Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dopamine D1 receptor expression is bipolar cell type‐specific in the mouse retina

In the retina, dopamine is a key molecule for daytime vision. Dopamine is released by retinal dopaminergic amacrine cells and transmits signaling either by conventional synaptic or by volume transmission. By means of volume transmission, dopamine modulates all layers of retinal neurons; however, it is not well understood how dopamine modulates visual signaling pathways in bipolar cells. Here we analyzed Drd1a‐tdTomato BAC transgenic mice and found that the dopamine D1 receptor (D1R) is expressed in retinal bipolar cells in a type‐dependent manner. Strong tdTomato fluorescence was detected in the inner nuclear layer and localized to type 1, 3b, and 4 OFF bipolar cells and type 5‐2, XBC, 6, and 7 ON bipolar cells. In contrast, type 2, 3a, 5‐1, 9, and rod bipolar cells did not express Drd1a‐tdTomato. Other interneurons were also found to express tdTomato including horizontal cells and a subset (25%) of AII amacrine cells. Diverse visual processing pathways, such as color or motion‐coded pathways, are thought to be initiated in retinal bipolar cells. Our results indicate that dopamine sculpts bipolar cell performance in a type‐dependent manner to facilitate daytime vision. J. Comp. Neurol. 524:2059–2079, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Development and Disorders of Speech in Childhood

The third edition of Morley's book offers the reader an overall discussion of speech development, disorders of speech, and the treatment of these problems. The author, who has spent a lifetime in the field of speech and language pathology, is a leading speech therapist in England. In addition to the three editions of this book, she is well known for other contributions, including her book entitled Cleft Palate and Speech , now in the seventh edition. In chapter 1, which serves as an introduction to the book, the author gives an overview of the speaking process and outlines the development of speech. The receptive and expressive aspects of spoken language are diagrammed with reference to the receptor processes, memory processes, and effector processes involved. Part 1 (chapters 2-5) describes the speech development of 114 children in a representative sample group and 181 children identified as having a disorder of speech. The
Neuroprotective Effect of Nipradilol [3,4-dihydro-8-(2-hydroxy-3-isopropylamino)-propoxy-3-nitroxy-2H-1-benzopyran] in a Rat Model of Optic Nerve Degeneration

PurposeCurrently, nipradilol, an α-1 β-blocker with a nitric oxide donative action, is used as an ocular hypotensive agent for glaucoma patients in Japan. The aim of the present study was to investigate the neuroprotective effect of nipradilol on optic nerve injury in rats. Materials and MethodsUsing a calibrated cross-action forceps, a crush lesion was inflicted unilaterally on the optic nerve 2 mm behind the globe of adult Wistar albino rats and followed by topical instillation of either 0.25% nipradilol or the vehicle in both eyes twice daily until killing. A sham operation was conducted on the contralateral eye. Intraocular pressure measurement was performed 3 days before and 4, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days after acute injury of the optic nerve. One week before killing, Fluoro-Gold was injected into the bilateral superior colliculi to identify surviving retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). ResultsTwenty-eight days after injury, retinal damage was assessed morphologically. There was no significant difference in the intraocular pressure of both eyes between the nipradilol and control groups. Within 1 month, the mean RGC density in the vehicle-treated group had decreased to 71.58±0.102% of that of the contralateral eye, whereas the optic nerve crush with topical application of nipradilol showed a considerably smaller decrease to 89.60±0.027% (P<0.001). No significant morphologic difference between sham-operated animals and animals from the experimental groups was observed in the retinal layers owing to the crush force. ConclusionsOur findings might indicate that nipradilol can alleviate RGC death induced by optic nerve crush injury in the rat.
A comparison of the apparent risks of childhood leukaemia from parental exposure to radiation in the six months prior to conception in the Sellafield workforce and the Japanese bomb survivors

The cases of childhood leukaemia found among children of the Sellafield workforce and those observed in the offspring of the Japanese bomb survivors are analysed using both exponential and linear forms of a relative risk model and employing dose estimates for the period six months pre-conception. The leukaemia relative risk coefficients for paternal (whole-body) exposure in this pre-conception period for children of Sellafield workers are found to be statistically incompatible with the (gonadal dose) coefficients applying to the offspring of the bomb survivors born in the period May 1946 to December 1946, i.e. born 9 to 16 months after the bombings. The incompatibility does not depend on whether the risks in the Japanese children are assumed to be a function simply of paternal gonadal dose or of combined paternal and maternal gonadal dose. This finding is also relatively robust to dosimetric uncertainties in the group of Sellafield fathers and to the addition of extra cases in the offspring of parents in the highest dose groups of both data sets.
Determinants of Adherence to Glaucoma Medical Therapy in a Long-term Patient Population

PurposeEstimate patient adherence to glaucoma medications and identify potential determinants of nonadherence. DesignDescriptive study. MethodsTwo hundred patients with open angle glaucoma, ocular hypertension, or glaucoma suspects were interviewed regarding their glaucoma and its treatment and their charts were reviewed. Their ophthalmologist completed a brief assessment form. Drug utilization data were extracted from the provincial drug program database. Patients were defined as adherent if they filled at least 75% of the prescribed medication necessary for their treatment. ResultsData were available for 181 patients. About 62.9% were female and the mean age (±SD) was 75.1±8.8 years. The mean number of years of glaucoma treatment was 10.7±9.3. Self-reported treatment adherence was 88.3%. On the basis of the drug database, the proportion of patients who were adherent to treatment was 71.8%. According to physicians, 74.6% of patients were adherent. Among patients considered by physicians as nonadherent, 71.1% (32/45) were adherent and among patients predicted as adherent, 72.1% (98/136) were adherent. There was no significant difference in adherence according to age, sex, education, and income. However, patients using fewer agents (P=0.041), who were widowed (P=0.041), or who lived alone (P=0.042) were more adherent. Patients using prostaglandins analogs or β-blockers were more adherent than those using carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (P<0.05). ConclusionsFewer medications, use of prostaglandin analogs or β-blockers, living alone, and being widowed were significantly associated with adherence. Physicians were unable to significantly predict which patients are adherent.
Contrasting the Use of 2 Vision-specific Quality of Life Questionnaires in Subjects With Open-angle Glaucoma

PurposeTo compare 2 vision-specific functional status measures to each other and to clinical parameters in the Collaborative Initial Glaucoma Treatment Study (CIGTS). MethodsCIGTS participants completed the Visual Activities Questionnaire (VAQ) and the National Eye Institute-Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ) and were tested for visual field (VF) and visual acuity (VA). In all, 426 subjects contributed the VAQ and NEI-VFQ scores at 54 months. Pearson correlations were used to assess associations. ResultsThe VAQ subscales (range, 0 to 100) that assessed light-dark adaptation (mean=66.1), glare disability (66.4), and acuity/spatial vision (67.7) indicated vision-related functions that CIGTS participants found most difficult. On the NEI-VFQ, subjects reported high levels of visual functioning, with mean ≥90 (out of 100) on the total score and in 9 of 12 subscales. General vision (mean=82.6) received the lowest subscale score. Two subscales common to both questionnaires were highly correlated: VA (r=0.68) and peripheral vision (r=0.77) (both P<0.0001). Correlations between participants' perceptions and clinical measures of visual function were in the expected direction, but weaker. Stronger associations were found between clinical measures and the NEI-VFQ than the VAQ. Better eye VF and worse eye VA had the highest number of significant correlations with subjects' perceptions of their visual function. Increasing VF loss was associated with a significant decrease in the overall and peripheral vision subscale scores from both questionnaires, and also several other subscales. ConclusionsCIGTS patients reported excellent visual function on both the NEI-VFQ and VAQ. These findings will help researchers interested in assessing patients' perceptions of their visual function make an informed selection when choosing between the VAQ and the NEI-VFQ.
Assessment of an established dialysis nurse practitioner model of care using mixed methods research

Aims and Objectives: To assess a dialysis nurse practitioner (NP) model of care by examining satisfaction, quality of life (QOL) and clinical outcomes of haemodialysis patients and explore experiences of dialysis nurses. Design: Mixed methods. Methods: Database analyses of dialysis indices amongst a sample (n = 45) of haemodialysis patients; a survey (n = 27) examining patient experience, satisfaction and QOL; and in-depth interviews with a sample (n = 10) of nurses. Results: Nurses commended the NP role, with five themes emerging: “managing and co-ordinating”, “streamlining and alleviating”, “developing capability”, “supporting innovation and quality” and “connecting rurally”. Patients’ average age was 66 years and 71% were male. Patients’ satisfaction with the care they received was rated 3.5/4 or higher across seven parameters and the average QOL score was 7.9/10. Conclusion: The NP model of care is effective in enhancing patient care within a collaborative framework. The challenge is to sustain, and enhance the model, through mentorship programs for potential candidates.
Quantifying Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Loss in Glaucoma Using a Model of Unilateral Hypertensive Pseudoexfoliation Syndrome

PurposeTo correlate the amount of glaucomatous field loss with amount of retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) loss using a novel model consisting of eyes of subjects with pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PXS) in 1 eye only with elevated intraocular pressure, using the fellow eye as a marker of baseline healthy anatomy, allowing precise correlation by elimination of intersubject anatomic variation. MethodsIn each eye with PXS we recorded standard automated perimetry mean deviation and the percentage loss of Stratus optical coherence tomography - RNFL thickness relative to the fellow non-PXS eye, and correlated these 2 measurements. ResultsTwenty-six subjects with unilateral hypertensive PXS were enrolled. Twelve of 26 eyes had glaucomatous visual field loss. In eyes without field defect there was a broad range of RNFL thickness loss from almost none to nearly 50%. In some of these eyes whereas RNFL thickness was within normal limits it was clearly reduced compared with the fellow eye. All eyes with field defect except one had lost greater than 50% RNFL thickness. ConclusionsThis model of unilateral hypertensive PXS allows correlation of functional and structural loss in glaucoma while eliminating interindividual anatomic variability. It suggests that optical coherence tomography can have an important role in the diagnosis and management of early glaucoma before visual field loss is detected.
Nurses’ knowledge and care practices for infection prevention in neutropenic patients

Background: Neutropenia-associated infections can prolong hospitalization, increase re-admission, mortality and morbidity rates. Aim: To determine nurses’ knowledge and infection control care practices in neutropenic patients. Design: This descriptive study was conducted between January 2012 and May 2012, at oncology adult inpatient units of a university hospital in Turkey. Sample consisted of 51 staff nurses. Methods: Data were collected by a form included sociodemographic characteristics, neutropenia knowledge questions, and infection control care practices. Each nurse was observed by researcher three times for infection control care practices. Results: The mean score of nurses’ knowledge was 21.3 ± 2.4 (min. 17; max. 27). For all three observations hand hygiene adherence was found low both in medication preparation, administration and vital signs assessment. Sterility disrupted in almost all preparation of parenteral medications. Conclusions: Even nurses’ knowledge related with neutropenia and care of neutropenic patient was found above average their infection control care practices were found insufficient.
Inflammation of peripheral tissues and injury to peripheral nerves induce differing effects in the expression of the calcium‐sensitive N‐arachydonoylethanolamine‐synthesizing enzyme and related molecules in rat primary sensory neurons

Elevation of intracellular Ca2+ concentration induces the synthesis of N‐arachydonoylethanolamine (anandamide) in a subpopulation of primary sensory neurons. N‐acylphosphatidylethanolamine phospholipase D (NAPE‐PLD) is the only known enzyme that synthesizes anandamide in a Ca2+‐dependent manner. NAPE‐PLD mRNA as well as anandamide's main targets, the excitatory transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 ion channel (TRPV1), the inhibitory cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) receptor, and the main anandamide‐hydrolyzing enzyme fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), are all expressed by subpopulations of nociceptive primary sensory neurons. Thus, NAPE‐PLD, TRPV1, the CB1 receptor, and FAAH could form an autocrine signaling system that could shape the activity of a major subpopulation of nociceptive primary sensory neurons, contributing to the development of pain. Although the expression patterns of TRPV1, the CB1 receptor, and FAAH have been comprehensively elucidated, little is known about NAPE‐PLD expression in primary sensory neurons under physiological and pathological conditions. This study shows that NAPE‐PLD is expressed by about one‐third of primary sensory neurons, the overwhelming majority of which also express nociceptive markers as well as the CB1 receptor, TRPV1, and FAAH. Inflammation of peripheral tissues and injury to peripheral nerves induce differing but concerted changes in the expression pattern of NAPE‐PLD, the CB1 receptor, TRPV1, and FAAH. Together these data indicate the existence of the anatomical basis for an autocrine signaling system in a major proportion of nociceptive primary sensory neurons and that alterations in that autocrine signaling by peripheral pathologies could contribute to the development of both inflammatory and neuropathic pain.
Adults with disabilities who reported excellent or good quality of life had established a balance of body, mind, and spirit

(1999) Soc Sci Med 48, 977. Albrecht GL, Devlieger PJ. The disability paradox: high quality of life against all odds. Apr; . : . –88 . QUESTION: How do adults with disabilities understand and describe their quality of life in relation to physical and social environments? Qualitative approach using semistructured interviews. Chicago, Illinois, USA. 153 adults (median age 53 y, 51% women, 45% African-American, 50% single and never married, 51% high school graduates, 62% living with others) with a disability (arthritis, spinal cord injury or paralysis, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, orthopaedic conditions, head injury, HIV, AIDS, heart conditions, eye or vision problems, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes mellitus, chronic pain, addiction, or mental illness). The sample was generated through contacts in community based disability groups, government benefit agencies, shelters for the homeless, and acute hospitals. Adults were interviewed in English or Spanish for approximately 2.5 hours and responded to open ended questions about their disability, their perceived quality of life, and how the disability affected quality of life. …
Modifications in Corneal Biomechanics and Intraocular Pressure After Deep Sclerectomy

PurposeTo compare preoperative and postoperative measurements of corneal biomechanical properties and intraocular pressure (IOP) using Goldmann applanation tonometry (GAT) and the ocular response analyzer (ORA) in eyes undergoing deep sclerectomy with collagen implant (DSCI). Patients and MethodsThirty eyes of 30 glaucomatous patients undergoing deep sclerectomy with collagen implant and 30 eyes of 30 normal subjects were included. Goldmann applanation IOP, central corneal thickness (CCT), and ORA measurements [corneal compensated IOP (IOPcc), Goldmann-correlated IOP (IOPg), corneal resistance factor (CRF), and corneal hysteresis (CH)] were taken the day before deep sclerectomy with collagen implant and on days 1, 8, and 30 after surgery. Preoperative CH values were correlated to the number of preoperative medications and to the CCT. Also, the ORA measurements of normal subjects were compared with the preoperative measurements of the glaucomatous patients. ResultsThe 30 glaucomatous eyes showed a statistically significant difference between preoperative and day 1 postoperative GAT IOP, ORA IOPcc, IOPg, CRF, and CH measurements. No statistically significant difference was noted when comparing the GAT IOP, ORA IOPcc, IOPg, and CRF measurements between days 1, 8, and 30 after DSCI.On the contrary, CH values were statistically different when comparing days 1, 8, and 30 after DSCI. The 30 normal eyes showed no statistical difference when compared with the preoperative IOPg parameter in the 30 glaucomatous eyes; the mean CRF and the mean CH values were statistically significantly higher than the preoperative values of the glaucomatous group. ConclusionsCH statistically increased between preoperative and postoperative day 1 DSCI. On days 8 and 30, the change in CH values was statistically significant.
Gradients in cytoarchitectural landscapes of the isocortex: Diprotodont marsupials in comparison to eutherian mammals

Although it has been claimed that marsupials possess a lower density of isocortical neurons compared with other mammals, little is known about cross‐cortical variation in neuron distributions in this diverse taxonomic group. We quantified upper‐layer (layers II–IV) and lower‐layer (layers V–VI) neuron numbers per unit of cortical surface area in three diprotodont marsupial species (two macropodiformes, the red kangaroo and the parma wallaby, and a vombatiform, the koala) and compared these results to eutherian mammals (e.g., xenarthrans, rodents, primates). In contrast to the notion that the marsupial isocortex contains a low density of neurons, we found that neuron numbers per unit of cortical surface area in several marsupial species overlap with those found in eutherian mammals. Furthermore, neuron numbers vary systematically across the isocortex of the marsupial mammals examined. Neuron numbers under a unit of cortical surface area are low toward the frontal cortex and high toward the caudo‐medial (occipital) pole. Upper‐layer neurons (i.e., layers II–IV) account for most of the variation in neuron numbers across the isocortex. The variation in neuron numbers across the rostral to the caudal pole resembles primates. These findings suggest that diprotodont marsupials and eutherian mammals share a similar cortical architecture despite their distant evolutionary divergence.
Anatomical organization of the brain of a diurnal and a nocturnal dung beetle

To avoid the fierce competition for food, South African ball‐rolling dung beetles carve a piece of dung off a dung‐pile, shape it into a ball and roll it away along a straight line path. For this unidirectional exit from the busy dung pile, at night and day, the beetles use a wide repertoire of celestial compass cues. This robust and relatively easily measurable orientation behavior has made ball‐rolling dung beetles an attractive model organism for the study of the neuroethology behind insect orientation and sensory ecology. Although there is already some knowledge emerging concerning how celestial cues are processed in the dung beetle brain, little is known about its general neural layout. Mapping the neuropils of the dung beetle brain is thus a prerequisite to understand the neuronal network that underlies celestial compass orientation. Here, we describe and compare the brains of a day‐active and a night‐active dung beetle species based on immunostainings against synapsin and serotonin. We also provide 3D reconstructions for all brain areas and many of the fiber bundles in the brain of the day‐active dung beetle. Comparison of neuropil structures between the two dung beetle species revealed differences that reflect adaptations to different light conditions. Altogether, our results provide a reference framework for future studies on the neuroethology of insects in general and dung beetles in particular.
Sensitivity and specificity of Urdu version of the PHQ-9 to screen depression in patients with coronary artery disease

Background: The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) possesses many characteristics of a good screening tool and has the capacity to be used for screening depression in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Aim: To examine the psychometric properties and criterion validity of the PHQ-9 to screen and detect depression in patients with CAD in Pakistan. Design: In this validation study, 150 patients with CAD completed the Urdu version of the PHQ-9. The major depressive episode module of the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) was used as the gold standard. Results: The Urdu version of the PHQ-9 revealed a good internal consistency with Cronbach’s alpha of 0.83. Optimal sensitivity (76%) and specificity (76%) were achieved using the cut-off score of PHQ-9 ≥6, with area under the ROC curve of 0.86. Conclusion: The Urdu version of the PHQ-9 has acceptable psychometric properties to screen and detect major depression in patients with CAD.
Glaucoma in India: Estimated Burden of Disease

Over the last decade the prevalence of glaucoma has been reported by the Vellore Eye Survey, Andhra Pradesh Eye Disease Study, Aravind Comprehensive Eye Survey, Chennai Glaucoma Study, and West Bengal Glaucoma Study. There have been some differences largely because of methodologic variations. We use the reported age and gender stratified prevalence estimates from these studies and the Indian population census estimates to calculate the number of persons with glaucoma or at risk of the disease in the country. On the basis of the available data, we estimate that there are approximately 11.2 million persons aged 40 years and older with glaucoma in India. Primary open angle glaucoma is estimated to affect 6.48 million persons. The estimated number with primary angle-closure glaucoma is 2.54 million. Those with any form of primary angle-closure disease could comprise 27.6 million persons. Most of those with disease are undetected and there exist major challenges in detecting and treating those with disease. In the light of the existing manpower and resource constraints, we evaluate options for improving case detection rates in the country.