bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Presentation of Infectious Keratitis to ED during COVID-19 Lockdown
Authors: Power Barry , Donnelly Aaron , Murphy Conor , Fulcher Timothy , Power William 
Published: June 2021

Objectives. To compare presentation of infectious keratitis during COVID-19 lockdown with previous years, assess relative severity, and compare outcomes between COVID-19 and pre-COVID-19 era groups. Methods. Acute presentations of infectious keratitis during a strict government-mandated COVID-19 lockdown period were analysed retrospectively (March–May 2020). Data were compared with the same periods in 2018-2019. The clinical notes of patients undergoing corneal scrapes were reviewed, and data were collected on treatment, culture growth, surgical interventions, visual outcomes, admission rates, and risk factors. Results. There were 37% fewer presentations of infectious keratitis to the ED in 2020 (N = 29, 47, and 45, respectively). Risk factor profiles and microbial data were similar across all periods. Admission rates and use of fortified antibiotics were lower in 2020. COVID-19 era cases recovered less vision (LogMAR 0.26, 0.67, and 0.45, respectively;

p

= 0.04) and were more likely to require surgical intervention (10%, 4%, and 2%, respectively; OR 3.4 (CI 0.7–17.9,

p

= 0.1)). Conclusion. A concerning fall in presentations of infectious keratitis to ED during the pandemic lockdown was observed. Though societal behaviour changed during the lockdown, our data suggest it is unlikely that the incidence of infectious keratitis fell significantly. It is unclear how and where these patients were treated. We postulate that lower levels of visual recovery and higher rates of surgical intervention may have been caused by delays in accessing care. To minimise avoidable ocular morbidity as COVID-19 resurges, we must communicate clearly with patients and health professionals on how to access available emergency eye care services.
Large Brunner’s Gland Hyperplasia with Bleeding: A Case Report
Authors: Okutomi Yuki , Kato Takaharu , Aizawa Hidetoshi , Endo Yuhei , Kasahara Naoya , Watanabe Fumiaki , Noda Hiroshi , Rikiyama Toishiki 
Published: June 2021

We report a rare case of a large Brunner’s gland hyperplasia (BGH) with severe anemia. A 33-year-old woman was transferred to our hospital with anemia and a duodenal mass. She had a 2-week history of melena and mild shortness of breath. Her hemoglobin level was 4.9 g/dl, and she required a blood transfusion. Abdominal computed tomography revealed a 7 cm tumor in the descending duodenum, and duodenoscopy revealed a polyp-like tumor with an ulcer at the duodenal bulb. We decided to perform surgery to prevent further bleeding. Intraoperatively, the tumor stalk was located at the anterior wall of the duodenal bulb; the ampulla was not involved, and we resected the tumor with the wall of the duodenal bulb. The resected tumor measured

7.0
×
4.0
×
2.3

cm

, and pathologically, the tumor consisted of proliferated Brunner’s glands in a small amount of fibrous stroma. The histological diagnosis was BGH with no malignancy. Most cases of BGH are benign and asymptomatic; however, it is important to be aware that some patients have severe anemia, gastrointestinal obstruction, or malignant potential.
High Performance of IZO Coated on PET Substrate for Electroluminescence Device Using Oxygen Plasma Treatment
Authors: Poonthong Wittawat , Mungkung Narong , Arunrungrusmi Somchai , Yuji Toshifumi , Sung Youl-Moon 
Published: June 2021

Thin films of indium zinc oxide (IZO) were deposited on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrate with varying plasma power (from 100 W to 300 W) using the radio-frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering technique and electroluminescence (EL) devices. The IZO films that were obtained from this process were treated with oxygen plasma powers using the plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) system. After this treatment, the microstructural, electrical, and optical properties of IZO films were observed and reported. The result showed that the IZO/PET films was fabricated at the lowest resistivity (

2.83
×

10

−
3

Ω
·
cm

), while the optical characterization displayed the maximum transmittance of 95% in the visible region with a smooth morphology and good crystalline structured, affected by the 300 W of plasma power with the optimum carrier concentration (

4.93
×

10

21

c

m

−
3

) and hall mobility (42.12 cm2/V·sec), respectively. The luminance properties and the EL efficiency were also investigated and shown a 300 W highest point of plasma power with 84 cd/m2 and 0.924 lm/W. The film properties were found responsible for producing and improving the performance of IZO/PET substrate, suitable for displaying the devices.
The Peril and Potential of Ambiguity: How National Laws and Policies Can Strengthen and Protect the Rights of Rohingya Refugees
Authors: Islam Sumaiya , Schupfer Coline , Hydari Zaid , Zetes Alexandra , Cole Kevin 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Against a backdrop of toughening governmental stances towards refugees, migrants, and stateless persons in the Asia-Pacific region, there is a renewed urgency to consider possibilities for the expansion of protection and access to rights and services to those who normally face exclusion. Drawing on national case law, policy developments and other practices in six major host countries in the region, this article highlights instances in which, despite not being party to the 1951 Refugee Convention, states have extended rights to non-citizens and thereby signalled acceptance of key refugee rights norms. In examining these precedents, the article demonstrates the possibility of expanding protection outside of the international refugee law framework, and intends to provide inspiration for the progressive realisation of rights for displaced Rohingya communities across the region, as well as for other non-citizen communities facing similar challenges.
Rights Adrift: Sexual Violence Against Rohingya Women on the Andaman Sea
Authors: Yacoub Natasha , Errington Nikola , Nu Wai Wai , Robinson Alexandra 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Women fleeing Myanmar in 2015 were trapped on the Andaman Sea for months when States in the region closed off places of disembarkation. Among the horrors of starvation and unsanitary conditions experienced on the boats, they faced additional risks of sexual violence. These women fled from a situation in Myanmar that severely curtailed their rights, including gender violence, which is being tried as genocide at the International Court of Justice, and were exposed to further violations while fleeing. Through interviews with survivors of the journey and those who assisted them, this article describes the experiences of these women at sea. It outlines the failure of States to apply customary principles of international law and related regional standards to protect these women. From a feminist legal theory perspective, it explores the reasons for these failures and recommends reforms to guarantee better protection at sea for women in the future.
Congenital Anomalies of the Ossicular Chain: Surgical and Audiological Outcomes
Authors: Henkemans Sara E. , Smit Adriana L. , Stokroos Robert J. , Thomeer Hans G.X.M. 
Published: June 2021

Objectives: In this study, we aim to analyze audiometric outcomes of middle ear surgery in patients with congenital middle ear anomalies. Methods: In this single center retrospective cohort study, audiological outcomes were extracted from patient files. Patients with a congenital middle ear anomaly treated surgically in a tertiary referral center between June 2015 and December 2020 were included. Pre- and postoperative short- and long-term audiometric data (at ≥3 and ≥10 months respectively) were compared to analyze hearing outcomes. Results: Eighteen ears (15 patients) were treated surgically with an exploratory tympanotomy. At short term follow up statistically significant improvements in air conduction thresholds and air-bone gaps were found. Hearing improved in 94.4% (17/18) of operated ears. Successful outcome, defined as an air-bone gap closure to within 20 dB after surgery, was reached in 44.4% (8/18). Serviceable hearing (air conduction ≤30 dB) was reached in 55.6% (10/18). Negative outcome (any significant deterioration in hearing) occurred in 1 patient: in this ear otitis media occurred during the postoperative course. At long term follow up, available for 50% of the cohort, hearing remained stable in 5 ears, improved in 1 ear and deteriorated in 3, all of which underwent revision surgery. Sensorineural hearing loss due to surgery, or other complications, were not encountered. Conclusion: middle ear surgery was found to be an effective treatment option to improve hearing in this cohort of patients with congenital middle ear anomalies. Surgical goals of obtained gain in air conduction thresholds and serviceable hearing levels were met by most patients without the occurrence of any iatrogenic sensorineural hearing loss.
A survey of the reactivity of in vitro diagnostic bilirubin reagents developed in Japan using artificially prepared bilirubin materials: A comparison of synthetic delta, unconjugated, and taurine-conjugated bilirubin
Authors: Kiuchi Sachiko , Ihara Hiroshi , Osawa Susumu , Ishibashi Midori , Kinpara Kiyoko , Ohtake Kazuko , Ida Takehisa , Miura Yoshinori , Fujimura Yoshiyuki , Ueda Shigeru , Hirano Yuuki , Watahiki Kensuke , Takada Daiichiro , Shinzaki Akihiro , Tanimoto Kazuhito , Adachi Hiroshi , Nejime Tetsuya , Totani Masayuki , Itoh Susumu ,   on behalf of the Committee on Enzymes and Analytical Reagents, Japan Society of Clinical Chemistry
Published: June 2021

Background In vitro diagnostic bilirubin reagents based on oxidation with bilirubin oxidase or vanadic acid for total and direct-reacting bilirubin are widely used in Japan; however, their reactivity to unconjugated and conjugated bilirubin and delta bilirubin has not been completely disclosed by manufacturers. We used artificially prepared bilirubin materials to investigate the reactivity with four in vitro diagnostic bilirubin reagents. Methods Porcine unconjugated bilirubin solution, chemically synthesized ditaurobilirubin solution, and chemically synthesized delta bilirubin solution were used as surrogates of naturally occurring unconjugated bilirubin, conjugated bilirubin, and delta bilirubin, respectively. The total bilirubin and direct-reacting bilirubin concentrations were measured by three bilirubin oxidase methods and one vanadic acid method, and the observed concentrations were compared with those obtained by the diazo-based reference measurement procedure. Results The unconjugated bilirubin and delta bilirubin concentrations were similar when any of the four in vitro diagnostic bilirubin reagents were used during total bilirubin measurement. This was consistent with reference measurement procedure and exhibited a converged inter-method variation. Compared with reference measurement procedure, significantly low ditaurobilirubin concentrations were observed by the in vitro diagnostic bilirubin reagents despite the converged inter-method variation. In delta bilirubin measurement, some reagents reacted doubtfully with unconjugated bilirubin, while showed lower ditaurobilirubin concentrations than its corresponding total bilirubin concentration. Reactivity with delta bilirubin was different for each method including reference measurement procedure. Some reagents were developed to react less with delta bilirubin and others to strongly react with delta bilirubin. Conclusions We revealed the reactivity of IVD-TB and IVD-DB reagents to artificially prepared bilirubin materials, and their consistency with reference measurement procedure. The delta bilirubin data results vary depending on the reagents used.
Serum carbohydrate antigen 72-4 concentrations decrease with age in females but not in males in Beijing, China
Authors: Duan Tongmei , Chen Xun , Wu Jing , Li Ronghai , Guo Huijuan , Du Juan , Guo Jie 
Published: June 2021

Objective Carbohydrate antigen 72-4 (CA72-4) is widely used in the diagnosis and monitoring of many cancers. However, there are few studies on the differences of CA72-4 concentrations in terms of age and gender. Methods A total of 10,957 healthy subjects were divided into two groups according to gender and three age groups. The serum CA72-4 were detected. Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS. Results The CA72-4 concentration in female group was significantly higher than that in male group. The concentration of CA72-4 gradually decreased with age. Compared with the age >60 group, the CA72-4 concentrations were increased in the age 46–60 group and 16–45 group ( P >0.05, respectively). To better observe the age difference, the age 16–45 and 46–60 groups were combined into the age 16–60 group. In comparison to the age >60 group, the CA72-4 concentration of age 16–60 group was significantly increased ( P = 0.000). In the age >60 group, there was no difference between genders. Nevertheless, the difference between the sexes in the age 16–60 group was significant ( P = 0.023). Conclusions The reference interval of CA72-4 for local healthy population was established. CA72-4 concentrations gradually decreased with the increase of age, and CA72-4 concentration in females aged 16–60 years (0–18.0 U/mL) was higher than in males (0–14.5 U/mL); however, there was no gender difference in the age group above 60 years old (0–14.5 U/mL). Moreover, in male CA72-4 there was no significant difference among all age groups, while the potential mechanism of female changes with age needs further study.
Analytical characterization and clinical performance evaluation of a new point-of-care testing system for high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I assay
Authors: Zhang Rui , Hong Yueyu , Shi Jie , Zhao Rui , Song Yichuan , Li Ziyao , Wang Qingtao 
Published: June 2021

Background We aimed to evaluate the analytical performance and clinical diagnostic accuracy of the SuperFlex point-of-care testing (POCT) high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI) assay system. Method The imprecision, the limit of blank, the limit of detection, the limit of quantitation, linearity and comparability were assessed as per the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. Also, the 99th-percentile reference value and diagnostic accuracy were evaluated. Results The reproducibility and total imprecision were 1.52–1.92% and 2.69–2.92%, respectively. Limit of blank and limit of detection were 1 ng/L and 1.8 ng/L, respectively, and limit of quantitation was 12 ng/L at 10% coefficient of variation (CV). The results met the requirements of linearity, and the correlation coefficient was 0.996. The SuperFlex POCT results had good agreement with those obtained by the Siemens Advia 2400. The CV% was 7.24% at the 99th percentile concentration (p99th) of 25.6 ng/L (95% confidence interval: 22.0–33.3 ng/L) from 620 healthy subjects. The sex-partitioned CV% and p99th were 7.15% at 27 ng/L (males; n = 308) and 7.35% at 24 ng/L (females; n = 312), respectively ( P < 0.0001). The hs-cTnI detection rate of all observed healthy individuals from limit of detection to 99th was 82.57% by the SuperFlex POCT assay, 89.90% for the males and 75.48% for the females. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of diagnostic performance for acute myocardial infarction were 100%, 81.25%, 57% and 100%, respectively. Conclusions The SuperFlex POCT system showed the analytical performance characteristics required for enabling the clinical use of a hs-cTnI assay.
MGNREGA: The Guaranteed Refuge for Returning Migrants During COVID-19 Lockdown in India
Authors: Lokhande Nitin , Gundimeda Haripriya 
Published: June 2021

This research note is prepared to present an insight into the efficacy of the government's decision to open up the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) activities in non-containment zones during the second phase of COVID-19 lockdown restrictions imposed in April 2020. Though the intention was to provide an impetus to the rural economy by creating job opportunities for rural workers as well as for the returning seasonal migrants amid the COVID-19 crisis, 'whether the decision helped the returning migrants in securing a part of their lost income' is the question of interest. Our study finds that nearly 7.5 million seasonal migrant workers took refuge under MGNREGA during the lockdown, found work for around 23 days and secured about 28% of the income they used to earn daily in the pre-COVID-19 period. JEL Codes: H53, I38, J38
Prevalence and Correlates of Gray Market Use for Aging and Dementia Long-Term Care in the U.S
Authors: Shih Regina A. , Friedman Esther M. , Chen Emily K. , Whiting Grace C. 
Published: June 2021

Objectives To estimate the national prevalence and sociodemographic correlates of gray market utilization, consisting of paid providers who are unrelated to the recipient, not working for a regulated agency, and potentially unscreened and untrained, for aging and dementia-related long-term care. Methods We surveyed a nationally representative sample of 1,037 American Life Panel respondents aged 18 years and older. Results Nearly a third of Americans who arranged paid care sought gray market care for persons with dementia, and most (65%) combined it with unpaid care. Respondents who arranged gray market care had 66% lower odds of currently working, and those living in rural areas had an almost 5-times higher odds of arranging dementia gray market care. Discussion Gray market care represents a substantial proportion of paid, long-term care for older adults and may fill gaps in access to care.
Not biology or culture alone: Response to El-Hout et al. (2021)
Authors: Stewart-Williams Steve , Halsey Lewis G 
Published: June 2021

We respond to El-Hout et al.’s commentary on our paper ‘Men, Women and STEM: Why the Differences and What Should Be Done?’. El-Hout et al. challenge several aspects of the position we present in the paper and outline their recent work on the concept of ‘masculine defaults’: a plausible contributor to the gender gaps found in some STEM fields. For the most part, El-Hout et al. present our views fairly and accurately. In a number of places, however, they misdescribe them, especially when it comes to policy options. In this response, we clarify and expand on our earlier arguments and explore various interesting issues raised by El-Hout et al.’s commentary.
Simulation With Standardized Patients Designed as Interventions to Develop Nursing Students’ Cultural Competence: A Systematic Review
Authors: Qin Yang , Chaimongkol Nujjaree 
Published: June 2021

Introduction: Nursing education is challenged to improve students’ cultural competence. Clinical simulation using standardized patients (SPs) may be an effective learning intervention. This systematic review was to identify current evidence on the use of simulations with SPs as learning interventions that have been developed to improve nursing students’ cultural competence and on the effectiveness of those interventions. Method: Using published guidelines, we conducted a systematic review of studies on simulation using SPs to teach cultural competence. Results: Ten studies met the inclusion criteria. Outcomes of simulation with SPs increased levels of nursing students’ cultural competence. Simulations with SPs were used in theoretical and practicum courses of nursing students’ cultural competence, often combined with case-study and video presentations. Other forms of cultural education also improved cultural competence. Discussion: This study supports that a combination of lecture, case-based learning, and simulation with SPs can increase nursing students’ cultural competence.
Outcomes of Percutaneous Calcaneoplasty for Insertional Achilles Tendon Problems
Authors: Ferranti Stefano , Migliorini Filippo , Liuni Federico Maria , Corzani Marco , Azzarà Alfio , Polliano Flavio , Tawfiq Abusaa Saher Sami , Maffulli Nicola 
Published: June 2021

Background: Percutaneous procedures have been used recently to treat insertional Achilles tendon problems. The present study reports our results of this treatment approach. Methods: Patients undergoing percutaneous calcaneoplasty for insertional Achilles tendon problems were retrieved. Patients completed the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain and the Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment–Achilles (VISA-A) questionnaire before the operative procedure and at the last follow-up. At the last follow-up, we asked the patients whether they were completely satisfied, moderately satisfied, or unsatisfied after the procedure. Complications were also recorded. Results: A total of 27 patients were enrolled. The average follow-up was 26.5 months (range 6-68). The mean age of patients was 56.2 years (24-82). The mean VAS score before surgery was 8.1 ± 0.9 decreasing by the last follow-up to 2.4 ± 2.3 ( P < .0001). The mean VISA-A score improved from 20.7 ± 5.4 to 75.7 ± 25.5 at last follow-up, an improvement of 55% ( P < .0001). At the last follow-up, 84.5% (22 of 27) patients were completely satisfied with the procedure, 7.4% (2 of 27) moderately satisfied, and 11.1% (3 of 27) were not satisfied. These last 3 patients presented recurrence of symptoms, requiring revision surgery. Conclusion: For the selected patients, we found percutaneous calcaneoplasty to be an effective treatment for insertional Achilles tendon problems Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective study.
Early treatment with dexamethasone intravitreal implants in diabetic macular edema: Naïve versus refractory patients
Authors: Bux Anna V , Fortunato Francesca , Barone Antonio , Russo Vincenzo , Delle Noci Nicola , Iaculli Cristiana 
Published: June 2021

Purpose: To assess the efficacy and safety of dexamethasone 0.7 mg implants (DEX-I) in patients with diabetic macular edema (DME) either naïve to therapy or refractory to anti-VEGF treatment, in a single-center, real-world setting. Methods: Patients diagnosed with DME and treated with DEX-I were retrospectively enrolled in the study and split in two groups: naïve (Group 1, n = 64) and refractory (Group 2, n = 64) to treatment. Patients were evaluated at baseline, at 1 month, and every 3 months after each DEX-I implant. Main outcome measures were change in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central macular thickness (CMT) from baseline to follow-up visits. Results: Significant improvements in BCVA were observed in treatment-naïve patients at 6 months following the first and second DEX-I injection ( p = 0.0023 and p = 0.0063, respectively), with significant reductions in mean CMT at 6 months after all DEX implants. In treatment-refractory patients, mean CMT was significantly reduced from baseline to 6 months ( p < 0.05) after all DEX-I injections, although no changes were observed in BCVA. Conclusions: DEX-I improved visual acuity and macular edema mostly in treatment-naïve patients, suggesting DEX-I may be a viable first-line treatment option in DME.