Glaucoma

This book addresses the basic and clinical science of glaucomas, a group of diseases that affect the optic nerve and visual fields and is usually accompanied by increased intraocular pressure. The book incorporates the latest development as well as future perspectives in glaucoma, since it has expedited publication. It is aimed for specialists in glaucoma, researchers, general ophthalmologists and trainees to increase knowledge and encourage further progress in understanding and managing these complicated diseases

Ultrasound as a non-invasive diagnostic tool in paediatric neurosurgery : relationship between the optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) and intracranial pressure (ICP)

Includes bibliographical referencesBackground: Assessment of intracranial pressure (ICP) is an essential aspect in the management of most neurosurgical conditions in children. While invasive ICP monitoring is considered the criterion standard, the need for a reliable, non-invasive, easy-to-use and accurate method to detect and monitor raised ICP has inspired the development of many useful techniques. The present study examined the relationship between transorbital ultrasound measurement of the optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) and invasively measured ICP in children, as well as the influence of relevant physiological and demographic variables on this relationship. Methodology: ONSD measurement was performed using a high frequency, small footprint linear array probe, and prior to invasive ICP measurement. All patients were under general anaesthesia and being mechanically ventilated. Physiological variables including systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), pulse rate, temperature, respiratory rate and end tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2) level were recorded at the time of ONSD measurement. The ONSD measurements were analysed for repeatability, intra- and inter-observer variability as well for correlation between images acquired in different planes and those obtained from either eye. The diagnostic accuracy of ONSD measurement for detecting ICP at different thresholds of 20, 15, 10 and 5 mmHg was analysed. This analysis included evaluation of age-related thresholds for defining different ONSD cut-off values in children. Dynamic image acquisition was performed and analysed to evaluate the relevant pulsatile motion of the ONS as a marker of the sheath stiffness. Results: One hundred and seventy four children undergoing diagnostic or therapeutic surgical procedures were included in this study. ONSD measurement demonstrated good correlation with ICP across the entire patient cohort (r = 0.66, p 1 year or with a closed anterior fontanelle (AF) (r = 0.7, p < 0.001). Age above and below 1 year was found to be an appropriate age threshold for defining two different sets of ONSD cut-off values. The study however, supported using patency of the AF as a stronger clinical marker for describing different ONSD cut-off values in children. The second part of this work described a dynamic technique for analysing the pulsatile motion of the ONS. Analysis of the deformability index (DI) as an indirect marker of ONS stiffness, revealed a statistically significant relationship with ICP (sensitivity of 90%, specificity of 87% for detecting ICP ≥ 20 mmHg). Conclusion: Measurement of the ONSD is a sensitive surrogate marker of raised ICP, but demonstrated poorer specificity. This relationship was more reliable in older children, particularly when the AF was closed. Analysis of the dynamic characteristics of the ONS appeared to provide useful additional information as an independent marker, and may contribute to our overall understanding of ONSD measurement in raised ICP

The quantification of Achilles tendon neovascularity

In the investigation of the correlation between VON and clinical severity, the mean VON was definitely greater than that in healthy Achilles tendon. Neovascularization was noted in 97.5% (n = 39) symptomatic Achilles tendons in 30 patients. The VAS showed a positive correlation with VON with a Spearman correlation coefficient of 0.326 (p = 0.04, power = 0.89), while no significant correlation was found between VISA-A score and VON.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo

Preclinical MRI of the Kidney

This Open Access volume provides readers with an open access protocol collection and wide-ranging recommendations for preclinical renal MRI used in translational research. The chapters in this book are interdisciplinary in nature and bridge the gaps between physics, physiology, and medicine. They are designed to enhance training in renal MRI sciences and improve the reproducibility of renal imaging research. Chapters provide guidance for exploring, using and developing small animal renal MRI in your laboratory as a unique tool for advanced in vivo phenotyping, diagnostic imaging, and research into potential new therapies. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Cutting-edge and thorough, Preclinical MRI of the Kidney: Methods and Protocols is a valuable resource and will be of importance to anyone interested in the preclinical aspect of renal and cardiorenal diseases in the fields of physiology, nephrology, radiology, and cardiology. This publication is based upon work from COST Action PARENCHIMA, supported by European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST). COST (www.cost.eu) is a funding agency for research and innovation networks. COST Actions help connect research initiatives across Europe and enable scientists to grow their ideas by sharing them with their peers. This boosts their research, career and innovation. PARENCHIMA (renalmri.org) is a community-driven Action in the COST program of the European Union, which unites more than 200 experts in renal MRI from 30 countries with the aim to improve the reproducibility and standardization of renal MRI biomarkers

PRELIMINARY FINDINGS OF A POTENZIATED PIEZOSURGERGICAL DEVICE AT THE RABBIT SKULL

The number of available ultrasonic osteotomes has remarkably increased. In vitro and in vivo studies have revealed differences between conventional osteotomes, such as rotating or sawing devices, and ultrasound-supported osteotomes (Piezosurgery®) regarding the micromorphology and roughness values of osteotomized bone surfaces. Objective: the present study compares the micro-morphologies and roughness values of osteotomized bone surfaces after the application of rotating and sawing devices, Piezosurgery Medical® and Piezosurgery Medical New Generation Powerful Handpiece. Methods: Fresh, standard-sized bony samples were taken from a rabbit skull using the following osteotomes: rotating and sawing devices, Piezosurgery Medical® and a Piezosurgery Medical New Generation Powerful Handpiece. The required duration of time for each osteotomy was recorded. Micromorphologies and roughness values to characterize the bone surfaces following the different osteotomy methods were described. The prepared surfaces were examined via light microscopy, environmental surface electron microscopy (ESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and atomic force microscopy. The selective cutting of mineralized tissues while preserving adjacent soft tissue (dura mater and nervous tissue) was studied. Bone necrosis of the osteotomy sites and the vitality of the osteocytes near the sectional plane were investigated, as well as the proportion of apoptosis or cell degeneration. Results and Conclusions: The potential positive effects on bone healing and reossification associated with different devices were evaluated and the comparative analysis among the different devices used was performed, in order to determine the best osteotomes to be employed during cranio-facial surgery

Oxidative Stress and Inflammation

In the biochemical reactions that take place within all living beings, species called free radicals are generated. Denham Harman, in his study on the origin and evolution of life (Harman, 2001), proposes that these species are amongst the causes of the origin of life on our planet. Oxygen is a molecule that provides the primary source of energy in aerobic organisms and therefore is key to the development and evolution of life. On the one hand, it gives rise to life; on the other, due to its ability to form different free radicals, it is capable of damaging essential structures for development. To combat these radicals, our biological systems have developed antioxidant defenses. However, when the balance between free radicals and antioxidant defenses is broken in favor of the former, a phenomenon called oxidative stress occurs, which ends up damaging molecules such as DNA, proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids (Sies, 1983) (Halliwell and Gutteridge, 1985). This phenomenon is implicated both in the development of diseases and in their progression. In addition, inflammation phenomena are also involved in most pathologies, which, although they are essential for tissue repair and immunity, turn against our bodies when they become excessively active. For these reasons, in this special edition we showcase an extensive knowledge of the effects of oxidative stress and inflammation both in diseases such as aging, or for its role in health