bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Thoracoscopic Sympathectomy in the Management of Vasomotor Disturbances and Complex Regional Pain Syndrome of the Hand
Authors: Rizzo Marco , Balderson S Scott , Harpole David H , Levin L Scott 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Complex regional pain syndrome, vasospastic disorders, and Hyperhidrosis are chronic and debilitating upper extremity problems. Twenty-nine consecutive patients treated with thoracoscopic sympathectomy are presented. Diagnoses included complex regional pain syndrome, Hyperhidrosis, Buerger's disease, Raynaud's disease, and peripheral vascular disease.
All patients with hyperhidrosis had complete symptom resolution. Patients with Buerger's and Raynaud's disease had excellent/good results. Six patients with complex regional pain syndrome had excellent or good relief; the remaining six patients had varying degrees of recurrence. A statistically significant association was noted between duration of complex regional pain syndrome prior to sympathectomy and outcome.
Thoracoscopic sympathectomy is an effective treatment for hyperhidrosis and vasospastic disorders. Although the results for complex regional pain syndrome are not uniformly excellent, this technique offers promise in the treatment of this difficult problem.
A New Approach to the Treatment of Osteoporosis
Authors: Erdemli Bülent , Serin-Kiliçoglu Sibel , Erdemli Esra 
Published: December 2019

abstract
Osteoporosis remains a significant clinical problem despite the availability of effective therapies. The main therapy still needed is an anabolic agent for the treatment of osteoporosis. This study examined the in vivo effect of the enzyme 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMC-CoA) reductase inhibitor simvastatin, which controls the first step in the biosynthesis of cholesterol, on bone formation in rats. Histologic specimens were collected 7, 14, and 21 days after administration of 1 mg of simvastatin for 5 days and compared with control specimens for changes in bone tissue. The observed effects on the bone in a healthy animal model included advancement of the blood supply, acceleration of the proliferation and differentiation of osteoprogenitor cells, and formation of osteoid tissue.
Refractive Lens Exchange Versus Iris-claw Artisan Phakic Intraocular Lens for Hyperopia
Authors: Pop Mihai , Payette Yves 
Published: December 2019

ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To study a paired-match comparison between refractive lens exchange with pseudophakic IOL implant (RLE) and Artisan phakic IOL for high hyperopia.
METHODS: Nineteen eyes (12 patients, 20 to 41 years old) with an Artisan phakic IOL (Model 203: 1.00-D increment) for hyperopia from +2.75 to +9.25 D were matched to 19 eyes (15 patients, 26 to 46 yr) with hyperopia from +2.75 to +7.50 D, who had refractive lens exchange (pseudophakic IOL implantation; lenses: 0.50-D increment). Average paired-match difference was 1.13 D and 7.7 years of age.
RESULTS: At 1 month after surgery, 84% of refractive lens exchange/pseudophakic IOL eyes and 94% of Artisan phakic IOL eyes had a spherical equivalent refraction within ±1.00 D of emmetropia; 58% and 68% of eyes, respectively, were within ±0.50 D (P=.97). No eye lost lines of best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA) and no significant changes in BSCVA were found in any eye at 1 month after surgery (P=.17). The percentage of eyes with uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) of 20/40 or better improved from 79% to 89% of eyes at 1 to 2 months after phakic IOL; it remained at 89% to 82% of eyes from 1 to 2 months after refractive lens exchange/ pseudophakic IOL. The coefficient of correlation showed statistically better accuracy (intended vs. achieved refraction; P=.035) for the Artisan phakic IOL (R = 0.83) than for refractive lens exchange/ Pseudophakic IOL (R = 0.50).
CONCLUSIONS: Spherical equivalent refraction outcome and BSCVA after surgery were similar for both procedures. The Artisan phakic IOL in carefully selected patients provided a better overall outcome for young patients with high hyperopia whose accommodation was preserved, as compared to refractive lens exchange. [J Refract Surg 2004: 20:20-24]
Wavefront-guided Laser in situ Keratomileusis With the Bausch & Lomb Zyoptix System
Authors: Cosar C Banu , Saltuk Gülbin , Sener A Bozkurt 
Published: December 2019

ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical results of wavefront-guided laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) with the Zyoptix system.
METHODS: Twelve patients (24 eyes) underwent wavefront-guided LASIK with the Bausch & Lomb Zyoptix system. Uncorrected and best spectacle-corrected visual acuity and manifest refraction were measured at postoperative day 1, week 1, and months 1 and 3. A subjective vision quality questionnaire evaluated light sensitivity, dryness, tearing, glare, halos, ghost images, and difficulties in night driving, preoperatively and 3 months postoperatively.
RESULTS: Preoperatively, mean sphere was -3.70 ± 2.33 D (range -0.50 to -8.00 D), mean cylinder was -0.90 ± 0.98 D (range 0 to -3.00 D), and mean spherical equivalent refraction was -4.15 ± 2.16 D (range -1.38 to -8.25 D). Three-month postoperative spherical equivalent refraction was within ±0.50 D of emmetropia in 17 eyes (70.8%) and within ±1.00 D in 22 eyes (91.7%). At 3 months postoperatively, no eyes lost any lines of BSCVA and eight eyes (33.3%) gained 2 lines. The ratio of postoperative BSCVA to preoperative BSCVA (safety) was 1.05 ± 0.09 (range 1.00 to 1.20) at 1 month and 1.07 ± 0.10 (range 1.00 to 1.29) at 3 months. The ratio of postoperative UCVA to preoperative BSCVA (efficacy) was 0.96 ± 0.12 (range 0.80 to 1.20) at 1 month and 0.95 ± 0.12 (range 0.8 to 1.2) at 3 months. The subjective vision quality questionnaire revealed less tearing, fewer halos, and less difficulty in night driving after wavefront-guided LASIK. Comparison of higher order optical aberrations before and after surgery was not done.
CONCLUSIONS: Wavefront-guided LASIK with the Bausch & Lomb Zyoptix system was safe and effective in correcting low to moderate myopic refractive error. [J Refract Surg 2004;20:35-39]
Retreatment to Enlarge Small Excimer Laser Optical Zones Using Combined Myopic and Hyperopic Ablations
Authors: Lafond Gilles , Solomon Leon , Bonnet Sylviane 
Published: December 2019

ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: We describe a retreatment technique using a combination of large-diameter myopic and hyperopic excimer laser ablations of a near equivalent diopter value to enlarge previous small ablation zones without altering the refractive result obtained by the initial surgery.
METHODS: Eight eyes of six patients were retreated with a Technolas Keracor 217 laser in order to enlarge the optical zone. All patients had a good refractive result after the initial surgery, but reported halos under low light conditions. Retreatment consisted of a combination of myopic and hyperopic ablations of near equivalent value, eg, -1.00 D and +1.00 D treatment. These opposite value ablations should neutralize their respective refractive effect, but by removing a larger diameter of tissue, actually displace the transition zones further toward the corneal periphery. Although the initial treatment used photorefractive keratectomy in four of the eight eyes, LASIK was used for retreatment in all eyes. Improvement was assessed subjectively by the patient and was measured objectively with a Technomed C -Scan ray-tracing program.
RESULTS: In six of eight eyes, patients experienced moderate or marked improvement. This improvement was objectively correlated on postoperative corneal topography.
CONCLUSION: Combined larger diameter myopic and hyperopic retreatment seems to be safe and effective for enlarging previous small treatment zones, reducing symptoms such as halos in selected patients. [J Refract Surg 2004;20:46-52]
Management of the Ocular Surface and Tear Film Before, During, and After Laser in situ Keratomileusis
Authors: Albietz Julie M , Lenton Lee M 
Published: December 2019

ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To identify evidence-based, best practice strategies for managing the ocular surface and tear film before, during, and after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK).
METHODS: After a comprehensive review of relevant published literature, evidence-based recommendations for best practice management strategies are presented.
RESULTS: Symptoms of ocular irritation and signs of dysfunction of the integrated lacrimal gland/ocular surface functional gland unit are common before and after LASIK. The status of the ocular surface and tear film before LASIK can impact surgical outcomes in terms of potential complications during and after surgery, refractive outcome, optical quality, patient satisfaction, and the severity and duration of dry eye after LASIK. Before LASIK, the health of the ocular surface should be optimized and patients selected appropriately. Dry eye before surgery and female gender are risk factors for developing chronic dry eye after LASIK. Management of the ocular surface during LASIK can minimize ocular surface damage and the risk of adverse outcomes. Long-term management of the tear film and ocular surface after LASIK can reduce the severity and duration of dry eye symptoms and signs.
CONCLUSIONS: Strategies to manage the integrated ocular surface/lacrimal gland functional unit before, during, and after LASIK can optimize outcomes. As problems with the ocular surface and tear film are relatively common, attention should focus on the use and improvement of evidence-based management strategies. [J Refract Surg 2004;20:62-71]
Zonular Dehiscence Two Years After Phakic Refractive Lens (PRL) Implantation
Authors: Hoyos Jairo E , Cigales Melania , Hoyos-Chacón Jairo 
Published: December 2019

ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To report two cases of zonular dehiscence two years after phakic refractive lens (PRL) implantation.
METHODS: In case 1, a 31-year-old myopic patient with refraction of -12.75 diopters (D) in the right eye and -20.50 D in the left eye, a 12 -mm white-to-white measurement, and anterior chamber depth (ACD) of 3.7 mm underwent implantation of a -11.0 D and a -15.5 D PRL-101. Two years after surgery, a temporal-superior PRL decentration was observed in the left eye. In case 2, a 48-year-old pseudophakic patient with refraction of +8 -2.5 × 20° underwent implantation of a piggyback PRL-200. Two years after surgery, an inferior PRL decentration was observed.
RESULTS: The PRL was explanted in both cases. A zonular dehiscence was found-temporal-superior in case 1 and inferior in case 2.
CONCLUSIONS: We have stopped implanting PRLs for the present time as the cause of this complication has yet to be determined. [J Refract Surg. 2005;21:13-17.]
Ocular Integrity After Anterior Ciliary Sclerotomy and Scleral Ablation by the Er:YAG Laser
Authors: Ito Mitsutoshi , Asano-Kato Naoko , Fukagawa Kazumi , Arai Hiroyuki , Toda Ikuko , Tsubota Kazuo 
Published: December 2019

ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To establish the risk of ocular rupture after proposed surgical reversal of presbyopia by anterior ciliary sclerotomy (ACS) or by the Er:YAG laser (HOYA Continuum, Tokyo, Japan).
METHODS: A total of 45 pig eyes (15 control eyes) were examined. Fifteen eyes were placed into one of two study groups and another 15 eyes were used as controls. One group underwent scleral incisions with the use of a diamond knife, and the other group underwent Er:YAG laser scleral incisions. In both study groups, 8 radial incisions, 2 parallel cuts each at 4 quadrants, 2 mm apart, 4 mm long, and starting 2 mm away from the limbus, were made. A 3-kg steel weight was released from a measured height to the pig's eye, and ocular rupture energy (joules) was measured.
RESULTS: The mean rupture energy was 26.0 J for control eyes, 15.7 J for the ACS eyes, and 12.2 J for the Er:YAG laser eyes. The ACS and the Er:YAG laser eyes ruptured at significantly lower energies (ACS, P<.001; ER;YAG, P<.001) than the control eyes. Comparison of the ACS group and the Er:YAG laser group showed no statistically significant difference (P=.052) in rupture energy.
CONCLUSIONS: Scleral incisions by ACS and the Er:YAG laser significantly weakened ocular integrity compared with control eyes. Any patients undergoing ACS or Er:YAG laser scleral incision should be informed of the attendant potential risk after ocular trauma. [J Refract Surg. 2005;21:77-81.]
Outcomes of Patients Referred for Arteriovenous Fistula Construction: A Systematic Review
Authors: Kucey Andrew Stanton , Engineer Anish , Albers Shawn Stefan 
Published: December 2019

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) affects 10-16% of the US population and its incidence is rising due to increasing prevalence of associated risk factors. Renal replacement therapy is required to treat late stage CKD and hemodialysis is the preferred modality for many patients. Vascular access is required for hemodialysis and arteriovenous fistulas (AVF) are currently the gold standard. This review intended to collate current knowledge on AVF outcomes regarding both the patient and fistula. Scopus and Medline were utilized to identify relevant literature. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied to narrow search results. Among CKD patients, 33.5-77.4% require a central venous catheter (CVC) before dialysis through a fistula. Many patients (33-51%) use a CVC regardless of AVF creation due to fistula immaturity or failure. There are large variations in AVF creation policies internationally; 16% of American hemodialysis patients use a fistula compared to 72% of German patients. Primary patency and primary AVFs' failure ranges from 60-70% and 20-26%, respectively. AVFs reduce morbidity and mortality in CKD. At present, too many patients are receiving hemodialysis through a CVC. Inadequate referral times for AVF creation can lead to fistula immaturity or failure in the intervention. Many countries are lagging behind recommended AVF creation rates published by the Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative. There is a paucity of literature concerning when a patient should be referred for AVF creation. It is paramount to have better predictive outcome measures and more clarity as to when patients will benefit from an AVF.
Characterization of Patients with Guillain-Barré Syndrome in the General Hospital of Mexicali
Authors: Martínez-González Fátima María , Hernández-Ríos Jeremy , Gutiérrez Arely , Beltrán Andrés , González René , Jaramillo-Ramírez Hiram 
Published: December 2019

Background: Guillain-Barré Syndrome is a progressive autoimmune polyradiculoneuropathy characterized by symmetrical flaccid paralysis accompanied by areflexia, hyporeflexia or hyperreflexia on rare occasions. Worldwide, it remains the first cause of flaccid paralysis. It is usually associated with infectious disease history; however, there are various clinical variants, each with a different outcome. Prognosis is usually good, although 20% of patients could suffer a severe clinical variant of Guillain-Barré Syndrome and 5% will die despite treatment.
Methods: This is a cross-sectional study, including the records of hospitalized patients with Guillain- Barré Syndrome at Mexicali’s General Hospital within a five-year period.
Results: In a five-year span there were 64 patients with Guillain-Barré Syndrome, most of the patients were men (70.3%), with age ranging 1 to 76 years. A total of 8 (12.5%) patients died, from which 7 (87.5%) required mechanical ventilation during hospitalization. Immunoglobulin therapy was provided to 56 (87.5%) patients, and 6 (10.7%) of them perished due to acute kidney injury.
Conclusion: Guillain-Barré Syndrome is a common disease among male population, with no dominating onset age, however, leaning for the young and elder. Most of the patients that were hospitalized at the General Hospital of Mexicali had a history of previous infection (gastrointestinal, respiratory, or other infectious diseases). The need for mechanical ventilation represents a higher severity index, nonetheless, this does not mean that assisted ventilation is directly associated with mortality. As for treatment, immunoglobulin is the most common choice for therapy, though some of the patients died from acute kidney injury.
Why do we transition from walking to running? Energy cost and lower leg muscle activity before and after gait transition under body weight support
Authors: Abe Daijiro , Fukuoka Yoshiyuki , Horiuchi Masahiro 
Published: December 2019

BackgroundMinimization of the energetic cost of transport (CoT) has been suggested for the walk-run transition in human locomotion. More recent literature argues that lower leg muscle activities are the potential triggers of the walk-run transition. We examined both metabolic and muscular aspects for explaining walk-run transition under body weight support (BWS; supported 30% of body weight) and normal walking (NW), because the BWS can reduce both leg muscle activity and metabolic rate.MethodsThirteen healthy young males participated in this study. The energetically optimal transition speed (EOTS) was determined as the intersection between linear CoT and speed relationship in running and quadratic CoT-speed relationship in walking under BWS and NW conditions. Preferred transition speed (PTS) was determined during constant acceleration protocol (velocity ramp protocol at 0.00463 m·s−2= 1 km·h−1per min) starting from 1.11 m·s−1. Muscle activities and mean power frequency (MPF) were measured using electromyography of the primary ankle dorsiflexor (tibialis anterior; TA) and synergetic plantar flexors (calf muscles includingsoleus) before and after the walk-run transition.ResultsThe EOTS was significantly faster than the PTS under both conditions, and both were faster under BWS than in NW. In both conditions, MPF decreased after the walk-run transition in the dorsiflexor and the combined plantar flexor activities, especially thesoleus.DiscussionThe walk-run transition is not triggered solely by the minimization of whole-body energy expenditure. Walk-run transition is associated with reduced TA andsoleusactivities with evidence of greater slow twitch fiber recruitment, perhaps to avoid early onset of localized muscle fatigue.
Outcome of Awareness Programmes on Adoption of Soil Test for Fertilizer Management in Tiruchirappalli District of Tamil Nadu
Authors: Dhanushkodi V. , Amuthaselvi G. , A. K. A. Hanif Noorjehan , Vijayalalitha S. J. 
Published: December 2019

Soil testing is a chemical process by virtue of which requirement of nutrients for plant can be analyzed so as to sustain the soil fertility. The basic objective of the soil testing is to provide a service to farmers to better and more economic use of fertilizers and better soil management practices for increasing agricultural production in their farm. The present study was conducted to explore the outcome of awareness programmes on adoption of soil testing conducted by Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Tiruchirappalli and its recommendations by the farmers from 2012-2017 in Tiruchirappalli district of Tamil Nadu. Primary data was collected in relation to awareness programmes conducted and number of soil samples analysed in laboratory to look at the farmers adopted soil testing and its recommendations. The data revealed that under the awareness programmes conducted by the KVK were 52, 46, 47, 48 and 45 and during 2012-13, 2013-14, 2014-15, 2015-16 and 2016-17. Adoption of soils testing were 220, 190, 535, 603 and 695, farmers benefitted were 120, 105, 300, 393 and 411 and villages covered were 32, 25, 25, 115,108 during 2012-13, 2013-14, 2014-15, 2015-16 and 2016-17 respectively. A critical examination reveals that the trend in adoption of soil testing was increased in all the years. In the study it was found that awareness programmes on soil test and fertilizer management has the positive influence in adoption of soil test and fertilizer management and it was concluded that the technology transformation tools like training, demonstration, group meeting, exhibition, farmers day, awareness campaign, and social media like News paper, Tele vision and radio programmes etc., are effective to enhance the farmer’s knowledge, skill and attitude.
Ferroelectrics
Authors: Uchino Kenji 
Published: December 2019

AbstractFerroelectrics can be utilized in various devices such as high permittivity dielectrics, ferroelectric memories, pyroelectric sensors, piezoelectric devices, electrooptic devices, and PTCR components. However, ferroelectric devices often fail to be commercialized in the cases where competitive materials exist. In the photo‐sensors, for example, semiconductive materials are superior to ferroelectrics in response speed and sensitivity. Magnetic devices and flash memories are much more popular in the memory field, and liquid crystals are typically used for optical displays. This is mainly due to a lack of systematic and comprehensive accumulation of knowledge on ferroelectricity. This article was authored to strengthen the theoretical background of ferroelectric devices, then, practical materials, and typical applications, and looks forward to the future progress in this field. The article covers (1) crystal structure and ferroelectricity, (2) origin of spontaneous polarization, (3) origin of field‐induced strain, (4) piezoelectric constitutive equations, (5) ferroelectric materials, and (6) applications of ferroelectrics. This article is primarily based on the author's textbook, “Ferroelectric Devices 2nd Edition”.
Plastic Additives
Authors: Pfaendner Rudolf 
Published: December 2019

AbstractAdditives are essential components of plastic formulations providing maintenance and/or modification of polymer properties, performance, and long‐term use. Additive means any ingredient which is incorporated in a polymer (or a polymer blend), which is usually the main component, to provide a plastic formulation with adjusted properties. The extension of polymer properties by additives has been playing a substantial role in the growth of plastics, and many polymer applications are only accessible in the presence of a number of ingredients, often only in small quantities, in addition to the polymer itself. As real new polymer structures of standard plastics or engineering plastics are not introduced any more, additives drive innovation in the plastics area to design properties and functions of polymers.
Specialty Tough Hydrogels and Their Biomedical Applications
Authors: Fuchs Stephanie , Shariati Kaavian , Ma Minglin 
Published: December 2019

AbstractHydrogels have long been explored as attractive materials for biomedical applications given their outstanding biocompatibility, high water content, and versatile fabrication platforms into materials with different physiochemical properties and geometries. Nonetheless, conventional hydrogels suffer from weak mechanical properties, restricting their use in persistent load‐bearing applications often required of materials used in medical settings. Thus, the fabrication of mechanically robust hydrogels that can prolong the lifetime of clinically suitable materials under uncompromising in vivo conditions is of great interest. This review focuses on design considerations and strategies to construct such tough hydrogels. Several promising advances in the proposed use of specialty tough hydrogels for soft actuators, drug delivery vehicles, adhesives, coatings, and in tissue engineering settings are highlighted. While challenges remain before these specialty tough hydrogels will be deemed translationally acceptable for clinical applications, promising preliminary results undoubtedly spur great hope in the potential impact this embryonic research field can have on the biomedical community.