bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Correlation between recipient age and visual acuity after Descemet’s membrane endothelial keratoplasty in Fuchs endothelial dystrophy
Authors: Nanavaty Mayank A , Mukhija Ritika , Quiney Gabriella 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Objectives:
To analyze the correlation between the recipient’s age and best corrected distance visual acuity (BCDVA) after Descemet’s membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK).

Materials and Methods:
Design: Retrospective study. Setting: Institutional, tertiary care eye hospital. Study Population: All patients who underwent DMEK or DMEK combined with phacoemulsification (DMEK triple) for Fuchs Endothelial Dystrophy, using a standardized protocol between August 2016 and July 2021, were included. Previous glaucoma surgery, aphakia, or complicated pseudophakia were excluded. Main Outcome Measures: Primary outcomes: Recipient’s age versus BCDVA. Secondary outcomes: Age versus uncorrected distance visual acuity (UCDVA), graft detachment (GD) versus rebubbling rates, and versus percentage endothelial cell loss (ECL) at 6 months. Data were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation analysis.

Results:
104 eyes of 72 patients were included. The average age in this study was 71.13 ± 10.41 years (44–88 years). There was a significant and positive correlation between age versus BCDVA and UCDVA. However, there was no correlation between age and GD, rebubbling, and percentage of ECL at 6 months.

Conclusions:
Uncorrected and best-corrected distance visual acuities are better at younger ages after DMEK in Fuchs endothelial keratoplasty. Age was positively correlated with the best-corrected distance visual acuity after DMEK for Fuchs endothelial dystrophy when performed with the same technique.
Vernal keratoconjunctivitis: Breaking the shield
Authors: Ravindran Ramya , Gadre Devyani , Rao Srinivas K , Gokhale Nikhil , Bhaskar Srinivasan 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
A 17-year-old male patient presented with complaints of redness, pain and photophobia in the right eye for a week and itching in both eyes for a year. He was previously diagnosed as vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) a year ago and had discontinued treatment. He was diagnosed as Both eyes VKC, with right eye shield ulcer. He was started on a combination of topical steroids, Tacrolimus and olopatadine eye drops. He started responding to treatment in a weeks’ time and in a month the ulcer healed completely with a vision of 6/6.
Preserve the reserve: The novel way
Authors: Kabra Namrata Shrivallabh , Patil Vaibhav Shivdas , Bagore Akash Madhukar , Navandar Shradha 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Aims:
To assess the outcome of a novel approach for thermal punctocanalicular cautery in severe dry eye patients.

Materials and Methods:
After tear function tests, eligible patients with severe dry eyes recalcitrant to maximal medical therapy underwent permanent punctocanalicular occlusion by thermal punctocanalicular cauterization at a tertiary eye hospital between January 2013 and February 2018. The epithelium of the punctum, the vertical portion and the horizontal portion of the canaliculus was cauterized with long hairline tip of Ellman thermal punctal cautery. Change in Schirmer’s 1, tear film breakup time (TBUT) and fluorescein staining of the corneal epithelium at last follow up were primary outcome measures.

Results:
Our study included 85 eyes of 47 patients with a mean age of 42.6 ± 17.6 years of which 31 (66%) were women. The average follow up was 68 ± 74 weeks and 85.88% of puncta remained occluded till last follow up. The Schirmer’s 1 improved from 3.2 ± 2.3 mm to 4.3 ± 2.1 mm (P < 0.001), the TBUT improved from 3.3 ± 1.6 s to 4.8 ± 1.5 s (P < 0.001) and average fluorescein stain score reduced from 14.08 ± 2.5 to 7.68 ± 1.71 (P < 0.001). The frequency of using lubricants also reduced significantly from 10 ± 3 times per day to 6.7 ± 2.1 times per day (P < 0.001). No postoperative complication in the form of epiphora or punctal cellulitis were observed.

Conclusions:
Thermal punctocanalicular cautery is a novel, simple, repeatable, noninvasive and highly effective method for severe dry eye cases. Majority patients showed permanent punctal canalicular occlusion with improvement in tear film function. Frequency of instillation of lubricants needed decreased which can indirectly reduce the economic burden for the patients.
The Correlation between Carotid Artery Corrected Flow Time and Velocity Time Integral during Central Blood Volume Loss and Resuscitation
Authors: Kerrebijn Isabel , Munding Chelsea E. , Horner Christine , Atwi Sarah , Elfarnawany Mai , Eibl Andrew M. , Eibl Joseph K. , Taylor Jenna L. , Kim Chul Ho , Johnson Bruce D. , Kenny Jon-Émile S. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background:
Doppler ultrasound of the common carotid artery is used to infer central hemodynamics. For example, change in the common carotid artery corrected flow time (ccFT) and velocity time integral (VTI) are proposed surrogates of changing stroke volume. However, conflicting data exist which may be due to inadequate beat sample size and measurement variability – both intrinsic to handheld systems. In this brief communication, we determined the correlation between changing ccFT and carotid VTI during progressively severe central blood volume loss and resuscitation.

Methods:
Measurements were obtained through a novel, wireless, wearable Doppler ultrasound system. Sixteen participants (ages of 18–40 years with no previous medical history) were studied across 25 lower body-negative pressure protocols. Relationships were assessed using repeated-measures correlation regression models.

Results:
In total, 33,110 cardiac cycles comprise this analysis; repeated-measures correlation showed a strong, linear relationship between ccFT and VTI. The strength of the ccFT-VTI relationship was dependent on the number of consecutively averaged cardiac cycles (R1 cycle = 0.70, R2 cycles = 0.74, and R10 cycles = 0.81).

Conclusions:
These results positively support future clinical investigations employing common carotid artery Doppler as a surrogate for central hemodynamics.
Relationship between Iron Deficiency Anaemia and Intestinal Helminthiasis among School Age Children in Abakaliki Metropolis
Authors: Oduneye Olugbenga , Ikegwuonu Charles Izuchukwu , Ezeanosike Obumneme Benaiah , Anyanwu Onyinye Uchenna , Nnamdi Onyire Benson 
Published: December 2023

Background:
In a world plagued by poverty, ignorance, malnutrition and disease especially in developing countries, children are particularly vulnerable to anaemia. A 2015 report by the WHO reveals that iron deficiency is a major cause of anaemia accounting for about 50% of cases worldwide. The importance of iron in growing children cannot be overemphasised especially with regards to neurologic and cognitive development. Iron deficiency has a negative impact on childhood growth and development. It also affects neuronal energy metabolism, the metabolism of neurotransmitters, myelination, and memory function. These undesirable consequences can be irreversible; thus, early detection through periodic screening exercise will enable prompt intervention.

Aims:
This community-based cross-sectional study aimed at assessing the prevalence of iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) among primary school children in Abakaliki, Nigeria, and investigating its association with intestinal parasitic infections.

Materials and Methods:
A total of 372 children aged 6–12 years were enrolled in the study. Sociodemographic data were collected, and stool samples were examined for intestinal parasites. Haemoglobin concentration, serum on, and total iron-binding capacity were measured to determine anaemia and iron deficiency status.

Result:
The results showed a high prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections had a significantly higher prevalence of IDA compared to those without infections. The study also revealed a significant association between IDA and lower socioeconomic status, as well as maternal and paternal educational attainment. These findings highlight the substantial burden of IDA among primary school children in Abakaliki and the role of intestinal parasitic infections in contributing to iron deficiency.

Conclusion:
The study emphasises the need for integrated interventions, including health education, improved school meal provision, iron supplementation, regular deworming programmes, and measures to control and prevent intestinal parasitic infections. By addressing these actors, efforts can be made to reduce the prevalence of IDA and its associated health consequences in the population.
Insulin Resistance and Hypertension among Type 2 Diabetes Subjects in a Tertiary Institution in South East Nigeria
Authors: Abonyi Michael Chinweuba , Young Ekenechukwu Esther , Nwatu Chidinma Brenda , Ugwueze Chidiebere Valentine , Nkpozi Marcellinus Okafor , Okechukwu Uzoma Chukwunonso , Oham Maryann Kanayo , Maluze John Aniebo , Ekochin Fintan Chinweike , Ucheze Ginikachi Ginikachi 
Published: December 2023

Background:
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is frequently associated with hypertension (HTN), adding significantly to its overall morbidity and mortality.

Aim:
This study aimed to investigate the relationship between insulin resistance (IR) and blood pressure and other factors associated with both conditions.

Patients, Materials and Methods:
A case–control study of 180 subjects consisting of 60 with T2DM and HTN, 60 with T2DM and normal blood pressure, and 60 without T2DM or HTN (control). Sociodemographic, anthropometric, and clinical parameters were obtained from each subject and control. IR was derived from homeostasis model assessment (HOMA)-IR index calculated from fasting blood glucose and insulin.

Results:
The mean age of subjects with T2DM and HTN was 49.58 ± 10.50 years, that of subjects with T2DM and normotension was 48.50 ± 10.44 years, while that of controls was 48.85 ± 10.15 years. IR (HOMA-IR ≥2) was found in 96.7% of subjects with T2DM and HTN, 88.3% of those with T2DM and normotension, and 1.7% of subjects with neither of both conditions. Central obesity (Waist circumference “WC”), overweight, and obesity (BMI) significantly related to IR in subjects with T2DM and HTN (p = 0.020, 0.021 and 0.016 respectively) while only WC and obesity (BMI) significantly related to IR in subjects with T2DM and normotension (p = 0.001 and 0.036 respectively).

Conclusions:
There is a high prevalence of IR in T2DM subjects which is heightened by the presence of HTN.
Sonographic Determination of Thyroid Gland Volume among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Northern Nigeria
Authors: Aminu Abubakar Abubakar , Mansur Ramalan , Ya’u Anas , Mansur Umar , Hassan Aliyu Abdullahi , Adam Auwal Sadiq 
Published: December 2023

Background:
Thyroid disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are interconnected endocrine disorders with a bidirectional relationship. T2DM patients may present with various thyroid abnormalities, such as gland enlargement and nodule formation, warranting noninvasive assessment through ultrasound scanning.

Aim:
This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate thyroid gland volume (TGV) in adult patients with T2DM using ultrasound imaging in Kano.

Materials and Methods:
A total of 160 participants were randomly selected and underwent sonographic scans of the thyroid gland using a medical ultrasound machine with a 7.5 MHz linear probe. Thyroid volumes were recorded, and demographic information was collected. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS software version 29, with significance set at P < 0.05.

Results:
The mean TGV ± standard deviation was 5.8 ± 3.1 cm3. Females exhibited a statistically higher TGV (6.1 ± 3.4 cm3) compared to males (5.6 ± 2.8 cm3). There was no significant difference in TGV among patients with different diabetes control habits. The mean volume of the right lobe (3.1 ± 1.8 cm3) was significantly greater than that of the left lobe (2.7 ± 1.6 cm3). TGV correlated positively with T2DM duration, age, weight, and body mass index.

Conclusion:
This study provides valuable insights into the TGV among patients with T2DM in Kano. The findings indicate a positive correlation between TGV and T2DM duration and demonstrate gender and laterality differences. Ultrasound-based assessment of thyroid volume can be a valuable tool in monitoring thyroid health in T2DM patients and may aid in the early detection and management of thyroid abnormalities.
Übersetzung und Imagologie
Authors: Ivanytska Mariia 
Published: December 2023

Im Artikel wird der Beitrag von Anna-Halja Horbatsch zum Image der ukrainischen Literatur in Deutschland thematisiert. Zum einen wird Horbatsch als eine engagierte Kulturmittlerin und Literaturwissenschaftlerin, die produktivste ukrainisch-deutsche Übersetzerin der zweiten Hälfte des 20. Jahrhunderts dargestellt, die sich um ein Ukraine-Bild in Westdeutschland bemühte. Zum anderen wird die Frage aufgedeckt, wie ihre Tätigkeit aufgenommen und wie die ukrainische Literatur in Deutschland rezipiert wurde. Horbatschs Werk wird anhand des Models der Übersetzerbiographie von Renata Makarska beschrieben. Es wird erörtert, wie sich Horbatschs Ukraine-Bild von dem in der DDR entwickelten Bild der ukrainischen Literatur unterscheidet.
This research was supported by a grant from the MSCA4Ukraine project, which is funded by the European Union.
The Perception of ChatGPT among Educators: Preliminary Findings
Authors: Ogurlu Uzeyir , Mossholder Jesse 
Published: December 2023

ChatGPT was first released in November 2022, which has led to varying reactions among educators. Educators are one of the major stakeholders in the education system. As a result of this, educators’ perceptions of ChatGPT are worth investigating to inform future policy decision-making. This study examined the perceptions of ChatGPT among educators using an online survey. Thematic coding was conducted to interpret perceptions about their concerns about ChatGPT and their thoughts on the potential benefits of ChatGPT in education. The results indicated that even though educators did not know much about ChatGPT yet, they were open to receiving training about its applicability within education. Educators mentioned plagiarism/cheating, loss of higher-order thinking skills, overreliance on technology, lack of authenticity, decreasing content comprehension, fears of the unknown, and concern for social-emotional well-being as their concerns. On the other hand, educators were hopeful about developing teaching materials to reduce workload, instant information access, and a higher level of teaching using ChatGPT. The findings of the study suggest some important implications and recommendations for educators and policymakers.
A quantitative exploration of the knowledge of pharmacy and medical students about Pharmacogenetics: Findings from a public university in Malaysia
Authors: Thiagarajan Harini , Jamshed Shazia , Suhaimi Azyyati Mohd , Lua Pei Lin , Ibrahim Umar Idris 
Published: December 2023

Background: Having a strong foundation in the science of pharmacogenetics is a significant prerequisite for both pharmacy and medical students to apply this knowledge in patient care once they enter into the healthcare setting. This study examines the level of foundational knowledge of pharmacogenetics and interest in learning about pharmacogenetics among third and fourth-year pharmacy and final-year medical students of the University Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA) in Malaysia.
Method: A total of 95 students participated in the study. A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted using a validated questionnaire from a previously published research paper. It was an electronic-based survey shared among the targeted population.
Results: The average knowledge score for pharmacy students was 15.58 (SD ± 0.49) while final-year medical students had an average score of 14.56 (SD ± 0.32). A major percentage of the fourth-year pharmacy students were able to obtain scores higher than their junior counterparts and final-year medical students. Although the overall average knowledge score of the medical students was lower than that of the pharmacy students, nevertheless, they had a greater interest in learning about pharmacogenetics.
Conclusion: There is a need to introduce up-to-date curricula for both pharmacy and medical students to enhance student comfort levels in pharmacogenetics practice.
CRAVING LOYALTY: EXAMINING THE INFLUENCE OF LOYALTY PROGRAMS ON CUSTOMER RETENTION IN SOUTH AFRICA’S FAST-FOOD LANDSCAPE
Authors: Mdletshe Nkosinathi Emanuel 
Published: December 2023

This study investigates the dynamics of customer loyalty within South African fast-food restaurants, focusing on the influence of loyalty programs on customer retention. The background highlights the rapid growth of the South African fast-food industry and the need for a nuanced understanding of customer behavior in this context. Employing a quantitative methods approach employed a cross-sectional design; the methodology includes a comprehensive situational analysis and addresses three research questions: customer motivations for loyalty program participation, factors beyond loyalty programs affecting retention, and the impact of existing loyalty programs on retention. Findings reveal that emotional connections, trustworthiness, and perceived value are key motivators for program participation. Beyond loyalty initiatives, service quality, menu variety, and overall customer experience significantly impact retention. Loyalty program metrics, including participation rates and reward perceived value, play a crucial role in customer loyalty. The study concludes that businesses should tailor loyalty programs to local preferences, adopt a holistic approach to customer retention, and optimize program metrics. The practical implications emphasize the need for clear communication and cultural sensitivity. This research contributes to the academic literature by addressing gaps specific to the South African context and provides actionable insights for businesses aiming to enhance customer loyalty in this dynamic and competitive market.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0013/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>
Pseudoparallel Invariant Submanifolds of a Para-Sasakian Manifold
Authors: MERT Tuğba , ATÇEKEN Mehmet 
Published: December 2023

In this paper, invariant submanifolds of a para-Sasakian manifold have been studied. Some special
submanifolds such as pseudoparallel, 2-pseudoparallel, Ricci generalized pseudoparallel, and 2-Ricci generalized pseudoparallel submanifolds of a para-Sasakian manifold have been considered. The necessary and sufficient conditions for an invariant submanifold to be totally geodesic under some conditions have been given.
Existence for a Nonlocal Porous Medium Equations of Kirchhoff Type with Logarithmic Nonlinearity
Authors: SERT Uğur 
Published: December 2023

We study the Dirichlet problem for the nonlocal parabolic equation of the Kirchhoff type
\[
u_{t}-a\left(\|u\|_{L^{p}(\Omega)}^{p}\right)\sum\limits_{i=1}^{n}D_{i}\left(
\left\vert u\right\vert ^{p-2}D_{i}u\right) +b(x,t) \left\vert u \right\vert ^{\alpha \left(
x,t\right) -2}u\log|u|=f\left( x,t\right) \quad \text{in $Q_T=\Omega \times (0,T)$},
\]
where $p\geq2$, $T>0$, $\Omega \subset
\mathbb{R}^{n}$, $n\geq 2$, is a smooth bounded domain. The coefficient $a(\cdot)$ is real-valued function defined on $\mathbb{R}_+$. It is shown that the problem has a weak solution under appropriate and general conditions on $a(\cdot)$, $\alpha(\cdot,\cdot)$ and $b(\cdot)$.
Assessment of nutrient uptake by sugar beet as a factor of the crop biological potential realization
Authors: Prysiazhniuk O. I. , Shulha S. S. 
Published: December 2023

Purpose. To establish the peculiarities of the accumulation and removal of macroelements by sugar beet in the Steppe Zone of Ukraine.
Methods. Field research was conducted during 2020–2022 in the Chkalov Agrocompany LLC (Kirovohrad region). The scheme of the experiment provided for the cultivation of sugar beets against the background of the use of a water-retaining agent (without hydrogel; hydrogel Aquasorb, 300 kg/ha), under different systems of the main fertilizer [without fertilizers – control; manure, 20 t/ha; N170P180K350; Leonardyt, 400 kg/ha; Parostok (brand 20), 400 kg/ha] and foliar feeding during the growing season (without foliar feeding; Humifild, SE, 2 kg/ha in the BBCH stage 30 + 39). Organic and mineral fertilizers (PK) were applied in autumn at plowing and nitrogen at cultivation in early spring. The adsorbent was applied to the soil two weeks before sowing the crop locally in the zone of the row, based on the data of the GPS tracker. The rest of the agricultural activities corresponded to the generally accepted culture cultivation technology in the research area.
Results. On average, according to the experiment, sugar beet used 90.2 kg/ha of nitrogen, 15.1 kg/ha of phosphorus, and 75.6 kg/ha of potassium to form a crop. The consumption of macronutrients for the formation of humus was not calculated, since it was immediately returned to the soil during harvesting. The use of organic fertilizers of the new formulation contributed not only to the formation of a high yield of sugar beet roots, but also to a significant removal of macronutrients from the soil. In particular, when applying Leonardyt (400 kg/ha) with the crop, 94.8 kg/ha of nitrogen, 16.1 kg/ha of phosphorus and 79.9 kg/ha of potassium was removed, which is 17.1; 3.1 and 14.7 kg/ha more than on the unfertilized control. When applying Parostok (brand 20) (400 kg/ha), 101.6 kg/ha of nitrogen, 16.7 kg/ha of phosphorus and 84.2 kg/ha of potassium was removed, which exceeded the control indicators by 23.9; 3.8 and 19.1 kg/ha, respectively.
Conclusions. According to the indicators of the ratio of variable to maximum fluorescence (Fv/Fm) of photosynthesis, the highest coefficient values were obtained in the case of applying Aquasorb hydrogel in the zone of the row before sowing and fertilizing with Leonardyt (0.58–0.59) and Parostok (brand 20) (0.58–0.60). Therefore, the best conditions for the growth and development of sugar beets were formed in these treatments of the experiment. Based on the obtained coefficients of the ratio of variable to maximum fluorescence (Fv/Fm) of photosynthesis, the yield of root crops can be predicted by the equation y = 88.5x + 5.1.