bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Correlation between observation task performance and visual acuity, contrast sensitivity and environmental light in a simulated maritime study
Authors: Koefoed Vilhelm F. , Assmuss Jörg , Høvding Gunnar 
Published: March 2018

AbstractPurposeTo examine the relevance of visual acuity (VA) and index of contrast sensitivity (ICS) as predictors for visual observation task performance in a maritime environment.MethodsSixty naval cadets were recruited to a study on observation tasks in a simulated maritime environment under three different light settings. Their ICS were computed based on contrast sensitivity (CS) data recorded by Optec 6500 and CSV‐1000E CS tests. The correlation between object identification distance and VA/ICS was examined by stepwise linear regression.ResultsThe object detection distance was significantly correlated to the level of environmental light (p < 0.001), but not to the VA or ICS recorded in the test subjects. Female cadets had a significantly shorter target identification range than the male cadets.ConclusionNeither CS nor VA were found to be significantly correlated to observation task performance. This apparent absence of proven predictive value of visual parameters for observation tasks in a maritime environment may presumably be ascribed to the normal and uniform visual capacity in all our study subjects.
Evaluation of two‐dimensional Bruch's membrane opening minimum rim area for glaucoma diagnostics in a large patient cohort
Authors: Enders Philip , Adler Werner , Kiessling David , Weber Vincent , Schaub Friederike , Hermann Manuel M. , Dietlein Thomas , Cursiefen Claus , Heindl Ludwig M. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractPurposeTo characterize the two‐dimensional parameter Bruch's membrane opening minimum rim area (BMO‐MRA) in spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD‐OCT) of the optic nerve head (ONH) compared to minimum rim width (BMO‐MRW) and retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickness in a large patient cohort.MethodsCase–control, cross‐sectional study of 705 eyes of 445 participants. A total of 449 eyes with glaucoma, 67 eyes with ocular hypertension and 189 healthy controls, underwent SD‐OCT and confocal laser scanning tomography (CSLT), visual field testing and clinical examination. Morphometric ONH parameters, visual field function and diagnostic power were compared. Main outcome measures were SD‐OCT‐derived BMO‐MRA, BMO‐MRW, RNFL thickness and CSLT‐derived rim area (DM‐RA).ResultsMean ONH area was 2.11 ± 0.57 mm2; mean BMO area was 1.89 ± 0.45 mm2. Correlation of mean deviation in visual field to morphometric parameters was ρ = 0.70, (p < 0.001) for RNFL thickness, ρ = 0.68 (p < 0.001) for BMO‐MRA, ρ = 0.66 (p < 0.001) for BMO‐MRW. These correlations were not significantly different (p > 0.05), while DM‐RA correlated significantly worse (ρ = 0.55; p < 0.001). In receiver operating characteristics, the calculated area under the curve (AUC) and sensitivity at 90% specificity to differentiate glaucoma were 0.87% and 70.1% for BMO‐MRA, 0.86% and 68.1% for RNFL thickness, 0.84% and 66.0% for BMO‐MRW, 0.82% and 51.3% for DM‐RA.ConclusionsIn a heterogenous clinical cohort of glaucoma patients, all analysed SD‐OCT parameters excel DM‐RA of CSLT. The two‐dimensional parameter BMO‐MRA shows comparable levels of diagnostic power to detect glaucoma compared to established parameters BMO‐MRW and RNFL thickness. Given higher comparability between ONH sizes, BMO‐MRA might become an additional standard tool in SD‐OCT imaging for glaucoma.
Consensus on procedures to include in a simulation‐based curriculum in ophthalmology: a national Delphi study
Authors: Thomsen Ann Sofia Skou , la Cour Morten , Paltved Charlotte , Lindorff‐Larsen Karen Gilboe , Nielsen Bjørn Ulrik , Konge Lars , Nayahangan Leizl Joy 
Published: March 2018

AbstractPurposeThe number of available simulation‐based models for technical skills training in ophthalmology is rapidly increasing, and development of training programmes around these procedures should follow a structured approach. The aim of this study was to identify all technical procedures that should be integrated in a simulation‐based curriculum in ophthalmology.MethodsKey opinion leaders involved in the education of ophthalmologists in Denmark including heads of departments, heads of clinical education, professors and board members of the society were invited to participate in a three‐round Delphi process. Round 1 aimed at identifying technical procedures that physicians should be able to perform competently when completing specialty training; round 2 involved characterization of each procedure including frequency, number of operators, risk and/or discomfort for patients associated with an inexperienced physician, and feasibility of simulation‐based training; round 3 included a priority ranking of procedures.ResultsThe response rate for each round was 71%, 64% and 64%, respectively. Sixty‐five procedures were reduced to 25 prioritized procedures during the three rounds. Two‐thirds of the procedures that were identified and highly prioritized were therapeutic procedures such as intravitreal injection therapy, yttrium–aluminium–garnet laser iridotomy/capsulotomy, minor ocular surface procedures and retinal argon laser therapy. The diagnostic procedures that were prioritized were ocular ultrasound, superficial keratectomy and optical coherence tomography (OCT).ConclusionThe Delphi process identified and prioritized 25 procedures that should be practised in a simulation‐based environment to achieve competency before working with patients. The list may be used to guide the development of future training programmes for ophthalmologists.
Beta‐peripapillary atrophy of the optic disc and its determinants in Japanese eyes: a population‐based study
Authors: Mataki Naomi , Tomidokoro Atsuo , Araie Makoto , Iwase Aiko 
Published: March 2018

AbstractPurposesTo assess β‐zone of peripapillary atrophy (β‐PPA) and its relationship between systemic and ocular factors, especially glaucoma, in a Japanese population.MethodsFundus photographs obtained from 2129 normal, 84 primary open‐angle glaucoma (POAG) and 10 primary angle closure glaucoma subjects from 3021 participants aged 40 years or older in the Tajimi Study were analysed planimetrically. If both eyes of a subject met inclusion criteria, one eye was randomly chosen.ResultsThe presence rates of β‐PPA were 54.7 and 77.4% (p < 0.001) and β‐PPA area averaged 0.67 and 1.06 mm2 (p < 0.001), in normal and POAG eyes, respectively. Myopia was closely related to disc ovality and β‐PPA. In normal eyes, logistic analysis showed that the presence of β‐PPA was correlated with older age, female gender, myopic refraction, thicker central corneal thickness (CCT), greater disc ovality and disc centre to fovea (disc‐fovea) distance and lower intraocular pressure (IOP) (p = 0.039 ~ <0.001); and multiple regression analysis showed that β‐PPA area was correlated with older age, myopic refraction, greater disc area and ovality, disc‐fovea distance and lower IOP (p = 0.004 ~ <0.001) after adjusting other factors.ConclusionsThe presence and size of β‐PPA in normal eyes were correlated with older age, greater disc ovality and disc‐fovea distance and lower IOP. Further, its presence was associated with female gender, thicker CCT and its size with greater disc area. β‐zone of peripapillary atrophy (β‐PPA) was also associated with POAG. These results provide reference data of the β‐PPA in a Japanese population and possibly indicate clinical importance of β‐PPA in glaucoma clinic.
Noninvasive evaluation of cerebrospinal fluid pressure in ocular hypertension: a preliminary study
Authors: Xie Xiaobin , Chen Weiwei , Li Zhen , Thomas Ravi , Li Yong , Xian Junfang , Yang Diya , Wang Huaizhou , Zhang Shoukang , Kang Zefeng , Wang Ningli ,   the Beijing Intraocular and Intracranial Study Group
Published: March 2018

AbstractPurposeTo compare the orbital cerebral spinal fluid pressure (CSFP) and trans‐lamina cribrosa pressure difference (TLCPD) determined noninvasively in ocular hypertensive (OH) subjects and controls.MethodsCross‐sectional observational study. Magnetic resonance imaging was used to measure orbital subarachnoid space width (OSASW). The CSFP (mm Hg) was estimated from a published formula as 17.54 × MRI derived OSASW at 15 mm behind the globe + 0.47 × body mass index + 0.13 × mean arterial blood pressure −21.52. Estimated TLCPD was calculated as IOP‐ CSFP.ResultsThe orbital subarachnoid space width was significantly wider (p = 0.01) in the OH group than in the control group at all three measurement locations. The MRI derived CSFP value in OH (14.9 ± 2.9 mm Hg) was significantly higher than in the normal group (12.0 ± 2.8 mm Hg; p < 0.01). The estimated TLCPD value in OH (9.0 ± 4.2 mm Hg) was significantly higher than in controls (3.6 ± 3.0 mm Hg; p < 0.01).ConclusionThe wider OSASW and higher estimated CSFP in OH subjects suggest a higher orbital CSFP. Despite a higher orbital CSFP that could be protective, the higher TLCPD in OH may play a significant role in the risk of developing glaucoma.
Effects of clinical parameters on patient‐reported outcome in cataract patients: a multicentre study
Authors: Stolk‐Vos Aline C. , Visser Martijn S. , Klijn Stijn , Timman Reinier , Lansink Peter , Nuijts Rudy , Tjia Khiun , Zijlmans Bart , Kranenburg Leonieke W. , Busschbach Jan V. , Reus Nicolaas J. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractPurposeOphthalmologists tend to evaluate the results of cataract surgery by focusing on the clinical visual and refractive outcomes and the incidence of complications, where patients’ main interest might be their ability to perform daily activities. Therefore, there appears to be a need for optimizing effective communication between patients and ophthalmologist about the outcome of cataract surgery. The aim of this multicentre study was to determine the effects of whether the surgery was performed in one or two eyes, ocular comorbidity and per‐ and postoperative complications on visual function experienced by patients measured with the Catquest‐9SF.MethodsTo measure patient‐reported outcomes, Catquest‐9SF data were collected between 2014 and 2015 in five Dutch hospitals. Data from 870 pairs of questionnaires – completed before and after cataract surgery – were compared with clinical data. Clinical data, retrieved from patients’ medical files, consisted of one or two eye surgery, ocular comorbidity and per‐ and postoperative complications.ResultsQuality of vision improved more in patients who had surgery in both eyes and had fewer postoperative complications (both p < 0.001). We found a nonsignificant trend that quality of vision was worse when ocular comorbidity was present. No significant effect of peroperative complications was observed.ConclusionOur results emphasize the added value of the Catquest‐9SF as a tool for visual function experienced by patients; the additional information can complement clinical parameters to improve patient‐centred approaches in clinical practice.
Peripheral retinal changes in highly myopic young Asian eyes
Authors: Chen David Z. , Koh Victor , Tan Marcus , Tan Colin S. , Nah Gerard , Shen Liang , Bhargava Mayuri , Cheng Ching‐Yu , Zhao Paul , Wong Tien Yin , Saw Seang‐Mei 
Published: March 2018

AbstractPurposeTo determine the type and prevalence of peripheral retinal changes and its relationship with axial length (AL) in a population of young Asian adult males.MethodsThis was a cross‐sectional study of male subjects aged between 19 and 25 years old. High myopes [spherical equivalent refraction, (SER) < −6.00 D] were recruited and underwent further ocular investigations including dilated retinal photography and binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy by two trained ophthalmologists. The frequency of peripheral retinal changes within high myopes was correlated with axial length and also compared with a group of emmetropes (SER between −0.50 D and +1.00 D).ResultsA total of 593 high myopes and 156 emmetropes were recruited. White without pressure (WWOP; n = 458, 46.5%) and lattice degeneration (LD; n = 109, 14.6%) were the commonest findings, and their prevalence was significantly higher among high myopes (LD, 16.9% versus 5.8%; WWOP, 57.2% versus 5.8%; both p < 0.001). Among high myopes, temporal LD was more common (71%) and 35% had more than one area in the same eye. Increasing AL was associated with LD (odds ratio 1.28, p = 0.01) and retinal holes (odd's ratio 1.44, p = 0.02) on multivariate analysis.ConclusionWhite without pressure (WWOP) and LD were the commonest peripheral retinal changes. One‐third of high myopes with LD had more than one area in the same eye. Increasing AL was associated with LD and retinal holes. Studies in older adults should be conducted to develop clinical guidelines for the management of high myopes.
Intraoperative difficulties, complications and self‐assessed visual function in cataract surgery
Authors: Grimfors Magnus , Lundström Mats , Höijer Jonas , Kugelberg Maria 
Published: March 2018

AbstractPurposeTo study associations between intraoperative difficulties and changes in patient‐perceived and postoperative visual function and visual satisfaction after cataract surgery.MethodsSwedish multicenter, prospective, cross‐sectional, nonrandomized, National Cataract Register study. A total of 10 979 patients (n = 10 979) who underwent cataract surgery from 2008 to 2011 completed the Catquest‐9SF questionnaire before and 3 months postoperatively. Using Rasch analysis, we converted the nonparametric grading of the answers to parametric data and performed parametric statistical analyses. Multiple regression models were used to examine possible predictors associated with self‐assessed visual function after cataract surgery.ResultsGreater improvement in self‐assessed visual function was seen in patients in whom trypan blue dye was used; those without a posterior capsular tear or an ocular comorbidity; and those who were younger, female and had low preoperative corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) or high postoperative CDVA compared with their counterparts. Significantly higher self‐assessed postoperative visual function was seen in patients in whom trypan blue dye was used and those with no posterior capsular tear or ocular comorbidity and no use of capsular hooks; and those who were younger and had low preoperative or high postoperative CDVA compared with their counterparts. The risk of general dissatisfaction after cataract surgery was significantly greater in patients with a posterior capsule tear, ocular comorbidity or low postoperative CDVA, and those in whom mechanical pupillary stretching was performed.ConclusionSeveral intraoperative difficulties, posterior capsular tear, ocular comorbidity, age, gender, and preoperative and postoperative CDVAs affect patient improvement and self‐assessed visual function after cataract surgery.
Exercise on‐transition uncoupling of ventilatory, gas exchange and cardiac hemodynamic kinetics accompany pulmonary oxygen stores depletion to impact exercise intolerance in human heart failure
Authors: Van Iterson E. H. , Smith J. R. , Olson T. P. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractAimIn contrast to knowledge that heart failure (HF) patients demonstrate peak exercise uncoupling across ventilation, gas exchange and cardiac haemodynamics, whether this dyssynchrony follows that at the exercise on‐transition is unclear. This study tested whether exercise on‐transition temporal lag for ventilation relative to gas exchange and oxygen pulse (O2pulse) couples with effects from abnormal pulmonary gaseous oxygen store (O2store) contributions to O2 to interdependently precipitate persistently elevated ventilatory demand and low oxidative metabolic capacity in HF.MethodsBeat‐to‐beat HR and breath‐to‐breath ventilation and gas exchange were continuously acquired in HF (N = 9, ejection fraction = 30 ± 9%) and matched controls (N = 10) during square‐wave ergometry at 60% O2peak (46 ± 14 vs 125 ± 54‐W, P < .001). Temporal responses across E, O2 and O2pulse were assessed for the exercise on‐transition using single exponential model Phase II on‐kinetic time constants (τ = time to reach 63% steady‐state rise). Breath‐to‐breath gas fractions and respiratory flows were used to determine O2stores.ResultsHF vs controls: τ for E (137 ± 93 vs 74 ± 40‐seconds, P = .03), O2 (60 ± 40 vs 23 ± 5‐seconds, P = .03) and O2pulse (28 ± 18 vs 23 ± 15‐seconds, P = .59). Within HF, τ for E differed from O2pulse (P < .02), but not O2. Exercise E rise (workload indexed) differed in HF vs controls (545 ± 139 vs 309 ± 88‐mL min−1 W−1, P < .001). Exercise on‐transition O2store depletion in HF exceeded controls, generally persisting to end‐exercise.ConclusionThese data suggest HF demonstrated exercise on‐transition O2store depletion (high O2store contribution to O2) coupled with dyssynchronous E, O2 and O2pulse kinetics—not attributable to prolonged cardiac haemodynamics. Persistent high ventilatory demand and low oxidative metabolic capacity in HF may be precipitated by physiological uncoupling occurring within the exercise on‐transition.
Recurrent inhibition is higher in eccentric compared to isometric and concentric maximal voluntary contractions
Authors: Barrué‐Belou S. , Marque P. , Duclay J. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractAimThis study was designed to investigate the influence of muscle contraction type on spinal recurrent inhibition during maximal voluntary contractions (MVC) of the plantar flexor muscles.MethodsTo that purpose, the paired Hoffmann‐reflex (H‐reflex) technique permitted to assess changes in recurrent pathway by comparing the modulations of test, reference and conditioning H‐reflexes (H’, Href and H1 respectively) in the soleus muscle during isometric, concentric and eccentric MVC. Twenty‐five subjects participated in an experimental session designed to assess the activity of the recurrent inhibition pathway.ResultsThe results indicate that both the electromyographic activity and the amplitude of H1 normalized to the maximal M‐wave (Mmax) were similar regardless of the muscle contraction type while the ratio between H’ and H1 amplitudes was significantly smaller during eccentric compared with isometric and concentric MVC. Furthermore, Href and H’ amplitudes did not differ significantly during both isometric and concentric MVCs while H’ amplitude was significantly lower than Href amplitude during eccentric MVC. In addition, the V/Mmax ratio was similar for all muscle contraction type and greater H’ amplitude was significantly correlated with greater V‐wave amplitude regardless of the muscle contraction type.ConclusionTogether, the current results indicate that recurrent inhibition is elevated for the soleus muscle during eccentric compared to isometric and concentric MVC. Data further suggest that the Renshaw cell activity is specifically controlled by the descending neural drive and/or peripheral neural mechanisms during eccentric MVC.
The stressed brain of humans and rodents
Authors: Joëls M. , Karst H. , Sarabdjitsingh R. A. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractAfter stress, the brain is exposed to waves of stress mediators, including corticosterone (in rodents) and cortisol (in humans). Corticosteroid hormones affect neuronal physiology in two time‐domains: rapid, non‐genomic actions primarily via mineralocorticoid receptors; and delayed genomic effects via glucocorticoid receptors. In parallel, cognitive processing is affected by stress hormones. Directly after stress, emotional behaviour involving the amygdala is strongly facilitated with cognitively a strong emphasis on the “now” and “self,” at the cost of higher cognitive processing. This enables the organism to quickly and adequately respond to the situation at hand. Several hours later, emotional circuits are dampened while functions related to the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus are promoted. This allows the individual to rationalize the stressful event and place it in the right context, which is beneficial in the long run. The brain's response to stress depends on an individual's genetic background in interaction with life events. Studies in rodents point to the possibility to prevent or reverse long‐term consequences of early life adversity on cognitive processing, by normalizing the balance between the two receptor types for corticosteroid hormones at a critical moment just before the onset of puberty.
A selenoprotein T‐derived peptide protects the heart against ischaemia/reperfusion injury through inhibition of apoptosis and oxidative stress
Authors: Rocca C. , Boukhzar L. , Granieri M. C. , Alsharif I. , Mazza R. , Lefranc B. , Tota B. , Leprince J. , Cerra M. C. , Anouar Y. , Angelone T. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractAimSelenoprotein T (SelT or SELENOT) is a novel thioredoxin‐like enzyme whose genetic ablation in mice results in early embryonic lethality. SelT exerts an essential cytoprotective action during development and after injury through its redox‐active catalytic site. This study aimed to determine the expression and regulation of SelT in the mammalian heart in normal and pathological conditions and to evaluate the cardioprotective effect of a SelT‐derived peptide, SelT43‐52(PSELT) encompassing the redox motif which is key to its function, against ischaemia/reperfusion(I/R) injury.MethodsWe used the isolated Langendorff rat heart model and different analyses by immunohistochemistry, Western blot and ELISA.ResultsWe found that SelT expression is very abundant in embryo but is undetectable in adult heart. However, SelT expression was tremendously increased after I/R. PSELT (5 nmol/L) was able to induce pharmacological post‐conditioning cardioprotection as evidenced by a significant recovery of contractility (dLVP) and reduction of infarct size (IS), without changes in cardiac contracture (LVEDP). In contrast, a control peptide lacking the redox site did not confer cardioprotection. Immunoblot analysis showed that PSELT‐dependent cardioprotection is accompanied by a significant increase in phosphorylated Akt, Erk‐1/2 and Gsk3α‐β, and a decrement of p38MAPK. PSELT inhibited the pro‐apoptotic factors Bax, caspase 3 and cytochrome c and stimulated the anti‐apoptotic factor Bcl‐2. Furthermore, PSELT significantly reduced several markers of I/R‐induced oxidative and nitrosative stress.ConclusionThese results unravel the role of SelT as a cardiac modulator and identify PSELT as an effective pharmacological post‐conditioning agent able to protect the heart after ischaemic injury.
Roles of pH in control of cell proliferation
Authors: Flinck M. , Kramer S. H. , Pedersen S. F. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractPrecise spatiotemporal regulation of intracellular pH (pHi) is a prerequisite for normal cell function, and changes in pHi or pericellular pH (pHe) exert important signalling functions. It is well established that proliferation of mammalian cells is dependent on a permissive pHi in the slightly alkaline range (7.0‐7.2). It is also clear that mitogen signalling in nominal absence of is associated with an intracellular alkalinization (~0.3 pH unit above steady‐state pHi), which is secondary to activation of Na+/H+ exchange. However, it remains controversial whether this increase in pHi is part of the mitogenic signal cascade leading to cell cycle entry and progression, and whether it is relevant under physiological conditions. Furthermore, essentially all studies of pHi in mammalian cell proliferation have focused on the mitogen‐induced G0‐G1 transition, and the regulation and roles of pHi during the cell cycle remain poorly understood. The aim of this review is to summarize and critically discuss the possible roles of pHi and pHe in cell cycle progression. While the focus is on the mammalian cell cycle, important insights from studies in lower eukaryotes are also discussed. We summarize current evidence of links between cell cycle progression and pHi and discuss possible pHi‐ and pHe sensors and signalling pathways relevant to mammalian proliferation control. The possibility that changes in pHi during cell cycle progression may be an integral part of the checkpoint control machinery is explored. Finally, we discuss the relevance of links between pH and proliferation in the context of the perturbed pH homoeostasis and acidic microenvironment of solid tumours.