bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Glucose Metabolism, Lipidic Pattern, Apolipoprotein A and B during Hemodialysis with Cuprophan and Hemodialysis-Hemoperfusion
Authors: Allegra V. , Mengozzi G. , Vasile A. 
Published: April 2018

We studied differences in the glucose metabolism, lipid pattern and apolipoprotein A and B after one month of combined hemodialysis-hemoperfusion (HD-HP) in eight regular maintenance hemodialysis (HD) patients. After one month of HD-HP predialytic serum creatinine and phosphate were lower than during the preceding HD period; the lipidic pattern and apolipoproteins were unchanged. A single HD-HP session significantly reduced triglycerides; this does not occur during HD. Postdialytic changes of all other lipoprotein metabolism parameters are identical in the two techniques. As regards glucose metabolism, after one month of regular HD-HP treatment glycemic curves during the intravenous glucose tolerance test (IVGTT) were perfectly matched with those in HD. However, insulin production was lower, with a reduction of the insulin resistance index. Differences did not reach statistical significance. The Authors infer that activated charcoal, even though it achieves better blood purification in uremia, may be unable to remove specific substances which hamper some key enzyme activities of the carbohydrate and lipid metabolism.
Influence of Different Dialyzer Membranes on Plasma Fibronectin Levels in Hemodialyzed Patients
Authors: Pertosa G. , Pasture A. , Schena F.P. 
Published: April 2018

Plasma fibronectin (FN) was assayed in 30 patients with chronic renal failure under conservative therapy, 60 uremic patients undergoing periodic hemodialysis, and 7 patients treated by hemofiltration. Plasma FN was significantly lower in uremic patients on conservative therapy and in those who received intermittent hemodialysis than in the control group. No difference was seen between mean FN concentrations using different dialyzer membranes. Nevertheless, plasma FN levels were significantly higher in subjects after intermittent hemofiltration. There was no evidence of activation of the coagulation system or of any correlation between FN and fibrinogen values. These findings suggest that conventional hemodialysis is not effective in improving the low levels of plasma FN found in uremic patients, whereas intermittent hemofiltration raises FN. These differences may be due to the fact that during hemofiltration, even when using the same dialyzer membranes as in conventional hemodialysis, some “substances” with high molecular weight that could block the synthesis of FN could be removed.
Radionuclide Assessment of the Natural Heart Ejection Fraction before and after LVAD Implantation
Authors: Moritz A. , Napoli C. A. , Feiglin D. , Uchida N. , Harasaki H. , Smith W. A. , Nose Y. 
Published: April 2018

Complete pressure unloading of the ventricles can preserve ischemically damaged myocardium. Most clinical left heart assist device (LVAD) systems used after ischemic injury of the heart apply atrial cannulation which does not ensure pressure unloading. In order to assess the effect of the implantation of an intracorporeal LVAD on the function of the natural heart, we determined the ejection fraction (EF) in four male Holstein calves (90–105 kg) before and after insertion of a Cleveland Clinic pneumatic LVAD. A gated blood pool scan was obtained with a gamma camera after injection of 40 mCi Tc-labelled albumin. The animals were restrained in a sling to avoid movement artifacts. All animals showed a drop of 65 ± 12% to 42 ± 14% EF in the first postoperative (p.o.) week. Left ventricular output did not maintain sufficient blood pressure as assessed by pump-off tests. Systolic blood pressure dropped from 122 ±6.5 mm Hg to 81 ± 6 mm Hg without pump support on the morning of the first p.o. day. Apical coring and possible restrained heart movement by the implanted LVAD may lead to impaired myocardial function that renders the individual LVAD dependent until adaptative corrections take place.
A New Approach to Evaluate Platelet Function in Hemodialysis Patients –- Saponin Susceptibility of the Platelet
Authors: Tanaka H. , Tatsumi N. , Ito S. , Ikeuchi H. , Ohno Y. , Kishimoto T. , Maekawa M. 
Published: April 2018

Saponin susceptibility of the platelet was studied in 10 healthy men (ages 24 to 39) and 31 male hemodialysis (HD) patients (ages 24 to 49) in order to assess platelet abnormalities in HD patients. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) was added to 50 ml of saline containing 5 mM phosphate buffer (pH 7.0) and 0.3% saponin. Platelet mean particle volume (MPV) was observed continuously for 200 seconds by a continuous mean particle analyzer model CC-108 (Sysmex, Kobe, Japan). Initial MPV (Vo, fl) was 7.12 ± 0.89 and 7.68 ± 0.56 respectively for the control and HD patients (p< 0.05), and maximum MPV (V1) was 9.80 ± 1.06 and 9.78 ± 0.83, respectively (n.s.). The time of start of swelling (seconds) was 51.2 ± 14.6 and 63.4 ± 15.6 (p< 0.05) and the time of V1 was 110.4 ± 15.3 and 112.3 ± 16.1 (n.s.), respectively. The expansion rates (V1/Vo) were 1.38 ± 0.05 and 1.27 ± 0.06, respectively (p< 0.01). The low expansion rate means that the platelet is less responsive to saponin in HD patients, and this may be related to the cholesterol concentration in the platelet membrane and membrane flexibility. This new method offers a useful way of obtaining information about the platelet.
The Role of Hemapheresis Technology in Allogeneic Bone Marrow Transplantation
Authors: Di Bartolomeo P. , Olioso P. , Papalinetti G. , Bavaro P. , Di Girolamo G. , Angrilli F. , Accorsi P. , Quaglietta A.M. , D'Antonio D. , Piergallini A. , Dell'isola M. , Angelini A. , Ciancarelli M. , Fioritoni G. , Iacone A. , Torlontano G. 
Published: April 2018

In this paper the impact of hemapheresis technology on 238 allogeneic bone marrow transplants performed in Pescara from 1982 through 1993 is described. Granulocyte transfusions were limited to patients with neutrophil level <0.2x109/L. An average of 4 units of packed red blood cells were required to maintain adequate hemoglobin levels. Patients with major ABO incompatibility showed an increased requirement of red blood cell support as compared to patients ABO-matched and ABO minor mismatched. For platelet support single-donor platelets collected on a blood-cell separator were given. A total of 1548 platelet transfusions were examined. The median number of platelet transfusions for each patient was 5. Platelet refractoriness occurred in 44% of patients. The hemorrhage related mortality was 0.9%. The advancement made in the field of hemapheresis technology, as well as the improved transplant technique, have contributed to increase the post-transplant survival from 17% in the early experience (1976-1982) to 88% in the recent years (1992-1993).
Therapeutic Thrombocytapheresis: A Review of 132 Patients
Authors: Adami R. 
Published: April 2018

Therapeutic thrombocytapheresis has been used is an attempt to obtain a rapid cytoreduction in thrombocythemic patients, in order to prevent or reduce thrombosis or bleeding complications. Long-term cytoreduction has to be performed with chemotherapy. We have treated with thrombocytapheresis 132 patients with increased platelet count (76 with thrombosis and/or bleeding) due to splenectomy, essential thrombocythemia and other myeloproliferative disorders: a comparative study has been perfomed to find a platelet count that could be helpful in preventing thrombotic and hemorrhagic complications and the role of diagnosis in predicting patient's risk.
Project of Computer-aided Management of Therapeutical Apheresis
Authors: Falco C. , Scarpato N. , Nappi G. , Formisano S. 
Published: April 2018

The great increase in hemapheresis units activity that occurred during the last years caused the need for a computer-aided management (1, 2). We present a project for a data base system able to manage therapeutical apheresis (3). The program consists of five sections. a) Patient's file card: it allows to record anamnesis, examination and blood test results easily and under computer's guidance. b) Choice of therapeutic protocol: Therapeutic protocol is fixed in this section (device to be used, apheretic method, plasma volume to be processed, blood tests before and after apheresis). c) Procedures: It provides procedure's data entry and guides the operator during the treatment on the ground of therapeutical protocol. d) Data processing: It allows statistics on data placed in the data base. e) Registers: It includes both a general register and the possibility of search by disease, device and method.
Immunotherapy in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Review
Authors: Vitali C. , Bombardieri M. Sciuto. S. 
Published: April 2018

The starting mode of the pathological process in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the presentation of an unknown ‘rheumatoid’ antigen by an antigen presenting cell to the receptor on the CD4+ T cell. The activation of the CD4+ T cell, and consequently of the cytokine network, is the second step in the inflammatory process. Immunosuppression in RA, obtained using either immunosuppressive drugs (azathioprine, cyclophosphamide, methotrexate), or physical procedures (lymphoapheresis, total lymphoid irradiation) acts aspecifically on all lymphocyte populations, and can induce a number of side effects, such as myelotoxicity and opportunistic infections. Two promising new therapeutic approaches are being developed, one aimed at specifically reducing the proliferation of activated T cell clones, and the second designed to modulate the activity of the cytokines involved in the inflammatory process. Encouraging results have been so far obtained with: a) cyclosporine A, a somewhat more specific immunosuppressive agent; b) monoclonal antibodies against surface antigens (CD4, CDS, CD7, CD25, CD54) expressed on activated T cells; c) T cell vaccination; and finally (iv) recombinant cytokines, their agonists or antagonists. Besides their utility in the treatment of the disease, these new therapeutical procedures should also lead to a better understanding of pathological processes in RA.
Bilateral Pigmented Retinopathy following Measles: Long-Term Follow-Up and Possible Association with Keratoconus
Authors: Peduzzi M. , Torlai F. , Delvecchio G. 
Published: April 2018

A case of pigmentary retinopathy following measles is presented with follow-up of 24 years. A 29-year-old man complained of almost complete blindness during measles infection at the age of 5 (1966). Ophthalmoscopy revealed retinal edema with pallor of the optic disc and in a few months pigment alterations gave the fundus a salt-and-pepper appearance. In 1974 and 1985 a pigmentary retinopathy was present with optic atrophy and typical bone corpuscle deposits, and marked impairment of visual function. In 1990 (i.e. 24 years after the onset of symptoms) the fundus shows pigmentary degeneration with optic atrophy and narrowed vessels, ERG is extinguished and visual fields and dark adaptation cannot be recorded owing to amaurosis. The patient also present bilateral keratoconus. The possible association between these two entities, which to our knowledge has not been previously reported, is discussed.
Intermediate Uveitis: What is the Natural Course of the Disease and Its Relationship with Other Systemic Diseases?
Authors: Palimeris G. , Marcomichelakis N. , Konstantinidou V. , Trakaniari A. N. 
Published: April 2018

This study examined the natural course of intermediate uveitis, to find a possible correlation with systemic diseases and to identify the ocular complications. Patients were classified according to follow-up time in three groups: A (1-5 years) 12 pts, B (6-10 years) 10 pts, C (11-15 years or more) 6 pts for a total of 28 patients (52 eyes). We studied the recurrences, the complications of the disease and the overall prognosis. Eight patients were found to be suffering from systemic diseases: sarcoidosis 2, Adamantiades-Behcet 2, multiple sclerosis 3 and Lyme disease 1. Cataract was found in 21 eyes (40.5%) and macular changes in 20 eyes (38.4%) but chronic cystoid macular edema persisted in only six cases (12.5%). Group C presented more complications than group B. Group A had the fewest. The frequency of recurrences was 1-5 for group A, 1-3 for group B and 1-2 for group C. Four patients received no therapy, 15 received steroids and nine received cyclosporine and steroids. In this series intermediate uveitis was bilateral in 85.8% of patients and related with systemic diseases in 28.5%. Recurrences appeared mainly during the first five years. The longer the presence of the disease the more frequent were complications and the final visual acuity depended mostly on the severity of the initial attack and the number of exacerbations.
The Role of Serum Calcium in the Development of the Acute Red Eye in Chronic Renal Failure
Authors: Klaassen-Broekema N. , van Bijsterveld O.P. 
Published: April 2018

In patients with chronic renal failure treated by longterm dialysis, inflammatory reactions occasionally develop in the bulbar conjunctiva; the episcleral tissue is only rarely involved. Diffuse congestion of both the conjunctiva and episclera was present in 5.3% of our patients and was associated with a sudden, marked rise in serum calcium. Histo-pathological examination suggests that this form of hyperemia, clinically preceded by a marked shedding of calcific precipitates, is the result of a neurogenic-driven inflammatory reaction in which mast cell degranulation is mediated by the axon reflex. Focal hyperemia associated with elastosis (“pingueculitis”) was present in 6.7% of the patients. This type of hyperemia was observed after an extended period of increasing levels of BUN and seemed independent of both serum calcium and phosphorus. Diffuse hyperemia of the conjunctiva, being clinically distinctly different from the combined diffuse conjunctival and episcleral hyperemia, was also observed in 6.7%. Diffuse conjunctival hyperemia seemed to be associated with low BUN. Here, again, there was no association with serum calcium and phosphorus levels.
Surgical Removal of Subretinal Neovascular Membranes
Authors: Maas S. , Deutman A.F. , Bandhoe F. , Aandekerk A.L. 
Published: April 2018

Since 1991 we have been gaining experience in the surgical removal of submacular subretinal membranes in patients with presumed ocular histoplasmosis syndrome (POHS), idiopathic subretinal neovascularisation, myopia and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Seventeen patients were operated between 1991 and 1993. Significant improvement of vision was achieved in 4 out of 5 patients with POHS, 3 out of 5 with idiopathic neovascularisation, 2 out of 4 with myopia but none of 3 patients with AMD. The results suggest that subretinal neovascularisation can be succesfully removed in POHS and in some forms of idiopathic neovascularisation and myopia but probably not in AMD.
Lp(a) is not Related to Retinopathy in Diabetic Subjects
Authors: Haffner S.M. , Klein B.E.K. , Moss S. E. , Klein R. 
Published: April 2018

Purpose To examine the association between Lp(a) concentrations and the severity of retinopathy in 22 younger-onset and 48 older-onset diabetic subjects from the Wisconsin Epidemiologic Study of Diabetic Retinopathy (WESDR), a population-based study of diabetic retinopathy. Methods We used a subset of the WESDR population with standardized protocols and stereoscopic color fundus photography to determine the severity of diabetic retinopathy in relation to Lp(a) concentrations. Lp(a) concentrations were measured by a monoclonal anti-Lp(a) antibody. Results Lp(a) levels were not significantly different between younger-onset or older-onset subjects with and without retinopathy. Conclusion Our results do not support a link between higher levels of Lp(a) and severe retinopathy in either younger-onset or older-onset diabetic subjects but this needs confirmation in larger prospective studies.
Effect of Flurbiprofen on Acetylcholine-Induced Pupillary Contraction
Authors: Tabandeh H. , Mcalister J. , Thompson G. 
Published: April 2018

Preoperative treatment with topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents such as flurbiprofen (Ocufen) is used to maintain pupil dilatation during cataract surgery. Flurbiprofen maintains pupil dilatation by inhibiting release of prostaglandins and other modulators of surgical miosis. Some reports suggest that these agents may reduce the miotic effect of intra-operative acetylcholine (Miochol). It is hard to explain this effect unless there is a pharmacological interaction between the two drugs. This study aimed to investigate the possibility of a direct interference by flurbiprofen with the action of acetylcholine on the pupil sphincter. Iris tissue of seven cadaver eyes were isolated and maintained in an organ bath containing Kreb's solution. Pupil contraction force induced by acetylcholine was measured in the presence and absence of flurbiprofen. Acetylcholine produced a mean pupillary contraction force of 52.4 × 10–3 N. When it was added to the organ bath in the presence of flurbiprofen the mean contraction force was 50.6 × 10–3 N (paired t-test P=0.68). This study does not find any evidence to suggest that flurbiprofen reduces the pupil sphincter contraction that is induced by acetylcholine. It is likely that the apparent reduction in miosis is due to factors other than the mechanism of action of acetylcholine on the sphincter pupillae.
Excimer Laser Photorefractive Keratectomy (Prk) in Myopic Astigmatism
Authors: Tasindi E. , Talu H. , Ciftci F. , Acar S. 
Published: April 2018

To assess the visual and refractive results of excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) in myopic astigmatism. Methods Excimer laser PRK was performed using an Aesculap Meditec MEL 60 laser in 46 myopic astigmatic eyes. Preoperative corneal astigmatism was –1.50 D. (±0.50) in 7 eyes (15.2%); –2.50 D. (±0.50) in 14 eyes (30.5%); –3.50 D. (±0.50) in 13 eyes (28.3%); –4.50 D. (±0.50) in 8 eyes (17.4%); and –5.50 D. (±0.50) in 4 eyes (8.6%). Mean preoperative cylinder was –3.50 D. (±2.50). Mean preoperative sphere was –4.50 D. (±2.25). Pre and postoperative visual acuity, refraction, keratometer readings, corneal topography, intraocular pressure, and slit lamp findings were recorded. Results By one year of follow-up, postoperative cylinder was between +0.50 and –0.50 D. in 31 eyes (67.4%); between –0.50 and –1.50 D. in 11 eyes (23.9%); between –1.50 and –2.50 D. in 4 eyes (8.7%). Mean post-operative cylinder was –1.21 D. (±1.70). Mean postoperative sphere was –1.09 D. (±1.25). Myopic and astigmatic improvement was achieved in each patient (100%). Topography analysis showed 69.4% were within 0.5 mm, 96.8% within 1 mm, 97.8% within 1.5 mm of centration; 55% of the patients achieved uncorrected visual acuity of 10/10 (Snellen). One patient (2.2%) lost one line of best corrected vision due to decentration and change of axis. Conclusion These preliminary results of myopic astigmatic excimer laser PRK procedures compare favorably in efficiency and safety with reports of PRK for myopia.
Ocular Penetration Kinetics of Fosfomycin Administered as a One-Hour Infusion
Authors: Forestier F. , Salvanet-Bouccara A. , Leveques D. , Junes P. , Rakotondrainy C. , Dublanchet A. , Jehl F. 
Published: April 2018

The penetration of fosfomycin in aqueous humour was studied in 21 patients who were to undergo cataract surgery. All patients received 4 grams of fosfomycin as an infusion lasting one hour. Concentrations of the drug in aqueous humour were measured 1, 2, 4, 6 and 12 hours after the start of infusion. Drug concentrations in aqueous humour and serum were measured by HPCE (High Performance Capillary Electrophoresis). The aqueous humour concentration at one hour was 11.46 mg/l ± 2.12. Peak concentration was 14.63 mg/l ± 5.54, reached two hours after the infusion. Concentrations were high until 6 hours and remained significant at 12 hours. These results confirm the excellent diffusion of fosfomycin in aqueous humour, with high levels at 12 hours. They justufy its use in intraocular infections, by infusions repeated every eight hours, to maintain concentrations above the MIC 90 for organisms usually susceptible to the drug.
Ptosis Surgery Using Mersilene Mesh Suspensory Material
Authors: Can I. , Can B. , Yarangümeli A. , Inan Y. , Kural G. 
Published: April 2018

Frontalis suspension procedure using a Mersilene mesh sling was performed on 23 ptotic eyelids of 22 patients (age range 3 to 35 years) with poor or absent levator function. The surgical technique used was a modified Fox's method. The mean palpebral fissure height was 3.1 mm preoperatively and increased to 8.0 mm after the operation. No serious complication was seen postoperatively and during an average follow-up of 25 months. In one case with a cosmetically inadequate result, the upper third of the initially implanted Mersilene mesh was removed during reoperation and histological examination of the specimen revealed fibrovascular tissue invasion through the mesh fibres. Mersilene mesh appears to be an effective and safe alternative sling material for brow suspension surgery, giving good permanent results for cases in which autogenous fascia lata was inappropriate.
Role of Glycation in Human Lens Protein Structure Change
Authors: Ramalho J.S. , Marques C. , Pereira P.C. , Mota M.C. 
Published: April 2018

Purpose Protein glycation may be involved in cataract development, by altering protein structure, particularly amino acid composition, and formation of fluorophores through a Maillard reaction. This study was designed to evaluate major changes in early and advanced (fluorescent) glycation products, with special emphasis on glycation-induced changes in amino acid composition of lens proteins. Methods We analyzed 50 human cataractous lenses (25 diabetic and 25 non-diabetic). Glycated proteins were isolated by affinity chromatography. Glycated and non-glycated proteins were separated by molecular sieve chromatography and further analyzed by RP-HPLC to establish the amino acid content. Early glycation levels were determined as furosine content and advanced glycation products were quantified by the characteristic fluorescence. Results Specific lens fractions (HMW and LMW) present significant differences in fluorescence levels between glycated and non-glycated proteins, specially in cataractous lenses from diabetic patients in which all proteins analyzed presented higher glycation levels than in non-diabetic patients. The amino and analysis of glycated proteins also revealed some important differences in specific basic residues (namely Lys, Arg and His) compared to the non-glycated fraction. Conclusions The results suggest that protein glycation may be involved in changes in amino acid composition and fluorophore formation. This process may well account for the increased risk factor that diabetes represents for cataract development.
Posterior Empty Spaces during Vitreoretinal Surgery
Authors: Azzolini C. , Brancato R. 
Published: April 2018

Purpose To study during vitreoretinal surgery the intravitreal posterior empty spaces caused by different posterior relationships between the retina, posterior hyaloid and posterior vitreous. Methods A total of 151 eyes with different vitreoretinal disorders were considered; 97 eyes with retinal detachment (Group I), 54 eyes without retinal detachment (Group II). Intraoperative anatomy was carefully observed. In Group I, intraoperative observations were made with and without the infusion fluid entering the eyes. Results Different intraoperative posterior empty spaces were found: (i) within the posterior vitreous, (ii) between the detached posterior hyaloid and the retina, (iii) above and below the detached posterior “isolated hyaloid”, and (iv) between the more posterior vitreous and the attached posterior hyaloid. The infusion fluid flux may variously change the size and shape of these posterior empty spaces. Conclusions Many types of posterior empty spaces were observed intraoperatively. Their correct interpretation was important to well-conducted surgery. Dynamic movements of fluids in the vitreous cavity caused many intraoperative artifacts, making it difficult to understand the empty spaces and the vitreoretinal relationships present before surgery.