bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pro re nata Treatment of Diabetic Macular Edema with Cycles of Three Injections of Anti-vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Injections
Authors: Rehmani Ahmad , Banaee Touka , Alwan Shadan , Urias Elizabeth , Lyons Lance , El-Annan Jaafar 
Published: September 2024

PURPOSE:
The purpose of this study was to report the visual and anatomic results at 12 and 24 months using the protocol of 3 monthly pro re nata (PRN) injections for diabetic macular edema (DME).

METHODS:
This was a retrospective chart review of 97 eyes with DME treated with a protocol of cycles consisting of 3 monthly injections of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor drugs on a PRN basis. Change in visual acuity was the main outcome measure. Macular thickness, number of injections, cycles, and visits in years 1 and 2 of follow-up were secondary outcomes.

RESULTS:
Ninety-six patients with a mean age of 60.9 ± 9.96 years were followed for a mean of 22.17 ± 12.30 months. Ninety-two (95.9%), 3 (3%), and 1 (1%) patients were started on bevacizumab, ranibizumab, and aflibercept, respectively. Of bevacizumab patients, 17 (18.2%) were eventually switched to aflibercept. The mean 12-month improvement (standard deviation [SD]) was + 3.3 (17.4) letters (95% confidence interval [CI] = +0.36–+7.05, P < 0.001) after an average (SD) of 5.97 (2.98) injections over a mean (SD) of 1.7 (1.0) three-injection cycles. The mean 24-month improvement (SD) was + 5.6 (13.0) letters (95% CI: −0.28–11.05, P = 0.0186) after an average (SD) of 8.72 (6.31) injections over a mean (SD) of 2.9 (2.1) three-injection cycles. The mean central macular thickness (SD) at baseline, 12 months, and 24 months was 374 ± 120, 322 ± 88, and 305 ± 70 µm. Optical coherence tomography was fluid free at 12 and 24 months in 27.6% and 46% of eyes, respectively.

CONCLUSION:
Comparable to real-world studies, this protocol can stabilize or improve vision in more than 85% of DME patients over 24 months. The most important factor in improvement of vision is increasing number of injections and visits.
A Clinical Study on Severity of Dry Eye in Individuals with Pterygium at a Tertiary Hospital in South Kerala
Authors: Ramakrishnan Hari , John Jewel 
Published: September 2024

PURPOSE:
To assess the severity of dry eye in individuals with pterygium in a tertiary care hospital.

METHODS:
This cross-sectional study was done on 70 individuals with pterygium who were attending the outpatient department of ophthalmology. Objective dry eye tests were done, including Schirmer’s tests 1 and 2, tear film breakup time, and tear meniscus height (TMH). In this study, patients with one or more positive clinical tests were diagnosed to have dry eyes. Dry eye was graded as mild, moderate, severe, or severe disabling.

RESULTS:
Among 140 eyes, 79 eyes had pterygium. According to Schirmer’s test 1 in eyes with pterygium, 29.1% of the eyes had mild dry eyes, and 26.6% had moderate dry eyes. According to Schirmer’s test 2 in eyes with pterygium, 25.3% of the eyes had mild dry eyes, and 26.6% had moderate dry eyes. Tear film breakup time in eyes with pterygium showed a mild dry eye in 25.3% and moderate dry eye in 17.7%. TMH in eyes with pterygium was low at 7.6%.

CONCLUSION:
The majority of eyes with pterygium have mild or moderate dry eye according to Schirmer’s test 1, Schirmer’s test 2, and tear film breakup time. No eyes with pterygium have severe dry eyes. TMH was also low in a small proportion of eyes with pterygium. Dry eye evaluation by Schirmer’s test and tear breakup time is, therefore, a crucial clinical tool for early detection and prompt management of dry eye syndrome in pterygium patients.
Serum Calprotectin Level in Type 2 Diabetic Patients with and without Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy: A Comparison Study
Authors: Salem Israa Abdelmalik , Abdulsattar Sura Ahmed , Alrubaye Haider Fadhil 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background:
Peripheral neuropathy is one of the microvascular complications that affects patients with diabetes mellitus and involves both sensory and motor nerves. The development and the progress of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) were ascribed to the inflammatory activity of the immune cells in the nerves. Calprotectin (CLP) is a heterodimer protein found in the membranes of monocytes and other inflammatory cells and the cytosol of neutrophils and released from them up to activation.

Aim of Study:
Evaluation of serum CLP level as a potential inflammatory biomarker for the occurrence of DPN in type 2 diabetic patients.

Patients and Methods:
one hundred and twenty-six patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus were randomly selected from those who attended the National Diabetic Center between December 2022 and July 2023. Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI) and nerve conduction study (NCS) were used for grouping the patients. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique has been used to measure serum CLP levels.

Results:
Serum levels of CLP showed no significant differences among patients with and those without diabetic peripheral neuropathy according to their NCS findings and the total scores for each and for both in combination according to the subgroups (P > 0.05).

Conclusions and Recommendations:
The serum level of CLP in type 2 diabetic patients was not affected by the occurrence of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Further studies are required on newly diagnosed patients and a larger sample size.
Efficacy and Safety of Oral Itraconazole and Griseofulvin versus Itraconazole Alone in Patients with Tinea Corporis and Cruris Infection: A Comparative Clinical Study
Authors: Saleh Yagub Salem , Mohammad Bassim I. , Kubaisi Thamir A. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background:
Dermatophytosis (tinea) is a worldwide prevalent superficial fungal infection limited to the epidermis, mucosa, hair, and nails. Iraq, like many other countries around the world, is facing the emergence of chronic, resistant, and relapsing tinea infections.

Aims:
The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and relapse rate of a combination of itraconazole and griseofulvin versus itraconazole alone in the treatment of chronic tinea infections.

Patients and Methods:
The research was conducted over 14 months. Patients were divided equally into two groups, each with 55 patients. Group I received a combination of itraconazole and griseofulvin, whereas Group II was on itraconazole alone for 8 weeks. For the assessment of the relapse rate, follow-up was for another 2 months.

Results:
The mean age (±standard deviation) of the total was 31.27 ± 12.08 years. Males were 71 (64.5%) and females were 39 (35.5%). There was no significant difference in their residency. Family history was positive in the majority of patients, 90 (81.8%). After 2 weeks of treatment, a marked cure was achieved by 34 (61.8%) patients in Group I and 21 (38.2%) in Group II. After 8 weeks, the complete cure was 51 (92.8%) in Group I and 38 (69%) in Group II (P < 0.00). The marked cure was 4 (7.2%) in Group I, whereas 17 (31%) in Group II. The relapse rate after 16 weeks was 7 (12.7%) in Group I and 34 (61.8%) in Group II (P < 0.00).

Conclusions:
We concluded that therapeutic regimens of itraconazole and griseofulvin were effective, safe, and well tolerated, with a low relapse rate.
Comparison of two different preload targets of stroke volume variation during kidney transplantation: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Yang Seong-Mi , Song Seung Eun , Jung Ji-Yoon , Ju Jae-Woo , Sohn Jin Young , Lee Ho-Jin , Kim Won Ho 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Introduction:
Maintaining adequate preload during kidney transplantation (KT) is important for graft function. We evaluated whether a high or low normal target for a dynamic preload index of stroke volume variation (SVV) would impact graft function during living donor KT.

Methods:
We compared haemodynamic management algorithms using two different targets of SVV: SVV6% group (n = 30) versus SVV12% group (n = 30). Crystalloids were administered to achieve SVV less than the assigned target. Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) level at the end of surgery was compared. We also compared the incidence of delayed graft function (DGF), daily serum creatinine level and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) until 2 weeks postoperatively.

Results:
The total amount of crystalloids administered was significantly different between the SVV6% and SVV12% groups (median [interquartile range] 2,250 [1,700–3,600] vs. 1,350 [1,050–1,900], P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in NGAL level at the end of the operation between the SVV6% and SVV12% groups (395 [234–560] vs. 518 [346–654], P = 0.115). The incidence of DGF was not significantly different, and there was no significant difference in the postoperative serum creatinine levels or GFR between the groups.

Conclusions:
Our randomised trial demonstrated that an SVV target of either 6% or 12% could be adequate as a preload management target for postoperative graft function during living donor KT. However, given the low incidence of DGF in living donor KT and type II error, our study should be interpreted carefully and further studies for deceased donor KT are required.
Central visual field in glaucoma: An updated review
Authors: Du Kelvin H. , Kamalipour Alireza , Moghimi Sasan 
Published: September 2024

Abstract:
Evaluation of central vision in glaucoma is important due to its impact on patients’ quality of life and activities of daily living such as reading, driving, and walking. The 10-2 visual field (VF) assessment remains a mainstay in the functional analysis of central vision in glaucoma diagnosis and progression. However, it may be underutilized in clinical practice. Monitoring of disease progression especially in advanced cases, glaucoma evaluation in certain ocular disorders such as high myopia, disc hemorrhage, low corneal hysteresis, and certain optic disc phenotypes, as well as earlier detection of central VF damage, are certain conditions where additional monitoring with the 10-2 pattern may provide complementary clinical information to the commonly utilized 24-2 pattern. In addition, the development of artificial intelligence techniques may assist clinicians to most effectively allocate limited resources by identifying more risk factors to central VF damage. In this study, we aimed to determine specific patient characteristics that make central VF damage more likely and to assess the benefit of incorporating the 10-2 VF in various clinical settings.
Artificial intelligence and big data integration in anterior segment imaging for glaucoma
Authors: Chansangpetch Sunee , Ittarat Mantapond , Cheungpasitporn Wisit , Lin Shan C. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract:
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and big data in anterior segment (AS) imaging represents a transformative approach to glaucoma diagnosis and management. This article explores various AS imaging techniques, such as AS optical coherence tomography, ultrasound biomicroscopy, and goniophotography, highlighting their roles in identifying angle-closure diseases. The review focuses on advancements in AI, including machine learning and deep learning, which enhance image analysis and automate complex processes in glaucoma care, and provides current evidence on the performance and clinical applications of these technologies. In addition, the article discusses the integration of big data, detailing its potential to revolutionize medical imaging by enabling comprehensive data analysis, fostering enhanced clinical decision-making, and facilitating personalized treatment strategies. In this article, we address the challenges of standardizing and integrating diverse data sets and suggest that future collaborations and technological advancements could substantially improve the management and research of glaucoma. This synthesis of current evidence and new technologies emphasizes their clinical relevance, offering insights into their potential to change traditional approaches to glaucoma evaluation and care.
Big data in visual field testing for glaucoma
Authors: Pham Alex T. , Pan Annabelle A. , Yohannan Jithin 
Published: September 2024

Abstract:
Recent technological advancements and the advent of ever-growing databases in health care have fueled the emergence of “big data” analytics. Big data has the potential to revolutionize health care, particularly ophthalmology, given the data-intensive nature of the medical specialty. As one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness worldwide, glaucoma is an ocular disease that receives significant interest for developing innovations in eye care. Among the most vital sources of data in glaucoma is visual field (VF) testing, which stands as a cornerstone for diagnosing and managing the disease. The expanding accessibility of large VF databases has led to a surge in studies investigating various applications of big data analytics in glaucoma. In this study, we review the use of big data for evaluating the reliability of VF tests, gaining insights into real-world clinical practices and outcomes, understanding new disease associations and risk factors, characterizing the patterns of VF loss, defining the structure–function relationship of glaucoma, enhancing early diagnosis or earlier detection of progression, informing clinical decisions, and improving clinical trials. Equally important, we discuss current challenges in big data analytics and future directions for improvement.
RECURSOS GRAMATICAIS NA AULA DE PORTUGUÊS COMO LÍNGUA ADICIONAL: PERCEPÇÕES DE PROFESSORES NA ÁSIA / GRAMMATICAL RESOURCES IN PORTUGUESE AS AN ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE CLASS: TEACHERS' PERCEPTIONS IN ASIA
Authors: Martins Alexandre Ferreira , Do Amaral Maria João Pais 
Published: September 2024

<p>O ensino da gramática é um tema controverso, especialmente devido a abordagens tradicionais que se concentraram, ao longo da história do ensino-aprendizagem de línguas adicionais, na explicitação de estruturas da língua de forma dissociada das práticas sociais de uso. No entanto, quando se trata do ensino de português para falantes de línguas distantes, o espaço da gramática em sala de aula ganha relevância, dado o desafio dos estudantes em lidar com a transferência linguística de seu idioma materno ou de socialização para o português. Este estudo busca, portanto, explorar os desafios enfrentados por estudantes de português como língua adicional (PLA) a partir da percepção de professores do idioma. Devido ao enfoque pretendido neste texto, discutimos as percepções de professores de PLA atuantes na Ásia no que diz respeito ao ensino e à aprendizagem de recursos gramaticais. Para isso, aplicamos um questionário com o objetivo de delinear: i) o perfil dos professores; ii) as suas escolhas metodológicas, incluindo o uso de línguas de mediação e materiais didáticos; e iii) as suas percepções em relação ao ensino e à aprendizagem de recursos gramaticais.</p><p>The teaching of grammar is a controversial subject, particularly due to traditional approaches that have historically emphasized the explicit teaching of language structures in isolation from the social practices of language use. However, in the context of teaching Portuguese to speakers of linguistically distant languages, the importance of grammar in the classroom becomes more pronounced, given the challenges students face with linguistic transfer from their native or socialization language to Portuguese. Consequently, this study seeks to explore the difficulties faced by learners of Portuguese as an additional language (PAL) through the perception of PAL teachers. With this focus in mind, we examine the perceptions of teachers working in Asia regarding the teaching and learning of grammatical resources. For this purpose, we conducted a questionnaire to identify: (i) the teachers’ profile; (ii) their methodological choices, including the use of mediation languages and instructional materials; and (iii) their perceptions on the teaching and learning of grammatical resources.</p><p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0772/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>
ECONOMIC COMMUNITY OF WEST AFRICAN STATES (ECOWAS) AND SUB-REGIONAL INTEGRATION IN WEST AFRICA
Authors: Bassey Manasseh , Etefia Victor , Ebong Victor 
Published: September 2024

The formation of ECOWAS was seen as the beginning of a new era in the history of economic cooperation in West Africa. Its overall aim was to promote cooperation and integration, with a view to establishing an economic and monetary union as a means of stimulating economic growth and development in West Africa. However, since the emergence of ECOWAS, the organisation has been saddled with a lot of challenges and intra-subregional crises without much economic and overall integration being achieved. This study assessed the extent to which relations among the countries of the West African sub-region could enhance regional integration in West Africa. This work adopted the integration theory as the theoretical framework of analysis. The significant finding of the work revealed that even though there is ECOWAS as a sub-regional body of West Africa, member states do not engage in maximum cooperation and that there are many resources that remain underutilized due to a lack of close relationships, which in turn hindered the full integration of the sub-region. Other findings are that the implementation of ECOWAS protocol on free movement of people and trade is criminally exploited by cross border criminals in the region thereby affecting member States to fully open up their borders to each other. Again, a whole number of strategies have been put in place for the full implementation of the integration process to include but not limited to; the creation of the West African Monetary Union, as well as the West African Youth Union, the West African Women’s Association and others. The work concluded by recommending, among others, that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) central and coordinating body should be backed by legal or legislative instruments and that would be respected by all member countries with the power to sanction recalcitrant members as well as given the recognition through adoption of formal national measure and given appropriate backing to its establishment and the right to operate and access public assets on resources. By this, member states will comply and participate fully in the integration process.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0749/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>
PENGARUH VARIASI KERAPATAN SPORA Beauveria bassiana DAN KONSENTRASI LCPKS TERHADAP MORTALITAS LARVA Oryctes rhinoceros
Authors: Yani Nurari , Muhammad Arif Fadhillah  , Julaili Irni  
Published: September 2024

Oryctes rhinoceros beetle is one of the pests that attacksimmature oil palm plants.This pest attacks oil palm plants in larvae or imago phase. This pest is usually damaging the respiratory roots, trunk bark, dry petiole,or periphery crown of oil palm leaves which can interferes the leaf growth and finally reduce the production even collapse the tree. Chemically pest control have the positive impact with faster pest death beside the negative impacts such as resistance, resurgence, disturbing human health and also environmental and ecosystem pollution. Biological control is one alternative pest control that is safe for the environment and can reduce chemical residues in agricultural products and environment. This study was conducted in Medan Denai district on July – Agustus 2019. This study aimed to determine the effect of the use of Beauveria bassiana and palm oil mill effluent to control Oryctes rhinoceros larvae. The method used in this study is a two factorial randomized block design (RBD), with 2 replications. The results of this study showed that the best density of Beauveria bassiana spores in controlling Oryctes rhinoceros larvae was 109 spores / ml and 50ml LCPKS (I2Q2) with death time of 40 hours, daily mortality 60%, total mortality 100%
The Contribution of Cognitive Distortions in Predicting Achievement Motivation among Grade 11th Students in Al Sharqiyah North Governorate, Sultanate of Oman
Authors: Lawati Esam , Benkouider Amina , Masrori Jokah 
Published: September 2024

Purpose: The Contribution of Cognitive Distortions in predicting achievement motivation among Grade 11th Students in Al Sharqiyah North Governorate in the Sultanate of Oman is to determine the extent to which cognitive distortions predict achievement motivation among eleventh-grade students in North Al Sharqiyah Governorate in the Sultanate of Oman.
Methodology: This is accomplished by determining students' levels of cognitive distortions and achievement motivation, and then investigating the straightforward linear link between cognitive distortions and accomplishment motivation. In addition to demonstrating statistically significant variations in cognitive distortions and levels of achievement motivation based on gender and academic specialty. The study sample consisted of (404) grade 11 students enrolled in public schools in the Sultanate of Oman's North Al Sharqiyah schools during the academic year 2021/2022 AD. The Achievement Motivation Scale for Children and Adults by Harmans (1987), and the Cognitive Distortions Scale created by Saladin (2015).
Results: The researchers have found the significance level of the regression model is less than 0.05, and they are statistically significant, hence the model has statistical significance and can predict the relationship between cognitive distortions and achievement motivation. The result also indicates that no differences in the level of cognitive distortions as a whole depending on the gender variable, in addition, the result shows that the cognitive structures that the individual builds about himself/herself and the world are not affected by the type of specialization that student’s study. The result indicates that the achievement motivation of the sample members is not affected by gender as well as the difference in the academic specialization of the student’s study.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study recommended several significant recommendations: focusing on psychological counselling for students, regardless of their gender and cognitive levels, as well as introducing group counselling programs that work to improve the motivation to achieve and target cognitive distortions, and finally, conducting more research on the study variables.