bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of blue‐blocking and neutral intraocular lenses on circadian photoentrainment and sleep one year after cataract surgery
Authors: Brøndsted Adam Elias , Haargaard Birgitte , Sander Birgit , Lund‐Andersen Henrik , Jennum Poul , Kessel Line 
Published: December 2016

AbstractPurposeTo compare the long‐term effect on circadian photoentrainment and sleep in patients implanted with neutral and blue‐blocking intraocular lenses 1 year after cataract surgery.MethodsRandomized, controlled trial involving 67 patients with age‐related cataract. Intervention was cataract surgery with implantation of either a neutral or a blue‐blocking intraocular lens (IOL). Main outcome was activation of the intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGC) measured by chromatic pupillometry. The circadian rhythm was analysed by 24‐hr melatonin profiles and actigraphy; the latter was also used to determine objective sleep quality. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index determined subjective sleep quality.ResultsOne year after surgery, peak melatonin concentration was 3.3 pg/ml (95%CI, 2–5.5) corresponding to 50% lower for the participants allocated to blue‐blockingIOLs compared with participants allocated to neutralIOLs. Compared with preoperative levels, the ipRGCresponse had increased by 13.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 3.2–22.6) 1 year after surgery. Objective sleep quality was also improved as the time of wakefulness after sleep onset had improved by 5 min (95%CI, 1–10) for the entire population while sleep efficiency had increased by two percentage points (95%CI, 0.42–3.65) although exclusively, for the participants allocated to blue‐blockingIOLs.ConclusionBlue‐blockingIOLs increased sleep efficiency but lowered nocturnal melatonin secretion compared with neutralIOLs. Cataract surgery improved the response of ipRGCs and sleep quality. However, the effect of cataract surgery on sleep quality may be unrelated to circadian photoentrainment.
Homocysteine and risk of age‐related macular degeneration: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Pinna Antonio , Zaccheddu Francesco , Boscia Francesco , Carru Ciriaco , Solinas Giuliana 
Published: December 2016

AbstractThere is still no agreement on total plasma homocysteine (tHcy) role in age‐related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of new blindness in industrialized countries. We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis of the published data on the correlation between tHcy and AMD. MEDLINE/PubMed and ISI Web of Sciences searches were performed according to MOOSE guidelines. Case–control studies were eligible for inclusion. Participants and controls were AMD patients and subjects without AMD. The main outcome measure was wet AMD. Homocysteine level was the main exposure variable. Data were pooled using a random‐effects model. Twelve case–control studies were identified: 10 assessed wet AMD, four dry AMD, one early AMD, one late AMD, and one any AMD. As for wet AMD, there was a total of 453 cases and 514 controls. Mean tHcy was on average 1.1 μmol/l (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.96–1.25) greater in wet AMD cases, but there was evidence of extreme between‐study heterogeneity (p < 0.001, I2 = 91.8%). In a model homogenous for age, including six wet AMD studies (214 cases, 274 controls), mean tHcy was on average 0.58 μmol/l (95% CI = 0.35–0.73) greater in the case group, a not statistically significant result (p = 0.144) associated with moderate heterogeneity (I2 = 39.2%). Our meta‐analysis indicates that there is some weak evidence that increased tHcy might be associated with wet AMD; however, this result should be interpreted cautiously, because of a marked between‐study heterogeneity and the possible effect of publication bias. Future studies, preferably of cohort design, are necessary before any firm conclusions on the putative role of increased tHcy on AMD can be drawn.
Warmed, humidified CO2 insufflation benefits intraoperative core temperature during laparoscopic surgery: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Dean Meara , Ramsay Robert , Heriot Alexander , Mackay John , Hiscock Richard , Lynch A. Craig 
Published: December 2016

AbstractBackgroundIntraoperative hypothermia is linked to postoperative adverse events. The use of warmed, humidified CO2 to establish pneumoperitoneum during laparoscopy has been associated with reduced incidence of intraoperative hypothermia. However, the small number and variable quality of published studies have caused uncertainty about the potential benefit of this therapy. This meta‐analysis was conducted to specifically evaluate the effects of warmed, humidified CO2 during laparoscopy.MethodsAn electronic database search identified randomized controlled trials performed on adults who underwent laparoscopic abdominal surgery under general anesthesia with either warmed, humidified CO2 or cold, dry CO2. The main outcome measure of interest was change in intraoperative core body temperature.ResultsThe database search identified 320 studies as potentially relevant, and of these, 13 met the inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. During laparoscopic surgery, use of warmed, humidified CO2 is associated with a significant increase in intraoperative core temperature (mean temperature change, 0.3°C), when compared with cold, dry CO2 insufflation.ConclusionWarmed, humidified CO2 insufflation during laparoscopic abdominal surgery has been demonstrated to improve intraoperative maintenance of normothermia when compared with cold, dry CO2.
Prospective registry for laparoscopic liver resection
Authors: Fuji Hiroaki , Hatano Etsuro , Seo Satoru , Arimoto Akira , Okabe Michio , Fujikawa Takahisa , Nishitai Ryuta , Ishii Takamichi , Kaihara Satoshi , Matsushita Takakazu , Oike Fumitaka , Ichimiya Masato , Ohta Shuichi , Yamanaka Kenya , Taura Kojiro , Yasuchika Kentaro , Uemoto Shinji 
Published: December 2016

AbstractIntroductionLaparoscopic liver resection (LLR) has been widely performed throughout the world. Although prospective registry studies to clarify the safety of LLR have been feasible, no prior multicenter prospective study has addressed this issue. We have conducted a multicenter prospective cohort study to reveal the current status of LLR in Japan.MethodsFrom April 2015 to March 2016, candidates for LLR were preoperatively enrolled at 12 institutions. The primary end‐point was surgical safety, which was evaluated based on surgical factors and on short‐term and midterm outcomes.ResultsA total of 102 patients were enrolled. Planned laparoscopic procedures included 96 pure laparoscopies, 1 hand‐assisted laparoscopy, and 5 hybrid techniques. Non‐anatomical partial resection or left lateral sectionectomy were performed in almost all cases. The median duration of surgery was 221 min. The median blood loss was 80.5 mL. Conversion was required for four patients (3.9%). The 90‐day postoperative morbidities with grades more severe than II in the Clavien–Dindo classification were observed in six patients (5.9%). The median postoperative hospital stay was 9.5 days. No cases involved reoperation or mortality.ConclusionMinor resection of LLR has been performed safely. To ensure the safe dissemination of LLR, including for major resection, a larger multicenter prospective study is required.
Mitochondrial Replacement Techniques: Who are the Potential Users and will they Benefit?
Authors: Herbrand Cathy 
Published: December 2016

AbstractIn February 2015 the UK became the first country to legalise high‐profile mitochondrial replacement techniques (MRTs), which involve the creation of offspring using genetic material from three individuals. The aim of these new cell reconstruction techniques is to prevent the transmission of maternally inherited mitochondrial disorders to biological offspring. During the UK debates, MRTs were often positioned as a straightforward and unique solution for the ‘eradication’ of mitochondrial disorders, enabling hundreds of women to have a healthy, biologically‐related child. However, many questions regarding future applications and potential users remain. Drawing on a current qualitative study on reproductive choices in the context of mitochondrial disorders, this article illustrates how the potential limitations of MRTs have been obscured in public debates by contrasting the claims made about the future beneficiaries with insights from families affected by mitochondrial disorders and medical experts. The analysis illuminates the complex choices with which families and individuals affected by mitochondrial disorders are faced, which have thus far remained invisible. An argument is presented for improved information for the public as well as an intensification of critical empirical research around the complex and specific needs of future beneficiaries of new reproductive biotechnologies.
The support needs of patients waiting for publicly funded bariatric surgery – implications for health service planners
Authors: Sharman M. J. , Venn A. J. , Jose K. A. , Williams D. , Hensher M. , Palmer A. J. , Wilkinson S. , Ezzy D. 
Published: December 2016

SummaryThe objective of this study was to investigate the experience of waiting for publicly funded bariatric surgery in an Australian tertiary healthcare setting. Focus groups and individual interviews involving people waiting for or who had undergone publicly funded bariatric surgery were audio‐recorded, transcribed and analysed thematically. A total of 11 women and 6 men engaged in one of six focus groups in 2014, and an additional 10 women and 9 men were interviewed in 2015. Mean age was 53 years (range 23–66); mean waiting time was 6 years (range 0–12), and mean time since surgery was 4 years (range 0–11). Waiting was commonly reported as emotionally challenging (e.g. frustrating, depressing, stressful) and often associated with weight gain (despite weight‐loss attempts) and deteriorating physical health (e.g. development of new or worsening obesity‐related comorbidity or decline in mobility) or psychological health (e.g. development of or worsening depression). Peer support, health and mental health counselling, integrated care and better communication about waitlist position and management (e.g. patient prioritization) were identified support needs. Even if wait times cannot be reduced, better peer and health professional supports, together with better communication from health departments, may improve the experience or outcomes of waiting and confer quality‐of‐life gains irrespective of weight loss.
Desert pastoralists’ negative and positive effects on rare wildlife in the Gobi
Authors: Ekernas L. Stefan , Sarmento Wesley M. , Davie Hannah S. , Reading Richard P. , Murdoch James , Wingard Ganchimeg J. , Amgalanbaatar Sukh , Berger Joel 
Published: December 2016

AbstractIn arid regions of the developing world, pastoralists and livestock commonly inhabit protected areas, resulting in human–wildlife conflict. Conflict is inextricably linked to the ecological processes shaping relationships between pastoralists and native herbivores and carnivores. To elucidate relationships underpinning human–wildlife conflict, we synthesized 15 years of ecological and ethnographic data from Ikh Nart Nature Reserve in Mongolia's Gobi steppe. The density of argali (Ovis ammon), the world's largest wild sheep, at Ikh Nart was among the highest in Mongolia, yet livestock were >90% of ungulate biomass and dogs >90% of large‐carnivore biomass. For argali, pastoral activities decreased food availability, increased mortality from dog predation, and potentially increased disease risk. Isotope analyses indicated that livestock accounted for >50% of the diet of the majority of gray wolves (Canis lupus) and up to 90% of diet in 25% of sampled wolves (n = 8). Livestock composed at least 96% of ungulate prey in the single wolf pack for which we collected species‐specific prey data. Interviews with pastoralists indicated that wolves annually killed 1–4% of Ikh Nart's livestock, and pastoralists killed wolves in retribution. Pastoralists reduced wolf survival by killing them, but their livestock were an abundant food source for wolves. Consequently, wolf density appeared to be largely decoupled from argali density, and pastoralists had indirect effects on argali that could be negative if pastoralists increased wolf density (apparent competition) or positive if pastoralists decreased wolf predation (apparent facilitation). Ikh Nart's argali population was stable despite these threats, but livestock are increasingly dominant numerically and functionally relative to argali. To support both native wildlife and pastoral livelihoods, we suggest training dogs to not kill argali, community insurance against livestock losses to wolves, reintroducing key native prey species to hotspots of human–wolf conflict, and developing incentives for pastoralists to reduce livestock density.
Association between changes in oestradiol and follicle‐stimulating hormone levels during the menopausal transition and risk of diabetes
Authors: Park S. K. , Harlow S. D. , Zheng H. , Karvonen‐Gutierrez C. , Thurston R. C. , Ruppert K. , Janssen I. , Randolph J. F. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractAimTo investigate the association between changes in oestradiol and follicle‐stimulating hormone levels during the menopausal transition and incident diabetes.MethodsWe followed 1407 pre‐menopausal women, aged 42–52 years at baseline, who experienced natural menopause, from baseline to the 12th annual follow‐up visit in the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation (SWAN). Diabetes was defined based on fasting glucose level, medication use and self‐report of physician diagnosis. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to evaluate the associations of incident diabetes with three components of the rate of change in hormones: the intercept (pre‐menopausal levels) and two piece‐wise slopes representing change during the early and late transition, respectively.ResultsDuring 15 years of follow‐up, 132 women developed diabetes. After adjusting for potential confounders, a higher oestradiol intercept, but not its rate of change, was borderline significantly associated with lower risk of diabetes [hazard ratio for an interquartile range increase (75.2 pmol/L) 0.53, 95% CI 0.27–1.06]. For follicle‐stimulating hormone, a greater rate of increase in the early transition, but not the intercept or late transition, was significantly associated with lower risk of diabetes [hazard ratio for an interquartile range increase (5.9 IU/L/year) 0.31, 95% CI 0.10–0.94].ConclusionsLower pre‐menopausal oestradiol levels and a slower rate of follicle‐stimulating hormone change during the early transition were associated with higher risk of developing diabetes. Given that obesity plays an important role in diabetes risk and in the levels and changes in oestradiol and follicle‐stimulating hormone over the menopausal transition, weight control in earlier mid‐life is important to prevent future diabetes development.
Parallel activation of prospective motor plans during visually‐guided sequential saccades
Authors: Bhutani Neha , Sengupta Sonal , Basu Debaleena , Prabhu Nikhil G. , Murthy Aditya 
Published: December 2016

AbstractBehavioural evidences suggest that sequential saccades to multiple stimuli are planned in parallel. However, it remains unclear whether such parallel programming reflects concurrent processing of goals or whether multiple motor plans coexist, unfolding subsequently during execution. Here we use midway saccades, directed at intermediate locations between two targets, as a probe to address this question in a novel double‐step adaptation task. The task consisted of trials where subjects had to follow the appearance of two targets presented in succession with two sequential saccades. In some trials, the second target predictably jumped to a new location during the second saccade. Initially, the second saccade was aimed at the final target's location before the jump. As subjects adapted to the target jump, saccades were aimed to the second target's new location. We tested whether the spatial distribution of midway saccades could be explained as an interaction between two concurrent saccade goals, each directed at the two target locations, or between the initial motor plan to the first target location and a prospective motor plan directed from the initial to the final target location. A shift in the midway saccades’ distribution towards the jumped location of the second target following adaptation indicated that the brain can make use of prospective motor plans to guide sequential eye movements. Furthermore, we observed that the spatiotemporal pattern of endpoints of midway saccades can be well explained by a motor addition model. These results provide strong evidence of parallel activation of prospective motor plans during sequential saccades.
Corticotropin releasing factor dose‐dependently modulates excitatory synaptic transmission in the noradrenergic nucleus locus coeruleus
Authors: Prouty Eric W. , Waterhouse Barry D. , Chandler Daniel J. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractThe noradrenergic nucleus locus coeruleus (LC) is critically involved in the stress response and receives afferent input from a number of corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) containing structures. Several in vivo and in vitro studies in rat have shown that CRF robustly increases the firing rate of LC neurons in a dose‐dependent manner. While it is known that these increases are dependent on CRF receptor subtype 1 and mediated by effects of cAMP intracellular signaling cascades on potassium conductance, the impact of CRF on synaptic transmission within LC has not been clarified. In the present study, we used whole‐cell patch clamp electrophysiology to assess how varying concentrations of bath‐applied CRF affect AMPA‐receptor dependent spontaneous excitatory post‐synaptic currents (sEPSCs). Compared to vehicle, 10, 25, and 100 nm CRF had no significant effects on any sEPSC parameters. Fifty nanomolar CRF, however, significantly increased sEPSC amplitude, half‐width, and charge transfer, while these measures were significantly decreased by 200 nm CRF. These observations suggest that stress may differentially affect ongoing excitatory synaptic transmission in LC depending on how much CRF is released from presynaptic terminals. Combined with the well‐documented effects of CRF on membrane properties and spontaneous LC discharge, these observations may help explain how stress and CRF release are able to modulate the signal to noise ratio of LC neurons. These findings have implications for how stress affects the fidelity of signal transmission and information flow through LC and how it might impact norepinephrine release in the CNS.
Cleaner fishes and shrimp diversity and a re‐evaluation of cleaning symbioses
Authors: Vaughan David Brendan , Grutter Alexandra Sara , Costello Mark John , Hutson Kate Suzanne 
Published: December 2016

AbstractCleaning symbiosis has been documented extensively in the marine environment over the past 50 years. We estimate global cleaner diversity comprises 208 fish species from 106 genera representing 36 families and 51 shrimp species from 11 genera representing six families. Cleaning symbiosis as originally defined is amended to highlight communication between client and cleaner as the catalyst for cooperation and to separate cleaning symbiosis from incidental cleaning, which is a separate mutualism preceded by no communication. Moreover, we propose the term ‘dedicated’ to replace ‘obligate’ to describe a committed cleaning lifestyle. Marine cleaner fishes have dominated the cleaning symbiosis literature, with comparatively little focus given to shrimp. The engagement of shrimp in cleaning activities has been considered contentious because there is little empirical evidence. Plasticity exists in the use of ‘cleaner shrimp’ in the current literature, with the potential to cause significant confusion. Indeed, this term has been used incorrectly for the shrimp Infraorder Stenopodidea, involving three families, Stenopodidae, Palaemonidae and Hippolytidae, and to represent all members of Lysmata and Stenopus. Caution is expressed in the use of grey literature and anecdotal observations to generate data on cleaning interactions, due to the presence of species complexes. Interest in cleaning organisms as biological controls in aquaculture is increasing due to their value as an alternative to various chemical ectoparasite controls. Reports of the importance of cleaner organisms in maintaining a healthy reef ecosystem has also been increasing and we review the current biological knowledge on cleaner organisms, highlighting areas that are understudied.
Structural analysis and unique molecular recognition properties of a Bauhinia forficata lectin that inhibits cancer cell growth
Authors: Lubkowski Jacek , Durbin Sarah V. , Silva Mariana C. C. , Farnsworth David , Gildersleeve Jeffrey C. , Oliva Maria Luiza V. , Wlodawer Alexander 
Published: December 2016

Lectins have been used at length for basic research and clinical applications. New insights into the molecular recognition properties enhance our basic understanding of carbohydrate–protein interactions and aid in the design/development of new lectins. In this study, we used a combination of cell‐based assays, glycan microarrays, and X‐ray crystallography to evaluate the structure and function of the recombinant Bauhinia forficata lectin (BfL). The lectin was shown to be cytostatic for several cancer cell lines included in the NCI‐60 panel; in particular, it inhibited growth of melanoma cancer cells (LOX IMVI) by over 95%. BfL is dimeric in solution and highly specific for binding of oligosaccharides and glycopeptides with terminal N‐acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc). BfL was found to have especially strong binding (apparent Kd = 0.5–1.0 nm) to the tumor‐associated Tn antigen. High‐resolution crystal structures were determined for the ligand‐free lectin, as well as for its complexes with three Tn glycopeptides, globotetraose, and the blood group A antigen. Extensive analysis of the eight crystal structures and comparison to structures of related lectins revealed several unique features of GalNAc recognition. Of special note, the carboxylate group of Glu126, lining the glycan‐binding pocket, forms H‐bonds with both the N‐acetyl of GalNAc and the peptide amido group of Tn antigens. Stabilization provided by Glu126 is described here for the first time for any GalNAc‐specific lectin. Taken together, the results provide new insights into the molecular recognition of carbohydrates and provide a structural understanding that will enable rational engineering of BfL for a variety of applications.DatabaseStructural data are available in the PDB under the accession numbers 5T50, 5T52, 5T55, 5T54, 5T5L, 5T5J, 5T5P, and 5T5O.