bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantification of visual function assessment using remote eye tracking in children: validity and applicability
Authors: Kooiker Marlou J. G. , Pel Johan J. M. , Verbunt Hélène J. M. , de Wit Gerard C. , van Genderen Maria M. , van der Steen Johannes 
Published: May 2016

AbstractPurposeMeasurements of visual and oculomotor functions are essential for providing tailored support to visually impaired children. In young or intellectually disabled children these measurements can be difficult or even impossible to perform. Recordings of orienting gaze in response to specific visual information, made with eye tracking, may offer a solution. The aim of this study was to observe and quantify eye tracking (ET)‐based gaze responses to provide information about visual and oculomotor functioning, and to compare this information with standard visual function assessments (VFA).MethodsOne hundred and twenty‐six visually impaired children from 1–14 years underwent a VFA. Next they underwent a remote ET test. Four aspects of oculomotor control (nystagmus, fixation, saccades, pursuit) and three visual functions (visual field, contrast, colour) were selected to compare both methods. Performance was assessed (1) during VFA using standard behavioural observation and test scores and (2) after ET by observing and scoring the eye movement recordings. Validity, in terms of agreement between results, was measured by correlation analyses. From the orienting gaze responses, quantitative parameters (gain, fixation duration and directional saccades) were calculated to characterize visual performance.ResultsGood agreement between the two test methods was found for observational assessment of oculomotor control and visual functions (correlations ranging from rs = 0.39 to rs = 0.69). The quantitative parameters of visual performance showed distinct results between children with and without specific functional impairments, both in children aged 1–6 and 7–14 years.ConclusionEye tracking‐based gaze recordings are a promising tool to assess oculomotor and visual performance in a communication‐free manner. Calculating quantitative parameters from specific gaze responses could assist in the characterization of functional visual performance in children, independent of age. Gaze responses are a useful addition to standard VFA in clinical practice.
Glaucoma diagnostic capacity of optic nerve head haemoglobin measures compared with spectral domain OCT and HRT III confocal tomography
Authors: Mendez‐Hernandez Carmen , Rodriguez‐Uña Ignacio , Gonzalez‐de‐la Rosa Manuel , Arribas‐Pardo Paula , Garcia‐Feijoo Julian 
Published: May 2016

AbstractPurposeThe computer program laguna onhe determines optic nerve head haemoglobin (ONH Hb) on retinal photographs based on detecting colour differences. This study compares the diagnostic capacity of Laguna ONhE with that of spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) and confocal tomography (HRT III).MethodsIn a prospective, observational, cross‐sectional study, glaucomatous (n = 66) and healthy (n = 52) eyes were examined by Spectralis OCT, HRT III and Laguna ONhE. The following Laguna ONhE variables were determined: ONH Hb across the vertical disc diameter (8&20 Hb), estimated cup–disc ratio (C/D) and the glaucoma discriminant function (GDF), which combines the slope of Hb amount with the mean in 8&20 Hb. The three diagnostic methods were compared by calculating areas under ROC curves (AUCs). Correlations between variables were assessed through Spearman's rho coefficient.ResultsAreas under ROC curves (AUCs) were 0.785 (95% CI: 0.700–0.863) for GDF, 0.807 (95% CI: 0.730–0.883) for OCT retinal nerve fibre layer thickness (OCT‐RNFL) and 0.714 (95% CI: 0.618–0.810) and 0.721 (95% CI: 0.628–0.815) for the HRT III variable GPS (glaucoma probability score) and vertical C/D ratio, respectively.Glaucoma discriminant function (GDF) was correlated with OCT‐RNFL (0.587, p 0.001; 0.507, p 0.045; and −0.119, p 0.713 for mild, moderate and advanced glaucoma, respectively), mostly so with inferior OCT‐RNFL (0.622; p < 0.001). Glaucoma discriminant function (GDF)‐HRT III correlations were lower (rim area 0.471, p < 0.0001; rim/disc area 0.426, p < 0.0001; vertical C/D −0.413, p < 0.0001; GPS −0.408, p < 0.0001; rim volume 0.341, p < 0.0001).ConclusionSimilar diagnostic power was observed for Laguna ONhE, Spectralis OCT and HRT III.
Extracellular nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase, a new cancer metabokine
Authors: Grolla Ambra A , Travelli Cristina , Genazzani Armando A , Sethi Jaswinder K 
Published: May 2016

AbstractIn this review, we focus on the secreted form of nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT); extracellular NAMPT (eNAMPT), also known as pre‐B cell colony‐enhancing factor or visfatin. Although intracellular NAMPT is a key enzyme in controlling NAD metabolism, eNAMPT has been reported to function as a cytokine, with many roles in physiology and pathology. Circulating eNAMPT has been associated with several metabolic and inflammatory disorders, including cancer. Because cytokines produced in the tumour micro‐environment play an important role in cancer pathogenesis, in part by reprogramming cellular metabolism, future improvements in cancer immunotherapy will require a better understanding of the crosstalk between cytokine action and tumour biology. In this review, the knowledge of eNAMPT in cancer will be discussed, focusing on its immunometabolic function as a metabokine, its secretion, its mechanism of action and possible roles in the cancer micro‐environment.
Effect of glatiramer acetate on short‐term memory impairment induced by lipopolysaccharide in male mice
Authors: Mohammadi Fatemeh , Rahimian Reza , Fakhraei Nahid , Rezayat Seyed Mahdi , Javadi‐Paydar Mehrak , Dehpour Ahmad R. , Afshari Khashayar , Ejtemaei Mehr Shahram 
Published: May 2016

AbstractGlatiramer acetate (GA) demonstrates neuroprotective, neurogenesis, and anti‐inflammatory properties. This study examines the probable protective effect of acute GA on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced memory impairment in male mice and further explores which routes of administration [subcutaneous (s.c.) or intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.)] exert optimum effect. Memory performance was evaluated in two‐trial recognition Y‐maze and passive‐avoidance tasks evaluating special recognition memory and fear memory, respectively. Memory impairment was induced by LPS [100 μg/kg, intraperitoneally (i.p.)], 4 h before training. In Y‐maze, GA (10, 2.5, 0.625, 0.153, and 0.03 mg/kg, s.c.; 250 μg/mouse; i.c.v.) was administered 10 min following LPS, and special memory was assayed in Y‐maze apparatus. In passive avoidance, LPS (100, 250 μg/kg; i.p.) was injected 4 h before receiving foot shock, and GA (10, 2.5; s.c.) or (250 μg/mouse; i.c.v.) was administered 4 h before the shock. Following 24 h, the fear memory was evaluated. Memory impaired significantly following LPS (100, 250 μg/kg; i.p.) in Y‐maze and passive‐avoidance tasks, P < 0.001 and P < 0.05, respectively. The data revealed that GA (250 μg/mouse, i.c.v.) and GA (10, 2.5 mg/kg; s.c.) in Y‐maze reversed memory impairment (LPS 100 μg/kg, i.p.) (P < 0.01). In passive‐avoidance task, GA (2.5, 10 mg/kg; s.c.) reversed LPS‐induced impairment and the mice showed significantly longer latency times during the retention trial (P < 0.01). GA improved memory impairment both centrally and systemically. It improved spatial recognition memory increasing the average time in the novel arm and improved fear memory increasing latency time. GA administration improved memory impairment profoundly through both systemic and central routs.
Factors associated with insulin‐induced weight gain in an Australian type 2 diabetes outpatient clinic
Authors: Yadgar‐Yalda R. , Colman P. G. , Fourlanos S. , Wentworth J. M. 
Published: May 2016

BackgroundInsulin‐induced weight gain is a key concern for people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and their treatment team. This study aimed to document the prevalence of insulin‐induced weight gain and its impact on cardiovascular risk factors in patients attending the Royal Melbourne Hospital diabetes clinic.MethodsClinical and biochemical data were extracted from a prospective clinic database and from the hospital record. These variables were correlated with the percentage weight change 1 year after starting insulin and compared between groups with or without clinically significant weight gain, defined as more than 7% of the baseline bodyweight.ResultsThe population comprised 340 patients (184 male), representing 36% of people with T2D who commenced insulin at our clinic. Their mean ± SD age and duration of diabetes was 63 ± 11 and 13 ± 8 years respectively. The mean (95% CI) change in bodyweight at 1 year was 3.0 (2.5–3.5) kg, but this was not associated with deleterious changes in blood pressure or lipid profile. Weight gain was associated with higher insulin doses, the use of short‐acting insulin and with lower baseline bodyweight. Clinically significant weight gain occurred in 87 patients and was associated with glucose‐lowering regimens that included short‐acting insulin or a thiazolidinedione, whereas regimens that incorporated other oral agents, particularly sulfonylureas, were associated with less weight gain.ConclusionIn this Australian tertiary hospital population with T2D, insulin‐induced weight gain was common but was not associated with deleterious changes in blood pressure or lipids. Treatment regimens that avoid short‐acting insulin but include oral agents other than thiazolidinediones might prevent insulin‐induced weight gain in T2D.
Phenotypic plasticity in oysters (Crassostrea virginica) mediated by chemical signals from predators and injured prey
Authors: Scherer Avery E. , Lunt Jessica , Draper Alex M. , Smee Delbert L. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractPrey organisms reduce predation risk by altering their behavior, morphology, or life history. Avoiding or deterring predators often incurs costs, such as reductions in growth or fecundity. Prey minimize costs by limiting predator avoidance or deterrence to situations that pose significant risk of injury or death, requiring them to gather information regarding the relative threat potential predators pose. Chemical cues are often used for risk evaluation, and we investigated morphological responses of oysters (Crassostrea virginica) to chemical cues from injured conspecifics, from heterospecifics, and from predatory blue crabs (Callinectes sapidus) reared on different diets. Previous studies found newly settled oysters reacted to crab predators by growing heavier, stronger shells, but that adult oysters did not. We exposed oysters at two size classes (newly settled oyster spat and juveniles ~2.0 cm) to predation risk cue treatments including predator or injured prey exudates and to seawater controls. Since both of the size classes tested can be eaten by blue crabs, we hypothesized that both would react to crab exudates by producing heavier, stronger shells. Oyster spat grew heavier shells that required significantly more force to break, an effective measure against predatory crabs, when exposed to chemical exudates from blue crabs as compared to controls. When exposed to chemical cues from injured conspecifics or from injured clams (Mercenaria mercenaria), a sympatric bivalve, shell mass and force were intermediate between predator treatments and controls, indicating that oysters react to injured prey cues but not as strongly as to cues released by predators. Juvenile oysters of ~ 2.0 cm did not significantly alter their shell morphology in any of the treatments. Thus, newly settled oysters can differentiate between predatory threats and adjust their responses accordingly, with the strongest responses being to exudates released by predators, but oysters of 2.0 cm and larger do not react morphologically to predatory threats.
MDA‐5 activation by cytoplasmic double‐stranded RNA impairs endothelial function and aggravates atherosclerosis
Authors: Asdonk Tobias , Steinmetz Martin , Krogmann Alexander , Ströcker Christine , Lahrmann Catharina , Motz Inga , Paul‐Krahe Kathrin , Flender Anna , Schmitz Theresa , Barchet Winfried , Hartmann Gunther , Nickenig Georg , Zimmer Sebastian 
Published: May 2016

AbstractRecent studies have highlighted the relevance of viral nucleic acid immunorecognition by pattern recognition receptors in atherogenesis. Melanoma differentiation associated gene 5 (MDA‐5) belongs to the intracellular retinoic acid inducible gene‐I like receptors and its activation promotes pro‐inflammatory mechanisms. Here, we studied the effect of MDA‐5 stimulation in vascular biology. To gain insights into MDA‐5 dependent effects on endothelial function, cultured human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAEC) were transfected with the synthetic MDA‐5 agonist polyIC (long double‐stranded RNA). Human coronary endothelial cell expressed MDA‐5 and reacted with receptor up‐regulation upon stimulation. Reactive oxygen species formation, apoptosis and the release of pro‐inflammatory cytokines was enhanced, whereas migration was significantly reduced in response to MDA‐5 stimulation. To test these effects in vivo, wild‐type mice were transfected with 32.5 μg polyIC/JetPEI or polyA/JetPEI as control every other day for 7 days. In polyIC‐treated wild‐type mice, endothelium‐dependent vasodilation and re‐endothelialization was significantly impaired, vascular oxidative stress significantly increased and circulating endothelial microparticles and circulating endothelial progenitor cells significantly elevated compared to controls. Importantly, these effects could be abrogated by MDA‐5 deficiency in vivo. Finally, chronic MDA‐5 stimulation in Apolipoprotein E/toll‐like receptor 3 (TLR3) double‐deficient (ApoE−/−/TLR3−/−) mice‐enhanced atherosclerotic plaque formation. This study demonstrates that MDA‐5 stimulation leads to endothelial dysfunction, and has the potential to aggravate atherosclerotic plaque burden in murine atherosclerosis. Thus, the spectrum of relevant innate immune receptors in vascular diseases and atherogenesis might not be restricted to TLRs but also encompasses the group of RLRs including MDA‐5.
Sleep disturbance and enhanced esophageal capsaicin sensitivity in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease
Authors: Yi Chih‐Hsun , Lei Wei‐Yi , Hung Jui‐Sheng , Liu Tso‐Tsai , Orr William C , Chen Chien‐Lin 
Published: May 2016

AbstractBackground and AimEsophageal infusion of capsaicin‐containing red pepper sauce induced heartburn symptoms in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). We aimed to test the hypothesis whether sleep disturbance modulates esophageal sensitivity to capsaicin infusion in patients with GERD.MethodsWe enrolled 40 patients with their sleep quality measured by the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index with > 5 indicating sleep disturbance. Esophageal sensation to capsaicin infusion was documented via measures of lag time to initial heartburn perception, heartburn intensity rating, and sensitivity score by esophageal infusion of capsaicin‐containing red pepper sauce. Objective sleep measures were assessed by ambulatory actigraphy.ResultsWe found 22 patients with sleep disturbance. The patients with sleep disturbance had shorter lag time to initial heartburn perception (P = 0.03) and greater sensory intensity rating (P = 0.02). The sensitivity score for capsaicin infusion was greater in patients with sleep disturbance when compared with those without sleep disturbance (P = 0.04). Actigraphy measures revealed that patients with sleep disturbance also had poor sleep efficiency (P = 0.04), longer average awakening time (P = 0.03), and greater total activity account (P = 0.04). The lag time for perceiving capsaicin infusion was positively correlated with total sleep time (r = 0.43, P = 0.03).ConclusionsWe have shown that GERD patients with sleep disturbance have significantly enhanced heartburn perception to capsaicin infusion as compared with those with normal sleep. Our findings suggest that sleep disturbance is associated with esophageal hypersensitivity to capsaicin infusion in patients with GERD.
Comparing Prognostic Tools for Cancer Screening: Considerations for Clinical Practice and Performance Assessment
Authors: Pollack Craig Evan , Blackford Amanda L. , Schoenborn Nancy L. , Boyd Cynthia M. , Peairs Kimberly S. , DuGoff Eva H. 
Published: May 2016

ObjectivesTo compare the agreement and rates of cancer screening using four prognostic tools that require different types of clinical information.DesignObservational retrospective cohort study.Setting2009 and 2010 waves of the Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey.ParticipantsAdults aged 66–90 with survey and claims data (N = 9,469).MeasurementsAgreement between four indices predicting short‐term (4–5 years) and long‐term (9–10 years) survival; self‐reported breast and prostate cancer screening.ResultsAgreement between the four prognostic tools was high. Pearson correlation coefficients ranged from 0.63 to 0.90 for short‐term survival and 0.68 to 0.94 for long‐term survival. When defining limited short‐term life expectancy as less than 25% chance of surviving 4 or 5 years, all four tools agreed in 96.4% of the sample. All four tools agreed in their placement of participants into limited or not‐limited long‐term life expectancy in 77.1% of participants (<25% chance of surviving 9 or 10 years). Rates of cancer screening were similarly high in individuals with limited long‐term life expectancy regardless of the tool used: greater than 31% for mammographic screening in women and greater than 69% for prostate cancer screening.ConclusionThere is substantial agreement among different prognostic tools for short‐ and long‐term survival in Medicare beneficiaries. The high rates of cancer screening of individuals with limited life expectancy suggest the importance of incorporating tools into clinical decision‐making.
Drug Utilization and Inappropriate Prescribing in Centenarians
Authors: Hazra Nisha C. , Dregan Alex , Jackson Stephen , Gulliford Martin C. 
Published: May 2016

ObjectivesTo use primary care electronic health records (EHRs) to evaluate prescriptions and inappropriate prescribing in men and women at age 100.DesignPopulation‐based cohort study.SettingPrimary care database in the United Kingdom, 1990 to 2013.ParticipantsIndividuals reaching the age of 100 between 1990 and 2013 (N = 11,084; n = 8,982 women, n = 2,102 men).MeasurementsMain drug classes prescribed and potentially inappropriate prescribing according to the 2012 American Geriatrics Society Beers Criteria.ResultsAt the age of 100, 73% of individuals (79% of women, 54% of men) had received one or more prescription drugs, with a median of 7 (interquartile range 0–12) prescription items. The most frequently prescribed drug classes were cardiovascular (53%), central nervous system (CNS) (53%), and gastrointestinal (47%). Overall, 32% of participants (28% of men, 32% of women) who received drug prescriptions may have received one or more potentially inappropriate prescriptions, with temazepam and amitriptyline being the most frequent. CNS prescriptions were potentially inappropriate in 23% of individuals, and anticholinergic prescriptions were potentially inappropriate in 18% of individuals.ConclusionThe majority of centenarians are prescribed one or more drug therapies, and the prescription may be inappropriate for up to one‐third of these individuals. Research using EHRs offers opportunities to understand prescribing trends and improve pharmacological care of the oldest adults.
Do Private Firms Invest Differently than Public Firms? Taking Cues from the Natural Gas Industry
Authors: GILJE ERIK P. , TAILLARD JEROME P. 
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACTWe study how listing status affects investment behavior. Theory offers competing hypotheses on how listing‐related frictions affect investment decisions. We use detailed data on 74,670 individual projects in the U.S. natural gas industry to show that private firms respond less than public firms to changes in investment opportunities. Private firms adjust drilling activity for low capital‐intensity investments. However, they do not increase drilling in response to new capital‐intensive growth opportunities. Instead, they sell these projects to public firms. Our evidence suggests that differences in access to external capital are important in explaining the investment behavior of public and private firms.
Embryonic stem cells markers Oct4 and Nanog correlate with perineural invasion in human salivary gland mucoepidermoid carcinoma
Authors: Destro Rodrigues Maria Fernanda Setúbal , Sedassari Bruno Tavares , Esteves Carina Magalhães , de Andrade Nathália Paiva , Altemani Albina , de Sousa Suzana Cantanhede Orsini Machado , Nunes Fabio Daumas 
Published: May 2016

BackgroundMucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) is the most common salivary gland malignancy and is successfully treated by surgery and radiation. However, some patients have recurrent tumours and in these cases, few treatments options are available. Cancer stem cells (CSC) have been observed and isolated from different solid tumours based on the expression of stem cell markers. These cells are associated with tumour initiation, progression as well as treatment resistance. In this study, the expression of stem cell markers CD44, Bmi1, Oct4 and Nanog was evaluated in non‐neoplastic salivary tissue and in MEC.MethodsTwenty‐eight samples of MEC and their corresponding non‐neoplastic salivary tissue were examined by immunohistochemistry and the stem cell markers expression was correlated with histological and clinical parameters.ResultsCD44 was expressed in the membrane of serous and mucous acini as well as in the ductal cells in normal gland tissue. Bmi1, Oct4 and Nanog were mainly expressed in ductal structures. In MEC, CD44 and Bmi1 showed strong expression in all types of neoplastic cells and both markers revealed intense expression in tumour invasive front. Oct4 and Nanog protein expression was associated with desmoplasia and perineural invasion. Only Oct4 positive tumours were associated with dissociative growth pattern and committed margins.ConclusionThe stem cell markers CD44, Bmi1, Oct4 and Nanog are frequently expressed in MEC in relation to normal salivary gland and Oct4 and Nanog expression may contribute to aggressiveness and worst prognosis in MEC patients.
Evaluation of Crosses Between Two Geographic Populations of Native Chinese and Introduced Thai Spotted Ivory Shell, Babylonia areolata, in Southern China
Authors: Lü Wengang , Ke Caihuan , Fu Jingqiang , You Weiwei , Luo Xuan , Huang Miaoqin , Yu Jinjin , Li Weidong , Shen Minghui 
Published: May 2016

AbstractIn the present study, intraspecific crossing experiments between Chinese (H) and Thai populations (T) of Babylonia areolata were conducted by using a complete diallel design (H, T, TH, and HT). A total of 45 pedigreed families were obtained and cultured under the same environmental conditions. Positive heterosis was observed for many developmental parameters and shell sizes for most stages from juvenile to adult. Hatching and metamorphosis occurred significantly earlier in the hybrid (HT) than in the parent groups and a crossed group (TH). Rate of metamorphosis was also higher in HT than in the other three groups. Heterosis in shell length and body weight of the crossed group (HT) from the nursery and grow‐out stage to harvest time was high and significantly different from the H, T, and TH groups. For mortality rate from juvenile to adult, total and average heterosis of the crossed group (TH) was positive and significantly different from H, T, and HT. The results of the present study show that intraspecies crosses can be a potentially useful way to increase the economic traits for B. areolata and thus provide a promising method for genetic improvement of the species as a new aquaculture stock in southern China.