bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Red-Free Light for Measurement of Intraocular Pressure Using Goldmann Applanation Tonometer without Fluorescein
Authors: Ghoneim Ehab M. 
Published: August 2013

Purpose To evaluate the use of red-free light for the measurement of intraocular pressure (IOP) using a Goldmann applanation tonometer without fluorescein. Methods This cross-sectional study was carried out on 500 eyes in 250 patients attending the Ophthalmology Outpatient Clinic at Suez Canal University Hospital. The IOP was measured using a Goldmann applanation tonometer mounted on a Haag-Streit slit-lamp. The measurements were performed first using red-free light without fluorescein. Then the measurements were repeated with cobalt blue light and topical fluorescein on the same eyes. Results The mean IOP was 15.23 ± 3.3 (SD) mm Hg using the red-free light without fluorescein, whereas it was 15.78 ± 3.7 (SD) mm Hg when measured using cobalt blue light after the application of fluorescein to the conjunctival sac. This difference was not statistically significant. Conclusions Measurement of IOP with a Goldmann applanationtonometer with red-free light and without the use of fluorescein is simple, saves time, and gives an accurate IOP measurement relative to the traditional measurement technique with cobalt blue light and topical fluorescein.
Riboflavin/UVA Photochemical Therapy for Severe Infectious Keratitis
Authors: Skaat Alon , Zadok David , Goldich Yakov , Varssano David , Berger Yoav , Ezra-Nimni Orit , Avni Isaac , Barequet Irina S. 
Published: August 2013

Purpose To describe the antibacterial activity of treatment with riboflavin and ultraviolet A light (UVA) in cases of severe infectious keratitis. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed of an interventional case series in which 6 eyes of 6 patients with severe infectious keratitis, all of whom were refractive to multidrug conventional therapy, were treated with riboflavin/UVA. The procedure was conducted according to the standardized protocol of corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL) for keratoconus. Best spectacle-corrected visual acuity and clinical outcomes were evaluated before and during the follow-up period. Results Five of the 6 patients showed rapid reduction in symptoms and decreased infiltrate size after riboflavin/UVA photochemical therapy. Signs of infection and inflammation mostly resolved within 1 to 2 weeks after the treatment. Despite this therapy, one patient continued to deteriorate, and penetrating keratoplasty was performed. Conclusions The adjunctive use of riboflavin/UVA photochemical therapy has a positive effect on refractory infectious keratitis. The treatment seems to be safe and effective and should be considered as part of the first-line therapy in severe cases of infectious keratitis.
Ocular Demodicidosis as a Risk Factor of Adult Recurrent Chalazion
Authors: Yam Jason C.S. , Tang Bone S.F. , Chan Tsz-Ming , Cheng Arthur C.K. 
Published: August 2013

Purpose: To report Demodex infestation in adult recurrent chalazion and its clinical response to weekly lid scrub with 50% tea tree oil (TTO) and daily lid scrub with tea tree shampoo. Methods: This is a retrospective review of 30 adult patients (48 eyes) who presented with recurrent chalazion within 6 months after conventional treatment. Demodex was detected by random lash sampling and microscopic examination. Patients with confirmed ocular Demodex infestation were treated with weekly lid scrub with 50% TTO and daily lid scrub with tea tree shampoo. The study is limited by the lack of a control group. Results: The mean age of patients was 39.1 ± 10.2 years (range 18-69). The mean follow-up of patients is 10.0 ± 3.0 months (range 6-24 months). Among 48 eyes with recurrent chalazion, Demodex mites were found in 35 (72.9%). Recurrent chalazion was found to be associated with ocular demodicidosis (Fisher exact test, p = 0.017). Tea tree oil treatment was given to 31 eyes with recurrent chalazion associated with Demodex infestation. Among the treatment group, all cases except one had no recurrence after the TTO treatment. The success rate of preventing recurrence is 96.8%. Treatment of TTO was found to be associated with preventing recurrence of chalazion associated with Demodex infestation (Fisher exact test, p = 0.002). Conclusions: The possibility of demodicidosis should be considered in adults presenting with recurrent chalazia. Tea tree oil eyelid scrubs is an effective treatment in preventing recurrence.
Effect of Axial Length on Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness in Children
Authors: Öner Veysi , Özgür Gökhan , Türkyilmaz Kemal , Şekeryapan Berrak , Durmuş Mustafa 
Published: August 2013

Purpose: To investigate the effect of axial length on peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness in myopic, hyperopic, and emmetropic eyes in children by Cirrus HD spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT). Methods: Subjects were divided into 3 groups according to their refractive status: myopic (n = 36), emmetropic (n = 30), and hyperopic (n = 28) eyes. The RNFL thickness measurements were taken from the superior, inferior, nasal, and temporal quadrants in the peripapillary region by Cirrus HD OCT. Axial length was also determined for each patient. Results: The myopic eyes had thinner average RNFL and RNFLs of temporal, superior, nasal, and inferior quadrants than the hyperopic eyes (p1<0.001, p2 = 0.004, p3 = 0.011, p4 = 0.006, p5 = 0.033, respectively). In addition, average peripapillary RNFL thickness and RNFL thicknesses of all quadrants had significant negative correlations with axial length. On the other hand, after applying modified Littmann formula for correction of magnification effect, the differences among the 3 groups disappeared (all p>0.05). Conclusions: We have shown that axial length and accordingly refractive status influenced peripapillary RNFL thickness measurements by Cirrus HD OCT in children. Therefore, to make a correct diagnosis of glaucoma or other optic neuropathies in children, either axial length—induced magnification effect should be corrected by ophthalmologists or the current Cirrus HD OCT database should be revised taking axial length into consideration.
Ophthalmologic Findings in a Pediatric Cochlear Implant Population
Authors: Nikolaos Ziakas , Georgios Psillas , Angeliki Chranioti , Theodoros Lalias , Mattheos Antoniadis , Iosif Vital 
Published: August 2013

Purpose: To report ocular findings in a cohort of children requiring pediatric cochlear implant and to evaluate the usefulness of routine ophthalmologic examination in such children. Methods: This was a prospective study of ophthalmologic assessment of 47 consecutive children aged 10 months to 12 years from the cochlear implant program of our hospital. Results: All children underwent complete ocular assessment consisting of orthoptic and ophthalmologic examination, including cycloplegic refraction. A total of 18 children (38.3%) had some form of ocular abnormality, with the majority (14 patients, 29.8%) having refractive errors. Hypermetropia was the most common refractive error (21.3%), followed by astigmatism (8.5%). Strabismus was found in 6 patients, with esotropia being the most common type. Other ocular findings included ptosis (1 patient) and epicanthal folds (3 patients). During the follow-up period, 9 children were fitted with glasses, 3 underwent occlusion therapy, 2 underwent strabismus surgery, and 1 underwent ptosis surgery. Conclusions: Thorough orthoptic and ophthalmologic examination is useful for ensuring optimal visual function in children undergoing cochlear implantation.
The Removal of Serum Hepcidin by Different Dialysis Membranes
Authors: Kuragano Takahiro , Furuta Minoru , Shimonaka Yasushi , Kida Aritoshi , Yahiro Mana , Otaki Yoshinaga , Hasuike Yukiko , Matsumoto Akihide , Nakanishi Takeshi 
Published: August 2013

Purpose Hepcidin has been suspected to be associated with anemia of chronic disease, which is commonly observed in patients with maintenance hemodialysis (MHD). As almost of hepcidin is bounded to protein, it is essential to clarify which kind of dialysis membrane can remove it efficiently. Methods Ex vivo study: 50 mL of whole blood from healthy volunteers were circulated for 2 h in a microcircuit with mini-dialyzers (acrylonitrile-co-methallyl sulfonate (AN69) or polysulfone (PS)) without ultrafiltration. We measured hepcidin-25 levels at 0, 60, and 120 min in the blood samples. In vivo study: Blood samples were taken from 28 MHD patients at the start and end of HD sessions with PS or AN69. We measured serum levels of hepcidin 20, 22, and 25 by liquid chro-matography tandem mass spectrometry, and also measured serum levels of urea nitrogen (UN), P2microglobulin (MG). Results Ex vivo study: Although serum hepcidin 25 levels increased after the ex vivo session with PS, they significantly decreased with AN69. In vivo study: The reduction ratio of β2MG by PS was significantly higher than that of AN69. On the other hand, there was no significant difference in the reduction ratio of hepcidin 20, 22, and 25 between PS and AN69. Conclusions Both super-flux PS and AN69 similarly removed hepcidin 20 22, and 25. HD with PS might achieve a high removal ratio of hepcidin by enhanced diffusion performance and an increased clearance of small molecule solutes. On the other hand, AN69 might remove hepcidin by adsorption.
Fixation and Mounting of Porcine Aortic Valves for use in Mock Circuits
Authors: Schlöglhofer Thomas , Aigner Philipp , Stoiber Martin , Schima Heinrich 
Published: August 2013

Purpose Investigations of the circulatory system in vitro use mock circuits that require valves to mimic the cardiac situation. Whereas mechanical valves increase water hammer effects due to inherent stiffness and do not allow the use of pressure lines or catheters, bioprosthetic valves are expensive and of limited durability in test fluids. Therefore, we developed a cheap, fast, alternative method to mount valves obtained from the slaughterhouse in mock circuits. Methods Porcine aortic roots were obtained from the abattoir and used either in native condition or after fixation. Fixation was performed at a constant retrograde pressure to ensure closed valve position. Fixation time was 4 h in a 0.5%-glutaraldehyde phosphate buffer. The fixed valves were molded into a modular mock circulation connector using a fast curing silicone. Valve functionality was evaluated in a pulsatile setting (cardiac output = 4.7 l/min, heart rate = 80 beats/min) and compared before and after fixation. Leaflet motion was recorded with a high-speed camera and valve insufficiency was quantified by leakage flow under steady pressure application (80 mmHg). Results Under physiological conditions the aortic valves showed almost equal leaflet motion in native and fixed conditions. However, the leaflets of the native valves showed lower stiffness and more fluttering during systole than the fixed specimens. Under retrograde pressure, fresh and fixed valves showed small leakage flows of <30 ml/min. Conclusions The new mounting and fixation procedure is a fast method to fabricate low cost biologic valves for the use in mock circuits.
The Impact of Inflammatory Factors Associated with Primary Arteriovenous Failure
Authors: Afsar Baris 
Published: August 2013

Purpose Very scarce data exist regarding the relationship between differential white blood cell (WBC) counts and primary arteriovenous fistula (AVF) failure. Thus, the current study aimed to investigate the specific relationship between primary AVF failure and differential WBC counts. Methods Sociodemographic, clinical, and laboratory parameters including automatically determined complete blood counts of the patients (from medical records and hospital charts) prior to AVF fistula surgery were recorded. Primary AVF failure was described as a complication of the AVF before the first successful cannulation for HD treatment. Results In total 94 patients (Male/Female: 49/45, Aged: 50.9 ∓ 15.0 years) were included. Ferritin, high sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-crp), total WBC count, neutrophil count, red cell distribution width (RDW) were higher in patients with primary AVF failure compared to patients without primary AVF failure. Logistic regression analysis showed that presence of diabetes (OR = 3.654, p = 0.035), RDW (OR = 0.449, p = 0.033) and ferritin (OR = 1.097, p = 0.021) were independently related with primary AVF failure. Conclusions Neither total WBC counts nor WBC subtypes were related with primary AVF failure. Higher RDW and ferritin levels had a prognostic value for development of primary AVF failure.
Using the Impella 5.0 with a Right Axillary Artery Approach as Bridge to Long-Term Mechanical Circulatory Assistance
Authors: Pozzi Matteo , Quessard Astrid , Nguyen Anthony , Mastroianni Ciro , Niculescu Michaela , Pavie Alain , Leprince Pascal 
Published: August 2013

Purpose Impella 5.0 is a short-term left ventricle assist device (LVAD), inserted retrograde into the left ventricle across the aortic valve through a surgical peripheral access. Impella has been utilized for various indications but in the setting of bridge-to-bridge application there are limited reports. Methods We performed a retrospective observational analysis of Impella utilization at our institution as bridge to long-term LVADs. The primary end-point was survival during Impella support. Results Between December 2010 and February 2012, we implanted 20 Impella in patients with cardiogenic shock and, among these, 5 were implanted as bridge to long-term LVADs. In this latter group, mean age at the time of implantation was 44 ∓ 15.6 (range 27-68) years and there was a prevalence of males (80%). Etiology of cardiogenic shock was: decompensated anthracycline-induced cardiomyopathy (n = 1), myocardial infarction (n = 4). There was no major bleeding requiring surgical revision or infectious complications at the right axillary access. One patient required Impella replacement due to a pump stop. After a mean period of 14.2 ∓ 9.0 (range 6-27) days of Impella support, patients were switched to a long-term LVAD (Jarvik 2000, n = 2; HeartMate II, n = 3). One patient died 70 days after implantation of the long-term LVAD due to multi-organ failure, while the remaining patients are still alive after a mean period of follow-up of 108.6 ∓ 66.2 (range 19-191) days. Conclusions Our experience shows that an Impella 5.0 implanted through the right axillary artery approach is a valid option as bridge to long-term LVADs.
Trends in Therapeutic Plasma Exchange: A Single-Center Evaluation
Authors: Vellinga Sanne , Verpooten Gert A. , van Doorn Karin Janssen 
Published: August 2013

Purpose The quality of evidence supporting the use of therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) in the treatment of individual diseases and disorders is often limited. Since we have experienced a growing variety of indications in our center we decided to make an inventory of our TPE population. Methods Single-center retrospective inventory of adult TPE-patients during a 7-year period to determine the evolution of indications for TPE, the response to treatment, and the existing evidence supporting TPE in specified settings. Results During a period of 84 months, 72 patients underwent 638 sessions of TPE in 91 episodes. There was no shift in frequency of TPE or level of indication. Our population consisted of 69 patients. A level I indication was seen in 41 patients (59.4%), while 14 (20.3%) had a level II indication, 8 (11.6%) had a level III indication, one had a level IV indication (1.4%) and 5 patients suffered from a condition not mentioned in the guidelines (7.2%). The response rate was inversely correlated with the level of evidence after exclusion of these 5 patients (category I 97.6%, category II 71.4%, category III 50%, category IV 0% response, p<0.01). Conclusions There was no shift in frequency of TPE or level of indication in our center. Controversial indications should be carefully evaluated on an individual basis and a trial of TPE cannot be solely ruled out because of lack of evidence.
A Framework and Models for Evaluating the Multifare Dynamic Pricing Mechanism of Low-cost Carriers
Authors: Huang Kuancheng , Peng Yi-Ya , Wu I-Wen 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
In general, traditional airlines (legacy airlines or full-service airlines) develop multifare mechanisms and rely on seat inventory control to make quantity-based decisions. On the other hand, low-cost carriers (LCCs) tend to adopt the single-fare system and dynamically adjust the price. Nonetheless, more and more LCCs have begun to offer multiple-fare classes so as to take advantage of market segmentation and price discrimination. In order to evaluate the effectiveness of various revenue management (RM) mechanisms, the concept of willingness-to-pay is applied to model the customer choice with respect to RM control decisions. Dynamic programming–based models are then developed to provide a unified framework to evaluate the dynamic pricing mechanism of LCCs against the traditional seat inventory control policy that makes the open/close decisions of the fare classes with predetermined prices. Based on the numerical experiment, it is found that the former results in significantly higher revenue than the latter.
Frequent-Flier Programs as a Determinant in the Selection of Preferred Airlines by Corporations
Authors: Lubbe Berendien , Douglas Anneli , Wieme Lesley , Fabris-Rotelli Inger 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Frequent-flier programs (FFPs) are used by airlines to generate loyalty and attract new customers. Research has shown that these programs significantly affect travelers' choice of airlines. In the managed travel environment where corporations select preferred airlines based on various determinants, it remains unclear whether these programs play a role in the selection process. A conceptual model of factors influencing corporate airline selection was formulated, positioning FFPs as one of the variables that may play a role. Exploratory factor analysis was done to test the conceptual model with the results showing that FFPs form part of business travelers' needs. Based on the results the conceptual model could be adjusted to provide the main factors and their related variables that influence corporate travel managers in selecting preferred airlines. It became evident that, within the boundaries of the study, frequent-flier programs were, in relation to other variables, generally not considered as important in the selection of a preferred airline by corporations.
The Importance of Completeness and Clarity in Air Transport Contracts in Remote Regions in Europe and Australia
Authors: Merkert Rico , Hensher David A. 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
This article compares the current experience of public service obligations carriers in Europe and Australia ex ante with regard to contract clarity, and then ex post regarding the completeness of their transport contracts. Particularly in times of government austerity, clear contracts are of immense importance to transport authorities in order to achieve value for money when procuring air-transport services. Weak contracts can result in uncertainties, transaction costs, and poor performance of regional airlines. Our results show differences across carriers that go beyond differences associated with geographic region, and highlight the importance of trust and good relationships between transport authorities and operators.
Bevacizumab Plus Chemotherapy as First-Line Treatment for Patients with Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: Results from a Spanish Observational Study
Authors: Pedro Salinas Hernández  , Rafael Trujillo Vilchez  , Antonio Arriví García-Ramos  , Rosana Grande Ladron de Guevara  , Angeles Rodríguez Jaraiz  , Pedro Gallurt Moreira  , Jose Maria Vieitez de Prado  , Miguel Ruiz López de Tejada  , Antonio Irigoyen Medina  , Juan Manuel Campos Cervera  , Juan Carlos Cámara Vicario  , Uriel Bohn Sarmiento  , Pedro López Tendero  , Juan Domingo Alonso Lajara  , Ana León Carbonero  , Marisa García de Paredes  , Juan de Alvaro Liaño  , Asunción Juarez Marroquí  , Luis López Gómez  , Diego Soto de Prado Otero  
Published: August 2013

Background: This observational study evaluated the efficacy and safety of treatment with bevacizumab plus chemotherapy until disease progression (PD) in Spanish patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Methods: This multicentre, retrospective, observational analysis included patients receiving bevacizumab plus fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy as first-line treatment for mCRC who then developed PD. All patients received treatment in hospital oncology departments and none received bevacizumab as part of a clinical trial. Patients discontinuing treatment with bevacizumab for reasons other than PD were excluded. The primary endpoint was PFS; secondary endpoints were overall response rate (ORR) and safety. Results: Overall, 165 patients were evaluable for analysis: median age 63.0 years; male/female 62%/38%; ECOG performance status 0/1/2 55%/43%/2%. Median duration of bevacizumab treatment was 8.7 months. ORR was 48.5% (6 complete and 74 partial responses) and disease control rate was 74%. Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 8.4 months (95% CI 7.2-9.6). Patients receiving oxaliplatin- or irinotecan-based regimens had median PFS of 9.2 and 7.7 months, respectively; those receiving treatment not containing either oxaliplatin or irinotecan had a median PFS of 6.1 months. KRAS status did not have a statistically significant effect on PFS (9.5 vs. 7.8 months for KRAS wild-type vs. mutant tumours, respectively; p=0.647) or ORR (44.8% vs. 52.6%, respectively; p=0.391). The most common grade 3/4 adverse events were: diarrhoea (7%), paraesthesia (7%), neutropenia (3%), cutaneous toxicity (2%), and thrombocytopenia (2%). Conclusions: Treatment with bevacizumab plus standard chemotherapy is an effective and well-tolerated option for patients with mCRC who continue treatment until PD.
Hepatocellular Carcinoma Microvessel Density Quantitation with Image Analysis: Correlation with Prognosis
Authors: Amr Mohamed  , Shelley A. Caltharp  , Jason Wang  , Cynthia Cohen  , Alton B. Farris  
Published: August 2013

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has a progression considered to be dependent on angiogenesis. Intratumoral microvessel density (MVD) has been associated with metastasis and recurrence risk; however, selection bias, counting errors, and lack of standardized assessment criteria have limited the clinical utility of angiogenesis quantitation. Therefore, we analyzed HCC angiogenesis with image cytometry using different methods and determined the correlation to prognosis. Tissue microarrays with 135 HCCs were CD31 and CD34 immunostained and quantitated with the Dako ACIS III Image Cytometer labeling index (LI) and Aperio Scanscope XT and MVD algorithm. LI and MVD were compared to each other and to pathologic features and prognosis (recurrence free survival). Using median cutoffs of microvesselquantitation, survival curve analysis showed a statistically significant difference between CD31 MVD algorithm measurement and prognosis (low MVD mean survival = 56.6 months and high MVD mean = 26.5 months; Log-Rank P = 0.0076). Survival was not significantly related to CD31 LI, CD34 LI or CD34 MVD. By linear regression, a direct correlation was observed between CD31 and CD34 using MVD (r = 0.45, P <0.0001), between CD31 MVD and CD31 LI (r = 0.55, P < 0.0001), and between CD31 LI and CD34 LI (r = 0.51, P < 0.0001). In addition, there was a weak but statistically significant relationship between CD31 MVD and CD34 LI (r = 0.25, P = 0.0050). Together, this data confirms previous studies linking angiogenesis to disease prognosis and suggests the utility of MVD image analysis algorithms.