bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Laser in situ keratomileusis for different degrees of myopia
Authors: Lin Jane‐Ming , Tsai Yi‐Yu 
Published: February 2005

Abstract.Purpose:  To determine the efficacy, predictability, stability and safety of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) in treating patients with different degrees of myopia. Methods:  We enrolled 386 eyes of 200 consecutive patients who underwent LASIK and divided them into four groups according to their degree of preoperative spherical equivalent (SE). Group 1 eyes ranged between − 1.00 and − 3.99 dioptres (D) (low myopia). Group 2 eyes ranged between − 4.00 and − 5.99 D (moderate myopia). Group 3 eyes ranged between − 6.00 and − 9.99 D (high myopia). Group 4 eyes were over − 9.99 D (extreme myopia). Follow‐up was at 1 day, 1 week and 1, 3, 6, 12 and 18 months postoperatively. Results:  Our study included 386 eyes of 200 patients with SE ranging from − 3.00 to − 16.00 D (mean − 7.14 ± 2.87 D). All eyes were seen at 1 day postoperatively. A total of 360 eyes (93%) were examined at 1 week, 330 eyes (85%) at 1 month, 281 eyes (73%) at 3 months, 247 eyes (64%) at 6 months, 199 eyes (52%) at 12 months and 142 eyes (37%) at 18 months. The postoperative data from 1 day to 12 months were used because of the low follow‐up rate at 18 months postoperatively. Group 1 consisted of 30 eyes. The mean SE was − 3.52 ± 0.43 D preoperatively and − 0.40 ± 0.58 D at 1 month, − 0.46 ± 0.60 D at 6 months and − 0.42 ± 0.50 D at 12 months postoperatively. Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) was 20/40 or better in 95% of eyes at 1 day and in 100% of eyes at 6 and 12 months postoperatively. Group 2 consisted of 151 eyes. The mean SE was − 5.36 ± 0.67 D preoperatively and − 0.54 ± 0.78 D at 1 month, − 0.56 ± 0.90 D at 6 months and − 0.55 ± 0.82 D at 12 months postoperatively. Uncorrected VA was 20/40 or better in 95% of eyes at 1 day and in 100% of eyes at 6 and 12 months postoperatively. Group 3 consisted of 167 eyes. The mean SE was − 8.15 ± 0.94 D preoperatively and − 0.58 ± 0.90 D at 1 month, − 0.67 ± 1.00 D at 6 months and − 0.64 ± 0.95 D at 12 months postoperatively. Uncorrected VA was 20/40 or better in 90% of eyes at 1 day and in 98% of eyes at 6 and 12 months postoperatively. Group 4 consisted of 38 eyes. The mean SE was − 11.09 ± 1.10 D preoperatively and − 1.25 ± 1.20 D at 1 month, − 1.13 ± 1.30 D at 6 months and − 1.20 ± 1.25 D at 12 months postoperatively. Uncorrected VA was 20/40 or better in 78% of eyes at 1 day, in 94% at 6 months and in 90% at 12 months postoperatively. Intraoperative complications (free cap) occurred in two eyes and postoperative complications were observed in three eyes, making the total complications rate 1.29% (5/386). Seven eyes lost one Snellen line of BCVA, five lost two lines and two lost more than two lines (total: 3.64%, 14/386). Conclusion:  In conclusion, LASIK is effective, predictable and safe for correcting myopia but is more accurate for correcting myopia up to −10.00 D. With more improvement in algorithms and ablation profile, we believe that LASIK can offer better results for higher myopia.
A case of Chandler's syndrome revealed by ultrastructural studies of the trabecular meshwork
Authors: Awai Maiko , Futa Ryusuke , Hamanaka Teruhiko , Hirata Akira , Koga Takahisa , Kimura Akira , Miyagawa Tomoko , Tanihara Hidenobu 
Published: February 2005

Abstract.Purpose:  To investigate ultrastructural changes in the aqueous outflow route and discuss the mechanisms associated with intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation in a patient with presumably early stage Chandler's syndrome. Methods:  A 47‐year‐old man underwent trabeculectomy because of elevated IOP. A specimen obtained during surgery was studied by transmission electron microscopy. Results:  Electron microscopy showed the presence of a monolayer composed of corneal endothelium‐like cells and thick basement membrane‐like material. Neovascularization was also observed in the corneoscleral trabeculum. Conclusions:  Our results indicate that several mechanisms, including the formation of basement membrane‐like tissue, infiltration of inflammatory cells and neovascularization, might contribute to the elevation of IOP in Chandler's syndrome. These may occur even when there is no history of conspicuous inflammatory reaction in the anterior ocular segments.
Three‐year follow‐up of posterior capsule opacification with two different silicone intraocular lenses
Authors: Sundelin Karin , Shams Hossein , Stenevi Ulf 
Published: February 2005

Abstract.Purpose:  To compare posterior capsule opacification (PCO) after cataract surgery with implantation of two silicone intraocular lenses (IOLs) with different designs. Methods:  We carried out a prospective, clinical study of 116 patients randomized to standardized phacoemulsification with implantation of CeeOn Edge (n = 57) or SI40NB (n = 59) IOLs. The follow‐up period was 3 years. To evaluate PCO morphologically, digital images were obtained and analysed using evaluation of posterior capsule opacification computer software (epco). The neodymium:YAG (Nd:YAG) capsulotomy rate was recorded. Results:  At 2 and 3 years, the eyes with SI40NB IOLs had significantly more PCO than those with the CeeOn Edge IOLs (p = 0.00014 and p = 0.002). Nine Nd:YAG capsulotomies were performed in the SI40NB group and none in the CeeOn Edge group. This difference was statistically significant (p = 0.003). In some patients a regression of PCO was noticed and confirmed using epco. Statistically less PCO was noted when the capsulorhexis rim was placed so that it covered all 360 degrees of the optic of the IOL. Conclusions:  A clinically and statistically significant difference in PCO development between CeeOn Edge and SI40NB IOLs at 2 and 3 years postoperatively was found. These findings support earlier studies indicating that a sharp edge of the optic is a more important factor in IOL design than IOL material in the prevention of PCO.
G‐DRG Version 2005: Relevante Aspekte für die Dermatologie
Authors: Hensen Peter , Fürstenberg Torsten , Schiller Meinhard , Luger Thomas A. , Rompel Rainer , Roeder Norbert 
Published: February 2005

ZusammenfassungEin Jahr nach der obligaten DRG‐Einführung in den deutschen Krankenhäusern liegt nun die dritte Version eines deutschen DRG‐Fallpauschalensystems vor, die sich wiederum sehr deutlich von der Vorgängerversion unterscheidet. Die Veränderungen am Klassifikationssystem sowie die Einführung weiterer Zusatzentgelte tragen dabei zu einer verbesserten Abbildungsqualität vieler Leistungsbereiche bei. Ein großer Teil der bekannten und wiederholt diskutierten Probleme wurde konstruktiv angegangen und Vorschläge bezüglich der Sachgerechtigkeit der Leistungsabbildung umgesetzt. Hierbei sind unter anderem die modifizierten Algorithmen der Hauptdiagnosekategorien und die verstärkte Berücksichtigung von Komplikationen, Begleiterkrankungen und/oder multiplen Prozeduren zu nennen. Es kann allerdings nicht erwartet werden, daß mit der neuen Version die Probleme in der Abbildung spezialisierter Leistungen bzw. die noch bestehenden Probleme der Dermatologie umfassend gelöst wurden. Insgesamt ist aber ein großer Fortschritt bei der Systemgestaltung zu verzeichnen. Die wesentlichen Aspekte der G‐DRG Version 2005 und der begleitenden Abrechnungs‐ und Ausführungsbestimmungen werden mit Blick auf die Dermatologie erläutert.
Intravenous dexamethasone‐cyclophosphamide pulse therapy in comparison with oral methylprednisolone‐azathioprine therapy in patients with pemphigus: Results of a multicenter prospectively randomized study
Authors: Rose Ellen , Wever Sabine , Zillikens Detlef , Linse Ruthild , Haustein Uwe‐Frithjof , Bröcker Eva‐Bettina 
Published: February 2005

Summary Background: Pemphigus is a potentially life‐threatening autoimmune blistering skin disease usually treated with high‐dose corticosteroids in combination with immunosuppressive drugs. In a multicenter, prospectively randomized study we compared efficacy and side effects of a dexamethasone‐cyclophosphamide (D/C) pulse therapy with a methylprednisolone‐azathioprine (M/A) therapy in 22 patients with newly diagnosed pemphigus vulgaris and pemphigus foliaceus. Patients and methods: The 11 patients of the M/A group were treated with daily doses of methylprednisolone (initially 2 mg/kg body weight) and azathioprine (2 – 2,5 mg/kg body weight) which were subsequently tapered. D/C pulse therapy in 11 patients consisted of intravenous administration of 100 mg dexamethasone/d on 3 consecutive days along with cyclophosphamide (500 mg) on day one. Pulses were initially repeated every 2 – 4 weeks and then at increasing intervals. In between the pulses, oral cyclophosphamide (50 mg) was given daily for 6 months. Results: Within 24 months after treatment initiation, 5/11 patients of the D/C group had a remission (complete remissions after discontinuation of therapy in 3 patients) and 6/11 patients had a progression. In the M/A group, there were remissions in 9/11 patients (complete remissions after discontinuation of therapy in 3 patients) and progression in 1/11 patients. There were more relapses in M/A therapy after remission than in D/C therapy. Side effects were more common in the M/A group. These differences were not significant (p > 0,05). Conclusion: Because of the high number of progressions in patients treated with D/C therapy, we can not confirm the encouraging results of earlier reports about pulse D/C therapy. Nevertheless D/C therapy seemed to be better tolerated and, in case of primary efficacy, was associated with fewer recurrences than M/A therapy.
Fis Regulates Transcriptional Induction of RpoS inSalmonella enterica
Authors: Hirsch Matthew , Elliott Thomas 
Published: February 2005

ABSTRACTThe sigma factor RpoS is known to regulate at least 60 genes in response to environmental sources of stress or during growth to stationary phase (SP). Accumulation of RpoS relies on integration of multiple genetic controls, including regulation at the levels of transcription, translation, protein stability, and protein activity. Growth to SP in rich medium results in a 30-fold induction of RpoS, although the mechanism of this regulation is not understood. We characterized the activity of promoters servingrpoSinSalmonella entericaserovar Typhimurium and report that regulation of transcription during growth into SP depends on Fis, a DNA-binding protein whose abundance is high during exponential growth and very low in SP. Afismutant ofS. entericaserovar Typhimurium showed a ninefold increase in expression from the majorrpoSpromoter (PrpoS) during exponential growth, whereas expression during SP was unaffected. Increased transcription from PrpoSin the absence of Fis eliminated the transcriptional induction as cells enter SP. The mutant phenotype can be complemented by wild-typefiscarried on a single-copy plasmid. Fis regulation ofrpoSrequires the presence of a Fis site positioned at −50 with respect to PrpoS, and this site is bound by Fis in vitro. A model is presented in which Fis binding to this site allows repression ofrpoSspecifically during exponential growth, thus mediating transcriptional regulation ofrpoS.
The Metal Permease ZupT from
Escherichia coli
Is a Transporter with a Broad Substrate Spectrum
Authors: Grass Gregor , Franke Sylvia , Taudte Nadine , Nies Dietrich H. , Kucharski Lisa M. , Maguire Michael E. , Rensing Christopher 
Published: February 2005

ABSTRACT

The
Escherichia coli zupT
(formerly
ygiE)
gene encodes a cytoplasmic membrane protein (ZupT) related to members of the eukaryotic ZIP family of divalent metal ion transporters. Previously, ZupT was shown to be responsible for uptake of zinc. In this study, we show that ZupT is a divalent metal cation transporter of broad substrate specificity. An
E. coli
strain with a disruption in all known iron uptake systems could grow in the presence of chelators only if
zupT
was expressed. Heterologous expression of
Arabidopsis thaliana
ZIP1 could also alleviate iron deficiency in this
E. coli
strain, as could expression of indigenous
mntH
or
feoABC
. Transport studies with intact cells showed that ZupT facilitates uptake of
55
Fe
2+
similarly to uptake of MntH or Feo. Other divalent cations were also taken up by ZupT, as shown using
57
Co
2+
. Expression of
zupT
rendered
E. coli
cells hypersensitive to Co
2+
and sensitive to Mn
2+
. ZupT did not appear to be metal regulated: expression of a Φ(
zupT-lacZ
) operon fusion indicated that
zupT
is expressed constitutively at a low level.
An Unusual Mutation Results in the Replacement of Diaminopimelate with Lanthionine in the Peptidoglycan of a Mutant Strain of
Mycobacterium smegmatis
Authors: Consaul Sandra A. , Wright Lori F. , Mahapatra Sebabrata , Crick Dean C. , Pavelka Martin S. 
Published: February 2005

ABSTRACT

Mycobacterial peptidoglycan contains
l
-alanyl-
d
-
iso
-glutaminyl-
meso
-diaminopimelyl-
d-
alanyl-
d-
alanine peptides, with the exception of the peptidoglycan of
Mycobacterium leprae
, in which glycine replaces the
l-
alanyl residue. The third-position amino acid of the peptides is where peptidoglycan cross-linking occurs, either between the
meso
-diaminopimelate (DAP) moiety of one peptide and the penultimate
d-
alanine of another peptide or between two DAP residues. We previously described a collection of spontaneous mutants of DAP-auxotrophic strains of
Mycobacterium smegmatis
that can grow in the absence of DAP. The mutants are grouped into seven classes, depending on how well they grow without DAP and whether they are sensitive to DAP, temperature, or detergent. Furthermore, the mutants are hypersusceptible to β-lactam antibiotics when grown in the absence of DAP, suggesting that these mutants assemble an abnormal peptidoglycan. In this study, we show that one of these mutants,
M. smegmatis
strain PM440, utilizes lanthionine, an unusual bacterial metabolite, in place of DAP. We also demonstrate that the abilities of PM440 to grow without DAP and use lanthionine for peptidoglycan biosynthesis result from an unusual mutation in the putative ribosome binding site of the
cbs
gene, encoding cystathionine β-synthase, an enzyme that is a part of the cysteine biosynthetic pathway.
Transcriptional Polarity in rRNA Operons of
Escherichia coli nusA
and
nusB
Mutant Strains
Authors: Quan Selwyn , Zhang Ning , French Sarah , Squires Catherine L. 
Published: February 2005

ABSTRACT

Synthesis of ribosomes in
Escherichia coli
requires an antitermination system that modifies RNA polymerase to achieve efficient transcription of the genes specifying 16S, 23S, and 5S rRNA. This modification requires nucleotide signals in the RNA and specific transcription factors, such as NusA and NusB. Transcription of
rrn
operons in strains lacking the ability to produce either NusA or NusB was examined by electron microscopy. The distribution and numbers of RNA polymerase molecules on
rrn
operons were determined for each mutant. Compared to the wild type, the 16S gene in the
nusB
mutant strain had an equivalent number of RNA polymerase molecules, but the number of RNA polymerase molecules was reduced 1.4-fold for the
nusA
mutant. For both mutant strains, there were twofold-fewer RNA polymerase molecules on the 23S RNA gene than for the wild type. Overall, the mutant strains each had 1.6-fold-fewer RNA polymerase molecules on their
rrn
operons than did the wild type. To determine if decreased transcription of the 23S gene observed by electron microscopy also affected the 30S/50S ribosomal subunit ratio, ribosome profiles were examined by sucrose gradient analysis. The 30S/50S ratio increased 2.5- to 3-fold for the
nus
mutant strains over that for wild-type cells. Thus, strains carrying either a
nusA
mutation or a
nusB
mutation have defects in transcription of 23S rRNA.
Activation of the
vrg6
Promoter of
Bordetella pertussis
by RisA
Authors: Cróinín Tadhg Ó. , Grippe Vanessa K. , Merkel Tod J. 
Published: February 2005

ABSTRACT

The BvgAS two-component system positively regulates the expression of the virulence genes of
Bordetella pertussis
and negatively regulates a second set of genes whose function is unknown. The BvgAS-mediated regulation of the
bvg
-repressed genes is accomplished through the activation of expression of the negative regulator, BvgR. A second two-component regulatory system, RisAS, is required for expression of the
bvg
-repressed surface antigens VraA and VraB. We examined the roles of BvgR and RisA in the regulation of four
bvg
-repressed genes in
B. pertussis
. Our analyses demonstrated that all four genes are repressed by the product of the
bvgR
locus and are activated by the product of the
risA
locus. Deletion analysis of the
vrg6
promoter identified the upstream and downstream boundaries of the promoter and, in contrast to previously published results, demonstrated that sequences downstream of the start of transcription are not required for the regulation of expression of
vrg6
. Gel mobility-shift experiments demonstrated sequence-specific binding of RisA to the
vrg6
and
vrg18
promoters, and led to the identification of two putative RisA binding sites. Finally, transcriptional analysis and Western blot analysis demonstrated that BvgR regulates neither the expression nor the stability of RisA.
Compiling a Molecular Inventory for
Mycobacterium bovis
BCG at Two Growth Rates: Evidence for Growth Rate-Mediated Regulation of Ribosome Biosynthesis and Lipid Metabolism
Authors: Beste D. J. V. , Peters J. , Hooper T. , Avignone-Rossa C. , Bushell M. E. , McFadden J. 
Published: February 2005

ABSTRACT

An experimental system of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
growth in a carbon-limited chemostat has been established by the use of
Mycobacterium bovis
BCG as a model organism. For this model, carbon-limited chemostats with low concentrations of glycerol were used to simulate possible growth rates during different stages of tuberculosis. A doubling time of 23 h (
D
= 0.03 h
−1
) was adopted to represent cells during the acute phase of infection, whereas a lower dilution rate equivalent to a doubling time of 69 h (
D
= 0.01 h
−1
) was used to model mycobacterial persistence. This chemostat model allowed the specific response of the mycobacterial cell to carbon limitation at different growth rates to be elucidated. The macromolecular (RNA, DNA, carbohydrate, and lipid) and elemental (C, H, and N) compositions of the biomass were determined for steady-state cultures, revealing that carbohydrates and lipids comprised more than half of the dry mass of the BCG cell, with only a quarter of the dry weight consisting of protein and RNA. Consistent with studies of other bacteria, the specific growth rate impacts on the macromolecular content of BCG and the proportions of lipid, RNA, and protein increased significantly with the growth rate. The correlation of RNA content with the growth rate indicates that ribosome production in carbon-limited
M. bovis
BCG cells is subject to growth rate-dependent control. The results also clearly show that the proportion of lipids in the mycobacterial cell is very sensitive to changes in the growth rate, probably reflecting changes in the amounts of storage lipids. Finally, this study demonstrates the utility of the chemostat model of mycobacterial growth for functional genomic, physiology, and systems biology studies.
Two Novel Phycoerythrin-Associated Linker Proteins in the Marine CyanobacteriumSynechococcussp. Strain WH8102
Authors: Six Christophe , Thomas Jean-Claude , Thion Laurent , Lemoine Yves , Zal Frank , Partensky Frédéric 
Published: February 2005

ABSTRACTThe recent availability of the whole genome ofSynechococcussp. strain WH8102 allows us to have a global view of the complex structure of the phycobilisomes of this marine picocyanobacterium. Genomic analyses revealed several new characteristics of these phycobilisomes, consisting of an allophycocyanin core and rods made of one type of phycocyanin and two types of phycoerythrins (I and II). Although the allophycocyanin appears to be similar to that found commonly in freshwater cyanobacteria, the phycocyanin is simpler since it possesses only one complete set of α and β subunits and two rod-core linkers (CpcG1 and CpcG2). It is therefore probably made of a single hexameric disk per rod. In contrast, we have found two novel putative phycoerythrin-associated linker polypeptides that appear to be specific for marineSynechococcusspp. The first one (SYNW2000) is unusually long (548 residues) and apparently results from the fusion of a paralog of MpeC, a phycoerythrin II linker, and of CpeD, a phycoerythrin-I linker. The second one (SYNW1989) has a more classical size (300 residues) and is also an MpeC paralog. A biochemical analysis revealed that, like MpeC, these two novel linkers were both chromophorylated with phycourobilin. Our data suggest that they are both associated (partly or totally) with phycoerythrin II, and we propose to name SYNW2000 and SYNW1989 MpeD and MpeE, respectively. We further show that acclimation of phycobilisomes to high light leads to a dramatic reduction of MpeC, whereas the two novel linkers are not significantly affected. Models for the organization of the rods are proposed.
Structural and Spectroscopic Properties of a Reaction Center Complex from the Chlorosome-Lacking Filamentous Anoxygenic Phototrophic BacteriumRoseiflexus castenholzii
Authors: Yamada Mitsunori , Zhang Hui , Hanada Satoshi , Nagashima Kenji V. P. , Shimada Keizo , Matsuura Katsumi 
Published: February 2005

ABSTRACTThe photochemical reaction center (RC) complex ofRoseiflexus castenholzii, which belongs to the filamentous anoxygenic phototrophic bacteria (green filamentous bacteria) but lacks chlorosomes, was isolated and characterized. The genes coding for the subunits of the RC and the light-harvesting proteins were also cloned and sequenced. The RC complex was composed of L, M, and cytochrome subunits. The cytochrome subunit showed a molecular mass of approximately 35 kDa, contained hemesc, and functioned as the electron donor to the photo-oxidized special pair of bacteriochlorophylls in the RC. The RC complex appeared to contain three molecules of bacteriochlorophyll and three molecules of bacteriopheophytin, as in the RC preparation fromChloroflexus aurantiacus.Phylogenetic trees based on the deduced amino acid sequences of the RC subunits suggested thatR. castenholziihad diverged fromC. aurantiacusvery early after the divergence of filamentous anoxygenic phototrophic bacteria from purple bacteria. AlthoughR. castenholziiis phylogenetically related toC. aurantiacus, the arrangement of itspufgenes, which code for the light-harvesting proteins and the RC subunits, was different from that inC. aurantiacusand similar to that in purple bacteria. The genes are found in the orderpufB,-A,-L, -M, and-C, with thepufLandpufMgenes forming one continuous open reading frame. Since the photosynthetic apparatus and genes ofR. castenholziihave intermediate characteristics between those of purple bacteria andC. aurantiacus, it is likely that they retain many features of the common ancestor of purple bacteria and filamentous anoxygenic phototrophic bacteria.