Search

Purpose: To determine the 6-month effect of conventional (CXL30) and accelerated crosslinking with UVA intensity of 9mW/cm2 (CXL10) on corneal stability and visual function and to investigate whether there was a difference in ABCD grading system parameters regarding the two procedures. Setting: Prospective study. Methods: Twenty-seven eyes of 25 patients with a documented diagnosis of keratoconus (KN) progression defined by the instructions from the Global Consensus on Keratoconus and Ectatic Diseases were included. Patients were selected to undergo either CXL 30 or CXL 10 procedure. After epithelial debridement, soaking the cornea with riboflavin 0.1%/hydroxypropyl methylcellulose 1.1% for 10 min. at 2-minute intervals, the surgeon decided to proceed with UVA irradiance of 3mW/cm2 or 9mW/cm2 . At the baseline visit and the follow-up visits after one month (mo.) (V1), three (V2), and six mo. (V3) postoperatively, all the patients underwent complete ophthalmic examination, including uncorrected visual acuity (UDVA), best- corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and corneal tomography (Pentacam HR ; Oculus, Wetzlar Inc, Germany). Results: In the CXL 30 group, all the parameters from ABCD grading system significantly changed from baseline visit to V3 ; parameter A decreased (2.5 vs. 2.6 vs. 2.4 vs. 2.5, p= 0, 048), B increased (4.66 vs. 4.54 vs. 5.03 vs. 4.99, p=0.01), C increased (1.52 vs. 2.09 vs. 2.36 vs. 2.14, p

This is a brief communication stressing some critical points associated with cystic nodal metastasis (CNM) in human papillomavirus (HPV) positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) and its implication on treatment protocols and outcomes.

No abstract available.

Cilj rada je ukazati na iskustva Odsjeka za kulturno-prosvjetne aktivnosti (dalje: KPA) Hrvatskog državnog arhiva (dalje: HDA) koji već dugi niz godina nastoji pratiti trendove koji nisu isključivo vezani uz organizaciju godišnjih manifestacija u Arhivu, već su u potrazi za novim sadržajima koji tematski, ali i interpretacijski nameću nove trendove u kreiranju odgojno-obrazovnih aktivnost, što kod učenika/studenata potiče sposobnost vještine povijesnog istraživanja i analize vrijednosnih povijesnih tema, uz poticaj informacijske pismenosti. O značaju obrazovnih progama Arhiva svjedoče i rezultati učeničke/studentske ankete iz koje je vidljivo da oni podržavaju nastavu u arhivima, jer je ona obogaćena didaktičkim pomagalima, što je puno zanimljivije od učenja i reproduciranja gradiva napamet. Stoga treba poticati suradnju arhiva s odgojno-obrazovnim institucijama i nadležnim ministarstvima, jer ona doprinosi kvalitetnijoj koncepciji obrazovnih programa u arhivima.

U ovom radu se pisalo o umjetnoj inteligenciji kao dio marketinških odjela poduzeća. U prvom dijelu sadržaja govorilo se o samoj pojavi umjetne inteligencije i njenom značenju. Raspisale su se i obrazložile njene pozitivne i negativne strane te je objašnjen njen utjecaj na društvo do sada, ali i njen mogući razvoj u budućnosti te posljedice koje dolaze sa tim. U drugom dijelu orijentacija je bila na primjenu umjetne inteligencije u marketingu. Način na koji se umjetna inteligencija uklopila u digitalni marketing, strategije koje poduzetnici trebaju primijeniti kako bi uspješno implementirali umjetnu inteligenciju u svoje poslovanje te detaljnije analiziranje virtualnih digitalnih asistenata su neke od glavnih točaka. Kao eksperimentalni dio rada, napravljena je komparativna analiza primjene umjetne inteligencije u marketinškim aktivnostima svjetski poznatih kompanija Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Apple, Netflix, Uber te Državno sveučilište Georgia te su se ispisale smjernice kako to rade tržišni lideri za benchmarking ostalim poduzećima.

Objective: To investigate the anatomical, pathogenetic, and pharmacological characteristics of herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO)- related ophthalmoplegia. Methods: Case report-based systematic review was performed. Results: This study included 96 patients (54 [56.25%] women and 42 [43.75%] men [P = 0.221]). The mean age at presentation was 64.32 ± 17.48 years. All the patients included in the study had HZO- related ophthalmoplegia, with rash presenting as initial symptom in 87 (90.62%) cases, and diplopia in 9 (9.38%) cases. Thirty-seven (38.54%) patients achieved complete recovery, whereas 59 (61.46%) patients had permanent ophthalmoplegia. Females recovered in 26/54 cases and males in 11/42 cases (P = 0.028). Recovery rates after peroral versus intravenous antivirals (15/38 versus 19/46) and > 10 days versus ≤10 days antiviral treatment (22/54 versus 12/30) did not significantly differ ( P = 0.865 and P = 0.947, respectively). immunocompetent patients treated with corticosteroids had significantly better recovery rates compared to immunodeficient counterparts (17/34 [50.00%] and 5/22 [22.73%], respectively [ P = 0.041]). Conclusions: The outcome of HZO- related ophthalmoplegia is associated with gender, immune status, corticosteroid use, and time of antiviral treatment initiation.

This is a brief work stressing some critical points associated with cystic nodal metastasis (CNM) in human papillomavirus (HPV) positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) and its implication on treatment protocols and outcomes.

Microcystic adnexal carcinoma (MAC) is a rare malignant sweat gland tumor that has a predilection for the central face. There are approximately 250 cases worldwide and there are no consensus management guidelines because of the lack of evidence-based practice. In this case report we present a 52 year old female with MAC treated with surgical resection and local flap reconstruction.

Purpose: Histogenesis, nomenclature, and classification of branchial cleft anomalies (BCAs) have been subjects of controversy for decades. The purpose of this study was to investigate the accuracy of current developmental theories (congenital, lymph node, and hybrid branchial inclusion theories) in defining the anatomic and histopathological characteristics of BCAs. Methods: Ninety consecutive patients with BCAs who underwent surgical excision were enrolled in this 2-center retrospective cohort study. Results: The present study included 90 patients: 46 (51.11%) women and 44 (48.89%) men (P > .05). The mean age at presentation was 31.89§17.31 years. Altogether, 92 BCAs were identified within the study population including 49 (53.26%) on the left side and 43 (46.74%) on the right side (P > .05). The BCAs included 79 (85.87%) branchial cleft cysts, 11 (11.96%) branchial cleft sinuses, and 2 (2.17%) branchial cleft fistulae. Three (3.26%) BCAs were distributed in the head regions, 88 (95.65%) in the neck regions, and 1 (1.09%) in the thoracic cavity. Following surgery, lymphoepithelial tissue was detected in the histopathological examination in 83 (90.22%) BCAs. The hybrid branchial inclusion theory exhibited significantly higher accuracy in defining patho-anatomic characteristics of BCAs than the branchial apparatus, precervical sinus, thymopharyngeal, and inclusion theories (90.22, 9.78, 2.17, 0.00, and 0.00% ; respectively) (P < .05). Conclusion: The novel branchial node (BN) classification system based on the hybrid branchial inclusion theory appears to be superior to other classification systems in determining the patho- anatomy of BCAs.

Purpose: Branchial cleft anomalies (BCAs) are developmental malformations of the head and neck region. Their histogenesis has been the subject of controversy and is not fully understood. This study aimed to test all present developmental theories ("branchial apparatus, " "precervical sinus, " "thymopharyngeal, " and "inclusion" theories) on a sample of 48 BCAs from a single institution. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of clinical-epidemiological and anatomical- pathological characteristics of BCAs treated over a 12-year period in our hospital. Results: Overall, 46 patients (24 [52.17%] women and 22 men [47.83%]) underwent surgical excision of 48 BCAs. The mean patient age at presentation was 31.65 ± 19.40 years. Branchial cleft cysts were found in 42 (87.50%) cases, and branchial cleft sinuses were found in six (12.50%) cases. Eight (16.67%) BCAs were distributed in the preauricular region, 34 (70.83%) at the anterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM), three (6.25%) at the posterior border of the SCM, two (4.17%) in the suprasternal notch, and one (2.08%) in the retrosternal space. Histopathologically, 39 (81.25%) BCAs had a lymphoepithelial structure and nine (18.75%) BCAs had solitary epithelial cells. Inflammation and infection were observed in 24 (50%) and 12 (25%) cases, respectively. Conclusion: None of the hypothesized developmental theories fully explain the embryonic origin of BCA in our study sample. A possible explanation of BCA histogenesis is through the hybrid "branchial inclusion" theory.

Congenital neck masses (CNMs) are developmental malformations that present with a wide spectrum of clinical symptoms and signs. They account for 21% to 45% of neck masses in children and 5% to 14% in adults. This study aimed to present the clinical manifestations and treatment of CNM from single- institution experiences. A retrospective analysis of patients surgically treated for CNM in a 12- year period was performed. Altogether, 117 patients (female/male ratio, 1:1.05) were diagnosed with CNM. The mean age at presentation was 26.91 years (range, 0.01–84 years). Within the study population, 120 CNMs were identified: 52 (43.33%) thyroglossal duct remnants, 48 (40.00%) branchial cleft anomalies, 7 (5.83%) epidermoid/dermoid cysts, 4 (3.33%) hemangiomas, 3 (2.50%) lymphangiomas, 1 (0.83%) hemangiolymphangioma, 1 (0.83%) hemangioendothelioma, 1 (0.83%) internal laryngocele, 1 (0.83%) external laryngocele, 1 (0.83%) ectopic thyroid gland, and 1 (0.83%) parathyroid cyst. The lateral neck region was the most frequently affected anatomical site, followed by the midline neck location and mediastinum (54%, 45%, and 1%, respectively). Surgical excision was performed in all cases. Recurrence was recorded in 5 (4.17%) patients. The results of this study provide comprehensive information regarding the clinical spectrum of CNM. Successful management of these lesions depends on a thorough understanding of neck embryology and anatomy. Misdiagnosis and improper treatment increase the morbidity and recurrence rate of CNM.

Purpose: Cranial polyneuropathy (CP) is a rare complication of herpes zoster (HZ) infection. This entity often produces situations of a diagnostic dilemma, as can be seen in a wide spectrum of clinical presentations. The aim of this study was to report the clinical characteristics, treatment, and outcomes of 11 patients from a single- institution experience. Methods: A retrospective analysis of patients treated for HZ CP over a 12-year period was performed. Results: The present study included 11 patients with CP caused by HZ infection-7 (63.63%) females, and 4 (36.36%) males. The mean age at presentation was 63 years (range, 38-85 years). Cranial nerve VII was affected in nine (81.82%) cases, CN VIII in six (54.55%) cases, CN V in five (45.45%) cases, CN III and IX in two (18.18%) cases, and CN VI and X in one (9.09%) case. The treatment of choice was acyclovir in all patients, while corticosteroids were administered in six (54.55%) patients. Complete CN recovery was observed in seven (63.63%) patients, while four (36.36%) patients suffered from permanent CN damage-two (18.18%) CN VII, one (9.09%) CN VII and VIII, and one (9.09%) CN VI. Conclusion: Herpes zoster CP presents an interesting diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Successful management of these patients depends on a thorough knowledge of the anatomy and topodiagnostic of CNs. Early administration of antiviral agents is crucial in terms of responsiveness to treatment and expedite recovery.

Introduction Human dirofilariasis is a disease historically linked to the Mediterranean area. For the last few decades, however, Dirofilaria nematodes have been spreading, both in terms of prevalence and the geographical expansion in non-endemic areas. Currently, cases of human dirofilariasis are recorded in more than 40 countries worldwide. Croatia is considered an endemic area of the Adriatic basin. Methods In a nationwide investigation, new and previously published cases of human dirofilariasis in Croatia were analyzed. Results Since 1996, 30 cases of human dirofilariosis were reported in Croatia. A total of 14 (46,67%) cases were from the coastal and 16 (53,33%) from continental regions of the country. Based on anatomical location, 13 (43,33%) cases were subcutaneous, 12 (40%) were ocular and five (16,67%) occurred in the reproductive organs. In all 30 cases, Dirofilaria repens was identified as the causative agent. Conclusions An increase in air temperature as climate change, changes in mosquito fauna, high prevalence of D. repens in dogs and limited use of chemoprophylaxis are possible risk factors for Dirofilaria infection in the Croatian population. Since reporting to epidemiological services is not mandatory in this country, the real number of human dirofilariasis cases is probably significantly higher than published. This emphasizes the need for mandatory reporting of human cases and surveillance of Dirofilaria infection in dogs and mosquitoes in Croatia, following the “One Health” concept., Highlights • A total of 30 cases of human dirofilariasis have been described in Croatia. • In all cases, D. repens was identified as the causative agent. • Geographical distribution among regions was almost identical. • Subcutaneous nodules were not the major clincal presentation of D. repens infections.