bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Epidemiologic Aspects and Clinical Outcome of Fungal Keratitis in Southeastern Brazil
Authors: Ibrahim Marlon Moraes , Vanini Rafael , Ibrahim Fuad Moraes , Fioriti Livia S. , Furlan Eloisa M.R. , Provinzano Luciana M.A. , De Castro Rosane S. , De Faria Esousa Sidney Julio , Rocha Eduardo Melani 
Published: January 2018

Purpose Fungal keratitis (FK) is a sight-threatening disease, more prevalent in developing regions. The present retrospective study was conducted in order to evaluate the epidemiologic and clinical aspects and the progression of FK in patients treated at two ophthalmologic reference centers in Southeast Brazil. Methods The charts of patients with infectious keratitis treated between 2000 and 2004 were reviewed. For the 66 cases of FK confirmed by microbiological analysis, data related to patient, disease, and therapeutic approaches were obtained. Results Mean patient age was 40.7±16 years. Fifty-three were men and 13 were women. Ocular trauma occurred in 40% of cases (27). Previous medications taken by the patients were quinolone in 72.5% and antimycotics in 30%. Visual acuity (VA) at presentation was >0.3 in 16% and <0.1 in 74.5%. Penetrant keratoplasty was performed in 38% and evisceration in 15%. The causing agents were Fusarium sp in 67%, Aspergillus sp in 10.5%, and Candida sp in 10%. Medication alone resolved 39% of cases within a mean period of 24.5±12 days. Final VA was >0.3 in 28%, and <0.1 in 63%. Conclusions Fungal keratitis presented as a disease with severe complications, predominantly among young males, and was mostly caused by filamentous fungi. The present information permits the establishment of preventive strategies. Reducing the time between onset and treatment and using more accessible specific medication would reverse the negative prognosis.
The Effect of Different Doses of Intracameral Bevacizumab on Surgical Outcomes of Trabeculectomy for Neovascular Glaucoma
Authors: Gupta Viney , Jha Randhir , Rao Aparna , Kong George , Sihota Ramanjit 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To prospectively evaluate the effect of 1.25 mg and 2.5 mg intracameral bevacizumab on surgical outcomes of trabeculectomy for neovascular glaucoma (NVG), with primary outcome measures being the regression of neovascularization of iris (NVI) and reduction of intraocular pressure (IOP). Methods Consecutive patients with neovascular glaucoma from December 2006 to March 2007 were randomized into two cohorts assigned to receive 1.25 mg (Group 1) or 2.5 mg (Group 2) intracameral bevacizumab prior to undergoing mitomycin C (MMC) trabeculectomy. Surgical outcome measures were evaluated following initial injection and during follow-up post-surgery. Results The most common causes for iris neovascularization were central retinal vein occlusion (47.3%) and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (36.8%). Following intracameral bevacizumab, there was a reduction in IOP compared to baseline in both treatment groups (Group 1, n=9: −10.4±4.5 mmHg, p=0.57; Group 2, n=10: −12.1±5.5 mmHg, p=0.1). The reduction in IOP was not statistically significant between the two groups (p=0.55). None of the eyes underwent further retinal ablation post trabeculectomy. Reappearance of NVI was seen in three eyes (Group 1, n=2; Group 2, n=1) after 3 months. There was no statistically significant difference in regression of NVI grade between the treatment groups (p=0.1). Conclusions The efficacy of an intracameral dose of 2.5 mg of bevacizumab prior to trabeculectomy for eyes with NVG is not significantly different from a 1.25 mg dose. Intracameral bevacizumab followed by trabeculectomy results in good surgical outcomes. Longer follow-up would be needed to evaluate differences in recurrence rates of iris neovascularization using different dosages.
Reactive Keratoma of the Central Corneal Epithelium
Authors: Finger Paul T. , Chin Kimberly J. , Wong Jeffrey J. , Iacob Codrin E. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose The authors present a unique corneal tumor. Methods A 75-year-old gardener presented with a 1-year history of a slowly growing central corneal lesion with progressive visual loss. We performed an ophthalmic examination, slit lamp photography, high-frequency ultrasonography, and culture with sensitivity (followed by therapeutic scrape biopsy). Results Clinical examination revealed a gray-white central corneal tumor without extension to the limbus. No significant tumor neovascularization or intraocular inflammation was noted. High frequency ultrasound revealed no penetration of the corneal stroma. The tumor was removed with a platinum spatula. Histopathology revealed simple hyperkeratosis characterized by stratified hyperkeratotic corneal epithelium with metaplastic granular layer characteristic of epidermis. Few and focal clusters of passenger bacteria were found (as seen in cutaneous leukoplakia). Cultures revealed a few Gram-positive cocci and no fungus. A human papilloma virus wide-screen spectrum assay (in situ hybridization) was negative. Conclusions The authors present a benign keratoma of the central corneal epithelium. High frequency ultrasound and scrape biopsy histopathologic techniques were used to diagnose and treat this keratoleukoma caused by a reactive keratoma as well as improve his vision.
Origin and Types of Emotional Tearing
Authors: Murube J. , Murube L. , Murube A. 
Published: January 2018

Objective To understand why a wide range of states of mind are expressed by spilling tears. Methods 465 different episodes of crying with tears were analyzed and their motivation interpreted in the search for a common factor. Results The only common factor in all tear-spilling episodes was a relationship with help: either requesting help or offering help. This leads us to speculate on the biological origins of emotional tearing. Conclusions 1) The classical division of emotional tearing as either negative or positive is based on accidental characteristics and does not answer most of the questions. All kinds of emotional tearing are related to help, and can be classified as requring-help and offering-help. 2) Why do we spill tears when we are asking for help? When children need help because of hunger, fear or pain, they add tearing to sound and body language to symbolise their suffering. Accordingly, tearing was chosen as a symbol of suffering because the reaction was already present as a reflex response to physical pain when ocular trauma and inflammation occurred, as they did very frequently in mankind's past. Moreover, this sign is seen on the face, the most conspicuous part of the body. 3) Why do we spill tears when we are offering help? As humanity evolved and needed to express empathy and sympathy, i.e. an emotion diametrically opposed to requesting help, the same core symbol was used, though the facial and body language are different.
Central Serous Retinopathy Associated with Weber-Christian Disease
Authors: Dinakaran S. , Desai S.P. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To report an association between central serous retinopathy and Weber-Christian disease. Methods A case report. Results Central serous retinopathy was noticed in a patient with Weber-Christian disease possibly secondary to vasculitis involving the choriocapillaris. Conclusions Central serous retinopathy may be associated with an uncommon systemic condition like Weber-Christian disease.
Dacryoliths in Chronic Dacryocystitis and Their Composition (Spectrophotometric Analysis)
Authors: Iliadelis E. , Karabatakis V. , Sofoniou M. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To present the findings from histological and chemical analysis of large dacryoliths and correlate them with previous reports. Materials and Methods Dacryoliths were found in 8% of 216 dacryocystorhinostomy operations. In two cases with mild chronic dacryocystitis, large dacryoliths were extracted. The first case was a 42-year-old male with three dacryoliths in a lacrimal sac, presenting diverticulum-like formations, the second was a 22-year-old woman with one dacryolith at the entrance of the nasolacrimal duct. Chemical analysis was based on atomic absorption spectrophotometry (F.AAS) and on atomic emission spectrometry (AES). Light histological examination was also done. Results/Conclusions The findings were the same in both cases. Histological examination revealed amorphous organic material, and limited areas with the characteristics of calcium salt depositions. Chemical analysis showed mainly organic material with only minimal inorganic material. Explanations are offered about the formation of these dacryoliths.
Posterior Chamber Silicone Intraocular Lens for the Correction of Myopia: An Experimental Study in Rabbits
Authors: Menezo J.L. , Salinas E. , Aviño J.A. , Navea A. , Cisneros A. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To establish whether ocular lesions arise after implantation of posterior chamber silicone intraocular lenses (IOL) for the correction of high myopia. Methods Twenty-three posterior chamber silicone IOL were implanted in 23 eyes of the same number of pigmented rabbits. After different follow-up time (from one week to one year) the eyes were enucleated and processed for histopathological study after determining the protein concentration in the acqueous humor. The IOL were removed for staining and examination, and adhered cells were counted. Ten eyes analogous to those operated upon were used as controls. Results Intense inflammation was observed in the early postoperative period in all cases. Protein concentration in the acqueous humor was initially high and decreased over time, though without reaching normal values at one year. Mono- and multinucleated cells were seen adhering to the IOL, though they decreased in number over time and were practically absent after one year. Friction between the posterior surface of the iris and the IOL had no clinical repercussions. The only pigment accumulations were in the iris and in the peritrabecular zone. There were no siginificant differences in the accumulation of granules in relation to IOL diameter or power. Excluding three cataracts morphologically similar to traumatic cataracts, five lens opacifications were observed: two were anterior subcapsular cataracts, and the other three were only precapsular deposits. The IOL had no synechiae to the ocular tissues. Conclusions Opacification of the lens is the main concern with implantated posterior chamber silicone IOL. Larger series of eyes must be analysed to establish the true incidence and reversibility of these opacities.
Orbital Emphysema and Diplopia following Thoracotomy
Authors: Fox R.J. , Teener J.W. , Liu G.T. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To describe the clinical and radiological findings in a patient with diplopia and orbital emphysema following thoracotomy. Methods Reported is a 71-year-old woman who presented with diplopia several days following thoracotomy. Results Physical examination revealed diffuse subcutaneous emphysema and a right hypertropia. Head computed tomography revealed facial and palpebral subcutaneous emphysema extending into the infratemporal fossa and orbits bilaterally. A chest tube was replaced and her diplopia resolved. Conclusions Subcutaneous emphysema can lead to diplopia and orbital emphysema in the absence of orbital trauma. Contrary to previously suggested mechanisms of orbital emphysema associated with subcutaneous emphysema, computed tomography imaging suggested that air entry into the orbit in this case was through the inferior orbital fissure.
Soluble Neuregulin1 is strongly up-regulated in the rat model of Charcot-Marie-Tooth 1A disease
Authors: Fornasari Benedetta Elena , Ronchi Giulia , Pascal Davide , Visigalli Davide , Capodivento Giovanna , Nobbio Lucilla , Perroteau Isabelle , Schenone Angelo , Geuna Stefano , Gambarotta Giovanna 
Published: January 2018

Neuregulin1 (NRG1) is a growth factor playing a pivotal role in peripheral nerve development through the activation of the transmembrane co-receptors ErbB2–ErbB3. Soluble NRG1 isoforms, mainly secreted by Schwann cells, are strongly and transiently up-regulated after acute peripheral nerve injury, thus suggesting that they play a crucial role also in the response to nerve damage. Here we show that in the rat experimental model of the peripheral demyelinating neuropathy Charcot-Marie-Tooth 1A (CMT1A) the expression of the different NRG1 isoforms (soluble, type α and β, type a and b) is strongly up-regulated, as well as the expression of NRG1 co-receptors ErbB2–ErbB3, thus showing that CMT1A nerves have a gene expression pattern highly reminiscent of injured nerves. Because it has been shown that high concentrations of soluble NRG1 negatively affect myelination, we suggest that soluble NRG1 over-expression might play a negative role in the pathogenesis of CMT1A disease, and that a therapeutic approach, aimed to interfere with NRG1 activity, might be beneficial for CMT1A patients. Further studies will be necessary to test this hypothesis in animal models and to evaluate NRG1 expression in human patients. Impact statement Charcot-Marie-Tooth1A (CMT1A) is one of the most frequent inherited neurological diseases, characterized by chronic demyelination of peripheral nerves, for which effective therapies are not yet available. It has been recently proposed that the treatment with soluble Neuregulin1 (NRG1), a growth factor released by Schwann cells immediately after acute nerve injury, might be effective in CMT1A treatment. However, the expression of the different isoforms of endogenous NRG1 in CMT1A nerves has not been yet investigated. In this preliminary study, we demonstrate that different isoforms of soluble NRG1 are strongly over-expressed in CMT1A nerves, thus suggesting that a therapeutic approach based on NRG1 treatment should be carefully reconsidered. If soluble NRG1 is over-expressed also in human CMT1A nerves, a therapeutic approach aimed to inhibit (instead of stimulate) the signal transduction pathways driven by NRG1 might be fruitfully developed. Further studies will be necessary to test these hypotheses.
Focus on the target: Angiographic features of the fistulous point and prognosis of transvenous embolization of cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistula
Authors: Guo Hui , Yin QianKun , Liu Peng , Guan Ning , Huo Xiaochuan , Li Youxiang 
Published: January 2018

Background and purpose Transvenous embolization (TVE) is widely utilized as an effective and safe treatment option for cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistula (CS-dAVF); however, detecting the exact location of the fistula is challenging. The present study identified the angiographic features of the fistulous point and evaluated the match with the microcatheter tip and fistulous point. Materials and methods An analysis cohort of 45 consecutive patients with CS-dAVF treated by TVE was analyzed retrospectively. The patients were divided into two groups, 22 matches and 23 mismatches, according to whether the fistulous point and the microcatheter tip were in the same compartment of the cavernous sinus (CS). The angiographic findings, the location of the fistulas, the position of the microcatheter tips, the volume of embolic materials, complications, and outcomes were assessed. Results Several angiographic features defined the fistulous points, such as the early opacified area, jellyfish-like sign, changes in the density of the contrast medium, the juncture of different arterial supply, enlarged feeders, and hand-injection angiograms. The fistulas were primarily in the posterosuperior portion of the CS (80%) and medial side (73.3%) according to the internal carotid artery. Both groups achieved effective TVE; the matched group required less embolic material than the mismatched group ( p = 0.024). The patients with cranial nerve dysfunction (CND) required more embolic materials than others ( p = 0.032). Conclusion The fistulous point in most of the CS-dAVFs could be isolated by careful analysis of the angiography images. The matching of the microcatheter tip and fistulous point in the same compartment of CS can reduce the dosage of embolic materials, and a low volume of embolic materials might cause fewer CND complications.
Detection of Breast Cancer by Surface-enhanced Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-of-flight Mass Spectrometry Tissue and Serum Protein Profiling
Authors: Gast Marie-Christine W. , van Dulken Eric J. , van Loenen Thea K.G. , Kingma-Vegter Florine , Westerga Johan , Flohil Claudie C. , Knol Jaco C. , Jimenez Connie R. , van Gils Carla H. , Wessels Lodewijk F.A. , Schellens Jan H.M. , Beijnen Jos H. 
Published: January 2018

Aim Novel diagnostic breast cancer markers have been extensively searched for in the proteome, using, among others, surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (SELDI-TOF MS). Thus far, the majority of SELDI-TOF MS studies have investigated samples originating from biorepositories, which hampers biomarker discovery as they likely suffer from variable adherence to collection protocols. Material and methods We investigated breast cancer (n=75) and control (n=26) serum and tissue samples, collected prospectively by rigorous adherence to a strictly defined protocol. Sera were collected preoperatively and postoperatively, and serum and tissue samples were analyzed by SELDI-TOF MS using the IMAC30 Ni and Q10 pH 8 array. Results Three serum peaks were significantly associated with breast cancer, while in tissue, 27 discriminative peaks were detected. Several peak clusters gradually increased or decreased in intensity from healthy to benign to cancer, or with increasing cancer stage. The constructed classification trees had a tenfold cross-validated performance of 67% to 87%. Two tissue peaks were identified as N-terminal albumin fragments. These are likely to have been generated by (breast) cancer-specific proteolytic activity in the tumor microenvironment. Conclusions These albumin fragments can potentially provide insights into the pathophysiological mechanisms associated with, or underlying, breast cancer, and aid in improving breast cancer diagnosis.
Creating and testing regulatory focus messages to enhance medication adherence
Authors: O’Connor Ashley , Ladebue Amy , Peterson Jamie , Davis Ryan , Jung Grant Susan , McCreight Marina , Lambert-Kerzner Anne 
Published: January 2018

Objectives Strategies were explored to improve patient adherence to cardioprotective medications by borrowing from a motivational framework used in psychology, regulatory focus theory. The current study is part of a larger randomized control trial and was aimed at understanding what written educational messages, based on patients’ regulatory focus tendency, resonated with each individual as a potential reminder to take medications. This study was also aimed at understanding why messages resonated with the patients. Methods Twenty veterans were tested for regulatory fitand presented with messages dependent on focus tendency. In-person semi-structured interviews were conducted to collect feedback of messages. An iterative analysis drawing primarily on matrix and reflexive team analyses was conducted. Result Six promotion and six prevention messages emerged, such as “team up with your provider to create a combination of medications to prevent illness” and “Live your best life – Take your medications”. Five themes related to types of health messages that spoke to patients’ regulatory fit were discovered: relatability; empowerment and control; philosophy on life; relationship with provider and medications; and vocabulary effect on the impact of messages. Discussion Motivational messages based on regulatory fit may be useful in improving patient medication adherence, leading to improved cardiovascular outcomes.
Identifying COPD patients at risk for worse symptoms, HRQoL, and self-efficacy: A cluster analysis
Authors: Lopes Aline C , Xavier Rafaella F , AC Pereira Ana Carolina , Stelmach Rafael , Fernandes Frederico LA , Harrison Samantha L , Carvalho Celso RF 
Published: January 2018

Objectives To identify clusters of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients with distinct beliefs about their illness in terms of symptoms, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), self-efficacy, and daily life physical activity (DLPA). Methods This cross-sectional study included 150 COPD outpatients. The patients’ illness perceptions, clinical control, HRQoL, self-efficacy, and DLPA (accelerometry) were evaluated. A cluster analysis was conducted using data from the Illness Perceptions Questionnaire - Revised to establish groups of patients with distinct illness perceptions. Differences between clusters were tested using a T-test or a Mann–Whitney U test. Results The cluster analysis revealed two groups: distressed ( n = 95) and coping ( n = 55). Despite the fact that both clusters presented similar pulmonary function, between-cluster differences were observed in their self-efficacy, dyspnea, HRQoL, clinical control ( p < 0.001), and educational level ( p = 0.002). The levels of DLPA did not differ between the clusters. Discussion We observed that clinically stable COPD patients who displayed higher emotional representations and less coherence had heightened symptoms, poorer HRQoL, worse self-efficacy, and lower educational levels. These results emphasize the need to routinely evaluate illness perceptions in COPD patients to target and tailor the proper treatment to improve these important health outcomes.
Child, Caregiver, and Health Care Provider Perspectives and Experiences Regarding Disclosure of HIV Status to Perinatally Infected Children in Lima, Peru
Authors: Baker Amira Noori , Bayer Angela Marie , Kolevic Lenka , Najarro Lizzete , Viani Rolando Mario , Deville Jaime Gerardo 
Published: January 2018

Background: Despite recommendations for disclosure of HIV status to children living with HIV (CLHIV), fewer than half of CLHIV at the Instituto Nacional de Salud del Niño (INSN) in Lima, Peru, have had disclosure. How and when the disclosure process for CLHIV should take place in Peru has not been studied. Methods: We conducted a qualitative study at INSN to explore perceptions and experiences of 6 health care providers (HCPs), 14 disclosed and nondisclosed CLHIV (8-17 years), and their 14 caregivers regarding knowledge of illness, disclosure of HIV status, and appropriate disclosure approaches. Results: Disclosed children wanted to be told their diagnosis earlier. Nondisclosed children expressed frustration taking medications. Caregivers and HCPs discussed motivations to disclose, including educating, honesty, improving medication adherence, and preventing secondary transmission. Conclusion: Culturally appropriate guidelines and training for HCPs and caregivers are needed to support disclosure of children’s HIV status and ongoing support for CLHIV.