bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Circulating Angiotensin-(1–7) Is Reduced in Alzheimer’s Disease Patients and Correlates With White Matter Abnormalities: Results From a Pilot Study
Authors: Ribeiro Victor Teatini , Cordeiro Thiago Macedo e , Filha Roberta da Silva , Perez Lucas Giandoni , Caramelli Paulo , Teixeira Antônio Lúcio , de Souza Leonardo Cruz , Simões e Silva Ana Cristina 
Published: April 2021

IntroductionAlzheimer’s disease (AD) is the leading cause of dementia worldwide. Despite the extensive research, its pathophysiology remains largely unelucidated. Currently, more attention is being given to the disease’s vascular and inflammatory aspects. In this context, the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) emerges as a credible player in AD pathogenesis. The RAS has multiple physiological functions, conducted by its two opposing axes: the classical, led by Angiotensin II (Ang II), and the alternative, driven by Angiotensin-(1–7) [Ang-(1–7)]. These peptides were shown to interact with AD pathology in animal studies, but evidence from humans is scarce. Only 20 studies dosed RAS molecules in AD patients’ bloodstream, none of which assessed both axes simultaneously. Therefore, we conducted a cross-sectional, case-control exploratory study to compare plasma levels of Ang II and Ang-(1–7) in AD patients vs. age-matched controls. Within each group, we searched for correlations between RAS biomarkers and measures from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).MethodsWe evaluated patients with AD (n = 14) and aged-matched controls (n = 14). Plasma Ang II and Ang-(1–7) were dosed using ELISA. Brain MRI was performed in a 3 Tesla scan, and a three-dimensional T1-weighted volumetric sequence was obtained. Images were then processed by FreeSurfer to calculate: (1) white matter hypointensities (WMH) volume; (2) volumes of hippocampus, medial temporal cortex, and precuneus. Statistical analyses used non-parametrical tests (Mann-Whitney and Spearman).ResultsAng-(1–7) levels in plasma were significantly lower in the AD patients than in controls [median (25th–75th percentiles)]: AD [101.5 (62.43–126.4)] vs. controls [209.3 (72–419.1)], p = 0.014. There was no significant difference in circulating Ang II. In the AD patients, but not in controls, there was a positive and significant correlation between Ang-(1–7) values and WMH volumes (Spearman’s rho = 0.56, p = 0.038). Ang-(1–7) did not correlate with cortical volumes in AD or in controls. Ang II did not correlate with any MRI variable in none of the groups.ConclusionIf confirmed, our results strengthen the hypothesis that RAS alternative axis is downregulated in AD, and points to a possible interaction between Ang-(1–7) and cerebrovascular lesions in AD.
More Depression-Related Public Concern After the Suicide of a Pop Star in China: Evidence From the Online Big Data Platform
Authors: Yu Hong-Zhang , Fu Tian , Zhou Jia-Nan , Ke Ping , Wang Yun-Xia 
Published: April 2021

Background: In China, we have seen dramatic increases in public concern over depression and mental health after the suicide of some famous persons. The objective of this study is to investigate the changes of search-engine query patterns to monitor this phenomenon based on the tragic suicide of a young Chinese pop star, Kimi Qiao.Methods: The daily search volume for depression was retrieved from both the Baidu Index (BDI) and the Sina MicroBlog Index (SMI). Besides, the daily BDI for suicide, schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, common cold, stomach cancer, and liver cancer were collected for comparison. According to the time of Qiao's suicide, all data were divided into two periods (i.e., Period One from 1 September 2015 to 31 August 2016 while Period Two ranged from 1 October 2016 to 30 September 2017). The paired t-test was used to compare the differences in search volumes between two periods. The Pearson correlation analysis was used to estimate correlations between the BDI and SMI for depression.Results: The average BDI for depression, BDI for suicide, and SMI for depression in Period Two were significantly higher than in Period One (p &lt; 0.05). There was a strong positive correlation between the BDI and SMI for depression (r = 0.97, p &lt; 0.001). And no significant difference in BDI for other diseases between the two periods was found.Conclusions: The changes of search-engine query patterns indicated that the celebrity's suicide might be able to improve the netizens' concern about depression in China. The study suggests publishing more practical knowledge and advice on depression through the Internet and social media, to improve the public's mental health literacy and help people to cope with their depressive symptoms appropriately.
Examining Associations Between Child Abuse and Neglect Experiences With Emotion Regulation Difficulties Indicative of Adolescent Suicidal Ideation Risk
Authors: Hatkevich Claire , Sumlin Eric , Sharp Carla 
Published: April 2021

Objective: Preliminary work indicates one specific aspect of emotion dysregulation (i.e., limited access to emotion regulation strategies) uniquely associates with adolescent suicide ideation. An optimal score cut point on a measure of this emotion dysregulation impairment has been identified to indicate risk for past-year suicidal ideation. Examining types of child abuse and neglect associated with being above cut-off on this measure may point to interactive environmental effects associated with subsequent risk for suicidal ideation. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the relations between multiple types of child abuse and neglect with being above cutoff on a measure of limited access to emotion regulation strategies in a psychiatrically severe adolescent sample.Method: The full sample included 203 psychiatric adolescents (Mean age = 15.31 years; 66.5% female; 74.4% White), assigned to two groups: (1) those at or above cutoff on the access to emotion regulation strategies subscale (n = 139); and (2) those below cutoff (n = 64).Results: Significant differences were only evidenced between the emotion regulation cutoff groups on emotional abuse, after covarying for other types of abuse and neglect; significant group differences were not evidenced on any other type of abuse or neglect (sexual or physical abuse, emotional or physical neglect).Conclusion: Relative to other types of abuse and neglect, emotional abuse may be differentially related to experiencing limited access to emotion regulation strategies, at the level indicative of suicide ideation risk. Clinical implications are discussed.
The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic and Lockdown on Alcohol Consumption: A Perspective From Hair Analysis
Authors: Alladio Eugenio , Visintin Lia , Lombardo Tonia , Testi Roberto , Salomone Alberto , Vincenti Marco 
Published: April 2021

Introduction and Aims:The increase in stress levels, social confinement, and addiction's physical consequences play an essential role in the proliferation of drug abuse. In this context, the Covid-19 pandemic produced remarkable effects on those individuals prone to addictions, especially to alcohol. Alcohol is linked to multiple dangerous conditions such as social issues, severe medical conditions, and road accidents. The determination of ethylglucuronide (EtG) in hair is frequently performed to test and monitor chronic excessive alcohol intake conditions, as it allows differentiation among low-risk/moderate drinkers, and excessive/chronic drinkers. Our study aimed to explore hair EtG levels in a controlled population to assess the impact of Covid-19 lockdown on alcohol intake along March-May 2020.Materials and Methods:EtG levels were measured in all hair samples collected in the months following April 2020 to evaluate the behaviors related to alcohol intake along with the time frame from March to May 2020. The measured concentration distributions for each month were compared with those reported in the same month during the previous 4 years (2016–2019). The dataset was built to highlight possible differences between genders, and the different categories of alcohol consumption, separately.Results:The samples collected from April to August 2020 (500 &lt;N&lt;1,100 per month) showed an increase in the percentage of subjects classified as abstinent/low-risk drinkers (from 60 up to 79%) and a decrease of subjects classified as moderate and chronic drinkers (−12 and −7%, respectively) when compared to the previous 4 years. A decrease in the overall mean value of EtG in the period April–June 2020 was observed, while the EtG levels of both June and July 2020 provided an increasing trend for chronic/excessive consumers (+27 and +19% for June and July 2020, respectively). A peculiar rise in the EtG levels of moderate and chronic/excessive female consumers was observed along April–June 2020, too.Discussion and Conclusions:Behavioral and social studies generally report a decrease in alcohol consumption during the Covid-19 lockdown. However, people already suffering from drug or alcohol addictions before Covid-19 pandemic seemingly enhance their harmful behavior. Our data from April to August 2020 are consistent with both suppositions. Our observations confirm once again the utility of EtG to investigate the patterns of alcohol consumption in the population.
Prevalence of Common Gynecological Conditions in the Middle East: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Mousa Mira , Al-Jefout Moamar , Alsafar Habiba , Kirtley Shona , Lindgren Cecilia M. , Missmer Stacey A. , Becker Christian M. , Zondervan Krina T. , Rahmioglu Nilufer 
Published: April 2021

Introduction:High prevalence of gynecological conditions in women of Middle Eastern origin is reported, likely due to regional risk factors and mediators. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to investigate the prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and adenomyosis in women of Middle Eastern origin.Methods:MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Global Health, and Google Scholar databases were searched from database inception until 14 February 2021 to identify relevant studies. Peer-reviewed research articles that reported the prevalence of PCOS, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and adenomyosis in the Middle Eastern population were written in English or Arabic. The primary outcome was the estimated pooled prevalence of PCOS, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and adenomyosis in the Middle Eastern populations. The secondary outcome was to assess the evidence in the data for the presence of heterogeneity, by conducting subtype-pooled analysis of prevalence estimates of the conditions. Total weighted prevalence was calculated via Freeman–Tukey arcsine transformation and heterogeneity through theI2statistic. Quality control was performed using GRADE criteria.Results:A total of 47 studies, 26 on PCOS, 12 on endometriosis, eight on uterine fibroids, and seven on adenomyosis, were included. The pooled prevalence of PCOS diagnosed according to the NIH criteria was 8.9% (95% CI: 6.5–11.7; prevalence range: 4.0–27.6%), with a higher prevalence from the Gulf Arab states (18.8%, 95% CI: 9.5–30.3; range: 12.1–27.6%). According to the Rotterdam criteria, the pooled prevalence of PCOS was 11.9% (95% CI: 7.1–17.7; range: 3.4–19.9%) with studies limited to the Persian and Levant regions. Endometriosis was diagnosed in 12.9% (95% CI: 4.2–25.4; range: 4.2–21.0%) of women undergoing laparoscopy, for any indication. Uterine fibroid and adenomyosis prevalence of women was 30.6% (95% CI: 24.9–36.7; range: 18.5–42.6%) and 30.8% (95% CI: 27.1–34.6, range: 25.6–37.7%), respectively. Heterogeneity was present between studies due to statistical and methodological inconsistencies between studies, and quality of evidence was low due to sample size and unrepresentative participant selection.Conclusion:This is the first review that has reported the prevalence of gynecological diseases in the Middle Eastern population, suggesting that gynecological morbidity is a public health concern. Due to the health disparities in women, further research is required to understand the relative roles of environmental and genetic factors in the region to serve as a benchmark for evaluation and comparative purposes with other populations.
Wafer-Scale Epitaxial Low Density InAs/GaAs Quantum Dot for Single Photon Emitter in Three-Inch Substrate
Authors: Huang Xiaoying , Su Rongbin , Yang Jiawei , Rao Mujie , Liu Jin , Yu Ying , Yu Siyuan 
Published: April 2021

In this work, we successfully achieved wafer-scale low density InAs/GaAs quantum dots (QDs) for single photon emitter on three-inch wafer by precisely controlling the growth parameters. The highly uniform InAs/GaAs QDs show low density of μ0.96/μm2 within the radius of 2 cm. When embedding into a circular Bragg grating cavity on highly efficient broadband reflector (CBR-HBR), the single QDs show excellent optoelectronic properties with the linewidth of 3± 0.08 GHz, the second-order correlation factor g2(τ)=0.0322 ±0.0023, and an exciton life time of 323 ps under two-photon resonant excitation.
Rastos narrativos de Andronico y Atanasia (BHG 123 j)
Authors: Cavallero Pablo 
Published: April 2021

Se hace un estudio narratológico de la versión 123j contenida en el ms. Matritensis BNE 4787 (con testimonio parcial del Sinaiticus 530 y del Marcianus II 151), señalando aspectos vinculados con la estructura narrativa, los actantes/oponentes/ayudantes, el tiempo, el espacio, el narrador y narratario. Con estos elementos estructurales, de actores, de acontecimientos, de tiempo y de espacio, el narrador construye una fábula en la que la historia de Andronico y Atanasia parte de una ‘posibilidad’ (qué camino de santidad seguir), desarrolla su ‘realización’ (la vida eremítica) y llega a un ‘resultado’ (concreción del proceso de santificación), evidenciado por los milagros y reconocimientos logrados ya en vida. El texto resultante se yergue como objeto de entretenimiento y, a la vez, de edificación moral y espiritual, y además como una velada ‘propaganda’ de los lugares taumatúrgicos, para lo cual los rasgos narrativos son esenciales.
Vida de Juan el Limosnero de Leoncio de Neápolis: héroe hagiográfico y recepción
Authors: Fuentes Pablo Ezequiel 
Published: April 2021

La Vida de Juan el Limosnero, escrita por Leoncio de Neápolis a mediados del siglo VII, narra la vida y acciones del Patriarca de Alejandría (610-619). El objetivo del presente trabajo es analizar una selección específica de episodios transmitidos en un manuscrito de los siglos XI-XII. Nos enfocaremos en sus características narrativas con la hipótesis de que tienen el fin de llegar con mayor potencia a un público medio, convocándolo a través de su progresiva incorporación en la serie de relatos, algunas veces incluso como protagonista. Esperamos concluir que en el desarrollo de la serie se opera un deslizamiento de las características del héroe hagiográfico hacia el ‘hombre común’ con eje en la virtud de la caridad, y que la estructura narrativa simple y episódica coadyuva al fin edificante.
Sliding Scale in the Management of Allergic Conjunctivitis
Authors: Jamil Ahmad Zeeshan , Ali Bahoo Muhammad Luqman , Kamal Zahid , Rizwan Muhammad , Ovais Muhammad 
Published: April 2021

Purpose: To verify the usability of the sliding scale in the management of allergic conjunctivitis.
Study Design: Quasi-Experimental.
Place and Duration of Study: District Headquarter Teaching Hospital/Sahiwal Medical College, Sahiwal, from January 2016 to December 2019.
Methods: A sliding scale was developed and used to score the severity of the ocular allergy. Patients were instructed to use the sliding scale to adjust the treatment regimen and follow-up at regular intervals. At baseline and at third follow-up visit, sliding scale score and use of drug regimens were noted. At third follow-up visit patient’s satisfaction and disease control were documented.
Results: There were 398 patients. Mean age of Patients was 29.45 ± 18.77 years. At baseline, 62.8% of patients were using topical steroids while at third follow-up visit only 5% of patients were using topical steroids. Mean interval of patients’ visit to the hospital was 8.53 ± 1.44 weeks. Nonparametric Mann Whitney test was used to calculate the difference in means of sliding scale scores at baseline (4.49 ± 2.39) and third follow-up visit (1.03 ± 1.68). Z score value was -16.917 and significance was 0.000.For patient’s satisfaction at third follow-up visit Chi-square value was 263.759 with significance value of 0.000. For disease control at third follow-up visit chi-square value was 223.123 with significance value of 0.000.
Conclusion: Use of sliding scale in the management of allergic conjunctivitis was well accepted by the patients. It helped in disease control with minimal use of topical steroids and less frequent visits to the hospital.
Key Words: Allergic Conjunctivitis, Steroids, Trantas dots.
Current Trends in Treating Acanthamoeba Keratitis: A Brief Narrative Review
Authors: Salducci Mauro 
Published: April 2021

The Author, after examining the historical evolution of scientific knowledge and treatment of severe Acanthamoebic keratitis, presents this brief review on the treatment of this serious eye disease, relatively frequent in patients with corneal contact lenses. Therapy of Acanthamoeba keratitis is always very long and demanding. Its management requires adequate experience because it is not always easy to evaluate the response to treatment and complications can be very serious and difficult to manage. Resistance to therapy can also occur during treatment and must be distinguished from drug-induced toxicity. In cases where no improvement is obtained with maximum medical therapy, it is advisable to repeat the corneal sampling and proceed to new laboratory tests for Acanthamoeba, bacteria and fungi. Prevention, which always remains of fundamental importance, is practically based on avoiding contact of the corneal lens with contaminated water, since this Acanthamoeba has a ubiquitous diffusion. It is therefore recommended to always avoid the use of corneal contact lenses in the pool or in the shower, not to wash them under running tap water and to frequently replace the relative container of these lenses.
Key Words: Acanthamoeba Keratitis, Corneal ulcer, Contact lenses.
The Effect of Phacoemulsification on Corneal Endothelial Cells Morphology and Thickness
Authors: Elmadina Abd Elaziz Mohamed , Abdelfatah Raghda Faisal , Alrasheed Saif Hassan , Abdu Mustafa , Qureshi Manzoor Ahmad 
Published: April 2021

Purpose: To compare the corneal endothelial cells morphology and central corneal thickness (CCT) before and after phacoemulsification in Sudanese population.
Place and Duration of Study: Al-Neelain eye hospital, Khartoum, Sudan, from January 2018 to May 2018.
Study Design: Observational longitudinal study.
Methods: One hundred and forty eyes of 140 patients with immature senile cataract were selected by convenient sampling. The age ranged from 40 to 85 years. The patients underwent complete ocular examination including morphology of corneal endothelial cells and CCT using computerized non-contact specular microscope. Inclusion criteria for the study was eyes with normal corneal endothelial cells and cell density more than 1000 cells/mm2. We excluded patients with ocular or systemic diseases, previous history of intraocular surgery, refractive surgery or trauma as well as contact lenses wear. The patients underwent phacoemulsification by a single surgeon. The examination parameters were repeated one month after surgery. Descriptive and comparative statistical analyses were performed using SPSS for Windows Version 21.0.
Results: There was significant reduction in mean endothelial cells density after phacoemulsification compared to baseline with p < 0.001. There was also significant post-operative reduction in mean endothelial cells number as compared to baseline (P value < 0.001). Mean endothelial cells hexagonality was reduced after surgery with P value of 0.003. No significant difference was found between mean coefficient variation of endothelial cells size before and after phacoemulsification (P = 0.55). Central corneal thickness showed significant increase post-operatively, P = 0.003.
Conclusion: Phacoemulsification causes significant damage to corneal endothelium cells, including decrease in corneal endothelial cell density, hexagonality and cell number.
Key Words: Corneal endothelium, Endothelial cell density, Central corneal thickness, Phacoemulsification.
Role of Nepafenac 0.1% Ophthalmic Solution in Preventing Intraoperative Miosis during Phacoemulsification
Authors: Ahmed Sairam , Ghazanfar Iqra , Khan Niazi Fuad Ahmad , Raza Ali 
Published: April 2021

Purpose: To compare 0.1% Nepafenac ophthalmic solution with placebo in terms of decreasing mean intraoperative miosis in patients undergoing cataract surgery.
Study Design: Quasi experimental study.
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Ophthalmology, Holy-Family Hospital Rawalpindi from September 2017 to March 2018.
Methods: A total of 150 eyes with senile cataract of patients between 40-80 years of age and of both genders, undergoing uneventful cataract surgery and fulfilling the inclusion criteria were included. Patients were divided into 2 equal groups. Group A received Nepafenac eye drops and group B received placebo drops (Preservative free artificial tears). The diameter of pupil as viewed through the operating microscope was measured with Castroviejo Caliper at following steps; immediately before the start of surgery (baseline), after complete nucleus removal and at the end of surgery.
Results: Mean decrease in pupil size from the start of surgery to the end of phacoemulsification in Group A (nepafenac group) was 0.48 ± 0.26 mm while in Group B (placebo group) it was 1.40 ± 0.49 mm (P = 0.0001). Mean decrease in pupil size from start to end in Group A (Nepafenac group) was 0.75 ± 0.32 mm while in Group B (placebo group) was 2.02 ± 0.62 mm (P = 0.0001).
Conclusion: Intraoperative miosis in terms of mean decrease in pupils size (both from start of surgery till phacoemulsification and also from start of surgery till end of surgery) was lower in 0.1% Nepafenac group as compared to placebo group.
Key Words: Phacoemulsification, Miosis, Nepafenac.
Frequency of Convergence Insufficiency in a Refraction Clinic of Karachi
Authors: Urooj Izmal , Ali Shari Mussadiq , Ghayas Abdul , Sheikh Ammara , Hussain Maryam 
Published: April 2021

Purpose: To find out the frequency of convergence insufficiency in a refraction clinic of Karachi.
Study Design: Cross Sectional Study.
Place and Duration of Study: Al-Ibrahim Rye Hospital, Karachi from June to December 2019.
Methods: A total of 150 patients were included in the study (52 males and 98 females). Patients with un-corrected visual acuity of ≥6/9 and age between 16 – 35 years were included. Patients who had received treatment for convergence insufficiency (CI), mentally retarded patients, patients with Manifest strabismus or any other ocular pathology were excluded. Near point of convergence (NPC), near phoria and positive fusional vergence (PFV) were measured for the diagnosis of CI.
Results: Mean age of the patients was 23.55 years. Gender wise distribution showed that 52 (34.7%) were males and 98 (65.3%) were females. Out of 150 patients, 64 patients had CI and 42 were normal with no reduction in NPC, PFV or exophoria. Rest of the patients had only one of the three criteria of CI but did not qualify our definition of CI. Twenty-five male patients and 39 female patients had CI. CI was more common in teenagers. With increasing age, the frequency of CI was reduced. CI due to remote NPC was seen in 12 (8%) and CI due to decreased PFV was seen in 21 (14%).
Conclusion: Females are affected more with CI than males especially in the younger age group.
Keywords: Convergence insufficiency, near point of convergence, Positive fusional vergence.