bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Wavelet analysis of the singular spectral reconstructed time series to study the imprints of solar–ENSO–geomagnetic activity on Indian climate
Authors: Sunkara Sri Lakshmi , Tiwari Rama Krishna 
Published: September 2016

Abstract. To study the imprints of the solar–ENSO–geomagnetic activity on the Indian subcontinent, we have applied singular spectral analysis (SSA) and wavelet analysis to the tree-ring temperature variability record from the Western Himalayas. Other data used in the present study are the solar sunspot number (SSN), geomagnetic indices (aa index), and the Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) for the common time period of 1876–2000. Both SSA and wavelet spectral analyses reveal the presence of 5–7-year short-term ENSO variations and the 11-year solar cycle, indicating the possible combined influences of solar–geomagnetic activities and ENSO on the Indian temperature. Another prominent signal corresponding to 33-year periodicity in the tree-ring record suggests the Sun-temperature variability link probably induced by changes in the basic state of the Earth's atmosphere. In order to complement the above findings, we performed a wavelet analysis of SSA reconstructed time series, which agrees well with our earlier results and increases the signal-to-noise ratio, thereby showing the strong influence of solar–geomagnetic activity and ENSO throughout the entire period. The solar flares are considered responsible for causing the atmospheric circulation patterns. The net effect of solar–geomagnetic processes on the temperature record might suggest counteracting influences on shorter (about 5–6-year) and longer (about 11–12-year) timescales. The present analyses suggest that the influence of solar activities on the Indian temperature variability operates in part indirectly through coupling of ENSO on multilateral timescales. The analyses, hence, provide credible evidence of teleconnections of tropical Pacific climatic variability and Indian climate ranging from inter-annual to decadal timescales and also suggest the possible role of exogenic triggering in reorganizing the global Earth–ocean–atmospheric systems.
Level of Visual Acuity Necessary to Avoid False-Positives on the HRR and Ishihara Color Vision Tests
Authors: Ng Jason S. , Shih Brian 
Published: September 2016

Purpose Minimizing false-positives (FPs) when evaluating color vision is important in eye care. Identification of plate 1 (demonstration plate) is often considered a way to avoid FPs. However, few studies have quantified the minimum level of visual acuity (VA) that would minimize FPs for the Ishihara and HRR color tests. Methods Threshold levels of optical defocus were obtained from 25 color normal subjects. Blur levels were obtained for Ishihara (38 plate) plates 1, 10, and 15 and 4th edition HRR plates 1, 7, 10, and 20 using the method of limits. Corresponding VAs were measured through these blur levels at 40 centimeters after adjusting for the dioptric distance difference. Analysis of variance testing was used to analyze the data. Results Mean optical defocus values in diopters (mean ± SD) for HRR plates 1, 7, 10, and 20 were 6.23 ± 1.61, 1.23 ± 1.16, 2.41 ± 1.31, and 7.96 ± 2.03, respectively, and for Ishihara plates 1, 10, and 15 were 5.70 ± 1.52, 3.68 ± 1.71, and 4.62 ± 1.56, respectively. There was a significant difference between the screening and demonstration plates for both tests (p<0.001). Conclusions Based on the plate in each test that was found to be the least tolerant to blur, the average minimum VAs needed to identify the screening plates were approximately 20/180 for the Ishihara test and 20/50 for the HRR test. Identifying the demonstration plate in the Ishihara and HRR tests does not ensure FPs will be avoided.
Intraoperative Complications of Patients Undergoing Small-Gauge and 20-Gauge Vitrectomy: A Database Study of 4,274 Procedures
Authors: Neffendorf James E. , Gupta Bhaskar , Williamson Tom H. 
Published: September 2016

Purpose To compare the intraoperative complications between 23-G and 20-G instrumentation in patients undergoing pars plana vitrectomy (PPV). Methods This was a retrospective comparative study of 4,274 PPV procedures by the same surgical team between 1998 and 2016. A total of 2,648 operations were carried out with 20-G surgery and 1,626 operations with 23-G surgery. Main outcome measures were the incidence of choroidal haemorrhage, iatrogenic retinal break, and lens touch. Results The most frequent surgical indication in both 20-G and 23-G was rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD), 38.7% (1,026/2,648) and 45.9% (746/1,626), respectively. The frequency of choroidal haemorrhage was 1.0% with 20-G surgery (26/2,648) vs 0.6% with 23-G (9/1,626, p = 0.16). Subgroup analysis showed the increased risk was present in RRD surgery, 1.6% (16/1,026) vs 0.1% (1/746, p = 0.002), but not in all other indications combined, 20-G with 0.6% (10/1,622) and 23-G 0.9% (8/88, p = 0.46). This increased risk was also true for RRD when excluding combined scleral buckle surgery. There was an increased risk of iatrogenic retinal break in RRD cases undergoing 20-G, 5.8% (60/1,026), compared to 23-G vitrectomy, 1.9% (14/746, p<0.0001). There was no difference in rates of lens touch between 20-G and 23-G. Conclusions 23-G microincisional PPV has a lower risk of choroidal haemorrhage and iatrogenic retinal tears than 20-G vitrectomy particularly for eyes with RRD.
Reproducibility and Repeatability of Foveal Avascular Zone Area Measurements Using Swept-Source Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Mastropasqua Rodolfo , Toto Lisa , Mattei Peter A. , Di Nicola Marta , Zecca Isaia A.L. , Carpineto Paolo , Di Antonio Luca 
Published: September 2016

Purpose To assess the reproducibility and repeatability of foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area measurements using swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (SS-OCTA) in healthy subjects. Methods Sixty-four eyes of 64 healthy volunteers were randomly subjected to FAZ area measurements using SS-OCTA by 2 examiners in 2 different sessions. Results The FAZ areas measured by the first and second observer were 0.269 ± 0.092 mm2 and 0.270 ± 0.090 mm2, respectively. Within subjects, the coefficients of variations were 2.44% (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.95% to 2.93%) and 2.66% (95% CI 2.00% to 3.31%) for the first and second observers, respectively. The coefficient of repeatability average measurements of FAZ area were 0.021 mm2 and 0.024 mm2. The intraclass correlation coefficient values were 0.993 (95% CI 0.989 to 0.996) and 0.991 (95% CI 0.986 to 0.995). Interobserver and intraobserver concordance correlation coefficients ranged from 0.998 (95% CI 0.997 to 0.999) to 0.999 (95% CI 0.998 to 0.999) and from 0.989 (95% CI 0.982 to 0.993) to 0.987 (95% CI 0.979 to 0.992), respectively. Conclusions The FAZ area measurements by means of SS-OCTA showed high reproducibility and repeatability in healthy eyes.
Intravitreal Ranibizumab for Retinal Arterial Macroaneurysm: Long-Term Results of a Prospective Study
Authors: Chatziralli Irini , Maniatea Aggeliki , Koubouni Kyriakoula , Parikakis Efstratios , Mitropoulos Panagiotis 
Published: September 2016

Purpose To evaluate the potential efficacy and safety of primary intravitreal ranibizumab in patients with symptomatic retinal arterial macroaneurysm (RAM). Methods This prospective study comprised 5 eyes with RAM treated with intravitreal ranibizumab. At baseline, all patients underwent best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) measurement, ophthalmic examination including slit-lamp biomicroscopy, and central foveal thickness (CFT) measurement using optical coherence tomography. Fluorescein angiography was also performed to confirm diagnosis. Patients were examined at 1 month after injection and monthly thereafter. Main outcome measures included changes in BCVA and CFT. Safety was assessed by ophthalmic examination and report of systemic adverse effects. Results There was a statistically significant difference in BCVA (p<0.001) and CFT (p<0.001) before and after the ranibizumab injection at the end of the follow-up of 13.4 ± 3.2 months. One injection appeared to be sufficient for the resolution of macular edema and absorption of hemorrhages. No observable ocular or systemic side effects were found. One patient developed foveal atrophy. Conclusions Intravitreal ranibizumab seems to be effective and safe for the treatment of symptomatic RAM.
Optic Disc Drusen: Longitudinal Aspects, with Emphasis on Visual Field Constriction and Enlarged Blind Spot: A Retrospective Hospital-Based Clinical Series
Authors: Fledelius Hans C. 
Published: September 2016

Purpose To examine long-term data on optic disc drusen (ODD) from an outpatient hospital series that indicated more cases with advanced visual field constriction than is apparent from other clinical reports. The underlying pathophysiology is discussed, also with regard to enlarged blind spot, which, in view of the small disc at risk, may seem a paradox. Methods This is an observational retrospective study on an eye clinic series (n = 49), focusing on visual acuity, kinetic/static perimetry, and longitudinal trends, to include the question of eventual visual incapacity. Results Forty-nine patients (32 female and 17 male; bilateral ODD in 45) aged 5-76 years (median age 29 years for both sexes) were included in the study. Observation time was 1-54 years, with serial data recorded over at least 3 years in 25 patients. Visual field defects were found in 32 patients, with ODD considered responsible for the visual field defects demonstrated. Advanced unilateral concentric constriction (for the largest Goldmann object) was recorded in 10 patients, and bilaterally in 2. With regard to nonexplanatory side diagnoses, 2 patients had pituitary adenoma, 1 had a cavernous sinus meningioma, and 1 had neurosurgery for an arachnoid cyst. Conclusions We found more cases of marked visual field constriction than reported in other clinical series. A few such cases appeared acute and vascular, but the main trend was clinically quiet over time. All 49 patients could manage visually in daily life.
Simulation of Panretinal Laser Photocoagulation Using Geometric Methods for Calculating the Photocoagulation Index
Authors: Nishida Kentaro , Sakaguchi Hirokazu , Kamei Motohiro , Shiraki Nobuhiko , Oura Yoshihito , Wakabayashi Taku , Hara Chikako , Fukushima Yoko , Sato Tatsuhiko , Sayanagi Kaori , Sato Shigeru , Fukuda Masakatsu , Nishida Kohji 
Published: September 2016

Purpose To establish geometrically based methods for simulating panretinal laser photocoagulation (PRP) for the photocoagulation index. Methods A formula for calculating the curved surface area of a spherical dome was used for the simulation. If the radius of the dome is c and the height of the dome is h, then the curved surface area (S) of the dome is S = π (c2 + h2). We calculated the area of the whole retina using this formula and the anatomical dimensions of the standard eyeball. To simulate PRP with a 400-μm spot on the retina with 1-spot spacing, we drew 400-μm-diameter circles, separated by 400 μm, on a retinal map. We calculated the ratio of the total retinal photocoagulated area to the whole retina, termed the photocoagulation index, in order to investigate the impact of the extent of the photocoagulated area and the pulse duration on PRP. Results The whole retinal area was 1,092 mm2. The numbers of spots in the scattered and full-scattered PRP were 1,222 and 1,814, respectively. The photocoagulation index was 14.1% and 20.9% for scattered and full-scattered PRP, respectively. These values changed to 14.3% (5.6%) and 21.3% (8.3%), respectively, for PRP with a 100-ms pulse or a 20-ms pulse. Conclusions This method will be useful for investigating the impact of various PRP parameters (duration, spacing, intensity of burns, extent of photocoagulated area, etc.) on the photocoagulation index.
High Serum Ion Levels in Conserve plus Big Femoral Head Cemented Total Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Somers Jan F.A. , Van Der Straeten Catherine , De Coninck Luc 
Published: September 2016

Aim We report the short-term clinical, radiographic and ion level data of the Conserve Plus metal-on-metal (MoM) big femoral head (BFH) total hip arthroplasty (THA), used with a cemented cobalt-chrome (Co-Cr) Profemur Xm stem and a titanium (Ti) modular neck. Results In a consecutive series of 40 hips, survivorship at 3 years was 92.5% with revision for any reason. Average Harris Hip Score was 91.3. There were no implant loosenings. No osteolysis was observed. 5 patients had signs of adverse local tissue reaction (ALTR); their clinical scores were not different from the whole cohort. All but 1 patient had their Co serum ion levels measured. The average Co level was 14,1 μg/l (range 0.9-29.0; median 13.0 μg/l). Clinical scores did not correlate with ion level data. A comparative group of 42 hip resurfacing arthroplasties from the same manufacturer had significantly lower serum Co levels: 1.51 μg/l (range 0.9-4.0; median 0.9 μg/l). Conclusions All patients with the MoM BFH THA design should be followed regularly and should have ion level testing.
Prospects for Clinical Applications of Polymer-Coated Haemoconcentrator on Extracorporeal Circuit in Cardiopulmonary Bypass Surgeries
Authors: Tagaya Masashi , Takahashi Shunsuke , Matsuda Morihiro , Takasaki Taiichi , Hamaishi Makoto , Hara Kazunobu 
Published: September 2016

Purpose Extracorporeal circulation circuits used in cardiopulmonary bypass surgeries are increasingly being coated with polymer materials to reduce the thrombogenicity of extracorporeal devices. However, a haemoconcentrator, which corrects haematocrit and electrolyte imbalances, is not coated with polymers. In this study, we sought to assess the filtration performance of polymer-coated haemoconcentrators in order to obtain insight into their prospects for use in clinical applications. Methods In vitro experiments were performed to evaluate the water pressure and flow properties of polymer-coated haemoconcentrators by comparing 3 polymer-coated haemoconcentrators with 3 non-coated haemoconcentrators. The cross-sectional surfaces of both types of haemoconcentrators were observed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Results The slopes of the regression lines for estimating the filtrated fluid flow as a function of the transmembrane pressure were 6.286 ± 0.320 for polymer-coated haemoconcentrators and 3.712 ± 0.170 for non-coated haemoconcentrators. These slopes were found to be significantly different and indicate that the filtration velocity is enhanced in polymer-coated haemoconcentrators over that in non-coated haemoconcentrators. However, the hollow fibre damage observed by SEM was not shown to contribute to higher filtration flow in the polymer-coated haemoconcentrator. Taking these results into consideration, we hypothesise that a polymer coating makes a foreign surface on a hollow fibre slippery, owing to the hydrophobicity of the polymer, thereby enhancing the velocity of the filtration. Conclusions The results of this preliminary investigation suggest that a polymer coating can enhance the filtration performance of a haemoconcentrator and that polymer-coated haemoconcentrators might be useful in clinical applications.
Design and Cytocompatibility of Chitosan-Based Thermoresponsive Cell Culture Plates
Authors: He Xiaoling , Zhao Yuxin , Jin Zhenli , Su Yu , An Huiqin , Ge Lili , Wei Dongsheng , Chen Li 
Published: September 2016

Background The aim of this study was to develop a novel thermoresponsive material suited for tissue engineering and investigate the growth and harmless detachment of cells cultured on the surface of thermoresponsive tissue culture polystyrene (TCPS). Methods Thermoresponsive N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm) and biocompatible chitosan (CS) were grafted onto the surface of TCPS by ultraviolet (UV)–induced graft polymerization. The chemical composition, surface morphology and thermoresponsiveness of the modified TCPS were investigated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), atom force microscopy (AFM) and contact angle (CA), respectively. Furthermore, the growth and detachment behaviors of mouse fibroblast cells (L929) on the surface of the modified TCPS were studied by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Results The modified TCPS exhibited good hydrophobic/hydrophilic property alterations in response to temperature. The cytocompatibility of the materials was improved due to the introduction of CS. Cells could be spontaneously detached from the surface without any damage, by controlling environmental temperature. The viability of cells obtained by temperature induction was higher than that obtained by enzymatic digestion. Conclusions This study developed a simple and economical method to fabricate thermoresponsive cell culture dishes and provided new thoughts and experimental bases for exploring novel material applied in tissue engineering.
Does Acid Etching Morphologically and Chemically Affect Lithium Disilicate Glass Ceramic Surfaces?
Authors: Maruo Yukinori , Nishigawa Goro , Irie Masao , Yoshihara Kumiko , Matsumoto Takuya , Minagi Shogo 
Published: September 2016

Background This study evaluated the surface morphology, chemical composition and adhesiveness of lithium disilicate glass ceramic after acid etching with hydrofluoric acid or phosphoric acid. Methods Lithium disilicate glass ceramic specimens polished by 600-grit silicon carbide paper were subjected to one or a combination of these surface treatments: airborne particle abrasion with 50-μm alumina (AA), etching with 5% hydrofluoric acid (HF) or 36% phosphoric acid (Phos), and application of silane coupling agent (Si). Stainless steel rods of 3.6-mm diameter and 2.0-mm height were cemented onto treated ceramic surfaces with a self-adhesive resin cement (Clearfil SA Cement). Shear bond strengths between ceramic and cement were measured after 24-hour storage in 37°C distilled water. Results SEM images of AA revealed the formation of conventional microretentive grooves, but acid etching with HF or Phos produced a porous surface. Bond strengths of AA+HF+Si (28.1 ± 6.0 MPa), AA+Phos+Si (17.5 ± 4.1 MPa) and HF+Si (21.0 ± 3.0 MPa) were significantly greater than those of non-pretreated controls with Si (9.7 ± 3.7 MPa) and without Si (4.1 ± 2.4 MPa) (p<0.05). In addition, HF etching alone (26.2 ± 7.5 MPa) had significantly higher bond strength than AA alone (11.5 ± 4.0 MPa) (p<0.05). AA+HF, AA+Phos and HF showed cohesive failures. Conclusions Etching with HF or Phos yielded higher bond strength between lithium disilicate glass ceramic and self-adhesive resin cement without microcrack formation.
Association of DW/DCE-MRI Features with Prognostic Factors in Breast Cancer
Authors: Shao Guoliang , Fan Linyin , Zhang Juan , Dai Gang , Xie Tieming 
Published: September 2016

Background Through analyzing apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values and morphological evaluations, this research aimed to study how magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based breast lesion characteristics can enhance the diagnosis and prognosis of breast cancer. Methods A total of 118 breast lesions, including 50 benign and 68 malignant lesions, from 106 patients were analyzed. All lesions were measured with both diffusion-weighted (DW) and dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) MRI. The average ADC of breast lesions was analyzed at b values of 600, 800 and 1,000 s/mm2. Lesion margins, lesion enhancement patterns, and dynamic curves were also investigated. The relations between MRI-based features and molecular prognostic factors were evaluated using Spearman's rank correlation analysis. Results A b value of 800 s/mm2 was used to distinguish malignant from benign breast lesions, with an ADC cutoff value of 1.365 × 10−3 mm2/s. The average ADC value between invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) and ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) was significantly different. Malignant lesions were more likely to have spiculated margins, heterogeneous enhancement and washout curves. On the other hand, DCIS was more likely to have spiculated margins, heterogeneous/rim enhancement and plateau/washout dynamic curves. A significant negative correlation was found between progesterone receptor (PR) status and dynamic imaging (p = 0.027), while a significant positive correlation was found between Ki-67 status and lesion enhancement (p = 0.045). Conclusions Both ADC values and MRI morphological assessment could be used to distinguish malignant breast lesions from benign ones.
Efficacy of Surgical Intervention for the Treatment of Pain and Improvement of Quality of Life in Patients with Endometriosis
Authors: Bluett Ronan , Fonseca-Kelly Zara , Burke Cathy 
Published: September 2016

Introduction Endometriosis is a condition characterised by the presence of endometrial glands and stroma outside the uterus, which induces a chronic inflammatory reaction. It is estimated to affect 5%-15% of all women of childbearing age, with higher incidences in women suffering from pelvic pain (70%) and women with infertility issues (20%-48%). Objectives The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of surgical intervention on levels of pain and quality of life (QOL) experienced by patients undergoing surgical treatment for endometriosis in our unit. Methods This was a retrospective questionnaire-based study. Seventy-seven patients were identified in the hospital electronic database of surgeries. Patients were asked to rate levels of pain and QOL at the present time and to recall the same symptoms prior to undergoing surgery for endometriosis. The validated EQ-5D-3L assessment tool was used to measure QOL. Results Data from 26 patients were included in our final analysis. Significant reductions were demonstrated in pain scores before, during, after and between menstruations (p<0.05), during intercourse (p<0.01) and upon defecation (p<0.05). There was a significant improvement in patients’ overall QOL following surgery (p<0.01). Use of adhesion prevention intraoperatively or medication postoperatively did not result in significant differences in levels of pain or QOL. Conclusions Our results suggest that surgical intervention for endometriosis is an effective way to reduce pain and improve QOL in a majority of patients. However, this study design is susceptible to recall and selection bias, which may have impacted upon results.
Efficacy and Safety of Vinorelbine-Capecitabine Oral Metronomic Combination in Elderly Metastatic Breast Cancer Patients: VICTOR-1 Study
Authors: Cazzaniga Marina E. , Torri Valter , Riva Francesca , Porcu Luca , Cicchiello Federica , Capici Serena , Cortinovis Diego , Digiacomo Nunzio , Bidoli Paolo 
Published: September 2016

Purpose Elderly patients with metastatic breast cancer are expected to derive similar benefits from chemotherapy as younger patients, but are more likely to experience therapy-related toxicity. Data from the VICTOR-1 study showed that metronomic therapy with vinorelbine and capecitabine was effective and well tolerated in patients with metastatic breast cancer. This analysis determined the efficacy and safety of the metronomic combination of oral vinorelbine and capecitabine in a subgroup of VICTOR-1 study patients aged ≥70 years. Methods Eighteen of the 32 patients enrolled in VICTOR-1 were aged ≥70 years. Objective response and clinical benefit rates were calculated and toxicity was determined using the NCI-CTCAE criteria. Results All patients had at least 1 comorbidity (4 had 2 comorbidities), and 77.7% were taking concomitant medication. Eight patients (44%) had received ≥1 chemotherapy regimens for metastatic disease and most (78%) had ≥2 metastatic sites. Grade 1-2 adverse events occurred in 45.8% of cycles, whereas the incidence of grade 3 and grade 4 events was very low (1.5% and 0.7%, respectively). Median time to progression was 10.5 months (range 1-40). The objective response rate was 33% and the clinical benefit rate was 67%. Conclusions The all-oral metronomic combination of vinorelbine and capecitabine had an acceptable efficacy profile and appears to be better tolerated than standard treatment schedules in elderly metastatic breast cancer patients (age ≥70 years).