bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Performance of home-based self-tonometry (iCare HOME (TA022)) for measuring intraocular pressure among healthy and glaucoma patients
Authors: Nayak Anush , Ramesh S Ve , Kuzhuppilly Neetha I R , Pai Vijaya H , Chaitanya Aditya 
Published: February 2023

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to compare iCare HOME (TA022) with Goldmann applanation tonometer and to evaluate the self-tonometry measurements among the Indian population. Methods: Eligible patients underwent iCare HOME training through guided demonstration (verbal, pictorial, video) and practised self-tonometry measures using iCare HOME. Certification for independent iCare HOME measure was provided if first iCare HOME intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement fell within ± 5 mmHg of Goldmann applanation tonometer (GAT) measurement which was measured by the trained clinician (principal investigator). Certified participants underwent simulated home self-tonometry measurements using iCare HOME, and agreement with GAT IOP measurements was assessed. Results: Seven of 83 participants (8.43%) failed to complete the study due to difficulty in performing the task, leading to non-certification. Patients who could use the iCare HOME had a mean age of 53 ± 15.55years (53% males; 46% females). Only one in 12 subjects did not qualify to use iCare HOME. The overall mean difference between iCare HOME and GAT was 0.83 mmHg (95%, 3.92 and -2.25). At various pressure ranges, 7-16 mmHg, 17-23 mmHg and >23 mmHg, the mean difference between iCare HOME and GAT was 1.22 mmHg (95%, 4.32 and -1.86), 0.77 mmHg (95%,3.69 and -2.19), -0.11 mmHg (95%, 2.52 and -2.74) respectively. The intra-class correlation coefficient of the iCare HOME device was 0.997(95% CI,0.995-0.998). Conclusions: Patients were able to perform self- tonometry using iCare HOME with good reliability and safety. iCare HOME can be used to address the issue of difficulty in acquiring frequent and diurnal IOP measurements by patients doing self-tonometry from home.
Predicting infection with COVID-19 disease using logistic regression model in Karak City, Jordan
Authors: Khaleel Anas , Abu Dayyih Wael , AlTamimi Lina , Dalaeen Liana , Zakaraya Zainab , Ahmad Alhareth , Albadareen Baker , Elbakoush Abdalla 
Published: February 2023

Background: On March 2020, World Health Organization (WHO) labeled coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) as a pandemic. COVID-19 has rapidly increased in Jordan which resulted in the announcement of the emergency state on March 19th, 2020. Despite the variety of research being reported, there is no agreement on the variables that predict COVID-19 infection. We have analyzed the data collected from Karak city citizens to predict the probability of infection with COVID-19 using binary logistic regression model. Methods: Based on data collected by Google sheet of COVID-19 infected and non-infected persons in Karak city, analysis was applied to predict COVID-19 infection probability using a binary logistic regression model. Results: The ultimate logistic regression model provides the formula of COVID-19 infection probability based on sex and age variables. Conclusions: Given a person's age and sex, the final model presented in this study can be used to calculate the probability of infection with COVID-19 in Karak city. This could help aid health-care management and policymakers in properly planning and allocating health-care resources.
The rise of gemination in Celtic
Authors: Stifter David 
Published: February 2023

This study investigates systematically the emergence and establishment of geminate conson­ants as a phono­logical class in the Celtic branch of Indo-European. The approach of this study is comparative historical linguistics, drawing on diachronic structuralism combined with aspects of language contact studies and functional approaches to language usage. This study traces the development of geminates from Proto-Indo-European (fourth millennium b.c.), which did not allow geminate consonants, to the Common Celtic period (first millennium b.c.), when almost every consonant could occur as a singleton or as a geminate, and on to the earliest attested stages of the Insular Celtic languages (1stmillennium a.d.). Although they were prominent in the phonology of Proto- and Ancient Celtic (Gaulish, Celtiberian), ultimately geminates were gotten rid of as a phonological class in the individual Insular Celtic languages. This is probably due to the fact that the contrast between lenited and unlenited sounds took on a central role in Insular Celtic phonology, making gemination a redundant category.Most instances of geminate consonants in Celtic can be explained by regular sound change operating on inherited clusters of consonants. Each sound change will be discussed in a separate section in a rough chronological order. Effectively, gemination is largely a strategy to reduce the number of allowed consonant combinations. To a limited degree, gemination also had a morphological function, especially in the formation of personal names and in the creation of adjectival neologisms. However, there is a residue of words, especially nouns, in the Insular Celtic languages that defy any attempt at etymologising. They are prime suspects of having been borrowed from prehistoric, substratal languages.
Development of agroecology in Austria and Germany
Authors: Brumer Anna , Wezel Alexander , Dauber Jens , Breland Tor Arvid , Grard Baptiste 
Published: February 2023

Background: Transforming food systems is necessary to address the global issues of severe biodiversity loss, hunger, and malnutrition as well as the consequences of the rapidly advancing climate change. Agroecology as a systemic approach has been recognised as a promising path of change exemplified in various case studies strengthening this transformation. The aim of this study is to get insight specifically for Austria and Germany in providing an overview of the advancement in agroecology in both countries and identify agroecology-related initiatives. Methods: 21 interviews with experts were conducted to determine the recognition, understanding, and development of agroecology in Austria and Germany in terms of movement, practice, policies, education, and research. In addition, information about agroecology-related initiatives was collected from interviews with 24 representatives of initiatives and literature analysis. Data was analysed according to five activity categories under which agroecology manifest: movement, practice, living lab, science and research infrastructure, and training and education. Results: Results show that the term agroecology is not commonly used in Austria and Germany, where the concept is mainly associated to a scientific discipline. Practices considered agroecological are implemented primarily through organic agriculture, which is very developed in Austria and to a lesser extent in Germany. Many networks, food policy councils, associations, and scientific projects related to agroecology exist, each with specific purposes and ambitions to change farming and food systems. While most selected initiatives do not explicitly refer to agroecology, all follow certain agroecological principles and aim at contributing to accelerate the agroecological transition. Conclusions: Clarifying the concept of agroecology, overcoming economic and political barriers as well as fostering participation of a multitude of stakeholders in the transition is essential for the future development of agroecology in Austria and Germany.
Deterrence, resilience, and engagement: Tokyo’s response to the Ukraine war and Russia-China alignment
Authors: Nagy Stephen R. , Nguyen Hanh 
Published: February 2023

Russia’s unprovoked attack against Ukraine entails significant implications to Japan’s security and its surrounding environment. How is Japan responding to Russia’s use of force? What are the drivers of its responses? This case study examines official speeches by Japanese leaders and government senior officials, government announcements, opinion polls, and analyses by Japan experts to understand Tokyo’s perceptions and responses to Moscow’s military attack against Kiev. Seen from Tokyo, the invasion of Ukraine is not only an attack against the rules-based international order but also a manifestation of Japan’s security concerns regarding China’s growing military capabilities and closer Russia-China alignment, especially the potential use of military force to change the Indo-Pacific region’s power balance. This article also finds that Tokyo’s response to Russia-China alignment and the Ukraine invasion continues to be wedded to an approach is characterized by a mixture of engagement, resilience, and deterrence, aiming at both Russia and the growing Russia-China alignment.
EIDM training as a key intervention among researchers to enhance research uptake and policy engagement: an evaluation study
Authors: Abdullahi Leila , Hara Hleziwe , Kahurani Elizabeth , Kamthunzi Victory , Nthakomwa Lomuthando , Oronje Rose , Madise Nyovani 
Published: February 2023

In the past decade, the field of Evidence Informed Decision Making (EIDM) has been evolving faster than before. This shows a need for capacity enhancement amongst evidence producers and evidence users in EIDM training. Through the Enhance DELTAS programme, led by the African Institute for Development Policy (AFIDEP), we provided research uptake and policy engagement training, mentorship and webinars to awardees of the Developing Excellence in Leadership, Training and Science (DELTAS) Africa initiative, led by the African Academy of Sciences (AAS). Two workshops were offered to individual early career DELTAS researchers in policy engagement and evidence uptake, referred to as ENHD101, and among research leaders to enhance institutional capacity on policy engagement and evidence uptake, (ENHD102). Overall, over the eight months’ period of training, mentorship and webinars, the programme attracted 31 early career researchers and 20 research leaders. Following the programme, the early career researchers understood the importance of EIDM for better health policies and programmes. In addition, the team appreciated the complexities of the policymaking processes as they developed the policy engagement strategy for their research. The utilisation of the EIDM knowledge was reflected during the mentorship with policy briefs as end product. For research leaders, they appreciated their role in strengthening capacity for EIDM in decision-making spaces. Although during the programme none of the research leaders participated in strengthening capacity for EIDM, the team anticipated improving in the area in the long run. In addition, the research leaders developed and implemented institutional strategies for policy engagement and research uptake through use of social media to influence policymakers. In conclusion, the project supported capacity building of African researchers in EIDM. It was evident that enhancing knowledge and skills on EIDM through an integrated approach to include training, mentorship, and webinars demonstrated enhanced capacity for policy engagement and evidence uptake.
The potential fire risk of emollients when dried on viscose bandages
Authors: McDermott Roisin , Taylor Lucy , Housam Nicola , Hall Sarah 
Published: February 2023

Background: the potential fire risk of fabrics impregnated with emollients has been described within the health service, including ignition of bandages. The role of emollients in fire fatalities have also been included in coroner reports, as accelerating fires when present. Aims: although changes in burning behaviour is known, no standard tests have been carried out on bandages which are often used in conjunction with emollients. Method: using a standard vertical flammability test, the flammability of viscose bandage was compared to when impregnated with nine dried on emollients with low to high and non-paraffin content. Findings: the time to ignition was significantly reduced with an emollient present and the glowing time was longer. Conclusions: the same safety advice applies to viscose bandages as other fabrics with emollients; do not expose them to naked flames or high heat sources or allow emollients to build up on bandages.
The role of proinflammatory cytokines in the detection of early pressure ulcer development: a systematic review
Authors: Chan Mai Shanley , Avsar Pinar , McEvoy Natalie L , Patton Declan , O'Connor Tom , Nugent Linda , Moore Zena 
Published: February 2023

Objective: Pressure ulcers (PUs) commonly occur over bony prominences and are notoriously difficult to treat. Proinflammatory cytokines are substances that initiate the inflammatory process preceding PU development. The aim of this review was to assess whether the increased presence of proinflammatory cytokines could potentially be used as an early detection system for PU development. Method: A systematic search of publications using MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Cochrane databases was conducted in August 2020. Data were extracted and a narrative synthesis was undertaken. The evidence-based librarianship (EBL) checklist assessed the methodological quality of the included studies. The systematic review included original research studies, prospective design, and human studies written in English. Retrospective studies, animal studies, conference papers, opinion papers and qualitative methodology were excluded. No restrictions on the date of publication and study setting were applied. Results: The six studies included were conducted between 2015 and 2019, 50% (n=3) used an experimental study design. The mean sample size was 15 participants (standard deviation=1.72). A total of seven proinflammatory cytokines were analysed. Statistically significant differences were found among inflammatory mediators. Overall results showed that the concentration of interleukin (IL)-1α significantly increased in each study. The EBL score varied between 77–88%. In total, 100% (n=6) of the studies scored ≥75%, reflecting validity. Conclusion: It is not yet certain that monitoring proinflammatory cytokines represents a noninvasive method that could potentially direct preventative measures to those who are identified as at high risk for developing PUs. IL-1α potentially may be elevated for other health conditions, not just PUs. Future studies are therefore recommended.
Quality of life in flexible painful flatfoot treated by anterograde calcaneo-stop procedure: The patient’s and family’s perspective
Authors: Dibello Daniela , Dallan Gabriele , Di Carlo Valentina , Pederiva Federica 
Published: February 2023

Purpose
This study aimed to evaluate the quality of life and satisfaction about the surgical treatment in patients with symptomatic flexible flatfoot.

Methods
The Oxford Ankle Foot Questionnaire for children (one to fill in before the surgical correction and another 6–12 months after the screw’s removal), the PedsQLTM Healthcare Satisfaction Generic Module and the PedsQLTM General Well-Being Scale were administered to all patients who underwent the anterograde calcaneo-stop procedure for flexible painful flatfoot between January 2012 and December 2015.

Results
One hundred forty patients were sent the questionnaires and 74 (40 male and 34 female) of them responded. The surgical correction was performed at a medium age of 11,84±1,65 years.
When the Oxford Ankle Foot Questionnaire for children scores before surgical correction and after the screw removal were compared, the latter scored significantly higher for all domains. Healthcare satisfaction was good in all families. Most of the patients scored medium-high on the PedQLTM General Well-Being both when asked about themselves (mean 86,50±7,44) and in general about their health (76,06±12,32).

Conclusion
Our results confirmed that flexible painful flatfoot is significantly affecting the quality of life of children and that the anterograde calcaneo-stop procedure is a valuable technique, which improves their quality of life and the family wellbeing.
High dose rifampin for 2 months vs standard dose rifampin for 4 months, to treat TB infection: Protocol of a 3-arm randomized trial (2R2)
Authors: Fregonese Federica , Apriani Lika , Barss Leila , Benedetti Andrea , Cook Victoria , Fisher Dina , Fox Greg J. , Johnston James , Long Richard , Nguyen Thu Anh , Nguyen Viet Nhung , Ruslami Rovina , Menzies Dick 
Published: February 2023

Introduction
Tuberculosis preventive treatment (TPT) is an essential component for TB elimination. In order to be successfully implemented on a large scale, TPT needs to be safe, affordable and widely available in all settings. Short TPT regimens, that are less burdensome than longer regimens, to patients and health systems, are needed. Doses of rifampin higher than the standard 10mg/kg/day were tolerated in studies to reduce duration of treatment for tuberculosis disease (TBD). The objective of this trial is to test the safety of high dose rifampin monotherapy to shorten the duration of the currently recommended TPT of 4 months rifampin.

Methods and analysis
This is a phase 2b, randomised, controlled, parallel group, superiority, partially-blind trial. Primary outcomes are completion of treatment (as a proxy measure of tolerability) and safety. The two experimental arms comprise 60 days of (i) 20mg/kg/day or (ii) 30mg/kg/day rifampin; the control arm comprises 120 days of 10mg/kg/day rifampin as TPT. Participants are adults and children 10 years or older, eligible for TPT. Completion is the primary outcome, measured by pill count and is defined as taking minimum of 80% of treatment in 120% of allowed time; it will be tested for superiority by logistic regression. Safety outcome comprises proportion of grade 3–5 adverse events and grade 1–2 rash, adjudicated related to study drug, and resulting in permanent drug discontinuation; compared for non-inferiority between each of the two high dose arms and the standard arm, using Poisson regression. A sample size of 1,359 participants will give 80% power to detect a 10% difference in completion rates and a 1% difference in the safety outcome. The study is conducted in Canada, Indonesia and Vietnam. Enrolment is ongoing at all sites.

Ethics and dissemination
Approvals from a local research ethics board (REB) have been obtained at all participating sites and by the trial coordinating centre. Approval has been given by drug regulatory agencies in Canada and Indonesia and by Ministry of Health in Vietnam; participants give written informed consent before participation. All data collected are non-nominal. Primary results will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal when all participants have completed treatment; results of secondary outcomes will be submitted for publication at the end of study; all sites will receive the final data of participants from their sites.

Trial registration
Trial registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier: NCT03988933). Coordinating center is the study team working at McGill University Health Center-Research Institute (MUHC-RI); sponsor is the MUHC-RI; funding has been granted by Canadian Institute of Health Research (FDN-143350).
Biomechanics of keratoconus: Two numerical studies
Authors: Falgayrettes Nicolas , Patoor Etienne , Cleymand Franck , Zevering Yinka , Perone Jean-Marc 
Published: February 2023

BackgroundThe steep cornea in keratoconus can greatly impair eyesight. The etiology of keratoconus remains unclear but early injury that weakens the corneal stromal architecture has been implicated. To explore keratoconus mechanics, we conducted two numerical simulation studies.MethodsA finite-element model describing the five corneal layers and the heterogeneous mechanical behaviors of the ground substance and lamellar collagen-fiber architecture in the anterior and posterior stroma was developed using the Holzapfel-Gasser-Ogden constitutive model. The geometry was from a healthy subject. Its stroma was divided into anterior, middle, and posterior layers to assess the effect of changing regional mechanical parameters on corneal displacement and maximum principal stress under intraocular pressure. Specifically, the effect of softening an inferocentral corneal button, the collagen-based tissues throughout the whole cornea, or specific stromal layers in the button was examined. The effect of simply disorganizing the orthogonally-oriented posterior stromal fibers in the button was also assessed. The healthy cornea was also subjected to eye rubbing-like loading to identify the corneal layer(s) that experienced the most tensional stress.ResultsConical deformation and corneal thinning emerged when the corneal button or the mid-posterior stroma of the button underwent gradual softening or when the collagen fibers in the mid-posterior stroma of the button were dispersed. Softening the anterior layers of the button or the whole cornea did not evoke conical deformation. Button softening greatly increased and disrupted the stress on Bowman’s membrane while mid-posterior stromal softening increased stress in the anterior layers. Eye rubbing profoundly stressed the deep posterior stroma while other layers were negligibly affected.DiscussionThese observations suggest that keratoconus could be initiated, at least partly, by mechanical instability/damage in the mid-posterior stroma that then imposes stress on the anterior layers. This may explain why subclinical keratoconus is marked by posterior but not anterior elevation on videokeratoscopy.
Natural history of incidentally diagnosed prostate cancer after holmium laser enucleation of the prostate
Authors: Han Jang Hee , Chung Dae Hyuk , Cho Min Chul , Ku Ja Hyeon , Jeong Chang Wook , Kwak Cheol , Paick Jae-Seung , Oh Seung-June 
Published: February 2023

Objectives
There is no consensus on the management plan for incidental prostate cancer (IPCa) after holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP). This study aims to investigate the natural course of this disease and suggest appropriate treatment in real clinical practice.

Methods
The medical records of a prospective cohort of patients with LUTS/BPH who underwent HoLEP between July 2008 and December 2020 at Seoul National University Hospital were retrospectively reviewed. Patients who underwent HoLEP for palliative purpose of prostate cancer control were excluded. The natural history of IPCa was assessed by the clinician in a descriptive manner for each treatment option.

Results
Among 2630 patients, 141 (5.4%) were diagnosed with IPCa after HoLEP. Pathologic T stage and magnetic resonance imaging results were highly associated with the physician’s primary treatment decision-making for IPCa. Active surveillance (AS) was performed in 80% of patients, of whom 90% underwent follow-up without intervention, while the remaining 10% underwent deferred active treatment with a median follow-up of 46.3 months due to International Society of Urological Pathology grade group upgrading or increasing core involvement percentage. Meanwhile, 20% of patients underwent immediate active treatment. With a median follow-up period of 88.3 months after treatment, only one of 25 patients had biochemical recurrence.

Conclusions
The incidence of IPCa after HoLEP was 5.4%, and among these, approximately 20% proceeded with immediate definitive therapy and an additional 6% ultimately received definitive therapy within a median of 4 years of AS but showed excellent oncological outcomes.