bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Look East Policy:  The Case of Zimbabwe–China Political and Economic Relations Since 2000
Authors: Ojakorotu Victor , Kamidza Rumbidzai 
Published: January 2018

This article maps the evolution of Zimbabwe’s Look East Policy (LEP) and specifically the bilateral relationship with China through the lens of Zimbabwe’s domestic politics. It argues that political elite in Zimbabwe has a vested interest in a close economic and political relationship with China at the cost of the interests of the people of Zimbabwe. The author establishes that Zimbabwe’s LEP was intended to respond to the economic sanctions imposed on it by Western nations. From the descriptive account of the LEP provided in the article, it appears that the LEP has been successful in doing that by having a broad-based economic and political relationship with China. The author further critiques the impact of Chinese investment in Zimbabwe as detrimental to the interests of the people. Foreign policy is an instrument that governs and protects the interests of governments, nationals, institutions, organisations and entities within the lenses of bilateral relations between the countries concerned. The Zimbabwe–China relations point to the fact that the latter China is politically and economically committed to engage and develop the former. However, at the heart of commitment and development in Zimbabwe lies questions of interests and the nature of the relationship which is affecting development and commitment to take place. Hence, this article argues that the failure of Zimbabwe to yield satisfying results from the bilateral relations lies mostly on the political and economic weaknesses of the Zimbabwean government and leadership. The fact that the LEP is not formally and publicly developed and disseminated to key stakeholders and the general public and that it remains largely an oral secret public policy statement affects the interests of Zimbabwean economy and interested stakeholders. This also reflects a weak foreign policy directive. As long as Zimbabwe continues to deny to engage with other superpowers and global institutions, the LEP will remain doomed as China will continue to manipulate and exploit the relationship knowingly that Zimbabwe has no other friends and partners for development and cooperation.
Otolaryngology Service Usage in Children With Cleft Palate
Authors: Whittemore Kenneth R. , Dargie Jenna M. , Dornan Briana K. , Boudreau Brian 
Published: January 2018

Objectives: To determine the usage of otolaryngology services by children with cleft palate at a pediatric tertiary care facility. Design: Retrospective case series. Setting: Specialty clinic at a pediatric tertiary care hospital. Patients: Children born between January 1, 1999, and December 31, 2002, with the diagnosis of cleft palate or cleft lip and palate. A total of 41 female and 48 male patients were included. Main Outcome Measures: Total number of otolaryngology clinic visits and total number of otolaryngologic surgeries (tympanostomy tube placements and other otologic or upper airway procedures). Results: In the first 5 years of life, these children utilized an average of 8.2 otolaryngology clinic visits (SD = 5.0; range: 1-22) and underwent 3.3 tympanostomy tube surgeries (SD = 2.0; range: 0-10). Seventy-three had their first tube placed at the time of palate repair, and 4 at the time of lip repair. Fifty-one (57.3%) required other otologic or upper airway procedures, including tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy (27 children), removal of tympanostomy tubes (24 children), tympanomastoidectomy (3 children), and tympanoplasty (14 children). Of the children who underwent other procedures, they underwent a mean of 1.67 (SD = 0.84; range: 1-4) surgeries. Conclusions: Children with cleft palate are at increased risk for eustachian tube dysfunction, frequently utilize otolaryngology care, and typically receive multiple sets of tympanostomy tubes. This study found that children with cleft palate receive on average of approximately 3 sets of tympanostomy tubes, and the majority required another otologic or upper airway surgery.
Effectiveness of a bipolar vessel sealant device for ovariohysterectomy in cats with pyometra
Authors: Boursier Jean-François , Bassanino Jean , Leperlier Dimitri 
Published: January 2018

Objectives The objective was to describe the use of a bipolar vessel sealant device for complete ovariohysterectomy in cats (ie, removal of both the ovarian pedicle and the uterine body and vessels) and to report on the feasibility of ovariohysterectomy in cats with pyometra. Methods Cats with confirmed pyometra and whose owners agreed to the surgical procedure were prospectively included in the study. Ovaries were visualised and the vessel sealant device was used to coagulate and cut the suspensory ligament, the ovarian pedicle and the broad ligament up to the level of the uterine body. Once the uterine body was measured, it was grasped, coagulated and transected just proximal to the cervix using the vessel sealant device when its diameter was <0.9 cm. Immediate postoperative and short-term follow-up were evaluated by clinical examination. Results Thirteen cases were initially included between November 2015 and February 2017. Three cases were subsequently excluded because of a uterine body diameter >0.9 cm. Of the 10 cats finally included, all were intact females, with a median age of 2.7 years (range 0.9–9 years). Median weight was 3.7 kg (range 2.6–6.7 kg). The median surgery time was 10.9 mins (range 9.8–15.2 mins). Median uterus diameter was 0.51 cm (range 0.45–0.64 cm) and median skin incision was 4.1 cm (range 3.6–5.1 cm). No complications during the procedures occurred in any patient. All cases were discharged from the hospital 1 day after surgery, without any abnormality. No complications were noted during the postoperative period. Conclusions and relevance The findings suggest that the bipolar vessel sealant device used in this study is safe in performing ovariohysterectomy for pyometra in cats, when the uterine body is <0.9 cm in diameter, without short-term complications.
The Pharmacokinetics and Effects of Diltiazem in Rabbits
Authors: Oruç S. , Orhan D. , Orhan M. , Irkeç M. , Başçi N. , Barun S. , Bozkurt A. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To investigate the effect of diltiazem on wound healing after the creation of conjunctival flaps in rabbit eyes. Also, to investigate the pharmacokinetics of diltiazem in rabbits after subconjunctival and topical administration. Methods For the histopathological study, a limbal-based flap was prepared and diltiazem was injected subconjunctivally for five days after the surgery. The rabbits were euthanised 20 days after surgery. The effectiveness of diltiazem on wound healing was evaluated by histopathological examination and measurement of the thickness of subconjunctival fibrous tissue. For the pharmacokinetic study, diltiazem was applied topically or injected subconjunctivally. Aqueous paracenteses were performed 0.5, 1, 2, 4 hours thereafter. Results The histopathological study found no difference in thickness of the subconjunctival fibrous tissue in control and diltiazem-treated eyes. No significant toxicity was observed in eyes treated with diltiazem. The peak aqueous concentration was 3.8 ± 0.4 μg/ml after topical application and 15.3 ± 1.1 μg/ml after subconjunctival injection. The peak aqueous concentration was achieved 1/2 hours after administration in both cases. Conclusions Diltiazem did not appear to affect wound healing at the dose tested. Topical and subconjunctival diltiazem successfully penetrated the aqueous humor of rabbit eyes.
Experimental Retinopathy of Prematurity: Angiostatic Inhibition by Nimodipine, Ginkgo-Biloba, and Dipyridamole, and Response to Different Growth Factors
Authors: Juárez C.P. , Muiño J.C. , Guglielmone H. , Sambuelli R. , Echenique J.R. , Hernández M. , Luna J.D. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To investigate whether commonly used vasodilating drugs ameliorate angiogenesis in experimental retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), and to study the response of these drugs to different growth factors. Methods We used a rat and mouse model of oxygen-induced ischemic retinopathy. Animals were treated with nimodipine, gingko-biloba and dipyridamole intraperitoneally starting the day before exposure to room air (day 1). Controls were injected with vehicle solution only. Eyes were processed histopathologically with serial sections and neovascularization was measured by counting the nuclei within the retinal internal limiting membrane, by a masked observer. Retinal and vitreous tissues were assayed by ELISA for VEGF, PDGF and TGFβ2. Results Nimodipine significantly inhibited the growth of new vessels in rats. The number of nuclei was 310 ± 69 in the control group (n:14) and 121 ± 53 in the treated ones (n:14), (p<0.0005). Similar results were found with ginkgo-biloba extracts: 344 ± 53 (n:15) in controls, and 136 ± 29 (n:11) in treated ones (p<0.0005), and with dipyridamole: 303 ± 69 (n:13) in controls, and 131 ± 48.5 in treated rats (p<0.0005). Results were similar in mice. 186 ± 45 (n:7) nuclei counted in controls against 90 ± 25 (n:6) for dipyridamole treated (p<0.0005); and 81 ± 21 for ginkgo-biloba treated animals (p<0.0005). A gradual, very significant increase in VEGF values in response to relative hypoxia (room air) contrasted with the significant inhibition noted both with ginkgo-biloba extracts and dipyridamole. TGFβ2 and PDGF both showed a gradual increase in relative hypoxia at days 2 and 4 of room air (p<0.0005). Treated animals showed marked inhibition of the three growth factors. Conclusions All three drugs markedly inhibited angiogenesis in experimental ROP. Growth factors were elevated in hypoxic conditions. Treated animals showed significant decreases of PDGF, VEGF, and TGFβ2 in retinal and vitreous tissues.
Visual Acuity and Macular Sensitivity in Myopic Eyes before and after Laser in Situ Keratomileusis
Authors: Varano M. , Scassa C. , Ducoli P. , Terrana M. , Calabrò F. , Parisi V. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To evaluate the changes in visual acuity (VA) and in macular sensitivity in myopic eyes subjected to laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) refractive surgery. Methods In 38 myopic eyes, VA by Snellen's table and macular sensitivity by scanning laser ophthalmoscope (SLO) microperimetry were assessed before and after 24 weeks after LASIK surgery. The myopic eyes were divided into three age-matched groups: Group A = from −5 diopters (D) to −7 D and normal SLO-macular sensitivity (15 eyes); Group B = from −8 D to −16 D and normal SLO-macular sensitivity (9 eyes); and Group C = from −8 D to −16 D and abnormal SLO-macular sensitivity. Results In Group A and B eyes, at the first week after LASIK surgery, we observed a significant (analysis of variance, p<0.01) reduction in VA and SLO-macular sensitivity with respect to baseline values, while after 12 and 24 weeks no differences (p>0.01) were found when compared to baseline. In Group C patients, at 1 and 4 weeks after surgical treatment, we observed a significant (p<0.01) reduction in VA and SLO-macular sensitivity with respect to baseline values. At 12 and 24 weeks the values of VA were reduced, but not significantly (p>0.01), while values of SLO-macular sensitivity were still significantly (p<0.01) reduced. Conclusions LASIK could induce a reduction in VA and SLO-macular sensitivity in all myopic eyes during the 4 weeks following the surgery. This reduction is still present after 24 weeks only in eyes with the highest preoperative degree of myopia combined with the greatest reduction in macular sensitivity.
Risk Factors of Massive Suprachoroidal Hemorrhage during Extracapsular Cataract Extraction Surgery
Authors: Obuchowska I. , Mariak Z. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To estimate retrospectively the incidence, predisposing factors, and possible mechanisms precipitating massive suprachoroidal hemorrhage (MSCH) development during cataract extraction surgery. Methods The study was conducted on 6639 consecutive cataract extractions performed between 1994 and 2002. All of the procedures were carried out using traditional nucleus expression methods. The study cases comprised 19 patients who developed intraoperative MSCH. The remaining 6620 patients served as the control group. Baseline systemic and ocular characteristics, as well as intraoperative factors, were analyzed. Categorical variables were analyzed using the chi-square test and the Fisher exact test. Results The incidence of MSCH during cataract surgery was 0.28%. Highly significant risk factors included high myopia, glaucoma, and diabetes (p<0.01). Atherosclerotic vascular diseases and/or hypertension were less significantly related to the condition (p<0.05). There was no significant relationship between MSCH formation and age, sex, side of the cataract, history of ocular trauma, or inflammation. The incidence of MSCH did not differ between patients operated on with extracapsular or intracapsular cataract extraction. Conclusions Attention to multiple preoperative and intraoperative ocular and systemic variables may allow the identification of, and prophylaxis for, patients at greater risk for MSCH.
Conventional Perimetry, Short-Wavelength Automated Perimetry, Frequency-Doubling Technology, and Visual Evoked Potentials in the Assessment of Patients with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Corallo G. , Cicinelli S. , Papadia M. , Bandini F. , Uccelli A. , Calabria G. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To evaluate the diagnostic power of conventional, achromatic, automated perimetry (CAP), short-wavelength automated perimetry (SWAP), frequency-doubling technology (FDT) perimetry, and visual evoked potentials (VEP) in a group of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) with or without a history of optic neuritis. Methods Thirty eyes of 15 patients (5 male, 10 female, average age 38±7 years) with confirmed diagnosis of MS underwent CAP, SWAP (Humphrey 750–II VFA, program central 30-2, full-threshold strategy), FDT perimetry (program N-30), and pattern VEPs. Sixteen eyes (53.3%) had no history of ocular involvement and a negative ophthalmologic examination. They were matched with a control group of 10 healthy volunteers (4 male, 6 female, average age 31±10 years). The mean deviation (MD) and the pattern standard deviation (PSD) of the two groups were compared (t-test). Fourteen eyes (46.7%) had, on the contrary, a history of optic neuritis. Inside this group, the MD and the PSD of the three techniques were correlated (Spearman's rank test), in order to investigate whether any significant differences might be revealed by these techniques in pointing out the total amount of visual field damage. Results When comparing MS patients without signs or symptoms of ocular involvement and a control group, no significant differences were found for CAP MD, CAP PSD, and FDT PSD. Significant differences were found, on the contrary, for SWAP MD (p=0.0014), SWAP PSD (p=0.0001), and FDT MD (p=0.0001). When considering the MD and the PSD of the three techniques in the group of MS patients who had a history of optic neuritis, a significant correlation was found only between CAP MD and SWAP MD (r=0.0057), with a tendency by SWAP to reveal a higher rate of visual field loss. The other correlations were not significant. According to predefined criteria, the group of asymptomatic subjects had abnormal CAP in 1 eye (6.25%), abnormal SWAP in 9 (56.2%), abnormal FDT in 11 (68.7%), and abnormal VEPs in 7 (43.7%). The combined use of all techniques allowed us to identify silent optic nerve impairment in 15 (93.7%) eyes. Conclusions Short-wavelength automated perimetry and FDT perimetry are two non-conventional perimetric techniques that were mainly developed for the early detection of glaucomatous damage. The results of this study demonstrate their efficacy also in detecting early visual field deficits in MS patients without clinical signs of optic neuropathy. Frequency doubling perimetry, in particular, proved to be an easy, fast, and sensitive technique in the assessment of patients with MS. Our results also suggest that subclinical visual involvement in MS can be better diagnosed using multiple (neurophysiologic and psychophysical) tests.
A Comparison between Humphrey and Frequency Doubling Perimetry for Chiasmal Visual Field Defects
Authors: Noval S. , Contreras I. , Rebolleda G. , Muñoz-negrete F.J. , Ruiz de zárate B. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To evaluate and compare the diagnostic ability of frequency doubling technology perimetry (FDT) with standard automated perimetry (SAP) using Humphrey Field Analyser for the detection of visual field defects produced by chiasmal lesions. Methods Fifteen patients with documented chiasmal disease and previously diagnosed of bitemporal hemianopia with Humphrey perimetry were prospectively evaluated. All of them underwent a new SAP (SITA 24-2) followed by FDT tests (C-20 threshold). Diagnostic criteria for hemianopia were established according to the total deviation plot and the threshold values of FDT. A patient was diagnosed with hemianopia if one or both criteria were met. Based on these criteria, FDT sensitivity was calculated. Testing time and global indexes for both perimetric strategies were compared. Results The sensitivity of FDT was 75.0% (18 out of 24 eyes); the criterion based on threshold values was met more often (70.83%) than the criterion based on the total deviation plot (50.0%). Linear correlation was better for the external column than for the internal column of the visual field. Testing time with FDT was 122.16 seconds shorter than with SAP (p<0.001). The mean value for mean deviation (MD) was −13.62 dB (SD 6.88) for SAP and −8.83 dB (SD 5.94) for FDT (p<0.001). Conclusions Compared with standard automatic perimetry, FDT has a low sensitivity for detecting temporal hemianopias and also has more difficulty in defining the vertical limits of the defects. Therefore, it does not appear to be an adequate method for the detection of chiasmal visual field defects.
Intravitreal Triamcinolone Acetonide for Treatment of Central Retinal Vein Occlusion
Authors: Jonas J.B. , Akkoyun I. , Kamppeter B. , Kreissig I. , Degenring R.F. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To evaluate the effect of intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide on visual acuity and intraocular pressure in patients with central retinal vein occlusion. Methods This prospective comparative non-randomized clinical interventional study included 32 patients (33 eyes) with central retinal vein occlusion. The study group (12 patients; 13 eyes) received an intravitreal injection of about 20 mg of triamcinolone acetonide. The control group (20 patients) did not receive any treatment. Mean follow-up was 10.1±8.6 months in the study group and 6.0±5.2 months in the control group. Results In the study group, mean visual acuity increased significantly (p=0.018) from 0.11±0.11 preoperatively to a best visual acuity during follow-up of 0.18±0.15. An improvement in visual acuity by at least 2 Snellen lines and 3 Snellen lines, respectively was found for 8 (62%) eyes and 5 (38) eyes. Visual acuity measurements determined 1 month (p=0.038) and 3 months (p=0.046) after the injection were significantly higher than the baseline values. Increase in visual acuity was higher in the non-ischemic subgroup than in the ischemic subgroup. In the control group, baseline visual acuity and best visual acuity during the follow-up did not vary significantly (p=0.33). Visual acuity decreased significantly (p=0.007) towards the end of the follow-up. Comparing study group and control group, gain in visual acuity was significantly (p=0.01) higher in the study group. In the study group, intraocular pressure increased significantly (p=0.018) from 14.4±3.9 mmHg to a mean maximal value of 21.6±9.2 mmHg (range, 10–44 mmHg), and re-decreased (p=0.012) towards the end of follow-up to 15.3±5.1 mmHg (range, 10–21 mmHg). Conclusions Intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide temporarily increases visual acuity in central retinal vein occlusion. It is accompanied by an increase in intraocular pressure.
Unilateral Exophthalmos Associated with Ipsilateral Mucosal Turbinate Hypertrophy: Benign Exophthalmos Syndrome (Bes). A Description of a New Clinical Condition
Authors: Bonavolontà G. , Iuliano A. , Bonavolontà P. , Strianese D. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To report the clinical and radiologic characteristics of a group of patients who experienced unilateral exophthalmos associated with ipsilateral mucosal turbinate hypertrophy. The clinical features of these patients are presented and a hypothesis proposed to explain this condition for which the authors introduce the term benign exophthalmos syndrome (BES). Methods Retrospective, noncomparative case series. Participants: Four patients experienced slow progressive unilateral exophthalmos associated with ipsilateral mucosal turbinate hypertrophy, with no evidence of orbital mass or extraocular muscles involvement. Intervention: Main Outcome Measures. Symptomatic outcome and measurement of the degree of relative exophthalmos. Results The onset of exophthalmos was associated with clinical and radiologic features that resemble BES. In all patients, radiologic examination demonstrated an ipsilateral mucosal turbinate hypertrophy and not the presence of orbital disease or expanding lesions of paranasal sinus. After daily intranasal spray of steroid, in three of the four cases the globe returned to within 1 mm of exophthalmometry of the contralateral eye. Conclusions The relationship between the feature of paranasal sinus disease and the development of ipsilateral exophthalmos has been described in the literature. The four cases described herein appear peculiar for the slow progressive onset of the exophthalmos, without inflammatory and mass effect signs. This condition associated in all cases with ipsilateral hypertrophy of the nasal mucosa provides a guide to a hypothetical mechanism for BES. According to these hypothesis, the therapy should be devoted to the nasal disease more than the orbital.
Primary Open Angle Glaucoma in a Case of Mitochondrial Encephalomyopathy (Kearns-Sayre Syndrome)
Authors: Frezzotti P. , Frezzotti R. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose Kearns-Sayre syndrome is characterized by chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia, tapetoretinal degeneration and severe generalized myopathy. Methods AND RESULTS. We report on a 82-year-old male patient with Kearns-Sayre syndrome with open angle glaucoma. DISCUSSION Reports of primary open angle glaucoma with Keams-Sayre syndrome are very rare, but it is difficult to believe that this association is merely coincidental.
Phacoemulsification Surgery and Foldable Intraocular Lens Implantation in a Child with Regressed Retinoblastoma
Authors: Corrêa Z.M.S. , Marcon I.M. , Augsburger J.J. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose The management of retinobla stoma has been shifting toward conservativetreat-ment. Visual preservation has become a concern as tumor regression is achieved. To re -port the surgical approach and outcome of a radiation-induced cataract in an only eye with regressed retinoblastoma. Methods Single case report and review of literature. Results Small incision sutureless phacoemulsification and implant of an acrylic foldable in-traocular lens was performed. Best-corrected visual acuity 1 year after surgery was 20/20. No tumor recurrence has been noted after 27 months of follow-up. Conclusions Phacoemulsification and foldable intraocular lens implant seemed to be an ap-propriate therapeutic option for this case.