bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Does cataract surgery reduce the long‐term risk of glaucoma in eyes with pseudoexfoliation syndrome?
Authors: Kristianslund Olav , Østern Atle E. , Råen Marianne , Sandvik Gunhild F. , Drolsum Liv 
Published: January 2016

AbstractPurposeTo compare glaucoma development and intraocular pressure (IOP) in the longer term following phacoemulsification cataract surgery in eyes with and without pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PEX).MethodsFifty‐one patients with PEX were compared with 102 age‐ and gender‐matched controls without PEX. Patients were re‐examined a mean of 76 (SD 5.4) months after cataract surgery, recording IOP, glaucoma diagnosis, glaucoma treatment and LogMAR. Data from the preoperative visit (baseline) and IOP on the first postoperative day were obtained from medical records. A glaucoma parameter was predefined as patients developing glaucoma or needing increased glaucoma treatment during the postoperative time period.ResultsOne new glaucoma case in each group was diagnosed postoperatively, yielding glaucoma incidences of 0.47 cases per 100 person‐years [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.006–2.61] and 0.17 cases per 100 person‐years (CI 0.002–0.95) in the PEX and control groups respectively (p = 0.53). IOP declined by 2.6 (SD 4.0) mmHg in the PEX group (p < 0.001) and 1.9 (SD 3.5) mmHg in the control group (p < 0.001) from baseline to the re‐examination, with a non‐significant group difference (p = 0.310). IOP spike (≥6 mmHg increase) was significantly associated with the glaucoma parameter, both within the PEX (p = 0.034) and the control group (p = 0.044).ConclusionThe number of newly diagnosed glaucoma cases was lower than expected 6–7 years following cataract extraction, especially in the PEX group, which indicates that PEX eyes benefit particularly from cataract surgery in terms of IOP and glaucoma development.
Effect of selective laser trabeculoplasty on corneal biomechanics
Authors: Pillunat Karin R. , Spoerl Eberhard , Terai Naim , Pillunat Lutz E. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractPurposeTo evaluate the effect of selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) on ocular biomechanics as measured with the ocular response analyzer (ORA, AMETEK Inc. and Reichert Inc.).MethodsIn a prospective case series, 52 eyes of 52 patients (aged 66.6 ± 9.6 years) with insufficient intraocular pressure (IOP) control despite maximum tolerated medical therapy underwent SLT (Solo™ SLT, Ellex Inc.) for further IOP reduction. Goldmann‐correlated IOP (IOPg), corneal‐compensated IOP (IOPcc), corneal hysteresis (CH) and the corneal resistance factor (CRF) were measured with the ORA prior to and at least 4 weeks following SLT.ResultsIOPg decreased statistically significantly from 18.0 ± 6.4 to 14.8 ± 3.8 mmHg and IOPcc from 20.2 ± 6.5 to 16.7 ± 3.4 mmHg (p < 0.001). CH increased from 8.53 ± 2.03 to 9.12 ± 1.83 mmHg (p = 0.028) and CRF decreased from 9.58 ± 2.18 to 9.1 ± 2.1 mmHg (p = 0.037), which was statistically significant. Correcting the CH and CRF data for the influence of IOP reduction with a covariance analysis, however, resulted in an unchanged CH (IOPg adjusted: p = 0.318; IOPcc adjusted: p = 0.468) and CRF (IOPg adjusted: p = 0.320; IOPcc adjusted: p = 0.464) after SLT.ConclusionSelective laser trabeculoplasty does not change corneal biomechanical properties as measured with the ORA in already pretreated patients with glaucoma. The measured increase in CH and decrease in CRF can be solely explained by IOP reduction.
Thyroid hormone reduces inflammatory cytokines improving glycaemia control in alloxan‐induced diabetic wistar rats
Authors: Panveloski‐Costa A. C. , Silva Teixeira S. , Ribeiro I. M. R. , Serrano‐Nascimento C. , das Neves R. X. , Favaro R. R. , Seelaender M. , Antunes V. R. , Nunes M. T. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractAimThis study aimed at evaluating whether thyroid hormone treatment could improve glycaemia and insulin response in alloxan‐induced diabetic rats by altering cytokine expression in the skeletal muscle and epididymal white adipose tissue (eWAT) as well as altering inflammatory cell infiltration in eWAT.MethodsDiabetes mellitus (DM) was induced in male Wistar rats by alloxan injection, and a subset of the diabetic rats was treated with T3 (1.5 μg per 100 g body weight) for a 28‐day period (DT3). Cytokines were measured in serum (MILIplex assay kit) as well as in soleus and EDL skeletal muscles and eWAT by Western blotting. Thyroid function was evaluated by morphological, molecular and biochemical parameters. Cardiac function was assessed by measuring heart rate, blood pressure, maximal rate of pressure development (dp/dtmax) and decline (dp/dtmin) as well as the contractility index (CI). Sixty rats were used in the study.ResultsDiabetic rats exhibited decreased thyroid function and increased inflammatory cytokines in serum, soleus muscle and eWAT. T3 treatment decreased glycaemia and improved insulin sensitivity in diabetic animals. These alterations were accompanied by decreased TNF‐alpha and IL‐6 content in soleus muscle and eWAT, and inflammatory cell infiltration in eWAT. T3 treatment did not affect cardiac function of diabetic rats.ConclusionsThe present data provide evidence that T3 treatment reduces glycaemia and improves insulin sensitivity in diabetic rats, and that at least part of this effect could result from its negative modulation of inflammatory cytokine expression.
Emerging role of thyroid hormone metabolites
Authors: Gnocchi D. , Steffensen K. R. , Bruscalupi G. , Parini P. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThyroid hormones (THs) are essential for the regulation of development and metabolism in key organs. THs produce biological effects both by directly affecting gene expression through the interaction with nuclear receptors (genomic effects) and by activating protein kinases and/or ion channels (short‐term effects). Such activations can be either direct, in the case of ion channels, or mediated by membrane or cytoplasmic receptors. Short‐term‐activated signalling pathways often play a role in the regulation of genomic effects. Several TH intermediate metabolites, which were previously considered without biological activity, have now been associated with a broad range of actions, mostly attributable to short‐term effects. Here, we give an overview of the physiological roles and mechanisms of action of THs, focusing on the emerging position that TH metabolites are acquiring as important regulators of physiology and metabolism.
Systematic review with meta‐analysis: the adverse effects of tobacco smoking on the natural history of Crohn's disease
Authors: To N. , Gracie D. J. , Ford A. C. 
Published: January 2016

SummaryBackgroundTobacco smoking is a well‐established risk factor for the development of Crohn's disease, and this may lead to a more complicated disease course. However, recent evidence suggests that many patients with Crohn's disease are unaware of this fact.AimTo perform a systematic review and meta‐analysis of the effects of smoking on disease course in Crohn's disease.MethodsA search of MEDLINE, EMBASE and EMBASE classic was carried out (up to July 2015) to identify observational studies reporting data on smoking and rates of surgery or flares of disease activity in patients with Crohn's disease. Dichotomous data were pooled to obtain odds ratios (ORs) for flares of disease activity or need for surgery, with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).ResultsThe search identified 33 eligible studies. Compared with nonsmokers, smokers had increased odds of flare of disease activity (OR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.21–2.01), flare after surgery (OR, 1.97; 95% CI, 1.36–2.85), need for first surgery (OR, 1.68; 95% CI, 1.33–2.12) and need for second surgery (OR, 2.17; 95% CI, 1.63–2.89). The odds of these outcomes among ex‐smokers diminished upon smoking cessation, with ORs comparable to those among nonsmokers and, in the case of flare or second surgery, significantly lower than smokers.ConclusionsSmokers with Crohn's disease have a more complicated disease course than nonsmokers, and quitting smoking may ameliorate this. Patients should be reminded of the detrimental effects of smoking on the course of their disease, and smoking cessation advice should be provided to reduce disease burden and costs in these patients.
Patients with large‐duct primary sclerosing cholangitis and Crohn's disease have a better outcome than those with ulcerative colitis, or without IBD
Authors: Fevery J. , Van Steenbergen W. , Van Pelt J. , Laleman W. , Hoffman I. , Geboes K. , Vermeire S. , Nevens F. 
Published: January 2016

SummaryBackgroundApproximately 20% of primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) patients with concomitant inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have Crohn's disease (CD).AimTo compare PSC/CD with other PSC patients.MethodsRetrospective study of 240 PSC patients diagnosed between 1975 and 2012 (median follow‐up 12 years). Activity of PSC at diagnosis was assessed by liver biopsy, Mayo risk and ERC scores. Survival without liver transplantation, number of transplantations and liver‐related death were endpoints.ResultsSixty‐three per cent of patients had IBD: 105 UC, 32 CD and 14 IBD unclassified (IBDu). IBD was diagnosed before PSC in 50%. The yearly development of PSC after diagnosing IBD was similar in UC, CD or IBDu.Small‐duct PSC was present in 28% of PSC/CD compared to 3% of PSC/UC. Small‐duct PSC had a markedly better survival than large‐duct PSC: no patient developed cholangiocarcinoma or liver‐related death, but colorectal cancer occurred in three patients. In large‐duct PSC, a more favourable outcome was evident in patients with CD. The liver disease was less progressive: one patient underwent liver transplantation compared to 28% and liver‐related deaths were absent compared to 7% in the other PSC groups.ConclusionsThe prevalence of PSC with concomitant Crohn's disease is relatively rare, but the outcome is more benign than PSC with UC or without IBD. Approximately one‐fourth has small‐duct PSC. In large‐duct PSC/CD, liver disease is less aggressive and the outcome is much better. The outcome of PSC patients with UC resembled that of PSC without IBD.
Consistent functional response of meadow species and communities to land‐use changes across productivity and soil moisture gradients
Authors: Májeková Maria , Janeček Štěpán , Mudrák Ondřej , Horník Jan , Janečková Petra , Bartoš Michael , Fajmon Karel , Jiráská Šárka , Götzenberger Lars , Šmilauer Petr , Lepš Jan , de Bello Francesco 
Published: January 2016

AbstractQuestionsWet meadows have traditionally been managed at low intensity, promoting the co‐existence of a variety of plant species. The remaining fragments of these meadows are now being degraded by either mowing abandonment or by agricultural intensification, such as increased fertilization. We tested the theoretical expectation that certain functional traits can explain vegetation changes along gradients of productivity and soil moisture in response to these land‐use changes.LocationŽelezné hory Mts., Czech Republic, Central Europe.MethodsWe set up a long‐term experiment where we applied a full factorial design of fertilization and abandonment to 17 traditionally mown wet meadows covering a broad range of productivity and soil moisture conditions found within the region. Plant functional traits that cover different aspects of plant ecological strategies – plant height, specific leaf area (SLA), leaf dry matter content (LDMC), seed mass and clonality – were used to explain both species and whole community response to land‐use change. We employed linear mixed effect models to test for the consistency of functional changes across different productivity and soil moisture conditions.ResultsWe found that the functional response of species and whole communities to land‐use change was consistent across meadows differing substantially in their productivity and soil moisture. Specifically, irrespective of the local conditions, both fertilization and abandonment selected for tall species within communities, highlighting the effect of increased competition for light. Traits related to a more exploitative strategy in species (higher SLA, more prominent clonal growth and smaller seeds) were consistently favoured with increased fertilization.ConclusionsWe show that within a given region with a common land‐use history, certain functional traits consistently explain and can help to predict changes in plant communities caused by land‐use change, irrespective of different productivity and soil moisture conditions. Our results demonstrate a simple way to use functional traits in applied nature conservation. We hope this will encourage practitioners to use functional traits to complement existing knowledge on composition and productivity of considered habitats to enhance the planning of management practices. We encourage practitioners to build regional trait databases to actively use trait information for the purpose of habitat management.
Ten‐year updated meta‐analysis of the clinical characteristics of pediatric mania and hypomania
Authors: Van Meter Anna R , Burke Coty , Kowatch Robert A , Findling Robert L , Youngstrom Eric A 
Published: January 2016

ObjectivesThe phenomenology and diagnosis of pediatric bipolar disorder has been controversial. We aimed to update a 2005 meta analysis of the prevalence of manic symptoms in youth, in order to determine whether the picture of pediatric mania has changed as research on pediatric bipolar disorder has grown.MethodsWe conducted literature reviews in PsycINFO and PubMed; studies with the prevalence of manic symptoms in youth were included. Two raters coded each study; kappa was 0.86–1.0.ResultsTwenty studies were meta‐analyzed (N = 2,226 youths). The most common symptoms across bipolar subtypes, using a random‐effects model, were: increased energy 79%, irritability 77%, mood lability 76%, distractibility 74%, goal‐directed activity 72%, euphoric/elated mood 64%, pressured speech 63%, hyperactive 62%, racing thoughts 61%, poor judgment 61%, grandiosity 57%, inappropriate laughter 57%, decreased need for sleep 56%, and flight of ideas 54%. Symptom rates were heterogeneous across samples; potential predictors were explored but no clear patterns were found.ConclusionsDebate continues about the definitions of pediatric bipolar disorder; the results of this meta‐analysis suggest that there is significant heterogeneity of symptom prevalence between studies, and that symptoms vary widely across individuals. Understanding the roots of this heterogeneity could broaden understanding of the complex clinical presentation of pediatric mania, and aid in diagnosis.
Altered Expression of Growth Associated Protein‐43 and Rho Kinase in Human Patients with Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Saal Kim‐Ann , Galter Dagmar , Roeber Sigrun , Bähr Mathias , Tönges Lars , Lingor Paul 
Published: January 2016

AbstractCausative treatment strategies for Parkinson's disease (PD) will have to address multiple underlying pathomechanisms to attenuate neurodegeneration. Additionally, the intrinsic regenerative capacity of the central nervous system is also an important factor contributing to restoration. Extracellular cues can limit sprouting and regrowth of adult neurons, but even aged neurons have a low intrinsic regeneration capacity. Whether this capacity has been lost or if growth inhibitory cues are increased during PD progression has not been resolved yet. In this study, we assessed the regenerative potential in the nigrostriatal system in post‐mortem brain sections of PD patients compared to age‐matched and young controls. Investigation of the expression pattern of the regeneration‐associated protein GAP‐43 suggested a lower regenerative capacity in nigral dopaminergic neurons of PD patients. Furthermore, the increase in protein expression of the growth‐inhibitory protein ROCK2 in astrocytes and a similar trend in microglia, suggests an important role for ROCK2 in glial PD pathology, which is initiated already in normal aging. Considering the role of astro‐ and microglia in PD pathogenesis as well as beneficial effects of ROCK inhibition on neuronal survival and regeneration in neurodegenerative disease models, our data strengthens the importance of the ROCK pathway as a therapeutic target in PD.
Mild Malformation of Cortical Development with Oligodendroglial Hyperplasia in Frontal Lobe Epilepsy: A New Clinico‐Pathological Entity
Authors: Schurr Johannes , Coras Roland , Rössler Karl , Pieper Tom , Kudernatsch Manfred , Holthausen Hans , Winkler Peter , Woermann Friedrich , Bien Christian G. , Polster Tilman , Schulz Reinhard , Kalbhenn Thilo , Urbach Horst , Becker Albert , Grunwald Thomas , Huppertz Hans‐Juergen , Gil‐Nagel Antonio , Toledano Rafael , Feucht Martha , Mühlebner Angelika , Czech Thomas , Blümcke Ingmar 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThe histopathological spectrum of human epileptogenic brain lesions is widespread including common and rare variants of cortical malformations. However, 2–26% of epilepsy surgery specimens are histopathologically classified as nonlesional. We hypothesized that these specimens include also new diagnostic entities, in particular when presurgical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can identify abnormal signal intensities within the anatomical region of seizure onset. In our series of 1381 en bloc resected epilepsy surgery brain specimens, 52 cases could not be histopathologically classified and were considered nonlesional (3.7%). An increase of Olig2‐, and PDGFR‐alpha‐immunoreactive oligodendroglia was observed in white matter and deep cortical layers in 22 of these patients (42%). Increased proliferation activity as well as heterotopic neurons in white matter were additional histopathological hallmarks. All patients suffered from frontal lobe epilepsy (FLE) with a median age of epilepsy onset at 4 years and 16 years at epilepsy surgery. Presurgical MRI suggested focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) in all patients. We suggest to classify this characteristic histopathology pattern as “mild malformation of cortical development with oligodendroglial hyperplasia (MOGHE).” Further insights into pathomechanisms of MOGHE may help to bridge the diagnostic gap in children and young adults with difficult‐to‐treat FLE.
Association of Ant Predators and Edaphic Conditions with Termite Diversity in an Amazonian Rain Forest
Authors: Dambros Cristian S. , Morais José W. , Vasconcellos Alexandre , Souza Jorge L. P. , Franklin Elizabeth , Gotelli Nicholas J. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractPredation is a key determinant of prey community structure, but few studies have measured the effect of multiple predators on a highly diverse prey community. In this study, we asked whether the abundance, species richness, and species composition of a species‐rich assemblage of termites in an Amazonian rain forest is more strongly associated with the density of predatory ants or with measures of vegetation, and soil texture and chemistry. We sampled termite assemblages with standardized hand‐collecting in 30 transects arranged in a 5 km × 6 km grid in aterra firmeAmazonian rain forest. For each transect, we also measured vegetation structure, soil texture, and soil phosphorus, and estimated the density of predatory ants from baits, pitfall traps, and Winkler samples. Seventy‐nine termite species were recorded, and the total density of predatory ants was the strongest single predictor of local termite abundance (r = −0.66) and termite species richness (r = −0.44). In contrast, termite abundance and species richness were not strongly correlated with edaphic conditions (¦r¦ < 0.01), or with the density of non‐predatory ants (rabund = −0.27;rs = −0.06). Termite species composition was correlated with soil phosphorus content (r = 0.79), clay content (r = −0.75), and tree density (r = −0.42). Assemblage patterns were consistent with the hypothesis that ants collectively behaved as generalist predators, reducing total termite abundance, and species richness. There was no evidence that ants behaved as keystone predators, or that any single termite species benefited from the reduction in the abundance of potential competitors.
Nature, cities, people: An exploration of Aboriginal perspectives
Authors: Smith Jenna , Smith Derek , Sioui Miguel 
Published: January 2016

Key MessagesA large body of scholarship focuses on relationships between Aboriginal peoples and the natural environment, but almost no research explores the importance of nature for Aboriginal people living in cities.Interviews with Aboriginal people in Ottawa reveal that nature plays an important role in their lives, that their relationship with nature is conceived of as reciprocal, and that this relationship is practiced in a variety of specific ways.While the city in general is seen as an artificial, human‐created environment, there are certain ways of experiencing nature directly in the urban setting.
Serum deprivation response inhibits breast cancer progression by blocking transforming growth factor‐β signaling
Authors: Tian Yao , Yu Yue , Hou Li‐Kun , Chi Jiang‐Rui , Mao Jie‐Fei , Xia Li , Wang Xin , Wang Ping , Cao Xu‐Chen 
Published: January 2016

Serum deprivation response (SDPR), a key substrate for protein kinase C, play a critical role in inducing membrane curvature and participate in the formation of caveolae. However, the function of SDPR in cancer development and progression is still not clear. Here, we found that SDPR is downregulated in human breast cancer. Overexpression of SDPR suppresses cell proliferation and invasion in MDA‐MB‐231 cells, while depletion of SDPR promotes cell proliferation and invasion in MCF10A cells. Subsequently, SDPR depletion induces epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT)‐like phenotype. Finally, knockdown of SDPR activates transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) signaling by upregulation of TGF‐β1 expression. In conclusion, our results showed that SDPR inhibits breast cancer progression by blocking TGF‐β signaling.Serum deprivation response suppresses cell proliferation and invasion in breast cancer cells. SDPR depletion induces epithelial–mesenchymal transition by activation of TGF‐β signaling.
Antibody‐dependent cellular cytotoxicity toward neuroblastoma enhanced by activated invariant natural killer T cells
Authors: Mise Naoko , Takami Mariko , Suzuki Akane , Kamata Toshiko , Harada Kazuaki , Hishiki Tomoro , Saito Takeshi , Terui Keita , Mitsunaga Tetsuya , Nakata Mitsuyuki , Ikeuchi Takayuki , Nakayama Toshinori , Yoshida Hideo , Motohashi Shinichiro 
Published: January 2016

Anti‐ganglioside GD2 antibodies mainly work through antibody‐dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) and have demonstrated clinical benefit for children with neuroblastoma. However, high‐risk neuroblastoma still has a high recurrence rate. For further improvement in patient outcomes, ways to maximize the cytotoxic effects of anti‐GD2 therapies with minimal toxicity are required. Activated invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells enhance both innate and type I acquired anti‐tumor immunity by producing several kinds of cytokines. In this report, we investigated the feasibility of combination therapy using iNKT cells and an anti‐GD2 antibody. Although some of the expanded iNKT cells expressed natural killer (NK) cell markers, including FcγR, iNKT cells were not directly associated with ADCC. When co‐cultured with activated iNKT cells, granzyme A, granzyme B and interferon gamma (IFNγ) production from NK cells were upregulated, and the cytotoxicity of NK cells treated with anti‐GD2 antibodies was increased. Not only cytokines produced by activated iNKT cells, but also NK‐NKT cell contact or NK cell‐dendritic cell contact contributed to the increase in NK cell cytotoxicity and further IFNγ production by iNKT cells and NK cells. In conclusion, iNKT cell‐based immunotherapy could be an appropriate candidate for anti‐GD2 antibody therapy for neuroblastoma.