bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between Subjective Hearing Impairment and Cognitive Status among Korean Elderly
Authors: Lee Sujin , Chung Jae Ho 
Published: December 2023

Background:
The goal of this study was to investigate the impact of subjectively assessed hearing impairment on cognitive function in elderly Koreans living in the community.

Methods:
In the 2020 Survey of Living Conditions and Welfare Needs of Korean Older Persons Survey, 9920 subjects (5949 females; 60%) aged 65 or more years were examined. Using the Korean version of the Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE-KC), cognitive function was evaluated. To investigate the relationship between hearing impairment and cognitive status, multiple logistic regression analysis was performed with adjustment for multiple confounding variables (socioeconomic, health behavior, psychological factors, and functional status). There were 2297 participants in the hearing impairment group (23.2%) and 7623 subjects in the no-hearing impairment group.

Results:
Cognitive impairment was significantly higher in the hearing impairment group (37.2%) compared to the no-hearing impairment group (27.5%). After adjusting for confounders, hearing impairment was significantly associated with an increased risk of cognitive decline (odds ratio [OR] 1.21; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.08–1.35) compared to no-hearing impairment group.

Conclusions:
Although a cross-cectional design of this study does not allow a causal reasoning, our findings show a significant association between the hearing loss of older adults and their cognitive impairment. Hearing impairment should be regarded as a risk factor for cognitive disorders.
Personal Listening Device Use and Attitude to Noise in Relation to Depression and Anxiety among Medical Students
Authors: Ilić Živojinović Jelena , Soldatović Ivan , Backović Dušan , Vukašinović Danka , Babić Silvana , Tomanić Milena , Ilić Branislav , Vlaisavljević Željko 
Published: December 2023

Background:
High levels of environmental noise may lead to psychological symptoms. The present study has hypothesized that personal listening device (PLD) use and a negative attitude to noise are significantly related to anxiety and/or depression.

Methods:
This is a cross-sectional study conducted on 431 six-grade students (35% male) at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade. All students completed the questionnaires related to socio-demographic data, noise/music exposure habits, behaviors related to PLD use, tinnitus, headaches, consumption of alcohol, coffee, energy drinks and cigarettes, YANS (Youth Attitude to Noise Scale), CES-D (The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression), and GAD–7 (Generalised Anxiety Disorder Assessment − 7 item scale) questionnaires.

Results:
There were 396 (91.9%) of investigated students who used PLD, with more frequent use among girls compared to boys (95.0% and 86.8%, respectively; p = 0.002). We found no significant relationship between the frequency of PLD use and depression and anxiety. However, continuous daily PLD use longer than 1 hour was significantly and positively related to depression (p = 0.006). Students with depression had a lower total YANS score compared to those without depression, indicating a more negative attitude toward noise (p = 0.042). Students with no difficulties to concentrate in noise and with a positive attitude to daily noises had about 37% lower chance to suffer from depression and anxiety, respectively.

Conclusions:
PLD use is common among medical students and may be associated with their mental health. Longer than 1 hour of continuous daily use of PLD may be positively related to depression. We also found a significant relationship between difficulties concentrating in noisy environments and depression, and between negative attitudes to daily noises and anxiety.
Correlation between the Degree of Hearing Loss and the Levels of Anxiety and Depression in Patients with Tinnitus
Authors: Zhang Lin , Du Huanle , You Huihua 
Published: December 2023

Objectives:This study aimed to explore the correlation between the degree of hearing loss (HL) and the degrees of anxiety and depression in patients with tinnitus.Materials and Methods:This retrospective study involved the use of basic clinical data from 600 enrolled patients with tinnitus who visited the otolaryngology clinic in Affiliated Jinhua Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine from April 2020 to June 2022. The tinnitus handicap inventory (THI) scale was used to assess the tinnitus status among the participants. The pure tone audiometry (PTA) test was used to conduct audiological assessments for all patients to determine their hearing condition. The self-rating anxiety scale (SAS) and self-rating depression scale (SDS) were used to assess the levels of anxiety and depression among the participants, respectively. The correlation between the HL and anxiety/depression scores from the questionnaires was tested through Pearson correlation analysis.Results:Among the 600 enrolled patients with tinnitus, most patients had mild-to-moderate degree of tinnitus, accounting for 248 cases (41.3%) and 179 cases (29.8%), respectively. PTA results showed that a large proportion of patients with tinnitus were accompanied with HL (467 cases, 77.8%). Among them, patients with mild HL accounted for the largest proportion with a total of 241 cases (40.2%). Based on the results of SAS and SDS test, almost half of the patients had symptoms of anxiety and depression, accounting for 52.3% (314 cases) and 48.8% (293 cases), respectively. Similarly, patients with mild anxiety and depression occupy the largest proportion, accounting for 35.8% (215 cases) and 23% (138 cases), respectively. Pearson correlation analysis showed that the degree of HL was closely related to THI/SAS/SDS scores (P< 0.001).Conclusion:These findings indicate a strong positive correlation between the degree of HL and anxiety/depression scores in patients with tinnitus.
Characterization and Prediction of Speech Intelligibility at the Output of Hearing Aids in a Noisy Working Environment
Authors: Malrin Antoine , Ducourneau Joël , Chevret Patrick 
Published: December 2023

Objective:
Hearing aids are more and more technically advanced, but do not necessarily guarantee the reproduction of useful signals in all working environments. This is particularly the case for speech intelligibility. This study focuses on the prediction of hearing aid performance in the case of a moderate deafness setting, in service and industrial work environments. To improve intelligibility, hearing aids propose signal processing options such as noise reduction and compression. These processes can transform hearing aids into nonlinear systems. The aim of this study is to develop a nonlinear method for the characterization of hearing aids.

Materials and Methods:
The method is based on the synchronized swept sine (SSS) signal method.[16] The SSS method is applied for determining hearing aid frequency responses fitted according to the present methodology and several processing options. The characterization of hearing aid's program containing the noise reduction function is specifically analyzed. Indeed, to be fully active and efficient, the hearing aid, with the noise reduction feature activated, needs to be immersed in a noisy environment which does not allow nonlinear characterization. A linear approach is taken to study this feature. Three hearing aids commonly sold by hearing care professionals are studied here; all of them have three different programs. The characterization for each program is discussed.

Results:
The statistical study showed that the intelligibility, assessed using the speech transmission index in these sound environments, is well estimated for every program, although certain differences are observed when the compression effect is too high in the service work sector.

Conclusion:
The characterizations of hearing aids using the programs studied did not highlight the presence of frequency nonlinearities. The characterization method could not take into account amplitude nonlinearities when there is too much gain compression in the hearing process. Globally, all the hearing aid programs provided a very significant improvement in intelligibility in service and industrial work contexts.
Spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome: Understanding pathophysiology with exosome technology
Authors: Masalkhi Mouayad , Ong Joshua , Waisberg Ethan , Lee Andrew G. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome (SANS) refers to a range of neuro-ophthalmic alterations that have been documented following extended periods of space travel. The precise etiology and pathophysiology of SANS remain incompletely understood. Nevertheless, it poses a unique physiological challenge for upcoming space expeditions. At present, countermeasures consist of the implementation of lower body negative pressure and the utilization of pressurized goggles. According to recent studies, the utilization of exosome technology could also potentially provide valuable insights into the pathophysiology of SANS and aid in the development of diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in the field of space medicine. Exosomes, which are small vesicles discharged by cells, have a pivotal function in intercellular communication. These vesicles can be extracted from bodily fluids to assess the health parameters of astronauts throughout spaceflight and potentially detect biomarkers of health hazards related to spaceflight. Scientific databases such as PubMed and relevant research articles were analyzed.
Good practices in simulation-based education in ophthalmology – A thematic series. An initiative of the Simulation Subcommittee of the Ophthalmology Foundation Part II: Faculty development for simulation-based education in ophthalmology
Authors: Labuschagne Mathys , Lansingh Van , Thomsen Ann Sofia Skou , Grau Arturo , Luciano Andreas Di , Clements John , Musa Pablo , Ng Danny Siu-Chun , Filipe Helena Prior 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Faculty development should be a priority to sustain and support simulation-based training programs. Clinical educators in ophthalmology should be provided with development opportunities and training in simulation-based education opportunities to become better facilitators and keep up with this fast-growing educational field. Faculty development results in better-skilled faculty and optimized application of this specialized learning strategy. Faculty include experts in simulation-based education, simulation expert technicians as a specialized category, and faculty in the field of ophthalmology, who should embark on a continuing education pathway that keeps them up to date with the latest developments in simulation-based education. Learning experiences on training by simulation can be multimodal with several delivery formats, such as formal courses and training programs, informal apprenticeship, conference attendance, web-based learning, and participation in online discussion forums. Faculty development on simulation-based education programs should be designed in accordance with the level of the facilitator within a progressive skill acquisition model. In this review, we chose to use Kern’s six-step model for designing faculty development programs on education by simulation in ophthalmology. Kern’s model represents curriculum design that is cyclical, spiral, and multidirectional, and includes problem identification and general needs assessment, targeted needs assessment, goals and objectives for faculty development, educational strategies, implementation, and evaluation and feedback. Faculty development programs must be designed to train facilitators who are competent in simulation-based education which aligns with social needs and the institution’s mission and philosophy.
Clinical Presentations in Presumed Epidemic Viral Conjunctivitis: An Observational Study from a Tertiary Center in Eastern India
Authors: Mohanty Loknath , Minj Anita , Swain Jyotirmayee , Panigrahi Pradeep K. , Ahuja Sakshi 
Published: December 2023

Purpose:
The present study aimed to investigate the current patterns of clinical presentation in the recent onset epidemic viral conjunctivitis in Eastern India.

Methods:
This hospital-based observational study was conducted from June 2023 to July 2023. All consecutive patients with presumed viral conjunctivitis were enrolled in the study. We performed a comprehensive ophthalmic evaluation to assess various signs and symptoms in every case. Data were statistically analyzed to study recent clinical patterns of viral conjunctivitis.

Results:
This study enrolled 2,640 patients with presumed viral conjunctivitis. The majority of the affected patients were males (59%). The mean age of the patients was 29.68 ± 15.84 years (range 6 months to 82 years). The highest number of cases (62.3%) was observed in patients aged more than 18 years. Most patients (62.7%) presented with symptoms in one eye, while 37.3% experienced symptoms in both eyes. Foreign body sensation and redness were the most common clinical presentations in 2,490 (94.38%) and 2,433 (92.1%) cases, respectively. Subconjunctival hemorrhage was seen in 47% of cases. Corneal involvement was noted in 43 (1.62%) cases. Resolution of symptoms was reported in most patients (84.4%) within a week.

Conclusion:
The current epidemic of viral conjunctivitis in Eastern India is self-limiting in nature with minimal corneal involvement. Early diagnosis, isolation of affected individuals, appropriate treatment, and adherence to personal hygiene practices are essential to curb the mass spread of conjunctivitis.
Clinical Profile of Sixth Nerve Palsy
Authors: Balraj Arumugam , Gontia Jyoti , Kakoty Rashmirita 
Published: December 2023

Aim:This study aimed to assess various causative factors of sixth nerve palsy, the recovery rate of sixth nerve palsy, and to develop the diagnostic algorithm for sixth nerve palsy.Methods:This was a hospital-based retrospective observational study. For this study, electronic case records of all patients with sixth cranial nerve palsy who were followed up for 6 months were collected. The study duration was between June 2017 and May 2022. Characteristics such as the age of onset, gender, presence of any systemic conditions, and laterality were analysed.Results:Total number of patients was 82. 63% were males and rest were 37% females. 62% had systemic involvement, and 38% had no systemic involvement. Among systemic illnesses, diabetes was the most common cause of isolated sixth nerve palsy (61%). The most common cause of sixth nerve palsy was due to vasculopathy (49%). Trauma (11%) was the second leading cause of sixth nerve palsy; the tumour was very rare in our study about 1%. Sixth nerve palsy in idiopathic intracranial hypertension amounting to about 5%. We were unable to identify the cause in certain patients (16%); post-viral aetiology consists of about 1%, cortical vein thrombosis to about 1%, cavernous vein thrombosis to about 2%, aneurysm consists about 3%, congenital cause amounting to about 5%, inflammatory accounts about 6%. Recovery rate among sixth nerve palsy: 87% had complete recovery in our study; vasculopathy had a 100% recovery rate. In contrast, trauma had 50% recovery and 50% non-recovery rate. In contrast, tumour and congenital had no recovery rate.Conclusion:Ischaemia followed by trauma is the common aetiology raising concerns about the health issues of young Indians and road safety.
Surgical Outcomes of Consecutive Exotropia – A Retrospective Analysis from a Tertiary Eye Hospital
Authors: Anilkumar Sasikala E. , Sakthivel Priya , Ganesh Sandra , Narendran Kalpana , Sindhu Amrutha 
Published: December 2023

Purpose:
To determine the surgical outcomes of medial rectus advancement alone or in combination with lateral rectus recession in the management of patients with consecutive exotropia.

Materials and Methods:
A retrospective analysis of 20 patients who underwent surgical correction for consecutive exotropia (XT) between January 2019 and June 2022 was conducted. Patients underwent either medial rectus advancement (Group 1) or combined medial rectus advancement and lateral rectus recession (Group 2). Patients were followed up for a minimum period of 1 month postoperatively, and the correction obtained per mm of muscle operated was analysed.

Results:
Twenty patients (8 females, 12 males) were enrolled in the study. The mean age at primary surgery for esotropia was 6.25 ± 4.67 years, and the mean age at surgery for XT was 23.1 ± 9.47 years. At the present surgery for XT, the mean distance deviation was 43.05 ± 13.79 prism diopter (PD) of exotropia and the mean near deviation was 43.55 ± 15.21 PD of exotropia. Group 1 consisted of five patients, and Group 2 consisted of 15 patients. Postoperatively, the mean distance deviation was 7.6 ± 6.21 PD (range: 6 PD esophoria–18 PD XT) and the mean near deviation was 7.0 ± 6.07 PD (range: 6 PD esophoria–20 PD XT). The mean correction obtained postoperatively was 36.0 ± 12.49 PD. The mean correction obtained per mm of muscle operated was 3.45 ± 0.61 PD.

Conclusion:
Medial rectus muscle advancement with or without lateral rectus recession is an effective surgical method for the treatment of XT, and the mean correction obtained per mm of muscle operated was 3.45 ± 0.61 PD. Careful history taking, analysing previous surgery details, preoperative planning, and intraoperative exploration of muscles are important for managing eyes with XT.
Prevalence and Correlates of Stunting among a High-Risk Population of Kenyan Children Recently Hospitalized for Acute Illnesses
Authors: Atlas Hannah E. , Brander Rebecca L. , Tickell Kirkby D. , Bunyige Lucy , Oongo Susan , McGrath Christine J. , John-Stewart Grace C. , Richardson Barbra A. , Singa Benson O. , Denno Donna M. , Walson Judd L. , Pavlinac Patricia B. 
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACT.
Stunting (length/height-for-age z-score < –2) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality among children under 5 years of age in sub-Saharan Africa. Children who are stunted and recently hospitalized for acute illness may be at particularly elevated risk for post-discharge mortality. In this cross-sectional analysis, we measured the prevalence of stunting at hospital discharge and identified host, caregiver, and environmental correlates of stunting among children aged 1–59 months in Western Kenya enrolled in the Toto Bora Trial. Child age- and site-adjusted prevalence ratios were estimated using Poisson regression. Of the 1,394 children included in this analysis, 23% were stunted at hospital discharge. Older children (12–23 months and 24–59 months versus 0–5 months) had a higher prevalence of stunting (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR]: 1.58; 95% CI: 1.04–2.36 and aPR: 1.59; 95% CI: 1.08–2.34, respectively). HIV-exposed, uninfected children (aPR: 1.94; 95% CI: 1.39–2.70), children with HIV infection (aPR: 2.73; 95% CI: 1.45–5.15), and those who were never exclusively breastfed in early life (aPR 2.51; 95% CI: 1.35–4.67) were more likely to be stunted. Caregiver education (primary school or less) and unimproved sanitation (pit latrine without slab floor or open defecation) were associated with increased risk of stunting (aPR: 1.94; 95% CI: 1.54–2.44; aPR: 1.99; 95% CI: 1.20–3.31; aPR: 3.57; 95% CI: 1.77–7.21, respectively). Hospital discharge represents an important opportunity for both identifying and delivering targeted interventions for nutrition-associated poor outcomes among a high-risk population of children.
Pregnancy as an Opportunity for Hepatitis C Virus Elimination and Eradication
Authors: Boudova Sarah , Tholey Danielle , Fenkel Jonathan M. , Derman Richard , Boelig Rupsa C. 
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACT.
Since the development of highly effective direct-acting antivirals, the WHO has set a goal of hepatitis C virus (HCV) elimination by 2030. Key to this strategy is increased screening and treatment. Pregnancy and the postpartum period represent a unique time when underserved populations have increased contact with the healthcare system. We propose using antenatal care to maximize case identification, treatment, and prevention. Pregnant individuals are an ideal sentinel population for HCV surveillance. Universal screening in pregnancy can provide population-level data. Once cases are identified, pregnancy presents an opportunity for intervention. Although not currently WHO approved, clinical trials are examining treatment during pregnancy. In the interim, identification of infection during pregnancy allows for optimization of the treatment cascade postpartum. Pregnancy can be used as a time for prevention. Taking advantage of patient engagement and existing infrastructure, pregnancy presents an opportunity to intervene in the fight for HCV eradication.
Anlaşmalı Öğrenme Tekniği Doğrultusunda 6. Sınıf Öğrencilerinin Okumaya Yönelik Tercihlerinin Belirlenmesi
Authors: IŞIK AYDIN Rukiye 
Published: December 2023

Öz
Bu çalışmada, anlaşmalı öğrenme tekniği kullanılarak ortaokul altıncı sınıf öğrencilerinin okuma becerilerine yönelik tercihlerinin belirlenmesi amaçlanmaktadır. Nitel yöntemlere dayalı bir eylem araştırması olarak tasarlanan çalışmanın katılımcılarını 12 altıncı sınıf öğrencisi oluşturmuştur. Çalışma kapsamında öğrencilerin okuma etkinlikleri sırasında kullanılacak metin türleri, okuma teknikleri ve stratejileri hakkındaki görüşleri belirlenmiştir. Ayrıca okuma sürecinde hangi kazanımlara ne oranda yer verdikleri; aktif olarak nasıl etkinlikler talep ettikleri de incelenmiştir. Elde edilen görüşler doğrultusunda yürütülecek okuma etkinlikleri üzerinde anlaşmalar sağlanmış; katılımcılar, kendi görüşlerinden yola çıkılarak anlaşmalı olarak tasarlanmış etkinlikleri de değerlendirmişlerdir. Elde edilen sonuçlara göre öğrenciler metin türlerinden fabl, hikâye ve masala yönelmiş; okuma teknikleri tercihlerinde ilk sıraları sesli, tahmin ederek ve sessiz okuma almıştır. Okuma stratejileri açısından katılımcılar özellikle tahmin etme, okuduklarını arkadaşlarıyla paylaşma ve tartışma konusunda istekli davranmıştır. Okuma kazanımları söz konusu olduğunda katılımcıların hızlı ve akıcı okuma alışkanlığı kazanmak için okuma, sesli okuma yöntemini kullanma, metinle ilgili sorular sorma ve sorulan sorulara cevap verme; okuduklarının konusunu, ana fikrini/ana duygusunu belirleme gibi maddeleri daha çok tercih ettikleri belirlenmiştir. Farklı okuma etkinlikleri içerisinde en büyük ilgi çoktan seçmeli testler çözme, görseller üzerine konuşma/görselleri yorumlama, metinleri görsellerle eşleştirme çalışmaları çekmiştir. Ayrıca katılımcılar, anlaşmalı öğrenme kapsamında kendi tercihlerinden yola çıkılarak tasarlanan etkinlikleri çoğunlukla beğenmişlerdir.