bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Platelet Induction of the Acute-Phase Response Is Protective in Murine Experimental Cerebral Malaria
Authors: Aggrey Angela A. , Srivastava Kalyan , Ture Sara , Field David J. , Morrell Craig N. 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
Platelets are most recognized as the cellular mediator of thrombosis, but they are increasingly appreciated for their immunomodulatory roles, including responses to Plasmodium infection. Platelet interactions with endothelial cells and leukocytes contribute significantly to the pathogenesis of experimental cerebral malaria (ECM). Recently, it has been suggested that platelets not only have an adverse role in cerebral malaria, but platelets may also be protective in animal models of uncomplicated malaria. We now demonstrate that these diverse and seemingly contradictory roles for platelets extend to cerebral malaria models and are dependent on the timing of platelet activation during infection. Our data show that platelets are activated very early in ECM and have a central role in initiation of the acute-phase response to blood-stage infection. Unlike platelet depletion or inhibition postinfection, preinfection platelet depletion or treatment with a platelet inhibitor is not protective. Additionally, we show that platelet-driven acute-phase responses have a major role in protecting mice from ECM by limiting parasite growth. Our data now suggest that platelets have a complex role in ECM pathogenesis: platelets help limit parasite growth early postinfection, but with continued platelet activation as the disease progresses, platelets contribute to ECM-associated inflammation.
Amniotic Membrane Transplantation in Treatment of Persistent Corneal Ulceration after Severe Chemical and Thermal Eye Injuries
Authors: Iakimenko Stanislav A. , Buznyk Oleksiy I. , Rymgayllo-Jankowska Beata 
Published: March 2013

Purpose To analyze results of amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) in treatment of corneal ulceration after severe chemical and thermal injuries. Methods Analysis of 55 AMT in 53 patients (53 eyes) with corneal ulceration and limbal deficiency 180–360° of the limbus after grade 4–6 (Dua classification, 2001) chemical and thermal injuries was performed. Mean terms of the operation were 46.1 ± 46.4 days after the injury (range 8–181 days). Preoperative visual acuity (VA) was <0.01 in 33/53 patients (62.3%). Mean follow-up period was 8.8 ± 10.1 months (range 1.5–46 months). Results Further corneal ulceration was prevented in 54/55 cases (98.1%), cornea epithelialized after 42/55 AMT (76.3%). Mean terms of corneal epithelialization were 24.2 ± 26.7 days after AMT (range 6–123 days). Corneal defect recurred in 3/42 successful cases (7.1%). Limbal deficiency of different extent with subsequent corneal conjunctivalization developed in all successful patients. The VA was ≥0.01 (range 0.01–1.0) in 23/42 patients (54.8%) with corneal epithelialization. The VA at the last visit was improved on 2 and more lines on the eye chart compared to preoperative VA in 15/42 patients with corneal epithelialization (35.7%), did not change in 18/42 successful patients (42.9%), and decreased on one line in 9/42 of these patients (26.2%). Symblepharon developed in 23/42 successful patients (54.7%). Conclusions Amniotic membrane transplantation may stop ulceration and promote corneal epithelialization in the majority of patients with the most severe chemical or thermal eye injuries in case of timely application of the operation and adequate fixation of the AMT graft.
Study on Clinical Therapeutic Effect Including Symptoms, Eye Preservation Rate, and Follow-up of 684 Children with Retinoblastoma
Authors: Huang Dongsheng , Zhang Yi , Zhang Weiling , Wang Yizhou , Zhang Pinwei , Hong Liang , Zhou Yan , Han Tao , Zhi Tian 
Published: March 2013

Purpose Retinoblastoma is the most common type of primary malignant intraocular tumor in children. The purpose of this study is to summarize the clinical experience of diagnosis and treatment for retinoblastoma, aiming to provide appropriate knowledge for surveillance and therapy for retinoblastoma. Methods We performed retrospective analysis of 684 children (885 eyes) with advanced retinoblastoma diagnosed in the department of Pediatrics in Tongren Hospital, Beijing, China, between September 2005 and May 2010. Results The average age at first diagnosis was 2.2 ± 1.7 years with overall median age 1.91 years. Leucocoria was the most common sign at the initial diagnosis (70.47%, 482/684). A total of 21 cases (3.06%) had positive family history. According to International Retinoblastoma Classification, 551 cases (80.57%, 723 eyes) were A-E stage and 81.47% (589/723) were D-E stages of retinoblastoma; extraocular stage was present in 101 cases (120 eyes, 14.76%); metastatic stage was present in 32 cases (44 eyes, 4.67%). Pathology diagnosis was performed in 494 cases of unilateral or bilateral enucleation; 91 cases were grade I, 260 cases were grade II, 94 cases were grade III, 49 cases were grade IV. The median follow-up time was 27 months until June 2010. Total survival rate was 95.13%. A total of 34 cases were lost to follow-up and 34 cases were abandoned. Conclusions Children developed retinoblastoma at a young age. Early diagnosis is difficult. Key factors of clinical treatment and long survival rate were diagnosis and treatment at the early stage with multidisciplinary methods.
Endothelial Cells and Central Corneal Thickness after Modified Sutureless Manual Small-incision Cataract Surgery
Authors: Goldenberg Dafna , Habot-Wilner Zohar , Glovinsky Yoseph , Barequet Irina S. 
Published: March 2013

Purpose Manual small-incision cataract surgery (MSICS) is a viable method for cataract surgery around the world. We evaluated the impact of a modification of MSICS, in which an anterior chamber maintainer is used throughout the surgery with the addition of ocular viscoelastic device prior to nucleus removal (M-MSICS), on the corneal endothelium. Methods This prospective study comprised patients randomly assigned for cataract surgery who underwent M-MSICS. Patients underwent corneal endothelial counts by a noncontact specular microscopy in the center and at 12 and 6 o'clock position as well as central corneal pachymetry (CCT) preoperatively, and at 1 week and 1 and 3 months postoperatively. Results Twenty-one eyes were included, 16 of which completed the entire follow-up. There was a statistically significant difference in endothelial cell loss at the center of the cornea at 1 week postoperatively (p = 0.003). However, there was no significant difference in endothelial cell measurements between preoperative and other postoperative timepoints at the center of the cornea. In addition, no significant difference was found in the 12 and 6 o'clock measurements at all timepoints. There was a mild but statistically significant increase in CCT at the center of the cornea at 1-week and 1-month postoperative measurements as compared to preoperative measurement (p≤0.05). By postoperative month 3, CCT had returned to baseline level. Conclusions Modified MSICS offers a viable enhancement of MSICS, with mild and transient impact on the corneal endothelial cell density and corneal pachymetry.
Multifocal IOL Implant with or without Capsular Tension Ring: Study of Wavefront Error and Visual Performance
Authors: Mastropasqua Rodolfo , Toto Lisa , Vecchiarino Luca , Falconio Gennaro , Di Nicola Marta , Mastropasqua Alessandra 
Published: March 2013

Purpose To evaluate visual performance and wavefront error after multifocal intraocular lens (MIOL) implant with or without capsular tension ring (CTR). Methods Sixty eyes of 60 candidates for phacoemulsification and MIOL implantation were included in the study and were randomly divided into 2 groups. Thirty eyes (group 1) were implanted with the AcrySof ReSTOR® SN60D3 MIOL and Corneal® ACPI 11 CTR and 30 eyes (group 2) received the same MIOL with no CTR. Results Twenty days and at 360 days after surgery, the uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuity at high and low contrast were not significantly different between the 2 groups. The root mean square (RMS) of ocular and internal wavefront error was significantly different in the 2 groups early after surgery and did not modify significantly over the 1-year follow-up period. The RMS of total and internal high-order aberrations and ocular and internal trefoil and coma aberrations were significantly lower in group 1 compared to group 2 (p<0.05). Ocular, corneal, internal modulation transfer function at high and low spatial frequencies and ocular, corneal, internal Strehl ratio were not significantly different between the groups. The IOL decentration and tilt were higher in group 1 compared to group 2. Conclusions ReSTOR MIOL was effective in improving visual performance and provided a good quality of vision due to a significant reduction of high-order spherical aberration. The implant of CTR additionally reduced the ocular wavefront error related to a reduction of third-order aberration related to better IOL position.
Multifocal Visual Evoked Potentials in Unilateral Compressive Optic Neuropathy Secondary to Orbital Tumors
Authors: Xue Kang , Wang Min , Qian Jiang , Yuan Yifei , Zhang Rui 
Published: March 2013

Purpose To evaluate the effects of unilateral compressive optic neuropathy secondary to orbital tumors and the removal of the tumors on amplitude and latency of multifocal visual evoked potentials (mfVEPs) and to compare these responses with visual field defects seen on static automated perimetry. Methods Static automated and mfVEP recordings were obtained from 14 patients with orbital tumors affecting one optic nerve. Monocular and interocular amplitude and latency analyses were performed. Results The change in the mfVEP amplitude agreed with visual field findings with regard to topography and severity of deviation from normal in 10 patients. For 4 patients with normal visual field, the changes in the mfVEP were of significance. The delay in recordable responses from affected eyes ranged from 2.56 to 18.28 ms (interocular analysis) and 0.1 to 21.86 ms (monocular analysis). Ten patients whose tumor was totally removed showed a recovery of the visual field and mfVEP to various degrees. Visual field of 6 patients showed within normal limits after total removal of the tumor, and the defects of mfVEP in 3 patients remained apparent, while the mfVEP of the other 3 patients showed a complete recovery. Conclusions Various orbital tumors can cause compressive optic neuropathy. Compressive optic neuropathy secondary to orbital tumors results in mfVEP amplitude reduction and latency prolongation. The changes in measures of mfVEP due to orbital tumors are consistent with the visual field changes in most patients. In some patients, the subjective visual field results and objective mfVEP are discordant. The objective changes of mfVEP may appear earlier than the defect of visual field, and thus it may be able to identify subtle defects that are undetectable with Humphrey perimetry. Postoperatively, recovery of the mfVEP may be later than that of visual field in some patients. The mfVEP changes may assist in both early diagnosis and follow-up of the compressive optic neuropathy secondary to orbital tumors.
Discomfort Symptoms Reduction and Ocular Surface Parameters Recovery with Artelac Rebalance Treatment in Mild–moderate Dry Eye
Authors: Versura Piera , Profazio Vincenzo , Giannaccare Giuseppe , Fresina Michela , Campos Emilio C. 
Published: March 2013

Purpose To evaluate Artelac Rebalance® eyedrops’ efficacy in symptoms reduction, ocular surface parameters recovery, and tolerability in the treatment of mild to moderate dry eye. Methods Fifteen patients were enrolled. Inclusion criteria were Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) score >16, tear film break-up time (TFBUT) <10 seconds, Schirmer test I >10 mm/5 min, and mild ocular surface damage (Oxford grading) ≤3. Artelac Rebalance® eyedrops were administered 3 times daily for 2 months. Patients were evaluated at enrollment, after 2 days of washout (baseline), and after 1 and 2 months of treatment. Parameters for ocular discomfort (OSDI score), tear film quality (Schirmer test I, TFBUT, tear osmolarity), ocular surface damage (fluorescein staining, conjunctival imprint cytology), and inflammation (scraping cytology and exuded serum albumin) were measured. Tolerability and satisfaction were assessed by validated questionnaires. Results At endpoint versus baseline, all variables showed a statistically significant improvement (paired Student t test, p<0.01 for all parameters) as follows: OSDI score (21.9 ± 10.6 vs 35.8 ± 12.2), TFBUT (6.5 ± 1.1 s vs 5.2 ± 2.3 s), Oxford grading of corneal and conjunctival damage (0.56 ± 0.50 vs 1.16 ± 0.37), tear osmolarity (294.6 ± 2.1 mOsm/L vs 303.1 ± 4.6 mOsm/L), conjunctival goblet cell density/mm2 (140.8 ± 43.3 cells/mm2 vs 115.1 ± 15.8 cells/mm2), scraping cytology score (2.9 ± 1.0 vs 4.2 ± 1.3), and percentage of serum albumin in tears (9.2% ± 4.8% vs 24.1% ± 10.8%). Tolerability and satisfaction were scored high, with no adverse events reported. Conclusions Application of Artelac Rebalance® eyedrops for 2 months in mild to moderate dry eye resulted in a reduction of ocular inflammation parameters, ocular surface damage, and subjective discomfort symptoms, with a parallel improvement in tear film quality (measured by TFBUT and osmolarity).
Evaluation of Macular Thickness after Uncomplicated Cataract Surgery using Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Giansanti Fabrizio , Bitossi Alice , Giacomelli Giovanni , Virgili Gianni , Pieretti Giulia , Giuntoli Matteo , Abbruzzese Giacomo , Menchini Ugo 
Published: March 2013

Purpose To evaluate central macular thickness (CMT) after cataract surgery in selected groups of patients. Methods The study comprised 4 groups—patients with epiretinal membrane, patients with high myopia, patients with diabetes without retinopathy, and healthy subjects—who underwent phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation. Central macular thickness was measured with spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) using the 3D macular cube scan. The OCT evaluation was performed preoperatively and 1, 6, 15, 30, 60, 90, and 360 days after surgery. Visual acuity was measured preoperatively and after 6 and 360 days after surgery. Results The study included 258 patients, 164 women and 94 men, with a mean age of 74 (SD 7.6) years. A statistically significant increase in CMT was observed from day 30 in patients with epiretinal membrane (p = 0.010) and diabetic patients (p = 0.026), reaching its maximum thickness at day 60 (p = 0.001 and p = 0.001), while it was observed only on day 360 in healthy subjects (p = 0.018) and those with high myopia (p = 0.003). The correlation between CMT and visual acuity was statistically significant only in the diabetic group (r = 0.61, p<0.01). Conclusions Following cataract surgery, CMT changes according to characteristic patterns in the different groups studied. These changes did not prevent an optimal recovery of visual function.
Modified Method of Sutureless Intrascleral Posterior Chamber Intraocular Lens Fixation without Capsular Support
Authors: Liu Siwei , Cheng Shaoli 
Published: March 2013

Purpose This study reports the clinical results of sutureless intrascleral fixation of posterior chamber intraocular lenses (PC IOLs) in eyes without capsular support. Methods Thirty patients without capsular support who underwent standard 3-piece foldable PC IOL implantation using the sutureless intrascleral fixation technique were studied retrospectively. Folded PC IOLs were injected through corneal incisions, with 2 haptics piercing out from 2 corresponding scleral punctures, which were 1.5 mm from the limbus and exactly 180° to each other, and then 2 haptics piercing respectively were placed in 2 corresponding limbus-parallel intrascleral tunnels. All patients were evaluated for preoperative and postoperative status and complications. Results During the follow-up period, the visual acuity of all 30 patients significantly improved, with that of 21 patients improving by more than 0.6. The intraocular pressures of all patients were stable. All PC IOLs were stable and centered. Optical coherence tomography revealed that the haptics were located within the tunnel. Other complications, such as IOL dislocation, endophthalmitis, and retinal detachment, were not detected. Conclusions Sutureless intrascleral fixation is safe and effective for the implantation of PC IOLs in eyes without capsular support from a variety of causes.
Does Beta-ray Emitting Therapy of Ciliary Body Tumors Decrease Central Corneal Endothelial Cell Density?
Authors: Suranyi Eva , Berta Andras , Modis Laszlo , Szalai Eszter , Damjanovich Judit 
Published: March 2013

Purpose To evaluate the effect of plaque radiation therapy using beta-radioactive isotope for anterior segment tumors on the density and morphology of endothelial cells. Methods Endothelial cell density (ECD) and morphometry in 15 eyes of 15 patients with ciliary body tumor was examined prior to and 6 months after radiation therapy. After irradiation, central ECD values were also compared with peripheral (2.0 mm from limbus) ECD values measured around the plaque. The ECD, average cell area, coefficient of variation of cell area, and pachymetry measurements were conducted with contact specular microscopy. Results The mean corrected ECD values prior to irradiation were 2147 ± 128 cells/mm2 and 2050 ± 108 cells/mm2 after the radiation therapy. After irradiation, the mean peripheral ECD values were 2056 ± 101 cells/mm2. A significant decrease in ECD values was observed after radiation (p = 0.007). Peripheral ECD values measured around the plaque showed no significant difference (p = 0.86) as compared to central ECD values. Conclusions According to our measurements, plaque therapy for tumors in the anterior segment decreases ECD significantly, but not highly, even in case of plaques containing beta-radiation isotope, and the plaques are not placed direct on the cornea surface. The decreased ECD causes no changes in corneal thickness or transparency, but it may have an influence on a subsequent cataract surgery, which generates further endothelial loss.
Unilateral Acute Idiopathic Maculopathy in a 14-year-old Hispanic Girl
Authors: Patel Shriji N. , Bhagat Neelakshi , Goldfeder Alan , Zarbin Marco 
Published: March 2013

Purpose The authors discuss a case of unilateral diminished vision in a 14-year-old Hispanic girl. Methods Retrospective chart review. Results The patient was referred to University Hospital (UH) at New Jersey Medical School with a complaint of blurry vision in the right eye for approximately 1 month. Clinical examination showed a yellow-gray area of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) elevation in the perifoveal region OD and normal examination OS. Optical coherence tomography showed a corresponding area of RPE elevation with associated sub-RPE fluid. Fluorescein angiogram on presentation disclosed a focal area of hyperfluorescence and dye pooling. Bloodwork and chest x-ray were within normal limits. These changes resolved over the ensuing 4 weeks despite discontinuation of all treatment. The patient experienced complete resolution of her symptoms. Conclusions We report a case of unilateral acute idiopathic maculopathy in a 14-year-old Hispanic girl. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the youngest reported patient with this condition to date.
In vivo Regeneration of Elastic Lamina on Fibroin Biodegradable Vascular Scaffold
Authors: Cattaneo Irene , Figliuzzi Marina , Azzollini Nadia , Catto Valentina , Farè Silvia , Tanzi Maria Cristina , Alessandrino Antonio , Freddi Giuliano , Remuzzi Andrea 
Published: March 2013

Purpose There is an increasing need for vascular grafts in the field of surgical revascularization. Artificial grafts offer alternative strategies to autologous tissue, however, small caliber (diameter <6 mm) vascular prosthesis are associated with a high incidence of thrombosis and early failure. Despite promising results, vascular tissue engineering is not yet a clinical reality due to the complexity of this approach. We aimed at investigating the use of fibroin, a biodegradable protein derived from silk, as an acellular vascular graft for in vivo recellularization. Methods We produced small caliber fibroin matrices by electrospinning to replace small arterial segments. Electrospun fibroin scaffolds were implanted into the abdominal aorta of Lewis rats by end-to-end anastomosis. Seven days after implantation, fibroin matrices were recovered and processed for histological and immunohistochemical analysis. Results Fibroin matrices allowed host cell infiltration, extracellular matrix remodeling, and ensured good patency of the grafts in the short term. Endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells were present in the explanted construct. Development of an elastic lamina adjacent to the lumen of the scaffold was observed with organization of intima and media layers. Vasa-vasorum were also present in the outer layer of the fibroin material. Conclusions Our results indicate that formation of vascular tissue containing elastin occurs already at 7 days after implantation on fibroin scaffold without in vitro cellularization. The use of an acellular electrospun silk fibroin tubular scaffold could be a promising strategy for in vivo regeneration of vascular tissue in the clinical reality.
Changes in Upper Limb Extracellular Water Content during Hemodialysis Measured by Multi-Frequency Bioimpedance
Authors: Kumar Sanjeev , Khosravi Maryam , Massart Annick , Potluri Madhu , Davenport Andrew 
Published: March 2013

Introduction Hemodialysis patients are at risk of chronic volume overload, with consequent increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Multifrequency bioimpedance allows assessment of body fluid volumes. Devices vary from two paired electrodes which measure bioimpedance down one side of the body to four paired electrodes which measure both sides of the body. As arteriovenous fistulae may cause arm swelling, we investigated whether the presence of a fistula affected bioimpedance limb measurements. Methods We audited the change in extracellular water (ECW) and total body water (TBW) in the arms following hemodialysis in 414 adult patients attending for routine mid-week hemodialysis session by multifrequency bioimpedance using a four-paired electrode bioimpedance device (InBody 720; Biospace, Seoul, South Korea). Results Patients with right-sided brachial fistulae had a greater percentage ECW/TBW in the fistula arm both prior to and post dialysis compared to those dialyzing with catheters (pre 39.6 ± 3.5 vs. 38.4.3 ± 1.6 and post 38.5 ± 1.3 vs. 37.8 ± 1.1, p<0.01), but there was no difference in the ECW/TBW in the non-fistula arm, pre dialysis between those dialyzing with fistulae compared to catheters, but the ECW/TBW was greater post dialysis with both brachial (38.4 ± 1.1) and radial fistulae (38.1 ± 1.3) compared to those with catheters (37.7 ± 0.9, p<0.05 respectively). Conclusions Although absolute and also relative extracellular fluid volumes are increased in the fistula arm of hemodialysis patients, particularly right-sided and with brachial fistulae, the amount of fluid is unlikely to be of clinical significance when making bioimpedance measurements in the non-fistula side of the body to determine volume status.