bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Retinal and choroidal microvasculature is altered after strabismus surgery
Authors: Huseyinhan Zahid , Ozcaliskan Sehnaz , Gurez Ceren , Artunay Ozgur 
Published: November 2022

Purpose To evaluate the retinal and choroidal microvasculature after strabismus surgery using swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) Methods Thirty-three eyes of 33 patients who underwent horizontal rectus surgery for strabismus were included in this retrospective study. The unoperated fellow eyes were used as the control group. The macular microvasculature was assessed using a 3 × 3 scan pattern centred on the fovea preoperatively, and one week and one month postoperatively. The vessel density (VD) of superficial capillary plexus (SCP), deep capillary plexus (DCP), and choriocapillaris (CC) were automatically analyzed. The foveal avascular zone (FAZ) was calculated manually using the tool of the device. Results The VD in SCP demonstrated a significant difference between operated and fellow eyes at one week (p = 0.017). Moreover, a significant increase was observed in the mean VD values in SCP of operated eyes after surgery (p = 0.037). The VD in DCP exhibited no significant differences between operated and fellow eyes before and after strabismus surgery. However, there was a significant difference in VD was observed between operated and fellow eyes one week after surgery (p = 0.001). The mean VD in CC was significantly increased in the operated eyes one week after surgery compared to preoperative values (p = 0.006). Conclusion This study revealed that strabismus surgery may cause transient alterations both in retinal and choroidal microcirculation in the early postoperative period.
Rhetoric in the metaverse
Authors: Figueiredo Sergio C 
Published: November 2022

During the summer of 2021, the concept of the metaverse emerged as a macro goal for Big Tech and entertainment industry leaders. The concept is a familiar one: the creation of an embodied internet facilitated by wearable virtual reality technologies (e.g. smart glasses). References to the metaverse often identify Neal Stephenson’s 1992 novel, Snow Crash, as the place where the term was first coined, although the concept itself can be traced back to Stanley G. Weinbaum’s 1935 science fiction short story, ‘Pygmalion’s Glasses’. Other media critics, like Wired’s Kevin Kelly have also used the term mirrorworld to describe immersive virtual and mixed reality worlds in the same vein as the metaverse. The aim of this article is to offer a speculative and pragmatic reimagining of rhetorical pedagogy for the metaverse. For instance, in place of reading Plato, how might students come to understand Plato’s philosophy by walking and talking with the Socrates trope or engaging in a dialog with an AI Plato? How might students feel the affective significance and impact of Martin Luther King, Jr’s ‘I Have Dream’ speech by attending a virtual simulation of the event or sitting alongside MLK in a jail cell as the author pens ‘Letter from Birmingham Jail’? The metaverse holds potential for creating these sorts of embodied learning experiences to enhance traditional pedagogical and post-pedagogical methods, as well as to foster a new level of engagement with arts and humanities curricula at a time when administrative leadership and governing bodies in higher education are exploring new options for delivering high-quality, engaging learning experiences.
Thinking, fast and slow on the autism spectrum
Authors: Brosnan Mark , Ashwin Chris 
Published: November 2022

The Dual Process Theory of Autism proposes that autistic individuals demonstrate greater deliberative (slower) processing alongside reduced (faster) intuitive processing. This study manipulated the reasoning time available to investigate the extent to which deliberative and intuitive processing are sensitive to time context in autism. A total of 74 young autistic people and 132 control participants completed the Cognitive Reflection Test to measure intuition and deliberation, with responses being either speeded (fast condition) or delayed (slow condition). The autistic group produced more deliberative and less intuitive responses than controls overall. Both groups showed more intuitive responses in the fast condition and more deliberative responses in the slow condition, demonstrating the reasoning style in autism is sensitive to context. Lay abstract What is already known about the topic Daniel Kahneman wrote a highly influential book titled ‘thinking, fast and slow’. He proposes that people usually think in a rapid, automatic, intuitive style. When people realise their intuitive thinking may be wrong, a slower, effortful, deliberative style of thinking takes over. It has recently been proposed that thinking in autistic individuals can be characterised as usually thinking in the deliberative style (rather than the intuitive style that non-autistic people usually think in). What this paper adds As intuitive thinking is fast and deliberative thinking is slow, this research manipulated the time available to complete a series of reasoning questions. These questions have been developed to have intuitive answers (which are incorrect) and deliberative answers (which are correct). For the first time, a fast time manipulation (you must answer quickly) and slow (you must think about your answer before responding) was undertaken with autistic individuals. Autistic participants did produce more deliberative answers than the non-autistic participants. However, both groups produced comparably more intuitive answers and less deliberative answers in the fast condition. This shows that while autistic people tend not to use their intuition, autistic people can be encouraged to use their intuition. Implications for practice, research or policy Using rapid intuition can be useful in fast-changing contexts, such as some social situations. Future research can explore how to support autistic individuals to use their intuition when the need arises. In addition, the propensity for deliberation resulting in unbiased, correct responses reflects a strengths-based account of autism. This requires more mental effort and is less susceptible to bias and errors. This is called ‘Dual Process Theory’.
Speaking Chinese or no breakfast: Emotional challenges and experiences confronting Chinese immigrant families in heritage language maintenance
Authors: Wang Yining 
Published: November 2022

Aims and objectives: This study aims to explore parental emotions in heritage language maintenance and to examine ways in which parents’ emotions interplay with their language ideologies, maintenance practices, and children’s language proficiencies. Methodology: I conducted an ethnographic qualitative study of 12 Chinese immigrant families including 13 parents and 13 children. The study focuses on parents who brought their children into Australia when they were between ages 3 and 9. Data and analysis: Data were collected through open-ended interviews, informal conversations, observations, evidence of literacy practices and postings on WeChat.1 Data were analysed using an inductive thematic approach. The generated themes relate to emotions, ideologies, practices, and proficiencies in heritage language. Findings/conclusions: Findings show that maintaining heritage language in immigrant and minority contexts is fraught with negative emotions such as irritation, regret, guilt, anguish, loss, insecurity, and shame, but this is complemented by a sense of accomplishment, fulfilment, and pride. Parental emotions, whether positive or negative, which are shaped by language ideologies of Chinese as identity, family tie, and profit, are often elicited by children’s language behaviours and their proficiency outcomes. The study suggests that children’s heritage language proficiencies are significant for the wellbeing of immigrant families. Originality: Emotion-relevant studies in heritage language research have largely focused on children and other learners in classroom settings, with heavy reliance on survey data and statistical analysis. Few studies have explored parental emotions regarding heritage language maintenance in the home domain or documented the relevant nuanced experiences. This study makes an in-depth ethnographic investigation of various types of emotions of family language policy (FLP) in parental discourses and situates parents’ emotions in their own language ideologies and their children’s language practices. Significance/implications: This ethnography fills a gap by providing a realistic understanding of the link between parental emotions, their language ideologies and maintenance practices, and their children’s language behaviours and proficiencies in transnational contexts. Children’s use of, and proficiency in, their heritage language is significant for the socio-emotional wellbeing of immigrant/minority parents and their families and has implications for language policy makers and heritage language education.
RAFF-Net: An improved tongue segmentation algorithm based on residual attention network and multiscale feature fusion
Authors: Song Haibei , Huang Zonghai , Feng Li , Zhong Yanmei , Wen Chuanbiao , Guo Jinhong 
Published: November 2022

Objective Due to the complexity of face images, tongue segmentation is susceptible to interference from uneven tongue texture, lips and face, resulting in traditional methods failing to segment the tongue accurately. To address this problem, RAFF-Net, an automatic tongue region segmentation network based on residual attention network and multiscale feature fusion, was proposed. It aims to improve tongue segmentation accuracy and achieve end-to-end automated segmentation. Methods Based on the UNet backbone network, different numbers of ResBlocks combined with the Squeeze-and-Excitation (SE) block was used as an encoder to extract image layered features. The decoder structure of UNet was simplified and the number of parameters of the network model was reduced. Meanwhile, the multiscale feature fusion module was designed to optimize the network parameters by combining a custom loss function instead of the common cross-entropy loss function to further improve the detection accuracy. Results The RAFF-Net network structure achieved Mean Intersection over Union (MIoU) and F1-score of 97.85% and 97.73%, respectively, which improved 0.56% and 0.46%, respectively, compared with the original UNet; ablation experiments demonstrated that the improved algorithm could contribute to the enhancement of tongue segmentation effect. Conclusion This study combined the residual attention network with multiscale feature fusion to effectively improve the segmentation accuracy of the tongue region, and optimized the input and output of the UNet network using different numbers of ResBlocks, SE block, multiscale feature fusion and weighted loss function, increased the stability of the network and improved the overall effect of the network.
The effect of anterior ankle-foot orthosis and posterior ankle-foot orthosis on functional ambulation in stroke patients
Authors: Zarezadeh Reihaneh , Arazpour Mokhtar , Aminian Gholamreza 
Published: November 2022

Background The goal of rehabilitation after stroke is to restore safe and sufficient function to hemiplegic patients, and prescription of an ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) to improve speed and functional ambulation is a part of this program. Objective This crossover randomized interventional study aimed to evaluate the effect of an anterior ankle-foot orthosis (AAFO) and posterior leaf-spring ankle-foot orthosis (PLS AFO) on speed and functional ambulation in hemiplegic stroke patients. Method Clinical assessments were performed on 11 hemiplegic stroke patients by the AAFO, PLS AFO, and wearing shoes. Functional ambulation was measured by the 6-min walking test, Timed Up and Go Test, Time Up and Down Stair Test, and Functional Ambulation Category. Walking speed was measured by the 10-m test. Results Both PLS AFO and AAFO significantly improved the performance of TUDS and TUG tests in hemiplegic patients. However, by using PLS AFO, walking distance was significantly greater than walking with shoes. There was no significant effect on the walking speed improvement using PLS AFO or AAFO compared to wearing shoes. Conclusions The positive effects of the AAFO and PLS AFO on functional ambulation were significant. By using PLS AFO, hemiplegic patients could walk a longer distance than wearing shoes.
Immunopathology of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in a Cohort of Sri Lankan Patients
Authors: Wijesinghe Harshima Disvini , Wijesinghe Gayani Kokila , Fernando Deepika , Silva Chandu de 
Published: November 2022

Introduction and objectives: Leishmania donovani is the causative organism of leishmaniasis in Sri Lanka. Studies on the immunopathology of leishmaniasis due to L. donovani are limited. The objective of this study was to describe the immunopathological characteristics of cutaneous leishmaniasis in a cohort of Sri Lankan patients. Methodology: Fifty skin biopsies of cutaneous leishmaniasis confirmed by detection of organisms by histology, culture, slit-skin smear, and/or polymerase chain reaction were reviewed. The inflammatory infiltrate was characterized by immunohistochemical staining for CD4, CD8, CD20, and CD68. Associations and correlations between immunohistochemical staining pattern and the parasitic load, and patterns of inflammation were determined. Results: The majority of biopsies showed a CD8+/CD4− T lymphocyte predominant infiltrate (84%, n = 42). A CD68 predominant infiltrate was seen in 16%(n = 8). The mean percentage of CD8+, CD4+, CD20+, and CD68+ inflammatory cells in the biopsies were 56.1% (SD = 16.5%), 2.6% (SD = 4.5%), 12.3% (SD = 10.9%), and 25.7% (SD = 15.8%) respectively. There was no association between the predominant inflammatory cell and the degree of inflammation ( P = .173), presence of high RPI ( P = .922), MRI( P = .367) or presence of granuloma ( P = .247).The percentage of CD4+ cells showed a positive correlation with granuloma formation (Correlation coefficient = .411, P = .03). The percentage of CD20+ cells in the infiltrate showed a positive correlation with the degree of inflammation (Correlation coefficient = .491, P = .02) and the RPI (Correlation coefficient = .334, P = .018). Discussion and Conclusion: Skin biopsies from cutaneous leishmaniasis due to L. donovani infection showed a CD8+/CD4− predominant infiltrate. This is similar to the findings of studies on cutaneous leishmaniasis due to some other species and suggests that the cytotoxic T cell response plays a role in infections due to L. donovani.
Combined Pharmacological and Complex and High-risk Coronary Intervention of Chronic Total Occlusion for Ischemic Mitral Regurgitation
Authors: Jariwala Pankaj , Khetan Saket 
Published: November 2022

Percutaneous coronary intervention for chronic total occlusion is a complex and high-risk intervention (CHIP). Even though persistent ischemia-induced mitral regurgitation is rare, ischemic mitral regurgitation is a frequent complication of an acute coronary crisis. Transcatheter mitral repair has the potential to supplant surgical repair or replacement as the gold-standard treatment for persistent mitral regurgitation. Currently, these interventions are only performed on high-risk surgical candidates, but the indications may eventually be expanded to include low-to-intermediate risk patients as well, in a manner like transcatheter aortic valve replacement. In patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy who still had considerable viable myocardium, combining current guideline-directed pharmacological treatment with interventional complete revascularization decreased hospitalizations for heart failure. We performed a CHIP intervention on the left circumflex artery, which was chronically totally occluded, to address the severe ischemic mitral regurgitation that had been present for a long time.
Prevalence of Cardiac Dysfunction in Cirrhosis and Its Relation With Meld Score
Authors: Kumar Arvind , Bansal Tania , Bery Amit , Sood Ajit 
Published: November 2022

Background: Cardiac structural and functional abnormalities have been described in patients of liver cirrhosis. The constellation of these abnormalities is termed as cirrhotic cardiomyopathy (CCM) and its prevalence remains unknown, mostly because the disease is latent and shows itself when the patient is subjected to stress. This study was designed to evaluate the prevalence of cardiac dysfunction in patients of liver cirrhosis and to analyze its relation with model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score. Methods: Hundred patients of liver cirrhosis were enrolled for the study and divided into 3 groups according to MELD score: ≤9, 10-19, and ≥20. All study participants underwent detailed cardiac assessment with Doppler echocardiography. Prevalence of cardiac dysfunction and its relation with MELD score was determined. Results: Prevalence of CCM and diastolic dysfunction (DD) was 48% and 30%, respectively. A total of 82%, 59%, and 50% patients had prolonged corrected QT interval (QTc), isovolumic relaxation time (IVRT), and deceleration time (DT), respectively. Prevalence of CCM, DD and prolonged QTc, IVRT, and DT had significant correlation with MELD score ( P < .05). Conclusion: Patients with cirrhosis had impaired cardiac function, mainly present as CCM and DD, and the extent of dysfunction was correlated with the MELD score. Hence, MELD scoring system can be used to predict risk of occurrence of cardiac dysfunction in cirrhosis.
GLPG1205 for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: a phase 2 randomised placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Strambu Irina R. , Seemayer Christian A. , Fagard Liesbeth M-C.A. , Ford Paul A. , Van der Aa Tom A.K. , de Haas-Amatsaleh Angela A. , Modgill Vikas , Santermans Eva , Sondag Eric N. , Helmer Eric G. , Maher Toby M. , Costabel Ulrich , Cottin Vincent 
Published: November 2022

BackgroundGLPG1205 is a selective functional antagonist of G-protein-coupled receptor 84, which plays an important role in fibrotic processes. This study assessed the efficacy, safety and tolerability of GLPG1205 for treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).MethodsPINTA (ClinicalTrials.gov:NCT03725852) was a phase 2, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, proof-of-concept trial. Patients with IPF were randomised 2:1 to once-daily oral GLPG1205 100 mg or placebo for 26 weeks and stratified to receive GLPG1205 alone or with local standard of care (nintedanib or pirfenidone). The primary end-point was change from baseline in forced vital capacity (FVC); other end-points were safety and tolerability, and lung volumes measured by imaging (high-resolution computed tomography). The study was not powered for statistical significance.ResultsIn total, 68 patients received study medication. Least squares mean change from baseline in FVC at week 26 was −33.68 (95% CI −112.0–44.68) mL with GLPG1205 and −76.00 (95% CI −170.7–18.71) mL with placebo (least squares mean difference 42.33 (95% CI −81.84–166.5) mL; p=0.50). Lung volumes by imaging declined −58.30versus−262.72 mL (whole lung) and −33.68versus−135.48 mL (lower lobes) with GLPG1205versusplacebo, respectively. Treatment with GLPG1205versusplacebo resulted in higher proportions of serious and severe treatment-emergent adverse events and treatment-emergent discontinuations, most apparent with nintedanib.ConclusionsTreatment with GLPG1205 did not result in a significant difference in FVC declineversusplacebo. GLPG1205 demonstrated a poorer safety and tolerability profile than placebo.
Exercise rehabilitation in COPD and heart failure: comparison of two national audits
Authors: Jones Amy V. , Evans Rachael A. , Harrison Alexander S. , Sherar Lauren B. , Steiner Michael C. , Doherty Patrick , Singh Sally J. 
Published: November 2022

BackgroundPulmonary (PR) and cardiac rehabilitation (CR) are recommended in the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and chronic heart failure (CHF); the impact of coexisting COPD and CHF on completion and outcomes of rehabilitation programmes is unknown. We examined enrolment, completion and clinical outcomes of CR and PR in adults with COPD, CHF and coexisting COPD and CHF.MethodsThe National Audit of CR and National COPD Audit Programme: clinical audits of PR were analysed (211 PR and 237 CR programmes); adults with a diagnosis of CHF, COPD or coexisting COPD and CHF were identified (COPD+CHF or CHF+COPD according to database). Propensity matching was conducted (age, sex, body mass index and functional status) between COPD+CHF and COPD, and CHF+COPD and CHF. Group by time interaction was examined using mixed 2×2 analysis of variance.ResultsThose with CHF+COPD had lower enrolment and completion of CR compared to those with CHF; there were no differences in PR enrolment or completion between the two groups. Adults with COPD made a significantly larger gain in the incremental shuttle walk test compared to adults with COPD+CHF following PR (59.3 mversus37.4 m); the improvements following CR were similar (CHF 77.3 mversusCHF+COPD 58.3 m). Similar improvements were made in the 6-min walk test following CR (CHF 45.1 mversusCHF+COPD 38.8 m) and PR (COPD 48.2 mversusCOPD+CHF 44.0 m). Comparable improvements in quality of life and mood state were made following CR and PR, regardless of diagnosis.ConclusionWe have demonstrated that multi-morbid adults benefit from exercise-based rehabilitation, yet efforts are needed to promote completion. These findings support group-based, tailored, multi-morbid exercise rehabilitation.
Feasibility Study of the GST-SVD in Extracting the Fault Feature of Rolling Bearing under Variable Conditions
Authors: Liu Xiangnan , Zhao Xuezhi , He Kuanfang 
Published: November 2022

AbstractFeature information extraction is one of the key steps in prognostics and health management of rotating machinery. In the present study, an investigation about the feasibility of a methodology based on generalized S transform (GST) and singular value decomposition (SVD) methods for feature extraction in rolling bearing, due to local damage under variable conditions, is conducted. The technique adopts the GST method, following the time-frequency analysis, to transform a raw fault signal of the rolling bearing into a two-dimensional complex matrix. And then, the SVD method is performed to decompose the matrix to obtain the feature vectors. By this procedure it is possible to obtain the fault feature information of rolling bearing under different speeds and different loads. In order to streamline the feature parameters of the feature vectors to train more uncomplicated models, the principal component analysis (PCA) subsequently performed. The particle swarm optimization-support vector machine (PSO-SVM) model is used to identify and classify the different fault states of rolling bearing. Furthermore, in order to highlight the superiority of the proposed method some comparisons are conducted with the conventional methods. The obtained results show that the proposed method can effectively extract fault features of the rolling bearing under variable conditions.