bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Factors associated with decision-making power on family planning utilization among HIV-positive women attending public health facilities in Eastern Ethiopia
Authors: Dejene Hiwot , Girma Derara , Adugna Leta , Tefera Bilisumamulifna 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Background
Family planning for HIV-positive women has numerous advantages. However, the need of family planning utilization is challenged by women’s nonautonomous decision-making power. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the level and associated factors of decision-making power to utilize family planning among HIV-positive married women.

Methods
A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March to June 2020 among 363 HIV-positive married women on ART, using systematic random sampling technique. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify variables that affect women’s decision-making power on family planning utilization. Statistical significance was declared at p-value < 0.05 with 95% confidence interval and strength of association was reported by adjusted odds ratio.

Results
Overall 55.2% (95% CI: 49.9–60.5) of the women had decision-making power on family planning utilization. Women’s having good knowledge (AOR: 2.87, 95% CI: 1.52–5.40), favorable attitude (AOR: 1.96, 95% CI: 1.13–3.38), women’s getting family planning counseling in ART clinics (AOR: 2.04, 95% CI: 1.16–3.59), women who get integration service of FP and ART (AOR: 1.83, 95% CI:1.07–3.12) were factors independently associated with women decision-making power on family planning utilization.

Conclusion
Decision-making power to utilize family planning among married HIV-positive women was low. Factors like poor knowledge about family planning, dissatisfaction with family planning service, not getting counseling about family planning in ART clinics, and not receiving family planning service in ART clinics were independently associated with women's decision-making power on family planning. Infrastructure linked with the health facility, knowledge, and attitudinal factors should all be combined in future family planning programs.
Short- and long-distance avian migrants differ in exercise endurance but not aerobic capacity
Authors: Hahn Steffen , Emmenegger Tamara , Riello Sara , Serra Lorenzo , Spina Fernando , Buttemer William A. , Bauer Silke 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Background
Migratory birds differ markedly in their migration strategies, particularly those performing short- versus long-distance migrations. In preparation for migration, all birds undergo physiological and morphological modifications including enlargement of fat stores and pectoral muscles to fuel and power their flights, as well as cardiovascular and biochemical adjustments that improve lipid and oxygen delivery and uptake by flight muscles. While the magnitude of these changes varies in relation to migration strategy, the consequence of these variations on aerobic performance is unknown. We tested whether the aerobic performance of four Old-world flycatcher species (Muscicapidae) varied according to migration strategy by comparing minimum resting metabolic rates (RMRmin), exercise-induced maximum metabolic rates (MMR), and exercise endurance times of short-distance and long-distance migratory birds.

Results
As expected, RMRmin did not vary between short-distance and long-distance migrants but differed between the species within a migration strategy and between sexes. Unexpectedly, MMR did not vary with migration strategy, but MMR and blood haemoglobin content were positively related among the birds tested. Exercise endurance times differed substantially between migration strategies with long-distance migrants sustaining exercise for > 60% longer than short-distance migrants. Blood haemoglobin content had a significant positive effect on endurance among all birds examined.

Conclusions
The lack of difference in RMRmin and MMR between long- and short-distance migrants during this stage of migration suggests that the attributes favouring the greater aerobic endurance of long-distance migrants did not come at the expense of increased maintenance costs or require greater aerobic capacity.
Pascal short-pulse plus subthreshold endpoint management laser therapy for diabetic macular edema: the “sandwich technique”
Authors: Cardillo J. A. , Rodrigues M. W. , Oliveira R. C. , Messias A. M. V. , Jorge R. 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Background
Diabetic macular edema (DME) is the main cause of visual loss in diabetic patients. Despite the use of anti-VEGF therapy as first-line treatment, there are many patients whose response to treatment is poor or transient at best. Sophisticated laser techniques have emerged aiming at low-intensity retinal damage, avoiding excessive heat that causes tissue necrosis and related collateral effects.

Objective
To evaluate the effect of combined sublethal laser modalities from short-pulse duration (SPD) with endpoint management (EpM) subthreshold laser [named the “sandwich technique” (SWiT)] on central subfield thickness (CST) and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in patients with DME.

Material and methods
In this consecutive retrospective study, 37 patients (37 eyes) with center-involved (CI) DME were treated with SWiT laser therapy from April 2017 to June 2021. The technique consisted of a mean number of 200 (range number 50–400) SPD laser burns OCT-guided thickened area performed on the juxta- and perifoveal area 500 µm away from the foveal center, overlapping with a mean number of 1000 (range number 800–1200) EpM laser burns focused on 6 mm macular diameter area but saving 300 µm toward the foveal center. All patients underwent ophthalmological evaluations, including BCVA and CST measurement by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), before and after SWiT laser therapy. The mean follow-up time was 19.2 months (range 2–60 months).

Results
Thirty-five out of 37 cases showed an improvement in CST and BCVA following treatment. At baseline, mean CST (µm) ± standard error (SE) and mean BCVA (logMAR) ± SE was 456.95 ± 37.00 and 0.71 ± 0.29, respectively. After a mean follow-up of 19.2 months, mean CST (µm) ± SE and BCVA (logMAR) ± SE were 272.09 ± 9.10 (p < 0.0001) and 0.54 ± 0.26 (p = 0.003), respectively. A statistically significant reduction in CST and improvement in BCVA was noted after laser therapy application. The anti-VEGF injection frequency was reduced during the mean 19.2 months of the study period.

Conclusions
The novel “sandwich” laser therapy aid reduced CST and improved BCVA in this retrospective case series. Further prospective studies are warranted.
RNA sequencing analysis between ruptured and un-ruptured brain AVM
Authors: Li Hao , Yan Zihan , Huo Ran , Ya Xiaolong , Xu Hongyuan , Liu Zechen , Jiao Yuming , Weng Jiancong , Wang Jie , Wang Shuo , Cao Yong 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Background
A brain arteriovenous malformation (BAVM) is a tangle of abnormal blood vessels connecting the arteries and veins in the brain and is associated with a higher risk for intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). RNA sequencing technology has been recently used to investigate the mechanism of diseases owing to its ability to identify the gene changes on a transcriptome-wide level. This study aims to gain insights into the potential mechanism involved in BAVM rupture.

Methods
Sixty-five BAVM nidus samples were collected, among which 28 were ruptured and 37 were un-ruptured. Then, next-generation RNA sequencing was performed on all of them to obtain differential expressed genes (DEGs) between the two groups. In addition, bioinformatics analysis was performed to evaluate the involved biological processes and pathways by GO and KEGG analysis. Finally, we performed a univariate Cox regression analysis to obtain the early rupture-prone DEGs.

Results
A total of 951 genes were differentially expressed between the ruptured and un-ruptured BAVM groups, of which 740 genes were upregulated and 211 genes were downregulated in ruptured BAVMs. Then, bioinformatics analysis showed the biological processes and pathways related to the inflammatory processes and extracellular matrix organization were significantly enriched. Meanwhile, some downregulated genes are involved in cell adhesion and genes participating in response to muscle activity and the terms of nervous system development. Finally, one hundred twenty-five genes, many were involved in inflammation, were correlated with the early rupture of BAVMs.

Conclusions
The upregulated genes in the ruptured BAVM group were involved in inflammatory processes and extracellular matrix organization. Some of the downregulated genes participated in cell adhesion and myofibril assembly, indicating the role of enhanced inflammation and reduced inflammation vessel strength in BAVMs rupture.
Why do open and distance education students drop out? Views from various stakeholders
Authors: Bağrıacık Yılmaz Ayşe , Karataş Serçin 
Published: June 2022

AbstractWhile the demand for open and distance education is increasing, it also faces high dropout rates. The reasons and solutions for student dropouts need considerable attention. This study aims to uncover the reasons for student dropouts considering the perspective of students, field experts, instructors, administrators, and support staff. Data from semi-structured interviews with 40 participants revealed that students decide to drop out mainly due to four main reasons: internal reasons, external reasons, student characteristics, and student skills. These reasons include 37 sub-factors such as academic integration, social integration, financial status, personality, and self-regulation. The sub-factors and selected quotations from the interviews are presented in the findings. According to the results, administrators, field experts, instructors, and support staff are not aware of all the dropout reasons. The results of this research are believed to guide researchers, practitioners, and administrators in enhancing the quality of open and distance education.
ECG optimisation for CRT systems in the era of automatic algorithms: a comprehensive review
Authors: Zoppo Franco , Cocciolo Andrea , Mangiameli Daniele , Perazza Luca , Corrado Andrea 
Published: June 2022

AbstractCardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) may fail in up to one third of patients, mainly due to anatomical and procedural issues. In the daily practice, ECG optimisation is largely used to address CRT delivery. Ineffective CRT can be related to non-optimal pacing timing as well as inadequate pacing-capture. A rate-competitive atrial fibrillation (AF) or a high daily burden of premature ventricular contractions (PVC) may also affect CRT by means of fusion or pseudo-fusion captures. Growing observations suggest that in a subset of patients with typical left bundle branch block (LBBB), selected LV pacing may be more effective, producing a complete fusion between the left pacing and the intrinsic right bundle activation. The His-ventricular (HV) interval is an invasive measurement (derived from electrophysiological study), which mainly reflects the RV activation (and its contribution to QRS timing) and has been proposed by some authors when addressing LV-paced–RV-sensed fusion. In sinus rhythm CRT patients, with baseline typical LBBB criteria and preserved AV conduction, the “dromotropic” management to achieve RV intrinsic activation with LV fusion is also “AV delay dependent”. In this regard, the RV intrinsic activation (detected by RV sensing) and the A (paced/sensed)-RV (sensed) interval are also influenced by the RV lead position within the RV. The current families of CRT devices have implemented automatic algorithms to optimise AV and VV timing intervals. The proof of principle is again the evidence that fusion of an LV-paced beat with intrinsic rhythm may be more beneficial than standard biventricular pacing, provided a preserved AV conduction. In the present review, all the above issues are discussed.
Impact of limb length discrepancy on functional outcome in total knee arthroplasty patients: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Pradhan Siddharth Satyakam , Tripathy Sujit Kumar , Jain Mantu , Behera Hrudeswar , Velagada Sandeep , Srinivasan Anand 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Background
Limb length alteration following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has been under-reported. Few studies have shown a significant association between limb length discrepancy (LLD) and poor functional outcome. This prospective study evaluated the impact of radiographic and perceived LLD on functional outcome in TKA. The variables affecting LLD were also evaluated.

Methods
The preoperative and postoperative limb lengths of TKA patients (112 knees, 81 patients, KL grade ≥ 3) were measured in full-length digital radiographs. The Hip-Knee-Ankle (HKA) angles were also measured. The functional outcome (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index) and perception about LLD were evaluated after six months.

Results
The mean preoperative radiographic LLD in the unilateral and bilateral TKA groups was 0.75 cm ± 0.60 cm and 0.58 cm ± 0.52 cm (P = 0.197), respectively. Similarly, postoperative LLD was 0.76 cm ± 0.85 cm in the unilateral group and was 0.59 cm ± 0.92 cm (P = 0.402) in the bilateral group. Only 19.7% of patients had postoperative radiographic LLD of ≥ 10 mm, and 80.2% of patients had LLD of < 10 mm. The functional outcome was significantly affected when LLD exceeded 10 mm (correlation coefficient 0.54, P < 0.001). Linear regression analysis revealed no significant effects of age, sex, height, weight, BMI, preoperative LLD and difference in deformity between the limbs on postoperative LLD. 34.5% of patients perceived LLD in the preoperative period, which decreased to 3.7% in the postoperative period. Perceived LLD did not correlate to radiographic LLD and functional outcome.

Conclusions
There is no significant difference in radiographic LLD between unilateral and bilateral TKA. The functional outcome is adversely affected by radiographic LLD of ≥ 10 mm. Age, sex, BMI, preoperative LLD and difference in deformity angle do not affect the LLD. About one-third of patients perceive LLD in the preoperative period, which improves significantly after TKA.

Levels of evidence
II.
Extended culture of cleavage embryo to blastocyst embryo is among the good predictors of successful outcome in vitrified-thawed ICSI cycles
Authors: Albahlol Ibrahim , Ghanem Mohamad , Elboghdady Layla , Sedeek Emad , Mesbah Yaser , Helal Adel , Abdelaziz Mohamed 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Background
Previous studies showed that top-quality embryo transfer (ET), number of transferred embryos, endometrial preparation with natural cycles or mild stimulation, and female BMI independently affected the outcome in frozen-thawed ET. However, the effect of culturing thawed cleavage embryos to blastocyst stage on the outcome was not sufficiently elucidated. Our objective is to evaluate the role of this extended culturing as predictor of cycle outcome in vitrified-thawed ICSI cycles.

Materials and methods
One thousand forty-two consecutive cycles of vitrified-thawed ET done in a single IVF unit [Mansoura Integrated Fertility Centre (MIFC)] were reviewed during a period from 2014 to 2017. Endometrial preparation methods were natural, stimulation by antiestrogen and/or gonadotropins, or replacement using sequential estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4). The primary outcome was the clinical pregnancy rate while the secondary outcome was the chemical and ongoing pregnancy rate.

Results
Overall clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) is 298/1042 is 28.5%, chemical pregnancy rate (326/1042) 31.3%, and ongoing pregnancy rate (167/615) 27.2%. Comparing clinically pregnant (n = 298) and non-pregnant (n = 744) showed, respectively, the following: age 28.76 ± 5.0, 28.85 ± 5.18 (p = 0.8); BMI 31.06 ± 5.9, 32.45 ± 5.9 (p = 0.002); infertility duration 4.17 ± 3.2, 4.6 ± 3.5 (p = 0.038); endometrial thickness 10.82 ± 1.6, 10.13 ± 2.06 (p = 0.0001); and no. of ET 3.35 ± 1.5, 3.12 ± 1.60 (p = 0.035). The clinical pregnancy rate when vitrification was done on cleavage embryos was 198/502 (39.4%), and when vitrification done on blastocyst stage 100/ 536 (18.7%) (P < 0.0001); endometrial preparation: natural 72/240(29.1%), stimulated 204/680 (30.0%) replacement 17/90 (18.8%) (p = 0.09); extended culture of cleavage embryos to blastocyst stage: clinical pregnancy rate 116/194 (59.7%) chemical pregnancy rate 125/194 (64.1%), ongoing pregnancy rate 87/165 (52.7%) and non extended culture clinical pregnancy rate 182/848 (21.4%), chemical pregnancy rate 201/848 (23.7%), and ongoing pregnancy rate 80/450 (17.7%) (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion
Top-quality ET, number of transferred embryos and extended culture of cleavage embryos to blastocyst stage, cleavage embryos but not infertility duration, BMI, endometrial thickness, or hCG trigger of ovulation independently predict successful outcome in frozen cycle ET and extended culture of cleavage embryos significantly improved clinical and chemical and ongoing pregnancy rates.
Periodic limb movement index and severity of obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Ahmed Randa Ibrahim , Hendy Rasha Mohamed , Ahmed Mona Ibrahim , Ali Salah Ahmed , AboOmira Marwa Hanafy , Shaban Marwa Moawad 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Background
Periodic limb movements during sleep (PLMS) and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) are two frequent coincident sleep disorders. The association of PLMS with OSAS severity and predictors of PLMS in OSAS patients were investigated.

Material and method
This is a retrospective study that enrolled adult patients ≥ 16 years old who visited the sleep unit at Mouwasat Hospital, Saudi Arabia, between January 2021 and October 2021. All were subjected to full medical history, clinical examination, Epworth Sleepiness (ESS), STOP-Bang questionnaires, and standard overnight polysomnography. Subjects were subdivided into two groups based on PSG findings: group I, OSA patients (153). Patients were classified into mild n = 57 (AHI ≥ 5 and < 15), moderate n = 35 (AHI ≥ 15 and < 30), and severe n = 61 (AHI ≥ 30). Group II, control group included 100 subjects.

Result
There was a higher frequency of PLMS in OSA patients vs control group (with a statistically significant value). The study showed a statistically significantly positive correlation between PLMI and each of AHI, hypopnea index, desaturation index, and PLMs with arousal index, in contrast; it had a statistically significantly negative correlation with BMI among the OSA group. By performing multivariate logistic regression to predict the possible factors associated with the existence of PLMS among the OSA group, it was showed that the apnea index and desaturation index were statistically significant predictors.

Conclusion
The present study showed that OSA patients with PLM were older; had greater AHI, hypopnea index, desaturation index, and PLMs with arousal index; and had lower BMI. Further studies are needed for better understanding this complex relationship.
Evaluation of influential value engineering factors on the function of interchanges: case studies in Iran
Authors: Nigjeh Mohsen Jafari , Amani Nima 
Published: June 2022

AbstractIn Iran, recently in large-scale projects, the science of value engineering has become very important and in order to show the significant impact of value engineering results in increasing efficiency and reducing the cost of projects, the reason for choosing this research. The experience of value engineering in the developed countries shows the significant effect of this method in the value optimization of plans and projects. This research, too, aims to evaluate the effects of value engineering on the performance of interchanges in Iran, so that with comparing their results, the most important qualitative parameters can be determined, and also to present a suitable model for cost reduction per each IRR of the value engineering study’s expenses. The first part of this research will give a short introduction on value engineering and its job plan, and then, 8 value engineering studies of interchanges in the cities of Tehran, Karaj, Shiraz, and Mashhad will be qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed, and their results as a qualitative and quantitative evaluation (including construction cost, total value index, and relative value index) will be compared with the base plan of the projects and also with each other. Finally, the outcome of the research will show that among the evaluation parameters, the acquisition parameter plays a significant role in choosing the best design in value engineering, some part of which depends on the employer’s view in this regard. In the next step, the best improvements were in reducing travel time and in increasing safety, and also the most neglected parameter in the value engineering analyzed here is environmental improvements, which demands especial attention. From this research, it can be concluded that per every one IRR of expenditure on performing value engineering studies, the total cost of interchange projects in Iran is reduced by 334 IRR.
First record of the genus Scelio (Hymenoptera: Platygastridae, Scelionidae, Scelioninae) egg parasitoids in tomato greenhouses of southeastern Algeria
Authors: Wahiba Afissa , Fatma Demnati , Faiza Marniche , Nacima Deghiche-Diab 
Published: June 2022

This is the first record of genus Scelio (Latreille, 1805) in Algeria. Two species of Scelio poecilopterus (Priesner, 1951) and Scelio vulgaris (Kieffer, 1908), were collected in tomato greenhouses from El Alia and El Hadjeb regions in the province of Biskra, southeastern Algeria in 2019-2020, using yellow pan traps, yellow bottles and Barber traps for sampling specimens, followed by laboratory methods to preserve and identify the samples. Photographic material and information on these species are presented and described, on female specimens, in order to expand the knowledge about the distribution and biodiversity of egg parasitoids in our country.