bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic on the Epidemiology of Intravitreal Injections
Authors: Mirghorbani Masoud , Riazi-Esfahani Hamid , Bazvand Fatemeh , Bahar Mohammadreza Mehrabi , Yaseri Mehdi , Zarei Mohammad 
Published: June 2024

Purpose:
To evaluate the epidemiologic pattern of intravitreal injections (IVIs) during Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Methods:
The records of patients receiving IVIs in two 12-month periods immediately before and after the beginning of the COVID-19 epidemic were included. Age, province of residency, indication, number of injections, and number of operating room (OR) visits were analyzed.

Results:
Compared to pre-COVID period, a 37.6% decrease in the number of patients receiving IVI in COVID period was seen (10518 vs. 6569). There was a parallel decrease in the number of OR visits (25590 vs. 15010: 41.4%) and injections (34508 vs. 19879: 42.4%). Regarding IVI indication, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) showed the highest decrease in IVI rate (46.3%) which was significantly higher than decrease in other indications (P < 0.001). Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) patients showed no change after epidemic. Mean overall age in AMD group was the highest (67.7 ± 13.2 years) compared to other indication groups (excluding ROP) (P < 0.001); while the mean age of the other indications was not significantly different from each other (excluding ROP).

Conclusions:
COVID pandemic decreased the number of IVIs significantly. While previous studies suggested that the AMD patients had the highest risk of visual loss due to failure to receive IVIs in a timely manner, this very same group showed the highest decrease in the IVI number after pandemic. The health systems should devise strategies to protect this most vulnerable group of patients in future similar crises.
Identification of a Missense Mutation in GJA8 Gene in an Iranian Family with Autosomal Dominant Congenital Cataract
Authors: Asghari Mahla , Abedini Soheila , Farshidianfar Melika , Tajbakhsh Amir , Derakhshan Akbar , Pasdar Alireza 
Published: June 2024

Purpose:
To identify the causative mutations of autosomal dominant (AD) congenital cataracts in a large Iranian family.

Methods:
The complete and accurate family history and clinical information of participants were collected. A total of 51 family members, including 22 affected and 29 unaffected individuals, were recruited in this study. We performed whole exome sequencing to reveal pathogenic mutation. We used amplification refractory mutation system polymerase chain reaction and Sanger sequencing techniques to confirm segregation in patients and also to rule it out in the healthy participants.

Results:
A known missense mutation, c.827C>T (S276F), in GJA8 was identified. This mutation was confirmed in all patients. Neither all healthy family members nor 100 healthy individuals who served as controls from general population had this mutation.

Conclusion:
The missense mutation c. 827C>T in the GJA8 gene is associated with AD congenital lamellar cataract with complete penetrance in a six-generation Iranian family.
Double Retina Sign: A New Optical Coherence Tomography Finding in Combined Hamartoma of the Retina and Retinal Pigment Epithelium
Authors: Naseripour Masood , Sedaghat Ahad , Gordiz Arzhang , Mirshahi Reza 
Published: June 2024

Purpose:
To describe a case of combined hamartoma of the retina and retinal pigment epithelium (CHRRPE) with peculiar optical coherence tomography (OCT) findings.

Methods:
Case report.

Results:
A 7-year-old girl with a history of decreased visual acuity in the left eye since early childhood presented with pigmented epiretinal membrane in favor of CHRRPE based on clinical and paraclinical findings. In OCT images, an area of retinal defect was noted, and the retina doubled up on itself near the defect (double retina sign).

Conclusion:
Careful examination of OCT images in patients with CHRRPE can reveal new findings.
The Ability of Antibody against Truncated Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 Peptide to Evaluate the Native Protein on Tear Drops of Dry Eye Disease Patients by a Point-of-Care Diagnostic System
Authors: Afshari Zahra , Rasaee Mohammad Javad , Paknejad Maliheh , Khalili Saeed , Baradaran-Rafii Alireza 
Published: June 2024

Purpose:
To obtain a reactive and specific antibody against truncated matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9), that has reactivity toward the native protein. Precision, accuracy, specificity, and sensitivity were evaluated using a point-of-care test.

Methods:
An in silico study was used to confirm the anti peptide truncated MMP-9 is against native MMP-9. After an antibody titer assessment, purification, and characterization, the anti MMP-9 was assessed. The cut-off value was determined using the purified gelatinases of the supernatant HCT 116 cell line. The supernatant was purified by preparative native-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis based on charge and size of the proteins. Furthermore, quality control (QC) of the results were performed following standard densitometry methods.

Results:
A truncated MMP-9 is the major epitope peptide that can trigger the immune system to scavenge for a specific and reactive antibody against the native MMP-9. The MMP-9 native protein is purified from the supernatant of the HCT 116 cell line and the commercially available, full-length MMP-9. The cut-off value was estimated at 30 μg/mL. QC results indicated that the specificity was 80%, sensitivity was 96.7%, accuracy was 91%, and precision was 91.66%. The area under curve was 0.827 (P < 0.001). The positive predictive value was 83%, and the negative predictive value was 96%.

Conclusions:
The antibody against the synthetic epitope peptide can detect the native MMP-9. Native MMP-9 is considered the main biomarker in an immunoassay POCT and is used to diagnose dry eye disease (DED). In accordance with QC results, MMP-9 point of care test can be utilized for screening patients suffering from DED.
Off-Label Uses of Ranibizumab and Aflibercept for Age-Related Macular Degeneration in Turkey
Authors: Yilmaz Mevlut , Citirik Mehmet , Rahmanlar Hanife , Alkan Ali , Gursoz Hakki 
Published: June 2024

Purpose:
To evaluate the clinical and demographic aspects of off-label drug use applications for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in Turkey.

Methods:
Applications for off-label drug use in the treatment of AMD to the Turkish Medicines and Medical Devices Agency (TITCK) in 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Demographic characteristics, requested drugs, previous treatment regimens, and reasons for applications were evaluated.

Results:
The mean age of the patients (n = 209) was 64.9 ± 15.7 years, of which 48.8% were male and 51.2% were female. Ranibizumab (n = 113) comprised 54.1% and aflibercept (n = 96) 45.9% of off-label use applications. No application was made for bevacizumab. The most frequent reasons for application were switchback (49.3%), nonreimbursement of indicated drugs in cases under 50 years of age (24.4%), and failure to complete the loading dose (14.4%).

Conclusions:
Ranibizumab was the most requested off-label drug for AMD. There was no application for off-label bevacizumab since its use does not require approval from TITCK. In Turkey, new rules were established for the reimbursement of intravitreal drugs for AMD in 2019. Three doses of intravitreal bevacizumab were required initially for aflibercept and ranibizumab to be covered for reimbursement. There is not enough data in the English literature regarding the off-label use of ranibizumab and aflibercept for AMD. This study provides information about drug regulations and the off-label treatment options preferred by physicians for AMD in Turkey.
Orbital Cholesterol Granuloma: Report of Two Cases
Authors: Etezad-Razavi Mohammad , Shekarchian Farid , Raoufi Fereshteh , Khazaei Sahel 
Published: June 2024

Purpose:
To report two rare cases of orbital cholesterol granuloma (CG) presenting with ptosis and proptosis.

Methods:
The first case was a 31-year-old male presented with progressive ptosis of the left eye (LE) during the past year and the second case was a 35-year-old male presented with proptosis of the right eye (RE) for 5 months ago. Orbital computed tomography revealed a cystic well-demarcated lesion in the superotemporal orbit with adjacent bone erosion in the LE of the first case and the RE of the second case.

Results:
In both cases, the tumor was excised completely through an anterolateral orbitotomy approach. Histopathological evaluation showed fibroconnective tissue with cholesterol clefts surrounded by granulomatous inflammation consistent with the diagnosis of CG. The symptoms of patients were resolved after surgery.

Conclusions:
CG of the orbit is a rare lesion that commonly occurred in the superotemporal area. Erosive bone expansion is the characteristic finding of this lesion that can be mistaken with lacrimal gland malignancies. Hence, it is essential to keep CG in mind in the differential diagnosis of lacrimal gland masses.
Systemic Inflammatory Marker Levels in Serous Macular Detachment Secondary to Retinal Vein Occlusion
Authors: Doğan Emine , Gündoğdu Kübra Özata , Bursalı Özlem , Çelik Erkan , Alagöz Gürsoy 
Published: June 2024

Purpose:
To evaluate the association of systemic inflammatory marker levels in macular edema with serous macular detachment (SMD) secondary to retinal vein occlusion (RVO).

Methods:
Patients diagnosed with RVO were categorized into two groups based on the presence or absence of SMD: Group 1 included 30 eyes with SMD, while Group 2 included 30 eyes without SMD. Levels of neutrophils, monocytes, lymphocytes, thrombocytes, and mean platelet volume (MPV) were analyzed. Systemic inflammatory markers, including neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), were calculated and compared between the two groups.

Results:
The mean neutrophil levels were significantly higher in Group 1 (P = 0.002). The mean lymphocyte, monocytes, thrombocyte, and MPV levels did not differ significantly between groups. NLR and SII levels were significantly higher in the SMD group (P = 0.004 and P = 0.016, respectively). There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of PLR. The optimal receiver operator characteristic (ROC) cut-off value of NLR for SMD was calculated as 1.55 with 73% sensitivity and 63% specificity (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.714, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.584–0.845). The optimal ROC cut-off value of SII for SMD was calculated as 451.75 with 63% sensitivity and 63% specificity (AUC = 0.681, 95% CI: 0.546–0.816). In this study, branch RVO was present in 48 patients, and central RVO was present in 12 patients. Neutrophil, MPV levels, and NLR, PLR, SII ratios were similar between patients with branch and central occlusion.

Conclusion:
Neutrophil levels, NLR, and SII were found to be significantly higher in eyes with SMD secondary to RVO.
Resident-Performed Phacoemulsification Cataract Surgery: Impact of Resident-Level Characteristics
Authors: Karimi Saeed , Arabi Amir , Shahraki Toktam , Javadi Mohammad Ali , Safi Sare 
Published: June 2024

Purpose:
To evaluate the rate of complications in resident-performed phacoemulsification and influencing factors.

Methods:
In this retrospective cohort study, the outcomes of cataract surgeries performed by 18 ophthalmology residents were analyzed. The outcome of first 80 phacoemulsification cataract surgeries (1440 cataract surgeries) performed by each resident were analyzed. Outcome measures included the rate of intraoperative capsular rupture requiring anterior vitrectomy, nucleus drop, and incomplete attempts at uncomplicated procedures. Changes in the rate of complications over the surgical training course were also assessed.

Results:
The most common surgical complications were capsular rupture (7.5%), followed by incomplete attempt(s) (5.9%), and nucleus drop (1.1%). Comparing the first 40 and second 40 surgeries, the rate of complications decreased as a function of surgeon experience in all resident cohorts. Greater theoretical skills and younger surgeon age were associated with a lower rate of intraoperative capsular rupture (hazard ratios = 1.421 and 1.481, respectively; P = 0.047 and P = 0.041, respectively). The use of antianxiety drugs and number of surgeries in the first 6 months demonstrated no predictive value for a lower rate of intraoperative complications (hazard ratios = 0.929 and 1.002; P = 0.711 and P = 0.745, respectively).

Conclusion:
The use of antianxiety medication and more surgeries in the first 6 months did not decrease the rate of intraoperative complications of phacoemulsification, while improvement of theoretical skills may have increased the safety of resident-performed cataract surgery.
Association of Risk Factors among Nasal and Orbital Mucormycosis in Coronavirus Disease 2019 Infection
Authors: Vidhyadevi Ramasamy , Saudhamini S. , Padmanaban Sundaram , Sundar Devisundaram , Kannappan Suvetha , Suryaprabha Gopalsamy 
Published: June 2024

Purpose:
To study the risk factors of mucormycosis and analyze their association among nasal and orbital mucormycosis in Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection.

Methods:
All patients diagnosed of rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM) with previous COVID-19 infection were included in the study. The details such as age, sex, presence of co-morbidities, and serum ferritin levels were collected. ROCM patients were classified into two groups, nasal mucormycosis (stage 1 and 2 of ROCM) and orbital mucormycosis (stage 3 and 4 of ROCM), and data were collected. Duration of COVID-19 symptoms, the time interval between COVID-19 infection and onset of ROCM symptoms, computed tomography severity score (CTSS) and usage of steroids were collected accordingly. The collected data were compared between nasal group and orbital group.

Results:
Among 52 patients, 15 patients had nasal and 37 patients had orbital mucormycosis. Forty-one patients were more than 40 years, 43 patients were males. Seven out of ten risk factors were found to be significant on comparing nasal and orbital group. Patients of age more than 40 years (P = 0.034), elderly diabetics (P = 0.014), poor control of diabetes (P = 0.003), high serum ferritin levels (P = 0.043), duration between COVID-19 and mucormycosis of more than 20 days (P = 0.038), CTSS of more than 9/25 (P = 0.020), and steroid usage during COVID-19 infection (P = 0.034) are prone to develop orbital mucormycosis. On multivariate logistic regression analysis, these variables did not emerge as independent risk factors.

Conclusions:
Patients with severe COVID-19 infection along with other associated risk factors can be prone to develop severe forms of mucormycosis. We did not find them to be statistically significant on multivariate analysis. In the future, large scale studies are needed to know their significance.
Expert Opinion on Fixed Dose Combination of Dapagliflozin Plus Sitagliptin for Unmet Cardiovascular Benefits in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Ray Soumitra , Ezhilan J , Karnik Rajiv , Prasad Ashish , Dhar Rajashree 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is known to be associated with macrovascular (coronary heart disease, stroke, and peripheral arterial disease) and microvascular complications (diabetic kidney disease, retinopathy, and peripheral neuropathy). The coexistence of T2DM with established/risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), heart failure (HF), or chronic kidney disease confers a poor prognosis, and management can be challenging. Guidelines recommend clinicians to consider CV/HF risk, renal/hepatic risk, and other comorbidities while choosing an antidiabetic regimen. The fixed dose combination (FDC) of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors provides both glycemic and pleiotropic effects, including lower risk of hypoglycemia, lower rates of genitourinary tract infections, and weight neutrality. Based on CV risk, including HF, the combination of SGLT2i and DPP4i may be preferred over other conventional therapies (those with no CV benefit) in cases of established CV disease and/or HF risk. The Indian expert consensus group discussed the literature, clinical benefits, and the role of the FDC of Dapagliflozin and Sitagliptin for the unmet cardiovascular benefits in T2DM patients. This practical guidance document would support general physicians, endocrinologists, diabetologists, cardiologists, and nephrologists in selecting the appropriate regimen for superior patient outcomes.
Optimizing E-Loyalty on The Bukalapak E-Commerce Platform: Exploring the Role of E-Service Quality Mediated by E-Satisfaction and E-Trust
Authors: Apriyanti Nina , Azizah Siti Ijah , Maulany Soesanty 
Published: June 2024

This study aims to analyze and prove the effect of e-service quality on optimizing e-loyalty mediated by e-trust and e-satisfaction on the Bukalapak e-commerce platform by focusing on Bukalapak users in Cirebon City. This research focuses on the use of Bukalapak, where there are still many complaints felt by Bukalapak users regarding long delivery, the Bukalapak help center cannot be contacted, and the pay later payment service is never late but the payment status is pending. These indications can be seen from user reviews published on several news sites. Sample determination was carried out through a purposive sampling technique. In this study, the sampling technique was carried out using the Slovin formula with an error tolerance level of 10%, so that the number of respondents was 100. Respondents were selected based on the criteria of having used Bukalapak e-commerce services for the last 5 months and being domiciled in Cirebon City. The data collection method was carried out by distributing questionnaires online via Google Forms. Path analysis technique using SPSS Version 29.0.2.0 for Windows. Hypothesis testing was carried out using the Sobel test method. The results showed that e-service quality has a positive and significant effect on e-trust, e-satisfaction, and e-loyalty. E-satisfaction and e-trust have a positive and significant effect on e-loyalty. The results of this study also show that e-satisfaction and e-trust can mediate the effect of e-service quality on e-loyalty. Keywords: E-commerce, E-service quality, E-satisfaction, E-trust, E-loyalty
EFFECTS OF PROMOTION PRACTICES ON EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE IN THE NATIONAL BANK OF KENYA.
Authors: Nyaga Ann W , Omuya Jacqueline 
Published: June 2024

Recruitment is a fundamental function in an organization's human resource management department. Its goal is to attract more qualified candidates for potential employment. The adoption of effective recruitment methods by organizations will increase their ability to recruit competent employees with the necessary skills, thereby helping them master their roles. The purpose of this research was to assess the effect of promotion practices on employee performance in the National Bank of Kenya Limited. The following theories underpinned the study; Cattell’s 16PF Trait Theory, Expectancy Theory and Equity Theory. This study employed a descriptive survey design with a target population of 215 members of staff consisting of managers, supervisors and, Bank officers from the Human resource department, Operations department, Marketing department and Finance department of the National Bank of Kenya, head office. Various departments were chosen using both stratified sampling and simple random sampling methods, based on their employee levels. A sample comprising 144 respondents was utilized for data collection using a questionnaire and an interview guide for the head of personnel service. Quantitative information obtained was edited, coded and analyzed. Data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). Both descriptive and inferential statistics were utilized in this study with the results given in tables and figures. The study found that promotion practices had positive statistically significant influence on employee performance in the NBK. On promotion practices, the study concluded that the bank has a promotion policy for employees and that promotion is accorded to employees based on merit.
LITERACY OF COMMUNICATION IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION: INVESTIGATING COMMUNICATION STRATEGIES IN GREECE
Authors: Oikonomou Eleni Nikoleta , Papadopoulos Isaak 
Published: June 2024

This study explores the communication strategies employed by young children in early childhood education settings in Greece, as observed by educators. The research aims to understand how children utilize and adapt various communication styles within school environments. The study involved 44 participants, including undergraduate students majoring in Early Childhood Education and Care, as well as early childhood educators. Data was collected using a comprehensive questionnaire that examined different types of communication strategies and the specific contexts in which these strategies are used. Analysis of the data revealed that educators employ diverse techniques, such as incorporating music and encouraging role-playing games, to enhance children's communication skills. Conversely, children utilize a range of strategies to engage attention and interact effectively with peers and educators. These findings underscore the dynamic interplay between educator-facilitated activities and children's innate communication efforts, offering insights into improving communicative literacy in early education.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0777/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>
THE COMPARATIVE EFFECTS OF EXERCISE AND NEUROSTIMULATION ON COLLEGE STUDENTS’ EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING
Authors: Henert Shaine , Hill Chris , Connors Benjamin , Navarro Juan , Louis Grace 
Published: June 2024

Concern for college students’ mental health has grown recently as rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation have risen. Although exercise has been shown to improve one’s mental health, few young adults engage in sufficient regular exercise to achieve these benefits. Identifying innovative strategies to maintain emotional well-being would help support the mental health of young adults. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to examine the comparative effects of acute moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and transdermal nerve stimulation (TNS) on one’s perceptions of emotional well-being. Twenty-two, healthy, physically active, college-age individuals participated in the study. A within-subjects crossover design was used to compare participants’ ratings of positive and negative affect using the PANAS. Ratings of positive affect were significantly higher in the exercise compared to the control condition, but only slightly higher than the TNS condition. There were no significant differences in ratings of negative affect. This supports previous research that acute exercise promotes emotional well-being. It also provides preliminary support for the innovative use of neurostimulation to enhance one’s emotional well-being. More research is needed to better understand the efficacy and practicality of using neurostimulation as a complement to exercise to support college students’ emotional well-being.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0787/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>