bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A cross-sectional study to compare the normal corneal epithelial thickness in various age groups of Indian population using 9 mm wide optical coherence tomography scans
Authors: Hoshing Abhishek , Bhosale Seema , Samant Monica , Bamne Aditya , Kalyankar Huma 
Published: February 2022

Purpose:
To compare the corneal epithelial thickness among various age groups of normal Indians with 9-mm-wide optical coherence tomography scans.

Methods:
This cross sectional, observational study recruited patients in the age groups of 5–20 years (group 1), 21–35 years (group 2), 36–50 years (group 3), and more than 51 years (group 4). They underwent a detailed ophthalmic examination and were excluded if found to have any ocular surface or intraocular disease (except cataract and refractive error), undergone any ophthalmic surgery, corneal topography changes suggestive of corneal ectasias, or been continuously using any topical medication in either eye for a period of 3 months or more with the last instillation being within 1 month of inclusion in the study. Corneal epithelial thickness (CET) was measured using anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT). The CET data from 25 sectors in each eye were analyzed for each age group.

Results:
There were 71 subjects in group 1, 76 subjects in group 2, 59 subjects in group 3, and 57 subjects in group 4. The mean (± standard deviation) ages in the groups 1, 2, 3, and 4 were 14.04 ± 5.10, 26.63 ± 4.71, 42.66 ± 3.92, and 61.65 ± 7.47 years, respectively. The central corneal thickness in all age groups was comparable. Maximum variance in CET parameters was seen in superior cornea.

Conclusion:
Central corneal thickness remains fairly stable over various age groups. The maximum variance in CET over age is seen in superior cornea. The findings from the Indian population correlate well with racially and geographically distinct subjects.
Coats’ disease – Prognostic factors for globe and vision salvage in children, a long-term experience
Authors: Shanmugam Mahesh P , Shah Payal Naresh , Sagar Pradeep , Ramanjulu Rajesh , Mishra Divyansh Kailashchandra 
Published: February 2022

Purpose:
Coats’ disease is associated with poor outcomes, and there are limited studies on long-term outcomes of Coats’ disease. The purpose of our study is to identify various predictive factors to help in prognosticating the treatment outcomes in advanced Coats’ disease in children.

Methods:
This is a retrospective case series from a single tertiary eye care center of children (<18 years) diagnosed with coat’s disease. Sixty-seven patients with Coat’s disease were identified from the medical records from 2009 to 2020. Patients’ demographic data, clinical presentation, stage, extent of involvement, detailed treatment history, clinical sequelae post-treatment (including complications and anatomical and functional outcomes) were noted. Binary logistic regression was performed to correlate the predictive factors for anatomical and functional improvement.

Results:
Of the 67 patients, 51 eyes of 51 patients were included in the study. The male to female proportion was 2.2. Mean age at presentation was 4.98 ± 3.55 years (range: 2 months–15 years). Mean duration of follow-up was 31.53 ± 26.38 months. Overall, our globe salvage rate was 92.2%. We found that vitreoretinal fibrosis (P < 0.001), subretinal gliosis (P < 0.001), vitreous hemorrhage (P = 0.02), tractional or combined retinal detachment (P < 0.001), foveal scar (P < 0.006), and cataract (P < 0.001) to be important factors to affect the outcome.

Conclusion:
Advanced stage of presentation (stage 3B and above), diffuse involvement, cataract, vitreoretinal fibrosis (preretinal and subretinal), vitreous hemorrhage, tractional or combined retinal detachment, and anterior hyaloid proliferation are poor prognostic factors for globe salvage in advanced disease. Subretinal gliotic nodule or scar and lack of visual rehabilitation suggest poor functional outcomes.
Sensitivity and specificity of potassium hydroxide and calcofluor white stain to differentiate between fungal and Pythium filaments in corneal scrapings from patients of Pythium keratitis
Authors: Bagga Bhupesh , Vishwakarma Pratima , Sharma Savitri , Jospeh Joveeta , Mitra Sanchita , Mohamed Ashik 
Published: February 2022

Purpose:
To assess the sensitivity of potassium hydroxide and calcofluor white (KOH+CFW) mount in the diagnosis of Pythium keratitis and concordance among microbiologists.

Methods:
Three microbiologists evaluated the microscopic images of KOH + CFW mounts of confirmed cases of Pythium and fungal keratitis seen between January 2019 and February 2021. The filaments were compared using specific differentiating features. The sensitivity and specificity of KOH + CFW in diagnosing Pythium infection were evaluated along with concordance among the microbiologists.

Results:
Sixty consecutive cases with confirmed growth of fungus or Pythium insidiosum (n = 29) were evaluated. The sensitivity of KOH + CFW in the correct identification of Pythium filaments ranged from 79.3% to 96.5% among three microbiologists. There was good interobserver (k = 0.76–0.90) and intraobserver (k = 0.70–0.97) agreements among three microbiologists. The differentiating findings (P < 0.0001) suggestive of Pythium filaments were the absence of septae in 23 (79.3%) and collapsed walls in 22 (75.9%) cases.

Conclusion:
KOH + CFW has good sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of Pythium keratitis with good interobserver and intraobserver concordance.
A study of the association between Vitamin D deficiency and Dry Eye Syndrome (DES) in the Indian population
Authors: Jain Nikita , Sharma Pankaj , Chouhan JK 
Published: February 2022

Purpose:
A study of the association between vitamin D deficiency and dry eye syndrome (DES) in the Indian population.

Methods:
This was a cross-sectional, hospital-based observational study. Sixty patients diagnosed with vitamin D deficiency (<20 ng/dl) who met the inclusion criteria were sent to the Eye OPD from the Endocrinology OPD (case) were compared to 60 subjects with normal vitamin D levels (≥20 ng/dl) who attended the Eye OPD (controls). The examination of the tear film was done using Whatman filter paper in Schirmer test I and Schirmer test I (with anesthesia). The tear film break-up time (TFBUT) was determined by slit-lamp examination using the fluorescein stain, and scoring using the ocular surface disease index (OSDI) was done.

Results:
A significant difference in the mean values of Schirmer I and Schirmer I test (with anesthesia) (P < 0.001) was seen between the case and control groups. A significant difference in the mean values of TFBUT (P < 0.001) and OSDI scores (P < 0.01) was also seen between the two groups.

Conclusion:
A positive association was found between vitamin D deficiency and dry eye on comparing the above parameters.
Evaluation of retinal nerve fiber layer, ganglion cell layer, and optic nerve head morphological parameters in patients with obstructive sleep apnea and comparison with normal population
Authors: Sundaram Vandhana , Haridas Sujithra , Dhar Meenakshi , Harikrishnan CP 
Published: February 2022

Purpose:
To compare the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), ganglion cell layer (GCL), and optic nerve head (ONH) morphological parameters between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients and age-matched controls using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT).

Methods:
This case control study was conducted in a multi-specialty tertiary care hospital from 2014 to 2016. Patients diagnosed to have OSA by overnight polysomnography were included in the study. Fifty eyes of 25 OSA patients with clinically normal optic disc were compared with 50 eyes of age-matched controls. The study population underwent detailed ophthalmological evaluation including SD-OCT.

Results:
There was significant thinning of the superior, inferior, and average RNFL in the OSA group when compared to controls. GCL analysis also showed a significant thinning of the six sectors as well as average and minimum ganglion cell layer + inner plexiform layer in OSA patients. The optic nerve head rim area was significantly decreased in OSA patients when compared to controls.

Conclusion:
OSA patients even with clinically normal optic disc showed significant decrease in the RNFL thickness, GCL thickness, and rim area when compared to age-matched controls. Hence, these patients constitute a high-risk population who need to be regularly screened and followed up for ocular co-morbidities.
The State of Spinal Cord Injury Respiratory Rehabilitation in Latin America
Authors: Jiménez Isaac Hernández , Di Giusto Melina Longoni , Castillo Camilo , Ramos-Usuga Daniela , Tansey Keith , Arango-Lasprilla Juan Carlos 
Published: February 2022

Objectives:
To describe the current state of pulmonary rehabilitation of patients with Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) in Latin America (LA) during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods:
468 rehabilitation professionals working with SCI patients from 20 countries in LA answered an online survey related to their training, qualifications, medical practices, and resources.

Results:
Less than half of pulmonary rehabilitation professionals reported working with SCI patients. Of these, more than half indicated that they had not received training in pulmonary rehabilitation of these patients and did not feel qualified to provide this kind of care. In fact, only 23.4% of those surveyed indicated treating patients with SCI who require mechanical ventilation. Around 60% of providers reported having a multidisciplinary team trained and qualified to practice pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with SCI. Finally, the majority indicated having less than 5 beds to carry out this practice.

Conclusions:
This manuscript highlights the limited professional training and resource availability in LA to assist patients with SCI requiring pulmonary rehabilitation and provides recommendations to improve the current situation.
The Relationship between albumin–Bilirubin grade and survival in hepatocelluler carcinoma patients treated with sorefanib
Authors: Fidan E , Fidan S , Merev E , Kazaz N 
Published: February 2022

ABSTRACT

Background:
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common hepatic malignancies and the sixth most common cancer worldwide. Prognosis is affected by tumor stage, hepatic disfunction and patient performance. Albumin - bilirubin grade was developed to assess the hepatic function in patient with HCC. Aims: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between albumin–bilirubin (ALBI) grade and survival in HCC patients receiving sorafenib. We also planned to investigate whether ALBI scores in advanced stage patients are prognostic and predictive.

Patients and Methods:
Patients presenting to the Karadeniz Technical University Medical Faculty Medical Oncology Clinic and diagnosed with HCC in 2010–2018 were included in the study. Fifty-six patients using sorafenib with Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance scores of 0, 1, or 2, who had not previously received systemic therapy were enrolled.

Results:
Patients' median age was 64.8 years (range: 23–86), and 80.4% were men. The highest proportion of patients were infected with hepatitis B virus (46.4%), 37 patients were ECOG 1 (66.1%), and 40 were ALBI grade 2 (71.4%). The change occurring in ALBI scores after sorafenib therapy compared to pre-sorafenib values was found to affect progression-free survival. Prognosis was better in the group with decreasing ALBI scores than in the increasing score group (p: 0.028). Multivariate regression analysis revealed that the change occurring in ALBI scores after sorafenib therapy compared to pre-sorafenib values was predictive of progression-free survival independently of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels.

Conclusion:
This study shows that ALBI grade affects survival independently of AFP, Hand–Foot Syndrome (HFS), and other prognostic factors. ALBI grading can be used as a prognostic parameter in patients using sorafenib.
Conulários do Devoniano do Brasil: importância paleobiogeográfica
Authors: Leme Juliana De Moraes , Ghilardi Renato Pirani , Bissaro Júnior Marcos César 
Published: February 2022

Conulários são cnidários extintos, na maioria das vezes com teca fosfática, ocorrendo do Pré-Cambriano ao Triássico. Eles são característicos nas faunas do Domínio Malvinocáfrico, sendo abundantes em concentrações fossilíferas devonianas. Outras ocorrências são verificadas na Argentina, Peru, Paraguai, Uruguai e África do Sul. No Brasil, ocorrem nas bacias do Amazonas, do Parnaíba e do Paraná. A fauna de conulários do Devoniano do Brasil é pouco diversificada, quando comparada com a fauna coeva da Bolívia. Conularia quichua é a espécie dominante no Brasil e na Bolívia. A ampla distribuição paleobiogeográfica das espécies no Domínio Malvinocáfrico sugere que essas foram euritérmicas, uma vez que ocorrem em terrenos das províncias Andina, Brasileira e Malvinocáfrica Sul-Africana. Essas duas últimas englobam áreas que estiveram situadas nas altas latitudes, próximas do pólo sul devoniano, enquanto a Andina esteve localizada em torno dos 40º a 45º de latitude sul. A presença de C. quichua na Bacia do Amazonas reforça o caráter cosmopolita da espécie e demonstra a viabilidade de comunicações paleobiogeográficas entre os diferentes domínios do Devoniano Médio a Superior das bacias intracratônicas da América do Sul. Aqui são apresentadas informações sobre a discussão das implicações paleobiogeográficas das diferentes ocorrências de conulários no Devoniano do Brasil.
Dieta do tiê-sangue (Ramphocelus bresilius) em uma área de restinga urbana no Sudeste do Brasil
Authors: Draghi Julia , Alves Vania Soares 
Published: February 2022

A restinga é um ambiente relativamente pouco evoluído e apresenta uma avifauna pobre em espécies. O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar a dieta do tiê-sangue (Ramphocelus bresilius) no Parque Natural Municipal Chico Mendes, localizado na cidade do Rio de Janeiro, onde predominam restingas secas e brejosas. Os tiês-sangue foram capturados em redes, entre agosto de 2004 e novembro de 2005, e receberam o tártaro emético, resultando em 41 regurgitações induzidas e/ou amostras de fezes. Detectamos que 32% das amostras eram compostas apenas de itens de origem vegetal, 8% apenas de itens de origem animal e 58% de itens vegetais e animais. Sementes de Ficus sp. foram encontradas em 36% das amostras, bem como Alchornea triplinervia (19%), Lantana camara (9%), Cestrum sp. (4%), Ficus religiosa (4%), além de Psychotria sp., Myrsine sp., Piper sp1, Piper sp2, Cecropia sp. e morfotipos (1, 2 e 3), com 2% cada uma. Itens vegetais não identificados somaram 11% das amostras. Dos invertebrados identificados, os artrópodes coleópteros foram a ordem mais encontrada (30,2%). Ramphocelus bresilius é uma espécie onívora. A coleta sistemática de espécies vegetais na área resultaria em uma base de dados mais consistente e funcional para auxiliar na identificação das sementes encontradas.
Crescimento e sobrevivência de castanheira (Bertholletia excelsa Bonpl., Lecythidaceae) plantada em diferentes condições de luminosidade após seis anos de plantio na região do rio Trombetas, Oriximiná, Pará
Authors: Scoles Ricardo , Klein Gilmar Nicolau , Gribel Rogério 
Published: February 2022

Este estudo avaliou o desempenho e a sobrevivência da castanheira (Bertholletia excelsa Bonpl., Lecythidaceae) em três ambientes com diferentes condições de luz em plantios experimentais localizados na região do rio Trombetas (Oriximiná, Pará). Três tratamentos ambientais de exposição à luz: roçados de mandioca abandonados (100% de abertura de dossel), capoeiras jovens (20-80%) e sub-bosque de castanhais (< 10%), com quatro repetições, foram utilizados para o desenvolvimento da pesquisa. Por seis anos, mediram-se as plantas (altura, diâmetro do caule) e registraram-se os episódios de mortalidade e rebrotação. As plantas de castanheira no roçado tiveram um crescimento muito maior, em altura e diâmetro, que as dos outros dois tratamentos. O índice de sobrevivência das castanheiras plantadas variou conforme o tratamento adotado: 90% (roçado), 77% (capoeira) e 21% (sub-bosque de castanhal). A capacidade de rebrotação das plantas de castanheira foi altíssima no tratamento de roçado, recuperando-se de forma significativa após um ano da perturbação severa causada por fogo e com surgimento majoritário de mais de um caule. Conclui-se que a castanheira é uma árvore fortemente dependente de luz para o seu desempenho juvenil, com alta sobrevivência em condições de exposição à luz e com alta capacidade de rebrotação após perturbação por fogo.
Social capital and access to (natural) resources and markets along the Brazil nut (Bertholletia excelsa) value chain in the Lower Amazon basin, Pará
Authors: Cunha Marcelo 
Published: February 2022

The aim of this study is to understand the relationships between social capital and access to (natural) resources and markets in the case of Brazil nut value chain actors in the meso-region of the Lower Amazon, with a focus on quilombola communities from Oriximiná and the environs of the market in Óbidos, Pará. The analytical framework combines conceptual analysis with empirical observations to improve understanding of the relationships among the variables in question and provides scientific input for co-development of the value chain. Socioeconomic and environmental data were collected through interviews with agroextrativistas and group interviews at community level. Results highlight the existence of ‘bonding social capital’ which unites individuals from the same community and ‘linking’ and ‘bridging social capital’ that connect them to downstream chain actors, potentially facilitating access to (natural) resources and markets. Mainly due to trust, trade relationships along the Brazil nut value chain generate significant mutual benefits among the Associação dos Moradores da Comunidade Remanescente de Quilombo de Cachoeira Porteira (AMOCREQ) from the quilombola community Cachoeira Porteira in Oriximiná and the firm Mundial Exportadora in Óbidos, despite the shorter distances to the Oriximiná market.
Floral biology, morphology and ecological niche modelling of Caraipa grandifolia (Calophyllaceae), an important Amazonian floodplain tree
Authors: Versieux Leonardo De Melo , Acosta André Luis , Jordão Alexandre Luis , Zidko Alexsandro , Maia Ulysses Madureira 
Published: February 2022

The present work aims to investigate the floral biology and morphology of one member of the Calophyllaceae (or Clusiaceae sensu lato), Caraipa grandifolia in the Caxiuanã National Forest, in the eastern Brazilian Amazon and aims to identify the bioclimatic affinities of this species, providing insights about its environmental requirements and mapping its potential distribution, given the paucity of data about flood-tolerant trees. Nine flowering individuals were located along a 2 km stretch of the Anapu river, and were visited by eleven different species (some of which are potential pollinators) including cockroaches, bees, ants, and wasps. Flower anthesis occurred between 05:00 and 07:30. The flowers are odourous, and osmophores were observed along the petals and also on top of each individual anther. The main reward collected by bees was pollen and an oily resin/scent produced by anther glands, while four different ant species collected nectar in inconspicuous extranuptial nectaries along the flower pedicel, a morphological feature previously unreported for the genus. Caraipa grandifolia is considered to be an important tree species in the flooded forest ecosystems given the number of interactions with which it is involved and its potentially wide distribution indicated by our modelling.
Biologia floral e visitantes de Cordia nodosa: uma espécie com dimorfismo estilar na Amazônia
Authors: Coelho Christiano Peres , Rech André Rodrigo , Carmo Valdivino Santana do 
Published: February 2022

As angiospermas apresentam estratégias que promovem o fluxo gênico, como a heterostilia, com diferenças na altura do estilete e estames entre indivíduos. Variações nos sistemas distílicos são descritos e causam discussão, pois envolvem questões evolutivas. O objetivo do trabalho é descrever a morfologia e a morfometria floral de Cordia nodosa, visitantes, produção de néctar, fluxo de pólen e sistema reprodutivo. Obtiveram-se medidas das flores, observação dos visitantes, produção de néctar e polinizações controladas. A altura dos estiletes variou continuamente nos indivíduos, diferente dos estames, com altura fixa. Os tubos polínicos não apresentaram autoincompatibilidade no estigma, porém não foi possível observar o crescimento nos estiletes, não apresentando autoincompatibilidade esporofítica. Abelhas coletoras de néctar e pólen foram os visitantes mais frequentes, tendo-se também observado vespas e borboletas. A dinâmica de néctar revelou redução na produção após a primeira retirada, o que foi interpretado como economia energética. Além disso, a presença de pólen e néctar como recurso parece subsidiar um sistema de polinização funcionalmente generalista, em que nectarívoros e polinívoros atuariam em diferentes aspectos da polinização e do fluxo gênico, assim podendo alterar os mecanismos de retirada e deposição de pólen, bem como afetar a morfologia floral através de pressões de seleção diferenciadas
Diabásios e anfibolitos da área de Nova Canadá: natureza e implicações tectônicas para a Província Carajás
Authors: Marangoanha Bhrenno , Oliveira Davis Carvalho de 
Published: February 2022

O magmatismo básico presente na área de Nova Canadá é representado por diques de diabásio, de caráter isotrópico, e extensos corpos de anfibolito, que apresentam texturas nematoblástica e granoblástica, ambos encaixados nos granitoides do Complexo Xingu e na sequência greenstone de Sapucaia. Eles apresentam assinatura de basaltos subalcalinos de afinidade toleítica. Os diques de diabásio são formados mineralogicamente por plagioclásio, piroxênio (orto e clinopiroxênio), anfibólio, minerais opacos e olivina, e relacionam-se a ambiente geotectônico do tipo intraplaca continental. Já os anfibolitos são classificados como toleítos de arco de ilha, sendo constituídos essencialmente por plagioclásio, anfibólio, minerais opacos, titanita e biotita. As variações de elementos-traço com o #Mg, em particular do Ni e Cr, sugerem ainda que olivina, orto e clinopiroxênio foram fases importantes no fracionamento magmático nos diabásios. Nos anfibolitos, destaca-se uma importante anomalia positiva de Sr que, combinada com a ausência de anomalia de Eu, indica que o plagioclásio não foi uma fase significativa no processo de fracionamento magmático. As condições de cristalização dos diques de diabásio apontam para temperaturas iniciais entre 1.200 e 1.100 °C e pressõesque variavam entre 1 e 3 kbar.
Marsilea minuta L. (Marsileaceae): nova ocorrência para a Amazônia brasileira
Authors: Tavares Jorgeane Valéria Casique , Kikuchi Tatiani Yuriko Souza , Maciel Sebastião , Almeida Lins Alba Lúcia Ferreira de 
Published: February 2022

Marsilea minuta L. (Marsileaceae) é registrada pela primeira vez na Amazônia brasileira. Trata-se de uma samambaia aquática, naturalizada, ocorrente em ambientes antropizados. As características morfológicas e anatômicas de plantas de ambientes aquático e terrestre foram descritas, comentadas e ilustradas.