bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Corneal Power Distribution and Functional Optical Zone Following Small Incision Lenticule Extraction for Myopia
Authors: Qian Yishan , Huang Jia , Zhou Xingtao , Hanna Rewais Benjamin 
Published: August 2015

PURPOSE:
To evaluate corneal power distribution using the ray tracing method (corneal power) in eyes undergoing small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) surgery and compare the functional optical zone with two lenticular sizes.

METHODS:
This retrospective study evaluated 128 patients who underwent SMILE for the correction of myopia and astigmatism with a lenticular diameter of 6.5 mm (the 6.5-mm group) and 6.2 mm (the 6.2-mm group). The data include refraction, correction, and corneal power obtained via a Scheimpflug camera from the pupil center to 8 mm. The surgically induced changes in corneal power (Δcorneal power) were compared to correction and Δrefraction. The functional optical zone was defined as the largest ring diameter when the difference between the ring power and the pupil center power was 1.50 diopters or less. The functional optical zone was compared between two lenticular diameter groups.

RESULTS:
Corneal power distribution was measured by the ray tracing method. In the 6.5-mm group (n = 100), Δcorneal power at 5 mm showed the smallest difference from Δrefraction and Δcorneal power at 0 mm exhibited the smallest difference from correction. In the 6.2-mm group (n = 28), Δcorneal power at 2 mm displayed the lowest dissimilarity from Δrefraction and Δcorneal power at 4 mm demonstrated the lowest dissimilarity from correction. There was no significant difference between the mean postoperative functional optical zones in either group when their spherical equivalents were matched.

CONCLUSIONS:
Total corneal refactive power can be used in the evaluation of surgically induced changes following SMILE. A lenticular diameter of 6.2 mm should be recommended for patients with high myopia because there is no functional difference in the optical zone.

[
J Refract Surg.
2015;31(8):532–538.]
Serous Index of Pigment Epithelial Detachments in Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration Predicts Response to Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Treatment
Authors: Young Mei , Forooghian Farzin 
Published: August 2015

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:
To determine whether optical density measurements of pigment epithelial detachments (PEDs) in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) can predict the response to treatment with anti-VEGF therapy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:
Retrospective review of SD-OCT scans of 21 eyes of 21 patients with neovascular AMD and PED. Response to treatment was determined using SD-OCT volumetric analysis. The authors used optical density measurements of PED lesions on SD-OCT images to calculate the serous index, which is a measure of the serous component of PEDs.

RESULTS:

The serous index was found to correlate with the response to anti-VEGF treatment (r = .69,
P
= .0005), and to be predictive of the response to treatment (
P
= .007).

CONCLUSION:
The serous index of PEDs can help predict the response to anti-VEGF treatment. This measure may be useful in decisions regarding switching anti-VEGF agents in the clinical care of patients with neovascular AMD and PED.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2015;46:724–727.]
Polymorphisms in the ANKS1B gene are associated with cancer, obesity and type 2 diabetes
Authors: Wang Ke-Sheng , Liu Xuefeng , Owusu Daniel , Pan Yue , Xie Changchun 
Published: August 2015

AbstractObesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D) are comorbidities with cancer which may be partially due to shared genetic variants. Genetic variants in the ankyrin repeat and sterile alpha motif domain containing (ANKS1B) gene may play a role in cancer, adiposity, body mass index (BMI), and body weight. However, few studies focused on the associations of ANKS1B with obesity and T2D. We examined genetic associations of 272 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the ANKS1B with the cancer (any diagnosed cancer omitting minor skin cancer), obesity and T2D using the Marshfield sample (716 individuals with cancers, 1442 individuals with obesity, and 878 individuals with T2D). The Health Aging and Body Composition (Health ABC) sample (305 obese and 1336 controls) was used for replication. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed using the PLINK software. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. We identified 25 SNPs within the ANKS1B gene associated with cancer, 34 SNPs associated with obesity, and 12 SNPs associated with T2D (p < 0.05). The most significant SNPs associated with cancer, T2D, and obesity were rs2373013 (p = 2.21 × 10−4), rs10860548 (p = 1.92 × 10−3), and rs7139028 (p = 1.94 × 10−6), respectively. Interestingly, rs3759214 was identified for both cancer and T2D (p = 0.0161 and 0.044, respectively). Furthermore, seven SNPs were associated with both cancer and obesity (top SNP rs2372719 with p = 0.0161 and 0.0206, respectively); six SNPs were associated with both T2D and obesity (top SNP rs7139028 with p = 0.0231 and 1.94 × 10−6, respectively). In the Health ABC sample, 18 SNPs were associated with obesity, 5 of which were associated with cancer in the Marshfield sample. In addition, three SNPs (rs616804, rs7295102, and rs201421) were associated with obesity in meta-analysis using both samples. These findings provide evidence of common genetic variants in the ANKS1B gene influencing the risk of cancer, obesity, and T2D and will serve as a resource for replication in other populations.
Ubiquitination as a Mechanism To Transport Soluble Mycobacterial and Eukaryotic Proteins to Exosomes
Authors: Smith Victoria L. , Jackson Liam , Schorey Jeffrey S. 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Exosomes are extracellular vesicles of endocytic origin that function in intercellular communication. Our previous studies indicate that exosomes released from Mycobacterium tuberculosis-infected macrophages contain soluble mycobacterial proteins. However, it was unclear how these secreted proteins were targeted to exosomes. In this study, we determined that exosome production by the murine macrophage cell line RAW264.7 requires the endosomal sorting complexes required for transport and that trafficking of mycobacterial proteins from phagocytosed bacilli to exosomes was dependent on protein ubiquitination. Moreover, soluble mycobacterial proteins, when added exogenously to RAW264.7 or human HEK293 cells, were endocytosed, ubiquitinated, and released via exosomes. This suggested that endocytosed proteins could be recycled from cells through exosomes. This hypothesis was supported using the tumor-associated protein He4, which, when endocytosed by RAW264.7 or HEK293 cells, was transported to exosomes in a ubiquitin-dependent manner. Our data suggest that ubiquitination is a modification sufficient for trafficking soluble proteins within the phagocytic/endocytic network to exosomes.
Hepatic Stellate Cells Inhibit T Cells through Active TGF-β1 from a Cell Surface–Bound Latent TGF-β1/GARP Complex
Authors: Li Yan , Kim Byung-Gyu , Qian Shiguang , Letterio John J. , Fung John J. , Lu Lina , Lin Feng 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) inhibit T cells, a process that could help the liver to maintain its immunoprivileged status. HSCs secrete latent TGF-β1, but the detailed mechanisms by which latent TGF-β1 is activated and whether it plays any role in HSC-mediated T cell suppression remain unclear. Glycoprotein A repetitions predominant (GARP) is a surface marker of activated regulatory T cells. GARP binds latent TGF-β1 for its activation, which is critical for regulatory T cells to suppress effector T cells; however, it is still unclear whether GARP is present on HSCs and whether it has any impact on HSC function. In this study, we found that TGF-β1+/− HSCs, which produce reduced levels of TGF-β1, showed decreased potency in inhibiting T cells. We also found that pharmaceutical or genetic inhibition of the TGF-β1 signaling pathway reduced the T cell–inhibiting activity of HSCs. Additionally, using isolated primary HSCs, we demonstrated that GARP was constitutively expressed on HSCs. Blocking GARP function or knocking down GARP expression significantly impaired the potency of HSCs to suppress the proliferation of and IFN-γ production from activated T cells, suggesting that GARP is important for HSCs to inhibit T cells. These results demonstrate the unexpected presence of GARP on HSCs and its significance in regard to the ability of HSCs to activate latent TGF-β1 and thereby inhibit T cells. Our study reveals a new mechanism for HSC-mediated immune regulation and potentially for other conditions, such as liver fibrosis, that involve HSC-secreted TGF-β1.
Defective NK Cells in Acute Myeloid Leukemia Patients at Diagnosis Are Associated with Blast Transcriptional Signatures of Immune Evasion
Authors: Khaznadar Zena , Boissel Nicolas , Agaugué Sophie , Henry Guylaine , Cheok Meyling , Vignon Marguerite , Geromin Daniela , Cayuela Jean-Michel , Castaigne Sylvie , Pautas Cécile , Raffoux Emmanuel , Lachuer Joel , Sigaux François , Preudhomme Claude , Dombret Hervé , Dulphy Nicolas , Toubert Antoine 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous group of malignancies that may be sensitive to the NK cell antitumor response. However, NK cells are frequently defective in AML. In this study, we found in an exploratory cohort (n = 46) that NK cell status at diagnosis of AML separated patients in two groups with a different clinical outcome. Patients with a deficient NK cell profile, including reduced expression of some activating NK receptors (e.g., DNAX accessory molecule-1, NKp46, and NKG2D) and decreased IFN-γ production, had a significantly higher risk of relapse (p = 0.03) independently of cytogenetic classification in multivariate analysis. Patients with defective NK cells showed a profound gene expression decrease in AML blasts for cytokine and chemokine signaling (e.g., IL15, IFNGR1, IFNGR2, and CXCR4), Ag processing (e.g., HLA-DRA, HLA-DRB1, and CD74) and adhesion molecule pathways (e.g., PVR and ICAM1). A set of 388 leukemic classifier genes defined in the exploratory cohort was independently validated in a multicentric cohort of 194 AML patients. In total, these data evidenced the interplay between NK cells and AML blasts at diagnosis allowing an immune-based stratification of AML patients independently of clinical classifications.
A Detailed Characterization of the Dysfunctional Immunity and Abnormal Myelopoiesis Induced by Severe Shock and Trauma in the Aged
Authors: Nacionales Dina C. , Szpila Benjamin , Ungaro Ricardo , Lopez M. Cecilia , Zhang Jianyi , Gentile Lori F. , Cuenca Angela L. , Vanzant Erin , Mathias Brittany , Jyot Jeevan , Westerveld Donevan , Bihorac Azra , Joseph Anna , Mohr Alicia , Duckworth Lizette V. , Moore Frederick A. , Baker Henry V. , Leeuwenburgh Christiaan , Moldawer Lyle L. , Brakenridge Scott , Efron Philip A. 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The elderly are particularly susceptible to trauma, and their outcomes are frequently dismal. Such patients often have complicated clinical courses and ultimately die of infection and sepsis. Recent research has revealed that although elderly subjects have increased baseline inflammation as compared with their younger counterparts, the elderly do not respond to severe infection or injury with an exaggerated inflammatory response. Initial retrospective analysis of clinical data from the Glue Grant trauma database demonstrated that despite a similar frequency, elderly trauma patients have worse outcomes to pneumonia than younger subjects do. Subsequent analysis with a murine trauma model also demonstrated that elderly mice had increased mortality after posttrauma Pseudomonas pneumonia. Blood, bone marrow, and bronchoalveolar lavage sample analyses from juvenile and 20–24-mo-old mice showed that increased mortality to trauma combined with secondary infection in the aged are not due to an exaggerated inflammatory response. Rather, they are due to a failure of bone marrow progenitors, blood neutrophils, and bronchoalveolar lavage cells to initiate and complete an emergency myelopoietic response, engendering myeloid cells that fail to clear secondary infection. In addition, elderly people appeared unable to resolve their inflammatory response to severe injury effectively.
Forensic entomology in Malaysia: knowledge and practices
Authors: Rajagopal Kavitha , Chye Tan Tian , Jeffery John , Sofian-Azirun Mohd 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Background: This cross-sectional survey is to our knowledge the first attempt in Malaysia to study forensic entomology knowledge and practices among relevant Malaysian practitioners. Analysis of our questionnaire identified three major themes: understanding of forensic entomology, the acceptance and application of forensic entomology in crime scene investigation, and future directions for forensic entomology in Malaysia. We found that only a few experienced crime scene police officers had a meaningful knowledge of forensic entomology and were involved in maggot collecting during crime scene investigation.
Objectives: To assess knowledge, attitude, and practice of forensic entomology among relevant practitioners in Malaysia.
Methods: A total of 402 relevant practitioners were asked to complete a questionnaire regarding knowledge, attitude and practice of forensic entomology.
Results: Half of the respondents had some understanding that forensic entomology is a study of insects found on a dead human body. The study also found that forensic entomology research in Malaysia is mainly to determine the postmortem interval (PMI), to identify the types of flies, and to study insect maturation and succession; particularly of local species. The Malaysian government should be encouraged to play a role through the Department of Education to attract more students to this field and to support academic institutions to formulate research in forensic entomology.
Conclusions: Forensic entomology in Malaysia needs improvement of technical knowledge and awareness among relevant practitioners through curriculum development, policy, and training programs.
Outcome of antenatal hydronephrosis in northeastern Thailand
Authors: Paopongsawan Pongsatorn , Wisanuyotin Suwannee , Komwilaisak Ratana , Jirapradittha Junya , Jiravuttipong Apichat , Kiatchoosakun Pakaphan 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Background: Antenatal hydronephrosis (ANH) is a condition characterized by fetal renal pelvic dilatation during pregnancy. It is detected in 1%-5% of all pregnancies. Most cases of ANH are physiological in nature, but some are pathological and can cause morbidity.
Objective: To determine: (a) the causes of ANH; (b) the factors associated with complications; and, (c) the factors associated with surgical intervention.
Methods: We reviewed the medical records of infants diagnosed with ANH; defined by a renal pelvic anteroposterior diameter ≥5 mm (based on antenatal ultrasonography) and being followed-up at Srinagarind Hospital.
Results: Forty-six infants (32 boys and 14 girls) with ANH were identified. Over half (57%) were born in our hospital (in-hospital) with the condition. The two most common causes of ANH were ureteropelvic junction obstruction (32%) and transient hydronephrosis (22%). Of the 63 abnormal kidneys, 52% needed surgical intervention. Twenty-two patients (48%) had urinary tract infections and most had more than 1 episode. None of the 46 patients had end-stage renal disease, but one died because of lung hypoplasia during the neonatal period. The severity of ANH and time of first postnatal ultrasonography were related to medical complications, while bilateral ANH and more severe ANH were associated with the need for surgical intervention. A milder degree of ANH and postnatal ultrasound findings were significantly associated with transient hydronephrosis.
Conclusion: Most cases of ANH were pathological and half required surgical intervention. Severe ANH and delayed investigation were associated with poor outcomes.
PCR amplification of a putative gene for exo-1,3-β-glucanase to identify the pathogenic oomycete Pythium insidiosum
Authors: Keeratijarut Angsana , Lohnoo Tassanee , Yingyong Wanta , Nampoon Umporn , Lerksuthirat Tassanee , Onpaew Pornpit , Chongtrakool Piriyaporn , Krajaejun Theerapong 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Background: Pythium insidiosum is the etiologic agent of pythiosis, a life-threatening infectious disease. Diagnosis of pythiosis is difficult and often delayed. Early diagnosis can lead to prompt treatment, and therefore a better prognosis for patients with pythiosis. Molecular diagnostic techniques are useful if microbiological and immunological assays are not available, or in cases of suspected pythiosis that test negative by other methods. So far, PCR identification of P. insidiosum has been largely relied on amplification of the rDNA region.
Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic performance of Dx3 and Dx4 primers specific for a putative gene for exo- 1,3-β-glucanase (PinsEXO1), which encodes a specific immunogen of P. insidiosum, for rapid single-round PCR identification of P. insidiosum, in comparison with the previously-reported rDNA-specific primers, ITSpy1 and ITSpy2.
Materials and Methods: Genomic DNA (gDNA) from 35 P. insidiosum isolates and 48 control organisms were prepared to evaluate the diagnostic performance of the PinsEXO1- and rDNA-specific primers.
Results: When amplifying the control gDNA by using the Dx3/4 and ITSpy1/2 primer sets, no PCR product was observed, indicating that both primer sets had 100% detection specificity. When amplifying the P. insidiosum gDNA, the Dx3/4 primers provided an expected 550-bp amplicon for all 35 isolates, while the ITSpy1/2 primers provided an expected 230-bp amplicon for only 32 isolates. Thus, detection sensitivity of the Dx3/4 and ITSpy1/2 primer sets were 100% and 91%, respectively.
Conclusion: By using the Dx3/4 primers, PinsEXO1 was an alternative, efficient, and novel PCR target for rapid single-round PCR identification of P. insidiosum.
Exercise intolerance in obese children and adolescents
Authors: Ruangnapa Kanokpan , Sritippayawan Suchada , Sanguanrungsirikul Sompol , Deerojanawong Jitladda , Prapphal Nuanchan 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Background: Abnormal lung function has been reported in the obese population and is associated with the severity of obesity.
Objectives: To identify abnormal lung function in obese children and adolescents, and examine the cardiopulmonary response of those who have abnormal lung functions during exercise, and to reveal predictors of exercise intolerance in this population.
Methods: Fifty obese participants aged 8–18 years (56% male; mean age 13.2 ± 2.0 years; mean BMI 33.0 ± 3.6 kg/m2, mean BMI z score 3.1 ± 0.3) underwent spirometry, lung volume evaluation, and a cardiopulmonary exercise test.
Results: Lung function abnormalities and exercise intolerance because of pulmonary limitations were found in 36% and 74% of the participants, respectively. A comparison of participants with normal and abnormal lung functions revealed a lower breathing reserve and a higher ventilatory equivalent for CO2 production (VE/VCO2) during exercise in those who had lung function abnormalities (18 ± 15 vs 30±10%, P <0.001 and 30.3 ± 3.3 vs 29.6 ± 3.1; P = 0.02, respectively). Exercise intolerant participants had a higher BMI z score compared with those who were not (3.1 ± 0.3 vs 2.9 ± 0.3; P = 0.03). BMI z score ≥ 2.84 had an 80% sensitivity and 67% specificity for predicting exercise intolerance in this population.
Conclusions: Evaluations of lung function and exercise capacity should be included in the follow-up planning for obese children and adolescents. A BMI z score ≥ 2.84 was most sensitive for predicting exercise intolerance in this population.
Factors influencing decisions of Laotian patients to use health care services in Thailand
Authors: Charoenmukayananta Suwaree , Sriratanaban Jiruth , Hengpraprom Sarunya , Trarathep Chanvit 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Background: Thailand has been facing a gradual increase in use of cross-border health care. Nevertheless, no evidence regarding factors influencing cross-border use of health care by Laotian patients in public Thai hospitals among this group has been established.
Objectives: To assess the use of cross-border health care by Laotian patients, and factors that may influence health services in public Thai hospitals along the border.
Methods: This study consisted of two parts. (1) Site-visits to 53 Thai public hospitals along the Thai-Laos border during May to July 2011 and collection of data regarding the use of health care services by Laotian patients. (2) A structured questionnaire survey was conducted via face interviews by trained researchers. Findings were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression.
Results: The most common conditions for which treatment was sought were common diseases and basic operative procedures. All hospitals had been facing substantial financial burden, particularly for inpatient care. The analysis of use indicated that a perception of differences in the quality of health services, ability to pay for treatment anywhere, and distance to health services were three major factors affecting the decision of Laotian patients to cross the border to obtain health care in Thailand. Interviews with hospital directors and staff revealed that more financial support and a clear policy for care of Laotian patients was needed.
Conclusions: The perception of better quality of health care in Thailand by Laotian patients was the major factor affecting cross-border use of health care services. Assistance to improve healthcare in Laos and financial support for subsidizing care for the indigent Laotian patients is needed.
Progressive outer retinal necrosis in an immunocompromised patient presenting with bilateral retrobulbar optic neuritis
Authors: Jariyakosol Supharat , Pongsachareonnont Pear , Sitthanon Supapan 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Background: Progressive outer retinal necrosis (PORN) is a necrotizing chorioretinopathy caused by herpes simplex virus, varicella-zoster virus, or cytomegalovirus.
Objective: To describe the clinical morphology of PORN presenting with asymmetrical isolated bilateral retrobulbar optic neuropathy.
Method: The medical records of a 45-year-old human immunodeficiency virus infected patient presenting with bilateral visual loss at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital were reviewed with respect for the privacy of patient.
Result: Gradual visual loss progressed to no light perception in the right eye and 20/200 in the left eye within 1 month. The patient was initially diagnosed with retrobulbar optic neuritis in both eyes. The investigations included MRI, vitreous tapping, lumbar puncture, and serological testing. MRI elicited enhancement around both optic nerves, which suggested optic neuritis. Thereafter, multifocal areas of retinal necrosis developed with rapid progression and additional cutaneous zoster lesions were established. These findings led to a diagnosis of PORN. The patient was promptly treated with intravenous ganciclovir, anti-retroviral therapy, and vitrectomy with endophotocoagulation and silicone injection. Unfortunately, his visual prognosis in the left eye was still poor
Conclusion: PORN was uncommonly present with bilateral isolated optic neuropathy before retinal lesions developed. Retrobulbar optic neuropathy from herpetic infection in immunocompromised patients should be considered despite a normal fundus at initial presentation. Early diagnosis and prompt intervention may preserve vision. This case demonstrates the importance of careful physical examination and follow up of retinal lesions.