bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Baerveldt Drainage Tube Motility in the Anterior Chamber
Authors: Tan Annelie N. , De Witte Pauline M. , Webers Carroll A.B. , Berendschot Tos T.J.M. , De Brabander John , Schouten Johannes S.A.G. , Beckers Henny J.M. 
Published: April 2014

Purpose To investigate the stability in position of the Baerveldt glaucoma drainage tube over time and to study movement of the drainage tube in the anterior chamber (AC) under varying light conditions. Methods This prospective study included 70 eyes with implantation of a Baerveldt glaucoma drainage tube in the anterior chamber. Anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) images were made preoperatively to quantify AC depth. AS-OCT images were made twice under photopic and twice under scotopic conditions, in the angle parallel to the Baerveldt tube to quantify drainage tube position, at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively. Tube-corneal (T-C) and tube-iris (T-I) distances were measured. Additionally, the central AC depth and the peripheral angle opening (AOD 500) were determined. Two subgroups were distinguished according to tube position: free in the AC (group 1, n = 48) and transiridal (group 2, n = 22). Results After 24 months of follow-up, the drainage tube was found to move statistically significantly closer (0.12 mm) to the corneal endothelium in group 1 (p<0.01). There was no statistically significant difference in T-C distance over time in group 2. The T-C distance did not differ under photopic versus scotopic circumstances (p = 0.32). In both groups, the T-I distance was larger under scotopic conditions, a result of pupil dilation. Conclusions The Baerveldt glaucoma drainage tube remained in a stable position when a transiridal implantation was performed, whereas the tube moved closer to the endothelium when placed free into the AC. Transiridal implantation of the Baerveldt tube seems a safe alternative for tube implantation with respect to tube motility.
One-Year Outcome of Ranibizumab for Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A Thorough Analysis in a Real-World Clinical Setting
Authors: Gabai Andrea , Veritti Daniele , Lanzetta Paolo 
Published: April 2014

Purpose To verify the safety and efficacy of ranibizumab in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) and factors influencing the outcome in a real-world setting. Methods Retrospective 12-month follow-up analysis of 100 naive nAMD eyes treated with as-needed ranibizumab. Changes in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central retinal thickness (CRT), lesion, and leakage size were recorded. Type and characteristics of lesions and indicators of protocol adherence were analyzed. Results Mean BCVA at baseline was 61.6 ± 14.8 Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study letters and 59.6 ± 16 at 12 months. Sixty-three eyes maintained or improved BCVA; the number of injections and follow-up visits were 4.8 and 5.1, respectively. First injection and pro re nata retreatments were administered 22.7 and 20.5 days after prescription, respectively. Seventy-two eyes received 3 initial monthly injections. Patients were not reinjected despite BCVA loss >5 letters one or more times in 37% of cases. No adverse events were reported. The CRT diminished by 26 ± 101 μm; choroidal neovascularization size and leakage area increased by 0.53 ± 1.31 mm2 and 0.34 ± 1.33 mm2, respectively. The BCVA gain was correlated with CRT reduction (r = 0.24, p = 0.016), mean baseline BCVA (r = –0.25, p = 0.01), age (r = –0.25, p = 0.01), and decrease in CNV size and leakage area (r = 0.56 and r = 0.59, respectively, p<0.001). Conclusions Our results compare unfavorably with those of controlled trials. Treatment and follow-up regimens in real-world settings seem to have a major role in determining outcome. Lower age and BCVA at baseline were associated with better response to treatment.
The Effect of Subconjunctival Ranibizumab on Corneal and Anterior Segment Neovascularization: Study on an Animal Model
Authors: Liarakos Vasilios S. , Papaconstantinou Dimitrios , Vergados Ioannis , Douvali Maria , Theodossiadis Panagiotis G. 
Published: April 2014

Purpose To evaluate the effect of subconjunctival anti—vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) ranibizumab on corneal and anterior segment neovascularization. Methods In this experimental study and laboratory investigation, chemical cauterization was utilized to induce corneal neovascularization in 16 rabbits randomly divided in 2 equal groups. Cauterized eyes were either treated with 0.1 mL (1 mg) of subconjunctival ranibizumab or administered a sham injection. A third group of 4 rabbits served as control for side effects after ranibizumab administration. All animals were monitored daily for 14 days and the extent of corneal scarring and neovascularization was measured on days 1, 7, and 14. After enucleation, ocular tissues were separated under a surgical microscope and VEGF levels were measured with ELISA. Statistical analysis was performed to compare the extent of corneal neovascularization and VEGF levels between treated and untreated eyes. Results Subconjunctival ranibizumab inhibited corneal neovascularization significantly both in the first and the second week compared to untreated controls (p = 0.006 and p = 0.001, respectively). The VEGF levels were significantly lower in all anterior segment tissues like the cornea, iris, aqueous humor, and conjunctiva of the treated eyes (p<0.01). The reduction of VEGF levels ranged from 19% to 73% in different ocular tissues. Corneal scarring was not significantly affected by anti-VEGF treatment (p = 0.7). No side effects were noticed. Conclusions Early subconjunctival administration of ranibizumab may successfully inhibit alkali-induced corneal neovascularization in an animal model. Subconjunctival ranibizumab reduces VEGF levels significantly not only in the cornea and the bulbar conjunctiva but also in the aqueous humor and the iris.
Multiple Myeloma Recurrence with Optic Nerve Infiltration Diagnosed by Vitrectomy, Immunohistochemistry, and in Situ Hybridization
Authors: Nugent Alex K. , Paulus Yannis M. , Chan Annie , Kim Jonathan W. , Schwartz Erich J. , Moshfeghi Darius M. 
Published: April 2014

Purpose We present a case of multiple myeloma recurrence diagnosed by optic nerve infiltration. Methods Interventional case report with clinical, surgical, immunohistochemical, and fluorescence in situ hybridization correlation. Results A 51-year-old woman with a history of bilateral invasive ductal breast carcinoma and multiple myeloma, both in remission on maintenance bortezomib, was referred for sudden, painless loss of vision OS. Examination demonstrated anterior vitritis with severe optic disc elevation, with yellow-white thickening, peripapillary hemorrhages, and a retinal detachment inferiorly. Diagnostic vitrectomy showed CD138-positive and BRST2-negative cells. Fluorescence in situ hybridization was positive for del(13q) and p53 deletion and negative for CCND1/IGH. Conclusions This is the first report of optic nerve infiltration of multiple myeloma as evidence of recurrence while on maintenance chemotherapy. We demonstrate that diagnostic vitrectomy and immunohistochemistry of vitreous fluid is feasible for the diagnosis of recurrent multiple myeloma.
A Dose-Finding Study of Preoperative Intravenous Dexmedetomidine in Children's Emergence Delirium after Epiblepharon Surgery
Authors: Yang Sohee , Lee Haemi 
Published: April 2014

Purpose Emergence delirium (ED) is a leading problem in children after general anesthesia. Dexmedetomidine (DEX) can be administered prior to general anesthesia to decrease ED, although wide ranges of dose are used. This study was conducted to investigate the proper dosages of DEX to attenuate children's ED after sevoflurane anesthesia. Methods Twenty-five children, aged 3 to 9, undergoing repair of epiblepharon were studied. A chosen dosage of DEX was infused for 10 minutes in the preoperative holding area. The dose of DEX started from 0.25 μg/kg, and then was increased or decreased by 0.25 μg/kg depending on the response of the previous patient, using the Dixon up-and-down method. After the surgery under general anesthesia with sevoflurane, ED was assessed by the Cravero 5-point emergence agitation scale (5-point scale) at the postanesthesia care unit. The 50% and 95% effective concentrations (EC50 and EC95) of DEX to attenuate ED were calculated by isotonic regression estimators. Results The EC50 to attenuate ED was 1.0 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.29 to 1.71) and EC95 was 1.43 μg/kg (95% CI –1.73 to 4.60). No patient failed parental separation while the Modified Observer's Assessment of Alertness/Sedation Scale at the end of the infusion was scattered from 1 to 5. One child who received 1.50 μg/kg had brief desaturation but recovered soon after being given a verbal command. Conclusions Dexmedetomidine can be safely used between 1.0 and 1.43 μg/kg to attenuate children's ED after sevoflurane anesthesia.
Evaluation of Eye Movements Pattern during Reading Process in Patients with Glaucoma: A Microperimeter Study
Authors: Cerulli Angelica , Cesareo Massimo , Ciuffoletti Elena , Montanaro Maria Lucia , Mancino Raffaele , Mirisola Concetta , Sorge Roberto , Cedrone Claudio , Nucci Carlo , Cerulli Luciano 
Published: April 2014

Purpose To assess eye movements pattern during reading process in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) using a microperimeter. Methods Thirty-two patients with POAG at early and moderate stage, according to Glaucoma Staging System 2, and 34 healthy age- and sex-matched subjects were included in the study. Reading speed and accuracy were previously evaluated with specific tests adjusted for age. In addition, all participants performed a reading test with Microperimeter Nidek MP1. Ocular movements during the reading process were recorded and values of maximum and minimum eye movements along the horizontal (Xmax and Xmin) and vertical (Ymax and Ymin) axis and mean ocular movement speed were provided by the MP1. Results There were significant differences between patients with and without POAG in terms of Xmax and Ymax eye movement values (4.75 ± 2.57 versus 3.38 ± 0.67, p = 0.003; and 4.39 ± 1.43 versus 3.34 ± 0.52, p<0.001, respectively). These differences were significant even comparing only stage 1 patients to controls. There were no significant differences in Xmin and Ymin values and mean ocular movement speed between the 2 groups. Conclusions The study showed significant differences in eye movements pattern in patients with POAG during the reading test performed with the MP1 when compared to the control group. These alterations may be partly the consequence of the neurodegenerative process of the central visual pathway in glaucoma.
Central Retinal Vein Occlusion in a Young Patient following Cannabis Smoke Inhalation
Authors: Corvi Federico , Querques Giuseppe , Lattanzio Rosangela , Preziosa Chiara , Parodi Maurizio Battaglia , Bandello Francesco 
Published: April 2014

Purpose To report a case of central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) following cannabis smoke inhalation in a young patient. Methods An otherwise healthy 18-year-old man without risk factors for retinal vein occlusion presented with reduced visual acuity (20/200) secondary to CRVO following cannabis smoke inhalation. Central retinal vein occlusion was diagnosed on the basis of slit-lamp fundus biomicroscopy and fluorescein angiography. Results Tests for systemic causes were negative. Following one intravitreal dexamethasone implant (Ozurdex) and one ranibizumab injection (Lucentis), functional (20/20 visual acuity) and anatomic improvement was recorded. Fluorescein angiography showed a decrease in the vascular caliber and tortuosity, with no signs of retinal ischemia or edema. Conclusions We report CRVO in a young adult following cannabis smoke inhalation. Its occurrence immediately after cannabis smoking further supports a link between the use of cannabis and vascular alterations.
Deciding between biobetter versus biosimilar development options based on net present value calculations
Authors: Bode-Greuel Kerstin Marie , Nickisch Klaus 
Published: April 2014

Â AbstractThe growing share of biopharmaceuticals is paralleled by an increasing interest in biogenerics, as blockbuster biologics are approaching their patent expiries. Companies need to make decisions whether to invest in biosimilars or in biobetters with enhanced properties, the latter enabling favorable differentiation vis-Ã -vis the original product on the one hand and biosimilars on the other hand. Net present value (NPV) modelling was applied to evaluate the financial attractiveness of two categories of biobetters in comparison to biosimilars, and recommendations are made which options should be preferred depending on a companyâ€™s business model.
Market Orientation, Alliance Orientation, and Business Performance in the Biotechnology Industry
Authors: Wilson Grant Alexander , Perepelkin Jason , Zhang David Di , Vachon Marc-Antoine 
Published: April 2014

The purpose of this study was to test the unexplored relationship between market orientation (MO), alliance orientation (AO), and business performance (PERF) in the medical/healthcare subsector of the Canadian biotechnology industry.Â The study surveyed Canadian biotechnology executives via mail and web-based questionnaires.Â It was found that the relationship between MO and PERF was positive and significant and the relationship between AO and PERF was positive and significant.Â It was also found that the relationship between MO and AO was positive and significant, supporting the existence of a mediation relationship.Â Specifically, MOâ€™s influence on PERF was found to be fully mediated by AO.Â This suggests that Canadian medical/healthcare biotechnology companies that were highly market-oriented were also highly alliance-oriented, and highly alliance-oriented companies were top performing companies.Â This study outlines the apparent sequential relationship between market-oriented behavioural commitments, alliance-oriented activities, and business performance outcomes among Canadian biotechnology companies.Â Furthermore, it has business development and the commercialization process implications for biotechnology managers.
Clinical Acceptance, Reasons for Rejection, and Reduction of In-Shoe Peak Pressure with Interdigital Silicone Orthoses
Authors: Illgner Ulrich , Budny Tymo , Hoyer Marc , Wetz Hans Henning 
Published: April 2014

BackgroundFor several years, confectioned or customized interdigital silicone orthoses have been used to treat toe malformations; however, long-term clinical and biomechanical studies are missing. The aim of this study was to evaluate the biomechanical effects of these orthoses and their clinical acceptance.MethodsIn 2008, 46 patients (30 women and 16 men; average age, 56.8 years) received interdigital silicone orthoses. All of the patients were included in the biomechanical and clinical study. Compliance and acceptance were measured by the Muenster shoe and foot questionnaire, which includes 13 items on pain, activities of daily living, satisfaction, and activity. Mean follow-up was 18 months. Ten feet (eight patients) were chosen by random and underwent pedobarography. One forefoot sensor and two single sensors were attached between the skin and the orthosis. Measurements were performed in-shoe three times with and without the orthosis without removal of the sensors.ResultsForty-four of the 46 patients (95.7%) were included. At the 18-month investigation, 19 patients no longer used their orthoses, most commonly because of pain and failure of the material. Twenty-two patients regularly used their orthoses (8 h/d on average). In-shoe peak pressure lowered significantly with orthosis use (P &lt; .04). Patients who used the orthoses were mostly satisfied.ConclusionsInterdigital silicone orthoses reduce in-shoe peak pressure. Patient satisfaction was good. The durability of the material has to be optimized, and manufacturing remains difficult. The effect on ulcer reduction must be evaluated in a large prospective study.
Does Foot Placement Affect the Reliability of Static Foot Posture Measurements?
Authors: McPoil Thomas G. , Carrell Drew , Ehlers Derrik , Kuhlman Holly , Mufti Judy , Pomeroy Mary , Taylor Olivia , Cornwall Mark W. 
Published: April 2014

BackgroundPrevious studies have reported conflicting results on whether different foot placements in standing can affect static measurements of foot posture. We sought to determine whether three measurements of static foot posture could be consistently measured in three different foot placements while standing.MethodsTwenty individuals, 12 women and eight men, with a mean age of 24.8 years consented to participate. Two raters assessed the dorsal arch height, midfoot width, and heel width of each foot while the participant stood in the following three foot placements: a standardized placement, a participant-determined placement after marching in place, and a rater-determined foot placement based on observation of the participant's angle of gait and base of support while walking.ResultsAll three measurements of static foot posture were shown to have high levels of intrarater and interrater reliability. Significant differences in the measurements of dorsal arch height, midfoot width, and heel width were found among all three of the foot placements. There were no differences between the two raters for any of the three measurements of foot posture.ConclusionsBased on these findings, we recommend that clinicians perform measurements of static foot posture using the same standing foot placement between sessions to ensure a high level of measurement consistency.
Effects of High-Heeled Shoes and Asymmetrical Load Carrying on Lower-Extremity Kinematics During Walking in Young Women
Authors: Lee Soul , Li Jing Xian 
Published: April 2014

BackgroundAsymmetrical load carrying and wearing high-heeled shoes are very common. Biomechanics studies on the combined effects of high-heeled shoe wearing and asymmetrical load carrying are lacking. We sought to identify changes in lower-extremity joint kinematics associated with the effect of shoes and asymmetrical load carrying during walking.MethodsFifteen healthy young women (mean ± SD: age, 24.67 ± 3.54 years; body weight, 54.96 ± 6.67 kg; and height, 162.2 ± 3.91 cm) who habitually wore high-heeled shoes participated in the study. They were asked to walk under nine combined conditions of three heights of shoe heels (0, 3, and 9 cm) and three carried loads (0%, 5%, and 10% of body weight). Temporospatial parameters and maximal joint angles in the sagittal and frontal planes of the hip, knee, and ankle on both limbs were studied.ResultsIt was found that high-heeled shoe wearing and asymmetrical load carrying altered temporospatial parameters and joint kinematics. With increased heel height and load weight, cadence decreased and stride length increased. The knee flexion angle increased with an increase in heel height, and the load served only to exacerbate the changes. Changes in the hip angle were mostly caused by asymmetrical load carrying, whereas angle changes in the ankle were mostly caused by an increase in heel height.ConclusionsThis study demonstrated that when high-heeled shoe wearing and asymmetrical load carrying are combined, changes at each joint are much greater than with high-heeled shoe wearing or load carrying alone.
The 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey Outcome Evaluation for Multiple Lower-Extremity Nerve Decompressions in Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
Authors: Nelson Scott C. , Little Eugene R. 
Published: April 2014

Background: Diabetic neuropathy can be disabling owing to pain and loss of sensibility. Theoretically, surgical restoration of sensation and relief of pain may prevent these complications and improve quality of life. A study was conducted to perform outcome analysis of patients after these surgical procedures using the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey.
Methods: The 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey was used to evaluate patients with diabetic neuropathy after nerve decompression surgery. These results were compared with those reported in the literature related to diabetic patients without neuropathy, patients with low-back pain, and an age-matched normative population. The pilot study group included six patients with diabetic neuropathy, three of whom underwent multiple nerve decompression surgery bilaterally. Mean follow-up was 6 months.
Results: Single-tailed t tests demonstrated that postoperative patients were not statistically significantly different from the other groups in the domains of Physical Functioning, Bodily Pain, General Health, Vitality, Social Functioning, and Mental Health; in the domains of Role-Physical and Role-Emotional, a statistically significant difference was found, with the postoperative patients scoring lower.
Conclusions: Although this study is limited by the lack of preoperative administration of the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey and by its small sample size, we conclude that the survey can evaluate the results of surgical decompression of lower-extremity peripheral nerves and should be added to the traditional assessments of recovery of sensibility and the visual analog scale for pain. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 97(2): 121–125, 2007)
Relationship Between Positive Clinical Outcomes of Foot Orthotic Treatment and Changes in Rearfoot Kinematics
Authors: Zammit Gerard V. , Payne Craig B. 
Published: April 2014

Background: Previous two-dimensional kinematic studies that assessed the effect of foot orthoses on rearfoot motion have yielded mixed results regarding whether control of rearfoot motion is related to symptom relief.
Methods: We sought to determine the effect of foot orthoses on rearfoot motion and to correlate these changes with the degree of symptom improvement in 22 individuals with excessive rearfoot pronation (17 women and 5 men; mean ± SD age, 44.3 ± 16.7 years; mean ± SD weight, 74.9 ± 15.9 kg). Two-dimensional motion-analysis software was used to assess frontal plane rearfoot motion with and without foot orthoses. The mean ± SD Foot Posture Index of the left foot was 8.83 ± 3.54 and of the right foot was 9.22 ± 3.64). The pain and function subscales of the Foot Health Status Questionnaire were then used to determine the degree of symptom relief associated with the orthoses at baseline and 4 weeks later.
Results: Orthoses had a small but statistically significant effect on rearfoot motion, although no significant correlations were found between differences in rearfoot motion with and without foot orthoses and the improvements demonstrated in the Foot Health Status Questionnaire subscales of pain and function.
Conclusions: The effect of orthoses on frontal plane rearfoot motion is considered small and probably insufficient to account for the extent of symptom reduction found in this study. Other parameters of orthotic function, such as kinetic and neuromechanical variables, should be further investigated. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 97(3): 207–212, 2007)