bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Application of Two Different Blood Cell Separators to Harvest CD34+ Cells in Patients Suffering from Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma
Authors: Serafini R. , Menichella G. , Ciarli M. , Pierelli L. , Lai M. , Paladini U. , Cicconi S. , Sica S. , La Barbera E. Ortu , Laurenti L. , Leone G.
Published: March 2018

From January 1996 until now, thirty-eight PBSC procedures were carried out on 20 patients suffering from NHL, mobilized by polichemotherapy regimens plus recombinant human Granulocyte-Growth Factor (rhG-CSF). Patients were enrolled in PBSC procedures using Dideco Excel (group A) and Cobe Spectra v.4.7 (group B) blood cell separators. Twelve patients were enrolled in group A (6 males and 6 females, median age 33) and 9 patients in group B (5 males and 4 females, median age 55). The mean White Blood Cell (WBC) and Mononuclear Cells Fraction (MNC) peripheral blood counts were not statistically different in either group and neither were blood CD34+ cell peripheral counts. CD34+ cell peripheral value was predictive of the CD34+ yield while mean values of harvested CD34+ cells were not significantly different. CD34+ cell efficiences were statistically the same. The CD34+ cell purity of the apheresis harvest was statistically different between the two groups (group A = 3.0 ± 2.2%; group B = 1 ± 0.9%) p = 0.001. High CD34+ cell yields were observed in both groups which confirms that both blood cell separators are able to harvest hematopoietic progenitor cells from peripheral blood.
Preliminary Study on HA Coating Percutaneously Implanted in Bone
Authors: Yang B.C. , Weng J. , Li X.D. , Yang Z.J. , Feng J.M. , Chen J.Y , Zhang X.D.
Published: March 2018

A comparative investigation on the possibility of hydroxyapatite (HA) coating and pure Ti column to form biological sealing with skin tissue was completed in this study. HA coating and pure Ti column were percutaneously implanted in the tibia of rabbits. Compared with titanium (Ti) implant, HA coating forms epithelial sealing with skin tissue at 6 weeks postoperatively, while the Ti implant may loosen from the implanted site and be lost. The Ti column loosing rate at this time was 50%. However, once the Ti implant becomes fixed with the bone tissue, it can form epithelial sealing with skin tissue just like the HA coating, at 8 weeks postoperatively. At 8 weeks postoperatively, the epithelial sealing is not destroyed in spite of the fact that the HA coating is biodegraded. Our results show that the HA coating can become fixed with the bone faster than the Ti, which is beneficial for epithelial sealing formation. The main role of HA coating for epithelial sealing is beneficial for sealing at the initial period after it is implanted.
The Role of Automated Peritoneal Dialysis in Peritoneal Dialysis Programme: One Centre Experience
Authors: Liberek T. , Renke M. , Lichodziejewska-Niemierko M. , Rutkowski B.
Published: March 2018

The results of the Automated Peritoneal Dialysis (APD) therapy in adult patients in the Department of Nephrology in Gdansk during the years 1995–98 are presented. Seventeen patients (8-M, 9-F) aged 25–86 years (mean age 55.3 years), including 7 diabetics, were treated with different forms of APD. The most common indication for APD therapy was patients' loss of ability to perform Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis due to progressive blindness, leg amputation related to diabetic foot complications or cerebrovascular episodes (8 pts). The cumulative therapy period was 231.5 patient-months.

During the observation 4 patients died, 1 received kidney transplant and 12 were still treated with APD at the end of the study. No patient was transferred to long-term hemodialysis. The peritonitis rate in the APD group was 1/57.5 patient-months. Most patients reached adequacy targets, the mean Kt/V value was 1.97 (range 1.17 - 2.36). To achieve this, 12–19 litres of dialysate were used per day (mean 14.6 L/d). There were significant differences between CCPD and NPD groups with respect to dialysis adequacy, body weight and dialysis fluid volume. We conclude that APD may be used with success in patients in whom continuation of CAPD or HD therapy is very difficult due to its complications or comorbid conditions.
Lower Long-term Efficiency of Intradermal Hepatitis b Vaccine Compared to the Intramuscular Route in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Vlassopoulos D.A. , Arvanitis D.K. , Lilis D.S. , Louizou K.I. , Hadjiconstantinou V.E.
Published: March 2018

Intramuscular (IM) and Intradermal (ID) vaccination against hepatitis B (HB) are efficient in hemodialysis patients. We retrospectively analysed the response of 32 patients during 48 consecutive months and compared the results of the two vaccination routes using the recombinant vaccine (Engerix, SKB).

Thirteen patients were vaccinated with 5 mcg ID every 2 weeks (total 8 doses), plus an IM dose on month (M) 12 (group A). Nineteen patients (group B) were vaccinated with 4 IM doses of 20 mcg each, on months M0, 1, 2 and 12.

HB antibodies were measured on M5, M11, M13, M24, M36 and M48. An additional 20 mcg IM dose was given with titers below 10 mIU/ml. Seroconversion, seroprotection and antibody levels were equivalent in both groups up to M13; with the exception of seroconversion rates, a significantly different response was observed afterwards (A/B, in mIU/ml): M5: 399 ± 107 vs 342 ± 69, M13: 536 ± 118 vs 673 ± 61, M24: 278 ± 94 vs 595 ± 81, P=0.02, and M48: 68 ± 29 vs 565 ± 92, P=0.003. Early HBSAB levels did not correlate with those found four years later in both groups. An additional booster dose was given 8 times in 4 group A patients (1–3 doses/patient) and 3 times in 1 group B patient.

Immune response to HB vaccine in hemodialysis patients is initially equivalent by both immunization routes. Late antibody titers were found significantly lower in ID immunization with more frequent booster doses needed.
Oxygenation and Lung Morphology in a Rabbit Pediatric ARDS- Model under High Peak Pressure Ventilation plus Nitric Oxide and Surfactant Compared with Veno-venous ECMO
Authors: Möller J.C. , Reiss I. , Schaible T.F. , Kohl M. , Göpel W. , Fischer T. , Nitsche E.M. , Krüger S.
Published: March 2018

The aim of the study is to investigate which of two treatment options of saline lavage induced ARDS in rabbits is better in terms of oxygenation and prevention of barotrauma: combined high peak pressure ventilation with surfactant administration and inhaled nitric oxide or veno-venous ECMO combined with low peak inspiratory pressure ventilation.

Materials and Methods

After saline lavage (10 cc/kg repeated as long as foamy retrieval was observed) two combined therapeutic strategies were examined: ventilation with high inspiratory pressures (35 cm H2O) with additional exogenous surfactant administration (100 mg/kg) and inhaled nitric oxide (10 PPM) (n=5, group 1) and low inspiratory pressure (20 cm H2O) ventilation under veno-venous ECMO support (n=5, group 2). The FiO2 was maintained at 1.0 in both groups. The paO2/FiO2 ratio was calculated in 30 minute intervals for 4 hours. After that the animals were sacrificed and the lungs examined macro- and microscopically. Aeration was described in a semiquantitative method using the alveolar expansion index. Oxygenation in group 1 was significantly better than in group 2, it increased significantly after surfactant but not after additional nitric oxide administration. However, the lungs in group 1 showed severe signs of baro/ergotrauma (Hyaline membranes, air leaks, infiltration of polymorphonuclear (PMN) granulocytes and macrophages, break down of alveolar capillary membranes) after 4 hrs of combined therapy, whereas the lungs in group 2 appeared normal. Adding surfactant and NO to a high tidal volume ventilation improved oxygenation, but did not prevent baro/ergotrauma. Ventilation with low inspiratory pressures combined with ECMO caused little baro/ergotrauma but adequate oxygenation could not be achieved, probably due to anatomical features of the rabbit which do not allow appropriate blood flow within the ECMO-circuit.
Pharmacokinetics of Bisoprolol and Its Effect on Dialysis Refractory Hypertension
Authors: Kanegae K. , Hiroshige K. , Suda T. , Iwamoto M. , Ohta T. , Nakashima Y. , Ohtani A.
Published: March 2018

The efficacy, safety, and pharmacokinetics of bisoprolol were investigated following oral administration once daily for 12 weeks in hyperreninemic patients with dialysis-refractory hypertension. Mean blood pressure rapidly fell from 132 to 112 mmHg in the 5.0-mg/day (n = 6) and from 142 to 128 mmHg in the 2.5-mg/day patients (n = 5), which were accompanied by a fall in plasma renin activity. On nondialysis days, Cmax and T1/2 were significantly higher in patients than in healthy control subjects. However, Cmax in the 2.5-mg/day patients was almost equal to that in healthy control subjects receiving 5.0 mg/day of bisoprolol. Plasma bisoprolol was dialyzable. During the course of the study, dialysis hypotension and bradycardia occurred in two patients receiving 5.0 mg/day of bisoprolol. In conclusion, a daily dose of 2.5 mg bisoprolol seems to be an adequate and relatively effective dose in our patients with dialysis-refractory hypertension.
Development of a Urea Concentration Gradient between Muscle Interstitium and Plasma during Hemodialysis
Authors: Alquist M. , Thysell H. , Ungerstedt U. , Hegbrant J.
Published: March 2018

In this pilot study, muscle interstitial urea concentrations during hemodialysis (HD) were determined with a microdialysis technique and the results were compared with plasma water urea concentrations. Three patients were investigated during a total of five treatments. Under predialysis steady-state conditions, no difference was observed. During treatment, the muscle interstitial urea concentration was on average 19% higher (range 13–28%, n=4) than the plasma urea concentration after 17±3 min, 29% higher (25–31%, n=3) after 53±10 min, 40% higher (26–50%, n=3) after 117±6 min, 31% higher (26–34%, n= 3) after 179±5 min, and 31% higher (27–36%, n=4) after 231±5 min. The gradient declined after the conclusion of HD, muscle interstitial concentrations being on average 16% (9–26%, n=4) higher than plasma urea concentrations 9±2 min after treatment, and 8% (6–10%, n=3) 25±3 min after treatment. Thus, a urea concentration gradient with a higher concentration in muscle interstitium than in plasma, developed during HD, and dissipated gradually after treatment. This is consistent with blood flow-dependent urea sequestration in muscle tissue, causing intercompartment disequilibrium of urea during HD, and its consequent redistribution after treatment contributing to postdialysis urea rebound.
Rotary Cell Culture System (RCCS): A new Method for Cultivating Hepatocytes on Microcarriers
Authors: Mitteregger R. , Vogt G. , Rossmanith E. , Falkenhagen D.
Published: March 2018

The Rotary Cell Culture System (RCCS) is a new technology for growing anchorage dependent or suspension cells in the laboratory. The RCCS is a horizontally rotated, bubble free disposable culture vessel with diffusion gas exchange. The system provides a reproducible, complex 3D in vitro culture system with large cell masses. During cell growing the rotation speed can be adjusted to compensate for increased sedimentation rates. The unique environment of low shear forces, high mass transfer, and microgravity provides very good cultivating conditions for many cell types, cell aggregates or tissue particles in a standard tissue culture laboratory.

The system enables to culture HepG2 cells on Cytodex 3 microcarriers (mcs) to high densities. We inoculated 2 × 105/ml HepG2 cells and 200 mg Cytodex 3 mcs in 50 ml Williams E medium (incl. 10% FCS) allowing them to attach to the mcs in the rotating vessel (rotation rate 14–20 rpm). HepG2 cells readily attached to the mcs while the vessel was rotating. Attachment of HepG2 to the mcs was about 50% after 24 hrs and 100 % within 48 hrs. After 72 hrs of rotary culturing small aggregates of Hep G2 on mcs were built. HepG2 cells and the aggregates rotated with the vessel and did not settle within the vessel or collide with the wall of the vessel.

We conclude that this new RCCS is an excellent technology for culturing HepG2 cells on Cytodex 3 mcs. The system is easy to handle and enables to culture anchorage dependent cells to high densities in a short period.
Protective activity of pyruvate against vanadium-dependent cytotoxicity in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO-K1) cells
Authors: Zwolak Iwona , Gołębiowska Dorota
Published: March 2018

With increasing human exposure to vanadium-containing compounds and growing concern over their impact on human health, identification of safe methods for efficient treatment of vanadium poisoning may be of value. In this study, using Chinese hamster ovary (CHO-K1) cells, we show that the toxicity of vanadyl sulphate (VOSO4) is mitigated in the presence of sodium pyruvate. The exposure of CHO-K1 cells to 100 μM VOSO4 for 48 h induced significant cytotoxicity (measured with a resazurin assay) and elevation of the contents of malondialdehyde (MDA), a lipid peroxidation product, in the examined cells. When added simultaneously with VOSO4 to the culture medium, pyruvate (4.5 mM) reduced VOSO4-mediated cytotoxicity by twofold and inhibited MDA formation. Phase-contrast microscopy confirmed that the general morphology of cell cultures treated with 100 μM VOSO4 and 4.5 mM pyruvate was improved compared to VOSO4-only treated cells. The two-way analysis of variance revealed that the reduction of the adverse effects of VOSO4 in the presence of pyruvate was due to the independent action of pyruvate as well as antagonistic interaction between VOSO4 and pyruvate. From these data, it can be concluded that the pyruvate treatment may play a beneficial role in reducing vanadium-triggered health hazards.
Elements of a Workplace Culture of Health, Perceived Organizational Support for Health, and Lifestyle Risk
Authors: Payne Julianne , Cluff Laurie , Lang Jason , Matson-Koffman Dyann , Morgan-Lopez Antonio
Published: March 2018

Purpose:

We investigated the impact of elements of a workplace culture of health (COH) on employees’ perceptions of employer support for health and lifestyle risk.

Design:

We used 2013 and 2015 survey data from the National Healthy Worksite Program, a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)-led initiative to help workplaces implement health-promoting interventions.

Setting:

Forty-one employers completed the CDC Worksite Health Scorecard to document organizational changes.

Participants:

Eight hundred twenty-five employees provided data to evaluate changes in their health and attitudes.

Measures:

We defined elements of a COH as environmental, policy, and programmatic supports; leadership and coworker support; employee engagement (motivational interventions); and strategic communication. Outcomes included scores of employees’ perceptions of employer support for health and lifestyle risk derived from self-reported physical activity, nutrition, and tobacco use.

Analysis:

We estimated effects using multilevel regression models.

Results:

At the employee level and across time, regression coefficients show positive associations between leadership support, coworker support, employee engagement, and perceived support for health ( P < .05). Coefficients suggest a marginally significant negative association between lifestyle risk and the presence of environmental and policy supports ( P < .10) and significant associations with leadership support in 2015 only ( P < .05).

Conclusion:

Relational elements of COH (leadership and coworker support) tend to be associated with perceived support for health, while workplace elements (environmental and policy supports) are more associated with lifestyle risk. Employers need to confront relational and workplace elements together to build a COH.
Bridging Ethnic Differences for Cultural Intimacy: Production of Migrant Care Workers in Japan
Authors: Lan Pei-Chia
Published: March 2018

Unlike other Asian host countries, Japan has been hesitant to open up the employment of migrant domestic helpers or caregivers until very recently. Focusing on the recruitment of migrant nurses and certified care workers through Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs), this article examines how the host society and migrant workers negotiate care culture and ethnic differences in the production of “ideal migrant caregivers.” The EPA program associates professionalism with intimate knowledge about Japanese culture, and it emphasizes the capacity to perform bridgework and enhance cultural intimacy for Japanese elders. While migrant care workers are expected to assimilate culturally, the Japanese workplace offers them little cultural intimacy but an eroded sense of value and skills. In response, they highlight their “warm” disposition and “authentic” feelings as a superior alternative to the “cold” professionalism among Japanese coworkers, but such essentialist rhetoric of ethnic differences downgrades their professional abilities to a natural endowment.
Introduction: Flint and the Racialized Geography of Indifference
Authors: Cassano Graham , Benz Terressa A.
Published: March 2018

In this introduction to the Critical Sociology symposium, “The Flint Water Crisis and the Failure of Neoliberal Governance,” the authors outline the social and cultural conditions for the racialized underdevelopment of Flint and Detroit in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. We begin with an examination of the racially coded rhetoric of Oakland County manager, L. Brooks Patterson, and the manner in which those racial codes reveal the deep roots of white suburban anxiety and racism in the history of economic and spatial apartheid in Michigan. Turning to Flint itself, we draw upon Andrew Highsmith’s recent history of the city, Demolition Means Progress (2015), and examine 20th century red-lining, school segregation, and neoliberal policy decisions as they interacted, effectively rendering Flint’s African American population invisible and, finally, through emergency management, nearly powerless. We close with a survey of the articles within the symposium. Each contribution to the symposium finds that even within the structural and political limitations imposed by neoliberalism, residents and activists continue to find productive spaces for resistance.
Reconstituting the Industrial Worker: Precarity in the Indian Auto Sector
Authors: Duvisac Sara
Published: March 2018

In the past 15 years, insecure employment relations as well as militant labor unrest have marked the Indian automobile sector. Through a case study of four final assembly automobile firms, from three regions in India, this article examines the mechanisms by which state interventions have shaped the rise of precarious work in the sector and its consequential implications for labor organizing. Drawing on firm level economic data and interviews with key stakeholders, this article argues that state interventions play a key role in disciplining and reconstituting the Indian automobile worker. The regional comparison of state interventions in the automobile sector helps to identify spaces for strengthening labor organizing around precarious work and the rights of the citizen-worker.
The Aesthetics of Work-Readiness: Aesthetic Judgements and Pedagogies for Conditional Welfare and Post-Fordist Labour Markets
Authors: van den Berg Marguerite , Arts Josien
Published: March 2018

Recent legislation in the Netherlands takes conditional welfare to a new level. Local welfare offices can now give benefit sanctions to welfare clients that ‘obstruct employment’ by their appearance. Through a qualitative and ethnographic study of aesthetic evaluation practices in Dutch welfare offices it is argued that: (1) an everyday aesthetic labour is pivotal in post-Fordist labour markets; (2) in times of precarization, this is so for unemployed as well as formally employed populations; (3) welfare clients are expected to give an aesthetic performance of work-readiness and adaptability; and (4) case managers use aesthetics as a pedagogy to achieve this readiness and adaptability. Aesthetic labour, it is then argued, is best conceptualized as a continuous, everyday, backstage labour for labour: a daily calibration for work contexts in flux.
Gender Stereotyping of Leadership
Authors: Yadav Lalit Kumar , Yadav Nagendra
Published: March 2018

This study attempts to understand organizational commitment (OC) in relation to transformational leadership (TL) behaviours. It also tries to understand whether gender of the leader acts as a moderating variable in relation to TL and OC. It gives critical insights on gender stereotyping of leadership in public sector banks (PSBs) taking theoretical inputs from role congruity theory.

A survey based on validated statements was used to collect data from 328 employees of PSBs working in the branches. Correlation and hierarchical multiple regression were used to test the model in the study. The interaction effect was better grasped by plotting the data on the graph.

The outcomes of the study confirmed the previous findings. The OC is positively influenced by TL behaviours. However, most interestingly, leader’s gender significantly moderated the relation between the two. Although male managers TL style has a greater impact on employees’ commitment, leadership of female managers also has a positive impact. The results do indicate the presence of traditional perceptions about gender and leadership but also clearly demonstrate that stereotypes are being broken. These findings have important implications in organizational setting. It strengthens the importance of TL behaviours and its need to be systematically inculcated among managers. Female managers should be supported by the top management through mentorship and leadership development, and employee learning should include bias reduction exercises.
Palliative Chemotherapy Near the End of Life in Oncology Patients
Authors: Zhang Zhe , Chen Meng-Lei , Gu Xiao-Li , Liu Ming-Hui , Zhao Wei-Wei , Cheng Wen-Wu
Published: March 2018

Background:

Although palliative chemotherapy during end-of-life (EOL) care is used to relieve symptoms in patients with metastatic cancer, chemotherapy may lead to more aggressive EOL care. We evaluated the use of and variables associated with chemotherapy at EOL.

Methods:

This study included data from patients who died from advanced cancer and underwent palliative chemotherapy between April 2007 and May 2017 at the Department of Palliative Care of Fudan University, Shanghai Cancer Center. Data were collected from hospital medical records. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to identify the variables that independently predicted the use of palliative chemotherapy.

Results:

Among the 542 patients in the study, 85 (15.7%) underwent palliative chemotherapy during the last month and 28 (5.2%) underwent it during the last 2 weeks of life. Age <59 years (odds ratio [OR] = 1.82, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.51-2.61), performance status <3 (OR = 3.73, 95% CI: 1.46-4.67), and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (OR = 3.88, 95% CI: 3.01-5.34) were independently associated with the use of chemotherapy. The use of palliative chemotherapy during the last year of life differed significantly by patient age ( P < .001).

Conclusion:

The observed chemotherapy rates of 15.7% during the last month of life and 5.2% during the last 2 weeks of life are in line with international recommendations. This study showed that palliative chemotherapy is associated with more aggressive EOL care and indicates that younger patients and those with lower performance status are more likely to receive palliative chemotherapy. Significant variations in EOL treatment strategies among different age groups during the last year of life were also identified.
Narratives on the Factors That Influence Family Decision Making for Young Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Dinora Parthenia , Bogenschutz Matthew
Published: March 2018

Families of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) play a central role in selecting interventions for their children. Despite the importance of understanding the factors that motivate early decisions about treatment, the literature has concentrated little attention on how and why parents of young children with ASD make decisions about services and supports. Using a collective case study design informed by a diverse sample, this study found a heavy reliance on formal and informal sources of support in guiding parents’ early treatment decisions for their young children with ASD. The Internet also served as a primary source of informational support to families. Findings highlight the importance of family support initiatives including peer-to-peer family mentoring and decision support aides to assist families in critically evaluating online and print information regarding ASD.
Impact of Adventure-Based Approaches on the Self-Conceptions of Middle School Physical Education Students
Authors: Gibbons Sandra , Ebbeck Vicki , Gruno Jennifer , Battey Glenda
Published: March 2018

Background: Research has identified enhancement of positive self-concept as an important outcome connected with participation in adventure-based activities in physical education (PE). Purpose: This study compared the effectiveness of Team Building Through Physical Challenges (TBPC) and Adventure Curriculum for Physical Education (ACPE) programs on the self-conceptions of middle school PE students. Both approaches include adventure-type tasks adapted for use in PE. Methodology/Approach: Participants consisted of 397 female ( n = 183) and male ( n = 214) students who were enrolled in Coeducational Grades 7 and 8 PE classes in three middle schools. Students in the treatment classes were exposed to either the TBPC condition or the ACPE condition during PE classes over 7 months, whereas students in the control group completed the regular PE curriculum that did not include activities from either approach. Findings/Conclusions: Results suggest that both approaches benefit the self-conceptions of children with each being particularly effective at changing those self-conceptions logically related to specific organizing themes. Specifically, ACPE was greater than TBPC, for global self-worth and perceived behavioral conduct. TBPC was greater than ACPE for perceived social approval. Implications: Incorporating either the TBPC or the ACPE program in middle school PE can benefit the self-conceptions of students.
Board Empowerment: What Motivates Board Members of Founder-Owned Companies?
Authors: Libman Alexander , Dolgopyatova Tatiana , Yakovlev Andrei
Published: March 2018

This article investigates the role of boards in founder-managed firms with concentrated ownership in emerging markets. The literature frequently suggests that in this type of companies, boards have little influence on the corporate decision making. The article conducts a case study of AFK Sistema—a large Russian founder-managed firm with concentrated ownership. We observe that, contrary to the expectations, in this company, the founder provided real authority to the board, at the same time focusing on recruiting independent (mainly foreign) members. Based on this case, we argue that selectively empowering boards in this type of ownership setting could be beneficial for the firm: Selective empowerment is a source of intrinsic motivation for the independent board members, making them proactively search for new projects and assist in their implementation on behalf of the firm. As a result, the company can overcome a number of important barriers in its development.
Daunorubicin and Cytarabine Liposome in Newly Diagnosed Therapy-Related Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) or AML With Myelodysplasia-Related Changes
Authors: Kim Miryoung , Williams Sherry
Published: March 2018

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of daunorubicin and cytarabine liposome in older adults with newly diagnosed therapy-related acute myeloid leukemia (t-AML) or AML with myelodysplasia-related changes (AML-MRC). Data Source: A literature search of PubMed and MEDLINE (January 2017 to January 2018) was performed using the terms CPX-351, Vyxeos, daunorubicin and cytarabine liposome, and acute myeloid leukemia. Study Selection/Data Extraction: Phase I, II, and III clinical trials evaluating the efficacy and safety of daunorubicin and cytarabine liposome were reviewed with a specific focus on its use in older patients with newly diagnosed AML. All peer-reviewed articles with clinically relevant information were evaluated for inclusion. Data Synthesis: The phase II trial demonstrated that daunorubicin and cytarabine liposome improved response rates (RR), but there was no difference in event-free survival and overall survival in the overall patient population. However, clinical benefit was most pronounced in secondary AML with an increased RR and survival. The phase III trial illustrated that daunorubicin and cytarabine liposome improved survival and RR with tolerable toxicity compared with standard 7 plus 3 (daunorubicin and cytarabine) in patients 60 to 75 years of age with t-AML or AML-MRC. More patients proceeded to a stem cell transplant, and 30-day and 60-day mortality was lower with daunorubicin and cytarabine liposome. Grade 3 to 5 toxicities were similar between the 2 groups, except daunorubicin and cytarabine liposome had prolonged cytopenia and a higher risk of hemorrhage. Conclusions: Daunorubicin and cytarabine liposome improves RR and survival, with tolerable toxicity in older patients with t-AML or AML-MRC.
Routine Hematoxylin and Eosin Stain Is Specific for the Diagnosis of Cytomegalovirus Infection in Gastrointestinal Biopsy Specimens
Authors: Guo Ling , DeRoche Tom C. , Salih Ziyan T. , Qasem Shadi A.
Published: March 2018

Background. Gastrointestinal cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is a serious complication in immunocompromised patients; clinicians often expect expedited results for biopsy specimens. Our goal is to determine the accuracy of identification of CMV on hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stain. Methods and Results. A total of 361 biopsy specimens from 273 patients with suspicion for CMV infection were retrieved. CMV was detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in 37 specimens acquired from 33 individual patients (average age = 54 years). Among the CMV-positive patients, 29 (88%) were reported to be immunosuppressed. Colon was the most common affected location. Of 37 CMV-positive specimens by IHC, 28 were positive by H&E (76%), 6 were negative (16%), and 3 were suspicious (8%). Of the 29 positive specimens on H&E, 28 were confirmed by IHC (97%) and 1 was indeterminate (3%). The sensitivity and specificity of H&E were 84% and 94%, respectively; the positive predictive value was 97%, and the negative predictive value was 93% ( P < .00001). Conclusion. Our results show that a preliminary diagnosis of CMV infection, based on H&E stains, can be reported with high specificity and low risk for false-positive results. Suspicious cases should be deferred pending the result of IHC stains.
Effects of amniotic membrane on wound healing and adhesions in experimental strabismus surgery
Authors: Demirel Sibel , Atilla Huban , Heper Aylin Okcu , Erkam Necile
Published: March 2018

Purpose

To evaluate the efficiency of amniotic membrane in prevention of adhesion formation after strabismus surgery.

Methods

A prospective, controlled study was conducted on 20 eyes of 10 pigmented rabbits. After disinsertion of the superior rectus muscle, under the muscle insertion area to induce adhesion formation, a partial-thickness 4 × 4 mm sclerectomy was performed in both eyes. In the right eyes, a piece of appropriate size human amniotic membrane was sutured on the sclerectomy site. As the control group, left eyes were operated with a similar procedure but without amniotic membrane transplantation. After 2 months, both eyes were enucleated to perform histopathologic examination.

Results

There was no adhesion between the sclera and muscle in the amniotic membrane group; however, there were various degrees of adhesions in the control group (p=0.004). Fibrosis in rectus muscle was present in 40% of the specimens in the amniotic membrane group and 90% in the control group with a higher grade (p=0.023). The mean number of inflammatory cells was significantly higher in the amniotic membrane group (p=0.005).

Conclusions

According to our results, amniotic membrane has antifibrotic effect but no anti-inflammatory effect in rabbit eyes due to possible xenograft reaction to human tissues. It is effective in prevention of adhesion formation with possible physical barrier action.
The effect of contour line position on optic nerve head analysis by Heidelberg Retina Tomograph
Authors: Iester Michele , Mariotti Valeria , Lanza Francesco , Calabria Giovanni
Published: March 2018

Purpose

To determine the influence of the contour line position on the Heidelberg Retina Tomograph (HRT) parameters and on the diagnostic capacity of the system.

Methods

Thirty subjects with clinical diagnosis of primary open angle glaucoma and 30 healthy subjects were recruited. For each patient only one eye was randomly chosen. All optic nerve heads (ONH) were analysed with HRT. An operator drew the right contour line in all the considered images, while a second user increased and decreased radius size of 0.05 and 0.1 mm, recalculating each time all the HRT parameters. Five different disc area subgroups were obtained and for each subgroup discriminant formulas were applied. Sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic precision were considered for each subgroup.

Results

Among the HRT parameters, rim area was the most sensitive to the contour line position changes when the radius variation was greater than ±0.1 mm. For most of the HRT parameters, the differences between subjects with glaucoma and control group did not significantly change when the disc area increased or decreased. Highest diagnostic capacity was observed for Mikelberg and Mardin formulas when the contour line was narrowed, while the cup shape measure value had the best diagnostic capacity when the contour line was larger.

Conclusions

When the disc area was modified, the sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic capacity of discriminant formulas changed according to the ONH size; however, in the glaucoma clinic, small errors (within ±0.05 mm) in contour line position did not significantly influence the final HRT diagnostic capacity.
Xal-Ease®: impact of an ocular hypotensive delivery device on ease of eyedrop administration, patient compliance, and satisfaction
Authors: Nordmann Jean-Philippe , Baudouin Christophe , Bron Alain , Denis Philippe , Rouland Jean-François , Sellem Eric , Renard Jean-Paul
Published: March 2018

Purpose

To measure the impact of the Xal-Ease® delivery device on ease of eyedrop administration and on treatment compliance and satisfaction.

Methods

This prospective, multicenter, randomized, comparative, crossover study was conducted at 43 sites in France. Eligible subjects were >18 years of age, were diagnosed with primary open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension, had been treated with latanoprost or fixed-combination latanoprost/timolol for ≥3 months prior to enrollment, and did not require a therapy change. Subjects used either Xal-Ease or the dropper bottle for 4 weeks and then switched to the alternate delivery method for the next 4 weeks. Subjects completed questionnaires after 1 and 4 weeks in each treatment period.

Results

In all, 211 subjects were enrolled, 107 to the Xal-Ease/dropper bottle group and 104 to the dropper bottle/Xal-Ease group. Baseline demographic and ocular characteristics were similar. Use of Xal-Ease made it significantly less likely that the subject would need someone to help with drop instillation (6.9% vs 18.1%, respectively; p<0.001) and reduced the problem of the tip of the bottle touching the eye (3.2% vs 35.6%, respectively; p<0.001). Reported compliance rates were very high and similar across groups during both treatment periods. After 1 month of use during both treatment periods, more than 70% of subjects reported global satisfaction with Xal-Ease to their physicians. No adverse events associated with the use of Xal-Ease were noted.

Conclusions

Xal-Ease generally makes administration of latanoprost or fixed-combination latanoprost/timolol easier compared with the dropper bottle.
Factors affecting patient cooperation and level of pain perception during phacoemulsification in topical and intracameral anesthesia
Authors: Omulecki Wojciech , Laudańska-Olszewska Iwona , Synder Aleksandra
Published: March 2018

Purpose

To evaluate selected factors that may influence pain perception and patient cooperation with the surgeon during phacoemulsification performed under topical and intracameral anesthesia.

Methods

A total of 203 consecutive patients who had uncomplicated cataract phacoemulsification with foldable intraocular lens implantation through clear corneal 2.8 mm temporal incision under topical anesthesia were enrolled into the study. The factors assessed included gender, age, level of education, professional activity, place of residence, pain sensitivity declared preoperatively, patient mood before operation, preoperative visual acuity, and whether it was the patient's first or second cataract surgery. The correlation between postoperatively declared level of pain perception and cooperation with the surgeon was also evaluated. For statistical analysis, gamma correlation coefficient test was used.

Results

The strongest correlation was found between gender and cooperation and level of perceived pain. The weakest dependencies were noticed between the level of education and these parameters. Women, patients who were professionally active, and patients who were in a better mood before the operation were more cooperative. A strong correlation was found between patient pain perception and cooperation.

Conclusions

Pain perception was positively influenced by female gender, rural place of residence, younger age of patient, and lower preoperative visual acuity. Cooperation with the surgeon was positively influenced by female gender, professional activity, patient good mood before operation, and no pain perception during surgery. There was no correlation between level of education, preoperatively declared pain sensitivity, sequence of operation, and estimated parameters.
Ocular surface temperature in diabetic retinopathy: a pilot study by infrared thermography
Authors: Sodi Andrea , Giambene Barbara , Miranda Paolo , Falaschi Giacomo , Corvi Andrea , Menchini Ugo
Published: March 2018

Purpose

To compare ocular surface temperature (OST) measures in patients with nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) and healthy controls.

Methods

A total of 51 consecutive patients with different severity degrees of NPDR and 53 age- and gender-matched healthy volunteers were recruited. OST was evaluated by infrared thermography in five conjunctival (points 1, 2, 4, 5) and corneal (point 3) points.

Results

In diabetic eyes, OST values were lower than in controls at all the studied points (p<0.001 at points 1, 2, 3, 4, and p=0.003 at point 5).

Conclusions

Ocular surface temperature measurements, by estimating ocular blood flow, may be helpful in the management of patients with diabetic retinopathy.
Atypical toxoplasmosis masquerading late occurrence of typical findings
Authors: Miserocchi Elisabetta , Modorati Giulio , Rama Paolo
Published: March 2018

Purpose

To report two unusual cases of ocular toxoplasmosis.

Methods

Case series.

Results

We describe one case of retinochoroiditis associated with branch retinal artery occlusion and a second case of optic disc edema with subsequent neuroretinitis. In both cases, the typical findings of ocular toxoplasmosis were not initially present, but became evident later during follow-up after the institution of antitoxoplasma treatment. The prompt response to antiparasitic treatment with visual improvement and late disclosure of typical findings confirmed the clinical suspicion of the diagnosis.

Conclusions

Ocular toxoplasmosis must be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with unilateral branch retinal artery occlusion and neuroretinitis. Prompt initiation of specific antibiotic treatment can improve visual prognosis and reduce ocular complications.
Two Novel Missense Mutations in the Peripherin/RDS Gene in two Unrelated French Patients with Autosomal Dominant Retinitis Pigmentosa
Authors: Souied E.H. , Rozet J.-M. , Gerber S. , Dufier J.-L. , Soubrane G. , Coscas G. , Munnich A. , Kaplan J.
Published: March 2018

Purpose

To report the identification of two novel RDS mutations in the peripherin/RDS gene of two unrelated French patients affected by autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa (ADRP).

Methods

Fifty-eight unrelated patients affected by ADRP were analyzed. Our diagnostic criteria for RP were bilateral fundus involvement, concentric depression of the visual field and severe involvement on electroretinogram. Transmission of the trait was unambiguous. Our strategy was to analyze the coding sequence of the gene using a combination of single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) and direct sequence analysis of the exons of the gene. Exons that displayed conformational polymorphisms were sequenced on an automated DNA sequencer.

Results

The sequence analyses revealed two previously unreported missense mutations: Cys165Tyr and Phe211Leu in exons 1 and 2, respectively. None of the 70 controls analyzed carried these base changes. Cosegregation of the base substitution with the disease could be tested in both families presenting the Cys165Tyr and Phe211Leu mutations.

Conclusions

Several lines of evidence support the idea that these base substitutions are disease-causing mutations. To the best of our knowledge, no peripherin/RDS gene analysis has been previously reported in ADRP in France.
Orbital Depth Measurements of Human Skulls in Relation to Retrobulbar Anesthesia
Authors: Karampatakis V. , Natsis K. , Gigis P. , Stangos N.T.
Published: March 2018

To investigate the orbital depth in human skulls in relation to retrobulbar anesthesia, we measured the distance between the lateral margin of the optic foramen and the border of the medium and outer third of the inferior orbital rim (retrobulbar needle pathway) in 50 skulls (25 males and 25 females). This distance varied from 4.4 to 5.7 cm in males (mean 5.024, SD 0.272) and from 4.5 to 5.5 cm in females (mean 4.9, SD 0.204). There was no real difference between males and females (p>0.05).

For the total of 50 skulls the mean distance was 4.962 cm (SD 0.246).

Shallow and deep orbits exist in both males and females but individuals with shallow orbits are obviously more susceptible to optic nerve injury by the retrobulbar needle.
Changes in the Conjunctival Flora after Conjunctivodacryocystorhinostomy (CDCR): A Preliminary Report
Authors: Can I. , Aribal E. , Yarangümeli A. , Ataoğlu H. , Kural G.
Published: March 2018

Purpose

To describe changes in the conjunctival flora due to retrograde flow after conjunctivodacryocystorhinostomy (CDCR) with Jones’ tube implantation.

Methods

In 20 patients, one year after unilateral CDCR with Jones’ tube implantation and a functionally successful outcome, conjunctival and nasal mucosal specimens were taken from the operated side for bacteriological analyses and non-operated eye conjunctival specimens were simultaneously taken as the control group. The samples were cultivated in conventional media and also in hypertonic media in order to isolate L-forms of bacteria and to increase the isolation rate and sensitivity.

Results

Bacterial growth was detected in 16 operated (80%) and 11 non-operated eyes (55%) and 26 bacteria were isolated from nasal mucosa in 20 cases (isolation rate 100%). Bacteria isolated from the non-operated specimens were S. epidermidis (63.6%, seven cases), S. aureus (27.2%, three cases) and Corynebacterium sp. (9.0%, one case). Conjunctival cultures of the operated eyes yielded S. epidermidis in three (18.7%), S. aureus in six (37.5%), Corynebacterium sp. in two (12.5%) and other bacteria in five (31.3%). Nasal mucosal cultures contained S. epidermidis in nine cases (45%), S. aureus in eight (40%), Corynebacterium sp. in two (10%) and miscellaneous bacteria in seven cases (35%).

Conclusions

After CDCR the conjunctival flora of the eye undergoes differentiation and becomes similar to the nasal flora.
Expression of p53 Protein in Pterygium
Authors: Onur C. , Orhan D. , Orhan M. , Sak S. Dizbay , Tulunay Ö. , İrkeç M.
Published: March 2018

Purpose

The pathogenesis of pterygium is still not completely understood and many environmental factors, including ultraviolet (UV) radiation, play an important role in its etiology. Chronic exposure to UV radiation causes mutations in the p53 tumor suppressor gene, eventually leading to tumor formation. We analyzed the immunohistochemical expression of p53 proteins in pterygial tissues to determine the role of the p53 tumor suppressor gene in the development of pterygium.

Methods

Pterygial specimens were studied immunohistochemically using antibodies against p53 protein.

Results

Out of 38 specimens studied, 35 (92.1%) had conjunctival epithelial cells without p53 specific nuclear staining. Only three specimens (7.9%) had a few p53 stained cells. The role of UV radiation in the pathogenesis of pterygium is supported by epidemiological, geographical and microscopic findings. However, our results are not consistent with these data on a genetic basis.

Conclusions

We conclude that defective p53 tumor suppressor gene function seems to have no role in the pathogenesis of pterygium.
The Risk of Optic Nerve Injury in Retrobulbar Anesthesia: A Comparative Study of 35 and 40 Mm Retrobulbar Needles in 12 Cadavers
Authors: Karampatakis V. , Natsis K. , Gigis P. , Stangos N.T.
Published: March 2018

Purpose

This study was designed to demonstrate the increased risk of optic nerve injury by the 40 mm needle when fully inserted into the orbit.

Methods

Retrobulbar anesthesia needles 35 and 40 mm long were inserted into the orbits of 12 well-embalmed cadavers, as for typical retrobulbar anesthesia. The needle was seen directly through a fenestration of the orbital roof and by dissection of the orbital structures overlying the optic nerve.

Results

In all orbits the 40 mm needle reached and in seven cases significantly pushed against the optic nerve and could obviously penetrate its sheaths. The 35 mm needle could just slightly touch the outer optic nerve sheath only in two cases.

Conclusions

We conclude that the 40 mm retrobulbar needle should not be fully inserted into the orbit and the 35 mm retrobulbar needle must be used with caution.