bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long-term results (60 months) of anti-VEGF therapy of macular diseases in real clinical practice. Part 1
Authors: Bobykin E. V. , Buslaev R. V. , Krokhalev V. Y. , Morozova O. V. , Beresneva N. S. 
Published: September 2022

Purpose: to study long-term (over a 60 months’ follow-up period) results of anti-VEGF therapy for macular diseases in real clinical practice.Materials and methods. We undertook a single-center retrospective uncontrolled cohort study of 169 patients (109 women, 60 men) who received anti-VEGF therapy for eye diseases (ranibizumab, aflibercept). The treatment started between May 2010 and August 2015. The study group included 57 patients who remained under regular observation for 60 months. Of these, 24 cases had “wet” age-related macular degeneration (wAMD), 20 cases had myopic choroidal neovascularization, 10 had macular edema due to retinal vein occlusions and 3 had diabetic macular edema. The remaining 112 patients whose follow-up was discontinued made up the comparison group. We analyzed the dynamic results of clinical and instrumental examination in both groups, as well as data from a phone survey among the comparison group about the reasons for the termination of clinical observation. Statistical analysis of demographic data and treatment results was carried out using the Statistica 13.3 software. Conditions of normality for variables, nonparametric and parametric criteria were determined, and rank analysis of variance was carried out.Results. The patients in the study group were significantly younger (p = 0.0029), had a higher initial (p = 0.0019) and final (p = 0.00027) best corrected visual acuity, and received a significantly greater number of intravitreal injections (p < 0.000001). In contrast, they had a significantly lower rate of therapy intensity factor (the ratio of injections number to the duration of observation in months) over the treatment period (p < 0.000001). In addition, the study group had a significantly lower proportion of men (p = 0.041) and patients with wAMD (p = 0.0010). The reasons for the termination of observation in the comparison group given in the phone survey, were as follows: stopped regular observation / treatment — 57 people (50.9 %), continue treatment in a different clinic — 3 (2.7 %), died — 13 (11.6 %), status unknown — 39 (34.8 %).Conclusion. The data of the main morphological and functional results of treatment of the study group patients, discussion and conclusions will be presented in the second part of this article.
High-frequency echography of the eye in macular hole diagnosis
Authors: Kiseleva T. N. , Lugovkina K. V. , Bedretdinov A. N. , Bychkov P. A. , Ryabina M. V. , Zaytsev M. S. 
Published: September 2022

Purpose: a comparative estimation of ultrasound examinations of the posterior eye pole of patients with a macular hole using a long-focus high-frequency (20 MHz) and a standard 10 MHz probe with optical coherence tomography (OCT).Materials and methods. 20 patients with a macular hole in at least one eye were examined using OCT of the macular area and B-mode echography with a standard 10 MHz probe and a long-focus high-frequency 20 MHz probe.Results. The complex OCT/ ultrasound examination detected a macular hole in 22 (100 %) eyes, while OCT alone confirmed the diagnosis in 20 eyes (91 %). OCT could not be performed in 2 eyes due to a dense cataract. Ultrasound examination with a 20-MHz probe detected a macular hole in 16 eyes (73 %), whilst the standard ultrasound method (10 MHz probe) could only detect it in 10 eyes (45 %).Conclusion. High-frequency ultrasound examination of the eye can be used for screening aimed at detecting a possible macular hole in cases of opacities of the optical media of the eye.
Retinal clinical and morphofunctional changes in high myopia in combination with age-related macular degeneration of different stages
Authors: Moshetova L. K. , Alekseev I. B. , Vorobyeva I. V. , Nam Yu. A. 
Published: September 2022

Purpose: an analysis of clinical and morphofunctional changes of the retina in high myopia combined with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) of various stages.Materials and methods. We examined 45 patients (87 eyes, mean age 60 years) with high myopia (ave. spherical equivalent (SE) of refraction -11.0 D [-15.0; -7.125]) and the “dry” form of AMD, categories AREDS 1, 2, 3. Additionally, we formed three control groups of the same age range: group 1 consisted of 30 healthy subjects (58 eyes) with a SE between -0.25 D and +0.5 D and no retinal changes; group 2 included 20 patients (38 eyes) with isolated high myopia (SE +0.5 D and no retinal changes; group 2 included 20 patients (38 eyes) with isolated high myopia (SE ³ 6.5 D) and group 3 included another 20 patients (36 eyes) with the “dry” AMD form (AREDS 2, 3). We evaluated the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), indicators of retinal photosensitivity (MD, PSD) according to computer perimetry data, and morphological characteristics: central retinal thickness (CRT), the anteroposterior axis of the eyeball, the condition of the macular region of the retina according to optical coherence tomography (OCT) in the β-scan mode and autofluorescence (AF).Results: in case of the combined pathology, we detected a reliable reduction of average BCVA to the level of 0.5 [0.3; 0.7] (p < 0.001) and a reduced factor of retinal photosensitivity as compared to the control: MD to -4.36 dB (р<0.001), PSD to 2.97 dB (р < 0.001). CRT was 235 μm (p = 0.122), which showed no statistically significant differences to the control. Morphological changes of the retina corresponded to high myopia and AMD: a dome-shaped profile, lacquer cracks, paravascular retinal microcysts, paravascular lamellar ruptures; myopic maculopathy in the form of an epiretinal membrane, vitreomacular traction due to incomplete vitreoretinal cleavage, myopic foveoshisis; patchy chorioretinal atrophy, areas of diffuse RPE atrophy, damage of the junction line of the outer and inner segments of photoreceptors. The increase in the number and size of drusen depended on the stage of AMD. Normal autofluorescence of the fundus was absent. Pathological AF included minimal changes patterned as focal hypo- and hyperautofluorescence, reticular pattern, focal pattern, linear pattern, lace-like pattern, areas of geographic atrophy with pronounced hypoautofluorescence.Conclusion. Changes in OCT and visual field parameters (MD, PSD) in comorbid pathology (AMD combined with high myopia) were revealed. The morphofunctional indicators were compared for different AMD stages, and the diagnostic significance of AF was established.
New techniques of sinus trabeculectomy with prolonged hypotensive effect
Authors: Suleiman E. A. , Petrov S. Yu. 
Published: September 2022

Long-term hypotensive effect in the postoperative period is one of the main tasks of modern glaucoma surgery.Purpose. To develop new modifications of sinus trabeculectomy in the surgical treatment of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), aimed at reducing scarring, normalization and prolongation of the outflow of intraocular fluid along newly formed pathways.Material and methods. During the first operation, a superficial scleral flap was formed. After trabeculectomy, the scleral flap was twisted by 180° in the middle, then fixed with sutures to the sclera. During the second operation, after the formation of the superficial scleral flap, and the trabeculectomy, the scleral flap was stitched in the middle and assembled in such a way that its width decreased by 1/3–1/2, after which it was fixed with sutures to the sclera. The operation was performed on 84 patients (84 eyes) aged 43 to 86 years (mean age 63.12 ± 1.17). Of these, 59 patients had POAG in advanced and far advanced stages, and 25 patients had a history of previous laser and surgical POAG interventions. The patients were divided into groups: 1a — 28 patients (28 eyes) who underwent sinus trabeculectomy with twisting the scleral flap, 1b — 29 patients (29 eyes) who underwent sinus trabeculectomy with stitching of the scleral flap and the control group – 27 patients (27 eyes) who underwent standard sinus trabeculectomy. The follow-up lasted 24 months. Standard methods (visometry, tonometry, computer perimetry, tonography, etc.) were used in the pre-surgical and post-surgical examination. In addition, we performed, in the early postoperative period, optical coherence tomography of the anterior eye segment followed by ultrasound biomicroscopy.Results. 1 month after surgery, the average IOP levels were simliar and remained low in all groups: 1a — 16.1 ± 0.5 mmHg, 1b — 16.4 ± 0.8 mmHg, 2 — 17.1 ± 0.7 mmHg. By the 1st year of the study, normalized IOP was maintained in both the two main groups and the control group. By 24 months of the follow-up, the effect was retained in 82.1 % in group 1a and in 82.7 % in group 1b. If the patients were IOP compensated with medication, the effect rose to reach 92.8 % and 96.4 %. In the control group, the hypotensive success rate was 74 %, if patients IOP were compensated with medication it rose to 88.8 %.Conclusion. The developed new methods of sinus trabeculectomy for surgical treatment of glaucoma ensures a prolonged hypotensive effect.
The role of conjunctival lymphangiogenesis in filtering blebs formation after non-penetrating deep sclerectomy
Authors: Yuryeva T. N. , Malysheva Ju. V. , Kolesnikov S. I. , Volkova N. V. 
Published: September 2022

Purpose: to study the concentration of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF A) in the tear fluid (TF) of patients with primary open-angle glaucoma after non-penetrating deep sclerectomy (NPDS) at different stages of the perioperative period and to perform immunohistochemical identification of the lymphatic structures of filtering blebs in groups differing in the hypotensive effect of the surgery.Material and methods. 12 months after surgery, POAG patients were divided into 2 groups. Group 1 was composed of patients who experienced a hypotensive effect after NPDS (n = 23; mean age 63.7 ± 4.4 years), while group 2 had no such effect of NPDS (n = 21, mean age 64.3 ± 3.9 years). The concentration of VEGF A (121 and 165) in TF was determined by ELISA method (VEGF-ELISA-Best, Vector Best, Russia). Immunohistochemical examination of conjunctival and subconjunctival tissue samples was performed 12 to 18 months after NPDS in 12 POAG patients and 8 patients aged 62.36 ± 6,31 with no glaucoma, which served as a control group.Results. Significant differences in the concentration of VEGF A (121 and 165) in TF were found in two groups 2 weeks and 2 months after the surgery. Excessive scarring of filtering blebs was accompanied by an initially low level of VEGF A, its moderate increase 2 weeks after surgery and significant suppression 2 months after surgery, which was significantly different from group 1 (a twofold VEGF A increase has been established toward the second month after surgery). From 5 to 7 vessels with lymphatic character were found in tissue samples of group 1. Podoplanin was found in individual cells and sphere-like formations, which may represent reduced lymphatic vessels.Conclusion. The study showed an important role of VEGF A in conjunctival lymphangiogenesis. Suppression of conjunctival lymphangiogenesis and subsequent “hypotensive failure” of glaucoma surgery in some patients who underwent anti-inflammatory and antifibrosis therapy requires optimization, the development of new treatment methods aimed at activating prolymphangiogenic factors.
Psychosocial factors influencing handwashing behaviour and the design of behaviour change interventions for the Rohingya camps in Bangladesh
Authors: Rahaman Kh. Shafiur , Ramos Silvia , Harter Miriam , Mosler Hans-Joachim 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
This study sought to identify the psychosocial factors that influence handwashing behaviour and to design behaviour change techniques applying the risk, attitude, norm, ability, and self-regulation (RANAS) behaviour change approach in Rohingya camps in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh. This was a cross-sectional study conducted in four Rohingya camps located in Ukhiya and Teknaf sub-districts. Participants were selected by systematic random sampling. A structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used. Analysis of variance testing (ANOVA) was used to determine the significant predicting variables. A total of 1,358 individuals participated in the interview. The mean age was 31.11 ranging from 13 to 75 years. The majority were female (84.9%). Around 75% of participants reported practising handwashing. Several psychosocial predictors were identified for handwashing behaviour with medium to large effect size such as health knowledge, beliefs about costs and benefits, feelings, social norms, abilities, and self-regulation factors. Significant predictors were additionally identified in individual camps. The behaviour change techniques included providing information, demonstration of handwashing, providing rewards, evoking emotions, and public commitments amongst others proposed in this study. Identified psychosocial determinants should be considered while promoting sustainable handwashing behaviour along with adequate supplies and infrastructure. This study also suggests evaluating the proposed behaviour change interventions considering the contextual factors related to handwashing.
Application of Bayesian Semi-Parametric and Hierarchical Models for Analyzing Dispersed Traffic Barriers Crash Data
Authors: Rezapour Mahdi , Ksaibati Khaled 
Published: September 2022

Introduction:Despite the traffic barriers effectiveness in reduction of the severity of run-off road crashes, the severity of barrier crashes still accounts for a significant fraction of road fatalities. Although extensive research has already been conducted in studying traffic barrier crashes, those studies mostly either consider the severity or frequency of crashes. Here, the equivalent property damage only (EPDO) was used to account for both aspects of crashes. While modeling EPDO crashes, there are challenges associated with that type of dataset including its sparse distribution, and the presence of heterogeneity in the dataset due to aggregation of various crash types.Methods:Ignoring the sparse nature of the data might result in biased or even erroneous results. Thus, in this study we identify factors to barriers EPDO crashes while considering the discussed challenges. Those consideration are especially important as in the next step we will employ the modeling results for conducting the cost-benefit analysis. Two main methods were considered in this study to address the discussed challenges including parametric and non-parametric Bayesian hierarchical models. A semiparametric Bayesian approach was used to relax the normality assumption by using a mixture of multivariate Dirichlet prior, defining a flexible nonparametric model for the random effects’ distribution, and using grouping to account for the heterogeneity due to the structure of the dataset. On the other hand, Bayesian hierarchical models with two distributions of Poisson and negative binomial with similar levels of hierarchy were considered. These models were chosen as closest models to the Bayesian semiparametric model. The incorporated models were compared in terms of deviance information criterion (DIC).Results and Discussion:The results highlighted that although the semi-parametric method outperforms the Bayesian hierarchical model with Poisson distribution, the Bayesian hierarchical model with negative binomial (NB) distribution outperform the semi-parametric model. The findings might be related to the severe sparse nature of the EPDO, which cannot optimally be accounted by semiparametric approach, and the model needs more flexibility.Conclusion:It was found that being unrestrained, driving in interstate system, driving in clear weather, light conditions, and driving in a higher traffic all increase the likelihood of EPDO crashes. Also, while some predictors were significant in less accommodative models of semi-parametric or Poisson models, they were not for Negative binomial model.
Development of soft takraw balls for children
Authors: Syafii M , Karo-Karo Alan Alfiansyah Putra , Sari Liliana Puspa , Aditya Rinaldi , Helmi Boby , Simangunsong Benny Aprial 
Published: September 2022

Recognizing and developing the game of sepak takraw at school basic then need to make development according to the level of growth and development of children. This study aims to develop suitable and user-friendly soft takraw balls for children. This research and development adopt the ADDIE model (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, Evaluation) which focuses on developing sepak takraw for children's sports by paying attention to three aspects of quality; namely effective, practical, and valid. The takraw balls that were created have been validated by sports experts such as physical education teachers, sepak takraw practitioners, and also by respondents. The results of validation data by experts, a total score of 90% (r=.9) showed high validity. Validation data by media experts and user respondents obtained 100% (r= 1.0) which is also high validity. It can be concluded that the newly created soft takraw balls for children are suitable for the game nature and user-friendly. The quality of the ball will reduce the cost and increase the usage among young players due to the practicality.
Investigation of CNC Milling Machining Parameters on Surface Roughness
Authors: Alyas Rasha Ramiz 
Published: September 2022

Milling Machining is a widely accepted nontraditional machining technique used to produce parts with complex shapes and configurations. The material is removed in two stages roughing and finishing, the flat end cutter removed the unwanted part of material, then finished by end mill cutter. In milling technique, the role of machining factors such as cutting depth, spindle speed and feed has been studied using Taguchi technique to find its effectiveness on surface roughness. Practical procedure is done by Taguchi Standard matrix. CNC milling is the most conventional process which is used for removing of material from workpiece to perform the needed shapes. The results and relations indicate that the rate of feed is very important factor for modeling surface roughness. The plot of S/N ratio shows that the optimum combination of the milling factors that gives the best value of surface accuracy. The best combination of milling factors has also been predicted to minimize the surface roughness.
Nationally Subsidized Continuous Glucose Monitoring: A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis
Authors: Pease Anthony J , Zoungas Sophia , Callander Emily , Jones Timothy W , Johnson Stephanie R , Holmes-Walker D Jane , Bloom David E , Davis Elizabeth A , Zomer Ella 
Published: September 2022

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<p><strong>Objective: </strong>The ‘Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) Initiative’ recently introduced universal subsidized CGM funding for people with type 1 diabetes under 21 years of age in Australia. We thus aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of this CGM Initiative based on national implementation data and project the economic impact of extending the subsidy to all age groups.</p>
<p><strong>Methods: </strong>A patient-level Markov model was used to simulate disease progression for young people with type 1 diabetes and compared government subsidized access to CGM with the previous user-funded system. Three years of real-world clinical input data were sourced from analysis of the Australasian Diabetes Data Network and National Diabetes Services Scheme registries. Costs were considered from the Australian healthcare system’s perspective. An annual discount rate of 5% was applied to future costs and outcomes. Uncertainty was evaluated with probabilistic and deterministic sensitivity analyses.<br>
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<p><strong>Results: </strong>Government subsidized CGM funding for young people with type 1 diabetes compared to a completely user-funded model resulted in an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of AUD $39,518 per quality adjusted life year (QALY) gained. Most simulations (85%) were below the commonly accepted willingness-to-pay threshold of AUD $50,000 per QALY gained in Australia. Sensitivity analyses indicated that base-case results were robust, although strongly impacted by the cost of CGM devices. Extending the CGM Initiative throughout adulthood resulted in an ICER of AUD $34,890 per QALY gained.</p>
<p><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Providing subsidized access to CGM for people with type 1 diabetes was found to be cost-effective compared to a completely user-funded model in Australia. </p>
Calcium phosphate bone cement and metaphyseal ­corrective osteotomies in the upper extremity: long-term follow-up of 10 children
Authors: Winge Mona I , Røkkum Magne 
Published: September 2022

Background and purpose: The evaluation of metaphyseal angular deformities in children includes indication and timing for corrective osteotomy, and possible need for several operations during growth. Gap-fillers are usually autologous bone grafts, which might cause donor site problems. Calcium phosphate (CaP) bone cement may be a possible alternative.Patients and methods: We performed 15 corrective osteotomies from 2007 to 2013 in 10 children, ages 5 to 18, with Norian SRS bone cement as a gap-filler, in the distal radius (12), proximal radius (1), and proximal humerus (2). Due to growth arrest and gradually increasing malalignments 3/10 children needed 1–3 additional corrections. Locking plates and screws were used except in 1 case at first surgery, aged 5 (K-wires). 2 children needed additional limb lengthening with external fixator.Results: All osteotomies healed. Postoperative radiographs and CT scans showed good alignment and gradual transformation of cement into bone. Remodeling was visible intraoperatively in patients needing multiple surgeries. Return to earlier osteotomy sites was unproblematic. No adverse events from using CaP cement were experienced.Interpretation: CaP cement is an alternative to bone grafts in upper extremity metaphyseal corrective osteotomies in children, and also when greater corrections are necessary or several surgeries indicated during the growth period.
The impact of Cobalt and Strontium radiation on Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Mhana Waleed Jabbar 
Published: September 2022

The research aims to study the effect of radiation emitted from different clinical sources, including cobalt and strontium. The study was carried out using isolates of Pseudomonas bacteria isolated from Baghdad hospitals during the year 2021, about 20 isolates from the blood of patients infected with the bacteria. The results showed a lethal effect on Pseudomonas bacteria when exposed to radiation at different times during one hour, two hours and three hours. Different doses using cobalt with effective 1 mci and 10 mci in the presence and absence of aluminium, and the use of strontium in the presence and absence of aluminium. Co60 (10Mci) without Alminium, with dose 12.48472106(1hr.), 24.96944212 (2hr.), 37.45416318 (3hr.) that emit Beta and Gamma; Co60 (10Mci) with aluminium with dose 0.023315312×10-7 (1hr.), 0.046630625×10-7 (2hr.), 0.069945936×10-7 (3hr.) that emit Beta ray; Co60 (1Mci) without Alminium with dose 3.4178394 (1hr.), 6.835678887 (2hr.), 10.2535182 (3hr.) that emit Beta and Gamma; Co60 (1Mci) with alminium with dose 0.155992856*10-4 (1hr.), 0.311985712*10-4 (2hr.), 0.467978568×10-4 (3hr.) that emit Beta ray and Sr90 with dose 0.73251×10-2 (1hr.) 1.4650×10-2 (2hr.), 2.19753×10-2 (3hr.) The results showed that the killing rate of P. aeruginosa bacteria using cobalt 10 mCi without aluminium was 78%, and in the presence of aluminium 100%. In comparison, the killing rate of Pseudomonas bacteria with effective effectiveness of 1 mC without aluminium was 100% and in the presence of aluminium 98%, and the killing rate of Pseudomonas bacteria without aluminium was 83% and in the presence of aluminium 96% compared with control.