bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fulminant Orbital Cellulitis – A Rare Presentation of Endogenous Endophthalmitis
Authors: Sharma Unnati , Goel Itisha , Chhabra Simran , Gupta Suresh Kumar , Gupta Gayana 
Published: May 2024

Background: Endogenous endophthalmitis refers to the intraocular infection resulting via haematogenous spread from the distant foci. Dengue is an important health problem in India with varied ophthalmic manifestations either due to viremia, immunologic phenomenon, or haemorrhagic tendency.
Case: We report an unusual presentation of endogenous endophthalmitis as fulminant orbital cellulitis in a young adult patient having a history of dengue fever.
Observations: Young male having history of dengue fever presented with complaints of sudden pain, swelling, redness, and loss of vision in the left eye. His clinical features and radiographic examination were suggestive of orbital cellulitis with pan-ophthalmitis, which rapidly progressed to endophthalmitis.
Conclusion: This case highlights the role of orbital vessels as a possible route for occurrence of endophthalmitis in a case of orbital cellulitis.
Assessment of Knowledge of Parents of Children with Cortical Visual Impairment: An Interventional Study
Authors: Lama Ang Jangmu , Adhikari Srijana , Parajuli Rojeeta 
Published: May 2024

Introduction: The cornerstone of CVI management is developing methods to help the kid, caregiver and educator comprehend how the child uses their vision and how modifications may be made to help the child use it more effectively.
Objectives: To evaluate caregivers' and parents' understanding of cortical visual impairment and how it evolves after receiving educational materials in the form of video and handout.
Materials and methods: This prospective interventional study enrolled all children with CVI at a tertiary eye care center from 2020 February to 2021 January. Parents were interviewed about CVI visual behaviour using a Perkins website consulting interview. They were then sensitised with a Nepali video and handout describing CVI characteristics. A follow-up visit or call was scheduled six weeks later to reassess their knowledge.
Results: In the study, 37 parents participated. Before the intervention, 81.1% (n = 30) were unaware of CVI, which decreased significantly to 4.3% (n = 1) after intervention (p <0.001). For the follow-up, 59.4% (n = 22) of parents participated or responded to calls. Initially, 43.2% (n = 16) of parents attributed issues to eye problems, increasing to 90.9% (n = 20) recognising the brain's role after education (p = 0.021). Notice of attraction to bright colors increased from 48.6% (n = 18) to 86.4% (n = 19) post-education. Awareness of children's favourite toys rose from 62.2% (n = 23) to 81.8% (n =19) in the follow-up. Additionally, noticing better vision in one room over another increased from 24.2% (n = 9) to 40.9% (n = 9) post-education. Movement was reported as good in familiar environments by 81.1% (n = 30), with 70.3% (n = 26) facing issues in unfamiliar ones, consistent in the follow-up.
Conclusion: The study found that educating primary caregivers with handouts and videos alone did not effectively improve their understanding of the disease, likely due to factors such as parental literacy and socio-economic status. Consequently, establishing nationwide CVI clinics is urgently needed.
A Case Report on Unilateral Non-axial Proptosis of a Young Female: Lacrimal Gland Tumour
Authors: Bohara Dikshya , Shrestha Gulshan Bahadur , Shrestha Bhupendra Man Singh 
Published: May 2024

Background: Lacrimal gland adenoma is a benign tumour of the lacrimal gland mostly involving the orbital part of the gland and composed of epithelial and myoepithelial components. It involves the third and fourth decade of life as a gradual painless enlargement of the lacrimal gland.
Case: This is a case report of a 30-year-old female presenting with the forward bulging of the right eye causing the eye to be displaced medio-inferiorly over the course of one year. After careful clinical examination and MRI, a clinical diagnosis of lacrimal gland adenoma was established and was planned for right lateral orbitotomy (without marginotomy) via eyelid crease incision and transcutaneous-transseptal approach with complete excision of the tumour under general anaesthesia.
Observations: This case was presented to the out patient department with mild painful non-axial proptosis of the right eye. After clinical examination, her MRI report showed a well-defined altered signal intensity enhancing lesion on the extraconal compartment of the right orbit in the antero-supero-lateral aspect. After complete surgical removal of the mass, it was sent for histopathological analysis and it confirmed it as a pleomorphic adenoma. The patient has been following up every 6 months for 2 years and is asymptomatic.
Conclusion: Being the most prevalent lacrimal gland tumour, pleomorphic adenoma affects the unilateral lacrimal gland causing non-axial proptosis. Complete removal of mass has an excellent prognosis with complete resolution of symptoms.
Pengembangan Perangkat Pembelajaran Matematika melalui Pendekatan Scaffolding Berbasis Karakter
Authors: Handoko Hendri , Winarno  
Published: May 2024

Persoalan di lapangan menunjukkan banyak guru yang belum mampu mengembangkan perangkat pembelajaran sesuai dengan kemampuan siswa. Hal tersebut menyebabkan fungsi guru yang seharusnya inovatif, kreatif, mengarahkan, membimbing dan memberikan solusi terhadap permasalahan yang dihadapi siswa tidak berjalan dengan maksimal. Penelitian pengembangan ini bertujuan menghasilkan perangkat pembelajaran yang valid, praktis dan efektif melalui pendekatan scaffolding berbasis karakter mengacu model Thiagarajan. Instrumen yang digunakan yaitu lembar pengamatan karakter kemandirian, keterampilan berpikir kreatif, kemampuan guru mengelola kelas, angket respon siswa, validasi perangkat pembelajaran, dan instrumen TKBK. Subjek penelitian adalah siswa SMAN 1 Tanjung kelas X.MIPA 2 berjumlah 33 orang. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa perangkat pembelajaran yang dikembangkan valid, pembelajaran matematika dinyatakan efektif dengan ketuntasan rata-rata kelas 76,70 dan ketuntasan klasikal 85%, adanya pengaruh positif karakter kemandirian dan keterampilan terhadap kemampuan berpikir kreatif sebesar 0,782, serta adanya perbedaan signifikan kemampuan berpikir kreatif kelas eksperimen dengan rata-rata 76,70 lebih baik dari kelas kontrol sebesar 70,24.
The problem in the field shows that many teachers have not been able to develop learning tools that are adapted to students' abilities. so the teacher's function that should be innovative, creative, directing, guiding and providing solutions to problems faced by students cannot run optimally. This development study aims to produce valid, practical and effective learning tools through character-based scaffolding approaches referring to the Thiagarajan model. The instruments used were independent character observation sheets, creative thinking skills, teacher's ability to manage classrooms, student response questionnaires, validation of learning devices, and TKBK instruments. The research subjects were 33 students of SMAN 1 Tanjung class X.MIPA 2. The results showed that the learning tools developed were valid, positive response of students 87%, Mathematics learning is declared effective by (1) completeness of class average 76.70 and achieving classical completeness 85%, the positive influence of the character of independence and skills on the ability to think creatively by 0.782, and there is a significant difference in the creative thinking ability of the experimental class with an average of 76.70 better than the control class of 70.24.
Penerapan Pendekatan Kontekstual dalam Menyelesaikan Soal Cerita pada Materi Perbandingan dan Skala terhadap Siswa SMP
Authors: Agnesti Yuni , Amelia Risma 
Published: May 2024

Penelitian ini dilatarbelakangi oleh pembelajaran yang kurang terhubung dengan kehidupan nyata, sehingga siswa kurang paham dengan pembelajaran. Penyebabnya adalah karena cara mengajar guru yang masih terlalu berpatokan pada buku pelajaran. Solusinya, peneliti menerapkan model pembelajaran pendekatan kontekstual. Pendekatan Kontekstual merupakan pendekatan dengan konsep belajar yang mengaitkan materi dengan kehidupan nyata. Jenis penelitian ini adalah penelitian kualitatif. Tujuan penelitian adalah untuk mengetahui penerapan pendekatan kontesktual terhadap siswa kelas VIII SMP terhadap materi perbandingan dan skala. Sampel penelitian yaitu siswa kelas VIII A SMP Pasundan Rongga 2019/2020. Instrumen penelitian adalah soal tes berbentuk uraian dan pedoman wawancara. Penelitian mengacu pada, siswa dapat menyelesaikan soal cerita dengan langkah-langkahnya, siswa mengerjakan sesuai intruksi.Hasil analisis data wawancara, bahwa penerapan pendekatan kontekstual terhadap siswa kelas VIII SMP Pasundan Rongga masih mengalami kesulitan dalam menyelesaikan soal cerita.
This research is motivated by learning that is less connected to real life, so students lack an understanding of learning. The reason is because of the way to teach teachers who still rely too much on textbooks. The solution, researchers apply a learning model of contextual approaches. A contextual Approach is an approach to the concept of learning that links material with real life. This type of research is qualitative research. The purpose of this study was to determine the application of the contextual approach to eighth-grade students of SMP on comparison and scale material. The research sample is students of class VIII A, Pasundan Cavity 2019/2020. The instrument in this study was a test item in the form of a description and interview guidelines. Research refers to, students can solve story problems with steps, students work according to instructions. The results of the interview data analysis show that the application of the contextual approach to the eighth-grade students of Pasundan Rongga Middle School still had difficulty in completing story questions.
Exploratory in situ evaluation of the OptiBand: A haptic navigation aid for spatial perception
Authors: Bontula Anisha , Crider Jai’La Lee , Mayoral Rafael Morales , Fitter Naomi T. 
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND: Vision impairments affect the ability to navigate environments and gain spatial perception of one’s surroundings. Existing navigation aids typically provide close-range information, but not feedback on farther distances (i.e., beyond 5 m from the user). OBJECTIVE: To address this gap, the OptiBand, a custom assistive device, was previously designed with a stakeholder who is blind. The OptiBand uses Lidar sensing and haptic feedback to relay information on objects up to 15 m away. In this paper, we sought to evaluate the efficacy of the OptiBand with an in situ user study. METHODS: [Formula: see text] 9 participants (eight blind and one low-vision) used the OptiBand for a period of three months. Users periodically rated spatial perception workload and trust of their assistive navigation aids (at first as a baseline without the OptiBand, and then with the OptiBand). RESULTS: The OptiBand tended to yield lower workload requirements and similar trust levels compared to existing navigation aids. Interview data demonstrated the usefulness of the OptiBand in selected day-to-day tasks such as navigating outdoors and maintaining appropriate interpersonal spacing. CONCLUSIONS: This work provides evidence on benefits of and potential uses of assistive navigation aids like the OptiBand. Researchers interested in similar devices can benefit from our efforts.
Effects of highly active antiretroviral therapy initiation on epigenomic DNA methylation in persons living with HIV
Authors: Zhang Joshua , Sehl Mary E. , Shih Roger , Breen Elizabeth Crabb , Li Fengxue , Lu Ake T. , Bream Jay H. , Duggal Priya , Martinson Jeremy , Wolinsky Steven M. , Martinez-Maza Otoniel , Ramirez Christina M. , Horvath Steve , Jamieson Beth D. 
Published: May 2024

Introduction: Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) helps improve some measures of accelerated epigenetic aging in persons living with HIV (PLWH), but its overall impact on the epigenome is not fully understood.Methods: In this study, we analyzed the DNA methylation profiles of PLWH (n = 187) shortly before and approximately 2–3 years after they started HAART, as well as matched seronegative (SN) controls (n = 187), taken at two time intervals. Our aim was to identify specific CpGs and biologic pathways associated with HIV infection and initiation of HAART. Additionally, we attempted to identify epigenetic changes associated with HAART initiation that were independent of HIV-associated changes, using matched HIV seronegative (SN) controls (matched on age, hepatitis C status, and interval between visits) to identify CpGs that did not differ between PLWH and SN pre-HAART but were significantly associated with HAART initiation while being unrelated to HIV viral load. Epigenome-wide association studies (EWAS) on &gt;850,000 CpG sites were performed using pre- and post-HAART samples from PLWH. The results were then annotated using the Genomic Regions Enrichment of Annotations Tool (GREAT).Results: When only pre- and post-HAART visits in PLWH were compared, gene ontologies related to immune function and diseases related to immune function were significant, though with less significance for PLWH with detectable HIV viral loads (&gt;50 copies/mL) at the post-HAART visit. To specifically elucidate the effects of HAART separately from HIV-induced methylation changes, we performed EWAS of HAART while also controlling for HIV viral load, and found gene ontologies associated with transplant rejection, transplant-related diseases, and other immunologic signatures. Additionally, we performed a more focused analysis that examined CpGs reaching genome-wide significance (p &lt; 1 × 10−7) from the viral load-controlled EWAS that did not differ between all PLWH and matched SN controls pre-HAART. These CpGs were found to be near genes that play a role in retroviral drug metabolism, diffuse large B cell lymphoma proliferation, and gastric cancer metastasis.Discussion: Overall, this study provides insight into potential biological functions associated with DNA methylation changes induced by HAART initiation in persons living with HIV.
A Lifelike guided journey through the pathophysiology of pulmonary hypertension—from measured metabolites to the mechanism of action of drugs
Authors: Weinstein Nathan , Carlsen Jørn , Schulz Sebastian , Stapleton Timothy , Henriksen Hanne H. , Travnik Evelyn , Johansson Pär Ingemar 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionPulmonary hypertension (PH) is a pathological condition that affects approximately 1% of the population. The prognosis for many patients is poor, even after treatment. Our knowledge about the pathophysiological mechanisms that cause or are involved in the progression of PH is incomplete. Additionally, the mechanism of action of many drugs used to treat pulmonary hypertension, including sotatercept, requires elucidation.MethodsUsing our graph-powered knowledge mining software Lifelike in combination with a very small patient metabolite data set, we demonstrate how we derive detailed mechanistic hypotheses on the mechanisms of PH pathophysiology and clinical drugs.ResultsIn PH patients, the concentration of hypoxanthine, 12(S)-HETE, glutamic acid, and sphingosine 1 phosphate is significantly higher, while the concentration of L-arginine and L-histidine is lower than in healthy controls. Using the graph-based data analysis, gene ontology, and semantic association capabilities of Lifelike, led us to connect the differentially expressed metabolites with G-protein signaling and SRC. Then, we associated SRC with IL6 signaling. Subsequently, we found associations that connect SRC, and IL6 to activin and BMP signaling. Lastly, we analyzed the mechanisms of action of several existing and novel pharmacological treatments for PH. Lifelike elucidated the interplay between G-protein, IL6, activin, and BMP signaling. Those pathways regulate hallmark pathophysiological processes of PH, including vasoconstriction, endothelial barrier function, cell proliferation, and apoptosis.DiscussionThe results highlight the importance of SRC, ERK1, AKT, and MLC activity in PH. The molecular pathways affected by existing and novel treatments for PH also converge on these molecules. Importantly, sotatercept affects SRC, ERK1, AKT, and MLC simultaneously. The present study shows the power of mining knowledge graphs using Lifelike’s diverse set of data analytics functionalities for developing knowledge-driven hypotheses on PH pathophysiological and drug mechanisms and their interactions. We believe that Lifelike and our presented approach will be valuable for future mechanistic studies of PH, other diseases, and drugs.
Age-associated declined function of endothelial progenitor cells and its correlation with plasma IL-18 or IL-23 concentrations in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Zhu Yuanting , Cai Guoyi , Lin Luyang , Fu Hongna , Zhang Cong , Zeng Lijin , Tu Chang , Yang Zhen 
Published: May 2024

BackgroundST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) persists to be prevalent in the elderly with a dismal prognosis. The capacity of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) is reduced with aging. Nevertheless, the influence of aging on the functionality of EPCs in STEMI is not fully understood.MethodThis study enrolled 20 younger STEMI patients and 21 older STEMI patients. We assessed the Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) and Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events Risk (GRACE) scores in two groups. Then, we detected EPC migration, proliferation, adhesion, and plasma interleukin (IL)-18 and IL-23 concentrations in two groups. In addition, we analyzed the interconnection between age, EPC function, plasma IL-18 and IL-23 concentrations, and GRACE or TIMI scores in STEMI patients.ResultGRACE and TIMI scores in older STEMI patients were higher than in younger STEMI patients, whereas EPC function declined. GRACE and TIMI scores were found to have an inverse relationship with the EPC function. In older STEMI patients, plasma concentrations of IL-18 and IL-23 increased. Plasma IL-18 and IL-23 concentrations were adversely connected to EPC capacity and positively related to GRACE and TIMI scores. Moreover, age was positively correlated with plasma IL-18 or IL-23 concentrations, as well as GRACE or TIMI scores. However, age was adversely correlated with EPC function.ConclusionIn patients with STEMI, aging results in declined EPC function, which may be associated with inflammatory cytokines. The current investigation may offer new perception about mechanism and therapeutic targets of aging STEMI.
Alternative isoform expression of key thermogenic genes in human beige adipocytes
Authors: Hazell Pickering Sarah , Abdelhalim Mohamed , Collas Philippe , Briand Nolwenn 
Published: May 2024

BackgroundThe beneficial effect of thermogenic adipocytes in maintaining body weight and protecting against metabolic disorders has raised interest in understanding the regulatory mechanisms defining white and beige adipocyte identity. Although alternative splicing has been shown to propagate adipose browning signals in mice, this has yet to be thoroughly investigated in human adipocytes.MethodsWe performed parallel white and beige adipogenic differentiation using primary adipose stem cells from 6 unrelated healthy subjects and assessed differential gene and isoform expression in mature adipocytes by RNA sequencing.ResultsWe find 777 exon junctions with robust differential usage between white and beige adipocytes in all 6 subjects, mapping to 562 genes. Importantly, only 10% of these differentially spliced genes are also differentially expressed, indicating that alternative splicing constitutes an additional layer of gene expression regulation during beige adipocyte differentiation. Functional classification of alternative isoforms points to a gain of function for key thermogenic transcription factors such as PPARG and CITED1, and enzymes such as PEMT, or LPIN1. We find that a large majority of the splice variants arise from differential TSS usage, with beige-specific TSSs being enriched for PPARγ and MED1 binding compared to white-specific TSSs. Finally, we validate beige specific isoform expression at the protein level for two thermogenic regulators, PPARγ and PEMT.DiscussionThese results suggest that differential isoform expression through alternative TSS usage is an important regulatory mechanism for human adipocyte thermogenic specification.
Causal relationship between anti-inflammatory drugs and cancer: a pan-cancer study with Mendelian randomization
Authors: Gao Shen , Wei Guojiang , Ma Qianwang , Wang Xue , Wang Sen , Niu Yuanjie 
Published: May 2024

BackgroundNumerous epidemiological studies have elucidated the intricate connection between inflammation and cancer, highlighting how sustained inflammatory responses can fuel carcinogenesis by fostering proliferation, angiogenesis, and metastasis, while dampening immune responses and sensitivity to chemotherapy. Previous clinical investigations have underscored the potential of anti-inflammatory medications in either preventing or mitigating tumor formation. Here, the causal relationship between anti-inflammatory drugs and cancer was further explored through Mendelian randomization studies.MethodsEmploying Mendelian randomization, we scrutinized the causal links between three anti-inflammatory drugs—NSAIDs, Aspirin, and Anilide—and 37 types of cancer. We primarily utilized inverse variance weighting (IVW) as the primary analytical approach to delineate the causal association between these drugs and cancer types. Concurrently, sensitivity analyses were conducted to ascertain the absence of horizontal pleiotropy and heterogeneity.ResultsOur investigation revealed a discernible causal relationship between certain anti-inflammatory drugs and a subset of cancers, albeit without a pervasive impact across all cancer types. Specifically, NSAIDs exhibited a risk-reducing effect on non-small cell lung cancer (OR: 0.76, 95% CI: 0.59–0.97, p-value: 0.03) and gastric cancer (OR: 0.57, 95% CI: 0.34–0.98, p-value: 0.04). Conversely, aspirin was associated with an increased risk of oral malignant tumors (OR: 2.18, 95% CI: 1.13–4.21, p-value: 0.02). Notably, no statistically significant findings were observed for anilide drugs (p &lt; 0.05).ConclusionWe identified several cancers with potential causal links to NSAIDs, including non-small cell lung cancer and gastric cancer. Despite our extensive analysis, we did not identify a substantial causal relationship between the use of anti-inflammatory drugs and the development of various cancers.