bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanical Intracranial Embolectomy
Authors: Wikholm G.
Published: January 2017

Cerebral ischaemia due to thrombo-embolic complications of intracranial endovascular therapy remains one of the more obvious hazards of this otherwise rather gentle treatment. In this connection the time factor is usually well controlled and the possibility to achieve a good result from thrombolysis are possibly better7. To directly extract an embolus mechanically would be an attractive alternative.

This has so far been hampered by the lack of suitable tools. The use of a microsnare intended for intravascular retrieval of foreign bodies like displaced coils or broken catheters shown here must further encourage development of specially designed “thrombectomy devices” for intracranial use. Such a tool may well have an impact on the treatment of noniatrogenic emboli as well.
Aneurysms Found after Attempted Fibrinolytic Therapy of Occluded Arteries
Authors: Matsumaru Y. , Hyodo A. , Okazaki M. , Nose T.
Published: January 2017

Three patients with angiographically invisible aneurysms found after attempted fibrinolytic therapy are presented.

One aneurysm bled during the procedure with a tragic result. All of aneurysms were located distal to the occluded arteries. Aneurysms were preexisting and invisible distal to the occluded artery, or they developed rapidly after the fibrinolysis.

These aneurysms were at a risk for rupture during and after fibrinolytic therapy.
Endovascular Management of a Major Vascular Complication after Orthognatic Surgery
Authors: Benndorf G.
Published: January 2017

We describe the effective endovascular management of a severe haemorrhagic complication in a 24 year old man is reported which could not be controlled by surgical means. Major bleeding caused by bilateral injured internal maxillary arteries after orthognatic surgery occurred. Angiography proved to be efficient in exactly localizing the bleeding sites while endovascular occlusion ultimately stopped the bleeding in a life-threatening situation for the patient.
Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty for Atherosclerotic Stenosis of the Intracranial Cerebral Arteries
Authors: Hyodo A. , Matsumaru Y. , Anno I. , Sato H. , Kato N. , Nakai Y. , Nose T.
Published: January 2017

Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) was carried out 43 times for 40 lesions in 38 cases of atheroscrelotic stenosis of the intracranial or skull base cerebral arteries. The stenotic lesions involved the middle cerebral artery in 15 cases, the basilar artery in seven cases, the internal carotid artery (petrous-supraclinoid portion) in 14 cases, and the intracranial vertebral artery in four cases.

Nearly all cases were symptomatic, such as TIA or stroke, and the degree of stenosis ranged from 70 to 99 percent, with a mean of 80 percent. PTA was performed using a STEALTH balloon angioplasty catheter. In these trials, PTA was successfully performed (as indicated by a residual stenosis under 50%) 36 times. The initial success rate was 84% and stenosis was reduced from 80% to 25%. Clinical follow-up was performed from 3 to 62 months with a mean of 40 months. During this period, death due to myocardial infarction or pneumonia occurred in four cases, stroke related to previous PTA occurred in one case (due to re-stenosis) and stroke unrelated to previous PTA occurred in two cases. Angiographic follow-up was performed in 30 cases after 36 successful PTA procedures. Re-stenosis was seen in 20% of the cases, symptomatic complication occurred in 7%, and asymptomatic complications occurred in 7% of the cases. There was no mortality in this series.

From analysis of complicated cases, there are several characteristic findings on the stenotic lesion. These are the stenotic lesions that located near the bifurcation, involving long segment, or showing irregular shape which is including ulcer or dissection. It is important to keep a fundamental and safe technique to reduce the complication. And besides, it is very important to keep the strict indication and to avoid the high-risk patient from a morphological point of view.
Endosaccular Embolization for Internal Carotid Artery Aneurysms at the C3 Portion
Authors: Nakahara I. , Hashimoto N. , Nishi S. , Iwama T. , Yanamoto H. , Akiyama Y. , Kojima M. , Todaka T. , Sawada M. , Kojima A. , Kawakami O. , Horiguchi S.
Published: January 2017

Direct surgery for the aneurysms at the C3 portion of the internal carotid artery (ICA) requires relatively complicated procedures. We present three patients with this aneurysm who underwent endovascular embolization. The remodelling technique was utilized in two of these patients with unruptured aneurysms. Sufficient obliteration was achieved in every case. Endovascular embolization may be an important alternative for ICA C3 aneurysms.
Embolization of Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformations to Enhance the Success of Subsequent Radiosurgery
Authors: Miyachi S. , Tanaka T. , Kobayashi T. , Kida Y. , Negoro M. , Okamoto T. , Yoshida J.
Published: January 2017

We studied angiographic changes in embolized arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) by comparing pre- and postembolization angiograms and angiograms preceding radiosurgery.

This study sought factors determining the usefulness of embolization as a pretreatment to enhance the success of subsequent radiosurgery. Thirty patients with cerebral AVMs treated in this manner over 4 years were studied.

In these cases AVMs were embolized with cyanoacrylate and were treated with Gamma-knife radiosurgery. The mean size of the AVM nidus was reduced by a fraction of seven following embolization. The subsequent angiogram for planning radiosurgery showed further nidus reduction in 10 AVMs, no change in 12, and regrowth in 8. In all size-reduction cases the nidus was sufficiently packed, and 2 AVMs had thrombosed completely before radiosurgery. All the regrowing AVMs were of diffuse type; 6 were associated with already-developed leptomeningeal channels, and the remaining 3 were fed by newly sprouted meningeal feeders. Five AVMs disappeared following radiosurgery, all representing size-reduction or no-change cases. Analysis of cases with regrowth showed increased risk of that event with feeder occlusion of a multi-axially supplied AVM, lack of reduction of shunt flow, or remaining meningeal feeders.

On the other hand, when embolization as pretreatment prior to radiosurgery succeeds in producing a small, compacted, plexiform nidus with slow shunt flow, it furthers the likelihood of successful radiosurgery, Nidus embolization and occlusion of fistulous and meningeal feeders are mandatory, while proximal feeder occlusion and use of embolic materials which risk recanalization should be avoided to prevent nidus regrowth.
Embolism in the Superior Cerebellar Artery following Coil Embolization of Basilar Tip Aneurysms: Anatomy and Hemodynamics
Authors: Miyachi S. , Negoro M. , Bundo M. , Okamoto T. , Yoshida J.
Published: January 2017

We aimed to identify anatomic factors favoring intra-aneurysmal clot embolization complicating coil embolization of basilar tip aneurysms.

Thirty basilar tip aneurysm cases were classified angiographically into three types according to branching pattern of the superior cerebellar artery (SCA) and coil embolization complications were analyzed. The SCA may arise from the basilar artery (BA) just proximal to the origin of the posterior cerebral artery (PCA), initially coursing at an angle (more than 60°) relative to the BA, (type A). Alternatively the SCA may originate directly from the PCA at a sharp angle less than 30° relative to the BA (type C). Type B includes patterns intermediate between types A and C. Behavior of particles chosen to simulate intra-aneurysmal clots was also observed in a plastic tube model with pulsatile water flow simulating configurations A and C.

Type C branching was seen in 35% (21/60) of SCA, being dominant on the left side and associated with large aneurysms and broad necks. All 3 of 24 coil embolization patients with ischemic complications in the SCA territory had large aneurysms and type C SCA branching, 2 aneurysms having broad necks. In the plastic model embolized “clots” more frequently lodged in type C than in type A SCA. “Clots” close to the orifice migrated more easily than those in the dome of the plastic aneurysm.

Large basilar tip aneurysms with broad necks carry a risk of intra-aneurysmal clot migration into the SCA, during and after the embolization, especially in type C configurations, because pulsatile blood flow in the basilar artery may disperse clots between the coils and carry them into the sharply angulated SCA. Avoiding this complication requires meticulous coil packing to interrupt inflow into the aneurysm as well as appropriate anti-coagulation therapy.
Vertebral Arteriovenous Fistula Treated by Embolization Technique
Authors: Kinoshita Y. , Terada T. , Tanaka Y. , Yokote H. , Tsuura M. , Nakai E. , Nakai K. , Itakura T. , Hyoutani G. , Kamei I.
Published: January 2017

Three patients with vertebral arteriovenous fistulae are described. Transarterial embolization by microcoils and balloons was used in each case and the fistula was completely occluded in one case immediately after embolization. Another two cases with partial obliteration of the fistula were followed and showed complete occlusion of the fistula after a one year follow-up.

After embolization of the fistula, each patient improved in clinical signs and symptoms and showed no complications. Transarterial embolization for vertebral arteriovenous fistula is a safe and effective treatment.
Cost-Effectiveness of Percutaneous Automated Lumbar Nucleotomy
Authors: Dullerud R. , Lie H. , Magnæs B.
Published: January 2017

This study was conducted in order to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of percutaneous automated lumbar nucleotomy in comparison with traditional macro-procedure discectomy in the treatment of herniated discs.

Sixty-eight patients undergoing surgical procedures and 90 treated with nucleotomy were consecutively included. Both cohorts were assessed pre-operatively and at regular intervals for one year or more after treatment by independent observers, using a clinical overall scoring system (COS) with 0 being the best attainable result and 1000 the poorest conceivable status of the patients.

There were better clinical results after surgery with 78% successes after one year compared to 62% after nucleotomy. By including subsequent operations and re-operations after failure to respond to the primary treatment, the success rates rose to 79% and 77%, respectively.

The cost of surgical treatment was calculated to USD 6.119 per patient and the cost of a nucleotomy procedure was USD 1.252. Owing to an almost five times higher price of surgery than nucleotomy, the latter turned out to be 2.7 to 3.9 times more cost-effective, depending on whether secondary treatment was included or not. Due to the minimal difference in final outcome between the groups, however, the marginal cost per extra success in patients primarily treated with surgery was as high as USD 205.850.

The study concludes that nucleotomy, as a mini-invasive procedure with low complication rates and the potential of a quick recovery, is more cost-effective than traditional surgical treatment for lumbar disc herniation.
Digital Subtraction and Conventional Blood Flow Studies in Porcine Experimental Aneurysms
Authors: Asakura F. , Tenjin H. , Matsumoto K. , Ueda S. , Urano M.
Published: January 2017

Flow studies are important to understanding pathogenesis and treatment of cerebral aneurysms, but have not been possible in the clinical setting. We used experimental aneurysms established in and then removed from pigs to compare and correlate flow studies by high-speed video photography of introduced particles and by clinically applicable digital subtraction angiography.

Venous pouches were used to create aneurysms in incised common carotid arteries. After aneurysms and parent arteries were removed, specimens were rendered translucent with solvents so they could be studied by video photography of introduced plastic particles in addition to digital subtraction angiography with iodinated contrast material. Regions of interest were studied individually.

Mean transit time for contrast in the preparation correlated with videographically measured particle flow velocity (r = 0.616).

Digital subtraction angiography should be useful in evaluation of flow in the clinical assessment and treatment of cerebral aneurysms, such as in endovascular therapy.
Transvenous Embolisation of Spontaneous Carotid-Cavernous Fistulas by Sequential Occlusion of the Cavernous Sinus
Authors: Cheng K.-M. , Chan C.-M. , Cheung Y.-L. , Liang C.-C. , Lee M.-K. , Leung C.-L. , Chiu H.-M. , Chan C.-H.
Published: January 2017

There are two important pathological features associated with carotid-cavernous fistula (CCF): the retrograde cortical venous drainage that can cause intracranial haemorrhage and non haemorrhagic neurological deficit and the retrograde ophthalmic venous drainage that causes orbital venous congestion and visual impairment.

We propose a sequential embolisation strategy by the selective occlusion of these two pathological features as the initial steps followed by occlusion of the rest of the cavernous sinus. Eight patients with spontaneous CCF were treated by transvenous embolisation using our embolisation strategy. The clinical features, angiographic findings, embolisation procedures, and clinical and angiographic outcomes were analyzed. The follow-up period ranged from one to 21 months. Clinical cure was achieved in six patients at one to two month follow-ups.

One patient with bilateral CCFs had clinical cure of the right eye and clinical improvement of the left eye at three-month follow-up. Another patient had clinical cure at one-month follow-up except residual VI nerve palsy. Two patients had complete angiographic obliteration of the fistula immediately after the embolisation procedure. Another three patients underwent follow-up angiography at one to 16 months and all showed angiographic cure. There were no immediate or late complications. Our embolisation strategy offers a safe and effective option in the embolisation of spontaneous CCF as demonstrated by the clinical results of our eight patients.
Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty for Atherosclerotic Stenosis of the Intracranial Cerebral Arteries
Authors: Hyodo A. , Kato N. , Nakai Y. , Anno I. , Sato H. , Okazaki M. , Matsumaru Y. , Nose T.
Published: January 2017

Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) was carried out 52 times for 49 lesions in 47 cases of atheroscrelotic stenosis of the intracranial or skull base cerebral arteries. The stenotic lesions involved the middle cerebral artery in 21 cases, the basilar artery in eight cases, the internal carotid artery (petrous-supraclinoid portion) in 15 cases, and the intracranial vertebral artery in five cases. Nearly all cases were symptomatic, such as TIA or stroke, and the degree of stenosis ranged from 70 to 99 percent, with a mean of 80 percent. PTA was performed using a STEALTH balloon angioplasty catheter. In these trials, PTA was successfully performed (as indicated by a residual stenosis under 50%) 41 times.

The initial success rate was 79% and stenosis was reduced from 80% to 25%. Clinical follow-up was performed from 7 to 84 months with a mean of 44 months. During this period, death due to myocardial infarction or pneumonia occurred in five cases, stroke related to previous PTA occurred in one case (due to re-stenosis) and stroke unrelated to previous PTA occurred in two cases.

Angiographic follow-up was performed in 31 cases after 41 successful PTA procedures. Re-stenosis was seen in 20% of the cases, symptomatic complications occurred in 6%, and asymptomatic complications occurred in 6% of the cases. One case suffered severe subarachnoid hemorrhage just after the PTA due to preexisting aneurysm rupture and he died a week after the PTA. So mortality in this series was 2%.

From the results described here, we may conclude that PTA of the intracranial or skull base cerebral artery is technically feasible, and it can be performed with relatively low risk. From our results, it may be a useful method and effective for long-term survival of patients. But results from a larger number of patients and more long-term follow-up data are still necessary in order to evaluate the safety and usefulness of this method.
Distal Flow Protection during Carotid Stenting
Authors: Sugiu K. , Martin J.B. , Pache J.C. , Guimaraens L. , Theron J. , Rüfenacht D.A.
Published: January 2017

This study was conducted to evaluate presence of embolic debris during ICA stent procedures. Nine patients with severe carotid atheromatous stenosis were treated by stent implantation under distal flow protection using a non-detachable balloon.

After stent implantation, the lumen of the ICA was cleaned by aspiration of 50 cc of blood before further flush cleaning and deflation of the protection balloon.

The blood samples obtained from each patient were analyzed using a microscope to check quantity and aspect of embolic debris. Significant numbers of embolic debris were recovered from blood samples in all nine stenting cases, but very few were found in four out of the five control cases. This observation demonstrates the high risk of producing embolic debris during carotid stenting. Distal balloon occlusion and cleaning procedures are techniques to provide protection from thromboembolic complications to the brain.
Angioplasty for the Infusion of Fasudil Hydrochloride to Treat Cerebral Symptomatic Vasospasm
Authors: Sashida J. , Nagata K. , Kawamoto S. , Abe T. , Mukasa A. , Imaizumi Y.
Published: January 2017

The present report describes the successful treatment of cerebral symptomatic vasospasm (SVS) after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) with super-selective intra-arterial infusion of fasudil hydrochloride (ERIL®). We treated seventeen vascular territories in 12 patients with selective intra-arterial infusion of fasudil hydrochloride (FSD). FSD was infused through a catheter (a microcatheter in nine patients) at a rate of 1.0 to 1.5 mg / minute (total dose = 30 to 60 mg / 1 vessel) for each vascular territory. Nineteen vascular territories (100%) were angiographically dilated and seven patients (58%) showed early improvement in neurological function after the procedure.
Endovascular Treatment for Vertebral Dissecting Aneurysm Presenting with Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Tsuura M. , Terada T. , Yokote H. , Matsumoto H. , Hyoutani G. , Kubo K. , Ryujin Y. , Nakai K. , Itakura T.
Published: January 2017

We report results and problems of the endovascular treatment in 12 cases of intradural vertebral dissecting aneurysm presenting with subarachnoid hemorrhage. There were four complications related to interventional procedure and conventional angiography. In three patients (25%), VDAs ruptured immediately after injection of contrast media or hypertension during the interventional procedure, which caused respiratory arrest. In a case of bilateral VA dissection (8%), after proximal VA occlusion had been performed for unilateral VDA, contralateral dissection extended to the basilar artery resulting in brain stem infarct. We suggest that the incidence of rebleeding of VDA during angiography and embolization is higher than that of usual saccular aneurysms. Careful injection of contrast media and strict blood pressure control seems to be more important to prevent rebleeding in VDAs than intracranial saccular aneurysms. Since unilateral VA occlusion may extend contralateral dissection in a case of bilateral VA dissection, it is necessary to check contralateral VA dissection before VA occlusion.
The Effect of Ormocer Filling Material Implanted into Rabbit Connective Tissue on Erythrocytes Oxidative Stress
Authors: Yildiz M. , Akyuz M. , Yildiz A. , Bakan E.
Published: January 2017

Recently, there have been considerable developments regarding esthetic restorative material. The aims of our study were to assess whether the increased oxidative stress in rabbits, with implanted ormocer filling materials, is reflected by erythrocytes lipid peroxidation and also to check the alterations in the oxidant and antioxidant enzyme activities in erythrocytes of rabbits. Erythrocytes total (enzymatic plus non-enzymatic) superoxide scavenger activity (TSSA), non-enzymatic superoxide scavenger activity (NSSA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), xanthine oxidase (XO) activities and malondialdehyde (MDA) level were measured in all groups. Erythrocyte CAT and SOD activities were significantly increased in both day 1 and day 7 when compared to the baseline values. Erythrocyte TSSA activities were significantly higher in group 2 than those of the baseline and day 7 values. Erythrocyte NSSA activities were significantly lower in the day 7 values than those of group 1. Erythrocyte NSSA activities were significantly higher in the day 1 values than those of the baseline values. On the other hand, there was no significant difference in all groups in terms of XO activities and MDA values. In conclusion, our results showed that ormocer filling material in rabbit implants, did not induce oxidative stress and it prevented lipid peroxidation by increasing antioxidant defense system.
Chemoprevention in Chronic Prostatitis in BPH and in Low Grade Carcinoma
Authors: Iannucci M. , Berardinelli F. , Nicolai M. , Tenaglia R. L.
Published: January 2017

Prostate cancer is the most common solid malignancy in men in the United States. As a disease predominantly affecting the elderly and with the continuing aging of the population, the importance of studying and treating prostate cancer will continue to increase. Many factors have been implicated in the development of prostate cancer. It presents a variability of incidences influenced by dietary factors. The administration of substances, such as Lycopene, Polyphenols, Iso-flavonoids, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Selenium and Zinc have a decisive role in the prevention of anti-apoptotic and pro-angiogenesis processes which are long-term developing properties of cancer cells. In this study, we will provide an overview of the current state of art between dietary habits and risk of prostate cancer.
Abnormal Proteins in Primary Breast Cancer Tissues from 25 Sudanese Patients
Authors: Ahamed M.E. , Ahmed M.E. , Eltoum A.M. , Altahir G.O. , Ahmed K.M. , Harbi S.O. , Stanslas J. , Mohamed A.O.
Published: January 2017

This study was designed to compare antigen content of normal with cancerous breast tissues from Sudanese patients. Fifty tissue samples (normal and cancerous) from 25 Sudanese patients with primary breast cancer were analyzed for their protein content using 2D PAGE, and for protein identification using LC/MS and nr.fasta data base search. Four proteins were found in the cancerous tissues which were absent from the normal tissues of the same patients: thioredoxin mutant D60n, Chain A, X-ray crystal structure of human galectin −1, rcTPM3 and a truncated isoform-2 of beta tropomyosin spots. The thioredoxin mutant is a protein with 105 amino acids and is characterized by the fact that Asp 60 is replaced by Asn. The Chain A, X-ray crystal structure of human galectin-1 is a synthetic mutated protein with 134 amino acids, cysteine 16 is replaced by unknown amino acid (X). The rcTPM3 is a fragment of tropomyosin-3 with 247 amino acids. The truncated beta tropomyosin is isoform 2 with 257 amino acids. Primary breast cancer tissues from Sudanese patients are characterized by abnormal proteins which are undetectable in the normal tissues. These proteins can be used, as a target for drug therapy, for diagnosis and in vaccination trials.
Safety in Construction Yards: Perception of Occupational Risk by Italian Building Workers
Authors: Antonucci A. , Di Giampaolo L. , Zhang Q.L. , Siciliano E. , D'Abruzzo C. Cipolla , Niu Q. , Boscolo P.
Published: January 2017

The purpose of this study is to analyse the perception of occupational risk by building workers in an area of Central Italy. Three hundred male building workers compiled questionnaires including 7 different types of dangers: falling from height, cuts and wounds to body and eyes, manual handling of loads, noise, vibrations and dust inhalation. The workers quantified, on a scale of one to five, the potential injury and frequency of occurrence of each risk, as well as providing information on the possibility of checking/avoiding the risk. Furthermore, attendance of the workers at previous specific courses on accident prevention and the effectiveness of these was evaluated. A possible correlation between the perception of job risk and having had previous injuries was also assessed. The results showed that about 35% of workers do not consider their job hazardous; moreover, the risk perception is higher regarding dangers producing immediate injury, as opposed to those producing occupational illnesses. Moreover, there is no direct relationship between considering the job dangerous for health and having attended training courses, while the relationship between risk perception and past injuries is more marked. In conclusion, accident prevention training is essential for building workers; however, it is even more important to improve the quality of workers' information in order to increase their awareness of danger.
Effect of Almond Skins on a Lung Injury Model Elicited by Multirug-Resistant Pseudomonas Aeruginosa
Authors: Bisignano C. , Esposito E. , Filocamo A. , Impellizeri D. , Di Paola R. , Mandalari G. , Cuzzocrea S.
Published: January 2017

A number of clinical trials have reported beneficial effects after nut consumption. The aim of the present work was to investigate the effect of natural almond skins (NS) on an animal model of acute pneumonia. Mice were inoculated with a multidrug-resistant strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA, 2 × 107 cfu's in 50 u.1 of lactated Ringer's solution) into their left lung. An oral administration of NS (30 mg kg1) was given 1 h and 12 h after intra-tracheal PA inoculation. Mice were killed at 24 h for analyses of injury and inflammation. We investigated the effect of NS on the lung histology associated with PA, cytokine production, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and mortality caused by PA. Treatment with NS was effective in reducing the PA infection with a significant decrease in inflammation and lung injury. Significant inhibitions of the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-12 and MPO activity were detected in mice which received NS compared with vehicle-treated animals. Treatment with NS reduced the overall mortality over the observation period (10 days). Almond skins were effective reducing the lung injury caused by PA inoculation in mice and may be useful in the treatment of antibiotic-resistant strains alone or in combination with existing antibiotics.
Expression of Procollagen A1 Type I Induced by Two Different Dentine Bonding Systems in Human Pulp Fibroblasts
Authors: Orsini G. , Mattioli-Belmonte M. , Orciani M. , Mazzoni A. , Teti G. , Falconi M. , Putignano A. , Breschi L.
Published: January 2017

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of two different dentine bonding systems (DBSs) on primary cultures of human pulp fibroblasts (HPFs). Cell viability and procollagen α1 type I expression were investigated. Polymerised resin disks of the bonding agent from a two-step self-etch system and of the primer/bonding agent from a two-step etch-and-rinse system were used to condition culture medium for 24 or 96 h. HPFs were incubated in control (untreated) or DBSs-conditioned medium for 24 h. HPF viability was determined using the 3-dimethylthiazol-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Western blot analysis was used to analyse procollagen α1 type I expression. Statistical analyses were performed using Student's t-tests. The results showed that HPFs incubated with DBSs-conditioned medium for 24 h demonstrated a significant reduction in the percentage of viable cells versus cells incubated with control medium (45% for self-etch DBS and 30% for etch-and-rinse DBS; p < 0.05), whereas this percentage increased significantly after exposure to the 96h DBSs-conditioned medium (62% and 77%, respectively; p < 0.05). Procollagen α1 type I expression in HPFs was strong for control specimens, but decreased in 24 h-DBSs-conditioned medium, and was abolished with 96 h-DBSs-conditioned medium. In conclusion, HPF exposure to medium containing eluates of the different DBSs led to an early cytotoxic effect (24 h) that decreased after a conditioning time of 96 h, whereas procollagen α1 type I expression decreased at 24 h and was absent after 96 h. Procollagen α1 type I expression may be a useful parameter for evaluating DBSs biocompatibility.
Management of oral pemphigus vulgaris: A case report and a clinical update
Authors: Pettini F , Ballini A , Capodiferro S , Cantore S , Cirulli N , Garofalo A , Coscia MF , De Vito D , Foti C
Published: January 2017

Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is an uncommon autoimmune intraepithelial blistering disease. In most cases, the oral lesions were the first manifestation of the pathology. We report the case of a 42-year-old woman with a 4-month history of oral ulcerations. The patient reported that the lesions caused considerable discomfort and affected her normal oral function. On intraoral examination, ulcers were observed on the cheek and palatal mucosa and ventral surface of the tongue. No skin lesions were seen on extra oral examination. A diagnosis of PV was made after evaluating the biopsy samples. The main complication of PV is the reduced quality of life related to soreness or pain, particularly in ulcerative/erosive lesions. The presence of lesions among gingival tissues makes oral hygiene procedures very difficult, but plaque control and rigorous oral hygiene are a fundamental requisite for the treatment of any oromucosal disease.
Overexpression of Fgl2 deteriorates the heart function of experimenta l autoimmune myocarditis rats
Authors: Zheng Z , Huang H , Yu Y , Liang J
Published: January 2017

Studies have demonstrated that fibrinogen-like protein 2 (Fgl2) has been involved in immune and inflammatory responses which might contribute to the pathogenesis of immune-mediated diseases. Experimental autoimmune myocarditis (EAM) provided a model that mimics the pathophysiology of human giant cell myocarditis. We observed that the effect of Fgl2 overexpression on the heart function of autoimmune myocarditis rats using echocardiography and detected the level of inflammatory cytokines using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Fgl2 overexpression decreased the heart function of EAM model rat, increased the inflammatory cell infiltrations, and increased the level of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP). Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-17 (IL-17). These results indicate that Fgl2 is a potent target for the treatment of EAM. In conclusion, Fgl2 is a potent target to treat inflammatory dysfunctions of the heart.
The Reemergence of EEG Reactivity After Cardiac Arrest
Authors: Zachariah Joseph , Rabinstein Alejandro A.
Published: January 2017

Electroencephalogram (EEG) reactivity has been increasingly utilized in prognostication after cardiac arrest. Recent studies have demonstrated a false-positive rate of 0% in predicting poor outcome with a nonreactive EEG. The reemergence of reactivity after an initial nonreactive EEG has been noted in cases of drug intoxication, rewarming after hypothermia, and after discontinuing sedation. This is the first case describing the reemergence of EEG reactivity without the confounding factors listed above. We describe a case of resuscitated cardiac arrest with initial EEG demonstrating a lack of reactivity. A repeat EEG completed 3 days later revealed a reemergence of reactivity in the setting of normothermia, a negative drug screen, and the absence of sedation. The delayed recovery of EEG reactivity without previously established confounding factors is novel. Serial EEGs may be beneficial as the available literature on reactivity and prognostication is based on an average of 24 to 48 hours of EEG tracing. Prognostication after cardiac arrest continues to require a multimodal approach.
The Development of Social Media: Proposal for a Diffusion Model Incorporating Network Externalities in a Competitive Environment
Authors: Belvaux Bertand
Published: January 2017

The use of social media is highly concentrated. Since the appeal of this type of site lies in the richness of the content produced by the participants, this concentration phenomenon may be partly explained by network externalities. To demonstrate this effect in a competitive framework, the present study puts forward a diffusion model that incorporates the preferential attachment principle stemming from research on complex networks. The model is analyzed through a simulation applied to 51 social media in three different sectors. The results show that adding the attraction effect produced by the relative size of the network explains diffusion better than the classic Bass model.
An Analysis of the Link between Customers' Intention to Recommend a Firm and the Lifetime Value of its Customers
Authors: Schmitt Philipp , Meyer Steffen , Skiera Bernd
Published: January 2017

The Net Promoter Score (NPS) concept, which is widely used among practitioners, assumes that there is a positive and nonlinear linkage between intention to recommend a firm (positive word of mouth) and Customer Lifetime Value. However, this critical assertion for customer portfolio management has not yet been empirically proved. This study uses a data set from a financial service provider to analyze the link between customers' intention to recommend a firm and Customer Lifetime Value. It reveals that intention to recommend a firm increases contribution margins but it neither enhances customer loyalty nor Customer Lifetime Value. However, satisfaction has a significant influence on Customer Lifetime Value. Thus, the expected nonlinear link between intention to recommend and Customer Lifetime Value cannot be proved, so the significance of the NPS concept for customer management cannot be verified.
Knowledge of Cervical Cancer Risk Factors Among Educated Women in Lomé, Togo
Authors: Moore Ami R. , Driver Nichola
Published: January 2017

Cervical cancer, a highly preventable form of cancer, is mostly common among women in sub-Saharan Africa. This study assessed what Togolese educated women know about cervical cancer and the accuracy of their knowledge. It also examined the factors that correlate with accurate knowledge among the women. This study, like its previous ones, pointed out the lack of accurate knowledge of cervical cancer risk factors among educated women in Togo. However, unlike the earlier studies, it showed the beliefs and thoughts of educated women with regard to cervical cancer knowledge and explained some of the inaccuracies of the beliefs. It also showed the necessity of educating Togolese women, even the educated ones, about cervical cancer and its risk factors as these women hold inaccurate knowledge about the disease. Ideally, screening for cervical cancer is the primary means to control it. However, in an environment where screening is not readily available and accessible, knowledge of cervical cancer risk factors may aid women to change behaviors that put them at risk. Although health officials may have their own priorities, it is very important to know that cervical cancer is a public health issue, which could be curbed.
Does Current Scientific Evidence Support a Link between Light at Night and Breast Cancer among Female Night-Shift Nurses?
Authors: Dickerman Barbra , Liu Jianghong
Published: January 2017

Breast cancer is increasingly prevalent in industrialized regions of the world, and exposure to light at night (LAN) has been proposed as a potential risk factor. Epidemiological observations have documented an increased breast cancer risk among female night-shift workers, and strong experimental evidence for this relationship has also been found in rodent models. Indirect support for the LAN hypothesis comes from studies involving blind women, sleep duration, bedroom light levels, and community nighttime light levels. This article reviews the literature, discusses possible mechanisms of action, and provides recommendations for occupational health nursing research, practice, and education. Research is needed to further explore the relationship between exposure to LAN and breast cancer risk and elucidate the mechanisms underlying this relationship before interventions can be designed for prevention and mitigation of breast cancer.
Psychosocial Stress and Multi-Site Musculoskeletal Pain
Authors: Sembajwe Grace , Tveito Torill Helene , Hopcia Karen , Kenwood Christopher , O'Day Elizabeth Tucker , Stoddard Anne M. , Dennerlein Jack T. , Hashimoto Dean , Sorensen Glorian
Published: January 2017

The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between psychosocial factors at work and multi-site musculoskeletal pain among patient care workers. In a survey of 1,572 workers from two hospitals, occupational psychosocial factors and health outcomes of workers with single and multi-site pain were evaluated using items from the Job Content Questionnaire that was designed to measure psychological demands, decision latitude, and social support. An adapted Nordic Questionnaire provided data on the musculoskeletal pain outcome. Covariates included body mass index, age, gender, and occupation. The analyses revealed statistically significant associations between psychosocial demands and multi-site musculoskeletal pain among patient care associates, nurses, and administrative personnel, both men and women. Supervisor support played a significant role for nurses and women. These results remained statistically significant after adjusting for covariates. These results highlight the associations between workplace psychosocial strain and multi-site musculoskeletal pain, setting the stage for future longitudinal explorations.
Occupational Back Pain among Rehabilitation Nurses in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al-Eisa Einas , Al-Abbad Hani
Published: January 2017

Occupational low back pain among nurses has been the subject of research studies worldwide. However, evidence of the influence of nurses' awareness of safe handling practices and compliance with standard guidelines on low back pain remains scarce. This study examined the association between occupational low back pain and level of awareness of back care, and described the self-reported nature of low back pain in relation to organizational policies among nurses in Saudi Arabia. A total of 155 nurses working in a rehabilitation hospital participated in the study. The lack of a patient handling policy at the workplace was identified as a significant risk factor for the development of low back pain, whereas exercising regularly was a protective factor. Not only mechanical exposure but also organizational factors and level of awareness were related to the development of low back pain. This study highlights the need to develop institutional plans for injury reporting, and provides evidence of the importance of incorporating awareness as part of prevention strategies.
Sensory Processing Sensitivity
Authors: Grimen Hanne Listou , Diseth Åge
Published: January 2017

The aim of the present study was to examine the factor structure of a Norwegian version of the Highly Sensitive Person Scale (HSPS) and to investigate how sensory processing sensitivity (SPS) is related to personality traits of neuroticism, extraversion, and openness and to subjective health complaints (SHC) in a sample of 167 undergraduate psychology students. The results showed that the variance in a shortened version of the HSPS was best described by three separate factors: ease of excitation (EOE), aesthetic sensitivity (AES), and low sensory threshold (LST). Furthermore, the result showed than an overall SPS factor (EOE, LST, and AES combined) was predicted positively by neuroticism and openness and negatively by extraversion. With respect to SHC, the results showed that EOE and LST were positively associated with psychological health complaints. However, the personality trait of neuroticism contributed more than the SPS factors as predictor of SHC. In conclusion, the present study supported a shortened version of the HSPS and its relation to personality factors and SHC.
Exploring musculoskeletal injuries in the podiatry profession: an international cross sectional study
Authors: Williams Cylie M. , Penkala Stefania , Smith Peter , Haines Terry , Bowles Kelly‐Ann
Published: January 2017

Background

Workplace injury is an international costly burden. Health care workers are an essential component to managing musculoskeletal disorders, however in doing this, they may increase their own susceptibility. While there is substantial evidence about work‐related musculoskeletal disorders across the health workforce, understanding risk factors in specific occupational groups, such as podiatry, is limited.

The primary aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and intensity of work related low back pain in podiatrists.

Methods

This was an international cross‐sectional survey targeting podiatrists in Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. The survey had two components; general demographic variables and variables relating to general musculoskeletal pain in general or podiatry work‐related musculoskeletal pain. Multivariable regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with musculoskeletal stiffness and pain and low back pain intensity. Thematic analysis was used to group comments podiatrists made about their musculoskeletal health.

Results

There were 948 survey responses (5% of Australian, New Zealand and United Kingdom registered podiatrists). There were 719 (76%) podiatrists reporting musculoskeletal pain as a result of their work practices throughout their career. The majority of injuries reported were in the first five years of practice (n = 320, 45%). The body area reported as being the location of the most significant injury was the low back (203 of 705 responses, 29%). Being female (p < 0.001) and working in private practice (p = 0.003) was associated with musculoskeletal pain or stiffness in the past 12 months. There were no variables associated with pain or stiffness in the past four weeks. Being female was the only variable associated with higher pain (p = 0.018). There were four main themes to workplace musculoskeletal pain: 1. Organisational and procedural responses to injury, 2. Giving up work, taking time off, reducing hours, 3. Maintaining good musculoskeletal health and 4. Environmental change.

Conclusions

The postures that podiatrists hold while treating patients appear to impact on musculoskeletal pain and stiffness. Recently graduated and female podiatrists are at higher risk of injury. There is a need for the profession to consider how they move and take care of their own musculoskeletal health.
The American Board of Vascular Surgery and the Law: Fact and Fiction
Authors: Brown O. William
Published: January 2017

The need for the establishment of an independent American Board of Vascular Surgery (ABVS) remains controversial. The controversy involves both medical and legal issues. These issues include medical malpractice, the attempt to create a “monopoly” by vascular surgeons, and the hospital credentialing of surgeons to perform vascular procedures. In this article, the legal impact of an independent ABVS on the filing of medical malpractice suits against vascular surgeons is explored. In addition, the legal criteria necessary to establish a monopoly, as well as criteria for hospital credentialing, are also reviewed. The results of this legal analysis are, first, that the establishment of an independent ABVS may well lead to a decrease in the number of frivolous lawsuits filed against vascular surgeons. Second, the establishment of an ABVS does not constitute the creation of a monopoly. Finally, hospital credentialing should not, and will not, be directly affected by the establishment of an independent ABVS.
Combined Open and Endovascular Treatment of Complex Aortic Disease
Authors: Lundbom Jan , Hatlinghus Staal , Ødegård Asbjørn , Eide Trine Olberg , Lange Conrad , Aasland Jenny , Aadahl Petter , Myhre Hans O.
Published: January 2017

The purpose of this article is to report whether combined open and endovascular treatment could be applied in patients with complex aortic disease. A retrospective study including four patients with complex aortic disease was undertaken. In all patients, extra-anatomic bypass to the visceral arteries was made through a laparotomy while the aortic lesion was repaired by stent grafting. One patient died on the first postoperative day and another died 3 months after treatment from a myocardial infarction. The other two patients were alive 13 and 34 months after treatment, respectively. However, a patient treated for a ruptured thoracoabdominal type 2 aneurysm on the basis of a dissection suffers from postoperative paraplegia. The combination of open surgery with extra-anatomic bypass to visceral arteries and stent grafting could be an option for the treatment of patients with complex aortic disease, especially in high-risk cases in which more extensive open surgery is contraindicated.
Aortobifemoral Grafting: Factors Influencing Long-Term Results
Authors: Davidovic Lazar , Vasic Dragan , Maksimovic Ruzica , Kostic Dusan , Markovic Dragan , Markovic Miroslav
Published: January 2017

We present the results and respective determinant factors of 283 consecutive aortobifemoral bypasses. This prospective study included 283 patients with aortoiliac atherosclerotic occlusive disease treated by aortobifemoral reconstructions. Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) grafts were used in 136 patients and Dacron® grafts in 147 patients. The 30-day mortality rate was 11 patients (3.9%). Perioperative (< 30 days) graft failure occurred in 6 patients (2.1%), whereas in 14 (5.25%) patients, it occurred during the follow-up period. There were 3 (1.05%) distal anastomotic pseudoaneurysms and 5 (1.7%) graft infections, with no statistical difference between the two types of grafts. The type of prosthesis did not influence cumulative graft patency. The end-to-end configuration of proximal anastomosis and a simultaneously performed femoropopliteal bypass significantly increased the graft patency ( p < .05). The associated occlusion of the superficial femoral and popliteal arteries decreased the cumulative graft patency in comparison with that of the patients without artery disease ( p < .05). Our results showed that in the aortobifemoral position, there was no significant difference in the patency, anastomotic pseudoaneurysms, and graft infection between PTFE and Dacron grafts. However, the PTFE grafts had a significantly higher rate ( p < .05) of distal anastomotic stenosis, which was mostly caused by neointimal hyperplasia.
Surgical Treatment of Buerger's Disease
Authors: Bozkurt A. Kürşat , Beşirli Kazim , Köksal Cengiz , Şirin Gökce , Yüceyar Lale , Tüzün Hasan , Sayin Ayla Gürel
Published: January 2017

We aimed to evaluate the characteristics of 198 new patients with Buerger's disease treated surgically in the last decade. We also compared these results with our former series reported in 1993.

The records of patients with Buerger's disease who were enrolled in an ongoing investigational protocol between 1991 and 2001 were reviewed. Sympathectomy was carried out in 161 patients and revascularization in 19 patients. The cumulative secondary patency rate was 57.9% for bypass grafts at a mean follow-up of 5.4 years. Clinical outcome following sympathectomy was considered improved in 52.3% of patients, stable in 27.8%, and worse in 19.8%. Seven major and 36 minor amputations were performed, with a limb salvage rate of 95.6%.

The aggressiveness of the disease has increased compared with previous series, parallel to the expansion of cigarette consumption. Bypass surgery should be considered for patients with severe ischemia who have target vessels. Sympathectomy still has a role to improve distal flow.