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Moukadem H, Uhrhammer N, Bidet Y, Safi N, Charafeddine M, Kreidieh F, Zgheib N, El Saghir N. Pathogenic mutations in ethnic Lebanese Arab patients with high risk for hereditary breast cancer. Eur J Cancer 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/s0959-8049(22)01451-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Li Z, Wang AY, Bowman M, Hammarberg K, Farquhar C, Johnson L, Safi N, Sullivan EA. Cumulative live birth rates following a 'freeze-all' strategy: a population-based study. Hum Reprod Open 2019; 2019:hoz004. [PMID: 30895269 PMCID: PMC6400239 DOI: 10.1093/hropen/hoz004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2018] [Revised: 12/07/2018] [Accepted: 02/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What is the cumulative live birth rate following a ‘freeze-all’ strategy compared with a ‘fresh-transfer’ strategy? SUMMARY ANSWER The ‘freeze-all’ strategy resulted in a similar cumulative live birth rate as the ‘fresh-transfer’ strategy among high responders (>15 oocytes retrieved) but did not benefit normal (10–15 oocytes) and suboptimal responders (<10 oocytes). WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Frozen-thawed embryo transfer is associated with a decreased risk of adverse obstetric and perinatal outcomes compared with fresh embryo transfer. It is unclear whether the ‘freeze-all’ strategy should be offered to all women undergoing ART treatment. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION A population-based retrospective cohort study using data collected by the Victorian Assisted Reproductive Treatment Authority. This study included 14 331 women undergoing their first stimulated ART cycle with at least one oocyte fertilised between 1 July 2009 and 30 June 2014 in Victoria, Australia. Demographic characteristics, type of ART procedures and resulting pregnancy and birth outcomes were recorded for the stimulated cycle and associated thaw cycles until 30 June 2016, or until a live birth was achieved, or until all embryos from the stimulated cycle had been used. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Women were grouped by whether they had undergone the ‘freeze-all’ strategy (n = 1028) where all embryos were cryopreserved for future transfer, or the ‘fresh-transfer’ strategy (n = 13 303) where selected embryo(s) were transferred in the stimulated cycle, and remaining embryo(s) were cryopreserved for future use. A discrete-time survival model was used to evaluate the cumulative live birth rate following ‘freeze-all’ and ‘fresh-transfer’ strategy. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE A total of 1028 women undergoing ‘freeze-all’ strategy and 13 303 women undergoing ‘fresh-transfer’ strategy had 1788 and 22 334 embryo transfer cycles resulting in 452 and 5126 live births, respectively. Most women (61.3%) in the ‘freeze-all’ group had more than 15 oocytes retrieved in the stimulated cycle compared with 18.1% of women in the ‘fresh-transfer’ group (P < 0.001). For high responders (>15 oocytes), the cumulative live birth rate in the ‘freeze-all’ group was similar to the ‘fresh-transfer’ group (56.8% vs. 56.2%, adjusted hazard ratio (AHR) 0.90, 95% CI 0.77–1.04). However, the likelihood of a live birth was lower in the ‘freeze-all’ group compared with the ‘fresh-transfer’ group among normal responders (10–15 oocytes) (33.2% vs. 46.3%, AHR 0.62, 95% CI 0.46–0.83) and suboptimal responders (<10 oocytes) (14.6% vs. 28.0%, AHR 0.67, 95% CI 0.14–1.01). During the minimum follow-up time of 2 years, 34.1%, 24.4% and 8.4% of suboptimal, normal and high responders, respectively, in the ‘freeze-all’ group did not return for any embryo transfer after the stimulated cycle, whereas all women in the ‘fresh-transfer’ group had at least one embryo transferred in the stimulated cycle. LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION A limitation of this population-based study is the lack of information available on clinic-specific protocols for the ‘freeze-all’ strategy and the potential impact of these on outcomes. Data were not available on whether the ‘freeze-all’ strategy was used to prevent ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS This study presents population-based evidence on clinical efficacy associated with a ‘freeze-all’ and ‘fresh-transfer’ strategy. The ‘freeze-all’ strategy may benefit some subgroups of patients, including women who are high responders and those who are at risk of OHSS, but should not be offered universally. Clinicians should consider the potential impact of electively deferring embryo transfer on treatment discontinuation in choosing the optimal embryo transfer strategy for couples undergoing ART treatment. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) No specific funding was received to undertake this study. There is no conflict of interest, except that M.B. is a shareholder in Genea Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Li
- Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney NSW, Australia.,Australian Centre for Public and Population Health Research, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney NSW, Australia
| | - A Y Wang
- Australian Centre for Public and Population Health Research, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney NSW, Australia
| | - M Bowman
- Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney NSW, Australia
| | - K Hammarberg
- Victorian Assisted Reproductive Treatment Authority, Melbourne VIC, Australia.,School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne VIC, Australia
| | - C Farquhar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
| | - L Johnson
- Victorian Assisted Reproductive Treatment Authority, Melbourne VIC, Australia
| | - N Safi
- Australian Centre for Public and Population Health Research, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney NSW, Australia
| | - E A Sullivan
- Australian Centre for Public and Population Health Research, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney NSW, Australia
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Li Z, Wang AY, Bowman M, Hammarberg K, Farquhar C, Johnson L, Safi N, Sullivan EA. ICSI does not increase the cumulative live birth rate in non-male factor infertility. Hum Reprod 2018; 33:1322-1330. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dey118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2018] [Accepted: 05/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Z Li
- Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney NSW, Australia
- Australian Centre for Public and Population Health Research, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney NSW, Australia
| | - A Y Wang
- Australian Centre for Public and Population Health Research, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney NSW, Australia
| | - M Bowman
- Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney NSW, Australia
| | - K Hammarberg
- Victorian Assisted Reproductive Treatment Authority, Melbourne Vic, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne Vic, Australia
| | - C Farquhar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - L Johnson
- Victorian Assisted Reproductive Treatment Authority, Melbourne Vic, Australia
| | - N Safi
- Australian Centre for Public and Population Health Research, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney NSW, Australia
| | - E A Sullivan
- Australian Centre for Public and Population Health Research, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney NSW, Australia
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Gillespie AM, Obregon R, El Asawi R, Richey C, Manoncourt E, Joshi K, Naqvi S, Pouye A, Safi N, Chitnis K, Quereshi S. Social Mobilization and Community Engagement Central to the Ebola Response in West Africa: Lessons for Future Public Health Emergencies. Glob Health Sci Pract 2016; 4:626-646. [PMID: 28031301 PMCID: PMC5199179 DOI: 10.9745/ghsp-d-16-00226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2016] [Accepted: 11/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Key lessons for the crucial components of social mobilization and community engagement in this context:
Invest in trusted local community members to facilitate community entrance and engagement. Use key communication networks and channels with wide reach and relevance to the community, such as radio in low-resource settings or faith-based organizations. Invest in strategic partnerships to tap relevant capacities and resources. Support a network of communication professionals who can deploy rapidly for lengthy periods. Balance centralized mechanisms to promote consistency and quality with decentralized programming for flexibility and adaptation to local needs. Evolve communication approaches and messaging over time with the changing outbreak patterns, e.g., from halting disease transmission to integration and support of survivors. Establish clear communication indicators and analyze and share data in real time.
Following the World Health Organization (WHO) declaration of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern regarding the Ebola outbreak in West Africa in July 2014, UNICEF was asked to co-lead, in coordination with WHO and the ministries of health of affected countries, the communication and social mobilization component—which UNICEF refers to as communication for development (C4D)—of the Ebola response. For the first time in an emergency setting, C4D was formally incorporated into each country's national response, alongside more typical components such as supplies and logistics, surveillance, and clinical care. This article describes the lessons learned about social mobilization and community engagement in the emergency response to the Ebola outbreak, with a particular focus on UNICEF's C4D work in Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. The lessons emerged through an assessment conducted by UNICEF using 4 methods: a literature review of key documents, meeting reports, and other articles; structured discussions conducted in June 2015 and October 2015 with UNICEF and civil society experts; an electronic survey, launched in October and November 2015, with staff from government, the UN, or any partner organization who worked on Ebola (N = 53); and key informant interviews (N = 5). After triangulating the findings from all data sources, we distilled lessons under 7 major domains: (1) strategy and decentralization: develop a comprehensive C4D strategy with communities at the center and decentralized programming to facilitate flexibility and adaptation to the local context; (2) coordination: establish C4D leadership with the necessary authority to coordinate between partners and enforce use of standard operating procedures as a central coordination and quality assurance tool; (3) entering and engaging communities: invest in key communication channels (such as radio) and trusted local community members; (4) messaging: adapt messages and strategies continually as patterns of the epidemic change over time; (5) partnerships: invest in strategic partnerships with community, religious leaders, journalists, radio stations, and partner organizations; (6) capacity building: support a network of local and international professionals with capacity for C4D who can be deployed rapidly; (7) data and performance monitoring: establish clear C4D process and impact indicators and strive for real-time data analysis and rapid feedback to communities and authorities to inform decision making. Ultimately, communication, community engagement, and social mobilization need to be formally placed within the global humanitarian response architecture with proper funding to effectively support future public health emergencies, which are as much a social as a health phenomenon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amaya M Gillespie
- United Nations Mission for Ebola Emergency Response (UNMEER), New York, NY, USA
| | - Rafael Obregon
- United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), New York, NY, USA
| | | | | | - Erma Manoncourt
- United Nations Mission for Ebola Emergency Response (UNMEER), New York, NY, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Ketan Chitnis
- United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), New York, NY, USA
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Mostamand J, Lotfi H, Safi N. Evaluating the head posture of dentists with no neck pain. J Bodyw Mov Ther 2013; 17:430-3. [PMID: 24138999 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2012.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2012] [Revised: 10/26/2012] [Accepted: 11/07/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Dentistry is one of the professions that requires a high degree of concentration during the treatment of patients. There are many predisposing factors, affecting dentists when working on the patient's teeth, including neck flexion, arm abduction and inflexible postural positions, which may put them at the risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders related to the neck. Although dentists with long records of service show different levels of pain and discomfort in their necks, there is no evidence regarding whether younger dentists report neck pain before the onset of an abnormal condition in this region, including forward head posture (FHP). Discovering any alteration in the head posture of dentists might confirm one of the reasons for neck pain in this population. MATERIALS Forty one dentists with no neck pain and forty controls having jobs other than dentistry who had no risk factors related to head posture voluntarily participated in the present study. A standard method was used to measure the cervical curve in these two groups. RESULTS There was no significant difference between the mean values of cervical curve in dentists and the control group (p > 0.05). There was also no significant difference between cervical curve values in dentists working for either 5-8 years or 8-12 years (p > 0.05). The only significant difference was observed in mean cervical curve values of men and women in the dentist group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION No alteration of cervical curve in the dentist group compared to controls might be due to absence of pain sensation in the dentists in the current study. In other words, this group might have not yet experienced sufficient change in head posture to experience significant pain in their neck region.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Mostamand
- Musculoskeletal Research Centre, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, PO Box 164, Isfahan 8174673461, Iran.
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Safi N. Evaluation of thermotherapy for the treatment of cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Kabul, Afghanistan: A randomized controlled trial. Int J Infect Dis 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2012.05.721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
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Bautista CT, Todd CS, Abed AMS, Botros BA, Strathdee SA, Earhart KC, Safi N, Scott PT. Effects of duration of injection drug use and age at first injection on HCV among IDU in Kabul, Afghanistan. J Public Health (Oxf) 2010; 32:336-41. [PMID: 20421237 DOI: 10.1093/pubmed/fdq020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis C virus (HCV) prevalence is high among injection drug users (IDUs) in Afghanistan. Duration of injection and young age at first injection are common risk factors for HCV in IDU populations. The association of HCV with these time factors was analyzed. METHODS Socio-demographic and drug use behavior information were collected. Participants had rapid testing for HCV with recombinant immunoblot assay confirmation. Modeling of non-linear associations was performed using fractional polynomial logistic regression. RESULTS Among 459 male IDUs, age at first injection had a constant HCV risk (odds ratio (OR): 1.01 per year; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.98-1.03), while each additional year of injection drug use had a significantly increased risk (OR: 4.72 per year, 95% CI: 2.92-7.66). HCV risk increased significantly with each additional year of injecting drug use by groups of injectors: young (< or =22 years, OR: 1.97; 95% CI: 1.27-3.07), middle (23-28 years, OR: 1.76; 95% CI: 1.28-2.43) and older (> or =29 years, OR: 7.56; 95% CI: 3.15-18.14). CONCLUSION The probability of HCV infection increased markedly by duration of injection drug use and varied according to age at first injection. Drug counseling and educational efforts should be directed to older drug users who have not yet initiated injecting and to young IDUs to avert infection and reduce risky drug use behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian T Bautista
- U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Division of Retrovirology, Rockville, MD, USA.
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Todd CS, Abed AMS, Scott PT, Safi N, Earhart KC, Strathdee SA. A cross-sectional assessment of utilization of addiction treatment among injection drug users in Kabul, Afghanistan. Subst Use Misuse 2009; 44:416-30. [PMID: 18979391 PMCID: PMC7153687 DOI: 10.1080/10826080802347669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to describe prior use of detoxification and addiction-treatment programs among injection drug users (IDUs) in Kabul, Afghanistan. From 2005-2006, IDUs (n = 464) recruited into this cross-sectional study completed an interviewer-administered questionnaire and whole blood rapid testing with fingerstick samples for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis C antibody and B surface antigen testing. Participants were predominantly male (99.8%), Afghan (98.9%), and had little formal education. Correlates of detoxification and addiction treatment were identified with logistic regression. The majority (94.0%, n = 435) felt great/urgent need for treatment, of whom 56.3% (n = 245) reported inability to access treatment. Prior detoxification was associated with new needle use with each injection (AOR = 1.91, 95% CI: 1.12-3.26) and prior incarceration (AOR = 1.81, 95% CI: 1.04-3.13). The study's limitations are noted. Rapid scale-up and subsidy of needle and syringe programs and opioid agonist treatment is urgently needed in Kabul.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine S Todd
- Department of Family & Preventive Medicine, University of California, San Diego, California, USA.
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Todd CS, Abed AMS, Scott PT, Botros BA, Safi N, Earhart KC, Strathdee SA. Correlates of receptive and distributive needle sharing among injection drug users in Kabul, Afghanistan. Am J Drug Alcohol Abuse 2008; 34:91-100. [PMID: 18161647 DOI: 10.1080/00952990701764771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
We describe receptive and distributive needle/syringe sharing among injection drug users (IDUs) in Kabul, Afghanistan. In this cross-sectional study, IDUs completed an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Logistic regression identified correlates of needle sharing in the last six months. Receptive and distributive sharing in the last six months were reported by 28.2% and 28.7% of participants, respectively, and were both independently associated with reported difficulty obtaining new syringes (Receptive sharing: AOR = 2.60, 95% CI: 1.66-4.06; Distributive: AOR = 1.56, 95% CI: 1.02-2.39). Receptive and distributive sharing are common among IDU in Kabul; scaling up availability of sterile, no-cost injecting equipment is urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine S Todd
- Division of International Health and Cross-Cultural Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093-0622, USA.
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Todd CS, Abed AMS, Strathdee SA, Scott PT, Botros BA, Safi N, Earhart KC. HIV, hepatitis C, and hepatitis B infections and associated risk behavior in injection drug users, Kabul, Afghanistan. Emerg Infect Dis 2008; 13:1327-31. [PMID: 18252103 PMCID: PMC2857281 DOI: 10.3201/eid1309.070036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Behavior of injection drug users increases the risk for an HIV epidemic. Limited prevalence data for HIV, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), and hepatitis C virus (HCV) exist for Afghanistan. We studied a cross-sectional sample of adult injection drug users (IDUs) in Kabul, Afghanistan, from June 2005 through June 2006. Study participants completed interviewer-administered questionnaires and underwent testing for HIV, antibody to HCV, and HBsAg. Overall prevalences of HIV, HCV, and HBsAg were 3.0% (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.7%–5.1%), 36.6% (95% CI 32.2%–41.0%), and 6.5% (95% CI 4.2%–8.7%), respectively (N = 464). Among male IDUs (n = 463), risky behavior, including sharing syringes (50.4%), paying women for sex (76.2%), and having sex with men or boys (28.3%), were common. Needle sharing, injecting for >3 years, and receiving injections from nonmedical providers were independently associated with increased risk for HCV infection. The high prevalence of risky behavior indicate that Kabul is at risk for an HIV epidemic. Scale-up of harm-reducing interventions is urgently needed.
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Sanders-Buell E, Saad MD, Abed AM, Bose M, Todd CS, Strathdee SA, Botros BA, Safi N, Earhart KC, Scott PT, Michael N, McCutchan FE. A nascent HIV type 1 epidemic among injecting drug users in Kabul, Afghanistan is dominated by complex AD recombinant strain, CRF35_AD. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 2007; 23:834-9. [PMID: 17604548 DOI: 10.1089/aid.2006.0299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Injecting drug use (IDU), common in global centers of heroin production, confers significant risk for HIV-1 infection. Once introduced into IDU networks, an explosive rise in HIV-1 infection typically occurs, fueled principally by needle sharing. New HIV-1 epidemics in IDUs have occurred in Russia, China, Thailand, Spain, Iran, and in other countries, and some have spread into other risk groups in their respective countries. In Afghanistan, the introduction of HIV-1 into IDU networks has begun, but a recent report of 3% HIV-1 prevalence suggests that the epidemic is still at an early stage. Here we establish, by complete genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of four viral strains from Afghan IDUs, that all are the same complex recombinant strain, combining HIV-1 subtypes A and D and herein termed CRF35_AD. Published partial HIV-1 sequences from an HIV-1 epidemic among IDUs in Iran, already at 23.2% HIV-1 prevalence, are either CRF35_AD or a related recombinant. Voluntary HIV-1 screening and harm reduction programs in Afghanistan, applied now, could limit the spread of HIV-1, both in IDUs and in other social networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Sanders-Buell
- US Military HIV Research Program/Division of Retrovirology, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Rockville Maryland 20850, USA.
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Kaiser J, Yassin M, Prakash S, Safi N, Agami M, Lauw S, Ostrozhenkova E, Bacher A, Rohdich F, Eisenreich W, Safi J, Golan-Goldhirsh A. Anti-malarial drug targets: screening for inhibitors of 2C-methyl-D-erythritol 4-phosphate synthase (IspC protein) in Mediterranean plants. Phytomedicine 2007; 14:242-9. [PMID: 17293098 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2006.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2006] [Accepted: 11/21/2006] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
The recently discovered non-mevalonate pathway of isoprenoid biosynthesis serves as the unique source of terpenoids in numerous pathogenic eubacteria and in apicoplast-type protozoa, most notably Plasmodium, but is absent in mammalian cells. It is therefore an attractive target for anti-infective chemotherapy. The first committed step of the non-mevalonate pathway is catalyzed by 2C-methyl-D-erythritol 4-phosphate synthase (IspC). Using photometric and NMR spectroscopic assays, we screened extracts of Mediterranean plants for inhibitors of the enzyme. Strongest inhibitory activity was found in leaf extracts of Cercis siliquastrum.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Kaiser
- Lehrstuhl für Organische Chemie und Biochemie, Technische Universität München, Lichtenbergstr. 4, D-85747 Garching, Germany
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Todd CS, Abed AMS, Strathdee SA, Scott PT, Botros BA, Safi N, Earhart KC. Association between expatriation and HIV awareness and knowledge among injecting drug users in Kabul, Afghanistan: A cross-sectional comparison of former refugees to those remaining during conflict. Confl Health 2007; 1:5. [PMID: 17411457 PMCID: PMC1847809 DOI: 10.1186/1752-1505-1-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2007] [Accepted: 03/21/2007] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Little is known about human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) awareness among Afghan injecting drug users (IDUs), many of whom initiated injecting as refugees. We explored whether differences in HIV awareness and knowledge exist between Afghan IDUs who were refugees compared to those never having left Afghanistan. Methods A convenience sample of IDUs in Kabul, Afghanistan was recruited into a cross-sectional study through street outreach over a one year period beginning in 2005. Participants completed an interviewer-administered questionnaire and underwent voluntary counseling and testing for HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B surface antigen, and hepatitis C antibody. Differences in HIV awareness and specific HIV knowledge between IDU who lived outside the country in the last decade versus those who had not were assessed with logistic regression. Results Of 464 IDUs, 463 (99%) were male; median age and age at first injection were 29 and 25 years, respectively. Most (86.4%) had lived or worked outside the country in the past ten years. Awareness of HIV was reported by 46.1%; those having been outside the country in the last decade were significantly more likely to have heard of HIV (48.3% vs. 31.7%; OR = 2.00, 95% CI: 1.14 – 3.53). However, of those aware of HIV, only 38.3% could name three correct transmission routes; specific HIV knowledge was not significantly associated with residence outside the country. Conclusion Accurate HIV knowledge among Afghan IDUs is low, though former refugees had greater HIV awareness. Reported high-risk injecting behavior was not significantly different between IDU that were refugees and those that did not leave the country, indicating that all Afghan IDU should receive targeted prevention programming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine S Todd
- Division of International Health & Cross-cultural Medicine, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093-0622, USA
| | - Abdullah MS Abed
- National AIDS Control Program; Ministry of Public Health; Great Massoud Circle, Kabul, Afghanistan
| | - Steffanie A Strathdee
- Division of International Health & Cross-cultural Medicine, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093-0622, USA
| | - Paul T Scott
- United States Military HIV Research Program/Division of Retrovirology, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research; 1 Taft Court, Suite 250; Rockville, Maryland 20850, USA
| | - Boulos A Botros
- Virology Research Program, United States Naval Medical Research Unit 3; Ramses Extension Street near Abbasia Fever Hospital; Abbassia, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Naqibullah Safi
- National AIDS Control Program; Ministry of Public Health; Great Massoud Circle, Kabul, Afghanistan
| | - Kenneth C Earhart
- Virology Research Program, United States Naval Medical Research Unit 3; Ramses Extension Street near Abbasia Fever Hospital; Abbassia, Cairo, Egypt
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Abstract
Opium has been cultivated in Afghanistan since 1100 A.D., although production has steadily increased since 1979. Currently, Afghanistan produces three-quarters of the global opium supply, with injection drug use and HIV currently following the opium trade route through Central Asia. Although systematic studies are lacking, heroin use appears to be on the rise in Afghanistan. The purpose of this paper is to briefly provide historical background and current statistics for drug production and use in Afghanistan, to discuss the new government's policies towards problem drug use and available rehabilitation programs, and to assess Afghan harm reduction needs with consideration of regional trends.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine S Todd
- Division of International Health & Cross-Cultural Medicine, Department of Family & Preventive Medicine, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, 0622 La Jolla, CA, USA, 92093-0622
| | - Naqibullah Safi
- National HIV/AIDS Control Program, Ministry of Public Health, Massoud Road, Kabul, Afghanistan
| | - Steffanie A Strathdee
- Division of International Health & Cross-Cultural Medicine, Department of Family & Preventive Medicine, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, 0622 La Jolla, CA, USA, 92093-0622
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Bousson V, Moretti JL, Weinmann P, Safi N, Tamgac F, Groiselle C, de Beco V, Hillali Y, Valeyre D, Breau JL. Assessment of malignancy in pulmonary lesions: FDG dual-head coincidence gamma camera imaging in association with serum tumor marker measurement. J Nucl Med 2000; 41:1801-7. [PMID: 11079486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED The purpose of the study was to evaluate the performance of dual-head coincidence gamma camera imaging using FDG in association with serum marker assays in identifying lung carcinoma in patients with abnormal findings on chest radiography. METHODS A prospective evaluation of FDG imaging with coincidence detection emission tomography (CDET) using a dual-head gamma camera combined with the assessment of 3 sensitive serum markers of lung cancer (carcinoembryonic antigen, neuron specific enolase, and CYFRA 21-1) was performed on the same day on 58 consecutive patients with known or suspected lung malignancy. RESULTS Fifty-three patients were proven to have lung cancer, and 5 patients had benign lung disease. Coincidence imaging showed significantly increased FDG uptake in 49 of 53 patients with proven malignancy (sensitivity, 92.5%) and in 3 patients with benign disease. FDG imaging had negative findings in 4 patients with proven malignancy and 2 patients with benign disease. Serum tumor marker levels were elevated in 42 of 53 cancer patients (sensitivity, 79.2%) and normal in 11 patients with proven malignancy. Nine patients with proven malignancy had positive findings on FDG images and negative marker assays. Two patients with proven malignancy had negative findings on FDG images and positive marker assays. The positive predictive value for lung cancer was 94.2% for FDG alone and 97.6% for FDG in association with serum markers. CONCLUSION In this study, FDG CDET imaging was a powerful tool for evaluating patients with lung lesions suggestive of malignancy. Although the determination of serum marker levels was less accurate than FDG imaging, positive FDG results found in association with positive markers significantly increased the likelihood of lung malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Bousson
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, CHU, Paris, Bobigny, France
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Moretti JL, Duran Cordobes M, Starzec A, de Beco V, Vergote J, Benazzouz F, Boissier B, Cohen H, Safi N, Piperno-Neumann S, Kouyoumdjian JC. Involvement of glutathione in loss of technetium-99m-MIBI accumulation related to membrane MDR protein expression in tumor cells. J Nucl Med 1998; 39:1214-8. [PMID: 9669397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED It was reported recently that 99mTc-hexakis-2-methoxyisobutyl isonitrile (MIBI) uptake is drastically reduced in cancer cells that express the multidrug resistance (MDR) product, Pgp 170 kDa (Pgp), suggesting that 99mTc-MIBI is a transport substrate for this transmembrane glycoprotein. In our study, we explored if another pump, a multidrug resistance-associated protein (MRP), could affect 99mTc-MIBI uptake. In addition, we studied the involvement of intracellular glutathione (GSH) as a modulator of 99mTc-MIBI uptake by both Pgp and MRP proteins. METHODS MDR1 and MRP gene expression in seven human tumor cell lines was determined on a transcriptional level by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and on a protein level using immunocytochemistry. Technetium-99m-MIBI uptake was quantified by measuring radioactivity retained in the cells incubated at 37 degrees C in the presence or absence of buthionine sulfoximine (BSO), which depletes cellular GSH. The cellular GSH content was determined with Ellman's reagent. RESULTS Cell lines were classified according to their phenotypic characteristics: 1/MRP-/Pgp-: breast cancer cells (MCF7), lung carcinoma cells (H69S) and mouth epidermoid tumor cells (KB 3.1), 2/MRP-/Pgp+: MCF7 mdr+, KBA.1; and 3/MRP+/Pgp-: small-cell lung carcinoma (H69 AR and A 549). Technetium-99m-MIBI uptake was significantly lower in cells expressing MRP as well as Pgp compared to MRP/Pgp cells. Depletion of GSH by BSO resulted in an increase of 99mTc-MIBI uptake in multidrug resistant cells overexpressing MRP but not expressing Pgp. CONCLUSION Technetium-99m-MIBI is extruded by both Pgp and MRP efflux pumps. However, MRP action is indirect and involves intracellular GSH for a presumed interaction with the 99mTc-MIBI before its effLux. Technetium-99m-MIBI seems to be a good candidate for a noninvasive marker to diagnose MDR1 related to Pgp and MRP expression in tumors of different origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- J L Moretti
- Laboratory of Radiopharmacology, Upres 2360 IOCMH, Bobigny, France
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Safi N, Kantor RR, Atkinson B, Moratz C, Wilt AR, Pancake S, Reba R, Mathieson BJ, Desgrez A. Two antigens detected on human ocular melanomas with the mouse monoclonal antibodies 2/10SN and 10/12SN. Int J Cancer 1992; 51:718-26. [PMID: 1612780 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.2910510510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Seven human ocular melanoma cell lines were established in vitro and 3 of these, GU-4, LLN-40 and its subline C17-11, were characterized. Mice were immunized with these ocular melanoma cell lines, and 2 hybridomas producing monoclonal IgG1 antibodies (MAb) were produced. MAb 2/10SN recognizes a 44-kDa monomeric protein, whereas MAb 10/12SN reacts with an 83/65-kDa heterodimeric protein. These melanoma-associated antigens (MAA) are detected at high concentrations in the cytoplasm of ocular melanoma cells. However, cell-surface labelling techniques suggest that these MAA are also associated with the cell-surface membrane. These 2 ocular MAA are also expressed by several skin melanoma cell lines. Immunohistochemical studies have localized these antigens to ocular and skin melanomas, to sweat ducts and basal squamous cells in normal skin, with limited expression in several other normal tissues and some carcinomas. Biodistribution studies in nude mice with human ocular melanomas have demonstrated good localization of 125I-labeled MAb 2/10SN at the tumor sites. Therefore, these 2 MAbs, 2/10SN and 10/12SN, recognize MAA which appear to be unique and may prove useful for imaging purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Safi
- Department of Radiology, George Washington University Medical Center, Washington, D.C. 20037
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Le Rebeller MJ, Safi N, Larson S, Beba R, Kantor R, Donoso L. [Monoclonal antibodies and uveal melanomas]. Ophtalmologie 1989; 3:180-2. [PMID: 2641105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The authors, who have succeeded since 1976 in cultivating cells of ocular melanoma in continuous lines report the different stages for producing specific monoclonal antibodies. They particularly insist on the demonstration, through radioimmunoassay, of the specificity of marked monoclonal antibodies, on the immunohistochemical study and on biodistribution. From these data, an immunotherapy protocol has been perfected and starts being applied to human beings.
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De Larrard P, Lemoine JJ, Safi N, Le Rebeller MJ. [Dacryoscintigraphy. Preliminary study]. Bull Soc Ophtalmol Fr 1984; 84:803-6. [PMID: 6100089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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Safi N, Blanquet P, le Rebeller MJ. Radionuclidic studies of ocular blood flow. Int J Nucl Med Biol 1980; 7:355-8. [PMID: 6259073 DOI: 10.1016/0047-0740(80)90051-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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Safi N, Blanquet P, Basse-Cathalina B, Ducassou D, Verin P. Radionuclidic explorations in ophthalmology. Int J Nucl Med Biol 1975; 2:166-73. [PMID: 1205662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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23
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Blanquet P, Vérin P, Safi N. [Ocular scintigraphy]. Nouv Presse Med 1974; 3:2154-8. [PMID: 4438065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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Vérin P, Blanquet P, Lerebeller MJ, Safi N, Lagoutte F, Sekkat A. [New progress in the scintigraphic diagnosis of tumors of the eye: use of a special collimator]. Bull Soc Ophtalmol Fr 1973; 73:995-8. [PMID: 4803206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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Safi N, Blanquet P. [Use of labelled molecules in the diagnosis and surveillance of melanomas]. Biomedicine 1973; 19:122-5. [PMID: 4731982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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26
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Verin P, Blanquet P, Safi N. [Conjunction of isotopic vectors in the scintigraphic diagnosis of eye tumors]. Bull Soc Ophtalmol Fr 1973; 73:422-7. [PMID: 4792540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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Choussat H, Galley P, Bonomo J, Safi N, Blanquet P. [Clinical and radiocirculographic study of papaverine propane theophyllinylsulfonate]. Bord Med 1972; 5:1935-40 passim. [PMID: 4564372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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Safi N, Denechaud M, Blanquet P. [Measurement of cerebral blood flow by intravenous injection of xenon 133]. Bord Med 1972; 5:897-902. [PMID: 5053273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
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Blanquet P, Ferret-Bouin P, Moretti JL, Vilayleck S, Azaloux H, Safi N. [Placental scintigraphy]. Bord Med 1971; 4:3093-106. [PMID: 5136868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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Moretti JL, Vilayleck S, Safi N, Dénéchaud M, Blanquet P. [Renal exploration with a technetium vector (apropos of 100 cases)]. Bord Med 1971; 4:3005-11. [PMID: 5136865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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Blanquet P, Le Coulant P, Texier L, Tamisier JM, Moretti JL, Safi N. [Use of a new iodated vector (labelled iodoquine) in the diagnosis of nevocarcinoma]. Bord Med 1971; 4:719-20 passim. [PMID: 5575617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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Reboul J, Blanquet P, Bellet M, Azaloux H, Moretti JL, Vilayleck S, Safi N. [A new radio-active trace for malignant melanoma. Therapeutic applications]. Bord Med 1970; 3:2881 passim. [PMID: 5499466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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Blanquet P, Le Coulant P, Texier L, Moretti JL, Safi N, Tamisier JM, Géniaux M. [Utilization of a new iodized vector (labelled iodoquine) in the diagnosis of nevocarcinoma]. Bull Soc Fr Dermatol Syphiligr 1970; 77:6-10. [PMID: 5430043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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Verin P, Blanquet P, Safi N, Moretti JL. [New applications of isotopes in ophthalmologic diagnosis]. Bull Soc Ophtalmol Fr 1970; 70:640-8. [PMID: 5499218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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35
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Vérin P, Blanquet P, Moretti JL, Safi N. [Use of new radio-active vectors in the detection of intra-ocular melanic tumors]. Bull Soc Ophtalmol Fr 1970; 70:279-83. [PMID: 5454392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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Bessière E, Verin P, Le Rebeller MJ, Descamp F, Safi N, Pesme D. [Ocular scintigraphy]. Bull Soc Ophtalmol Fr 1968; 68:879-84. [PMID: 5746612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
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