bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Communication between the researcher and the researched. Designing an application based study regarding effects of air pollution on ocular surface diseases
Authors: Czak W. , Nowakowski J. , Mulak M. , Łaba A. , Misiuk‐Hojło M. 
Published: September 2016

PurposeTo inform application users about current air pollution and their ocular surface state. To gather data concerning correlation between air pollution and ocular surface diseases.MethodsAirPoll is a mobile application that serves as a gateway to a nation‐wide air pollution study. We designed it using Apple's Research Kit – an open source software framework for medical researchers. After all the permissions are granted and consent form is signed digitally, the application uses phone's Global Positioning System to determine user's location and then connects to the server of US Environmental Protection Agency to determine the level of various air pollutants. The built in questionnaire module allows us to gather data related to user's health, including past medical history and OSDI Dry Eye questionnaire. To raise user's engagement in the study and provide an information feedback, every user has access to his or her data presented in an easy to understand manner. Both current pollutants in the user's location and his approximate health state are displayed in a simple graph form.ResultsData concerning current air pollutants levels basing on geolocation of the application user (including particulate matter with a mean aerodynamic diameter of 2.5 μm and 10 μm, ozone, sulfur oxides and volatile organic compounds) and results concerning ocular surface obtained using OSDI Dry Eye questionnaire.ConclusionsThis innovative approach to sharing information in medical research not only raises user's involvement in the study, but also fulfils an educational purpose.
Nanophthalmos clinical features and specific outcome
Authors: Bremond‐Gignac D. 
Published: September 2016

SummaryNanophthalmos is a rare genetic eye disease. Anterior and posterior segment of the eyeball are significantly reduced without major structural anomaly. Otherwise than in microphthalmia, the eye is functional, visually functional with an extreme farsightedness or hyperopia. The high hyperopia is usually the first sign detected. In nanophthalmos, ultrasound shows markedly reduced axial lengths. They also present thickening of scleral tissues with fibronectin level. Although they may suffer problems associated with the extreme small size. An increased risk of glaucoma especially by closure angle may be observed. Uveal effusion represents the major complication and ocular surgery should be avoided as far as possible. Complications may lead to amblyopic vision loss. These seem secondary to the actual disease state, which may be viewed as one extreme on the spectrum of refractive errors. Nanophthalmic patients in infancy present a relatively good visual acuity but the pathology may lead to severe visual impairment.
Specificities of corneal infectious diseases in children
Authors: Bremond‐Gignac D. 
Published: September 2016

SummaryInfectious keratitis in children is not common but can cause a severe visual impairment if late diagnosed with delayed treatment established or with weak efficacy. Corneal infections in children can affect subjects of all ages with a high frequency in newborns and infants. In infant, children and teenagers the most common ocular pathogens, that differ from the adult, are Haemophilus Influenzae, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumonia and also Moraxella species. These infections infections could lead to ulcers and sight‐threatening complications. In children corneal infections can be difficult to diagnose because the pathology can develop without pain. In addition, the examination may be difficult to perform. Identification of the pathogen must be performed as far as possible. The treatment should be provided earlier and aims to eliminate the bacteria, virus or fungus pathogens. Specific epidemiology of pathogens will be detailed according to age. Risks of visual impairment and amblyopia must be integrated. An update on topical antibiotics and current options will be reviewed with practical aspects, diverse clinical cases and considering quality of life of children and parents.
Topical cyclosporine‐A in dry eye associated with chronic graft versus host disease
Authors: Atilla H. 
Published: September 2016

SummaryGraft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) is a major complication of bone marrow transplantation and seen in 50–70% of cases. It is a complex clinical disease with many organ and system involvement. Acute form is seen in the first 3 months after transplantation, mainly as hepatitis and chronic form is mostly seen after acute GVHD. Ocular manifestations can be classifed as anterior and posterior findings but dry eye syndrome is the most frequent ocular finding and seen in 40–90% of patients with chronic GVHD. Corneal vascularization, keratitis and perforation can be seen. Topical cyclosporine‐A might be an effective and safe treatment option in dry eye related to chronic GVHD in combination with topical steroids, autologous serum, lubricant eye drops and ointments.
Trans‐scleral delivery of novel anti‐angiogenic small molecule inhibitors of SRPK1
Authors: Batson J. , Toop H.D. , Allen C. , Rowlinson J. , Babaei‐Jadidi R. , Gibbons B. , Zhang J. , Wearmouth S.F. , Knapp S. , Morris J.C. , Bates D.O. 
Published: September 2016

PurposeDevelopment of non‐invasive, novel therapies for wet age‐related macular degeneration (wAMD) and diabetic macular oedema (DME) is hindered by insufficient delivery to the retina. SRPK1 is a novel target that regulates VEGF‐A splicing. We used a rational medicinal chemistry approach to specifically design novel inhibitors with properties required for trans‐scleral delivery.MethodsFreshly enucleated porcine eyes were dissected, and eye tissue was clamped into a scaffold with inhibitors in the upper chamber facing the sclera. Tissue was dissected at 24 h and compound measured by mass spectrometry. Compounds were screened based on structure, potency, selectivity, molecular weight, cLogP and SAR to inform further development. Efficacy and PK were evaluated in vivo in C57/Bl6 mice. New Zealand White rabbits received 3× daily eye drop for 6 days then eyes were dissected, compounds analysed by mass spectrometry.ResultsPotent SRPK1 inhibitors had improved permeability ex vivo compared to pazopanib (SPHINX‐A 1.47 × 10−6 cm/s, Pazopanib 0.07 × 10−6 cm/s p < 0.0005). Modifications of the R1 and R2 domains, based on crystal structure analysis, led to enhanced permeability (SPHINX‐B 3.46 cm/s*10−6). Permeability did not correlate with molecular weight or cLogP but could be affected by additional parameters such as melanin binding. SPHINX‐A was detected at 0.008% of the total applied dose (84 μg) and above its target IC50 value in rabbit eyes. SRPK1 inhibitor eye drops inhibited laser‐CNV (EC50s < 0.5 μM, n = 6–8, p < 0.05, One‐way ANOVA).ConclusionsWith increased specificity, potency and trans‐scleral permeability, novel SRPK1 inhibitors have potential to reach therapeutic levels in posterior eye segments following eye drop administration and improve treatment for patients with wAMD and DME.
Static and dynamic retinal vessel analyses in patients with stroke as compared to healthy control subjects
Authors: De Boever P. , Palkovits S. , Pertl L. , Fazekas F. , Kneihsl M. , Trozic I. , Goswami N. , Weger M. 
Published: September 2016

PurposeThe retinal microcirculatory bed shares anatomical and physiological characteristics with the cerebral circulation. Static and dynamic changes in the retinal blood vessels can mirror cardio‐ and cerebrovascular events. The aim of the study was to underpin the relevance of retinal analysis for stroke research.Methods18 stroke patients and 16 age‐matched healthy control subjects were included in the present study. Retinal image acquisition was done with a Zeiss fundus camera FF 450plus. Static vessel analysis was done using IFLEXIS software provided by VITO (www.iflexis.com). Retinal vessel dimensions and geometric dimensions were determined. A retinal arteriole and a retinal venule were examined before and after flicker light stimulation for 60 sec. Flicker response, the relative change of vessel diameter due to flicker light stimulation, was calculated using Dynamic Vessel Analysis by imedos (www.imedos.de).ResultsCentral Retinal Arterial Equivalent (CRAE) was significant smaller in stroke patients when compared to the control group, whereas Central Retinal Venular Equivalent (CRVE) was comparable between the groups. Arteriovenous ratio (AVR) was significantly smaller in the stroke group. The analysis further showed significantly smaller daughter arteriolar branches and larger venular branch angles in stroke patients. Dynamic vessel analysis found reduced arteriolar diameters in stroke patients. Response to flicker light was smaller in stroke patients but this difference did not reach level of significance.ConclusionsOur pilot study indicates that retinal analysis is a non‐invasive and convenient tool that is relevant to study microvascular changes in stroke patients The importance of retinal changes as a risk factor for stroke or for patient stratification is now being addressed in follow‐up studies.
Manufacturing of an ocular prosthesis based on the 3D printed anophthalmic socket
Authors: Ruiters S. , Sun Y. , De Jong S. , Politis C. , Mombaerts I. 
Published: September 2016

PurposeIn anophthalmos, the ideal ocular prosthesis restores the facial appearance and eye motility, and is comfortable to wear. This can best be achieved with a bespoke prosthesis. The initial step usually involves injection of dental impression material to obtain a mould of the anophthalmic socket. However, the socket impression method distorts the soft tissues, so that additional alterations to the prosthesis are required via the trial and error method. Developing an impression‐free method of the anophthalmic socket.MethodsA cone‐beam CT of the anophthalmic orbit is taken, and with computer‐aided design and computer‐aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) the anophthalmic socket is printed three dimensionally (3D). The 3D‐printed socket is subsequently used as a trial working prosthesis in the conventional way.ResultsWith this novel technique, a prosthesis was successfully fitted in a 68‐year‐old male who had undergone a recent evisceration.ConclusionsComputer‐aided design and 3D printing can accurately outline the anophthalmic cavity. Validating the impression‐free moulding technique is subjected to further studies.
Systematic review of patient preference and adherence to the correct use of graduated compression stockings to prevent deep vein thrombosis in surgical patients
Authors: Wade Ros , Paton Fiona , Woolacott Nerys 
Published: September 2016

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to explore patient preference and adherence to thigh and knee length graduated compression stockings for the prevention of deep vein thrombosis in surgical patients.BackgroundHospitalised patients are at risk of developing deep vein thrombosis. Mechanical methods of prophylaxis include compression stockings, available as knee or thigh length. Patient adherence to correct stocking use is of critical importance to their effectiveness.DesignSystematic review of quantitative evidence.Data sourcesEleven databases were searched from inception to 2013 for systematic reviews of compression stockings. Reviews were screened for relevant primary studies and update searches of eight electronic sources were undertaken (2010–2014).Review methodsRandomised controlled trials and observational studies of surgical patients using compression stockings were quality assessed and data were extracted on patient adherence and preference. A narrative summary is presented.ResultsNine randomised controlled trials and seven observational studies were included in the systematic review. There was substantial variation between studies in terms of patient characteristics, interventions and methods of outcome assessment.ConclusionPatient adherence was generally higher with knee length than thigh length stockings. However, the studies reflect patient adherence in a hospital setting only, where patients are observed by healthcare professionals; it is likely that adherence reduces once patients have been discharged from hospital. Patients preferred knee length stockings over thigh length stockings. In many clinical settings, any difference in efficacy between thigh length and knee length stockings may be rendered irrelevant by patient preference for and likely better adherence to knee length stockings.
Understanding Special Olympics Experiences from the Athlete Perspectives Using Photo‐Elicitation: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Weiss Jonathan A. , Burnham Riosa Priscilla , Robinson Suzanne , Ryan Stephanie , Tint Ami , Viecili Michelle , MacMullin Jennifer A. , Shine Rebecca 
Published: September 2016

BackgroundMany individuals with intellectual disabilities experience challenges to participating in organized sport, despite its known benefits. The aim of this qualitative study was to understand the experiences of participating in sport (Special Olympics) from the perspectives of athletes with intellectual disabilities.MethodsFive participants (13‐33 years of age) took part in a photo‐elicitation project during a 1‐month period.ResultsOur thematic analysis of participant photographs and descriptions revealed the following athlete themes: ‘Connectedness’ and ‘Training in Sport’.ConclusionPhoto‐elicitation was a useful and important tool in assisting athlete participants to communicate their motivations to participate in sport in ways that using traditional verbal interviewing would not.
Content Validity and Psychometric Characteristics of the “Knowledge about Older Patients Quiz” for Nurses Using Item Response Theory
Authors: Dikken Jeroen , Hoogerduijn Jita G. , Kruitwagen Cas , Schuurmans Marieke J. 
Published: September 2016

ObjectivesTo assess the content validity and psychometric characteristics of the Knowledge about Older Patients Quiz (KOP‐Q), which measures nurses' knowledge regarding older hospitalized adults and their certainty regarding this knowledge.DesignCross‐sectional.SettingContent validity: general hospitals. Psychometric characteristics: nursing school and general hospitals in the Netherlands.ParticipantsContent validity: 12 nurse specialists in geriatrics. Psychometric characteristics: 107 first‐year and 78 final‐year bachelor of nursing students, 148 registered nurses, and 20 nurse specialists in geriatrics.MeasurementsContent validity: The nurse specialists rated each item of the initial KOP‐Q (52 items) on relevance. Ratings were used to calculate Item‐Content Validity Index and average Scale‐Content Validity Index (S‐CVI/ave) scores. Items with insufficient content validity were removed. Psychometric characteristics: Ratings of students, nurses, and nurse specialists were used to test for different item functioning (DIF) and unidimensionality before item characteristics (discrimination and difficulty) were examined using Item Response Theory. Finally, norm references were calculated and nomological validity was assessed.ResultsContent validity: Forty‐three items remained after assessing content validity (S‐CVI/ave = 0.90). Psychometric characteristics: Of the 43 items, two demonstrating ceiling effects and 11 distorting ability estimates (DIF) were subsequently excluded. Item characteristics were assessed for the remaining 30 items, all of which demonstrated good discrimination and difficulty parameters. Knowledge was positively correlated with certainty about this knowledge.ConclusionThe final 30‐item KOP‐Q is a valid, psychometrically sound, comprehensive instrument that can be used to assess the knowledge of nursing students, hospital nurses, and nurse specialists in geriatrics regarding older hospitalized adults. It can identify knowledge and certainty deficits for research purposes or serve as a tool in educational or quality improvement programs.
Age‐dependent alterations to paraventricular nucleus insulin‐like growth factor 1 receptor as a possible link between sympathoexcitation and inflammation
Authors: Ogundele Olalekan M. , Lee Charles C. , Francis Joseph 
Published: September 2016

AbstractModifications to neural circuits of the paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus (PVN) have been implicated in sympathoexcitation and systemic cardiovascular dysfunction. However, to date, the role of insulin‐like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF‐1R) expression on PVN pathophysiology is unknown. Using confocal immunofluorescence quantification and electrophysiological recordings from acute PVN slices, we investigated the mechanism through which age‐dependent IGF‐1R depletion contributes to the progression of inflammation and sympathoexcitation in the PVN of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Four and twenty weeks old SHR and Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats were used for this study. Our data showed that angiotensin I/II and pro‐inflammatory high mobility box group protein 1 (HMGB1) exhibited increased expression in the PVN of SHR versus WKY at 4 weeks (p < 0.01), and were even more highly expressed with age in SHR (p < 0.001). This correlated with a significant decrease in IGF‐1R expression, with age, in the PVN of SHR when compared with WKY (p < 0.001) and were accompanied by related changes in astrocytes and microglia. In subsequent analyses, we found an age‐dependent change in the expression of proteins associated with IGF‐1R signaling pathways involved in inflammatory responses and synaptic function in the PVN. MAPK/ErK was more highly expressed in the PVN of SHR by the fourth week (p < 0.001; vs. WKY), while expression of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (p < 0.001) and calcium‐calmodulin‐dependent kinase II alpha (CamKIIα; p < 0.001) were significantly decreased by the 4th and 20th week, respectively. Age‐dependent changes in MAPK/ErK expression in the PVN correlated with an increase in the expression of vesicular glutamate transporter (p < 0.001 vs. WKY), while decreased levels of CamKIIα was associated with a decreased expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (p < 0.001) by the 20th week. In addition, reduced labeling for ϒ‐aminobutyric acid in the PVN of SHR (p < 0.001) correlated with a decrease in neuronal nitric oxide synthase labeling (p < 0.001) when compared with the WKY by the 20th week. Electrophysiological recordings from neurons in acute slice preparations of the PVN of 4 weeks old SHR revealed spontaneous post‐synaptic currents of higher frequency when compared with neurons from WKY PNV slices of the same age (p < 0.001; n = 14 cells). This also correlated with an increase in PSD‐95 in the PVN of SHR when compared with the WKY (p < 0.001). Overall, we found an age‐dependent reduction of IGF‐1R, and related altered expression of associated downstream signaling molecules that may represent a link between the concurrent progression of synaptic dysfunction and inflammation in the PVN of SHR.
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A combined intervention of art therapy and clown visits to reduce preoperative anxiety in children
Authors: Dionigi Alberto , Gremigni Paola 
Published: September 2016

Aims and objectivesTo test whether a combined intervention of art therapy and clown visits could enhance the efficacy of oral medication in reducing children's anxiety at parental separation prior to induction of anaesthesia.BackgroundApproximately 50% of children undergoing surgery report high anxiety at anaesthesia induction. Complementary therapies have been used to decrease children's anxiety, but no study has evaluated the efficacy of a combination of such therapies.DesignThis is an observational study, which involved allocating different interventions to two groups and measuring their anxiety at two time points.MethodsThis study assigned 78 children (aged 3–11 years) undergoing general anaesthesia for surgery to two conditions. The control group underwent general anaesthesia following standard practice, and the intervention group received an intervention of integrated art therapy and clown visits upon their arrival at the hospital and throughout their time in the preoperating room. Each child in both groups received 0·5 mg/kg oral midazolam 30 minutes before surgery and had a parent present throughout their time in the preoperating room. Each child's anxiety was evaluated twice using the Modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale: at baseline and at separation from parents. Repeated measures anova was used to test for differences between the time points and the two groups.ResultsChildren in the intervention group showed a significant (p < 0·001) reduction in Modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale scores at parental separation compared to those in the control group. Additionally, the majority of parents and nurses evaluated the intervention to be effective for reducing children's anxiety.ConclusionsThis study found that an intervention based on art therapy and clown visits enhanced the effect of midazolam in reducing children's anxiety at preoperative separation from parents.Relevance to clinical practicePaediatric staffs may consider using such a combination of strategies in preparing children for anaesthesia induction.
The effect of clamping the indwelling urinary catheter before removal in cervical cancer patients after radical hysterectomy
Authors: Gong Yao , Zhao Ling , Wang Lin , Wang Fulan 
Published: September 2016

Aims and objectivesTo determine the effect of clamping the indwelling urinary catheter before its removal on bladder reconditioning in patients with cervical cancer after radical hysterectomy.BackgroundIt is suggested that indwelling urinary catheters should be clamped intermittently to fill the bladder and restore bladder function before removal. However, indwelling urinary catheter clamping showed no effect on bladder reconditioning according to some clinical studies.DesignRandomised controlled study.MethodsA total of 210 patients with cervical cancer after type C radical hysterectomy were randomised on 1:2 into two groups. In the clamping group, indwelling urinary catheters were clamped intermittently for 48 hours before removal based on a bladder‐training sheet, while in the control group, the indwelling urinary catheters were removed without clamping. The primary outcome of the study was the rate of recatheterisation. The secondary outcomes included residual urine volume 24 hours after removal, incidence of urinary tract infection and duration of recatheterisation.ResultsSeventy patients were assigned to the clamping group and 128 to the control group with paralleled baseline characteristics. The days of the primary catheterisation (13·20 ± 0·79 vs. 13·38 ± 1·04) and the incidence of urinary tract infection (22·9% vs. 20·3%) had no significant differences between the two groups. Ten patients in the clamping group and 19 in the control group underwent recatheterisation, the incidence of which showed no significant difference (14·3% vs. 14·8%). The days of recatheterisation were not statistically different between the two groups (11·40 ± 6·75 vs. 9·42 ± 5·23). However, the residual urine volume 24 hours after removal was higher in the clamping group than that in the control group.ConclusionsBladder recondition through indwelling urinary catheter clamping may not restore bladder function in patients after radical hysterectomy.Relevance to clinical practiceAs indwelling urinary catheter clamping may increase the residual urine volume after indwelling urinary catheter removal and lead to an increased nursing workload, it should not be recommended in patients with cervical cancer postoperatively.