bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interferometric Ex Vivo Evaluation of the Spatial Changes to Corneal Biomechanics Introduced by Topographic CXL: A Pilot Study
Authors: Wilson Abby , Jones John , Marshall John 
Published: April 2021

PURPOSE:
To determine the efficacy of interferometry for examining the spatial changes to the corneal biomechanical response to simulated intraocular pressure (IOP) fluctuations that occur after corneal cross-linking (CXL) applied in different topographic locations.

METHODS:

Displacement speckle pattern interferometry (DSPI) was used to measure the total anterior surface displacement of human and porcine corneas in response to pressure variations up to 1 mm Hg from a baseline pressure of 16.5 mm Hg, both before and after CXL treatment, which was applied in isolated topographic locations (10-minute riboflavin soak [VibeX-Xtra; Avedro, Inc], 8-minute ultraviolet-A exposure at 15 mW/cm
2
). Alterations to biomechanics were evaluated by directly comparing the responses before and after treatment for each cornea.

RESULTS:
Before CXL, the corneal response to loading indicated spatial variability in mechanical properties. CXL treatments had a variable effect on the corneal response to loading dependent on the location of treatment, with reductions in regional displacement of up to 80% in response to a given pressure increase.

CONCLUSIONS:
Selectively cross-linking in different topographic locations introduces position-specific changes to mechanical properties that could potentially be used to alter the refractive power of the cornea. Changes to the biomechanics of the cornea after CXL are complex and appear to vary significantly depending on treatment location and initial biomechanics. Hence, further investigations are required on a larger number of corneas to allow the development of customized treatment protocols. In this study, laser interferometry was demonstrated to be an effective and valuable tool to achieve this.

[
J Refract Surg
. 2021;37(4):263–273.]
Clinical Outcomes With a New Continuous Range of Vision Presbyopia-Correcting Intraocular Lens
Authors: Gabrić Nikica , Gabrić Ivan , Gabrić Krešimir , Biščević Alma , Piñero David P. , Bohač Maja 
Published: April 2021

PURPOSE:
To evaluate the clinical outcomes including patient-reported outcome measures in a sample of eyes undergoing bilateral cataract surgery with implantation of a new model of presbyopia-correcting intraocular lens (IOL).

METHODS:
This non-randomized prospective case series enrolled 206 eyes of 103 patients undergoing phacoemulsification cataract surgery with bilateral implantation of the TECNIS Synergy IOL (Johnson & Johnson Vision). High and low contrast visual acuity, refractive, defocus curve, and patient-reported visual performance (Catquest-9SF questionnaire) outcomes were evaluated during a 3-month follow-up.

RESULTS:

A total of 96.1% (99 of 103) and 91.3% (94 of 103) of patients achieved binocular postoperative uncorrected distance (UDVA) and near visual acuity (UNVA) of 0.00 logMAR (20/20), respectively. Mean postoperative mesopic UNVA for both eyes was 0.14 ± 0.03 logMAR. Likewise, mean binocular UDVA and UNVA were 0.00 ± 0.03 and 0.04 ± 0.02 logMAR. An almost flat mean defocus curve was obtained, with visual acuities between 0.00 and 0.10 logMAR for most defocus levels in both eyes. A reduction of contrast led to a limited but statistically significant change in UNVA in both eyes (
P
< .001). The Rasch calibrated scoring of item 2 and the Rasch calibrated mean score of the Catquest-9SF questionnaire increased significantly with surgery (
P
< .001).

CONCLUSIONS:
This new presbyopia-correcting IOL provides a continuous range of functional focus, with a limited deterioration under mesopic conditions, which is perceived as a satisfactory outcome by the patient if proper patient selection is performed.

[
J Refract Surg
. 2021;37(4):256–262.]
Gonad Size Measured by Ultrasound to Assign Stage of Maturity in Burbot
Authors: McGarvey Lauren M. , Ilgen Jason E. , Guy Christopher S. , McLellan Jason G. , Webb Molly A.H. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractWe measured gonad size (diameter and circumference) by ultrasound and used it as a metric to assign stage of maturity in Burbot Lota lota from Lake Roosevelt, Washington. We collected paired gonad tissue and ultrasound measurements monthly from November 2017 to March 2018 and processed gonad tissue for histological analysis to confirm stage of maturity. We measured gonad diameter and circumference by ultrasound. We also measured excised gonad diameter (i.e., true gonad diameter) by digital calipers and excised gonad circumference (i.e., true gonad circumference) by a measuring tape. All late vitellogenic (stage 6) ovaries measured by ultrasound had a diameter greater than 3.90 cm, suggesting a value of 3.90 cm or greater may be used to characterize females capable of spawning in the current reproductive cycle. One mid-spermatogenic (stage 3) and all ripe (stage 4) testes were too large to be measured and were assigned a diameter of 5.11 cm, the maximum value capable of being measured by our ultrasound transducer. A value of 5.11 cm or greater may be used to characterize males capable of spawning in the current reproductive cycle. Testis circumference measured by ultrasound is not reported because some testes were wider than the ultrasound transducer and could not be measured. Measurements of testis diameter did not differ between measurement methods (ultrasound versus true), but ultrasound measurements of ovary diameter and circumference were higher than true measurements. We attributed the difference between measurement methods to flattening of the ovary while applying the ultrasound transducer. Gonad diameter and circumference measured by ultrasound were highly correlated with gonadosomatic index and ovarian follicle diameter, indicating gonad size measured by ultrasound is an appropriate index of gonad development in Burbot.
Do sexual gonadic maturity and age determine habitat occupancy ofCanthon cyanellusLeConte, 1859 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae)?
Authors: Salomão Renato Portela , Arellano Lucrecia , Huerta Carmen , León-Cortés Jorge Leonel 
Published: April 2021

AbstractHigh-quality habitats presumably have the resources required to sustain relatively high rates of survival and reproduction. We assessed how habitat type and local environmental conditions determine the distribution of individuals ofCanthon cyanellus(Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae), an eurytopic dung beetle, according to age category and sexual gonadic maturity. Beetles were surveyed in forest fragments, live fences, and pastures in Mexico. Individuals were categorised into six age categories according to the glandular volumes in males and oocyte number and length in females. Mature females in forest fragments were the most abundant females found among the habitats. Air humidity and soil hardness were positively and negatively related to mature female abundance, respectively. Mature beetles were the most abundant among males, and higher abundance of males occurred in forest fragments than in live fences and pastures. Light quantity was negatively related to the abundance of young males. Compared to forest fragments, females in pastures had larger oocytes. However, sites with higher soil hardness and air humidity had females with lower numbers of oocytes. Our results demonstrate that, althoughC. cyanellusoccurs across a wide range of habitats, forest habitats might host sexually mature individuals, which translates into more effective individual dispersion and potential reproduction.
Management of plantar fasciitis with Raktamokshana and Shamana Chikitsa in Ayurveda
Authors: Solanki Bhawna , Meher Ajaya , Bhatted Santosh Kumar , Dharmarajan Prasanth 
Published: April 2021

Observation and Results:
The therapy provided marked improvement in the pain and tenderness. Pain from visual analog scale (VAS) of 8 came to 2, tenderness grading soft tissue scale from 5 came to 2.5, and PF pain/disability scale from 77 came to 2. It is the need of the hour to focus on such therapies which are result-oriented and less expensive. From this study, it can be inferred that this treatment can be effectively adopted in patients of PF.
A Comparative Study of Coronavirus Cases in Gulf Cooperation Council Countries
Authors: Mohammed Rafiuddin 
Published: April 2021

Objectives:
The first outbreak of COVID-19 was recognized in early March in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and then accelerated at an exponential rate within a short period. The present study objective is to evaluate the prevalence of COVID-19 in GCC countries.

Methods:
Six countries are Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Oman included in the study. Six parameters of COVID-19 data were collected from various dashboards. Data analyses of all parameters were expressed in frequencies and percentages.

Results:
The highest number of cases was reported in Saudi Arabia (347,282) and least in Bahrain (81,466). The cases in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Bahrain have been reported a decrease, while the UAE and Oman reported an increase in the month of October. The recovery rates in Qatar (97.76%) and the UAE (97.19%) showed highest. Saudi Arabia and Oman showed the highest death rate (1.56% and 1.06%), while Qatar lowest death rate (0.18%). Critical cases are more in Saudi Arabia (0.22%). Oman showed the highest number of active cases (8.88%). The highest percentage of COVID-19 infection rates are in Bahrain (4.75%) and Qatar (4.72%). The UAE (132.77%) and Bahrain (101.24%) reported the highest COVID-19-tested percentage, while Oman (7.32%) had the least in their given population.

Conclusions:
The status of COVID-19 in the UAE and Oman showed a slight increase in the cases. The overall outcomes represent the status of COVID-19 in GCC countries reliably under control. The strategies used by these countries played an extremely important role in preventing higher death rate and spread of the virus.
Assessing the Outcome of Implementation of Jigsaw Technique as a Learning Tool and its Effect on Performance of 1st Year Medical Students in Anatomy
Authors: Lalit Monika , Piplani Sanjay 
Published: April 2021

Introduction:
Multiple factors in the contemporaneous trends in curriculum and medical education demand changes in teaching–learning methods with a dramatic change in the paradigm of teacher-centered teaching methods to student-centered learning methods. The jigsaw technique is an active learning methodology that involves active participation by the students in the learning process where they learn by teaching one another. It is an excellent potential tool to grasp an outsized load of information in a brief period or shorter time frame. The objective of the present study was to assess the effectiveness of the implementation of the jigsaw method as a learning tool during a graduate medical education setting.

Methodology:
The study was conducted among 150 phase I MBBS students during dissection in the department of anatomy. Two topics were decided and taught by didactic lecture. After taking the pretest, the topics were again taught by the jigsaw technique. After completion of the topic with this technique, students' knowledge regarding the topics was judged by taking a posttest. Pre- and postjigsaw technique assessment scores were calculated. The difference in the mean of pre- and posttests was estimated and compared by applying a paired-t-test to know the effectiveness of teaching methods.

Results:
The difference in the performance of the students in pre- and postjigsaw technique assessment scores test was calculated by applying paired-t-test which was found to be statistically significant (P < 0.001). About 100% of faculty members readily accepted the suggestion of implementing the jigsaw method. About 88% (132) of students showed enthusiasm and interest to take up the activity.

Conclusion:
There was an eloquent difference in the performance of the students in pretest and posttest knowledge scores. The results indicate a better performance by the students when they are involved actively in learning and found this method very helpful, interesting, and motivating.
Comparative Evaluation of Alteration in Salivary Flow Rate Between Betal Nut/Gutkha Chewers with and Without OSMF, and Healthy Subjects
Authors: Lalfamkima F. , Bommaji Suresh Babu , Reddy Kailasa Kumar , Chalapathi K. Venkata , Patil Manisha B. , Patil Tejal R. , Nayyar Abhishek Sigh 
Published: April 2021

Context:
Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) has infested the oral cavities of “betel nut” and “gutkha” chewers in a pandemic manner. It has one of the highest rates of malignant transformation among the various oral potentially malignant epithelial lesions. Chewing of gutkha alters the salivary parameters including salivary flow rate (SFR) as well as salivary pH.

Aim:
The present study intended to assess and compare the SFR between betel nut/gutkha chewers with and without OSMF and healthy controls.

Materials and Methods:
We conducted a prospective case–control study comprising 90 individuals within an age range of 15–50 years who were divided into three groups with Group A consisting of 30 patients who were betel nut/gutkha chewers with OSMF, Group B consisting of 30 individuals who were betel nut/gutkha chewers but without OSMF and Group C consisting of 30 healthy controls who were included as normal controls. The assessment of the SFR was done and the results obtained were subjected to statistical analysis.

Results:
The mean SFR in Group B patients was significantly more than Group A and Group C individuals. Moreover, the mean SFR in patients with OSMF Stage I was significantly more as compared to patients in Stage II and Stage III OSMF.

Conclusion:
We concluded that reduced SFR could be an initial subjective sign of OSMF. An early diagnosis and management of these changes can help such patients to improve their quality of life significantly and decreases the chance of the ongoing malignant transformation with early intervention.
Survival analysis of phacomorphic glaucoma at a tertiary hospital in North India
Authors: Gupta Richa , Agrawal Surabhi , Chauhan Lokesh 
Published: April 2021

PURPOSE:
To report the intraocular pressure (IOP) and visual outcomes in patients operated for phacomorphic glaucoma in a developing country

METHODS:
Patients undergone surgery for phacomorphic glaucoma between January 2015 and February 2018 with a minimum follow-up of 6 months were reviewed. Multinomial logistic regression was used to predict final visual acuity with different preoperative variables. A Kaplan-Meier analysis was done to calculate survival probabilities at different time points.

RESULTS:
Presenting IOP of study eye was 38.3±13.4 mmHg with 97.91% (n=94/96) patients on AGMs (mean: 2.7±1.08). Mean duration of complaints was 7.7±6.3 days. The most common postoperative complication was severe anterior chamber inflammation with or without fibrin membrane (in 29.16% eyes). The mean follow-up period was 14.5±9.2 months. At the last visit, the CDVA was 20/30 or better in 54/96 (56.25%) eyes, the mean IOP was 13.6±2.6 mmHg and 30 (31.25%) eyes required additional AGM with the mean number being 1.5±0.6. Two eyes required trabeculectomies for IOP control. The mean survival time of complete and qualified success was 28.5±1.9 and 41.2±0.05 months respectively. The probability of complete and qualified success at month 42 was 11% and 98%. Duration of complains and VCDR were found to be associated with final visual acuity.

CONCLUSIONS:
There was a positive correlation between shorter duration of symptoms with post-operative visual gain, but the glaucomatous damage showed a plateau effect at the IOP of around 35 mmHg. It is not the level of IOP, rather its duration which determines the degree of visual loss.
Resección y Anastomosis Primaria Laparoscópica en Perforación de Recto Pospolipectomía Endoscópica
Authors: Amarillo Hugo , Di Primio Natalia , Yromey Nicolas , Montilla Luis , Manson Roberto 
Published: April 2021

Introducción: La perforación luego de una colonoscopia o de una polipectomía endoscópica, presenta un amplia gama de posibilidades diagnósticas y terapéuticas. Puede ser tratado en forma conservadora, con métodos endoscópicos y cirugía. Esta permite el abordaje mediante cirugía convencional o laparoscópica con posibilidad de realizar el diagnóstico definitivo de la perforación y todas las posibilidades terapéuticas resectivas y no resectivas. Objetivos: Presentar detalles técnicos del diagnóstico precoz luego de perforación por colonoscopia y tratamiento definitivo de la lesión, mediante resección de recto y anastomosis primaria laparoscópica. Materiales y métodos: Se presenta el caso de un paciente, varón de 61 años, que luego de colonoscopia por pesquisa se diagnostica lesión sésil de recto a 12 cm que se reseca con técnica de piece meal. Evoluciona a las 12 hs con dolor abdominal, fiebre y omalgia. En una radiografía de tórax se diagnostica neumoperítoneo difuso bilateral. Por signos incipientes de compromiso del estado general se decide laparoscopia exploradora. Resultados: Se realizó una laparoscopia exploradora evidencia líquido purulento en fondo de saco de Douglas. Se identifica sitio de la perforación por tatuaje distal realizado durante al colonoscopia. Se realiza resección anterior de recto oncológica por la lesión existente y anastomosis primaria mecánica sin protección. El paciente evoluciono en el postoperatorio en forma satisfactoria. Conclusión: Ante la necesidad de re intervención luego de perforación colonica o rectal luego de colonoscopia, el abordaje laparoscópico precoz permite el tratamiento correcto no solo de la complicación sino de la patología que motivo la perforación.
Palabras clave: Perforación; Colonoscopia; Polipectomia
Factors affecting Maternal-care during labour at maternity centres of Karachi, Pakistan: Exploratory study
Authors: Nirmal Shahzaib  , Tazeen Saeed Ali  , Nousheen Akber Pradhan  , Farina Abrejo  , Shahnaz Shahid  , Amir Ali Samnani  
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Each year around 529,000 women die worldwide due to harmful consequences of childbirth in developing countries. Thus, this study aimed to explore barriers and facilitators that influence the provision of quality care during labor at maternity centers of Karachi, Pakistan. The qualitative exploratory study design was used to explore such factors from public and private maternity health facilities of Karachi, Pakistan. In-depth interviews were conducted through purposive sampling by using validated semi-structured interview guide. Data was analyzed using content analysis manually. Among major barriers; unhygenic environment, lack of basic equipment, supplies and medicine, unprofessional attitude of staff, physical infrastructre and shotrage of staff were explored. Among facilitators; Caring and supportive attitude of healthcare personnel during labor were identified.
Continuous...
Condition of hard tissues of teeth and oral fluid in athletes-swimmers
Authors: Grebennikov Yu. A. , Golberg N. D. 
Published: April 2021

Objective: to determine the state of dental hard tissues and saliva parameters changing in competitive swimmers, before and after a 2­hour training session in the chlorinated water swimming pool.Materials and methods: saliva parameters of competitive swimmers trained in the sport club “Grifon”, city of St. Petersburg, Russia (n = 21), age of participants 18.1 ± 3.5 years, qualifications (1 category­Master of Sports) and track and field athletes of the sports schools “Nevsky district” and “Orlyonok”, city of St. Petersburg, Russia (n = 18), age of participants 18.80 ± 4.54 years, qualifications (1 category — Master of Sports), have been analyzed by various tests include a study of calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), fluorine (F) levels, and pH before and after training sessions. All athletes in the experimental and control groups have passed an examination by dentist, including: examination of the oral cavity with the determination of the KPU index (the sum of carious, filled and removed permanent teeth in the subject), examination of the most common places of occurrence of dental enamel erosion (medical binoculars) and filling out specially designed questionnaires.Results: there was a tendency to decrease of the average saliva pH in competitive swimmers’ group after a training session, varying from 6.9 ± 0.1 (before training) to 6.5 ± 0.1 (after training) (p > 0.05). In track and field athletes, saliva pH did not change significantly (7.1 ± 0.2 before training and 7.0 ± 0.1 after training) (p < 0.05). The competitive swimmers showed a statistically significant increase in Calcium (Ca) levels (1.25 ± 0.15 mmol/L before exercise and 1.56 ± 0.11 mmol/L after exercise) and Fluorine (F) (0.0010 ± 0.0003 mmol / L before exercise and 0.0090 ± 0.0004 mmol / L after training session) in saliva. The Phosphorus (P) level in saliva was significantly reduced after the training session (from 6.09 ± 0.39 to 3.89 ± 0.46 mmol / L) (p > 0.05). In track and field athletes, there were no significant changes in Ca, F and P levels before and after a training session. As a result of the dentist’s examination, competitive swimmers were found to have 3 athletes (14.3 %) with lesions of the teeth enamel, corresponding to dental erosion and caused by localized demineralization. In the control group of athletes, no such pathologies were revealed.Conclusion: discovered saliva parameters changing in competitive swimmers (decrease in free salivation, pH level, and increase in the level of Ca and F in saliva) can contribute to the demineralization of tooth enamel. Timely and controlled use of fluorides (as part of mouth rinses, application gels, fluoride varnishes), regular preventive dental examinations, in order to prevent the loss of mineral composition of the teeth when swimming in chlorinated pools, will minimize the risk of staining and dental enamel erosions.
Risk of migraine in iron deficiency anemia patients with or without iron supplementation usage: a nationwide database analysis
Authors: Lee Herng-Sheng , Lee Shih-Yu , Huang Wan-Ting , Chen Solomon Chih-Cheng , Yang Hsin-Yi 
Published: April 2021

IntroductionThis study evaluated the association between iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and migraine and investigated the effects of iron supplementation, and comorbid conditions, including cardiovascular, respiratory, hepatic, endocrine, metabolic, and other diseases on migraine development.Material and methodsAll study subjects aged ≥20 years with newly diagnosed IDA in the Taiwan National Health Insurance Database during 2000–2012 were enrolled. We matched IDA and non-IDA subjects according to age and sex at a 1:2 ratio. Our primary outcome was diagnosis of migraine, and the patients were monitored until the end of 2013. A Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to evaluate the risk of migraine events in IDA.ResultsThe cumulative incidence of migraine in patients with IDA was 5.82 per 1,000 person-years, which was higher than that in the comparison group (3.99 per 1,000 person-years) during the follow-up period (log-rank test, p < 0.001). After controlling for potentially confounding factors, the risk of migraine was higher in the IDA group compared with the non-IDA group (the adjusted hazard ratio = 1.68, 95% CI = 1.51−1.87, p < 0.001). Female and ≤50 year-old IDA patients with or without iron supplementation use had an increased incidence of migraine (p < 0.05).ConclusionsOur study provided additional evidence of an increased risk of migraine in patients with IDA. We also found that females and ≤50 year-old IDA patients with or without iron supplementation use had an increased risk of migraines.