bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An Experimental Pilot Study on Controlled Portal Vein Arterialization with an Extracorporeal Device in the Swine Model of Partial Liver Resection and Ischemia
Authors: Nardo B. , Montalti R. , Puviani L. , Pacilè V. , Beltempo P. , Bertelli R. , Licursi M. , Pariali M. , Cianciavicchia D. 
Published: January 2018

Aim To determine whether the physiologically oxygenated arterial blood reversed in the portal system by means of portal vein arterialization (PVA) through an extracorporeal device which we have called L.E.O2.NARDO (Liver Extracorporeal Oxygen. NARDO) is effective in treating swine with subtotal hepatectomy leading to acute liver failure (ALF). Methods Ten swine with ALF induced by 85–90% liver resection and five minutes of ischemia-reperfusion injury were randomly divided into two groups: five animals received PVA extracoporeal treatment and five swine were not-treated (control group). Blood was withdrawn from the iliac artery and reversed in the portal venous system. An extracorporeal device was interposed between the outflow and the inflow in order to monitoring the hemodynamic parameters. Each treatment lasted 6 hours. Serum and liver samples were collected in both groups. The survival was assessed at 1 week. Results The PVA-extracorporeal treatment yielded beneficial effects for subtotal hepatectomy-induced ALF swine with decreased serum ammonia, transaminases and total bilirubin as compared with the untreated group. INR recovered rapidly in the PVA-extracorporeal group remaining significantly lower than in untreated animals. The 7-day survival of PVA-extracorporeal group swine was significantly higher than that of untreated animals, with a statistically significant difference (p<0.05). Four swine in the PVA-extracorporeal group survived at 1 week while none of the swine in the control group were alive at that time; an average time of 144h±13h and 24.4h±5h was observed in the PVA-extracorporeal and control groups, respectively. Conclusions Arterial blood supply in the portal system through the extracorporeal device is easily applicable, efficacious, safe and may represent a novel approach for ALF swine induced by subtotal liver resection.
Evaluation of the Effects of Pulse High-Volume Hemofiltration in Patients with Severe Sepsis: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Peng Zhang , Pai Peng , Han-Min Wang , Jun Zhu , Hong-Bao Liu , Rong Li , Chen Huang 
Published: January 2018

Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of pulse high-volume hemofiltration (PHVHF) in patients with severe sepsis. Methods Twenty-two patients with severe sepsis admitted to XiJing hospital between January 2009 and January 2010 were included in the present study. Patients were randomly divided into the control group (conventional treatment) and the PHVHF group. Patients in the PHVHF group received 72 h of PHVHF treatment in addition to conventional treatment after admission. PHVHF was conducted as follows: HVHF 85 ml/kg per hour for 6 h followed by continuous venovenous hemofiltration 35 ml/kg per hour for 18 h with an AN69 membrane. The hemofilter was replaced every 24 h and PHVHF was performed with 250 to 300 ml/min blood flow rate. The blood samples were taken to measure the changes of plasma cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1, IL-4, IL-6 and IL-10). Results With 72 h of PHVHF treatment, there was an improvement in clinical features and hemodynamics variables in PHVHF-treated patients. All plasma cytokines after PHVHF treatment were significantly lower than those at the start of PHVHF treatment (p<0.05). In contrast, there was no significant change in control patients. Conclusions Our findings suggest that PHVHF is a feasible adjuvant modality in the treatment of patients with severe sepsis. With the application of PHVHF treatment, plasma cytokines are effectively removed. Considering the lower cost and better feasibility than continuous high-volume hemofiltration (CHVF), PHVHF shows promising prospects for the future.
Percutaneous Vascular Cannulation for Extracorporeal Life Support (ECLS): A Modified Technique
Authors: Grasselli Giacomo , Pesenti Antonio , Marcolin Roberto , Patroniti Nicolò , Isgró Stefano , Tagliabue Paola , Lucchini Alberto , Fumagalli Roberto 
Published: January 2018

Purpose Vascular access and cannulation are crucial issues to maximize the efficiency of extracorporeal circulation techniques and to preserve patients' safety. Techniques of cannulation have changed over the years, from surgical cutdown to percutaneous approaches, which are now considered standard practice. We describe an original modified percutaneous cannulation technique developed in our Department and we report our clinical experience and complications observed. Methods A Seldinger technique utilizing 3 guidewires with passage of a dilator over each guidewire was used. Two concentric pursestring sutures, prepared before cannulation, minimize procedure-associated bleeding. Cannulation is performed under direct fluoroscopic control. Results From 1997 to 2009, 38 patients (31 VV-ECLS, 7 VA-ECLS) have been cannulated using our technique, resulting in a total of 69 venous cannulations. Average external caliber of venous cannulae was 23 Fr (15–29 Fr). Mean duration of the entire cannulation procedure was 40 minutes (20–60 min). Adverse events occurred in 3 patients. Conclusions The technique described is safe and feasible and the incidence of procedure-related complications is very low, but it may require longer time to be performed.
SEM Evaluation of the Root Canal Walls after Treatment with Tetraclean
Authors: Poggio Claudio , Dagna Alberto , Chiesa Marco , Bianchi Stefano , Arciola Carla Renata , Visai Livia , Giardino Luciano 
Published: January 2018

Purpose In this ex vivo study, the surface cleanliness of root canal walls after shaping with Ni-Ti instruments and irrigating with different endodontic solutions was evaluated by SEM. Methods 50 single-rooted teeth were divided into 5 groups. All root canals were shaped with Revo-S™ (MICRO-MEGA®, Besancon, France) rotary Ni-Ti instruments and irrigated with NaOCl, varying the final rinse: NaOCl, Tetraclean, 17% EDTA, Cloreximid, Tetraclean liquid not mixed with powder. Specimens were fractured longitudinally and prepared for SEM analysis in order to evaluate the presence/absence of smear layer and the presence/absence of open tubules at the coronal, middle, and apical third of each canal, using a 3-step scale for scores. Numeric data were analyzed using Kruskall-Wallis test and Mann-Whitney U test and significance was predetermined at p<0.05. Results This study showed significant differences between the various groups. The 5.25% NaOCl + Tetraclean and 5.25% NaOCl + 17% E.D.T.A. groups had significantly lower scores than other groups (p<0.001), with no significant difference between them. Conclusions Final rinse with Tetraclean is effective in removing the smear layer, leaving a high number of opened dentin tubules.
Solubility of Root Canal Sealers: A Comparative Study
Authors: Poggio Claudio , Arciola Carla Renata , Dagna Alberto , Colombo Marco , Bianchi Stefano , Visai Livia 
Published: January 2018

Introduction Root canal sealers used in odontological applications are capable of providing an apical seal, thus inhibiting potential bacterial penetration into the periradicular tissues. Since insolubility is the ideal characteristic for a root canal sealer material, in dentistry the sealability of the material depends on its solubility. Purpose This study tested the solubility of six different root canal sealers: two ZnOE-based sealers (Endomethasone C and Argoseal), two calcium hydroxide-containing sealers (Bioseal Normal and Acroseal), and two resin-based sealers (AH Plus and MM Seal). Methods Ten specimens of each material were prepared using stainless steel ring molds with the same internal diameter and the same height in order to obtain similar samples, and immersed in water. Solubility was determined by using sample weight loss (%) after 24 hours and after 2 months. The test was performed according to the International Standards Organization 6876 standard and the American Dental Association specifications No. 30 and No. 57. Data were statistically analyzed with a one-way analysis of variance test (ANOVA). Results The ANOVA test showed significant differences between the various groups. The post-hoc test showed that resin-based root canal sealers had significantly lower solubility percentages than other groups (p<0.05), and showed no difference between them (p>0.05). Conclusions All the materials fulfilled the requirements of International Standard 6876 and ANSI/ADA specifications demonstrating a weight loss of less than 3%. Under the conditions of the present study, all root canal sealers were of low solubility, but the lowest solubility percentages were recorded in resin-based root canal sealers, which can be considered virtually insoluble, and thanks to this physical property, ideal for use as endodontic sealer.
Comparison of Analgesia and Akinesia after Retrobulbar Injections at Different Speeds
Authors: Krause M. , Baldus A. , Spang S. , Weindler J. , Ruprecht K.W. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To assess how the speed of injection of local anesthetic solutions affected pain of injection, bulbar akinesia and analgesia with retrobulbar anesthesia (RBA). Methods 70 patients undergoing RBA for cataract surgery were enrolled in a prospective masked trial. They were allocated randomly to receive 5 ml anesthetic solution injected either within 20 seconds (group A) or within 60 seconds (group B). Additionally, akinesia of the orbicularis muscle was created according to O'Brien's technique. The pain of injection was registered on an ordinal analogue scale immediately before and after RBA. The following data were collected before and 20 minutes after retrobulbar injection: eye motility (Kestenbaum test), and corneal sensitivity (0: no sensitivity; 1: sensitivity remaining). Data were also collected on age, sex, and bulbar length, and any side effects of the intervention. Results Injection pain did not differ in the two groups. After RBA horizontal and vertical eye motility was slightly lower in group A than group B. Persistent motility was found in 18 patients in group A and 16 in group B. Median horizontal and vertical motility was 0 mm in both groups. Four patients in group A and five in group B had corneal sensitivity persisting after RBA. Conclusions This comparison of different injection velocities brought to light no significant differences regarding bulbar analgesia and akinesia after RBA.
Effect of Xyfoglucan (Tamarind Seed Polysaccharide) on Conjunctival Cell Adhesion to Laminin and on Corneal Epithelium Wound Healing
Authors: Burgalassi S. , Raimondi L. , Pirisino R. , Banchelli G. , Boldrini E. , Saettone M. F. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose TO explore the role of a natural polysaccharide extracted from tamarind seed (xyloglucan, or tamarind seed polysaccharide, TSP) on the integrin-substrate recognition system and on repair of corneal wounds. Methods a) Cultured human conjunctival cells were labeled by addition of a tritiated amino acid mixture. Their adhesion to laminin-coated culture wells in the absence or presence of TSP was checked by radioactivity count, b) The corneal epithelium of albino rabbits was damaged by applying a paper disc soaked with n-heptanol. The eyes were then treated with TSP, with a hyaluronate reference formulation and with normal saline solution (controls). The diameter of corneal wounds was measured daily, after fluorescein staining. Results Compared to hyaluronate, TSP slighthly but significantly increased the wound healing rate, TSP 1.0% exerted a positive influence on cell adhesion to laminin, up to a certain laminin concentration. Conclusions The ability of the polysaccharide to promote corneal wound healing might depend on its influence on the integrin recognition system.
Visual Acuity and Color Vision Deficiency in Amblyopia
Authors: Koçak-Altintas A.G. , Satana B. , Koçak I. , Duman S. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To investigate color vision and its relation with the type of amblyopia and visual acuity of amblyopic eyes. Methods In this prospective study, 67 amblyopic eyes of 64 patients, aged from 4 to 13 years (mean 6.8 ± 2.1) and 26 eyes of 13 control subjects aged from 5 to 13 years (mean 7.3 ± 1.6) were examined with the Farnsworth-Munsell 100 Hue Test (FM-100). Amblyopic eyes were grouped as strabismic (21 eyes) and anisometropic (46 eyes). Each group was subdivided according to their visual acuity, as less than 5/10 and 6/10 or better. The total errors, blue-yellow (B-Y) and red-green (R-G) partial error scores were obtained for each group. One-way ANOVA was used to assess differences between groups. Results The error scores of all axes were lower in the control group than the amblyopic groups (p<0.001), but the differences within amblyopic groups were not significant (p>0.05). Conclusions Deficient color vision in the amblyopic eyes was not related to the visual acuity and type of amblyopia.
Posterior Sub-Tenon Triamcinolone for Refractory Diabetic Macular Edema: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Entezari M. , Ahmadieh H. , Dehghan M.H. , Ramezani A. , Bassirnia N. , Anissian A. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To evaluate the effect of posterior sub-tenon triamcinolone acetonide (TA) injection on clinical, angiographic, and optical coherence tomographic (OCT) parameters in refractory diabetic macular edema (DME). Methods In a double-masked placebo-controlled clinical trial, 64 eyes were randomly assigned to two groups. The treatment group (32 eyes) received 40 mg posterior sub-tenon injection of TA and the placebo group (32 eyes) received subconjunctival injection of a placebo. The injections were repeated after 2 months in both groups. Complete ophthalmologic examination, fluorescein angiography, and OCT were performed before intervention and after 4 months. Quantitative measurement of angiographic variables such as the amount of hard exudates (HE), size of foveal avascular zone (FAZ), and leakage severity was performed by computer, using Photoshop software. Results Initial best-corrected visual acuity (VA) was 0.93±0.39 logMAR in the placebo group and 0.75±0.38 logMAR in the treatment group. At 4 months, corrected VA was 0.88±0.48 logMAR in the controls versus 0.71±0.42 logMAR in the cases. Mean central macular thickness measured by OCT before and 4 months after injection was 392 and 377 microns in the treatment group and 388 and 357 microns in the placebo group, respectively. No statistically significant difference was detected between the two groups. The difference was also not significant in HE, FAZ, and leakage in the angiograms. Conclusions Two injections of posterior sub-tenon TA had no therapeutic effect on refractory DME.
Topographic Angiography and Optical Coherence Tomography: A Correlation of Imaging Characteristics
Authors: Ahlers C. , Michels S. , Elsner H. , Birngruber R. , Pruente C. , Schmidt-erfurth U. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose Topographic angiography (TAG) using confocal scanning laser angiography and optical coherence tomography (OCT) are new imaging modalities that have been introduced during recent years. OCT and TAG imaging were compared to specify the characteristics of each imaging modality. Methods TAG using fluorescein angiography (FA) provides a three-dimensional profile of the vascular structures based on the analysis of a set of 32 confocal images over a depth of 4 mm. OCT provides cross-sectional images of the neurosensory retina and the retinal pigment epithelium-choriocapillary complex (RPE-CC). The authors compared and evaluated both modalities in 10 patients with predominantly classic choroidal neovascularization (CNV), 10 patients with serous pigment epithelial detachment (PED), and 10 patients with geographic RPE atrophy, all secondary to age-related macular degeneration (ARMD). Results In patients with classic CNV, TAG detected neovascular structures and delineated their configuration. In PEDs pooling of extravascular fluid is demonstrated, and in geographic RPE atrophy TAG showed reduced choroidal perfusion. Classic CNV was demonstrated by OCT as a hyperreflective band at the level of the RPE-CC, and PED showed a dome-shaped RPE detachment. In geographic RPE atrophy, OCT imaged loss of the RPE band and had an increased depth resolution. Conclusions TAG and OCT are useful imaging modalities in the evaluation of ARMD cases. TAG visualizes the vascular configuration and dynamic perfusion and leakage changes. OCT is able to document intra-, subretinal, and sub-RPE fluid accumulation secondary to CNV. Both modalities may provide further valuable insight into ARMD pathogenesis, enhance diagnostic quality, and improve the assessment of therapeutic effects.
Utilization of Mathematical Processing of Retinal Images with Use of Adaptive Contrast Control (ACC) Method to Detect Quantity of Vascular Endings
Authors: Kolar P. , Starha P. , Vlkova E. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose The authors investigated whether the method of mathematical processing of retinal images with the use of a computer can be used to evaluate ocular background figures of patients with physiologic retinal findings. This method is based on identification of vascular endings in an examined retinal area. When the authors mention vascular endings, they do not refer to factual endings, but recognizable vascular endings; there are no endings in a vascular system. Methods Adaptive contrast control (ACC) method was used to determine a number of vascular endings. The method is based on mathematical processing of a digitized retina picture with the use of a computer. On a digitized retinal picture, the vascular system is identified with the use of the conditional erosion methodology, and the number of vascular endings is then determined. The ACC method was used to process a file of retinal pictures of 38 patients (76 eyes) with physiologic retinal findings. Results Based on the results of statistical analysis, the authors detected that the number of vascular endings showed a normal curve (Gaussian distribution, p=0.05). A tight correlation between quantities of vascular endings in the right and the left eyes was also detected, which means that the quantity of vascular endings in the right and the left eyes is in a very close correlation (p=0.05). Conclusions The authors highlight that the curve of the number of vascular endings of patients with physiologic retinal findings shows a Gaussian distribution.
Retinal Angiomatous Proliferation Treated with a Combination of Intravitreal Triamcinolone Acetonide and Photodynamic Therapy with Verteporfin
Authors: Mantel I. , Ambresin A. , Zografos L. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose Retinal angiomatous proliferation (RAP) is a particularly aggressive form of exudative age-related macular degeneration. Response to laser photocoagulation or to photodynamic therapy (PDT) alone is often disappointing. The purpose of this study was to determine whether intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide (TA) injections followed by PDT in eyes with early stage RAP may be effective. Methods Prospective uncontrolled study, enrolling 11 patients (11 eyes) with stage 2 RAP, treated with intravitreal TA injection followed by PDT. Patients with large pigment epithelium detachment, RAP stage 3, or pre-existing glaucoma and known steroid responders were excluded. All patients underwent a complete ophthalmic examination including fluorescein and indocyanine green (ICG) angiography and optical coherence tomography (OCT-3) at baseline and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. Informed consent was obtained from all patients. Results Mean follow-up was 14.9 months (range 6–21 months). Mean age was 82 years. In four patients a small pigment epithelium detachment was found on tomography. Initial visual acuity (VA) ranged from 0.1 to 0.6 on the Snellen scale. After calculating the logarithmic values the authors found an initial mean VA of logMAR 0.61, which improved by 1.5, 0.9, and 0.9 log lines after 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively. Although the VA gain from baseline tended to decrease with time, only 2 patients (18%) had an actual loss of acuity (≥3 lines). Retreatment was required in 5 eyes. Conclusions In this prospective pilot study examining the use of intravitreal TA followed by PDT with verteporfin in eyes with stage 2 RAP, without a large pigment epithelium detachment, the authors found a potential benefit in terms of stabilization or even improvement of vision.
Idiopathic Macular Hypoplasia: A Report of Four Cases and Refinement of the Phenotype of So-Called Ateliotic Macula
Authors: El Annan J. , Marcotty A. , Mitchell P. , Traboulsi E.I. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To refine the phenotype of idiopathic macular hypoplasia, also referred to as ateliotic macula, by describing a series of cases with this diagnosis. Methods A review of the clinical characteristics of four patients as documented in medical records with regard to refractive error, visual acuity, anterior segment examination, retinal findings, and ancillary tests such as electroretinography (ERG). Results All patients had oval circumscribed or diffuse areas in the posterior pole where the retina appeared not to have developed normally; the fovea was involved in three patients with reduced visual acuity, and one patient had parafoveal lesions with preserved visual acuity. There were three males and one females. Patients’ age ranged from 4 to 16 years. Errors of refraction ranged from severe myopia to hypermetropia and mild astigmatism. The anterior segment was normal in all patients. Three patients had strabismus and two had nystagmus. ERG was normal in the one patient in whom it was performed. One patient was mosaic for trisomy of chromosome 9. Conclusions The term idiopathic macular hypoplasia can be applied to a spectrum of abnormalities in which a localized area of the posterior pole has a primordial or underdeveloped appearance. Lesions involving the fovea result in poor acuity. Generalized retinal dysfunction is absent. At least one of the genes involved in macular development may be located on chromosome 9.
Microincisional Cataract Surgery (MICS) with Pulse and Burst Modes
Authors: Baykara M. , Ercan Í. , Ozcetin H. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To compare the amount of ultrasound (US) energy and balanced solution (BS) required for burst mode and pulse mode during bimanual phacoemulsification surgery. Methods One hundred cases were divided into two groups (the pulse mode Group 1 [50 eyes], the burst mode Group 2 [50 eyes]). One surgeon (M.B.) performed phaco emulsification procedures using topical anesthesia with the AMO Sovereign in all patients. The technique was based on the nuclear hardness and surgeon's criteria and performed bimanually The surgery time, total ultrasound time (UST) and effective US power (USP), and used balanced solution (BS) were retrospectively compared. Results The mean surgery time, mean UST, and mean used BS volume were not statistically different in both groups (p>0.05). The mean EPT was statistically highly different in both groups (p>0.001). There was a slight tendency toward more surgery time in Group 2 than in Group 1, although the difference was not significant (p=0.146). Statistically significant higher results (Group 1: r=0,889, p<0.001 and Group 2: r=0,834, p<0.001) were seen in Group 1 when both groups were evaluated for the surgery time and used BS volume. When UST and used BS volume were evaluated in Groups 1 and 2, significant relation was seen in both but the correlation is statistically higher in Group 1 (Group 1: r=0,765, p<0.001, and Group 2: r=0,544, p<0.001). Conclusions The very low energy modes with the WhiteStar technology are suitable for bimanual cataract surgery.