bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Meta-Analysis of Retinal Changes in Unilateral Amblyopia using Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Li Jingjing , Ji Peng , Yu Minbin 
Published: April 2015

Purpose To evaluate retinal changes in unilateral amblyopia using optical coherence tomography. Methods Major literature databases were searched for relevant studies. The primary outcome parameters were foveal minimum thickness (FMT), mean foveal thickness (MFT), mean macular thickness (MMT), and peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) thickness. Efficacy estimates were evaluated by standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for changes in the outcomes of interest. Results This meta-analysis included 28 clinical trials involving 408 patients. The FMT, MFT, and MMT in the amblyopic eyes was significantly greater than that of the fellow eyes (SMD = 0.22, 95% CI 0.05–0.39, p = 0.011; SMD = 0.21, 95% CI 0.06–0.36, p = 0.005; SMD = 0.21, 95% CI 0.08–0.35, p = 0.002, respectively). Only FMT was significantly increased in the amblyopia group compared with the normal control group (SMD = 0.38, 95% CI 0.19–0.57, p<0.00001). Analysis showed that pRNFL thickness in the amblyopic eyes was thicker than in the fellow eyes (SMD = 0.13, 95% CI 0.02–0.24, p = 0.016). We did not find that those outcome measures differ between strabismic and anisometropic amblyopia. Conclusions The pooled evidence indicates that the amblyopic process may involve the retina, especially the macula. A thicker foveola was found in the amblyopic eyes when compared with visually normal control eyes. Further larger-scale studies especially involving emmetropic normal subjects will be valuable.
Morphometric Parameters of Extraocular Rectus Muscles Evaluated by Dynamic-Multipositional Magnetic Resonance
Authors: Loba Piotr , Broniarczyk-Loba Anna , Pajak Michal , Majos Agata , Stefanczyk Ludomir , Orczykowska Maria 
Published: April 2015

Purpose To establish normal values of morphologic parameters of extraocular rectus muscles visualized in different gaze positions by means of an accessible method of dynamic-multipositional magnetic resonance imaging (dmMRI). Methods Twenty eyes of 10 healthy, orthotropic subjects were examined. A 1.5T scanner (Avanto) with standard head coil was used. The protocol of dmMRI included 6 gaze positions in 10° intervals in which 13-second, orbital, T2 sequences were performed in quasi-coronal plane. The measurements of extraocular rectus muscles shape, sectional area, and volume were obtained with use of ImageJ 1.38x (NIH) software. Results Relative change in cross-sectional area between position of rest and gaze of action of each muscle appears to be significant just in the medial and posterior parts of their belly. The maximal cross-section area increases significantly when the muscle contracts (21% to 32% depending on the muscle). The superior rectus must be assessed along with levator palpebrae as the distinction between their bellies is difficult. Relative change in partial muscle volume on contraction ranged from 12.3% to 21.6% depending on the muscle. Muscle contraction results in more circular shape of its belly while relaxation is more of an ellipse. Conclusions Dynamic-multipositional MRI performed in the proposed manner is an accessible and repeatable method for visualization of extraocular rectus muscles. Assessment of morphometric parameters such as muscle shape, maximal cross-section area, and partial muscle volume is easy with digital imaging software.
Changes in the Cornea Related to Sickle Cell Disease: A Pilot Investigation
Authors: Coşkun Mesut , İlhan Özgür , İlhan Nilüfer , Tuzcu Esra Ayhan , Daglioğlu Mutlu Cihan , Kahraman Hilal , Elbeyli Ahmet , Yarbağ Abdulhekim , Helvaci Mehmet Rami 
Published: April 2015

Purpose To investigate corneal structural changes (central corneal thickness, endothelial cell count, and cellular morphology) in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). Methods This prospective study included 56 patients with SCD and 50 age- and sex-matched healthy subjects without any eye disease aside from refractive errors. Endothelial cell density (ECD), percentage of hexagonality, and the coefficient of variation in cell size (CV) were measured using noncontact specular microscopy, and central corneal thickness (CCT) was measured by pachymetry. Results The mean CCT value was 509.6 ± 20.7 μm in the study group and 520.8 ± 23.6 μm in the control group. The mean ECD, CV, and percentage of hexagonality values in the study group were 2712 ± 335 cells/mm2, 34.5 ± 5.3%, and 57.2 ± 6.6%, respectively, and 3030 ± 247 cells/mm2, 31.6 ± 5.0%, and 60.4 ± 6.9% in the control group, respectively. Endothelial cell density (p = 0.001), CCT (p = 0.011), CV (p = 0.005), and percentage of hexagonality values (p = 0.018) were significantly different between the study and control groups. Conclusions The results of the current study indicate that patients with SCD had considerable morphologic changes in the structure of the cornea when compared to healthy subjects.
Intraocular Lens Power Changes after Mitomycin Trabeculectomy
Authors: Pakravan Mohammad , Alvani Azam , Yazdani Shahin , Esfandiari Hamed , Yaseri Mehdi 
Published: April 2015

Purpose To evaluate biometric changes after mitomycin C augmented trabeculectomy and their effect on intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation using different formulas. Methods In this prospective, interventional case series study, 34 eyes of 31 phakic glaucoma patients who were scheduled for primary trabeculectomy were enrolled. Using a noncontact biometry device (Lenstar, Haag-Streit AG, Koeniz, Switzerland), axial length (AL), mean corneal power, and IOL power were calculated with the Hoffer Q, Holladay, and SRK/T formulas 1 day before surgery and compared to those obtained 3 and 6 months after the operation. Bland-Altman plot was used to determine agreement between preoperative and postoperative IOL power values. Results The AL was significantly decreased at month 3 (-0.14 ± 0.13 mm) and month 6 (-0.14 ± 0.15 mm) as compared to baseline values (both p values <0.001). Mean corneal power increased significantly at month 3 (0.41 ± 0.46 D; p<0.001) and month 6 (0.27 ± 0.47 D; p = 0.008). Using different formulas, IOL power did not change significantly after the operation (all ps≥0.17). The IOL power changes using the Hoffer Q formula were −0.09 ± 0.76 (p = 0.505) and 0.14 ± 0.9 D (p = 0.442) at 3 and 6 months, respectively; corresponding values were −0.1 ± 0.75 (p = 0.427) and 0.16 ± 0.79 D (p = 0.319) for Holladay and 0.01 ± 0.64 (p = 0.895) and 0.2 ± 0.71 D (p = 0.17) employing the SRK/T formula. Conclusions Despite significant changes in AL and corneal power after trabeculectomy, IOL power calculation remains unchanged; therefore adjustment of IOL power calculation after trabeculectomy seems unnecessary.
Clinical Analysis of 23-Gauge Vitrectomy for the Treatment of Acute Endophthalmitis after Cataract Surgery
Authors: Zhang Jingjing , Han Fangju , Zhai Xiangjuan 
Published: April 2015

Purpose We performed a retrospective study to evaluate the surgical efficacy and timing of 23-G vitrectomy for acute endophthalmitis following cataract surgery, and to determine when silicone oil tamponade and intraocular lens (IOL) removal are indicated during vitrectomy for endophthalmitis. Methods We enrolled 21 patients (21 eyes) diagnosed with acute endophthalmitis following cataract surgery who underwent endoscope-assisted 23-G vitrectomy using a wide-angle noncontact lens. Silicone oil tamponade was performed when retinal tear or detachment occurred. The IOL was not removed during primary vitrectomy. Postoperative systemic broad-spectrum antibiotics were used. Results All infections were controlled by treatment. Best-corrected visual acuity was >0.05 in 14 patients (66.7%) after treatment, which was significantly higher than that before treatment (2/21, 9.5%). Two patients experienced retinal detachment at 10 and 14 days after primary vitrectomy; the IOL was removed during secondary surgery, and silicone oil tamponade was performed. One patient experienced endophthalmitis recurrence 2 months after vitrectomy; secondary surgery was performed to remove the peripheral vitreous body, the pars plana of the ciliary body, and the IOL and capsule. Conclusions Vitrectomy should be performed when acute endophthalmitis is diagnosed following cataract surgery. Silicone oil tamponade should be performed only when retinal break or detachment occurs. The IOL does not necessarily require removal.
Choroidal Neovascular Membrane following Hormonal Stimulation for in vitro Fertilization
Authors: Ciucci Francesco , Sacchetti Marta , De Gaetano Cristiano , Bardocci Antonio , Lofoco Giorgio 
Published: April 2015

Purpose To report the onset of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) following hormonal stimulation for in vitro fertilization (IVF) in a healthy young woman. Methods A 31-year-old woman presented with visual impairment following hormonal stimulation for IVF. Clinical history was collected and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), complete eye examination, optical coherence tomography (OCT), fluorescein angiography (FA), and indocyanine green angiography were performed. Results Clinical history was negative with the exception of the use of medications for IVF in the previous weeks. Ocular examination revealed the presence of a CNV in the right eye, confirmed by OCT and FA, with a BCVA of 0.7 decimal units. Possible ocular and systemic diseases associated with CNV development were investigated and excluded. Treatment with 3 monthly intravitreal injections of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was effective in reducing CNV size and restoring visual acuity. Conclusions This is the first report describing the development of CNV following hormonal stimulation for IVF. The development of CNV may be associated with changes of sex hormones, cytokines, and angiogenic factor levels, including VEGF, induced by hormonal stimulation.
Undiagnosed Patent Foramen Ovale as a Rare Cause for Branch Retinal Artery Occlusion
Authors: Chatziralli Irini P. , Parikakis Efstratios A. , Mitropoulos Panagiotis G. 
Published: April 2015

Purpose To present the case of a man with branch retinal artery occlusion (BRAO) and concomitant patent foramen ovale (PFO), which was first diagnosed during the evaluation of BRAO. Methods A 35-year-old man presented with blurred vision in the left eye for 2 days. His best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 6/6 in the right eye and 6/12 in the left eye. He had no ophthalmic or medical history. Results Ophthalmologic examination revealed a left inferior BRAO, confirmed by fluorescein angiography. The patient underwent a thorough diagnostic workup. Cardiologic examination with transesophageal echocardiography revealed a right-to-left shunt across a PFO. The patient was treated with clopidogrel and at the 15-day review, BCVA in his left eye was 6/7.5 and the retinal edema was resolved, as detected on optical coherence tomography, but relative afferent pupillary defect was persistent. The patient had developed no other embolic event at the 9-month follow-up, having undergone an operation for PFO repair. Conclusions Patent foramen ovale, although usually asymptomatic, should be considered among the potential causes of BRAO, especially in young patients. Prompt diagnosis and liaison with cardiologists is important to help prevent ocular or systemic embolic events and associated morbidity.
Novel 10-fraction Breast Irradiation in Prone and Supine Position: Technical, Dosimetric and Clinical Evaluation
Authors: Guenzi Marina , Bosetti Davide , Lamanna Giorgio , Siffredi Guido , Bonzano Elisabetta , Gusinu Marco , Garelli Stefania , Pupillo Francesco , Corvò Renzo 
Published: April 2015

Background The aim of this study was to evaluate retrospectively the planned dose distribution and acute toxicity of adjuvant hypofractionated whole breast radiotherapy (RT) delivered in the prone vs. supine position. Methods Twenty-four patients were enrolled; 12 underwent adjuvant RT with a supine setup and 12 with a prone setup. We included patients according to breast volume (≥500 mL), disease stage (≤pT2/pN1), and clinical/biological features. Patients received a regimen of 35 Gy in 10 fractions for 2.5 weeks, and a concomitant boost of 3/4 Gy in 1 fraction/week. Target coverage was assessed by volume, V90, V95, V100, V103 and V105. Heart, LADCA and ipsilateral lung doses were evaluated according to volume, maximum dose, mean dose, V14, V10 and V5. We evaluated acute skin toxicity during RT, at the end of treatment, and after 1 month according to RTOG scales. Results Radiobiological equivalence was warranted with satisfactory BED values: considering α/β = 4 for breast cancer, the 10-fraction schedule equaled 74 or 77 Gy depending on the boost dose (3 Gy vs. 4 Gy, respectively). Toxicity was low and similar for supine and prone treatments. Dose sparing was significant in the ipsilateral lung in the prone position (median Dmax: 28.7 Gy vs. 38.4 Gy; median Dmean: 0.8 Gy vs. 6.3 Gy; median V14:0.6% vs. 13.5%; median V5: 0 vs. 19.3%, p<0.001). Conclusions This novel 10-fraction schedule is feasible and well tolerated; the prone position allows better saving of OARs, with a statistically significant value for the ipsilateral lung.
Novel Blood-based microRNA Biomarkers for Diagnosis of Pancreatic Cancer: A Meta-analysis
Authors: Meng Qing-Cai , Qiu Wang-Wang , Wen Zi-Qiang , Wang Hong-Cheng , Shan Ze-Zhi , Yuan Zhou , Huang Xin-Yu 
Published: April 2015

Background Recently, several studies have shown that blood-based microRNAs in patients with pancreatic cancer (PC) could be aberrantly expressed. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to evaluate blood-based microRNAs as novel biomarkers for diagnosis of PC. Methods Eligible studies which had evaluated the diagnostic performance of blood-based microRNAs and had been published from February 2004 to February 2014 were retrieved. The quality of the studies was evaluated with the QUADAS-2 tool. The performance characteristics were pooled using random-effects models. Statistical analysis was performed with STATA and Meta-Disc1.4 software. Results The global meta-analysis included 12 studies from 8 articles, which contained 1,060 blood-based samples of PC patients and 935 blood-based samples of non-PC patients. Summary results suggested pooled sensitivity of 0.87 (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.85–0.89), specificity 0.92 (95% CI, 0.90–0.94), positive likelihood ratio 11.18 (95% CI, 5.57–22.46), negative likelihood ratio 0.16 (95% CI, 0.11–0.23), diagnostic odds ratio 88.98 (95% CI, 39.85–198.69) and the area under the summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curve 0.96. Conclusions This meta-analysis demonstrated blood-based microRNA expression profiles with the potential to discriminate PC patients from non-PC patients, which have moderate diagnostic accuracy. However, further validation studies are needed for their clinical significance in the diagnosis of PC to be established.
Expression of CBY and Methylation of CBY at Promoter Region in Human Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Ren Gang , Zhao De-an , Xu Jue , Li Bo-an 
Published: April 2015

Aims and Background Chibby ( CBY), a β-catenin binding partner, inhibits Wnt/β-catenin-mediated transcriptional activation by competing with Tcf/Lef factors for β-catenin binding and promoting the export of β-catenin from nucleus to cytoplasm. The regulatory effect of CBY in this signaling pathway suggests its biological importance as a potential tumor suppressor gene. The purposes of this study were to determine whether the expression of CBY was downregulated in human laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) samples, the CpG sites of CBY at the promoter region were methylated in these tumor samples, and reduced expression of CBY was induced by methylation of CBY promoters. Methods CBY expression was investigated by quantitative real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry in samples from 36 LSCC patients. The methylation status of the CBY promoter was detected by methylation-specific PCR. Results Compared with normal laryngeal mucosa, the expression of CBY was downregulated in LSCC samples. The reduced CBY expression rate was 58.33% (21/36) at the mRNA and 66.67% (24/36) at the protein level. The promoters of CBY were methylated in 12/36 tumor samples, partially methylated in 5, and unmethylated in 19 samples. The methylation rate including incomplete methylation was 47.22% (17/36) in tumor samples, while no methylation was detected in normal laryngeal squamous epithelium. Compared with the unmethylated group, the expression of CBY was significantly different in the methylated group (p<0.05) but similar in the partially methylated group (p>0.05). Conclusions Our data indicate that CBY expression was downregulated in LSCC, which may be partially caused by methylation of CBY promoters.
Axillary Nodal Metastases in Italian Early Breast Cancer Patients with Positive Sentinel Lymph Node: Can Axillary Node Dissection be Avoided by using Predictive Nomograms?
Authors: Biolchini Federico , Vicentini Massimo , Di Felice Enza , Giovanardi Filippo , Antonio Lucchini , Rossi Paolo Giorgi , Annessi Valeric 
Published: April 2015

Aims and Background Clinical guidelines recommend axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) in cases of metastatic sentinel lymph node (SNL) in patients with clinically node-negative early breast cancer. However, a relevant number of ALND could be avoided in a subset of patients in whom the risk of non-SNL metastases is low. In order to define this population, several authors have proposed mathematical models, which have been validated in many studies. These studies reached different conclusions regarding which model demonstrated the best statistical discrimination power, mainly due to differences in clinical and pathologic variables used, and particularly differences in the number of dissected SLNs. Methods We retrospectively reviewed clinically node-negative patients who underwent ALND in our surgical ward after the diagnosis of breast cancer metastases on SLN biopsy from January 2000 to December 2012. The predictive accuracy of the widely used nomograms to predict the risk of additional nodal disease in our patients with SLN breast cancer metastases was measured by receiver operating characteristic curve. We then attempted to develop a new nomogram by analyzing the dataset. Results A total of 105 patients were included in this study, with ratio of metastatic lymph node/removed lymph node of about 0.89; we found axillary nodal metastases on ALND in only 31 patients (29.5%). Applied to our dataset, Mayo nomogram showed the best area under the receiving operator characteristic curve (0.74) followed by our model (0.71). Instead, the Memorial Sloan-Kettering model showed poor discrimination, as did Tenon (0.56). Conclusions Based on our data, we cannot recommend the clinical use of validated predictive nomograms in order to avoid ALND. We suggest setting up a multicenter Italian study to build a model specific to our setting and based on larger series.
A Combined Smoking Cessation Intervention within a Lung Cancer Screening Trial: A Pilot Observational Study
Authors: Pozzi Paolo , Munarini Elena , Bravi Francesca , Rossi Marta , La Vecchia Carlo , Boffi Roberto , Pastorino Ugo 
Published: April 2015

Aims and Background The time of lung cancer screening may provide the ideal setting to discuss and initiate a smoking cessation plan that includes pharmacologic aids. No studies to date have fully investigated the potential effectiveness of such combined approach. Methods We prospectively evaluated the biochemically verified 1-year continuous abstinence rate from smoking of 187 persistent smokers enrolled within the Multicentric Italian Lung Detection Trial (MILD), who received a pharmacologic aid to quit smoking with varenicline along with behavioral counseling. The propensity of study subjects to succeed in smoking cessation was also monitored. Results At 12 months, the continuous abstinence rate from smoking was achieved in 37 out of 187 patients (19.8%), with a propensity to succeed in smoking cessation for the assisted attempt equal to 1.43, as compared to an unassisted MILD patient. At the end of the third month of therapy, 48.7% of subjects showed a continuous abstinence rate, while only 33.7% of patients were abstinent from smoking at 6 months. At baseline, the subgroup of MILD participants who were originally allocated to lung tomography showed higher smoking intensity than those allocated to no screening. Conclusions A combined smoking cessation intervention can be implemented with satisfactory results within a lung cancer screening program; this preliminary observation needs to be replicated in a prospective investigation. Clinicians should consider that lung cancer screening may be falsely reassuring for persistent smokers; therefore it should always be coupled with a smoking cessation program.
Nietzsche's Free Spirits and the Beauty of Illusion
Authors: Campbell Eric 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACT
Nadeem Hussain argues that Nietzsche's rejection of intrinsic values led him to reject the existence of values generally, but that he wanted his “free spirits” to pretend to believe in (intrinsic) values as a way to avoid practical nihilism. I examine Hussain's textual evidence and find it unsupportive of and sometimes even hostile to his fictionalist interpretation. I argue that this interpretation ignores what Nietzsche regarded as the value of the knowledge that nothing has intrinsic value, which is to allow his free spirits to go beyond the kind of phenomenology that Hussain claims Nietzsche wanted to preserve for them. Recognizing this central aspect of Nietzsche's project adds support to the much more natural subjectivist realist interpretation that Hussain rejects en route to his fictionalist interpretation. Finally, I sketch a better-supported interpretation of Nietzsche's use of pretense in valuation.
Het Herstelfonds in penitentiaire inrichtingen
Authors: Marchal An 
Published: April 2015

The Restoration Fund in prisons
This article presents the backgrounds of a particular restorative practice in Flanders: the Restitution Fund. This fund is meant to give a symbolic instrument into the hands of persons in custody, to send a message to the victim: they will do volunteer work in society (mostly: charity work). Victim offender mediation starts up and at the end of the project the victim will receive an amount of money. Although this project is an excellent example of a restorative justice practice, there is still a long way to go to get it embedded in a longer term policy framework.
Comparing in situ and satellite‐based parameterizations of oceanic whitecaps
Authors: Paget Aaron C. , Bourassa Mark A. , Anguelova Magdalena D. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThe majority of the parameterizations developed to estimate whitecap fraction uses a stability‐dependent 10 m wind (U10) measured in situ, but recent efforts to use satellite‐reported equivalent neutral winds (U10EN) to estimate whitecap fraction with the same parameterizations introduce additional error. This study identifies and quantifies the differences in whitecap parameterizations caused by U10 and U10EN for the active and total whitecap fractions. New power law coefficients are presented for both U10 and U10EN parameterizations based on available in situ whitecap observations. One‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests are performed on the residuals of the whitecap parameterizations and the whitecap observations and identify that parameterizations in terms of U10 and U10EN perform similarly. The parameterizations are also tested against the satellite‐based WindSat Whitecap Database to assess differences. The improved understanding aids in estimating whitecap fraction globally using satellite products and in determining the global effects of whitecaps on air‐sea processes and remote sensing of the surface.