bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surgical services: shaping future directions
Authors: MacLellan Donald G. , Smyth Tim , Cregan Patrick C. , Lizzio Joseph , Watt Hunter
Published: December 2011

Background:  Advances in surgical techniques and anaesthetic practise have facilitated a significant change in the way surgery is currently delivered. In particular, short stay surgery including ambulatory surgery has become the norm for the majority of surgical conditions. However, the planning of surgical services has not always kept pace with nor capitalised on these clinical advances. Like many major urban centres in Australia, the Greater Sydney region is changing, in terms of population growth and configuration of clinical and operational networks. In conjunction with NSW Department of Health, the ministerially appointed Surgical Services Taskforce was tasked with determining the shape and direction of surgery in Greater Sydney over the next 5 to 10 years.

Methods:  Over 400 clinicians either attended hospitals forums or were contacted by the Surgery Futures project team.

Results:  From the consultations, three models of service delivery were strongly advocated. These were the development of high volume short stay surgery centres, the establishment of specialty centres and the expansion of the streaming of planned and emergency surgery.

Conclusion:  These three major recommendations will require a significant reorganisation of surgical services in NSW. However, they are also relevant to surgical services planning elsewhere in Australia. It is imperative that these recommendations are incorporated into long term surgical planning in order to improve the efficiency and sustainability of surgical service delivery.
Interference in dichotic listening: the effect of contralateral noise on oscillatory brain networks
Authors: Ross Bernhard , Miyazaki Takahiro , Fujioka Takako
Published: December 2011

Coupling of thalamocortical networks through synchronous oscillations at gamma frequencies (30–80 Hz) has been suggested as a mechanism for binding of auditory sensory information into an object representation, which then becomes accessible for perception and cognition. This study investigated whether contralateral noise interferes with this step of central auditory processing. Neuromagnetic 40‐Hz oscillations were examined in young healthy participants while they listened to amplitude‐modulated sound in one ear and a multi‐talker masking noise in the contralateral ear. Participants were engaged in a gap‐detection task, for which their behavioural performance declined under masking. The amplitude modulation of the stimulus elicited steady 40‐Hz oscillations with sources in bilateral auditory cortices. Analysis of the temporal dynamics of phase synchrony between source activity and the stimulus revealed two oscillatory components; the first was indicated by an instant onset in phase synchrony with the stimulus while the second showed a 200‐ms time constant of gradual increase in phase synchrony after phase resetting by the gap. Masking abolished only the second component. This coincided with masking‐related decrease of the P2 wave of the transient auditory‐evoked responses whereas the N1 wave, reflecting early sensory processing, was unaffected. Given that the P2 response has been associated with object representation, we propose that the first 40‐Hz component is related to representation of low‐level sensory input whereas the second is related to internal auditory processing in thalamocortical networks. The observed modulation of oscillatory activity is discussed as reflecting a neural mechanism critical for speech understanding in noise.
Consistent abundance distributions of marine fishes in an old, climatically buffered, infertile seascape
Authors: Langlois Timothy J. , Radford Ben T. , Van Niel Kimberley P. , Meeuwig Jessica J. , Pearce Alan F. , Rousseaux Cecile S. G. , Kendrick Gary A. , Harvey Euan S.
Published: December 2011

Aim  Macroecological theory predicts that along direct physiological gradients there will be unimodal abundance distributions of species and consistent rates of assemblage turnover. However, the majority of marine studies that have investigated the realized distribution of species along latitudinal or temperature gradients have generally found unimodal distributions to be rare. We assess fish distributions along a temperature gradient in a stable oligotrophic seascape and suggest that unimodal distributions will be more common.

Location  Nearshore demersal fish habitat extending 1500 km along the coast of south‐western Australia.

Methods  The relative abundances of demersal fish species were sampled off the coast of south‐western Australia along a temperature gradient. The confounding influence of other environmental variables was tested, and the assemblage was found to be highly correlated with temperature. For the 20 most abundant species, quantile regression spline models were used to construct a model within which 95% of their abundance was expected to fall. We compared the results from this study with the proportion of unimodal species abundance distributions observed in other studies.

Results  Of the 20 most abundant species, 19 displayed patterns that indicated temperature was an important factor influencing their range and relative abundance; with 15 species exhibiting unimodal abundance distributions, four having ramped distribution to one end of the sampled range and one showing no consistent pattern.

Main conclusions  The high diversity and percentage of endemic species in terrestrial and marine habitats of south‐western Australia is likely to be due to the stable geological and oceanographic history of the region. In comparison, studies of abundance distribution in other marine systems have been conducted in relatively heterogeneous and productive environments. The old, climatically buffered, oligotrophic seascape of south‐western Australia has provided a simple system in which the consistent influence of physiological gradients on the abundance distribution of fish species can be observed.
Forging the nation as an imagined community
Authors: Shahzad Farhat
Published: December 2011

This article examines the ways in which young Canadians represent the ‘the War on Terror’ in their narratives. I explore how a hegemonic nationalist narrative enters into this representation in different ways and positions itself in a dynamic tension with the USA, at times eliding the difference and at times affirming it. I illustrate that these students do not simply tell the narrative of the war, but use the deixis of ‘we/us/our’ or ‘them/they/their’ in a way that constructs multiple imagined communities. I argue that these presumably benign representations of Canadian involvement in the war produce banal nationalism that excludes ‘others’, and binds human imagination into a framework that works against critical thinking.
Comparisons between Bio‐Oss® and Straumann® Bone Ceramic in immediate and staged implant placement in dogs mandible bone defects
Authors: Antunes Antonio A. , Oliveira Neto Patricio , de Santis Enzo , Caneva Marco , Botticelli Daniele , Salata Luiz A.
Published: December 2011

Objective

To compare immediate and staged approach implant placement in circumferential defects treated with deproteinized bovine bone mineral (DBBM); hidroxyapatite/tricalcium phosphate (HA/TP); autogenous bone (Ab); and coagulum (Cg); upon implant stability, osseointegration and alveolar crest maintenance.

Materials and methods

Six dogs underwent extractions of lower premolars, bilaterally. Twelve weeks later four bone defects (6 mm wide/4 mm long) were drilled at one side and randomly filled with DBBM; HA/TP; Ab; and Cg, respectively, and left to heal (staged approach). Eight weeks later one implant (Osseospeed™, AstraTech) was placed in experimental sites. At the same session four defects were drilled on contra‐lateral side and implants were inserted immediately after biomaterials grafting (immediate approach). Animals were euthanized 8 weeks later. Implant stability was measured by resonance frequency analysis (RFA) at installation and after sacrifice. Ground sections were prepared for bone contact (BIC); bone area (BA); distance implant shoulder‐bone crest (IS‐C); distance implant shoulder first bone contact (IS‐B); and areas occupied by soft tissue.

Results

The BA and BIC were superior in the staged approach. The Cg exhibited higher BIC and BA as compared with other materials at the total implant body (P = 0.004 and 0.012, respectively). The DBBM, HA/TP and Ab groups rendered similar BA and BIC. The immediate approach resulted in less crest resorption compared to staged approach. The biomaterials did not affect the IS‐C and IS‐B measurements. Particles area tended to be higher in DBBM group than HA/TP (P = 0.15), while soft tissue infiltrate was higher in DBBM group when used in the immediate approach (P = 0.04). The RFA indicated gain in stability in the staged approach (P = 0.002). The correlation test between RFA vs. BIC and BA demonstrated inferior stability for DBBM group in immediate approach (P = 0.01).

Conclusions

Implants placed in healed defects resulted in better stability as a consequence of higher BIC and BA. The Cg alone rendered increased BIC compared to other materials in both approaches. Immediate approach should be preferable to staged approach in terms of alveolar crest maintenance. The BIC and BA values did not vary between micro and macro‐threads in this experimental model. Implants installed in sites filled with DBBM in immediate approach were less stable.
Hereditary protein C deficiency and thrombosis risk: genotype and phenotype relation in a large Italian family
Authors: Cafolla Arturo , D’Andrea Giovanna , Baldacci Erminia , Margaglione Maurizio , Mazzucconi Maria Gabriella , Foà Robin
Published: December 2011

Protein C (PC) deficiency is an autosomal dominant inherited disorder associated with spontaneous and recurrent thrombotic events. Factor V Leiden (FVL) increases the risk of thrombosis in PC‐deficient type I families. We have investigated the relationship between PC deficiency genotype and clinical phenotype in a large four‐degree Italian family followed since 1988. Methods: PC activity and antigen levels were quantified; sequencing of PC DNA was performed to identify polymorphism. FVL and factor II (G20210A) polymorphism were screened. Results: PC activity ranged from 5% to 9%, and PC antigen levels were 5,3% in two homozygous for PROC missense mutation Arg32Cys; PC activity ranged from 18% to 60% and antigen levels from 21% to 64%, respectively, in 11 heterozygous for Arg32Cys; PC activity was 99% and 120% in two wild type. Of 15, eight were heterozygous for FVL. The two subjects with PC < 6%, homozygous for Arg32Cys and heterozygous for FVL, suffered from thrombosis during childhood. Of 11, six subjects with PC deficiency and heterozygous for FVL showed the first thrombosis at an age between 21 and 54. None of the five PC‐deficient subjects, who were wild type for FVL, showed thrombosis. Two subjects with PC > 70%, both heterozygous for FVL developed thrombosis in the presence of another risk factor. This study suggests that FVL and PROC mutations increase the risk of thrombosis in subjects with PC deficiency, which could be considered as a ‘variable’ risk factor. The thrombosis‐prone PC‐deficient families carry additional risk factors for thrombosis.
The habitat, double life, citizenship, and forgetfulness of IgA
Authors: Macpherson Andrew J. , Geuking Markus B. , Slack Emma , Hapfelmeier Siegfried , McCoy Kathy D.
Published: December 2011

Summary:  Immunoglobulin A (IgA) is the main secretory immunoglobulin of mucous membranes and is powerfully induced by the presence of commensal microbes in the intestine. B cells undergo class switch recombination to IgA in the mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissues, particularly mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs) and Peyer’s patches, through both T‐dependent and T‐independent pathways. IgA B cells primed in the mucosa traffic from the intestinal lymphoid structures, initially through the lymphatics and then join the bloodstream, to home back to the intestinal mucosa as IgA‐secreting plasma cells. Once induced, anti‐bacterial IgA can be extremely long‐lived but is replaced if there is induction of additional IgA specificities by other microbes. The mucosal immune system is anatomically separated from the systemic immune system by the MLNs, which act as a firewall to prevent penetration of live intestinal bacteria to systemic sites. Dendritic cells sample intestinal bacteria and induce B cells to switch to IgA. In contrast, intestinal macrophages are adept at killing extracellular bacteria and are able to clear bacteria that have crossed the mucus and epithelial barriers. There is both a continuum between innate and adaptive immune mechanisms and compartmentalization of the mucosal immune system from systemic immunity that function to preserve host microbial mutualism.
Control of antiviral immunity by pattern recognition and the microbiome
Authors: Pang Iris K. , Iwasaki Akiko
Published: December 2011

Summary:  Human skin and mucosal surfaces are in constant contact with resident and invasive microbes. Recognition of microbial products by receptors of the innate immune system triggers rapid innate defense and transduces signals necessary for initiating and maintaining the adaptive immune responses. Microbial sensing by innate pattern‐recognition receptors is not restricted to pathogens. Rather, proper development, function, and maintenance of innate and adaptive immunity rely on continuous recognition of products derived from the microorganisms indigenous to the internal and external surfaces of mammalian host. Tonic immune activation by the resident microbiota governs host susceptibility to intestinal and extra‐intestinal infections, including those caused by viruses. This review highlights recent developments in innate viral recognition leading to adaptive immunity, and discusses potential links between viruses, microbiota, and the host immune system. Furthermore, we discuss the possible roles of microbiome in chronic viral infection and pathogenesis of autoimmune disease and speculate on the benefit for probiotic therapies against such diseases.
Epithelial barrier: an interface for the cross‐communication between gut flora and immune system
Authors: Goto Yoshiyuki , Kiyono Hiroshi
Published: December 2011

Summary:  Large numbers of environmental antigens, including commensal bacteria and food‐derived antigens, constitutively interact with the epithelial layer of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Commensal bacteria peacefully cohabit with the host GI tract and exert multiple beneficial or destructive effects on their host. Intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) constitute the first physical and immunological protective wall against invasive pathogens and a cohabitation niche for commensal bacteria. As the physiological homeostasis of IECs is maintained by multiple biological processes such as apoptosis, autophagy, and the handling of endoplasmic reticulum stress, the aberrant kinetics of these biological events, which have genetic and environmental causes, leads to the development of host intestinal pathogenesis such as inflammatory bowel disease. In addition, IECs recognize and interact with commensal bacteria and give instructions to mucosal immune cells to initiate an immunological balance between active and quiescent conditions, eventually establishing intestinal homeostasis. The mucosal immune system regulates the homeostasis of gut microbiota by producing immunological molecules such as secretory immunoglobulin A, the production of which is mediated by IECs. IECs therefore play a central role in the creation and maintenance of a physiologically and immunologically stable intestinal environment.
α‐Defensins in human innate immunity
Authors: Lehrer Robert I. , Lu Wuyuan
Published: December 2011

Summary:  Defensins are small, multifunctional cationic peptides. They typically contain six conserved cysteines whose three intramolecular disulfides stabilize a largely β‐sheet structure. This review of human α‐defensins begins by describing their evolution, including their likely relationship to the Big Defensins of invertebrates, and their kinship to the β‐defensin peptides of many if not all vertebrates, and the θ‐defensins found in certain non‐human primates. We provide a short history of the search for leukocyte‐derived microbicidal molecules, emphasizing the roles played by luck (good), preconceived notions (mostly bad), and proper timing (essential). The antimicrobial, antiviral, antitoxic, and binding properties of human α‐defensins are summarized. The structural features of α‐defensins are described extensively and their functional contributions are assessed. The properties of HD6, an enigmatic Paneth cell α‐defensin, are contrasted with those of the four myeloid α‐defensins (HNP1–4) and of HD5, the other α‐defensin of human Paneth cells. The review ends with a decalogue that may assist researchers or students interested in α‐defensins and related aspects of neutrophil function.
The influence of the microbiota on type‐1 diabetes: on the threshold of a leap forward in our understanding
Authors: Mathis Diane , Benoist Christophe
Published: December 2011

Summary:  The last several years have seen breakthroughs in techniques to track the symbiont communities that normally colonize mammals (the microbiota) and in cataloguing the universe of the genes they carry (the microbiome). Applying these methods to human patients and corresponding murine models should allow us to decipher just how the microbiota impacts type‐1 diabetes, i.e. which particular microbes are responsible and the cellular and molecular processes that are involved. Here, at its threshold, we set the stage for what promises to be an exciting rejuvenated area of investigation.
Melatonin increases dendritogenesis in the hilus of hippocampal organotypic cultures
Authors: Domínguez‐Alonso A. , Ramírez‐Rodríguez G. , Benítez‐King G.
Published: December 2011

Abstract:  Neuropsychiatric disorders are characterized by hippocampus decreased volume and loss of dendrite arborizations in the subiculum and prefrontal cortex. These structural changes are associated with diminished memory performance. Hilar neurons of the hippocampus integrate spatial memory and are lost in dementia. They receive information from dentate gyrus neurons through dendrites, while they send axonal tracts to the CA3 region. Dendrites are complex structures of neurons that receive chemical information from presynaptic and postsynaptic terminals. Melatonin, the main product of the pineal gland, has neuroprotective actions through its free radical‐scavenging properties and decreases neuronal apoptosis. Recently, we found that melatonin increases dendrite maturation and complexity in new neurons formed in the dentate gyrus of mice. In addition, in N1E‐115 cultured cells, the indole stimulates early stages of neurite formation, a process that is known to antecede dendrite formation and maturation. Thus, in this study, we explored whether melatonin stimulates dendrite formation and complexity in the adult rat hippocampus in organotypic slice cultures, which is a model that preserves the hippocampal circuitry and their tridimensional organizations of connectivity. The effects of melatonin were studied in nonpathological conditions and in the absence of harmful agents. The results showed that the indole at nocturnal concentrations reached in the cerebrospinal fluid stimulates dendritogenesis at formation, growth, and maturation stages. Also, data showed that dendrites formed became competent to form presynaptic specializations. Evidence strongly suggests that melatonin may be useful in the treatment of neuropsychiatric diseases to repair the loss of dendrites and re‐establish lost synaptic connections.
Role of silicone derivative plus onion extract gel in presternal hypertrophic scar protection: a prospective randomized, double blinded, controlled trial
Authors: Jenwitheesuk Kamonwan , Surakunprapha Palakorn , Jenwitheesuk Kriangsak , Kuptarnond Chusak , Prathanee Sompop , Intanoo Worawit
Published: December 2011

Use of silicone derivative and onion extract had been reported in the prevention of hypertrophic scarring. Our experience showed the preventive use of silicone derivative plus onion extract gel on hypertrophic scars after median sternotomy. In a randomized, double blinded, placebo‐controlled study, 60 patients after median sternotomy incisions were separated into two groups. All patients were treated either with silicone derivative plus onion extract gel (Cybele® scagel) or placebo gel twice daily for a total treatment period of 12 weeks. During each visit, pain and itching scores were graded by the patients and scar characteristics were observed by surgeons using the Vancouver scar scale. Pain and itch score values from patients' who applied silicone derivative plus onion extract gel was less than another group (P < 0·05). Pigmentation was significantly different between two groups (P < 0·05) and the reduction of scores on vascularity, pliability, height in treated group was not superior to the untreated group. No adverse events were reported by any of the patients. A silicone derivative plus onion extract gel is safe and effective for the preventing the hypertrophic scarring after median sternotomy.
Virtual Design of Chemical Penetration Enhancers for Transdermal Drug Delivery
Authors: Golla Sharath , Neely Brian J. , Whitebay Eric , Madihally Sundar , Robinson Robert L. , Gasem Khaled A. M.
Published: December 2011

Traditional drug design is a laborious and expensive process that often challenges the pharmaceutical industries. As a result, researchers have turned to computational methods for computer‐assisted molecular design. Recently, genetic and evolutionary algorithms have emerged as efficient methods in solving combinatorial problems associated with computer‐aided molecular design. Further, combining genetic algorithms with quantitative structure–property relationship analyses has proved effective in drug design. In this work, we have integrated a new genetic algorithm and nonlinear quantitative structure–property relationship models to develop a reliable virtual screening algorithm for the generation of potential chemical penetration enhancers. The genetic algorithms–quantitative structure–property relationship algorithm has been implemented successfully to identify potential chemical penetration enhancers for transdermal drug delivery of insulin. Validation of the newly identified chemical penetration enhancer molecular structures was conducted through carefully designed experiments, which elucidated the cytotoxicity and permeability of the chemical penetration enhancers.
Computational Chemical Biology: Identification of Small Molecular Probes that Discriminate between Members of Target Protein Families
Authors: Dimova Dilyana , Bajorath Jürgen
Published: December 2011

Research in chemical biology focuses on the use of small molecules to study protein functions and distinguish between different targets and their functional properties. In this context, it would be helpful to better understand which currently available active compounds have a potential to differentiate between different targets belonging to a protein family. Such compounds might be utilized as a starting point for the development of small molecular probes that distinguish one or more targets from others within a family of interest. To address this question, we have designed a computational approach for data mining that involves the generation and quantitative assessment of selectivity profiles for compounds active against a protein family. Selectivity profiles were generated and represented in a consistent manner, and an intuitive weighting scheme was applied to account for the target differentiation potential of individual compounds. Based on a thorough analysis of public domain compound data, we have prioritized currently available active small molecules that displayed a tendency to differentiate between targets belonging to 15 different families. We have been particularly interested in identifying compounds having the highest general target differentiation potential within a family (rather than identifying compounds that are selective for one target over one or more others). These compounds might be utilized in target profiling and as starting points for further chemical exploration and probe generation. A compendium of prioritized active compounds with informative selectivity profiles is provided.
Genetic determinants of Paget's disease of bone
Authors: Ralston Stuart H. , Albagha Omar M. E.
Published: December 2011

Paget's disease is a common skeletal disorder with a strong genetic component, which is characterized by focal increases in disorganized bone remodeling, predominantly affecting the axial skeleton. Current evidence suggests that classical Paget's disease of bone (PDB) is caused by a combination of rare alleles of large effect size that cause autosomal dominant inheritance of the disease and more common alleles of smaller effect size. Mutations of SQSTM1 are the most common cause of classical PDB, occurring in about 10% of patients. The causal mutations cluster in the ubiquitin‐associated domain and impair its ability to bind ubiquitin. Other loci that predispose to PDB have recently been identified by genome‐wide association studies, which have identified variants at seven loci that predispose to the disease. These increase the risk of PDB individually by 1.3‐ to 1.7‐fold, but have combined effects that account for about 86% of the population‐attributable risk of PDB in SQSTM1 negative patients.
Pathogenesis of diabetic neuropathy: bad to the bone
Authors: Chan Lawrence , Terashima Tomoya , Urabe Hiroshi , Lin Fan , Kojima Hideto
Published: December 2011

Insulin and proinsulin are normally produced only by the pancreas and thymus. We detected in diabetic rodents the presence of extra pancreatic proinsulin‐producing bone marrow‐derived cells (PI‐BMDCs) in the BM, liver, and fat. In mice and rats with diabetic neuropathy, we also found proinsulin‐producing cells in the sciatic nerve and neurons of the dorsal root ganglion (DRG). BM transplantation experiments using genetically marked donor and recipient mice showed that the proinsulin‐producing cells in the DRG, which morphologically resemble neurons, are actually polyploid proinsulin‐producing fusion cells formed between neurons and PI‐BMDCs. Additional experiments indicate that diabetic neuropathy is not simply the result of nerve cells being damaged directly by hyperglycemia. Rather, hyperglycemia induces fusogenic PI‐BMDCs that travel to the peripheral nervous system, where they fuse with Schwann cells and DRG neurons, causing neuronal dysfunction and death, the sine qua non for diabetic neuropathy. Poorly controlled diabetes is indeed bad to the bone.
Gobernanza y seguridad social: progresos en las directrices de la AISS para una buena gobernanza
Authors: Musalem Alberto R. , Ortiz Maribel D.
Published: December 2011

Los gobiernos de muchos países están redefiniendo sus políticas y estrategias con miras a atender las profundas y crecientes necesidades de sus ciudadanos. Puesto que la eficacia de las nuevas políticas y estrategias depende exclusivamente de su aplicación, una buena gobernanza en la administración de la seguridad social es indispensable para alcanzar los resultados apetecidos. El artículo se centra en la práctica de una buena gobernanza en dos esferas de autoridad: a) la institución de la seguridad social, y b) el gobierno nacional. Con respecto a la institución de la seguridad social, estudiamos un marco genérico de gobernanza destinado a ofrecer un panorama general de los aspectos que intervienen en la aplicación de un programa de la seguridad social. El estudio se amplía hasta la esfera nacional con la finalidad de centrarse en la gobernanza de un sistema de la seguridad social. Desde este punto de vista, el presente artículo pone de relieve el papel fundamental que desempeñan los gobiernos en cuanto a la fijación de los objetivos generales del régimen de la seguridad social del país. Aboga por la designación de una autoridad nacional en materia de seguridad social que garantice la coherencia en la aplicación y el desarrollo de los diversos programas que comprende dicho régimen. Conviene llegar a una mayor sincronización entre la política de la seguridad social y las políticas de empleo y del mercado del trabajo con la que se estimule la sinergia y la eficacia de ambas en aras de facilitar el acceso a las oportunidades de trabajo en los diversos sectores de la economía formal, que es un factor clave para atajar la pobreza, poner freno a la exclusión social y favorecer un mayor acceso de las personas sin recursos a formas más integrales de protección social. La buena gobernanza garantizará mejor la contribución sostenible y duradera de la seguridad social al crecimiento y el desarrollo económicos.
Cumplimiento y recaudación de las cotizaciones a la seguridad social: mejorar la gobernanza para ampliar la protección social
Authors: Enoff Louis D. , McKinnon Roddy
Published: December 2011

A tenor de las pruebas recopiladas en las encuestas realizadas a las organizaciones de la seguridad social y los organismos de recaudación de cotizaciones, uno de los objetivos principales de este artículo es compartir los conocimientos y las buenas prácticas adquiridas en la recaudación de cotizaciones y el cumplimiento del sistema. Aunque la recaudación de cotizaciones y el grado de cumplimiento del sistema tienen importantes dimensiones de protección social, política y fiscal, este artículo formula estos objetivos como aspectos de una buena gobernanza administrativa. Las pruebas recopiladas sugieren que hay siete factores fundamentales que suelen combinarse para que la recaudación de cotizaciones y el cumplimiento del sistema sean un éxito. Además de mejorar la adecuación de las prestaciones, la salud financiera y el prestigio público de los programas, este buen funcionamiento puede propiciar también una serie de iniciativas nacionales e internacionales para ampliar la cobertura de la protección social. En última instancia, el cumplimiento satisfactorio y el alcance de estos programas pueden venir determinados y condicionados por las condiciones generales de la política nacional, sobre las cuales la mayoría de las organizaciones de seguridad social ejercen una escasa o nula influencia.
Neo‐Nazi Nationalism
Authors: Cooter Amy
Published: December 2011

In an effort to understand how supremacists may respond to future socio‐political events, this article examines how White Aryan Resistance (WAR), as a major player in the White Supremacist Movement (WSM), conceptualises nationalism and who qualifies as a ‘real’ American. I use discourse analysis on two year's worth of WAR newsletters: twelve monthly issues before the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and twelve issues after this date. Only partial support is found for outcomes that the existing nationalism literature would predict, suggesting that those who research the right‐wing must better understand the WSM's sense of status loss to adequately predict future violent action from these groups. I show that WAR did not increasingly target Arabs after the attacks, which may have enhanced their membership and mobilisation efforts, but that this decision was a rational response in the context of status threats and limited movement resources.
Lack of conservation effort rapidly increases African great ape extinction risk
Authors: Tranquilli Sandra , Abedi‐Lartey Michael , Amsini Fidèle , Arranz Luis , Asamoah Augustus , Babafemi Ogunjemite , Barakabuye Nsengiyunva , Campbell Geneviève , Chancellor Rebecca , Davenport Tim R.B. , Dunn Andrew , Dupain Jef , Ellis Christina , Etoga Gilles , Furuichi Takeshi , Gatti Sylvain , Ghiurghi Andrea , Greengrass Elisabeth , Hashimoto Chie , Hart John , Herbinger Ilka , Hicks Thurston C. , Holbech Lars H. , Huijbregts Bas , Imong Inaoyom , Kumpel Noelle , Maisels Fiona , Marshall Phil , Nixon Stuart , Normand Emmanuelle , Nziguyimpa Léonidas , Nzooh‐Dogmo Zacharie , Tiku Okon David , Plumptre Andrew , Rundus Aaron , Sunderland‐Groves Jacqueline , Todd Angelique , Warren Ymke , Mundry Roger , Boesch Christophe , Kuehl Hjalmar
Published: December 2011

A network of resource management areas (RMAs) exists across tropical Africa to protect natural resources. However, many are poorly managed and weakly protected. We evaluated how the lack of conservation effort influences the extinction risk of African great apes. We compiled information on presence/absence of primary (law enforcement guards) and secondary (tourism, research) conservation activities and nongovernmental conservation organizations (NGOs) support for 109 RMAs over the last 20 years. Along with these data, we collected environmental and anthropogenic variables, including recent records of ape presence/absence for all RMAs. As expected, law enforcement as a primary activity was the best predictor of ape survival rather than tourism or research as secondary activities. Furthermore, long‐term NGO support had a significant positive influence on ape persistence. Our study demonstrates the feasibility of evaluating the relative importance of different conservation activities, an important step towards more evidence‐based approaches in ape conservation.
Unilateral Optic Disc Swelling: History and Examination
Authors: KAWASAKI A
Published: December 2011

Purpose To review the important aspects of the history and fundus examination that serve as clues toward diagnosis

Methods didactic lecture

Results In the patient with unilateral disc swelling, it is important to discern if the patient has noted accompanying visual loss and / or pain. If visual dysfunction is noted, is it unilateral or bilateral, acute or subacute? If pain is an accompanying feature, is it localized pain or diffuse headache, is it associated with eye movements or constant? The examination should first affirm that the swollen disc appearance is not due to a congenital anomaly like buried drusen, hamartoma or hypoplasia. In the event of true, acquired optic disc swelling, certain features such as segmental edema, pallid swelling or the presence of retinociliary shunt vessels point strongly to specific diagnoses.

Conclusion History and careful examination are the first steps to diagnosis in the patient with unilateral disc swelling.

Commercial interest
Bilateral Optic Disc Swelling: Differential Diagnosis and Approach to Investigation
Authors: LEE AG
Published: December 2011

Purpose To define bilateral optic disc swelling and the differential and approach to investigation

Methods Case based learning, evidence based medicine, practice based learning and systems based practice

Results Common things are common Neuroimaging followed by lumbar puncture is standard Most cases are pseudotumor cerebri

Conclusion A systematic approach to bilateral disc edema will allow the clinician to diagnose and treat bilateral disc edema appropriately
In Vitro Technigues for Ocular Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering.
Authors: UUSITALO H
Published: December 2011

Purpose In vitro techniques form the basis for ocular cell and molecular biological approaches in basic and translational research. They are valuable tools with several benefits like their cost efficiency. They are after they have been validated usually relatively easily and quickly performed and in most cases suitable for automated analyses. In many cases their use can replace in vivo studies with experimental animals and thus they are ethically sustainable. By using valid in vitro techniques it is also possible to simplify the research frame from very complex in vitro situation and to set more specified hypothesis. Therefore these alternative in vitro techniques have gained popularity, although they are not able to totally replace in vivo techniques and the use of experimental animals.

Methods There are, however, several drawbacks in the use of in vitro techniques. The results of them should be analyzed critically and the validity of the used in vitro technique should be rechecked on the basis of the new knowledge. It should also be kept in mind that an in vitro technique valid for one specific signalling cascade can be totally unacceptable for an other. Techniques based on immortalized cell lines in most cases are simple and cost effective, however, having several and sometimes serious restrictions, due to their altered cellular behavior. Therefore their use in each specific case should be validated and the results compared with those obtained by using primary cell cultures or cells differentiated from hESC's or iPSC's or in vivo studies.

Results The simplified techniques can very seldom reveal the complex cell signalling cascades the various cell in tissues are interacting with each others.

Conclusion In vitro techniques should therefore be critically evaluated.
In vitro methods, biomarkers and proteomics in eye research
Authors: BEUERMAN RW , WEON SR , CHEW J , ZHOU L , ZHU HY , RIAU AK
Published: December 2011

Purpose To understand biochemical pathways using cell culture models simulating certain aspects of eye disease combined with several modes of analysis. The use of primary cells and cell lines was explored as well as the use of laser capture micro dissection to reveal the roles of specific cell types of the ocular surface and meibomium glands.

Methods Primary human conjunctiva cells were obtained from eye bank material as well as a conjunctiva cell line, IOBA cells. Additionally, limbal, conjunctival and eyelid tissues were obtained from human and mouse eyes. Full thickness cryostat tissue sections were made for laser microdissection (PALM Combi system) which were collected in 0.5ml tubes with 40ul or either Trizol for RTPCR or lysis buffer for protein extraction.

Results Understanding the role of specific cells and their receptor specificities, the interaction of various epithelial cell layers with the environment in the conjunctiva and limbal regions has been difficult. The use of laser dissection has begun to clarify some of these relationships. In the meibomium gland neural receptors for NYP1, VIP1, SP and all five muscarinic receptors in the various cell types. In conjunctival tissue epithelial microregulators of found site specific distribution which may be related to the stem cell niche. Finally, laser dissection has allowed the properties of human basal layer limbal cells to be differentiated from the more anterior cells.

Conclusion The ocular surface remains a challenge for understanding the interactions of the various epithelial cell types, the response to stress and the unique characteristics of the stem cells.
How to study autophagy in RPE cells?
Authors: KAARNIRANTA K
Published: December 2011

Protein turnover control is particularly important in post‐mitotic cells such as in retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells, where accumulation of malfunctioning proteins may be highly detrimental. In eukaryotic cells, proteolysis occurs mainly in proteasomes or in lysosomes. Autophagy is a strictly regulated lysosomal pathway that degrades cytoplasmic material and organelles. In macroautophagy, a portion of the cytoplasm to be degraded is first wrapped inside a specialised autophagosome, which then fuses with lysosomal vesicles and delivers the engulfed cytoplasm for degradation. Recently, it has been shown that autophagy and the release of intracellular proteins via exosomes by the aged RPE may contribute to the formation of drusen. In this course all central molecules and techniques to examine autophagy are discussed.
Modern Pterygium Surgery
Authors: DUA H
Published: December 2011

Abstract not provided
Diagnostic tools for adult intraocular tumours
Authors: ZOGRAFOS L
Published: December 2011

Indirect ophthalmoscopy and fundus drawing, fundus photography, standard and 150° ICG, standard and 150° fluorescein angiography, auto fluorescence, OCT, ultrasonography, UBM, MRI and in selected cases intraocular biopsy are the main diagnostic tools used in ocular oncology. The tumors can be documented either by composite standard fundus pictures, or panoramic fundus photographies. Modifications of the pigment epithelium are observed either by standard fluorescein angiography and by standard ICG or by autofluorescence. Hemodynamic modifications of the choroide and the retina are observed with panoramic fluorescein angiography and ICG. Modifications of the retina on the surface of the tumors and modifications of the macula are studied with high resolution OCT. The shape and the height of the tumors are measured with standard 20 or 10 MHz, B mode ultrasonography. The intra tumoral reflectivity and attenuation are studied with A mode ultrasonography. The volume and the shape of tumors located in the anterior segment are observed and studied with non contact 50,35 or 20 MHz high resolution ultrasonography. In selected cases, MRI, cytology and cytogenetics are used in order to define the diagnosis. In small tumors the final diagnosis is often established following a documented tumor growth.
Technique and role of biopsies in intraocular tumors
Authors: DAMATO BE , COUPLAND SE
Published: December 2011

Purpose This presentation will give an overview of intraocular tumour biopsy with special reference to techniques, results and complications.

Methods The methods include: (a) aspiration biopsy, using a fine needle or vitreous cutter, passed through the sclera or through the retina; (b) incisional biopsy; and (c) excisional biopsy, removing either the tumour or the entire eye. Close liaison with the pathologist is required, especially in the case of vitreous biopsy for suspected retinal lymphoma. Immunohistochemistry has greatly enhanced diagnostic accuracy.

Results Biopsy is usually successful at obtaining sufficient material for diagnosis and prognostication. The chances of failure are greatest with small tumours. Others complications include: vitreous haemorrhage, rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, endophthalmitis and tumour seeding. Prognostication is more accurate if the biopsy results are assessed together with clinical data, also taking age and sex into account.

Conclusion Biopsy is useful for diagnosis and prognostication in selected cases, but requires surgical expertise and a highly‐skilled laboratory team.
Anatomy & Etiology
Authors: DETORAKIS ET
Published: December 2011

The anatomical position of the upper and lower eyelids is dominated by the balance between forces closing the eyelids (protractive) and forces opening the eyelids (retractive). The protractive forces of the lower eyelid are maintained by the orbicularis oculi muscle (OOM), innervated by the VII nerve, whereas the protractive forces of the upper eyelid are the gravitational traction as well as the action of OOM. In the case of VII nerve malfunction, an imbalance of protractive and retractive forces in favor of the latter. In the upper eyelid, this leads to elevation (retraction) of the eyelid margin with poor depression upon voluntary eyelid closure (lagophthalmos). In the lower eyelid, this results in defective support against gravitational traction, depression and progressive eversion of the lower eyelid margin (paralytic ectropion) as well as deficient tear drainage through the active mechanism of lacrimal pump, which is largely maintained by the action of OOM. The resulting epiphora leads to a persistent vicious circle of ocular irritation and digital rubbing by the patient, creating repeated mechanical stress on the anatomical supporting elements of the lower eyelid, i.e. the medial and lateral canthal tendons, which may become destabilized or completely detached. The combined action of the above mentioned components leads to damage to the ocular surface, such as corneal epithelial defects, which may threaten the integrity of the eye through infection or corneal perforation. The anatomy and pathophysiology of VII nerve malfunction as well as their clinical and imaging assessment are discussed.
Management of Corneal Exposure & Lagophthalmos
Authors: BOBORIDIS K
Published: December 2011

Abstract not provided
Management of Epiphora & Facial Synkinesis
Authors: CHALVATZIS N
Published: December 2011

Abstract not provided
Corneal Bacterial Infections
Authors: GICQUEL JJ
Published: December 2011

Because of their potential to permanently impair vision or perforate the eye, bacterial corneal ulcers are an ophthalmologic emergency. They usually follow an insult (sometimes minor) in the corneal epithelium that provides an entry for bacteria. The increased use of soft contact lenses in recent years has led to an important rise in the occurrence of bacterial ulcers (especially aggressive Gram‐ bacteria). In this course you will learn about the new concepts in bacterial ulcers diagnosis and treatment.
Herpes ans Zoster Keratitis
Authors: LABETOULLE M
Published: December 2011

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) and varicella‐zoster virus (VZV) are two leading causes of corneal infection with potential severely impaired visual acuity. These two viruses share multiple characteristics, including the ability to become latent in the trigeminal ganglia, before reactivation and migration along the trigeminal fibers innervating the cornea. The clinical settings of keratitis may vary from an epithelial defect (dendritic of geographic) to a more severe disease involving the stroma and/or the endothelium. Classically, HSV keratitis occurs from the second decade of life, and associated skin disease is not frequent and only involves the eyelids. In contrast, VZV keratitis mostly occurs after the sixth decade, as an associated finding of herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO). However, several studies recently highlighted that the rate of HSV keratitis increases with age, even in elderly, and some other studies reported VZV keratitis in children, either isolated or associated with HZO. Antiviral drugs currently available are highly efficient to reduce the severity on ongoing HSV‐ or VZV keratitis, but preventive treatments still have to be optimized. For HSV keratitis, the usual preventive treatment, as defined by the HEDS study, only reduces the rate of relapses in a two‐fold manner, and the optimal dosage has not been settled for patient with severe herpetic disease. For VZV, the two vaccines against chickenpox and HZO probably will lead in the future to a reduction of the incidence of keratitis, but they are not widely used, even in most of developed countries.
Patient assessment
Authors: LAM FC
Published: December 2011

Abstract not provided
Osteo‐odonto‐keratoprosthesis ‐ surgical technique and complications
Authors: LIU CS
Published: December 2011

Abstract not provided
Viral vectors for gene transfer into corneal endothelial cells
Authors: FUCHSLUGER T
Published: December 2011

Purpose Corneal endothelium is an ideal target fot gene therapy approached thanks to its anatomical location at the posterior surface of the cornea and its monolayer character. Lentiviral vectors have been shown by our group to be suitable vectors for the transfer of DNA into corneal endothelial cells (EC). Searching for an alternative to these HIV‐based vectors, aim of this study was to determine the suitability of non‐pathogenic adeno‐associated viral vectors (AAV) for gene transfer to EC.

Methods Flowcytometric comparison of protein expression after transduction of EC using a lentiviral vector or AAV 2/2 with GFP in murine EC (Balb/C) and in human EC (cell line and primary cells). Proof of principle experiment to demonstrate the functionality of lentiviral gene transfer of the anti‐apoptotic proteins Bcl‐xL.

Results Kinetics of the protein expression after transduction of EC using lentiviral vector are considerably different compared to gene transfer using AAV. Contrary to AAV overexpression of the reporter protein after lentiviral gene transfer occurs very rapid. Moreover, we detected significant differences in transduction rates between human and murine EC lines as well as betweeen human EC lines and human corneas.

Conclusion AAV vectors seem to be an alternative to lentiviral vectors for gene tranfer to EC. Considering the storage of human donor corneas in eye banks in organ culture over four weeks, translation of AAV from bech to bedside, e.g. to reduce apoptosis in corneas, seems to be feasible.