bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Imaging in pediatric small bowel transplantation
Authors: Khan Nadir , Phillips Grace S , Heller Matthew T , Linam Leann E , Parnell Shawn E , Moshiri Mariam , Bhargava Puneet 
Published: November 2014

AbstractSmall bowel transplantation, alone or with other organs as multivisceral transplantation, is performed for patients with chronic intestinal failure. With advancing surgical techniques and improved post-surgical management, survival of these patients has increased tremendously in the last two decades. The radiologist has an important role in the preoperative and postoperative management of these patients. Knowledge of surgical techniques and post-surgical complications seen in the transplant recipient is necessary for adequate management of these patients.
Economic Evidence on the Health Impacts of Climate Change in Europe
Authors: Hutton Guy , Menne Bettina 
Published: November 2014

BackgroundIn responding to the health impacts of climate change, economic evidence and tools inform decision makers of the efficiency of alternative health policies and interventions. In a time when sweeping budget cuts are affecting all tiers of government, economic evidence on health protection from climate change spending enables comparison with other public spending.MethodsThe review included 53 countries of the World Health Organization (WHO) European Region. Literature was obtained using a Medline and Internet search of key terms in published reports and peer-reviewed literature, and from institutions working on health and climate change. Articles were included if they provided economic estimation of the health impacts of climate change or adaptation measures to protect health from climate change in the WHO European Region. Economic studies are classified under health impact cost, health adaptation cost, and health economic evaluation (comparing both costs and impacts).ResultsA total of 40 relevant studies from Europe were identified, covering the health damage or adaptation costs related to the health effects of climate change and response measures to climate-sensitive diseases. No economic evaluation studies were identified of response measures specific to the impacts of climate change. Existing studies vary in terms of the economic outcomes measured and the methods for evaluation of health benefits. The lack of robust health impact data underlying economic studies significantly affects the availability and precision of economic studies.ConclusionsEconomic evidence in European countries on the costs of and response to climate-sensitive diseases is extremely limited and fragmented. Further studies are urgently needed that examine health impacts and the costs and efficiency of alternative responses to climate-sensitive health conditions, in particular extreme weather events (other than heat) and potential emerging diseases and other conditions threatening Europe.
Characterization of Prostaglandin F2α Receptors in Human Eyelids
Authors: Nesher Ronit , Mimouni Michael , Elnaddaf Halah , Nemet Arie , Kidron Debora 
Published: November 2014

Purpose Elongation, thickening, and crowding of eyelashes are commonly seen after topical use of prostaglandin analog eyedrops for glaucoma treatment. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the presence and characterize the location of prostaglandin analog F2α receptors (PGF2α) in human hair follicles. Methods In this observational clinical laboratory study, excised eyelid specimens following eyelid surgery were studied. Resected portions of eyelids were submitted for histopathologic evaluation. For immunohistochemistry evaluation, a polyclonal antibody directed against PGF2α was purchased from Cayman Chemical. The staining procedure was carried out on an automatic stainer. Results Out of 26 patients recruited, final analysis was conducted on 17 eyes of 15 patients. There were 10 men and 5 women (mean age 77 ± 14 years). Staining was detected only in hair follicles in the anagen stage (37 slices). No variation in pattern, distribution, or intensity of immunostaining was noted among sections of different individuals. Only the bulb and stem of the hair follicle stained positive. In the bulb, the strongest staining occurred in the matricular cells and in the inner sheath layer. In the stem, the strongest staining occurred in the Huxley layer of the inner sheath. Conclusions This immunohistologic study found that PGF2α receptors were located predominantly in the inner root sheath of the bulb and stem of eyelashes and expressed only in eyelashes in the anagen phase.
Bimanual Microincision versus Standard Coaxial Small-Incision Cataract Surgery: Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Chen Chong , Zhu Minjiao , Sun Yong , Qu Xinhua , Xu Xun 
Published: November 2014

Purpose This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the outcomes of bimanual microincision cataract surgery (B-MICS) through a 1.2- to 1.5-mm incision versus standard coaxial small-incision cataract surgery (C-SICS) through a 2.8- to 3.2-mm incision. Methods A comprehensive literature search was performed according to the Cochrane Collaboration methodology to identify randomized controlled clinical trials comparing B-MICS with standard C-SICS. Main outcome measures were mean surgical time, mean phacoemulsification power, effective phacoemulsification time, best-corrected visual acuity, surgically induced astigmatism (SIA), mean laser flare photometry values, mean endothelial cell loss, mean increased central corneal thickness, and intraoperative and postoperative complications. Results We identified 14 randomized controlled clinical trials that included 1235 eyes diagnosed with cataracts. No statistically significant differences were detected between the 2 surgical procedures in terms of best-corrected visual acuity (p>0.05), SIA at postoperative 1 month (p = 0.09), laser flare photometry values (p = 0.38), mean endothelial cell loss (p = 0.53), increased central corneal thickness at postoperative 1 month (p = 0.64) or 3 months (p = 0.88), intraoperative complications (p = 0.68), and postoperative complications (p = 0.30); however, statistically significant differences were apparent for mean surgical time (p<0.00001), mean phacoemulsification power (p = 0.008), effective phacoemulsification time (p = 0.0009), SIA at postoperative 3 months (p = 0.02), and increased central corneal thickness at postoperative 1 day (p = 0.04). Conclusions The meta-analysis shows that the 2 techniques have similar outcomes in terms of final visual acuity and complications. Bimanual MICS has the advantage of less SIA and phaco time whereas C-SICS has the advantage of quicker surgery and less likelihood of early-onset corneal edema.
Use of Intravitreal Dexamethasone Implant in Patients with Cataract and Macular Edema Undergoing Phacoemulsification
Authors: Sze Amy M. , Luk Fiona O. , Yip Terri P. , Lee Gary K. , Chan Carmen K. 
Published: November 2014

Purpose To study the safety and efficacy of intravitreal dexamethasone implant in patients with cataract and macular edema undergoing phacoemulsification and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. Methods Twenty-four eyes with macular edema secondary to diabetic retinopathy (diabetic macular edema [DME]) and retinal vein occlusion (RVO) were retrospectively reviewed. These eyes underwent phacoemulsification with IOL implantation and intravitreal dexamethasone implant 0.7 mg at the same setting between September 2012 and September 2013. Demographic data, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT), intraocular pressure (IOP), surgical time, and complications were recorded. Results Twelve eyes had DME and 12 eyes had RVO (10 central RVO and 2 branch RVO). Median baseline logMAR BCVA was 1.0 (Snellen 20/200) and mean baseline CMT was 530.2 ± 218.9 µm. Median follow-up duration was 13 months. At last follow-up, median visual acuity improved significantly to 0.523 (Snellen 20/66) (p = 0.003) and CMT decreased to 300.7 ± 78.1 µm (p = 0.000). Median surgical time was 23 minutes. There were no intraoperative complications. In 12 eyes, macular edema recurred, requiring further treatment, and median time to recurrences was 21 weeks. One eye had raised IOP after second dexamethasone implant for recurrent macular edema. No major complication such as vitreous hemorrhage, retinal detachment, or endophthalmitis occurred. Conclusions Combined cataract surgery with intravitreal dexamethasone implant seems to be safe and effective in treating patients with cataract and macular edema in this small case series. A larger prospective study with longer follow-up is necessary to demonstrate the long-term benefit of this combined procedure.
Pilot Study of Inactive Polypoidal Lesions in Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy
Authors: Zeng Renpan , Zhang Xiongze , Li Meng , Wen Feng 
Published: November 2014

Purpose This pilot study was conducted to describe the angiographic characteristics of inactive polypoidal lesions that were observed during indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) in polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV). Methods This was a retrospective study involving 40 eyes of 39 consecutive Chinese patients with PCV with inactive polypoidal lesions. All patients underwent fundus fluorescein angiography and ICGA examinations. We used ICGA to make a definitive diagnosis of PCV in each patient. The clinical and angiographic characteristics of inactive polypoidal lesions were recorded and analyzed. Results In the 40 eyes that were studied, the time between receiving an injection of indocyanine green and the initial appearance of inactive polypoidal lesions ranged from 8.2 minutes to 25.1 minutes, with a mean time of 15.1 ± 5.6 minutes. Inactive polypoidal lesions were divided into 4 groups: 5 eyes (12.5%) in the asymptomatic group; 8 eyes (20.0%) in the atrophic and/or cicatricial group; 24 eyes (60.0%) in the combined group (coexisting with active polypoidal lesions); and 3 eyes (7.5%) in the mixed group (coexisting with choroidal neovascularization). Twelve of the 40 eyes were followed up for 9 to 29 months (mean 12.4 ± 5.3 months). Over this time period, inactive polypoidal lesions completely regressed (not observed in ICGA) in 3 eyes (25.0%), partially regressed in 3 eyes (25.0%), and were stable (the same as the first visit) in 6 eyes (50.0%). Conclusions Inactive polypoidal lesions in patients with PCV most commonly appeared during the middle phase of ICGA and were manifested in 4 groups. These lesions represented the sites of PCV in a regressed or quiescent stage.
Metallographic Evaluation of Hip Joint Implants wear and Electrochemical Implants Potential
Authors: Kmieć Krzysztof , Sibinski Marcin , Synder Marek , Drobniewski Marek , Kozłowski Piotr 
Published: November 2014

We performed metallographic evaluations of implants, removed during revision hip arthroplasty. The implants were evaluated for electrochemical potentials and the presence of wear products on the implants surface. A total of 50 patients (50 hips) underwent revision hip arthroplasty during the years 2007-2009 for aseptic loosening. The mean follow-up from primary hip replacement to revision was 10.1 years (from six months to 17 years). All hip joint implants removed during the revision arthroplasty were submitted to metallographic analysis and all heads were submitted to analysis under a scanning microscope. All polyethylene (PE) cups and inserts showed numerous features of wear (friction wear, plastic deformation and creeping, fatigue wear and degradation), six PE cups were broken. In six ceramic cups, only friction wear features were found; one of them was mechanically broken. In all heads articulating on PE not one had any mechanical damage. Heads of ceramic implants in ceramic-ceramic articulation undergo abrasive wear. None of the studied stems (cemented or uncemented) revealed any features of wear. Areas of titanium crystals (formed by electrolytic sedimentation of metals) were macroscopically identified on the sliding surface of six heads that was confirmed by chemical composition and scanning microscope. In the course of prosthesis use, wear products are produced and transferred onto the sliding surfaces of implant heads and cups via ways other than purely mechanical contact. It has been confirmed that metals used for implant construction, make galvanic cells with different electrochemical potentials.
Highly Cross-Linked Polyethylene in Hip Resurfacing Arthroplasty: Long-Term Follow-up
Authors: Amstutz Harlan C. , Takamura Karren M. , Ebramzadeh Edward , Le Duff Michel J. 
Published: November 2014

Highly cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) has improved wear properties. This study reports the results of a small series of patients treated over 10 years ago with a metal-on-XLPE hip resurfacing. A total of 21 hips in 20 patients received a hip resurfacing with a cobalt-chromium metal femoral head and metal-backed acetabular cup lined with a XLPE insert and were retrospectively studied. Kaplan-Meier Survivorship was calculated. Five patients who had initial extreme cystic disease in the femoral head failed due to femoral loosening. Survivorship was 95.2% at 5 years and 81.0% at 10 years. We found that XLPE wear was not implicated in these failures, which were primarily attributed to poor bone quality of the femoral head, early bone preparation, cementing technique and excessive head reaming to near the neck diameter, necessitated for the implantation of a thick two-part socket.
MRI and Clinical Analysis of Hip Abductor Repair
Authors: McGonagle Lorcan , Haebich Samantha , Breidahl William , Fick Daniel P. 
Published: November 2014

Introduction Hip abductor insufficiency is often associated with lateral hip pain, movement disorder and Trendelenburg gait. The aims of this study are to predict if preoperative radiological findings correlate with postoperative outcomes and if pre and postoperative radiological findings correlate with postoperative function. Methods Patients with clinical and MRI evidence of hip abductor tears that had failed to nonoperative treatment underwent surgical repair. Pre and postoperative MRI analysis was carried out by an experienced musculo-skeletal radiologist. Clinical analysis consisted of Harris Hip Score, a measure of patient satisfaction, pre and postoperative walking aids and Trendelenburg test. Results This study shows no real improvement in the MRI appearances of the tendons after surgery. Preoperative MRI absence of gluteus minimus was 100% predictive of a poor outcome, whilst thickening of the posterior gluteus medius was 83% predictive of a poor outcome. Postoperative MRI absence of posterior gluteus medius was 75% predictive of a poor outcome. Thickening of anterior gluteus medius and posterior gluteus medius were 71% and 83% predictive of a poor outcome respectively. Absence of posterior gluteus medius correlated with poor outcome in 75% of cases. Discussion The MRI appearance of the tendon does not normalise after surgery and there is limited correlation between the MRI appearances pre and postoperatively with the postoperative outcome.
The Presence of Anti-GRP78 Antibodies in the Serum of Patients with Colorectal Carcinoma: A Potential Biomarker for Early Cancer Detection
Authors: Raiter Annat , Vilkin Alexander , Gingold Rachel , Levi Zohar , Halpern Marisa , Niv Yaron , Hardy Britta 
Published: November 2014

Background The identification of new biomarkers is required for early diagnosis of colorectal carcinoma patients (CRC), since about 20% of these patients are initially diagnosed with a distant metastatic disease. GRP78, a heat shock protein, functions also as a cell surface signaling receptor of cells under physiological stress. GRP78 was found to be expressed on the cell surface of various tumor cells. The presence of autoantibodies to GRP78 in cancer patient's serum was found to be correlated with a poor prognosis. In this study we aimed to identify anti-GRP78 antibodies in the serum of 85 patients diagnosed by colonoscopy, as an early detection biomarker. Methods We developed an ELISA assay with recombinant GRP78 immobilized on 96-well culture plates and used an anti-IgG antibody to measure the sole anti-GRP78 IgGs. Results Testing for anti-GRP78 showed a significant increase in antibody titer in patients with a polyp and in CRC patients (p<0.001) compared to healthy subjects. Conclusions This is the first study showing the presence of anti-GRP78 at the very early stages of CRC.
Evaluation of cell-free DNA as a biomarker for pancreatic malignancies
Authors: Sikora Katarzyna , Bedin Chiara , Vicentini Caterina , Malpeli Giorgio , D'Angelo Edoardo , Sperandio Nicola , Lawlor Rita T. , Bassi Claudio , Tortora Giampaolo , Nitti Donato , Agostini Marco , Fassan Matteo , Scarpa Aldo 
Published: November 2014

Background Currently, no reliable blood-based assay for early detection of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is available. Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) quantitation in patients’ plasma has been recently applied in monitoring several cancer types. This study evaluates the diagnostic potential of cfDNA in PDAC patients. Methods Plasma cfDNA levels and integrity ratio were assayed using quantitative real-time PCR of Alu-repeat amplicons in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (n=50), pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (n=23), and chronic pancreatitis (n=20), as well as in healthy volunteers without evidence of pancreatic disease (n=23). Results The total load of cfDNA, obtained by Alu83 quantitation, was the highest in PDAC patients than in any of the other patient groups (Welch t test; p<0.001) and was an average predictor of PDAC disease (AUC=0.664; CI, 0.56-0.77). A nonlinear association between Alu83 levels and subjects’ age was detected (Spearman's rho=0.35; p<0.001) in the overall population, as well as within the PDAC patients’ group (Spearman's rho=0.47; p<0.001). Necrosis-derived cfDNA fragments, quantitated with the Alu244 amplicon, were barely detectable in any of the samples and, in that respect, comparable between the different subject groups. CfDNA integrity estimation (Alu244/Alu83 ratio) was significantly affected by the limited detectability of plasma Alu244 levels. Conclusion The lack of detectable levels of necrosis-derived cfDNA in pancreatic pathologies considerably affects the clinical use of such biomarker in PDAC patients. Different methods of analysis should be applied in the evaluation of the cfDNA diagnostic value in pancreas pathology.
An exploratory biomarker study in metastatic tumors from colorectal cancer patients treated with bevacizumab
Authors: Sclafani Francesco , Rimassa Lorenza , Colombo Piergiuseppe , Destro Annarita , Stinco Sergio , Lutman Fabio R. , Carnaghi Carlo , Beretta Giordano , Zanello Alessandro , Roncalli Massimo , Giordano Laura , Santoro Armando 
Published: November 2014

Aims Inhibition of angiogenesis is an effective treatment option for metastatic colorectal cancer. Predictive biomarkers to select patients who are most likely to benefit from this therapeutic strategy are lacking. We conducted a pilot, retrospective biomarker study in a cohort of metastatic colorectal cancer patients treated with bevacizumab. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the prognostic value of biomarker expression in metastases and to compare their expression in paired tumor specimens. Materials and methods Eligible patients were treated with a bevacizumab-containing therapy; from these patients, tumor tissue from metastases was available. PTEN, PI3K p110a, c-MET, and CAIX were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Results Forty-two patients received bevacizumab, 13 (31%) with first-line and 29 (69%) with second-line chemotherapy. Expression of CAIX, PI3K p110a, and c-MET in metastases did not predict objective response. PTEN loss was associated with response to treatment (p=0.02) and this association remained significant after adjusting for prognostic variables (p=0.006). However, no association with survival outcomes was found. In 32 patients (76%) with available paired specimens, we observed an equal expression between primary tumors and corresponding metastases in 75% of cases for CAIX in epithelial tumor cells, 56% for CAIX in stromal cells, 63% for PTEN, and 87% for c-MET. Conclusion PTEN loss in metastases appears to be associated with response to bevacizumab-based therapy. However, larger studies are necessary to confirm the potential role of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in modulating the therapeutic effect of bevacizumab. Tumor heterogeneity should be taken into consideration when analyzing tumor tissues for biomarker studies.
Overexpression of PSF1 is correlated with poor prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma patients
Authors: Zhou Lei , Sun Xue-jun , Liu Chang , Wu Qi-fei , Tai Ming-hui , Wei Ji-chao , Lei Lei , Meng Fan-di , Qu Kai , Xu Jia 
Published: November 2014

Background PSF1 is a subunit of the GINS complex which is essential for establishment of DNA replication forks, and the progression of the replisome. Previous studies have shown a close relationship between PSF1 and cell cycle in the proliferation of immature cells as well as tumors. The purpose of this study was to measure PSF1 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues, and determine the effects of down-regulation of PSF1 expression on growth of cancer cells, the cell cycle, apoptosis and cell invasiveness. Methods Samples from 137 HCC tissues, 67 from adjacent nontumor tissue and 15 from normal liver were studied using immunochemistry. The HepG2 cell line was used for knockdown experiments studied by RT-PCR, real-time PCR, apoptosis and invasiveness assays. Results PSF1 was overexpressed in HCC tissues compared with normal liver tissues. High PSF1 expression correlated with a more aggressive phenotype as well as worse prognosis in HCC patients. Knockdown of PSF1 expression using small interfering RNA (siRNA) slowed the growth of cancer cell by suppressing the cell cycle progression as well as increasing apoptosis, especially early apoptosis. In addition, the invasiveness of HepG2 cells was also reduced by down-regulation of PSF1. Conclusions These results suggest that the inhibition of PSF1 might provide new therapeutic approaches for HCC.