bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantitative Assessment of Anterior Chamber Volume using Slit-Lamp OCT and Pentacam
Authors: Dinc Umut Asli , Oncel Banu , Gorgun Ebru , Alimgil Levent
Published: January 2018

Purpose

To quantitatively assess and compare the anterior chamber volume (ACV) by different anterior segment imaging techniques.

Methods

Forty healthy eyes of 40 patients were recruited and three consecutive measurements of ACV were determined prospectively utilizing SL-OCT and Pentacam. Statistical significance of interdevice differences between measurements was evaluated by unpaired t test and Bland-Altman analysis. The repeatability of three consecutive measurements was analyzed by repeated measured analysis of variance.

Results

Eighty eyes of 40 patients (18 female, 22 male) with a mean spherical error of −0.55±1.4 diopters were included in the study. Mean ACV were detected as 163.34±29.76 mm3 by Pentacam and 164.14±28.44 mm3 by SL-OCT (unpaired t test, p=0.872). Pentacam and SL-OCT displayed a high intrasession repeatability (repeated measured analysis of variance, p>0.05). ACV values detected by SL-OCT were clinically interchangeable with Pentacam.

Conclusions

Noncontact measurements of ACV using SL-OCT and Pentacam were easy to handle and demonstrated good repeatability. The tested devices were regarded as compatible in measuring ACV.
Linear Regression Analysis of the Cumulative Defect Curve by Sectors and Other Criteria of Glaucomatous Visual Field Progression
Authors: De La Rosa Manuel Gonzalez , Gonzalez-Hernandez Marta , Diaz-Aleman Tinguaro
Published: January 2018

Purpose

To analyze the progression of visual field loss using sector analysis of the cumulative defect curve and other procedures.

Methods

Visual fields of 260 glaucomatous eyes were analyzed over 2.8 years (SD = 1.2) with at least five examinations (mean 6.9; SD = 2.0) using Octopus 311 perimeter and TOP strategy. The authors applied Threshold Noiseless Trend (TNT) program, which performs local filtering of threshold to reduce fluctuation, and analyzed five criteria: 1) a score based on significant progression of eight sectors of the cumulative defect curve (CD); 2) a score based on the presence of points (PO) with significant progression; 3) global progression (GL) of all local deviations; 4) progression of mean defect (MD); 5) progression of the square root of loss variance (sLV). The authors estimated false diagnoses (FD), randomly reordering examinations of each patient. An index of focality of progression (FI) was obtained.

Results

sLV presented low sensitivity and GL low specificity. CD and PO presented twice the sensitivity of MD, often proving earlier indicators. The authors observed significant progression of some of the three criteria in 17.5% of the cases when MD <6 dB and in 20.7% when MD >6 dB (FD=5.7%). Agreement between two criteria occurred in 6.8% of cases with MD <6 dB and in 11.6% when MD >6 dB (FD=1.9%). Result reproducibility in successive examinations was observed in 9.9% of cases (FD=1.3%). Focality of progression increased with MD.

Conclusions

PO and CD indicate suspected progression earlier than MD. Reproduction of results in successive examinations or agreement between criteria allows confirmation of progression.
Effects of Astigmatism on the Humphrey Matrix Perimeter
Authors: Yoshii Toshiaki , Matsuura Toyoaki , Yukawa Eiichi , Hara Yoshiaki
Published: January 2018

Purpose

To evaluate the influence of astigmatism in terms of its amount and direction on the results of Humphrey Matrix perimetry.

Methods

A total of 31 healthy volunteers from hospital staff were consecutively recruited to undergo repeat testing with Humphrey Matrix 24–2 full threshold program with various induced simple myopic astigmatism. All subjects had previous experience (at least twice) with Matrix testing. To produce simple myopic astigmatism, a 0 diopter (D), +1 D, or +2 D cylindrical lens was added and inserted in the 180° direction and in the 90° direction after complete correction of distance vision. The influences of astigmatism were evaluated in terms of the mean deviation (MD), pattern standard deviation (PSD), and test duration (TD).

Results

A significant difference was observed only in the MD from five sessions. The MD in cases of 2 D inverse astigmatism was significantly lower than that in the absence of astigmatism.

Conclusions

In patients with inverse myopic astigmatism of ≥ 2 D, the influences of astigmatism on the visual field should be taken into consideration when the results of Humphrey Matrix perimetry are evaluated.
Efficacy of Intravitreal Bevacizumab to Treat Retinal Angiomatous Proliferation Stage II and III
Authors: Montero Javier A. , Fernandez Maria I. , Gomez-Ulla Francisco , Ruiz-Moreno José M.
Published: January 2018

Purpose

To evaluate the efficacy of intravitreal bevacizumab to treat retinal angiomatous proliferation (RAP) stages II and III.

Methods

A retrospective, interventional, nonrandomized multicentric study was performed. The files, optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans, indocyanine green, and fluorescein angiograms of patients with RAP stages II and III who had been treated by intravitreal bevacizumab were retrospectively examined. Final visual acuity, number of injections, and appearance of adverse events were considered as main outcome indicators.

Results

Twenty-six eyes from 24 patients (9 male and 15 female) were treated by intravitreal bevacizumab. Fourteen eyes presented RAP stage II and 12 eyes presented RAP stage III. Mean age was 76±9 and 79±6 years, respectively. Mean initial best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was logMAR 0.60±0.24 and 1.13±0.37, respectively. Mean BCVA was 0.62±0.26 and 1.06±0.37, respectively, at 6 months (p=0.96 and 0.10, respectively, Student t test for paired data) and 0.63±0.26 and 1.04±0.37, respectively, at 12 months (p=0.82 and p=0.06, respectively, Student t test for paired data). The average number of injections during the first year was 3.4 and 3.2, respectively.

Conclusions

Intravitreal bevacizumab may stabilize visual acuity during the first year in RAP lesion stage II and III. Visual prognosis seems to be better in RAP II lesions.
Retinal Pigment Epithelial Tumor in a Young Asian Female
Authors: Palamar Melis , Shields Carol L. , Marr Brian P. , Eagle Ralph C. , Shields Jerry A.
Published: January 2018

Purpose

To report a case of low-grade adenocarcinoma of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) in a young Asian woman.

Methods

Interventional case report with histopathologic correlation.

Results

A 28-year-old Asian woman with a year-long history of floaters presented with a dark pigmented lesion in the right eye. Partial lamellar sclerouvectomy was performed and histopathology revealed a retina pigment epithelial neoplasm consistent with a low-grade adenocarcinoma. The patient responded well to the surgery with no complications.

Conclusions

Neoplasms of RPE are rare but must be differentiated from choroidal melanoma, as they do not tend to metastasize. Local resection can be a good option for peripheral RPE tumors.
The Visual Results and Changes in Retinopathy in Diabetic Patients following Cataract Surgery
Authors: Sadiq S.A. , Sleep T. , Amoaku W.M.K.
Published: January 2018

Introduction

A study was designed to investigate the visual improvement and incidence of progression of retinopathy in diabetic patients following extracapsular cataract extraction or phacoemulsification. They were compared to a matched group of non-diabetic patients.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of all diabetic patients (118) undergoing ECCE (90) or phacoemulsification (28) in 1995. These patients were operation and age matched with 118 non-diabetic patients who underwent surgery during the same year.

Results

There was no statistically significant difference in complications following ECCE in diabetic and non-diabetic patients (p=0.2). Complications were however more common in non-diabetic patients undergoing phacoemulsification compared to diabetics undergoing the same procedure (p=0.046). Although consultants performed 42% of the surgery in diabetics compared to 31% in non-diabetics, there was no significant difference in the rate of complications between consultants and residents (p=0.8). Overall the visual improvement in non-diabetics was better than diabetic patients (p=0.006). This was due to a better improvement amongst non-diabetic patients undergoing phacoemulsification (p=0.02). Overall, cataract surgery was found to lead to a worsening in retinopathy in 19 operated eyes (15 had no retinopathy preoperatively) compared to a worsening in 8 fellow eyes. This was statistically significant (p=0.04). However, ECCE was no more likely to cause worsening of retinopathy than phacoemulsification (p=0.87).

Conclusions

Diabetic patients due to undergo cataract surgery a) have a good chance of visual improvement but to a level less than if they were not diabetic, b) have a greater chance of visual loss, c) surgery may initiate or worsen any pre-existing retinopathy and this may affect their vision in the future.
Thermoablation Treatment for Trichiasis in Trachoma Using the Semiconductor Diode Pumped Laser
Authors: Oguz H. , Aras C. , Ozdamar A.
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The aim of this prospective study was to verify the efficacy of laser therapy for trichiasis in trachoma. Trichiasis is one of the most important complications of trachoma which is endemic in Sanliurfa, a city in the southeast of Turkey.

Methods

Twenty-eight eyelids of 22 patients - 15 males and 7 females - with trichiasis related to trachoma involving the upper, lower, or both lids, were included in the study and treated with a semiconductor diode-pumped, frequency-doubled, solid-state laser operating true CW at 532 nm.

Results

19 (67.9%) of the lids were successfully treated in two sessions or less. Six lids (21.4%) required a third laser session and three (10.7%) a fourth session. Mild notching or dimpling occurred in two eyelids (5.6%). Postoperative swelling was minimal or absent.

Conclusions

The results show that laser treatment may be successful for trichiasis caused by trachoma. Laser thermoablation is an effective and safe method, with many advantages over other modalities.
Effects of Free and Liposome-Encapsulated Hemoglobin on Choroidal Vascular Plexus Blood Flow, Using the Rabbit Eye as a Model System
Authors: Flower R. , Rudolph A. S.
Published: January 2018

Purpose

This study investigated the vasoconstrictive effects of both stroma-free and liposome-encapsulated cross-linked hemoglobin (Hb) on vascular plexus hemodynamics, using the choroid of the rabbit eye as a model system.

Methods

Sequential subtraction of high-speed ICG fluorescence angiogram images facilitated visualization of the time-varying patterns of blood flow distribution in the choriocapillaris during the cardiac cycle. Differences between baseline and post-hemoglobin injection blood flow distributions were analyzed. Likewise, differences in the time-varying patterns of flow distribution between the particulate and liquid phases of blood during a cardiac cycle were investigated, since this may bear on differences in vasoactivity induced by circulating stroma-free vs. encapsulated Hb.

Results

Cross-linked Hb induced a transient, but marked, localized reduction in choriocapillaris blood flow. This effect was significantly attenuated when liposome encapsulated cross-linked hemoglobin was administered. Plexus blood flow distribution was different for particulate and liquid ICG.

Conclusions

Differences in particulate and liquid ICG flow patterns suggest that one contribution to the different plexus blood flow patterns observed in the encapsulated and free Hb experiments may be due to differences in liquid and particle-bound Hb distribution within the plexus. The observed choriocapillaris blood flow reductions may be attributable to an aggregate endothelial cell contractility induced by presence of extra-cellular Hb in the choriocapillaris plexus.
Partial Retinal Artery Occlusion after Coil Embolization of an Intracerebral Aneurysm
Authors: Ascaso F.J. , Cristóbal J.A.
Published: January 2018

Occlusion of the retinal artery is a rare complication after therapeutic embolization. We present a case of a partial retinal artery obstruction following coil embolization of an intracerebral aneurysm. To our knowledge, only six cases of acute occlusion of the choroidal and/or retinal arteries after therapeutic embolization have been reported so far. The case presented here, however, is the first in which platinum microcoils were the material used. In addition the retinal ischemia was reversible, visual acuity returning to normal and cutten-wool spot and retinal hemorrhages resolving spontaneously.
Optical Coherence Tomography in Idiopathic Epiretinal Macular Membrane Surgery
Authors: Azzolini C. , Patelli F. , Codenotti M. , Pierro L. , Brancato R.
Published: January 2018

Purpose

To evaluate the usefulness of Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) images for surgical indication, intraoperative management and postoperative outcome of patients with idiopathic epiretinal macular membrane (IEMM).

Methods

28 selected eyes underwent surgery for removal of IEMM. The patients' mean age was 57.3 years. The macular region and the IEMMs were studied before and after surgery using OCT, slit-lamp biomicroscopy and fundus photography. The mean postoperative follow-up was 6.2 months (range 1.3–14).

Results

Preoperatively, in 12 of the 28 eyes (42.9%) only the OCT images revealed IEMM partially separated from the macula, with tractional focal point(s) of attachment to the macular region. In the other 16 eyes (57.1%) in which IEMMs were totally adherent to the macular region, the membranes were barely visible by OCT in 13 eyes and not visible in three. Intraoperatively, the surgeon was guided in the peeling procedures. A significant correlation (p < 0.001) was found between visual acuity and macular thickness before surgery and at the end of the postoperative follow-up.

Conclusions

OCT images provide very useful information for the surgical indication, intraoperative management and postoperative outcome of patients with IEMM.
Treatment of Acute Bacterial Conjunctivitis with Topical Lomefloxacin 0.3% Compared to Topical Ofloxacin 0.3%
Authors: Tabbara K.F. , El-Sheikh H.F. , Monowarulislam S.M. , Hammouda E.
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The main purpose of this prospective study was to compare the efficacy, local tolerance, and safety of topical lomefloxacin 0.3% and topical ofloxacin 0.3% in the treatment of acute bacterial conjunctivitis.

Patients and Methods

Forty patients with acute bacterial conjunctivitis were included in a randomized, prospective, parallel-group study. Twenty patients were assigned to the lomefloxacin group (Okacin®, CIBA Vision Ophthalmics) and 20 patients to ofloxacin (Oflox®, Allergan). Lomefloxacin 0.3% was given 1 drop every 2 hours during waking hours on the first day then twice daily for one week. Ofloxacin 0.3% eyedrops were given four times daily. All patients underwent eye examination and clinical findings were graded and recorded according to severity of lid hyperemia, lid edema, lid crusting, conjunctival edema and discharge, bulbar conjunctival hyperemia, palpebral conjunctival hyperemia, corneal edema, and ocular discomfort. The score for each clinical sign was recorded before and after treatment. The mean cumulative sum score (CSS) was obtained by adding the scores for signs and symptoms. All conjunctival swabs were cultured and tested for sensitivity. Patients with confirmed bacterial conjunctivitis were included.

Results

There were 10 male and 10 female patients in each group. The age range was from 1 to 78 years, and the mean age was 35 years in the lomefloxacin group. In the ofloxacin group the age range was from 1 to 70 years, and the mean age was 26 years. There was no significant difference between the two groups in relation to age or sex. The causative organisms were Staphylococcus epidermidis in 16 cases (36%), α-hemolytic Streptococci in 9 (20%), Haemophilus spp. 6 (13%), Staphylococcus aureus 5 (11%), Streptococcus pneumoniae 4 (9%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa 3 (7%), and other 2 (4%). The mean CSS for conjunctivitis was 12.1 before therapy in the lomefloxacin group and 12.7 in the ofloxacin group. On the 7th day of therapy, the mean CSS was 0.7 in the lomefloxacin group, and 1.6 for ofloxacin. All patients showed improvement, but a total of 18 out of 20 (88%) in the lomefloxacin group showed complete resolution compared to 15 (75%) in the ofloxacin group. The difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.08). Tolerance was excellent in both groups, and no side effects were reported. A burning sensation was noted by two patients, one in each group.

Conclusions

Lomefloxacin and ofloxacin were equally effective and safe in the treatment of acute bacterial conjunctivitis.
Nanophthalmic Uveal Effusion Syndrome after Prophylactic Laser Treatment
Authors: Lesnoni G. , Rossi T. , Nistri A. , Boccassini B.
Published: January 2018

Purpose

We report a case of nanophthalmic uveal effusion syndrome (NUES) with total exudative retinal detachment (RD) after prophylactic argon laser (AL) treatment. The RD subsided and eventually resolved with i.v. steroid therapy.

Methods

A 45-year-old woman was referred to us with NUES and total exudative RD after prophylactic AL treatment for retinoschisis performed elsewhere. The patient had been scheduled for surgical intervention and was given i.v. prednisolone.

Results

Two days after starting i.v. prednisolone, the subretinal fluid partially resolved. Intervention had therefore been postponed. After 15 days the RD almost disappeared and vision improved to 20/400. Ten days later the macula was flat and vision was 20/200. At the six-month follow-up visit vision was 20/40.

Conclusions

To our knowledge this is the first report of NUES and total exudative RD following AL treatment that resolved with i.v. steroid therapy alone. Since the AL treatment clearly seemed to play a role in the pathogenesis of the NUES and associated RD we strongly advise careful assessment of the risk/benefit ratio of prophylactic laser treatment in nanophthalmic patients. Although sclerectomy and vortex vein decompression are well-established techniques, we believe steroid therapy might be tried before proceeding to surgery.
Tribological behaviors of amino functionalized graphene reinforced PTFE composite
Authors: Wang Xiao , Wu Junwei , Zhou Luhai , Wei Xicheng , Wang Wurong
Published: January 2018

Graphene was successfully modified by amino-functionalization process. The Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray diffractometer were used to characterize the amino-functionalization result. The transmission electron microscopy was used to visualize the morphology of graphene and fractured surface of its resulting composite. The tribological behaviors of amino functionalized graphene reinforced polytetrafluoroethylene composite were evaluated by using a face-to-face contact mode under dry sliding/water lubricated condition. The worn surface was characterized by using a scanning electronic microscope equipped with an energy dispersive spectroscopy in order to find the reasons for the better tribological behaviors. The anti-friction and anti-wear mechanisms of amino functionalized graphene reinforced polytetrafluoroethylene composite were elucidated based on the experimental results. In all, this work is hoped to be helpful in designing and researching a new industrial material which can be used for water lubricated conditions in new-energy-vehicle fields.
How might reform of the political system appeal to discontented citizens?
Authors: Seyd Ben , Curtice John , Rose Jonathan
Published: January 2018

In Britain, levels of political trust have declined, stimulating policy makers to explore ways of appealing to discontented citizens. One such initiative involves reform of the political system. Yet, this raises the question of which types of political reform are likely to appeal to discontented citizens. Existing studies have examined how individuals respond to political reforms, yet these studies only consider a limited range of institutional changes. Scholars and policy makers thus know little about the popular appeal of a wider set of institutional reforms. Taking advantage of proposals for political reform in Britain, this article considers public reactions to a wide range of institutional changes. Using data from the 2011 British Social Attitudes survey, we find that direct democratic reforms are not the only changes that appeal to discontented citizens. Instead, policy makers may also appeal to the distrustful via reforms that allow voters more control over their political representatives.
Reflections from the U.S.–Mexico borderlands on a “border-rooted” paradigm in higher education
Authors: Bejarano Cynthia L , Shepherd Jeffrey P
Published: January 2018

This essay proposes an alternative approach to Latino student success through a “border-rooted” paradigm shift in post-secondary education. A “border-rooted” paradigm reflects the local socio-cultural and historical epistemologies that impact post-secondary education, and how space and place impacts educational settings that serve Latino students.
Displaced at “home”: 1.5-Generation immigrants navigating membership after returning to Mexico
Authors: Silver Alexis M
Published: January 2018

In the context of heightened enforcement, hundreds of thousands of immigrants have returned to their countries of birth by force, and others have left by (constrained) choice. Drawing on interviews with 1.5-generation return migrants in Mexico, this article examines how young adults navigate incorporation in various states and localities on both sides of the border. After facing barriers in the US because of unauthorized immigration status, return migrants continue to face challenges in Mexico due to social stigmas associated with immigrant populations and bureaucratic obstacles that block access to educational institutions and labor market opportunities. The data suggest that exclusionary immigration laws have enduring and transnational impacts over the experiences of both “voluntary” return migrants and deportees.
‘We’re like a gang, we stick together’: experiences of ventricular assist device communities
Authors: Standing Holly C , Exley Catherine , MacGowan Guy A , Rapley Tim
Published: January 2018

Background:

Ventricular assist devices (VADs) are a relatively new development in the management of advanced heart failure. In the UK, VAD recipients comprise a unique group of less than 200 patients. This is the first paper to explore the experience of VAD communities, the extent to which communities are developed around the device, and how these influence the experience of living with the VAD.

Methods:

Qualitative interviews were conducted with 20 VAD recipients (implanted as a bridge to transplantation), 11 interviews also included the VAD recipients’ partners. Interpretive phenomenology was employed as the theoretical basis guiding the analysis of the interviews.

Results:

Four key themes emerged from the data: the existence of VAD communities; experiential knowledge and understanding; social comparisons; and the impacts of deaths within the VAD community. Many of the interviewees valued the VAD communities and the relationships they had formed with fellow recipients. The beneficial impacts of the VAD communities included offering recently implanted patients a realistic view of what to expect from life with a VAD; this could aid them in accepting and adapting to the changes imparted by the device. However, negative impacts of the VAD communities were also reported, in particular following deaths within the group, which were a source of distress for many of the interviewees.

Conclusions:

In general, the VAD communities appeared to be a beneficial source of support for the majority of interviewees. Consideration should be given to how these communities could be supported by clinicians.
Numerical investigation of vortex-induced vibration of an elastically mounted circular cylinder with One-degree of freedom at high Reynolds number using different turbulent models
Authors: Khan Niaz Bahadur , Ibrahim Zainah
Published: January 2018

This study presents numerical investigation for flow around cylinder at Reynolds number = 104 using different turbulent models. Numerical simulations have been conducted for fixed cylinder case at Reynolds number = 104 and for cylinder free to oscillate in cross-flow direction, at Reynolds number O (104), mass–damping ratio = 0.011 and range of frequency ratio wt = 0.4–1.4 using two-dimensional Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations. In the literature, the study has been conducted using detached eddy simulation, large eddy simulation and direct numerical simulation which are comparatively expensive in terms of computational cost. This study utilizes the Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes shear stress transport k-ω and realizable k-ε models to investigate the flow around fixed cylinder and flow around cylinder constrained to oscillate in cross-flow direction only. Hydrodynamic coefficients, vortex mode shape and maximum amplitude ( Ay/ D) extracted from this study are compared with detached eddy simulation, large eddy simulation and direct numerical simulation results. Results obtained using two-dimensional Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes shear stress transport k-ω model are encouraging, while realizable k-ε model is unable to capture the entire response branches. In addition, broad range of “lock-in” region is observed due to delay in capturing the transition from upper to lower branch during two-dimensional realizable k-ε analyses.
Pulmonary Laser Metastasectomy by 1318-nm Neodymium-Doped Yttrium-Aluminum Garnet Laser: A Retrospective Study About Laser Metastasectomy of the Lung
Authors: Porrello Calogero , Gullo Roberto , Vaglica Antonino , Scerrino Gregorio , Salamone Giuseppe , Licari Leo , Raspanti Cristina , Gulotta Eliana , Gulotta Gaspare , Cocorullo Gianfranco
Published: January 2018

Background. The lungs are among the first organ affected by remote metastases from many primary tumors. The surgical resection of isolated pulmonary metastases represents an important and effective element of therapy. This is a retrospective study about our entire experience with pulmonary resection for metastatic cancer using 1318-nm neodymium-doped yttrium-aluminum garnet laser. Method. In this single-institution study, we retrospectively analyzed a group of 209 patients previously treated for primary malignant solid tumors. We excluded 103 patients. The number and location of lesions in the lungs was determined using chest computed tomography and positron emission tomography-computed tomography. Disseminated malignancy was excluded. All pulmonary laser resections are performed via an anteroaxillary muscle-sparing thoracotomy. All lesions were routinely removed by laser with a small (5-10 mm) margin of the healthy lung. Patients received systematic lymph node sampling with intraoperative smear cytology of sampled lymph nodes. Results. Mortality at 2 years from the first surgery is around 20% (10% annually). This value increases to 45% in the third year. The estimated median survival for patients who underwent the first surgery is reported to be approximately 42 months. Conclusion. Our results show that laser resection of lung metastases can achieve good result, in terms of radical resection and survival, as conventional surgical metastasectomy. The great advantage is the possibility of limiting the damage to the lung. Stapler resection of a high number of metastases would mutilate the lung.
Paternal Perinatal Depression Assessed by the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and the Gotland Male Depression Scale: Prevalence and Possible Risk Factors
Authors: Carlberg Magdalena , Edhborg Maigun , Lindberg Lene
Published: January 2018

Several studies have used the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), developed to screen new mothers, also for new fathers. This study aimed to further contribute to this knowledge by comparing assessment of possible depression in fathers and associated demographic factors by the EPDS and the Gotland Male Depression Scale (GMDS), developed for “male” depression screening. The study compared EPDS score ≥10 and ≥12, corresponding to minor and major depression, respectively, in relation to GMDS score ≥13. At 3–6 months after child birth, a questionnaire was sent to 8,011 fathers of whom 3,656 (46%) responded. The detection of possibly depressed fathers by EPDS was 8.1% at score ≥12, comparable to the 8.6% detected by the GMDS. At score ≥10, the proportion detected by EPDS increased to 13.3%. Associations with possible risk factors were analyzed for fathers detected by one or both scales. A low income was associated with depression in all groups. Fathers detected by EPDS alone were at higher risk if they had three or more children, or lower education. Fathers detected by EPDS alone at score ≥10, or by both scales at EPDS score ≥12, more often were born in a foreign country. Seemingly, the EPDS and the GMDS are associated with different demographic risk factors. The EPDS score appears critical since 5% of possibly depressed fathers are excluded at EPDS cutoff 12. These results suggest that neither scale alone is sufficient for depression screening in new fathers, and that the decision of EPDS cutoff is crucial.
Predictors of intracranial hemorrhage volume and distribution in brain arteriovenous malformation
Authors: Yu Jay F , Nicholson Andrew D , Nelson Jeffrey , Alexander Matthew D , Tse Stephanie H , Hetts Steven W , Hemphill J Claude , Kim Helen , Cooke Daniel L
Published: January 2018

Background and purpose

Despite evidence regarding risk factors for brain arteriovenous malformation (bAVM)-associated spontaneous intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), few data exist describing the spectrum of clinical outcomes that bAVM-associated ICH may manifest. This study aimed to identify the demographical, clinical, and bAVM anatomical variables associated with ICH volume and the presence of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) of ruptured bAVMs, two indicators of worse clinical outcome, to help better predict outcome for unruptured bAVMs.

Methods

Computed tomography images ( n = 169) of patients with ruptured bAVM in a prospectively maintained institutional database were retrospectively reviewed to calculate ICH volume and the presence or absence of IVH. Demographic, clinical, and bAVM characteristics information was summarized and analyzed with univariable and multivariable regression models to identify the associations of these features with ICH volume and the presence of IVH.

Results

Patient sex, exclusively deep venous drainage, and lobar location were associated with ICH volume in univariable analysis; exclusively deep venous drainage remained significant in multivariable analysis (PI = 0.33, 95% CI: 0.21–0.52, p < 0.001). Exclusively deep venous drainage, multiple feeding arteries, and venous stenosis were associated with IVH in univariable analysis; exclusively deep venous drainage (OR = 7.27, 95% CI: 1.94–27.29, p = 0.003) remained significant in multivariable analysis.

Conclusions

Variables associated with ICH volume and the presence of IVH in ruptured bAVMs were evaluated and identified. They impart information that may help predict the clinical outcome of unruptured bAVM, in turn aiding clinicians in treatment planning.
A novel stiffness model for a wall-climbing hexapod robot based on nonlinear variable stiffness
Authors: He Bin , Xu Shoulin , Wang Zhipeng
Published: January 2018

In this article, the most contribution is to propose a novel general stiffness model to analyze the stiffness of a wall-climbing hexapod robot. First, we propose a new general stiffness model of serial mechanism, which includes the linear and nonlinear stiffness models. By comparison, the nonlinear stiffness model is a variable stiffness model which introduces the external load force as a variable, obtaining that the nonlinear stiffness model can greatly improve the accuracy of stiffness model than linear stiffness model. Then, the stiffness model of one leg of the robot and the overall stiffness model of the robot are derived based on the general stiffness model. Next, to improve the stiffness of the robot, a new minimum and maximum stiffness are introduced, which provide with effective reference for the selection and optimization of the structural parameters of the robot. Finally, we develop a new wall-climbing hexapod robot based on selection and optimization of the structural parameters, then the experiments are used to show that the selection of structure parameters of the robot effectively improve the stiffness of the robot.
Value of Percent Free Prostate-Specific Antigen for the Prediction of Pathological Stage in Men with Clinically Localized Prostate Cancer
Authors: Morote J. , Trilla E. , Esquena S. , Serrallach F. , Abascal J.M. , Id H'Mammed Y. , de Torres I.M.
Published: January 2018

Purpose

To analyze if the percentage of free prostate-specific antigen (PSA) can provide additional information to the combination of local clinical stage, serum PSA and Gleason score in the prediction of final stage and pathological features of prostate cancer.

Materials and Methods

A group of 480 men with clinically localized prostate cancer underwent lymphadenectomy and radical prostatectomy. Total and free PSA were measured in preoperative serum. Clinical stage was T1 in 70.4% of patients and T2 in 29.6%. The biopsy Gleason score ranged between 2 and 4 in 5.6%, between 5 and 7 in 78.4%, and was higher than 7 in 16%. Total serum PSA was below 4.1 ng/mL in 4.3%, between 4.1 and 10 ng/mL in 66.4%, between 10.1 and 20 ng/mL in 22.5%, and higher than 20 in 6.7% of patients. The tumor was organ-confined in 49.8% and specimen-confined in 64.2%, and its pathological features were favorable in 35%.

Results

Multiple logistic regression analysis demonstrated that percent free PSA has independent predictive value for pathological stage only in the subset of patients with cT1 tumors and serum PSA between 4.1 and 10 ng/mL. In this group the probability of organ-confined cancer was 68.3% if the percent free PSA was above 15 and 56.3% if it was lower (p<0.001). The probability of specimen-confined disease was 86.6% and 71.3%, respectively (p<0.007), and the probability of favorable pathology was 59.8% and 39.6%, respectively (p<0.002). We also found higher rates of organ- and specimen-confined tumors and favorable pathology for every Gleason score when the percent free PSA was higher than 15.

Conclusions

Percent free PSA seems to provide additional information to the combination of clinical stage and Gleason score for the prediction of pathological features only in patients with clinical stage T1c and serum PSA between 4.1 and 10 ng/mL.
Serum Levels of Tartrate-Resistant Acid Phosphatase-5B in Breast Cancer Patients Treated with Pamidronate
Authors: Martinetti A. , Seregni E. , Ripamonti C. , Ferrari L. , De Conno F. , Miceli R. , Pallotti F. , Coliva A. , Biancolini D. , Bombardieri E.
Published: January 2018

A novel immunoassay specific for the osteoclast-produced TRAP isoform 5b has been developed recently. By means of this assay we studied the usefulness of serum TRAP-5b in monitoring the response to palliative treatment with pamidronate in breast cancer patients with bone metastases. We correlated serum TRAP-5b levels with pain intensity and intake of analgesics to assess the possible utility of the marker in identifying patients who could benefit from pamidronate treatment.

Twenty-eight advanced breast cancer patients with bone metastases entered the study. Patients were treated according to the following schedule: two two-week cycles of 60 mg/week pamidronate IV, with a three-week interval in between (six infusions over seven weeks), followed by one infusion every three weeks for a total of 24 infusions over a treatment period of 61 weeks. Blood samples were taken before the start of treatment and before each infusion during two treatment cycles. To measure serum TRAP levels we employed the new immunoassay kit BoneTRAP® produced by Suomen Bioanalytiikka Oy (SBA), Oulu, Finland. In order to assess the usefulness of this marker in evaluating the response to pamidronate treatment we divided patients into two groups (group A, worsened; group B, improved) with respect to pain trend and analgesic intake. Our results did not show any statistically significant difference in baseline serum TRAP levels in the two groups. However, one week after the first pamidronate infusion TRAP-5b serum levels decreased by 39% and 18% in groups A and B, respectively (p=0.01); these levels persisted throughout the treatment period. In conclusion, a decrease in TRAP-5b serum levels may reflect the pharmacological activity of pamidronate and seems to predict pain relief and a reduction in analgesic consumption.
SCCA1–IGM and SCCA2–IGM Compared with Total SCCA-IGM for Diagnosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Biasiolo Alessandra , Tono Natascia , Quarta Santina , Beneduce Luca , Gatta Angelo , Fassina Giorgio , Pontisso Patrizia
Published: January 2018

Introduction

SCCA1 and SCCA2 belong to the family of serine protease inhibitors (SERPIN). Both SCCA isoforms have been found to be increased in patients with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of different organs. Recent findings have demonstrated that SCCA-IgM immune complexes are a novel class of biomarkers for primary liver cancer detection. An increase in SCCA-IgM levels in patients with cirrhosis is associated with the development of liver cancer.

Aims and methods

To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of different isoforms of SCCA-IgM compared with a commercial assay for SCCA-IgM in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Twenty-six patients with HCC (M/F 1 9/7; mean age ± SD: 65 ± 13 years) were analyzed. Serum samples from 28 blood donors (M/F 17/11; mean age ± SD: 38 ± 9 years) were used as control. Two monoclonal antibodies, SCC 111 and SCC 1 04 (CanAg Diagnostics, Gothenburg, Sweden) were used as catcher antibodies to perform specific ELISA for SCCA1-lgM and SCCA2-lgM. SCCA-IgM immune complexes were also detected in serum by a commercial ELISA kit (Hepa-IC, Xeptagen, Marghera, Italy) according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Results

Circulating SCCA1-IgM was detectable in 6 out of 26 patients (sensitivity 23%), while SCCA2-lgM ELISA was positive in 9 of 26 patients (sensitivity 35%). When SCCA-IgM levels were measured using the commercial assay the diagnostic sensitivity increased to 58% (15/26). The SCCA1-IgM, SCCA2-lgM and SCCA-IgM tests had 100% specificity in healthy controls.

Conclusions

The commercial assay allowed the detection of both isoforms of SCCA forming the IgM immune complexes, providing a better diagnostic sensitivity score than that obtained with the SCCA1-IgM or SCCA2-lgM test.
Examining capacity for “cross-pollination” in a rural school district: A social network analysis case study
Authors: Woodland Rebecca H , Mazur Rebecca
Published: January 2018

Teacher collaboration is a vital factor in successful school reform, and the networks in which educators are embedded support (or constrain) access to essential social capital resources. In this study, authors used social network analysis to examine the changing structure of teacher collaboration networks over the course of a rural District’s 3-year Professional Learning Community (PLC) initiative. Visual depictions (sociograms) of district- and school-level teacher collaboration networks were generated, and measures of network cohesion – including size, density, connectedness, components, and degree – were calculated at three points in time. Authors worked in partnership with district administrators to explore how location of teachers and principals, and network capacity for diffusion of innovation, changed over time. School leaders may not know how to purposefully influence communication ties between teachers, relying instead on the invisible web of personal affiliations through which professional opinions travel. This study contributes to the field’s understanding of how administrator choices about organizational structure affect “cross-pollination” and the networks through which teachers are able to access and contribute the knowledge and ideas they need in order to deliver high-quality curriculum and instruction to all students.
The role of stimulus comparison in animal perceptual learning: Effects of a distractor placement
Authors: Recio Sergio A , Iliescu Adela F , de Brugada Isabel
Published: January 2018

Research on perceptual learning shows that the way stimuli are presented leads to different outcomes. The intermixed/blocked (I/B) effect is one of these outcomes, and different mechanisms have been proposed to explain it. In human research, it seems that comparison between stimuli is important, and the placement of a distractor between the pre-exposed stimuli interferes with the effect. Results from animal research are usually interpreted in different terms because the type of procedure normally used in animal perceptual learning does not favour comparison. In our experiments, we explore the possibility that a distractor placed between the to-be-discriminated stimuli may interfere with the perceptual learning process in rats. In Experiment 1, two flavoured solutions are presented in an I/B fashion, with a short time lapse between them to favour comparison, showing the typical I/B effect. In Experiment 2, we introduced a distractor in between the solutions, abolishing this effect. Experiment 3 further replicates this by comparing two intermixed groups with or without distractor. The results replicate the findings from human research, suggesting that comparison also plays an important role in animal perceptual learning.
Neurologic Complications of Acute Posterior Multifocal Placoid Pigment Epitheliopathy: A Case Series of 4 Patients
Authors: Tsuboyama Melissa , Chandler Justin V. , Scharf Eugene , Scagnelli John , Ramchandran Rajeev S. , Holloway Robert , Wychowski Thomas
Published: January 2018

Acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy (APMPPE) is a self-limited idiopathic inflammatory ophthalmologic condition with characteristic funduscopic and fluorescein angiography findings. It is typically characterized by a flu-like prodrome followed by monocular or binocular vision loss. Often, prognosis is excellent with complete or near-complete recovery of vision. Rarely, however, APMPPE is associated with neurologic complications, including meningitis, cerebral vasculitis, and stroke. Treatment in patients with central nervous system (CNS) involvement involves steroids and ultimately other immunosuppressive therapy, as there can be significant resulting morbidity and mortality otherwise. Evidence or guidelines regarding duration of treatment are lacking. We present 4 patients diagnosed with APMPPE who demonstrate the spectrum of neurologic sequelae associated with APMPPE. The first 2 cases highlight cerebrospinal fluid lymphocytic pleocytosis as an indicator of active CNS inflammation and the potential utility of serial lumbar punctures (LPs) to guide treatment duration. Cases 3 and 4 demonstrate the neurovascular complications seen in CNS vasculitis. Case 4 also highlights the potential use of magnetic resonance vessel wall imaging (VWI) as a noninvasive means for disease surveillance and treatment guidance. This case series emphasizes the importance of recognition by neurologists of APMPPE as an entity associated with strokes and cerebral vasculitis in order to provide appropriate and timely treatment. Active CNS inflammation warrants continued aggressive immunosuppressant treatment, and we propose that serial LPs and/or magnetic resonance VWIs may be effective tools to guide disease surveillance and subsequent treatment duration.
School Nursing EBP Clinical Guidelines: What They Are and Are Not, and Why They Matter
Authors: Shannon Robin Adair
Published: January 2018

Quality school nursing practice should be evidence-based. However registered nurses in autonomous school nursing practice have limited capacities to access, synthesize, and implement the best evidence into practice. Clinical guidelines are important tools to reduce barriers to evidence-based practice (EBP) and support the delivery of high-quality school nursing care. The purpose of this article is to outline what EBP clinical guidelines are, are not, and why they matter.
Cortical Double-Opponent Cells in Color Perception: Perceptual Scaling and Chromatic Visual Evoked Potentials
Authors: Nunez Valerie , Shapley Robert M. , Gordon James
Published: January 2018

In the early visual cortex V1, there are currently only two known neural substrates for color perception: single-opponent and double-opponent cells. Our aim was to explore the relative contributions of these neurons to color perception. We measured the perceptual scaling of color saturation for equiluminant color checkerboard patterns (designed to stimulate double-opponent neurons preferentially) and uniformly colored squares (designed to stimulate only single-opponent neurons) at several cone contrasts. The spatially integrative responses of single-opponent neurons would produce the same response magnitude for checkerboards as for uniform squares of the same space-averaged cone contrast. However, perceived saturation of color checkerboards was higher than for the corresponding squares. The perceptual results therefore imply that double-opponent cells are involved in color perception of patterns. We also measured the chromatic visual evoked potential (cVEP) produced by the same stimuli; checkerboard cVEPs were much larger than those for corresponding squares, implying that double-opponent cells also contribute to the cVEP response. The total Fourier power of the cVEP grew sublinearly with cone contrast. However, the 6-Hz Fourier component’s power grew linearly with contrast-like saturation perception. This may also indicate that cortical coding of color depends on response dynamics.