bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Detection of Different β-Lactamases and their Co-existence by Using Various Discs Combination Methods in Clinical Isolates of Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas spp.
Authors: Rawat Vinita , Singhai Monil , Verma Pankaj Kumar 
Published: August 2013

ABSTRACT
Background: Resistance to broad spectrum beta-lactams mediated by extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL), AmpC, and metallobetalactamase (MBLs) enzymes are an increasing problem worldwide. The study was aimed to detect occurrence rate and to evaluate different substrates and inhibitors by disc combination method for detecting varying degree of β-lactamase enzymes and their co-production.
Materials and Methods: A disc panel containing imipenem (IMP), IMP/EDTA, ceftazidime (CA), ceftazidime-tazobactum (CAT), CAT/cloxacillin (CLOX), ceftazidime-clavulanic acid (CAC), CAC/CLOX, cefoxitin (CN), and CN/CLOX in a single plate was used to detect presence of ESBLs, AmpC, and MBLs and/or their co-existence in 184 consecutive, nonrepetitive, clinical isolates of Enterobacteriace (n = 96) and Pseudomonas spp. (n = 88) from pus samples of hospitalized patients, resistant to 3rd generation cephalosporins.
Results: Out of a total of 96 clinical isolates of Enterobacteriaceae, 18.7, 20.8, and 27% were pure ESBL, AmpC, and MBL producers, respectively. ESBL and AmpC were co-produced by 25% isolates. Among 88 Pseudomonas spp. 38.6, 13, and 6% were pure MBL, ESBL, and AmpC producers, respectively. ESBL/AmpC and MBL/AmpC co-production was seen in 20% and 18% isolates, respectively. Among ESBL and AmpC co-producers, CA/CAC/CLOX disc combination (DC) missed 7 of the 24 ESBL producers in Enterobacteriace and 4 of the 18 ESBL in Pseudomonas spp., which were detected by CA/CAT/CLOX DC. No mechanism was detected among 8.3% Enterobacteriaceae and 2.3% Pseudomonas isolates.
Conclusion: Diagnostic problems posed by co-existence of different classes of β-lactamases in a single isolate could be solved by disc combination method by using simple panel of discs containing CA, CAT, CAT/CLOX, IMP, and IMP/EDTA.
Thyroid Hormone Levels in Apparently Euthyroid Subjects with Essential Hypertension in a Tertiary Hospital in Nigeria
Authors: Emokpae Abiodun Mathias , Abdu Aliyu , Osadolor Humphrey Benedo 
Published: August 2013

ABSTRACT
Background: High blood pressure (BP) is a major health problem in Nigeria and the involvement of thyroid hormones in this condition has not been evaluated in this center.
Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the proportion of patients with an essential hypertension who had abnormal thyroid hormone levels and the type of thyroid disorders commonly observed in this group of patients.
Materials and Methods: A retrospective study of 94 patients (30 males, aged 30.4 ± 2 years and 64 females, aged 43.4 ± 1.3 years) with essential hypertension was carried out between January 2005 and December 2007. Demographic and other medical information were obtained from the health records. Analysis of laboratory results of triiodothyronine (T3), Thyroxine (T4), and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) were made.
Results: Of the 94 patients evaluated, 26 (27.7%) had abnormal thyroid hormone levels, with 23.4% having hyperthyroidism, 4.3% had sub-clinical hypothyroidism and none had overt hypothyroidism. Of the 26 subjects with abnormal thyroid hormone levels, 18 (69.2%) were females while 8 (30.8%) were males. Out of the 18 female subjects with abnormal thyroid hormone levels, 16 had hyperthyroid levels while 2 had sub-clinical hypothyroid levels. Out of the 8 male patients, 6 had hyperthyroid hormone levels while 2 had sub-clinical hypothyroid levels.
Conclusion: Thyroid hormone abnormalities are common in patients with essential hypertension. Hyperthyroidism was the most common thyroid disorder observed. Young patients presenting with essential hypertension should be screened for thyroid hormone abnormalities since they can best be managed by treating the underlying causes.
Solutions of Fractional Partial Differential Equations of Quantum Mechanics
Authors: Purohit S. D. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractThe aim of this article is to investigate the solutions of generalized fractional partial differential equations involving Hilfer time fractional derivative and the space fractional generalized Laplace operators, occurring in quantum mechanics. The solutions of these equations are obtained by employing the joint Laplace and Fourier transforms, in terms of the Fox’sH-function. Several special cases as solutions of one dimensional non-homogeneous fractional equations occurring in the quantum mechanics are presented. The results given earlier by Saxena et al. [Fract. Calc. Appl. Anal., 13(2) (2010), pp. 177–190] and Purohit and Kalla [J. Phys. A Math. Theor., 44 (4) (2011), 045202] follow as special cases of our findings.
Review on the Worldwide Epidemiology of Uveitis
Authors: Miserocchi Elisabetta , Fogliato Giovanni , Modorati Giulio , Bandello Francesco 
Published: August 2013

Purpose We describe the worldwide epidemiology of uveitis through a systematic literature review. Methods Data obtained from the most relevant studies published until November 2012 were reported. Results Results of our research were structured in sections about the epidemiology of uveitis by anatomical location of inflammation (anterior, intermediate, posterior, and panuveitis), type of inflammation (infectious and noninfectious), and by age (children and elderly). Difficulties encountered analyzing the different epidemiologic studies were discussed in a dedicated section. Conclusions Limited information is available regarding the epidemiology of uveitis. Worldwide epidemiologic studies may help the clinician in the management of patients with inflammatory ocular diseases, enabling the comparison of different uveitis entities.
Association between Retinal Neovascularization and Serial Weight Measurements in Murine and Human Newborns
Authors: Vanhaesebrouck Sophie , Daniëls Hans , Allegaert Karel , Vanhole Christine , Naulaers Gunnar , Casteels Ingele , De Zegher Francis 
Published: August 2013

Purpose Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a leading cause of preventable blindness throughout the world. Several risk factors have been studied, but most studies remain inconclusive. Evidence is accumulating that one of the strongest predictors of ROP, in addition to oxygen use and low gestational age, is poor weight gain during the first postnatal weeks. Methods In a prospective study, we sought to determine the importance of serial weight measurements to help predict neovascularization (NV). In a first stage, a summary of the response in each case is identified and calculated as area under the curve (AUC). In a second stage, these different AUCs are analyzed by nonparametric Mann-Whitney U test. For the murine study, pups were redistributed in smaller and larger litters. On postnatal day (P)7–12, the oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) model was applied. Body weight was measured on P7, P14, and P17. Retinal NV was assessed on P17. For the human study, the subjects were part of the control arm of the NIRTURE trial. Ophthalmologists screened for ROP. Birthweight was recorded. Weekly weight measurements were performed for the first 4 weeks. Results The AUC of serial weight (gain) measurements was significantly lower in murine (14 vs 17 g; p = 0.01) and human (140 g/wk vs 240 g/wk; p = 0.0001) newborns developing retinal NV. Conclusions This prospective study supports previous findings, using a new way of statistical analysis, that early postnatal weight gain is an important indicator in the development of neovascular disease.
Biofeedback Rehabilitation of Eccentric Fixation in Patients with Stargardt Disease
Authors: Verdina Tommaso , Giacomelli Giovanni , Sodi Andrea , Pennino Monica , Paggini Chiara , Murro Vittoria , Virgili Gianni , Menchini Ugo 
Published: August 2013

Purpose To evaluate the efficacy of biofeedback (BF) microperimetric rehabilitation in patients with Stargardt disease (STGD). Methods Eighteen patients with STGD with unstable fixation located in the superior retina and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) between 20/100 and 20/320 in the better eye were recruited. All the patients underwent Nidek MP-1 microperimetry and fixation analysis. Twelve patients underwent 8 consecutive BF training sessions of 10 minutes each, performed once a week in the better eye. Six patients did not receive any training and were used as controls. In both groups, BCVA, reading speed, contrast sensitivity, bivariate contour ellipse area (BCEA), and retinal sensitivity were evaluated in the better eye at baseline and after 10 weeks. Paired and unpaired t tests were used as appropriate. Results In the control group, after the follow-up period, fixation pattern did not show any modification and the other parameters worsened or remained unchanged. On the contrary, the BF group showed significantly improved stabilization of fixation (mean BCEA 68.2% from 5.63°2 to 1.58°2), improved mean BCVA (from 34.00 to 37.67 letters), higher mean reading speed (from 66.67 to 84.00 words/min), higher contrast sensitivity (from 16.33 to 18.75 letters), and improved retinal sensitivity (from 10.68 to 12.29 dB). The comparison of the results obtained in the 2 groups was statistically significant for all the considered parameters except for retinal sensitivity. Conclusions Biofeedback rehabilitation with the MP-1 increases quality of vision in patients with STGD, leading to a stabilization of fixation and a consequent improvement of patients’ visual function and reading abilities.
Bilateral Retinal Vasculopathy Associated with Autosomal Dominant Dyskeratosis Congenita
Authors: Vaz-Pereira Sara , Pacheco Patricio A. , Gandhi Shreyans , Kulasekararaj Austin G. , Marsh Judith C. , Pal Bishwanath , Mufti Ghulam J. 
Published: August 2013

Purpose To report a case of autosomal dominant dyskeratosis congenita (AD-DC) complicated by bilateral retinal vasculopathy and proliferative retinopathy with vitreous hemorrhage in the right eye, in the absence of pancytopenia. Methods We report a 32-year-old woman who presented with floaters in her right eye. She underwent complete ophthalmic examination and fundus fluorescein angiography. Results Funduscopic examination revealed vascular sheathing in the temporal periphery of both eyes and a vitreous hemorrhage in the right eye. Fluorescein angiography showed retinal neovascularization in the right eye and bilateral temporal peripheral capillary nonperfusion. Treatment consisted of laser photocoagulation directed to the areas of capillary nonperfusion in both eyes. A point mutation in the TERC gene confirmed the diagnosis of AD-DC. Conclusions Autosomal dominant dyskeratosis congenita is a rare form of inherited bone marrow failure and its presentation is milder than seen in patients with X-linked and autosomal recessive mutations. These patients may lack the classic clinical triad, so it is important to have a high index of suspicion and to be aware of retinal vasculopathy as a complication of dyskeratosis congenita as it may severely compromise vision. Appropriate treatment includes prompt laser photocoagulation to areas of retinal nonperfusion.
Surgical Treatment of Total Bilateral Ankyloblepharon in a Child: Unusual Case Report
Authors: Fasciani Romina , Giannico Maria Ilaria , Savino Gustavo , Balestrazzi Emilio 
Published: August 2013

Purpose To report on the efficacy of surgical management of total bilateral ankyloblepharon in a child. Methods An 8-year-old African girl from Burundi presented with complete lid-corneo-conjunctival adhesion in both eyes, dating back 6 years. Preoperative ultrasound evaluation of anterior and posterior segment was detected. Electrophysiologic examinations showed low responses. Surgery was performed with scarring tissue removal through manual cleavage in order to separate tarsal conjunctiva and corneal stroma, followed by multiple human amniotic membrane grafts on the cornea, the entire bulbar surface, and fornices. Results Ankyloblepharon removal, excellent width of fornices, and lid motility recovery were obtained. Nevertheless, corneal stroma remained cloudy. The patient's visual acuity reached hand movements perception at 6 months follow-up. Conclusions Even in the presence of deep deprivation amblyopia, total ankyloblepharon surgical removal and anatomic restoration of ocular surface is mandatory in children. Subsequent surgery including corneal keratoplasty or keratoprosthesis implant should be taken into consideration after an accurate evaluation of the cost/benefit ratio. Furthermore, these young patients could be enrolled in specific visual rehabilitation programs to enhance residual visual abilities.
Reliability of Automatic Biometric Iris Recognition after Phacoemulsification or Drug-Induced Pupil Dilation
Authors: Seyeddain Orang , Kraker Hannes , Redlberger Andreas , Dexl Alois K. , Grabner Günther , Emesz Martin 
Published: August 2013

Purpose To investigate the reliability of a biometric iris recognition system for personal authentication after cataract surgery or iatrogenic pupil dilation. Methods This was a prospective, nonrandomized, single-center, cohort study for evaluating the performance of an iris recognition system 2–24 hours after phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation (group 1) and before and after iatrogenic pupil dilation (group 2). Results Of the 173 eyes that could be enrolled before cataract surgery, 164 (94.8%) were easily recognized postoperatively, whereas in 9 (5.2%) this was not possible. However, these 9 eyes could be reenrolled and afterwards recognized successfully. In group 2, of a total of 184 eyes that were enrolled in miosis, a total of 22 (11.9%) could not be recognized in mydriasis and therefore needed reenrollment. No single case of false-positive acceptance occurred in either group. Conclusions The results of this trial indicate that standard cataract surgery seems not to be a limiting factor for iris recognition in the large majority of cases. Some patients (5.2% in this study) might need “reenrollment” after cataract surgery. Iris recognition was primarily successful in eyes with medically dilated pupils in nearly 9 out of 10 eyes. No single case of false-positive acceptance occurred in either group in this trial. It seems therefore that iris recognition is a valid biometric method in the majority of cases after cataract surgery or after pupil dilation.
Consecutive Exotropia: Risk Factor Analysis and Management Outcomes
Authors: Ceylan Osman Melih , Gokce Gokcen , Mutlu Fatih Mehmet , Uludag Huseyin Avni , Turk Adem , Altinsoy Halil Ibrahim 
Published: August 2013

Purpose: To report the frequency of risk factors and outcomes of consecutive exotropia (XT) following bimedial rectus recession (BMR) for the treatment of childhood esotropia (ET). Methods: Ninety-eight patients with ET, who underwent only BMR between 1996 and 2007, were included in this study. Predictors of the development of consecutive XT and treatment outcomes were compared between groups (group 1, cases with consecutive XT; group 2, cases without consecutive XT). Results: Mean follow-up time after BMR surgery was 7.23 ± 3.62 years. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of age, preoperative angle of near deviation, follow-up time, or refraction for both eyes (p>0.05 for all). The differences regarding preoperative angle of distance deviation (p = 0.009), presence of inferior oblique overaction (p = 0.023), amount of BMR (p = 0.028), and postoperative adduction limitation (p<0.0001) between the groups were statistically significant. However, only preoperative angle of distance deviation and presence of postoperative adduction limitation were independent risk factors for the development of consecutive XT (p = 0.043, p = 0.007, respectively). Conclusions: Postoperative adduction limitation should alert physicians to the increased risk of developing consecutive XT in the long-term follow-up after BMR for the treatment of childhood ET.
Nutrition in Kidney Transplantation
Authors: Veroux Massimiliano , Corona Daniela , Sinagra Nunziata , Tallarita Tiziano , Ekser Burcin , Giaquinta Alessia , Zerbo Domenico , Veroux Pierfrancesco 
Published: August 2013

Organ transplantation has progressively established itself as the preferred therapy for many end-stage organ failures. However, many of these chronic diseases and their treatments can negatively affect nutritional status, leading to malnutrition and mineral deficiencies. Nutritional status is an important determinant of the clinical outcome of kidney transplant recipients. Malnutrition and obesity may represent a contraindication to transplantation in many cases and may increase the risk of postoperative complications after the transplantation. Nutritional support in kidney transplant recipients is challenging, since it must take into account the pre-transplant nutritional status, the side effects of immunosuppression, the function of the transplanted graft, the presence of infection, and the general status of the patient at the time of the transplantation. With these considerations in mind, we reviewed current literature on the impact of nutritional status on the outcome of kidney transplantation.
Effects of Mechanical and Chemical Stimuli on Differentiation of Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cells into Endothelial Cells
Authors: Shojaei Shahrokh , Tafazzoli-Shahdpour Mohamad , Shokrgozar Mohamad Ali , Haghighipour Nooshin 
Published: August 2013

It has been hypothesized that application of the micromechanical environment that target cells experience in vivo enhances functionality of differentiated cells. Vascular endothelial cells, functioning at the interface of the blood-vessel wall, are vital to the performance of the cardiovascular system. They are subject to shear and tensile stresses induced by blood flow and pressure, respectively. This study investigated effects of shear/tensile stresses on endothelial differentiation of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) utilizing a custom-made bioreactor capable of applying both shear and tensile stresses. The loading values of 10% cyclic stretch, 0-2.5 dyn/cm2 cyclic shear stress, and combined loadings were used. To examine the extent of mechanical and chemical stimuli in acquisition of endothelial characteristics by ASCs, the expression of three major endothelial genes were quantified when ASCs were treated by three loading regimes and endothelial growth factor for three different durations (1, 2, and 7 days). In general, cyclic stretch decreased expression of FLK-1 and vWF, while cyclic shear elevated expression levels. The combined loading regime had minor effects on the expression of the two markers. All types of loadings significantly enhanced the expression level of VE-cadherin with the most prominent increase by combined loading. It was concluded that applying different loading regimes assists in adjusting the expression level of endothelial markers to achieve functional endothelial cells for cardiovascular engineering.
Comparison of 3M™ Petrifilm™ Aerobic Count Plates to Standard Plating Methodology for Use with AOAC Antimicrobial Efficacy Methods 955.14, 955.15, 964.02, and 966.04 as an Alternative Enumeration Procedure: Collaborative Study
Authors: Nelson Maria T , LaBudde Robert A , Tomasino Stephen F , Pines Rebecca M ,   Collaborators:, Bennett M , Dormstetter K , Eastman T , Hellickson L , Hollingsworth A , Juhnke A , Klein D , Mitchell J , Otte M , Pines R , Schwarz S , Tomasino S 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
A multilaboratory study was conducted to determine the equivalence of the 3M™ Petrifilm™ Aerobic Count Plate and standard plating methodology for measuring viable bacteria and spores recovered from hard-surface carriers (stainless steel and porcelain), also known as "control carrier counts," used in AOAC antimicrobial efficacy test methods. Six laboratories participated in the study in which carriers inoculated with Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella enterica, and spores of Bacillus subtilis were evaluated using 3M Petrifilm Aerobic Count (AC) plates and standard plating side-by-side. The data were analyzed using a matched-pair t-test to determine the between-method effect with confidence intervals. For all test organisms pooled across all laboratories, the mean difference in log10 concentration between the standard plate count method and 3M Petrifilm AC Plates was −0.012, with a 95% confidence interval of (−0.090, +0.066), which was well within the −0.5, +0.5 interval established as the acceptance criterion. The between-carrier SD averaged 0.139; the between-replicate SD was 0.050. The carrier reproducibility, given that a single replicate per carrier is done, was estimated to be 0.148. Although differences were seen in the final concentrations of the test organisms among laboratories, there were no statistical differences between the enumeration methods. Based on the results from this study, 3M Petrifilm AC Plates are equivalent to standard plating methodology and can be used as an alternative procedure for the enumeration of test organisms used in AOAC Methods 955.14, 955.15, 964.02, and 966.04.
Different associations of subscapular and triceps skinfold thicknesses with pathogen load: An ecogeographical analysis
Authors: Wells Jonathan C.K. , Cortina‐Borja Mario 
Published: August 2013

ABSTRACTObjectivesThe dominant evolutionary perspective on adipose tissue has considered it a relatively inert energy store. However, variability in adipose tissue distribution has recently been associated with age, parity, thermal environment and immune function. Genes regulating the innate immune system are more strongly expressed in deep‐lying than peripheral adipose tissue. We hypothesized that central adiposity would correlate more strongly than peripheral adiposity with pathogen load across populations.MethodsPrimary outcomes were subscapular and triceps skinfolds from 133 male and 106 female populations. National values for disability‐adjusted life years lost, attributable to infectious diseases, were used to index pathogen load. Linear mixed‐effects models were fitted, including a random effect term by country to investigate the association of each skinfold with pathogen load, adjusting for the other skinfold, mean annual temperature and clustering of the populations across countries.ResultsAdjusting for subscapular skinfold, triceps skinfold was not associated with pathogen load in either sex. Adjusting for triceps skinfold, subscapular skinfold was negatively associated with pathogen load in both sexes (P < 0.02). These associations were independent of variability in annual temperature. Adjusting for pathogen load and temperature, Oceanic populations had a different fat distribution compared to other populations.ConclusionsAcross populations, higher pathogen load was associated with reduced central but not peripheral skinfolds, supporting the hypothesis that central adiposity is more closely associated with immune function. This scenario might explain why some populations increase disproportionately in central adiposity when the environment shifts from low‐energy high‐pathogen status to high‐energy low‐pathogen status. Am. J. Hum. Biol., 25:594‐605, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.