bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predictors of Visual Recovery in Patients with Macular Edema Secondary to Central Retinal Occlusion After Treatment with Conbercept
Authors: Zhang Qi , Hou Yinfen , Cao Xiao , Zhang Rongrong , Liu Yinping , Wei Chenghua , Wu Changfan , Mei Lixin , Zhang Pengfei 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background

The use of Spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) to evaluate the predictors of visual acuity-recovery in patients treated with conbercept for macular edema (ME) secondary to central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) has rarely been seen.We collected 24 CRVO-ME patients with different OCT measures at 6 months follow-up to identify the factors that are most strongly correlated with the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) post-treatment in CRVO-ME patients treated with conbercept
Purpose

To evaluate the effectiveness of intravitreal conbercept injections for the treatment of CRVO-ME and to determine the major predictors of best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) post-treatment.
Methods

A retrospective study methodology was used. Twenty-four eyes from 24 patients with CRVO-ME were enrolled in the study. After an initial intravitreal injection of conbercept (0.5 mg/0.05 ml), monthly injections for up to 6 months were given following a 1 + PRN (pro re nata) regimen. Data collected at monthly intervals included measurements of the logMAR BCVA, central subfield thickness (CST), macular volume (MV), photoreceptor layer thickness (PLT), outer nuclear layer thickness (ONLT), and the disrupted ellipsoid zone (DEZ). The correlation between BCVA, before and after injections, and each of CST, MV, PLT, ONLT, DEZ was analyzed.
Results

The logMAR BCVA in months 3 and 6 post-injection was significantly improved relative to the baseline. In this same period the CST, MV, PLT, ONLT and DEZ were also significantly improved relative to the baseline. There was a negative correlation between PLT and logMAR BCVA at months 3 and 6 (r = -0.549, P < 0.001; r = -0.087, P < 0.001).
Conclusion

Intravitreal injection of conbercept is an effective treatment for CRVO-ME. With six months of follow-up, logMAR BCVA and CST, MV, PLT, ONLT, DEZ improved. PLT was negatively correlated with the visual function in CRVO-ME patients after conbercept treatment, which may be a predictor of vision recovery in patients with CRVO-ME.
Steroid Use for Established Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia: Study Protocol for a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
Authors: Strashun Sabina , Seliga-Siwecka Joanna , Chioma Roberto , Rossi Alessandra , Zielińska Kinga , Włodarczyk Krzysztof , Villamor Eduardo , Philip Roy K , Assaf Niazy Al , Pierro Maria 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
BackgroundBronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a serious chronic respiratory condition that affects approximately 60% of preterm infants born before 27 weeks’ gestation, and leads to both, short and long-term pulmonary and non-pulmonary complications. Infants suffering from BPD are difficult to wean off of respiratory support, delaying feeding advancement and hospital discharge. Postnatal steroids during the first three weeks of life have been demonstrated to be effective in decreasing the incidence of BPD, however concerns in relation to neurodevelopmental outcomes are reported as well. On the contrary, data regarding the use of late postnatal steroids, once BPD is established are sparse and inconsistent. Here, we report a protocol for a systematic review, which aims to determine the efficacy and long-term safety of post-natal steroids for the treatment of established BPD in preterm infants.MethodsMEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane databases and sources of grey literature will be searched with no time or language restriction for studies that evaluated the use of postnatal steroids for preterm infants with established BPD. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals will be determined and pooled using a random effects model. For the studies that cannot be combined in the meta-analysis, a narrative synthesis of the results will be provided. DiscussionThe use of steroids as a therapeutic option for established BPD, after reaching the critical phase of the disease, is limited by the concern of possible neurological side effects that were documented for the preventive use of this medication. However, steroid treatment for established BPD may be administered in an attempt to reduce length of stay and home oxygen therapy, which are both associated with high levels of parental stress and healthcare costs. Moreover, a late timing for steroid treatment may show a more favourable safety profile in terms of neurodevelopment outcomes, considering the added postnatal brain maturation of these infants. As BPD is one of the neonatal complications that lack an effective course-modifying treatment approach to-date, the proposed systematic review offers considerable clinical relevance.Systematic review registration The protocol is registered in the PROSPERO register (registration number CRD42021218881).
Assessing Children’s Basic Reading Skill in Dawro Zone: A Study on Mother Tongue Reading Competence of Grade 4 Students
Authors: Gamu Abraham Bulcha , Damole Zeleke Tigro 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Reading is a fundamental skill for children to acquire. This study assessed grade 4 students reading competence in Dawro language with specific focus on the selected schools of Dawro zone, SNNPR. The study assessed the reading competence of grade 4 students and the factors that influence reading outcomes. It also assessed the involvement of parents in developing students’ reading competence in the selected primary schools. Quantitative data were collected from sampled grade 4 students through standardized test questionnaires while qualitative data were collected from Dawro language teachers, parents and school principals through structured interview. The results indicated that the majority of students had serious problems in identifying Dawro language letters, decoding, dealing with new words encountered in texts and comprehending longer texts. It is thus recommended that Woreda education offices, Zone education department, schools principals and Dawro language teachers should take necessary measures to enable students to master the basic literacy skills before they join grade 4.
Circuit Implementation of the Jerk Chaotic System in Integer and Fractional Order Domains
Authors: Tagne Samuel , BODO Bertrand , Eyebe Guy Valery Ayissi , Fouda Jean Sire Armand Eyebe 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
This paper investigate a 3D chaotic oscillator with entire and fractional derivatives. We design an electrical circuit which modelling an autonomous oscillator, able to implement one of the classical Jerk equations. We analyze the dynamics of nonlinear system analytically and numerically. The results show that the fractional model can exhibit chaotic dynamics where it should be impossible if one would consider the classical model. This work also explore the synchronization of initial conditions of two identical Jerk systems through the active control method.
Effects of Different Strategies of Low Temperature on Egg Hatching of Dactylogyrus Vastator (Monogenea: Dactylogyridae)
Authors: Zhang Xiaoping , Shang Baodi , Cheng Yingyin , Wang Guitang , Li Wenxiang 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: The development of dactylogyrids is water temperature dependent, and their eggs fail to hatch below 5°C. The dactylogyrids are supposed to overwinter with adults on hosts or eggs in the water. In the field investigation, however, mean abundance of some Dactylogyrus species increases and reaches to a high level in winter, which suggests that the eggs may hatch into infective oncomiracidia in winter. Therefore, effects of low water temperature on egg hatching of D. vastator were determined on gills of goldfish (Carassius auratus) in laboratory.Results: The eggs of D. vastator hatched and the hatching success was 65.3%, 62.7%, 42.6% and 22.3% when eggs were firstly incubated for 0, 7, 14 and 21 days at 5 °C and then maintained for 15 days at 20 °C. Hatching success in 14 and 21-day group was significantly lower than in 0 and 7-day group. When eggs were directly incubated at 5 °C, eggs failed to hatch within one month. However, the hatching success was 69.8% and 66.7%, respectively, when maintained at 5 °C after12 and 24 h incubation at 20 °C. Conclusions: Egg incubation for more than two weeks at low temperature had significant impacts on hatching success of D. vastator at room temperature. But low temperature had little effects on hatching success when eggs are firstly exposed to suitable temperature range for a short time. Once the embryonic development of eggs is activated, egg hatching will continue regardless of the low temperature. D. vastator eggs laid in late autumn are able to hatch in winter.
Substance Use Among Patients Receiving Out- and Inpatient Dependence Care: a Prospective Norwegian Cohort Study From 2016 to 2020
Authors: Vold Jørn Henrik , Chalabianloo Fatemeh , Aas Christer F. , Løberg Else-Marie , Johansson Kjell Arne , Fadnes Lars Thore 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
BackgroundContinuous use of amphetamines, alcohol, benzodiazepines, cannabis, cocaine, or opioids contributes to health impairments, increased morbidity, and overdose deaths among patients with substance use disorders (SUDs). This study evaluates the impact of inpatient detoxification, specialized opioid agonist therapy (OAT), and low-threshold municipality care on substance use over time. MethodsWe used data from a cohort of SUD patients in Norway through health assessments of self-reported substance use and sociodemographic and clinical factors. A total of 881 substance use measurements, including type and amount of substances, were assessed from 708 SUD patients in 2016-2020. Substance use for individual and total substances was calculated, creating a substance use severity index (SUSI) ranging from zero (no use) to one (daily use). We defined baseline as the first substance use measurement when the measurements were listed chronologically. Time was defined as years from baseline. We used a linear mixed model to analyze associations between the SUSI and inpatient detoxification, specialized OAT compared with low-threshold municipality care, as well as the factors like injecting substance use, gender, and age, presented with coefficients and 95% confidence intervals (CI).ResultsNeither inpatient detoxification (mean SUSI change: 0.01, -0.03;0.04) nor specialized OAT (0.03, -0.09;0.14) compared with low-threshold municipality care were associated with changes in substance use over time. Patients who were over 60 years of age (mean SUSI difference: -0.06, -0.13;0.00) had a lower SUSI than those under 30 years of age, while patients who injected substances had a higher SUSI than those who did not inject substances (0.18, 0.15;0.20) at baseline. The mean SUSI for the individual substances were 0.50 (standard deviation (SD): 0.38) for cannabis, 0.40 (0.37) for benzodiazepines, 0.33 (0.34) for amphetamines and cocaine, 0.31 (0.29) for alcohol, and 0.22 (0.31) for opioids at baseline. The mean SUSI of all substances was 0.35 (0.20). Conclusion The present study demonstrates that neither inpatient detoxification nor specialized OAT compared to low-threshold municipality care were associated with changes in substance use over time. Future research needs to evaluate the impact on substance use and healthy survival of multiple health care interventions to this patient group.
Possible Vertebral Brucellosis Infection in a Neanderthal
Authors: Haeusler Martin , Rothschild Bruce 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
The La Chapelle-aux-Saints 1 skeleton of an old male Neanderthal is renowned for the advanced osteoarthritis of its spinal column and hip joint, and their implications for posture and lifestyle in these Mid- to Late Pleistocene humans. Reassessment of the pathologic lesions reveals erosions at multiple non-contiguous vertebrae and reactive bone formation extending far beyond the left hip joint, which suggests the additional diagnosis of brucellosis. This implies the earliest secure evidence of this zoonotic disease in hominin evolution. Brucellosis might have been transmitted via butchering or eating raw meat and is well compatible with the range of prey animals documented for Neanderthals. The associated infertility perhaps contributed to the demise of these late archaic humans.
In Vitro Multi-Species Oral Biofilms Grown in Presence of H2O2 Production-Affecting Substrates Show Health-Associated Alterations in Composition, Metabolism and Virulence.
Authors: Verspecht Tim , Vermeulen Dorien , Holm Wannes Van , Zayed Naiera , Bernaerts Kristel , Boon Nico , Teughels Wim 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Modulation of the commensal oral microbiota is a promising preventive or therapeutic strategy for oral health and can for instance be achieved by increasing the abundance and/or activity of certain species. This study evaluated whether 10 selected substrates could modulate in vitro multi-species oral biofilms towards a more health-associated state. These substrates were chosen based on the possibility that they could stimulate H2O2 production by certain commensal species and/or increase their abundance, as previously reported or as hypothesized based on known bacterial H2O2 pathways. Biofilms grown in presence of the substrates at a clinically relevant concentration of 1%(w/v) often showed increased abundances of commensal species and decreased abundances of periodontal pathogens. Furthermore, most biofilms also showed an altered metabolic profile. Effects on the expression of a selection of virulence genes were substrate-dependent, but often a decreased expression of certain genes could be observed. In conclusion, this study found that a selection of substrates chosen for their hypothesized beneficial effects on the commensal oral microbiota were able to modulate in vitro multi-species oral biofilms towards a more health-associated state. These modulatory effects were found to be substrate-dependent.
Evaluating the Effect of Community Engagement on the Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness in the Community Level Interventions for Pre-eclampsia (CLIP) Trial in Northern Karnataka, India
Authors: Kavi Avinash , Kinshella Mai-Lei Woo , Ramadurg Umesh Y , Charantimath Umesh S , Katageri Geetanjali M , Karadiguddi Chandrashekhar C , Honnungar Narayan V , Bannale Shashidhar G , Mungarwadi Geetanjali I , Bone Jeffrey N , Vidler Marianne , Magee Laura A , Mallapur Ashalata A , Goudar Shivaprasad S , Bellad Mrutunjaya B , Derman Richard J , von Dadelszen Peter 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: Increased birth preparedness and complication readiness can promote timely identification of the need for seeking skilled care and arrival at the appropriate facility for pregnancy complications. Engaging communities can support effective usage of local health services, yet implementation of community engagement programs can be challenging. The objective of the paper is to describe the process of community engagement in northern Karnataka, India and its impact on pre-eclampsia knowledge, birth preparedness and complication readiness, pregnancy-related care seeking and maternal morbidity.Methods: Community engagement was conducted in intervention clusters within the “Community-Level Interventions for Pre-eclampsia” (CLIP) trial in Belagavi and Bagalkote districts in rural Karnataka, India. Community engagement attendance was summarized according to participant group (pregnant women and women of reproductive age, mothers and mothers-in-law, community stakeholders, health workers and others). Pre-eclampsia knowledge, birth preparedness, health services engagement and perinatal outcomes was evaluated within trial surveillance. Outcomes were compared between trial arms using a mixed effects logistic regression model on RStudio (RStudio Inc, Boston, United States). Community feedback notes were thematically analysed on NVivo12 (QSR International, Melbourne, Australia).Results: A total of 1,379 community engagement meetings were conducted with 39,362 participants between November 2014 and October 2016. Community engagement activities may have had an effect on modifying community attitudes towards hypertension in pregnancy and its complications. However, rates of pre-eclampsia knowledge, birth preparedness, health services engagement and maternal morbidities among individual pregnant women were not significantly impacted by community engagement activities in their area.Conclusion: Evaluation of our community engagement program in India demonstrates the feasibility of reaching pregnant women alongside household decision-makers, community stakeholders and health workers. More research is needed to explore the pathways of impact between broad community mobilization to strengthen support for maternal care-seeking and clinical outcomes of individual pregnant women. Trial registration: Clinical Trials.gov, NCT01911494. Registered 30 July 2013, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01911494.
Geographic Inequity in Access to Primary Aldosteronism Screening, Despite the Implementation of Universal Health Coverage: A Finding from the Spatial Epidemiological Study in Southern Thailand
Authors: Suntornlohanakul Onnicha , Sakarin Suporn , Kietsiriroje Noppadol , Sripl Hutcha 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: Primary aldosteronism (PA), the most common cause of secondary hypertension is considered as a “major public health issue” due to higher risk of cardiovascular complications compared to blood-pressure-match hypertension and increase in prevalence around the world. In Thailand, though PA screening is provided under the universal health coverage, the service can be offered only at some centers. Our study aimed to identify the geographic distribution of PA screening and diagnosis and its contributing epidemiologic and geographic factors in terms of healthcare service and system of the disease in Southern Thailand. Methods: Data of 688 patients who underwent PA screening from 2011-2017 were obtained from the electronic database of Songklanagarind Hospital, a super-tertiary center in this region. The patients’ residence was transformed into a 6-digit number corresponding to the global one (GADM ©). The areas with PA screening and diagnosis were visualized by disease mapping procedures. A generalized log-linear model was used to identify the factors affecting the patient’s service accessibility. Results: From the geographic distribution, patients living in or near the area of the super-tertiary center (Songkhla) had a high probability of receiving PA screening. The analysis of factors contributing to PA screening by multivariate log-linear model demonstrated that the distance from the super-tertiary center was a predictive factor for screening while the presence of endocrinologists and cultural differences were not. The chance of patients living in Songkhla, living less than 200 km, and more than 200 km from Songkhla to receive PA screening was 100%, 82%, and 66%, respectively. The crude incidence rate of PA was 1.66/1,000,000 person-years. The provinces located adjacent to the Andaman Sea had the highest incidence (3.62-5.17 patients/1,000,000 person-years). Conclusions: There is still geographic inequity in access to PA screening and the strategy to decrease the barrier should be resolved. Further research about the underlying risks of the disease such as genetic transmission and improvement of the health care system in the high incidence population of the PA should be performed.
Association Of Vitamin D Deficiency And Pelvic Organ Prolapse In Postmenopausal Women: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Legan Mateja , Barbič Matija , Osredkar Josko , Blaganje Mija 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: Vitamin D is vital for skeletal integrity as well as optimal muscle work. High incidence and prevalence of vitamin D deficiency as well as pelvic organe prolapse are found in postmenopausal women, thus raising the question of whether the entities could be related.Methods: We compared 50 postmenopausal women with pelvic organ prolapse (POP) with 48 age- and weight-matched controls. The clinical assessment of the disorder was performed using the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification system (POP-Q). A questionnaire was filled out by the participants and a blood sample was collected for 25-OH-vitamin D determination.Results: The two groups did not differ significantly in body mass index, but differed significantly in vitamin D blood level concentrations, those being lower in POP patients. A significantly higher prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (25-OH-vitamin D< 50 nmol/l) was found in the test group compared to controls. Higher parity/vaginal deliveries and less caesarean sections were found in patients than in controls. Conclusions: Vitamin D deficiency might be an important associated systemic factor associated to pelvic organ prolapse. The determination of vitamin D levels in postmenopausal women and replenishing its deficiency might also be of importance for the pelvic floor.
Comparative Effectiveness of Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole Versus Atovaquone for the Prophylaxis of Pneumocystis Pneumonia in Patients with Connective Tissue Diseases Receiving Prolonged High-Dose Glucocorticoids
Authors: Jinno Sadao , Akashi Kengo , Onishi Akira , Nose Yoko , Yamashita Mai , Saegusa Jun 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: We compared the prophylactic effect of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) with atovaquone for pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) in patients with connective tissue diseases (CTDs) receiving high-dose glucocorticoids.Methods: Patients with CTDs aged ≥ 18 years who were treated with a prolonged course (≥ 4 weeks) of glucocorticoids (≥ 20 mg/day prednisone) in a Japanese tertiary center between 2013 and 2017 were included. The patients were categorized into two groups: TMP-SMX and atovaquone group. Adjusted cumulative incidence of PCP was compared between the two groups after propensity score weighting for differences in confounding factors. Results: A total of 480 patients with a prolonged high-dose glucocorticoid treatment were identified. Out of 383 patients with TMP-SMX prophylaxis, 102 (26.8%) patients experienced adverse events leading to discontinuation within 4 weeks of initiation while no patient in the atovaquone discontinued the therapy. Two hundred eighty-one patients received TMP-SMX while 107 received atovaquone for PCP prophylaxis. During a total of 397.0 person-years, 7 PCP cases (2 in the TMP-SMX, 5 in the atovaquone) occurred with a mortality rate of 54.5%. After adjusting for differences in baseline characteristics, the adjusted cumulative incidence of PCP was similar between the two group (HR= 0.97, 95% CI = 0.19 to 5.09, p = 0.97).Conclusion: Prophylactic effects for PCP in CTDs patients receiving prolonged high-dose glucocorticoids were similar between TMP-SMX and atovaquone. Atovaquone was well-tolerated with no side effects.
Structural, Electrical and Magnetic Study in Nanocrystallite La2CuMnO6 Ceramics
Authors: Singh Digvijoy Narayan , Majumder S , Mishra Anupam , Saha S , Mahato M , Molak Andrzej P , Choudhary Ram Janay , Mahato Dev Kumar 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Structural, dielectric and magnetic properties of nano-size polycrystalline, La2CuMnO6 (LCM) samples were studied in the temperature range 80 K to 300 K. Orthorhombic single phase with space group 'Pnma' was confirmed by Rietveld refinement of XRD peaks. The small-polaron driven dielectric dispersion showed relaxation peaks in the vicinity of low-temperatures. The X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) confirmed the charge states of Cu (2+) and Mn (4+) ions. DC-resistivity analysis supported the thermally activated conduction for high temperature and the variable range hoping (VRH) mechanism of conduction at low-temperature. The deviation of super-exchange angles between B-site cations from an ideal 180º value produced non-collinearity in the antiferromagnetic response of this ceramic and was confirmed canted antiferromagnetic behaviour. Positive Curie temperature along with finite coercivity indicated that the super-exchange interaction between Cu2+ and Mn4+ ions influenced the magnetic behaviour of this ceramics and showed a heterogenous magnetic response.