into the maxillary sinus. This unique case was managed by a transantral surgical extraction. This article aims to describe, by means of case report and review of the literature, the characteristics and occurrence of ectopic retention of the maxillary premolars. Different diagnostic procedures and surgical approaches for the removal of such impacted teeth are discussed. This case report and review emphasise the importance of using the cone‐beam computed tomography in the diagnosis and planning of management strategy for impacted teeth in close proximity to the roots of the surrounding teeth and other structures.
Socioeconomic Disparities in the Utilization of Spinal Cord Stimulation Therapy in Patients with Chronic Pain
Authors: Orhurhu Vwaire , Gao Catherine , Agudile Emeka , Monegro Wendy , Urits Ivan , Orhurhu Mariam Salisu , Olatoye Dare , Viswanath Omar , Hirji Sameer , Jones Mark , Ngo Anh , Aiudi Christopher , Simopoulos Thomas , Gill Jatinder 
Published: July 2020

AbstractObjectivesSpinal cord stimulation (SCS) therapies are used in the management of patients with complex regional pain syndrome I (CRPS I) and failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS). The purpose of this study was to investigate the racial and health insurance inequalities with SCS therapy in patients with chronic pain who had CRPS I and FBSS.MethodsPatients with chronic pain who had a discharge diagnosis of FBSS and CRPS I were identified using the National Inpatient Sample database. Our primary outcome was defined as the history of SCS utilization by race/ethnicity, income quartile, and insurance status. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine the variables associated with utilization of SCS therapy.ResultsBetween 2011 and 2015, 40,858 patients who were hospitalized with a primary diagnosis of FBSS and/or CRPS I were identified. Of these patients, 1,082 (2.7%) had a history of SCS therapy. Multivariable regression analysis revealed that compared to White patients, Black and Hispanic patients had higher odds of having SCS therapy (Black patients: odds ratio [OR] = 1.41; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.12 to 1.77; P = 0.003; Hispanic patients: OR = 1.41; 95% CI, 1.10 to 1.81; P = 0.007). Patients with private insurance had significantly higher odds of having SCS therapy compared with those with Medicare (OR = 1.24; 95% CI, 1.08 to 1.43; P = 0.003). Compared to patients with Medicare, Medicaid patients had lower odds of having SCS therapy (OR = 0.50; 95% CI, 0.36 to 0.70; P < 0.001).ConclusionsOur study suggests that socioeconomic disparities may exist in the utilization of SCS among hospitalized patients with CRPS I and FBSS the United States. However, confirming these data from other administrative databases, in the outpatient setting, may shed more insight.
The efficacy of adenotonsillectomy on oxidative stress evaluated by thiol / disulfide balance
Authors: Tursun Serkan , Şimşek Gökçe , Bayar Muluk Nuray , Taş Mustafa Burak , Erel Özcan 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundOxidative stress plays a role in the pathogenesis of many chronic diseases. Upper airway obstruction has been identified as a risk factor for increased oxidative stress‐related disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea. The effect of adenotonsillar hypertrophy, which may result in a narrowing of the upper airways, on oxidative stress can be a valuable subject of research. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of adenotonsillectomy on oxidative stress evaluated using the thiol / disulfide balance.MethodsThirty children who underwent adenotonsillectomy and 30 healthy controls, all aged from 3 to 18 years, were included in the study. Blood samples were taken preoperatively and 3 months postoperatively in the study group; in the control group, baseline blood samples were taken and samples were again taken 3 months later. Thiol / disulfide homeostasis items were analyzed. Antioxidant markers were native thiol, total thiol, and native / total thiol. Oxidative stress markers were disulfide, disulfide / native thiol, and disulfide / total thiol.ResultsAt the preoperative period, oxidative stress parameters of thiol / disulfide homeostasis were higher in the study group than in the control group (P < 0.05) and antioxidant activity parameters were lower than in the control group (P < 0.05). Three months postoperatively, oxidative stress parameters were lower than in the control group (P < 0.05), and antioxidant parameters were no different from those in the control group (P > 0.05). In the adenotonsillectomy group considered separately, oxidative stress markers of disulfide and disulfide / native thiol decreased (P < 0.05) and antioxidant markers of native thiol and total thiol increased in the postoperative measurements (P < 0.05).ConclusionsOxidative stress related to adenotonsillar hypertrophy decreased after adenotonsillectomy. The antioxidant parameters of the thiol homeostasis increased after adenotonsillectomy. We concluded that adenotonsillectomy operations should be planned and applied timeously to prevent the adverse effects of adenotonsillar hypertrophies on thiol homeostasis.
Photophysical Properties of Fluorescent 2‐(Phenylamino)‐1,10‐phenanthroline Derivatives†
Authors: Teixeira Rodolfo I. , da Silva Ramon B. , Gaspar Caio S. , de Lucas Nanci C. , Garden Simon J. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe present study details the experimental and theoretical characterization of the photophysical properties of 14 examples of 2‐(phenylamino)‐1,10‐phenanthrolines (1). The absorption spectra of 1 are substituent‐dependent but in a general manner present absorption bands at wavelengths of ~230; ~300; ~335 and a shoulder at ~380 nm. Electron‐donating groups (EDG) and electron‐withdrawing groups (EWG), respectively, result in bathochromic and hypsochromic shifts. Compounds 1 are highly luminescent, in contrast to phenanthroline, and emit in the region between 350 and 500 nm with substituent‐dependent λmax emission. The emission spectra show a redshift for EDG (4‐OMe 62 nm; 4‐Me 19 nm) and a blueshift for EWG (4‐CN 41 nm; 4‐CF3 38 nm) relative to the emission of the unsubstituted parent compound 1a. Plotting the against Hammett σ+ constants gave an excellent linear correlation demonstrating the electron‐deficient nature of the excited state and how the substituents (de)stabilize S1. Theoretical calculations revealed a HOMO‐LUMO π‐π* electronic transition to S1 which in combination with difference (S1–S0) in electron density maps revealed charge‐transfer character. Strongly electron‐withdrawing substituents switch off the charge transfer to give rise to a local excitation.
The Right to Justification of Contract
Authors: Hesselink Martijn W. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThis paper defends a right to the justification of contract, with reciprocal and general reasons, and explores its main implications for the law of contract and its theory. It argues that the leading essentialist and other monist contract theories, offering blueprints for an ideal contract law based on the alleged ultimate value or essential characteristic of contract law, cannot justify the basic structure of contract law. Instead, it argues, a critical discourse theory of contract can contribute to the realisation of the right to justification of contract by exposing patterns of contractual injustice, in particular exploitation and domination by contract, that contract law can and should prevent.
Post‐mortem recovery, in vitro maturation and fertilization of fallow deer (Dama dama, Linnaeus 1758) oocytes collected during reproductive and no reproductive season
Authors: Uccheddu Stefania , Pintus Eliana , Garde Jose Julian , Fleba Lidia , Muzzeddu Marco , Pudda Flavia , Bogliolo Luisella , Strina Alessandro , Nieddu Stefano , Ledda Sergio 
Published: July 2020

AbstractHabitat degradation leads to small and fragmented populations, lower genetic variability and fertility overtime. Assisted reproductive techniques represent important tools to cope with the dramatic loss of biodiversity. Fallow deer (Dama dama), beyond its high commercial value and wide distribution, may represent the most suitable model to study endangered cervids. In this study, oocytes were recovered post‐mortem from fallow deer during the breeding and no breeding seasons and were in vitro matured (IVM). The ability of cryopreserved thawed sperm samples recovered by electroejaculation from four adult males was tested by in vitro fertilization of IVM oocytes. The number of oocytes collected per ovary did significantly vary across seasons from 6.2 ± 0.92 during breeding season to 10.4 ± 1.26 during no breeding season (p = .006). Oocytes collected during the breeding season showed higher in vitro fertilization rate compared to the no breeding season (p = .045). However, no embryos reached the blastocyst stage. Semen samples obtained by electroejaculation were successfully cryopreserved, although the cryopreservation process negatively affected most kinetic parameters, mainly at 2 hr post‐thawing. Moreover, the percentage of rapid spermatozoa significantly decreased between fresh samples and at 2 hr post‐thawing, whereas the percentage of slow spermatozoa increased across the same period (p < .05). Our study provides the logistic steps for the application of assisted reproductive techniques in fallow deer and might be of great interest for genetic resource bank planning.
Evaluation of pentoxifylline and Basal Medium Eagle supplemented to diluent on cryopreserved goat spermatozoa
Authors: Nazari Parisa , Farshad Abbas , Vaziry Asaad , Rostamzadeh Jalal 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThis study investigated the effect of pentoxifylline (PTX) and Basal Medium Eagle (BME) on frozen–thawed goat spermatozoa. Immediately after initial examination of ejaculated semen, samples were pooled and reexamined for quality. Then, samples were divided into eight equal aliquots and diluted with a basic tris‐extender containing PTX (3, 6, 9 mM) and BME (5 mM) to reach a final concentration of 25 × 109 and frozen. After 24 hr, the samples were individually thawed at 37°C for 30 s and evaluated for different characteristics. Obtained post‐thaw results from Computer‐Assisted Sperm Analysis indicate using of 3 and 6 mM PTX led significantly to an improvement in total motility, progressive motility and velocity characteristics of spermatozoa, except the beat/cross frequency (BCF) which indicated statistically no differences (p > .05) among control and treatments. Diluents prepared with BME (5 mM) and PTX alone (3 and 6 mM) improved significantly the membrane integrity–functionality, acrosome integrity and also hyaluronidase activity. Regarding recovery rate, the results showed significantly (p < .05) higher values for diluents containing 3 and 6 mM PTX compared to other groups. Malondialdehyde concentration exhibited also a significant difference (p < .05) in diluents supplemented with 5 mM BME, 3, 6 and 9 mM PTX, and mixture of 3 mM PTX and 5 mM BME which illustrate a similarity for active mitochondria, apoptotic‐like and dead spermatozoa. Finally, the ratio of sperm chromatin dispersion stained spermatozoa presented significant differences (p < .05) among treatments in which the diluents added PTX alone demonstrated significantly lower values than control and extenders containing the mixtures of BME and PTX. In conclusion, the observation in this study indicates using of 3 and 6 mM PTX and BME alone may improve significantly (p < .05) the quality of cryopreserved goat spermatozoa.
Mission Abort Policy for Systems with Observable States of Standby Components
Authors: Levitin Gregory , Xing Liudong , Dai Yuanshun 
Published: July 2020

AbstractFor some critical applications, successfully accomplishing the mission or surviving the system through aborting the mission and performing a rescue procedure in the event of certain deterioration condition being satisfied are both pivotal. This has motivated considerable studies on mission abort policies (MAPs) to mitigate the risk of system loss in the past several years, especially for standby systems that use one or multiple standby sparing components to continue the mission when the online component fails, improving the mission success probability. The existing MAPs are mainly based on the number of failed online components ignoring the status of the standby components. This article makes contributions by modeling standby systems subject to MAPs that depend not only on the number of failed online components but also on the number of available standby components remaining. Further, dynamic MAPs considering another additional factor, the time elapsed from the mission beginning in the event of the mission abort decision making, are investigated. The solution methodology encompasses an event‐transition based numerical algorithm for evaluating the mission success probability and system survival probability of standby systems subject to the considered MAPs. Examples are provided to demonstrate the benefit of considering the state of standby components and elapsed operation time in obtaining more flexible MAPs.
Altruistic and Private Values For Saving Lives With an Oyster Consumption Safety Program
Authors: Whitehead John C. , Morgan O. Ashton , Huth William L. , Martin Gregory S. , Sjolander Richard 
Published: July 2020

AbstractWe use data from an Internet‐based survey and estimate the benefits of an oyster consumption safety policy with the contingent valuation method. In addition to providing a context‐specific estimate of willingness‐to‐pay for oyster safety, we consider an important issue in the contingent valuation mortality risk reduction literature. A number of studies find that willingness‐to‐pay for mortality risk reduction is not sensitive to the scope of the risk change. We present the scope test as a difference in the number of lives saved by the program, instead of small changes in risk, and find that referendum votes are responsive to scope. A third feature of this article is that we identify those at‐risk respondents who would most benefit from the policy and decompose willingness‐to‐pay into use values and altruistic nonuse values. We find that willingness‐to‐pay per life saved ranges from $3.95 million to $7.69 million for the private good of lives saved when the respondent is at risk (i.e., use values). Willingness‐to‐pay per life saved including both use and altruistic nonuse values ranges from $6.89 million to $12.87 million.
The pathogenesis of cutaneous lupus erythematosus: The aberrant distribution and function of different cell types in skin lesions
Authors: Zhou Xinyu , Yan Jinli , Lu Qianjin , Zhou Honghao , Fan Lan 
Published: July 2020

AbstractCutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) is an autoimmune disease with a broad range of cutaneous manifestations. In skin lesions of CLE, keratinocytes primarily undergo apoptosis. Interferon‐κ(IFN‐κ) is belonged to type I interferons (type I IFNs) and is selectively produced by keratinocytes. Recently, keratinocytes selectively produced IFN‐κ is identified to be a key to trigger type I interferon responses in CLE. Other immune cells such as plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) are identified to be relevant origin of type I interferons (type I IFNs) which are central to the development of CLE lesions and responsible for mediating Th1 cell activity. Other types of cells such as neutrophils, B cells and Th17 cells also are involved in the development of this disease. The close interaction of those cells composes a comprehensive and complicated network in CLE. In this review, we discussed the aberrant distribution and function of different cells types involved in this disease and will offer a new direction for research and therapy in the near future.
Can interruption/withdrawl of anti‐retroviral therapy provide personalized immunotherapy against HIV‐1?
Authors: Bretscher Peter A. , Al‐Yassin Ghassan 
Published: July 2020

AbstractWe propose a treatment of HIV‐1+ individuals designed to harness protective immunity, lead to viral containment, and so render the individual minimally infectious. A few HIV‐infected individuals, ‘elite controllers’, generate a stable Th1, cytotoxic T lymphocyte response that contains the virus. Most infected individuals, in the absence of therapy, first generate a similarly protective response that evolves with time a Th2 component, associated with antibody production and loss of viral control. Cessation of anti‐retroviral treatment after three years results in viral rebound in most, but about one in seven individuals contains the virus, so‐called post‐treatment controllers. We suggest an understanding, of how the Th1/Th2 phenotype of immune responses is controlled, can explain these different outcomes and leads us to propose a non‐invasive, personalized strategy of immunotherapy. We propose that monitoring the relative prevalence of HIV‐1 specific IgG1 and IgG2 antibodies can provide a biomarker for deciding when to interrupt/withdraw anti‐retroviral therapy to optimally harness protective immunity.