bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Seed germination behaviour of six medicinal plants from Bangladesh
Authors: Ferdousi Aleya , Rahman Md. Oliur , Hassan Md. Abul 
Published: June 2014

This paper focuses on seed germination of six indigenous medicinal plants of Bangladesh, namely Adenanthera pavonina L., Helicteres isora L., Murraya paniculata (L.) Jack, Psoralea corylifolia L., Uraria lagopodioides (L.) Desv. and U. picta (Jacq.) Desv. ex DC. The minimum days taken to germinate seeds in Adenanthera pavonina L., Murraya paniculata (L.) Jack, Psoralea corylifolia L., Uraria lagopodioides (L.) Desv. and U. picta (Jacq.) Desv. ex DC. are 12, 36, 10, 39 and 14, respectively. Seeds were not germinated in Helicteres isora L. indicating that seeds are not suitable for propagation, however, propagation through stem cutting in this species revealed that plants flowers and set fruits in the same year and take only six to seven months. Epigeal type of seed germination was observed in all cases.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjpt.v21i1.19270Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon. 21(1): 71-76, 2014 (June)
Bioequivalence of a Darunavir/Cobicistat Fixed-Dose Combination Tablet versus Single Agents and Food Effect in Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Kakuda Thomas N , Van De Casteele Tom , Petrovic Romana , Neujens Mark , Salih Hiba , Opsomer Magda , Hoetelmans Richard MW 
Published: June 2014

Background Darunavir requires pharmacokinetic enhancement to increase its bioavailability. Cobicistat is potentially an alternative pharmacokinetic booster to ritonavir. Bioequivalence of a darunavir/cobicistat fixed-dose combination (FDC) versus darunavir and cobicistat co-administered as single agents and the effect of a high-fat meal on the pharmacokinetics of the FDC were evaluated. Methods In this Phase I, open-label, randomized, three-panel, crossover study (NCT01619527), healthy volunteers received a single dose of darunavir (800 mg) with cobicistat (150 mg) as either an FDC or as single agents co-administered under fasted (panel 1, n=74) or fed (breakfast, panel 2, n=40) conditions, or as the FDC under fasted versus fed (high-fat breakfast) conditions (panel 3, n=19), with a ≥7 day washout period between treatments. Pharmacokinetic profiles, safety and tolerability were assessed. Results 90% confidence intervals of the least square mean ratios for darunavir and cobicistat maximum plasma concentration and area under the plasma concentration–time curve (AUC) were all within 80.00% and 125.00% in panels 1 and 2. Administration of the FDC with a high-fat breakfast significantly increased darunavir maximum plasma concentration 2.27-fold and AUC 1.63–1.70-fold, whereas cobicistat pharmacokinetics were unaffected. No volunteers discontinued due to adverse events (AEs). All AEs were grade 1 or 2. Overall, 27 (20%) and 26 (20%) volunteers had ≥1 AE at least possibly related to darunavir and cobicistat, respectively. Conclusions Bioequivalence of the darunavir/cobicistat 800/150-mg FDC was demonstrated versus darunavir and cobicistat co-administered as single agents under fasted or fed conditions. Food increased darunavir exposure, therefore, darunavir/cobicistat should be administered with food.
Progression to Advanced Liver Fibrosis in HIV–HCV-Coinfected Patients and Prioritization of New Hepatitis C Therapies
Authors: Labarga Pablo , Fernández-Montero Jose V , López Mariola , Barreiro Pablo , de Mendoza Carmen , Sierra-Enguita Rocío , Treviño Ana , Soriano Vincent 
Published: June 2014

Background Because of their high cost, the use of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) is being restricted by many governments to chronic HCV-infected individuals with advanced liver fibrosis. However, response rates are lower and toxicities more frequent in this subset of patients. Methods All HIV–HCV-coinfected patients followed for at least 3 years at one reference clinic were identified. Liver fibrosis progression (LFP) was defined as a shift from Metavir F0–F2 to F3–F4 estimates (>9.5 KPa) using elastometry. Results A total of 527 HIV–HCV-coinfected patients were identified, of whom 344 had F0–F2 at baseline. Pegylated interferon/ribavirin therapy was given to 205 patients with null/mild fibrosis, of whom 92 (44.9%) achieved sustained virological response (SVR). After a mean follow-up of 53 months, LFP occurred in 5.4% SVR, 25.7% non-SVR and 18% untreated patients ( P=0.005). In multivariate analysis, only achievement of SVR prevented LFP (adjusted hazard ratio 2.1; 95% CI 1.1, 4.1; P=0.01). In 139 untreated patients, only greater baseline elastometry values predicted LFP in multivariate analysis (adjusted hazard ratio 1.84; 95% CI 1.03, 3.3; P=0.03). The area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve was 79%. A discriminant threshold of 7.1 kPa gave 68% sensitivity and 82% specificity. Conclusions In the absence of successful treatment, more than 20% of HIV–HCV-coinfected patients with null/mild liver fibrosis progress to advanced fibrosis within 5 years. Patients with >7.1 kPa (Metavir F2) display the highest risk. Therefore, all coinfected patients with any significant liver fibrosis should be considered as candidates for new DAA-based therapies.
Switching Safely: Pharmacokinetics, Efficacy and Safety of Switching Efavirenz to Maraviroc Twice Daily in Patients on Suppressive Antiretroviral Therapy
Authors: Waters Laura , Jackson Akil , Else Laura , Rockwood Neesha , Newell Sally , Back David , Nelson Mark , Gazzard Brian , Boffito Marta 
Published: June 2014

Background CYP3A4 induction by efavirenz (EFV) persists after drug cessation; we assessed the pharmacokinetics (PK), efficacy and safety of maraviroc (MVC) administered to HIV-infected individuals switching from EFV-containing therapy. Methods Patients with R5-tropic virus and suppressed viral load on two nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) plus EFV switched EFV to MVC 600 mg twice daily for 14 days, and then to MVC 300 mg twice daily. Following screening, three intensive PK visits were performed (sampling was pre-dose and 1, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 12 h post-dose): day 1 (VISIT 1, MVC 600 mg twice daily), day 14 (VISIT 2, steady-state MVC 600 mg twice daily) and day 28 post regimen switch (VISIT 3, steady-state MVC 300 mg twice daily); MVC trough concentration (Ctrough) was determined 3, 6 and 10 days following regimen switch and viral loads up to week 24. MVC PK parameters on visits 1 and 2 and MVC Ctrough on day 6 were compared to visit 3 (reference) via geometric mean ratios (GMR) and 95% CIs. Results Twelve males completed the study. MVC PK parameters at visit 1 versus visit 3 were: GMR and 95% CI 12-h area under the curve (AUC0–12) 1.25 (1.00, 1.58); Cmax 1.64 (1.16, 2.31); Ctrough 0.61 (0.46, 0.80). Visit 2 MVC PK parameters were significantly higher than visit 3: GMR and 95% CI AUC0–12 2.31 (1.84, 2.90); Cmax 2.42 (1.87, 3.12); Ctrough 2.25 (1.74, 2.91). MVC was well tolerated with no grade 3/4 adverse events; all subjects maintained viral suppression to the end of the study. Conclusions The EFV induction effect necessitated increased MVC dose to 600 mg twice daily following switch and persisted for approximately one week after EFV cessation. This is less than the 2-week induction observed when switching EFV to etravirine and highlights the importance of studying different tail interactions. Higher dose MVC was well tolerated. All measured MVC Ctrough concentrations exceeded wild-type 90% inhibitory concentration.
State Funding for Health Information Technology and Selected Ambulatory Healthcare Quality Measures
Authors: Silver M. , Kaushal R. , Kern L. M. ,   with the HITEC Investigators
Published: June 2014

SummaryBackground: Previous studies on the effects of health information technology (health IT) on ambulatory quality have had mixed results. New York State has invested heavily in health IT throughout the State, creating a unique opportunity to assess effects on health care quality across multiple communities.Objective: To determine any association between primary care providers’ receipt of funding from New York State’s Healthcare Efficiency and Affordability Law for New Yorkers Program (HEAL NY) and ambulatory quality of careMethods: A statewide, longitudinal cohort study of primary care physicians in New York State was conducted. Data regarding which primary care physicians received funding through the HEAL NY program (Phase 5 or Phase 10) in 2008 or 2009 were obtained from the New York State Department of Health. Health care quality in 2010 was measured using claims data that had been aggregated across 7 commercial health plans across the state. Physicians were divided into 2 groups, based on receipt of HEAL funding (yes/no). Any association was measured between study group and each of 7 quality measures, all of which appear in the Stage 1 federal Meaningful Use program. Negative binomial regression was used, adjusting for provider gender and specialty.Results: The study included 3,988 primary care providers, of whom 863 (22%) had received HEAL NY funding. The HEAL-funded physicians provided higher quality of care on 5 of the 7 measures: breast cancer screening, eye exams in patients with diabetes, nephropathy screening in patients with diabetes, influenza vaccination and pneumococcal vaccination (p<0.0001 for all adjusted comparisons). The HEAL-funded group provided higher quality of care by an absolute 2 to 6 percentage points per measure for those 5 measures.Conclusion: Primary care physicians who received state funding for health IT provided higher quality of care than those who did not receive such funding.Citation: Kern LM, Silver M, Kaushal R; with the HITEC Investigators. State funding for health information technology and selected ambulatory healthcare quality measures. Appl Clin Inf 2014; 5: 594–602 http://dx.doi.org/10.4338/ACI-2013-12-RA-0108
CORROSION-INHIBITING BEHAVIOR OF EPOXIDIZED NATURAL RUBBER–POLYANILINE DODECYLBENZENESULFONATE (ENR-PANI.DBSA) BLENDS
Authors: Yong K. C. 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACT
Electrically conductive (up to 10−1 S cm−1) ENR-PAni.DBSA blends were produced, and their corrosion-inhibiting behaviors for carbon steel were successfully investigated. As observed from both total immersion and electrochemical corrosion tests, ENR-PAni.DBSA blends consisted of very low and very high PAni.DBSA contents (i.e., ≤5.0 wt% and ≥40.0 wt%) and showed poor corrosion-inhibiting behavior for carbon steel, either in acid or artificial brine environment. Meanwhile, blends with 10.0 to 30.0 wt% of PAni.DBSA content exhibited the best corrosion-inhibiting behavior for carbon steel.
The Impact of Financial Crisis on Central Serous Chorioretinopathy in Greece: Is There Any Correlation?
Authors: Rouvas Alexandros A. , Chatziralli Irini P. , Ladas Ioannis D. , Xanthopoulou Vivi , Giannakaki Emmanouela , Karamboula Aikaterini , Galanis Dimitrios , Datseris Ioannis , Alonistiotis Dimitrios , Diamanti Ramza , Tsilimbaris Miltiadis , Chalkia Aikaterini , Theodossiadis Panagiotis 
Published: June 2014

Purpose To investigate the impact of economic crisis on central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) incidence in Greece, analyzing data by 3 different ophthalmology units during the period 2005–2012. Methods Between January 1, 2005, and December 31, 2012, all patients at 3 separate ophthalmology units, i.e., 2 public university clinics and 1 private center, presenting with the diagnosis of acute CSCR, either new cases or recurrent ones, were consecutively enrolled in the study. Patients' data, including age and sex, as well as the date of presentation, were recorded and analyzed. Recurrent cases were also recorded. Results The study sample included 580 new cases of CSCR (463 male, 117 female) and 97 recurrent cases (84 male, 13 female). The mean age was 48.8 ± 10.3 years (range 25–90). The number of incident as well as recurrent cases increased with more recent years. As expected, the increasing trend of cases and recurrences was reproducible upon the sex-specific analyses. Moreover, the increasing trend of cases and recurrences was reproducible upon the majority of analyses stratified by age. Conclusions Our study suggests a potential impact of financial crisis on CSCR. Our results demonstrated that CSCR incidence, in both new and recurrent cases, has increased during the years of economic crisis in Greece, especially in 2010-2011, implying that CSCR is likely to be associated with stress or other emotional stimuli caused by financial crisis. It is also important to note that the results were similar in public and private units.
Serum Ischemia Modified Albumin and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Levels following Intravitreal Bevacizumab Injections
Authors: Soiberman Uri , Levy Ran , Schwartz Shulamit , Goldstein Michaella , Loewenstein Anat , Barak Adiel 
Published: June 2014

Purpose Previous reports have demonstrated that the serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are reduced after intravitreal injections of bevacizumab. This study aimed to determine the serum levels of ischemia-modified albumin (IMA), a marker of ischemia, and VEGF following intravitreal injections of bevacizumab. Methods This was a prospective study. Blood samples were drawn prior to injection and at 1, 7, and 30 days after injection. Results A total of 11 patients participated in this study. Mean serum IMA levels were lower than baseline during follow-up, with statistically significant differences compared to baseline levels at day 1 and day 30 (preinjection: 49.82 ± 15.28 ng/mL; 44.57 ± 12.01 ng/mL, p = 0.007, and 43.71 ± 13.82 ng/mL, p = 0.001, respectively). Mean serum VEGF levels were lower than baseline throughout the follow-up period (from 307.45 ± 273.45 pg/mL at baseline to 159.55 ± 120.68 pg/mL at day 30). Mean serum VEGF levels were significantly lower compared to baseline levels at day 1 and day 7 (147.09 ± 106.08 pg/mL, p = 0.014; 72.91 ± 50 pg/mL, p = 0.011, respectively). Conclusions In this study, mean serum IMA and VEGF levels were lower following intravitreal bevacizumab injections.
Comparison of Cataract Surgery Techniques: Safety, Efficacy, and Cost-Effectiveness
Authors: Jaggernath Jyoti , Gogate Parikshit , Moodley Vadi , Naidoo Kovin S. 
Published: June 2014

Purpose To compare the safety, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness of manual sutureless small-incision cataract surgery (SICS) and phacoemulsification (Phaco) as treatment options for cataract surgery with focus on intumescent, mature, and hypermature lenses (white cataracts). Methods A systematic search of research articles was conducted to develop an internal database for the investigators' appraisal. Literature searches were conducted by using key words and MeSH terms including cataracts, phacoemulsification, small-incision cataract incision, visual acuity, costs, training, time, and barriers to cataract surgery. The final synthesis included 42 manuscripts. Results All studies show that both Phaco and SICS are safe and effective techniques to rehabilitate cataract patients, but Phaco is costlier, with its pre-operative and postoperative medicines, anesthetic agents, viscoelastic materials, disposables, instrumentation, and intraocular lens (IOLs), and had a steeper learning curve. Small-incision cataract surgery, in comparison, has been shown to be faster and more cost-effective. It is useful in intumescent white, black, brown, and lens-induced glaucoma cataracts and could incorporate recent trends like topical and sub-Tenon anesthesia and temporal incisions. Both give equal best-corrected visual acuity but unaided vision has been shown to be slightly better in Phaco due to lesser astigmatism. Conclusions The literature points to SICS being more useful for intumescent and hard cataracts and is the preferred technique for less-resourced settings. Small-incision cataract surgery is comparable to Phaco in almost all aspects except postoperative astigmatism.
Prevalence of Corneal Astigmatism before Cataract Surgery in Caucasian Patients
Authors: De Bernardo Maddalena , Zeppa Lucio , Cennamo Michela , Iaccarino Stefania , Zeppa Lucia , Rosa Nicola 
Published: June 2014

Purpose To analyze and quantify the pattern of corneal astigmatism in patients awaiting cataract surgery to provide information for cataract surgeons and intraocular lens (IOL) manufacturers and to establish the demand for toric IOLs in a hospital. Methods This cross-sectional retrospective study evaluated keratometric (K) values measured by partial coherence interferometry (IOLMaster) in cataract surgery candidates, who were then analyzed and correlated by age and axial length (AL) ranges. Results The study evaluated the K values in 757 eyes of 380 patients with a mean age of 71.9 ± 10.2 years (range 33–96 years). The mean corneal astigmatism was 1.02 ± 0.69 D (range 0.06–4.57 D). It was 1 D or higher in 316 (41.74%) eyes. The mean AL was 23.56 ± 1.35 mm (range 20.53–31.86 mm). Conclusions Our study shows that roughly 50% of the eyes have more than 1 D of astigmatism. The results can help hospitals plan and analyze the amount and costs of using toric IOLs in patients with corneal astigmatism.
Postcataract Surgery Endophthalmitis after Introduction of the ESCRS Protocol: A 5-year Study
Authors: Beselga Diana , Campos António , Castro Miguel , Fernandes Cristina , Carvalheira Fausto , Campos Sónia , Mendes Sílvia , Neves Arminda , Campos Joana , Violante Luís , Sousa João C. 
Published: June 2014

Purpose To present the results of a retrospective comparative unicentric institutional study of the incidence of postcataract surgery endophthalmitis before and after the introduction of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS) protocol in 2007 in our department. Methods This study included 15,689 eyes of patients undergoing cataract surgery between 2005 and 2011. Surgeries were performed by 9 different surgeons. After June 2007, the ESCRS protocol was introduced, and all patients underwent intracameral injection of 1 mg of cefuroxime (10 mg/mL) at the end of cataract surgery. Cefuroxime was prepared prior to surgery in the operating room. All patients were observed between 6 weeks and 3 months after surgery. Results Between January 2005 and June 2007, before the introduction of the ESCRS protocol in our department, 2299 patients underwent cataract surgery and there were 6 cases of postoperative endophthalmitis (0.26%). After the introduction of the protocol, 13,390 surgeries were performed and there were no cases of endophthalmitis. Conclusions Postoperative endophthalmitis is one of the most devastating cataract surgery complications. Our results provide strong evidence of the utility of cefuroxime as prophylaxis of endophthalmitis after cataract surgery.
Solitary Congenital Hypertrophy of the Retinal Pigment Epithelium Features by High-Definition Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Orduña-Azcona Javier , Gili Pablo , De Manuel-Triantafilo Sofia , Flores-Rodriguez Patricia 
Published: June 2014

Purpose To describe the features of solitary congenital hypertrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium (CHRPE) using high-definition optical coherence tomography (HD-OCT). Methods This was a retrospective, observational, noncomparative case series including 16 consecutive patients with solitary CHRPE. We describe the clinical and OCT features of CHRPE using the 5 radial lines acquisition OCT protocol over the CHRPE and the retina next to the tumor. Results The mean patient age was 54 years (median 57 years; range 8–76 years). The CHRPE lesion was outside the posterior pole in 14 of the patients (8 temporal, 3 superior, 2 nasal, and 1 inferior quadrant) and 2 peripapillary. Fifteen patients (94%) showed retinal thinning and complete photoreceptor loss overlying the CHRPE. The RPE hyperreflectivity was found in all patients. The retina over the lesion measured a mean of 60.3% (range 41%–95%) of the thickness of the adjacent normal retina. Conclusions High-definition OCT showed retinal thinning, photoreceptor loss, and RPE hyperreflectivity in solitary CHRPE lesions.
Initial Utilization of Aflibercept in Exudative Age-related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Cho Hyung , Weber Marissa L. , Shah Chirag P. , Heier Jeffrey S. 
Published: June 2014

Purpose Intravitreal aflibercept, a fusion protein with high affinity for vascular endothelial growth factor, offers an alternative treatment for exudative age-related macular degeneration. Preclinical studies and early and late phase clinical trials suggest that aflibercept's high binding affinity may impart greater durability of activity and increased efficacy compared to ranibizumab or bevacizumab. Methods A total of 266 eyes of 249 patients with exudative age-related macular degeneration who received aflibercept after treatment with bevacizumab and/or ranibizumab were included in a retrospective review. Mean central subfoveal thickness on spectral-domain optical coherence tomography and mean logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution (logMAR) visual acuity were calculated at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after the first aflibercept injection. Subgroup analyses were performed in eyes receiving at least 5 bevacizumab and/or ranibizumab injections in the 6 months prior to aflibercept and in eyes receiving at least 10 injections in the 12 months prior to aflibercept. Results Eyes received an average of 14.7 (range 1–43) ranibizumab and/or bevacizumab treatments prior to initiation of aflibercept therapy. The mean central subfoveal thickness decreased from 300 to 275 μm at 1 month (p<0.001) and was maintained at 6 months. Mean logMAR visual acuity improved from 0.60 (Snellen equivalent 20/80) to 0.54 (20/70, p = 0.01) at 1 month and was stable at 0.55 at 6 months (Snellen equivalent 20/70, p = 0.11, n = 251). In 82 eyes receiving at least 5 injections in the 6 months prior to aflibercept treatment (average of 18.1 injections total), the central subfoveal thickness improved from 296 to 279 μm at 1 month (p<0.0001) and was maintained at 6 months (p<0.0001). Visual acuity did not change (0.48 [20/61] at 1 month compared to baseline, 0.49 [20/62], p = 0.634, and at 6 months 0.51 [20/65], p = 0.601). In 50 eyes receiving at least 10 injections in the 12 months prior to aflibercept treatment (average of 21.8 injections total), the mean central subfoveal thickness decreased by 17 μm at 1 month (p = 0.0007) and was maintained at 6 months (p = 0.013). Again, visual acuity did not change (0.46 [20/56] at 1 month, baseline 0.44 [20/56], p = 0.547, and 0.50 [20/63] at 6 months, p = 0.2445). Conclusions Aflibercept is a valuable treatment alternative in patients previously treated with bevacizumab and/or ranibizumab injections. Stability of visual acuity and anatomic improvement on spectral-domain optical coherence tomography were observed after initiation of aflibercept treatment in those previously treated with ranibizumab and/or bevacizumab injections every 4–6 weeks.
Bilateral Panuveitis in a Patient on Vemurafenib BRAF Inhibitor Therapy for Stage IV Melanoma
Authors: Agemy Steven A. , Mehta Ankur N. , Pachydaki Sophia I. , Tewari Asheesh 
Published: June 2014

Purpose To describe a case of recurrent, bilateral panuveitis caused by the BRAF proto-oncogene inhibitor vemurafenib. Methods Case report. Results A 25-year-old woman developed bilateral panuveitis and macular edema after initiating treatment with the BRAF enzyme inhibitor vemurafenib for stage IV cutaneous melanoma. The patient was successfully treated with sub-Tenon triamcinolone injections along with cessation of the medication. Conclusions Panuveitis is a potential adverse effect of vemurafenib. Good communication with oncology is necessary, in case the medication needs to be discontinued.