bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of Prisms in the Management of Diplopia in Patients Due to Diverse Etiologies
Authors: Tamhankar Madhura A. , Ying Gui-shuang , Volpe Nicholas J. 
Published: February 2012

Purpose:
To study the effectiveness of prisms in the management of diplopia from different etiologies and over a broad range of ocular misalignment.

Methods:
In this retrospective cohort study, resolution of diplopia in 94 patients who were prescribed prisms was studied.

Results:
Among 94 patients, 88% reported complete or partial resolution of double vision (95% confidence interval: 84.1% to 95.6%) with highest improvement noted in the divergence insufficiency and skew deviation group (100%) compared to 64% improvement noted in patients with convergence insufficiency. More than 85% of patients who were prescribed greater than 10 diopters of prism and those with oblique prism prescriptions also reported resolution of diplopia. Eighty-nine percent of the cohort continued with prism use and 11% opted for strabismus surgery.

Conclusion:
In this study, prisms were effective in alleviation of diplopia over a broad range and for different etiologies of double vision.
Intrastromal Femtosecond Laser Presbyopia Correction: 1-year Results of a Multicenter Study
Authors: Holzer Mike P. , Knorz Michael C. , Tomalla Mark , Neuhann Tobias M. , Auffarth Gerd U. 
Published: February 2012

PURPOSE:
To investigate functional outcomes of the INTRACOR femtosecond laser–based intrastromal procedure to treat presbyopia.

METHODS:
Sixty-three eyes from 63 presbyopic patients (median age: 54 years) with mild hyperopia were enrolled in this prospective, ethics committee–approved, multi-center, nonrandomized clinical trial. The INTRACOR procedure was performed using the Technolas femtosecond laser (Technolas Perfect Vision GmbH) in the nondominant eye. Postoperatively, follow-up was performed at 1 day, 1 week, and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months and included near and distance visual acuity tests, slit-lamp examinations, and corneal topography.

RESULTS:
All 63 surgeries were uneventful. Twelve months postoperatively, outcomes of 58 (92.1%) eyes were available for evaluation. Median uncorrected distance visual acuity (0.1 logMAR [range: 0.5 to 0.0 preoperatively and 0.5 to −0.1 postoperatively]) and corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) (0.0 logMAR [range: 0.2 to −0.2 preoperatively and 0.3 to −0.1 postoperatively]) remained stable. Median spherical equivalent changed from +0.63 diopters (D) preoperatively to 0.00 D postoperatively. Median uncorrected near visual acuity increased significantly from 0.7 logMAR (range: 1.0 to 0.2) preoperatively to 0.2 logMAR (range: 0.8 to −0.1) postoperatively and eyes gained a median of 4 lines (range: 1 to 9 lines). Losses of 2 lines of CDVA were noted in 7.1% of eyes. Ring cuts were faintly visible at 12 months.

CONCLUSIONS:
The INTRACOR presbyopia procedure showed good and stable visual acuity outcomes over 12-month follow-up but loss of CDVA occurred in 7% of eyes. Overall patient satisfaction with the procedure was approximately 80%. Short treatment time and maintained corneal surface integrity are advantages of this procedure.
Comparison of the Ziemer FEMTO LDV Femtosecond Laser and Moria M2 Mechanical Microkeratome
Authors: Zhou Yuehua , Zhang Jing , Tian Lei , Zhai Changbin 
Published: February 2012

PURPOSE:
To assess and compare the dimensions of LASIK flaps created by the Ziemer FEMTO LDV “Classic” femtosecond (FS) laser and Moria M2 microkeratome with 110-μm head and −20 blade.

METHODS:
Seven hundred twenty eyes from 360 consecutive patients were enrolled in this study and divided into two groups of equal size for flap creation with the Ziemer LDV (FS laser group) and Moria M2 mechanical microkeratome (microkeratome group). Nominal flap thickness was 110 μm for all patients and for both devices. Flap thickness was measured by Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography in 14 specified positions on each flap 1 week after surgery to analyze the regularity, uniformity, and accuracy of the two types of LASIK flaps.

RESULTS:
The mean deviation between achieved and attempted flap thickness was smaller in the FS laser group than in the microkeratome group. The flaps in the FS laser group were more regular and uniform, showing an almost planar configuration, whereas flaps in the microkeratome group had a meniscus shape and were significantly thicker near the flap edge. Nasal and temporal flap thickness did not differ significantly in the FS laser group, whereas in the microkeratome group, characteristic differences in temporal versus nasal flap thickness were noticed. Within the 5040 individual measurements of the 360 eyes, deviations of >20 μm were observed in 0.73% of eyes in the FS laser group and 42.4% in the microkeratome group.

CONCLUSIONS:
The dimensions of flaps created by the Ziemer LDV femtosecond laser were more uniform and accurate than those created by the Moria M2 microkeratome.
Irregularity of the Posterior Corneal Surface During Applanation Using a Curved Femtosecond Laser Interface and Microkeratome Cutting Head
Authors: Vetter Jan M. , Holtz Carsten , Vossmerbaeumer Urs , Pfeiffer Norbert 
Published: February 2012

PURPOSE:
To evaluate the irregularity of the posterior corneal surface and intrastromal dissection during the preparation of donor tissue for Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) using a curved interface femtosecond laser and microkeratome.

METHODS:
Sixteen human donor corneas unsuitable for transplantation were divided into two groups: a femtosecond (FS) laser group (n=7) using the VisuMax femtosecond laser (Carl Zeiss Meditec) and a microkeratome group (n=9) using the Amadeus II microkeratome (Ziemer Ophthalmic Group). The corneas were fixed on artificial anterior chambers. Horizontal cross-sections were obtained using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography prior to applanation, during applanation, as well as during and after intrastromal dissection at 450-μm corneal depth. The posterior surface and the dissection line were evaluated for irregularity by fitting a second-order polynomial curve using regression analysis and obtaining the root-mean-square error (RMSE). Groups were compared using analysis of variance.

RESULTS:

The RMSE of the posterior surface prior to applanation was 9.7±3.1 μm in the FS laser group and 10.2±2.3 μm in the microkeratome group. The RMSE increased to 50.7±9.4 μm and 20.9±6.1 μm during applanation and decreased again to 10.6±1.4 μm and 8.1±1.8 μm after applanation in the FS laser and microkeratome groups, respectively. The RMSE of the intrastromal cut was 19.5±5.7 μm in the FS laser group and 7.7±3.0 μm in the microkeratome group (
P
<.001).

CONCLUSIONS:
Our results show significantly greater irregularity with the curved interface femtosecond laser–assisted cleavage compared to microkeratome-assisted corneal dissection, possibly due to applanation-derived deformation of the posterior cornea.
E-Government Between Developed and Developing Countries
Authors: Nawafleh Sahem , Obiedat Ruba , Harfoushi Osama 
Published: February 2012

E-government aims to offer services the countrys' communities both in public or private sectors by using the ICT tools to reduce the cost and times by eradication of manifestations of routines and bureaucracy. All countries around the world are seeking to implement and diffuse e-government services, especially the developing countries, and to do that they have to overcome a range of factors that prevent the effective implementation of e-government in the countries.
This paper discusses and analyzes E-government topics and revolves around the most important factors behind the success of this program, and tries to analyze and study the E-government program in Finland as a developed country, and Saudi Arabia as a developing one. It aims to find out the most important strategies that have been used to overcome the challenges; these factors & strategies, including such as infrastructure, technical, social, political and cultural in order to study some of these factors in each of them and try to make a comparison between to contribute to the success of the program in other developing countries, as well as to beneficial from developed country's experiences in this field. The reason behind selecting Finland and Saudi Arabia is the qualitative leap made by both of them, especially Saudi Arabia as a developing country and their success in the program with a record time.
Des discours aux chiffres : les effets d’une décennie de lois réformatrices en matière de justice des mineurs
Authors: Delarre Sébastien 
Published: February 2012

La décennie récente a été marquée par un durcissement de la justice des mineurs. Le constat est récurrent dans la littérature sociologique et juridique contemporaine. Mais à quel niveau s’applique-t-il ? Les lois traditionnelles visent à se réaliser dans des actes judiciaires réels, régulant les pratiques qui leur sont assujetties. Les lois dites « symboliques » en revanche remplissent des fonctions qui dépassent largement le cadre de leur mise en application pratique, pour trouver ailleurs une raison d’être. Or, les commentaires effectués ces dernières années sur la justice des mineurs semblent osciller souvent entre ces deux lectures, de premier et de second degré ; de ce fait, le diagnostic des transformations pénales n’est pas tout à fait stabilisé. Cette recherche propose alors simplement de mesurer in concreto, sur la base de données semi-administratives, l’impact des diverses lois passées dans le cadre des réformes récentes. Une méthode ancienne est reprise, la représentation des filières pénales sous la forme de graphes, afin de comparer terme à terme les deux extrémités de la décennie récente.
SHP-1 As a Critical Regulator of Mycoplasma pneumoniae-Induced Inflammation in Human Asthmatic Airway Epithelial Cells
Authors: Wang Ying , Zhu Zhou , Church Tony D. , Lugogo Njira L. , Que Loretta G. , Francisco Dave , Ingram Jennifer L. , Huggins Molly , Beaver Denise M. , Wright Jo Rae , Kraft Monica 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease in which airway epithelial cells are the first line of defense against exposure of the airway to infectious agents. Src homology protein (SHP)-1, a protein tyrosine phosphatase, is a negative regulator of signaling pathways that are critical to the development of asthma and host defense. We hypothesize that SHP-1 function is defective in asthma, contributing to the increased inflammatory response induced by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, a pathogen known to exacerbate asthma. M. pneumoniae significantly activated SHP-1 in airway epithelial cells collected from nonasthmatic subjects by bronchoscopy with airway brushing but not in cells from asthmatic subjects. In asthmatic airway epithelial cells, M. pneumoniae induced significant PI3K/Akt phosphorylation, NF-κB activation, and IL-8 production compared with nonasthmatic cells, which were reversed by SHP-1 overexpression. Conversely, SHP-1 knockdown significantly increased IL-8 production and PI3K/Akt and NF-κB activation in the setting of M. pneumoniae infection in nonasthmatic cells, but it did not exacerbate these three parameters already activated in asthmatic cells. Thus, SHP-1 plays a critical role in abrogating M. pneumoniae-induced IL-8 production in nonasthmatic airway epithelial cells through inhibition of PI3K/Akt and NF-κB activity, but it is defective in asthma, resulting in an enhanced inflammatory response to infection.
Type I IFN Drives a Distinctive Dendritic Cell Maturation Phenotype That Allows Continued Class II MHC Synthesis and Antigen Processing
Authors: Simmons Daimon P. , Wearsch Pamela A. , Canaday David H. , Meyerson Howard J. , Liu Yi C. , Wang Ying , Boom W. Henry , Harding Clifford V. 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
Microbial molecules or cytokines can stimulate dendritic cell (DC) maturation, which involves DC migration to lymph nodes and enhanced presentation of Ag to launch T cell responses. Microbial TLR agonists are the most studied inducers of DC maturation, but type I IFN (IFN-I) also promotes DC maturation. In response to TLR stimulation, DC maturation involves a burst of Ag processing with enhanced expression of peptide–class II MHC complexes and costimulator molecules. Subsequently, class II MHC (MHC-II) synthesis and expression in intracellular vacuolar compartments is inhibited, decreasing Ag processing function. This limits presentation to a cohort of Ags kinetically associated with the maturation stimulus and excludes presentation of Ags subsequently experienced by the DC. In contrast, our studies show that IFN-I enhances DC expression of MHC-II and costimulatory molecules without a concomitant inhibition of subsequent MHC-II synthesis and Ag processing. Expression of mRNA for MHC-II and the transcription factor CIITA is inhibited in DCs treated with TLR agonists but maintained in cells treated with IFN-I. After stimulation with IFN-I, MHC-II expression is increased on the plasma membrane but is also maintained in intracellular vacuolar compartments, consistent with sustained Ag processing function. These findings suggest that IFN-I drives a distinctive DC maturation program that enhances Ag presentation to T cells without a shutdown of Ag processing, allowing continued sampling of Ags for presentation.
Endogenous IL-33 Is Highly Expressed in Mouse Epithelial Barrier Tissues, Lymphoid Organs, Brain, Embryos, and Inflamed Tissues: In Situ Analysis Using a Novel Il-33–LacZ Gene Trap Reporter Strain
Authors: Pichery Mélanie , Mirey Emilie , Mercier Pascale , Lefrancais Emma , Dujardin Arnaud , Ortega Nathalie , Girard Jean-Philippe 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
IL-33 (previously known as NF from high endothelial venules) is an IL-1 family cytokine that signals through the ST2 receptor and drives cytokine production in mast cells, basophils, eosinophils, invariant NKT and NK cells, Th2 lymphocytes, and type 2 innate immune cells (natural helper cells, nuocytes, and innate helper 2 cells). Little is known about endogenous IL-33; for instance, the cellular sources of IL-33 in mouse tissues have not yet been defined. In this study, we generated an Il-33–LacZ gene trap reporter strain (Il-33Gt/Gt) and used this novel tool to analyze expression of endogenous IL-33 in vivo. We found that the Il-33 promoter exhibits constitutive activity in mouse lymphoid organs, epithelial barrier tissues, brain, and embryos. Immunostaining with anti–IL-33 Abs, using Il-33Gt/Gt (Il-33–deficient) mice as control, revealed that endogenous IL-33 protein is highly expressed in mouse epithelial barrier tissues, including stratified squamous epithelia from vagina and skin, as well as cuboidal epithelium from lung, stomach, and salivary gland. Constitutive expression of IL-33 was not detected in blood vessels, revealing the existence of species-specific differences between humans and mice. Importantly, IL-33 protein was always localized in the nucleus of producing cells with no evidence for cytoplasmic localization. Finally, strong expression of the Il-33–LacZ reporter was also observed in inflamed tissues, in the liver during LPS-induced endotoxin shock, and in the lung alveoli during papain-induced allergic airway inflammation. Together, our findings support the possibility that IL-33 may function as a nuclear alarmin to alert the innate immune system after injury or infection in epithelial barrier tissues.
Cutting Edge: Independent Roles for IRF-3 and IRF-7 in Hematopoietic and Nonhematopoietic Cells during Host Response to Chikungunya Infection
Authors: Schilte Clémentine , Buckwalter Matthew R. , Laird Melissa E. , Diamond Michael S. , Schwartz Olivier , Albert Matthew L. 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
The host response to Chikungunya virus is dependent on the direct action of type I IFN on infected nonhematopoietic cells. Prior studies have demonstrated that multiple host sensors coordinate an antiviral response; however, the tissue source(s) and signaling pathways for IFN production remain unknown. In this study, we demonstrate that IRF-3 and IRF-7 are functionally redundant, but lack of both factors results in lethal infection in adult mice. Reciprocal bone marrow chimeras indicated that IRF-3 or IRF-7 expression in either hematopoietic or nonhemotopoietic cell compartments was capable of inducing an antiviral response. Interestingly, redundancy of IRF-3 and IRF-7 was age dependent, as neonatal animals lacking either factor succumbed to infection. We further demonstrate that IPS-1 is essential in nonhematopoietic cells and preferentially required during early life. These results highlight the interplay between nonimmune and immune cells during Chikungunya virus infection and suggest an important role for nonhematopoietic cells as a critical source of IFN-α/β.
Murine Membranous Nephropathy: Immunization with α3(IV) Collagen Fragment Induces Subepithelial Immune Complexes and FcγR-Independent Nephrotic Syndrome
Authors: Zhang Jun-Jun , Malekpour Mahdi , Luo Wentian , Ge Linna , Olaru Florina , Wang Xu-Ping , Bah Maimouna , Sado Yoshikazu , Heidet Laurence , Kleinau Sandra , Fogo Agnes B. , Borza Dorin-Bogdan 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
Membranous nephropathy (MN) is a leading cause of nephrotic syndrome in adults and a significant cause of end-stage renal disease, yet current therapies are nonspecific, toxic, and often ineffective. The development of novel targeted therapies requires a detailed understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms, but progress is hampered by the lack of a robust mouse model of disease. We report that DBA/1 mice as well as congenic FcγRIII−/− and FcRγ−/− mice immunized with a fragment of α3(IV) collagen developed massive albuminuria and nephrotic syndrome, because of subepithelial deposits of mouse IgG and C3 with corresponding basement membrane reaction and podocyte foot process effacement. The clinical presentation and histopathologic findings were characteristic of MN. Although immunized mice produced genuine anti-α3NC1 autoantibodies that bound to kidney and lung basement membranes, neither crescentic glomerulonephritis nor alveolitis ensued, likely because of the predominance of mouse IgG1 over IgG2a and IgG2b autoantibodies. The ablation of activating IgG Fc receptors did not ameliorate injury, implicating subepithelial deposition of immune complexes and consequent complement activation as a major effector pathway. We have thus established an active model of murine MN. This model, leveraged by the availability of genetically engineered mice and mouse-specific reagents, will be instrumental in studying the pathogenesis of MN and evaluating the efficacy of novel experimental therapies.
Microcarrier-based Expansion Process for hMSCs with High Vitality and Undifferentiated Characteristics
Authors: Elseberg Christiane L. , Leber Jasmin , Salzig Denise , Wallrapp Christine , Kassem Moustapha , Kraume Matthias , Czermak Peter 
Published: February 2012

For cell therapy, a high biomass of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) is required for clinical applications, such as in the form of encapsulated implants. An easy and reproducible microcarrier-based stirred tank reactor cultivation process for hMSCs in 1.68 L scale is described. To avoid medium changes, studies comparing high-glucose DMEM (DMEM-HG) with low-glucose EMEM were performed showing that high-glucose medium has positive effects on cell proliferation and that cell differentiability remains. Studies on the inoculation strategy and cell density, carrier concentration, volume, and stirrer speed were performed and resulted in a set of optimized parameters, inoculation strategy was found to be 45 minutes of static state and 2 minutes of stirring repeated in 4 cycles. The inoculation density was chosen to be 7×103 cells/cm2, and the carrier concentration of glass surface carrier was 25 g/L. For the described reactor system, a stirrer speed of 120 rpm for the inoculation process and a daily increase of 10 rpm up to 160 rpm were found to be suitable. Process reproducibility was shown by 3 repeated cultivations at the determined set of parameters allowing high biomass values of up to 7×108 cells per batch. With DMEM-HG, no limitation of glucose was found, and lactate and ammonia remained lower than critical inhibitory concentrations. Comparison of the static (T-flask) and dynamic cultures in the stirred tank reactor showed for both cases, that cells were of high vitality and both maintained differentiability. In both cases, encapsulation of the cells resulted in high bead vitality, a basic requirement for cell therapy application.
Immunohistochemistry and Molecular Diagnostics of Pleural Malignant Mesothelioma
Authors: Betta Pier-Giacomo , Magnani Corrado , Bensi Thea , Trincheri Nicol Francesca , Orecchia Sara 
Published: February 2012

Context.—The pathologic approach to pleural-based lesions is stepwise and uses morphologic assessment, correlated with clinical and imaging data supplemented by immunohistochemistry (IHC), and more recently, molecular tests, as an aid for 2 main diagnostic problems: malignant mesothelioma (MM) versus other malignant tumors and malignant versus reactive mesothelial proliferations.Objective.—To present the current knowledge regarding IHC and molecular tests with respect to MM diagnosis, and in particular, the differentiation of the epithelioid type of MM from carcinoma metastatic to the pleural cavity.Data Sources.—A review of immunohistochemical features of 286 consecutive MMs from 459 cases of pleural pathology, diagnosed during routine practice from 2003 to 2009. A survey of biomedical journal literature from MedLine/PubMed (US National Library of Medicine) focused on MM and associated tissue-based diagnostic IHC markers and molecular tests.Conclusions.—The search for a single diagnostic marker of MM has so far been discouraging, given the biologic and phenotypic tumor heterogeneity of MM. The use of antibody panels has gained unanimous acceptance especially in the differential diagnosis between MM and metastatic carcinoma, whereas the usefulness of IHC is more limited when dealing with spindle cell malignancies or distinguishing malignant from reactive mesothelium. A great degree of interlaboratory variability in antibody combinations and clone selection within diagnostic panels still exists. Current investigations aim at selecting the most suitable and cost-effective combination of antibodies by using novel statistical approaches for assessing diagnostic performance beyond the traditional measures of sensitivity and specificity.
Lymphoproliferative Conditions of the Serosa
Authors: Attanoos Richard 
Published: February 2012

Context.—A diverse and complex variety of lymphoproliferative diseases may involve the serosa, with widely differing clinical outcomes encompassing a spectrum of benign and malignant conditions.Objective.—To review lymphoproliferative disease involving the serosa and to provide a practical approach to the evaluation of lymphoid and plasma cell infiltrates in the serosa, together with a review of various tumors and tumorlike conditions that may mimic lymphoproliferative disease.Data Sources.—Analysis of published literature.Conclusions.—All forms of hematologic malignancy mayinvolve the various serosal sites, although this is usually observed as secondary involvement in persons with known lymph nodal, marrow-based, or extranodal disease. Primary pericardial, pleural, and peritoneal lymphomas are rare; many nonneoplastic conditions may mimic lymphoma and a variety of nonhematolymphoid tumors may simulate hematologic malignancies. An understanding of the role of ancillary tests, together with an appreciation of their limitations, will prevent misdiagnosis.