bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Use of retinal photography in the diagnosis of clinically significant macular edema (CSME)
Authors: IBANEZ J , PEREZ GARCIA D , VALYI Z , MATEO OROBIA AJ , CRISTOBAL JA , FAURE E , SAINZ A 
Published: September 2009

Abstract Purpose To determine the validity of the simple and stereoscopic retinal photography in the diagnosis of clinically significant macular edema (CSME). Methods Cross‐sectional observational study consisting of 420 eyes of patients with diabetic retinopathy, which was a combination of retinography (simple, light and stereoscopic aneritra), after expansion, to determine its validity in the diagnosis of diabetic macular edema. We calculated sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values and the correlation with the gold standard test (optical coherence tomography). The retinographs were evaluated by three experts and their results analyzed by the statistical program SPSS 15.0 Windows. Results For the analysis of the clinically significant macular edema( CSME), there were obtained sensibilities near to 80 % (color photographs 45 º, green 45 º, 30 º) and superior to 80 % (stereoscopic green 45 º, stereoscopic color 30 º, stereoscopic green to 30 º), reached the stereoscopic green photography 30 º, a sensibility of 92,5 %. The specificity was 90%. The positive predictive value was greater than 95% and the negative value greater than 90% with a coefficient of agreement (80%) and a degree of consistency with the benchmark of over 80%. Less than 5% of the retinographs were of poor quality. Conclusion The stereoscopic retinal photography to color of 45 º and 30 º, aneritra of 30 º and stereoscopic aneritra of 30 º offer a sufficient sensibility and specificity to be used in the diagnosis of clinically significant macular edema (CSME).
Efficacy after intravitreal bevacizumab and triamcinolone injection in BRVO patients
Authors: CHOI M , LEW Y 
Published: September 2009

Abstract Purpose To compare the efficacy of the injection after intravitreal bevacizumab and Triancinolone(TA) in patients with macular edema secondary to BRVO Methods A consecutive retrospective review of patients with ME secondary to BRVO who were treated with intravitreal bevacizumab(1.25mg/0.05mL) and TA(4 mg/ml). Patients underwent complete ophthalmic evaluation, which included visual acuity testing(log MAR), OCT, and/or angiographic testing. Results There were 53 patients who received intravitreal bevacizumab(21 eyes) and TA(32 eyes) injections. The mean length of follow‐up was 13.2 months. In patients with intravitreal bevacizumab injection, the mean visual acuity(VA) improved from 0.77±0.50 at baseline to 0.43±0.30(p=0.095) at 1 month, 0.31±0.22(p=0.007) at 3 months and 0.51±0.26(p=0.299) at last follow‐up. The mean central macular thickness(CMT) was 616.0±77.0µm at baseline and decreased to 259.0±32.0µm(p=0.028), 267±62.4µm(p=0.029)and 323.3±34.3µm(p=0.036) at 1,3 months, and last follow‐up. In patients with intravitreal TA injection, the mean VA improved from 0.78±0.36 at baseline to 0.54±0.26(p<0.001) at 1 month, 0.43±0.28(p=0.450) at 3 months and 0.63±0.36(p=0.001) at last follow‐up. The mean CMT was 577.5 ±29.8µm at baseline and decreased to 397.2±114.5µm(p=0.004), 391±72.4 µm(p=0.003)and 412.3±123.1µm(p=0.034) at 1, 3 months, and last follow‐up. No adverse side effects were observed following injections. Conclusion The observed anatomic and VA improvements and lack of serious adverse side effects after intravitreal bevacizumab and TA injection in ME. However, patients received intravitreal bevacizumab injection led to no significant difference in visual acuity and macular thickness compared to the group treated with Triamcinolone injection.
Internal limiting membrane surrounding idiopathic stage 4 macular hole contains bundles of actin microfilaments
Authors: MENDRINOS E , TSILIMBARIS M , TSOKA P , BOCHATON‐PIALLAT ML , GILODI N , POURNARAS CJ 
Published: September 2009

Abstract Purpose To study internal limiting membrane (ILM) specimens obtained from a case of stage 4 macular hole surgery with confocal microscopy and investigate the presence of actin microfilaments. Methods A 68 year‐old woman underwent 20‐gauge transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy for stage 4 idiopathic macular hole. Triamcinolone –acetonide was used for visualizing the vitreous hyaloid. Following vitrectomy, the ILM was stained with Brilliant blue dye, then peeled off using an intraocular forceps. Two separate ILM specimens were obtained during surgery; the first around the macular hole and the second one disc diameter away from the macular hole up to the temporal vascular arcades and the optic disk. At the end of the surgery, air‐gas (C3F8 16%) exchange was performed. The ILM specimens were studied immunohistochemically using confocal microscopy after labeling with antibodies to actin and fibronectin. Results The ILM specimen around the macular hole was stained positive for both fibronectin and actin, whereas the ILM specimen away from the macular hole was stained positive only for fibronectin. Preoperative evaluation of the macular hole biomicroscopically and imaging with optical coherence tomography showed absence of any epiretinal membrane (ERM). Conclusion ILM surrounding stage 4 macular hole contains bundles of actin microfilaments, suggesting the presence of cells with contractile properties even in the absence of associated ERM. These findings suggest that tangential traction may contribute to the pathogenesis of late stage macular hole development and/or enlargement and support removal of ILM in late stage macular hole surgery.
Long‐term visual prognosis in necrotising herpetic retinitis
Authors: COSTANTINI E , DUCOS DE LAHITTE G , TRAN T , CASSOUX N , FARDEAU C , TERRADA C , AKNIN C , ROZENBERG F , LEHOANG P , BODAGHI B 
Published: September 2009

Abstract Purpose To determine the long‐term ocular complications and visual outcome in patients with necrotising herpetic retinitis (NHR). Methods 26 patients (33 eyes) with NRH diagnosed between June 1987 and January 2002 at Pitie‐Salpetriere Hospital, in Paris, France, were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic data, clinical presentation, viral identification (when possible), initial therapeutic management, long‐term antiviral therapy, complications and final visual acuity were analyzed. Results 16 patients (61.5%) were male, 10 (38.5%) were female. Age ranged from 11 to 67 years (mean 40.6 years). All patients were treated with intensive intravenous antiviral therapy, 9 (34.6%) with additional intravitreous ganciclovir injections. At last examination, 20 patients (76.9%) were still under prophylactic antiviral treatment. Complications were cataract (63.6%), retinal detachment (48.5%), recurrence (33.3%), macular edema (36.4%), optic atrophy (30.3%) and epimacular membrane (27.3%). Final visual acuity was below 20/200 in 15 eyes (45.5%). The minimal follow‐up was 3 years. Conclusion Despite aggressive antiviral therapy, visual prognosis remains guarded in patients with NHR. Retinal vasculopathy and optic disc alterations are major factors to consider in order to improve the visual outcome.
Vitreous haemorrhage and retinal vasculitis as manifestations of cat‐scratch disease
Authors: DORE S , CONTINI E , CARTA F , PINNA A 
Published: September 2009

Abstract Purpose To report a rare case of vitreous haemorrhage and retinal vasculitis secondary to cat scratch disease, caused by Bartonella henselae. Methods A 42‐year‐old apparently healthy farmer presented with a 5‐day history of blurred vision in his right eye. Right visual acuity was 20/25. Slit‐lamp examination of the right eye revealed mild vitreous haemorrhage and diffuse retinal haemorrhages in the middle‐peripheral retina. The left eye was unremarkable. Fluorescein angiography showed signs of retinal vasculitis in the right eye. The patient owned several cats, but had no history of cat bites or scratches. Results A blood sample taken on the day of admission revealed the presence of IgM (titre=1:40) and IgG (titre=1:80) to B. henselae. Accordingly, the diagnosis of cat‐scratch disease was made. The retinal vasculitis resolved after 8 days of therapy with oral azithromycin. Conclusion Apart from neuroretinitis, the ocular complication associated with cat‐scratch disease may include vitreous haemorrhage and retinal vasculitis.
Acute Effect of Pimobendan and Furosemide on the Circulating Renin‐Angiotensin‐Aldosterone System in Healthy Dogs
Authors: Sayer M.B. , Atkins C.E. , Fujii Y. , Adams A.K. , DeFrancesco T.C. , Keene B.W. 
Published: September 2009

Background:The renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system (RAAS) is activated in states of decreased cardiac output and by certain cardiovascular therapeutic agents, such as loop diuretics and vasodilators.Hypothesis:Short‐term treatment with the inodilator, pimobendan, will not activate the circulating RAAS because its vasodilatory action will be offset by its positive inotropic property, thereby ameliorating RAAS stimulation at the juxtaglomerular apparatus. Furthermore, pimobendan will suppress RAAS activation produced by furosemide.Animals:Nine healthy laboratory dogs were used in this study.Methods:Experimental, cross‐over study. Dogs were administered pimobendan (0.5 mg/kg q12h) for 4 days followed by furosemide (2 mg/kg q12h) and then, after a wash‐out period, a combination of the drugs. Aldosterone : creatinine (A : Cr) was measured at the end of each treatment cycle.Results:There was no significant increase in the average urinary A : Cr with the administration of pimobendan (control urinary A : Cr = 0.46, standard deviation (SD) 0.33; pimobendan A : Cr = 0.48, SD 0.28). There was a significant increase in the average urinary A : Cr after administration of furosemide (urinary A : Cr = 1.3, SD 0.70) and with the combination of furosemide and pimobendan (urinary A : Cr = 2.9, SD 1.6).Conclusions and Clinical Relevance:Short‐term administration of high‐dose pimobendan, does not activate the RAAS in healthy dogs. Pimobendan did not prevent RAAS activation associated with furosemide therapy. These results in healthy dogs suggest that furosemide therapy, with or without pimobendan, should be accompanied by RAAS suppressive therapy.
Quorum-Quenching Acylase Reduces the Virulence of
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
in a
Caenorhabditis elegans
Infection Model
Authors: Papaioannou Evelina , Wahjudi Mariana , Nadal-Jimenez Pol , Koch Gudrun , Setroikromo Rita , Quax Wim J. 
Published: September 2009

ABSTRACT

The
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
PAO1 gene
pvdQ
encodes an acyl-homoserine lactone (AHL) acylase capable of degrading
N
-(3-oxododecanoyl)-
l
-homoserine lactone by cleaving the AHL amide. PvdQ has been proven to function as a quorum quencher in vitro in a number of phenotypic assays. To address the question of whether PvdQ also shows quorum-quenching properties in vivo, an infection model based on the nematode
Caenorhabditis elegans
was explored. In a fast-acting paralysis assay, strain PAO1(pME
pvdQ
), which overproduces PvdQ, was shown to be less virulent than the wild-type strain. More than 75% of the nematodes exposed to PAO1(pME
pvdQ
) survived and continued to grow when using this strain as a food source. Interestingly, in a slow-killing assay monitoring the survival of the nematodes throughout a 4-day course, strain PAO1-Δ
pvdQ
was shown to be more virulent than the wild-type strain, confirming the role of PvdQ as a virulence-reducing agent. It was observed that larval stage 1 (L1) to L3-stage larvae benefit much more from protection by PvdQ than L4 worms. Finally, purified PvdQ protein was added to
C. elegans
worms infected with wild-type PAO1, and this resulted in reduced pathogenicity and increased the life span of the nematodes. From our observations we can conclude that PvdQ might be a strong candidate for antibacterial therapy against
Pseudomonas
infections.
Induction of Multidrug Resistance Mechanism inEscherichia coliBiofilms by Interplay between Tetracycline and Ampicillin Resistance Genes
Authors: May Thithiwat , Ito Akinobu , Okabe Satoshi 
Published: September 2009

ABSTRACTBiofilms gain resistance to various antimicrobial agents, and the presence of antibiotic resistance genes is thought to contribute to a biofilm-mediated antibiotic resistance. Here we showed the interplay between the tetracycline resistance efflux pump TetA(C) and the ampicillin resistance gene (blaTEM-1) in biofilms ofEscherichia coliharboring pBR322 in the presence of the mixture of ampicillin and tetracycline.E. coliin the biofilms could obtain the high-level resistance to ampicillin, tetracycline, penicillin, erythromycin, and chloramphenicol during biofilm development and maturation as a result of the interplay between the marker genes on the plasmids, the increase of plasmid copy number, and consequently the induction of the efflux systems on the bacterial chromosome, especially the EmrY/K and EvgA/S pumps. In addition, we characterized the overexpression of the TetA(C) pump that contributed to osmotic stress response and was involved in the induction of capsular colanic acid production, promoting formation of mature biofilms. However, this investigated phenomenon was highly dependent on the addition of the subinhibitory concentrations of antibiotic mixture, and the biofilm resistance behavior was limited to aminoglycoside antibiotics. Thus, marker genes on plasmids played an important role in both resistance of biofilm cells to antibiotics and in formation of mature biofilms, as they could trigger specific chromosomal resistance mechanisms to confer a high-level resistance during biofilm formation.
Beijing Genotype of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Is Significantly Associated with High-Level Fluoroquinolone Resistance in Vietnam
Authors: An Duong Duy , Hong Duyen Nguyen Thi , Lan Nguyen Thi Ngoc , Hoa Dai Viet , Ha Dang Thi Minh , Kiet Vo Sy , Thu Do Dang Anh , Van Vinh Chau Nguyen , Dung Nguyen Huy , Sy Dinh Ngoc , Farrar Jeremy , Caws Maxine 
Published: September 2009

ABSTRACT

Consecutive fluoroquinolone (FQ)-resistant isolates (
n
= 109) identified at the Pham Ngoc Thach Hospital for Tuberculosis, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, were sequenced in the quinolone resistance-determining regions of the
gyrA
and
gyrB
genes and typed by large sequence polymorphism typing and spoligotyping to identify the Beijing genotype of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
. Beijing genotype prevalence was compared with 109 consecutive isolates from newly presenting patients with pulmonary tuberculosis from the hospital outpatient department. Overall, 82.6% (
n
= 90/109) of isolates had mutations in
gyrAB
. Nine novel mutations were identified in
gyrB
(S486F, N538T, T539P, D500A, D500H, D500N, G509A, E540V, and E540D). The influence of these novel
gyrB
mutations on FQ resistance is not proven. The Beijing genotype was significantly associated with FQ resistance (odds ratio [OR], 2.39 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 1.34 to 4.25];
P
= 0.003). Furthermore, Beijing genotype FQ-resistant isolates were significantly more likely than FQ-resistant isolates of other genotypes to have
gyrA
mutations (OR, 7.75 [95% CI, 2.84 to 21.15];
P
= 0.0001) and high-level (>8 μg/ml) FQ resistance (OR, 11.0 [95% CI, 2.6 to 47.0];
P
= 0.001). The underlying mechanism of the association of the Beijing genotype with high-level FQ resistance in this setting remains to be determined. The association of the Beijing genotype with relatively high-level FQ resistance conferred by specific
gyrA
mutations reported here is of grave concern given the epidemic spread of the Beijing genotype and the current hopes for shorter first-line treatment regimens based on FQs.
Nonpolymorphic Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Protease and Reverse Transcriptase Treatment-Selected Mutations
Authors: Shahriar Rajin , Rhee Soo-Yon , Liu Tommy F. , Fessel W. Jeffrey , Scarsella Anthony , Towner William , Holmes Susan P. , Zolopa Andrew R. , Shafer Robert W. 
Published: September 2009

ABSTRACTThe spectrum of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) protease and reverse transcriptase (RT) mutations selected by antiretroviral (ARV) drugs requires ongoing reassessment as ARV treatment patterns evolve and increasing numbers of protease and RT sequences of different viral subtypes are published. Accordingly, we compared the prevalences of protease and RT mutations in HIV-1 group M sequences from individuals with and without a history of previous treatment with protease inhibitors (PIs) or RT inhibitors (RTIs). Mutations in protease sequences from 26,888 individuals and in RT sequences from 25,695 individuals were classified according to whether they were nonpolymorphic in untreated individuals and whether their prevalence increased fivefold with ARV therapy. This analysis showed that 88 PI-selected and 122 RTI-selected nonpolymorphic mutations had a prevalence that was fivefold higher in individuals receiving ARVs than in ARV-naïve individuals. This was an increase of 47% and 77%, respectively, compared with the 60 PI- and 69 RTI-selected mutations identified in a similar analysis that we published in 2005 using subtype B sequences obtained from one-fourth as many individuals. In conclusion, many nonpolymorphic mutations in protease and RT are under ARV selection pressure. The spectrum of treatment-selected mutations is changing as data for more individuals are collected, treatment exposures change, and the number of available sequences from non-subtype B viruses increases.
The Phthalocyanine Prototype Derivative Alcian Blue Is the First Synthetic Agent with Selective Anti-Human Immunodeficiency Virus Activity Due to Its gp120 Glycan-Binding Potential
Authors: François Katrien O. , Pannecouque Christophe , Auwerx Joeri , Lozano Virginia , Pérez-Pérez Maria-Jésus , Schols Dominique , Balzarini Jan 
Published: September 2009

ABSTRACT

Alcian Blue (AB), a phthalocyanine derivative, is able to prevent infection by a wide spectrum of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), HIV-2, and simian immunodeficiency virus strains in various cell types [T cells, (co)receptor-transfected cells, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells]. With the exception of herpes simplex virus, AB is inactive against a broad variety of other (DNA and RNA) viruses. Time-of-addition studies show that AB prevents HIV-1 infection at the virus entry stage, exactly at the same time as carbohydrate-binding agents do. AB also efficiently prevents fusion between persistently HIV-1-infected HUT-78 cells and uninfected (CD4
+
) lymphocytes, DC-SIGN-directed HIV-1 capture, and subsequent transmission to uninfected (CD4
+
) T lymphocytes. Prolonged passaging of HIV-1 at dose-escalating concentrations of AB resulted in the selection of mutant virus strains in which several N-glycans of the HIV-1 gp120 envelope were deleted and in which positively charged amino acid mutations in both gp120 and gp41 appeared. A mutant virus strain in which four N-glycans were deleted showed a 10-fold decrease in sensitivity to the inhibitory effect of AB. These data suggest that AB is likely endowed with carbohydrate-binding properties and can be considered an important lead compound in the development of novel synthetic nonpeptidic antiviral drugs targeting the glycans of the envelope of HIV.
Diversity, Epidemiology, and Genetics of Class D β-Lactamases
Authors: Poirel Laurent , Naas Thierry , Nordmann Patrice 
Published: September 2009

ABSTRACTClass D β-lactamase-mediated resistance to β-lactams has been increasingly reported during the last decade. Those enzymes also known as oxacillinases or OXAs are widely distributed among Gram negatives. Genes encoding class D β-lactamases are known to be intrinsic in many Gram-negative rods, includingAcinetobacter baumanniiandPseudomonas aeruginosa, but play a minor role in natural resistance phenotypes. The OXAs (ca. 150 variants reported so far) are characterized by an important genetic diversity and a great heterogeneity in terms of β-lactam hydrolysis spectrum. The acquired OXAs possess either a narrow spectrum or an expanded spectrum of hydrolysis, including carbapenems in several instances. Acquired class D β-lactamase genes are mostly associated to class 1 integron or to insertion sequences.
Nonclinical Pharmacokinetics of Oseltamivir and Oseltamivir Carboxylate in the Central Nervous System
Authors: Hoffmann Gerhard , Funk Christoph , Fowler Stephen , Otteneder Michael B. , Breidenbach Alexander , Rayner Craig R. , Chu Tom , Prinssen Eric P. 
Published: September 2009

ABSTRACT
Oseltamivir, a potent and selective inhibitor of influenza A and B virus neuraminidases, is a prodrug that is systemically converted into the active metabolite oseltamivir carboxylate. In light of reported neuropsychiatric events in influenza patients, including some taking oseltamivir, and as part of a full assessment to determine whether oseltamivir could contribute to, or exacerbate, such events, we undertook a series of nonclinical studies. In particular, we investigated (i) the distribution of oseltamivir and oseltamivir carboxylate in the central nervous system of rats after single intravenous doses of oseltamivir and oseltamivir carboxylate and oral doses of oseltamivir, (ii) the active transport of oseltamivir and oseltamivir carboxylate in vitro by transporters located in the blood-brain barrier, and (iii) the extent of local conversion of oseltamivir to oseltamivir carboxylate in brain fractions. In all experiments, results showed that the extent of partitioning of oseltamivir and especially oseltamivir carboxylate to the central nervous system was low. Brain-to-plasma exposure ratios were approximately 0.2 for oseltamivir and 0.01 for oseltamivir carboxylate. Apart from oseltamivir being a good substrate for the P-glycoprotein transporter, no other active transport processes were observed. The conversion of the prodrug to the active metabolite was slow and limited in human and rat brain S9 fractions. Overall, these studies indicate that the potential for oseltamivir and oseltamivir carboxylate to reach the central nervous system in high quantities is low and, together with other analyses and studies, that their involvement in neuropsychiatric events in influenza patients is unlikely.
Opa+and Opa−Isolates ofNeisseria meningitidisandNeisseria gonorrhoeaeInduce Sustained Proliferative Responses in Human CD4+T Cells
Authors: Youssef Abdel-Rahman , van der Flier Michiel , Estevão Silvia , Hartwig Nico G. , van der Ley Peter , Virji Mumtaz 
Published: September 2009

ABSTRACTT cells may interact with a number of bacterial surface antigens, an encounter which has the potential to downmodulate host immune responses.Neisseria meningitidis, a human colonizer and an agent of septicemia and meningitis, expresses Opa proteins which interact with the CEACAM1 receptor expressed on activated T cells. Since CEACAM1 can act as an inhibitory receptor and T cells in subepithelial tissues may encounter whole bacteria, which often express Opa proteins in vivo, this study assessed primarily if Opa proteins expressed on meningococci affect T-cell functions. In addition, Opa-containing outer membrane vesicles (OMV) have been used as vaccine antigens, and therefore Opa+and Opa−OMV were also studied. While Opa+bacteria adhered to CEACAM-expressing T cells, both the Opa+and Opa−phenotypes induced no to a small transient depression, followed by a prolonged increase in proliferation as well as cytokine production. Such responses were also observed with heat-killed bacteria or OMV. In addition, while anti-CEACAM antibodies alone inhibited proliferation, on coincubation of T cells with bacteria and the antibodies, bacterial effects predominated and were Opa independent. Thus, while Opa proteins ofN. meningitidiscan bind to T-cell-expressed CEACAM1, this is not sufficient to overcome the T-cell recognition of bacterial factors, which results in a proliferative and cytokine response, an observation consistent with the ability of the host to establish lasting immunity to Opa-expressing meningococci that it frequently encounters. The data also imply that Opa-proficient vaccine preparations may not necessarily inhibit T-cell functions via CEACAM1 binding.