bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characteristics, Demographics, Outcomes, and Complications of Diabetic Traction Retinal Detachments Treated with Silicone Oil Tamponade
Authors: Parikh Hardik A. , Kalbag Neil S. , Zarbin Marco A. , Bhagat Neelakshi 
Published: February 2016

Purpose To describe the characteristics, demographics, anatomic and functional outcomes, and complications of diabetic eyes with traction retinal detachment (TRD) or combined traction/rhegmatogenous retinal detachment that underwent pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) silicone oil (SO) tamponade. Methods In this retrospective chart review, exclusion criteria included previous PPV. Results Forty eyes were identified. The mean preoperative complexity score (CS) of the TRDs was 5.95 (range 4-8). In patients with ≥6 months of follow-up (33; 82.5%), eyes with lower CSs had a better mean final visual acuity (VA): ~20/400 for CS 4, and hand motions (HM)-1/200 for CS >5. Eyes with macula-sparing TRDs had better final VA (~20/400) than those with a detached macula (~HM). Eyes with >3 panretinal photocoagulation sessions attained better mean final VA (20/400) than eyes without any history of laser treatment (~HM). The most frequent complications were cataract (46%), preretinal fibrosis (33%), recurrent TRD (15%), oil migration to the anterior chamber (12%), corneal edema (12%), and oil emulsification (9%). Eleven (27.5%) eyes underwent SO removal. Conclusions The average complexity score was high in this series. Use of SO tamponade for diabetic TRDs is not without complications, but may be beneficial in stabilizing vision in eyes with otherwise poor prognosis.
Capillary Nonperfusion by Novel Technology of OCT Angiography in a Patient with Sickle Cell Disease with Normal Fluorescein Angiogram
Authors: Grover Sandeep , Sambhav Kumar , Chalam Kakarla V. 
Published: February 2016

Purpose Retinal ischemia is a pathophysiologic feature of sickle cell retinopathy. Inner retinal thinning of retina temporal to the fovea has been reported on spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) even though clinical examination is normal and fluorescein angiography (FA) does not show any capillary dropout. In a patient with sickle cell disease with temporal inner retinal thinning on SD-OCT and normal FA, the new technology of OCT angiography (OCTA) showed a corresponding area of nonperfusion. Methods The patient with sickle cell disease underwent visual acuity testing, refraction, slit-lamp biomicroscopy, and dilated fundus examination. The patient also underwent SD-OCT, digital FA, and OCTA. The findings are described in this case report. Results In this patient with sickle cell disease, although clinical examination was normal and FA did not show any capillary dropout, the SD-OCT showed inner retinal thinning temporal to the fovea. Corresponding to this area, OCTA showed an area of nonperfusion. Conclusions Optical coherence tomography angiography technology may be more sensitive than the gold standard FA in identifying retinal ischemia in patients with sickle cell disease.
Surgical Education of Eccentric Rotational Acetabular Osteotomy for HIP Trainees
Authors: Amano Takafumi , Hasegawa Yukiharu , Kawasaki Masashi , Yamaguchi Jin , Seki Taisuke , Ishiguro Naoki 
Published: February 2016

Background Periacetabular osteotomy is an excellent intervention for patients at early-stage osteoarthritis, but surgical education for this technique is more difficult than that for total hip arthroplasty. Subjects and methods 47 joints were included from patients who underwent eccentric rotational acetabular osteotomy (ERAO) performed by 6 trainees under the instructing physician's guidance. We evaluated operative time, blood loss, radiographic parameters, clinical scores, perioperative complications, and 10-year survival rates. We also compared trainees’ cases with 47 joints from patients in a sex- and age-matched control group that underwent ERAO performed by the instructing physician. Results Hip surgery trainees took an average of 152 minutes and the instructor took 103 minutes. Blood loss during surgery by the trainees and the instructor was 382 and 276 g, respectively. Postoperatively, for the trainee and instructor groups, respectively, the Harris Hip Score improved to 88.9 and 93.7 points; the average centre-edge angle improved to 34.0°and 36.1°; and the average acetabular head index was 93.9% and 95.7%. Perioperative and postoperative complications were observed in 14 patients of the trainee group and 3 patients of the instructor group, which were significantly different (p = 0.0061). The 10-year survival rates were 97.8% and 100% for the trainee and instructor groups, respectively. Conclusions Postoperative imaging evaluations showed no evident differences in coverage. Postoperative clinical outcomes were also satisfactory. Thus, under proper guidance, education to hip surgery trainees on operative techniques is possible. Instructors need to make more effort to prevent complications by providing good education.
Ipsilateral Varus Knee Alignment Correlates with Increased Femoral Stem Anteversion in Primary Total HIP Arthroplasty
Authors: Nam Kwang Woo , Tsai Tsung-Yuan , Dimitriou Dimitris , Li Guoan , Kwon Young-Min 
Published: February 2016

Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether the ipsilateral knee alignment secondary to knee osteoarthritis affect positioning of the femoral component anteversion during total hip arthroplasty. Methods Preoperative and postoperative computed tomography-based 3-D femoral models were reconstructed for 20 total hip arthroplasty patients. Prosthetic femoral stem and native femoral anteversion was measured and compared. Results An average increase by 4.5° ± 8.1° in femoral anteversion was found following total hip arthroplasty (p = 0.02). Strong positive correlation was found between the knee varus angle and the changes in femoral anteversion (R = 0.87, p<0.0001). The knee alignment was an independent factor for predicting the intraoperative positioning of femoral stem anteversion. Conclusions The ipsilateral knee varus deformity should be considered to optimise the femoral component position during contemporary total hip arthroplasty.
Total HIP Arthroplasty without Femoral Osteotomy in Patients who had High and Low Dislocation Due to Developmental Dysplasia of the HIP
Authors: Kiyak Gorkem , Bezer Murat , Ketenci Ismail E. , Topkar Osman M. 
Published: February 2016

Background Various surgical techniques and outcome results have been reported after primary total hip arthroplasty for the treatment of patients dysplastic hips. Low failure and complication rates have been reported when the acetabular component has been placed in the true acetabulum. The current study reports the results of primary total hip arthroplasty in patients with high and low dislocation for whom the acetabular component was placed in the true acetabulum without femoral or trochanteric osteotomy. Methods 26 primary total hip replacements were performed on 22 patients. The mean duration of follow-up was 8.9 years. There were 4 men and 18 women. 17 hips were classified as type B (low dislocation) and 9 as type C (high dislocation), according to the classification system of Hartofilakidis et al. Acetabular components were placed in the true acetabulum without osteotomy for all patients. Results At the time of final follow-up (mean 8.9 years) the average Harris Hip Score was 85 points. Femoral head autograft was used in 9 hips to supplement acetabular coverage. In 8 patient linear calcar fracture. 7 fixed with Dall-Mile cable and 1 fixed with a side plate. On radiologic evaluation, 2 incidents of asymptomatic osteolysis, 1 of acetabular loosening, 1 graft resorption, and 1 impingement (correlated with physical examination) were identified. 2 patients had neuropraxia and were treated medically. There were no early or late infections. Only 1 patient with acetabular loosening required revision surgery. Conclusions Although it is surgically difficult to place the acetabular component in the true acetabulum without femoral or trochanteric osteotomy, at the final follow-up we report favourable results. Long-term follow-up is needed to verify our results.
Comparison of Shear Bond Strength of Universal Adhesives on Etched and Nonetched Enamel
Authors: Beltrami Riccardo , Chiesa Marco , Scribante Andrea , Allegretti Jessica , Poggio Claudio 
Published: February 2016

Background The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of surface pretreatment with 37% phosphoric acid on the enamel bond strength of different universal adhesives. Methods One hundred and sixty bovine permanent mandibular incisors freshly extracted were used as a substitute for human teeth. The materials tested in this study included 6 universal adhesives, and 2 self-etch adhesives as control. The teeth were assigned into 2 groups: In the first group, etching was performed using 37% phosphoric acid for 30 seconds. In the second group, no pretreatment agent was applied. After adhesive application, a nanohybrid composite resin was inserted into the enamel surface by packing the material into cylindrical-shaped plastic matrices. After storing, the specimens were placed in a universal testing machine. The normality of the data was calculated using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied to determine whether significant differences in debond strength values existed among the various groups. Results Groups with phosphoric acid pretreatment showed significantly higher shear bond strength values than groups with no enamel pretreatment (p<0.001). No significant variation in shear strength values was detected when comparing the different adhesive systems applied onto enamel after orthophosphoric acid application (p>0.05). Conclusions All adhesives provide similar bond strength values when enamel pretreatment is applied even if compositions are different. Bond strength values are lower than promised by manufacturers.
Investigation into the Elastic Properties of ex vivo Porcine Corneas Subjected to Inflation Test after Cross-Linking Treatment
Authors: Matteoli Sara , Virga Antonio , Paladini Iacopo , Mencucci Rita , Corvi Andrea 
Published: February 2016

Background The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of cross-linking (CXL) on ex vivo porcine corneal elastic properties, using an inflation procedure. Methods Twelve corneas were subjected to standard CXL (370 nm, 3 mW/cm2, 30 minutes), while 12 were used as controls. Corneal thickness was measured by Visante optical coherence tomography, before and immediately after treatment, and before inflation test. Both intraocular pressure and radial apical cornea displacement were measured during inflation. Stress-strain curves were obtained by applying the linear shell theory. The elastic modulus was evaluated by calculating the slope of the stress-strain curves. Results Results showed a statistically significant increase in elastic modulus (p<0.0001), with a mean of 3,868 ± 502 kPa for cross-linked corneas and 2,727 ± 238 kPa for untreated corneas, when subjected to high pressure (40-60 kPa). CXL significantly increased porcine cornea stiffness by about 42%. Findings did not show any significant difference within the physiological range of pressure (2-4 kPa). Conclusions The inflation test has been proven to be a valuable tool for the investigation of corneal biomechanics, maintaining both integrity and geometry of corneal tissue.
Growth and Follow-Up of Primary Cortical Neuron Cells on Nonfunctionalized Graphene Nanosheet Film
Authors: Meng Shiyun , Peng Rong 
Published: February 2016

Background Conductive biomaterials are an ideal biosubstrate for modifying cellular behaviors by conducting either internal or external electrical signals. In this study, based on a simple-preparation graphite exfoliation method in organic reagent, a nonfunctionalized graphene nanosheet film (NGNF) with high conductivity and large size was simply fabricated through spraying coating. The biocompatibility of the NGNF was carefully tested with primary cortical neuron cells, and its biocompatibility properties were compared with a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) graphene film. Methods Nonfunctionalized graphene nanosheet (NGN) was first exfoliated from graphite with a flat-tip ultrasonicator probe, and then spray-coated onto glass slide substrate to form the film. The morphology of NGNF was observed with light microscopy and SEM. The morphology and neuronal network formation of primary cortical neuron cells onto NGNF, as shown by DAPI and Alexa Fluor® 488 staining, were observed with fluorescent microscopy. Cell viability and proliferation were measured with MTT. Results NGNF had better cell biocompatibility than CVD graphene film. MTT test showed that NGNF exhibited no cytotoxicity. According to neuronal network formation at 7 days of cell culture, primary neuron cells aggregated into 50-μm “nuclei”; the average neurite number and length were 3 and 100 μm, respectively. However, these values were almost doubled after 14 days of cell culture. Conclusions These results may improve the use of NGNF as a conductive scaffold for nerve regeneration.
Electrical and Microstructural Characterization of Ceramic Gadolinium-Doped Ceria Electrolytes for ITSOFCs by Sol-Gel Route
Authors: Accardo Grazia , Ferone Claudio , Cioffi Raffaele , Frattini Domenico , Spiridigliozzi Luca , Dell'Agli Gianfranco 
Published: February 2016

Background Gadolinium-doped ceria (GDC) is a promising alternative as a solid electrolyte for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells (ITSOFCs) due to its low operating temperature and its high electrical conductivity. The traditional synthesis processes require extended time for powder preparation. Sol-gel methodology for electrolyte fabrication is more versatile and efficient. Methods In this work, nanocrystalline ceria powders, with 10 and 20 mol% of gadolinium (Ce0.9Gd0.1O1.95 and Ce0.8Gd0.2O1.9) were synthesized by a modified sol-gel technique, featuring a nitrate-fuel exothermic reaction. GDC tablets were prepared from powders and sintered at 1500°C with a dwell time of 3 hours. The sintered pellets’ microstructure (by SEM) and electrical conductivity (by EIS) were evaluated. The powder properties, such as crystalline structure (by XRD), thermal properties (TGA/DTA), particle size and morphology (TEM) and textural properties (BET method) were determined and, in addition, for the first time an accurate chemical structural evolution (FTIR) was studied. Results Sintered GDC0.8 samples exhibited the maximum theoretical density of 97% and an average grain size of 700 nm. The electrical conductivity vs. temperature showed values ranging from 1.9∙10−2 to 5.5∙10−2 S·cm−1 at 600°C and 800°C for GDC with 20 mol% of gadolinium. Conclusions The methodology investigated showed reduced reaction time, a better control of stoichiometry and low cost. Characterization results demonstrated that these materials can be applied in ITSOFCs due to high conductivity, even at 550°C-600°C. The increased conductivity is related to the improved mobility of gadolinium ions in a high-density structure, with nanometric grains.
Decreased miRNA-146A in Glioblastoma Multiforme and Regulation of Cell Proliferation and Apoptosis by Target Notch1
Authors: Hu Hong-qi , Sun Lai-guang , Guo Wu-jun 
Published: February 2016

Objective The primary purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between the microRNA 146a (miR-146a) and the proliferation of cells occurring in glioblastoma multiforme. The secondary purpose of the paper is to investigate abnormalities of expression in miR-146a. Methods A real-time PCR assay was used to investigate the abnormal expression of miR-146a in glioma and adjacent tissue. Lipofection was used to transfect a mimic of miR-146a and induce the upregulation of miR-146a. Real-time PCR was used to observe the expression level of miR-146a. A cell viability analysis was conducted using MTT. A luciferase report vector was used to identify potential targets for miR-146a. Results The miR-146a component was found to be downregulated in glioma tissue compared with adjacent nontumor tissue (p<0.05). The upregulation of miR-146a in glioma cells through miR-146a mimic transfection led to reduction of cell viability and to an increase in the percentage of apoptosis. Notch1 was the name of the potential targeted gene for miR-146a in glioma. Conclusions The study found that the presence of miR-146a potentially affected the proliferation of glioma cells by regulating the rate of Notch1 expression.
Expression of PTEN and Its Correlation with Proliferation Marker Ki-67 in Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Ahmed Malik W. , Kayani Mahmood A. , Shabbir Ghulam , Ali Syed M. , Shinwari Wajih-ud-Din , Mahjabeen Ishrat 
Published: February 2016

Introduction PTEN is part of large family of tyrosine phosphatases and has been found inactivated in a wide variety of human cancers. Aims In the present study we have tried to determine the association of the expression patterns of this gene with carcinogenesis. Methods First, a systematic review was carried out to ascertain the importance of the PTEN gene and its role in carcinogenesis. In the second phase, a case-control study was designed using different expression analysis techniques. Expression of PTEN mRNA was analyzed using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results Significantly downregulated expression of PTEN was observed in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) compared to adjacent normal-tissue controls. These results were confirmed with quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Significant downregulation of the gene was observed in HNC patients compared to adjacent normal-tissue controls. PTEN expression was correlated with different histopathological parameters of the study cohort by Spearman's correlation coefficient and a significant negative correlation was observed with pT stage (r = −0.271*; p<0.02) and grade (r = −0.228*; p<0.02) of HNC tissues. Furthermore, the expression variations of PTEN were correlated with the expression pattern of the proliferation marker Ki-67. Significantly (p<0.008) upregulated expression of Ki-67 was observed in HNC patients compared with adjacent normal-tissue controls This upregulation of Ki-67 was confirmed at the protein level by immunohistochemistry in HNC patients. When Spearman's correlation was carried out a significant negative correlation was observed between PTEN and Ki-67 (r = −0.230*; p<0.03). Conclusions Our data suggest that downregulation of PTEN and overexpression of Ki-67 may contribute to the initiation and progression of HNC.
Targeting Peptidyl-Prolyl Isomerase Pin1 to Inhibit Tumor Cell Aggressiveness
Authors: Beretta Giovanni L. , De Cesare Michelandrea , Albano Luisa , Magnifico Alessandra , Carenini Nives , Corna Elisabetta , Perego Paola , Gatti Laura 
Published: February 2016

Purpose Because the peptidyl-prolyl isomerase PIN1 interacts with multiple protein kinases and phosphoproteins into a network orchestrating the cellular response to various stimuli, there is an increasing interest in exploiting its potential as therapeutic target. In the present study, the effect of targeting PIN1 was investigated in 2 human cancer cell lines characterized by increased aggressive potential, high expression of erbB receptor family members, and defective p53. Methods PIN1 silencing was carried out in skin squamous cell carcinoma A431 cells displaying elevated EGFR/HER1 levels and in ovarian adenocarcinoma SKOV-3 cells displaying high levels of erbB2 (HER2). Nonoverlapping siRNA duplexes targeting different regions of PIN1 mRNA were transfected in tumor cells, which were analyzed using Western blotting for the expression of selected proteins. In vivo tumorigenicity studies were carried out in athymic nude mice. Results A431 and SKOV-3 cell systems were found to be a source of cells with increased aggressive potential, i.e., cancer stem cell-like cells, as defined by the capability to grow as spheres. A marked decrease of PIN1 levels and of sphere-forming capability was observed in PIN1-silenced cells. The expression of phospho-p38 decreased following PIN1 silencing in A431 and SKOV-3 cells, as well as phospho-EGFR levels in A431 - silenced cells. PIN1 inhibition prolonged latency and reduced tumor take and growth of SKOV-3 cells in nude mice. Conclusions Our results support that PIN1 may be a valuable target to hit in cancer cells characterized by increased aggressive potential, overexpression of erbB receptor family members, and defective p53.
Hospital Discharge Records as Data Source to Monitor Epidemiologic Indicators of Hematologic Malignancies in Abruzzo
Authors: Vitullo Felice , Di Biagio Katiuscia , Murgano Adriano , Di Bartolomeo Paolo 
Published: February 2016

Purpose To test the feasibility of using hospital discharge records (HDR) to monitor frequency indicators of hematologic malignancies (HM) in Abruzzo, an Italian region without a cancer registry. Methods Hospital discharge records contain a primary diagnosis field for principal disease and 5 secondary diagnosis fields for other diseases related or not to the principal diagnosis. In order to build patient indicators of HM—non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), Hodgkin lymphoma (HL), multiple myeloma (MM), and leukemia (acute lymphoblastic leukemia [ALL], chronic lymphoid leukemia [CLL], acute myeloid leukemia [AML], and chronic myeloid leukemia [CML])—residents with first ICD-9-CM code 200-208 in any HDR field, or only in primary field, were identified. Results Among 3,955 patients with first diagnosis of HM registered in primary or secondary fields of HDR in the 2009-2013 period, and never recognized in 2005-2008 (791/year) (60.5/100,000), patients with first HM only in primary field were 2,304 (461/year) (35.2/100,000): 42% were NHL, 34% leukemia, 16% MM, 8% HL. Patient percentage of 461/791/year (58%) (64% among ordinary HDR and 49% in day-hospital HDR) was 35% for CLL (28/81), 47% for MM (74/152), 50% for CML (16/32), 57% for HL (36/63), 62% for NHL (194/314), and 82% for ALL (18/22) and AML (64/78). Conclusions Applying the cancer registries national rate, expected new diagnoses of HM in Abruzzo are about 620/year (46.4/100,000), compared to HDR estimates of 461 and 791/year (primary/all diagnoses fields: 58%). Since this percentage varies between 35% and 82%, our findings on the 2 methods seem useful for a validation process in the starting Cancer Registry.