bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gebauer SLc Original and Moria One‐Use Plus automated microkeratomes for ultrathin Descemet's stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty preparation
Authors: Fuest Matthias , Salla Sabine , Hermel Martin , Plum Wolfgang Joachim , Rütten Stephan , Plange Niklas , Kuerten David , Schnitzler Anne Christine , Walter Peter 
Published: May 2016

AbstractPurposeWe compared the SLc Original (SLc) and One‐Use Plus (OUP) microkeratomes for ultrathin Descemet's stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) lamella preparation and storage, vis‐à‐vis accuracy, endothelial cell loss (ECL) and lamellar surface roughness (LSR).MethodsTwenty‐five human corneas were dissected with single‐use heads of different sizes aiming for a posterior lamella (PL) thickness of 85 μm, after which they were incubated for 6 days in a 5% dextran medium. Before preparation (0 hr) and 1, 24, and 144 hr after dissection, ECL and corneal thickness (CCT) were measured by ultrasound pachymetry (USP) and optical coherence tomography (OCT). Lamellar surface roughness (LSR) was assessed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and evaluated by two masked observers.ResultsPrior to cutting, CCTs did not differ between OCT and USP measurements, with a high correlation between the two modalities (r2 = 0.8; p < 0.0001). Both systems succeeded in UT lamella preparation (CCT 40–130 μm) in 88% of cases. The OUP heads cut significantly deeper than the according SLc counterparts (p = 0.001), while the variance did not differ. The mean PL thickness increased significantly in the following incubation period (p = 0.01) with no difference between the keratome groups. Endothelial cell density (ECD) decreased significantly from before to 1 hr after preparation (−5.6%; p = 0.04), with no changes in the following 144‐hr incubation period and no differences between the OUP and SLc group. Lamellar surface roughness (LSR) did not differ between both systems.ConclusionsThe SLc and the OUP system are both suited for the preparation of UT‐DSAEK lamellae. Neither system differed significantly in variability, LSR or ECL, which did not increase during a 6‐day incubation period.
The functional brain connectome of the child and autism spectrum disorders
Authors: Mevel Katell , Fransson Peter 
Published: May 2016

AbstractBrain connectomics is a relatively new field of research that maps the brain's large‐scale structural and functional networks at rest. The connectome of the human brain develops progressively from early infancy to late adolescence, and this review describes the theory behind the concept and its applicability to studying the development and dynamics of brain networks through graph theoretical metrics. We also describe how the brain connectome concept could further our understanding of autism spectrum disorders (ASD)ConclusionFurther research into the functional child brain connectome concept could enhance our understanding of atypical brain connectivity patterns presumed to be linked to ASD.
The Role of the Mucosa in Normal and Abnormal Bladder Function
Authors: Fry Christopher H. , Vahabi Bahareh 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThe internal face of the detrusor smooth muscle wall of the urinary bladder is covered by a mucosa, separating muscle from the hostile environment of urine. However, the mucosa is more than a very low permeability structure and offers a sensory function that monitors the extent of bladder filling and composition of the urine. The mucosa may be considered as a single functional structure and comprises a tight epithelial layer under which is a basement membrane and lamina propria. The latter region itself is a complex of afferent nerves, blood vessels, interstitial cells and in some species including human beings a muscularis mucosae. Stress on the bladder wall through physical or chemical stressors elicits release of chemicals, such as ATP, acetylcholine, prostaglandins and nitric oxide that modulate the activity of either afferent nerves or the muscular components of the bladder wall. The release and responses are graded so that the mucosa forms a dynamic sensory structure, and there is evidence that the gain of this system is increased in pathologies such as overactive bladder and bladder pain syndrome. This system therefore potentially provides a number of drug targets against these conditions, once a number of fundamental questions are answered. These include how is mediator release regulated; what are the intermediate roles of interstitial cells that surround afferent nerves and blood vessels; and what is the mode of communication between urothelium and muscle – by diffusion of mediators or by cell‐to‐cell communication?
Cyclophosphamide‐induced Down‐Regulation of Uroplakin II in the Mouse Urinary Bladder Epithelium is Prevented by S‐Allyl Cysteine
Authors: Abdi Sayed Aliul Hasan , Najmi Abul Kalam , Raisuddin Sheikh 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThe alkylating anticancer drug, cyclophosphamide (CP), induces a number of toxic effects including haemorrhagic cystitis (HC) in the urinary bladder. Uroplakins are unique urinary transmembrane proteins of urothelium, which may become potential targets of CP metabolites and reactive free radicals. Natural compounds, especially those rich in thiols, have shown protective effects against CP‐induced HC. In this study, we studied the modulatory effect of the thiol‐rich compound S‐allyl cysteine (SAC) on the mRNA level of uroplakin II by real‐time polymerase chain reaction and expression of uroplakin II protein by immunoblotting. SAC (150 mg/kg) showed significant (p < 0.001) protective effects against CP (200 mg/kg)‐induced alteration in mRNA level and protein expression of uroplakin II. SAC also protected animals from CP‐induced HC as assessed by gross morphological examination of urinary bladder. When compared with mercaptoethane sulphonic acid (mesna) (40 mg/kg), a known thiol‐rich drug used in clinical application, SAC was found to be more efficacious in affording protection in urinary bladder tissues. Role of uroplakins in CP‐induced urinary bladder toxicity has not been well investigated. This study demonstrated that uroplakins may be the potential target of toxic metabolites of CP and natural compounds such as SAC have the capacity to modulate their expression leading to reduced toxicity burden on the urinary bladder epithelium.
Neuromuscular Effects of Rocuronium Bromide in Patients in Statin Therapy for at least Three Months
Authors: Ren Hongwei , Lv Huangwei 
Published: May 2016

AbstractStatins cause skeletal muscle myopathy. However, the neuromuscular effects of non‐depolarizing neuromuscular‐blocking agent in patients in long‐term statin therapy remain unclear. Hence, we investigated the neuromuscular effects of rocuronium and muscle injury in patients in long‐term statin therapy. Eighteen statin users using statins for at least 3 months were included in the statin group and 18 non‐statin users were included in the non‐statin group. General anaesthesia was induced with intravenous midazolam, etomidate, sufentanil and rocuronium 0.9 mg/kg (3ED95) for intubation. Anaesthesia was maintained with 1% propofol and remifentanil. The onset time and duration 10% T1 and 25% T1 of rocuronium were recorded. Blood samples were obtained before induction and 5 min., 1 hr, 2 hr, 4 hr, 12 hr and 24 hr after rocuronium administration to measure creatine kinase (CK), myoglobin and potassium. Myalgia was determined at 2 and 24 hr after surgery. There were no significant differences in the basic clinical characteristics between the two groups. The onset time of the statin group was significantly shorter than that of the non‐statin group (p = 0.02), while the duration 10% T1 and duration 25% T1 of the statin group were significantly longer than those of the non‐statin group (p = 0.006; p = 0.045). The myoglobin and CK concentrations increased after rocuronium administration as compared to baseline in both groups. CK concentration in the statin group was significantly higher than in the non‐statin group just at 24 hr (p = 0.000003). However, myoglobin showed no significant difference between the two groups. The onset time of rocuronium decreases and its duration time increases in patients in long‐term statin therapy.
Acute risk factors for suicide attempts and death: prospective findings from the STEP‐BD study
Authors: Ballard Elizabeth D , Vande Voort Jennifer L , Luckenbaugh David A , Machado‐Vieira Rodrigo , Tohen Mauricio , Zarate Carlos A 
Published: May 2016

ObjectivesSuicide is unfortunately common in psychiatric practice, but difficult to predict. The present study sought to assess which clinical symptoms increase in the months before suicidal behavior in a sample of psychiatric outpatients with bipolar disorder.MethodsData from the Systematic Treatment Enhancement Program for Bipolar Disorder (STEP‐BD) trial were used. A total of 103 participants who attempted suicide or died by suicide during the trial were included; a 15% random sample of the remaining participants (n = 427) was used as a comparison sample. Linear mixed models in the six months before suicidal behavior were conducted for each of five proposed acute risk factors for suicidal behavior. Participants were assessed using the Clinical Monitoring Form (CMF) at each visit for the following potential acute risk factors for suicidal behavior: suicidal ideation, loss of interest, anxiety, psychomotor agitation, and high‐risk behavior.ResultsEach of the five symptoms was elevated overall in individuals who engaged in suicidal behavior (p < 0.05). The severity of both suicidal ideation and loss of interest significantly increased in the months before suicidal behavior (p < 0.001). Anxiety demonstrated comparable effect sizes across multiple models. Psychomotor agitation and high‐risk behavior were not significantly elevated before suicidal behavior.ConclusionsSuicidal ideation, loss of interest and, to a lesser extent, anxiety may represent acute suicide risk factors up to four months before suicidal behavior in outpatients with bipolar disorder. Further investigation of these potential acute risk factors in prospective analyses is warranted.
Implications of oncocytic change in papillary thyroid cancer
Authors: Hong Jun Hwa , Yi Hyon‐Seung , Yi Shinae , Kim Hyeon‐Woo , Lee Junguee , Kim Koon Soon 
Published: May 2016

SummaryObjectiveAlthough the presence of oncocytic change in less than 75% of a tumour is not considered to indicate oncocytic variants of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), we frequently observe partial oncocytic change, especially in obese PTC patients. Thus, we sought to investigate the relationship between the presence of oncocytic change of PTC and its prognosis.Design, setting and participantsWe retrospectively studied 142 patients with PTC who had undergone surgery between 2000 and 2005, and re‐evaluated their PTC slides to record the proportion of oncocytic change in 10% increments from 0% to 100%.Major outcome measureWe analysed the relationship between the proportion of oncocytic change and clinicopathological prognostic factors.ResultsOncocytic change was found in 45·8% (65/142) of PTC patients. The proportion of patients with oncocytic change was higher in obese patients than in lean patients and showed a significant correlation with the BMI (r = 0·195, P = 0·020). The PTC patients with oncocytic change showed a higher recurrence rate than PTC patients without oncocytic change (30·8% vs 11·7%, respectively; P = 0·005). The presence of oncocytic change in PTC patients was associated with a shorter disease‐free survival in a Kaplan–Meier analysis after a mean follow‐up of 8·9 years.ConclusionThe patients with PTC with oncocytic change presented with a higher recurrence rate and were more likely to be obese. These findings suggest that presence of oncocytic change is a poor prognostic factor in PTC patients, even if the oncocytic change involves less than 75% of a tumour.
The problem of estimating recent genetic connectivity in a changing world
Authors: Samarasin Pasan , Shuter Brian J. , Wright Stephen I. , Rodd F. Helen 
Published: May 2016

AbstractAccurate understanding of population connectivity is important to conservation because dispersal can play an important role in population dynamics, microevolution, and assessments of extirpation risk and population rescue. Genetic methods are increasingly used to infer population connectivity because advances in technology have made them more advantageous (e.g., cost effective) relative to ecological methods. Given the reductions in wildlife population connectivity since the Industrial Revolution and more recent drastic reductions from habitat loss, it is important to know the accuracy of and biases in genetic connectivity estimators when connectivity has declined recently. Using simulated data, we investigated the accuracy and bias of 2 common estimators of migration (movement of individuals among populations) rate. We focused on the timing of the connectivity change and the magnitude of that change on the estimates of migration by using a coalescent‐based method (Migrate‐n) and a disequilibrium‐based method (BayesAss). Contrary to expectations, when historically high connectivity had declined recently: (i) both methods over‐estimated recent migration rates; (ii) the coalescent‐based method (Migrate‐n) provided better estimates of recent migration rate than the disequilibrium‐based method (BayesAss); (iii) the coalescent‐based method did not accurately reflect long‐term genetic connectivity. Overall, our results highlight the problems with comparing coalescent and disequilibrium estimates to make inferences about the effects of recent landscape change on genetic connectivity among populations. We found that contrasting these 2 estimates to make inferences about genetic‐connectivity changes over time could lead to inaccurate conclusions.
Impact of surgeon laparoscopic training and case volume of laparoscopic surgery on conversion during elective laparoscopic colorectal surgery
Authors: Massarotti H. , Rodrigues F. , O'Rourke C. , Chadi S. A. , Wexner S. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractAimThe study aimed to determine whether laparoscopic volume and type of training influence conversion during elective laparoscopic colorectal surgery.MethodAn Institutional Review Board‐approved prospective database was reviewed for patients who underwent colorectal resection, performed by six colorectal surgeons, for all diagnoses from 2009 to 2014. Surgeons were designated as laparoscopic‐ or open‐trained based on formal laparoscopic colorectal surgery training, and were classified as low laparoscopic volume (LLV) (i.e. had performed < 100 laparoscopic procedures) or high laparoscopic volume (HLV) (i.e. had performed ≥ 100 laparoscopic procedures). Technique was laparoscopic, open or converted (pre‐emptive or reactive). Conversion was compared among three groups: LLV, laparoscopic trained (group A); LLV, open trained (group B); and HLV, open trained (group C).ResultsIn total, 159/567 procedures were open and 408 laparoscopic procedures were attempted. Of the 408 laparoscopic procedures, 73 were converted. Among the 567 patients [mean age: 56 ± 17 years (44% male)], the overall conversion rate was 13% (73/567), including 75% pre‐emptive and 25% reactive. Conversion rates for groups A, B and C were 17.9%, 42.6% and 14.3%, respectively. Significantly higher conversion was seen in group B compared with group C (P = 0.01), but not between group A and group C (P = 0.85) or between group B and group A (P = 0.11). Converted patients were older (P < 0.001), with lower rates of proctectomy (P = 0.007), higher rates of anastomosis (P < 0.001) and higher body mass index (BMI) (P < 0.001). After adjusting for patient and surgeon factors, training type was not associated with conversion (P = 0.15). Compared with successful laparoscopy, converted patients had a significantly higher incidence of ileus (P < 0.001), length of stay (P = 0.002), time to flatus (OR = 3.21, P < 0.001) and time to solids (P < 0.001). Converted patients experienced increased morbidity.ConclusionTraining is not associated with conversion. Rather, HLV surgeons, regardless of training, convert less frequently than do LLV surgeons.
Randomized double‐blind clinical trial comparing basal insulin peglispro and insulin glargine, in combination with prandial insulin lispro, in patients with type 2 diabetes: IMAGINE 4
Authors: Blevins T. , Pieber T. R. , Colón Vega G. , Zhang S. , Bastyr E. J. , Chang A. M. ,   on behalf of the IMAGINE 4 Investigators
Published: May 2016

AimsTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of basal insulin peglispro (BIL) with those of insulin glargine, both in combination with prandial insulin lispro, in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D).MethodsIn this phase III, multicentre, double‐blind, 26‐week study, we randomized patients with T2D [glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) ≥7 and <12%, on ≥1 insulin injections daily) to BIL (n = 691) or glargine (n = 678), in combination with lispro.ResultsAt week 26, the primary objective of non‐inferiority of BIL versus glargine for HbA1c reduction was achieved (least squares mean difference −0.21%; 95% confidence interval −0.31 to −0.11%), with statistical superiority of BIL with multiplicity adjustment (p < 0.001). HbA1c at baseline was 8.4% versus 8.5% for BIL versus glargine and at 26 weeks it was 6.8% versus 7.0%. At 26 weeks, more patients reached HbA1c <7% with BIL than with glargine (63.3% vs 53.3%; p < 0.001), the nocturnal hypoglycaemia rate (≤3.9 mmol/l) was lower with BIL (0.51 vs 0.92 events/30 days; p < 0.001), but the daytime hypoglycaemia rate was higher with BIL (5.47 vs 4.53 events/30 days; p < 0.001). The total hypoglycaemia relative rate was 1.10 (p = 0.053). At 26 weeks, patients in the BIL group had lower fasting serum glucose levels, higher basal insulin dosing, with no statistically significant difference in prandial or total insulin dosing, reduced glucose variability and less weight gain (1.3 kg vs 2.2 kg) compared with the glargine group. The BIL group had higher mean triglyceride and aminotransferase levels.ConclusionsIn patients with T2D, BIL with insulin lispro provided greater improvement in glycaemic control with less nocturnal hypoglycaemia, lower glucose variability and less weight gain compared with glargine. The daytime hypoglycaemia rate and mean triglyceride and aminotransferase levels were higher with BIL.
Attitudes about EU expansion and zero‐sum thinking
Authors: Jackson John E. , Mach Bogdan W. , Miller‐Gonzalez Jennifer L. 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
EU expansion can be seen as a positive‐sum process benefiting all countries by creating larger markets that stimulate more productive economies through increased specialization and economies of scale, implying that the general public in all countries should favour expansion. Contrarily, expansion can be perceived as zero‐sum. Capital and production relocate from higher to lower wage regions while labour does the opposite, possibly raising unemployment and reducing wages in the higher wage regions. The general public in these countries may come to oppose EU expansion attributing any deterioration in their work situation to the gains of new citizens of the European Union. Analysis of changes in Irish attitudes towards EU expansion in 2002, 2007 and 2009 finds no evidence of a link from lowered economic conditions to increased opposition to EU expansion. The only evidence for zero‐sum thinking is that diminished economic circumstances are associated with increased opposition to immigration, but this is not associated with increased opposition to further EU expansion.
Innovation, competition and productivity
Authors: Friesenbichler Klaus , Peneder Michael 
Published: May 2016

AbstractWe investigate the drivers of firm‐level productivity in catching‐up economies by jointly estimating its relationship to innovation and competition using data from the EBRD‐WBBusiness Environment and Enterprise Performance Survey(BEEPS) in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. The findings confirm an inverted‐U shaped impact of competition on R&D. Both competition and innovation have a simultaneous positive effect on labour productivity in terms of either sales or value added per employee, as does a high share of university graduates and foreign ownership. Further positive impacts come from firm size, exports or population density. Innovation and foreign ownership appear to be the strongest drivers of multifactor productivity.
The learning environment in professional doctorate and postgraduate dental education: a qualitative study
Authors: Subramanian J. , Thomson W. M. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractIntroductionCurrently, there is a lack of studies focusing on professional doctoral students’ and graduates’ perceptions of their learning environment, in particular, using a qualitative approach to elicit in‐depth information. This article aims to contribute to the existing body of knowledge by systematically exploring, critically analysing and getting a deeper understanding of professional doctorate dental students’ and graduates’ insights into effective and ineffective clinical and physical learning environment characteristics.MethodsThe study included a total of 20 participants. Participants included 16 final‐year Doctor of Clinical Dentistry (DClinDent) students and four dental specialists (graduates of the DClinDent programme). Semi‐structured, individual interviews were used. Participants were asked to reflect upon and describe in detail their effective and ineffective learning environment experiences. The critical incident technique was used to guide the data collection. Data were analysed using a general inductive qualitative approach.ResultsLearning environment characteristics which participants associated with effective learning included the following: sufficient opportunities for comprehensive treatment planning; introduction to a number of patient treatment philosophies; a sufficient number of complex cases; clinically oriented research and assignment topics; a focus on clinical training in the programme generally; a research topic of a realistic depth and breadth, suitable for their ‘specialist training’ degree; and a well‐resourced and updated physical infrastructure. On the other hand, most participants indicated that the absence of an adequate number of clinical cases, an overemphasis on research (as opposed to clinical practice) in the DClinDent programme and an ‘outdated’ physical infrastructure in the dental school clinics could hamper effective clinical learning.ConclusionThese findings contribute to the meaningful advancement of the literature on learning environment strategies through the exploration of (and in‐depth qualitative insights into) what facilitated effective learning by New Zealand professional doctorate candidates and graduates. These findings provide a starting point for reflection by international academic directors, educational developers, curriculum planners, programme managers and clinical teachers in respect of the further development of the learning environment. Although the findings from this study may not be directly transferable to all international contexts, they have the potential to contribute to the further development of theory in this area.