bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography: Are There Any Changes in Measurements After Strabismus Surgery?
Authors: Inal Asli , Yilmaz Ihsan , Ocak Osman Bulut , Aygit Ebru Demet , Celik Selcen , Pasaoglu Isil , Yilmaz Basak Saracoglu , Gokyigit Birsen 
Published: March 2019

Purpose:
To evaluate the possible hemodynamic changes following strabismus surgery via optical coherence tomography angiography.

Methods:
Thirty-two eyes of 16 patients who underwent strabismus surgery in one eye were included in the study. Fellow eyes were used as a control group. The vessel densities of the superficial and deep capillary plexus and superficial and deep foveal avascular zones were measured preoperatively and 3 months postoperatively.

Results:

The mean superficial and deep foveal avascular zones measurements were 0.84 ± 0.09 and 0.76 ± 1.13 mm
2
, respectively. The mean vessel density of the superficial capillary plexus was 1.23 ± 0.12 and 11.13 ± 1.04 mm
2
preoperatively in the 1- and 3-mm zones, respectively, whereas the mean vessel density of the deep capillary plexus was 1.13 ± 0.16 and 10.11 ± 1.28 mm
2
preoperatively. Postoperatively, the mean superficial and deep foveal avascular zones changed to 0.20 ± 0.13 and 0.23 ± 0.12 mm
2
, respectively. Postoperatively, the mean vessel density of the superficial capillary plexus changed to 1.47 ± 0.11 and 12.75 ± 1.10 mm
2
, and the mean vessel density of the deep capillary plexus changed to 1.56 ± 0.12 and 13.91 ± 1.35 mm
2
in 1- and 3-mm zones, respectively. There was a statistically significant increase in vessel density measurements of the superficial and deep capillary plexus, and a statistically significant decrease in measurements of the superficial and deep foveal avascular zone postoperatively (
P
< .05). In the fellow eyes, there was no statistically significant change in any of the measurements (
P
> .05).

Conclusions:
Following strabismus surgery, vessel density of the fovea may increase and the foveal avascular zone may decrease according to optical coherence tomography angiography measurements.

[
J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus
. 2019;56(2):95–100.]
Temporal Profile of Retinopathy of Prematurity in Extremely Premature Compared to Premature Infants
Authors: Venincasa Vincent D. , Bugg Victoria , Dvorak Justin , Ding Kai , Bhatti Faizah , Siatkowski R. Michael 
Published: March 2019

Purpose:
To compare the time course of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in premature (≥ 28 to 34 weeks' gestational age) and extremely premature (< 28 weeks' gestational age) infants.

Methods:
This study was a retrospective single-center chart review that included 582 eyes (122 premature, 464 extremely premature) of 299 infants (65 premature, 234 extremely premature) diagnosed as having ROP who were born between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2015. Data collected were analyzed with shared frailty models, chi-square, and Fisher's exact tests.

Results:

Extremely premature infants were diagnosed as having ROP earlier than premature infants at 33.6 weeks (95% CI [confidence interval]: 33.4 to 33.9) versus 36.0 weeks (95% CI: 34.7 to 36.4,
P
< .0001). The time from diagnosis to spontaneous regression was more than 4 weeks longer for extremely premature infants than premature infants with stage 1 ROP (82.0 vs 50.0 days,
P
< .0001), and more than 6 weeks longer for extremely premature infants than premature infants with stage 2 ROP (99 vs 55 days,
P
< .0001). Extremely premature infants had more bilateral ROP (96.6% vs 87.1%,
P
< .01) and were three times more likely to require treatment than premature infants (29.7% vs 9.9%,
P
< .0001). On average, infants who required treatment weighed 137 grams less at birth (
P
< .0001) and gained 37.7 grams less per week than infants who underwent spontaneous regression (
P
< .0001).

Conclusions:
Extremely premature infants developed ROP earlier, had more bilateral ROP, took longer to achieve spontaneous regression, and required treatment more often than premature infants. Infants who required treatment had a lower birth weight and rate of weight gain than infants who underwent spontaneous regression.

[
J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus
. 2019;56(2):116–123.]
Panretinal Photocoagulation Does Not Change Macular Perfusion in Eyes With Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Lorusso Massimo , Milano Virginia , Nikolopoulou Eleni , Ferrari Luisa Micelli , Cicinelli Maria Vittoria , Querques Giuseppe , Ferrari Tommaso Micelli 
Published: March 2019

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:
To quantify and compare the vessel density (VD) in the superficial capillary plexus (SCP) and the deep capillary plexus (DCP), as well as the size of the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) before and after panretinal photocoagulation (PRP).

PATIENTS AND METHODS:
This prospective clinical study was conducted in the Department of Ophthalmology, Miulli Hospital Acquaviva delle Fonti, Italy. Each patient underwent measurement of best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), fluorescein angiography, spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT), and OCT angiography (OCTA) at baseline. Patients received PRP within 7 days from baseline, using frequency-doubled Nd:YAG pattern scan laser. BCVA and OCTA were repeated at 1 month and at 6 months. Repeated measure one-way analysis of variance was used to investigate differences between OCTA parameters before and after PRP.

RESULTS:

Eighteen eyes of 14 patients with diabetes (11 males, 78.6%) were enrolled. Patients underwent a mean of four laser treatments. BCVA was slightly worse at baseline (0.30 ± 0.20) compared to the visual function after 6 months (0.25 ± 0.24;
P
= .3). FAZ (0.33 ± 0.19 mm
2
vs. 0.33 ± 0.16 mm
2
;
P
= .6), foveal SCP (16.4 ± 8.0 vs. 16.5 ± 6.5;
P
= .4), foveal DCP (28.5 ± 8.6 vs. 28.2 ± 8.1;
P
= .8), parafoveal SCP (38.4 ± 5.7 vs. 38.6 ± 4.5;
P
= .9), and parafoveal DCP (46.1 ± 5.2 vs. 43.8 ± 5.1;
P
= .3) did not change 6 months after PRP.

CONCLUSIONS:
OCTA parameters were not significantly affected by peripheral laser treatment at both short- (1-month) and medium- / long-term (6-month) follow-up. Further analysis with larger samples and longer duration is warranted to confirm these results.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2019;50:174–178.]
Preventing Progression in Nonexudative Age-Related Macular Degeneration With Subthreshold Laser Therapy: A Systematic Review
Authors: Eng Victor A. , Wood Edward H. , Boddu Sucharita , Karth Peter A. , Leng Theodore 
Published: March 2019

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of irreversible blindness among the elderly in developed countries. Subthreshold retinal laser therapy is a new technique that targets drusen — a marker of nonexudative AMD — without causing incidental retinal damage associated with conventional laser photocoagulation. This review summarizes published literature on subthreshold retinal laser therapy as prophylactic treatment of nonexudative AMD.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:
A literature search of the PubMed, Medline, and Embase databases was conducted from January 1997 to April 2018. Studies were analyzed based upon study design, laser parameters, drusen reduction, changes in visual acuity (VA), and the development of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) and/or geographic atrophy (GA).

RESULTS:
Twelve studies involving 2,481 eyes treated with subthreshold retinal laser therapy were included in this review. Treatment led to increased drusen reduction, and studies with significant VA improvement were associated with significant drusen reduction. There was no significant change in the risk of developing CNV or GA.

CONCLUSIONS:
Subthreshold retinal laser therapy is effective for reducing drusen and potentially improving vision in patients with nonexudative AMD. This therapy does not show benefits in reducing development of CNV or GA. Thus, its long-term efficacy to prevent progression to advanced AMD cannot yet be recommended.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2019;50:e61–e70.]
An Inconvenient Variable: Sex Hormones and Their Impact on T Cell Responses
Authors: Brown Melissa A. , Su Maureen A. 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
Epidemiologic data demonstrate sex differences in autoimmune diseases, immune responses against infection, and antitumor immunity, and accumulating evidence suggests a major role for sex hormones in mediating these differences. In this study, we review recent advances in understanding how sex hormones regulate T cell responses to alter susceptibility to autoimmunity. Although sex hormones can directly alter gene transcriptional programs of T cells, we focus in this study on how sex hormones alter T cell development and function through their effects on thymic stromal cells and innate cell types. In addition to contributing to our understanding of sex differences, these findings also have implications for the therapeutic use of sex hormones and sex hormone modulators, which are now being prescribed to increasing numbers of patients for a wide variety of indications.
Hepatitis B: Knowledge and awareness among preclinical year medical students
Authors: Sannathimmappa Mohan B , Nambiar Vinod , Arvindakshan Rajeev 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
Background and Objective: Hepatitis B is an occupational health hazard to health-care workers. The complete knowledge of hepatitis B virus (HBV) transmission and prevention is indispensable for medical students. This study was conducted to assess the knowledge and awareness of hepatitis B among preclinical year medical students.Materials and Methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study. A predesigned self-administered questionnaire concerning hepatitis B knowledge and awareness was distributed to all the preclinical year medical students. The data were collected, tabulated, and analyzed by Microsoft Excel and Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software, version 22. The results were expressed in numbers and percentages.Results: Of 251 students, only 132 students voluntarily participated in the study. Majority of the students (84.8%) were aware of HBV infection. Many students knew that blood transfusion (81.1%) and use of contaminated needles and syringes (74.2%) are major modes of transmission. However, less than 30% of the students had knowledge about other modes of transmission. More than 50% of the students lacked in their knowledge about clinical features and complications of hepatitis B infection. Majority of students (72.7%) were aware of HBV vaccination. However, many students did not know their vaccination status, whereas only 23.5% of the students were fully immunized.Conclusion: This study revealed lack of complete knowledge regarding hepatitis B among preclinical year medical students. They are at high risk of acquiring HBV infection during their clinical practice, later in life. Hence, implementation of well-structured education program in the first year itself is needed to create complete awareness among medical students about hepatitis B.
Rainfall trends for the State of Paraná: present and future climate
Authors: Quadros Luciana Espindula de , Mello Eloy Lemos de , Gomes Benedito Martins , Araujo Fernanda Cristina 
Published: March 2019

This paper analyzes the variability and the precipitation trend of the State of Paraná, in Brazil. For that, monthly precipitation data belonging to 24 precipitation stations in a 30-year period (1980-2010) were analyzed and they were compared with projections of precipitation for the years 2016-2050. These data were simulated by Eta/Miroc5 for RCP 4.5 (Representative Concentration Pathways) from the Center for Weather Forecasting and Climate Studies CPTEC/INPE and the historical data of precipitation were taken from National Water Agency (ANA). The Mann-Kendall non-parametric test and the Sen’s slope estimator were applied to detect trends and magnitudes, respectively. The Mann-Whitney test was used to compare the median of the historical series (1980-2010) with the simulated series (2016-2050) and the comparison of the means between the two series was performed by Test t. The results draw attention to the great variability and significant changes in the monthly average rainfall that may occur, if the climate change scenarios that were considered become a reality in the near future.
Relationships between land use and water quality obtained for the evaluation of genotoxic effects in plant bioindicators
Authors: Sieklicki Jéssica , Bione Nilton Cesar Pires , Oliveira-Filho Paulo Costa de , Souza Viviane Fernandes de , Martins Kelly Geronazzo 
Published: March 2019

Anthropic activities as well as land use and occupation are closely linked to water and soil quality. An alternative to assess their influence on water quality in water bodies is through biomonitoring using Allium cepa as a bioindicator organism. This technique allows the detection of cytogenetic abnormalities in Allium cepa root meristematic cells after contact with analyzed water samples. Thus, we evaluated the genotoxic potential of water samples from the Rio das Antas (Antas River) along the urban perimeter of the city of Irati, Paraná, Brazil. With the aid of GeoEye Satellite high-resolution fused orbital images, we searched for possible relationships between the use and occupation of land around this river. Biomonitoring was performed at three different sampling points. Statistical equality between the negative control and Point 1 and between Points 2 and 3 was obtained using Fisher's test and a Principal Coordinate Analysis (PCoA). The former presented a low frequency of abnormalities chromosomes and the latter presented larger averages. In addition, Point 1 had strong influence of tree vegetation. Points 2 and 3, demonstrated a strong influence of urbanized area, with significant degradation of permanent preservation areas (áreas de preservação permanente – (APP). The results showed remarkable anthropogenic interference to the ecosystem. Furthermore, this indicates importance of an APP watercourses functioning to preserve the quality of the water resources.
The history of higher education in emergency management: The Emergency Management Institute, the National Science Foundation, and the William Averette Anderson Fund
Authors: Waugh Jr, PhD William L. , Goss, CEM Kay C. 
Published: March 2019

As the profession of emergency management has matured, the roles and responsibilities of emergency managers have expanded, new technologies have been deployed, and emergency management educa- tion grown and has become better connected to emer- gency management practice. This special topic cover- age (in three parts) addresses many of the changes in emergency management education over the past four decades, including the expansion of academic pro- grams for those preparing to enter the field, those transitioning from emergency response and other fields, and those moving into supervisory and man- agement positions in emergency management and related organizations. It also addresses some of the issues that academic programs have encountered as they have developed and have found their places in academic institutions. (Login to read more.)
Can QT interval prolongation or dispersion detected in a positive exercise ECG test predict critical coronary artery disease?
Authors: Demirtaş Abdullah Orhan , Urgun Orsan Deniz 
Published: March 2019

IntroductionExercise electrocardiography (EET) is frequently used in coronary artery disease, but the specificity of this test is very low. In the literature, parameters such as QT prolongation and QT dispersion which show coronary artery disease and arrhythmia were not sufficiently investigated using EET. The aim of this study was to investigate whether QT interval prolongation or dispersion (QT disp) in a positive EET test could predict critical coronary artery disease (CAD).Material and methodsPatients with a positive exercise test were included in the study. Data regarding QT, QTc (corrected QT interval) and QT disp values before, during and after EET were noted. Critical coronary artery occlusions (≥ 70%) was recorded from coronary angiographic images. Patients were divided into two groups (critical CAD and non-critical CAD).ResultsA total of 192 patients were found to be eligible for the study. There were 126 patients in the non-critical CAD group (group 1) and 66 patients in the critical CAD group (group 2). Recovery QTc, peak QT disp, and recovery QT disp were significantly increased in group 2 (p < 0.001 for each). Also, target heart rate (p = 0.012), basal systolic blood pressure (p = 0.005) and diastolic blood pressure (p < 0.001) were significantly higher in group 1. Recovery QTc (OR = 1.051) and recovery QT disp (OR = 1.117) were determined as the independent predictors for critical CAD. The ROC analysis results indicated that critical CAD could be diagnosed with 90% sensitivity when the recovery QTc cut-off value was set as 404 ms.ConclusionsIn patients with positive EET, prolonged QTc and QT disp values measured during the recovery period would predict critical CAD. Thus, the clinical accuracy of EET may be enhanced.
Vital values and physical activity of future teachers
Authors: Kosiba Grażyna , Bogacz-Walancik Agnieszka , Gacek Maria , Wojtowicz Agnieszka , Majer Magdalena 
Published: March 2019

PurposeThe key determinant of health, defined in the holistic model as a dynamic process aiming at psycho-physiological balance, is lifestyle. Values, as an integrated part of people’s beliefs, exert a significant influence on their behaviour, choices, development of identity, and interpretation of situations. The purpose of this study was to determine the place of vital values within the system of values, and to analyse the relationship between the place of vital values and the level of physical activity in future teachers.MethodsThe study was conducted among a randomly selected group of 486 students, including 416 women (85.60%) and 70 men (14.40%) (mean age: 23.39 years). A short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used to assess the level of physical activity. The Scheler Value Scale (SVS) served to evaluate the place of vital values in the students’ hierarchy of values.ResultsIt was found that students respected moral and truth values the most, while vital values the least. The respondents were most likely to undertake moderate physical activity, with more men than women declaring a high level of physical activity and less often a moderate level. The more the students respected vital values, the more often they undertook physical activity.ConclusionsThe results have shown that more attention should be given to axiological education in order to enhance vital values in the hierarchy of values among future teachers.
Relationship between power condition, agility, and speed performance among young roller hockey elite players
Authors: Ferreira Andre , Enes Carla , Leao Cesar , Goncalves Lillian , Clemente Filipe Manuel , Lima Ricardo , Bezerra Pedro , Camoes Miguel 
Published: March 2019

PurposeThe study was intended to describe the correlations between speed performance (11 m, 22 m, and 33 m) and agility test in skates with determinants of muscular power (squat jump, countermovement jump) in young Portuguese roller hockey athletes involved in a regional selection.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among 10 male roller hockey players with mean (± SD) age of 14.20 (0.57) years, involved in the Portuguese national competition of under-15, making part of the final Oporto district selection of players to participate in inter-regional selections competition. Their mean (± SD) weight, height, body mass index, and sum of the skinfolds were 58.62 (8.78) kg, 165.72 (8.45) cm, 21.26 (1.52) kg/m<sup>2</sup>, 51.80 (14.91) mm, respectively. Furthermore, it strength was measured with squat jump and countermovement jump; sprinting time at 11 m, 22 m, and 33 m was determined, as well
as time in an agility <i>t</i>-test, conducted in roller skating. Spearman correlation coefficients were calculated to test the associations.ResultsSignificant inverse correlations between vertical jumps, a practical method of power training monitoring, and linear velocity in skating (countermovement jump vs. speed, –0.78) were found. Despite the increasing complexity of the agility test, a moderate inverse correlation with strength was observed, too (–0.48).ConclusionsLower limbs explosive strength turned out a strong predictor of skating linear speed and agility among young roller hockey players, providing a simple evaluation tool of important determinants of performance.
Effects of age and gender in physiological responses, mechanics and performance of master swimmers
Authors: Lampadari Vasiliki , Thanopoulos Vassileios , Dopsaj Milivoj , Rozi Georgia 
Published: March 2019

PurposeThe purpose of the study was to analyse the effects of age and gender in physiological responses, mechanics (stroke frequency, stroke length, stroke index), and performance time of master swimmers.MethodsOverall, 34 male and 25 female master swimmers were divided into 2 age categories: (a) 30–39 years, (b) 40–49 years, and completed a 100-m freestyle swimming test with maximum intensity. Stroke mechanics and performance time were measured during the effort. Blood lactate concentration was determined after the test in the 3<sup>rd</sup>, 5<sup>th</sup>, and 10th minutes of passive recovery.ResultsTwo-way ANOVA showed no interaction between gender and age category for any examined variable (<i>p</i> > 0.05). Maximum blood lactate was maintained in both genders despite ageing (<i>p</i> > 0.05) and was lower for females compared with males (<i>p</i> < 0.001). Higher values were observed for stroke frequency, stroke length, and stroke index for males (<i>p</i> < 0.05). For
both genders, the 30–39 years category had significantly higher values for stroke length (<i>p</i> = 0.020) and lower for stroke frequency (<i>p</i> = 0.014), indicating that these swimmers can produce stronger strokes than those in the 40–49 years category. Performance time values were significantly lower for males compared with females (<i>p</i> < 0.001), but did not change with ageing (<i>p</i> > 0.05).ConclusionsDespite ageing, swimmers are able to maintain all examined variables through a structured swimming training but with a possible decrease in stroke mechanics, independent of gender. Better values were observed for males compared with females probably owing to a greater muscle mass in the former.
Decision-making processes in Sylhet City Corporation: who plays the dominant role?
Authors: Mustofa Kamal Muhammad , Begum Anwara , Abdullah Al-Hossienie Chowdhury 
Published: March 2019

A rational decision-making process is essential for municipal governments, as it promotes progressive development and makes them more democratic and service-oriented. This study explores the decision-making process in Bangladesh’s Sylhet City Corporation (SCC). Both primary data via a survey of relevant respondents and secondary data were collected. The study found that, although both the mayor and councillors participate in making decisions at the SCC, it is the mayor who plays the dominant and vital role, exercising power by convincing councillors of his leadership qualities. For these reasons, the decision-making process of the SCC is not fully democratic. If councillors were able to play a greater role, the decisions of the SCC would be more collective.
KeywordsDecision-making; urban local government; city corporation; mayor; councillor