bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Photonics-assisted microwave pulse detection and frequency measurement based on pulse replication and frequency-to-time mapping
Authors: Zuo Pengcheng , Ma Dong , Liu Qingbo , Jiang Lizhong , Chen Yang 
Published: January 2022

A photonics-assisted microwave pulse detection and frequency measurement scheme is proposed. The unknown microwave pulse is converted to the optical domain and then injected into a fiber loop for pulse replication, which makes it easier to identify the microwave pulse with a large pulse repetition interval (PRI), whereas stimulated Brillouin scattering-based frequency-to-time mapping (FTTM) is utilized to measure the carrier frequency of the microwave pulse. A sweep optical carrier is generated and modulated by the unknown microwave pulse and a continuous-wave (CW) single-frequency reference, generating two different frequency sweep optical signals, which are combined and used as the probe wave to detect a fixed Brillouin gain spectrum. When the optical signal is detected in a photodetector, FTTM is realized, and the frequency of the microwave pulse can be determined. An experiment is performed. For a fiber loop containing a 210-m fiber, pulse replication and FTTM of the pulses with a PRI of 20 µs and pulse widths of 1.20, 1.00, 0.85, and 0.65 µs are realized. Under a certain frequency sweep chirp rate of 0.978 THz/s, the measurement errors are below

±

12

and

±

5

M
H
z

by using one pair of pulses and multiple pairs of pulses, respectively. The influence of the frequency sweep chirp rate and pulse width on the measurement error has also been studied. To a certain extent, the faster the frequency sweep, the greater the frequency measurement error. For a specific frequency sweep chirp rate, the measurement error is almost unaffected by the pulse width to be measured.
Improved active fiber-based retroreflector with intensity stabilization and a polarization monitor for the near UV: erratum
Authors: Wirthl Vitaly , Maisenbacher Lothar , Weitenberg Johannes , Hertlein Alexander , Grinin Alexey , Matveev Arthur , Pohl Randolf , Hänsch Theodor W. , Udem Thomas 
Published: January 2022

In Sec. 6 (polarization monitor) of our recent publication [Opt. Express 29(5), 7024 (2021)10.1364/OE.417455], we assumed a small value of δ. This is however incorrect. The correct approximation for small β leads to the updated Eqs. (10)–(11), resulting in a corrected Fig. 12.
Incidence and predictors of first-year unplanned discontinuation of Implanon at Ayder comprehensive specialized hospital, northern Ethiopia: A retrospective follow-up study
Authors: Abraha Hiluf Ebuy , Gezae Kebede Embaye , Kahsay Alemayehu Bayray , Tequare Mengistu Hagazi 
Published: January 2022

Background
Discontinuing contraception without switching to a different type of family planning (FP) method contributes to unwanted pregnancy and unsafe abortion. Unplanned discontinuation of Implanon (which is discontinuation of Implanon without switching, but not for reasons of wanting to get pregnant) during the first year and its possible determinants have not been well investigated in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the incidence and predictors of unplanned discontinuation of Implanon during the first year.

Methods
A retrospective follow-up study was conducted among 413 consecutive series of eligible women at Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital in Northern Ethiopia. Data were drawn from both FP initiation and removal registration books and from contacting users by phone over a one-year period (April 2016 and March 2017). The inclusion of the categorical predictor in the final Cox model was considered if the test had a P-value of <0.25 in the log-rank test. We identified predictors of time to unplanned discontinuation using a multivariable Cox regression analysis. Adjusted hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to assess the association of covariates with the risk of discontinuation. There were no statistically significant interaction terms and proportionality assumption was fulfilled.

Results
The unplanned discontinuation rate of Implanon during the first year was 18.2%, with an incidence density of 16.3 discontinuations/1000 women-months. Compared with those under 20 years of age, women aged 20 to 24 years (AHR = 0.42; 95% CI: 0.19–0.91) had a protective effect against discontinuation. On the other hand, clients whose partner’s educational level was lower than secondary (AHR = 2.20; 95% CI: 1.08–4.49) and who had never used any modern contraception method before (AHR = 3.26; 95% CI: 1.61–6.61) had a higher risk of discontinuation.

Conclusions
Our findings have significant implications for understanding why Implanon is discontinued in an unplanned manner, and will help policy makers plan the interventions needed to improve Implanon continuity by overcoming identified barriers. Providers in similar settings should pay more attention to clients whose partners have lower educational status and who are new acceptors.
Breed and conformational predispositions for prolapsed nictitating membrane gland (PNMG) in dogs in the UK: A VetCompass study
Authors: O’Neill Dan G. , Yin Yahui , Tetas Pont Roser , Brodbelt Dave C. , Church David B. , Pegram Camilla , Mustikka Minna 
Published: January 2022

BackgroundProlapsed nictitating membrane gland (PNMG) is the most common disorder of the third eyelid in dogs. However, the epidemiology of PNMG in the wider dog population remains understudied.MethodsUsing de-identified clinical data from the VetCompass Programme, this cohort study aimed to report the prevalence, demographic and breed-related risk factors of PNMG in dogs attending UK primary care veterinary practices in 2016.ResultsThere were 1,802 PNMG cases identified from 905,543 dogs, yielding an annual prevalence of 0.20% (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.19–0.21). The median age at first diagnosis was 0.63 years (IQR 0.33–1.98, range 0.11–18.00). Dogs aged under 1 year had 10.82 times the odds (95% CI 9.17–12.76) compared with dogs aged from 2 to under 4 years. Neutered animals had higher odds than entire animals within both sexes. Breeds with the highest odds of PNMG compared with crossbred dogs included Neapolitan Mastiff (odds ratio (OR) 34.26, 95%CI 15.92–73.75), English Bulldog (OR 24.08, 95% CI 20.62–28.13), Cane Corso (OR 14.66, 95% CI 8.18–26.28), Lhasa Apso (OR 12.37, 95% CI 10.26–14.92) and American Cocker Spaniel (OR 11.57, 95% CI 5.59–23.96). Purebred dogs had 1.43 times the odds (95% CI 1.26–1.63) of PNMG compared with crossbreed dogs. Breeds with brachycephalic skull conformation had 6.71 times the odds (95%CI 5.89–7.64) compared with breeds with mesocephalic skull conformation. Insured dogs had 1.89 times the odds (95% CI 1.65–2.16) compared with uninsured dogs.ConclusionsThis study reports the largest cohort of primary-care PNMG cases assembled to date. The results showing young age at diagnosis along with the breed, purebred and brachycephalic skull conformation predispositions suggest a hereditary involvement in PNMG development. These results may help to guide breeding strategies to reduce the prevalence of PNMG and improve welfare in predisposed individuals.
A 15-year follow-up study of hip bone mineral density and associations with leisure time physical activity. The Tromsø Study 2001–2016
Authors: Mikkilä Saija , Johansson Jonas , Nordström Anna , Nordström Peter , Emaus Nina , Handegård Bjørn Helge , Morseth Bente , Welde Boye 
Published: January 2022

Aims
The aim was to investigate the long-term association between leisure time physical activity and hip areal bone mineral density (aBMD), in addition to change in hip aBMD over time, in 32–86 years old women and men.

Methods
Data were retrieved from the 2001, 2007–2008, and 2015–2016 surveys of the Tromsø Study, a longitudinal population study in Norway. Leisure time physical activity was assessed by the four-level Saltin-Grimby Physical Activity Level Scale which refers to physical exertion in the past twelve months. Hip aBMD was assessed by Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry. Linear Mixed Model analysis was used to examine long-term associations between physical activity and hip aBMD (n = 6324). In addition, the annual change in hip aBMD was analyzed in a subsample of 3199 participants.

Results
Physical activity was significantly and positively associated with total hip aBMD in the overall cohort (p<0.005). Participants who reported vigorous activity had 28.20 mg/cm2 higher aBMD than those who were inactive (95% CI 14.71; 41.69, controlled for confounders), and even light physical activity was associated with higher aBMD than inactivity (8.32 mg/cm2, 95% CI 4.89; 11.76). Associations between physical activity and femoral neck aBMD yielded similar results. Hip aBMD decreased with age in both sexes, although more prominently in women. From 2001 to 2007–2008, aBMD changed by –5.76 mg/cm2 per year (95% CI –6.08; –5.44) in women, and –2.31 mg/cm2 (95% CI –2.69; –1.93), in men. From 2007–2008 to 2015–2016, the change was –4.45 mg/cm2 per year (95% CI –4.84; –4.06) in women, and –1.45 mg/cm2 (95% CI –1.92; –0.98) in men.

Conclusions
In this cohort of adult men and women, physical activity levels were positively associated with hip aBMD in a dose-response relationship. Hip aBMD decreased with age, although more pronounced in women than men.
Determinants of maternal influenza vaccination in the context of low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review
Authors: Raut Shrish , Apte Aditi , Srinivasan Manikandan , Dudeja Nonita , Dayma Girish , Sinha Bireshwar , Bavdekar Ashish 
Published: January 2022

Background
Pregnancy and early infancy are considered to be the vulnerable phases for severe influenza infection causing morbidity and mortality. Despite WHO recommendations, influenza is not included in the immunization programs of many low- and middle-income countries. This systematic review is aimed at identifying barriers and facilitators for maternal influenza vaccination amongst the perinatal women and their health care providers in low- and middle-income countries.

Methods
We selected 11 studies from the 1669 records identified from PubMed, CABI, EMBASE and Global Health databases. Studies related to both pandemic and routine influenza vaccination and studies conducted amongst women in the antenatal as well as postnatal period were included. Both qualitative, quantitative, cross-sectional and interventional studies were included.

Results
Knowledge about influenza disease, perception of the disease severity during pregnancy and risk to the foetus/newborn and perceived benefits of influenza vaccination during pregnancy were associated with increased uptake of influenza vaccination during pregnancy. Recommendation by health care provider, vaccination in previous pregnancy and availability of vaccine in public health system facilitated vaccine uptake. High parity, higher education, vaccination in the later months of pregnancy, less than 4 antenatal visits, concerns about vaccine safety and negative publicity in media were identified as barriers for influenza vaccination. Lack of government recommendation, concerns about safety and effectiveness and distrust in manufacturer were the barriers for the healthcare providers to recommend vaccination.

Conclusion
While availability of influenza vaccine in public health system can be a key to the success of vaccine implementation program, increasing the awareness about need and benefits of maternal influenza vaccination amongst pregnant women as well as their health care providers is crucial to improve the acceptance of maternal influenza vaccination in low and middle-income countries.
Predictive factors of clinical outcomes in patients with COVID-19 treated with tocilizumab: A monocentric retrospective analysis
Authors: Cassone Giulia , Dolci Giovanni , Besutti Giulia , Braglia Luca , Pavone Paolo , Corsini Romina , Sampaolesi Fabio , Iotti Valentina , Teopompi Elisabetta , Massari Marco , Fontana Matteo , Ghidoni Giulia , Matei Anaflorina , Croci Stefania , Negri Emanuele Alberto , Costantini Massimo , Facciolongo Nicola , Salvarani Carlo 
Published: January 2022

Objective
The aim of this retrospective observational study is to analyse clinical, serological and radiological predictors of outcome in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia treated with tocilizumab, providing clinical guidance to its use in real-life.

Method
This is a retrospective, monocentric observational cohort study. All consecutive patients hospitalized between February the 11th and April 14th 2020 for severe COVID-19 pneumonia at Reggio Emilia AUSL and treated with tocilizumab were enrolled. The patient’s clinical status was recorded every day using the WHO ordinal scale for clinical improvement. Response to treatment was defined as an improvement of one point (from the status at the beginning of tocilizumab treatment) during the follow-up on this scale. Bivariate association of main patients’ characteristics with outcomes was explored by descriptive statistics and Fisher or Kruskal Wallis tests (respectively for qualitative or quantitative variables). Each clinically significant predictor was checked by a loglikelihood ratio test (in univariate logistic models for each of the considered outcomes) against the null model.

Results
A total of 173 patients were included. Only hypertension, the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, PaO2/FiO2, respiratory rate and C-reactive protein were selected for the multivariate analysis. In the multivariable model, none of them was significantly associated with response.

Conclusions
Evaluating a large number of clinical variables, our study did not find new predictors of outcome in COVID19 patients treated with tocilizumab. Further studies are needed to investigate the use of tocilizumab in COVID-19 and to better identify clinical phenotypes which could benefit from this treatment.
Utilization of social media communities for caregiver information support in stroke recovery: An analysis of content and interactions
Authors: Lobo Elton H. , Johnson Tara , Frølich Anne , Kensing Finn , Rasmussen Lene J. , Hosking Sarah M. , Page Amy T. , Livingston Patricia M. , Islam Sheikh Mohammed Shariful , Grundy John , Abdelrazek Mohamed 
Published: January 2022

Background
Caregivers often use the internet to access information related to stroke care to improve preparedness, thereby reducing uncertainty and enhancing the quality of care.

Method
Social media communities used by caregivers of people affected by stroke were identified using popular keywords searched for using Google. Communities were filtered based on their ability to provide support to caregivers. Data from the included communities were extracted and analysed to determine the content and level of interaction.

Results
There was a significant rise in the use of social media by caregivers of people affected by stroke. The most popular social media communities were charitable and governmental organizations with the highest user interaction–this was for topics related to stroke prevention, signs and symptoms, and caregiver self-care delivered through video-based resources.

Conclusion
Findings show the ability of social media to support stroke caregiver needs and practices that should be considered to increase their interaction and support.
Capillary density and caliber as assessed by optical coherence tomography angiography may be significant predictors of diabetic retinopathy severity
Authors: Kushner-Lenhoff Sam , Kogachi Kaitlin , Mert Melissa , Chu Zhongdi , Shahidzadeh Anoush , Palejwala Neal V. , Wolfe Jeremy , Itty Sujit , Drenser Kimberly A. , Capone Antonio , Dugel Pravin U. , Moshfeghi Andrew A. , Ameri Hossein , Daskivich Lauren P. , Wang Ruikang K. , Kashani Amir H. 
Published: January 2022

Purpose
To validate retinal capillary density and caliber associations with diabetic retinopathy (DR) severity in different clinical settings.

Methods
This cross-sectional study assessed retinal capillary density and caliber in the superficial retinal layer of 3-mm OCTA scans centered on the fovea. Images were collected from non-diabetic controls and subjects with mild or referable DR (defined DR worse than mild DR) between February 2016 and December 2019 at secondary and tertiary eye care centers. Vessel Skeleton Density (VSD), a measure of capillary density, and Vessel Diameter Index (VDI), a measure of vascular caliber, were calculated from these images. Discriminatory performance of VSD and VDI was evaluated using multivariable logistic regression models predicting DR severity with adjustments for sex, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. Area under the curve (AUC) was estimated. Model performance was evaluated in two different cohorts.

Results
This study included 594 eyes from 385 subjects. Cohort 1 was a training cohort of 509 eyes including 159 control, 155 mild non-proliferative DR (NPDR) and 195 referable DR eyes. Cohort 2 was a validation cohort consisting of 85 eyes including 16 mild NPDR and 69 referable DR eyes. In Cohort 1, addition of VSD and VDI to a model using only demographic data significantly improved the model’s AUC for discrimination of eyes with any DR severity from controls (0.91 [95% CI, 0.88–0.93] versus 0.80 [95% CI, 0.76–0.83], p < 0.001) and eyes with referable DR from mild NPDR (0.90 [95% CI, 0.86–0.93] versus 0.69 [95% CI, 0.64–0.75], p < 0.001). The transportability of this regression model was excellent when implemented in Cohort 2 for the referable DR versus mild NPDR comparison. The odds ratio of having any DR compared to control subjects, and referable DR compared to mild DR decreased by 15% (95% CI: 12–18%), and 13% (95% CI: 10–15%), respectively, for every 0.001 unit increase in VSD after adjusting for comorbidities.

Conclusion
OCTA-derived capillary density has real world clinical value for rapidly assessing DR severity.
Environmental effect of air versus gas tamponade in the management of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment VR surgery: A multicentre study of 3,239 patients
Authors: Moussa George , Andreatta Walter , Ch’ng Soon Wai , Ziaei Hadi , Jalil Assad , Patton Niall , Ivanova Tsveta , Lett Kim Son , Park Dong Young 
Published: January 2022

Purpose
To report the potential reduction of carbon emissions by utilising air-tamponade (AT), where possible, instead of fluorinated gases in the management of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). We compared the carbon CO2 emissions produced at two large tertiary referral vitreoretinal (VR) centres where RRD are exclusively repaired using fluorinated gases to a tertiary VR mass of each gas used according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

Materials and methods
Retrospective, continuous, comparative multicentre study of all procedures using fluorinated gases between 01/01/17-31/12/20 at the Manchester Royal Eye Hospital (MREH) and Birmingham and Midland Eye Centre (BMEC), and between 01/01/19-31/12/2020 at the University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW).

Results
We report on 3,239 (SF6:1,415 [43.7%], C2F6:1,235 [38.1%], C3F8:541 [16.7%], Air:48 [1.5%]) procedures. UHCW and BMEC utilise single use 30ml and 75ml cannisters, respectively and MREH use multi-use gas cylinders. UHCW used AT in 48 (70%) of RRD repairs. Mean equivalent mass CO2/patient was MREH:115.9kg, BMEC:7.9kg and UHCW:1.9kg. If assuming all centres used 30ml cannisters, the mean equivalent mass CO2/patient was MREH:3.5 kg, BMEC:3.1kg and UHCW:1.9kg. AT enabled UHCW to greatly reduce the need for the most environmentally damaging SF6 gas, leading to lower CO2 emissions by 47.0% and 41.1% compared to MREH and BMEC, respectively.

Conclusion
We demonstrate how AT vs. the fluorinated gases can reduce in carbon footprint in the management of RRD. Further studies are required to determine the most ‘environment-friendly’ intraocular tamponade without compromising patient outcomes centre that also routinely employs AT in selected RRD cases.
Masticatory index for patients wearing dental prosthesis as alternative to conventional masticatory ability measures
Authors: Limpuangthip Nareudee , Tumrasvin Wacharasak , Sakultae Chatwarin 
Published: January 2022

ObjectivesThe study objectives were: 1) to develop a masticatory index for evaluating masticatory ability in patients wearing a dental prosthesis, including complete dentures (CD), removable partial denture (RPD), and fixed partial denture (FPD), 2) to test the reliability and validity of the index, and 3) to determine whether the index better reflected patients’ masticatory ability compared with conventional subjective and objective measures.MethodsThe present cross-sectional study consisted of 2 phases: 1) developing the Chulalongkorn University masticatory index (CUMI) consisting of 20 food items in 5 masticatory difficulty grades using a 3-point Likert scale, and 2) application of the CUMI in 110 patients wearing a dental prosthesis, including CD, RPD, and FPD (control group). The CUMI test-retest reliability was reevaluated 2 weeks later. The convergent validity was compared with objective masticatory performance evaluated with a standard peanut chewing test, and subjective eating impacts evaluated by the Oral Impacts on Daily Performances Index. Oral and denture status were determined clinically. The associations between CUMI score, peanut particle size, and eating impact score was identified using Spearman’s correlation coefficient. To evaluate discriminant validity, the associations between masticatory ability measurements and oral and denture status were analyzed using regression analyses.ResultsThe CUMI’s Cronbach’s alpha and intraclass correlation coefficient values were 0.89 and 0.95, respectively. The convergent validity was shown by significant associations between the increased CUMI score, smaller peanut particle size and decreased eating impact score. Multivariable analyses found that the CUMI score, peanut particle size, and percentage of having an eating impact were significantly associated with the number of remaining teeth and posterior occluding pairs, and type and quality of dental prosthesis. However, the CUMI demonstrated better discriminant validity because significant dose-response relationships were found only between the decreased CUMI score and increased tooth loss severity, and unacceptable denture quality. Adjusted R2values of the CUMI models were the highest, followed by those of peanut particle size and eating impact.ConclusionCUMI is a reliable and valid tool to evaluate masticatory ability of patients wearing a dental prosthesis, including CD, RPD, and FPD. Due to a better discriminant validity, the CUMI better reflects masticatory ability of patients compared with conventional subjective and objective masticatory ability measures.