bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Removal of Protein-Bound Substance in Hepatic Failure: Polyetherurethane Sheet Embedded with Powdered Charcoal (UPC)
Authors: Kawanishi H. , Tsuchiya T. , Nishiki M. , Sugiyama M. , Ezaki H. 
Published: April 2018

For the purpose of applying an artificial liver support system to a direct hemoperfusion (DHP), a new type of adsorbent, “polyetherurethane sheet embedded with powdered charcoal (UPC)” has been developed and clinically used. A polypropylene container was used to prepare a column containing 70 g of powdered charcoal by filling it with a 35 m x 15 cm roll of the 150 μm thick UPC. The powdered charcoal with an optimum pore size was selected for the purpose of adsorbing protein-bound substances and middle molecular substances. The result of a 3-hour DHP performed on a jaundiced dog showed the removal amounts of about 70% of bilirubin and 90% of bile acid. DHP was also performed on jaundiced patients. A 3-hour hemoperfusion using one UPC column obtained the maximum removal amounts of 23% of total bilirubin and 31% of bile acid. When 3 columns in all were used, one at a time, by replacing it with time, the removal amounts of 43% of total bilirubin and 55% of bile acid resulted. The hemoperfusion was safely completed with transient effects, if any, on the blood elements.
Plasma-exchange in Idiopathic Radiculopolyneuropathies: A Study in 62 Patients
Authors: Marconi G. , Taiuti R. , Avanzi G. , Paoletti P. 
Published: April 2018

The effectiveness of plasma exchange (PE) in the treatment of acute and chronic idiopathic radiculopolyneuropathies (IR) is discussed on the basis of the literature and personal data. Results of controlled trials by Swedish, French and North American groups are favourable to the use of PE in acute forms, whereas one English group found no significant differences between treated patients and controls. Dick et al. (1986) reported significant improvement also in patients with chronic forms after PE. Personal data from a non-controlled series of 62 acute and chronic IR and from a trial group of 12 acute patients and 12 controls indicated that PE — though helpful in Guillain-Barré syndrome — was not so useful in chronic forms.
Sieving Characteristics of a new Polysulfone Hemofilter for use with Continuous Arterio-venous Hemofiltration
Authors: Kaplan A.A. , Golper T.A. 
Published: April 2018

Sieving coefficients (SC) for middle molecular weight (MMW) substances have been found to decrease markedly as filtration rates (Qf) are increased. To best evaluate the newly available Renaflo hemofilter, we studied the effect of increasing filtration rates on the SC of a sample MMW substance (inulin). An in-vi-tro filtration system was designed to deliver varying Qf from 4.1 to 17.7 ml/min. Serum and filtrate chemistries (urea, creatinine, total protein) were determined. The results revealed no change in sieving for urea or creatinine and a universally low sieving for protein. The sieving coefficient for inulin, however, decreased significantly; from 0.93 at a Qf of 4.1 ml/min to 0.79 at a Qf of 17.7 ml/min (p < 0.03). These results confirm that the SC of MMW substances do decrease as Qf increase. Despite the decrease found, when compared to previously published data, the Renaflo hemofilter seems to offer a greater degree of middle molecular weight sieving under conditions encountered during CAVH.
Effect of Membrane Trapping in Plasma Fractionator on Separative Characteristics
Authors: Mineshima M. , Agishi T. , Hasuo Y. , Kaneko I. , Era K. , Ota K. 
Published: April 2018

Several kinds of plasma fractionators have been introduced to actively separate protein fractions between albumin and globulins in double filtration plasmapheresis. However, relatively large molecular weight proteins are known to be partially trapped by the membrane in a plasma fractionator. In this paper, effects of membrane trapping on separation characteristics in plasma fractionators were examined during in vitro and in vivo studies. All in vitro experiments were done with a closed circuit under constant-flow rate filtration. Protein concentration in feed tank kept constant at no filtration in AS-14H, Evaflux 4A and 2A, while 20-40% of IgG and 40-60% of β-lipoprotein in 2 liter plasma were removed by membrane trapping for 300 min when filtration fraction equaled 0.87. Protein plugging to the membrane seems to be a major factor in these proteins. And, Dead-end and Partially Discarded modalities with relatively high filtration fraction are effective for the separation between albumin and globulin. Twenty-seven DFPP treatments in 13 patients with autoimmune diseases were done to allow us to estimate the effects of membrane trapping during an in vivo study. All treatments using 6 types of plasma fractionator were performed under constant operating conditions with Partially Discarded modality. In any plasma fractionator, β-lipoprotein was fairly trapped at 30 min after the start of treatment.
Different Buffers for Hemodiafiltration: A Controlled Study
Authors: Biasioli S. , Feriani M. , Chiaramonte S. , Cavallini L. , Cesaro A. , Fazion S. , Petrosino L. , Porena P. , Zambello A. 
Published: April 2018

Hemodiafiltration (HDF) is usually performed using a dialytic solution (D) containing acetate (A) or bicarbonate (B) and a replacement fluid (RF) containing lactate (L). To clarify the role of buffers in HDF, 11 patients underwent different study periods, each three months long: bicarbonate hemodialysis (BHD = Baseline period); HDF with (A) in D and (L) in RF (first period of HDF); HDF with (A) in D and (B) in RF (second HDF); HDF with (B) in D and (L) in RF (third HDF); HDF with (B) in D and (B) in RF (fourth HDF = BHDF). HDF achieved: 1) an increase in dialytic efficiency (kt/V, 1.28), reducing the time-session (197 min); 2) an improvement in acid-base status (pre-dialytic values in BHDF: pH 7.36; pCO2 39.8 mmHg; HCO−3 21.8 mM/L); 3) better “dry weight” gain (reached in 92.8% of HDF and in 81% of BHD sessions); 4) a significant decrease, in dialytic side-effects (mainly during the third and fourth periods). On the whole, BHDF (HDF done using only bicarbonate buffer) represents an easy and safe technique, leading to better cardiovascular stability than BHD and HDF without bicarbonate buffer.
Personal Health Coaching as a Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Self-Management Strategy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Pirbaglou Meysam , Katz Joel , Motamed Mehras , Pludwinski Sarah , Walker Krista , Ritvo Paul 
Published: April 2018

Objective: Personal health coaching (PHC) programs have become increasingly utilized as a type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) self-management intervention strategy. This article evaluates the impact of PHC programs on glycemic management and related psychological outcomes. Data Sources: Electronic databases (CINAHL, MEDLINE, PubMed, PsycINFO, and Web of Science). Study Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria: Randomized controlled trials (RCT) published between January 1990 and September 2017 and focused on the effectiveness of PHC interventions in adults with T2DM. Data Extraction: Using prespecified format guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses framework. Data Synthesis: Quantitative synthesis for primary (ie, hemoglobin A1c [HbA1c]) and qualitative synthesis for selected psychological outcomes. Results: Meta-analyses of 22 selected publications showed PHC interventions favorably impact HbA1c levels in studies with follow-ups at ≤3 months (−0.32% [95% confidence interval, CI = −0.55 to −0.09%]), 4 to 6 months (−0.50% [95% CI = −0.65 to −0.35%], 7 to 9 months (−0.66% [95% CI = −1.04 to −0.28%]), and 12 to 18 months (−0.24% [95% CI = −0.38 to −0.10%]). Subsequent subgroup analyses led to no conclusive patterns, except for greater magnitude of effect size in studies with conventional (2-arm) RCT design. Conclusions: The PHC appears effective in improving glycemic control. Further research is required to assess the effectiveness of specific program components, training, and supervision approaches and to determine the cost-effectiveness of PHC interventions.
Combined Spring and Deltoid Ligament Repair in Adult-Acquired Flatfoot
Authors: Nery Caio , Lemos André Vitor Kerber C. , Raduan Fernando , Mansur Nacime Salomão B. , Baumfeld Daniel 
Published: April 2018

Background: Adult-acquired flatfoot deformity (AAFD) is usually due to a combination of mechanical failure of the osteoligamentous complex that maintains the medial longitudinal arch of the foot and attenuation or complete tear of the posterior tibial tendon. Magnetic resonance imaging studies in patients with flatfoot deformities have reported the posterior tibial tendon to be pathologic in up to 100% of patients, the spring ligament in up to 87%, and the deltoid ligament in 33%. Many studies in the literature describe reconstruction of the spring ligament or the deltoid ligament associated with AAFD, but there is no study in which both (spring and deltoid) ligaments are reconstructed at the same time. We describe a novel technique to reconstruct the deltoid ligament and the spring ligament at the same time. Methods: We described the technique and evaluated 10 consecutive patients with AAFD and insufficient ankle and midfoot ligaments. Results: We found no postoperative complications, stiffness, or loss of correction. Conclusion: We present a novel technique to reconstruct the failed deltoid and spring ligament during flatfoot correction. It is unique in that it uses internal brace augmentation with FiberTape® to help and protect the soft tissue healing. Level of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective case series.
Adherence to Oral Anticoagulants in Atrial Fibrillation: An Australian Survey
Authors: Obamiro Kehinde O. , Chalmers Leanne , Lee Kenneth , Bereznicki Bonnie J. , Bereznicki Luke R. 
Published: April 2018

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the proportion of patients who have suboptimal adherence to oral anticoagulant (OAC), identify the predictors of adherence, and determine whether patient-related factors vary across adherence levels in Australia. Methods: Respondents were recruited for an online survey using Facebook. Survey instruments included the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale, the Anticoagulation Knowledge Tool, the Perception of Anticoagulant Treatment Questionnaires, and a modified Cancer Information Overload scale. Predictors of medication adherence were identified using ordinal regression analysis. Results: Of the 386 responses eligible for analysis, only 54.9% reported a high level of adherence. Participants aged 65 years or younger were less likely to have high adherence compared to older participants (odds ratio [OR], 0.54; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.33-0.88; P = .013), while females were more likely to be highly adherent compared to males (OR, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.08-2.64; P = .023). The analyses showed that age, gender, treatment satisfaction, information overload, concerns about making mistake when taking OACs, and cost of medication were significant predictors of adherence. Conclusion: Self-reported suboptimal adherence to OAC is common among patients with atrial fibrillation. A focus on supporting people who are at higher risk of suboptimal adherence is needed to maximize the benefit of OAC therapy in this population.
Malignant Conjunctival Epibulbar Fibrous Histiocytoma with Orbital Invasion
Authors: Balestrazzi E. , Ventura T. , Noci N. Delle , Blasi M.A. , Spadea L. , Coletti G. 
Published: April 2018

The Authors report on a rare case of malignant conjunctival epibulbar fibrous histiocytoma with orbital invasion. Fibrous histiocytoma is a tumour of mesenchymal origin, which, although among the most common adult age soft tumours, appears very rarely at the conjunctival level. In fact the most frequent site is the orbit. So far only 15 cases concerning conjunctiva have been described in the Literature only 4 of those have been reported as malignant. We observed a male patient, who 6 years ago, at the age of 53, noticed a neoformation on the temporal portion of the bulbar conjunctiva. In June 1988, after three successive operations, with a histological diagnosis of inflammatory granuloma, he came to our Clinic, where, because of the characteristics of the orbit infiltrations, only a partial excision was carried out for a biopsy. The histological examination, associated with immunohistochemical techniques, gave the result of malignant fibrous histiocytoma. Consequently in, July 1988, the patient underwent an exenteratio orbitae. To date, the patient enjoys good health without a trace of recurrence. Besides the clinical presentation of the case, histopathological and immunohistochemical findings concerning this type of lesion are presented and discussed, with a comparison of our findings with those reported in the literature.
Manifestations of Graft-Versus-Host Disease following Allogenic Bone Marrow Transplantation
Authors: Arocker-Mettinger E. , Skorpik F. , Grabner G. , Hinterberger W. , Gadner H. 
Published: April 2018

Sixty-seven patients undergoing allogenic bone marrow transplantation (BMT) were examined before and at regular intervals for up to 87 months (1-87 months, mean 18) after transplantation. Within a period of 1-39 months, 14 of these patients died (11 male, 3 female; age at BMT 16-46y). Five of these patients died within the first 100 days. They showed no eye involvement; three patients had intraretinal hemorrhage, in one case a squamous blepharitis and filiform keratitis developed during chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). In contrast, 22 of 53 (41.5%) surviving patients (30 male, 23 female; age at BMT 1-47y) were found to have ocular involvement. Before BMT only two cases of retinal hemorrhage and central chorioretinal scars each were detected. During the stage of acute GVHD (up to day 100), nine patients were free of ocular manifestations. However, 16 of the 20 patients with chronic GVHD showed ocular involvement; 14 (70%) had reduced tearflow, ten had severe keratoconjunctivitis sicca, four suffered from sterile corneal ulcerations. Bilateral cataracts were detected in 11 patients, nine of whom only had minimal posterior subcapsular opacification, possibly resulting from highdose steroid medication. One additional case presented with bilateral multifocal recurrent chorioretinitis and panuveitis. The fundus lesions appeared some months after BMT (before cyclosporin-A treatment started) and recurred during systemic treatment. All patients undergoing allogenic BMT, especially when treated for severe chronic GVHD, require regular ocular observation to avoid complications such as keratoconjunctivitis sicca at an early stage, as late complications are often severe and hardly amenable to conservative or surgical treatment.
Retinal Manifestations in Fibromuscular Dysplasia
Authors: Meire F.M. , De Laey J.J. , Van Thienen M.N. , Schuddinck L. 
Published: April 2018

Fibromuscular dysplasia of the arteries (FMD) is a segmental angiopathy which may produce obstruction of the carotid, cerebral, renal, mesenteric, coronary or iliac arteries. Except for lesions related to arterial hypertension, retinal manifestations have not yet been reported. This paper describes the case of a 10-year-old boy with progressive deafness, a history of an unexplained stroke and progressive occlusions of the retinal arterioles in the fundus periphery. This resulted in retinal neovascularization and recurrent retinal and vitreous hemorrhages. Despite repeated photo- and cryocoagulation the eyes progressed to a tractional retinal detachment which was successfully treated by vitrectomy and scleral buckling. The diagnosis of FMD was made on the basis of a histopathological examination of a temporal artery biopsy. The child also presented an asymptomatic but severe aneurysmal dilatation of the aorta and CT scan and MRI showed dilated cerebral arteries. The father of our patient had died at the age of 27 years either from myocardial infarction or rupture of a dissecting aortic aneurysm. He was highly myopic and had lost one eye from retinal detachment. The younger brother of our patient also presents aneurysmal dilatation of the aorta and tortuous cerebral vessels. Ocular examination is still normal. The findings in this family are compatible with an autosomal dominant inheritance with variable expression.
Indications for Q-Switched and Mode-Locked Nd: Yag Lasers in Vitreoretinal Pathology
Authors: Tassignon M.J. , Kreissig I. , Stempels N. , Brihaye M. 
Published: April 2018

The indications for two types of pulsed Nd: YAG lasers in the treatment of vitreous pathology are reviewed. A series of 94 eyes from 93 patients were treated with the mode-locked system and 72 eyes from 71 patients were treated with the Q-switched system. A classification of vitreous pathology with prognostic value for the efficacy of treatment of both lasers is established. For the Q-switched laser the range of indications in the posterior pole is larger and fewer sessions are needed; however, complications are more frequent than with the mode-locked laser. This difference is due to the higher energy needed with the Q-switched laser to treat more severe vitreous pathology.
Prevalence of Myopia in Open Angle Glaucoma
Authors: Mastropasqua L. , Lobefalo L. , Mancini A. , Ciancaglini M. , Palma S. 
Published: April 2018

In this study concerning the prevalence of myopia in patients with open angle glaucoma, its distribution was analyzed within the sample tested in relation to the refraction defect size, compared with a control group of non-glaucomatous myopic subjects. The overall myopic rate was 17.2% of the glaucomatous patients; high myopia was more frequent in the subjects with open angle glaucoma (p<0.001) than in the myopic patients, thus appearing as a possible risk factor for the development of glaucoma.
Serotonin in Human Tears
Authors: Martin X.D. , Brennan M.C. 
Published: April 2018

It has been postulated that serotonergic receptors are present in the corneal epithelium and that their activation by serotonin released from subepithelial corneal nerves raises the level of cyclic AMP, which in turn stimulates active Cl-secretion by the corneal epithelium. We looked for serotonin in tears because these bathe the corneal epithelium. Twenty-two normal subjects, 14 women and 8 men between 25 and 60 years of age (average 36.5±9 years), participated in this study. Twenty μl of tears were collected in capillary tubes after trigeminal stimulation (pepper in the nose) and were immediately analysed using high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. Serotonin was identified and measured in every subject. Its mean concentration was 2.74±1.99 ng/ml. No difference was found between women and men. Emotionally evoked tears were obtained from two subjects. The amount of serotonin in these samples was much higher than in the samples obtained by trigeminal stimulation. These results demonstrate for the first time that serotonin is present in human tears. The possible role of this serotonin in chloride transport in the corneal epithelium and the probable difference between “emotional” and stimulated tears warrants further investigation.
Macular Grid Photocoagulation in Persistent Macular Edema Due to Central Retinal Vein Occlusion
Authors: Glacet-Bernard A. , Mahdavi K. Nouri , Coscas G. , Zourdani A. , Fardeau C. 
Published: April 2018

Aim macular edema is still the main cause of poor visual prognosis in central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO). This study was designed to establish whether grid photocoagulation is effective in the management of this disorder. Methods the records of 16 patients who had undergone macular grid photocoagulation for persistent macular edema due to CRVO were reviewed retrospectively. Pre-treatment visual acuity ranged from 20/400 to 20/40, and laser treatment was done six months or more after the onset of the disease. Results biomicroscopy and fluorescein angiography showed the improvement or disappearance of macular edema in 14/16 patients (87.5%). Improved visual acuity was observed in eight (50%) and no improvement or reduced vision in the other eight (50%). A poorer prognosis was statistically correlated with older age (p < 0.03), macular ischemia (p < 0.001), foveal avascular zone larger than 1/2 disc diameter (p < 0.05) and pigmentary clumps in the foveal area (p < 0.05). Laser treatment was ineffective for most patients with systemic vascular risk factors and pre-treatment visual acuity below 20/200. Conclusion macular grid photocoagulation may be effective for drying up, or at least reducing, macular edema due to CRVO and some improvement of vision can be expected in half the cases.
Sinonasal Undifferentiated Carcinoma Invading the Orbit
Authors: Ascaso F.J. , Adiego M.I. , Garcia J. , Royo J. , Valles H. , Palomar A. , Ramon Y Cajal S. 
Published: April 2018

Sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma (SNUC) is an infrequent tumor described by Frierson et al. in 1986. Since its initial description, fewer than 100 patients have been reported. We present a case of a SNUC invading the orbit in a 57-year-old woman, for which the findings are documented by CT scan, light and electron microscopy.
Fluorophotometric Study of Lens Autofluorescence and the Blood-Retinal Barrier in 56 Diabetic Patients
Authors: Bordat B. , Arnaud C. , Guirguis I.R. , Laudeho A. 
Published: April 2018

We examined lens autofluorescence and the permeability of the blood-retinal barrier in 56 diabetic patients (34 insulin-dependent and 22 non-insulin-dependent), using the Fluorotron Master (R), a commercially available fluorophotometer. Significant relationships were found between age and lens autofluorescence (p<0.01), between duration of diabetes and lens autofluorescence in insulin-dependent diabetics (p<0.01), and between duration of diabetes and blood-retinal barrier permeability in all diabetics (p<0.05). The relationships between lens autofluorescence and duration of diabetes in non-insulin dependent patients (p>0.05), and between lens autofluorescence or the penetration ratio and HBA Ic during the five preceding years (p>0.05) were not significant. Fluorophotometry provides an objective and reproducible method for in vivo investigation of the ocular complications of diabetes and of the factors influencing them.
Effect of Oral Captopril (SQ 14225) on Intraocular Pressure in Man
Authors: Costagliola C. , Di Benedetto R. , De Caprio L. , Verde R. , Mastropasqua L. 
Published: April 2018

The effects of the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor captopril (SQ 14225) on intraocular pressure (IOP) were studied. Four groups were analyzed: group A, ten control subjects; group B, ten hypertensive patients with normal IOP; group C, ten normotensive patients with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG); and group D, ten hypertensive patients with POAG. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, pupil diameter, IOP and total outflow facility were recorded at baseline and at 1-h intervals up to 3h after an oral dose of 25 mg captopril or placebo, given in a randomized, double-blind cross-over fashion. The alternative treatment was given a week later. Captopril significantly lowered IOP in all patients, with no effects on heart rate and pupil diameter. Blood pressure changed only in patients with hypertension (groups B and D). Total outflow facility, measured by conventional tonography, increased significantly in all groups. These findings indicate that oral captopril could represent a new antiglaucomatous compound.