bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of acute sleep loss on the neural correlates of alerting, orientating and executive attention components
Authors: MUTO VINCENZO , SHAFFII‐LE BOURDIEC ANAHITA , MATARAZZO LUCA , FORET ARIANE , MASCETTI LAURA , JASPAR MATHIEU , VANDEWALLE GILLES , PHILLIPS CHRISTOPHE , DEGUELDRE CHRISTIAN , BALTEAU EVELYNE , LUXEN ANDRÉ , COLLETTE FABIENNE , MAQUET PIERRE
Published: May 2012

The Attention Network Test (ANT) is deemed to assess the alerting, orientating and executive components of human attention. Capitalizing on the opportunity to investigate three facets of attention in a single task, we used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to assess the effect of sleep deprivation (SD) on brain responses associated with the three attentional components elicited by the ANT. Twelve healthy volunteers were scanned in two conditions 1 week apart, after a normal night of sleep (rested wakefulness, RW) or after one night of total sleep deprivation. Sleep deprivation was associated with a global increase in reaction times, which did not affect specifically any of the three attention effects. Brain responses associated with the alerting effect did not differ between RW and SD. Higher‐order attention components (orientating and conflict effects) were associated with significantly larger thalamic responses during SD than during RW. These results suggest that SD influences different components of human attention non‐selectively, through mechanisms that might either affect centrencephalic structures maintaining vigilance or ubiquitously perturb neuronal function. Compensatory responses can counter these effects transiently by recruiting thalamic responses, thereby supporting thalamocortical function.
Trees and/or networks to display intraspecific DNA sequence variation?
Authors: MARDULYN PATRICK
Published: May 2012

Phylogenetic trees and networks are both used in the scientific literature to display DNA sequence variation at the intraspecific level. Should we rather use trees or networks? I argue that the process of inferring the most parsimonious genealogical relationships among a set of DNA sequences should be dissociated from the problem of displaying this information in a graph. A network graph is probably more appropriate than a strict consensus tree if many alternative, equally most parsimonious, genealogies are to be included. Within the maximum parsimony framework, current phylogenetic inference and network‐building algorithms are both unable to guarantee the finding of all most parsimonious (MP) connections. In fact, each approach can find MP connections that the other does not. Although it should be possible to improve at least the maximum parsimony approach, current implementations of these algorithms are such that it is advisable to use both approaches to increase the probability of finding all possible MP connections among a set of DNA sequences.
Comparative landscape genetic analyses show a Belgian motorway to be a gene flow barrier for red deer (Cervus elaphus), but not wild boars (Sus scrofa)
Authors: FRANTZ A. C. , BERTOUILLE S. , ELOY M. C. , LICOPPE A. , CHAUMONT F. , FLAMAND M. C.
Published: May 2012

While motorways are often assumed to influence the movement behaviour of large mammals, there are surprisingly few studies that show an influence of these linear structures on the genetic make‐up of wild ungulate populations. Here, we analyse the spatial genetic structure of red deer (Cervus elaphus) and wild boars (Sus scrofa) along a stretch of motorway in the Walloon part of Belgium. Altogether, 876 red deer were genotyped at 13 microsatellite loci, and 325 wild boars at 14 loci. In the case of the red deer, different genetic clustering tools identified two genetic subpopulations whose borders matched the motorway well. Conversely, no genetic structure was identified in the case of the wild boar. Analysis of isolation‐by‐distance patterns of pairs of individuals on the same side and on different sides of the motorway also suggested that the road was a barrier to red deer, but not to wild boar movement. While telemetry studies seem to confirm that red deer are more affected by motorways than wild boar, the red deer sample size was also much larger than that of the wild boars. We therefore repeated the analysis of genetic structure in the red deer with randomly sub‐sampled data sets of decreasing size. The power to detect the genetic structure using clustering methods decreased with decreasing sample size.
An impedance‐manometry based method for non‐radiological detection of pharyngeal postswallow residue
Authors: Omari T. I. , Dejaeger E. , Tack J. , Vanbeckevoort D. , Rommel N.
Published: May 2012

Background  Postswallow residue is indicative of impaired pharyngeal bolus clearance. The integrated nadir impedance to impedance ratio (iZn/Z) is a novel functional variable that can be derived using automated impedance manometry (AIM). In this study, the postswallow pharyngeal iZn/Z was evaluated as a potential correlated postswallow residue and therefore predictor of ineffective swallowing.

Methods  Optimal iZn/Z criteria were determine using a database of 50 randomly selected bolus swallows recorded with impedance, manometry, and videofluoroscopy. The iZn/Z was derived for a region of interest (ROI), spanning the mid‐point of the pharyngeal stripping wave to the upper esophageal sphincter proximal margin, and from 0.25 to 1.25 s after the peak of the pharyngeal stripping wave. Videofluorscopy was scored by four experts using a six‐point bolus residue scale (BRS) score. Optimized criteria for iZn/Z were then applied to a much larger database of 225 swallows scored for residue by one expert observer.

Key Results  Among individual database, swallows iZn/Z was significantly correlated with average expert BRS score (r = 0.748, P < 0.0001). An iZn/Z of ≥500 was optimally predictive of swallows with residue defined by a BRS score of 4 or more. Within the larger cohort, iZn/Z was higher in dysphagia patient swallows compared with controls [2 (1, 4) vs 1 (1, 3), P < 0.005] and swallows with an iZn/Z ≥ 500 had higher bolus residue scores [4 (1, 6) vs 2 (1, 4), P < 0.001].

Conclusions & Inferences  The AIM derived iZn/Z is an easily determined objective non‐radiological marker of clinically relevant postswallow residue and therefore has potential diagnostic relevance as a predictor of ineffective swallowing.
The SMART‐COP score performs well for pneumonia risk stratification in Australia’s Tropical Northern Territory: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Robins‐Browne Karen L. , Cheng Allen C. , Thomas Kathleen A. S. , Palmer Didier J. , Currie Bart J. , Davis Joshua S.
Published: May 2012

Objective  To prospectively compare a modified pneumonia severity scoring system, SMARTACOP, with other severity scores in patients presenting with pneumonia to the emergency department (ED) of a tertiary referral hospital in tropical Australia.

Methods  We conducted a prospective observational study of adult patients presenting with radiologically confirmed pneumonia over a 12‐month period. The sensitivity of risk stratification scores were assessed against the need for intensive respiratory or vasopressor support (IRVS).

Results  There were 367 ED attendances for pneumonia of whom 77.1% were admitted to hospital, 10% required intensive respiratory or vasopressor support and 2.8% died. Mean age was 50.0 years, 52% were men and 59% were Indigenous. The sensitivity of a SMART‐COP score ≥3, a SMARTACOP score ≥3 and a pneumonia severity index (PSI) class ≥3 for predicting IRVS was 97%, 97% and 78% respectively.

Conclusions  We found no significant advantage of the SMARTACOP over the SMART‐COP score for the prediction of intensive respiratory or vasopressor support, but both scores significantly outperformed PSI. The SMART‐COP score should replace the PSI in tropical Australia and should be assessed in other tropical areas for pneumonia risk stratification in emergency departments.
Gender differences in experiences of ART services in South Africa: a mixed methods study
Authors: Schneider Helen , Govender Veloshnee , Harris Bronwyn , Cleary Susan , Moshabela Mosa , Birch Stephen
Published: May 2012

Objectives  A mixed methods study exploring gender differences in patient profiles and experiences of ART services, along the access dimensions of availability, affordability and acceptability, in two rural and two urban areas of South Africa.

Methods  Structured exit interviews (n = 1266) combined with in‐depth interviews (n = 20) of women and men enrolled in ART care.

Results  Men attending ART services were more likely to be employed (29%vs. 20%, P = 0.001) and were twice as likely to be married/co‐habiting as women (42%vs. 22%P = 0.001). Men had known their HIV status for a shorter time (mean 32 vs. 36 months, P = 0.021) and were also less likely to disclose their status to non‐family members (17%vs. 26%, P = 0.001). From both forms of data collection, a key finding was the role of female partners in providing social support and facilitating use of services by men. The converse was true for women who relied more on extended families and friends than on partners for support. Young, unmarried and unemployed men faced the greatest social isolation and difficulty. There were no major gender differences in the health system (supply side) dimensions of access.

Conclusions  Gender differences in experiences of HIV services relate more to social than health system factors. However, the health system could be more responsive by designing services in ways that enable earlier and easier use by men.
Surgical rationalization of living donor liver transplantation by abolition of hepatic artery reconstruction under a fixed microscope
Authors: Yagi Takahito , Shinoura Susumu , Umeda Yuzo , Sato Daisuke , Yoshida Ryuichi , Yoshida Kazuhiro , Utsumi Masashi , Nobuoka Daisuke , Sadamori Hiroshi , Fujiwara Toshiyoshi
Published: May 2012

The small diameter of the hepatic artery is one of the complexities of living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). We analyzed whether the direct suture technique using surgical loupes can simplify the operative process for LDLT compared with fixed microscopic reconstruction. We applied the direct technique to rationalize the operative process and abolished routine microsurgery from 2004. Two hundred and nine LDLT with a postoperative period over 34 months were carried out from 1996 to 2008. The patients were divided into two groups: the micro group (children: 20, adults: 72) and the non‐micro group (children: 12, adults: 97). Running anastomosis was undertaken in the non‐micro group. The anastomotic size of the children was significantly smaller than that of the adults, but larger than 2 mm (2.38 ± 0.4 vs. 2.7 ± 0.47 mm, p = 0.0005). By appropriate choice of the proximal artery, direct anastomosis is possible even in children. Early complications occurred in seven cases in the micro group, but none occurred in the non‐micro group (p < 0.05). Significant reductions were observed in operation time (p < 0.0001), blood loss (p < 0.05), and hospital stay (p < 0.01) in the non‐micro group. Non‐microscopic anastomosis is useful for the rationalization of LDLT.
A novel HLA‐E allele, E*01:03:05, identified in two Brazilian individuals
Authors: Veiga‐Castelli L. C. , Castelli E. C. , Beauchemin K. , Donadi E. A. , Roger M.
Published: May 2012

Here, we report a novel non‐classical class I HLA‐E allele found in the Brazilian population.
HLA‐haploidentical transplantations for primary immunodeficiencies: A single‐center experience
Authors: Cipe Funda Erol , Dogu Figen , Aytekin Caner , Yuksek Mutlu , Kendirli Tanil , Yildiran Alisan , Bozdogan Gunseli , Karatas Deniz , Reisli Ismail , Dalva Klara , Arpacı Fikret , Ikinciogullari Aydan
Published: May 2012

Cipe FE, Dogu F, Aytekin C, Yuksek M, Kendirli T, Yildiran A, Bozdogan G, Karatas D, Reisli I, Dalva K, Arpacı F, Ikinciogullari A. HLA‐haploidentical transplantations for primary immunodeficiencies: A single‐center experience.

Abstract:  SCID is characterized by profound deficiencies of T and B lymphocytes. HSCT is the only curative treatment for children with SCID. The clinical characteristics and outcome of 30 HLA‐haploidentical transplantations in 18 patients (15 SCID, two Omenn syndrome, and one MHC Class II deficiency) are reported here. The age of patients at diagnosis ranged from one and half to nine months (median: four months). The median time was one month between the diagnosis and the time of the initial transplantation. Infused CD34+ stem cell dose was ranged between 7 and 94.2 × 106/kg. Nine of 18 patients were found to be positive for CMV antigenemia at diagnosis; therefore, none of them received a conditioning regimen. The most common complication was graft failure (61%), so repeated transplantations (two to four) were performed in seven patients. The mean time of lymphoid engraftment was 17.5 days (median: 16, range: 11–29 days). Ten of 15 SCID (67%) patients survived with a stable complete donor chimerism. However, all three non‐SCID patients died. In conclusion, in the absence of a matched family donor, HLA‐haploidentical transplantation from parental donors represents a readily available treatment option especially for patients with SCID, offering a high chance of cure.
Genome‐wide identification and analysis of microRNA responding to long‐term waterlogging in crown roots of maize seedlings
Authors: Zhai Lihong , Liu Zhijie , Zou Xiling , Jiang Yuanyuan , Qiu Fazhan , Zheng Yonglian , Zhang Zuxin
Published: May 2012

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are critical post‐transcriptional modulators of gene expression involving in plant responses to abiotic stress. However, the regulation of miRNA in the morphological response to waterlogging is poorly understood in maize. In this study, we detected miRNAs and their targets that expressed in waterlogged crown roots of maize seedlings in two inbred lines (Hz32 and Mo17) by RNA sequencing. A total of 61 mature miRNAs were found including 36 known maize (zma) miRNAs and 25 potential novel miRNA candidates. Comparison of miRNA expression in both waterlogged and control crown roots revealed 32 waterlogging‐responsive miRNAs, most were consistently downregulated under waterlogging in the two inbred lines. We identified the miRNA targets through degradome sequencing. Many known miRNA targets involving in transcription regulation and reactive oxygen species elimination were found in the degradome libraries, and 17 targets of 10 newly detected miRNAs were identified as well. Moreover, the miRNA‐mediated pathways that respond to waterlogging and regulate the induction of crown roots were discussed. This study is a comprehensive survey of responsive miRNAs in waterlogged maize crown roots. The results will help to understand the miRNA expression in response to waterlogging and miRNA‐mediated regulation of morphological adaptation to waterlogging in maize.
Response of mitochondrial antioxidant system and respiratory pathways to reactive nitrogen species in pea leaves
Authors: Martí María C. , Florez‐Sarasa Igor , Camejo Daymi , Pallol Beatriz , Ortiz Ana , Ribas‐Carbó Miquel , Jiménez Ana , Sevilla Francisca
Published: May 2012

Nitric oxide (NO) has emerged as an important signaling molecule in plants, but little is known about the effects of reactive nitrogen species in plant mitochondria. In this study, the effects of DETA‐NONOate, a pure NO slow generator, and of SIN‐1 (3‐morpholinosydnonimine), a peroxynitrite producer, on the activities of respiratory pathways, enzymatic and non‐enzymatic antioxidants have been investigated in isolated mitochondria from pea leaves. No significant changes in lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation or in ascorbate and glutathione redox state were observed after DETA‐NONOate treatments whereas cytochrome pathway (CP) respiration was reversibly inhibited and alternative pathway (AP) respiration showed little inhibition. On the other hand, NO did not affect neither activities of Mn superoxide dismutase (Mn‐SOD) nor enzymes involved in the ascorbate and glutathione regeneration in mitochondria except for ascorbate peroxidase (APX), which was reversely inhibited depending on ascorbate concentration. Finally, SIN‐1 treatment of mitochondria produced a decrease in CP respiration, an increase in protein oxidation and strongly inhibited APX activity (90%), with glutathione reductase and dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR) being moderately inhibited (30 and 20%, respectively). This treatment did not affect monodehydroascorbate reductase (MDHAR) and Mn‐SOD activities. Results showed that mitochondrial nitrosative stress was not necessarily accompanied by oxidative stress. We suggest that NO‐resistant AP and mitochondrial APX may be important components of the H2O2‐signaling pathways under nitrosative stress induced by NO in this organelle. Also, MDHAR and DHAR, via ascorbate regeneration, could constitute an essential antioxidant defense together with Mn‐SOD, against NO and ONOO− stress in plant mitochondria.
Contrasting patterns of selection acting on MHC class I and class II DRB genes in the Alpine marmot (Marmota marmota)
Authors: KUDUK K. , JOHANET A. , ALLAINÉ D. , COHAS A. , RADWAN J.
Published: May 2012

The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes code for proteins that play a critical role in the immune system response. The MHC genes are among the most polymorphic genes in vertebrates, presumably due to balancing selection. The two MHC classes appear to differ in the rate of evolution, but the reasons for this variation are not well understood. Here, we investigate the level of polymorphism and the evolution of sequences that code for the peptide‐binding regions of MHC class I and class II DRB genes in the Alpine marmot (Marmota marmota). We found evidence for four expressed MHC class I loci and two expressed MHC class II loci. MHC genes in marmots were characterized by low polymorphism, as one to eight alleles per putative locus were detected in 38 individuals from three French Alps populations. The generally limited degree of polymorphism, which was more pronounced in class I genes, is likely due to bottleneck the populations undergone. Additionally, gene duplication within each class might have compensated for the loss of polymorphism at particular loci. The two gene classes showed different patterns of evolution. The most polymorphic of the putative loci,Mama‐DRB1,showed clear evidence of historical positive selection for amino acid replacements. However, no signal of positive selection was evident in the MHC class I genes. These contrasting patterns of sequence evolution may reflect differences in selection pressures acting on class I and class II genes.
Mate choice among yeast gametes can purge deleterious mutations
Authors: TAZZYMAN S. J. , SEYMOUR R. M. , POMIANKOWSKI A. , GREIG D.
Published: May 2012

Meiosis in Saccharomyces yeast produces four haploid gametes that usually fuse with each other, an extreme form of self‐fertilization among the products of a single meiosis known as automixis. The gametes signal to each other with sex pheromone. Better‐quality gametes produce stronger signals and are preferred as mates. We suggest that the function of this signalling system is to enable mate choice among the four gametes from a single meiosis and so to promote the clearance of deleterious mutations. To support this claim, we construct a mathematical model that shows that signalling during automixis (i) improves the long‐term fitness of a yeast colony and (ii) lowers its mutational load. We also show that the benefit to signalling is greater with larger numbers of segregating mutations.
Selection in a fluctuating environment and the evolution of sexual dimorphism in the seed beetle Callosobruchus maculatus
Authors: HALLSSON L. R. , BJÖRKLUND M.
Published: May 2012

Temperature changes in the environment, which realistically include environmental fluctuations, can create both plastic and evolutionary responses of traits. Sexes might differ in either or both of these responses for homologous traits, which in turn has consequences for sexual dimorphism and its evolution. Here, we investigate both immediate changes in and the evolution of sexual dimorphism in response to a changing environment (with and without fluctuations) using the seed beetle Callosobruchus maculatus. We investigate sex differences in plasticity and also the genetic architecture of body mass and developmental time dimorphism to test two existing hypotheses on sex differences in plasticity (adaptive canalization hypothesis and condition dependence hypothesis). We found a decreased sexual size dimorphism in higher temperature and that females responded more plastically than males, supporting the condition dependence hypothesis. However, selection in a fluctuating environment altered sex‐specific patterns of genetic and environmental variation, indicating support for the adaptive canalization hypothesis. Genetic correlations between sexes (rMF) were affected by fluctuating selection, suggesting facilitated independent evolution of the sexes. Thus, the selective past of a population is highly important for the understanding of the evolutionary dynamics of sexual dimorphism.
Evolution of sexual dichromatism in relation to nesting habits in European passerines: a test of Wallace’s hypothesis
Authors: SOLER J. J. , MORENO J.
Published: May 2012

Wallace proposed in 1868 that natural rather than sexual selection could explain the striking differences in avian plumage dichromatism. Thus, he predicted that nesting habits, through their association with nest predation, could drive changes in sexual dichromatism by enabling females in cavity nesters to become as conspicuous as males, whereas Darwin (1871,The Descent of Man and Selection in Relation to Sex, John Murray, London) argued that sexual selection was the sole explanation for dichromatism. Sexual dichromatism is currently used as indicating the strength of sexual selection, and therefore testing Wallace’s claim with modern phylogentically controlled methodologies is of prime interest for comparing the roles of natural and sexual selection in affecting the evolution of avian coloration. Here, we have related information on nest attendance, sexual dichromatism and nesting habits (open and cavity nesting) to male and female plumage conspicuousness in European passerines. Nest incubation attendance does not explain male or female plumage conspicuousness but nest type does. Moreover, although females of monochromatic and cavity nesting species are more conspicuous than females of other species, males of monochromatic and open nesting species are those with more cryptic plumage. Finally, analyses of character evolution suggest that changes in nesting habits influence the probability of changes in both dichromatism and plumage conspicuousness of males but do not significantly affect those in females. These results strongly suggest a role of nesting habits in the evolution of plumage conspicuousness of males, and a role for sexual selection also in females, both factors affecting the evolution of sexual dichromatism. We discuss our findings in relation to the debate that Darwin and Wallace maintained more than one century ago on the importance of natural and sexual selection in driving the evolution of plumage conspicuousness and sexual dichromatism in birds, and conclude that our results partly support the evolutionary scenarios envisaged by both extraordinary scientists.
Monitoring oriental fruit moth (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) with sticky traps baited with terpinyl acetate and sex pheromone
Authors: Cichon L. , Fuentes‐Contreras E. , Garrido S. , Lago J. , Barros‐Parada W. , Basoalto E. , Hilton R. , Knight A.
Published: May 2012

Studies in Argentina and Chile during 2010–2011 evaluated a new trap (Ajar) for monitoring the oriental fruit moth, Grapholita molesta (Busck). The Ajar trap was delta‐shaped with a jar filled with a terpinyl acetate plus brown sugar bait attached to the bottom centre of the trap. The screened lid of the jar was inserted inside the trap, and moths were caught on a sticky insert surrounding the lid. The Ajar trap was evaluated with and without the addition of a sex pheromone lure and compared with delta traps left unbaited or baited with a sex pheromone lure and a bucket trap filled with the same liquid bait. Studies were conducted in a sex pheromone‐treated orchard in Argentina and an untreated orchard in Chile. In Chile, the Ajar trap without the sex pheromone lure caught significantly fewer males, females and total moths than the bucket trap, and fewer males and more females than the sex pheromone‐baited delta trap. Total moth catch did not differ between the Ajar trap without a sex pheromone lure and the sex pheromone‐baited trap. Adding a sex pheromone lure to the Ajar trap significantly increased total moth catches to levels not different from those in the bucket trap. However, the Ajar trap with the sex pheromone lure caught significantly more males and fewer females than the bucket trap. In Argentina, the Ajar trap with or without the addition of a sex pheromone lure caught similar numbers of both sexes and total moths as the bucket trap. The sex pheromone‐baited delta trap caught <4% of the number of moths as these three traps. The bucket trap in both studies caught significantly more non‐targets than the delta and Ajar traps. Moth catches in the Ajar trap declined significantly after 2–3 weeks when the bait was not replaced.
Ultrasound Confirmation of Ovulation in Mares: A Normal Corpus Luteum or a Haemorrhagic Anovulatory Follicle?
Authors: Cuervo‐Arango J , Newcombe JR
Published: May 2012

Contents

The most common pathological anovulatory condition that occurs spontaneously during the breeding season in the mare is the haemorrhagic anovulatory follicle (HAF). A relatively high proportion of mares, soon after ovulation, develop a corpus haemorrhagicum (CH) with a central lacuna. This type of corpora lutea may resemble an HAF, which may complicate the accurate diagnosis of ovulation. The main objective of this study was to compare the ultrasound data of mares examined frequently with HAFs and CHs to elucidate whether it is possible to distinguish them from each other. A total of 135 ovulating mares were classified according to the morphology of the corpus luteum (CL) in mares with: a solid CL, a CH with small or with large central cavities. Ultrasound characteristics of the development of 11 HAF and 13 CHs with a large central cavity were compared. The pre‐ovulatory follicular diameter of ovulatory mares was significantly correlated with the diameter of CH with large central cavities. The percentage of mares with post‐ovulatory areas eligible to be mistaken with a CH was <25%. Although a predictive diagnosis of an HAF/CH can be made on the basis of several ultrasonographic endpoints, the only parameter that allows a definitive diagnosis is the thickness of the luteal border. This is <3 mm in HAFs in contrast to >5 mm in CHs. However, this only applies when the unidentified structure has non‐organized contents.
Rosiglitazone, a peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ stimulant, abrogates diabetes‐evoked hypertension by rectifying abnormalities in vascular reactivity
Authors: El‐Bassossy Hany M , Abo‐Warda Shaymaa M , Fahmy Ahmed
Published: May 2012

In addition to insulin sensitization, rosiglitazone exhibits favourable circulatory effects. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that rosiglitazone protects against hypertension and vascular derangements caused by diabetes.

Diabetes was induced by a single bolus injection of streptozotocin (50 mg/kg, i.p.). After 2 weeks, rats were started on a treatment regimen of 5 mg/kg rosiglitazone daily for a period of 6 weeks. The control group consisted of rats treated with vehicle (distilled water) for the same period of time. After 6 weeks treatment, blood pressure (BP) was recorded and serum levels of glucose, advanced glycation end‐products (AGE), triglycerides, total cholesterol and low‐density lipoprotein–cholesterol (LDL‐C) were determined. In in vitro experiments, concentration–response curves were constructed to phenylephrine (PE), KCl and acetylcholine (ACh) in thoracic aorta rings. In addition, ACh‐induced nitric oxide (NO) generation and KCl‐induced intracellular Ca accumulation were determined in the aorta.

Compared with values in control rats, both diastolic and systolic BP were increased in diabetic rats. Rosiglitazone treatment of diabetic rats abolished the increase in diastolic BP and significantly reduced the increased systolic BP without affecting the development of hyperglycaemia. The possibility that changes in vascular reactivity and/or lipid profile contributed to the effects of rosiglitazone on BP in diabetic rats was investigated.

In aortic rings from diabetic rats, contractile responses to KCl were increased, whereas the relaxant responses to ACh were decreased. In rings from diabetic rosiglitazone‐treated rats, the exaggerated response to KCl and the impaired response to ACh were abolished. Furthermore, rosiglitazone abrogated impaired ACh‐stimulated NO generation in aortas isolated from diabetic rats. Diabetes in rats was accompanied by elevated levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL‐C and AGE. Rosiglitazone treatment abrogated the increased levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol and LDL‐C, but only partially reduced AGE levels.

Collectively, these observations indicate that rosiglitazone abrogates diabetes‐evoked hypertension by ameliorating detrimental changes in vascular reactivity and lipid profiles.
Primary prophylaxis of overt hepatic encephalopathy in patients with cirrhosis: An open labeled randomized controlled trial of lactulose versus no lactulose
Authors: Sharma Praveen , Sharma Barjesh Chander , Agrawal Amit , Sarin Shiv Kumar
Published: May 2012

Background and Aim:  Development of overt hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is associated with poor prognosis in patients with cirrhosis. Lactulose is used for the treatment of HE. There is no study on the prevention of overt HE using lactulose in patients who never had HE earlier.

Methods:  Consecutive cirrhotic patients who never had an episode of overt HE were randomized to receive lactulose (Gp‐L) or no lactulose (Gp‐NL). All patients were assessed by psychometry (number connection test [NCT‐A and B], figure connection test if illiterate [FCT‐A and B], digit symbol test [DST], serial dot test [SDT], line tracing test [LTT]) and critical flicker frequency test (CFF) at inclusion and after 3 months. These patients were followed every month for 12 months for development of overt HE.

Results:  Of 250 patients screened, 120 (48%) meeting the inclusion criteria were randomized to Gp‐L (n = 60) and Gp‐NL (n = 60). Twenty (19%) of 105 patients followed for 12 months developed an episode of overt HE. Six (11%) of 55 in the lactulose (Gp‐L) group and 14 (28%) of 50 in the Gp‐NL (P = 0.02) developed overt HE. Ten (20%) of 50 patients in Gp‐NL and five (9%) of 55 patients in the Gp‐L group died, P = 0.16. Number of patients with minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) were comparable in two groups at baseline (Gp‐L vs Gp‐NL, 32:36, P = 0.29). Lactulose improved MHE in 66% of patients in Gp‐L. Taking a cutoff < 38 Hz sensitivity and specificity of CFF in predicting HE were 52% and 77% at baseline and 52% and 82% at 3 months of treatment. On multivariate analysis, Child's score and presence of MHE at baseline were significantly associated with development of overt HE.

Conclusions:  Lactulose is effective for primary prevention of overt hepatic encephalopathy in patients with cirrhosis.
New distribution and lure records of Dacinae (Diptera: Tephritidae) from Queensland, Australia, and description of a new species of Dacus Fabricius
Authors: Royer Jane E , Hancock David L
Published: May 2012

New distribution records for 42 species of fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae: Dacinae) in Queensland are presented, resulting from exotic fruit fly monitoring from 1996 to 2011. Summaries of previously known Australian distributions are provided. Fruit flies were collected at cue lure and methyl eugenol traps and reared from host fruit. No new distributions south of Townsville were recorded for the economic species Bactrocera frauenfeldi (Schiner, 1868), Bactrocera kraussi (Hardy, 1951) and Bactrocera musae (Tryon, 1927). Minor range extensions are noted for Bactrocera neohumeralis (Hardy, 1951) and Bactrocera tryoni (Froggatt, 1897). Bactrocera jarvisi (Tryon, 1927) is recorded being weakly attracted to cue lure in Queensland and the first lure record (one specimen from cue lure) is provided for Dacus (Mellesis) petioliforma (May, 1956). Taxonomic issues with Bactrocera melanothoracica Drew (1989) and Bactrocera unirufa Drew (1989) are discussed. Dacus (Neodacus) coenensis sp. n. is described and illustrated from Cape York Peninsula.
Determination of anterior segment changes with Pentacam after phacoemulsification in eyes with primary angle‐closure glaucoma
Authors: Zhao Qi , Li Nai‐yang , Zhong Xing‐wu
Published: May 2012

Abstract

Background:  To investigate changes of anterior segment morphology in primary angle‐closure glaucoma after phacoemulsification using the Pentacam system.

Design:  Prospective, interventional study, Zhongshan Hospital of Sun Yat‐sen University.

Participants:  Eighty‐five eyes from 60 patients with primary angle‐closure glaucoma undergoing phacoemulsification.

Methods:  Intraocular pressure was measured by Goldmann applanation tonometry. Anterior segment morphology was assessed using the Pentacam camera.

Main Outcome Measures:  The intraocular pressure, central anterior chamber depth, peripheral anterior chamber depth, anterior chamber volume, pupil diameter and anterior chamber angle preoperative and 3 months postoperative.

Results:  A total 78 eyes of 55 patients with primary angle‐closure glaucoma were included in the analysis. Thirty‐two eyes (41.0%) had acute primary angle‐closure glaucoma, and 46 eyes (59.0%) had chronic primary angle‐closure glaucoma. In both groups, statistically significant decreases in intraocular pressure and increases in anterior chamber volume, central anterior chamber depth, peripheral anterior chamber depth and anterior chamber angle inferiorly, nasally, temporally and superiorly were observed at 3 months after phacoemulsification (all P < 0.001).

Conclusions:  Phacoemulsification induces significant changes in anterior segment morphology in primary angle‐closure glaucoma accompanied by a significant fall in intraocular pressure in the short term.
Retropupillary iris claw intraocular lens for aphakia
Authors: Hsing Y Eve , Lee Graham A
Published: May 2012

Abstract

Background:  To assess outcomes of the iris claw intraocular lens implanted in the retropupillary position for correction of aphakia without adequate capsular support.

Design:  Retrospective study of patients consulted at two private practices and a tertiary public hospital clinic in Brisbane, Queensland.

Samples:  Thirty‐two consecutive patients who underwent posterior chamber insertion of the iris claw intraocular lens alone or in combination with other procedure/s by the same consultant ophthalmologist (GL).

Methods:  Lens power was calculated using an A‐constant of 117.0.

Main Outcome Measures:  Clinical examination.

Results:  Thirty‐four eyes in 32 patients (23 male, 9 female) were included in the study. Indications for surgery were pseudophakic bullous keratopathy (n = 14), aphakia from previous lens extraction/lensectomy (n = 9), subluxation of intraocular lens (n = 7), cataract extraction (n = 2), explantation of anterior chamber intraocular lens due to uveitis (n = 1) and for Baerveldt tube insertion (n = 1). Follow‐up duration ranged from 1 to 68 months. Of the 26 eyes followed for at least 6 months, the final vision improved in 69% (n = 18), remained unchanged in 8% (n = 2) and worsened in 23% (n = 6). Final visual acuity was 6/12 or better in 58% (n = 15). Complications included iris trauma/defect (n = 8), pupil irregularity/ovalization (n = 6), microhyphaema (n = 2) and lens decentration (n = 2).

Conclusion:  Implantation of the iris claw intraocular lens in the retropupillary position is a useful technique for correction of aphakic eyes with sufficient iris support, avoiding the corneal complications of an anterior chamber intraocular lens and the surgical challenge of a sutured posterior chamber intraocular lens.
Iris involvement by lymphoma: a review of 13 cases
Authors: Mashayekhi Arman , Shields Carol L , Shields Jerry A
Published: May 2012

Abstract

Background:  To describe the clinical and histopathological features of lymphomas involving the iris.

Design:  Retrospective, descriptive study.

Participants:  Fourteen eyes of 13 patients.

Methods:  Review of medical records.

Main Outcome Measures:  Clinical and histopathological findings.

Results:  Median patient age was 58 years (range, 25–76 years). Seven patients had known systemic lymphoma of which five were of large B‐cell type. Symptoms included blurred vision (8/14), eye redness (3/14) and eye pain (2/14). Four eyes had secondary elevated intraocular pressure. Anterior segment findings included anterior chamber cells (14/14 eyes), keratic precipitates (11/14 eyes), congestion of conjunctival/episcleral blood vessels (9/14), hyphaema (7/14), conjunctival/anterior epibulbar lymphoma (6/14), tumour‐induced pseudohypopyon (4/14) and corneal oedema (3/14). Of 12 eyes with adequate view of iris details, clinically detectable iris thickening or visible mass was noted in all (12/12). There was concomitant involvement of ciliary body (8/14), choroid (5/14) and orbit (2/14). All patients had biopsy of conjunctiva, episclera, iris or ciliary body, confirming the diagnosis of lymphoma. Histopathological or cytopathological evaluation of iris or ciliary body showed high‐grade lymphoma in 9/11 eyes in which it was performed. Five patients did not have long‐term follow up and, of the other eight patients, three died from complications of systemic lymphoma during follow up ranging from 1 to 44 months.

Conclusion:  Lymphomatous involvement of the iris should be considered in the differential diagnosis of corticosteroid‐resistant uveitis in middle‐aged and elderly patients. Iris lymphoma tends to be high grade and usually develops in patients with known aggressive systemic lymphoma.
Is primary open‐angle glaucoma part of a generalized sensory neurodegeneration? A review of the evidence
Authors: O'Hare Fleur , Rance Gary , McKendrick Allison M , Crowston Jonathan G
Published: May 2012

Abstract

Open‐angle glaucoma is an optic neuropathy that has a multifarious aetiological profile. Emerging theories suggest that a group of factors induce optic nerve injury in innately susceptible aging optic nerves. These factors have the potential to impact on the function of other vulnerable neurons within the central nervous system of older patients. Although changes within the visual pathways due to retinal ganglion cell dysfunction and death are well established, research exploring the behaviour of other sensory systems in individuals with glaucoma is limited. This review summarizes what is known about these other non‐visual sensory changes, explores whether glaucoma is in fact part of a global neurodegenerative condition, and suggests areas for future research direction.
ReGAE 9: baseline factors for success following augmented trabeculectomy with mitomycin C in African‐Caribbean patients
Authors: Agrawal Pavi , Shah Peter , Hu Victor , Khaw Peng T , Holder Rodger , Sii Freda
Published: May 2012

Abstract

Background:  To identify the baseline factors influencing success following trabeculectomy with mitomycin C in a case series of African‐Caribbean patients.

Design:  A prospective, observational and non‐comparative cohort study.

Participants:  Forty‐seven consecutive African‐Caribbean patients (47 eyes) with glaucoma.

Methods:  Association between trabeculectomy survival and study factors was examined using Fisher's exact test and the Wilcoxon rank sum test at 12, 24 and 36 months following trabeculectomy. Logistic regression was used to establish the combination of factors best predicting survival.

Main Outcome Measures:  Surgical success was based upon intraocular pressure reduction to ≤21 mmHg, ≤18 mmHg and ≤15 mmHg without glaucoma medication (criterion 1), or intraocular pressure reduction to ≤21 mmHg, ≤18 mmHg and ≤15 mmHg with or without glaucoma medication (criterion 2).

Results:  Trabeculectomy survival at 36 months was significantly decreased with the use of preoperative acetazolamide, pseudophakic status and higher preoperative intraocular pressure (P < 0.05). In pseudophakic eyes, there was a lower rate of success for criterion 2 when aiming for an intraocular pressure ≤15 mmHg at 2 years post‐trabeculectomy, the odds ratio being 12.

Conclusions:  Three major independent risk factors were identified that influenced trabeculectomy failure at 3 years in African‐Caribbean ethnicity: the preoperative use of acetazolamide, pseudophakic status and higher preoperative intraocular pressure. The presence of these risk factors may guide the clinician to use a more aggressive antiproliferative and postoperative management regime to enhance survival rates in this high‐risk population.
Sociodemographic factors and utilization of eye care services: is there an association with patients presenting to a tertiary referral hospital in acute angle‐closure?
Authors: Sandhu Suneet , Van Wijngaarden Peter , Nguyen Dan Q , O'Hare Fleur , Sandhu Navneet , Wang Jie Jin , Crowston Jonathan G
Published: May 2012

Abstract

Background:  The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between sociodemographic factors and utilization of eye care services in patients presenting in acute angle‐closure (AAC).

Design:  A hospital‐based retrospective, case‐control study.

Participants:  Fifty‐five patients consecutively presenting to the emergency department of the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital with AAC (cases), and 43 patients consecutively referred to the outpatient department for prophylactic laser peripheral iridotomy (controls) over a 3‐year period.

Methods:  Standardized telephone questionnaires.

Main Outcome Measures:  Comparisons were made for sociodemographic factors, utilization of eye care services and provision of information on glaucoma and premonitory symptoms of AAC.

Results:  No significant differences across a range of socioeconomic and demographic factors were found. Fewer cases reported having attended an eye care professional ever (P = 0.02), or in the 12 months preceding their acute hospital attendance (P = 0.002), and had less awareness of angle closure glaucoma (P = 0.001). Logistic regression modelling demonstrated premonitory symptoms of AAC (odds ratio 3.96, [95% confidence interval 1.52–10.32], P < 0.001) and a period of greater than 12 months since the last eye examination (odds ratio 3.89, [95% confidence interval 1.64–9.21]) were significantly associated with the risk of AAC.

Conclusions:  No significant differences in socioeconomic or demographic parameters between cases and controls were identified. Control subjects had a history of more frequent and recent access to eye care services than cases. The finding that more than one‐third of patients presenting with AAC had consulted an eye care provider in the preceding year suggests that a significant proportion of individuals at risk of AAC remain undetected.
Ocular toxoplasmosis I: parasitology, epidemiology and public health
Authors: Furtado João M , Winthrop Kevin L , Butler Nicholas J , Smith Justine R
Published: May 2012

Abstract

Ocular toxoplasmosis results from retinal infection with the protozoan, Toxoplasma gondii. This parasite, which exists as multiple clonal subpopulations and in three stages, is capable of replication in any nucleated cell of its primary feline or multiple paratenic hosts. Human seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis is high across the globe, but with geographic variation. While prevalence of ocular toxoplasmosis is not well documented, toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis is the commonest form of posterior uveitis in many countries. Correlation of parasite genotype with disease is an important area of new research. Ocular infection with T. gondii often follows ingestion of bradyzoites in undercooked infected meat. Oocysts may survive for an extended period in the environment, and water contaminated with oocysts is an important source in toxoplasmosis epidemics. Ocular toxoplasmosis is preventable by a combination of community activities and personal measures. Public health action is well justified by the considerable burden of congenital and postnatal infections.
Influence of non‐proportional bending with torsion on fatigue life of 10HNAP steel within the range of crack initiation and propagation
Authors: GASIAK G.
Published: May 2012

The paper presents a precise analysis of the influence of non‐proportional loading of specimens on fatigue life during initiation and propagation of fatigue cracks. Simulation of the fatigue life of specimens was based on relations describing propagation rate of the fatigue cracks. The Paris and Forman relations were applied; they were integrated after previous introduction of relationships for the equivalent range of the stress intensity factor ΔKeq and including the phase shift angle ϕ between amplitudes of the bending moment and the torsional moment. Under bending with torsion, range of the equivalent stress intensity factor ΔKeq includes ranges of stress intensity factors for loading modes I and III, i.e. ΔKI and Δ KIII. The performed tests of 10HNAP constructional steel under cyclic bending with torsion allowed us to determine the influence of the phase shift angle ϕ on the fatigue life. It has been proved that increase of the phase shift angle from ϕ= 0° to ϕ= 60° and the ratio of amplitude of the bending moment Mag to amplitude of the torsional moment Mas equal to 1.33, 2 and 4 cause increase of the fatigue life of the tested specimens. The maximum increase of the fatigue life of specimens made of 10HNAP steel was 73% (Mag/Mas= 2, ϕ= 45°).
Microtubule stabilization by peloruside A and paclitaxel rescues degenerating neurons from okadaic acid‐induced tau phosphorylation
Authors: Das Viswanath , Miller John H.
Published: May 2012

Many cellular organelles must travel long distances in neurons to perform their specific functions, and this transport is highly dependent on the microtubule network within the axon. Hyperphosphorylation of microtubule‐associated tau protein destabilizes microtubules and leads to neuronal cell death. This destabilization can be corrected in part by treatment with microtubule‐stabilizing drugs such as paclitaxel and epothilone. The phosphatase inhibitor okadaic acid inhibits the outgrowth of neurites in neuronal cell cultures by hyperphosphorylating tau protein. In this study using neuronal cultures derived from the cerebral cortex of early postnatal Sprague–Dawley rats, we examined whether stabilization of microtubules by peloruside A, a microtubule‐stabilizing agent that binds to a different site on β‐tubulin from paclitaxel, could counter the deleterious effects of 8 h exposure to 15 nm okadaic acid. Peloruside A reversed the decrease in axonal outgrowth and branching seen in neuronal cultures treated with okadaic acid and rescued neurons from growth cone collapse. Although peloruside A had no effect on the hyperphosphorylation of tau caused by okadaic acid, it restored the levels of acetylated tubulin, a marker of stable microtubules, and reversed the okadaic acid‐induced depression of growth‐associated protein‐43, an axonal growth regulator. Thus, microtubule‐stabilizing drugs show promise as new therapeutic agents for treating damaged microtubule networks characteristic of neurodegenerative disease.