bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Safety and efficacy of ranibizumab biosimilar (Razumab®) as a cost-effective alternative to the innovator molecule for macular disorders in real-world
Authors: Paliwal Sonal , Deshpande Riddhima , Upadhyay Prerna 
Published: September 2023

: To report the clinical efficacy and safety of the intravitreal ranibizumab biosimilar molecule, Razumab® (IVRz) as an economic alternative to the innovator molecule (Lucentis) in macular diseases under real-world conditions.: A single‑ center, prospective study of 100 consecutive eyes undergoing three-monthly IVRz between April 2020 to March 2021 for a variety of macular disorders including diabetic macular edema (DME), neovascular age‑related macular degeneration (nAMD), retinal vein occlusion (RVO), and myopic choroidal neovascular membrane (mCNVM). The main outcome measures were changes in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central subfield thickness (CST), intraretinal-fluid (IRF), and subretinal-fluid (SRF) along with a safety analysis at weeks 4, 8, and 12 respectively. : Of the 100 eyes of 100 patients undergoing IVRz, a majority had DME (39 eyes; 39%) followed by RVO (34 eyes; 34%), nAMD (21 eyes; 21%), and mCNVM (6 eyes; 6%). Mean BCVA improved from baseline to weeks 4, 8, and 12 (P&#60;0.001). A significant reduction in CST from the baseline was also noted at all the visits (P&#60;0.001). On qualitative analysis, resolution of SRF and IRF was observed in 61.47% and 61.71% of eyes respectively. No serious ocular or systemic adverse events were noted.: Our real-world data suggests that IVRz therapy is safe and efficacious for the management of varied macular pathologies. The cost-effectiveness and systemic and ocular safety of this regulatory-approved biosimilar makes it a suitable alternative to the branded drug. Further comparative studies into the benefit-cost analysis of these biosimilar and branded agents are warranted to better understand the health economics of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy in chorioretinal disorders.
Association of Gamma-glutamyl transferase with severity of hypertensive retinopathy in the Indian population
Authors: Nigam Bharti , Chaturvedi Ashutosh , Gupta Sonal , Bansal Vaishali 
Published: September 2023

: Hypertension is the condition of elevated blood pressure and is a serious medical condition that significantly increases risk of diseases associated with the heart, brain, kidney, eyes, etc. and its most common ocular presentation is Hypertensive retinopathy (HR). Oxidative stress has been extensively studied for its role in the pathophysiology of Hypertensive retinopathy. Through this study, we want to establish an association between the severity of Hypertensive retinopathy and Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT).: After obtaining clearance from the ethics committee, an analytical study was carried out comprising 100 individuals having Hypertensive retinopathy. Patients were divided into four groups according to the Keith Wagener classification. The patients underwent thorough clinical examinations. The ocular examination included visual acuity evaluation, IOP measurement by Goldmann tonometry, and fundoscopy. Biochemical investigation of Serum Gamma-glutamyl transferase was done using a CORAL Colorimetric assay kit and SPSS Version 21.0 was used for statistical analysis.: The majority of Grade I HR people belonged to either normal or prehypertensive group, while the majority of Grade IV, II & III were from the Stage I hypertensives group, followed by Grade II and Grade III hypertension. Statistically, a significant association between the increasing severity of retinopathy and the rise in BP was observed. Most patients with Grade I retinopathy (66.7%) had GGT levels &#60; 40 U/l, while all the patients in Grade II, III & IV (100.0% each) had GGT &#62;40 U/L. Statistically, it was also noted that the GGT levels increased with increasing grades in HR.
Evaluating complications in cataract surgeries performed by resident trainees at a tertiary care hospital in Rajkot district of Gujarat
Authors: Pandey Ashish , Korat Drashti , Dubey Shubhra , Melwani Ravi 
Published: September 2023

Cataract surgery is an important part of the ophthalmology residency program. By providing residents with the opportunity to develop surgical skills, ophthalmology programs can ensure that their residents are well-prepared for successful careers in the field. While most cataract surgeries are successful, complications can occur like infection, inflammation, corneal edema, and posterior capsule opacification, however, rates may differ with surgeon’s experience. This study aims to determine the types and rates of various complications in cataract surgery performed by resident trainees.: This was a retrospective hospital based observational study that included patients operated for cataracts by manual SICS at a Tertiary care hospital in Rajkot. Postoperative outcomes were evaluated into three groups: surgeries performed during residents in the first year of training (group 1), surgeries performed during the second year (group 2), and surgeries performed during the third year (group 3). The outcome was the rate of postoperative complications in each group and collected data were entered in a Microsoft Excel sheet. Qualitative data were presented as frequency and percentages and compared by the chi-square test. The P-value of ≤0.05 was considered significant. A total of 492 patients were evaluated in the study, in which 102 patients (20.7%) were operated on by first-year residents (group1), 189 patients (38.4%) were operated on by second-year residents (group 2) and 201 patients (40.9%) were operated by third-year residents(group3). The overall rate of the intraoperative complication in our study was 32.3% with the incidence of intraoperative complications being 17.4%(n=86/492) and postoperative complications being 14.8% (n=73/492). The most common intraoperative complication was PCR with vitreous loss (10.4%) and the most common postoperative complication was corneal edema seen in 6.5% of patients.: Resident trainees showed a better performance in the form of decreased postoperative complications and surgical competency was also found to improve as surgical experience increased. Incorporating surgical training as part of a routine curriculum can improve the residents' learning curve.
Assessment of the vision-related quality of life (VR-QOL) in patients with watery eyes
Authors: Wadwekar Bhagwati , Krishnan Harini Tiruvengada , Ravichandrann Kandasamy 
Published: September 2023

Watering from the eyes is one of the common ocular complaints which leads to blurred vision. It has an impact on daily activities and the social life of the individual which is not studied much. Hence, we did this study with the aim to estimate the proportion of watery eye patients in whom the vision-related quality of life (VR-QOL) is affected. We conducted a cross-sectional questionnaire-based study. Patients who complained of watering for more than one month were included. All the patients were asked to fill a VR-QOL questionnaire. We considered VR-QOL status to be affected if the score for any of the activity listed in the questionnaire was more than or equal to one. We assessed the association of this VR-QOL status with various factors like age, gender, laterality, patency of nasolacrimal duct and Munk score. A total of 59 patients participated in our study. The mean age of study participants was 52.6 ± 13.8 years and 31 were males. VR-QOL was affected in 89.8% and blurring of vision was the most common impairment. The effect of gender and age on VR-QOL due to watering was not significant. We found that watering of eyes causes a significant blurring of vision (p value=0.031) and discomfort during outdoor activities (p-value 0.045). : Epiphora has a significant impact on VR-QOL. The lacrimal drainage system is the major cause of watery eyes. It is important to include the functional component in the outcome assessment of epiphora treatment.
Effect of Spacing and Weed Management on Weed Dynamics of Summer Blackgram [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper] under Nagaland Conditions
Authors: Thongni A. , Tzudir L. , Kumari S. 
Published: September 2023

Background: A study was conducted during Zaid season of 2021 on response of summer blackgram [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper] to planting geometry and weed management under Nagaland conditions. Methods: The experiment was laid out in Factorial Randomized Block Design (FRBD) with three replications and comprised of three levels of planting geometry viz., S1-20 × 10 cm2, S2-30 × 10 cm and S3-40 × 10 cm and four different levels of weed management viz., W1-Weedy check, W2-Two hand weedings at 20 DAS and 40 DAS, W3 = Pendimethalin @ 1 kg a.i ha-1 + Imazethapyr @ 100 g ha-1 at 30 DAS and W4= Pendimethalin @ 1 kg a.i ha-1 + one hand weeding at 30 DAS. Result: The highest seed and stover yields (739 kg ha-1, 2068.2 kg ha-1) were recorded at 30 x 10 cm2 spacing and it was at par with 20 × 10 cm2. Pendimethalin @1 kg a.i ha + one hand weeding at 30 DAS recorded lowest weed population, weed dry weight and highest weed control efficiency. Combination of 30 × 10 cm2 and Pendimethalin @ 1 kg a.i ha-1 + one hand weeding at 30 DAS recorded highest B:C ratio (1.32) among all the treatments and was found to be an economically achievable treatment combination for summer blackgram.Background: A study was conducted during Zaid season of 2021 on response of summer blackgram [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper] to planting geometry and weed management under Nagaland conditions.
Concept and preliminary design of dielectric resonator for anisotropic measurement of the surface impedance
Authors: Torokhtii Kostiantyn , Alimenti Andrea , Vidal García Pablo , Pompeo Nicola , Silva Enrico 
Published: September 2023

The surface impedance of superconductors as a function of intense (∼ 10 T) static magnetic field at varying orientations with respect to the crystallographic axes is of large interest for both characterization purposes, in view of the material engineering, and from the point of view of devices to be used in fundamental physics experiments. A varying field orientation is customarily obtained with mechanically rotating magnets, whose complexity limits the attainable maximum fields to a few T. Here we propose a special proof of concept design for a measuring cell in which the magnetic field orientation is fixed, while the sample orientation can be changed through its incorporation in a rotating portion of the cell. The main design choices are thus proposed for the measuring cell: a cylindrical dielectric loaded resonator, to be used within the surface perturbation approach for the measurement of the surface impedance of flat samples with typical size 10×10mm2. The main focus in this preliminary work is put on the sensitivity attainable on the surface resistance, i.e. the real part of the surface impedance.The surface impedance of superconductors in function of intense (∼ 10 T) static magnetic field at varying orientations with respect to the crystallographic axes is of large interest for both characterization purposes, in view of the material engineering, and from the point of view of devices to be used in fundamental physics experiments. A varying field orientation is customarily obtained with mechanically rotating magnets, whose complexity limits the attainable maximum fields to a few T. Here we propose a special proof of concept design for a measuring cell in which the magnetic field orientation is fixed, while the sample orientation can be changed through its incorporation in a rotating portion of the cell. The main design choices are thus proposed for the measuring cell: a cylindrical dielectric loaded resonator, to be used within the surface perturbation approach for the measurement of the surface impedance of flat samples with typical size 10 × 10 mm2. The main focus in this preliminary work is put on the sensitivity attainable on the surface resistance, i.e. the real part of the surface impedance.
A randomized controlled trial to investigate the effects of incentives on tuberculosis testing rates in rural Philippines
Authors: Ng Hei-Yue , Pang Sharon Sze Lu , Lee Siwon , Lim Krisha , Lau Lincoln L 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Despite efforts to eliminate tuberculosis (TB), the Philippines continues to have one of the highest TB incidence rates in the world. Individuals of low socio-economic status are often at disproportionately high risk of contracting TB. However, TB testing rates remained low among this population, resulting in high disease transmission and deaths. Limited literature exists on interventions aimed at improving TB testing rates among populations living in extreme poverty in the Philippines. Therefore, this clustered randomized controlled trial (RCT) will investigate the effects of incentives for enhancing TB testing in rural health units (RHU) in the Philippines. The study will be conducted as part of the TB testing program led by International Care Ministries (ICM), a non-profit organization operating in the Philippines.
Neural Correlates of Positive and Negative Formal Thought Disorder in Individuals with Schizophrenia: An ENIGMA Schizophrenia Working Group Study
Authors: Nickl-Jockschat Thomas , Sharkey Rachel , Bacon Chelsea , Peterson Zeru , Rootes-Murdy Kelly , Salvador Raymond , Pomarol Edith , Karuk Andriana , Homan Philipp , Ji Ellen , Omlor Wolfgang , Homan Stephanie , Georgiadis Foivos , Kaiser Stefan , Kirschner Matthias , Ehrlich Stefan , Dannlowski Udo , Grotegerd Dominik , Goltermann Janik , Meinert Susanne , Kircher Tilo , Stein Frederike , Brosch Katharina , Krug Axel , Nenadic Igor , Sim Kang , Piras Fabrizio , Banaj Nerisa , Sponheim Scott , Demro Caroline , Ramsay Ian , King Margaret , Quidé Yann , Green Melissa , Nguyen Dana , Preda Adrian , Calhoun Vince , Turner Jessica , Erp Theo van , Spalletta Gianfranco 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Formal thought disorder (FTD) is a key clinical factor in schizophrenia, but the neurobiological underpinnings remain unclear. In particular, relationship between FTD symptom dimensions and patterns of regional brain volume deficiencies in schizophrenia remain to be established in large cohorts. Even less is known about the cellular basis of FTD. Our study addresses these major obstacles based on a large multi-site cohort through the ENIGMA Schizophrenia Working Group (752 individuals with schizophrenia and 1256 controls), to unravel the neuroanatomy of positive, negative and total FTD in schizophrenia and their cellular bases. We used virtual histology tools to relate brain structural changes associated with FTD to cellular distributions in cortical regions. We identified distinct neural networks for positive and negative FTD. Both networks encompassed fronto-occipito-amygdalar brain regions, but negative FTD showed a relative sparing of orbitofrontal cortical thickness, while positive FTD also affected lateral temporal cortices. Virtual histology identified distinct transcriptomic fingerprints associated for both symptom dimensions. Negative FTD was linked to neuronal and astrocyte fingerprints, while positive FTD was also linked to microglial cell types. These findings relate different dimensions of FTD to distinct brain structural changes and their cellular underpinnings, improve our mechanistic understanding of these key psychotic symptoms.
Predictive Values of an Immunological Fecal Occult Blood Test for the Diagnosis of Colorectal Cancer at the Colonoscopy in Yaounde (Cameroon)
Authors: Jovanka Tchuitcheu Ulrich , Wilson NDJITOYAP NDAM Antonin , Winnie Bekolo Nga , Paule Ngogang Marie , Paul Talla , Isabelle Dang Babagna , Magloire Biwole Sida 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Introduction: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a public health problem in the world. The gold standard test for an early diagnostic is a colonoscopy with a histological exam of the lesion. This is invasive and expensive and few available in rural areas of sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries. The immunological fecal occult blood (iFOB) test have shown its predictive value for the screening of the CRC in west. But its interest in SSA is few studied. It could be altered by the other causes lower digestive bleeding such as worm digestive infections. The aim of this study was to highlight the performance of an iFOB test for the diagnosis of CRC regarding the colonoscopy in SSA area.
Methodology: We conducted an analytical cross-sectional study in two digestive endoscopic centers of Yaoundé (Cameroon) from the 1st July to the 31 November 2022. Patients presenting an indication for colonoscopy without any visible digestive bleeding were included. We collected sociodemographic data and clinical signs. Then, these patients gave their consent and underwent a qualitative immunologic occult test through the iFOB test before the colonoscopy. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23.0 software. The performance of the iFOB test for the diagnosis of CRC at colonoscopy was evaluated in terms of sensitivity (Se), specificity (Sp), positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV).
Results: We registered 103 patients during the period. They were predominantly male with a sex ratio of 1.7. The median age was 52 ± 13 years (range 1 – 84 years). The most common colonoscopy lesions were polyps in 23 patients (22.3%), CRC in 17 patients (16.5%) and hemorrhoids in 15 patients (14.6%). Patients testing positive for iFOB test accounted for 43.7% (45 patients). Among these patients, 31.1% (14 patients) had a CRC. The Se of the occult blood test for CRC detection was calculated to be 82.3% (CI: 56.7 - 96.2); the Sp was 63.9% (CI: 53 - 74); the PPV was 31.1% (CI: 24 - 39) and the NPV was 94.8% (CI: 86.6 - 98.1).
Conclusion: the iFOB test has a good NPV, but a poor PPV for the diagnosis of CRC in our study.
Adenosine mediates the amelioration of social novelty deficits during rhythmic light treatment of 16p11.2+/- female mice
Authors: Hou Sheng-Tao , Ju Jun , Li Xuanyi , Yang Xinyi , Du Jun , Men Siqi , Liu Bo , Zhang Zhenyu , Zhong Haolin , Mai Jinyuan , Wang Yizheng 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Non-invasive brain stimulation therapy for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has shown beneficial effects. Recently, visual sensory stimulation using rhythmic 40 Hz light flicker effectively improved cognitive deficits in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease and stroke. However, whether rhythmic visual 40 Hz light flicker stimulation can ameliorate behavioral deficits in ASD remains unknown. Here, we show that 16p11.2+/− female mice exhibit a strong social novelty deficit, which was ameliorated by treatment with a long-term 40 Hz light stimulation. The elevated power of local-field potential (LFP) in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of 16p11.2+/− female mice was also effectively reduced by 40 Hz light treatment. Importantly, the 40 Hz light flicker reversed the excessive excitatory neurotransmission of PFC pyramidal neurons without altering the firing rate and the number of resident PFC neurons. Mechanistically, 40 Hz light flicker evoked adenosine release in the PFC to modulate excessive excitatory neurotransmission of 16p11.2+/− female mice. Elevated adenosine functioned through its cognate A1 receptor to suppress excessive excitatory neurotransmission and to alleviate social novelty deficits. Indeed, either blocking the A1 receptor using a specific antagonist DPCPX or knockdown the A1 receptor in the PFC using an shRNA completely ablated the beneficial effects of 40 Hz light flicker. Thus, this study identified adenosine as a novel neurochemical cause for ameliorating social novelty deficit through the reduction of excitatory neurotransmission by the 40 Hz light flicker. The 40 Hz light stimulation warrants further development as a non-invasive ASD therapeutics.
Knowledge and Compliance to Hand Hygiene Among Anesthesiologists in the Operation Room in Sudan 2022
Authors: Khalel Farah , Abdalla Eltayeb , Hassabo Mohammed 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Objectives
This study aims to assess anesthesiology registrars’ knowledge and compliance with Hand hygiene strategies in the operation room and ICU in Sudan in 2022.
Materials and Methods
This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted among anesthesiology registrars registered in the Sudanese Council of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care. Data was collected by the researcher using a self-administered Google form questionnaire assessing knowledge about patient prevention, self-protection, alcohol-based rubbing, hand washing using soap and water, and compliance with the WHO 5 moments hand hygiene practice, then analyzed by SPSS V 28 software.
Results
The study included 150 anesthesiology registrars with a mean age of 31 ± 4 years and a female majority of 67%. Overall, the majority 88% have a fair knowledge regarding hand hygiene, 12% have poor knowledge, and 65% were compliant with all the recommended 5 moments of hand hygiene. Analysis of Factors affecting participants’ compliance with WHO 5 moments revealed that only experience was associated with the participants’ compliance.
Conclusion
Many gaps in knowledge about hand hygiene were identified regarding patients and self-protection, and hand washing and rubbing, thus, anesthesiology registrars had poor to fair knowledge regarding hand hygiene. While 65% of them are compliant with the WHO 5 Moments hand hygiene. Compliance with the WHO 5 Moments hand hygiene was associated with participants' experience.
A pilot trial of the effect of bone antiresorptive agents on bone turnover markers in critically ill women
Authors: Orford Neil R , Bone Allison , Kotowicz Mark A , Bailey Michael , Pasco Julie A , Maiden Matthew , Kakho Nima , Cattigan Claire , Nichonghaile Martina , Jones Claire , Hodgson Carol , Nair Priya , Center Jacqueline , Bellomo Rinaldo 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Rationale:
Critical illness is associated with increased bone turnover, loss of bone density, and increased risk of fragility fractures. The impact of bone antiresorptive agents in this population is not established.
Objectives:
Examine the efficacy, feasibility, and safety of antiresorptive agents administered to critically ill women aged fifty years or greater.
Methods:
Women aged 50 years or greater admitted to an intensive care unit for at least 24 hours were randomised to receive an antiresorptive agent (zoledronic acid or denosumab) or placebo, during critical illness and six months later (denosumab only). Bone turnover markers and bone mineral density (BMD) were monitored for one year.
Measurements and Main Results:
We studied 18 patients over 35 months before stopping the study due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Antiresorptive medications decreased the bone turnover marker type 1 cross-linked c-telopeptide (CTX) from day 0 to 28 by 43% (+40%), compared to an increase of 26% (+ 55%) observed with placebo (absolute difference -69%, 95% CI -127% to -11%), p=0.03). Mixed linear modelling revealed differences in the month after trial drug administration between the groups in serum CTX, alkaline phosphatase, parathyroid hormone, and phosphate. Change in BMD between antiresorptive and placebo groups was not statistically analysed due to small numbers. No serious adverse events were recorded.
Conclusions:
In critically ill women aged 50-years and over, antiresorptive agents suppressed bone resorption markers without serious adverse events. However, recruitment was slow. Further phase 2 trials examining the efficacy of these agents are warranted and should address barriers to enrolment.
Trial registration: ACTRN12617000545369, registered 18th April 2017