bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A prospective study of a new presbyopia pseudophakic intraocular lens: Safety, efficacy and satisfaction
Authors: Bianchi German R 
Published: August 2022

Purpose:
To evaluate the safety, visual performance, and patient satisfaction of a new presbyopic pseudophakic intraocular lens (IOL).

Methods:
A prospective non-randomized case-series study was performed in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Patients included in the study underwent a programmed Femtosecond laser assisted cataract surgery (FLACS), performed between October and December 2020, with a 6-month follow-up period. The Intensity (Hanita Lenses) IOL was bilaterally implanted. Spherical equivalent (SE) refraction, uncorrected distance and near visual acuity (UDVA/UNVA), defocus curve, endothelial cell density (ECD), central corneal thickness (CCT), and a satisfaction questionnaire were evaluated.

Results:
A total of 56 patients (112 eyes), aged 65 ± 6.12 years were included. The mean ± SD of preoperative SE was 1.85 ± 2.24 D (range; −4.50 to 4.75), which had decreased 6 months after surgery to −0.08 ±0.32 D (range; −0.75 to 0.63). No eyes experienced a loss of lines of vision, and 94% obtained SE values between ± 0.50 D. Defocus curve for different additions was 0.03 LogMAR (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution) for −3.0 D, −0.005 LogMAR for −1.5 D, and −0.07 LogMAR for 0 D. The ECD, CCT remained stable (P: 0.09 and 0.58, respectively) and all patients achieved their preoperative expectations, with a 6-month follow-up period.

Conclusion:
Patients who underwent a safe bilateral implantation with Intensity IOL achieved a high degree of spectacle independence and satisfaction, 6 months after surgery.
Outcomes of medical and surgical management in eyes with idiopathic elevated episcleral venous pressure
Authors: Ganesh Nagalekshmi , Alam Md Shahid , George Ronnie J , Balekudaru Shantha , Vijaya Lingam 
Published: August 2022

Purpose:
Idiopathic elevated episcleral venous pressure (IEEVP) is a rare cause of secondary glaucoma and is a diagnosis of exclusion. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical presentation and analyze the outcomes of medical and surgical management in eyes diagnosed with idiopathic elevated episcleral venous pressure.

Methods:
A retrospective analysis of eyes diagnosed with IEEVP over a 5-year period between April 2012 and March 2016 was performed. The demographic details, medical history, and clinical course of the cases were obtained from the medical records. Data pertaining to the severity of glaucomatous damage, response to medical management, need for surgical intervention, and their outcomes were analyzed.

Results:
Fifteen eyes of 13 patients were included. Thirteen eyes (86.6%) had open angle configuration. Among the 13 eyes that had glaucoma, eight eyes (61.5%) had severe glaucoma, four eyes (30.7%) had moderate glaucoma, and one eye (7.6%) had mild glaucoma. The median follow-up was 210 days. Seven of the 15 eyes (46.6%) required a glaucoma filtration procedure, and three underwent prophylactic sclerotomies. 71.4% of these eyes had complete success. One out of the seven operated eyes required choroidal drainage post-operatively.

Conclusion:
IEEVP is an extremely rare condition and presents with raised intra-ocular pressure and tortuous episcleral vessels. The management of IEEVP is similar to that of primary open angle glaucoma. Uveal effusion is to be anticipated, and hence, combining trabeculectomy with prophylactic sclerotomies is advisable.
Eye care seeking behavior among rural adults in South India: Tamil Nadu Rural Eye Examination (TREE) Study Report 1
Authors: Rangavittal Subhiksha , Narayanan Anuradha 
Published: August 2022

Purpose:
To present the eye care seeking behavior among rural adults in South India.

Methods:
This cross-sectional study was conducted between 2019 and 2020 covering three blocks of the Thiruvannamalai district, Tamil Nadu, India. Door-to-door survey was performed to collect demographic information, status of literacy, occupation, and details of previous eye examination. Distance visual acuity was tested for individuals available in the house using a log MAR (logarithm of minimum angle of resonance) chart. Association between demographic details, details of previous eye examination, and status of vision was analyzed using logistic regression.

Results:
A data of 12,913 individuals were included for the analysis, of which 6460 (50.03%) were females. Of the total individuals, 2007 (15.54%) had undergone an eye examination previously. There were 1639 (28.50%) people who had a vision less than 0.2 log MAR in at least one eye. The odds of reported ‘previous eye examination’ were more among females [odds ratio (OR) 1.48, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.32–1.66, P < 0.001]; individuals aged above 60 years [OR: 11.46, 95% CI: 9.44–13.91, P < 0.001], between 40 and 60 years [OR: 10.43, 95% CI: 8.85–12.30, P < 0.001], and between 18 and 40 years [OR: 2.48, 95% CI: 2.16–2.84, P < 0.001]; illiterates (OR: 1.76, 95% CI: 1.45–2.15, P < 0.001); and farmers (OR: 1.32 95% CI: 1.12–1.55, P = 0.001).

Conclusion:
The study presents the utilization of eye care among rural South Indian adults. Almost 84.46% of individuals had not undergone any eye examination. Robust measures to promote eye care management would help in effective utilization of eye care services among rural adults.
Ocular manifestations in moderate-to-severe psoriasis in India: A prospective observational study
Authors: Kharolia Anjali , Parija Sucheta , Moharana Bruttendu , Sirka Chandra Sekhar , Sahu Sandip Kumar 
Published: August 2022

Purpose:
Ocular manifestations in psoriasis are due to direct eye involvement with psoriatic plaques or psoriasis-related, immune-mediated inflammatory processes. The commonly reported pathologies are blepharitis, conjunctivitis, keratitis, dry eyes, and uveitis. Limited data is available on the ocular findings in psoriasis patients in India. In this study, we evaluated various ocular changes associated with moderate-to-severe psoriasis.

Methods:
In this prospective cohort study, treatment-naive psoriasis patients with Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) score of more than 10 were included. The Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) score, Schirmer’s score, tear film breakup time (TBUT), corneal and conjunctival staining score, and meibomian gland dysfunction score were noted. All these parameters were re-evaluated at 8 weeks of follow-up after systemic treatment.

Results:
Sixty-eight patients were enrolled in the study. The most common ocular pathologies observed in this study were tarsal hyperemia and anterior blepharitis in 128 (94.1%) and 64 (47%) eyes, respectively. Mild, moderate, and severe dry eyes were seen in 26 (19.1%), 14 (10.2%), and 34 (25%) eyes, respectively. Thirty-nine (57.3%) patients complained of significant difficulty watching television or digital screen. In 21 patients evaluated on follow-up at 8 weeks, cornea and conjunctiva’s ocular surface staining score increased and TBUT decreased significantly.

Conclusion:
The most common ocular pathologies observed in this study were anterior blepharitis and moderate dry eye, which significantly affected most patients’ daily routines. Screening patients with greater severity of psoriasis would help in early management of such problems.
The impact of amphotericin B-fortified preservation media on donor rim cultures and posttransplant infection
Authors: Hussey Vincent , Sheils Catherine R , Salimiaghdam Nasim , Young Kirsten , Farid Marjan 
Published: August 2022

Purpose:
To determine the impact of amphotericin B supplementation to donor cornea preservation solutions on the rates of positive donor rim fungal cultures and postkeratoplasty fungal infections.

Methods:
This was a retrospective analysis of cases undergoing corneal transplantations at a single tertiary referral center from 2016 to 2021. Patients undergoing corneal transplantations with and without amphotericin B supplementation to the storage media were reviewed for donor rim culture results and postoperative infection. The primary outcome measures were positive donor rim fungal culture results and postkeratoplasty fungal infection.

Results:
A total of 1238 corneal transplants were analyzed. Of these, 849 were stored in preservation solution without amphotericin B, while 389 had amphotericin B included. There was a lower incidence of positive donor rim fungal cultures in cases with amphotericin B supplementation (1.8%) compared to the cases without amphotericin B (2.9%), although this difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.24). Of the 389 cases with amphotericin B supplementation, one (0.25%) went on to develop clinically significant infection, while three of 849 (0.35%) cases without amphotericin B developed infection. The sample size was too small to determine the effect of amphotericin B on the incidence of postkeratoplasty fungal infection.

Conclusion:
The addition of amphotericin B to donor cornea preservation solution resulted in a downward trend of positive donor rim fungal cultures and postkeratoplasty fungal infections, although these differences did not reach statistical significance. Further studies with larger sample sizes are necessary to appropriately determine the impact of amphotericin B supplementation in the storage solution on positive donor rims and postkeratoplasty fungal infections.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the trends in corneal donor mortality data from Eye Bank records in India
Authors: Das Anthony Vipin , Kommu Deepti Raj , Chilukuri Raviteja , Chilukuri Harihar , Chaurasia Sunita 
Published: August 2022

Purpose:
To describe the causes and trends of corneal donor mortality from eye bank data in India during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Methods:
This retrospective eye bank-based study included 13,529 donors who donated their cornea between January 2018 and December 2021. Donors in whom the cause of mortality was documented were included as cases. The data were collected from the eye bank records.

Results:
Overall, 13,529 corneal donors were included in the study. Most of the donors were males (69.71%). The mean age of the donors was 51.55 ± 20.54 years, whereas the median age was 51 (inter-quartile range: 35–68) years. The mean age of males (49.3 ± 19.47 years) was lesser than the mean age of females (56.72 ± 21.94 years) at the time of donation. The most common age group at the time of donation was during the sixth decade of life with 2,139 (15.81%) donors. The mean age of the donors decreased by a decade from 54.95 ± 20.51 years in 2018 to 44.35 ± 18.88 years in 2021. The most common cause of donor mortality was cardio-respiratory arrest in 5,190 (38.36%) donors and trauma in 3,469 (25.64%) donors, followed by suicide in 2,790 (20.62%) donors. The trend of cardio-respiratory arrest decreased from 53.01% to 9.5% (p = <0.00001), whereas the trends of trauma increased from 21.93% to 36% (p = <0.00001) and suicide increased from 12.71% to 36.41% (p = <0.00001) between 2018 and 2021.

Conclusion:
Corneal donors are more commonly males in their sixth decade of life. The most common cause of donor mortality was related to cardio-respiratory arrest with a concerning rising trend in suicide cases over the years seen significantly during the pandemic.
Does Obesity Affect the Outcomes of Clinically Localized Prostate Cancer in the Era of Extraperitoneal Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy?
Authors: Tung Mu-Chiao , Wu Chun-Hsien , Wu Richard C. , Kuo Wade Wei-Ting , Mai Hsing-Chia , Chen Sih-Han , Chiang Chao-Yang , Lin Victor C. 
Published: August 2022

Purpose:
Obesity has been proven to affect the outcomes in open radical prostatectomy. However, the relationship between obesity and the outcomes of robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) was not conclusive. Herein, we aimed to investigate the impact of obesity on the clinical outcomes after RARP.

Materials and Methods:
From April 2016 to June 2020, 164 patients underwent RARP by a single experienced surgeon at our institute. Patients with previous transurethral resection of prostate (n = 30), hernioplasty (n = 13), and transperitoneal RARP (n = 26) were excluded. Finally, 105 patients were enrolled and divided into different groups according to their body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) using the definition of Taiwan National Health Institute. BMI was categorized into three groups (normal: BMI <24, overweight: BMI between 24 and 27, and obese: BMI ≥27 [kg/m2]). WC was categorized into two groups (normal: WC <90 and central obesity: WC ≥90 [cm]). Perioperative outcomes and functional outcomes including preoperative, postoperative erectile function, and postoperative continence status were evaluated.

Results:
Among BMI groups, 29 patients were normal, 43 patients were overweight, and 33 patients were obese. Console time and sum time showed a significant difference in different BMI groups (P = 0.034 and 0.016, respectively). Of the 101 patients with available magnetic resonance imaging, 74 patients' WC were normal, and 27 patients were central obese. Blood loss in central obesity group was significant more than normal WC group (300 ml vs. 200 ml, P = 0.04). No significant differences were observed in pathological and functional outcomes in both groups.

Conclusion:
Obesity and central obesity seemed to result in longer operation time and more blood loss in extraperitoneal RARP while functional outcomes can be maintained regardless of the obesity degree. Large-scale studies are necessary to further explore the relationship between obesity and the outcomes of RARP in future.
Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices among HIV/Leishmaniasis Co-Infected Patients in Bihar, India
Authors: Devipriya J. S. , Gupta Ashok Kumar , Pavan Garapati , Dhingra Sameer , Murti Krishna , Ravichandiran Velayutham , Pandey Krishna 
Published: August 2022

ABSTRACT.
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a serious public health concern in the Indian state of Bihar, which has been exacerbated by an increasing HIV/AIDS incidence that has resulted in poor clinical outcomes. So far, there has been no investigation into the knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) of people who have been subjected to hospital-based supervision for VL or HIV/VL co-infection. This study assessed the KAP toward VL infection among 210 VL-infected patients (126 participants with VL and 84 participants with HIV/VL) using a pretested standard questionnaire. The findings are summarized descriptively and KAP scores are classified dichotomously (good/poor). Multivariable logistic regression and bivariate correlation were used in the analysis. The study showed that both VL-infected and co-infected patients exhibited similar deficits in KAP scores toward VL. The HIV/VL participants who had a personal or family history of VL were more likely to have appropriate awareness of and preventive practices toward VL. The independent predictors of attitude index in HIV/VL participants were education, VL family history, and marital status. There was a weak but significant positive correlation between knowledge and practice (rs = 0.321, p<0.001), and attitude and practice (rs = 0.294, p<0.001), while knowledge was strongly correlated with attitude (rs = 0.634, p<0.001). Based on the study findings, it is recommended that treatment programs in Bihar should concentrate on strengthening KAP among VL and HIV/VL co-infected patients to prevent reinfection-related complications. Behavior change communication intervention is ideal for tackling this problem. This proposal entails building a comprehensive public health program in endemic regions.
Comparison of Seizure Characteristics and Recurrence Rates in Children with Viable Parenchymal Neurocysticercosis and Tuberculoma in India
Authors: Panda Prateek Kumar , Ramachandran Aparna , Sharawat Indar Kumar , Sherwani Poonam , Bhat Nowneet Kumar 
Published: August 2022

ABSTRACT.
Inflammatory granulomas (neurocysticercosis [NCC] and tuberculomas) are important causes of seizures in children and adults in the developing world. Although several studies have explored seizure characteristics individually in patients with either NCC or tuberculoma, none has compared the seizure recurrence rate between them. This study included patients aged 5 to 18 years with viable parenchymal NCC or tuberculomas who had completed regular follow-up of at least 12 months at a tertiary institute in India. Their baseline seizure and electroencephalographic characteristics, antiseizure medications (ASMs), and breakthrough seizure rates at 12, 24, and 52 weeks were noted. A total of 103 and 54 patients with active NCC and tuberculomas respectively were included. The number of patients who had at least one breakthrough seizure at 12, 24, and 52 weeks in both groups was comparable (P = 0.32, 0.27, and 0.13), and the vast majority were controlled on monotherapy (98% cases in each group). The proportion of patients who required an increase in the dose or change of ASMs or polytherapy, the proportion of children who had status epilepticus at or before 12 months, abnormal electroencephalogram at 12 months, and calcified and active granuloma in neuroimaging at 12 months were also comparable between the two groups (P > 0.05 for all). The number of patients who had ASM-related adverse events and discontinued ASM due to serious adverse events was comparable between both groups, except for hepatotoxicity in the tuberculoma group. The predictors for breakthrough seizures that were found to be statistically significant in the NCC group were the presence of perilesional edema in the baseline magnetic resonance imaging (P = 0.02) and more than five active granulomas (P = 0.01); predictors in the tuberculoma group were the presence of severe perilesional edema causing midline shift in the baseline magnetic resonance imaging (P = 0.01) and more than five active granulomas (P = 0.04). The recurrence rates of breakthrough seizures over the next 12 months in newly detected cases of active NCC and tuberculomas were comparable.
Use of individual development plans: experiences from junior faculty in the “NURTURE” mentored research program at Makerere University College of Health Sciences
Authors: Nakanjako Damalie , Bamuturaki Grace , Nambooze Harriet , Sewankambo Nelson 
Published: August 2022

Introduction: Individual Development Plan (IDP) is a multi-component career planning worksheet that guides trainees through an iterative self-assessment. This paper provides the first investigation of IDP use and experiences among junior faculty at academic institutions in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs) where IDP is seldomly used by trainees.
Methods: An online survey determined the utilization and impact of IDP among junior faculty trainees enrolled on “NURTURE” mentored research program to support career development for faculty at Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS) between 2016-2020. Responses were received between March and June 2021, a period of intense COVID-19 pandemic in the country.
Results: Of 64 trainees 64(39%) were female and 60/64(98%) developed an IDP during the fellowship period; of whom 45/60(75%) had never been exposed to IDP. Trainees’ benefits included intentional thinking about own career goals and support to execute the goals as well as self-management skills of time management and communication, among others.
Conclusion: IDP was well-received by junior faculty trainees, with several self-management and motivation benefits to the scholars. We recommend that academic programs and faculty at academic institutions in LMIC should consider taking on the IDP approach to promote focused career development for all trainees including junior faculty.
Keywords: Individual development plan; career development; academic institutions; LMIC; junior faculty.
Support for the response to COVID-19 in Uganda: contribution of the global health security program at Makerere University's Infectious Diseases Institute
Authors: Lamorde Mohammed , Ayebare Rodgers , Bulwadda Daniel , Nanyondo Judith , Nakiire Lydia , Walwema Richard , Otita Morgan , Mukiibi Peter , Nabukenya Immaculate , Kakooza Francis , Kambugu Andrew 
Published: August 2022

Background: Outbreaks are occurring at increasing frequency and they require multisectoral and multi-stakeholder involvement for optimal response. The Global Health Security Agenda is a framework that governments and other stakeholders can use to strengthen countries’ capacities to prevent, detect and respond to outbreaks but there are few examples of academic programs using this approach.
Methods: This is a narrative review of contributions of Makerere University through the Global Health Security Program at the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI). Information was sourced from peer-reviewed publications and grey literature highlighting work done between 2017 - 2021.
Results: Aligned to GHSA, IDI made contributions to strengthen national and subnational capacities for biosafety and biosecurity, sample collection and transportation, electronic disease surveillance, infection prevention and control, case management prior to COVID-19 that were subsequently used to support response efforts for COVID-19 in Uganda.
Conclusion: The IDI Global Health Security program provides a model that can be used by institutions to deliberately developcapacities relevant to outbreak preparedness and response.
Keywords: Epidemics; University; Ebola.
Mobile Phone-based Intervention to promote un-interrupted HIV treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Nakanjako Damalie , Kakyama Mayanja Eisah , Semwanga Rwashana Agnes , Semitala Fred , Katureebe Cordelia , Ssali Mina , Muddu Martin , Ssinabulya Isaac 
Published: August 2022

Introduction: Keeping HIV-infected adults away from the health care system during the COVID-19 travel restrictions, presents a challenge to HIV treatment adherence.
Methods: This study focused on the initial two phases where Phase 1 designed a Makerere College of Health Sciences (MakCHS) Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD)-based application; and Phase 2 piloted patient enrolment onto the application and determined the feasibility of remote follow-up of patients receiving long-term antiretroviral therapy (ART).
Results: A off/online user application, MakCHS Health app, was developed. Overall, 112 patients [(66(59%) female] receiving ART at Mulago ISS clinic, Kampala, were enrolled onto the MakCHS Health app. Up to 89 (80%) utilized the app to access medical help. Patients’ medical queries included needs for drug refills, missed taking HIV medication, medical illnesses, access to COVID-19 vaccination and other personal needs that required clinicians’ attention.
Conclusion: Piloting a MakCHS Health application for patient follow-up was feasible and well-received by HIV treatment providers and patients receiving ART. We recommend scale up of the application to enroll all patients receiving long-term treatment for HIV/AIDS, and subsequently expand to. other HIV treatment programs in similar settings.
Keywords: M-Health; patient follow up; Chronic HIV treatment; Antiretroviral therapy.