bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical value of anti‐live Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis immunoglobulin G subclasses, detected by flow cytometry, for diagnosing active localized cutaneous leishmaniasis
Authors: Rocha R. D. R. , Gontijo C. M. F. , Elói‐Santos S. M. , Teixeira‐Carvalho A. , Corrêa‐Oliveira R. , Ferrari T. C. A. , Marques M. J. , Mayrink W. , Martins‐Filho O. A. 
Published: February 2006

Summaryobjective To evaluate the clinical value of flow cytometry anti‐live promastigate antibody (FC‐ALPA), for diagnosing active cutaneous leishmaniasis.method Serum samples from 145 individuals living in endemic areas for localized cutaneous leishmaniasis (population 1) were classified as having the disease or not and then tested for their IgG reactivity by indirect immunofluorescence assay and FC‐ALPA‐IgG. The results of FC‐ALPA‐IgG were expressed as percentage of positive fluorescent parasite. Both tests were also evaluated in serum samples of people with visceral leishmaniasis and Chagas disease (population 1A).results In population 1, FC‐ALPA‐IgG performed better than the immunofluorescence assay regarding sensitivity, specificity and predictive values. Analysis of the results according to the likelihood ratios indicated that a percentage of positive fluorescent parasite ≤60 practically excludes the diagnosis of localized cutaneous leishmaniasis (likelihood ratio = 0.07), whereas at >60% it reinforces diagnosis of the disease (likelihood ratio = 7.0). Immunofluorescent assay is of little value (likelihood ratio = 2.04). In population 1A, both tests performed worse, but FC‐ALPA‐IgG achieved better statistical indexes than immunofluorescent assay.conclusion The FC‐ALPA‐IgG is a valuable method for serological diagnosis of localized cutaneous leishmaniasis. FC‐ALPA‐IgG1/ALPA‐IgG2 combined analysis is an additional serological tool for discriminating localized visceral leishmaniasis, Chagas disease and visceral leishmaniasis in areas where these infections co‐exist.
Distance to water source and altitude in relation to active trachoma in Rombo district, Tanzania
Authors: Baggaley R. F. , Solomon A. W. , Kuper H. , Polack S. , Massae P. A. , Kelly J. , Safari S. , Alexander N. D. E. , Courtright P. , Foster A. , Mabey D. C. 
Published: February 2006

SummaryObjectives  To investigate the relationship between distance to water source, altitude and active trachoma in children in Rombo district, Tanzania.Methods  In each of Rombo's 64 villages, 10 balozis (groups of 8–40 households) were selected at random and all resident children aged 1–9 years were examined for clinical signs of active trachoma. The households of these children and village water sources were mapped using differentially corrected global positioning system data to determine each household's altitude and distance to the nearest water supply.Results  We examined 12 415 children and diagnosed 1171 cases of active trachoma (weighted prevalence = 9.1%, 95% CI: 8.0, 10.2%). Active trachoma prevalence ranged from 0% to 33.7% across villages. Increasing distance to the nearest water source was significantly associated with rising trachoma prevalence (age‐adjusted odds ratio for infection (OR) for highest quartile compared to lowest = 3.56, 95% CI 2.47, 5.14, P for trend <0.0001). Altitude was significantly inversely associated with trachoma prevalence (age‐adjusted OR for highest quartile compared to lowest = 0.55, 95% CI 0.41, 0.75, P for trend <0.0001). These associations remained significant after adjustment in multivariate analysis.Conclusions  Trachoma is endemic in Rombo district, although the prevalence varies considerably between villages. Spatial mapping is a useful method for analysing risk factors for active trachoma.
Differences in fertility by HIV serostatus and adjusted HIV prevalence data from an antenatal clinic in northern Uganda
Authors: Fabiani Massimo , Nattabi Barbara , Ayella Emingtone O. , Ogwang Martin , Declich Silvia 
Published: February 2006

SummaryObjectives  To estimate differences in fertility by HIV serostatus and to validate an adjustment method for estimating the HIV prevalence in the general female population using data from an antenatal clinic.Methods  We used Cox regression models to retrospectively estimate the age‐specific relative fertility (RF) of HIV‐positive compared to HIV‐negative women among 3314 antenatal clinic attenders in northern Uganda. RF and the age distribution of women in the general female population were used to extrapolate the antenatal clinic‐based HIV prevalence. This procedure was indirectly validated by comparing the adjusted estimate with those based on standard adjustment factors derived from general female populations in Uganda and Tanzania.Results  HIV‐positive women reported a lower fertility than HIV‐negative women [age‐adjusted RF = 0.83, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.75–0.93]. Except for girls aged 15–19 (RF = 0.96, 95% CI: 0.74–1.24) HIV‐positive women in all age groups were less fertile (20–24 year: RF = 0.83, 95% CI: 0.67–1.01; 25–29 years: RF = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.62–1.00; 30–49 year: RF = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.65–0.96]. Adjusting the antenatal clinic‐based HIV prevalence (11.6%) for these differences yields a higher estimate (13.8%) that is lower than those based on standard adjustment factors derived from general female populations (from 14.6% to 17.7%).Conclusions  The age‐specific pattern of differential fertility by HIV serostatus derived from antenatal clinic data is consistent with findings from population‐based studies conducted in Africa. However, differences in fertility between HIV positive and HIV‐negative clients underestimate those in the general female population yielding inaccurate estimates when used to extrapolate the HIV prevalence.
Modelling distances travelled to government health services in Kenya
Authors: Noor Abdisalan M , Amin Abdinasir A , Gething Peter W , Atkinson Peter M , Hay Simon I , Snow Robert W 
Published: February 2006

SummaryObjective  To systematically evaluate descriptive measures of spatial access to medical treatment, as part of the millennium development goals to reduce the burden of HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria.Methods  We obtained high‐resolution spatial and epidemiological data on health services, population, transport network, topography, land cover and paediatric fever treatment in four Kenyan districts to develop access and use models for government health services in Kenya. Community survey data were used to model use of government health services by febrile children. A model based on the transport network was then implemented and adjusted for actual use patterns. We compared the predictive accuracy of this refined model to that of Euclidean distance metrics.Results  Higher‐order facilities were more attractive to patients (54%, 58% and 60% in three scenarios) than lower‐order ones. The transport network model, adjusted for competition between facilities, was most accurate and selected as the best‐fit model. It estimated that 63% of the population of the study districts were within the 1 h national access benchmark, against 82% estimated by the Euclidean model.Conclusions  Extrapolating the results from the best‐fit model in study districts to the national level shows that approximately six million people are currently incorrectly estimated to have access to government health services within 1 h. Simple Euclidean distance assumptions, which underpin needs assessments and against which millennium development goals are evaluated, thus require reconsideration.
Isolation of a Plasmodium vivax refractory Anopheles culicifacies strain from India
Authors: Adak T. , Singh O. P. , Nanda Nutan , Sharma V. P. , Subbarao Sarala K. 
Published: February 2006

Summary Anopheles culicifacies
sensu lato comprises five sibling species. We report the isolation of an An. culicifacies species B strain which is completely refractory to Plasmodium vivax sporogonic development and partially refractory to P. falciparum. Parasite development in this strain is arrested by a melanotic encapsulation mechanism in the mid‐gut. We compare the infectivity of this refractory strain and four other species B strains from different epidemiological zones of India with P. vivax in the laboratory.
In vivo sensitivity monitoring of mefloquine monotherapy and artesunate–mefloquine combinations for the treatment of uncomplicated falciparum malaria in Thailand in 2003
Authors: Vijaykadga Saowanit , Rojanawatsirivej Chaiporn , Cholpol Sawat , Phoungmanee Duangduen , Nakavej Argat , Wongsrichanalai Chansuda 
Published: February 2006

SummaryObjective  To monitor the efficacy of anti‐malarial treatments in Thailand.Method  A 28‐day in vivo study in nine provinces along international borders in 2003. The first group comprised 164 patients from four provinces: Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Ratchaburi and Ubon Ratchathani. These patients received 15 mg/kg mefloquine as a single dose. The second group, 58 patients from Kanchanaburi, were treated with 15 mg/kg mefloquine plus artesunate (12 mg/kg). The third group, 196 patients from provinces with high‐level mefloquine resistance (Tak, Ranong, Chanthaburi and Trat), received 25 mg/kg of mefloquine plus 12 mg/kg artesunate. In all arms, follow‐up blood smears were scheduled for days 1, 2, 3, 7, 14, 21 and 28. All patients tolerated the regimens well.Results  The percentage of adequate clinical and parasitological response to mefloquine monotherapy was 62.0% in Mae Hong Son, 75.0% in Chiang Mai, 94.0% in Ratchaburi and 89.7% in Ubon Ratchathani. In Kanchanaburi, the percentage of adequate clinical and parasitological response to the artesunate–mefloquine combination was 94.2%. In the third group, this response exceeded 90%, except in Trat, where it was only 78.6% (44 patients).Conclusion  Mefloquine monotherapy must urgently be replaced in Mae Hong Son and Chiang Mai. The markedly reduced efficacy of the artesunate–mefloquine combination used in Trat raises questions about the future of this therapy on the southeastern border of Thailand with Cambodia. It is very worrying because no practical and affordable alternative is yet available.
Short communication: Negative spatial association between lymphatic filariasis and malaria in West Africa
Authors: Kelly‐Hope Louise A. , Diggle Peter J. , Rowlingson Barry S. , Gyapong John O. , Kyelem Dominique , Coleman Michael , Thomson Madeleine C. , Obsomer Valerie , Lindsay Steve W. , Hemingway Janet , Molyneux David H. 
Published: February 2006

SummaryObjective To determine the relationship between human lymphatic filariasis, caused by Wuchereria bancrofti, and falciparum malaria, which are co‐endemic throughout West Africa.Methods We used geographical information systems and spatial statistics to examine the prevalence of lymphatic filariasis in relation to malaria prevalence, mosquito species distributions, vegetation and climate.Results A negative spatial association between W. bancrofti and falciparum malaria prevalence exists. Interspecies competition between parasites, seasonality, differences in the distribution and vector competence of Anopheles vectors, agricultural practices and insecticide resistance may be factors driving current (and potentially future) spatial distributions.Conclusion Further investigating these factors will become crucial as large‐scale lymphatic filariasis and malaria control programmes are implemented in West Africa that may influence the epidemiology of both diseases.
Intravitreal triamcinolone injection for chronic diffuse diabetic macular oedema
Authors: Avci Remzi , Kaderli Berkant , Akalp Fatma D 
Published: February 2006

AbstractPurpose:  To determine the efficacy and safety of intravitreal triamcinolone in chronic diffuse diabetic macular oedema.Methods:  This prospective, interventional consecutive case series study consisted of 59 eyes (36 patients) with chronic diffuse diabetic macular oedema, which received an intravitreal injection of 4 mg triamcinolone acetonide. The results were evaluated by clinical examination and fluorescein angiography. Potential complications such as a rise in intraocular pressure, cataract progression and endophthalmitis were recorded.Results:  All patients completed at least 6 months follow up. The mean visual acuity improved significantly from 0.17 ± 3.4 to a maximum of 0.30 ± 3.3 at the third postinjection month (P < 0.01). Mean improvements in visual acuity measured were 2.15 ± 1.66, 2.42 ± 2.66, 1.13 ± 2.74, 0.96 ± 2.01 and 0.08 ± 2.34 lines at the 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months follow‐up intervals, respectively. In all eyes in fluorescein angiography, macular oedema was resolved (63%) or decreased (37%) during the follow up. However, the macular oedema reached the pretreatment level in 29 (49%) of the eyes at 6 months and 15 of 21 eyes (71%) at 9 months after injection. Intraocular pressure exceeded 21 mmHg in 10 eyes, which were controlled by topical medication. Four eyes showed cataract progression. Endophthalmitis was not observed in any of the eyes.Conclusions:  Intravitreal injection of 4 mg triamcinolone acetonide appears to be an effective and relatively safe therapeutic method for diffuse diabetic macular oedema. Further studies are warranted to assess the long‐term efficacy, safety and the need for reinjection.
Migratory intraocular cilium following phacoemulsification
Authors: Rofail Marc , Briner A Michael , Lee Graham A 
Published: February 2006

AbstractA case of an intraocular cilium noted in the anterior chamber after routine small incision phacoemulsification is described. The cilium was noted on the third postoperative day. It initially protruded internally from the paracentesis site and subsequently pierced the peripheral iris to migrate through to the posterior chamber to finally re‐emerge through the pupil and come to rest in the inferior angle. No adverse effects have been noted and the patient's visual acuity was stable at 6/5 after 6 months of follow up.
Idiopathic sclerochoroidal calcification in a 79‐year‐old woman
Authors: Pakrou Nima , Craig Jamie E 
Published: February 2006

AbstractSclerochoroidal calcification is an uncommon ocular condition usually seen in elderly patients. Lesions are typically bilateral and observed in the mid‐peripheral fundus, frequently near the superotemporal arcade. It is often an incidental finding, observed as multiple ill‐defined, elevated yellow plaque‐like lesions, in otherwise asymptomatic patients.
Congenital rubella cataract: a timely reminder in the new millennium?
Authors: Sharan Sapna , Sharma Shanel , Billson Frank A 
Published: February 2006

AbstractMaternal infection with rubella in the first trimester is an important cause of congenital cataract. Any injury affecting the foetus following maternal rubella infection in the phase of organogenesis results in congenital defects collectively termed as congenital rubella syndrome (CRS). Although rubella embryopathy is a less common cause for congenital cataract than in the past, it is still seen. The number of cases reduced to one in 1997 after which there were no new cases till 2002. However, there have been two new cases of CRS in 2003. Herein another one in early 2004 is reported. Outbreaks of CRS will continue until the percentage of susceptible individuals is reduced to a minimum through immunization. The majority of rubella cases in Australia are confined to young female immigrants, many coming for marriage. We must continue to immunize children, identify and immunize vaccine failures and susceptible women before they become pregnant, and to screen pregnant women so they can be vaccinated after delivery.
Negative electroretinograms in pericentral pigmentary retinal degeneration
Authors: Hotta Kazuki , Kondo Mineo , Nakamura Makoto , Hotta Junko , Terasaki Hiroko , Miyake Yozo , Hida Tetsuo 
Published: February 2006

AbstractThe clinical presentation and electrophysiological findings are described of three consecutive cases with pericentral pigmentary retinal degeneration. The responses to bright flashes after dark adaptation showed negative waveform shape in all cases. Rod responses were strongly reduced compared with cone responses. Cone electroretinograms elicited by long‐duration stimuli showed greater loss of the on‐response than the off‐response. The ratio of the on‐response amplitude to off‐response amplitude of these patients (0.52 ± 0.12; mean ± SD, n = 6) was significantly smaller than that of normal subject (0.83 ± 0.21; mean ± SD, n = 8) (Mann–Whitney U‐test, P < 0.01). The electrophysiological findings of these cases suggest a greater defect of inner retinal function, especially in transmission between photoreceptors and depolarizing bipolar cells.
Fluorescein angiography and adverse drug reactions revisited: the Lions Eye experience
Authors: Kwan Anthony SL , Barry Chris , McAllister Ian L , Constable Ian 
Published: February 2006

AbstractBackground:  The last major survey of adverse reactions to intravenous fluorescein angiography was performed more than 20 years ago. There have been two recent fatalities involving intravenous fluorescein in Australia. It is important to review the current incidence of adverse reactions and latest literature on the pathogenesis, prophylaxis and alternatives to intravenous fluorescein angiography.Methods:  A retrospective review of all adverse reactions to intravenous sodium fluorescein in patients undergoing fluorescein angiography between June 1998 and June 2004 was undertaken. The total number of fluorescein angiograms performed and the number of patients with adverse reactions were identified from the photographic department database and the fluorescein adverse reaction register at the Lions Eye Institute.Results:  A total of 11 898 fluorescein angiograms were performed during the study period. There were 132 adverse reactions recorded. The commonest adverse reactions were nausea and vomiting. There were no serious adverse reactions or deaths recorded. There was a statistically significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between sodium fluorescein used from two manufacturers.Conclusions:  Fluorescein angiography is a relative safe procedure and comparable to other intravenous radiocontrast media angiography or investigation. The present results are consistent with previous studies. Prophylactic treatment, fluorescein desensitization or oral fluorescein angiography should be considered in high‐risk patients. Safe guards should be in place to manage potential serious adverse reactions. Other imaging techniques, like optical coherence tomography, should be considered as an alternative in selected cases.
National survey on the management of lacrimal canalicular injury in the United Kingdom
Authors: Ho Thomas , Lee Vickie 
Published: February 2006

AbstractPurpose:  The management of lacrimal canalicular injury is controversial. It is believed that practice varies widely among surgeons.Methods:  One hundred and twenty National Health Service‐based Consultant Ophthalmologists with oculoplastic interest across the United Kingdom (UK) were identified via the website http://www.specialistinfo.com, which is a website that asks UK consultants to identify their areas of subspecialty interests. Questionnaires were sent out to them to determine caseload, intraoperative techniques (magnification, suture and stents) and postoperative management (antibiotic use, stent placement and replacement and secondary lacrimal surgery) of patients with canalicular injuries.Results:  Eighty‐nine (74%) completed questionnaires were returned and analysed. Most (63%) of the respondents treated between one and five canalicular injuries over the past year. Thirty‐eight (43%) of them would repair a monocanalicular injury only if the lower canaliculus was involved and 36 (40%) respondents would always repair a monocanalicular injury. Eighty‐two (92%) respondents used magnification during surgery. Fifty‐one (57%) respondents would never consider using the pigtail probe. Eighty‐five (96%) would use the bubble test and/or fluorescein dye to locate the severed medial canalicular end. Vicryl or dexon was the suture of choice for 76 (85%) and 63 (71%) respondents for repairing pericanalicular and canalicular tissues, respectively. Thirteen (14.6%) respondents did not stent their canalicular repairs. Forty‐seven (53%) routinely used prophylactic antibiotics. Sixty‐eight (76%) respondents would wait between 3 and 12 months before undertaking further lacrimal surgery.Conclusion:  This study confirmed that management of lacrimal canalicular injury varies widely among surgeons in the UK.
Glaucomatous damage in normotensive fellow eyes of patients with unilateral hypertensive pseudoexfoliation glaucoma: normotensive pseudoexfoliation glaucoma?
Authors: Yarangümeli Alper , Davutluoglu Bugra , Köz Özlem G , Elhan Atilla H , Yaylaci Melike , Kural Gülcan 
Published: February 2006

AbstractBackground:  The objective of the study was to investigate the prevalence of glaucomatous damage in normotensive fellow eyes of patients with unilateral high‐tension pseudoexfoliation (PX) glaucoma.Methods:  Initial examination records of 111 patients with unilateral PX glaucoma with intraocular pressure (IOP) ≥ 22 mmHg in the hypertensive eye and IOP ≤ 21 mmHg in the normotensive fellow eye without any prior antiglaucomatous treatment were retrospectively studied. Visual field and optic disc examination results were evaluated for glaucomatous damage in the normotensive eyes.Results:  Glaucomatous changes were detected in 45 of the 111 fellow eyes (40%). The damage was mild in 25 eyes (22%), moderate in 18 eyes (16%), and severe in 2 (2%). The factors significantly associated with glaucomatous findings in the normotensive eyes were clinical detection of PX, higher age (≥70 years), higher maximal IOP (≥18 mmHg) and wider IOP fluctuation (≥6 mmHg) in the univariate analyses. In the multivariate analysis, associated factors remained as higher maximal IOP (odds ratio = 7.92, confidence interval = 2.82–22.23, P < 0.001) and wider IOP fluctuation (odds ratio = 5.67, confidence interval = 2.05–15.74, P = 0.001).Conclusion:  Normotensive fellow eyes of patients with unilateral high‐tension PX glaucoma are under significant risk of glaucomatous damage, related with the level and the fluctuation range of IOP.
Progression of visual field loss in open angle glaucoma in the Melbourne Visual Impairment Project
Authors: Zahari Mimiwati , Mukesh Bickol N , Rait Julian L , Taylor Hugh R , McCarty Catherine A 
Published: February 2006

AbstractPurpose:  To quantify the progression of visual field loss in participants with open angle glaucoma.Methods:  Cluster random samples of 3271 participants participated in this study. Each participant underwent a standardized ophthalmic examination, which included intraocular pressure measurement, Humphrey 24‐2 Fastpac visual field testing and stereophotography of the optic disc. At baseline 118 participants were identified as possible, probable or definite open angle glaucoma and 74 (62.7%) of these were seen again at the follow‐up examination. Progression of visual field loss was defined using three methods: the Advanced Glaucoma Intervention Study criteria, the modified Anderson criteria and the Blumenthal method.Results:  In total, 49% of subjects showed progressive visual field loss with at least one method. The Blumenthal criteria yielded the highest rate of progression (37%), followed by the modified Anderson method (33%) and the Advanced Glaucoma Intervention Study method (16%). The progressive visual field loss was associated with baseline glaucoma status (P = 0.02); 65% of the definite glaucoma progressed, compared with 57% of the probable glaucoma and 25% of the possible glaucoma. Participants who had been previously diagnosed with glaucoma had a higher rate of progression (54%) when compared with those who had not been diagnosed previously (47%). In total, 50% (four of eight) of those receiving glaucoma medication at baseline had progressive visual field loss; all were in the definite glaucoma category.Conclusion:  Despite use of glaucoma medications the majority of glaucoma patients managed by their regular ophthalmologist experienced progressive visual field loss over a 5‐year period.