bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Macular Buckling in Optic Disc Pit Maculopathy in Association with the Origin of Macular Elevation: 13-Year Mean Postoperative Results
Authors: Theodossiadis George P. , Chatziralli Irini P. , Theodossiadis Panagiotis G. 
Published: January 2015

Purpose To discuss the anatomical and functional results in cases of optic disc pit maculopathy (ODP-M) with a follow-up of at least 11 years after scleral buckling procedure (SBP). Methods We studied 12 eyes with ODP-M treated with SBP, in a long-term follow-up of 12.8 ± 1.5 years after surgery. All patients underwent best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) measurement, slit-lamp biomicroscopy, fundus photography, fluorescein angiography, indocyanine green angiography, B-scan ultrasonography, and optical coherence tomography at baseline and 6-12 months, 2 years and at least 11 years postoperatively. Results Complete macular reattachment was noticed between 6 and 12 months postoperatively. The BCVA improved significantly at the first postoperative examination. Further improvement was noticed at the second examination, while BCVA remained almost stable at the last examination. Foveal restoration of ellipsoid layer (inner segment/outer segment) was noted in 10 out of 12 cases. The existing vitreous strands remained unchanged during the follow-up. Vitreous traction gradually disappeared (4/5 eyes). Circulation in short/long posterior ciliary arteries was unaffected, while neither recurrences nor complications were observed during the follow-up period. Association of the scleral sponge to the scleral sheath of the optic nerve remained unchanged during the follow-up. Conclusions A total of 12.8 ± 1.5 years after treatment, all the studied cases retained the successful anatomical and functional results that they had 2 years postoperatively, without inducing cataract during the follow-up period. The SBP seems to act equally well as a barrier either obstructing the entrance of fluid from the vitreous cavity or blocking the circulation of subarachnoid cerebrospinal fluid into the retina.
Recirculation during Veno-Venous Extra-Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation – a Simulation Study
Authors: Broman Mikael , Frenckner Björn , Bjällmark Anna , Broomé Michael 
Published: January 2015

Purpose Veno-venous ECMO is indicated in reversible life-threatening respiratory failure without life-threatening circulatory failure. Recirculation of oxygenated blood in the ECMO circuit decreases efficiency of patient oxygen delivery but is difficult to measure. We seek to identify and quantify some of the factors responsible for recirculation in a simulation model and compare with clinical data. Methods A closed-loop real-time simulation model of the cardiovascular system has been developed. ECMO is simulated with a fixed flow pump 0 to 5 l/min with various cannulation sites – 1) right atrium to inferior vena cava, 2) inferior vena cava to right atrium, and 3) superior+inferior vena cava to right atrium. Simulations are compared to data from a retrospective cohort of 11 consecutive adult veno-venous ECMO patients in our department. Results Recirculation increases with increasing ECMO-flow, decreases with increasing cardiac output, and is highly dependent on choice of cannulation sites. A more peripheral drainage site decreases recirculation substantially. Conclusions Simulations suggest that recirculation is a significant clinical problem in veno-venous ECMO in agreement with clinical data. Due to the difficulties in measuring recirculation and interpretation of the venous oxygen saturation in the ECMO drainage blood, flow settings and cannula positioning should rather be optimized with help of arterial oxygenation parameters. Simulation may be useful in quantification and understanding of recirculation in VV-ECMO.
Feasibility of a Priori Numerical Assessment of Plaque Scaffolding after Carotid Artery Stenting in Clinical Routine: Proof of Concept
Authors: lannaccone Francesco , De Bock Sander , De Beule Matthieu , Vermassen Frank , Van Herzeele Isabelle , Verdonck Pascal , Segers Patrick , Verhegghe Benedict 
Published: January 2015

Purpose Carotid artery stenting (CAS) is an alternative procedure for the treatment of severely stenosed carotid artery lesions in high-risk patients. Appropriate patient selection and stent design are paramount to achieve a low stroke and death rate in these complex high-risk procedures. This study introduces and evaluates a novel virtual, patient-specific, pre-operative environment to quantify scaffolding parameters based on routine imaging techniques. Methods Two patients who underwent CAS with two different sizes of the Acculink stent (Abbott Vascular, Santa Clara, CA, USA) were studied. Pre-operative data were used to build the numerical models for the virtual procedure. Numerical results were validated with post-operative angiography. Using novel virtual geometrical tools, incomplete stent apposition, free cell area and largest fitting sphere in the stent cell were evaluated in situ as quantitative measures of successful stent placement and to assess potential risk factors for CAS complications. Results A quantitative validation of the numerical outcome with post-operative images noted differences in lumen diameter of 5.31 ± 8.05% and 4.12 ± 9.84%, demonstrating the reliability of the proposed methodology. The quantitative measurements of the scaffolding parameters on the virtually deployed stent geometry highlight the variability of the device behavior in relation to the target lesion. The free cell area depends on the target diameter and oversizing, while the largest fitting spheres and apposition values are influenced by the local concavity and convexity of the vessel. Conclusions The proposed virtual environment may be an additional tool for endovascular specialists especially in complex anatomical cases where stent design and positioning may have a higher impact on procedural success and outcome.
Cancellous Bone Response to Strontium-Doped Hydroxyapatite in Osteoporotic Rats
Authors: Li Yunfeng , Luo En , Zhu Songsong , Li Jihua , Zhang Li , Hu Jing 
Published: January 2015

Purpose The objective of this study was to investigate cancellous bone response to strontium-doped hydroxyapatite (SrHA) in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. Methods Hydroxyapatite (HA) and 10%SrHA (HA with 10 mol% calcium substituted by strontium) implants were prepared and characterized by scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive microanalysis (EDX) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Twelve weeks after bilateral ovariectomy, 20 rats randomly received HA or 10%SrHA implants in the right distal femur, with 10 animals in each group. Eight weeks after implantation, specimens were harvested and analyzed by micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) and histology. Results Compared with HA, 10%SrHA raised the percentage bone volume by 42.6%, bone-to-implant contact by 47.1%, mean trabecular number by 27.3%, mean trabecular thickness by 31.5% and mean connectivity density by 37.4%, while it decreased mean trabecular separation by 20.1% in micro-CT evaluation. 10%SrHA also increased the bone area density by 47.6% in histological analysis. Conclusions With the HA implants as controls, the 10%SrHA implants were shown to increase bone density and bone-to-implant contact, and improve trabecular architecture in the vicinity of implant surfaces.
Biocompatibility of MG-63 Cells on Collagen, Poly-L-Lactic Acid, Hydroxyapatite Scaffolds with Different Parameters
Authors: Cecen Berivan , Kozaci Didem , Yuksel Mithat , Erdemli Diler , Bagriyanik Alper , Havitcioglu Hasan 
Published: January 2015

Purpose In this study, osteoblast-like MG-63 cells were cultured on 3 different scaffold types composed of (a) collagen + poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), (b) collagen + hydroxyapatite (HA; 30°C) or (c) collagen + hydroxyapatite (HA; 37°C) and produced with different porosities. Methods Biomechanical properties of the scaffolds were characterized by tensile strength measurements. Properties of the cell-seeded scaffolds were evaluated with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Cell adhesion and proliferation capacities were evaluated. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels in media were measured. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and histological analyses were used to assess morphological characteristics. Results Our results showed that collagen-based PLLA and HA scaffolds have good cell biocompatibility. MTT test showed that the scaffolds exhibited no cytotoxicity. According to the force and displacement data, collagen + HA at 37°C showed the highest mechanical strength and displacement. Conclusion The results suggest that collagen-based PLLA and HA scaffolds might improve osteoblastic growth in vitro and have biomaterial integration potential in possible therapeutic approaches for future clinical studies.
Polymeric Materials as Artificial Muscles: An Overview
Authors: Ariano Paolo , Accardo Daisy , Lombardi Mariangela , Bocchini Sergio , Draghi Lorenza , De Nardo Luigi , Fino Paolo 
Published: January 2015

Purpose The accurate selection of materials and the fine tuning of their properties represent a fundamental aspect in the realization of new active systems able to produce actuating forces, such as artificial muscles. In this regard, exciting opportunities for the design of new advanced systems are offered by materials belonging to the emerging class of functional polymers: exploiting their actuation response, specific devices can be realized. Along this direction, materials showing either shape-memory effect (SME) or shape-change effect (SCE) have been the subject of extensive studies aimed at designing of actuators as artificial muscles. Here, we concisely review active polymers in terms of properties and main applications in artificial muscle design. Structure The main aspects related to material properties in both shape-memory polymers (SMPs) and electroactive polymers (EAPs) are reviewed, based on recent scientific literature. SME in thermally activated SMPs is presented by preliminarily providing a definition that encompasses the new theories regarding their fundamental properties. EAPs are briefly presented, describing the working mechanisms and highlighting the main properties and drawbacks, in view of their application as actuators. For both classes of materials, some key examples of effective application in artificial muscles are offered. Outlook The potential in polymer architecture design for the fabrication of actively moving systems is described to give a perspective on the main achievements and new research activities.
Calcium Silicate and Calcium Hydroxide Materials for Pulp Capping: Biointeractivity, Porosity, Solubility and Bioactivity of Current Formulations
Authors: Gandolfi Maria Giovanna , Siboni Francesco , Botero Tatiana , Bossù Maurizio , Riccitiello Francesco , Prati Carlo 
Published: January 2015

Aim The chemical-physical properties of novel and long-standing calcium silicate cements versus conventional pulp capping calcium hydroxide biomaterials were compared. Methods Calcium hydroxide–based (Calxyl, Dycal, Life, Lime-Lite) and calcium silicate–based (ProRoot MTA, MTA Angelus, MTA Plus, Biodentine, Tech Biosealer capping, TheraCal) biomaterials were examined. Calcium and hydroxyl ion release, water sorption, interconnected open pores, apparent porosity, solubility and apatite-forming ability in simulated body fluid were evaluated. Results All calcium silicate materials released more calcium. Tech Biosealer capping, MTA Plus gel and Biodentine showed the highest values of calcium release, while Lime-Lite the lowest. All the materials showed alkalizing activity except for Life and Lime-Lite. Calcium silicate materials showed high porosity values: Tech Biosealer capping, MTA Plus gel and MTA Angelus showed the highest values of porosity, water sorption and solubility, while TheraCal the lowest. The solubility of water-containing materials was higher and correlated with the liquid-to-powder ratio. Calcium phosphate (CaP) deposits were noted on materials surfaces after short aging times. Scant deposits were detected on Lime-Lite. A CaP coating composed of spherulites was detected on all calcium silicate materials and Dycal after 28 days. The thickness, continuity and Ca/P ratio differed markedly among the materials. MTA Plus showed the thickest coating, ProRoot MTA showed large spherulitic deposits, while TheraCal presented very small dense spherulites. Conclusions calcium silicate-based cements are biointeractive (ion-releasing) bioactive (apatite-forming) functional biomaterials. The high rate of calcium release and the fast formation of apatite may well explain the role of calcium silicate biomaterials as scaffold to induce new dentin bridge formation and clinical healing.
The Efficacy of Custom-Made Porous Hydroxyapatite Prostheses for Cranioplasty: Evaluation of Postmarketing Data on 2697 Patients
Authors: Stefini Roberto , Zanotti Bruno , Nataloni Angelo , Martinetti Roberta , Scafuto Michele , Colasurdo Marco , Tampieri Anna 
Published: January 2015

Purpose Cranioplasty is a surgical intervention aimed at reestablishing the integrity of skull defects. Autologous bone is still considered the treatment of choice for cranioplasty. The aims of this study were to characterize and evaluate the efficacy of porous hydroxyapatite (HA) to fill skull defects based on its biomimetic characteristics. Methods The authors analyzed the postmarketing data of all patients treated with custom-made porous HA prostheses (CustomBone Service). Characterization data in terms of physicochemical analysis and mechanical performance of the porous HA prostheses were also reported. Results The low incidence of adverse events (5.72%) due to the use of HA porous custom-made prostheses for cranioplasty is related to the biomimetic performance of the prostheses. The composition and morphology of the porosity enable it to be a useful biomimetic prosthesis for the reconstruction of large and complex skull defects, also able to promote osteointegration. Conclusions These collected and analyzed data demonstrate that porous HA is a suitable material to produce custom-made prostheses to repair craniolacunia. It is a biomimetic implant well-tolerated in both adult and pediatric patients and has been shown to be an effective and good alternative for cranial reconstruction.
Antibacterial Surface Properties of Various Fluoride-Releasing Restorative Materials in Vitro
Authors: Sungurtekin-Ekci Elif , Ozdemir-Ozenen Didem , Duman Selvi , Acuner Ibrahim C. , Sandalli Nuket 
Published: January 2015

Purpose The aim of this study was to investigate the antibacterial surface properties of high-viscosity glass ionomers (Fuji IX GP, Ketac Molar), a resin-modified nano-ionomer (Ketac N100), resin-modified glass ionomers (Fuji II LC, Vitremer), a compomer (Compoglass F) and a resin-based composite (Filtek Z250). Methods ISO-standardized specimens 6 mm in diameter were prepared for each restorative material. The antibacterial properties of the materials were tested in an agar diffusion assay using Streptococcus mutans (ATCC 25175) for 24 and 48 hours. An inhibition zone greater than 6 mm was defined as diffuse inhibition, whereas zones ≤6 mm were described as contact inhibition. Results All tested materials exhibited a contact antibacterial effect against S. mutans. Vitremer showed the most remarkable antibacterial diffuse inhibition. Conclusions These materials might cause antibacterial effects against S. mutans when placed on cavity surfaces in both enamel and dentine, thereby preventing secondary caries formation.
Auxetic Coronary Stent Endoprosthesis: Fabrication and Structural Analysis
Authors: Amin Faisal , Ali Murtaza Najabat , Ansari Umar , Mir Mariam , Minhas Muhammad Asim , Shahid Wakeel 
Published: January 2015

Background Cardiovascular heart disease is one of the leading health issues in the present era and requires considerable health care resources to prevent it. The present study was focused on the development of a new coronary stent based on novel auxetic geometry which enables the stent to exhibit a negative Poisson's ratio. Commercially available coronary stents have isotropic properties, whereas the vascular system of the body shows anisotropic characteristics. This results in a mismatch between anisotropic–isotropic properties of the stent and arterial wall, and this in turn is not favorable for mechanical adhesion of the commercially available coronary stents with the arterial wall. It is believed that an auxetic coronary stent with inherent anisotropic mechanical properties and negative Poisson's ratio will have good mechanical adhesion with the arterial wall. Methods The auxetic design was obtained via laser cutting, and surface treatment was performed with acid pickling and electropolishing, followed by an annealing process. In vitro mechanical analysis was performed to analyze the mechanical performance of the auxetic coronary stent. Scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) was used to determine the effects of fabrication processes on the topography of the auxetic stent. Results and Conclusions The elastic recoil (3.3%) of the in vitro mechanical analysis showed that the auxetic stent design effectively maintained the luminal patency of the coronary artery. Also, the auxetic coronary stent showed no foreshortening, therefore it avoids the problem of stent migration, by expanding in both the radial and longitudinal directions. By virtue of its synclastic behavior, the auxetic stent bulges outward when it is radially expanded through an inflated balloon.
Clinical Significance of Subtype Classification in Metastatic Lymph Nodes of Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy
Authors: Nemoto Noriko , Shibahara Yukiko , Tada Hiroshi , Uchida Keiko , McNamara Keely M. , Chan Monica S.M. , Watanabe Mika , Tamaki Kentaro , Miyashita Minoru , Miki Yasuhiro , Gonda Kohsuke , Ishida Takanori , Ohuchi Noriaki , Sasano Hironobu 
Published: January 2015

Background Neoadjuvant chemotherapy has been increasingly utilized in the treatment of breast cancer patients. However, there are no established surrogate markers predicting the response to subsequent adjuvant therapy and clinical outcome of patients. In particular, whether primary or lymph nodes metastasis should be evaluated for these analyses has remained unknown. Therefore, in this study, we first evaluated the differences in biomarkers between primary and metastatic cancer tissues in the patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy. We then correlated the findings with the clinical outcomes of these patients. Methods We examined 49 patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy and subsequent surgery with lymph node metastasis. Estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PgR), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) and Ki-67 were all immunohistochemically evaluated in core needle biopsy samples from primary and metastatic tumors following chemotherapy. Results No statistically significant differences in these markers were detected between the primary tumor and metastatic lymph nodes following therapy, but the Ki-67 labeling index was significantly higher in metastatic lymph nodes than in primary tumor (p = 0.017). The patients associated with luminal A type carcinoma in their lymph nodes following chemotherapy demonstrated significantly better clinical outcomes (disease-free survival: p = 0.0045, overall survival: p = 0.0006) than those who were not. Conclusion These data indicate that subtype classification following chemotherapy, in the metastatic lymph nodes rather than primary tumor could predict long-term outcomes of patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
Measurement of a Urinary Marker (8-hydroxydeoxy­Guanosine, 8-OHdG) of DNA Oxidative Stress in Epidemiological Surveys: A Pilot Study
Authors: Zanolin M. Elisabetta , Girardi Paolo , Degan Paolo , Rava Marta , Olivieri Mario , Di Gennaro Gianfranco , Nicolis Morena , De Marco Roberto 
Published: January 2015

Background 8-Hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) is a commonly used marker of DNA oxidative stress in epidemiological studies. The aim of this study was to establish whether the urinary concentration of 8-OHdG varies during the first part of the day, when clinical tests are usually performed, and whether it can therefore be measured without bias in spot urine samples. Material and methods Spot urine samples were collected using a convenience sample. A linear mixed-effects model for repeated measurements was used to analyze 8-OHdG levels. Results A significant increasing trend in time in the 8-OHdG concentration was found among smokers, but not in the case of nonsmokers. Conclusions In epidemiological studies on oxidative stress, all participants should collect their early morning urine specimens – before their first cigarette if they are smokers – to gather information on individual background oxidation levels.
Robotic-Assisted Partial Nephrectomy: Experience on 60 Cases
Authors: Zeccolini Guglielmo , de Concilio Bernardino , del Biondo Dario , Gallo Gaetano , Silvestre Pasquale , Celia Antonio 
Published: January 2015

Introduction Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy is still one of the more challenging procedures in urology. Minimizing warm ischemia time (WIT) and bleeding requires efficient intracorporeal suturing. In addition, achieving negative surgical margins requires complete excision of the tumor. Robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy (RALPN) adds the advantages offered by the “Da Vinci system” to laparoscopy, such as the 3-D vision, and the better degree of freedom of surgical instruments. Objective The objective of this study is to report our experience with RALPN. Methods From August 2009 to October 2012, 60 patients underwent RALPN for kidney cancer. The average age of the patients (35 female, 25 male) was 63 (range 48–80) years. Average BMI was 25 (range 21.8–29.7) kg/m2. Average tumor size was 3.2 cm (range 2-6.7 cm). All the procedures were performed by a transperitoneal approach, liar clamping was used in all cases: in 47 patients by one intracorporeal tourniquet for the artery and one for the vein; in three cases, ilar clamping was “en block” by Satinsky. Results Mean operative time was 167.2 min (140–250) with a WIT of 23.8 min (15–28). The mean estimated blood loss was 260 mL (50–300). In one case, nephrectomy was necessary because the tumor involved the renal pedicle. One patient had pulmonary embolism and one urinary leakage conservatively managed. Pathologic examination revealed clear cell renal cell carcinoma in 58 patients, oncocytoma in one patient, and angiomyolipoma in one patient. All resection margins were free from tumor. Conclusions Partial nephrectomy, facilitated by robotic technology, is more and more frequently performed as a safe and effective minimally invasive procedure.