bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of Rapamycin on the Epithelial-to-mesenchymal Transition of Human Peritoneal Mesothelial Cells
Authors: Aguilera A. , Aroeira L.S. , Ramírez-Huesca M. , Pérez-Lozano M.L. , Cirugeda A. , Bajo M.A. , Del Peso G. , Valenzuela-Fernández A. , Sánchez-Tomero J.A. , López-Cabrera M. , Selgas R. 
Published: January 2018

The preservation of the peritoneal membrane is crucial for long-term survival in peritoneal dialysis. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a process demonstrated in mesothelial cells (MC), responsible for negative peritoneal changes and directly related to PD. EMT enables neovascularization and fibrogenic capabilities in MC. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is the mediator for neo-vascularization. Rapamycin is a potent immunosuppressor with antifibrotic action in renal allografts and has a demonstrated anti-VEGF effect. We performed this study with the hypothesis that rapamycin may regulate the EMT of MC. MC from human omentum were cultured. When mesothelial cells reached confluence, some of them were stimulated with r-TGF-ß (1 ng/mL) to induce EMT, co-administered with rapamycin (0.2, 2, 4, 20 and 40 nM). Other groups of cells received similar doses of rapamycin or r-TGF-ß, separately. Cells were analyzed at 6, 24, 48 hours and 7 days. As markers of EMT we included α-SMA, E-cadherin and snail nuclear factor by quantitative RT-PCR. EMT markers and regulators demonstrated the following changes with rapamycin: E-cadherin (a protective gene for EMT) increased 2.5-fold relative to controls under 40 nM, at 24h. Importantly, rapamycin inhibited snail expression induced by TGF-ß at 6h, whereas TGF-ß increased snail 10fold. At day 7, rapamycin showed no anti-EMT properties. An important decrease in α-SMA expression by MC after rapamycin addition was observed. In conclusion, rapamycin shows a mild protective effect on EMT, as it increases E-cadherin and decreases α-SMA expression. Consequently, rapamycin might partially regulate the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition of mesothelial cells.
Clinical Behavior of Implant Infections Due to Staphylococcus Epidermidis
Authors: Presterl E. , Lassnigg A. , Parschalk B. , Yassin F. , Adametz H. , Graninger W. 
Published: January 2018

Surgical implants and other foreign material are increasingly used in modern medicine to restore or to improve the function of the human body. Infection of an implant is associated with considerable morbidity due to frequent hospitalizations, surgery and antimicrobial treatment. The underlying mechanism is the formation of a bacterial biofilm on the surface of the implanted body. The recognition and diagnosis of implant infections is essential for further therapy and, above all, the decision to remove and exchange the implant. Methods We compared the data of 60 patients with implant infections with those of 60 patients with transient bacteremia caused by Staphylococcus epidermidis. The pathogens isolated from blood were characterized with regard to antimicrobial susceptibility and formation of biofilms using a static microtiter plate model. Wild type skin isolates from non-hospitalized healthy volunteers served as control with regard to antimicrobial susceptibility and biofilm formation. Results Clinical signs and symptoms, underlying diseases and outcome were not different in either group. However, patients with implant infection had fever over a longer time (mean 12 days versus 3 days, respectively, p & 0.05) and more often positive blood cultures than patients with transient bacteremia (3.1 versus 1.2, p & 0.05). Thrombocytopenia was observed in patients with implant infections but not in patients with transient bacteremia (p & 0.05). Biofilms were formed in 86.4 % of the isolates in implant infection, in 88.8 % in transient bacteremia and in 76.9 % of the isolates from healthy volunteers (not significant). Multi-resistance to penicillin, oxacillin, erythromycin, clindamycin, ciprofloxacin and trimethoprim was more common in the hospital strains than in the wild type strains (75.6 % versus 48.7 %, p & 0.05). Conclusions The clinical features of implant infections are indistinguishable from those of transient bacteremia. Persisting fever and multiple blood culture yielding the growth of skin flora bacteria are strong indicators for infection of implanted material. Biofilm formation and antimicrobial multiresistance, as common in implant infection as in transient bacteremia, seem to be accessory factors in infections due to Staphylococcus epidermidis.
A Stimulation Unit for the Application of Mechanical Strain on Tissue Engineered Anulus Fibrosus Cells: A New System to Induce Extracellular Matrix Synthesis by Anulus Fibrosus Cells Dependent on Cyclic Mechanical Strain
Authors: Gokorsch S. , Weber C. , Wedler T. , Czermak P. 
Published: January 2018

A bioreactor system consisting of a multifunctional stimulation unit and common 6-well culture plate is introduced to activate extracellular matrix synthesis in intervertebral disc cells due to cyclic mechanical strain. The developed stimulation unit is sterilizable and reusable. It is viable for cultivation and mechanical stimulation of cartilage tissue and tissue engineered cell matrix constructs in combination with the common 6-well culture plate. The custom made device allows long-term cultivations in batch- or continuous operation mode. Manual handling and thereby the risk of contamination is reduced. Sampling, changing the medium, and addition of supplements are easily performed from the connected conditioning vessel. This bioreactor system enables stimulation of different samples independently during one run. For the work presented here anulus fibrosus cells from pigs were taken and immobilized in agarose to obtain three-dimensional cell matrix constructs. Over a period of 14 days the constructs were subjected to 10% compression under cyclic mechanical pressure with a frequency of 0.1 Hz. Afterwards the constructs were biochemically examined for hydroxyproline and sulphated glycosaminoglycanes. These proven constituents of extracellular matrix were found to be released depending on the applied compressive strain.
Resin-Based Dentin Restorative Materials under Accelerated Ageing: Bio-Functional Behavior
Authors: Mattioli-Belmonte M. , Natali D. , Tosi G. , Torricelli P. , Totaro I. , Zizzi A. , Fini M. , Sabbatini S. , Giavaresi G. , Biagini G. 
Published: January 2018

Object The aim of the present study was the evaluation of the effect of different polishing and finishing procedures on Filtek Z250 FZ ESPE restorative material. Particularly, the consequence of artificial aging (UV-irradiation) on this resin-based dental material was investigated determining also its outcome on cell behavior. Methods 96 specimens of restorative material were prepared using a light emitting diode curing unit and randomly divided into four finishing and polishing groups: (I) No treatment (FZ); (II) Identoflex rubbers (ID); (III) Enhance System (EN) and (IV) Sof-Lex Pop-on XT discs (SF). The surface morphology of native and artificially aged materials was assessed with Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). FTIR and biological (biocompatibility and bacterial adhesion) analyses were also performed. Results Among all, the ID procedure represented an acceptable compromise for efficiency of polymerization and biocompatibility both before and after artificial ageing. SF and EN techniques showed better interactions with the biological environment. Conclusion UV artificial ageing of the tested specimens has shown an acceleration of the surface degrading processes, favoring a possible decrease in the mechanical properties and the release of toxic free radicals. Finishing and polishing procedure seemed to affect the photodegrading pathways, even though no differences among the techniques were observed. As the cytotoxicity of materials undergoing accelerated aging is relevant, further improvement of dental restorative materials are required to limit the long-term biological damage.
Treatment of Acute Carbon Monoxide Poisoning with Extracorporeal Membrane Trioxygenation
Authors: Yin Lianghong , Cai Qide , Zhen Qiyi , Chen Zhanhua , Li Fuolan , Yan Petian , Feng Gui-juan , Hu Bo , Yu Meng , Liu Fanna , Guan Baozhang 
Published: January 2018

Objective To treat acute carbon monoxide poisoning (ACOP) with extracorporeal membrane trioxygenation (ECMO3), and to determine the efficacy and safety of ECMO3. Method Thirty-two New Zealand white rabbits were divided randomly into four groups including ECMO3 group (G1-ECMO3) oxygen treatment group (G2–FIO2), untreated ACOP group (G3-ACOP), and control group (G4-control). Rabbits in the first three groups were intraperitoneally injected with 99.99% CO at a dosage of 200 ml/kg, and those in the control group were treated with placebo. The dynamic changes in carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) concentration, blood oxygen saturation (SO2) level, base excess of blood (BE-B) as well as the vital signs of the rabbits were monitored. Results All the experimental rabbits had significantly higher levels of COHb (p = 0.000<0.05) than those in the control group after 30 min of CO injection with poisoning reactions. The respiration and heart rate of the rabbits in the ECMO3 group and FIO2 group were recovered to a level close to those of the rabbits in the control group by the end of the treatment, and they were significantly lower than those in the ACOP group (p = 0.000, <0.05). The COHb levels of rabbits in the G1–ECMO3 group were significantly lower than those in the G2-FIO2 and the G3-ACOP groups (F = 42.799, p = 0.000), and were similar to those in the control group. After 0.5 h of treatment, the SO2 and BE-B levels of rabbits in the G1-ECMO3 and the G2-FIO2 groups were higher than those in the G3-ACOP group (p<0.05, p = 0.000<0.05). Conclusions ECMO3 treatment effectively lowered the COHb levels, increased SO2 levels, and cured acid poisoning, making it a safe and promising ACOP treatment strategy.
The influence of evaluation in higher education
Authors: Fjellström Mona 
Published: January 2018

The increasingly ritualized and instrumental evaluation of higher education, initiated mainly from above, has resulted in little consideration of what is needed if evaluation is truly to support the development of higher education. Strategies for quality enhancement and accountability rarely consider the distinctive features of higher education development. This article describes the influence of an evaluation strategy that was locally initiated and deliberately involved stakeholders in the process. The evaluation was designed to support the development of an undergraduate medical education programme in Sweden. Based on experiences from the case, I argue that evaluations should, in the context of higher education, be made the responsibility of the teachers. Making the teachers responsible should develop both their ability to work with educational development and to a greater extent enable definitions of educational quality specific to education. The case describes an evaluation strategy that distinctly emanated from the need for knowledge by those who were responsible for the development of an undergraduate medical education programme in Sweden. The programme board established a dialogue with 10 of the stakeholders. The core aim was to learn more about the stakeholders’ expectations and views about the programme, but also to identify important areas for programme development. The dialogue with the stakeholders contributed to the creation of a qualified and nuanced development process and illuminated an evaluation process more associated with learning than quality enhancement. The commitment to cooperation, dialogue and enlightenment was, however, constantly threatened by a higher education culture that is increasingly characterized by productivity and efficiency.
Evaluating Capacity Development: What do We Really want to Know?
Authors: Kotvojs Fiona , Hurworth Rosalind 
Published: January 2018

Capacity development is core to the activities supported by most development assistance agencies. However, the development of capacity is rarely evaluated. Where it is evaluated, the quality of evaluations is usually poor. Furthermore, evaluations of capacity development programs have rarely met the utility standard. In particular, they seldom provide the types of information that intended users need. Consequently, where evaluations have been undertaken, it is difficult to identify the influence these have made on program implementation or capacity development policy. Patton (2002) suggests that for evaluations to be utilised, they need to answer questions that are of interest to intended users. Consequently, this article attempts to identify the types of questions intended users of evaluations of donor-funded capacity development programs want addressed. The article outlines the first stage of broader research that investigates a framework for evaluating capacity development initiatives. The research aimed to identify questions that intended users would want answered by an evaluation of capacity development. Findings presented in this article result from an analysis of 54 interviews held with a range of intended user groups. These groups include: donors (those responsible for the program, senior managers and internal evaluation specialists); those in the partner agency (partner government executive, counterparts 1 and managers); those working directly on the program (managers and advisers/consultants); and evaluators. This research found that there was one particular question each user group wanted evaluations of capacity development to answer. Beyond this, the broad questions user groups wanted answered and the focus of these varied. Finally, there appeared to be little relationship between questions users wanted answered and those generally used for capacity development evaluations, which are based on the criteria established by the Development Assistance Committee (DAC 1991).
Beta-Adrenergic Antagonists in the Treatment of Glaucoma
Authors: Gandolfi S.A. , Cimino L. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose Beta-blockers have been used since the late 1970's as ‘first-choice’ in the treatment for glaucoma. Since the introduction of new molecules in clinical routine, the current role of beta-blockers in glaucoma therapy has been rediscussed. In particular, concerns have been raised regarding their actual safety profile. Methods This review will focus on the latest advances on the efficacy and safety profiles of non-selective beta-blockers. Conclusions The data provided will help to trace a more appropriate role for beta-blockers in glaucoma therapy.
Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscope-Evoked Multifocal-ERG (SLO-m-ERG) by Using Short m-sequences
Authors: Rudolph G. , Kalpadakis P. , Bechmann M. , La Rocca G. , Hörmann C. , Berninger T. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To demonstrate the possibility of topographic mapping of retinal function under simultaneous control of fixation in humans, by scanning laser ophthalmoscope evoked multifocal electroretinography (SLO-m-ERG). Methods A confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscope was used as a stimulator and trigger unit to take m-ERGs. Short m-sequences based on a modified algorithm were used, with the advantage that each measurement cycle can be evaluated separately. We examined 78 normal subjects; in 62 a distortion factor of 1:1 was applied, and a factor of 1:4 in 16. Results The recorded amplitudes decreased with eccentricity, approximately following the decrease of retinal cone density. Amplitudes were higher in the central hexagonal element in the group with 1:4 distortion than in the group with the 1:1 distortion setting. Conclusions SLO-m-ERG is a reliable technique for topographic mapping of retinal function under simultaneous control of fixation
Valsalva Retinopathy Induced by Labour
Authors: Ladjimi A. , Zaouali S. , Messaoud R. , Ben Yahia S. , Attia S. , Jenzri S. , Khairallah M. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To describe a patient with Valsalva retinopathy induced by labour. Methods Case report. Results A 29-year-old woman at her second pregnancy complained of a sudden loss of vision in her left eye during spontaneous labour. Visual acuity was reduced to counting fingers. Funduscopy revealed a large pre-retinal hemorrhage at the macula in the left eye. Three weeks after delivery, the hematoma was treated with Nd:YAG laser. Two weeks after treatment, visual acuity was 20/20 and the premacular hemorrhage had resolved. Conclusions A rise in intra-abdominal pressure during labour may result in Valsalva retinopathy. Nd:YAG laser may be useful in treating such hemorrhage.
Management of Scleral Rupture during Retinal Detachment Surgery: A Case Report
Authors: Carpineto P. , Ciancaglini M. , Scaramucci S. , Nubile M. , Mastropasqua L. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose Rupture of the sclera occurring during retinal detachment surgery is generally associated with unfavourable anatomic and visual outcomes. Re-operation after a failed scleral buckle procedure and pre-existing scleral thinning are considered the main risk factors for scleral rupture. Case Report We describe the management and the favourable outcome of a case of scleral rupture in a 71-year-old woman during re-operation for retinal detachment. Conclusions We managed this case of scleral rupture in accordance with current indications concerning the anatomical recovery, by scleral suture and patch graft, restoring IOP by gas tamponade. The positive outcome was partly related to the prompt closure of the retinal hole which led to reattachment, and partly to favourable events such as the moderate intensity of vitreous hemorrhage and the lack of any more serious intraoperative and postoperative complications.
Immunological Effects of Allopurinol in the Treatment of Experimental Autoimmune Uveitis (EAU) after Onset of the Disease
Authors: Grus F.H. , Augustin A.J. , Loeffler K. , Lutz J. , Pfeiffer N. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose Allopurinol reduces oxidative tissue damage and exerts immunomodulating effects in the treatment of experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU). However, the mechanism of the immunologic pathway remains unclear. In previous studies, treatment was started at the time of immunization. Therefore, whether allopurinol prevents the onset of the disease (i.e., acts in a protective manner) is not known. Methods Sixteen male Lewis rats were used: 6 EAU without therapy [control]; 4 EAU with allopurinol treatment starting 7 days after immunization [AL7]; and 6 EAU with allopurinol treatment starting 11 days after immunization [AL11]. Their sera were tested against Western blots of sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of retinal proteins. Based on digital image analysis, analysis of discriminance was done. Results There were significant immunomodulating effects in both therapy groups (Wilks' lambda 0.001, P<0.008) compared to controls. However, the effects were more pronounced in the AL7 group, where peak intensities and the number of peaks were markedly more reduced. Conclusions Immunomodulating effects of allopurinol can be detected even if the therapy starts after the onset of the disease. Thus allopurinol strongly influences the immunologic mechanism in this model of autoimmune disease. In view of its minimal side effects, the drug could be a promising alternative for the therapy and prophylaxis of uveitis and other autoimmune diseases.
Organized Vitreous Hemorrhage Masquerading as an Optic Disc Melanocytoma
Authors: Puri P. , Prasad S. , Rennie I.G. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To present a case of organized vitreous hemorrhage masquerading an optic disc melanocytoma. Discussion Optic nerve head melanocytoma is a benign slightly pigmented lesion arising from the edge of the disc presenting with a filed defect. Pigmented nature of the lesion in question due to presence of haemosidrin laden macrophages led a diagnostic dilemma. Trans vitreal biopsy confirmed the diagnosis. Conclusions Althought classical in presentation organized blood clots can masquerade a number of lesions including a melanocytoma as in the present scenario.
Central Retinal Vein Occlusion Risk Profile: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Shahsuvaryan M.L. , Melkonyan A.K. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To identify risk factors for central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO). Methods This clinic-based case-control study included 408 patients with CRVO aged 21 years and older and 566 controls who were seen between January 1, 1990, and December 31, 2001. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to adjust for various factors and test potential interactions between the different variables. Results An increased risk of CRVO was found in persons with systemic hypertension, but odds ratios were greater for older patients. Risk of CRVO increases with age and also in association with hypercoagulability. Diabetes mellitus, kidney disease, and glaucoma were associated with increased risk for CRVO. A significantly greater prevalence of higher erythrocyte sedimentation rate was present in young adults compared with older patients. Conclusions The results suggest a relationship between CRVO and certain risk factors (systemic hypertension, diabetes mellitus, kidney disease, glaucoma, older age) and support the possibility of an association between CRVO and urban location. The findings also support the potential value of medical treatment of underlying medical conditions in preventing occurrence of CRVO.
Sjögren Reticular Dystrophy of the Retinal Pigment Epithelium: A Case Report
Authors: Rinaldi M. , Villani A. , Borrelli M. , Russo S. , Cotticelli L. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To describe the clinical manifestations in a patient with Sjögren reticular dystrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium, and the evolution of the disease over a 20-year follow-up period. Case Report A 45-year-old woman with Sjögren reticular dystrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium was seen for the first time in 1983; the patient underwent 20 years of annual check-ups. Results Over the follow-up period, fundus photographs, computerized perimetry, electroretinogram, and electro-oculogram findings had either normal or slightly subnormal outcome. Conclusions The results confirm that this disease involves only the retinal pigment epithelium and should not be considered a central tapeto-retinal degeneration or late onset retinopathy.
Changes in Medical and Surgical Treatments of Glaucoma between 1997 and 2000 in France
Authors: Baudouin C. , Rouland J-.F , Le Pen C. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To analyze quantitative changes in glaucoma treatment strategies between 1997 and 2000 in France. Methods Numbers of ab externo trabeculectomies and other glaucoma surgeries were extracted from the national database of the French Diagnosis Related Group system, which includes data for both public and private hospitals. Mean lengths of stay and hospital costs were estimated using national cost scales published by the French Ministry of Health. Numbers of patients treated per year with latanoprost, brimonidine, or the fixed combination of dorzolamide + timolol were estimated from drug unit sales using defined daily doses for each drug. Results Between 1997 and 2000, the number of patients treated with a glaucoma drug increased from 410,000 to 734,000 patients per year. This increase was associated with the introduction of three new glaucoma drugs: 245,000 patients received latanoprost (71.0%), brimonidine (28.8%), or the fixed combination of dorzolamide + timolol (0.2%). During the same period, the surgery rate in patients receiving medical treatment declined by 47%, from 5.9% to 3.1%. The total number of glaucoma interventions declined by 4.6% (-12% in public hospitals and 0% in private hospitals). This relative stability resulted mostly from a shift from trabeculectomies to other procedures, mainly to new filtering procedures in private hospitals. Conclusions Between 1997 and 2000, new glaucoma drugs, primarily latanoprost and brimonidine, improved intraocular pressure control and delayed surgery, reducing the glaucoma procedure rate in patients receiving glaucoma-related medical treatment by 47%.