bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gender‐associated differences in dyspnoea and health‐related quality of life in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: KATSURA Hideki , YAMADA Kouichi , WAKABAYASHI Ritsuko , KIDA Kozui 
Published: May 2007

Background and objectives:  Recent studies have reported several gender‐associated differences among patients with COPD, but gender‐associated differences in health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with COPD have not yet been clarified. This study evaluated gender differences in dyspnoea and HRQoL in patients with COPD.Methods:  Study participants were 156 patients with COPD (men 117, women 39); men were individually matched to women by age and FEV1% predicted to give a ratio of 3:1 (male : female). Study participants were evaluated for dyspnoea and completed HRQoL questionnaires. An oxygen cost diagram (OCD) was used to assess the degree of dyspnoea and Morale Scale was used to assess subjective well‐being. St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) and SF‐36 were used for HRQoL evaluation. The findings in the male and female groups were compared.Results:  The OCD and Morale Scale showed significantly lower values for female patients with COPD. Disease‐specific HRQoL assessed by SGRQ was significantly worse, except for symptoms, in female patients with COPD. Generic HRQoL assessed by SF‐36 was also significantly worse, except for general health and social functioning. Stepwise multiple regression showed OCD, Morale Scale and 6‐min walking distance to be significantly associated with total SGRQ score in the male group, and Morale Scale and 6‐min walking distance were significant associations in the female group.Conclusions:  Gender differences exist in dyspnoea and HRQoL in patients with COPD. These need to be considered when designing treatment strategies for COPD patients.
Effects of high‐intensity exercise training in a pulmonary rehabilitation programme for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: HSIEH Meng‐Jer , LAN Chou‐Chin , CHEN Ning‐Hung , HUANG Chung‐Chi , WU Yao‐Kuang , CHO Hsio‐Ying , TSAI Ying‐Huang 
Published: May 2007

Background and objectives:  The benefits of pulmonary rehabilitation for patients with COPD depend on the intensity of training. Traditional pulmonary rehabilitation programmes (PRPs) do not consistently achieve high‐intensity training and have variable training effects. This study examined the effects of high‐intensity exercise training on cardiac and pulmonary function in COPD patients.Methods:  Patients with COPD participated in a 6‐week, cardiopulmonary exercise test‐based PRP. Spirometry, 6‐min walking distance and cardiopulmonary exercise test were used to evaluate cardiopulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength and endurance at rest, during exercise and before and after the programme. Patients were encouraged to complete high‐intensity exercise with a targeted training intensity of at least 75% maximum oxygen uptake (V̇O2).Results:  Thirty‐four COPD patients were enrolled into the study; 16 completed the high‐intensity training, 18 did not. At the end of the 12‐session PRP, submaximal exercise capacity (6‐min walking distance, 461.8 ± 77.2–502.7 ± 66.9 m, P < 0.001) improved in both the patients who completed high‐intensity training and those who did not. Only the patients who completed high‐intensity training had significant improvements in FVC (2.47 ± 0.70–2.70 ± 0.62 L, P = 0.024) at rest, maximal exercise capacity (peak V̇O2, 1001.6 ± 286.4–1116.1 ± 320.4 mL/min, P = 0.020) and work efficiency (7.3 ± 1.4–8.4 ± 1.8 mL/min/watt, P = 0.026). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in the change in the physiological parameters before and after exercise.Conclusions:  Exercise training in a PRP improved submaximal exercise capacity. Only patients who completed high‐intensity exercise training showed improvements in maximal exercise capacity, FVC and work efficiency.
Pulmonary nocardiosis: Risk factors and outcomes
Authors: MARTÍNEZ TOMÁS Raquel , MENÉNDEZ VILLANUEVA Rosario , REYES CALZADA Soledad , SANTOS DURANTEZ Maruja , VALLÉS TARAZONA José Manuel , MODESTO ALAPONT Manuel , GOBERNADO SERRANO Miguel 
Published: May 2007

Background and objectives:  Pulmonary nocardiosis (PN) is an infrequent but severe infection caused by Nocardia spp., which can behave either as opportunistic or primary pathogens. The present study identifies the risk factors for PN, clinical symptoms and radiographic features and the factors that affect its prognosis.Methods:  An observational study of all the patients diagnosed with PN over a 13‐year period at the authors’ institution.Results:  Thirty‐one adult patients were identified with PN, 11 of whom had disseminated nocardiosis. The predisposing conditions were COPD (23%), transplantation (29%), HIV infection (19%), alcoholism (6.5%) and treatment with steroids (64.5%). Respiratory tract sampling using non‐invasive techniques had a diagnostic yield of 77%, while specimens from invasive methods had a yield of 47%. Mean time to diagnosis was 42 days. Dissemination to the central nervous system was related to alcoholism. The mortality rates were 41% for PN and 64% for disseminated nocardiosis; when Nocardia disseminated to the central nervous system, the mortality was 100%.Conclusion:  Specific risk factors were found in 94% of patients, with the most common being corticosteroid treatment and immunosuppressive therapy. The time to reach diagnosis and to prescribe specific treatment was considerable and mandatory assessment for nocardia in high‐risk patients is required. The mortality rate of PN is high and early diagnosis and treatment are needed. Medications other than co‐trimoxazole may be required.
Differences in practice and personal profiles between male and female ophthalmologists
Authors: Danesh‐Meyer Helen V , Deva Narme C , Ku Judy YF , Carroll Stuart C , Tan Yu Wee , Gamble Greg 
Published: May 2007

AbstractPurpose:  To assess practice profiles and attitudes towards career and family among ophthalmologists in Australia and New Zealand, with an emphasis on identifying gender differences.Methods:  A 43‐part confidential survey addressing professional and personal issues was sent to all female ophthalmologists and to randomly selected age‐matched male ophthalmologists, registered with the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists in 2005.Results:  A total of 254 (75%) of the surveys were returned, with no significant difference in response rate between genders. Differences in practice profiles were identified: females preferentially practise in the city (89.6% vs. 76.1%, P < 0.001), work fewer hours (70% of males working 40 hours per week, compared with 41% of females, P < 0.0001) and work part time (57.5% vs. 13.6%, P < 0.0001). Female ophthalmologists earn less (average income being NZ/Aus$37 913 [95% confidence interval 25 600–50 226] less, P < 0.0001); the difference remained significant (P < 0.0001) even when adjusted for hours worked. Up to 93.3% of male ophthalmologists are married or in a stable relationship, compared with 75.6% of females (P = 0.0003), and males are more likely to have children (P = 0.0007). There was no significant difference in overall career satisfaction between male and female ophthalmologists; however, females expressed greater frustration with managing professional and family commitments, and unequal career advancement opportunities.Conclusion:  Significant differences exist in practice profiles and personal circumstances between male and female ophthalmologists. Females appear to balance work and personal responsibilities by working fewer hours, and for lower income. Despite this, they are less likely to be in a stable relationship, or to have children. However, there is no difference between the two groups in overall career satisfaction.
Outcomes of combined penetrating keratoplasty and cataract extraction compared with penetrating keratoplasty alone
Authors: Green Matthew , Chow Andrew , Apel Andrew 
Published: May 2007

AbstractPurpose:  To compare the rejection rates, graft failure rates, mean visual, keratometric and refractive outcomes of combined penetrating keratoplasty and cataract extraction with penetrating keratoplasty alone.Methods:  A retrospective study of all patients who had combined keratoplasty and cataract extraction/intraocular lens insertion (49 eyes; mean age 65.3 years; mean follow up 17 months) compared with all patients who had keratoplasty only (58 eyes; mean age 64.0 years; mean follow up 14 months).Results:  One hundred and seven eyes in 99 patients had keratoplasty in the period and were included in the study. The most common indication for keratoplasty in patients who had triple procedures was Fuchs' endothelial dystrophy (24.5%). During the study seven (6.5%) grafts failed and four (3.7%) had allogenic rejection without failure during this period. There was no statistical difference between the graft survival rates of the two study groups. The mean postoperative logMAR visual acuity (VA) was 0.42 and postoperative VA of 6/12 or better was seen in 71% of patients. Mean postoperative corneal curvature was 44.6 dioptres (D), mean corneal astigmatism was −4.0 D and was ≥5 D in 38%. Mean double‐angle Cartesian coordinates for corneal astigmatism were x−0.87 D and y−0.29 D. Mean best sphere of postoperative refractions was −0.61 D and mean absolute refractive error was 2.2 D. There was no statistically significant difference in VA, keratometric or refractive outcome measures between the two study groups.Conclusion:  Over a short follow up, keratoplasty combined with cataract extraction/intraocular lens insertion showed a similar risk of graft failure or allogenic graft rejection when compared with keratoplasty alone and we recommend the triple procedure for quicker visual recovery and less operative procedures.
Factors influencing poor visual outcome in patients treated with photodynamic therapy for choroidal neovascularization secondary to age‐related macular degeneration
Authors: Manku Kiran K , Rotchford Alan , Whitaker John , Amoaku Winfried M 
Published: May 2007

AbstractBackground:  This study evaluated patients with choroidal neovascular membranes secondary to age‐related macular degeneration for factors that may predict the visual outcome after photodynamic therapy.Methods:  A retrospective review of 172 eyes of 172 consecutive patients who received photodynamic therapy for predominantly classic with and without occult, minimally classic and occult choroidal neovascular membranes secondary to macular degeneration in private practice from June 2000 to September 2004 was undertaken. All eyes had a baseline vision of 6/12 to 6/60. Classification of lesion composition, retreatment and follow up adhered to published photodynamic therapy guidelines. The primary outcomes measured were effects of patient age, baseline visual acuity, lesion composition and lesion size on final visual acuity and loss of less than 15 letters of logMAR at 12 months.Results:  All eyes were followed up for 12 months. Baseline mean logMAR visual acuity was logMAR 0.64. Using multivariate logistic regression, loss of logMAR vision at 12 months was independently associated with increasing age (P = 0.004), better baseline vision (P = 0.009) and increasing lesion size (P = 0.035). However, there was no association with lesion composition (P = 0.16). At 12 months the loss of 15 letters or less was found in 101 (59.7%; 95% confidence interval: 51.0–66.2%) of all patients.Conclusions:  This study found no statistically significant association between lesion composition defined on fluorescein angiography and loss of visual acuity compared with previous studies. Factors associated with an increased rate of loss of 15 letters were increasing age of the patient, increasing lesion size and better baseline logMAR vision.
Non‐penetrating glaucoma surgery augmented with mitomycin C or 5‐fluorouracil in eyes at high risk of failure of filtration surgery: long‐term results
Authors: Choudhary Anshoo , Wishart Peter K 
Published: May 2007

AbstractPurpose:  To investigate the long‐term efficacy and safety of non‐penetrating glaucoma surgery (NPGS) augmented with mitomycin C (MMC) or 5‐fluorouracil (5FU) in eyes at high risk of failure of glaucoma filtration surgery.Methods:  Prospective study of all eyes, undergoing NPGS with 0.04% MMC (1 to 2 min topical or 0.04 mL subconjunctival injection into the superior fornix) or 5FU (25 mg/mL topically for 5 min). Complete success was an intraocular pressure (IOP) ≤ 21 mmHg on no medication and qualified success an IOP ≤ 21 mmHg with topical medication. An additional criterion for success was a ≥20% drop in IOP or a reduction of at least two medications.Results:  Twenty‐three eyes of 22 patients with a mean follow up of 41.4 months were reviewed. Fifteen eyes had failed trabeculectomy and seven had uveitic glaucoma. Mean preoperative IOP reduced from 25.8 ± 7.8 to 15.4 ± 4.9 mmHg at final visit, a mean change of 41%. Median number of preoperative medications decreased from 3 to 0 postoperatively. Cumulative probability of success was 100% at 2 years, 94% at 3 years and 85% at 4 years. No patient developed any long‐term complications. Complete success was achieved in 11 eyes and qualified success in 10 eyes. Two eyes failed and required further surgery.Conclusion:  NPGS augmented with small‐volume MMC/5FU provides good long‐term IOP control in eyes at high risk of failure with a lower incidence of complications compared with augmented trabeculectomy and eliminates the need for postoperative bleb or suture manipulation.
Nanophthalmos in a Melanesian population
Authors: Tay Tien , Smith James EH , Berman Yemima , Adès Lesley , Missotte Isabelle , Saglibène Hēlène , Martin Frank , Mitchell Paul , Taylor David 
Published: May 2007

AbstractPurpose:  To characterize the ophthalmic features and causes of visual loss in a cohort of Melanesians living in New Caledonia with nanophthalmos.Methods:  In this observational study, axial length, visual acuity (VA), cycloplegic autorefraction were assessed and dilated fundus examination was performed. Visual impairment was defined as VA < 6/12 in the better eye, hypermetropia as >+1.0 dioptre (D), astigmatism as ≥1.0 D and anisometropia as ≥1.0 D difference between both eyes. Unilateral amblyopia was defined as at least a two‐line difference in VA between both eyes and bilateral amblyopia as VA < 6/12 in both eyes which was not adequately explained by refractive error and macular folds.Results:  Seventeen community‐dwelling participants (aged 1.1–45.3 years) with short axial length (range from 16.1 to 21.6 mm) were identified. Of the 17 subjects, 14 were found to have crowded optic discs, three with papillomacular folds, three with a papillomacular band and three with macular radial folds. Further, all subjects demonstrated bilateral hypermetropia (range from +1.3 D to +15.1 D). A high proportion of subjects had astigmatism (12) and anisometropia (nine) in at least one eye. Visual impairment was found in nine subjects: five bilateral and four unilateral. Causes of visual impairment included amblyopia (seven), ametropia (seven) and macular folds (two). Amblyopia was attributed to several factors, including hypermetropia, anisometropia, astigmatism and esotropia.Conclusions:  In this sample of Melanesians with nanophthalmos, a spectrum of ophthalmic features that was consistent with intraocular crowding was found. Over half of the subjects were visually impaired, mostly due to amblyopia and ametropia. Further characterization of the underlying genetic cause of nanophthalmos in this cohort will be the focus of future studies.
Manifestation of Coats' disease by age in Taiwan
Authors: Lai Chien‐Hsiung , Kuo Hsi‐Kung , Wu Pei‐Chang , Kuo Ming‐Lun , Chen Yung‐Jen 
Published: May 2007

AbstractBackground:  To compare the differences in clinical manifestation of Coats' disease between younger and older patients in the Far East.Methods:  Coats' disease cases diagnosed at one Taiwanese hospital from July 1986 to June 2004 were retrospectively reviewed (n = 30; 32 eyes). Patients were stratified into groups according to the initial diagnosis of Coats' disease at the age of <20 years (Group Y) or ≥20 years (Group O). The clinical manifestations of Coats' disease in Group Y (19 eyes) and Group O (13 eyes) were compared.Results:  A higher proportion of female patients was noted in Group O (P = 0.046). Diseases were generally limited geographically, with 14 eyes (73.7%) manifesting involvement greater than 6 clock hours in Group Y and four eyes (30.8%) in Group O. The involved area including retinal telangiectasia and exudates was smaller in Group O (P = 0.016). Patients without posterior pole involvement were associated with better visual outcome (adjusted odds ratio, 6.5; 95% confidence interval, 1.1–40.1, P = 0.044).Conclusion:  Coats' disease manifestation was different between different age groups. Treatment is important to prevent disease progression. Visual prognosis is associated with posterior pole involvement.
Primary angle closure glaucoma: a developing world perspective
Authors: Thomas Ravi , Sekhar G Chandra , Parikh Rajul 
Published: May 2007

AbstractPrimary angle closure glaucoma (PACG) is estimated to affect a significant proportion of the population worldwide. Of those affected, the majority reside in developing countries. In the developing world, more than 80% of the people afflicted with glaucoma are unaware that they have the disease, and visual impairment from PACG is more severe than from primary open‐angle glaucoma. Considering the paucity of resources and competing opportunity costs, it is imperative that the developing world extrapolates current literature and exiting data sensibly, and develops cost‐effective strategies for the detection and management of angle closure glaucoma. The number needed to treat (NNT) was used to extrapolate the trials for an individual patient. To extrapolate to the overall population (where applicable) the authors used the population attributable risk percentage (PAR%). For individual patient care, treatment of a primary angle closure suspect (PACS) has an NNT of 6 over 5 years to prevent one patient progressing to primary angle closure (PAC). The NNT for PAC to prevent PACG over 5 years is 5. The ‘effective’ PAR% for PACS is 56.4% and the ‘effective’ PAR% for PAC is 65%. This suggests both PACS and PAC are important health burdens but because of the absence of a good screening test and the opportunity costs involved, population‐based screening will probably be unfeasible in developing countries.
Optical coherence tomography evidence of rapid progression from vitreomacular traction to full thickness macular hole
Authors: Lee Mun‐Wai , Cheng Bobby Ching‐Li , Ang Chong‐Lye 
Published: May 2007

AbstractThe authors present a case of a patient with idiopathic vitreomacular traction who subsequently developed a full thickness macular hole 3 weeks following the onset of metamorphopsia. Vitreomacular traction is a well described phenomenon and has been known to resolve spontaneously and in this patient the conservative approach was adopted initially. However, she progressed rapidly to a full thickness macular hole and therefore, the authors recommend close monitoring of such patients with a view to early vitrectomy to prevent progressive morbidity.
Corneal perforation and intraocular lens prolapse in Serratia marcescens endophthalmitis
Authors: Sharma Neil S , Ooi Ju‐Lee , Downie John A , Coroneo Minas T 
Published: May 2007

AbstractA 72‐year‐old lady was referred with bacterial endophthalmitis secondary to complicated left cataract extraction. The organism was identified as Serratia marcescens. Despite aggressive treatment the eye continued to deteriorate with corneal perforation and prolapse of the intraocular contents.
Late intraocular pressure rise following intravitreal triamcinolone injection
Authors: Williams Christopher PR , Konstantopoulos Aristides , Rowley Steven A , Luff Andrew J 
Published: May 2007

AbstractMost ophthalmologists are aware of the risk of elevated intraocular pressure developing 1 or 2 months after an intravitreal injection of triamcinolone. However, the two cases reported here demonstrate that such a rise can occur significantly later than this. All patients who have had intravitreal steroid injection should therefore have prolonged intraocular pressure monitoring.
Intravitreal voriconazole for the treatment of endogenous endophthalmitis caused by Scedosporium apiospermum
Authors: Chen Fred K , Chen Simon DM , Tay‐Kearney Mei‐Ling 
Published: May 2007

Abstract Scedosporium apiospermum is an increasingly recognized cause of endogenous fungal endophthalmitis in immunocompromised patients. The authors describe two patients with endogenous S. apiospermum endophthalmitis treated with intravitreal and systemic voriconazole. Despite a prolonged course of systemic antifungal treatment, both patients subsequently required enucleation for intractable ocular pain due to secondary scleritis. Histological examination of the globes demonstrated the presence of fungal hyphae. Endogenous S. apiospermum endophthalmitis need to be considered in the differential diagnosis of necrotizing retinitis. Despite its efficacy in suppressing disseminated S. apiospermum infection, voriconazole may be ineffective in the treatment of endogenous S. apiospermum endophthalmitis especially if treatment is delayed.
Sight‐threatening orbital emphysema treated with needle decompression
Authors: Singh Mandeep , Phua Vanessa Mae , Sundar Gangadhara 
Published: May 2007

AbstractOrbital emphysema is rare in the absence of trauma, and is unlikely to result in visual loss. The authors describe a patient with no prior trauma who presented with decreased vision and increased intraocular pressure due to severe orbital emphysema after a sneeze. Computed tomography revealed subcutaneous emphysema of the lid and extraconal air in the orbit. Emergency needle decompression resulted in improvement in vision and intraocular pressure.
Binocular membranous cataract associated with binocular retinal detachment
Authors: Song Zong‐Ming , Fu Xiao‐Ying , Xue An‐Quan , Lu Fan , Wang Qin‐Mei , Qu Jia 
Published: May 2007

AbstractA 36‐year‐old man with a history of consanguineous marriage between his parents presented with bilateral membranous cataract that was complicated by bilateral rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). Biomicroscopy revealed an absence of the crystalline lens bilaterally, a single piece of integrated fibrotic membrane in the right eye, and a membrane with a central cleft at the level of the ciliary process in the left eye. A small amount of residual cortex was revealed in the peripheral part of the membranes bilaterally when the pupils were dilated. Funduscopic examination showed that the vitreous liquefied and retina detached bilaterally. The successful retinal reattachment by vitrectomy and the finding of a retinal tear proved that the RD was rhegmatogenous. This case investigates bilateral membranous cataract with bilateral RRD as a new syndrome, or whether RRD may be a new complication of membrane cataract.
Latanoprost‐related transient incontinence
Authors: Raja Vignesh , Sandanshiv Pravin , Asghar Muhammad , Moriarty Brendan 
Published: May 2007

AbstractLatanoprost has increasingly become the first choice in topical anti‐glaucoma therapy. Local adverse events like hypertrichosis and increased iris pigmentation are common whereas systemic adverse events have been rare and mild in intensity. The authors would like to report a case of transient urge incontinence after initiation of latanoprost therapy confirmed by challenge–rechallenge tests and speculate on the causal relationship.