bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Paternal transmission of MTHFD1 G1958A variant predisposes to neural tube defects in the offspring
Authors: Prasoona Kattekola R , Sunitha Tella , Srinadh Buragadda , Deepika Madireddy L N , Kumari Tiruvatturu M , Jyothy Akka 
Published: September 2015

AimThis study aimed to evaluate the role of methylenetetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase (MTHFD1) G1958A variant (rs2236225) as a ‘maternal, paternal, or embryonic’ genetic risk factor for neural tube defect (NTD) susceptibility. It also estimated differential associations based on type of NTD, offspring sex, maternal–paternal–offspring genotype incompatibility, and parent‐of‐origin effects (POE) using both case–control and family‐based approach. In addition, genotype impact on serum folate levels was also assessed.MethodThe study population (n=900) consisted of 120 NTD case‐parent triads (n=120×3=360) and 180 healthy control‐parent triads (n=180×3=540) from South India. Umbilical cord tissues were collected from those with NTD and control newborn infants, and blood samples from case and control parents. Genotyping was performed by polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism. Statistical analysis used were SPSS, transmission disequilibrium test and POE. Serum folate levels were estimated using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.ResultsIn the case–control study, those with the MTHFD1 G1958A variant were associated with around twofold risk of anencephaly (p=0.01) and spina bifida (p<0.01). Among parents, fathers were associated with around twofold risk of having an offspring with anencephaly (p<0.01). Considering offspring sex, the A allele in single or double dose conferred around two‐ to fourfold risk of anencephaly (p=0.01), spina bifida (p<0.01), and encephalocele (p<0.05) in females only. Maternal AA genotype was not associated independently but conferred threefold risk when combined with paternal GA genotype (p=0.01). Transmission disequilibrium and POE were not observed in controls (p>0.05) but revealed excess total (odds ratio [OR]=2.21; p<0.01) and paternal transmission (OR=7.00; p<0.01) of the G1958A allele to those with spina bifida, which remained the same for female cases (total transmission OR=3.00, p=0.01; paternal transmission OR=12.00, p<0.01). Increased serum folate levels were observed in case fathers with GA and AA genotypes than control fathers (p<0.01).InterpretationOur research provides the first evidence supporting a paternal, rather than a maternal, transmission bias of MTHFD1 G1958A variant for NTD susceptibility in the offspring.
Evidence for mate‐encounter Allee effect in an invasive longhorn beetle (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae)
Authors: RHAINDS MARC , HEARD STEPHEN B. , HUGHES CORY , MACKINNON WAYNE , PORTER KEVIN , SWEENEY JON , SILK PETER , DEMERCHANT IAN , MCLEAN SARAH , BRODERSEN GARRETT 
Published: September 2015

1. Limited empirical support is available for mate‐encounter Allee effects in invasive insects due to the logistical challenges of studying demographic trends in low‐density populations.2. Traps baited with pheromone and spruce volatiles were used to monitor the abundance of female Tetropium fuscum F. (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) at multiple sites in Nova Scotia in 2011 and 2012. Each female was dissected to determine the presence or absence of sperm in its spermatheca (mated or virgin female, respectively).3. Both male and total T. fuscum abundance declined with increasing distance to the focal point of T. fuscum's invasion. Female mating probability declined with male abundance and with distance from the invasion focus, and mating probabilities were very low at the most peripheral sites. Difficulty in encountering mates may thus contribute to limiting the spread of T. fuscum.4. The approach outlined here could be integrated into existing surveys of wood borers using traps baited with semiochemicals to improve our understanding of the role of the mate‐encounter Allee effect in invasion dynamics.
Evidence for a substantial host‐use bottleneck following the invasion of an exotic, polyphagous weevil
Authors: MOISE ERIC R. D. , FORBES GLEN B. H. , MORRISON ANDREW , SWEENEY JON D. , HILLIER NEIL K. , JOHNS ROB C. 
Published: September 2015

1. The successful establishment of novel plant–insect interactions may depend on the availability of suitable hosts, which itself is influenced by the inherent flexibility of the herbivore for the native plants in its new range. The polyphagous beech leaf mining weevil, Orchestes fagi L., is a recent invader to eastern Canada, and while beech is a primary host, it remains unclear the extent to which it might also utilise co‐occurring secondary hosts, as has been observed in its native European range.2. A combination of field and laboratory feeding trials were used to quantify weevil secondary host use. Based on its expansive native host range in Europe, it was predicted that American beech (Fagus grandifolia Ehrh.), as well as several additional plant species, would be susceptible to weevil damage.3. Contrary to this prediction, weevil feeding was almost entirely exclusive to beech in both the field and laboratory feeding trials. This result is further supported by field observations that revealed an absence of weevils and eggs on species other than beech. In general, the lack of pre‐diapause feeding on any alternate host species represented an extreme departure from feeding habits observed within the native range.4. Overall, this host‐use bottleneck suggests that the adoption of a novel primary host by O. fagi, in this case American beech, may remove the normal requirement for secondary hosts and suggests a significant departure from native feeding habits with possible consequences for related life‐history parameters such as overwintering survival and fecundity.
Beyond cool: adapting upland streams for climate change using riparian woodlands
Authors: Thomas Stephen M. , Griffiths Siân W. , Ormerod Steve J. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractManaged adaptation could reduce the risks of climate change to the world's ecosystems, but there have been surprisingly few practical evaluations of the options available. For example, riparian woodland is advocated widely as shade to reduce warming in temperate streams, but few studies have considered collateral effects on species composition or ecosystem functions. Here, we use cross‐sectional analyses at two scales (region and within streams) to investigate whether four types of riparian management, including those proposed to reduce potential climate change impacts, might also affect the composition, functional character, dynamics and energetic resourcing of macroinvertebrates in upland Welsh streams (UK). Riparian land use across the region had only small effects on invertebrate taxonomic composition, while stable isotope data showed how energetic resources assimilated by macroinvertebrates in all functional guilds were split roughly 50:50 between terrestrial and aquatic origins irrespective of riparian management. Nevertheless, streams draining the most extensive deciduous woodland had the greatest stocks of coarse particulate matter (CPOM) and greater numbers of ‘shredding’ detritivores. Stream‐scale investigations showed that macroinvertebrate biomass in deciduous woodland streams was around twice that in moorland streams, and lowest of all in streams draining non‐native conifers. The unexpected absence of contrasting terrestrial signals in the isotopic data implies that factors other than local land use affect the relative incorporation of allochthonous subsidies into riverine food webs. Nevertheless, our results reveal how planting deciduous riparian trees along temperate headwaters as an adaptation to climate change can modify macroinvertebrate function, increase biomass and potentially enhance resilience by increasing basal resources where cover is extensive (>60 m riparian width). We advocate greater urgency in efforts to understand the ecosystem consequences of climate change adaptation to guide future actions.
Operational research on the correlation between skin diseases and HIV infection in Tigray region, Ethiopia
Authors: Padovese Valeska , Racalbuto Vincenzo , Barnabas Gebre Ab , Morrone Aldo 
Published: September 2015

AbstractBackgroundIn Ethiopia, skin diseases are among the leading causes of outpatient attendance to primary health service. Correlation of skin diseases and HIV has long been recognized and used to guide medical management in resource‐limited settings. Therefore, this study aims to assess the correlation of skin diseases and HIV infection, to estimate epidemiological distribution in the study area, and to provide health workers of skin indicators for HIV early detection.MethodsThe operational research was designed as a case‐control study and carried out in three intervention districts of Tigray region; baseline and final data on skin diseases and HIV were compared with those of three control districts matched for population size, density, and environmental characteristics. Health workers of intervention districts were trained on skin diseases/STIs diagnosis and treatment. Data were collected from study and control districts and then analyzed at the Italian Dermatological Centre (IDC) in Mekele.ResultsIn the research period, a total of 1044 HIV positive patients were detected. Disorders of skin and mucous membranes statistically related with HIV (P < 0.05) were tongue papillary atrophy (80%), oral hairy leukoplakia (69%), herpes zoster (66%), oral candidiasis (50%), pruritic papular eruption (43%), condylomata acuminata (38%), and telogen effluvium (27%).ConclusionsThe high frequency of oral disorders and telogen effluvium is not described in literature and may be indicative for case detection. Operational research offers significant gains on health service delivery and outcomes at relatively low cost and in a short timeframe.
Discovering the treasures of the EGS website: from educational opportunities to newsletter
Authors: Stalmans I. 
Published: September 2015

SummaryThe European Glaucoma Society stands for Innovation, Education and Communication. The EGS website www.eugs.org content reflects these goals. The fourth edition of the EGS Guidelines is now downloadable free of charge. The Tip of the Month and Journal club contain clinical tips and tricks and relevant highlights from the literature which are monthly updated. The congress calendar gives information on upcoming meetings. And the EGS also promotes education by supporting travel grants and fellowship programs. These are only a few examples to illustratie that the website is a rich source of useful clinical and practical information. During this lecture, a virtual tour through the website will be provided.
Optometrists and the management of glaucoma; the Rotterdam experience
Authors: Lemij H. 
Published: September 2015

SummaryShared glaucoma care is performed in 2 different ways in the Rotterdam area: 1) through telemedicine connecting optometrists and a glaucoma specialist and 2) by technicians following a strict working protocol in a separate department of the Rotterdam Eye Hospital. In the Telemedicine project, extensive information is provided via a secured internet connection, including a detailed history, pachymetry, applanation tonometry, slit lamp examination, gonioscopy, fundus photographs and sophisticated imaging (OCT or GDx). It primarily serves the detection of glaucoma and the monitoring of those at risk. In the hospital based follow‐up, strict criteria are observed that require referral to the glaucoma clinic; these criteria relate to the history, visual acuity, applanation tonometry, target IOP and any progression in structural or functional measurements. Eligible patients are those deemed stable. Both projects function well. In the Telemedicine project, initially 32% of patients were referred to a glaucoma specialist, but, as the provided information improved, later only approx. 10%. The hospital based follow‐up unit was preferred slightly by the patients to the regular visits to their glaucoma specialists.
Sealed‐capsule irrigation with distilled deionized water to prevent posterior capsule opacification
Authors: Rekas M. , Kluś A. , Kosatka M. 
Published: September 2015

SummaryPurposeTo evaluate efficacy and safety of sealed‐capsule irrigation (SCI) using distilled water (DW).Materials and methodsPhacoemulsification was performed in 60 patients. In the control the capsular bag was mechanically cleaned (MC), in the DW group DW for 3′ in SCI was additionally applied. SN60WF IOL was implanted in all eyes. Examinations were performed before and 1, 30, 180 days, 1 and 2 years after surgery. UDVA, CDVA, IOP, K2‐SIA, SEQ, endothelial cell and the complications were examined. Total PCO score in the area of 1, 3 mm and capsulorhexis (CAPS) were determined using EPCO 2000.ResultsAs far as safety parameters are concerned, no differences were observed between groups (P > 0.05). However, in the DW group the endothelial cell loss was higher (P < 0.05). Total PCO score differences were observed in both groups between the areas (P < 0.05). In CAPS area both, Total PCO score and PCO area were decreased in DW group (P < 0.05). PCO was also lower within 3 mm zone in the DW group (P < 0.05).ConclusionsSCI is a safe procedure and the endothelial cells loss can be associated with the Perfect Capsule™ device in the anterior chamber insertion. DW irrigated for 3′ reduces PCO in long‐term follow‐up.
Choroidal thickness in patients with central serous chorioretinopathy: Assessment of haller's and sattler's layers
Authors: Kim S.W. , Chung Y.R. , Kim J.W. , Lee K. 
Published: September 2015

PurposeTo investigate the change in choroidal thickness and subanalyze the Haller's and Sattler's layers among central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) eyes, uninvolved fellow eyes, and control eyes of healthy subjects using enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography (EDI‐OCT).MethodsOcular findings and clinical features were analyzed retrospectively from medical records of the patients diagnosed with CSC from October 2014 to March 2015. The subfoveal choroidal thickness including the thickness of Haller's layer and Sattler's layer was measured using EDT‐OCT in CSC eyes as well as in uninvolved fellow eyes, and compared to age, gender, and spherical equivalent‐matched healthy control eyes.ResultsThirty‐one eyes affected by CSC and 24 uninvolved fellow eyes were included in this study. Thirty eyes from healthy subjects were recruited for control. The mean subfoveal choroidal thickness and the mean thickness of Haller's layer were significantly greater in CSC eyes compared to fellow eyes or normal control eyes, while those of fellow eyes were also significantly thicker than those of normal control eyes. The thickness of Sattler's layer showed no significant difference among the three groups.ConclusionsThe subfoveal choroidal thickness was increased mainly due to the increase in thickness of Haller's layer in CSC patients. It is believed that the Haller's layer was thickened by the enlarged large choroidal vessels and the action of non‐vascular smooth muscle cells of choroid in response to increased sympathetic tone in CSC patients.
Epiretinal membrane peeling for eyes with asteroid hyalosis: a case‐control study
Authors: Mouna A. , Conart J.B. , Kurun S. , Ameloot F. , Berrod J.P. 
Published: September 2015

PurposeTo evaluate anatomical and functional results of epiretinal membrane peeling for patients with asteroid hyalosis (AH) comparing with those of a control population without AH.MethodsRetrospective, case‐control study, of a cohort of 1104 patients operated from an epiretinal membrane(EM) between January 2002 and February 2014. Forty four consecutive patient were included in the EM associated with AH group and were compared to 44 control patient without AH, matched for: age, sex, date of surgery, and axial length. The best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central macular thickness on OCT (CMT) were measured at baseline and postoperatively at 1, 6 and 12 months. intraoperative and/or postoperative complications were also analyzed.Results34 men and 10 women were included in the AH group. Respectively, the mean initial BCVA was 0.49 +/‐ 0.21 logMar for the AH group Vs 0.44 +/‐ 0.21 logMAR for the control group (p = 0.2), and the mean initial CMT was 415 +/‐ 71 µm Vs 422 +/‐ 73 µm (p = 0.6). No significant difference was found regarding the final BCVA, with respectively a mean of 0.37 Vs 0.24 logMAR(p = 0.26) at 1 month, 0.27 Vs. 0.23 logMAR(p = 0.5) at 6 months, and 0.17 Vs 0.2 log MAR(p = 0.26) at 12 months. Also, no difference was found regarding the evolution of CMT, with respectively a mean of 368 Vs 353 µm (p = 0.5) at 1 month, 347 Vs 358 µm (p = 0.61) at 6 months, 345 Vs 349 µm (p = 0.87) at 12 months. Only a single macular hole was recorded in the AH group in the follow up.ConclusionsThe presence of asteroid hyalosis does not constitute a factor of poor prognosis for visual recovery after epiretinal membrane peeling.
Correlation of visual acuity and central macular thickness in diabetic macular edema
Authors: El Matri Hassairi A. , Chebil A. , Ben Abdallah M. , Maamouri R. , Chaker N. , El Matri L. 
Published: September 2015

PurposeTo investigate the correlation of retinal thickness measured with SD OCT and visual acuity in eyes with diabetic macular edema (DME) before and after intravitreal injection of anti‐VEGFMethodsSeventy‐four patients (96 eyes) with DME who underwent three monthly intravitreal injection of bevacizumab (IVB) as their first treatment. Type of DM, duration, treatment, laboratory examinations, history of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetic nephropathy, were documented. Logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was evaluated using the international vision test chart. Foveal thickness was measured by SD OCT.ResultsThe correlation coefficients for visual acuity (VA) versus OCT center point thickness were 0.57 at baseline and 0.47, 0.38, and 0.40 at 1, 3, and 6 months post‐laser photocoagulation. A subset of eyes showed paradoxical improvements in VA with increased center point thickening (5–13% at the three time points) or paradoxical worsening of VA with a decrease in center point thickening (12–24% at the three time points).ConclusionsThere is modest correlation between OCT‐measured center point thickness and VA, and modest correlation of changes in retinal thickening and visual acuity following focal laser treatment for DME. In addition, paradoxical changes in VA and retinal thickening may be observed. Indeed, retinal thickness only accounts for up to 27% of variability in concurrently measured VA suggesting that other factors are important determinants of VA in the presence of diabetic macular edema.
Project RESET. REtinal Surgery systEm for Training
Authors: Cotin S. , Keppi J.J. , Allard J. , Bessard R. , Courtecuisse H. , Gaucher D. 
Published: September 2015

PurposeRetina surgery is an increasingly performed procedure for the treatment of a wide spectrum of retinal pathologies.MethodsYet, as most micro‐surgical techniques, it requires long training periods before being mastered. To properly answer requests from clinicians for highly realistic training on one hand, and new requirements from accreditation or recertification from surgical societies on the other hand, we propose to develop a high‐fidelity training system for retinal surgery.ResultsThis simulator will be built upon our strong scientific expertise in the field of real‐time simulation, and a success story for technology transfer in the field of cataract surgery simulation.ConclusionsMembers of the consortium have a long expertise in the development of prototypes, as well as collaboration with clinical partners. The simulation system that we propose to develop will be based on the Open Source simulation platform SOFA, and will rely on expertise from our partners to ensure clinical and industrial relevance.
Safety and Efficacy of a Polyethylene Glycol/Propylene Glycol Based Lubricant Eye Drop in Patients with Dry Eye
Authors: Labetoulle M. , Messmer E. , Ogundele A. , Mouriaux F. , Baudouin C. 
Published: September 2015

PurposeThe objective of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of a polyethylene glycol/propylene glycol based eye drop (PEG/PG; Systane® Ultra) to an osmoprotective‐carboxymethylcellulose based eye drop (CMC/O; Optive®) in patients with dry eye.MethodsThis was a multicenter, observer masked, parallel‐design study, subjects were randomized to PEG/PG or CMC/O QID for 35 days (Phase 1) and then as needed for 55 days (Phase 2). Eligible subjects were diagnosed with dry eye and exhibited signs and symptoms at screening. Supportive efficacy assessments included the total ocular staining score (TOSS) score change from baseline to Day 90 (15‐point Oxford scale).ResultsDemographic characteristics were similar between the PEG/PG (n = 46) and CMC/O groups (n = 48). The efficacy of PEG/PG was similar to CMC/O at Day 90 (LS mean treatment difference in TOSS score change from baseline to Day 90 of −0.10 units in favor of PEG/PG). In addition, ocular surface staining associated with dry eye decreased following treatment with PEG/PG with a mean TOSS score change from baseline at Day 90 of −2.7 units. No treatment‐related serious adverse events were reported. Five subjects discontinued due to treatment‐related AEs (2 PEG/PG and 3 CMC/O subjects).ConclusionsPEG/PG based drop demonstrated comparable efficacy to the CMC/O based drop after 90 days treatment with a favorable safety profile in patients with dry eye.
Postoperative Endophthalmitis: Incidence, Causes and Comparison Between Medical and Surgical Treatment in a United Kingdom Region in the Last 10 Years
Authors: Shalaby A. , Di Simplicio Cherubini S. , Lockwood A. , Newsom R. 
Published: September 2015

PurposeTo investigate the incidence, procedures performed, isolated causative microorganisms if found and final visual outcome of Endophthalmitis in a UK tertiary referral centreMethodsA retrospective audit of all cases treated as postoperative endopthalmitis in the last 10 years has been performed. Details of each case (preceding ophthalmic procedure, isolated microorganisms, management plan and visual acuity before and after treatment) were recordedResultsSixty patients have been diagnosed with post‐operative Endophthalmitis over the audit period. Full data were available for 44 patients. Twenty‐four patients (54.54%) had intravitreal injections procedures (IVI) of Anti‐VEGF 4 weeks or less before day of presentation, eighteen patients (40.91%) had endophthalmitis following cataract surgery and 2 patients after trabeculectomy (4.55%). Incidence rates were calculated for cataract surgery and IVI in the last 5 years and were 0.024% and 0.048% respectively. All cases received intravitreal injections of antibiotics. Microorganisms were detected in 8 patients. There were 7 culture positive cases with coagulase negative staphylococcus aureus (6 cases after cataract operation, 1 after IVI) and one case with Staphylococcus Legdunens (after IVI). Eighteen patients presented with visual acuity of CF or worse. Eleven of them have been treated with vitrectomy (1st group) while the other seven have not (2nd group). Ten patients from the first group could achieve better visual acuity that that at the time of presentation, while only three patients of the second group showed improvement (p value = 0.04, Fisher Exact test)ConclusionsThe incidence of endophthalmitis in this audit is comparable to larger studies. Vitrectomy may be recommended for postoperative endophthalmitis patients with visual acuity of CF or worse.