bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Role of Automated Peritoneal Dialysis in Peritoneal Dialysis Programme: One Centre Experience
Authors: Liberek T. , Renke M. , Lichodziejewska-Niemierko M. , Rutkowski B. 
Published: March 2018

The results of the Automated Peritoneal Dialysis (APD) therapy in adult patients in the Department of Nephrology in Gdansk during the years 1995–98 are presented. Seventeen patients (8-M, 9-F) aged 25–86 years (mean age 55.3 years), including 7 diabetics, were treated with different forms of APD. The most common indication for APD therapy was patients' loss of ability to perform Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis due to progressive blindness, leg amputation related to diabetic foot complications or cerebrovascular episodes (8 pts). The cumulative therapy period was 231.5 patient-months. During the observation 4 patients died, 1 received kidney transplant and 12 were still treated with APD at the end of the study. No patient was transferred to long-term hemodialysis. The peritonitis rate in the APD group was 1/57.5 patient-months. Most patients reached adequacy targets, the mean Kt/V value was 1.97 (range 1.17 - 2.36). To achieve this, 12–19 litres of dialysate were used per day (mean 14.6 L/d). There were significant differences between CCPD and NPD groups with respect to dialysis adequacy, body weight and dialysis fluid volume. We conclude that APD may be used with success in patients in whom continuation of CAPD or HD therapy is very difficult due to its complications or comorbid conditions.
Lower Long-term Efficiency of Intradermal Hepatitis b Vaccine Compared to the Intramuscular Route in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Vlassopoulos D.A. , Arvanitis D.K. , Lilis D.S. , Louizou K.I. , Hadjiconstantinou V.E. 
Published: March 2018

Intramuscular (IM) and Intradermal (ID) vaccination against hepatitis B (HB) are efficient in hemodialysis patients. We retrospectively analysed the response of 32 patients during 48 consecutive months and compared the results of the two vaccination routes using the recombinant vaccine (Engerix, SKB). Thirteen patients were vaccinated with 5 mcg ID every 2 weeks (total 8 doses), plus an IM dose on month (M) 12 (group A). Nineteen patients (group B) were vaccinated with 4 IM doses of 20 mcg each, on months M0, 1, 2 and 12. HB antibodies were measured on M5, M11, M13, M24, M36 and M48. An additional 20 mcg IM dose was given with titers below 10 mIU/ml. Seroconversion, seroprotection and antibody levels were equivalent in both groups up to M13; with the exception of seroconversion rates, a significantly different response was observed afterwards (A/B, in mIU/ml): M5: 399 ± 107 vs 342 ± 69, M13: 536 ± 118 vs 673 ± 61, M24: 278 ± 94 vs 595 ± 81, P=0.02, and M48: 68 ± 29 vs 565 ± 92, P=0.003. Early HBSAB levels did not correlate with those found four years later in both groups. An additional booster dose was given 8 times in 4 group A patients (1–3 doses/patient) and 3 times in 1 group B patient. Immune response to HB vaccine in hemodialysis patients is initially equivalent by both immunization routes. Late antibody titers were found significantly lower in ID immunization with more frequent booster doses needed.
Oxygenation and Lung Morphology in a Rabbit Pediatric ARDS- Model under High Peak Pressure Ventilation plus Nitric Oxide and Surfactant Compared with Veno-venous ECMO
Authors: Möller J.C. , Reiss I. , Schaible T.F. , Kohl M. , Göpel W. , Fischer T. , Nitsche E.M. , Krüger S. 
Published: March 2018

The aim of the study is to investigate which of two treatment options of saline lavage induced ARDS in rabbits is better in terms of oxygenation and prevention of barotrauma: combined high peak pressure ventilation with surfactant administration and inhaled nitric oxide or veno-venous ECMO combined with low peak inspiratory pressure ventilation. Materials and Methods After saline lavage (10 cc/kg repeated as long as foamy retrieval was observed) two combined therapeutic strategies were examined: ventilation with high inspiratory pressures (35 cm H2O) with additional exogenous surfactant administration (100 mg/kg) and inhaled nitric oxide (10 PPM) (n=5, group 1) and low inspiratory pressure (20 cm H2O) ventilation under veno-venous ECMO support (n=5, group 2). The FiO2 was maintained at 1.0 in both groups. The paO2/FiO2 ratio was calculated in 30 minute intervals for 4 hours. After that the animals were sacrificed and the lungs examined macro- and microscopically. Aeration was described in a semiquantitative method using the alveolar expansion index. Oxygenation in group 1 was significantly better than in group 2, it increased significantly after surfactant but not after additional nitric oxide administration. However, the lungs in group 1 showed severe signs of baro/ergotrauma (Hyaline membranes, air leaks, infiltration of polymorphonuclear (PMN) granulocytes and macrophages, break down of alveolar capillary membranes) after 4 hrs of combined therapy, whereas the lungs in group 2 appeared normal. Adding surfactant and NO to a high tidal volume ventilation improved oxygenation, but did not prevent baro/ergotrauma. Ventilation with low inspiratory pressures combined with ECMO caused little baro/ergotrauma but adequate oxygenation could not be achieved, probably due to anatomical features of the rabbit which do not allow appropriate blood flow within the ECMO-circuit.
Rotary Cell Culture System (RCCS): A new Method for Cultivating Hepatocytes on Microcarriers
Authors: Mitteregger R. , Vogt G. , Rossmanith E. , Falkenhagen D. 
Published: March 2018

The Rotary Cell Culture System (RCCS) is a new technology for growing anchorage dependent or suspension cells in the laboratory. The RCCS is a horizontally rotated, bubble free disposable culture vessel with diffusion gas exchange. The system provides a reproducible, complex 3D in vitro culture system with large cell masses. During cell growing the rotation speed can be adjusted to compensate for increased sedimentation rates. The unique environment of low shear forces, high mass transfer, and microgravity provides very good cultivating conditions for many cell types, cell aggregates or tissue particles in a standard tissue culture laboratory. The system enables to culture HepG2 cells on Cytodex 3 microcarriers (mcs) to high densities. We inoculated 2 × 105/ml HepG2 cells and 200 mg Cytodex 3 mcs in 50 ml Williams E medium (incl. 10% FCS) allowing them to attach to the mcs in the rotating vessel (rotation rate 14–20 rpm). HepG2 cells readily attached to the mcs while the vessel was rotating. Attachment of HepG2 to the mcs was about 50% after 24 hrs and 100 % within 48 hrs. After 72 hrs of rotary culturing small aggregates of Hep G2 on mcs were built. HepG2 cells and the aggregates rotated with the vessel and did not settle within the vessel or collide with the wall of the vessel. We conclude that this new RCCS is an excellent technology for culturing HepG2 cells on Cytodex 3 mcs. The system is easy to handle and enables to culture anchorage dependent cells to high densities in a short period.
Elements of a Workplace Culture of Health, Perceived Organizational Support for Health, and Lifestyle Risk
Authors: Payne Julianne , Cluff Laurie , Lang Jason , Matson-Koffman Dyann , Morgan-Lopez Antonio 
Published: March 2018

Purpose: We investigated the impact of elements of a workplace culture of health (COH) on employees’ perceptions of employer support for health and lifestyle risk. Design: We used 2013 and 2015 survey data from the National Healthy Worksite Program, a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)-led initiative to help workplaces implement health-promoting interventions. Setting: Forty-one employers completed the CDC Worksite Health Scorecard to document organizational changes. Participants: Eight hundred twenty-five employees provided data to evaluate changes in their health and attitudes. Measures: We defined elements of a COH as environmental, policy, and programmatic supports; leadership and coworker support; employee engagement (motivational interventions); and strategic communication. Outcomes included scores of employees’ perceptions of employer support for health and lifestyle risk derived from self-reported physical activity, nutrition, and tobacco use. Analysis: We estimated effects using multilevel regression models. Results: At the employee level and across time, regression coefficients show positive associations between leadership support, coworker support, employee engagement, and perceived support for health ( P < .05). Coefficients suggest a marginally significant negative association between lifestyle risk and the presence of environmental and policy supports ( P < .10) and significant associations with leadership support in 2015 only ( P < .05). Conclusion: Relational elements of COH (leadership and coworker support) tend to be associated with perceived support for health, while workplace elements (environmental and policy supports) are more associated with lifestyle risk. Employers need to confront relational and workplace elements together to build a COH.
Gender Stereotyping of Leadership
Authors: Yadav Lalit Kumar , Yadav Nagendra 
Published: March 2018

This study attempts to understand organizational commitment (OC) in relation to transformational leadership (TL) behaviours. It also tries to understand whether gender of the leader acts as a moderating variable in relation to TL and OC. It gives critical insights on gender stereotyping of leadership in public sector banks (PSBs) taking theoretical inputs from role congruity theory. A survey based on validated statements was used to collect data from 328 employees of PSBs working in the branches. Correlation and hierarchical multiple regression were used to test the model in the study. The interaction effect was better grasped by plotting the data on the graph. The outcomes of the study confirmed the previous findings. The OC is positively influenced by TL behaviours. However, most interestingly, leader’s gender significantly moderated the relation between the two. Although male managers TL style has a greater impact on employees’ commitment, leadership of female managers also has a positive impact. The results do indicate the presence of traditional perceptions about gender and leadership but also clearly demonstrate that stereotypes are being broken. These findings have important implications in organizational setting. It strengthens the importance of TL behaviours and its need to be systematically inculcated among managers. Female managers should be supported by the top management through mentorship and leadership development, and employee learning should include bias reduction exercises.
Palliative Chemotherapy Near the End of Life in Oncology Patients
Authors: Zhang Zhe , Chen Meng-Lei , Gu Xiao-Li , Liu Ming-Hui , Zhao Wei-Wei , Cheng Wen-Wu 
Published: March 2018

Background: Although palliative chemotherapy during end-of-life (EOL) care is used to relieve symptoms in patients with metastatic cancer, chemotherapy may lead to more aggressive EOL care. We evaluated the use of and variables associated with chemotherapy at EOL. Methods: This study included data from patients who died from advanced cancer and underwent palliative chemotherapy between April 2007 and May 2017 at the Department of Palliative Care of Fudan University, Shanghai Cancer Center. Data were collected from hospital medical records. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to identify the variables that independently predicted the use of palliative chemotherapy. Results: Among the 542 patients in the study, 85 (15.7%) underwent palliative chemotherapy during the last month and 28 (5.2%) underwent it during the last 2 weeks of life. Age <59 years (odds ratio [OR] = 1.82, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.51-2.61), performance status <3 (OR = 3.73, 95% CI: 1.46-4.67), and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (OR = 3.88, 95% CI: 3.01-5.34) were independently associated with the use of chemotherapy. The use of palliative chemotherapy during the last year of life differed significantly by patient age ( P < .001). Conclusion: The observed chemotherapy rates of 15.7% during the last month of life and 5.2% during the last 2 weeks of life are in line with international recommendations. This study showed that palliative chemotherapy is associated with more aggressive EOL care and indicates that younger patients and those with lower performance status are more likely to receive palliative chemotherapy. Significant variations in EOL treatment strategies among different age groups during the last year of life were also identified.
Effects of amniotic membrane on wound healing and adhesions in experimental strabismus surgery
Authors: Demirel Sibel , Atilla Huban , Heper Aylin Okcu , Erkam Necile 
Published: March 2018

Purpose To evaluate the efficiency of amniotic membrane in prevention of adhesion formation after strabismus surgery. Methods A prospective, controlled study was conducted on 20 eyes of 10 pigmented rabbits. After disinsertion of the superior rectus muscle, under the muscle insertion area to induce adhesion formation, a partial-thickness 4 × 4 mm sclerectomy was performed in both eyes. In the right eyes, a piece of appropriate size human amniotic membrane was sutured on the sclerectomy site. As the control group, left eyes were operated with a similar procedure but without amniotic membrane transplantation. After 2 months, both eyes were enucleated to perform histopathologic examination. Results There was no adhesion between the sclera and muscle in the amniotic membrane group; however, there were various degrees of adhesions in the control group (p=0.004). Fibrosis in rectus muscle was present in 40% of the specimens in the amniotic membrane group and 90% in the control group with a higher grade (p=0.023). The mean number of inflammatory cells was significantly higher in the amniotic membrane group (p=0.005). Conclusions According to our results, amniotic membrane has antifibrotic effect but no anti-inflammatory effect in rabbit eyes due to possible xenograft reaction to human tissues. It is effective in prevention of adhesion formation with possible physical barrier action.
The effect of contour line position on optic nerve head analysis by Heidelberg Retina Tomograph
Authors: Iester Michele , Mariotti Valeria , Lanza Francesco , Calabria Giovanni 
Published: March 2018

Purpose To determine the influence of the contour line position on the Heidelberg Retina Tomograph (HRT) parameters and on the diagnostic capacity of the system. Methods Thirty subjects with clinical diagnosis of primary open angle glaucoma and 30 healthy subjects were recruited. For each patient only one eye was randomly chosen. All optic nerve heads (ONH) were analysed with HRT. An operator drew the right contour line in all the considered images, while a second user increased and decreased radius size of 0.05 and 0.1 mm, recalculating each time all the HRT parameters. Five different disc area subgroups were obtained and for each subgroup discriminant formulas were applied. Sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic precision were considered for each subgroup. Results Among the HRT parameters, rim area was the most sensitive to the contour line position changes when the radius variation was greater than ±0.1 mm. For most of the HRT parameters, the differences between subjects with glaucoma and control group did not significantly change when the disc area increased or decreased. Highest diagnostic capacity was observed for Mikelberg and Mardin formulas when the contour line was narrowed, while the cup shape measure value had the best diagnostic capacity when the contour line was larger. Conclusions When the disc area was modified, the sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic capacity of discriminant formulas changed according to the ONH size; however, in the glaucoma clinic, small errors (within ±0.05 mm) in contour line position did not significantly influence the final HRT diagnostic capacity.
Xal-Ease®: impact of an ocular hypotensive delivery device on ease of eyedrop administration, patient compliance, and satisfaction
Authors: Nordmann Jean-Philippe , Baudouin Christophe , Bron Alain , Denis Philippe , Rouland Jean-François , Sellem Eric , Renard Jean-Paul 
Published: March 2018

Purpose To measure the impact of the Xal-Ease® delivery device on ease of eyedrop administration and on treatment compliance and satisfaction. Methods This prospective, multicenter, randomized, comparative, crossover study was conducted at 43 sites in France. Eligible subjects were >18 years of age, were diagnosed with primary open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension, had been treated with latanoprost or fixed-combination latanoprost/timolol for ≥3 months prior to enrollment, and did not require a therapy change. Subjects used either Xal-Ease or the dropper bottle for 4 weeks and then switched to the alternate delivery method for the next 4 weeks. Subjects completed questionnaires after 1 and 4 weeks in each treatment period. Results In all, 211 subjects were enrolled, 107 to the Xal-Ease/dropper bottle group and 104 to the dropper bottle/Xal-Ease group. Baseline demographic and ocular characteristics were similar. Use of Xal-Ease made it significantly less likely that the subject would need someone to help with drop instillation (6.9% vs 18.1%, respectively; p<0.001) and reduced the problem of the tip of the bottle touching the eye (3.2% vs 35.6%, respectively; p<0.001). Reported compliance rates were very high and similar across groups during both treatment periods. After 1 month of use during both treatment periods, more than 70% of subjects reported global satisfaction with Xal-Ease to their physicians. No adverse events associated with the use of Xal-Ease were noted. Conclusions Xal-Ease generally makes administration of latanoprost or fixed-combination latanoprost/timolol easier compared with the dropper bottle.
Factors affecting patient cooperation and level of pain perception during phacoemulsification in topical and intracameral anesthesia
Authors: Omulecki Wojciech , Laudańska-Olszewska Iwona , Synder Aleksandra 
Published: March 2018

Purpose To evaluate selected factors that may influence pain perception and patient cooperation with the surgeon during phacoemulsification performed under topical and intracameral anesthesia. Methods A total of 203 consecutive patients who had uncomplicated cataract phacoemulsification with foldable intraocular lens implantation through clear corneal 2.8 mm temporal incision under topical anesthesia were enrolled into the study. The factors assessed included gender, age, level of education, professional activity, place of residence, pain sensitivity declared preoperatively, patient mood before operation, preoperative visual acuity, and whether it was the patient's first or second cataract surgery. The correlation between postoperatively declared level of pain perception and cooperation with the surgeon was also evaluated. For statistical analysis, gamma correlation coefficient test was used. Results The strongest correlation was found between gender and cooperation and level of perceived pain. The weakest dependencies were noticed between the level of education and these parameters. Women, patients who were professionally active, and patients who were in a better mood before the operation were more cooperative. A strong correlation was found between patient pain perception and cooperation. Conclusions Pain perception was positively influenced by female gender, rural place of residence, younger age of patient, and lower preoperative visual acuity. Cooperation with the surgeon was positively influenced by female gender, professional activity, patient good mood before operation, and no pain perception during surgery. There was no correlation between level of education, preoperatively declared pain sensitivity, sequence of operation, and estimated parameters.
Ocular surface temperature in diabetic retinopathy: a pilot study by infrared thermography
Authors: Sodi Andrea , Giambene Barbara , Miranda Paolo , Falaschi Giacomo , Corvi Andrea , Menchini Ugo 
Published: March 2018

Purpose To compare ocular surface temperature (OST) measures in patients with nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) and healthy controls. Methods A total of 51 consecutive patients with different severity degrees of NPDR and 53 age- and gender-matched healthy volunteers were recruited. OST was evaluated by infrared thermography in five conjunctival (points 1, 2, 4, 5) and corneal (point 3) points. Results In diabetic eyes, OST values were lower than in controls at all the studied points (p<0.001 at points 1, 2, 3, 4, and p=0.003 at point 5). Conclusions Ocular surface temperature measurements, by estimating ocular blood flow, may be helpful in the management of patients with diabetic retinopathy.
Atypical toxoplasmosis masquerading late occurrence of typical findings
Authors: Miserocchi Elisabetta , Modorati Giulio , Rama Paolo 
Published: March 2018

Purpose To report two unusual cases of ocular toxoplasmosis. Methods Case series. Results We describe one case of retinochoroiditis associated with branch retinal artery occlusion and a second case of optic disc edema with subsequent neuroretinitis. In both cases, the typical findings of ocular toxoplasmosis were not initially present, but became evident later during follow-up after the institution of antitoxoplasma treatment. The prompt response to antiparasitic treatment with visual improvement and late disclosure of typical findings confirmed the clinical suspicion of the diagnosis. Conclusions Ocular toxoplasmosis must be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with unilateral branch retinal artery occlusion and neuroretinitis. Prompt initiation of specific antibiotic treatment can improve visual prognosis and reduce ocular complications.
Two Novel Missense Mutations in the Peripherin/RDS Gene in two Unrelated French Patients with Autosomal Dominant Retinitis Pigmentosa
Authors: Souied E.H. , Rozet J.-M. , Gerber S. , Dufier J.-L. , Soubrane G. , Coscas G. , Munnich A. , Kaplan J. 
Published: March 2018

Purpose To report the identification of two novel RDS mutations in the peripherin/RDS gene of two unrelated French patients affected by autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa (ADRP). Methods Fifty-eight unrelated patients affected by ADRP were analyzed. Our diagnostic criteria for RP were bilateral fundus involvement, concentric depression of the visual field and severe involvement on electroretinogram. Transmission of the trait was unambiguous. Our strategy was to analyze the coding sequence of the gene using a combination of single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) and direct sequence analysis of the exons of the gene. Exons that displayed conformational polymorphisms were sequenced on an automated DNA sequencer. Results The sequence analyses revealed two previously unreported missense mutations: Cys165Tyr and Phe211Leu in exons 1 and 2, respectively. None of the 70 controls analyzed carried these base changes. Cosegregation of the base substitution with the disease could be tested in both families presenting the Cys165Tyr and Phe211Leu mutations. Conclusions Several lines of evidence support the idea that these base substitutions are disease-causing mutations. To the best of our knowledge, no peripherin/RDS gene analysis has been previously reported in ADRP in France.