bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biomechanical changes in keratoconus after customized stromal augmentation
Authors: Niazi Sana , del Barrio Jorge Alió , Doroodgar Farideh , Sanginabadi Azad , Alinia Cyrus , Hashemian Seyed Javad , Hashemi Hassan , Alio Jorge L. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract:

PURPOSE:
To verify corneal biomechanical changes, poststromal augmentation using myopic small-incision lenticule extraction’s (SMILEs) lenticules in advanced keratoconus (KCN) through Corvis ST (Oculus, Wetzlar, Germany).

MATERIALS AND METHODS:
A clinical trial enrolled 22 advanced KCN patients. We implanted lenticules exceeding 100 μ according to a nomogram and evaluated biomechanical factors through Corvis ST at 3-, 6-, and 24-month postimplantation. We examined parameters during the first applanation (A1), second applanation (A2), highest concavity (HC)/max concavity events, and Vinciguerra screening parameters, as recently established criteria derived from the ideal blend of diverse biomechanical and ocular factors and formulated through the application of logistic regression. Regression analyses explored relationships with age, mean keratometry value, thickness, sphere, cylinder, and best-corrected visual acuity.

RESULTS:
Patients were well matched for age, intraocular pressure, and central corneal thickness (CCT). The mean spherical equivalent decreased from −13.48 ± 2.86 Diopters (D) to −8.59 ± 2.17 D (P < 0.007), and mean keratometry decreased from 54.68 ± 2.77 D to 51.95 ± 2.21 D (P < 0.006). Significant increases were observed in HC time (HCT), Radius–central curvature radius at the HC state–, peak distance (PD) during HC state, CCT, first applanation time, and stiffness parameter (A1T and SP-A1), whereas HC deformation amplitude, maximum deformation amplitude ratio at 2 mm, Corvis Biomechanical Index (CBI), integrated radius (IR), second applanation deformation amplitude (A2DA), first applanation velocity and deflection amplitude (A1V and A1DeflA) significantly decreased postlenticule implantation. Multivariable regression revealed age positively correlated with SP-A1 (P = 0.003) and negatively with HC delta Arc length (P = 0.007). Mean K positively correlated with CCT (P = 0.05) and negatively with CBI (P = 0.032). Best-corrected visual acuity positively correlated with HCT (P = 0.044), and the cylinder positively correlated with PD (P = 0.05) and CCT (P = 0.05) whereas negatively with IR (P = 0.025).

CONCLUSIONS:
Stromal augmentation using myopic SMILE lenticules induces significant corneal biomechanical changes in KCN.
Evaluating the efficacy of Rho kinase inhibitor eye drops in the management of corneal edema: A single-center retrospective cohort study
Authors: Lavy Itay , Erdinest Nir , Corredores Jamel , Wajnsztajn Denise , Smadja David 
Published: February 2024

Abstract:

PURPOSE:
This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of ripasudil in managing various corneal edema conditions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:
This single-center retrospective analysis was conducted at Hadassah Medical Center and involved 16 patients with 17 eyes. Patients were selected based on diagnostic criteria, primarily corneal edema. The conditions were as follows, listed by frequency: postcataract surgery (31.25%), postpenetrating keratoplasty (25%), post-Descemet’s membrane endothelial keratoplasty (18.75%), Fuchs’ endothelial corneal dystrophy (12.5%), status post-Ahmed glaucoma valve (6.25%), and status posttrabeculectomy (6.25%). The treatment regimen involved topical administration of ripasudil hydrochloride hydrate (Glanatec® 0.4%), administered three times a day or tailored to condition severity. Efficacy was assessed using pre- and posttreatment measurements of best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central corneal thickness (CCT), and endothelial cell count (ECC), along with slit-lamp and optical coherence tomography examinations.

RESULTS:
The average duration of ripasudil treatment was approximately 4.9 ± 2.2 months. Significant improvements were observed in BCVA, changing from a pretreatment value of 1.106 ± 0.817 logMAR to a posttreatment value of 0.56 ± 0.57 logMAR (P = 0.0308). CCT also showed a significant reduction, from 619.50 ± 56.36 μm pretreatment to 572.5 ± 75.48 μm posttreatment (P = 0.0479). ECC showed a marginal but not statistically significant increase, from 849.00 ± 570.72 cells/mm² pretreatment to 874.75 ± 625.59 cells/mm² posttreatment (P = 0.9010).

CONCLUSION:
The study provides robust evidence supporting the use of ripasudil in managing corneal edema. Significant improvements in key ocular metrics such as BCVA and CCT were observed, enhancing the overall quality of life for patients suffering from various forms of corneal edema.
Impact of Sanskrit prosody on anxiety, mindfulness, and self-concept in young adolescents
Authors: Ganguly Mollika , Mohanty Sriloy , Mishra Sampadananda , Patra Sanjib , Jha Monika 
Published: February 2024

Background:
Upsurge in anxiety and struggle with self-concept commonly appears during adolescence. Chanting of many forms have been established to improve emotional personality features.

Aim and Objectives:
We conducted a four-armed comparative study to explore the capacity of Chanda/prosody to impact anxiety, mindfulness, and self-concept in young adolescents.

Material and Methods:
A total of 140 students (12.12 ± 0.74 years) were screened, out of which 138 met the inclusion criteria and were allocated into four groups: humming a Chanda, chanting a Sanskrit verse, reading an English phrase (EP), and silent sitting. Baseline and postintervention data were collected using the Spence Children's Anxiety Scale, Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale for Children, and Children's Self-Concept Scale.

Result:
Our study results reveal that there was a significant reduction in anxiety levels in the humming group and few domains of anxiety in the chanting group as well. The mindfulness scores were significantly improved in all the four groups including the humming and chanting groups after the interventions.

Conclusion:
There was no effect on self-concept scores in the humming group whereas the chanting group had a significant improvement in self-concept scale.
The ideal yogi
Authors: Bianchi Tommaso 
Published: February 2024

Introduction:
The comparison between East and West can be played at different levels. At a religious level, we find numerous analogies. On a more cultural level, we may detect more differences than identities. Culture in the West has long been represented by literature. Perhaps, it is to the latter that Westerners have entrusted the expression of their ideal of man. It may therefore be interesting to make comparisons with the figure of the ideal yogi as it was outlined in India.

Materials and Methods:
On the one hand, some recent masters and some older texts on yoga have been examined and compared with some European writers, as far as they say about the ideal of man.

Results:
We found that the Western man, in XIX and XX centuries, has gone through a crisis. This crisis does not seem to have touched Indian thought, at least as far as yoga is concerned. The ideal of the yogi in India has withstood the blows of criticism to which the concept of ego in the West has been subjected.

Discussion:
While in the West, the ego was considered as a sovereign that performs acts of government and when it fails, a crisis occurs, in yoga, the ahamkāra is an aspect that must be transcended in the direction of a further development of the self. These differences in the conception of ego may partially explain the success and spread of yoga in the West.
Immediate effects of eye yogic exercises on morphoscopic visual acuity
Authors: Bianchi Tommaso , Bellen Raffaella 
Published: February 2024

Background:Various studies have been carried out on what yoga can do for eyesight improvement and for eye health. Numerous of them tested both subjective and objective parameters in different optical fields (myopia, presbyopia, resistance to optical illusions, etc.). The majority of them have tested long-term yoga training. In literature, we found no evidence of the immediate effects of yoga exercises on visual abilities.Aims:In this study, we tested some yoga exercises directly involving eyes in the improvement of morphoscopic visual acuity.Methods:Twenty participants have been examined for morphoscopic visual acuity on Snellen chart. After this, they have been invited to perform some yoga eyes exercise for 6 min overall. The exercises included ocular motility, focusing, concentration/purification (trātaka), and relaxation (palming). Finally, they have been subjected again to the Snellen chart examination. Each eye has been examined separately.Results:The results of the first and the second Snellen chart examination were compared, resulting in a visual acuity medium improvement of 2.28%. The differences between second and first examination ranged from −22.22% to +24.44%.Conclusions:In literature, we found some critical analyses of the effects of eye yoga exercises on eyesight. Some studies deny every form of improvement in this field. However, the results of our study and the evidence found in literature testify the effectiveness of improvements. Some more studies would be useful to determine the efficacy of yoga training – both short- and long-term – on visual abilities, on refractive errors, on presbyopia, and on most serious eye pathologies.
Effect of yogic intervention on quality of life in university girls with cyclical mastalgia
Authors: Jaiswal Garima , Thakur Ghanshyam Singh 
Published: February 2024

Background:
Cyclical mastalgia is a benign breast disease and common phenomena in the reproductive age of women. It is the pain in the breast mainly felt in previous 5–7 days of the mensuration cycle. This affects the overall quality of life (QOL) and is linked to fear, fatigue, and other psychological causes. Fear of breast cancer influences the state of mind and badly affect emotional health and entire physical health. The present study was conducted to determine the effect of yogic practice on QOL in girls with cyclical mastalgia.

Methods:
Forty females having cyclical mastalgia (last 6 months) were recruited for the study and randomly assigned into two groups (yoga group and control group) with the age range of 20 to 30 years (23.52 ± 2.28). The subjects of both the groups were assessed for quality of life at the baseline and after completion of experimental period of sixty days.

Results:
After completing 60 days yogic intervention, yoga group showed significant improvement after 2 months of yoga practices and even after the 1-month follow-up in physical health (<0.01), sociological health (<0.05), environmental health (<0.05), and overall QOL (<0.05) than the control group. Psychological health showed the significant effect after 1 month of follow-up (>0.05).

Conclusion:
The results of present study concludes that the quality of life of university girls suffering from cyclical mastalgia can be improved after yoga practices.
Energetic and exergetic study of a flat plate collector based solar water heater - investigation of the absorber size
Authors: Chandra Kumar Aditya , Podder Bishal , Das Supreme , Biswas Agnimitra 
Published: February 2024

Small sized absorber in a flat plate solar collector is beneficial in terms of cost and minimum heat losses. However, its detailed thermal performance compared to standard size collector is still not fully understood. There is a paucity of research to appreciate thermal performance of solar water heating collector with consideration of a small absorber size (below 1m2) and a standard absorber size (2 m2). The present study attempts to investigate the energy and exergy efficiencies of flat plate solar water heating collector with two absorber plate areas (2 m2 and 0.74 m2) to enumerate size of the absorber required for improved first and second law thermal efficiencies of the collector. The efficiencies of these two collector designs are experimentally compared with the help of a test facility available in the site for given operating temperatures and rate of flow. The combined experimental uncertainty due to the measuring instruments and the measured parameters is also ascertained. The obtained results highlight the significance of the larger absorber size (2m2) for higher thermal efficiency, and lower absorber size (0.74m2) for higher exergetic efficiency. The highest thermal efficiency obtained is 77.38% for larger absorber size, and the highest exergy efficiency of 13.21% is obtained for lower absorber size collector. It is demonstrated that larger and lower absorber size of the collector have higher thermal efficiency and higher exergy efficiency, respectively, than some of the published works.
Burden of Submicroscopic Plasmodium Infections and Detection of kelch13 Mutant Parasites in Military and Civilian Populations in Papua New Guinea
Authors: Pickering Paul A. , Harris Ivor , Smith David , McCallum Fiona , Kaminiel Peter , Auliff Alyson , Cheng Qin 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT.
Malaria remains a major public health problem in Papua New Guinea (PNG) and an important force health protection issue for both PNG and Australian Defence Forces. To investigate the malaria burden in the military and civilians residing on military bases, a cross-sectional survey was conducted in April 2019 at three military bases in Wewak, Manus Island, and Vanimo, PNG. A total of 1,041 participants were enrolled; 235 military personnel from three bases and 806 civilians from Wewak and Vanimo. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) revealed an overall high prevalence of Plasmodium infection in both the military and civilians. Among the military, the infection prevalence was significantly higher in Wewak (35.5%) and Vanimo (33.3%) bases than on Manus Island (11.8%). Among civilians, children (<16 years old) had significantly higher odds of being PCR positive than adults (≥16 years old). At Wewak and Vanimo, Plasmodium vivax accounted for 85.4%, 78.2%, and 66.2% of infections in military, children, and adult populations. Overall, 87.3%, 41.3%, and 61.3% of Plasmodium infections in the military, children, and adults, respectively, were detected only by PCR, not by microscopy (submicroscopic [SM] infections). Children had a significantly lower proportion of SM infections than adults and Papua New Guinea Defence Force personnel. Infection status was not associated with hemoglobin levels in these populations at the time of the survey. Mutant kelch13 (C580Y) parasites were identified in 5/68 Plasmodium falciparum–infected individuals. The survey results indicate extensive malaria transmission on these bases, especially in Wewak and Vanimo. More intensified interventions are required to reduce malaria transmission on PNG military bases.
Pengaruh Media Pendingin terhadap Porositas dan Kekuatan Tarik menggunakan Pengelasan SMAW DCSP pada Material Pipa Baja Karbon SCH40
Authors: Pandapotan Ubah , Mulyadi Mulyadi 
Published: February 2024

Pada penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh media pendinginan terhadap kekuatan tekan setelah dilakukan pengelasan SMAW pada material pipa baja karbon SCH 40 dan pengaruh pendingin terhadap cacat porositas setelah dilakukan pengelasan SMAW pada material pipa baja karbon SCH 40. Media pendinginan menggunakan Udara, Oli Bekas, Coolant, Air Sumur. Metode pengelasan yang digunakan SMAW DCSP, hasil pengelasan dilakukan pengujian tekan dan porositas. Dari hasil penelitian diperoleh material dengan media pendinginan air mempunyai nilai tegangan tarik tertinggi 61,33 Kgf/mm2, Coolant 50,21 Kgf/mm2, Oli bekas 44,33 Kgf/mm2,Udara 40,18 Kgf/mm2. Dari hasil penelitian ini diketahui material setelah dilakukan pengelasan dengan perbedaan media pendinginan (quenching) berpengaruh terhadap kekuatan tarik, dengan media pendinginan air mempunyai nilai tegangan tarik tertinggi dan regangan tertinggi dari media lainnya seperti oli bekas, coolant, udara.
Probiotics, A New Frontier in Oral Health: Unraveling the Efficacy of Probiotic Metabolites vs. Chlorhexidine on Streptococcus mutans in Dental Plaque
Authors: Mehwash Kashif  , Mahmooda Kazmi  
Published: February 2024

The battle against dental caries has long been fought with conventional antimicrobial agents, with Chlorhexidine leading the charge. However, recent research has delved into the potential of probiotic metabolites as an alternative or adjunctive therapy in the quest for better oral health. In this editorial, we explore the emerging evidence surrounding the efficacy of probiotic metabolites compared to Chlorhexidine, specifically targetting local clinical isolates of Streptococcus mutans within dental plaque. Streptococcus mutans, a key player in the formation of dental plaque, has been a prime target for antimicrobial interventions due to its significant role in tooth decay. Chlorhexidine, a widely used antiseptic, has been a stalwart in dental care. However, its efficacy and potential side effects have prompted researchers to seek alternative approaches. Probiotic metabolites, byproducts of beneficial bacteria, have emerged as a promising avenue, with studies suggesting their ability to promote oral health by modulating the microbial balance.1 Recent studies have begun to unravel the intricate interactions between probiotic metabolites and Streptococcus mutans. These investigations have not only explored the direct antimicrobial effects but also the potential for probiotics to influence the overall microbial environment in the oral cavity. The comparison with Chlorhexidine, a gold standard in dental care, adds depth to our understanding of these alternative therapies.2 The evidence supporting the efficacy of probiotic metabolites in controlling Streptococcus mutans is not only encouraging but also challenges the status quo. A study by Gong SG et al. (2023) demonstrated that probiotic metabolites significantly reduced the growth of Streptococcus mutans in vitro, highlighting their potential as a potent antimicrobial agent.3 This finding is particularly promising given the increasing concerns about antibiotic resistance and the need for sustainable alternatives.
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Systematic review: Surfactant protein-D, diabetes mellitus, oxidative stress, infections and inflammation on the crossroad
Authors: Shireen Jawed  , Mohamed Mahaneem , Altaf Benash , Wan Ghazali Wan Syaheedah 
Published: February 2024

Objectives: To review the association of surfactant protein-D with type 2 diabetes mellitus, infections, oxidative stress and inflammation, and the changes in oxidative stress markers in type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Method: The systematic review was conducted from April to September 2022, and comprised search on PubMed, Web of Sciences, Scopus, Science Direct and Google Scholar databases for relevant studies published in English language between January 1, 2000, and June 30, 2022. The search was updated in September 2022. After transferring literature to Mendeley, relevant data was extracted from the included studies. Quality assessment for eligible studies was done using Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist. Quality of evidences was assessed by using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation tool.
Results: Of the 203 studies identified, 18(8.9%) were analysed; 16(89%) with humans and 2(11%) with animals as subjects There were 5 (31.25%) studies for SP-D, of which 4 (80%) studies reported lower surfactant protein-D in type 2 diabetes mellitus cases than controls. Its significant negative association with glycated haemoglobin was reported by 1(20%) study and 2(40%) studies with fasting blood glucose levels. Higher surfactant protein-D in type 2 diabetes mellitus cases and its positive association with glycated haemoglobin was reported by 1(20%) study. Recurrent infections were frequent in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. Malondialdehyde level was higher and superoxide dismutase activity was lower in type 2 diabetes mellitus cases, reflecting oxidative stress.
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DETERMINAN SOSIAL KESEHATAN PENYAKIT TUBERKULOSIS DI INDONESIA
Authors: Indriyati oktaviano Rahayuningrum , Sulistyani Sulistyani 
Published: February 2024

Tuberculosis (TB) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Indonesia is the-3rd countries with high prevalence of TB. Social determinants of health can contribute to define the risk factors of TB. The study aimed to analyze the social determinants of TB by using secondary data from the IFLS 5. The survey used multistage sampling with cross-sectional study design. The sample size was 32.117 respondents. The results showed prevalence of TB was 0.95%. Social determinants of TB were age (OR=1.68; 95%C1=1.15-2.47), with p value <0.001. Male, smoking, overweight and obese had statistically significant correlation with TB with p value <0.001. Living in urban area (OR=1.41; 95%CI=1.09-1.82) and living in Java (OR=1.32;95%CI=1.01-1.72) were also social determinants of TB, statistically significant with p value = 0.008 and 0.040, respectively. In this study, the social determinants of TB were age, gender, marital status, smoking, BMI, having insurance, living in urban area, and living in Java. The evidence is important for policy makers to provide targeted program to decrease the prevalence of TB.

Keywords: Tuberculosis Risk factors social determinants of health.
Investigation of Polymer-Based 1×2 All-Optical Switches at C-Band Wavelength
Authors: Alam Md Koushik , Afsary Noor , Islam Md Zahidul , Rasel Md Omar Faruk 
Published: February 2024

All-optical switches play a significant role in optical communication and signal processing using purely optical signals and offer efficient high-speed data transmission over conventional switches, which rely on optic–electronic conversions. This paper demonstrates 1 × 2 all-optical switches realized with the Mach–Zehnder interferometer (MZI) and directional couplers (DCs) for next-generation high-speed computing systems. We numerically design and simulate this optical switch by using the commercially available RSoft CAD BeamPROP solver. The proposed switches leverage the combined influence of DCs to achieve precise control over switching states by demonstrating remarkable phase-shifting properties with phase differences of 4π/3 and π/2 between the MZI and DC. The optical switch exhibits excess losses (ELs) from 1.27 dB to 1.40 dB and crosstalk ranging from −13.303 dB to −11.034 dB in a wavelength range of 1.53–1.56 μm, and minimal EL and crosstalk are 1.27 dB and −13.303 dB at 1.55 μm. The proposed polymer-based 1 × 2 all-optical switches could be novel devices in high-speed data transmission for optical circuitry.

Received: 28 November 2023 | Revised: 9 January 2024 | Accepted: 18 January 2024

Conflicts of Interest
The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest to this work.

Data Availability Statement
The data that support the findings of this study are openly available in Optica Open at https://doi.org/10.1364/opticaopen.24574615.