bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spatial Repolarization Heterogeneity and Survival in Chagas Disease
Authors: Rivolta M. W. , Mainardi L. T. , Reis R. C. , Rocha M. O. C. , Ribeiro A. L. P. , Lombardi F. , Sassi R. 
Published: June 2014

Summary
Objectives: We investigated if cardiac spatial repolarization heterogeneity might be associated with an increased risk of death in patients with chronic Chagas disease.
Methods: Repolarization heterogeneity was assessed using the V-index, a recently introduced metric founded on a biophysical model of the ECG. This metric provides an estimate of the standard deviation of the repolarization times across the heart. We analyzed 113 patients (aged 21– 67 years) enrolled between 1998 and 1999 who had a known serological status showing positive reactions to Trypanosoma cruzi. Fourteen subjects died during a 10-year follow-up period.
Results: The V-index was significantly lower in survivor (S) than in non-survivor (NS) subjects (S: 31.2 ± 13.3 ms vs NS: 41.2 ± 18.6 ms, single-tail t-test: p = 0.009, single-tail Wilcoxon rank sum test: p = 0.029). A V-index larger than 36.3 ms was related to a significantly higher risk of death in a univariate Cox proportional-hazards analysis (hazard ratio, HR = 5.34, p = 0.0046). In addition, V-index > 36.3 ms retained its prognostic value in a multivariate Cox proportional-hazards analysis after adjustment for other three clinical variables (left ventricular ejection factor < 0.50, QRS duration > 133 ms, ventricular tachycardia during stress testing or 24 hours Holter) and for T-wave amplitude variability > 30 μV, even using shrinkage, a statistical procedure that protects against over-fitting due to small sample size.
Conclusions: The study showed that an increased dispersion of repolarization times in patients with Chagas disease, as measured by the V-index, is significantly correlated with the risk of death in a univariate survival analysis. The V-index captures prognostic information not immediately available from the analysis of other established risk factors.
Amblyopia Screening in Bulgaria
Authors: Oscar Alexander , Cherninkova Sylvia , Haykin Vasil , Aroyo Ani , Levi Alina , Marinov Nikolay , Kostova Stanislava , Elenkov Chavdar , Veleva Nevyana , Chernodrinska Violeta , Petkova Iva , Spitzer Jeffrey 
Published: June 2014

Purpose:To determine the prevalence of amblyopia and the average age at first ophthalmological examination of school-aged children from northwestern Bulgaria.Methods:Visual acuity testing, stereopsis, orthoptics, ocular motility, non-cycloplegic refraction, direct ophthalmoscopy, and external ocular inspection were performed. Cycloplegic refraction and indirect ophthalmoscopy were done as necessary. A total of 2,054 children (1,020 girls and 1,034 boys) were divided into three age groups: 6 to 8 years (803 children), 8 to 10 years (719 children), and 10 to 12 years (530 children).Results:A total of 1,861 children (90.6%) received their first examination: 754 (93.9%) aged 6 to 8 years, 638 (88.7%) aged 8 to 10 years, and 469 (88.2%) aged 10 to 12 years. Amblyopia was detected in 88 children (4.3%): 42 (5.2%) aged 6 to 8 years, 27 (3.8%) aged 8 to 10 years, and 19 (3.6%) aged 10 to 12 years. The first group had higher prevalence compared to countries with well-developed screening programs. Refractive errors were detected in 403 children (19.7%): 125 (15.6%) aged 6 to 8 years, 146 (20.3%) aged 8 to 10 years, and 132 (24.8%) aged 10 to 12 years. The estimated prevalence increases with age. Strabismus was detected in 24 children (1.2%): 8 (1.0%) aged 6 to 8 years, 7 (1.0%) aged 8 to 10 years, and 9 (1.7%) aged 10 to 12 years.Conclusions:The lack of screening programs in Bulgaria is the main reason for late diagnosis of amblyopia. The “Do Good “project provided eye examination of school-aged children aged 6 to 12 years, when amblyopia is curable. This model could be used in establishing a Bulgarian national screening program.[J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus 2014;51(5):284–288.]
Evaluation of Factors Influencing the Remaining Astigmatism After Toric Intraocular Lens Implantation
Authors: Hirnschall Nino , Hoffmann Peter C. , Draschl Petra , Maedel Sophie , Findl Oliver 
Published: June 2014

PURPOSE:
To evaluate the influencing factors on remaining astigmatism after implanting a toric intraocular lens during cataract surgery.

METHODS:
In this observational study, consecutive patients with cataract from three different centers who received toric intraocular lenses were included. Keratometry was performed with an optical biometry device preoperatively. The IOLMaster 500 (Carl Zeiss Meditec AG, Jena, Germany) was used in Vienna, Lenstar (Haag-Streit, Köniz, Switzerland) in Castrop-Rauxel, and IOLMaster (Carl Zeiss Meditec AG) in London. Partial least squares regression was used to detect the influence of different parameters on remaining astigmatism.

RESULTS:

In total, 235 eyes of 200 patients were included. Mean corneal astigmatism measured preoperatively with the optical biometry device was −2.24 ± 0.87 diopters (D) (range: −5.75 to −1.00 D). Mean absolute and vector difference between the aimed for and the postoperatively measured astigmatism were 0.48 ± 0.37 D (range: 0.00 to 2.05 D) and 0.73 ± 0.46 D (range: 0.031 to −2.20 D), respectively (
P
= .576). Partial least squares regression showed a significant effect of preoperatively measured corneal astigmatism and deviation between preoperative measurements of the cornea on the postoperative (unintended) remaining astigmatism.

CONCLUSIONS:
The main source of error when using toric intraocular lenses is the preoperative measurement of corneal astigmatism, especially in eyes with low astigmatism. The influence of the postoperative anterior chamber depth on the cylindrical power of toric intraocular lenses and the effect of misalignment on the reduction of the astigmatism-reducing effect can be easily calculated.

[
J Refract Surg.
2014;30(6):394–400.]
Femtosecond Cataract Laser Capsulotomy Enabling Optic Capture and Secondary Sulcus IOL Insertion in an Eye With Traumatic Aniridia and Aphakia
Authors: Grewal Dilraj S. , Basti Surendra 
Published: June 2014

PURPOSE:
To describe a surgical technique and intraoperative modifications to create a secondary capsulotomy using the femtosecond cataract laser in an eye with traumatic aphakia and aniridia.

METHODS:
The expanded use of the femtosecond cataract laser (Catalys Precision Laser System; Optimedica, Sunnyvale, CA) for creation of a well-centered and circular secondary capsulotomy in the capsular remnants of an eye with traumatic aphakia and aniridia.

RESULTS:
Using software modifications based on intraoperative anterior segment spectral-domain optical coherence tomography imaging, and customizing the capsulotomy settings, the femtosecond cataract laser was able to penetrate through most of the fused anterior and posterior capsular leaflets and a circular capsulotomy was achieved. The latter permitted optic capture and excellent centration of a three-piece intraocular lens placed in the sulcus with good postoperative visual rehabilitation.

CONCLUSION:
The femtosecond cataract laser can be customized to create a well-centered and circular secondary capsulotomy in aniridic and aphakic eyes where optic capture is critical for long-term intraocular lens stability.

[
J Refract Surg.
2014;30(6):416–419.]
Changes in Choroidal Thickness in Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome
Authors: Zengin Mehmet Özgür , Öz Tolga , Baysak Ayşegül , Çinar Esat , Küçükerdönmez Cem 
Published: June 2014

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:
To evaluate choroidal thickness using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) in comparison to healthy controls.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:
This observational, comparative study consisted of 35 patients with OSAS and 32 age- and sex-matched controls. The controls did not have systemic or ocular diseases. All study participants underwent complete ophthalmic examination as well as choroidal thickness measurement using a high-speed, high-resolution SD-OCT device.

RESULTS:

The mean horizontal and vertical choroidal thicknesses, respectively, were 237.84 ± 69.9 μm and 234.97 ± 62.0 μm (
P
= .654) in patients with OSAS and 244.09 ± 41.2 μm and 241.88 ± 40.9 μm (
P
= .590) in the healthy controls. The mean choroidal thicknesses were thinner in patients with OSAS, but the difference was not significant (
P
> .05 for all values).

CONCLUSION:
No differences in choroidal thickness were found between patients with OSAS and healthy controls.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2014;45:298–304.]
Diagnostic Problem Solving in Male Collegiate Athletic Trainers
Authors: Gardin Fredrick A. , Mensch James M. 
Published: June 2014

Context:
Knowledge and experience may be important factors for understanding expertise based upon a clinician's ability to select and execute an appropriate response as a clinician during injury evaluation.

Objective:
To describe how collegiate male certified athletic trainers represent injury-evaluation domain knowledge during a situational interview using a think-aloud protocol.

Design:
Qualitative.

Setting:
National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I and II colleges in National Athletic Trainers' Association District 3.

Patients or Other Participants:
A total of 20 male certified athletic trainers (n = 10 with less than 2 years of experience in the college setting and n = 10 with at least 10 years of experience in the college setting) participated in the study.

Data Collection and Analysis:
We collected data using a situational interview and questionnaire. Data were transcribed, reduced to meaningful units, and analyzed using verbal analysis procedures. Member checks, triangulation of data, field journaling, and peer-debriefing techniques were used to ensure trustworthiness of the data. Knowledge concepts were enumerated to describe differences between experts and novices.

Results:
Compared with novices, experts had more knowledge concepts of patient history and predictions and fewer concepts of situation appraisal.

Conclusions:
Expertise in athletic training shares traits with other areas in health care. Athletic training education and professional development may benefit from our understanding which cognitive processes differentiate expert practice. Future investigators should attempt to describe other settings and study diagnostic problem solving in a natural environment.
Environmental Conditions and the Occurrence of Exertional Heat Illnesses and Exertional Heat Stroke at the Falmouth Road Race
Authors: DeMartini Julie K. , Casa Douglas J. , Belval Luke N. , Crago Arthur , Davis Rob J. , Jardine John J. , Stearns Rebecca L. 
Published: June 2014

Context:
The Falmouth Road Race is unique because of the environmental conditions and relatively short distance, which allow runners to maintain a high intensity for the duration of the event. Therefore, the occurrence of exertional heat illnesses (EHIs), especially exertional heat stroke (EHS), is 10 times higher than in other races.

Objective:
To summarize the occurrence and relationship of EHI and environmental conditions at the Falmouth Road Race.

Design:
Descriptive epidemiologic study.

Setting:
An 11.3-km (7-mile) road race in Falmouth, Massachusetts.

Patients or Other Participants:
Runners who sustained an EHI while participating in the Falmouth Road Race.

Main Outcome Measure(s):
We obtained 18 years of medical records and environmental conditions from the Falmouth Road Race and documented the incidence of EHI, specifically EHS, as related to ambient temperature (Tamb), relative humidity, and heat index (HI).

Results:
Average Tamb, relative humidity, and HI were 23.3 ± 2.5°C, 70 ± 16%, and 24 ± 3.5°C, respectively. Of the 393 total EHI cases observed, EHS accounted for 274 (70%). An average of 15.2 ± 13.0 EHS cases occurred each year; the incidence was 2.13 ± 1.62 cases per 1000 runners. Regression analysis revealed a relationship between the occurrence of both EHI and EHS and Tamb (R2 = 0.71, P = .001, and R2 = 0.65, P = .001, respectively) and HI (R2 = 0.76, P &lt; .001, and R2 = 0.74, P &lt; .001, respectively). Occurrences of EHS (24.2 ± 15.5 cases versus 9.3 ± 4.3 cases) and EHI (32.3 ± 16.3 versus 13.0 ± 4.9 cases) were higher when Tamb and HI were high compared with when Tamb and HI were low.

Conclusions:
Because of the environmental conditions and race duration, the Falmouth Road Race provides a unique setting for a high incidence of EHS. A clear relationship exists between environmental stress, especially as measured by Tamb and HI, and the occurrence of EHS or other EHI. Proper prevention and treatment strategies should be used during periods of high environmental temperatures as the likelihood of runners experiencing EHS is exacerbated in these harsh conditions.
Importance of knowing the level of sacral hiatus for caudal epidural anesthesia
Authors: Nadeem G. 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
Introduction and Materials and Methods: The Study was carried out on 100 dry human sacra to know the Anatomical variations of sacral hiatus. Results: Different shapes of sacral hiatus were observed which included- Inverted U (56%), Inverted V (14%), Irregular (16%), Dumb-bell (10%), Bifid (2%) and Elongated (2%). The apex of the sacral hiatus was most commonly found at the level of 3rd sacral vertebrae in 62%. The mean length of sacral hiatus was 25.2mm, the mean anteroposterior diameter of sacral canal at the apex of sacral hiatus was 5.53mm. The mean distance between sacral cornu at the base of sacral hiatus was observed to be 19.5mm. Conclusion: This study was done to clarify the anatomical variations of sacral hiatus using bony landmarks of sacrum for improving the reliability of caudal epidural anesthesia and to improve its success rate and reduce the complications and failure rate.
Histological studies on the retina and cerebellum of Wistar rats treated with Arteether™
Authors: Okunlola A. , Okunlola C. , Okani C. , Adewole O. , Ofusori D. , Komolafe O. , Ojo S. , Bejide R. , Ayoka A. , Ojewole J. 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
Introduction: Arteether™, a derivative of artemisinin, is among the recent drugs that have given renewed hope for combating malarial menace. The present study investigated the effects of arteether™ on the histology of the retina and cerebellum of Wistar rats. Materials and Methods: Twenty adult albino Wistar rats weighing 150-200 g, were randomly divided into four groups (A, B, C and D) of five animals each and used for this study. Group A rats were given intramuscular (i.m.) arteether™ (3 mg/kg b.w.) daily for 3 days. Group B rats were given i.m. arteether™ (6 mg/kg b.w.) daily for 3 days. Group C rats were also given i. m. of arteether™ (3 mg/kg b. w.) daily for 3 days, and the same dose was repeated at two-weekly intervals for 4 further weeks; while Group D rats which received normal saline (0.9 % w/v, 3 ml/kg b.w.), served as controls. At the end of the experiment, the rats were sacrificed by cervical dislocation. The retina and cerebellum were excised and processed routinely for histopathology changes, using haematoxylin and eosin stain (H & E), as well as Nissl stain. Results: Results obtained showed normal cellular components of the retina and cerebellum in all groups, and no cyto-pathological changes were observed. Conclusion: Thus, this study showed that under light microscopic examination, therapeutic doses of arteether™ caused no significant cyto-pathologic changes in the retina and cerebellum of Wistar rats.
Cirrhosis in rats does not resolve in the long-term after induction by thioacetamide model
Authors: Rui L. , Silva E. , Silva T. , Portela T. , Silva A. , Cogliati B. , Dagli M. , Hernandez-Blazquez F. 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
Introductions: Hepatic cirrhosis is a final common pathway of all chronic liver diseases, characterized by deposit of fibrillar collagen and liver failure. Materials and Methods: In this experiment, hepatic cirrhosis was induced in 15 female Wistar rats by a 14-week period, with thioacetamide solution in a 200 mg/kg dosage, via intraperitoneal. Animals were submitted to liver biopsy, and euthanized after a 80-day post-induction period. Serum biochemical analysis was performed, in addition to histopathology by H.E., Picrosirius, Alcian Blue and P.A.S. stainings, following analysis of histological activity index and staging of fibrosis. Morphometric analysis of collagen on Picrosirius slides was also performed. Results: Mortality during experimental period was low (13.33%), and after 80-day period, liver function improved, cellular changes did not altered, and deposition of acidic mucopolysaccharides and glycogen were increased. Liver histological activity did not change significantly (7.25 ± 1.30 to 6.41 ± 1.32), but staging of fibrosis was altered (3.91 ± 0.76 to 4.70 ± 1.11). Interlobular collagen showed a significant decrease (5.14 ± 2.00 to 4.00 ± 1.20), while intralobular collagen was increased (0.23 ± 0.06 to 0.36 ± 0.08). Conclusions: These findings characterize thioacetamide as a safe experimental model for induction cirrhosis, which may be used for future therapy studies.
Effects of coffee (Coffea arabica) consumption on the femoral morphology and biomechanics in rats
Authors: Santos M. , Pagani J. , Silva T. , Garcia J. , Romào M. , Fernandes G. , Soares E. 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
Introduction: Coffee consumption has proved to be harmful to osseous tissue integrity, thus, diminishing bone resistance. Considering the great number of individuals consuming coffee daily, therefore, the present study aims to demonstrate the effects of coffee on the femoral morphology and biomechanics resistance in Wistar rats. Methods: Twenty male Wistar rats were chosen for the experiment, divided into two groups (n = 10), as to know, CT (control) group, to which was offered water diet ad libitum; and, CF (coffee) group, to which was offered coffee as liquid diet. After 60 days, the animals had their blood analyzed for serum calcium level, they were euthanized and the right femurs were collected for histological procedure and the left ones were isolated for bone measures and mechanical test. Results: CF group animals do not present malnutrition or dehydration. Femur dimensions, trabecular bone width and cortical width analyses shown to be lower for CF group. Material and structural properties of the femurs of CF group animals demonstrate that this group presents weaker bones than those of CT group. Conclusion: The findings in the present study allow us to confirm that coffee consumption interferes negatively on the material and structural bone properties, diminishes trabecular and cortical bone density, and hence making bones more fragile and likely to fractures. So, due to the great number of individuals consuming coffee daily, it is important to reduce this consume on order to prevent bone trauma.
Between horrid and science. Girolamo Segato's strange anatomy (1792-1836)
Authors: Lippi D. , Weber D. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractFascinating methods and materials for preserving dead bodies from decomposition were used by different populations in any time for various reasons. During the XVIII-XIX centuries, the necessity of preserving bodies increased, in order to improve anatomical studies, and many methods were developed. Girolamo Segato (1792-1836) devoted himself to the art of “petrifaction“, discovering a particular procedure, which permitted him to obtain amazing results. His sudden death prevented him from revealing his method: recent studies have disclosed unexpected contacts between Segato and American scientists, who were very interested in his work.
Embryological considerations on the bilateral reversed palmaris longus muscle: a case report in human
Authors: Heck L. , Campos D. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractThis study describes a rare case of bilateral reversed palmaris longus muscle. An unusual variation was observed during the male cadaver dissection (60-year-old White). According to the literature, a reversed palmaris longus muscle may cause a compartment syndrome in the wrist area, carpal tunnel, and Guyon's syndrome. Moreover, this particular variation of the reversed palmaris longus muscle is rarely reported and has the potential to cause compression of both the median and ulnar nerves. Thus, the described variation is also useful to the hand surgeon, as the anomalous muscle is an anatomical landmark for operations at this area. Morphological variability and clinical significance are reviewed.
Bilateral mandibular premolars with tooth shape deviation: a rare dental anomaly
Authors: Costa G. , Ramos-Perez F. , Castro J. , Perez D. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractThe tooth shape deviations are rare dental anomaly described in premolars, characterized by to show simultaneously an increased mesio-distal dimension and decreased bucco-lingual dimension when compared with other normal teeth. The presence of such teeth with variation in size may be related to malocclusions, since there is a reduction in circumference of the dental arch. This report describes a rare case of bilateral tooth shape deviations in the two mandibular first premolars and discusses the prevalence of this condition and the eventual clinical consequences associated with this dental anomaly.
Poor Outcome of a Spherical Pressfit cup with a Modern Ceramic Liner: A Prospective Cohort Study of 181 Cups
Authors: Ilchmann Thomas , Zwicky Lukas , Gersbach Silke , Clauss Martin 
Published: June 2014

A spherical pressfit cup with a new ceramic liner was introduced in a clinical trial in order to improve range of motion and reduce wear induced problems. The early clinical and radiological outcome was assessed. In a prospective cohort study 181 hips received a seleXys TH+® cup (Mathys, Bettlach, Switzerland) in combination with a third generation ceramic liner (ceramys®, Mathys, Bettlach, Switzerland). The Harris Hip Score (HHS), pain (VAS) and range of motion (ROM) were recorded, cup migration and inclination were measured. Experience of any noise was documented. Fourteen hips were radiologically loose, seven of them were revised. Two-year survival of the cup was 92% with radiological loosening as the endpoint. There was no correlation between head size and ROM, no patient had a dislocation. There were no ceramic fractures. Two patients experienced squeaking and three clicking at final follow-up. Reasons for loosening might have been multifactorial but the rate of failure was unacceptably high. The use of large heads did not improve the ROM and development of noise could not be prevented with the modern ceramic. We abandoned the use of this implant system.
Hip Muscle Strength Recovery after Hip Arthroscopy in a Series of Patients with Symptomatic Femoroacetabular Impingement
Authors: Casartelli Nicola C. , Maffiuletti Nicola A. , Item-Glatthorn Julia F. , Impellizzeri Franco M. , Leunig Michael 
Published: June 2014

Purpose The aim of the study was to prospectively evaluate hip muscle strength in a series of patients with symptomatic FAI after hip arthroscopy. Methods Hip muscle strength of eight patients (age: 29 ± 10 years) was evaluated preoperatively and 2.5 years after hip arthroscopy, and was compared to eight matched controls. Maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) strength was measured for all hip muscle groups. At follow-up, we used the symptom-specific well-being outcome to assess the acceptability of the health state related to the hip. Results Patients showed MVC strength increases for all hip muscles (9-59%, P<.05). At follow-up, only hip flexor MVC strength was lower for patients than controls (-18%, P<.05). At follow-up, four patients (out of eight) were “neither satisfied nor dissatisfied” with the health state of their operated hip. Conclusions Patients with symptomatic FAI recovered their hip muscle strength to normal levels 2.5 years after hip arthroscopy, except for hip flexors. Although all patients showed good hip muscle strength at follow-up, half of them were not completely satisfied with their health state related to the hip.