bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Senile Cataract in Patients with Diabetes with and Without Diabetic Retinopathy: A Community-Based Comparative Study
Authors: Alabdulwahhab Khalid Mohammad 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Aim
We compare the incidence rates of cataract in persons with diabetes with and without diabetic retinopathy in Saudi Arabia, for the first time. In addition, we explored the role of new factor, diabetes age of onset and several other known factors.

Methods
In a community-based cross-sectional study, 334 persons with diabetes type 2 were randomly selected from a diabetic register. Detailed history and comprehensive ophthalmic examination was done at an eye clinic. Body Mass Index, blood pressure and glycosylated hemoglobin were also recorded.

Results
In 668 eyes, cataract and diabetic retinopathy were present in 35.5% and 32.2%, respectively. Diabetic retinopathy, age, duration of diabetes and systolic BP were found to be independent risk factors for cataract. Whereas, gender, BMI, HbA1c use of insulin and diastolic BP have no significant association with cataract. Persons with cataract had significantly higher age of onset of diabetes. Most of the cataracts were cortical followed by PSC, while minority were nuclear.

Conclusion
DR is an independent risk factor of developing cataract in persons with diabetes. Others are age, duration of DM and hypertension. Age-of-onset of DM is a new factor we report it to be significantly associated with cataract.
Systematic Analysis of the Global, Regional and National Burden of Cardiovascular Diseases from 1990 to 2017
Authors: Wang Zhenkun , Du Aihua , Liu Hong , Wang Ziwei , Hu Jifa 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background
Previous studies on the burden of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) were mainly based on limited data of the study period or area, or did not include detailed risk factor analysis.

Objective
To investigate up-to-date temporal and regional trends and risk factors of mortality and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) attributed to CVDs by age, sex, and disease throughout the world.

Methods
Data for the disease burden of CVDs in 195 countries and territories from 1990 to 2017, including mortality, DALYs, age-standardized mortality rates, and age-standardized DALY rates, were estimated from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017. Risk factors attributable to deaths and DALYs for CVDs were also estimated using the comparative risk assessment framework.

Results
The number of deaths from CVDs increased by 48.62%, from 11.94 (95% UI 11.78–12.18) million in 1990 to 17.79 (17.53–18.04) million in 2017. However, the age-standardized mortality rate decreased by an average of − 1.45% (− 1.72% to − 1.18%) annually. After fluctuation in the expected age-standardized mortality rate of CVDs in most of the socio-demographic index (SDI) scale, these rates decrease rapidly for SDI values of 0.7 and higher. In 2017, metabolic risks accounted for 73.48% of deaths and 73.25% of DALYs due to CVDs, behavioral factors accounted for 63.23% of deaths and 66.71% of attributable DALYs.

Conclusion
CVDs remain a major global health burden due to the increment in death numbers and DALYs. Aging and the main risk factors are the main drivers of mortality and health loss. More attention to main risk factors should be paid with supportive health policies.
Global Existence and Blow-Up for the Pseudo-parabolic p(x)-Laplacian Equation with Logarithmic Nonlinearity
Authors: Zeng Fugeng , Deng Qigang , Wang Dongxiu 
Published: December 2021

AbstractIn this paper, we study the initial boundary value problem of the pseudo-parabolic p(x)-Laplacian equation with logarithmic nonlinearity. The existence of the global solution is obtained by using the potential well method and the logarithmic inequality. In addition, the sufficient conditions of the blow-up are obtained by concavity method.
The Extended Birnbaum–Saunders Distribution Based on the Scale Shape Mixture of Skew Normal Distributions
Authors: Poursadeghfard Tahereh , Nematollahi Alireza , Jamalizadeh Ahad 
Published: December 2021

AbstractIn this article, a large class of univriate Birnbaum–Saunders distributions based on the scale shape mixture of skew normal distributions is introduced which generates suitable subclasses for modeling asymmetric data in a variety of settings. The moments and maximum likelihood estimation procedures are disscused via an ECM-algorithm. The observed information matrix to approximate the asymptotic covariance matrix of the parameter estimates is then derived in some subclasses. A simulation study is also performed to evaluate the finite sample properties of ML estimators and finally, a real data set is analyzed for illustrative purposes.
Complement Inhibition in Myasthenia Gravis and Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Dodig Dubravka , Genge Angela , Selchen Daniel , Freedman Mark S. 
Published: December 2021

ABSTRACT:The complement system is a tightly controlled signaling network that plays a role in innate immune surveillance. However, abnormal signaling through this pathway contributes to tissue damage in several inflammatory, autoimmune, and degenerative diseases. Myasthenia gravis (MG) and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) have complement dysfunction at the core of pathogenesis, providing a strong rationale for therapeutic targeting of complement components. The purpose of this paper is to briefly review the role of complement activation in the pathogenesis of MG and NMOSD, to discuss the rationale and evidence for complement inhibition as a method to manage these diseases, and to provide a Canadian perspective on the use of complement inhibition therapy through real-world cases of MG and NMOSD.
Clinical Features of Patients With Heart Failure After the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquakes
Authors: Nagayoshi Yasuhiro , Yufu Tetsuo , Miyamoto Shinzo , Yumoto Shinya , Hashiyama Motohiro , Kai Yutaka , Kawano Hiroaki , Tsujita Kenichi 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Objective:
Acute and chronic stress after severe earthquakes can contribute to cardiovascular events, including heart failure (HF). On April 14, 2016, magnitude 7 earthquakes occurred in the Aso region in the western part of Japan. This study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics of HF in this area after these earthquakes.

Methods:
We investigated the clinical characteristics and 1-y mortality rate of patients with HF. Nutritional status was evaluated with the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) and the Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI).

Results:
Among a total of 58 cardiovascular events, HF was the most frequently observed (n = 28). The mean age of individuals with HF was 85.5 y. The total incidence of HF was significantly higher compared with the average of the prior 2 y. Disaster influence on mental health was suggested by patient history in 20 patients (71%). The 1-y mortality rate among patients with HF was 50%. Among those who died, 93% had malnutrition status (GNRI <92 and /or PNI ≤38).

Conclusions:
Our results demonstrated the poor prognosis of patients with HF following the disaster. The prevalence of malnutrition was high in those patients. Careful follow-up is necessary, especially for older people with frailty.
Validation of the Communication Profile-Adapted in Ethiopian children with neurodevelopmental disorders
Authors: Ceccarelli Caterina , Bakolis Ioannis , Tekola Bethlehem , Kinfe Mersha , Borissov Anton , Girma Fikirte , Abdurahman Rehana , Zerihun Tigist , Hanlon Charlotte , Hoekstra Rosa A. 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Background
Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) are conditions affecting a child's cognitive, behavioural, and emotional development. Appropriate and validated outcome measures for use in children with NDDs in sub-Saharan Africa are scarce. The aim of this study was to validate the Communication Profile Adapted (CP-A), a measure developed in East Africa to assess caregivers' perception of communication among children with NDDs.

Methods
We adapted the CP-A for use in Ethiopia, focusing on the communicative mode (CP-A-mode) and function (CP-A-function) scales. The CP-A was administered to a representative sample of caregivers of children with NDDs and clinical controls. We performed an exploratory factor analysis and determined the internal consistency, test-retest reliability, within-scale, known-group, and convergent validity of the identified factors.

Results
Our analysis included N = 300 participants (N = 139 cases, N = 139 clinical controls, N = 22 who did not meet criteria for either cases or controls). Within the CP-A-mode, we identified two factors (i.e. verbal and physical communication); the CP-A-function scale was unidimensional. Combining both scales into one summary variable (the CP-A-total) resulted in a scale with excellent internal consistency and test-retest reliability (Cronbach's alpha = 0.97; Kappa = 0.60–0.95, p < 0.001; ICC = 0.97, p < 0.001). Testing known-group validity, the CP-A-total scores were significantly higher for controls than cases (Δ mean = 33.93, p < 0.001). Convergent validity assessment indicated that scores were negatively and moderately correlated with clinical severity (ρ = −0.25, p = 0.04).

Conclusion
The CP-A is a valid tool for the assessment of communication among children with NDDs in Ethiopia. It holds promise as a brief, quantitative, and culturally appropriate outcome measure for use in sub-Saharan Africa.
Low vitamin B12 but not folate is associated with incident depressive symptoms in community-dwelling older adults: a 4-year longitudinal study
Authors: Laird Eamon J. , O’Halloran Aisling M. , Molloy Anne M. , Healy Martin , Hernandez Belinda , O’Connor Deirdre M. A. , Kenny Rose A. , Briggs Robert 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThis was a longitudinal study utilising the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (n 3849 aged ≥ 50 years) and investigated the relationship between blood plasma folate and B12 levels at baseline (wave 1) and incident depressive symptoms at 2 and 4 years (waves 2 and 3). A score ≥ 9 on the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale-8 at wave 2 or 3 was indicative of incident depressive symptoms. B12 status profiles (pmol/l) were defined as < 185, deficient low; 185 to < 258, low normal; > 258–601, normal and > 601 high. Folate status profiles (nmol/l) were defined as ≤ 10·0, deficient low; > 10–23·0, low normal; > 23·0–45·0, normal; >45·0, high. Logistic regression models were used to analyse the longitudinal associations. Both B12 and folate plasma concentrations were lower in the group with incident depressive symptoms v. non-depressed (folate: 21·4 v. 25·1 nmol/l; P = 0·0003; B12:315·7 v. 335·9 pmol/l; P = 0·0148). Regression models demonstrated that participants with deficient-low B12 status at baseline had a significantly higher likelihood of incident depression 4 years later (OR 1·51, 95 % CI 1·01, 2·27, P = 0·043). This finding remained robust after controlling for relevant covariates. No associations of folate status with incident depression were observed. Older adults with deficient-low B12 status had a 51 % increased likelihood of developing depressive symptoms over 4 years. The findings highlight the need to further explore the low-cost benefits of optimising vitamin B12 status for depression in older adults.
Academic Absences, Disciplinary Siloes and Methodological Prejudices within the Political Science Discipline in Canada
Authors: Everitt Joanna 
Published: December 2021

AbstractCanadian political science has changed over the past 50 years; however, these changes have come slowly and lag behind larger societal demographic transformations. While early attention to diversity concentrated on the place of women within the discipline, more recent attention focuses on the presence of Black, Indigenous and other political scientists of colour. Accompanying a diversification of personnel has been a broadening of the substantive focus of our research, as well as an expansion in the epistemological and methodological approaches applied to the study of politics. Yet despite these adaptations, the study of political science in Canada remains siloed and often exclusionary, challenging our ability to train the next generation of scholars to be capable of addressing the issues facing a world that is increasingly complex and diverse.
Mucosal healing with lacrimal and double mucosal flaps endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy – comparison with flap sacrificed technique: randomised, controlled study
Authors: Ciğer E , İşlek A 
Published: December 2021

AbstractObjectiveThis study aimed to compare two endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy techniques: lacrimal and double nasal mucosal flaps, and endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy without flap preservation.MethodThis study was designed as a prospective randomised, controlled trial. Mucosal healing, granulation tissue formation and mucosal scar contracture were investigated after the surgery.ResultsNinety patients were included in the study (lacrimal and double nasal mucosal flaps, 46; endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy without flap preservation, 44). Nine (18.8 per cent) patients in the endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy without flap preservation group and two patients (4.2 per cent) in the lacrimal and double nasal mucosal flaps group had inadequate wound healing (p = 0.025). Granulation tissue formation was detected in nine patients (18.8 per cent) in the endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy without flap preservation group and in 1 patient (2.1 per cent) in the lacrimal and double nasal mucosal flaps group (p = 0.008). Functional success rates in the endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy without flap preservation and lacrimal and double nasal mucosal flaps groups were 89.6 per cent and 97.9 per cent, respectively (p = 0.092). The operation time was similar in both groups (p = 0.122).ConclusionThe double mucosal flaps technique is a surgical procedure with satisfactory outcomes for the repair of mucosal defects and related issues.
Utilisation of a smartphone-enabled video otoscope to train novices in otological examination and procedural skills
Authors: Navaratnam A V , Halai A , Chandrasekharan D , Mistry R , Rogel-Salazar J , Manjaly J G , Tatla T , Singh A , Ramdoo K 
Published: December 2021

AbstractObjectiveThe ai/m of this study was to compare the self-reported confidence of novices in using a smartphone-enabled video otoscope, a microscope and loupes for ear examination and external ear canal procedures.MethodMedical students (n = 29) undertook a pre-study questionnaire to ascertain their knowledge of techniques for otoscopy and aural microsuction. Participants underwent teaching on ear anatomy, examination and procedural techniques using a microscope, loupes and smartphone-enabled video otoscopes. Confidence and preference using each modality was rated using a Likert-like questionnaire.ResultsAfter teaching, all modalities demonstrated a significant increase in confidence in ear examination (p < 0.0001). Confidence in using the smartphone-enabled otoscope post-teaching was highest (p = 0.015). Overall, the smartphone-enabled video otoscope was the preferred method in all other parameters assessed including learning anatomy or pathology (51.72 per cent) and learning microsuction (65.51 per cent).ConclusionSmartphone-enabled video otoscopes provide an alternative approach to ear examination and aural microsuction that can be undertaken outside of a traditional clinical setting and can be used by novices.
Shooting from Windows: Performing Tactical Lawfulness during Jim Crow
Authors: Livingston Lindsay 
Published: December 2021

I think, then, that Negroes must concern themselves with every single means of struggle: legal, illegal, passive, active, violent and non-violent. That they must harass, debate, petition, give money to court struggles, sit-in, lie-down, strike, boycott, sing hymns, pray on steps—and shoot from their windows when the racists come cruising through their communities.—Lorraine Hansberry (1962)
A geometrical formulation for the workspace of parallel manipulators
Authors: Russo Matteo , Ceccarelli Marco 
Published: December 2021

AbstractIn study this paper, a geometric formulation is proposed to describe the workspace of parallel manipulators by using a recursive approach as an extension of volume generation for solids of revolution. In this approach, the workspace volume and boundary for each limb of the parallel manipulator is obtained with an algebraic formulation derived from the kinematic chain of the limb and the motion constraints on its joints. Then, the overall workspace of the mechanism can be determined as the intersection of the limb workspaces. The workspace of different kinematic chains is discussed and classified according to its external shape. An algebraic formulation for the inclusion of obstacles in the computation is also proposed. Both analytical models and numerical simulations are reported with their advantages and limitations. An example on a 3-SPR parallel mechanism illustrates the feasibility of the formulation and its efficiency.
Fearful temperament in middle childhood predicts adolescent attention bias and anxiety symptoms: The moderating role of frontal EEG asymmetry
Authors: Liu Ran , Bell Martha Ann 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThe current study provided first analyses of the moderating effect of baseline-to-task frontal EEG asymmetry on the associations between 9-year fearful temperament and adolescent attention bias to threat as well as anxiety symptoms. Participants include a community sample of 122 children (60 boys, 62 girls; Mage = 14.66 years; Range = 11.82–18.13 years). Baseline-to-task frontal EEG asymmetry at age 9 moderated the relation between fearful temperament at age 9 and adolescent anxiety symptoms. Specifically, fearful temperament predicted adolescent anxiety symptoms when children showed greater right activation from baseline to an executive function task, but not greater left activation. Baseline-to-task frontal EEG asymmetry moderated the association between fearful temperament and sustained (i.e., stimulus onset asynchrony is 1250 ms) but not automatic attention bias (i.e., stimulus onset asynchrony is 500 ms). Children with greater left frontal activation from baseline to task more efficiently direct attention away from threat. Adolescent automatic attention bias to threat was related to concurrent anxiety symptoms. These findings illustrate the importance of considering frontal EEG asymmetry to shape how fearful children process threat and to influence their behavioral problems.
Internal jugular phlebectasia communicating with a cervicomediastinal lipoma: a case report
Authors: Kavanaugh Taylor J. , Wiesenauer Chad , Miyamoto Richard , Mavroudis Constantine 
Published: December 2021

AbstractVenous aneurysms are an atypical presentation of neck masses in the paediatric population. The evaluation and surgical removal of internal jugular vein phlebectasia and a lipoma coexisting are described in this report. Internal jugular vein phlebectasia is theorised as a congenital defect and is becoming more common with advancing imaging technologies. Both phlebectasia and lipomas are considered benign conditions, but clinicians must be aware of tumours producing mass effect.
Accelerated hypofractionated radiotherapy for chest wall and nodal irradiation using hybrid techniques
Authors: Balaji Karunakaran , Ramasubramanian Velayudham 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Aim:
This study compares three different hybrid plans, for left-sided chest wall (CW) and nodal stations irradiation using a hypofractionated dose regimen.

Materials and methods:
Planning target volumes (PTVs) of 25 breast cancer patients that included CW, supraclavicular (SCL) and internal mammary node (IMN) were planned with 3 different hybrid techniques: 3DCRT+IMRT, 3DCRT+VMAT and IMRT+VMAT. All hybrid plans were generated with a hypofractionated dose prescription of 40·5 Gy in 15 fractions. Seventy per cent of the dose was planned with the base-dose component and remaining 30% of the dose was planned with the hybrid component. All plans were evaluated based on the PTVs and organs at risk (OARs) dosimetric parameters.

Results:
The results for PTVs parameters have shown that the 3DCRT+IMRT and 3DCRT+VMAT plans were superior in uniformity index to the IMRT+VMAT plan. The OARs dose parameters were comparable between hybrid plans. The IMRT+VMAT plan provided a larger low dose volume spread to the heart and ipsilateral lung (p < 0·001). The 3DCRT+VMAT plan required less monitor units and treatment time (p = 0·005) than other plans.

Conclusion:
The 3DCRT+VMAT hybrid plan showed superior results with efficient treatment delivery and provide clinical benefit by reducing both low and high dose levels.
Interseismic Strain Accumulation Near Lisbon (Portugal) From Space Geodesy
Authors: Fonseca J. F. B. D. , Palano M. , Falcão A. P. , Hrysiewicz A. , Fernández J. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThe Lisbon Metropolitan Area, Portugal, has been affected by several destructive earthquakes nucleating both along the offshore Africa‐Eurasia plate boundary and on onshore inherited intraplate faults. Using a dense GNSS dataset coupled with PSInSAR analysis, we provide new evidence of sinistral simple shear driven by a NNE‐SSW first‐order tectonic lineament. PSInSAR vertical velocities corroborate qualitatively the GNSS strain‐rate field, showing uplift/subsidence where the GNSS data indicate contraction/extension. We propose the presence of a small block to the W of Lisbon moving independently toward the SW with a relative velocity of 0.96 ± 0.20 mm/yr, whose boundaries are part of a complex and as yet poorly constrained strike‐slip fault system, possibly rooting at depth into a simpler basement fault. Comparison between geodetic and seismic moment‐rates indicates a high seismic coupling. We show that the contribution of intraplate faults to the seismic hazard in the LMA is more important than currently assumed.
3D Crustal and Upper Mantle Model of East‐Central China From a Joint Inversion of Surface and Body Waves and Its Tectonic Implications
Authors: Yang Xiaozhou , Luo Yinhe , Zhao Kaifeng 
Published: December 2021

AbstractAs the junction of two important tectonic units, North China Craton and South China Block, East‐Central China has undergone multi‐period tectonic events, including the Triassic continental collision and the Mesozoic and Cenozoic subduction of the western Pacific plate, which forms unique crustal and upper mantle structures in East‐Central China. In this study, by jointly inverting body and surface waves, we construct a high‐resolution 3D Vs model of East‐Central China at the depths of 0–800 km. Our results show that along the eastern Qinling‐Dabie orogen formed by past continental collision, there are significant changes in velocity patterns in the upper mantle. From the eastern Dabie to the western Dabie, velocity features mainly vary from low velocities to high velocities, implying a westward weakening of the influence of the Paleo‐Pacific tectonic domain. The high‐velocity anomaly is partially missing beneath eastern Qinling, which may be attributed to the lower crustal and lithospheric mantle delamination. In addition, we find a significant low‐velocity anomaly in the upper mantle beneath the Lower Yangtze Craton, which may represent an upwelling of thermal fluids caused by the dehydration of stagnant slabs in the mantle transition zone. This low‐velocity anomaly extends upward into the shallow lithosphere and is consistent with the area of crustal and lithospheric thinning as well as the concentrated exposure of Cenozoic continental basalts. These connections reveal the reactivation of the lithospheric mantle by the dehydration of the stagnant slab and the asthenosphere upwelling during the Cenozoic.