bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Is Sesamol Effective in Corneal Neovascularization?
Authors: Kaya Hüseyin , Pekel Gökhan , Yörükoğlu Aygün , Hiraali Mehmet Can , Şahin Barbaros 
Published: June 2018

Objectives:
To evaluate the effects of topically and subconjunctivally administered sesamol on experimentally induced corneal neovascularization in rats.

Methods:
Fifty-six right eyes of 56 Wistar Albino rats were chemically cauterized to induce corneal neovascularization in this experimental and comparative study. The subjects were divided into eight groups: topical sesamol (group 1), subconjunctival sesamol (group 2), topical bevacizumab (group 3), subconjunctival bevacizumab (group 4), topical bevacizumab+ sesamol (group 5), subconjunctival bevacizumab+ sesamol (group 6), topical Tween 80 (group 7), and control (group 8). The amount of subconjunctivally injected sesamol and bevacizumab was 1.25 mg each. Topical groups were administered 10 mg/mL drops twice daily. The control group was left untreated. To evaluate the degree of corneal neovascularization, digital photographs and corneal sections stained with hematoxylin–eosin and CD31 were used.

Results:
When photographs of neovascularization areas were examined, all treatment groups showed statistically significant differences when compared with the control group (P<0.001). Topical sesamol was found to be more effective when compared with subconjunctival sesamol (P=0.003). Topical sesamol+ bevacizumab was found to be more effective when compared with topical bevacizumab (P=0.018). The numbers of new corneal vessels were as follows: 12.28±6.29 in group 1, 36.85±12.8 in group 2, 18.85±7.71 in group 3, 16.85±8.70 in group 4, 19.57±8.56 in group 5, 22.57±7.43 in group 6, 45.00±11.29 in group 7, and 51.16±5.91 in group 8 (P<0.001).

Conclusions:
The outcomes of this study suggest antiangiogenic effects of sesamol. The use of topical sesamol monotherapy or sesamol combined with bevacizumab may be options for the prevention of corneal neovascularization.
Response of the Aging Eye to First Day of Modern Material Contact Lens Wear
Authors: Lafosse Edouard , Martínez-Albert Noelia , Wolffsohn James S. W. , Cerviño Alejandro , García-Lázaro Santiago 
Published: June 2018

Objectives:To investigate the ocular surface of an aged population wearing a daily disposable contact lens (CL) over their 1st day of wear.Methods:Forty eyes from 40 presbyopic subjects were fitted a daily CL (Delefilcon A). Tear osmolarity, tear meniscus area (TMA), and ocular surface aberrations (total higher-order root mean square [RMS]) were assessed at baseline (t0), at 20 min (t1) and after 8 hr (t2) of wear. Fluorescein corneal and conjunctival staining and tear breakup time (TBUT) were performed at t0and t2.Results:No statistically significant changes were found between t0, t1, and t2for TMA and between t0and t2for fluorescein corneal and conjunctival staining. Tear breakup time worsened by the end of the day from 10.4±0.4 sec t0to 9.0±0.3 sec t2(P<0.05). Osmolarity showed significant changes between t0306.9±2.3 mOsm/L and t1312.4±2.4 mOsmol/L (P=0.02) but returned to baseline values at 8 hr (310.40±2.26 mOsm/L;P=0.09). Total higher-order RMS showed significant changes between t00.38±0.02 μm and t10.61±0.04 μm (P≤0.001) and between t0and t20.64±0.41 μm (P≤0.001).Conclusions:Delefilcon A may induce measures changes (osmolarity and TBUT values) in a presbyopic population; however, TMA and vital staining were maintained at the baseline level over the day.
Polymicrobial Keratitis With Cryptococcus curvatus, Candida parapsilosis, and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia After Penetrating Keratoplasty: A Rare Case Report With Literature Review
Authors: Ting Darren Shu Jeng , Bignardi Giuseppe , Koerner Roland , Irion Luciane D. , Johnson Elizabeth , Morgan Stephen J. , Ghosh Saurabh 
Published: June 2018

Objectives:
To report the first case of fungal keratitis caused by Cryptococcus curvatus after penetrating keratoplasty (PK) in an immunocompetent patient and to describe its therapeutic challenge and long-term outcome.

Methods:
An interventional case report.

Results:
A 54-year-old female patient underwent right PK for lattice dystrophy. At 5-year post-PK, she developed a polymicrobial keratitis caused by Candida parapsilosis, and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia at the peripheral graft, which was successfully treated with topical antibiotic and antifungal drops. One year later, another fungal keratitis occurred which apparently resolved with antifungal treatment but recurred in an unusual fashion and required a repeat PK revealing the diagnosis of C. curvatus keratitis. This was confirmed by microbiological culture on Sabouraud dextrose agar, nuclear ribosomal repeat regional sequencing of the D1-D2 and internal transcribed spacer regions, and histopathological examination. Various topical, intracorneal, and systemic antifungal treatments had been attempted but failed to resolve the infection completely, necessitating a subsequent third PK. A further recurrence was noted 16-month post-third PK, which was eradicated with multiple topical and intracorneal antifungal treatment, and direct cryotherapy to the corneal abscess. No further recurrence of C. curvatus was noted at 4-year follow-up.

Conclusions:

Cryptococcus curvatus should be added to the known list of organisms capable of causing fungal keratitis. Our experience suggests that this type of organism could cause low-grade, grumbling infection, which may however be exceptionally difficult to treat. Long-term eradication of this rare fungal keratitis could be potentially achieved by intensive ocular and systemic antifungal treatment, repeat therapeutic keratoplasties, and focal cryotherapy.
Vision Improvement and Compliance With the Use of Orthokeratology Lenses in School Children: A Sample From Five Primary Schools in Northern Taiwan
Authors: Chang Li-Chun , Liao Li-Ling 
Published: June 2018

Purpose:
To assess the visual acuity and compliance with the use of orthokeratology lenses (OrthoK) in school children.

Methods:
A retrospective study was conducted to determine the education-related factors influencing the improvement in visual acuity in myopic students using OrthoK in five primary schools in Taiwan.

Results:
Of the 5,173 eligible students from five primary schools, 1906 (36.8%) students were diagnosed with myopia. Among 201 (10.6%) students wearing OrthoK, 69.7% had used them for at least 1 year, 53.2% achieved visual acuity greater than 0.8 (6/7.5, log of minimal angle of resolution 0.1) in school, and 49.8% had received health education related to OrthoK care. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that a higher possibility to achieve visual acuity greater than 0.8 was associated with more than 1-year use of OrthoK, good compliance, and receiving health education from an ophthalmologist.

Conclusion:
It is important that children wearing OrthoK receive education and comply with the use of OrthoK for visual acuity improvement.
Scleral Lens Issues and Complications Related to a Non-optimal Fitting Relationship Between the Lens and Ocular Surface
Authors: Fadel Daddi 
Published: June 2018

Introduction:
The advent of high oxygen permeability (Dk) of rigid contact lens materials has reduced complications related to hypoxia when using scleral contact lenses (ScCLs). However, new issues and complications have emerged. Some of these issues and complications are caused by the nonoptimal fitting relationship with the underlying ocular surface, which may pose a challenge in their management.

Method:
PubMed searches using different keywords and an investigation into the issues and complications etiology were conducted. Detailed guidelines for their management are provided.

Results:
The literature provides a few reports of severe adverse reactions to ScCLs. The most common issues, unique to ScCL wear, have been described. Likewise, other anomalies in ScCL fitting may affect patient satisfaction and lead to drop out, promoting eye surgery or dramatic psychological effects. The management of these issues and complications may be also frustrating for clinicians who will, in turn, rarely, or not at all, prescribe them.

Conclusion:
Scleral contact lenses intimidate practitioners because of their large diameter and the lack of knowledge in regard to the fitting process but especially because of the challenging management of issues and complications that may occur relating to the lens fitting relationship with the underlying ocular surface. A detailed description of the etiology and management of these anomalies will allow practitioners to gain more confidence in fitting ScCLs and prescribe them more often. Patients are the primary beneficiaries from wearing these large rigid lenses; ScCLs represent a life-changing event for many patients.
Stabilization Time of Anterior Segment Parameters After Trabeculectomy Surgery
Authors: Simsek Mert , Elgin Ufuk , Uzel Mehmet Murat , Sen Emine , Yilmazbas Pelin 
Published: June 2018

Objectives:
To investigate the postoperative changes in the anterior segment parameters by Scheimpflug imaging method in patients undergoing trabeculectomy surgery.

Methods:
This prospective study included 38 phakic eyes of 38 patients with primary open-angle glaucoma who underwent trabeculectomy. Anterior chamber angle (ACA), anterior chamber depth (ACD), anterior chamber volume (ACV), and central corneal thickness (CCT) of the eyes were measured by performing Scheimpflug imaging in preoperative (baseline) and postoperative periods (1st week and 1st, 3rd, and 6th months after the surgery).

Results:
Significant differences were observed in all the anterior segment parameters during the postoperative period (P<0.001 for ACA, ACD, and CCT; P=0.001 for ACV). Compared with preoperative values, ACA, ACD, and ACV values decreased and CCT value increased in the 1st postoperative week (P<0.001 for all the parameters). Compared with the 1st postoperative-week values, ACA, ACD, and ACV values significantly increased and CCT value significantly decreased in the 1st postoperative month (P=0.002 for ACV; P<0.001 for ACA, ACD, and CCT). However, no significant differences were observed between the baseline and 1st postoperative-month values (P>0.05 for all the parameters). Moreover, the changes in the anterior segment parameters were not statistically significant after the 1st postoperative month.

Conclusions:
Our results showed that the changes in the anterior segment parameters observed in the early postoperative period after trabeculectomy returned to their baseline values after approximately 1 month after the surgery and remained stable thereafter.
Concussion Rates Differ by Practice Type and Equipment Worn in an Autonomy Five Collegiate Football Conference
Authors: Wasserman Erin B. , Coberley Mark , Anderson Scott , Grant Murphy , Hardin James Allen 
Published: June 2018

Objective:
Evaluate the rate of concussions across Big 12 Conference football programs based on (1) equipment worn, (2) contact level, (3) preseason practice versus in-season practice versus games, and (4) mechanism of injury for concussion.

Design:
Descriptive epidemiology study.

Setting:
Big 12 Conference football practices and competitions.

Patients (or Participants):
Big 12 Conference football teams.

Assessment of Risk Factors:
All Big 12 Conference institutions collected data on practice types, equipment worn, practice and game participation, and concussions during the fall, preseasons and regular seasons, from 2013 to 2016.

Main Outcome Measures:
Injury rates and injury rate ratios were reported with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results:
From 2013 to 2016, there were 375 concussions reported [0.98/1000 athlete exposures (AEs) (95% CI, 0.88-1.08)], an average of approximately 9 concussions per team per year. Concussion rates were highest in games (5.73/1000 AE), but among practices, concussion rates were highest in full-pad (1.18/1000 AEs) and live-contact (1.28/1000 AEs) practices. Concussion rates increased with increasing contact and equipment worn. Concussion rates were higher in the preseason than in the regular season, even when stratifying by contact level and equipment worn.

Conclusions:
Practice concussion rates are highest during fully padded and live-contact practices, supporting limitations on practice contact and equipment worn to reduce the risk associated with head-impact exposure. Higher concussion rates in the preseason and during games indicate an effect of play intensity on concussion risk, and further research is needed to evaluate the direct effect of practice contact level and equipment guidelines and restrictions on concussion incidence.
Novel Factors Associated With Analgesic and Anti-inflammatory Medication Use in Distance Runners: Pre-race Screening Among 76 654 Race Entrants—SAFER Study VI
Authors: Rotunno Adrian , Schwellnus Martin P. , Swanevelder Sonja , Jordaan Esme , Janse Van Rensburg Dina C. , Derman Wayne 
Published: June 2018

Objective:
Analgesic/anti-inflammatory medication (AAIM) increases the risk of medical complications during endurance races. We determined how many runners use AAIM before or during races, AAIM types, and factors associated with AAIM use.

Design:
Cross-sectional study.

Setting:
21.1-km and 56-km races.

Participants:
Seventy-six thousand six hundred fifty-four race entrants.

Methods:
Participants completed pre-race medical screening questions on AAIM use, running injury or exercise-associated muscle cramping (EAMC) history, and general medical history.

Main Outcome Measures:
Analgesic/anti-inflammatory medication use, types of AAIM (% runners; 95% confidence interval), and factors associated with AAIM use (sex, age, race distance, history of running injury or EAMC, and history of chronic diseases) [prevalence ratio (PR)].

Results:
Overall, 12.2% (12.0-12.5) runners used AAIM 1 week before and/or during races (56 km = 18.6%; 18.0-19.1, 21.1 km = 8.3%; 8.1-8.6) (P < 0.0001). During races, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (5.3%; 5.1-5.5) and paracetamol (2.6%; 2.4-2.7) were used mostly. Independent factors (adjusted PR for sex, age, and race distance; P < 0.0001) associated with AAIM use were running injury (2.7; 2.6-2.9), EAMC (2.0; 1.9-2.1), cardiovascular disease (CVD) symptoms (2.1; 1.8-2.4), known CVD (1.7; 1.5-1.9), CVD risk factors (1.6; 1.5-1.6), allergies (1.6; 1.5-1.7), cancer (1.3; 1.1-1.5), and respiratory (1.7; 1.6-1.8), gastrointestinal (2.0; 1.9-2.2), nervous system (1.9; 1.7-2.1), kidney/bladder (1.8; 1.6-2.0), endocrine (1.5; 1.4-1.7), and hematological/immune (1.5; 1.2-1.8) diseases.

Conclusions:
12.2% runners use AAIM before and/or during races, mostly NSAIDs. Factors (independent of sex, age, and race distance) associated with AAIM use were history of injuries, EAMC, and numerous chronic diseases. We suggest a pre-race screening and educational program to reduce AAIM use in endurance athletes to promote safer races.
Sorafenib for Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Leathers James S. , Balderramo Domingo , Prieto John , Diehl Fernando , Gonzalez-Ballerga Esteban , Ferreiro Melina R. , Carrera Enrique , Barreyro Fernando , Diaz-Ferrer Javier , Singh Dupinder , Mattos Angelo Z. , Carrilho Flair , Debes Jose D. 
Published: June 2018

Goals:
We aim to describe the efficacy, safety profile, and variables associated with survival in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treated with sorafenib in South America.

Background:
Sorafenib has been shown to improve survival in patients with advanced HCC. There are few data on sorafenib use for HCC in South America.

Study:
We performed a retrospective analysis of HCC cases treated with sorafenib from 8 medical centers in 5 South American countries, between January 2010 and June 2017. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS), which was defined as time from sorafenib initiation to death or last follow-up. Risk factors for decreased OS were assessed using Cox proportional hazard regression and log-rank tests.

Results:
Of 1336 evaluated patients, 127 were treated with sorafenib and were included in the study. The median age of individuals was 65 years (interquartile range, 55 to 71) and 70% were male individuals. Median OS in all patients was 8 months (interquartile range, 2 to 17). Variables associated with survival on multivariate analysis were platelets >/<250,000 mm3 (2 vs. 8 mo, P=0.01) and Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage (A/B, 13 vs. C/D, 6 mo; P=0.04). In a subanalysis of patients with BCLC stage C, platelets >/<250,000 mm3 were also independently associated with survival (2 vs. 5.5 mo, P=0.03). Patients lived longer if they experienced any side effects from sorafenib use (11 vs. 2 mo, P=0.009). Patients who stopped sorafenib because of side effects had shorter survival compared with patients who were able to tolerate side effects and continue treatment (7.5 vs. 13 mo, P=0.01).

Conclusions:
Pretreatment elevation of platelets and advanced BCLC stage were independently associated with poor survival on sorafenib in a South American cohort.
Polyethylene Glycol Maintenance Treatment for Childhood Functional Constipation
Authors: Modin Line , Walsted Anne Mette , Dalby Kasper , Jakobsen Marianne Skytte 
Published: June 2018

ABSTRACTObjective:The aim of this study was to investigate the long‐term efficacy of polyethylene glycol (PEG) during maintenance treatment of childhood functional constipation (FC) in a randomized, double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled trial.Methods:Children (2–16 years) with FC according to the Rome III criteria were randomly assigned to maintenance treatment with PEG or placebo for 24 weeks. Children reporting treatment failure before 24 weeks were switched to conventional treatment. Primary outcome was successful treatment, defined as absence of any Rome III criteria with or without use of medication after 24 weeks.Results:A total of 102 children were included: PEG/placebo: 49/53. At 24 weeks, significantly more patients in the PEG group, compared to the placebo group, were successfully treated (33 [67%] vs 19 [36%] hazard ratio (95% confidence intervals) = 3.21 [1.73–5.94]). Significantly fewer children in the PEG group switched to rescue medication (2 [4%] vs 30 [57%], P < 0.001). Time before the change to rescue medication was 13 and 27 days, respectively, for each of the 2 children in the PEG group who required rescue medication. Median time to shift to rescue medication was 27 days (range: 3–64 days) in the placebo group. At 24 weeks after initiation of treatment, 33 children (67%) in the PEG group were successfully treated, compared to 19 children (32%) in the placebo group (hazard ratio (95% confidence intervals) = 3.21 [1.73–5.94]). No serious adverse event related to use of the medication was registered.Conclusions:Maintenance treatment with PEG is significantly more effective than placebo in preventing relapse of constipation symptoms during long‐term maintenance treatment in childhood FC. We therefore recommend that maintenance treatment commence after disimpaction.
Evaluation of Epicardial Fat Thickness in Young Patients With Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source
Authors: Gürdal Ahmet , Keskin Kudret , Orken Dilek N. , Baran Gözde , Kiliçkesmez Kadriye 
Published: June 2018

Objectives:
Epicardial adipose tissue is metabolically active and is an important predictor of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. This study investigated the echocardiographic epicardial adipose tissue measurement in young patients with embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS).

Materials and Methods:
We studied 77 volunteers, including 40 patients with ESUS (mean age 43±8 y, 16 female patients) and 37 healthy subjects (mean age 38±7 y, 20 female subjects). All necessary biochemical parameters were analyzed, and epicardial fat thickness (EFT) was measured by echocardiography in all subjects. Additional related diagnostic work-up was conducted in each patient, according to the patients’ clinical presentation.

Results:
The patients with ESUS had a significantly higher EFT than the control group (5.51±0.82 vs. 3.96±0.51; P<0.01). Furthermore, there was a positive correlation between EFT and serum C-reactive protein levels (r=0.284; P<0.05). As an optimal cut-off point, a high-risk EFT value of 4.6 mm was determined to predict ESUS, with an 87.5% sensitivity and an 81.1% specificity.

Conclusion:
We found that echocardiographic EFT was significantly higher in young patients with ESUS than in healthy individuals. Increased EFT might be a novel risk factor in these patients
Acute Right Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion Resulting in Acute Systolic Heart Failure, Cerebral T-Waves, and QTc Prolongation
Authors: Blech Benzion , O’Carroll Cumara 
Published: June 2018

Introduction:
Acute cerebral injuries, such as cerebral ischemic or hemorrhagic events, have been repeatedly correlated with sudden electrocardiogram (ECG) changes, such as cardiac arrhythmias, QT prolongation, and T-wave inversion (the “cerebral T-wave”). Injuries to the insular cortex have been reported in the literature to result in such changes, possibly due to increased sympathetic tone to the cardiac system.

Case Report:
A 65-year-old gentleman presented with an acute right middle cerebral artery territory infarction, and was found to have ECG abnormalities and left ventricular dysfunction, which improved after the acute phase of the stroke.

Conclusions:
Acute ischemic infarcts, particularly to the right insular cortex, can result in ECG abnormalities, such as QT prolongation and T-wave inversion, as well as acute systolic heart failure; all of which may be reversible after the acute phase of the stroke.
Therapy With Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Parkinson Disease
Authors: Mendes Filho Daniel , Ribeiro Patrícia d.C. , Oliveira Lucas F. , de Paula Diógenes R.M. , Capuano Vanessa , de Assunção Thaís S.F. , da Silva Valdo J.D. 
Published: June 2018

Background:
Parkinson disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder affecting the basal nuclei, causing motor and cognitive disorders. Bearing in mind that standard treatments are ineffective in delaying the disease progression, alternative treatments capable of eliminating symptoms and reversing the clinical condition have been sought. Possible alternative treatments include cell therapy, especially with the use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC).

Review Summary:
MSC are adult stem cells which have demonstrated remarkable therapeutic power in parkinsonian animals due to their differentiation competence, migratory capacity and the production of bioactive molecules. This review aims to analyze the main studies involving MSC and PD in more than a decade of studies, addressing their different methodologies and common characteristics, as well as suggesting perspectives on the application of MSC in PD.

Conclusions:
The results of MSC therapy in animal models and some clinical trials suggest that such cellular therapy may slow the progression of PD and promote neuroregeneration. However, further research is needed to address the limitations of an eventual clinical application.