bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic test accuracy using digital retinal imaging in the detection of any diabetic retinopathy by graders in Vietnam, against a reference standard from the UK
Authors: Curran Katie , Congdon Nathan , Hoang Tung , Tran Huong , Nguyen Hue , Nguyen Quan , Lohfeld Lynne , Van Nguyen , Peto Tunde 
Published: January 2022

AbstractPurposeTo compare the diagnostic test accuracy (DTA) of trained nurses, mid‐level and senior ophthalmologists in Vietnam against a reference standard from the UK, and assess the impact of further training on graders.MethodsFundus photographs were taken and graded at two different time points by trained nurses, mid‐level ophthalmologists and senior ophthalmologists in Vietnam using the UK National Screening Committee classification system. A reference standard from the UK regraded all images in masked fashion and DTA was calculated using sensitivity and specificity (with 95% CIs), and positive and negative predictive values.ResultsBetween September and November 2018, 431 people with diabetes attended diabetic retinopathy (DR) screening in Southern Vietnam. The sensitivity for detecting any DR for all grader groups in Vietnam was low (<43%) against the reference standard in the UK. The sensitivity for detecting referable DR and referrable diabetic macular oedema was particularly low (<20%) for all grader groups. Subsequently, an additional subset of images from 138 consecutive patients screened from March to April 2021 was regraded in the UK to evaluate graders’ performance after additional training was delivered. A significant improvement in DTA among all grader groups in Vietnam was identified, with sensitivity for detecting any DR exceeding 85%. Nurses achieved the highest sensitivity for grading referable DR (76.9%, 60.3–88.3%) and mid‐level ophthalmologists attained the highest sensitivity for detecting referable maculopathy (77.5%, 61.2–88.6).ConclusionsGrading accuracy was low in Vietnam in the first six months of implementing a training programme. Many factors may have contributed to poor grader performance, including inadequate training and feedback, insufficient time to participate in quality assurance testing and competing work responsibilities. After further training was delivered, DTA among all graders in Vietnam increased. Findings from this study are particularly important for DR programme planners in low‐ and middle‐income countries.
Course of retinal ganglion cell loss and microglial activation in two models of neuronal degeneration
Authors: Josefa González Riquelme María , Lucas‐Ruiz Fernando , Boia Raquel , Raquel Santiago Ana , Vidal‐Sanz Manuel , Galindo‐Romero Caridad , Agudo‐Barriuso Marta 
Published: January 2022

AbstractPurposeOrganotypic retinal cultures (COR) are inherently a model of retinal axotomy and detachment. In vivo, optic nerve axotomy causes degeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Our objective is to evaluate and compare the time course of RGC death and the activation of microglial cells (MCs) in vivo and in vitro.MethodsC57/Bl6 mice were used. For the in vitro model, retinas were dissected and cultured in supplemented medium, and axotomy in vivo was done to the left optic nerve. In both models, retinas were analyzed from 24 hours to 9 days. RGCs were immunodetected with Brn3a, MCs with Iba1 and the density in the medial retinal area was quantified for both populations.ResultsThe loss of RGCs was similar in vivo and in vitro during the first days, but from 5 days onwards RGC loss is quicker and more abrupt in vitro than in vivo. MC morphology differs between both models and their density is smaller in vitro than in vivo at all time points.ConclusionsRGCs loss in vitro and in vivo follows the same kinetics at early time points. Morphologically, MCs seem to be differently activated in both models, and because their density is lower in vitro than in vivo, it is possible that in vivo either MCs or circulating macrophages invade the retina to cope with RGC degeneration.
Characterization of primary and immortalized whale Müller Glial cells
Authors: Pereiro Xandra , Beriain Sandra , Rodriguez Lara , Ruzafa Noelia , Roiz‐Valle David , Maria Perez Freije Jose , Vecino Elena 
Published: January 2022

AbstractPurposeMüller cells are the principal glia of the retina, expressing growth factors, neurotransmitter transporters and antioxidant agents with an important role in preventing excitotoxic damage to neurons. Although fish Müller cells can be transformed into neurons, this has never been described in mammals. In the present study, whale Müller cells were cultured and immortalized, with the aim of analysing the molecular characteristics as well as the division rate in vitro of primary and immortalized whale Müller cells.MethodsThe eye of Balaenoptera borealis was obtained, retina was isolated and Müller cells were cultured. Half of the cultures were immortalized with simian virus 40 T‐antigen. Primary as well as immortalized Müller cultures were grown until primary cells reached senescence. Specific Müller molecules, dedifferentiated, neuronal precursors and neuronal markers were studied in both primary and immortalized cells. Ultrastructural morphology was also studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In addition, the proliferation kinetics (time between divisions, percentage of dividing cells and division duration) was analyzed by time‐lapse. Karyotype characterization was performed in immortalized whale Müller cells.ResultsWhale Müller cells were immortalized after 10 passages and approximately 2 months of culturing. Müller markers were preserved, while expression of dedifferentiation markers was observed after the 5th passage. At high passages, neuronal precursor markers were weakly expressed. In addition, immortalized cells were stained extensively with neuronal markers. Immortalized Müller immunostaining and SEM revealed heterogeneous cell morphologies due to changes in the cytoskeleton. The proliferation kinetics demonstrated that primary whale Müller cells divide every 23 hr, approximately, while after the immortalization process the time between divisions increased to 29 hr.ConclusionsIn conclusion, we have generated a cell line from whale Müller cells that maintains primary Müller characteristics but presents a partially dedifferentiated state. In addition, we present a detailed analysis of the rate of cell division during the immortalization process.Supported by ELKARTEK KK‐2019/00086, MINECO‐Retos PID2019‐111139RB‐I00, Grupos UPV/EHU GIU2018/50.
The importance of monitoring wet age‐related macular degeneration patients during coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic: A retrospective study of assessment of functional and structural outcomes
Authors: Tsiropoulos Georgios N. , Vallée Rodolphe , Gallo Castro Daniela , Ambresin Aude 
Published: January 2022

AbstractPurposeIntravitreal anti‐Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (anti‐VEGF) injections are the gold standard treatment for wet Age‐related Macular Degeneration (wet AMD). Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), and the resulting confinement, led to the cancellation of many programmed intravitreal anti‐VEGF injection visits. We compared the functional and structural visual outcomes of patients that did not respect their intravitreal anti‐VEGF injection intervals during the period of confinement due to COVID‐19 (group 1) and those who respected them (group 2).MethodsWet AMD patients of Swiss Visio Montchoisi and RétinElysée were included. Best Corrected Visual Acuity (BCVA) and Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) changes between the first post‐ and last pre‐confinement visit were assessed, with favorable and unfavorable being the possible outcomes for each change.ResultsGroup 1 (n = 89, 109 eyes) had 13.41% greater rate of unfavorable BCVA outcome and 38.27% greater rate of unfavorable OCT outcome than Group 2 (n = 96, 122 eyes) (p = 0.04, p < 0.0001, respectively). The multivariate analysis showed that the more the patients deviated from their programmed injections and the higher the BCVA pre‐confinement, the higher the rate of unfavorable BCVA outcome (p = 0.03, p = 0.02, respectively). The OCT changes were not a predictive factor for an unfavorable BCVA outcome. The rates of pigment epithelial detachment (PED) and intraretinal fluid (IRF) increase in the first post‐confinement visit were higher in group 1 than in group 2 (p = 0.0004, p = 0.0374, respectively), with a relative increase of unfavorable OCT outcome of 200% and 66.67%, respectively.ConclusionsCOVID‐19 pandemic led many patients to refrain from their routine intravitreal anti‐VEGF injection visits, allowing us to analyze the role of designated intervals in the treatment of patients with wet AMD. During a next confinement due to COVID‐19, or circumstances similar to it, ophthalmologists should ensure the continuity of injections for their patients.Bibliography

Fung THM et al. Addressing COVID‐19 fear to improve clinic attendance for patients with wet age‐related macular degeneration. Acta Ophthalmol 99: e285 (2021).

Colantuono D et al. AMD management during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Acta Ophthalmol 98, e925–e925 (2020).
Vascular remodelling after treatment with intravitreal anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor in patients with neovascular age‐related macular degeneration
Authors: Kirkova Radina , Murgova Snezhana , Tanev Ivan 
Published: January 2022

AbstractPurposeAge‐related macular degeneration /AMD/ is a progressive, degenerative disease, involving the central retina. It is among leading causes for blindness worldwide. It is subdivided into three forms: “dry” /atrophic/, exudative and neovascular /nAMD/. Neovascular form is characterized by the presence of choroidal neovascularization /CNV/. The aim of our study is to evaluate the effect of treatment of nAMD with intravitreal anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor /anti‐VEGF/.MethodsWe performed a full ophthalmic examination /best corrected visual acuity for distance and near, tonometry, biomicroscopy, ophthalmoscopy and optic coherence tomography – angiography OCT‐A/ of 152 patients with nAMD. After full examination and evaluation, patients were treated with intravitreal anti‐VEGF, according to protocol – 3 loading doses every 40 days.ResultsWe subdivided the patients in different groups, according to morphologic characteristics of their neovascular membranes, based on OCT‐A.ConclusionsThe morphologic type of neovascular membrane on OCT‐A is strongly related to the responce and effect of treatment.
Deposition of electrically conductive zirconium monoxide via plasma spray‐physical vapor deposition
Authors: Harder Bryan J. , Good Brian , Schmitt Michael , Kowalski Ben , Koszegi Giacomo , Johnson Matthew T. , Faber Katherine T. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractA condensed phase of zirconium monoxide (ZrO) was detected in YSZ (Zr0.92Y0.08O2‐δ) coatings deposited using plasma spray‐physical vapor deposition. The rapid cooling rate of this process can result in the condensation of nonequilibrium states that can be kinetically trapped in the coatings. The columnar microstructure contained a mixture of YSZ, ZrO2, and ZrO phases. The ZrO phase was expected to be conductive based on density functional theory calculations, and preliminary impedance measurements were performed that supported this prediction. When heated in an oxygen‐containing environment, the ZrO phase remains in the coating until ∼450 K, at which point it disappears quickly, as confirmed by X‐ray diffraction and thermogravimetric methods. The loss of ZrO in the coating was also linked to a loss in electrical conductivity. However, it was shown that this phase can persist at elevated temperatures of ∼1000 K in vacuum or inert environments for at least 100 h.
Deformation and bending strength of high‐performance lead‐free piezoceramics
Authors: Lalitha K. V. , Isaia Daniel , Gong Wen , Wu Chaofeng , Li Yingwei , Rödel Jürgen 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBending strength of commercially relevant lead‐free piezoceramics – 0.935Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3‐0.065BaTiO3 (NBT‐6.5BT) with and without acceptor Zn‐doping and 0.92(K0.5Na0.5)NbO3‐0.02(Bi0.5Li0.5)TiO3‐xBaZrO3; x = 0.06, 0.07 (KNN‐BZ100x) have been quantified using 4‐point bending tests and contrasted to that of commercial lead zirconate titanate (PZT, PIC151). The compressive and tensile strength probed using additional strain gauges under 4‐point bending indicate negligible non‐linear deformation, in stark contrast to that of commercial PIC151. The bending strength of KNN‐BZ100x is about 100 MPa, comparable to PIC151, while that of NBT‐6.5BT‐based materials is about twice that of PIC151 at ∼160 MPa. These results are rationalized based on the intrinsic characteristics of the lead‐free piezoceramics in terms of fracture toughness, coercive stress, and Young's modulus. Weibull statistics indicate a higher fracture probability for KNN‐based materials, with NBT‐6.5BT‐based materials featuring Weibull modulus twice that of KNN‐based materials.
Deep red upconversion photoluminescence in Er3+‐doped Yb3Ga5O12 nanocrystalline garnet
Authors: Netolicky Tomas , Strizik Lukas , Benes Ludvik , Melanova Klara , Slang Stanislav , Wagner Tomas 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe nanocrystalline single‐phase Er3+‐doped Yb3Ga5O12 garnets have been prepared by the sol‐gel combustion technique with a crystallite size of ≈30 nm. The presence of Yb3+ in garnet hosts allows their efficient excitation at the ≈977 nm wavelength. The Er3+ doping of Yb3Ga5O12 garnet host results in deep red Er3+: 4F9/2 → 4I15/2 upconversion photoluminescence (UCPL) emission. The dominance of the red UCPL emission over the green Er3+: 4F7/2/2H11/2/4S3/2 → 4I15/2 component was investigated using the measurement of the steady‐state and time‐dependent Er3+ and Yb3+ emission spectra in combination with the power‐dependent UCPL emission intensity. The proposed upconversion mechanism is discussed in terms of the Er3+ → Yb3+ energy back transfer process as well as Yb3+(Er3+) → Er3+ energy transfer and Er3+ ↔ Er3+ cross‐relaxation processes. The studied Er3+‐doped Yb3Ga5O12 garnet may be utilized as a red upconversion emitting phosphor.
Home‐dwelling older adults' attitudes and perceptions of dementia: A Q‐methodological study in South Korea
Authors: Ha Eun‐Ho 
Published: January 2022

AbstractAimOlder adult attitudes and perceptions of dementia can have a major impact on early diagnosis, efforts to prevent and appropriately treat it, as well as being a family burden. The aim of this study is to explore attitudes and perceptions of dementia of home‐dwelling older adults using Q‐methodology.MethodA total of 42 adults, age 65 or over, who live in South Korea ranked 37 Q statements about their attitudes and perceptions of dementia into A Q sort table grid.ResultsThe following three distinct viewpoints were extracted: (1) it is my responsibility to prevent and to care about dementia (family‐centered view); (2) there are no ways to treat dementia (despairing views); and (3) dementia is a national responsibility (nation‐centered view).ConclusionBased on these results, central and local government and communities should work together with older adults to manage dementia and reflect these three viewpoints when developing systematic dementia management programs.
Development and validation of the patient centeredness index for primary care
Authors: Rose Gail L. , Bonnell Levi N. , O'Rourke‐Lavoie Jennifer B. , van Eeghen Constance , Reynolds Paula , Pomeroy Doug , Clifton Jessica , Scholle Sarah Hudson , Natkin Lisa W. , Callas Peter , Hitt Juvena R. , Crocker Abigail M. , Littenberg Benjamin 
Published: January 2022

AbstractAims and ObjectivesTo describe the development of the Patient Centeredness Index (PCI), evaluate its psychometric characteristics and evaluate the relationships between scores on the PCI and an established measure of empathy.BackgroundPatient centeredness helps patients manage multiple chronic conditions with their providers, nurses and other team members. However, no instrument exists for evaluating patient centeredness within primary care practices treating this population.DesignMulti‐site instrument development and validation. STROBE reporting guidelines were followed.MethodsTo identify themes, we consulted literature on patient centeredness and engaged stakeholders who had or were caring for people with multiple chronic conditions (n = 7). We composed and refined items to represent those themes with input from clinicians and researchers. To evaluate reliability and convergent validity, we administered surveys to participants (n = 3622) with chronic conditions recruited from 44 primary care practices for a large‐scale cluster randomised clinical trial of the effects of a practice‐level intervention on patient and practice‐level outcomes. Participants chose to complete the 16‐item survey online, on paper or by phone. Surveys assessed demographics, number of chronic conditions and ratings of provider empathy. We conducted exploratory factor analysis to model the interrelationships among items.ResultsA single factor explained 93% of total variance. Factor loadings ranged from 0.55–0.85, and item‐test correlations were ≥.67. Cronbach's alpha was .93. A moderate, linear correlation with ratings of provider's empathy (r = .65) supports convergent validity.ConclusionsThe PCI is a new tool for obtaining patient perceptions of the patient centeredness of their primary care practice. The PCI shows acceptable reliability and evidence of convergent validity among patients managing chronic conditions.Relevance to clinical practiceThe PCI rapidly identifies patients' perspectives on patient centeredness of their practice, making it ideal for administration in busy primary care settings that aim to efficiently address patient‐identified needs.Trial registrationClinicaltrials.org Protocol ID: WLPS‐1409‐24372. Title: Integrating Behavioural Health and Primary Care for Comorbid Behavioural and Medical Problems (IBHPC).
Neuroendocrine mechanisms of reproductive dysfunctions in undernourished condition
Authors: Iwasa Takeshi , Yamamoto Yuri , Noguchi Hiroki , Takeda Asuka , Minato Saki , Kamada Shuhei , Imaizumi Junki , Kagawa Tomohiro , Yoshida Atsuko , Kawakita Takako , Yoshida Kanako 
Published: January 2022

AbstractIt is well known that undernourished conditions disturb female reproductive functions in many species, including humans. These alterations are mainly caused by a reduction in gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion from the hypothalamus. Evidence from the literature suggests that some hypothalamic factors play pivotal roles in the coordination of reproductive functions and energy homeostasis in response to environmental cues and internal nutritional status. Generally, anorexigenic/satiety‐related factors, such as leptin, alpha‐melanocyte‐stimulating hormone, and proopiomelanocortin, promote GnRH secretion, whereas orexigenic factors, such as neuropeptide Y, agouti‐related protein, orexin, and ghrelin, attenuate GnRH secretion. Conversely, gonadotrophin‐inhibitory hormone, which exerts anti‐GnRH and gonadotrophic effects, promotes feeding behavior in many species. In addition, the activity of kisspeptin, which is a potent stimulator of GnRH, is reduced by undernourished conditions. Under normal nutritional conditions, these factors are coordinated to maintain both feeding behavior and reproductive functions. However, in undernourished conditions their activity levels are markedly altered to promote feeding behavior and temporarily suppress reproductive functions, in order to prioritize the survival of the individual over that of the species.
Nationalising foreigners: The making of American national identity
Authors: Waldinger Roger , Soehl Thomas , Luthra Renee Reichl 
Published: January 2022

AbstractWhereas the literature asks whether immigrants and their descendants come to resemble the ‘mainstream’, this paper places the acquisition of a new national identity at the centre of attention, contending that the views of ethnic outsiders provide strategic leverage in identifying any underlying consensus regarding the bounds of the nation and the means by which those bounds should be implemented. We contend that becoming ‘American’ entails adopting American attitudes towards persons beyond the territorial divide, a population that includes nationals of one's country of origin or ancestry. The paper develops a conceptual framework to understand how attachment to the people of the state of emigration gets transformed into attachment to the people of the state of immigration. The paper provides a demonstration of that process, focusing on Mexican immigrants and their descendants and using a variety of data sources to highlight and unpack different dimensions of Americanisation.
Clinical applications of personalising the neural components of visual image quality metrics for individual eyes
Authors: Hastings Gareth D , Applegate Raymond A , Schill Alexander W , Hu Chuan , Coates Daniel R , Marsack Jason D 
Published: January 2022

AbstractPurposeEyecare is evolving increasingly personalised corrections and increasingly personalised evaluations of corrections on‐eye. This report describes individualising optical and neural components of the VSX (visual Strehl) metric and evaluates personalisation using two clinical applications. (1) Better understanding visual experience: While VSX tracks visual performance in typical eyes, non‐individualised metrics underestimated visual performance in highly aberrated eyes – could this be understood by personalising metrics? (2) Metric‐optimised objective spherocylindrical refractions in typical and atypical eyes have used neural weighting functions of typical eyes – will personalisation affect the outcome in clinical 0.25D steps?MethodsOrientation‐specific neural contrast sensitivity was measured in four typical myopic and astigmatic eyes and six eyes with keratoconus. Wavefront error was measured in all eyes while uncorrected and when the keratoconic eyes wore wavefront‐guided scleral lenses. Total experiment duration was 24–28 h per subject. Two versions of VSX were calculated for each application: one weighted ocular optics with measured neural contrast sensitivity data from that eye, another weighted optics with a representative neural function of typical eyes. Wavefront‐guided corrections were evaluated using the two metric values. Spherocylindrical corrections that optimised each metric were identified.ResultsMetric values for keratoconic eyes improved by a mean factor of 1.99 (~0.3 log units) when personalised. Applying this factor to a larger sample of eyes from a previous keratoconus study reconciled dissonances between the percentage of eyes reaching normative best‐corrected metric levels and the percentages of eyes reaching normative levels of visual acuity and contrast sensitivity. Spherocylindrical corrections that optimised both versions of VSX were clinically equivalent (mean ± SD Euclidean dioptric difference 0.13 ± 0.18 D).ConclusionsPersonalising visual image quality metrics is beneficial when actual metric values are used (evaluating ophthalmic corrections on‐eye against norms) and when fine increments in visual quality are imparted (wavefront‐guided corrections). However, partially individualised metrics appear adequate when metrics relatively rank spherocylindrical corrections in 0.25 D steps.