bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Experience with adalimumab for the treatment of non‐infectious uveitis
Authors: DOBNER B 
Published: September 2009

Abstract Purpose Objective: The aim of this study has been to assess the efficacy of adalimumab (ADA) in patients with uveitis in 3 centers. Methods In a retrospective study we identified patients from all instituitions´databases, who were treated with ADA in an average period of 20.16 months (range 1.3‐45 months). The 5 criteria that the efficacy of ADA had been judged on are: reduction of macular edema by OCT, visual acuity, anterior chamber cells, reduction of flares and a reduction of prednisone dose during the treatment. At least one of the criteria had to be improved and none of the others worsened to declare treatment as effective. Results Of the 61 patients who were treated with ADA, 38 were treated for uveitis and systemic disease, 3 primarily for active systemic disease and 20 primarily for active uveitis. 15 patients had been treated before with etanercept and 11 with infliximab, with insufficient response. We saw an improvement in 49 out of these 61 patients (80,3%) in 1 or more criteria and worsening in none, 5 patients did not meet improvement criteria and were given additional or alternative treatment, three of them mainly due to activity of systemic disease. 14 out of 49 (28,6%)Patients showed an Improvement in every criteria, the other patients showed increasing in at least one criteria, the other criterias remained stable. At the last follow‐up there were 50 (81,9%) patients still on ADA treatment. 11 patients stopped ADA treatment for different reasons (inefficacy, active systemic disease, pregnancy etc.). Conclusion In this retrospective study we judged that the treatment with ADA in patients with uveitis with or without systemic disease was effective in 80,3%. Clinical trials are warrented
Commercial interest
Topical levofloxacin 1.5% Is effective in reducing levofloxacin‐resistant MRSA and FQ‐resistant pseudomonas aeruginosa in keratitis models
Authors: KOWALSKI RP , ROMANOWSKI EG , MAH FS , SHANKS RMQ , GORDON YJ 
Published: September 2009

Abstract Purpose We compared topical levofloxacin 1.5% (LEV) to standard therapies in reducing levofloxacin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and FQ‐resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) in keratitis models. Methods Both corneas of 32 NZW rabbits were intrastromally injected with 1000 CFU of MRSA (LV MIC=32 μg/ml; van MIC=2 μg/ml). After 4 hours (onset), 8 rabbits were sacrificed and the corneas were homogenized for colony counts. 24 rabbits were divided into 3 topical treatment groups: 1) LEV, 2) vancomycin 5%, and 3) saline. Treatment consisted of drops every 15 minutes/5 hours (21 drops). One hour after treatment, the rabbits were sacrificed and the corneas were homogenized for colony counts. Similar to MRSA, 32 NZW rabbits were intrastromally injected with 1000 CFU of PA (LV MIC=32 μg/ml, tob=0.75 μg/ml). After 16 hours (onset), 8 rabbits were sacrificed and the corneas were homogenized for colony counts. 24 rabbits were divided into 3 topical treatment groups: 1) LEV, 2) tobramycin 1.4%, and 3) saline. Treatment consisted of drops every 15 minutes/1 hour and every 30 minutes/7 hours (19 drops). One hour after treatment, the rabbits were sacrificed and the corneas were homogenized for colony counts. The CFU data were analyzed non‐parametrically. Results LEV significantly reduced more MRSA than vancomycin 5%, and both significantly reduced more MRSA than the onset and saline control (p<0.05). LEV was as effective as tobramycin 1.4% in reducing PA, and both significantly reduced more PA than the onset and saline control (p<0.05). Conclusion LEV was more effective for reducing MRSA and as effective for reducing PA as standard therapies in rabbit keratitis models.
Commercial interest
Some questions of immune response to retinal S‐antigen and development of myopia's complications
Authors: LAZUK AV , SLEPOVA OS 
Published: September 2009

Abstract Purpose To estimate reliability of the prognosis of an unfavorable current of myopia on the basis of estimation immune response to a retinal S‐antigen in tears and blood sera Methods We have studied an autoimmune response to S‐Antigen (48kDa) in tears and in blood sera (ELISA) in 113 patients with progressive and complicated myopia with a follow‐up study of 44 patients (average age 11 ± 1,5 y.o.) without (15) and with (29) different forms of peripheral vitreochorioretinal dystrophies (PVCRD)during 11 years. Results The long‐term study shows, that prognosis of complication’s development was right in 83,4%. Most unfavorable signs of preclinic myopia complications are a deficient of S‐antibodies (s‐ab)in tears and blood sera ‐ the prognosis for development of retinal disorders and/or fast and long myopia progression was confirmed at 51,6% of patients. High level of s‐ab in blood sera and deficient of s‐ab in tears was also the sign of development of PVCRD (the prognosis was confirmed at 22,6%). Occurrence or aggravation of changes at the retina began between 6 month and 1,5 years after revealing of the specified changes that testifies to authentically early prognosis in the beginnings of development of preclinical changes in myopic eye. Patients with tuberculin sensibilisation and deficient of S‐antibodies in blood sera (observation’s time 14 years) had worse retinal disturbances. Conclusion This data allows to use s‐ab level for prognosis of the development of myopia's complication.It is very important to know that tuberculin vaccinations may be a risk‐factor in development of myopia complications and autoimmune uveitis. It opens up new vistas for the immunocorrective methods in the system of the treatment of progressive and complicated myopia.
Evaluation of choroidal blood flow after treatment of retinal diseases
Authors: CHIQUET C , GEISER MH 
Published: September 2009

Abstract Purpose this review aims to summarize studies which assessed the effect of treatment on choroidal blood flow. Methods this presentation will focus on studies using the laser Doppler flowmeter for the analysis of choroidal blood flow parameters (velocity, volume and flow) before and after treatment. Therapies have been assessed in different ocular disease, such as age‐related macular degeneration (laser photocoagulation therapy, photodynamic therapy, transpupillary thermotherapy, sildenafil citrate, niacin, pentoxifylline), diabetes mellitus (panretinal photocoagulation, intravenous C‐peptide infusion), retinal vein occlusions (isovolemic hemodilution), macular edema (diclofenac), inflammation (corticosteroid), retinal detachment (surgery) or glaucoma (nimodipine, endothelin receptor antagonist, bimatoprost, timolol, trabeculectomy). Results this paper will give insight to the effects of laser treatment (laser photocoagulation, photodynamic therapy), surgery (scleral buckling, trabeculectomy, ocular anesthesia) or systemic drugs on the choroidal blood flow. Methodological considerations will be analyzed, such as the calculation of the sensitivity of the experiments, the comparisons of different groups with or without randomization. Conclusion laser Doppler flowmetry is a useful and a non invasive technique to study the effect of treatment on choroidal blood flow. In ocular disease, investigators should be aware of the tissue scattering changes associated with a retinal or choroidal disease and the necessity of a controlled foveal fixation.
Autoregulation in the choroid
Authors: ORGUL S 
Published: September 2009

Abstract Purpose To compare subfoveal choroidal blood flow (ChBF) in sitting and supine position in normal volunteers. Methods ChBF was measured with laser Doppler flowmetry in 22 healthy volunteers (mean age ± SD: 24 ± 5 years). Six independent measurements of choroidal blood flow were obtained in one randomly selected eye of each subject. Subsequently, the subjects assumed a supine position for 30 minutes and a new series of 6 measurements was obtained. Parallel hereto, systemic blood pressure and intraocular pressure were measured. Ocular perfusion pressure (OPP) was calculated based on formulas derived from ophthalmodynamometric studies. The influence of changing OPP on the change in ChBF was assessed in a linear regression analysis. Results The coefficient of variation for ChBF was 10.28% and 9.58% in the sitting and the supine position respectively. ChBF decreased by 6.6% (p=0.0017) in the supine position. The estimate for ophthalmic blood pressure in the supine position was adjusted to obtain a result of no change in OPP for no change in ChBF, yielding an average decrease for the estimate of OPP of 6.7% (p=0.0002). Change in OPP correlated significantly with change in ChBF (R2: 0.20; p=0.036) with a slope for the regression line of 1.04. Conclusion The comparable degree of change in ChBF and OPP and the linear relationship between the two parameters suggest a passive response of the choroidal circulation to the posture change. In contrast, the OPP estimates suggest a marked buffering of the change in perfusion pressure by the carotid system, compatible with a close control of the gradient in perfusion pressure between the heart and its branches within the carotid system.
An antibiotic releasing contact lens
Authors: CIOLINO J , HOARE T , IWATA N , BEHLAU I , DOHLMAN CH , LANGER R , KOHANE D 
Published: September 2009

Abstract Purpose To characterize a drug‐eluting contact lens designed to release ciprofloxacin to the eye in a controlled manner for an extended period of time. Methods Thin fiilms, containing ciprofloxacin or fluorescein encapsulated in PLGA (Poly[lactic‐co‐glycolic acid]), were coating by pHEMA (poly[hydroxyethyl methacrylate]) by ultraviolet light polymerization, creating prototype contact lenses. The films were characterized by scanning electron microscopy. Release studies were conducted in phosphate buffered saline at 37°C with continuous shaking. Ciprofloxacin eluted from the contact lens was studied in an antimicrobial assay to verify antimicrobial effectiveness. Results Ciprofloxacin and fluorescein were released from the contact lenses in a controlled manner, demonstrating zero‐order release kinetics under infinite sink conditions for over 4 weeks. The rate of drug release was controlled by modifying either the ratio of drug to PLGA or the molecular weight of the PLGA employed. Both the PLGA and the pHEMA affected release kinetics. Ciprofloxacin released from the contact lenses inhibited ciprofloxacin‐sensitive Staphylococcus aureus at all time‐points tested. Conclusion A thin drug‐PLGA film coated with pHEMA could potentially be used to create contact lenses which can serve as a platform for ocular delivery of antibiotics and other medications, with widespread therapeutic applications.
Uveitis caused by fastidious bacteria
Authors: BODAGHI B , DRANCOURT M , CASSOUX N , RAOULT D , LEHOANG P 
Published: September 2009

Abstract Purpose The etiologic evaluation of uveitis is frequently unsuccessful if only noninvasive methods are used. We conducted a prospective study to evaluate systematic screening for pathogens of uveitis. Methods All patients with uveitis referred to the participating tertiary ophthalmology departments from January 2001 to September 2007 underwent intraocular and serum specimen collection. The standardized protocol for laboratory investigations included universal polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐based detection of any bacteria and mycoses, specific PCR‐based detection of fastidious (difficult‐to‐grow) bacteria and herpes viruses, and culture of vitreous fluid. Sera were tested for fastidious bacteria. Results Among the 1321 included patients, infection was diagnosed in 147 (11.1%) patients: 78 (53%) were caused by fastidious bacteria that included spirochetes, Bartonella species, intracellular bacteria (Chlamydia species, Rickettsia species, Coxiella burnetii), and Tropheryma whipplei; 18 by herpes viruses; and 9 by fungi. Bartonella quintana, Coxiella burnetii, Paracoccus yeei, Aspergillus oryzae, and Cryptococcus albidus were found to be associated with uveitis for the first time, to our knowledge. Conclusion We recommend applying a 1‐step diagnostic procedure that incorporates intraocular, specific microbial PCR with serum analyses in tertiary centers to determine the etiology of uveitis.
Retinal nerve fiber layer and macular thickness measured with Cirrus and Spectralis Fourier‐domain optical coherence tomographies: comparative study in healthy eyes.
Authors: PINILLA I , GARCIA MARTIN E , IDOIPE M , GIL ARRIBAS L , FUERTES MI , FERRERAS A 
Published: September 2009

Abstract Purpose To compare the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) measurements and macular thickness measurements in healthy eyes using two different Fourier‐domain optical coherence tomographies (OCT) devices: Cirrus HD OCT (Carl Zeiss Meditec, Dublin, Ca) and Spectralis OCT (Heidelberg Engineering, Heidelberg, Germany). Methods Fifty healthy eyes (33 women and 17 men, aged from 23 to 59 years) were prospectively analysed using 3 optic disc protocols and 3 volume cube scans with each device. Descriptive statistics, analysis of variance and coefficients of variation (COV) were calculated for RNFL average thickness and for the 9 areas corresponding to the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) in macular protocol. Differences between the acquisitions of RNFL quadrants with both devices made them unable to compare. Results RNFL thickness measurements showed significant differences between Cirrus HD OCT and Spectralis OCT (mean: 98.91 ± 7.39 microns and 102.20 ± 7.93 microns respectively) (p<0.001). Total retinal thickness mean showed significant differences between Cirrus OCT and Spectralis OCT (mean: 269.27 ± 23.25 and 277.79 ± 20.43 microns, respectively) (p=0.032). All measurements were highly reproducible. The retinal COV were from 0.1% (nasal outer ETDRS area) to 2.3% (average thickness) using Cirrus OCT and from 0.1% (nasal outer ETDRS area) to 2.2% (inferior outer ETDRS area) with Spectralis OCT. RNFL average thickness showed lower COV using Cirrus OCT (1.36%) than Spectralis OCT (1.79%). Conclusion Fourier domain OCTs show differences between their measurements and good reproducibility to analyze RNFL and macular thickness.
Balancing treatment allocations by clinician or center in randomized trials allows unacceptable levels of treatment prediction
Authors: Hills Robert K , Gray Richard , Wheatley Keith 
Published: August 2009

Abstract Objective Randomized controlled trials are the standard method for comparing treatments because they avoid the selection bias that might arise if clinicians were free to choose which treatment a patient would receive. In practice, allocation of treatments in randomized controlled trials is often not wholly random with various ‘pseudo‐randomization’ methods, such as minimization or balanced blocks, used to ensure good balance between treatments within potentially important prognostic or predictive subgroups. These methods avoid selection bias so long as full concealment of the next treatment allocation is maintained. There is concern, however, that pseudo‐random methods may allow clinicians to predict future treatment allocations from previous allocation history, particularly if allocations are balanced by clinician or center. We investigate here to what extent treatment prediction is possible. Methods Using computer simulations of minimization and balanced block randomizations, the success rates of various prediction strategies were investigated for varying numbers of stratification variables, including the patient's clinician. Results Prediction rates for minimization and balanced block randomization typically exceed 60% when clinician is included as a stratification variable and, under certain circumstances, can exceed 80%. Increasing the number of clinicians and other stratification variables did not greatly reduce the prediction rates. Without clinician as a stratification variable, prediction rates are poor unless few clinicians participate. Conclusion Prediction rates are unacceptably high when allocations are balanced by clinician or by center. This could easily lead to selection bias that might suggest spurious, or mask real, treatment effects. Unless treatment is blinded, randomization should not be balanced by clinician (or by center), and clinician–center effects should be allowed for instead by retrospectively stratified analyses.
Can paying for results help to achieve the Millennium Development Goals? A critical review of selected evaluations of results‐based financing
Authors: Oxman Andrew D , Fretheim Atle 
Published: August 2009

Abstract Background Results‐based financing (RBF) refers to the transfer of money or material goods conditional on taking a measurable action or achieving a predetermined performance target. RBF is being promoted for helping to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Methods We undertook a critical appraisal of selected evaluations of RBF schemes in the health sector in low and middle‐income countries (LMIC). In addition, key informants were interviewed to identify literature relevant to the use of RBF in the health sector in LMIC, key examples, evaluations, and other key informants. Results The use of RBF in LMIC has commonly been a part of a package that may include increased funding, technical support, training, changes in management, and new information systems. It is not possible to disentangle the effects of financial incentives as one element of RBF schemes, and there is very limited evidence of RBF per se having an effect. RBF schemes can have unintended effects. Conclusion When RBF schemes are used, they should be designed carefully, including the level at which they are targeted, the choice of targets and indicators, the type and magnitude of incentives, the proportion of financing that is paid based on results, and the ancillary components of the scheme. For RBF to be effective, it must be part of an appropriate package of interventions, and technical capacity or support must be available. RBF schemes should be monitored for possible unintended effects and evaluated using rigorous study designs.
Four decades of research on the effects of detracking reform: Where do we stand?—A systematic review of the evidence
Authors: Rui Ning 
Published: August 2009

Abstract Objective To review and synthesize evidence about academic and non‐academic effects of detracking reform. Methods Fifteen studies conducted from 1972 to 2006 were located and reviewed, including 4 experimental studies, 2 quasi‐experimental studies, 7 observational studies, and 2 qualitative studies. Meta‐analyses using fixed effects and random effects models were conducted for all and subsets of selected studies (by the academic ability of students and research design), followed by extensive discussion of individual studies. Results Generally speaking, students in detracked groups performed slightly better academically than their equivalent‐ability peers in tracked groups (d= 0.087, k= 22, N= 15,577, p < 0.0001), using a fixed effects model. A random effects model also indicated the overall positive effects of detracking (d= 0.202, k= 22, N= 15,577, p < 0.01). However, the effect sizes of individual studies are generally heterogeneous with I2(21) = 94.033. Using a random effects model, the study shows that average or high ability students in detracked groups performed no differently than their equivalent‐ability peers in tracked groups with a 95% confidence interval of (−0.047, 0.388). For low‐achieving students, both the fixed effects model [d= 0.113, k= 8, p < 0.0001, 95% CI (0.056, 0.169)] and random effects model [d= 0.283, k= 8, p < 0.005, 95% CI (0.087, 0.479)] revealed positive effects of detracking on student achievement for the 8 low‐ability subgroups in 6 studies. The evidence with respect to the non‐academic impact of detracking is mixed. Conclusion The findings suggest that the detracking reform had appreciable effects on low‐ability student achievement and no effects on average and high‐ability student achievement. Therefore, detracking should be encouraged, especially in schools where the lower‐track classes have been traditionally assigned fewer resources.
Preparation and response of medical and health institutions when energy flow is interrupted and infrastructure is damaged
Authors: Li Qun , Wu Xiukun , Bai Hong , Chen Hong , Yang Dingjun , Li Shizhou , Duan Liangsong , Zhu Ruiquan , Zhu Haiyang , Yao Jianyi , Xu Zhen , Mao Suling , Yang Weizhong 
Published: August 2009

AbstractEnergy interruption and infrastructure damage are the common characteristic between the snow disaster occurred in some southern provinces of China and the 5.12 Wenchuan earthquake in China in 2008. This paper summaries the effects on medical and health institutions caused by interruption of energy flow and damaged infrastructure, shares the preparation and response practices, experience, and lessons of medical disasters, and gives suggestions about how to prepare and response for medical and health institutions when energy flow is interrupted and infrastructure is damaged.
Investigation into the practice of ensuring a steady blood supply for medical rescue during the Wenchuan Earthquake
Authors: Yi Mei 
Published: August 2009

AbstractIn the rescue that follows a major natural disaster, blood donation is a unique, necessary method to assist the injured. To achieve effective assurance of the blood supply for medical rescue in an orderly fashion, the current procedure must be adjusted by using scientific prediction, analysis, and adaptation. After the process of ensuring the blood supply for medical rescue during the Wenchuan Earthquake, the Ministry of Health of China, with great efforts, continues to investigate and reflect upon the application of the above principals during actual practice. Objectively, these efforts will lead to better results and establish a standard supplying blood during a disaster rescue.
Combined Inactivation of
lon
and
ycgE
Decreases Multidrug Susceptibility by Reducing the Amount of OmpF Porin in
Escherichia coli
Authors: Duval Valérie , Nicoloff Hervé , Levy Stuart B. 
Published: September 2009

ABSTRACT

Transposon inactivation of
ycgE
, a gene encoding a putative transcriptional regulator, led to decreased multidrug susceptibility in an
Escherichia coli lon
mutant. The multidrug susceptibility phenotype (e.g., to tetracycline and β-lactam antibiotics) required the inactivation of both
lon
and
ycgE
. In this mutant, a decreased amount of OmpF porin contributes to the lowered drug susceptibility, with a greater effect at 26°C than at 37°C.