bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Imaging of the paediatric paranasal sinuses
Authors: Ahmed Aadil 
Published: May 2014

Sinus development is a dynamic process in children, and appropriate imaging is necessary to adequately demonstrate pathology in our vulnerable paediatric population. The paediatric paranasal sinuses are affected by a wide spectrum of conditions including congenital abnormalities and inflammatory, traumatic and neoplastic diseases. The purpose of this review is to illustrate the normal pattern of development and the complex anatomy of the sinuses, which should guide imaging protocols. Common anatomical variations and their clinical relevance are described. The paper also describes the various conditions affecting the paediatric paranasal sinuses, with emphasis on imaging features. The diagnostic algorithm for sinus disease continues to evolve along with advances in imaging modalities, and this review discusses suggested imaging guidelines for sinus imaging in children.
Optical Quality Comparison between Spherical and Aspheric Toric Intraocular Lenses
Authors: Pérez-Vives Cari , Ferrer-Blasco Teresa , García-Lázaro Santiago , Albarrán-Diego César , Montés-Micó Robert 
Published: May 2014

Purpose To measure and compare the optical quality of spherical and aspheric toric intraocular lenses (IOLs). Methods Wavefront aberrations of AcrySof Toric and IQ Toric IOLs (Alcon Laboratories) for different powers were measured at 3- and 5-mm pupils by Nimo TR0805 instrument. The Zernike coefficients of trefoil, coma, tetrafoil, secondary astigmatism, and spherical aberration were evaluated. The point spread functions (PSFs) of each IOL evaluated were calculated from the wavefront aberrations. The PSF images also were calculated from the IOL wavefront aberrations, adding the cornea's aberrations to simulate the optical quality after their implantation. Results Spherical toric IOLs showed positive and aspheric toric IOLs negative spherical aberrations. Statistically significant differences were found in spherical aberration root mean square (RMS) values between spherical and aspheric IOLs for both pupil sizes (p<0.05). Aspheric toric IOLs showed higher spherical aberration RMS values. We found differences in PSF images between both IOL designs at 5-mm pupil. The PSFs corresponding to the aspheric toric IOLs showed more spread out than the PSFs corresponding to the spherical toric IOLs. However, when corneal aberrations were added, aspheric toric IOLs showed better optical quality than spherical toric IOLs. Conclusions At 3-mm pupil, the optical quality between the IOL designs was similar, but at 5-mm pupil the optical quality was higher for spherical IOLs than aspheric IOLs. However, when theoretical corneal aberrations were added, aspheric toric IOLs showed better optical quality than spherical toric IOLs, due to the compensation between aspheric toric IOL negative spherical aberration and corneal positive spherical aberration.
Intravitreal Bevacizumab Combined with Grid Photocoagulation in Recurrent Macular Edema Secondary to Retinal Vein Occlusion
Authors: Farese Elvira , Cennamo Gilda , Velotti Nunzio , Traversi Claudio , Rinaldi Michele , De Crecchio Giuseppe 
Published: May 2014

Purpose To evaluate improvement in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and the reduction of central retinal thickness (CRT) in patients with macular edema secondary to retinal vein occlusion (RVO) after intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) injection combined with macular grid photocoagulation. Methods A retrospective study of 54 consecutive eyes with macular edema associated with RVO. The BCVA and CRT, recorded with spectral-domain optical coherence tomography, were evaluated at baseline and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after treatment onset. Intravitreal bevacizumab injection was administered at baseline, and macular grid photocoagulation 15 days later. During follow-up, additional IVB, at 1-month intervals, was administered if persistent or recurrent macular edema was observed on optical coherence tomography. Results Best-corrected visual acuity was improved and CRT was reduced at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months of follow-up. Compared with initial values, the final CRT was significantly reduced in patients with branch RVO (35 patients) and in patients with central RVO (19 patients) (p<0.05). Also, BCVA was significantly improved in both groups of patients (p<0.05). Conclusions Intravitreal bevacizumab injection combined with macular grid photocoagulation reduces recurrent macular edema associated with branch RVO and central RVO.
Acute Suppurative Bacterial Dacryoadenitis: A Rare Case Report
Authors: Chandravanshi Shivcharan L. , Mishra Vinay 
Published: May 2014

Purpose To describe a case of lacrimal gland abscess. Methods Case report. Results An 11-year-old boy with respiratory tract infection presented acutely with an enlarging, painful mass in the superotemporal fornix in his left eye. Clinical evaluation and computerized tomography scan of the orbit revealed a lacrimal gland abscess. Conjunctival swab and sputum grew Klebsiella pneumoniae. The child was treated with intravenous amikacin. Conclusions Lacrimal gland abscess is a rare clinical entity. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of Klebsiella pneumoniae-associated dacryoadenitis complicated by lacrimal gland abscess formation in a pediatric patient.
Safety and Efficacy of Combined Immunosuppression and Orbital Radiotherapy in Thyroid-Related Restrictive Myopathy: Two-Center Experience
Authors: Chalvatzis Nikolaos T. , Tzamalis Argyrios K. , Kalantzis Georgios K. , El-Hindy Nabil , Dimitrakos Stavros A. , Potts Michael J. 
Published: May 2014

Purpose To evaluate the safety and efficacy of oral steroids when combined with long-term oral azathioprine (AZA) and orbital radiotherapy in patients with active thyroid-related restrictive myopathy. Methods A total of 88 patients from adnexal outpatient clinics of Bristol Eye Hospital, UK, and 2nd Department of Ophthalmology at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece, were enrolled in a retrospective, twin-center study. All patients were diagnosed with active thyroid eye disease and concomitant restrictive myopathy. Treatment included oral AZA, low-dose steroids, and orbital radiotherapy (20 Gy). Clinical activity scores as well as orthoptic assessments were consistently evaluated. Clinical activity scores, improved levels of diplopia, and single muscle excursions were considered major criteria for treatment success. Results Clinical success was achieved in 54 (61.4%), 57 (64.8%), and 61 (69.3%) patients at 3-, 6-, and 12-month time points, respectively, after the initiation of the combined treatment. At 18 months following initiation of treatment, the percentage of treatment success reached 73.9% (n = 65). Nine patients developed AZA-related side effects. In 4 patients the drug had to be discontinued. Conclusions Combined immunosuppression with orbital radiotherapy appears to reduce morbidity in patients with marked restrictive myopathy by improving major motility parameters such as diplopia and duction amplitude.
Aggressive Skull Base Metastasis from Uveal Melanoma: A Clinicopathologic Study
Authors: Yonekawa Yoshihiro , Kim Ivana K. , Gragoudas Evangelos S. , Njauw Ching-Ni J. , Tsao Hensin , Jakobiec Frederick A. , Stacy Rebecca C. 
Published: May 2014

Purpose We present the clinical, pathologic, and genetic findings of the first reported case of choroidal melanoma that developed a late recurrence and aggressive metastasis to the skull base without evidence of hepatic involvement. Methods Retrospective chart review and clinicopathologic correlation of ocular and brain tissue, including sequencing of BAP1 for mutations. Results A 55-year-old woman was diagnosed with choroidal melanoma and treated with proton radiotherapy. Six years later, she developed a rapidly growing local recurrence involving the ciliary body and iris. Upon enucleation, histopathology revealed an iris and ciliary body epithelioid melanoma that was contiguous with the previously treated, regressed spindle cell choroidal melanoma. Imaging was initially negative for brain involvement. Two months later, she developed cranial neuropathies and was found to have a large skull base lesion that required surgical debulking for pain palliation. Histopathology confirmed the lesion to be metastatic melanoma. Both ocular and brain tumor specimens were wild-type for BAP1. Throughout her course, she developed no hepatic metastases. Conclusions Uveal melanoma may metastasize to the skull base. The present case was characterized by delayed onset and unusual aggressiveness of the metastatic disease, and lack of BAP1 mutation. The unusual course highlights a unique phenotype that may reflect an alternate molecular mechanism for metastatic disease.
Scleral Shield: Primary Results of a New Surgical Technique in Augmenting Porous Orbital Implant Protection
Authors: Gawdat Tamer I. , Ahmed Rania A. 
Published: May 2014

Purpose To evaluate the value of using an additional scleral shield in providing further protection of inserted Medpor® implants in eviscerated globes. Methods This was a prospective interventional case series that included 30 patients with blind and/ or disfiguring globe that warranted evisceration. Cases with intraocular masses, retained intraocular foreign bodies, as well as secondary ball implantation were excluded. All patients underwent regular evisceration with porous polyethylene ball (Medpor®) implantation. The sutured wound was further covered by scleral patch graft followed by closure of Tenon capsule and conjunctiva in separate layers. Patients were evaluated for implant exposure and all of them completed at least 4 years of follow-up. Results The study involved 26 male and 4 female participants with age ranging from 16 to 65 years (mean 40.74 ± 15.86 years). The Medpor sizes varied from 16 to 22 mm in diameter. It is a simple extra step with no reported exposure, infection, or granulomas during the 4 years of follow-up. Conclusions Scleral shield is a simple surgical technique that provides an extra layer of autogenous tissue to cover inserted orbital implant following evisceration with promising results in preventing their exposure.
Decreased Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness in Patients with Congenital Isolated Growth Hormone Deficiency
Authors: Nalcacioglu-Yuksekkaya Pinar , Sen Emine , Yilmaz Sebahat , Elgin Ufuk , Gunaydin Süleyman , Aycan Zehra 
Published: May 2014

Purpose To evaluate the optic disc topography parameters of children with congenital isolated growth hormone deficiency (GHD) using the Heidelberg retina tomograph (HRT) in a controlled study. Methods This prospective study included 32 eyes of 32 patients with congenital isolated GHD and 36 eyes of 36 healthy subjects. The topographic optic disc parameters (mean cup volume, rim volume, cup area, disc area, rim area, mean cup-to-disc ratio and cup depth, retinal nerve fiber layer thickness [RNFL]) were imaged in all subjects with HRT-III (software 3.01 a-M). Pearson correlation analysis was used to investigate the correlation between right and left eyes regarding the optic disc parameters. Differences between the 2 groups were evaluated by independent t test, Mann-Whitney U test, and chi-square test. Results The mean RNFL thickness in children with congenital isolated GHD was found to be statistically significantly thinner than in healthy subjects (p<0.05). However, no statistically significant differences were found between the mean cup volume, rim volume, cup area, disc area, rim area, mean cup-to-disc ratio and cup depth, and mean sectorial RNFL thickness (p>0.05). Conclusions The results suggest that congenital GHD may lead to thinner RNFL thickness when compared with healthy subjects. This indicates that GH has an important role in the development of the neural retina.
The Relationship between Intact Parathyroid Hormone Levels and Daily Physical Activity in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Afsar Baris 
Published: May 2014

Purpose Poor physical activity and decreased daily activities are commonly seen in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Along with the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD), various abnormalities of mineral and bone metabolism develop, such as osteitis fibrosa and adynamic bone disease, which are related with intact parathyroid hormone (intact-PTH). Surprisingly, scarce data exists regarding the relationship between intact-PTH and daily physical activity in HD patients. Methods Demographics, clinical parameters, laboratory data were recorded for all patients. Depressive symtoms, quality of life and daily activities of HD patients were measured by Beck Depression Inventory, SF-36, and Nottingham Extended Activities of Daily Living Scale (NEADLS), respectively. Results In total 114 patients (male/female:63/51, aged: 53.0 ± 13.8 years) were enrolled. The value of intact-PTH for <25th (Group 1), <25th-50th (Group 2), 50th-75th (Group 3) and >75th (Group 4) quartiles were <132.5 pg/ml, ≥132.5 <261.0, ≥261.0 <510.4 and ≥510.4, respectively. The NEADLS scores were 25.3 ± 10.8, 35.0 ± 9.4, 27.2 ± 13.9 and 26.4 ± 12.9 as going from Group 1 to Group 4 (p = 0.009). Post-hoc analysis of these four groups revealed that only Group 1 and Group 2 (p = 0.012), and Group 2 and Group 4 (p = 0.034) were different with respect to NEADLS scores. Conclusions Intact-PTH levels were inversely associated with daily activities in whole group. However, the post hoc analysis demonstrated that the association between intact PTH and daily activity is not linear and daily physical activity was lower only in patients with lowest and highest quartiles of intact-PTH.
Alpinia Oxyphylla Miquel Fruit Extract Activates MAPK-mediated Signaling of PAs and MMP2/9 to Induce Schwann Cell Migration and Nerve Regeneration
Authors: Chang Yung-Ming , Ye Chi-Xin , Ho Tsung-Jung , Tsai Te-Neng , Chiu Ping-Ling , Tsai Chin-Chuan , Lin Yueh-Min , Kuo Chia-Hua , Tsai Fuu-Jen , Tsai Chang-Hai , Huang Chih-Yang 
Published: May 2014

Objectives This study investigates the molecular mechanisms by which Alpiniae oxyphyllae fructus (AOF) promotes neuron regeneration. Methods A piece of silicone rubber was guided across a 15 mm gap in the sciatic nerve of a rat. This nerve gap was then filled with different concentrations of AOF extract (0-200 mg/ml). We investigated the role of MAPK (ERK1/2, JNK and p38) pathways for AOF-induced matrix-degrading proteolytic enzyme (PAs and MMP2/9) production in RSC96 Schwann cells. Results The results showed that AOF increased the expressions of uPA, tPA, MMP-9, and MAPKs in vivo. In vitro, our results show that treatment with AOF extract induces ERK1/2, JNK, and p38 phosphorylation to activate the downstream PAs and MMPs signaling expression. AOF-stimulated ERK1/2, JNK, and p38 phosphorylation attenuated by individual pretreatment with siRNAs or inhibitors (U0126, SP600125 and SB203580), resulting in migration and uPA-related signal pathway inhibition. Conclusions Taken together our data suggests the MAPKs (ERK1/2, JNK and p38), PAs (uPA, tPA), MMP (MMP2, MMP9) regenerative and migration signaling pathway of Schwann cells regulated by AOF extract might play a major role in Schwann cell migration and damaged peripheral nerve regeneration.
Chronic Dialysis Discontinuation: A Systematic Narrative Review of the Literature in the New Millennium
Authors: Piccoli Giorgina Barbara , Guzzo Gabriella , Vigotti Federica Neve , Scognamiglio Stefania , Consiglio Valentina , Aroasio Emiliano , Gonella Silvana , Castelluccia Natascia , Mauro Giuseppe , Colombi Nicoletta 
Published: May 2014

Introduction and aims Renal function recovery (RFR), defined as the discontinuation of dialysis after 3 months of replacement therapy, is an uncommon occurrence. At a time when the “too early” start of dialysis is in discussion, a systematic review of the literature for cases in which patients recovered renal function after starting dialysis with chronic indications, including single cases and large series, may lead to attention being focused on this interesting issue. Methods The search strategy was built in Medline on Pubmed, in EMBASE and in the Cochrane Collaboration (August 2013) combining Mesh, Emtree and free terms: dialysis or hemodialysis, kidney function, renal function and recovery (publication date 2000-2013). The following tasks were performed in duplicate: titles and abstracts were manually screened, the data were extracted: title, author, objective, year, journal, period of study, multi-center, country, type of study. Results The systematic review retrieved 1 894 titles; 58 full papers were retrieved and the final selection included 24 papers: 11 case series or Registry data (4 from ANZdata) and 13 case reports. In spite of the high heterogeneity of the studies, overall they suggest that RFR occurs in about 1% of patients, without differences between PD and HD. RFR appears to be more frequent in elderly patients with renal vascular disease (up to 10% RFR in cholesterol emboli or scleroderma), but is reported in all types of primary and secondary kidney diseases. Conclusions RFR is a clinical event that should be looked for, particularly in elderly patients with vascular comorbidity.
Influence of Polysulphone-Derived Dialysis Membranes on the Interaction of Circulating Mononuclear Cells with the Endothelium
Authors: Martínez-Miguel Patricia , de Sequera Patricia , Molina Álvaro , Oviedo Victoria , Grande Jesús , Escaja Cipriano , Díaz Hugo , Abreu Elisa , Asensio Manuel , Rodríguez-Puyol Diego , López-Ongil Susana 
Published: May 2014

Purpose Cardiovascular morbidity in hemodialysis (HD) patients may be influenced by the activation of circulating mononuclear cells (MCs) with subsequently increased endothelium interaction. The use of more biocompatible membranes would reduce this monocyte activation. We compare monocyte activation after using two different high-flux polymers, polysulphone and polyethersulphone. Methods The first part of the study was done with 10 patients who successively received dialysis for 2 weeks with polysulphone and polyethersulphone. The second part with 30 patients dialyzed for 3 months with polysulphone or polyethersulphone. Blood samples were taken before (pre-HD) and after (post-HD) the first HD session with each membrane to evaluate the effect of a single HD session. To assess acute and chronic effects of membranes, blood samples were taken pre-HD, after 2 weeks (first part of study) and after 3 months (second part of study). MCs were isolated from blood and then incubated with cultured human endothelial cells to evaluate MC adhesion, MC-dependent endothelial toxicity, and endothelial protein expressions of nitric oxide synthase and endothelin-converting enzyme-1 (ECE-1). Results One single HD session did not induce any changes. Dialysis for 2 weeks (first part of study) with polyethersulphone reduced MC adhesion to endothelium, cellular toxicity, and ECE-1 protein expression compared to polysulphone or basal conditions. Dialysis for 3 months (second part of study) increased MC adhesion to endothelium, whereas cellular toxicity was decreased with both dialyzers compared to the basal situation. Conclusions Although polyethersulphone HD decreased the interaction of MC with the endothelium in short-term experiments, both membranes were comparable in the long-term.
5ARI and PSA: Therapeutic aspects
Authors: Sciarra Alessandro 
Published: May 2014

Background PSA modifications can be determined not only by the presence of a prostate neoplasm but also by other benign diseases such as inflammation and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Clinical Data In cases with progressive BPH under 5 alpha reductase inhibitors, we obtain a reduction of the risk to receive unnecessary prostate biopsies (related to an increase of PSA secondary to a progressive BPH). On the contrary, BPH patients in progression with an elevated PSA level, under monotherapy with alpha1 blockers, continue to have PSA modifications related to benign prostatic diseases, increasing the risk of other unnecessary biopsies for prostate neoplasm diagnosis. Evidence During 5 alpha reductase inhibitors, the reduction and the following stabilization of PSA levels to a new nadir value exclude the need of new evaluations or biopsies for the early diagnosis of prostate cancer. On the contrary, a confirmed increase of PSA levels over the nadir is associated with the risk of a clinically relevant prostate neoplasm and therefore it induces a bioptic procedure.
Impact of NK Cell Count on Bladder Cancer Recurrence
Authors: Krpina Kristian , Babarović Emina , Đorđ-ević Gordana , Markić Dean , Maričić Anton , Jonjić Nives 
Published: May 2014

Purpose The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prognostic value of the local NK cell count in patients with recurrent non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Methods The archival paraffin-embedded primary tumor specimens were derived from retrospectively-selected patients, who were treated between 1996 and 2001 for bladder cancer. The study group consisted of 46 patients who developed recurrent disease during their first two post-operative years. The control group consisted of 27 patients who did not develop recurrent disease during their first two post-operative years. Specimens were assessed immunohistochemically with standard “ABC” technique. The frequency of NK cells was expressed as total number, estimated for each tumor by counting the positive NK cells in 10 high-power representative fields. Statistical analysis was done using Kruskal-Wallis test. Results Patients with recurrent non-muscle invasive bladder cancer in general have significantly higher values of stromal NK cell count than the control group. Patients with single tumor and smaller tumors show a statistically significant difference in NK cell count between study and control group. There also exists a statistically significant difference in stromal NK cell count in patients with clinical stage Ta tumor. Conclusions Our results confirm an association of the bladder wall NK cell count in bladder cancer patients with the natural history of disease. Further well-performed, reproducible, large, prospective investigation stratified by clinical parameters, such as tumor number and diameter, is needed to display the true value of this marker in the clinical work-up of bladder cancer patients.