bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical Evaluation of the Use of Infracyanine Green Staining for Internal Limiting Membrane Peeling in Epimacular Membrane Surgery
Authors: Feldman A. , Zerbib J. , Glacet-Bernard A. , Haymann P. , Soubrane G.
Published: January 2018

Purpose

To evaluate the use of infracyanine green (IFCG) staining in idiopathic epiretinal membrane (ERM) surgery.

Methods

A retrospective comparative study of 63 consecutive eyes with ERM operated on with internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling using or not filtered IFCG diluted (5:1) in glucose 5%. Main outcome measures were best-corrected visual acuity, central visual field perimetry, fluorescein angiography with blue light fundus photograph, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and in seven eyes multifocal electroretinogram (mfERG).

Results

A total of 44 eyes underwent surgery with ILM staining using IFCG and 19 eyes without. In the IFCG group, the staining showed that the ILM was removed together with the ERM in 39% of eyes; ILM was still present on the macula after ERM removal in 57% of eyes and removed secondarily. The improvement in vision was slightly better in the IFCG group throughout follow-up but the difference was not significant. On the postoperative blue light photograph, defects in the optic nerve fibre layer were less frequent in the group with IFCG than without (p=0.023), suggesting less peroperative trauma. Two eyes in the group operated without IFCG had recurrence of the ERM including one with a macular hole vs none in the group with IFCG. No difference was observed in the groups as regards central visual field testing, mfERG, OCT, or angiographic data.

Conclusions

Using IFCG for ILM peeling in ERM surgery seemed to reduce significantly the trauma to the optic nerve fiber layer and to prevent ERM recurrence. Deleterious effects were not observed in this study.
Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension after 40 Years of Age: Clinical Features in 23 Patients
Authors: Zayit-Soudry S. , Leibovitch I. , Kesler A.
Published: January 2018

Purpose

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a well-recognized disorder of unknown etiology associated with elevated intracranial pressure (ICP), normal neuroimaging, and normal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) composition, found mostly among obese females of child-bearing age. The aim of this study is to investigate the clinical features of IIH in patients older than 40 years.

Methods

This is a retrospective chart review (1998–2007) of all consecutive patients older than 40 years who were diagnosed with IIH based on the Modified Dandy Criteria.

Results

Twenty three of the 200 IIH patients in the institutional database fulfilled study entry criteria. They included 22 females and one male whose mean age was 51.4 years (range 41–79). Coexisting systemic arterial hypertension was found in 13 (56.5%) patients. Seventeen patients (73.9%) had symptoms attributable to elevated ICP. The most common presenting symptoms were visual; mainly blurred vision and transient visual obscuration (15/17 patients, 88.23%). Eleven patients (64.7%) complained of headache, and another 4 (23.5%) of pulsatile intracranial noise. The average follow up period was 21.8 months.

Conclusions

The findings indicate that IIH among individuals older than 40 years of age may be underreported. These patients are more likely to present with systemic hypertension and with more visual disturbances, but with fewer complaints of headache than the younger IIH population.
In Vivo Confocal Microscopy in Bilateral Herpetic Keratitis: A Case Report
Authors: Martone G. , Alegente M. , Balestrazzi A. , Nuti E. , Traversi C. , Pichierri P. , Tosi G.M.
Published: January 2018

Purpose

Bilateral herpetic keratitis is a rare infection of the cornea. Ocular herpes in atopic patients is more often bilateral, with more frequent recurrences. The authors report a case of bilateral herpes simplex virus (HSV) keratitis during the active phase studied by in vivo confocal microscopy.

Methods

A 28-year-old man with 5 years history of unilateral HSV keratitis and atopic dermatitis was referred to the authors for a clinical and diagnostic evaluation.

Results

The corneas showed the typical features of dendritic HSV keratitis in both eyes. Examination by in vivo confocal microscopy demonstrated similar lesions in both eyes: a distortion of the superficial and basal epithelium and the presence of irregular hyperreflective structures and dendritic particles near the epithelial cells. The subbasal nerve plexus presented a tortuous appearance with hyperreflective areas and beadlike formations along the fibers. After a week of antiviral treatment, in vivo confocal microscopy examination demonstrated an irregular epithelium with highly reflective deposits and reflective areas. A reduction of nerve fiber bundles with a large number of beadlike formations and abnormal tortuosity was also noted.

Conclusions

In vivo confocal microscopy enables a noninvasive evaluation of the ocular surface at a high magnification level. It could be useful for the early and differential diagnosis of corneal infections and when HSV keratitis recurrence is suspected.
Serous Detachment of Macula in Cystoid Macular Edema Associated with Latanoprost
Authors: Ozdemir H. , Karacorlu M. , Karacorlu S.A.
Published: January 2018

Purpose

To report serous macular detachment in two patients with cystoid macular edema (CME) associated with latanoprost.

Methods

Two eyes of two patients with CME associated with latanoprost underwent an ophthalmoscopic examination, fluorescein angiography, and optical coherence tomography (OCT).

Results

In both patients, besides CME, OCT showed serous macular detachment composed of retinal elevation over a nonreflective cavity with minimal shadowing of the underlying tissues.

Conclusions

This is the first case report that shows an association between serous macular detachment and CME associated with latanoprost.
Factors Affecting Intraocular Pressure Measured by Noncontact Tonometer
Authors: Yazici A. , Sen E. , Ozdal P. , Aksakal F.N. , Altinok A. , Oncul H. , Koklu G.
Published: January 2018

Purpose

To investigate the mean values of intraocular pressure (IOP) measured with non-contact tonometer (NCT) and evaluate the factors that may affect IOP.

Methods

A total of 850 subjects who were admitted to our clinic between March 2005 and February 2006 were recruited for the study. Subjects having blepharitis, conjunctivitis, corneal diseases, glaucoma suspicion, or glaucoma were not accepted to the study. All subjects were questioned about systemic diseases. IOP measurement with NCT and central corneal thickness (CCT) with ultrasound pachymetry were performed for each patient between 9 and 11 AM.

Results

The mean ages of 367 (43.2%) male subjects and 483 (56.8%) female subjects were 43.9±18.1 and 40.7±18.0 years ± SD, respectively. Since right and left eye IOP, CCT, and keratometric values were significantly correlated, right eye values were used for statistical purposes. Mean IOP values in males and females were 13.2±3.0 and 13.5±2.9 mmHg, respectively. Mean CCT values were 552.5±34.7 μm for males and 550.1±34.3 μm for females. In multiple regression analysis, IOP was found to be associated with gender, refractive error, CCT, and the presence of diabetes mellitus (DM).

Conclusions

Gender, CCT, the presence of DM, and refractive error may be significantly associated with IOP in this particular population.
Identification of a Novel Mutation in a Chinese Family with X-Linked Ocular Albinism
Authors: Wang Y. , Guo X. , Wei A. , Zhu W. , Li W. , Lian S.
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the GPR143 gene (G-protein coupled receptor 143) in a Chinese three-generation family with OA1, including four carriers and a proband with clinical features of X-linked ocular albinism.

Methods

The proband underwent a detailed ophthalmologic evaluation. Blood samples of family members were obtained and genomic DNA isolated. Mutational analysis by SSCP and direct sequencing of the GPR143 gene was used to screen all nine exons including the intron/exon junctions. The novel mutation c.943G>T (p.G315X) found in the study was confirmed by DHPLC to exclude the possibility of polymorphism.

Results

Ophthalmic features of the proband were characteristic of X-linked ocular albinism. The authors identified a novel nonsense mutation p.G315X on exon 8 that was not found in 100 non-albinism subjects by DHPLC. This novel mutation in the GPR143 gene is predicted to subject to nonsense mediated decay.

Conclusions

The novel mutation p.G315X in the OA1 gene was identified in a Chinese family with ocular albinism, which is predicted to generate a premature stop codon. These findings extend the mutational spectrum of GPR143 gene and will be useful for gene diagnosis and genetic counseling in Chinese OA1 patients.
Bilateral Non-Simultaneous Optic Neuropathy and Unilateral Macular Edema in a Patient with Poems Syndrome
Authors: Gutiérrez-Ortiz C. , Castro-Rebollo M. , Pareja J. , Beckford C. , Teus M.
Published: January 2018

Purpose

To report a case of bilateral non-simultaneous optic neuropathy and unilateral macular edema in a patient with polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal gammopathy, and skin changes (POEMS) syndrome.

Methods

A 61-year-old man with POEMS syndrome had bilateral anterior optic neuropathy and unilateral macular edema.

Results

Visual field testing showed bilateral superior altitudinal field defect. Fluorescein angiography revealed unilateral pooling of fluid consistent with cystoid macular edema. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) showed bilateral loss of retinal nerve fiber layer thickness. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein values were normal. The serum vascular growth factor measurement was elevated.

Conclusions

This is the first reported case of ophthalmoscopic, angiographic, and OCT evidence of non-simultaneous optic neuropathy and macular edema in this syndrome. The increased vascular permeability could explain all these factors.
Repeat Penetrating Keratoplasty: Indications and Prognosis, 1995–2005
Authors: Yalniz-Akkaya Zuleyha , Nurozler Ayse Burcu , Yildiz Elvin Hatice , Onat Mustafa , Budak Koray , Duman Sunay
Published: January 2018

Purpose

To evaluate the data of penetrating keratoplasty over a 10-year period and to compare indications and outcomes of eyes undergoing single graft with those of eyes requiring regrafting.

Methods

A total of 652 eyes of 613 patients required single graft (Group I). Sixty-one regrafts were performed on 53 eyes (Group II). The mean follow-up time was 23.4±21.3 months (range 6–132 months). The results were evaluated for the following criteria: primary indications, allograft reactions, graft clarity, final postoperative visual acuity, and complications leading to reduction in vision.

Results

The most common indication was keratoconus (228 eyes; 35.0%) in Group I, and vascularized corneal scar (12 eyes; 22.6%) in Group II. Allograft reactions occurred in 96 eyes (14.7%) in Group I, and 17 eyes (32.0%) in Group II (p=0.001). At the end of the study period, 76.4% of patients in Group I had entirely clear grafts, whereas 45.3% of patients in Group II had entirely clear grafts (p=0.000). The main causes of corneal graft failure were irreversible allograft reaction, endothelial failure, and graft infection, which were all seen in higher percentage in the regraft group. A best-corrected visual acuity of 20/100 or better was achieved in 377 eyes (57.8%) in Group I and 11 eyes (20.7%) in Group II (p=0.000).

Conclusions

The complications of repeated surgery may reduce final graft clarity and visual acuity; the disease process necessitating regrafting may carry a poorer prognosis for sight.
Evaluating a New Disc Staging Scale for Glaucomatous Damage: The Ability to Detect Change over Time
Authors: Henderer Jeffrey D. , Wang Yun , Bayer Atilla , Altangerel Undraa , Schwartz Louis , Schmidt Courtland
Published: January 2018

Purpose

To assess the ability of Disc Damage Likelihood Scale (DDLS) in detecting glaucomatous changes in the optic nerve on sequential optic disc stereo-photographs as compared with three other different cup/disc grading systems (C/D).

Methods

Eighty-three pairs of stereo-photographs with a minimum of 5-year follow-up were examined by one group of three observers masked to chronological order by using their clinical expertise. Their conclusions were considered gold standard. Another group of three glaucoma experts examined the same masked pairs to evaluate glaucomatous changes using four different optic nerve grading systems: DDLS, vertical, horizontal, and maximal cup/disc. Ratings of these four methods in the second group were then compared with the gold standard.

Results

Baseline and follow-up photographs of 83 eyes were included. Mean follow-up was 6 years. The sensitivities for detecting glaucomatous nerve changes were 71.4%, 63.9%, 66.7%, and 47.2% for DDLS, vertical, horizontal, and maximal cup/disc, respectively. The specificity for finding nerve change was 70.9%, 51.1%, 40.4%, and 48.9%, respectively. The proportion of photographs identified as showing glaucomatous changes differed significantly between the DDLS and vertical C/D (VCD) (χ2=7.900, p=0.005), between the DDLS and horizontal C/D (HCD) (χ2=13.89, p=0.000), and between DDLS and maximum C/D (MCD) (χ2=4.192, p=0.041). The largest area (74.4%) under the receiver operator characteristic curve was obtained by using the DDLS.

Conclusions

DDLS had higher sensitivity and specificity for detecting glaucomatous changes versus the other three C/Ds when considering sequential stereo-photographs.
Dirofilaria Repens in the Eyelid: Case Report of Subcutaneous Manifestation
Authors: Mannino Giuseppe , Contestabile Maria Teresa , Medori Edoardo Maria , Mannino Cristina , Enrici Maurizio Maurizi , Marangi Massimo , Rossi Patrizia
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The authors report a case of eyelid subcutaneous filariasis.

Methods

Thorough history, eye examination, surgical intervention, and parasitologic analysis.

Results

An adult Dirofilaria repens worm was extracted from the right upper eyelid in a man living in Italy presenting to our department with lid swelling.

Conclusions

Due to increasing migration of populations to Europe, rare manifestations of ocular filariasis are becoming more common. Surgery was both diagnostic and therapeutic.
Fungal Scleral Keratitis and Endophthalmitis following Pterygium Excision
Authors: Peponis Vasileios , Rosenberg Pinchas , Chalkiadakis Spyridon E. , Insler Michael , Amariotakis Apostolos
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The authors report a case of fungal scleral keratitis and endophthalmitis as a complication of pterygium surgery.

Methods

Case presentation.

Results

A 46-year old woman underwent pterygium excision with topical use of intraoperative mitomycin C. By day 21 after excision, scleral melting was followed by fungal keratitis. Endophthalmitis ensued, which rapidly progressed, despite surgical and medical interventions. The eye was finally enucleated to prevent fungaemia. Pathology revealed a highly disorganized eye with disruption of scleral collagen in the area of scleral melting.

Conclusions

Fungal keratitis and scleral melting are rare but devastating complications of pterygium surgery with adjuvant use of mitomycin C.
Basic Research Conducted on Alloplant Biomaterials
Authors: Muldashev E.R. , Muslimov S.A. , Nigmatullin R.T. , Kiiko Y.I. , Galimova V.U. , Salikhov A.Y. , Selsky N.E. , Bulatov R.T. , Musina L.A.
Published: January 2018

Purpose

To reduce antigenicity of allografts and stimulate their replacement by natural recipient tissues.

Methods

Experimental allotransplantation of different tissues (fascias, tendons, derma, fat, etc.) with histological, histochemical, electron microscopical, electron histochemical examination 3, 5, 7, 14, 21, 30, 60, 120, 180 and 360 days postoperatively.

Results

Allografts of different tissues with glucosaminoglycans extracted from collagen fibers have low antigenicity and can be replaced by natural tissues. Allografts with these properties were named ‘Alloplant’.

Conclusions

Alloplant biomaterials can selectively stimulate natural tissue regeneration. Hence, Alloplant biomaterilas can be utilized in surgery for the restoration of different tissues.
Post-Traumatic Endophthalmitis: Causative Organisms and Visual Outcome
Authors: Abu El-Asrar A.M. , Al-Amro S. A. , Al-Mosallam A.A. , Al-Obeidan S.
Published: January 2018

Purpose

Post-traumatic endophthalmitis makes up a distinct subset of intraocular infections. The purpose of the present study was to identify the causative organisms and record the visual outcome after infectious endophthalmitis in eyes with penetrating trauma.

Methods

We reviewed 18 consecutive cases of culture-positive endophthalmitis that developed after penetrating ocular trauma. All cases were treated with pars plana vitrectomy and intravenous and intraocular antibiotics.

Results

The 15 males and 3 females ranged in age from 4 to 43 years (mean 25.1 ± 11 years). Nine (50%) had intraocular foreign bodies. A single species was isolated in 16 cases, and multiple organisms in two. Staphylococcus epidermidis and gram-negative organisms were the most frequent and were cultured either alone or in association with other organisms in respectively five (27.7%) and four cases (22.2%). Clostridium perfringens was isolated in three cases (16.6%). Bacillus was not found as a cause of endophthalmitis. Final visual acuity was better than 20/400 in eight cases (44%). In five cases (27.7%), the eye was saved but visual acuity was counting fingers. Two eyes (11%) had no light perception. The remaining three eyes (16.6%) were enucleated or eviscerated. Clostridium perfringens was isolated from two eyes and Aspergillus niger from one. Postoperative retinal detachment developed in four eyes, which were successfully operated.

Conclusions

Organisms isolated in this series were similar to those in previous reports of post-traumatic endophthalmitis from other parts of the world, except that the frequency of Clostridium perfringens isolation was high and no Bacillus species were cultured. In view of its devastating outcome, post-traumatic endophthalmitis must be treated promptly with vitrectomy and intravitreal antibiotics.
Scleromalacia following Trabeculectomy with Intraoperative Mitomycin C
Authors: Akova Y.A. , Koç F. , Yalvaç I. , Duman S.
Published: January 2018

Purpose

To report the development of scleromalacia in pediatric age as a complication of trabeculectomy with the adjunctive use of intra-operative mitomycin C.

Patients

Reported are 2 patients who developed scleromalacia following trabeculectomy combined with intra-operative 0.4 mg/ml mitomycin C application for 5 minutes for refractory glaucoma in aphakic bullous keratopathy and penetrating keratoplasty.

Results

Scleromalacia localised in the surgical area developed in 2 young patients. Scleromalacia remained stable in both patients after 6 and 24 months follow-ups.

Conclusions

It is suggested that this procedure be done more selectively, especially in young patients, with a shorter application time and using a lower concentration.
Posterior Capsule Opacification and Wrinkling in a Case of Capsular Bag Distension
Authors: Durig J. , Zografos L.
Published: January 2018

We describe a complication following anterior neodymium: YAG laser capsulotomy in a case of capsular bag distension which was diagnosed 21 months after cataract extraction with phacoemulsification and in-the-bag lens implantation. An anterior neodymium: YAG capsulotomy was performed and immediately after this the posterior capsule collapsed and wrinkled, causing a marked decrease in visual acuity that necessitated posterior neodymium: YAG capsulotomy.
Upward Extension of an Atrophic Tract of the Retinal Pigment Epithelium Associated with Congenital Macular Toxoplasmosis
Authors: Khairallah M. , Ladjimi A. , Messaoud R. , Ben Yahia S. , Hmidi K.
Published: January 2018

Purpose

To report an unusual case of gravitational atrophic tract of the retinal pigment epithelium in a 20-year old woman.

Methods

Case report

Results

The patient had macular cicatricial congenital toxoplasmic chorioretinitis in both eyes. In the right eye, an atrophic tract of the retinal pigment epithelium originating from the upper margin of the macular scar extended upwards toward the retinal periphery.

Conclusion

The unusual upward direction of the atrophic tract of retinal pigment epithelium may be explained by the in utero head position during the active phase of the chorioretinal disease.
Changes in Axial Length after Retinal Detachment Surgery
Authors: Malukiewicz-Wiśniewska G. , Stafiej J.
Published: January 2018

Purpose

To evaluate changes in axial length and corneal curvature after an encircling procedure combined with segmental buckling.

Materials and Methods

We prospectively analysed cases with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment treated with an encircling band and scleral buckling surgery, comparing the pre-and postoperative ultrasonographic measurements of axial length and corneal curvature, and patients' age and sex in relation to the axial length of the eyeballs. We studied 74 patients (25 female, 49 male, aged 14–78 years, mean 46.7 years), who underwent retinal detachment surgery in 1995 and 1996.

Results

Axial eye length was significantly increased by surgery (median 0.77 mm one month after surgery). One year after treatment the elongation of the eye had decreased by 0.20 mm. The average increase of corneal curvature was 0.22 D one month after surgery, and 0.43 D at one year. The distribution of axial length showed a significant preponderance of eyes with a longer axial length among males.

Conclusions

Encircling with a scleral buckling procedure with moderate indentation causes axial elongation of the eye.
Diabetic Retinopathy: Are we Really Doing all we can for Our Patients?
Authors: Bandello F. , Porta M. , Brancato R.
Published: January 2018

Although it is now possible to significantly reduce the incidence of blindness secondary to diabetes mellitus, large numbers of diabetic patients still experience visual loss due to retinal complications of the disease. This implies that protocols for the diagnosis and treatment of diabetic retinopathy used in the various multicenter trials have not yet been transferred into routine clinical practice. In countries where ocular complications of diabetes have been managed on the basis of well-codified protocols for several years, the incidence of visual loss among diabetic patients has been significantly reduced.

It is absolutely essential to introduce screening and treatment protocols for diabetic retinopathy promptly everywhere. Their application is within the reach of every ophthalmologist. Patients must be informed that it is important to have regular full ophthalmological examinations, before any symptoms occur; the guidelines for screening and management of retinopathy must be known and accepted by the medical community. Spreading this information among primary care physicians, ophthalmologists and diabetologists is a fundamental step in improving the health care of the diabetic patient.
Pars Plana Vitrectomy in the Pediatric Population: Indications and Long-Term Results
Authors: Karel I. , Michaličková M.
Published: January 2018

Purpose

To establish the indications and the long-term results of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) in the pediatric population.

Methods

PPV was performed in 60 eyes of 57 children, 45 boys and 12 girls, aged from 6 to 15 years. Twenty-nine eyes (48%) suffered from complicated rhegmatogenous or traction retinal detachment (RD) with advanced proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR), 19 eyes (32%) had RD due to an idiopathic or traumatic giant tear (GT), 7 eyes (ll%) had an intraocular foreign body (IOFB), and 5 eyes (9%) had hemorrhage or exudation into the vitreous. In 43 eyes (65%) silicone oil implantation (SOI) was indicated, in 39 eyes (9l%) a primary SOI, and in 4 eyes (9%) a secondary SOI. The patients were followed up for 6–72 months, mean 42 months.

Results

At the end of follow-up, anatomical success with a flat macula was achieved in 77% of the eyes, and functional success with visual acuity of 0.02 and better in 72%. The results were best in IOFB and traction RD after penetrating injury (success in 100% and 9l%); the worst results were in RD after regressed retinopathy of prematurity and RD due to idiopathic GT (success in 50% and 54%). After SOI silicone oil was removed in 27 out of 43 eyes (63%), and the retina remained attached in 23 of these eyes (85%).

Conclusions

Indications and the long-term results of PPV in children were comparable with those in the adult. By far the most frequent indications were injuries and their complications. In complicated RD, a radical approach with primary SOI and later silicone oil removal proved useful. In children, with their long life expectancy, timely removal of silicone oil is vital for maintaining the function of the eye.
Repair of Scleral Rupture and Total Retinal Detachment in a Self-Injuring Psychotic Patient under Local Anesthesia: A Case Report
Authors: Lesnoni G. , Rossi T. , Villa G. , Boccassini B.
Published: January 2018

Purpose

Ocular self-injury by psychotic patients is an uncommon cause of ocular morbidity that poses peculiar problems. This report describes a schizophrenic self-injuring patient with scleral rupture and retinal detachment (RD), treated under loco-regional anesthesia.

Case report

A 65-year-old man presented with scleral rupture, hyphema, traumatic lens luxation, vitreous prolapse, vitreous hemorrhage and total RD after deliberately hitting his head. The fellow eye had been successfully operated with scleral buckle surgery for the same reason two years earlier. The patient underwent a two-step surgical procedure under local anesthesia, with repositioning and resection of the uveal prolapse and scleral rupture repair and, separetely, lens removal pars plana vitrectomy (PPV), membrane peeling, retinotomy, laser treatment and SiO tamponade.

Results

Twelve months after PPV, the cornea was clear, IOP was 16 mmHg, the retina was attached and VA was 20/200. The fellow eye maintained 20/30 VA.

Conclusions

In psychotic patients the intrinsic difficulty of a traumatic RD is combined with systemic illness, no compliance and the risk of recurrence. Although ocular traumas usually require general anesthesia, this patient undewent both interventions under local anesthesia with sedation, because of his psychotic condition and chronic liver failure. Local anesthesia and sedation proved effective in controlling pain and intra-operative compliance even in such a difficult patient. Although it is reasonable to question operating on such patients, we nonetheless believe that every attempt should always be made at gaining useful vision in both eyes since these patients are at a high risk of recurrent ocular trauma.
Fibrinolytic Activity of Subretinal Fluid after Cryopexy
Authors: Malukiewicz-Wiśniewska G. , Kotschy M.
Published: January 2018

Purpose

To measure the tissue plasminogen activator antigen (t-PA Ag) content and plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) activity of SRF and blood.

Methods

22 patients aged from 20 to 77 years (median: 57.3 years), were studied, undergoing retinal detachment surgery. Excluded were patients with vein or arterial disease and any other factors that could change the parameters evaluated. Subretinal samples were obtained at the time of routine drainage during retinal detachment surgery, after cryopexy. Venous blood samples were taken from the cubital vein into sodium citrate solution (9: 1) immediately after induction of anesthesia but before surgery. T-PA Ag concentration and PAI-1 activity in subretinal fluid and citrated plasma and their relation to patients' age and sex, the duration and extent of retinal detachment, and degenerative changes of the retina were assessed.

Results

The median t-PA Ag concentration in 22 samples of SRF was 6.7 ng/ml (interquartile range 3.6 ng/ml) and PAI-1 activity 14.0 IU/ml (interquartile range 7.5 IU/ml). The median levels of t-PA Ag and PAI in plasma were respectively 10.7 ng/ml (interquartile range 8.6 ng/ml) and 15.7 IU/ml (interquartile range 12.2 IU/ml). There were no differences between the t-PA Ag concentration and PAI-1 activity in SRF and blood. We found no correlation between the levels of t-PA Ag and PAI-1 activity in SRF and age, sex, the degree of myopia, the duration and extent of retinal detachment, or retinal degenerative changes.

Conclusions

The parameters of the firbinolytic cascade studied here indicated the presence of high levels of t-PA Ag and PAI-1 activity in SRF.
Twelve Years' Continuous Wear of the Same Therapeutic Soft Contact Lens: A Case Report
Authors: Kokolakis S. , Baltatzis S. , Zafirakis P. , Livir-Rallatos G. , Ladas I. , Voudouri A.
Published: January 2018

Purpose

To describe a case of a patient who had worn the same therapeutic soft contact lens (TSCL) continuously for twelve years, since he had failed to attend normal follow-up visits.

Methods

Microbiological histological and scanning electron microscopic (SEM) studies of conjunctiva, cornea and TSCL were done.

Results

Cultures were negative. Corneal histology revealed mild stromal edema and mild epithelial parakeratosis. Corneal SEM was remarkable for the preservation to some extent of normal corneal epithelial specialization with microtricae and microvillae. SEM of the TSCL showed a ruffed multi-layer surface with several cracks including different types of cells.

Conclusions

The patient showed surprising tolerance to the continuous wear of the same contact lens for 12 years.
B-type natriuretic peptide for prediction of incident clinically significant abdominal aortic aneurysm: A population-based prospective study
Authors: Acosta Stefan , Gottsäter Anders , Engström Gunnar , Melander Olle , Zarrouk Moncef , Nilsson Peter M , Smith J Gustav
Published: January 2018

Pathogenesis of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate inflammatory and hemodynamic plasma biomarkers as predictors for AAA in the prospective longitudinal cohort of middle-aged individuals from the cardiovascular cohort of the Malmö Diet and Cancer Study ( n=5551; 1991–94). C-reactive protein, cystatin C, copeptin, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (N-BNP), midregional pro-atrial natriuretic peptide (MR-proANP) and conventional risk factors at baseline were measured in patients with incident AAA during follow-up and compared to individuals without a diagnosis of AAA. Subjects were followed until 31 December 2013. Multivariable analyses were expressed in terms of hazard ratios (HR) per 1 standard deviation increment of each respective log-transformed plasma biomarker in the Cox proportional hazard models. Mean follow-up time was 20.7 years. Cumulative incidence of AAA was 1.5% (men 2.9%, women 0.5%). Mean age of individuals with incident AAA was 59.7 years at study entry and AAA was diagnosed on average 14 years later. Adjusting for age, sex, smoking, body mass index, hypertension and diabetes mellitus, N-BNP (HR 1.29; 95% CI 1.03–1.62), but not MR-proANP (HR 1.20; 95% CI 0.95–1.50), was independently associated with incident AAA. In conclusion, the plasma biomarker N-BNP was associated with future development of AAA, which implies that this marker is a sensitive indicator of early subclinical cardiovascular disease.
How should we understand family-centred care?
Authors: Uniacke Suzanne , Browne Tamara Kayali , Shields Linda
Published: January 2018

What is family-centred care of a hospitalized child? A critical understanding of the concept of family-centred care is necessary if this widely preferred model is to be differentiated from other health care ideals and properly evaluated as appropriate to the care of hospitalized children. The article identifies distinguishable interpretations of family-centred care that can pull health professionals in different, sometimes conflicting directions. Some of these interpretations are not qualitatively different from robust interpretations of the ideals of parental participation, care-by-parent and partnership in care that are said to be the precursors of family-centred care. A prominent interpretation that regards the child and his or her family collectively as the ‘unit of care’ arguably arises from ambiguity and is significantly problematic as a model for the care of hospitalized children. Clinical practice driven by this interpretation can include courses of action that do not aim to do what will best promote a hospitalized child’s welfare, and such cases will not be unusual. More broadly, this interpretation raises challenging questions about the responsibilities and authority of health professionals in relation to the interests of hospitalized children and their families.
Chamber of opportunities: Legislative politics and coalition security policy
Authors: Oktay Sibel
Published: January 2018

This article adopts a ‘party-political’ approach to studying legislative influence on security policy-making. It argues that legislative logrolling constitutes a key mechanism for the government to secure votes in parliament while facilitating the opposition to advance its own interests, especially when the government requires parliament’s consent for security policy. The article investigates legislative logrolling in the context of weak executives, specifically looking at minority coalitions and majority coalitions with ideological and policy divergences. Logrolling is critical for these types of governments, as their structural and situational weaknesses force them to cooperate with opposition parties to maintain parliamentary support. Using the Danish and Dutch decisions to participate in the 2003 Iraq War, and Israel’s 2005 decision to unilaterally withdraw from Gaza, this article elucidates the ways in which legislative logrolling between the governing and opposition parties facilitates security policy-making in parliament.
Escalations: Theorizing sudden accelerating change
Authors: Højer Lars , Kublitz Anja , Puri Stine Simonsen , Bandak Andreas
Published: January 2018

In this article, we explore what happens in qualitative terms when a social phenomenon accelerates in quantitative terms. We do so by introducing escalation as an analytical concept through which to understand sudden processes of accelerating change. Using the Danish cartoon controversy as the ethnographic prism, we show that accelerating dynamics may not only imply the quantitative growth of “things” but also that the qualitative scales underpinning and measuring change are themselves changed in the process of growth. We take escalation to refer to this “change of change” within processes of sudden accelerating growth. By introducing a new theoretical concept, we aim to contribute to discussions of social and cultural change in anthropology and elsewhere and to enable and encourage future comparison between different ethnographies of accelerating change.
A detailed one-dimensional model to predict the unsteady behavior of turbocharger turbines for internal combustion engine applications
Authors: Piscaglia Federico , Onorati Angelo , Marelli Silvia , Capobianco Massimo
Published: January 2018

This article describes an investigation of the unsteady behavior of turbocharger turbines by one-dimensional modeling and experimental analysis. A one-dimensional model has been developed to predict the performance of a vaneless radial-inflow turbine submitted to unsteady flow conditions. Different from other approaches proposed in the literature, the turbine has been simulated by separating the effects of casing and rotor on the unsteady flow and by modeling the multiple rotor entries from the volute. This is a simple and effective way to represent the turbine volute by a network of one-dimensional pipes, in order to capture the mass storage effect due to the system volume, as well as the circumferential variation of fluid dynamic conditions along the volute, responsible for variable admittance of mass into the rotor through blade passages. The method developed is described, and the accuracy of the one-dimensional model is shown by comparing predicted results with measured data, achieved on a test rig dedicated to the investigation of automotive turbochargers. The validation of the code is presented and an analysis of the flow unsteadiness, based on a variety of parameters, is proposed.
An introduction to semiparametric function-on-scalar regression
Authors: Bauer Alexander , Scheipl Fabian , Küchenhoff Helmut , Gabriel Alice-Agnes
Published: January 2018

Abstract:

Function-on-scalar regression models feature a function over some domain as the response while the regressors are scalars. Collections of time series as well as 2D or 3D images can be considered as functional responses. We provide a hands-on introduction for a flexible semiparametric approach for function-on-scalar regression, using spatially referenced time series of ground velocity measurements from large-scale simulated earthquake data as a running example. We discuss important practical considerations and challenges in the modelling process and outline best practices. The outline of our approach is complemented by comprehensive R code, freely available in the online appendix. This text is aimed at analysts with a working knowledge of generalized regression models and penalized splines.
Release behavior under proteinase K and existing position of Domiphen® in its complexed poly-L-lactic acid micro-fibers electrospun from solution and W/O emulsion
Authors: Wang Hao , Cui Yin , Wen Meng , E Yifeng , Cheng Bowen
Published: January 2018

To study the release behavior and the existing position of Domiphen® in its its complexed poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) micro-fibers, two series of fibrous films were prepared by electrospinning solution and W/O emulsion, which was added to Domiphen® directly and emulsified by Domiphen®, respectively, by complexing methods. The mass ratio of Domiphen® to PLLA was 0.25%, 0.5%, 0.75%, and 1% for both methods. According to the scanning electron microscopic observation, W/O emulsion and fibers of narrow-distributed diameters were obtained by W/O emulsion electrospinning. Fluorescence microscopic observation suggested that Domiphen® was incorporated within fibers by W/O emulsion electrospinning. X-ray diffraction and differential thermal analysis characterization suggested that Domiphen® complexed well with PLLA according to noncrystalline Domiphen® existing within and on PLLA fibers prepared by both methods. Domiphen® release curves were prepared and fitted after the amount of Domiphen® released from the PLLA fibers was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. It was discovered that, with regard to the fibrous films prepared by homogeneous solution electrospinning, Domiphen® released from fibers in accordence with the Freundlich’s equation suggesting that Domiphen® almost existed within the outermost border of the fiber cross section and its release behavior could be considered as the counter adsorption process, while with regard to the fibers prepared by W/O emulsion electrospinning, the release curves were S shape under the effect of proteinase K degradation and could be fitted to the corrosion-mechanism Peppas’ equation of n value >0.5, which suggested that Domiphen® existed both on the surfaces in small proportion and the inner border of the core-sheath fibers in big proportion.
Experimental and numerical comparisons of ballistic impact behaviors between 3D angle-interlock woven fabric and its reinforced composite
Authors: Ma Pibo , Jin Limin , Wu Liwei
Published: January 2018

This paper compares the ballistic impact damage behaviors between the three-dimensional angle-interlock woven fabric and its reinforced composite (three-dimensional angle interlock woven composite) under various ballistic strike velocities based on experimental and numerical finite element analysis. In experiments, the residual velocities of projectiles were recorded to compare their ballistic proof properties undergoing different impact loading conditions. Furthermore, the ultimate damage morphologies of both types of materials were also compared to deduce the specific ballistic impact performance and energy absorption mechanisms between the three-dimensional angle interlock woven fabric and three-dimensional angle interlock woven composite. It was found that the three-dimensional angle interlock woven composite has absorbed more energy than the three-dimensional angle interlock woven fabric under the “high” ballistic velocities (higher than 350 m/s). And it shows the opposite phenomena under the “low” ballistic velocities (lower than 350 m/s). In finite element analysis, the simplified finite element models were established for both materials to characterize the critical importance of resin matrix in transferring and dissipating the high velocity impact energy. Especially for three-dimensional angle interlock woven composite, the impact energy was transferred to the large area during a relatively short period of time, thereby resulting in an overall bearing capacity of the composite structure, therefore absorbed most of the impact energy, which was well applied to explain the experimental results.
Cryo-Assisted Resection En Bloc, and Cryoablation In Situ, of Primary Breast Cancer Coupled With Intraoperative Ultrasound-Guided Tracer Injection: A Preliminary Clinical Study
Authors: Korpan Nikolai N. , Xu Kecheng , Schwarzinger Philipp , Watanabe Masashi , Breitenecker Gerhard , Le Pivert Patrick
Published: January 2018

The aim of the study was to perform cryosurgery on a primary breast tumor, coupled with simultaneous peritumoral and intratumoral tracer injection of a blue dye, to evaluate lymphatic mapping. We explored the ability of our strategy to prevent tumor cells, but not that of injected tracers, to migrate to the lymphovascular drainage during conventional resection of frozen breast malignancies. Seventeen patients aged 51 (14) years (mean [standard deviation]), presenting primary breast cancer with stage I to IV, were randomly selected and treated in The Rudolfinerhaus Private Clinic in Vienna, Austria, and included in this preliminary clinical study. Under intraoperative ultrasound, 14 patients underwent curative cryo-assisted tumor resection en bloc, coupled with peritumoral tracer injection, which consisted of complete tumor freezing and concomitant peritumor injection with a blue dye, before resection and sentinel lymph node dissection (group A). Group B consists of 3 patients previously refused any standard therapy and had palliative tumor cryoablation in situ combined with intratumoral tracer injection. The intraoperative ultrasound facilitated needle positioning and dye injection timing. In group A, the frozen site extruded the dye that was distributed through the unfrozen tumor, the breast tissue, and the resection cavity for 12 patients. One to 4 lymph nodes were stained for 10 of 14 patients. The resection margin was evaluable. Our intraoperative ultrasound-guided performance revealed the injection and migration of a blue dye during the frozen resection en bloc and cryoablation in situ of primary breast tumors. Sentinel lymph node mapping, pathological determination of the tumor, and resection margins were achievable. The study paves the way for intraoperative cryo-assisted therapeutic strategies for breast cancer.
Line-Enhanced Deformable Registration of Pulmonary Computed Tomography Images Before and After Radiation Therapy With Radiation-Induced Fibrosis
Authors: King Martin , Sensakovic William F. , Maxim Peter , Diehn Maximilian , Loo Billy W. , Xing Lei
Published: January 2018

Purpose:

The deformable registration of pulmonary computed tomography images before and after radiation therapy is challenging due to anatomic changes from radiation fibrosis. We hypothesize that a line-enhanced registration algorithm can reduce landmark error over the entire lung, including the irradiated regions, when compared to an intensity-based deformable registration algorithm.

Materials:

Two intensity-based B-spline deformable registration algorithms of pre-radiation therapy and post-radiation therapy images were compared. The first was a control intensity–based algorithm that utilized computed tomography images without modification. The second was a line enhancement algorithm that incorporated a Hessian-based line enhancement filter prior to deformable image registration. Registrations were evaluated based on the landmark error between user-identified landmark pairs and the overlap ratio.

Results:

Twenty-one patients with pre-radiation therapy and post-radiation therapy scans were included. The median time interval between scans was 1.2 years (range: 0.3-3.3 years). Median landmark errors for the line enhancement algorithm were significantly lower than those for the control algorithm over the entire lung (1.67 vs 1.83 mm; P < .01), as well as within the 0 to 5 Gy (1.40 vs 1.57; P < .01) and >5 Gy (2.25 vs 3.31; P < .01) dose intervals. The median lung mask overlap ratio for the line enhancement algorithm (96.2%) was greater than that for the control algorithm (95.8%; P < .01). Landmark error within the >5 Gy dose interval demonstrated a significant inverse relationship with post-radiation therapy fibrosis enhancement after line enhancement filtration (Pearson correlation coefficient = −0.48; P = .03).

Conclusion:

The line enhancement registration algorithm is a promising method for registering images before and after radiation therapy.
Path planning for visual servoing with search algorithm
Authors: Wang Ting-Ting , Han Xue , Zhou Jun , Chen Hua
Published: January 2018

To solve the visual servoing tasks in complex environment, a path planning method based on improved rapidly exploring random trees algorithm is proposed. First, the improved rapidly exploring random trees planning method is adopted, which keeps the observed feature points in the field of view. The start node and the desired node are initialized as roots of multi-trees which grow harmoniously to plan path of the robot. Then, the planned path is used to project the three-dimensional target feature points into the image space and obtain the feature trajectory for the image-based visual servoing controller. Finally, the feature trajectory is tracked by the image-based visual servoing controller. The proposed visual servoing design method takes field of view constraints, camera retreat problem, and obstacle avoidance into consideration, which can significantly improve the ability of the robotic manipulator, especially in the narrow space. Simulation and experiment on 6-degree-of-freedom robot are conducted. The results present the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Enhancing creativity for development of automation solutions using OTSM-TRIZ: A systematic case study in agronomic industry
Authors: Nikulin Christopher , Zuniga Marcos , Akhloufi Moulay , Manzi Camila , Wiche Christian , Piñones Eduardo
Published: January 2018

The article describes a method to stimulate users’ creativity within constraint-based scenarios and OTSM-TRIZ, which allows to define the problems and partial solutions to be solved during the design process in an appropriate manner. The proposed method aims to overcome constraints and problems defined within product development and related organization resources. Indeed, if these constraints are not properly taken into account, the risk of generating unsuccessful and even ineffective solutions can be high. In this work, a method has been defined, based on the OTSM-TRIZ theory: it guides the users toward the problem solution through a mapping of both the problem to solve and the relationships existing among the problems and constraints. A step-by-step approach is used to describe and propose a systematic structure, allowing to link the conceptual solution with specific solution criteria in the automation field. The validation of the proposed method corresponds to a real case study, that is, the necessity of increasing the productivity of an operational plant for the palletizing process has been selected to discuss the method implementation. Finally, the results of the case study were considered successful, because it was not necessary to introduce high investments for solution development and implementation.