bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Femtosecond‐laser assisted cataract surgery: a review
Authors: Abouzeid Hana , Ferrini Walter 
Published: May 2014

AbstractIntroduced in 2008, the femtosecond laser is a promising new technological advance which plays an ever increasing role in cataract surgery where it automates the three main surgical steps: corneal incision, capsulotomy and lens fragmentation. The proven advantages over manual surgery are: a better quality of incision with reduced induced astigmatism; increased reliability and reproducibility of the capsulotomy with increased stability of the implanted lens; a reduction in the use of ultrasound. Regarding refractive results or safety, however, no prospective randomized study to date has shown significant superiority compared with standard manual technique. The significant extra cost generated by this laser, undertaken by the patient, is a limiting factor for both its use and study. This review outlines the potential benefits of femtosecond‐laser‐assisted cataract surgery due to the automation of key steps and the safety of this new technology.
Metabolic syndrome as a risk factor in normal‐tension glaucoma
Authors: Kim Mijin , Jeoung Jin Wook , Park Ki Ho , Oh Won Hyuck , Choi Hyuk Jin , Kim Dong Myung 
Published: May 2014

AbstractPurposeTo determine whether normal‐tension glaucoma (NTG) is associated with metabolic syndrome and to evaluate which components of metabolic syndrome are related to NTG.MethodsThis study included 18240 participants who underwent health check‐ups including fundus photography and intraocular pressure measurements. For NTG diagnosis, all participants with findings suggestive of glaucoma completed a further glaucoma evaluation, including applanation tonometry, gonioscopy and standard automated perimetry. The National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III guideline was used to characterize metabolic syndrome.ResultsOf the 18240 participants, 3635 (19.9%) had metabolic syndrome and 300 (1.6%) were diagnosed with NTG. The prevalence of NTG was 1.5% in subjects without metabolic syndrome and 2.1% in subjects with metabolic syndrome. The presence of metabolic syndrome was not significantly associated with NTG (p = 0.067). There were significant associations of NTG with hypertension and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) among the individual components of metabolic syndrome (OR, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.20–1.94; p = 0.001 and OR, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.12–1.94; p = 0.006). NTG was positively associated with the number of metabolic syndrome components (OR, 1.10; p = 0.040). Multivariable analysis showed the prevalence of NTG to be significantly higher in participants aged between 50 and 70 years relative to those aged 40 to 50 years, male gender, participants with higher baseline intraocular pressure, hypertension and IGT.ConclusionsOf the metabolic syndrome components, hypertension and IGT contributed to an increased risk of NTG. These findings suggest that metabolic syndrome components may play a role in the pathogenesis of NTG.
Incidence and clinical characteristics of fungal keratitis in a Danish population from 2000 to 2013
Authors: Nielsen Stine E. , Nielsen Esben , Julian Hanne Olsen , Lindegaard Jens , Højgaard Klavs , Ivarsen Anders , Hjortdal Jesper , Heegaard Steffen 
Published: May 2014

AbstractPurposeFungal keratitis is a severe sight‐threatening condition. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence and clinical characteristics of fungal keratitis patients living in a temperate climate.MethodsBy reviewing medical records from 2000 to July 2013, patients with fungal keratitis were identified. Risk factors, clinical signs and outcome were registered.ResultsTwenty‐five patients were identified: 52% with Candida, 20% with Fusarium, 16% with Aspergillus and 12% with mixed filamentous fungi. A minimum incidence of fungal keratitis of 0.6 cases per million per year was estimated. Prior topical steroid treatment was commonly found in our cases (44%). Trauma including contact lens wear was associated with infection with filamentous fungi, whereas in patients with Candida infection, ocular surface disease was a prominent feature. Median time from onset of symptoms to diagnosis was 24 days. Only a few patients exhibited classical clinical features such as endothelial plaques (28%), satellite lesions (24%) and feathery edges (16%). The final visual outcome was poor with an average best‐corrected logMAR of (mean, 95% CI) 0.70 (0.4–1.0). A total of 52% were treated with corneal transplantation. Patients with Candida infections had a significantly worse visual outcome.ConclusionWe found that patients with fungal keratitis had a poor visual outcome. However, knowledge of risk factors and clinical signs leading to early treatment can improve the prognosis.
The Evaluation of Prophylactic Efficacy of Newly Developed Reversible Inhibitors of Acetylcholinesterase in Soman‐Poisoned Mice – A Comparison with Commonly Used Pyridostigmine
Authors: Kassa Jiri , Korabecny Jan , Sepsova Vendula , Tumova Martina 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThe ability of four newly developed reversible inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase (PC‐37, PC‐48, JaKo 39, JaKo 40) and currently available carbamate pyridostigmine to increase the resistance of mice against soman and the efficacy of antidotal treatment of soman‐poisoned mice was evaluated and compared. No reversible inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase studied was able to decrease the LD50 value of soman in mice. Thus, the pharmacological pre‐treatment with pyridostigmine or newly synthesized inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase was not able to significantly protect mice against soman‐induced lethal acute toxicity. In addition, neither pyridostigmine nor new reversible inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase was able to increase the efficacy of antidotal treatment (the oxime HI‐6 in combination with atropine) of soman‐poisoned mice. These findings demonstrate that pharmacological pre‐treatment of soman‐poisoned mice with tested reversible inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase is not promising.
Silencing histone deacetylase 2 using small hairpin RNA induces regression of fibrotic plaque in a rat model of Peyronie's disease
Authors: Kwon Ki‐Dong , Choi Min Ji , Park Jin‐Mi , Song Kang‐Moon , Kwon Mi‐Hye , Batbold Dulguun , Yin Guo Nan , Kim Woo Jean , Ryu Ji‐Kan , Suh Jun‐Kyu 
Published: May 2014

ObjectivesTo examine the therapeutic effect of adenovirus encoding histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2) small hairpin RNA (Ad‐HDAC2 shRNA) in a rat model of Peyronie's disease (PD) and to determine the mechanisms by which HDAC2 knockdown ameliorates fibrotic responses in primary fibroblasts derived from human PD plaque.Materials and MethodsRats were distributed into four groups (n = 6 per group): age‐matched controls without treatment; rats in which PD has been induced (PD rats) without treatment; PD rats receiving a single injection of control adenovirus encoding scrambled small hairpin RNA (Ad‐shRNA) (day 15; 1 × 108 pfu/0.1 mL phosphate‐buffered saline [PBS]); and PD rats receiving a single injection of Ad‐HDAC2 shRNA (day 15; 1 × 108 pfu/0.1 mL PBS) into the lesion. PD‐like plaque was induced by repeated intratunical injections of 100 μL each of human fibrin and thrombin solutions on days 0 and 5. On day 30, the penis was harvested for histological examination. Fibroblasts isolated from human PD plaque were pretreated with HDAC2 small interfering (si)RNA (100 pmoL) and then stimulated with transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1 (10 ng/mL) to determine hydroxyproline levels, procollagen mRNA, apoptosis and protein expression of poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1) and cyclin D1.ResultsWe observed that Ad‐HDAC2 shRNA decreased inflammatory cell infiltration, reduced transnuclear expression of phospho‐Smad3 and regressed fibrotic plaque of the tunica albuginea in PD rats in vivo. siRNA‐mediated silencing of HDAC2 significantly decreased the TGF‐β1‐induced transdifferentiation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts and collagen production, and induced apoptosis by downregulating the expression of PARP1, and decreased the expression of cyclin D1 (a positive cell‐cycle regulator) in primary cultured fibroblasts derived from human PD plaque in vitro.ConclusionSpecific inhibition of HDAC2 with RNA interference may represent a novel targeted therapy for PD.
Coating doxorubicin‐loaded nanocapsules with alginate enhances therapeutic efficacy against Leishmania in hamsters by inducing Th1‐type immune responses
Authors: Kansal S , Tandon R , Verma A , Misra P , Choudhary A K , Verma R , Verma P R P , Dube A , Mishra P R 
Published: May 2014

Background and PurposeThe aim of the present study was to evaluate the immunomodulatory and chemotherapeutic potential of alginate‐(SA) coated nanocapsule (NCs) loaded with doxorubicin (SA‐NCs‐DOX) against visceral leishmaniasis in comparison with nano‐emulsions containing doxorubicin (NE‐DOX).Experimental ApproachNE‐DOX was prepared using low‐energy emulsification methods. Stepwise addition of protamine sulphate and SA in a layer‐by‐layer manner was used to form SA‐NCs‐DOX. SA‐NCs‐DOX, NE‐DOX and Free DOX were compared for their cytotoxicity against Leishmania donovani‐infected macrophages in vitro and generation of T‐cell responses in infected hamsters in vivo.Key ResultsSize and ζ potential of the NE‐DOX and SA‐NCs‐DOX formulations were 310 ± 2.1 nm and (−)32.6 ± 2.1 mV, 342 ± 4.1 nm and (−)29.3 ± 1.2 mV respectively. SA‐NCs‐DOX was better (1.5 times) taken up by J774A.1 macrophages compared with NE‐DOX. SA‐NCs ‐DOX showed greater efficacy than NE‐DOX against intramacrophagic amastigotes. SA‐NCs‐DOX treatment exhibited enhanced apoptotic efficiency than NE‐DOX and free DOX as evident by cell cycle analysis, decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential, ROS and NO production. T‐cell responses, when assessed through lymphoproliferative responses, NO production along with enhanced levels of iNOS, TNF‐α, IFN‐γ and IL‐12 were found to be up‐regulated after SA‐NCs‐DOX, compared with responses to NE‐DOX in vivo. Parasitic burden was decreased in Leishmania‐infected hamsters treated with SA‐NCs‐DOX, compared with NE‐DOX.Conclusions and ImplicationsOur results provide insights into the development of an alternative approach to improved management of leishmaniasis through a combination of chemotherapy with stimulation of the innate immune system.
Mechanisms to medicines: elucidating neural and molecular substrates of fear extinction to identify novel treatments for anxiety disorders
Authors: Bukalo Olena , Pinard Courtney R , Holmes Andrew 
Published: May 2014

The burden of anxiety disorders is growing, but the efficacy of available anxiolytic treatments remains inadequate. Cognitive behavioural therapy for anxiety disorders focuses on identifying and modifying maladaptive patterns of thinking and behaving, and has a testable analogue in rodents in the form of fear extinction. A large preclinical literature has amassed in recent years describing the neural and molecular basis of fear extinction in rodents. In this review, we discuss how this work is being harnessed to foster translational research on anxiety disorders and facilitate the search for new anxiolytic treatments. We begin by summarizing the anatomical and functional connectivity of a medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC)–amygdala circuit that subserves fear extinction, including new insights from optogenetics. We then cover some of the approaches that have been taken to model impaired fear extinction and associated impairments with mPFC–amygdala dysfunction. The principal goal of the review is to evaluate evidence that various neurotransmitter and neuromodulator systems mediate fear extinction by modulating the mPFC–amygdala circuitry. To that end, we describe studies that have tested how fear extinction is impaired or facilitated by pharmacological manipulations of dopamine, noradrenaline, 5‐HT, GABA, glutamate, neuropeptides, endocannabinoids and various other systems, which either directly target the mPFC–amygdala circuit, or produce behavioural effects that are coincident with functional changes in the circuit. We conclude that there are good grounds to be optimistic that the progress in defining the molecular substrates of mPFC–amygdala circuit function can be effectively leveraged to identify plausible candidates for extinction‐promoting therapies for anxiety disorders.Linked ArticlesThis article is part of a themed section on Animal Models in Psychiatry Research. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2014.171.issue‐20
Ulinastatin activates haem oxygenase 1 antioxidant pathway and attenuates allergic inflammation
Authors: Song Dongmei , Song Geng , Niu Yinghao , Song Wei , Wang Jiantao , Yu Lei , Yang Jianwang , Lv Xin , Steinberg Harry , Liu Shu Fang , Wang Baoshan 
Published: May 2014

Background and PurposeUlinastatin (UTI), a serine protease inhibitor, was recently found to have an anti‐inflammatory action. However, the mechanisms mediating this anti‐inflammatory effect are not well understood. This study tested the hypothesis that UTI suppresses allergic inflammation by inducing the expression of haem oxygenase 1 (HO1).Experimental ApproachControl mice and mice sensitized (on days 1, 9 and 14) and challenged (on days 21 to 27) with ovalbumin (OVA) were treated with UTI. The effects of UTI on basal expression of HO1 and that induced by OVA challenge were examined. The involvement of UTI‐induced HO1 expression in anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant effects of UTI was also evaluated.Key ResultsUTI markedly increased basal HO1 protein expression in lungs of control mice in a time‐ and dose‐dependent manner, and augmented HO1 protein expression induced by OVA. The up‐regulation of HO1 mediated by UTI in sensitized and OVA‐challenged mice was associated with reduced airway inflammation, alleviated tissue injury, reduced oxidant stress and enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities. Inhibition of HO1 activity using HO1 inhibitor, zinc protoporphyrin, attenuated inhibitory effects of UTI on inflammation and oxidant stress, and its stimulant effects on antioxidant enzyme activities. Mechanistic analysis showed that UTI increased nuclear translocation of nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2), stimulated Nrf2 DNA binding activity and concomitantly up‐regulated HO1 mRNA expression.Conclusions and ImplicationsUTI is a potent and naturally occurring inducer of HO1 expression. HO1 up‐regulation contributes significantly to the anti‐inflammatory and organ‐protective effects of UTI, which has important research and therapeutic implications.
Accuracy of a novel prototype dynamic computer‐assisted surgery system
Authors: Somogyi‐Ganss Eszter , Holmes Howard I. , Jokstad Asbjørn 
Published: May 2014

AbstractObjectivesTo implement and evaluate the accuracy of a prototype dynamic computer‐assisted surgery (CAS) system for implant osteotomy preparation and compare its accuracy vs. three commercial static CAS systems and the use of an acrylic stent.Material and methodsEight osteotomies were prepared in radiopaque partially edentulous mandible and maxilla typodonts. After cone‐beam CT acquisition, DICOM files were imported into a prototype dynamic, and three static CAS systems (NobelClinician, Simplant, and CoDiagnostiX). Implant placements were planned to replicate the existing osteotomies and respective guides were requisitioned, along with one laboratory‐made acrylic guide. The eight osteotomies per jaw were transferred to one typodont pair mounted in a manikin in a clinical setting and the process was repeated for four additional pairs. The 80 (two jaws × eight holes × five pairs) osteotomies were filled with radiopaque cement in‐between the testing series. Three clinicians experienced with the use of the static CAS softwares used in this study prepared each 400 (80 holes × five modalities) osteotomies. One clinician repeated the experiment twice, resulting in a total of 2000 (five clinicians × 400) osteotomies. The lateral, vertical, total, and angular deviations of the actual vs. the original osteotomies in the master typodonts were measured using stereo optical tracking cameras. Linear regression statistics using generalized estimating equations were used for comparisons between the five modalities and omnibus chi‐square tests applied to assess statistical significance of differences.ResultsThe prototype dynamic CAS system was as accurate as other implant surgery planning and transfer modalities. The dynamic and static CAS systems provide superior accuracy vs. a laboratory‐made acrylic guide, except vertically. Both dynamic and static CAS systems show on average <2 mm and 5 degrees error. Large deviations between planned and actual osteotomies were occasionally observed, which needs to be considered in clinical practice.ConclusionsThe prototype dynamic CAS system was comparably accurate to static CAS systems.
Impact of chronic kidney disease on postoperative outcome following colorectal cancer surgery
Authors: Currie A. , Malietzis G. , Askari A. , Nachiappan S. , Swift P. , Jenkins J. T. , Faiz O. D. , Kennedy R. H. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractAimChronic kidney disease (CKD) is increasing in prevalence and is associated with cardiovascular events and mortality in asymptomatic and vascular surgery populations. This study aimed to determine the role of CKD in stratifying peri‐ and postoperative risk for colorectal cancer (CRC) patients with nonmetastatic disease undergoing elective curative resection.MethodPatients diagnosed with nonmetastatic colorectal adenocarcinoma and undergoing surgical resection between 2006 and 2011 were identified from a prospectively collated database. Further information on survival and cause of death was gathered from a regional cancer registry. Estimated glomerular filtration rates were calculated using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) equation. Kaplan–Meier survival curves were constructed for disease‐free and overall survival. Multivariate Cox regression models were used to determine the role of CKD after stratification by several clinicopathological factors.ResultsSeven‐hundred and eight colorectal resections were studied [median follow up: 45 (interquartile range, 21–65) months). Overall postoperative complications were similar, but patients with CKD were more likely to develop cardiovascular morbidity (P < 0.001) and 30‐day mortality [4.8% (six of 124) in the CKD group vs 2.1% (12/580) in the non‐CKD group]. Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed poorer overall survival for localized (Stage I–II; P = 0.019) and Stage III (P = 0.001) CRC in the CKD population. Multivariate Cox regression analysis identified CKD as an independent prognostic factor for noncancer death [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.82 (95% CI: 1.07–3.10); P = 0.027] but not for overall survival [HR = 1.21 (95% CI: 0.90–1.47); P = 0.116].ConclusionPatients with CKD may be more likely to develop cardiovascular complications following CRC resection and have an increased risk of a noncancer death. Future research should explore the interaction of CKD in competing mortality risks following CRC surgery.
Long‐term outcome of stenting as a bridge to surgery for acute left‐sided malignant colonic obstruction
Authors: Quereshy F. A. , Poon J. T. C. , Law W. L. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractAimThis study aimed to evaluate both the short‐ and long‐term outcomes associated with colonic stenting as a bridge to surgery in patients with obstructing adenocarcinoma of the colon.MethodPatients with potentially curable acute left‐sided colonic obstruction treated with stenting as a bridge to surgery (n = 28) or with emergency surgical resection (n = 39) from January 1998 to December 2008 were identified from a prospectively maintained database. Short‐term data on postoperative mortality, morbidity, necessity of intensive care and length of hospital stay were compared. Overall survival and disease‐free survival were also analysed.ResultsPatients in the two study arms had similar demographic profiles. Those receiving preoperative stenting had a higher likelihood of a laparoscopic resection (P < 0.001). The emergency surgery group had a higher rate of postoperative complications (P = 0.024), rate of intensive care unit admission (P = 0.013) and longer total length of hospital stay (9 vs 12 days, P = 0.001). With a median follow‐up of 26.5 and 31.3 months for the stenting and surgical resection groups, there was no difference in overall and disease‐free survival (overall survival 30 vs 31 months, P = 0.858; disease‐free survival 13 vs 12 months, P = 0.989). There was no difference in the rate of systemic recurrence (8 vs 13, P = 0.991).ConclusionStenting as a bridge to surgery is a safe strategy for acute left‐sided colonic obstruction with improved short‐term outcome and comparable long‐term oncological results.
Inter‐observer and intra‐observer variability in the diagnosis of dysplasia in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: correlation of pathological and endoscopic findings
Authors: Allende D. , Elmessiry M. , Hao W. , DaSilva G. , Wexner S. D. , Bejarano P. , Berho M. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractAimColonic epithelial dysplasia is deemed the precursor lesion of cancer arising in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It has been suggested that many dysplastic lesions could be endoscopically detected to obtain target biopsies, leading to better yield. However, the clinical impact of a diagnosis of dysplasia may be hampered by a significant degree of histological and endoscopic intra‐observer and inter‐observer variability. This study aimed to evaluate intra‐observer and inter‐observer variability in the microscopic diagnosis of dysplasia in IBD and correlate endoscopic and histological findings.MethodIn total, 158 cases of ulcerative colitis and 14 of Crohn's disease with dysplasia were selected from a pathology database. Slides were blindly reviewed twice by two expert gastrointestinal pathologists. Results of endoscopic examinations were extracted from the reports. The degree of intra‐observer and inter‐observer variability was determined by kappa statistics.ResultsOverall, there was an excellent degree of histopathological inter‐observer agreement (κ = 0.786). The lowest level of agreement in the dysplasia group was for indefinite dysplasia (κ = 0.251). Negative and high grade dysplasia diagnosis reached the highest level of agreement with κ values of 0.822 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.673–0.971] and 1.00 (95% CI 0.850–1.149), respectively. Intra‐observer agreement was good and increased during the latter period of the study (κ = 0.734, 95% CI 0.642–0.826). Endoscopic–histological correlation was poor among the negative endoscopies, as up to 43% of cases were diagnosed with at least focal high grade dysplasia. The endoscopic–histological correlation improved when evaluating suspicious endoscopic lesions.ConclusionDysplasia is reliably diagnosed by expert gastrointestinal pathologists but has poor correlation with an endoscopic diagnosis of dysplasia.
Multidisciplinary Team Meeting in Digestive Oncology: When Opinions Differ
Authors: Zarzavadjian Le Bian Alban , Costi Renato , Bruderer Audrey , Herve Christian , Smadja Claude 
Published: May 2014

AbstractIn daily oncology, Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) meetings are used worldwide to take every main decision. In order to improve the MDT efficiency, an analysis of decision‐making process relying on patients refusing to undergo MDT proposal during presentations, in accordance with their referent specialist, was retrospectively performed in an academic and tertiary center, from 1995 to 2010. Out of 1000 patients, 0.5% refused the MDT proposal because of (1) ignorance of current evidence‐based literature, (2) heterogeneous interpretations of the technical feasibility, and (3) the MDT undervaluing patient's specificities and wishes. In order to offset the MDT decision, patient needs to come from a well‐off and educated background and to get the uttered support of the referent specialist. MDT conclusion is not customized because of interindividual exceptions and technical evaluations. Clinical Nurse Specialists attending to “blind” MDT meetings may help to back oncologic patient's specificities and wishes.