bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Unveiling Idiopathic Macular Telangiectasia: Clinical Applications of Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography
Authors: Gonzalez Marco A. , Shechtman Diana , Haynie Jay M. , Semes Leo 
Published: June 2017

Purpose Idiopathic macular telangiectasia type 2 (IMT2) is a bilateral acquired maculopathy, with a spectrum of clinical presentations associated with inner retinal telangiectatic vascular anomalies. Cases often are underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed. Current diagnostic modalities such as spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and fluorescein angiography (FA) are valuable to the understanding of the clinicopathology. More recently, optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA), as an emerging noninvasive technology, has been shown to be particularly useful in the assessment and management of IMT2. Methods Three clinical cases of IMT2 are discussed. Clinical presentation, fundus photography, FA, SD-OCT, and OCTA are presented. Each case illustrates variable presentation, staging, and associated findings related to IMT2. Results Optical coherence tomography angiography provides additional value when paired with traditional multimodal imaging in the assessment and management of IMT2. Conclusions These cases present an opportunity to demonstrate the features of the OCTA in the evaluation of vascular diseases such as IMT2. Additionally, these examples emphasize the critical importance of OCTA in the clinical diagnosis and management of IMT2.
Total Retinal Detachment Caused by a KIF11 Mutation
Authors: Riedl Jana , Voβmerbäumer Urs , Stoffelns Bernhard , Elflein Heike 
Published: June 2017

Purpose This is a case report of bilateral retinal detachment associated with KIF11 mutation. Methods In our university hospital, an 8-week-old patient presented with a potential bilateral congenital cataract, iris atrophy, and iridocorneal contact in the left eye. An examination revealed microcephaly and edema of the dorsa of the feet. The eye examination showed a clear lens in both eyes with a dislodged anterior chamber in the left eye with vessels drawn from the iris to the lens. A retrolental white bilateral mass with vessels was also observed. The MRI and the ultrasound revealed a potential peritoneal hyperplastic glass body. Bilateral retinal detachment was diagnosed during surgery. Results Due to the external appearance of the eyes (microcephaly and edema) and the bilateral retinal detachments, a test for KIF11 mutations was requested, and the results were positive. Conclusions There is a known association between KIF11 mutation and chorioretinopathy. The bilateral retinal detachment in the present case study has not been previously reported in the literature.
Technical Feasibility of Isolated Bowman Layer Graft Preparation by Femtosecond Laser: A Pilot Study
Authors: Parker Jack S. , Huls Forest , Cooper Elizabeth , Graves Paul , Groeneveld-van Beek Esther A. , Lie Jessica , Melles Gerrit R.J. 
Published: June 2017

Purpose To evaluate the technical feasibility of isolated Bowman layer (BL) graft preparation by femtosecond laser (FSL) and to compare the ultrastructural morphology to manually dissected grafts. Methods Five whole globes were placed in custom-made eye holders and debrided of epithelium. After programming a dissection depth of 20 μm, the FSL was docked into position and 5 isolated BL grafts were created. From 5 additional globes, corneoscleral buttons were procured, mounted in artificial anterior chambers, and stripped of BL via the previously described manual technique. Three specimens from both series were randomly selected and assigned to transmission electron microscopy for ultrastructural evaluation and thickness measurements. Results All dissections were uneventful and 10 total grafts were produced: 5 by FSL and 5 by manual dissection. Mean graft thickness was 37 (±8.6) μm (n = 3) for the FSL group and 11.7 (±1.6) μm (n = 3) for the manually dissected group. Transmission electron microscopy revealed a thick but relatively smooth posterior cut edge in the FSL group, versus a virtually isolated BL with irregular rests of dispersed stroma in the manually dissected group. Conclusions Femtosecond laser may have potential for harvesting intact BL and with a smooth posterior surface, but accompanied by variable amounts of anterior stroma owing to technical limitations.
Comparative in Vivo Analysis of the Role of the Adventitia and the Endothelium on Arterial Mechanical Function: Relevance for Aortic Counterpulsation
Authors: Bia Daniel , Zócalo Yanina , Wray Sandra , Cabrera-Fischer Edmundo I. 
Published: June 2017

Purpose The comparative effect of the intimal and adventitial layers on arterial biomechanics control, in basal and altered conditions, remains to be elucidated. This study aimed ( 1 ) to characterize the arterial conduit (CF) and buffering (distensibility) function of the iliac arteries in in vivo animals, in which the intimal and adventitial layers were removed; ( 2 ) to determine the effects of intra-aortic ballon pumping (IABP) on simultaneously de-adventitialized (DA) and de-endothelialized (DE) iliac arteries before and after induced heart failure. Methods Pressure and diameter signals were measured in the iliac arteries of sheep (n = 7) in which the adventitial and intima layer were removed. Intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) assistance was used in a control state and after heart failure induction. Results Both DE and DA determined significant changes in arterial diameter, distensibility and CF. Changes were higher after DA than after DE in terms of distensibility and CF (p<0.05). DA followed by DE (DA + DE) showed significant increases in arterial diameter and CF, accompanied by a decrease in distensibility (p<0.05) with respect to intact arteries. Heart failure induction caused significant hemodynamic changes without modifying the already impaired local biomechanical parameters. Nonsignificant improvements in the biomechanical parameters of DA+ DE iliac arteries were observed during IABP before and after heart failure induction. Conclusions Biomechanical changes caused by DA of iliac arteries were more important than those observed after DE. The DA + DE arteries showed significant differences with respect to intact arteries and with DA or DE arteries. IABP-related effects on arterial mechanics were absent in DA+ DE arteries.
Isolation, Characterization and Cold Storage of Cells Isolated from Diseased Explanted Livers
Authors: Belaschk Elisa , Rohn Susanne , Mukiibi Ramla , Reutzel-Selke Anja , Tang Peter , Sawitzki Birgit , Pratschke Johann , Sauer Igor M. , Mogl Martina T. 
Published: June 2017

Introduction Livers discarded after standard organ retrieval are commonly used as a cell source for hepatocyte transplantation. Due to the scarcity of organ donors, this leads to a shortage of suitable cells for transplantation. Here, the isolation of liver cells from diseased livers removed during liver transplantation is studied and compared to the isolation of cells from liver specimens obtained during partial liver resection. Methods Hepatocytes from 20 diseased explanted livers (Ex-group) were isolated, cultured and stored at 4°C for up to 48 hours, and compared to hepatocytes isolated from the normal liver tissue of 14 liver lobe resections (Rx-group). The nonparenchymal cell fraction (NPC) was analyzed by flow cytometry to identify potential liver progenitor cells, and OptiPrep™ (Sigma-Aldrich) density gradient centrifugation was used to enrich the progenitor cells for immediate transplantation. Results There were no differences in viability, cell integrity and metabolic activity in cell culture and survival after cold storage when comparing the hepatocytes from the Rx-group and the Ex-group. In some cases, the latter group showed tendencies of increased resistance to isolation and storage procedures. The NPC of the Ex-group livers contained considerably more EpCAM+ and significantly more CD90+ cells than the Rx-group. Progenitor cell enrichment was not sufficient for clinical application. Conclusions Hepatocytes isolated from diseased explanted livers showed the essential characteristics of being adequate for cell transplantation. Increased numbers of liver progenitor cells can be isolated from diseased explanted livers. These results support the feasibility of using diseased explanted livers as a cell source for liver cell transplantation.
Reference Limits for Chromogranin A, CYFRA 21-1, CA 125, CA 19-9 and Carcinoembryonic Antigen in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Mikkelsen Gustav , Åsberg Arne , Hultström Maria E. , Aasarød Knut , Hov Gunhild G. 
Published: June 2017

Background Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) may have increased plasma concentrations of some tumor markers even when no cancer is present. Previous studies have indicated that plasma concentrations of chromogranin A (CGA), cytokeratin 19 fragments (CYFRA 21-1), cancer antigen 125 (CA 125), cancer antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) are higher in patients with CKD but without cancer, than in healthy individuals, and this can make interpretation of results more complicated. The aim of this study was to establish reference limits for these markers in patients with CKD not receiving dialysis and with no clinical evidence of cancer. Methods We measured plasma concentrations in samples from 131 patients with CKD due to various etiologies and studied the association of tumor marker concentrations with estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and other patient characteristics. Results Estimated reference limits for plasma CA 125, CA 19-9 and CEA were approximately the same as for healthy populations. Serum concentrations of CGA and CYFRA 21-1 correlated strongly with estimated GFR, and GFR-dependent reference limits were estimated. Conclusions GFR-dependent reference limits for CGA and CYFRA 21-1 are reported in order to support interpretation of these markers in patients with CKD.
Nonlinear Optical Properties of Sodium Copper Chlorophyllin in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Li Jiangting , Peng Yufeng , Han Xueyun , Guo Shaoshuai , Liang Kunning , Zhang Minggao 
Published: June 2017

Background Sodium copper chlorophyllin (SCC), as one of the derivatives of chlorophyll – with its inherent green features; good stability for heat, light, acids and alkalies; unique antimicrobial capability; and particular deodorization performance – is widely applied in some fields such as the food industry, medicine and health care, daily cosmetic industry etc. SCC, as one of the metal porphyrins, has attracted much attention because of its unique electronic band structure and photon conversion performance. To promote the application of SCC in materials science; energy research and photonics, such as fast optical communications; and its use in nonlinear optical materials, solar photovoltaic cells, all-optical switches, optical limiters and saturable absorbers, great efforts should be dedicated to studying its nonlinear optical (NLO) properties. Methods In this study, the absorption spectra and NLO properties of SCC in aqueous solution at different concentrations were measured. The Z-scan technique was used to determine NLO properties. Results The results indicated that the absorption spectra of SCC exhibit 2 characteristic absorption peaks located at the wavelengths 405 and 630 nm, and the values of the peaks increase with increasing SCC concentration. The results also showed that SCC exhibits reverse saturation absorption and negative nonlinear refraction (self-defocusing). Conclusions It can be seen that SCC has good optical nonlinearity which will be convenient for applications in materials science, energy research and photonics.
Totally Implantable Venous Access Devices in Children with Medical Complexity: Preliminary Data from a Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Geremia Caterina , De Ioris Maria Antonietta , Crocoli Alessandro , Adorisio Ottavio , Scrocca Raffaella , Lombardi Mary Haywood , Staccioli Susanna , Stella Pietro , Amendola Paola , Ciliento Gaetano , De Peppo Francesco , Campana Andrea 
Published: June 2017

Introduction Children with special health-care needs are an emerging and consistent population. In a subset of children with medical complexity (CMC) a continuous access to the central vascular system is advisable to eliminate unnecessary pain and stress and to improve home management and palliative care. Methods The surgical registry of a tertiary hospital was checked in order to identify CMC who underwent totally implantable venous access device (VAD) placement. Medical records were reviewed. Results From October 2009 to August 2014, a totally implantable VAD was placed in 10 children. Seven out of 10 patients were affected by cerebral palsy while 3 presented a genetic syndrome. The median duration of the indwelling catheter was 31 months (range 5 to 77 months). Six catheters are still in place since the first placement. Infectious complications were observed in two patients, respectively, a Candida albicans and a Staphylococcus aureus colonization; in both cases the VAD was removed. In another two cases, removal was planned for reservoir dislodgment within the subcutaneous tissue. No other major complications were observed during the procedure and the follow-up period. Emergency admissions decreased from a median value of 0.4/month (range 0-1.5/month) to 0.2/month (range 0-0.6/month) after the VAD placement. Conclusions A totally implanted VAD in CMC is safe and manageable. As expected, infection seems to be the major complication with no infection-related death. Malnutrition and musculoskeletal deformities, which are frequent comorbidities in CMC, should be considered to reduce the risk of dislodgment/migration.
HPV-related Vulvar Diseases and Perspectives of p16INK4a Immunochemistry: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Carrone Angela , Riganelli Lucia , Savone Delia , Casorelli Assunta , Merlino Lucia , Pecorini Francesco , Pecorella Irene , Mancino Pasquale , Piccioni Maria Grazia , Benedetti Panici Pierluigi 
Published: June 2017

Introduction Two different types of vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN), HPV-related and HPV-unrelated, should be considered as two separate entities with different management options. The incidence of HPV-related VIN is increasing worldwide and is implicated in carcinogenesis. Our objective is to investigate the use of p16INK4a immunostaining or p16INK4a/p53 double staining for the detection of HPV-related disease to overcome the problem that histological criteria often have significant overlap. Methods A systematic literature search was carried out in the online databases PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Clincaltrials.gov and Scopus. The key search terms were HPV, VIN, p16INK4a immunochemistry and p53. Results We found that nuclear and cytoplasmic immunostaining for p16INK4a was intense and diffuse in HPV-associated lesions and weak and focal in normal vulvar epithelium, nondysplastic lesions, lichen sclerosus and keratinizing vulvar squamous cell carcinoma. p53 nuclear immunostaining was always negative in HPV-related disease. Conclusions Our findings indicated that p16INK4a or p16INK4a/p53 immunoreactivity, along with histological diagnosis, could be a convenient means to adequately classify VIN and its connection to HPV infection. Therefore, the clear recognition of HPV-associated VIN would lead to an appropriate strategy of treatment and follow-up.
miRNA-650 exerts anti-leukemia activity by inhibiting cell proliferation through Gfi1 targeting
Authors: Yuan Changyong , Xu Liming , Du Pengcheng , Pang Jinling 
Published: June 2017

Background: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the most common malignancy of the bone marrow with a high mortality. Recent advances in high-throughput sequencing have led to the identification of various miRNAs implicated in the pathogenesis of AML. We found in this study that miR-650, a miRNA that was traditionally considered to participate in the onset of hepatocellular carcinoma, might play a significant role in AML development and progression. Methods: qRT-PCR was used to detect the expression of miR-650 and Gfi1 in AML patients and healthy controls. Next, a luciferase assay was conducted to verify the target effect of miR-650 on Gfi1. Moreover, the CCK-8 assay was performed to evaluate the effect of miR-650 on the proliferation of AML cells in the presence and absence of Gfi1. Results: miR-650 was downregulated in AML whereas Gfi1 was upregulated. miR-650 could negatively regulate Gfi1 via direct targeting of its 3’-UTR, which was confirmed by luciferase assay. In addition, overexpression of miR-650 reduced cell proliferation in K562 cells, whereas an increase in cell proliferation was observed when K562 cells were transfected with miR-650 inhibitor, which was compromised in response to the knockdown of Gfi1. Conclusions: Our research demonstrated that miR-650 modulates cell proliferation in AML through affecting the expression of Gfi1, which occurs by direct target action.
Robot-assisted nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy using near-infrared fluorescence technology and indocyanine green: initial experience
Authors: Mangano Mario S. , De Gobbi Alberto , Beniamin Francesco , Lamon Claudio , Ciaccia Matteo , Maccatrozzo Luigino 
Published: June 2017

Introduction: Indocyanine green (ICG) is a fluorescent molecule that provokes detectable photon emission. The use of ICG with near-infrared (NIR) imaging system (Akorn, Lake Forest, IL) has been described during robotic partial nephrectomy (RAPN) as an adjunctive means of identifying renal artery and parenchymal perfusion. We propose the use of the ICG with NIR fluorescence during laparoscopic robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP), to identify the benchmark artery improving the preservation of neurovascular bundle and to improve the visualization of the vascularization and then the hemostasis. Methods: From April 2015 to February 2016, 62 patients underwent to RARP in our Urology Unit. In 26 consecutive patients, in the attempt to have a better visualization of neurovascular bundles, we used to inject ICG during the procedure. We evaluated the percentage of identification of neurovascular bundles using NIR fluorescence. Then, we evaluated complications related to injection of ICG and operative time differences between RARP with and without ICG injection performed by the same surgeons. Results: We identified prostatic arteries and neurovascular bundles using NIR fluorescence technology in all patients (100%). There was not any increase in the operative time compared with RARP without ICG injection performed by the same surgeons. Complications related to injection of ICG did not occurred. Conclusions: In our experience, even if on a limited number of patients, the application of ICG with NIR fluorescence during RARP is helpful to identify the benchmark artery of neurovascular bundle.
Dialectical Drama and the Ideal State: The Platonic Dimension of Shavian Dramaturgy and Political Theory
Authors: Yde Matthew 
Published: June 2017

ABSTRACT
Shaw saw himself as a modern-day Socrates, shattering mindless conventions and ideals. But Shaw not only modeled himself on Plato's leading character; he also modeled his dramaturgy, in part, on the Platonic dialogue, and it might be said that Plato influenced his style as much as any single playwright. Indeed, Shaw signals as much in the preface to Man and Superman when he calls the dream sequence a “Shavio-Socratic dialogue.” Going further, this article contends that Plato's influence was equally powerful in the realm of political theory, and that Shaw saw the Fabians as a species of philosopher kings, such as Plato outlines in The Republic. The notion of designing an ideal society, such as Plato does in The Republic, was central to Shaw's life's work. This article argues and illustrates how Plato was perhaps the greatest single influence on Shaw's political thinking as well as on his dramaturgical strategy.
Shaw's Joan of Arc and Heaney's Antigone as Classically Modern Heroines
Authors: Ilić Biljana Vlašković 
Published: June 2017

ABSTRACT
Literary critics have paid little attention to the similar artistic goals of Bernard Shaw and Seamus Heaney, who were both critical of the state of humanity. This article examines various aspects of their work, focusing specifically on the employment of the classical form in Shaw's Saint Joan and Heaney's The Burial at Thebes. Since the essential action in Greek drama relies on discourse and verbal interaction, its form appealed to both Shaw and Heaney, who are remembered today as masters of the spoken word. This article shows that their use of classical forms and themes sheds light on the power politics of their respective times. While the two plays significantly differ, one being a bona fide history play and the other an adaptation of the famous classic, their authors share a common focal point: they want to cure humanity of a disease whose main symptom is the repetition of History's mistakes.
Update on Immunohistochemical Analysis in Breast Lesions
Authors: Peng Yan , Butt Yasmeen M. , Chen Beiyun , Zhang Xinmin , Tang Ping 
Published: June 2017

Context.—The utility of immunohistochemistry (IHC) in breast lesions needs to be updated with exceptions among these lesions. Biomarker studies with IHC in triple-negative breast carcinoma may help develop targeted therapies for this aggressive breast cancer. The distinction of metastatic lung adenocarcinoma to the breast and invasive breast carcinoma has significant prognostic and therapeutic implications. The determination can be challenging because both primary tumors can express estrogen receptor and/or HER2 by IHC, creating a diagnostic dilemma.Objectives.—To provide a practical update on the use of IHC markers in differential diagnoses in breast lesions, including benign, atypical, precancerous, and malignant tumors; to highlight recently published research findings on novel IHC markers in triple-negative breast carcinoma cases; and to reinforce the importance of IHC use as an ancillary tool in distinguishing metastatic lung adenocarcinoma to the breast from primary breast carcinoma using real case examples.Data Sources.—PubMed (US National Library of Medicine, Bethesda, Maryland) literature review and authors' research data and personal experiences were used in this review.Conclusions.—Immunohistochemistry has an important role in making differential diagnoses in breast lesions in morphologically equivocal settings; recognizing IHC expression status in the exceptions among these lesions will aid in the correct diagnosis of challenging breast cases. Studies suggest that androgen receptor, p16, p53, GATA3, and PELP1 may have potential diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive value in triple-negative breast carcinoma cases; these findings may provide insight and a greater understanding of the tumor biology in triple-negative breast carcinomas. In distinguishing metastatic estrogen receptor–positive or HER2+ lung adenocarcinoma to the breast from primary breast carcinoma, napsin A, TTF-1, and GATA3 comprise a useful IHC panel.