bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sleep apnoe and perfusion pressure
Authors: KIEKENS S , DE GROOT V
Published: August 2014

Glaucomatous disease may progress despite adequate intra ocular pressure (IOP) control. Large population based studies have shown that low ocular perfusion pressure (OPP) is a risk factor for glaucoma prevalence, incidence and progression. OPP can be calculated as the difference between arterial pressure and IOP. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a systemic condition associated with many eye conditions such as glaucoma. Its systemic implications are modifiable with Continuous positive airway pressure therapy (CPAP). In a population of OSA patients the increase in overnight IOP raise was significantly higher during CPAP therapy. The accompanied dip in nocturnal blood pressure results in a decreased ocular perfusion pressure. Moreover the auto regulatory mechanisms that need to compensate for perfusion pressure changes are affected in OSA by metabolic stresses, hypoxia and hypercapnea. Thus a higher glaucoma prevalence in OSA can be explained by the combination of an increased overnight IOP, decreased OPP and abnormal auto regulatory mechanisms that make the optic nerve more vulnerable for ischemic events.
S.Fyodorov Eye Microsurgery Complex: Past, present and future
Authors: MALYUGIN B , CHUKRAYOV A
Published: August 2014

Prof. S. Fyodorov is known for his multiple innovations in refractive and cataract surgery fields. He founded Eye Microsurgery Institute in 1980. The main concept was to combine clinical, research, educational and manufacturing activities under one roof. In 1986, Eye Microsurgery Complex was created, headquartered in Moscow with satellite clinics installed in 11 cities. This allowed spreading modern eye surgery technologies, covering all Russian territories and providing high quality eye care. In 2000, after Fyodorov passed away, the Complex started to bear his name. Currently the number of employees is exceeding 4,500 employees. In 2013 all clinics jointly performed over 225,000 eye surgeries. Along with the clinical activities; extensive scientific and educational work is being performed. Wet Labs for teaching ophthalmic surgeries are established in 6 locations including Moscow. Wide range of research activities is focused on the new surgical technologies in cataract and implant surgery, corneal transplantation, laser refractive surgery, glaucoma, pediatric eye care, stem cell research, and many others. Overview of the historical and current activities of the S. Fyodorov Eye Microsurgery Complex will be presented.
Eye neoplasms: a bibliometric analysis from 1966 to 2012
Authors: MOURIAUX F , BOUDRY C
Published: August 2014

Purpose To calculate the growth rate of biomedical literature on eye neoplasms and to assess key journals, authors, and country affiliations.

Methods PubMed was used to search for papers published from 1966 to 2012. Total number of articles per year was fitted to a linear equation as well as an exponential curve. To identify the core journals and predict the number of journals containing articles related to eye neoplasms, Bradford's law was applied. The mean number of publications per year and per author were calculated. For each country, the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) index (publications per 1 billion US dollars of GPD) and the population index (publications per million inhabitants) were calculated.

Results A total of 27 943 references were retrieved. The growth in the number of publications showed a linear increase with a yearly average growth rate of 2.08%. Using Bradford's law, 17 core journals were identified. Only 9 authors published more than 5 papers per year. The United States was by far the predominant country in number of publications, followed by Germany and the United Kingdom. However, population and Gross Domestic Product indexes showed that absolute production did not reflect the production per capita nor the economic efficiency

Conclusion This bibliometric study provides data contributing to a better understanding of the eye neoplasm research field.
Intraocular stray light compared with subjective lens grading scores in normal and cataractous eyes
Authors: BARRAQUER R , ALLENDE‐MUñIOZ MJ , PINILLA‐CORTé L , MONTENEGRO G , MICHAEL R
Published: August 2014

A European project studying the prevalence of visual function impairment in European drivers (2422 subjects) showed that intraocular stray light correlates with cataract grading scores. Measured intraocular stray light increases continuously with cataract severity, as estimated by the mean of the LOCS score (average of nuclear colour, nuclear opacity, cortical opacity and posterior subcapsular scores divided by four). Mean intraocular stray light for the lowest LOCS score (0.025) is about 1.00 log[s] and with a LOCS score for severe cataract (> 0.75) about 1.44 log[s]. This corresponds to a more than threefold increase in stray light. The lowest levels of intraocular stray light are found in nuclear cataracts (1.19 log[s]), followed by cortical (1.20 log[s]) and posterior subcapsular cataract (1.23 log[s]). Mixed nuclear and cortical cataracts have a mean of 1.30 log[s] and mixed nuclear, cortical and posterior subcapsular cataract a mean of 1.35 log[s]. A study in patients before lens surgery at the Centro de Oftalmologia Barraquer (218 eyes) did not showed a significant relation between lens grading scores and intraocular stray light values. About 90% had nuclear cataracts with low to medium severity (LOCS score between 0.2 and 0.6) with a mean stray light of 1.46 log[s]. A few cases had cortical cataracts reaching inside the pupillary area or very minor posterior subcapsular cataracts. All studies showed a large variation of intraocular stray light values for similar cataract scores, ranging from 1.00 to 2.00 log[s]. This probably reflects the theoretical expected important discrepancy between the backscattered light (lens grading) and forward scattered light (measured intraocular stray light).
The role of Cl‐ channels in ion transport across the apical and basolateral sides of the mouse retinal pigment epithelium
Authors: SKARPHEDINSDOTTIR S , EYSTEINSSON T , ARNASON S
Published: August 2014

Purpose The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is important in transporting water from the subretinal space to the choroid of the eye. The water transport across the RPE is supposed to be mediated by Cl‐ channels situated at the basolateral side of the RPE tissue. The purpose of this study was to assess the function of Cl‐ channels at the apical and basolateral side of mouse RPE.

Methods RPE of healthy mice (C57BL/6J) was mounted in Ussing chambers. The short‐circuit current (Isc) was measured in μAmp/cm2. The non‐specific Cl‐ channel blocker NPPB (4 mM) was applied to both sides. The CFTR blocker CFTRinh‐172 (0.8 mM) was added to the apical side. The Ca++ dependent Cl‐ channel blocker CaCCinh‐A01 (1.15 mM ) was added to the apical side. Each dose of the blockers was tested for 30 minutes. The results are presented as mean ± SEM, n = 6 in all experiments.

Results NPPB (4 mM) on the basolateral side produced no significant change (p = 0.36; 30 min), but 4 mM NPPB on the apical side reversed the Isc (μAmp/cm2) from ‐4,8 ± 5,9 to +19.9 ± 7,3 (p = 0.004) at 5 min which stabilised at +2.9 ± 4,9 (p = 0.03) at 30 min. CFTRinh‐172 (0.8 mM) caused a transient increase, ‐13 ± 3,5 to ‐15,1 ± 3,3 (p = 0.02) at 5 min. CaCCinh‐A01 (1.15 mM) reversed the Isc from ‐10,6 ± 2,1 to +5,5 ± 3,9 (p = 0.0002) at 10 min, which stabilized at ‐0.10 ± 3,0 (p = 0.002) at 30 min.

Conclusion The results indicate that Cl‐ channels are situated on the apical side of the RPE and drive a part of the ion transport across the mouse RPE. The channels may play a lesser role in ion transport across the basolateral side.
Acquired trichomegaly and hypertrichosis after treatment with epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors
Authors: LAUWERS N , AERTS L , SMETS RME
Published: August 2014

Purpose To describe a case of acquired trichomegaly and hypertrichosis after treatment with epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors (EGFR TKI’s).

Methods A case‐report.

Results We describe the case of an 88‐year old patient treated for metastatic lung carcinoma with EGFR TKI’s. A few weeks after treatment with Afatinib, she presented with a painful squamous blepharitis. Her eyelashes were abnormally long and abundant. After trimming of the eyelashes, lid hygiene and topical lubricants the symptoms disappeared.

Conclusion EGFR TKI’s are a new type of oral anti‐tumoral agents with ocular side effects such as keratitis, conjunctivitis, blepharitis and trichomegaly. Symptomatic topical treatment can be successful. This case report has already be published. "Aerts L, Lauwers N, Smets RME. Trichomégalie et hypertrichose acquise. Journal francais d'Ophtalmologie 2014; 37: 339‐341."
Ocular distribution and pharmacokinetics of 125I‐OPT302 and 125I‐Aflibercept (EYLEA) following intravitreal administration to pigmented rabbits
Authors: STRUBLE C , TESTER A , GEROMETTA M , KREUGER M , PRUSAKIEWICZ J , BALDWIN M
Published: August 2014

Purpose OPT‐302 is a soluble receptor that specifically and potently blocks VEGF‐C and VEGF‐D activity which are involved in the progression of retinal and corneal diseases. OPT‐302 is currently under development for the treatment of wet AMD. The purpose of this study was to assess ocular distribution and pharmacokinetics of 125I‐OPT‐302 and 125I‐EYLEA following intravitreal (IVT)dosing in Dutch Belted rabbits.

Methods 125I‐OPT‐302 and 125I‐EYLEA were prepared at ~10 mg/mL and 50 µCi/mg. Eight animals/group were dosed with 0.5 mg test article/eye. Serum and ocular tissues were collected at eight time points between 1 and 672 hours for radioanalysis. The formulations were homogeneous, stable, and active with their cognate ligands.

Results Following IVT dosing the test articles were well tolerated. There was low systemic exposure of 125I‐OPT‐302 with AUC(0‐t) of 110000 ng eq*hours/mL. Systemic exposure to 125I‐EYLEA was ~4 fold greater at 420000 ng eq*hours/mL. Concentrations of 125I‐OPT‐302 and 125I‐EYLEA in the vitreous humor (VH) at C0 were 368000 and 337000 ng equivalents/g, respectively. Elimination t1/2 from VH were similar at 104 and 112 hours. For ocular tissues, the highest concentrations of radioactivity were found in retina, RPE and choroid at 1 and 12 hours postdose. Maximum concentrations were similar for each test article. Half‐lives were 104 & 102 hours in choroid and 109 & 137 hours in RPE for 125I‐OPT‐302 and 125I‐EYLEA,respectively.

Conclusion 125I‐OPT‐302 and 125I‐EYLEA had prolonged exposure of posterior and anterior ocular tissues at similar concentrations for each compound, while systemic clearance of 125I‐OPT‐302 was faster than 125I‐Eylea..
Five‐year incidence of branch retinal vein occlusion and its systemic and retinal risk associations: The Funagata study
Authors: KAWASAKI R , SUGANO A , KAWASAKI Y , OIZUMI T , DAIMON M , KATO T , KAYAMA T , YAMASHITA H
Published: August 2014

Purpose To determine retinal and systemic risk associations of branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) over 5 years in adult population‐based cohort in Japan.

Methods The Funagata study is a population‐based longitudinal cohort study in Yamagata, Japan. In 2000‐2, we performed baseline survey including fundus photography and systemic examination. In 2005‐7, 5‐year follow‐up survey was performed and newly developed BRVO cases were determined. There were 954 persons who attended both baseline and 5‐year follow‐up survey; 878 persons had good quality fundus photographs suitable for grading (right eye only). Using multiple logistic regression models, retinal and systemic risk characteristics were determined.

Results Mean age of study participants were 58.9 years old and 57.2% were women. Prevalence of diabetes and hypertension was 4.0% and 32.2%, respectively. There were 12 newly developed BRVO over 5‐ years (1.37%, right eyes only). In multiple logistic regression models including those significantly associated systemic risks, older age (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 1.15 per 1 year, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02‐1.31, p=0.026) and waist‐to‐hip ratio (adjusted OR 6.15 per 0.1, 95%CI 1.50‐25.3, p=0.012) remained as significant risk characteristics. Retinal vessel opacification was significantly associated with incident BRVO after adjusting for systemic risk characteristics.

Conclusion In addition to older age, larger waist‐to‐hip ratio was identified as a modifiable systemic risk characteristic of 5‐year incident BRVO. Retinal vessel opacification was also identified as a risk characteristic in the retina; there is a potential as a marker to predict BRVO.

Commercial interest
Choroidal thickness in young myopic adults assessed by enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography
Authors: KADZIAUSKIENE A , AUGYTE A , GALGAUSKAS S , STECH S , STRELKAUSKAITE E , ASOKLIS R
Published: August 2014

Purpose To compare choroidal thickness of emetropic eyes and ones with different degree of myopia in young adults.

Methods 40 participants (80 eyes) had choroidal measurements using enhanced depth imaging spectral domain optical coherence tomography at three locations: fovea, 3mm nasally and 3mm temporally to it. According to their refractive error patients were divided into 3 groups: emetropia (from +0.5 D to ‐0.5 D)‐ 22 eyes, mild to moderate degree myopia (from ‐1.0 D to ‐6.0 D) ‐ 34 eyes, high degree myopia (‐6.0 D & greater) ‐ 24 eyes. Axial length biometry and autorefractometry were also performed.

Results The mean age of the participants was 23.6 years (standard deviation ± 1.5). The average choroidal thickness at fovea, 3mm nasally and 3mm temporally was estimated to be 352.5 (median 328.0, interquartile range 116.5) µm, 161.0 (139.0, 88.5) µm and 311.6, (298.5, 101.5) µm respectively. Subfoveal and temporal choroid was significantly thinner in high degree myopic eyes than in the group of low to moderate myopia and emetropic eyes (p < 0.05). At the fovea the choroid was thicker than nasally and temporally to it (p<0.05). A moderate negative correlation was found between the thickness of the choroid and the degree of myopia (ρ= ‐0.44; p < 0.01). Axial length was significantly shorter in normal vision group than in the groups of myopia (p < 0.05) and correlated negatively with the central choroidal thickness (ρ= ‐0.47; p < 0.01).

Conclusion Myopic young adults had significantly thinner central choroid layer compared to emetropic individuals. At all measured locations the choroidal thickness decreased with the higher degree of myopia and longer axial length.
In vivo corneal confocal microscopy allows direct observation of microbiological features in infectious keratitis
Authors: WYLEGALA E , SMEDOWSKI A , TARNAWSKA D , NOWINSKA A , DOBROWOLSKI D
Published: August 2014

Purpose To differentiate microbiological features of infectious keratitis in corneal epithelium.

Methods We performed in vivo confocal microscopy (HRT III, Rostock Cornea Module) in 190 patients with diagnosed infectious keratitis of various etiology ‐ 72 viral, 66 bacterial, 34 fungal (fibrillar and candidal) and 18 amoebal keratitis. For corneal scans we used 400x lens and 63x magnification. Microscopic analysis of epithelial layer was performed to distinguish structures of epithelial cells morphology, inflammatory cells and potential microbes.

Results In viral keratitis, due to size of viral particles, highly specific secondary changes within epithelial cells were observed in form of “owl eyes”– an equivalent of active virus replication in cells. In bacterial keratitis we observed structures of bacteria forming streptococcal configuration (diagnosed bacteriologically as Streptococcus pneumoniae and Enterococcus spp.), granular bacteria could not be easily distinguished because of similarity with leukocytes infiltration (diagnosed bacteriologically as Staphylococci). In fungal keratitis we detected fungi fibrilles (diagnosed mycologically as Fusarium spp.) as well as granular fungi – Candida spp. Amoebal keratitis presented presence of Acantamoeba cysts and trophozoits.

Conclusion In vivo analysis of corneal epithelial histology shows high specificity and sensitivity in infectious keratitis diagnosis. Except describing corneal structure and inflammatory cells, it makes possible to distinguish microbiological features of keratitis.
Anterior stromal puncture with Nd: YAG laser for recurrent corneal erosion
Authors: KO BY , KIM SY
Published: August 2014

Purpose To evaluate the clinical results of anterior stromal puncture (ASP) using neodymium:yttrium‐aluminum‐garnet (Nd:YAG) laser for refractory recurrent corneal erosion (RCE).

Methods A total of nine eyes from nine patients with unilateral RCE showing poor response to conservative therapy who were treated with Nd:YAG laser ASP from Mar to Dec 2013 were studied. The causes and frequency of erosions and the spot numbers and total energy of the Nd:YAG laser were recorded. The energy setting of the laser was 0.2 or 0.3 mJ per shot. Slit‐lamp examination, refraction, times of laser, recurrence, complications were reviewed.

Results The mean preoperative attack frequency was six. The average total energy of the laser was 5.3mJ. Two of the 9 eyes received additional Nd:YAG laser treatment. The mean follow‐up time was 8.5 months. All of the treated eyes had no evidence of recurrence after operation during follow‐up. There was no significant change in refraction. No specific complication except mild corneal haze was observed.

Conclusion Nd:YAG laser ASP is a safe and effective procedure to treat refractory RCE in a short period of time.
Changes of corneal endothelium in diabetes patients after cataract phacoemulsification surgery by confocal microscopy
Authors: LIN J , ZHAO G
Published: August 2014

Purpose To observe the changes of corneal endothelium in diabetes patients before and after cataract phacoemulsification surgery with confocal microscopy for exploring the variation and influencing factors．

Methods Phacoemulsification were randomly divided into 50 aged －related cataract patients with diabetes mellitus and 50 patients with senile cataract.Cataract phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation were performed， central corneal thickness， the corneal endothelial cell density， coefficient of variation and percentage of hexagonal cell were measured before surgery， 1 week， 1 month and 3 months after surgery by confocal microscopy．

Results Before surgery， there was no statistical difference between the two groups of central corneal thickness， corneal endothelial cell density， coefficient of variation and percentage of 　hexagonal cell． Compared with pre －operation， the central corneal thickness and coefficient of variation were increased post－ operation， but the corneal endothelial cell density and percentage of hexagonal cell decreased gradually．The central corneal thickness of diabetes group was more significantly than control group 1 week， 3 months after surgery, and the corneal endothelial cell density was less significantly than control group．One week， 3 months after surgery， the percentage of hexagonal cell was less than control group. The coefficient of variation was significantly higher than control group.

Conclusion Aged －related cataract patients with diabetes mellitus were much more poor tolerability on cataract phacoemulsification surgery． Compared with senile cataract patients， the corneal endothelium injury was more serious and the velocity and validity of recovery were lower comparatively．
Comparison of two different surgical treatments of presbyopia for hyperopic patients over 55 years old: Presbylasik (Supracor) and Prelex (presbyopic lens exchange)
Authors: MOYAL L , ABRIEU M , FROUSSART‐MAILLE F , RIGAL‐SASTOURNE JC
Published: August 2014

Purpose To compare the efficiency and safety of two surgical treatments of presbyopia, Presbylasik and presbyopic lens exchange (Prelex), and to assess patients’ satisfaction with both procedures.

Methods It is a retrospective monocentric clinical trial between 06/2011 and 03/2014 comparing implantation of diffractive multifocal intraocular lenses (Finevision Micro F, PhysIOL) and Supracor (Technolas Perfect Vision, GmbH).

Results Forty‐two eyes of 21 patients were treated by 3 physicians, with a mean follow‐up of 3 months. Twenty‐six eyes of 13 hyperopic/presbyopic patients were included for Supracor and 16 eyes of 8 patients for Prelex. Patients were aged over 55. Mean uncorrected binocular distance (DV) and near vision (NV) visual acuity (VA) in the Supracor group were respectively 0,03 (‐0,2 – 0,1) LogMar and 0,23 (0,06 – 0,36) one week post‐operatively and 0,031 (‐0,2 – 0,1) and 0,166 (0,06 – 0,36) 3 months post‐operatively. In the Prelex group, the mean uncorrected one week binocular VA was 0,025 (0 – 0,1) for DV and 0,165 (0,06 – 0,18) for NV and the three months VA was 0 (‐0,1 – 0,1) and 0,105 (0,06 – 0,18) for DV and NV. All Prelex patients were spectacle‐free at all distances, whereas 4 Supracor patients required spectacles for NV post‐operatively. Patients’ satisfaction was high in both groups. Patients reported more halos in the Prelex group (75%). One eye required intraocular lens exchange and 4 eyes (16,7%) required a new corneal procedure in the Supracor group.

Conclusion Both surgeries have effective and safe modalities in hyperopic and presbyopic patients. Prelex procedure seems to be more appropriate for patients over 55 yo.
Objective and subjective examinations for evaluation the degree of drusen‐related optic nerve neuropathy
Authors: POJDA‐WILCZEK D , WYCISłO‐GAWRON P
Published: August 2014

Purpose Evaluation of influence of the drusen on optic nerve function. Comparison of various diagnostic methods.

Methods 27 patients (54 eyes) with optic nerve drusen (average age: 33 years) and 15 healthy patients (30 eyes; average age: 32 years) have been examined. By all patients full ophthalmological examination, static perimetry (Octopus 301, Zeiss), contrast sensitivity with the sine wave contrast test (SWCT) as well as pattern electroretinography (PERG) and pattern visual evoked potentials (PVEP; Reti‐Port, Roland Consult) were conducted. Statistical analysis was based on Mann‐Whitney U Test and Spearman Test.

Results Best Corrected Visual Acuity in all eyes amounted to 0.0 logMAR. In PVEP examination, the eyes with optic nerve drusen have revealed a statistically significantly lower P100 wave amplitude at 1 check size (p = 0,0004) and at 15’ (p = 0,046) as well as longer P100 wave latency at 15’ check size (p = 0,046) than healthy eyes. In PERG the amplitude of N95 wave was statistically significantly lower for eyes with optic nerve drusen than for healthy eyes. Statistically significant, negative correlation between the amplitude of N95 wave PERG and the value of MD factor of static visual field (r = ‐ 0,1003) has been found. No significant differences in degrees of contrast sensitivity have been identified.

Conclusion Presence of drusen disturbs optic nerve function. Electrophysiological examinations are a sensitive test in identifying visual neuropathy.
Dexamethason implant versus posterior sub‐tenon triamcinolone acetonide for treatment of macular edema and/or vitritis in intraocular inflammatory diseases. Retrospective cases‐series
Authors: ERRERA MH
Published: August 2014

Purpose To demonstrate efficacy and side‐effect of Ozurdex® compared with posterior sub‐tenon triamcinolone acetonide (PSTA) for the treatment of intraocular inflammatory diseases.

Methods The medical records of 36 eyes (33 patients) with uveitic or pseudophakic (Irvine‐Gass syndrome) cystoid macular edema and/or vitritis were reviewed. Twenty seven eyes received Ozurdex® and 20 eyes received 40 mg of PSTA. Eleven eyes received PSTA followed by Ozurdex®.

Results A beneficial response to treatment with Ozurdex® was seen in all 27 eyes (100%) but was efficient in 16 out of 20 eyes (80%) after PSTA. The best improvement in visual acuity (VA), resolution of vitritis and reduction in central foveal thickness (CFT) was achieved at 4 weeks with Ozurdex® and between 4 weeks to 8 weeks with PSTA. The median time‐before‐recurrence in patients receiving Ozurdex® versus PSTA was 5.7 months and 6.4 months, respectively. In 3 and 8 patients, no reinjection of PSTA and Ozurdex® were respectively performed due to a combined initiation of corticosteroids and/or immunosuppressive treatment. VA improved from baseline by 0.8 and 0.69(P: .506) and CFT decreased from baseline by 188 µm and 148µm with Ozurdex® and PSTA, respectively(P: .516). The results with Ozurdex® were better than those with PSTA, although the difference did not reach statistical significance. An increase in intraocular pressure (>5 mmHg greater than baseline) was observed in 8 eyes (29%) with Ozurdex® and in 2 eyes (10%) with PSTA well controlled with antiglaucoma medications, though.

Conclusion In contrast with PSTA, Ozurdex® was associated with clinical improvement in all patients, mainly as supplementary therapy.

Commercial interest
Metastasis of breast cancer presenting as one and half syndrome
Authors: HYUNKYUNG KIM , TAEYOON LA
Published: August 2014

Purpose To report a case of one‐and‐a‐half syndrome caused by pontine metastasis of breast cancer.

Methods A 46‐year‐old woman with breast cancer presented with binocular diplopia for 2 month. She had previously been diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma in her left breast and had known metastases to the lung. She had undergone a modified radical mastectomy and chemotherapy. Her binocular horizontal diplopia worsened progressively and accompanied ipsilateral facial parethesia.

Results Her visual acuity was 10/20 in both eyes and no abnormal findings were detected on anterior segment exam. Her both eyes were fixed in the midline on attempted right gaze. On attempted left gaze, only left eye abduction was preserved and vertical eye movements were normal. Brain MRI revealed that variable sized nodular enhancing lesions at right pons, both cerebral hemispheres, left globus pallidus, right temporal lobe and upper portion of cerebellar vermis.

Conclusion Breast cancer is known to be the second most common cause of brain metastasis. We should pay attention to the patient’s medical history who presenting diplopia
Red flour beetles balance thermoregulation and food acquisition via density‐dependent habitat selection
Authors: Halliday W. D. , Blouin‐Demers G.
Published: August 2014

Theories of habitat selection assume that habitat selection patterns are based on the fitness consequences of selecting a particular habitat, and predict that individuals should be distributed between habitats so that each individual obtains the same fitness. The predictions are relatively simple when habitat suitability is based upon the quantity of depletable resources, such as food, in a habitat: individuals should be distributed between habitats in proportion to the depletable resources in those habitats. Yet, non‐depletable resources can also be important in habitat selection. For example, ectotherms must obtain heat from the environment, which causes them to select habitats based, at least partly, upon thermal quality. Non‐depletable resources can cause habitat selection that is independent of density and may modify the value of depletable resources. We used red flour beetles Tribolium castaneum to test the hypothesis that habitat selection by ectotherms depends upon both food abundance and temperature. We determined the thermal preference of red flour beetles. We then conducted habitat selection experiments with beetles when habitats were set at their preferred temperature and 10°C below their preferred temperature. We simultaneously manipulated food abundance in both habitats, and varied population density. We also examined the fitness effects of habitat selection by measuring oviposition rates of beetles. Beetles selected the habitat within their preferred temperature when food was equal between habitats and when food was higher in that habitat across all population densities. Beetles showed equal preference for high‐ and low‐temperature habitats when food was higher in the low‐temperature habitat across all population densities. Fecundity was always higher at the preferred temperature of beetles, regardless of food abundance or population density. Temperature is clearly an important factor in habitat selection of ectotherms and should be considered whenever thermal differences exist between habitats.
Definite Discourse–New Reference in L1 and L2: A Study of Bridging in Mandarin, Korean, and English
Authors: Crosthwaite Peter Robert
Published: August 2014

Definite expressions may be used to introduce a referent into discourse when their familiarity between speaker and listener can be inferred, a strategy known as bridging. However, for a number of reasons, bridging may be difficult to acquire compared to the acquisition of indefinite introductions for noninferable referent types, with the native language of the second language (L2) learners suggested to be a major factor influencing L2 acquisition. Two experiments were conducted into the use of bridging, using a controlled picture sequence where neutral, weakly, or strongly inferable referents were to be introduced. The first study investigated native speaker data from English, Mandarin Chinese, and Korean, and the second study focused on a cross‐section of learner data from Mandarin and Korean L2 English learners from six proficiency levels ranging from A1 (Basic user) to C2 (Proficient user) of the Common European Framework. The native results show that the three languages introduce inferable referents in markedly different ways: definite articles for English, omission of numeral + classifiers before the noun for Mandarin, and with Korean making no apparent distinction for inferability in terms of noun‐phrase form. The L2 results show that the acquisition of the definite article + noun construction to introduce inferable referents in L2 English occurs at lower Common European Framework levels for the Mandarin group than the Korean group. Therefore, it is claimed that Mandarin L2 English learners may have less difficulty mapping L2 syntactic form to pragmatic function in their L2 narrative production than their Korean counterparts, as a possible consequence of positive transfer from their native language.
Perturbation of the interaction between Gal4p and Gal80p of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae GAL switch results in altered responses to galactose and glucose
Authors: Das Adhikari Akshay Kumar , Qureshi Mohd. Tanvir , Kar Rajesh Kumar , Bhat Paike Jayadeva
Published: August 2014

In S. cerevisiae, following the Whole Genome Duplication (WGD), GAL1‐encoded galactokinase retained its signal transduction function but lost basal expression. On the other hand, its paralogue GAL3, lost kinase activity but retained its signalling function and basal expression, thus making it indispensable for the rapid induction of the S. cerevisiae GAL switch. However, a gal3Δ strain exhibits delayed growth kinetics due to the redundant signalling function of GAL1. The subfunctionalization between the paralogues GAL1 and GAL3 is due to expression divergence and is proposed to be due to the alteration in the Upstream Activating Sequences (UASG). We demonstrate that the GAL switch becomes independent of GAL3 by altering the interaction between Gal4p and Gal80p without altering the configuration of UASG. In addition to the above, the altered switch of S. cerevisiae loses ultrasensitivity and stringent glucose repression. These changes caused an increase in fitness in the disaccharide melibiose at the expense of a decrease in fitness in galactose. The above altered features of the ScGAL switch are similar to the features of the GAL switch of K. lactis that diverged from S. cerevisiae before the WGD.
Variation in plant defences among populations of a range‐expanding plant: consequences for trophic interactions
Authors: Fortuna Taiadjana M. , Eckert Silvia , Harvey Jeffrey A. , Vet Louise E. M. , Müller Caroline , Gols Rieta
Published: August 2014

Although plant–herbivore–enemy interactions have been studied extensively in cross‐continental plant invasions, little is known about intra‐continental range expanders, despite their rapid spread globally.

Using an ecological and metabolomics approach, we compared the insect performance of a generalist and specialist herbivore and a parasitoid, as well as plant defence traits, among native, exotic invasive and exotic non‐invasive populations of the Turkish rocket, Bunias orientalis, a range‐expanding species across parts of Eurasia.

In the glasshouse, the generalist herbivore, Mamestra brassicae, and its parasitoid, Microplitis mediator, performed better on non‐native than on native plant populations. Insect performance did not differ between the two non‐native origins. By contrast, the specialist herbivore, Pieris brassicae, developed poorly on all populations. Differences in trichome densities and in the metabolome, particularly in the family‐specific secondary metabolites (i.e. glucosinolates), may explain population‐related variation in the performance of the generalist herbivore and its parasitoid. Total glucosinolate concentrations were significantly induced by herbivory, particularly in native populations.

Native populations of B. orientalis are generally better defended than non‐native populations. The role of insect herbivores and dietary specialization as a selection force on defence traits in the range‐expanding B. orientalis is discussed.
Priority effects vary with species identity and origin in an experiment varying the timing of seed arrival
Authors: Cleland Elsa E. , Esch Ellen , McKinney Jordan
Published: August 2014

Exotic species are sometimes phenologically distinct from native species in the invaded community, allowing them to be active when there may be reduced competition for resources. In southern California, annual species are particularly problematic invaders, and prior work has shown that these species germinate earlier in the growing season, giving them a competitive advantage over later‐germinating native species. This result begs the question, if being active earlier is advantageous, why have not native species adapted earlier cues for germination? We hypothesized native species would benefit less from earlier germination than exotic species (potentially due to slower growth following germination), thus negating potential selection for early germination. Here we manipulated planting time for common native and exotic species, growing them in all possible species pairs, to evaluate how competitive outcomes were altered by the time of arrival and the origin of competing species. In contrast to our hypotheses, the exotic species often had lower biomass when planted first, potentially due to disturbance when the second species was planted. In contrast, three out of our four native species benefited from earlier planting (a priority effect). Unlike the potential benefit of arriving early, we found no evidence that being planted one week later resulted in a competitive disadvantage, when compared to being planted simultaneously with a competitor. Further, we found that the magnitude and even direction of priority effects varied depending on the identity of the interacting species. Together these results suggest that a lack of directional selection may prevent adaptation towards earlier germination times of native species. Although this experiment was conducted with a limited suite of species, the results show that the role of seasonal priority effects varies among species, and that native species could benefit from seasonal priority effects in restoration efforts even when in competition with fast‐growing exotic annual species.
Stages of recovery in early psychosis: Associations with symptoms, function, and narrative development
Authors: Bourdeau Geneviève , Lecomte Tania , Lysaker Paul H.
Published: August 2014

Objectives

This study sought to explore the links between recovery stages, symptoms, function, and narrative development among individuals with a recent onset of psychosis.

Design

A qualitative longitudinal study was conducted including quantitative data at baseline.

Methods

Forty‐seven participants were administered the Indiana Psychiatric Illness Interview three times over 9 months and content analysis was performed. Participants also completed the Social Functioning Scale, the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale – Expanded, the California Verbal Learning Test, and the Trailing Making Test at baseline. Descriptive discriminant analysis was performed.

Results

Results suggested that participants were mostly in the first two stages of recovery (moratorium, awareness) and that being in the awareness, rather than moratorium, stage was associated, to a different extent, with richer narrative development, better levels of psychosocial function, less negative and positive symptoms, and more years of education. Furthermore, recovery appeared to be a stable process over the assessment period.

Conclusions

Recovery is a complex concept including objective and subjective aspects. In the recovery path of persons recently diagnosed with psychosis, social engagement, narrative development, and occupational functioning seem to be particularly important aspects. This study is a first step, and future research is needed with larger and more diverse participant pools, and assessments conducted over longer periods of time.

Practitioner points

As greater level of social engagement was the most robust predictor of membership in the awareness versus moratorium stage, treatment of early psychosis should include interventions targeting social relations and social skills.

As greater narrative development was the second most robust predictor, enhancing it via psychotherapy could be a pertinent clinical goal.
Placement of an internal–external biliary drain through a bilio‐enteric fistula in a neonate to re‐establish antegrade bile flow after liver transplantation
Authors: Parra Dimitri A. , Fecteau Annie , Connolly Bairbre L.
Published: August 2014

Three‐month‐old baby girl with history of post‐liver transplant hepatic artery dissection treated with ligation after take down of the biliary anastomosis and placement of a surgical external common bile duct drain. There was persistent malfunction of this drain. A bilio‐enteric fistula was noted during the later placement of an image guided percutaneous external drain. Subsequently, an internal–external biliary drain was successfully placed through this fistula. An excellent clinical and functional result was achieved.
Comparison of thermodilution, lithium dilution, and pulse contour analysis for the measurement of cardiac output in 3 different hemodynamic states in dogs
Authors: Morgaz Juan , Granados María del Mar , Muñoz‐Rascón Pilar , Dominguez Juan Manuel , Fernández‐Sarmiento Jose Andrés , Gómez‐Villamandos Rafael J. , Navarrete Rocío
Published: August 2014

Objective

To (1) evaluate lithium dilution (LiDCO) and transpulmonary thermodilution (PiCCOTD) in relation to traditional thermodilution (PAC‐TD) for determining cardiac output (CO) in 3 different hemodynamic states in dogs and to (2) compare the continuous CO values obtained using power analysis (PulseCO) with continuous PiCCO (PiCCOc).

Design

Prospective randomized study.

Setting

University research laboratory.

Animals

Fourteen healthy Beagles.

Interventions

CO was measured using PAC‐TD, LiDCO, and PiCCOTD in 3 different hemodynamic states induced in random order and defined on the basis of the mean arterial pressure (MAP). Normodynamic state was defined as the baseline MAP and 1 MAC sevoflurane. The hypodynamic state was induced with a deep level of sevoflurane anesthesia. The hyperdynamic state was induced with noradrenaline. After these measurements were obtained in each hemodynamic state, CO was monitored continuously for 30 min using PulseCO and PiCCOc. Agreement was assessed using Bland–Altman analysis and intraclass correlation coefficients, and a trend score was determined for the continuous CO measurements.

Measurements and Main Results

There was good agreement among the 3 modalities of CO measurement in each hemodynamic state. The mean CIPAC‐TD/CIPICCOTD bias was −0.04 ± 1.19 L/min/m2 (limits of agreement, −2.37/1.93 L/min/m2), and the mean CIPAC‐TD/CILiDCO bias was −0.11 ± 1.55 L/min/m2 (limits of agreement, −3.04/2.93 L/min/m2). The mean CIPulseCO‐CIPiCCOc bias was −0.04 ± 1.91 L/min/m2 (limits of agreement, −1.95/1.87 L/min/m2), which suggested good agreement. The CIPulseCO‐CIPiCCOc trend score, calculated from 252 paired comparisons, was 93.3% positive after zone exclusion (∆CI < 15%).

Conclusions

Both LiDCO and PiCCOTD agreed well with PAC‐TD for the measurement of CO under different hemodynamic conditions. Moreover, PiCCOc appears to be an accurate method for monitoring continuous CO in dogs as its performance for measurement was similar to that of PulseCO.
Transdermal uptake and organ distribution of silver from two different wound dressings in rats after a burn trauma
Authors: Pfurtscheller Klaus , Petnehazy Thomas , Goessler Walter , Bubalo Vladimir , Kamolz Lars‐Peter , Trop Marija
Published: August 2014

Silver‐containing wound dressings are an integral part of wound therapy in adult and pediatric burn patients. The antimicrobial effect of silver is well known and has been described in numerous studies. Side effects are rarely reported from silver‐containing wound care products, even though systemic absorption of silver has been shown by elevated levels of silver in the blood of patients after silver exposure during wound therapy. This animal study investigated the silver levels of blood and in which organs and tissues silver is detectable after long‐term application of silver‐containing wound dressings after a burn trauma. In male rats, a major full‐thickness scald was created on their backs according to a standardized burn model. Two different silver‐containing wound dressings (nanocrystalline silver [NCS] and silver sulphate foam [SSF]) were applied initially and changed every 7 days. Weekly blood drawings revealed an increase of blood silver in week three with significant higher values in the SSF compared with NCS group (Ag μg/kg 135.8 vs. 61.7; means; p ≤ 0.05). Thereafter, the NCS group showed significantly higher blood silver levels than the SSF group at week five (Ag μg/kg 192.3 vs. 81.3; means; p ≤ 0.01) and six (Ag μg/kg 168.2 vs. 32.9; means; p ≤ 0.01). After 6 weeks, the animals were sacrificed, and the organs and tissues were analyzed for their silver content by inductively coupled plasma mass‐spectrometry. Silver was detectable in all analyzed organs and tissue samples, with higher silver values in parenchymatous organs in the NCS than SSF group (Ag μg/kg; spleen: 3,469 vs. 260; kidney: 3,186 vs. 289; liver: 2,022 vs. 313; means; p ≤ 0.05). Silver was also detectable in brain, testis, lung, heart, and muscle tissue.
An arithmetic Hilbert–Samuel theorem for singular hermitian line bundles and cusp forms
Authors: Berman Robert J. , Freixas i Montplet Gerard
Published: August 2014

We prove arithmetic Hilbert–Samuel type theorems for semi-positive singular hermitian line bundles of finite height. This includes the log-singular metrics of Burgos–Kramer–Kühn. The results apply in particular to line bundles of modular forms on some non-compact Shimura varieties. As an example, we treat the case of Hilbert modular surfaces, establishing an arithmetic analogue of the classical result expressing the dimensions of spaces of cusp forms in terms of special values of Dedekind zeta functions.
A Global Energy Approach for Analysis of a Propagating Buckle in Submarine Pipelines
Authors: Tang Mingqiao , Xue Jianghong , Liu Renhuai
Published: August 2014

This paper presents a unique approach to analyze the steady-state buckle propagation phenomenon in underwater pipelines. In previous work, we restudied the buckling of a very long pipeline subjected to external pressure and found that buckling happens only over a certain length of the pipeline. In this paper, the collapse mode of the pipeline obtained in previous studies is taken as the transition zone during steady-state buckle propagation. Kinematics in the transition zone is analyzed based on von Kármán–Donnell type of nonlinearity. Assuming linear elastic rigid plastic material properties, the mechanical responses in the transition zone are examined using the deformation theory. Two parameters, the yield coefficient and the membrane stretching factor, are introduced to depict the effects of transversal bending and the membrane stretching, respectively. Analytical solution of buckle propagation pressure is derived by considering the energy conversation calculated from shell theory. It is found that the buckle propagation performance is governed by the transversal bending, including the circumferential bending and longitudinal bending. The membrane stretching is significant only for thick wall pipeline, in particular when the ratio of radius-to thickness is small than ten. The analysis is in effect by comparing the obtained solutions with the well-established predictions and the experimental results.
Experimental Study on Pressure Losses in Circular Orifices for the Application in Internal Cooling Systems
Authors: Binder Christian , Kinell Mats , Utriainen Esa , Eriksson Daniel , Bahador Mehdi , Kneer Johannes , Bauer Hans-Jörg
Published: August 2014

The cooling air flow in a gas turbine is governed by the flow through its internal passages and controlled by restrictors such as circular orifices. If the cooling air flow is incorrectly controlled, the durability and mechanical integrity of the whole turbine may be affected. Consequently, a good understanding of the orifices in the internal passages is important. This study presents experimental results for a range of pressure ratios and length-to-diameter ratios common in gas turbines including even very small pressure ratios. Additionally, the chamfer depth at the inlet was also varied. The results of the chamfer depth variation confirmed its beneficial influence on decreasing pressure losses. Moreover, important effects were noted when varying more than one parameter at a time. Besides earlier mentioned hysteresis at the threshold of choking, new phenomena were observed, e.g., a rise of the discharge coefficient for certain pressure and length-to-diameter ratios. A correlation for the discharge coefficient was attained based on the new experimental data with a generally lower error than previous studies.
Toward an “Artificial Cell” on a Chip
Authors: Riddihough Guy
Published: August 2014

DNA-driven biochemical reactions on a fabricated silicon chip recreate protein gradients and oscillations.
Epigenetics Direct Transdifferentiation
Authors: Purnell Beverly A.
Published: August 2014

Stepwise modifications to histones ensure efficient and reliable cell conversions in
Caenorhabditis elegans
.
Defender of Fertility
Authors: Nusinovich Yevgeniya
Published: August 2014

Human β-defensin 1 plays a dual role in defending male fertility by promoting both the motility of sperm and its bactericidal activity.
Where and How Chloroquine Fights Cancer
Authors: Ferrarelli Leslie K.
Published: August 2014

Chloroquine activates Notch signaling in endothelial cells to promote normalization of tumor-associated vessels.
TRAF3 Restrains Production of T
regs
Authors: Foley John F.
Published: August 2014

Signaling by the interleukin-2 receptor in regulatory T cell precursors is inhibited by the adaptor protein TRAF3.
In Vitro
Combination of Isavuconazole with Micafungin or Amphotericin B Deoxycholate against Medically Important Molds
Authors: Katragkou Aspasia , McCarthy Matthew , Meletiadis Joseph , Petraitis Vidmantas , Moradi Patriss W. , Strauss Gittel E. , Fouant Monique M. , Kovanda Laura L. , Petraitiene Ruta , Roilides Emmanuel , Walsh Thomas J.
Published: August 2014

Whether isavuconazole, an extended-spectrum triazole, possesses synergistic activity in combination therapy with echinocandins or amphotericin B for the treatment of invasive molds infections has not been studied. Our
in vitro
combination studies showed that isavuconazole and micafungin are synergistically active against
Aspergillus fumigatus
,
Aspergillus flavus
,
Aspergillus terreus
, and
Cunninghamella bertholletiae
. These results suggest that isavuconazole, in combination with micafungin, may have a role in the treatment of invasive aspergillosis and warrants further investigation.