bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An open, randomized comparison of artesunate plus mefloquine vs. dihydroartemisinin–piperaquine for the treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in the Lao People's Democratic Republic (Laos)
Authors: Mayxay M. , Thongpraseuth V. , Khanthavong M. , Lindegårdh N. , Barends M. , Keola S. , Pongvongsa T. , Phompida S. , Phetsouvanh R. , Stepniewska K. , White N. J. , Newton P. N. 
Published: July 2006

SummaryObjective  To determine the efficacy and safety of oral dihydroartemisinin–piperaquine (DP, ArtekinTM) in the treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in southern Laos.Methods  An open, randomized clinical trial of oral artesunate–mefloquine (AM) vs. DP in 220 patients with acute uncomplicated falciparum malaria in Savannakhet Province, Laos.Results  The 42‐day cure rates (95% CI), as determined by survival analysis and adjusted for reinfection, were excellent and similar for the two groups [99 (94–100)% and 100 (100–100)% for AM and DP, respectively]. The median (range) fever and parasite clearance times for the AM and DP groups were also similar [20 (4–63) h and 2 (1–4) days vs. 20 (7–57) and 2 (1–4) days, logrank P = 0.4 and 0.17, respectively]. There were more patients with at least one potential side effect following treatment in the AM group when compared with the DP group [64/110 (58%) vs. 48/110 (44%), respectively, P = 0.031].Conclusion  Dihydroartemisinin–piperaquine did not have superior efficacy to AM for the treatment of uncomplicated falciparum malaria in Laos but was associated with fewer adverse effects.
Diode laser cycloablation in adult glaucoma: long‐term results of a standard protocol and review of current literature
Authors: Vernon Stephen A , Koppens Joanne M , Menon G Jayakrishna , Negi Anil K 
Published: July 2006

AbstractBackground:  To study the long‐term efficacy and safety of diode laser cycloablation under a standard protocol in refractory glaucoma.Methods:  A retrospective study involving 42 eyes (39 patients), observed for 36–84 (mean 65.7) months after cycloablation involving 14 burns of 2‐W power and 2‐s duration, over 270° of the ciliary body.Results:  By final review, mean intraocular pressure (IOP) had dropped by 50.3% from 31.4 ± 8.8 mmHg before treatment to 15.6 ± 6.3 mmHg (P < 0.0001). Thirty‐seven of the 42 eyes (88.1%) achieved IOP < 22 mmHg. Thirty‐five of the 42 eyes (83.3%) eyes achieved IOP reduction ≥ 30% from baseline levels. The mean number of antiglaucoma medications per eye dropped from 2.55 ± 0.83 to 1.71 ± 1.44 (P = 0.0004). The percentage of eyes requiring oral acetazolamide dropped from 92.9% to 11.9% (P < 0.0001). About 59.6% of eyes required multiple treatment sessions (mean 2.17). Twenty‐seven (64.3%) eyes suffered deterioration, 11 (26.2%) maintained stability and 4 (9.5%) exhibited improvement of visual acuity. No relationship between the number of treatment sessions and visual outcome was evident.Conclusions:  This conservative repeatable protocol affords delivery of the minimum dose of photocoagulation necessary to achieve a safe, long‐term ocular hypotensive response, while minimizing the risk of serious adverse effects, and is valuable in the difficult treatment of refractory glaucoma.
Comparative evaluation of oral fluorescein angiography using the confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscope and digital fundus camera with intravenous fluorescein angiography using the digital fundus camera
Authors: Azad Raj Vardhan , Baishya Bipul , Pal Nikhil , Sharma Yog Raj , Kumar Atul , Vohra Rajpal 
Published: July 2006

AbstractBackground:  To study the efficacy of oral fluorescein angiography (FA) with confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscope (CSLO).Methods:  Ten patients each of choroidal neovascular membrane, central serous retinopathy, diabetic retinopathy and five normal subjects were evaluated with group 1 – intravenous FA using digital fundus camera (DFC); group 2 – oral FA using DFC; and group 3 – oral FA using CSLO.Results:  Third‐order branch vessels were identified in 85.7% eyes in group 3 versus 51.4% in group 2 (P = 0.004), image quality was comparable to intravenous FA in 77.1% in group 3 versus 48.5% in group 2 (P = 0.02) and margin delineation was better in 80% eyes in group 3 versus 35% in group 2 (P = 0.01). The foveal avascular zone was clear and intact in 54.2% eyes in group 3 versus 37.1% in group 2 (P = 0.14) and 57.1% in group 1 (P = 0.8).Conclusion:  Oral FA using CSLO is superior to oral FA using DFC and comparable to intravenous FA using DFC in terms of image quality, branch retinal vessel identification and margin delineation.
Histopathology of explanted AlphaCor due to keratoprosthesis extrusion
Authors: Caporossi Aldo , Mazzotta Cosimo , Balestrazzi Angelo , Occhini Rossella , Toti Paolo , Traversi Claudio 
Published: July 2006

AbstractAlphaCor keratoprosthesis (KPro) is a new‐concept poly (2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate) one‐piece KPro that makes possible a two‐step implantation technique easy to perform with a short learning curve. In literature an 18% incidence of AlphaCor removal due to melting complications is reported. The histopathology of corneal tissue removed during a re‐operation while bearing an AlphaCor KPro has previously been described in the literature only in one report. Herein, the first histological features of an AlphaCor–corneal complex explanted because of KPro extrusion is described. The histopathology of the AlphaCor–corneal complex is characterized by mild inflammation in the corneal tissues, limited to the region surrounding the anteriorized and extruded part of the KPro. It is not possible to fully understand the mechanisms that trigger the device extrusion. One possible explanation could be a dislocation of the prosthesis in the corneal pocket due to the untied fixation stitch. Another explanation could be a foreign body reaction induced by KPro.
Facts on fats
Authors: Chong Elaine W‐T , Sinclair Andrew J , Guymer Robyn H 
Published: July 2006

AbstractCardiovascular disease and age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) may share common risk factors in their causal pathways. Decades of research from the cardiovascular sciences on fats have led investigators to focus on specific types of fats rather than total fat as a whole. They have established that saturated and trans‐unsaturated fats (trans fats) are damaging to cardiovascular health while polyunsaturated fats, particularly the marine omega 3 fatty acids appear protective. This has led to a number of studies investigating the associations of fat and AMD. Though the causal relationship between fats and AMD remain unproven, some studies suggest that an association may be present. To be able to understand and interpret the study results and their implications, an understanding of the fats in the diet is important. This review aims to give an overview of fatty acids, particularly the trans‐unsaturated fatty acids, and the relevant food groups.
Iris melanoma in 12‐year‐old boy
Authors: Tran Tu A , Hirst Lawrence W , Axelsen Roy A , Welch Roger 
Published: July 2006

AbstractA 12‐year‐old boy presented with an incidental finding of an iris lesion after blunt injury. Ocular examination revealed a large atypical brown vascular nodule in the nasal iris, extending to the pupillary margin. There were smaller scattered nodules scattered within the iris and anterior chamber. Ultrasound biomicroscopy examination revealed no tumour behind the iris. Fundal examination findings were normal. Sector iridectomy revealed mixed spindle and epitheliod melanoma. The eye was enucleated. Histopathologic examination confirmed malignant melanoma confined to the iridocorneal angle, iris, ciliary body and inner layer of the anterior sclera. Iris melanomas are very rare in the prepubertal age group.
Effect of mitomycin C on ostium in dacryocystorhinostomy
Authors: Deka Amarendra , Bhattacharjee Kasturi , Bhuyan Saurabh Kr , Barua Chiranjib Kumar , Bhattacharjee Harsha , Khaund Gautom 
Published: July 2006

AbstractBackground:  To observe the effect of intraoperative mitomycin C of varying concentration on postoperative ostium size after external dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR).Methods:  In this prospective controlled study, 60 cases of DCR were taken up irrespective of age and sex. Cases were divided into three groups. Group 1 was taken as a control group and operated without mitomycin C; in experimental group 2 and group 3, mitomycin C at a concentration of 0.05 mg/mL and 0.4 mg/mL was applied, respectively, for 2 min. Each group consisted of 20 cases. Half of the cases in each group underwent single‐flap DCR (SFDCR) and half underwent double‐flap DCR (DFDCR) surgery. Nasal endoscopic evaluation was performed on the first postoperative day, at 2 weeks and at 6 months after surgery. A Student’s t‐test was used to compare the osteotomy size of each group.Results:  At the end of the final follow up, average size of the ostium in group 1 was 3.6 ± 2.36 mm2 in SFDCR and 4.5 ± 3.59 mm2 in DFDCR, in group 2 was 4.8 ± 4.82 mm2 in SFDCR and 4.9 ± 4.12 mm2 in DFDCR, and in group 3 was 16.6 ± 6.80 mm2 in SFDCR and 17.5 ± 9.07 mm2 in DFDCR. The ostium size in group 3 was found to be significantly bigger in comparison with group 1 (P = 0.0001 in SFDCR, P = 0.001 in DFDCR) and with group 2 (P = 0.0009 in SFDCR, P = 0.001 in DFDCR). No statistically significant difference of ostium size was found in SFDCR and DFDCR.Conclusion:  Mitomycin C in appropriate dose minimizes postoperative fibrosis and granulations, thereby maintaining a bigger postoperative ostium throughout the postoperative observation period.
Complex genetics of complex traits: the case of primary open‐angle glaucoma
Authors: Hewitt Alex W , Craig Jamie E , Mackey David A 
Published: July 2006

AbstractGlaucoma, which is a complex heterogeneous disease, presents an ideal case for genetic investigation. Primary open‐angle glaucoma (POAG) is the commonest subtype and will be the focus of this review. When detected early, POAG is amenable to therapeutic intervention. Unfortunately, current population‐based clinical screening lacks efficacy. If individuals with a genetic predisposition for developing POAG can be identified, then efficient and cost‐effective population‐based screening programs could be designed. Although considerable inroads have been made in understanding the natural history of POAG caused by mutations in the myocilin and optineurin genes, other POAG genes accounting for most cases remain to be identified. This review explores the genetic mechanisms that have been unequivocally linked to the glaucomatous process and then discusses potential avenues for future breakthroughs.
Taurine potentiates presynaptic NMDA receptors in hippocampal Schaffer collateral axons
Authors: Suárez Luz M. , Solís José M. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractWe have previously shown that activation of presynaptic N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) receptors (NMDAR) enhances the amplitude of the presynaptic fibre volley (FV) evoked in Schaffer collateral axons of rat hippocampal slices, by a mechanism independent of extracellular Ca2+. Here we compared the pharmacological characteristics of presynaptic NMDARs affecting axon excitability (activated by 10–300 µm NMDA for 10 min), with those mediating field excitatory postsynaptic potentials (NMDA‐fEPSP). We found that NMDA‐induced potentiation was completely inhibited by NVP‐AAM077, an antagonist of NR2A‐containing NMDAR, but not by ifenprodil, an NR2B‐selective antagonist. The inhibitor of the glycine‐binding site in NMDARs, 7‐clorokynurenic acid (7‐CK), was more potent against NMDA‐fEPSP (IC50 = 6.3 ± 1.3 µm) than against the NMDA‐induced FV potentiation (IC50 = 26.5 ± 1.3 µm). Moreover, both post‐ and presynaptic NMDAR‐mediated phenomena were enhanced by glycine and d‐serine, but taurine, an endogenous analogue of glycine, only enhanced the latter (EC50 = 19 µm). Taurine was able to block the inhibitory effect of low doses of 7‐CK on NMDA‐induced FV potentiation, while glycine and d‐serine only reduced the effects of higher concentrations of this drug. Surprisingly, the enhancing effect of taurine on NMDA‐induced FV potentiation was blocked when it was co‐applied with glycine. Furthermore, the glutamate released synaptically with a train of stimuli also increased FV amplitude by a mechanism dependent on NMDARs; this was potentiated by taurine but not by co‐application of taurine and glycine. These results reveal that presynaptic NMDARs have unique properties that mediate the facilitation of axon excitability.
Estrogen controls PKCε‐dependent mechanical hyperalgesia through direct action on nociceptive neurons
Authors: Hucho Tim B. , Dina Olayinka A. , Kuhn Julia , Levine Jon D. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractProtein kinase C epsilon (PKCε) is an important intracellular signaling molecule in primary afferent nociceptors, implicated in acute and chronic inflammatory as well as neuropathic pain. In behavioral experiments inflammatory mediators produce PKCε‐dependent hyperalgesia only in male rats. The mechanism underlying this sexual dimorphism is unknown. We show that the hormone environment of female rats changes the nociceptive signaling in the peripheral sensory neuron. This change is maintained in culture also in the absence of a gender‐simulating environment. Stimulation of β2‐adrenergic receptors (β2‐AR) leads to PKCε activation in cultured dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons derived from male but not from female rats. Addition of estrogen to male DRG neurons produces a switch to the female phenotype, namely abrogation of β2‐AR‐initiated activation of PKCε. Estrogen interferes downstream of the β2‐AR with the signaling pathway leading from exchange protein activated by cAMP (Epac) to PKCε. The interfering action is fast indicating a transcriptional‐independent mechanism. Estrogen has a dual effect on PKCε. If applied before β2‐AR or Epac stimulation, estrogen abrogates the activation of PKCε. In contrast, estrogen applied alone leads to a brief translocation of PKCε. Alsoin vivothe activity of estrogen depends on the stimulation context. In male rats, intradermal injection of an Epac activator or estrogen alone induces mechanical hyperalgesia through a PKCε‐dependent mechanism. In contrast, injection of estrogen preceding the activation of Epac completely abrogates the Epac‐induced mechanical hyperalgesia. Our results suggest that gender differences in nociception do not reflect the use of generally different mechanisms. Instead, a common set of signaling pathways can be modulated by hormones.
On the postnatal development of the striate cortex (V1) in the tree shrew (Tupaia belangeri)
Authors: Drenhaus Ulrich , Rager Günter , Eggli Peter , Kretz Robert 
Published: July 2006

AbstractHistological serial sections, three‐dimensional reconstructions and morphometry served to study the postnatal development of V1 in tree shrews. The main objectives were to evaluate the expansion of V1, the implications of its growth on the occipital cortex and, vice versa, the effects of the expanding neocortex on the topography of V1. The future V1 was identified on postnatal day 1 by its granular layer IV, covering the superior surface of the occipital cortices including the poles. A subdivision of layer IV, distinctive for the binocular part, was evident in the central region. V1 expanded continuously with age into all directions succeeded by the maturation of layering. The monocular part was recognized from day 15 onward, after the binocular part had reached its medial border. In reference to the retinotopic map of V1, regions emerged in a coherent temporo‐spatial sequence delineating the retinal topography in a central to peripheral gradient beginning with the visual streak representation. The growth of V1 was greatest until tree shrews open their eyes, culminated during adolescence, and completed after a subsequent decrease in the young adult. Simultaneous expansion of the neocortex induced a shifting of V1. Translation and elongation of V1 entailed that the occipital cortex covered the superior colliculi along with a downward rotation of the poles. The enlargement of the occipital part of the hemispheres was in addition associated with the formation of a small occipital horn in the lateral ventricles, indicating an incipient ‘true’ occipital lobe harbouring mainly cortices involved in visual functions.
Contribution of spinal 5‐HT1Aand 5‐HT7receptors to locomotor‐like movement induced by 8‐OH‐DPAT in spinal cord‐transected mice
Authors: Landry Eric S. , Lapointe Nicolas P. , Rouillard Claude , Levesque Daniel , Hedlund Peter B. , Guertin Pierre A. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractGrowing evidence fromin vitrostudies suggests that spinal serotonin (5‐HT) receptor subtypes 5‐HTR1Aand 5‐HTR7are associated with an induction of central pattern generator activity. However, the possibility of a specific role for these receptor subtypes in locomotor rhythmogenesisin vivoremains unclear. Here, we studied the effects of a single dose (1 mg/kg, i.p.) of 8‐hydroxy‐2‐(di‐N‐propylamino)‐tetralin (8‐OH‐DPAT), a potent and selective 5‐HTR1A/7agonist, in mice spinal cord transected at the low‐thoracic level (Th9/10). The results show that 8‐OH‐DPAT acutely induced, within 15 min, hindlimb movements that share some characteristics with normal locomotion. Paraplegic mice pretreated with the selective 5‐HTR1Aantagonists, WAY100,135 or WAY100,635, displayed significantly less 8‐OH‐DPAT‐induced movement. A similar reduction of 8‐OH‐DPAT‐induced movements was found in animals pretreated with SB269970, a selective 5‐HTR7antagonist. Moreover, a near complete blockade of 8‐OH‐DPAT‐induced movement was obtained in wild‐type mice pretreated with 5‐HTR1Aand 5‐HTR7antagonists, and in 5‐HTR7–/– mice pretreated with 5‐HTR1Aantagonists. Overall, these results clearly demonstrate that 8‐OH‐DPAT potently induces locomotor‐like movement in the previously paralysed hindlimbs of low‐thoracic‐transected mice. The results, with selective antagonists and knockout animals, provide compelling evidence of a specific contribution of both receptor subtypes to spinal locomotor rhythmogenesisin vivo.
Persistent cerebrovascular effects of MDMA and acute responses to the drug
Authors: Ferrington Linda , Kirilly Eszter , McBean Douglas E. , Olverman Henry J. , Bagdy György , Kelly Paul A. T. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractAcutely, 3,4,‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) induces cerebrovascular dysfunction [Quate et al., (2004)Psychopharmacol., 173, 287–295]. In the longer term the same single dose results in depletion of 5‐hydroxytrptamine (5‐HT) nerve terminals. In this study we examined the cerebrovascular consequences of this persistent neurodegeneration, and the acute effects of subsequent MDMA exposure, upon the relationship that normally exists between local cerebral blood flow (LCBF) and local cerebral glucose utilization (LCMRglu). Dark agouti (DA) rats were pre‐treated with 15 mg/kg i.p. MDMA or saline. Three weeks later, rats from each pre‐treatment group were treated with an acute dose of MDMA (15 mg/kg i.p.) or saline. Quantitative autoradiographic imaging was used to measure LCBF or LCMRglu with [14C]‐iodoantipyrine and [14C]‐2‐deoxyglucose, respectively. Serotonergic terminal depletion was assessed using radioligand binding with [3H]‐paroxetine and immunohistochemistry. Three weeks after MDMA pre‐treatment there were significant reductions in densities of 5‐HT transporter (SERT)‐positive fibres (−46%) and [3H]‐paroxetine binding (−47%). In animals pre‐treated with MDMA there were widespread significant decreases in LCMRglu, but no change in LCBF indicating a persistent loss of cerebrovascular constrictor tone. In both pre‐treatment groups, acute MDMA produced significant increases in LCMRglu, while LCBF was significantly decreased. In 50% of MDMA‐pre‐treated rats, random areas of focal hyperaemia indicated a loss of autoregulatory capacity in response to MDMA‐induced hypertension. These results suggest that cerebrovascular regulatory dysfunction resulting from acute exposure to MDMA is not diminished by previous exposure, despite a significant depletion in 5‐HT terminals. However, there may be a sub‐population, or individual circumstances, in which this dysfunction develops into a condition that might predispose to stroke.
Mapping macroecology
Authors: Ruggiero Adriana , Hawkins Bradford A. 
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACTAlthough macroecology arose from geographical ecology, it has diverted from a geographical perspective. At present, most macroecological studies use a statistical approach that adopts an ‘individual species focus’ and relies on comparisons between species to test for broad‐scale ecological patterns. Sometimes, space is included as part of the analysis, but almost always in a single dimension. In both situations, observed relationships are depicted using bivariate scatter‐plots. We argue that current macroecological approaches may interfere with our perception of patterns and have important implications for their biological interpretation. We use the literature concerned with spatial variation in the range sizes of species (Rapoport's rule) to illustrate our point of view. Given the current lack of maps actually showing the patterns we are trying to explain, we contend that macroecology could benefit greatly by returning to its geographical roots, at least when data contain spatial structure.
Species richness, area and climate correlates
Authors: Nogués‐Bravo David , Araújo Miguel B. 
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACTAim  Species richness–area theory predicts that more species should be found if one samples a larger area. To avoid biases from comparing species richness in areas of very different sizes, area is often controlled by counting the numbers of co‐occupying species in near‐equal area grid cells. The assumption is that variation in grid cell size accrued from working in a three‐dimensional world is negligible. Here we provide a first test of this idea. We measure the surface area of c. 50 × 50 km and c. 220 × 220 km grid cells across western Europe. We then ask how variation in the area of grid cells affects: (1) the selection of climate variables entering a species richness model; and (2) the accuracy of models in predicting species richness in unsampled grid cells.Location  Western Europe.Methods  Models are developed for European plant, breeding bird, mammal and herptile species richness using seven climate variables. Generalized additive models are used to relate species richness, climate and area.Results  We found that variation in the grid cell area was large (50 × 50 km: 8–3311 km2; 220 × 220: 193–55,100 km2), but this did not affect the selection of variables in the models. Similarly, the predictive accuracy was affected only marginally by exclusion of area within models developed at the c. 50 × 50 km grid cells, although predictive accuracy suffered greater reductions when area was not included as a covariate in models developed for c. 220 × 220 km grid cells.Main conclusions  Our results support the assumption that variation in near‐equal area cells may be of second‐order importance for models explaining or predicting species richness in relation to climate, although there is a possibility that drops in accuracy might increase with grid cell size. The results are, however, contingent on this particular data set, grain and extent of the analyses, and more empirical work is required.