bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessing Environmentally Determined Mobility Disability: Self‐Report Versus Observed Community Mobility
Authors: Shumway‐Cook Anne , Patla Aftab , Stewart Anita L. , Ferrucci Luigi , Ciol Marcia A. , Guralnik Jack M. 
Published: March 2005

Objectives: To examine the test‐retest reliability and concurrent validity of a new self‐report measure of mobility function by comparing it with observed mobility, self‐reported activity of daily living (ADL) function, and performance‐based measures of gait and balance.Design: Cross‐sectional study involving two groups of older adults.Setting: Community sites in Seattle, Washington, and Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.Participants: Fifty‐four adults aged 70 and older, recruited.Measurements: Subjects completed the Environmental Analysis of Mobility Questionnaire (EAMQ), reporting frequency of encounter and avoidance of 24 features of the physical environment, grouped into eight dimensions, on two occasions 1 week apart. Subjects were observed and videotaped during six trips into the community; frequency of encounters with environmental features within the eight dimensions was recorded. EAMQ encounter and avoidance scores were compared with observed environmental encounters, with disability in ADLs and instrumental ADLs (IADLs), and lower extremity functional measures including the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and the Berg Balance Test.Results: EAMQ test‐retest reliability was high for all eight dimensions (intraclass correlation coefficient range=0.81–1.0) and for summary encounter (0.98) and avoidance (0.96) scores. Observed mobility was significantly correlated (Spearman correlation = r) with EAMQ summary encounter (r=0.66) and avoidance (r=−0.58) scores. Moderate correlations were present between the EAMQ (encounter or avoidance) and observed mobility in the distance, temporal, terrain, posture, load, and density dimensions but not in the attention and ambient dimensions. EAMQ encounter/avoidance was significantly associated with ADL and IADL ability and performance on the SPPB and Berg Balance Test.Conclusion: Self‐reported frequency of encounter and avoidance of specific environmental features appears to be a valid method for determining environmentally specific mobility disability but needs to be confirmed in a larger sample.
The Influence of Spiritual Beliefs and Practices on the Treatment Preferences of African Americans: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Johnson Kimberly S. , Elbert‐Avila Katja I. , Tulsky James A. 
Published: March 2005

Spirituality is an important part of African‐American culture and is often cited as an explanation for the more‐aggressive treatment preferences of some African Americans at the end of life. This paper reviews the literature on spiritual beliefs that may influence the treatment decisions of African Americans.Medline 1966 to February 2003, Psych Info 1872 to February 2003, and CINAHL 1982 to February 2003 were searched for studies exploring spiritual beliefs that may influence the treatment preferences of African Americans. All candidate papers were examined for quality, and data were extracted on study population, design, analysis, and results to identify recurrent themes. Forty studies met inclusion criteria.Recurrent themes describing spiritual beliefs that may influence the treatment preferences of African Americans throughout the course of illness include the following: spiritual beliefs and practices are a source of comfort, coping, and support and are the most effective way to influence healing; God is responsible for physical and spiritual health; and the doctor is God's instrument.Spiritual beliefs specifically addressing treatment preferences at the end of life include: only God has power to decide life and death, there are religious prohibitions against physician‐assisted death or advance directives limiting life‐sustaining treatments, and divine intervention and miracles occur.For some African Americans, spiritual beliefs are important in understanding and coping with illness and may provide a framework within which treatment decisions are made. Given the growing ethnic diversity of the United States, some understanding of the complexities of culture and spirituality is essential for healthcare providers.
Impact of UVR‐A on whole human lenses, supernatants of buffered human lens homogenates, and purified argpyrimidine and 3‐OH‐kynurenine
Authors: Kessel Line , Kalinin Stanislav , Soroka Vladislav , Larsen Michael , Johansson Lennart B‐Å. 
Published: March 2005

Abstract.Purpose:  Yellow chromophores and fluorescent compounds accumulate in the lens with age. Some of these compounds are photochemically active. The present study aimed to examine the photochemical effect of ultraviolet radiation‐A (UVR‐A) on the human lens. Methods:  Intact human lenses and supernatants of buffered lens homogenates were exposed to UVR‐A. The effect of UVR‐A was evaluated by time‐resolved and steady‐state fluorescence spectroscopy, visual evaluation of colour and protein gel electrophoresis. Results:  Intact lenses exposed to UVR‐A showed no changes in time‐resolved or steady‐state fluorescence properties but the yellow coloration was visibly attenuated. The supernatants of buffered lens homogenates exposed to UVR‐A demonstrated a reduction in time‐resolved and steady‐state fluorescent properties and protein cross‐linking. Conclusions:  Exposure of the intact lens to UVR‐A causes chromophore bleaching without affecting fluorescence, indicating that non‐fluorescent chromophores have been destroyed. After homogenization, both chromophores and fluorophores from the lens suffer damage and proteins aggregate. This indicates that powerful mechanisms of protection against UVR‐A found in the intact lens are disturbed by homogenization of the lens, suggesting that isolated lens proteins cannot be used as a model system for studying cataractogenesis. Hypothetically, the protective mechanism could be related to the rigidly packed three‐dimensional structure of the lens proteins or to the abundance of antioxidative and free radical scavenging defence systems.
Intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide for treatment of cystoid macular oedema in patients with retinitis pigmentosa
Authors: Ozdemir Hakan , Karacorlu Murat , Karacorlu Serra 
Published: March 2005

Abstract.Purpose:  To evaluate the anatomic and visual outcomes of intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide injection in patients with cystoid macular oedema (CMO) secondary to retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Methods:  Five eyes of five patients with CMO secondary to RP, aged 25–41 years (mean 33.2 years) made up the study population. All eyes had persistent CMO despite medical treatment with 250 mg of oral acetazolamide twice daily for 1 month. Intravitreal injection of 4 mg (0.1 ml) triamcinolone acetonide was offered to treat macular oedema. The visual and anatomic responses were observed, as well as complications related to the injection procedure and corticosteroid medication. Results:  Follow‐up periods varied between 6 and 8 months (mean 6.8 months); all patients completed 6 months of follow‐up. After intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide injection all patients showed good anatomic response. The baseline median central macular thickness was 418 µm (range 376–626 µm). At 1 month, the median central macular thickness had decreased to 224 µm (range 214–326 µm). At 3 and 6 months, the median central macular thicknesses were 275 µm (range 215–584 µm) and 312 µm (range 239–521 µm), respectively. Recurrent CMO was found in one patient at the 3‐month follow‐up and in two patients at the 6‐month follow‐up. Retreatment was performed in these patients. At the 1‐month follow‐up, no patient was found to have lost vision and two patients showed improvement. At the 3‐ and 6‐month follow‐ups, no patient had lost vision from baseline but no patient had maintained their improved visual acuity (VA). Conclusions:  In our small series, all patients showed an anatomic improvement in CMO after intravitreal injection of triamcinolone acetonide. However, in three out of five patients, despite good anatomic results, no improvement in VA was achieved. Because of the limitations of this pilot study, it is difficult to explain why no improvement in VA was achieved despite good anatomic results in some patients. Further study with longer follow‐up periods and larger series is warranted to assess the efficacy of the treatment.
Molecular analysis of the NDP gene in two families with Norrie disease
Authors: Rivera‐Vega M Refugio , Chiñas‐Lopez Silvet , Vaca Ana Luisa Jimenez , Arenas‐Sordo M Luz , Kofman‐Alfaro Susana , Messina‐Baas Olga , Cuevas‐Covarrubias Sergio Alberto 
Published: March 2005

Abstract.Purpose:  To describe the molecular defects in the Norrie disease protein (NDP) gene in two families with Norrie disease (ND). Methods:  We analysed two families with ND at molecular level through polymerase chain reaction, DNA sequence analysis and GeneScan. Results:  Two molecular defects found in the NDP gene were: a missense mutation (265C > G) within codon 97 that resulted in the interchange of arginine by proline, and a partial deletion in the untranslated 3′ region of exon 3 of the NDP gene. Clinical findings were more severe in the family that presented the partial deletion. We also diagnosed the carrier status of one daughter through GeneScan; this method proved to be a useful tool for establishing female carriers of ND. Conclusion:  Here we report two novel mutations in the NDP gene in Mexican patients and propose that GeneScan is a viable mean of establishing ND carrier status.
Efficacy of lidocaine 2% gel in pterygium surgery
Authors: Oksuz H. , Tamer C. 
Published: March 2005

Abstract.Purpose:  Anaesthesia during pterygium surgery is usually achieved with local injection of anaesthetic medications. The aim of this study was to determine whether lidocaine 2% gel is an effective topical anaesthetic agent for pterygium surgery. Methods:  We conducted a prospective, randomized clinical trial. Fifty‐four consecutive patients who had primary pterygium underwent surgical excision of the lesion and conjunctival autograft. Patients were randomized into two groups. Group 1 received 1 ml of lidocaine 2% solution subconjunctivally and group 2 received lidocaine 2% gel topically. The primary outcome of interest was the pain experienced during anaesthetic administration and surgery. Following the dissection and excision of the pterygium, conjunctival autograft was transplanted in each of the patients. Immediately after the operation, pain and discomfort scores were determined using a 10‐point linear visual analogue scale. Results:  The mean pain score during anaesthetic administration was 4.26 ± 1.18 in the injection group and 0.92 ± 0.56 in the gel group. The mean pain score during surgery was 3.96 ± 0.95 in the injection group and 4.0 ± 1.01 in the gel group. There was a statistically significant difference in mean pain scores experienced during anaesthetic administration (p = 0.01). There was no significant difference in mean pain scores experienced during surgery (p = 0.55). No adverse events were noted. Conclusion:  In light of these results, we conclude that topical administration of lidocaine 2% gel can be used as an alternative method of anaesthesia in pterygium surgery, especially for patients with needle phobia.
YAG curios #1: repeat Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy
Authors: Jayaram Hari , Uppal Gurmit , Hugkulstone Charles E. , Gibbens Mary V. , Watt Lynda 
Published: March 2005

Abstract. A descriptive case series of five patients identified either opportunistically or from a retrospective review of the laser register is presented. All underwent cataract surgery between 1995 and 1999 and required initial Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy 15–30 months after surgery. They subsequently developed reclosure of the capsulotomy, necessitating repeat laser capsulotomy 11–82 months later. One patient, who received a hydrogel intraocular lens, required a third capsulotomy after a further 12 months. The rate of repeat Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy in our unit was 0.31%.
Cytomegalovirus retinitis in Wegener's granulomatosis: case report and review of the literature
Authors: Bertelmann Eckart , Liekfeld Anja , Pleyer Uwe , Hartmann Christian 
Published: March 2005

Abstract.Purpose:  To present the first case of cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis in a Wegener's granulomatosis patient on systemic cyclosporine A (CsA) therapy. Methods:  A 41‐year‐old patient was treated with systemic CsA for c‐ANCA positive Wegener's granulomatosis. Four weeks later he presented with blurred vision and a retinitis was diagnosed in the right eye. After detection of CMV DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), the patient was treated with intravenous gancyclovir. Due to bone marrow toxicity, systemic antiviral therapy was discontinued and an intravitreal gancyclovir pellet was implanted. Results:  The retinitis lesions were scarified under this therapy and the patient's visual function was restored completely. Conclusions:  Cytomegalovirus retinitis can occur under systemic monotherapy with CsA in patients with systemic vasculitis. Intraocular virus DNA detection by PCR is recommended to rule out retinal involvement of the underlying vasculitis in atypical cases and to preserve the patient's visual acuity.
Ascorbate in the guinea pig lens: dependence on drinking water supplementation
Authors: Mody Vino C. , Kakar Manoj , Elfving Åse , Söderberg Per G. , Löfgren Stefan 
Published: March 2005

Abstract.Purpose:  To investigate whether lens ascorbate concentration can be elevated with drinking water supplementation. Methods:  Pigmented guinea pigs received drinking water supplemented with L‐ascorbate, concentration 0.00, 2.84, 5.68 or 8.52 mm for a duration of 4 weeks. In addition, the chow fed to all animals contained 125 mmol L‐ascorbate per kg of chow. At the end of the supplementation period, the guinea pigs were killed. Each lens was extracted. The lens was processed and ascorbate concentration was measured using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with 254 nm ultraviolet radiation detection. The data were analysed with regression. Results:  At the end of the test period, all lenses were devoid of cataract as observed by slit‐lamp examination. All lenses contained a detectable concentration of ascorbate. Estimated 95% confidence intervals for mean animal‐averaged lens ascorbate concentrations (µmol/g wet weight of whole lens) per group were 0.51 ± 0.04 (0.00 mm; n = 6), 0.70 ± 0.18 (2.84 mm; n = 6), 0.71 ± 0.11 (5.68 mm; n = 5), and 0.71 ± 0.06 (8.52 mm; n = 6). Animal‐averaged lens ascorbate concentration [Asclens] (µmol/g wet weight lens) increased with ascorbate supplementation in drinking water [Ascwater] (M), in agreement with the model: Conclusion:  Lens ascorbate concentration increases with drinking water supplementation in the guinea pig without cataract development. The currently presented method for measurement of whole lens ascorbate content is suitable.
Combined phacoemulsification and pars plana vitrectomy for macular hole treatment
Authors: Theocharis Ioannis P. , Alexandridou Anastassia , Gili Nasser Jadidi , Tomic Zoran 
Published: March 2005

Abstract.Purpose:  To assess the outcome of simultaneous phacoemulsification, pars plana vitrectomy and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in eyes with macular hole. Methods:  A retrospective study was conducted in 38 eyes (36 patients) after combined phacoemulsification, insertion of a posterior capsule IOL and pars plana vitrectomy. Results:  The macular hole was successfully closed in 32 of the 38 eyes (84%). In six eyes (16%) the hole failed to close and one eye underwent a second operation. Vision improved by two or more Snellen lines in 29 eyes (73%), there was no change in seven eyes (18%), and visual acuity decreased in two eyes (5%). Intraoperative and postoperative complications included retinal tears in nine eyes (24%), posterior capsule rupture in two eyes (5%), transient postoperative increase of intraocular pressure in eight eyes (21%), and posterior capsule opacification in five eyes (13%). Conclusion:  Combining phacoemulsification, IOL insertion and pars plana vitrectomy for macular hole repair can reduce the need for cataract surgery in the future, decrease costs, shorten postoperative recovery time and allow for clearer intraoperative visualization, making the procedure safer and more effective.
Transpupillary thermotherapy for occult subfoveal choroidal neovascularization: a 1‐year, prospective randomized pilot study
Authors: Gustavsson Carin , Agardh Elisabet 
Published: March 2005

Abstract.Purpose:  To evaluate the 1‐year effect of transpupillary thermotherapy (TTT) on occult choroidal neovascularization membranes (CNV). Methods:  In this prospective, randomized, controlled pilot study of 28 patients with occult or minimally classic (< 10%) neovascularization membranes with a diameter less than 4500 µm, 19 patients were treated with TTT, while nine received sham treatment. Outcome measures were membrane diameter, visual acuity and reading ability. Results:  The median age of patients randomized to TTT was 78 years (range 24 years); that of patients randomized to sham was 79 years (range 9 years). There was no difference regarding membrane diameter at baseline between the two groups; the median membrane diameters were 3400 µm (range 2400 µm) in the TTT group and 3200 µm (range 2300 µm) in the sham group (p = 0.639). Visual acuity (VA) was similar, with a median of 0.2 (minimum−maximum 0.08−0.5) in the TTT group and a median of 0.16 (min−max 0.10−0.32) in the sham group. A total of 21 patients were followed for 1 year, 13 in the TTT group (2.7 treatments/patient) and eight in the sham group. Membrane diameter increased in both groups, by a median of 350 µm (range 1600 µm) in the TTT group and 800 µm (range 1700 µm) in the sham group (p = 0.414), respectively, and there was a loss in VA of ≥ 15 letters in 5/13 patients (38%) in the TTT group compared with 2/8 patients (25%) in the sham group (p = 0.266). Reading ability deteriorated equally over time in both groups. Seven patients were lost to follow‐up due to reluctance to continue in the study (n = 4) or development of a classical component > 50% (n = 3) requiring photodynamic therapy (PDT). Conclusion:  The results from this randomized, prospective pilot study of TTT for occult CNV did not indicate that TTT has a beneficial effect on visual outcome 1 year after treatment compared with the visual outcome that results from the natural course of the disease. The small study size limits statistical power and results from large control studies are needed.
Pharmacokinetics of intravitreal 5‐fluorouracil prodrugs in silicone oil: experimental studies in pigs
Authors: Schmidt Laugesen Caroline , Steffansen Bente , Scherfig Erik , La Cour Morten 
Published: March 2005

Abstract.Purpose:  To examine the in vivo pharmacokinetics of intravitreal 5‐Fluorouracil (5‐FU) following tamponade with 5‐FU prodrug silicone oil formulations. Method:  Two different alkoxycarbonyl 5‐FU prodrugs denoted C12 and C18 were synthesized and formulated as silicone oil suspensions. A total of 26 pigs underwent conventional three‐port lens‐sparing pars plana vitrectomy. Approximately 1.6 ml of the prodrug‐silicone oil formulation was placed in the vitreous cavity. Operated eyes were enucleated between 20 min and 168 hours postoperatively, and analysed for their content of free 5‐FU by high performance liquid chromatography. Results:  With the C12 prodrug silicone oil formulation, the concentration of free 5‐FU in the vitreous water phase 1 hour after surgery was 3.30 ± 1.62 µg/ml. After 4 hours this concentration had declined to 1 µg/ml. With the C18 prodrug, the concentration of free vitreal 5‐FU never reached 1 µg/ml during the 7 days these experiments lasted. A mathematical model is presented that can explain the measured data if the clearance of 5‐FU from the vitreous water phase follows first order kinetics with a half‐life of 20 min. Conclusion:  These experiments, and the model analysis, suggest that the elimination half‐life of 5‐FU in the vitreous cavity of a vitrectomized, silicone oil‐filled eye is very fast. The model analysis indicates that an alkoxycarbonyl 5‐FU prodrug with a specific release rate constant of 10.7 µg/(

) can maintain an intravitreal 5‐FU concentration above 1 µg/ml for 5 days in the porcine eye.
Capsular bag distension syndrome after combined cataract and glaucoma surgery
Authors: Muñoz‐Negrete Francisco. J. , Rebolleda Gema 
Published: March 2005

Abstract.Purpose:  To report four cases of capsular bag distension syndrome (CBDS) after combined cataract and glaucoma surgery. Methods:  We describe the clinical features and evolution of each case after individual treatment. Case reports:  We report four cases of CBDS after phacoemulsification, combined with trabeculectomy in two cases and with an Ahmed aqueous drainage device implantation in the other two cases. The space between the intraocular lens (IOL) and the posterior capsule was occupied by an optically clear liquid in two cases and by a turbid liquid in the other two cases, with posterior bowing of the capsule into the anterior vitreous. A myopic shift and anterior chamber shallowing occurred in three cases. After posterior Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy, the CBDS resolved in three cases. In case 1, a surgical posterior capsulotomy and anterior vitrectomy were necessary. Discussion:  Capsular bag distension syndrome should be included in the differential diagnosis of a shallow anterior chamber after combined cataract and glaucoma surgery.
Central corneal thickness and vascular risk factors in normal tension glaucoma
Authors: Doyle Aoife , Bensaid Ahmed , Lachkar Yves 
Published: March 2005

Abstract.Background:  Normal tension glaucoma (NTG) has been shown to be associated with reduced central corneal thickness (CCT). The association of NTG with vascular risk factors is well documented. It has been postulated that a subset of NTG patients are misclassified due to incorrect intraocular pressure measurements on thin corneas. The aim of this study was to establish whether corneal thickness in NTG differs between patients with vascular risk factors specific to NTG and those without. Methods:  The study comprised a retrospective analysis of 108 eyes of 54 patients with NTG and 54 patients with primary open‐angle glaucoma (POAG). Corneal thickness was measured in all patients. Vascular risk factors were recorded. Patients with NTG were divided into two groups depending on the presence (group A) or absence (group B) of vascular risk factors. Results:  The mean CCT was 549 ± 34 µm in patients with POAG and 528 ± 31 µm in patients with NTG (p = 0.001). Mean CCT was 512 ± 31 µm in group A (n = 13) and 533 ± 31 µm in group B (n = 41) (p = 0.034). A total of 40.9% of those with thin corneas (n = 22) had vascular risk factors versus only 12.5% of those with CCT within the normal range (n = 32) (p < 0.05). Conclusion:  Central corneal thickness in NTG was significantly lower than in POAG and corneas were thinner in NTG patients with vascular risk factors than in those without. Vascular risk factors were significantly more common in patients with thin corneas. The finding of reduced corneal thickness in NTG does not obviate the need to consider vascular risk factors in the pathophysiology of the disease.