bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Epidemiologic characteristics of retinal detachment surgery at a specialized unit in Denmark
Authors: Poulsen Christina Doefler , Peto Tunde , Grauslund Jakob , Green Anders 
Published: May 2016

AbstractPurposeTo examine the incidence of retinal detachments and to evaluate patient profiles and surgical characteristics.MethodsRetrospective review of patients operated for primary retinal detachment (RD) and redetachment between 2010 and 2012 at the Department of Ophthalmology, Odense University Hospital, Denmark. We included all RD such as rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD), tractional retinal detachment (TRD) and exudative retinal detachment (ERD).ResultsIn total, 779 RD surgeries were performed: 83.7% (n = 652) primary operations and 16.3% (n = 127) reoperation. For primary operation, pars plana vitrectomy (PPV), scleral buckling and combined operations were performed in 95.1% (n = 620), 4.6% (n = 30) and 0.3% (n = 2) respectively. Over time there was less use of silicone oil and greater use of gas tamponade (p = <0.001), less simultaneous cataract operations (p = <0.001), less use of cryotherapy (p = 0.045) and more use of peeling procedures (p = <0.001) in primary operations. The annual incidence of surgery for primary RD was 22.0 [95% confidence interval (CI) 20.4–23.8] per 100 000 inhabitants aged >15 years. Retinal detachment (RD) was more common in males than females (1.8:1), and mean age at presentation was 61.8 years (standard deviations ± 12.3). The annual incidence for RRD and TRD operation was 20.72 (95% CI 19.11–22.43) and 1.25 (95% CI 0.9–1.7) per 100 000 inhabitants >15 years.ConclusionThis study presents the first overall incidence for RD in Denmark. The highest incidence of RRD was among males aged 60 to 79 years, whereas TRD was among females at same age. Pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) was the preferred surgical technique, and during 2012 all RD patients were treated with PPV, independent of lens status and age.
Three‐year visual outcomes of intravitreal ranibizumab with or without photodynamic therapy for polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy
Authors: Sakai Tsutomu , Okano Kiichiro , Kohno Hideo , Tsuneoka Hiroshi 
Published: May 2016

AbstractPurposeTo compare 3‐year visual outcomes after intravitreal ranibizumab (IVR) monotherapy and combination therapy of photodynamic therapy (PDT) with IVR for polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV).MethodsMedical records for 45 eyes in 45 patients (34 men, 11 women; mean age, 73.8 years old; range, 62–86 years old) with treatment‐naïve PCV were reviewed retrospectively. Of the 45 eyes, 20 were treated with IVR monotherapy and 25 with combination therapy. Mean change in best‐corrected visual acuity, numbers of injections of IVR and length of treatment‐free period from baseline at month 36 were observed. Adverse events were monitored.ResultsThe change in visual acuity after combination therapy was significantly better than that after IVR monotherapy (p = 0.0399). At 36 months, improvement in visual acuity was seen in five eyes (25.0%) in the IVR monotherapy group and 13 eyes (52.0%) in the combination therapy group. The treatment‐free period was significantly longer in the combination therapy group (p = 0.0008). Additional IVR therapy was required significantly more frequently in the IVR monotherapy group (p = 0.0026). Post‐treatment subretinal haemorrhage or retinal pigment epithelium tear occurred only in the IVR monotherapy group, in one eye (5.0%) and one eye (5.0%), respectively.ConclusionInitial therapy consisting of a single session of PDT combined with IVR improves vision in treatment‐naïve PCV. Compared with IVR monotherapy, this combination therapy may be more effective for PCV.
Hydrocortisone use in ventilated extremely preterm infants decreased bronchopulmonary dysplasia with no effects on neurodevelopment after two years
Authors: Renault Anaïs , Patkaï Juliana , Dassieu Gilles , El Ayoubi Mayass , Canouï‐Poitrine Florence , Durrmeyer Xavier 
Published: May 2016

AbstractAimWe assessed the outcomes of ventilated extremely premature infants treated with late postnatal corticosteroids from 2005–2008, according to permissive or restrictive policies in two centres.MethodsThis retrospective study included inborn infants below 27 weeks of gestational age who were ventilator dependent after 14 days. Centre P permitted postnatal corticosteroids but centre R restricted their use. The effects on infants were assessed in hospital and after two years using multivariable analysis.ResultsWe compared 62 infants from centre P, including 92% who received hydrocortisone, and 48 infants from centre R, including 13% who received betamethasone. Infants from both centres had comparable baseline characteristics and perinatal management, but bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) rates were significantly lower in centre P (30% versus 71%, p < 0.001) and this centre was significantly associated with a younger post‐conceptional age at oxygen weaning, with an adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) of 0.45 and an aHR of 0.51at discharge. At two years of corrected age, 18% of centre P infants and 30% of centre R infants showed poor neurodevelopmental outcome (p = 0.18).ConclusionUsing hydrocortisone after 14 days on ventilated extremely preterm infants was associated with decreased BPD, with no apparent effects on neurodevelopment at two years of corrected age.
Adenine‐induced chronic renal failure in rats decreases aortic relaxation rate and alters expression of proteins involved in vascular smooth muscle calcium handling
Authors: Nguy L. , Shubbar E. , Jernås M. , Nookaew I. , Lundgren J. , Olsson B. , Nilsson H. , Guron G. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractAimRats with adenine‐induced chronic renal failure (A‐CRF) develop a reduced rate of relaxation of the thoracic aorta. The aim of this study was to elucidate the mechanisms underlying this abnormality.MethodsMale Sprague Dawley rats received either chow containing adenine or were pair‐fed with normal chow (controls). After 8–14 weeks, arterial function was analysed ex vivo using wire myography and the expression of proteins involved in vascular smooth muscle excitation–contraction coupling in the thoracic aorta was analysed.ResultsThe rate of relaxation following washout of KCl was reduced in A‐CRF rats vs. controls in the thoracic aorta (P < 0.01), abdominal aorta (P < 0.05), and common carotid artery (P < 0.05), but not in the common femoral artery. Relaxation rates of thoracic aortas increased (P < 0.01), but were not normalized, in response to washout of KCl with Ca2+‐free buffer. Microarray and qRT‐PCR analyses of genes involved in excitation–contraction coupling identified 10 genes, which showed significantly altered expression in A‐CRF thoracic aortas. At the protein level, the α2 subunit of the Na,K‐ATPase (P < 0.001) and SERCA2 (P < 0.05) was significantly downregulated, whereas stromal interaction molecule 1 and calsequestrin‐1 and calsequestrin‐2 were significantly upregulated (P < 0.05).ConclusionsRats with A‐CRF show a marked alteration in relaxation of larger conduit arteries localized proximal to the common femoral artery. This abnormality may be caused by reduced cytosolic Ca2+ clearance in vascular smooth muscle cells secondary to dysregulation of proteins crucially involved in this process.
Short‐term dynamics of submerged aquatic vegetation diversity and abundance in deep lakes
Authors: Bolpagni Rossano , Laini Alex , Azzella Mattia M. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractQuestionWhat are the short‐term trends of submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) in deep lakes? Is it possible to measure significant changes in SAV distribution in deep lakes characterized by different trophic states and stable water physico‐chemical conditions using standard procedures over a 3‐yr period (2010–2013), as defined by the Water Framework Directive?LocationWe collected data from four deep lakes belonging to the Italian volcanic lake system (central Italy), which is one of the most important reserves of freshwater in Mediterranean Italy as well as one of the main hotspots of stonewort diversity in the Mediterranean area.MethodsMacrophytes were sampled along five transects in each lake in 2010 and 2013. Data on aquatic plant diversity, composition and abundance were collected from each 1‐m depth intervals down to the maximum colonization depth. Simultaneously, the water quality and climate were assessed by standard procedures. Data were analysed with PCA, ANOVA, PROTEST and rank abundance curves.ResultsThe sampling revealed a significant rearrangement of SAV. Increased species diversity in the first meters of depth (0–5 m) was due to the migration of mid‐depth species to lower depths. A reduction in the maximum growing depth of macrophytes was observed within the deepest stonewort communities (below 5 m). No significant changes emerged in water quality or climate.ConclusionsOver 3 yr, SAV displayed significant changes that appear to be independent of summer nutrient conditions and climate drivers. In particular, vascular and stonewort species underwent a distinct spatial rearrangement according to specific behaviours. The present data point to the need for more rigorous analyses of the intra‐annual dynamics of macrophytes in deep lakes. An influence of the significant increase in spring precipitation (which is in keeping with local climate variability) recorded in central Italy in the last decade cannot be ruled out a priori, nor can the possibility of stochastic fluctuations be excluded. All these considerations further highlight the critical role of aquatic plants as bioindicators.
Hippocampal subfield volumes in short‐ and long‐term lithium‐treated patients with bipolar I disorder
Authors: Simonetti Alessio , Sani Gabriele , Dacquino Claudia , Piras Fabrizio , De Rossi Pietro , Caltagirone Carlo , Coryell William , Spalletta Gianfranco 
Published: May 2016

ObjectivesPatients diagnosed with bipolar disorder (BP) may experience hippocampal atrophy. Lithium exposure has been associated with increased hippocampal volumes. However, its effects on hippocampal subfields remain to be clarified.MethodsWe investigated the effects of short‐ and long‐term lithium exposure on the hippocampus and its subfields in patients affected by bipolar I disorder (BP‐I). Hippocampal subfields and total hippocampal volumes were measured in 60 subjects divided into four groups: 15 patients with BP‐I who were never exposed to lithium [no‐exposure group (NE)], 15 patients with BP‐I exposed to lithium for < 24 months [short‐exposure group (SE)], 15 patients with BP‐I exposed to lithium for > 24 months [long‐exposure group (LE)], and 15 healthy control subjects (HC).ResultsThe SE and NE groups showed smaller total hippocampal volumes and smaller bilateral cornu ammonis CA2‐3, CA4‐dentate gyrus (DG), presubiculum, and subiculum volumes compared with HC. The LE group showed larger total hippocampal volumes and bilateral CA2‐3, left CA4‐DG, left presubiculum, and right subiculum volumes compared with the NE group, and larger volumes of the right CA2‐3, left CA4‐DG, left presubiculum, and right subiculum compared with the SE group. No differences were found between the LE group and HC or between the SE and NE groups.ConclusionsLong‐term, but not short‐term, exposure to lithium treatment may exert neuroprotective effects on specific hippocampal subfields linked to disease progression.
Essential features of serious games design in higher education: Linking learning attributes to game mechanics
Authors: Lameras Petros , Arnab Sylvester , Dunwell Ian , Stewart Craig , Clarke Samantha , Petridis Panagiotis 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThis paper consolidates evidence and material from a range of specialist and disciplinary fields to provide an evidence‐based review and synthesis on the design and use of serious games in higher education. Search terms identified 165 papers reporting conceptual and empirical evidence on how learning attributes and game mechanics may be planned, designed and implemented by university teachers interested in using games, which are integrated into lesson plans and orchestrated as part of a learning sequence at any scale. The findings outline the potential of classifying the links between learning attributes and game mechanics as a means to scaffold teachers’ understanding of how to perpetuate learning in optimal ways while enhancing the in‐game learning experience. The findings of this paper provide a foundation for describing methods, frames and discourse around experiences of design and use of serious games, linked to methodological limitations and recommendations for further research in this area.
Potential treatment mechanisms in a mindfulness‐based intervention for people with progressive multiple sclerosis
Authors: Bogosian Angeliki , Hughes Alicia , Norton Sam , Silber Eli , Moss‐Morris Rona 
Published: May 2016

ObjectivesTo explore putative mediators of a mindfulness‐based intervention to decrease distress in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) and to explore the patients’ perspectives on this intervention.DesignWe used an explanatory mixed methods design incorporating quantitative data from a pilot randomized control trial and a qualitative interview study with people who completed the mindfulness intervention.MethodsPeople with MS (n = 40) completed standardized measures of distress (outcome), and acceptance, decentring, self‐compassion, and self‐efficacy (potential mediators). Semi‐structured interviews (n = 15) of patients’ experiences of the mindfulness intervention were analysed deductively and inductively.ResultsDecentring post‐intervention explained 13% of the 3‐month change in distress and between 27% and 31% of concurrent changes in distress. Acceptance changed only slightly, and as a result, the indirect effect accounts for only 2% of future distress and between 3% and 11% of concurrent distress. Qualitative data showed that acceptance and self‐compassion needed more time to develop, whereas decentring could be implemented readily after being introduced in the sessions. Self‐efficacy also had a large mediating effect. Participants in their interviews talked about group dynamics and prior expectations as essential elements that determine their engagement with the course and their level of satisfaction.ConclusionsMindfulness interventions for people with a chronic progressive condition may benefit from focusing on helping them to accept daily challenges and teach them to recognize their thoughts and feelings, allowing time for acceptance and self‐compassion to develop. Group dynamics also play a fundamental role in the success of the mindfulness interventions.
Statement of Contribution

What is already known on this subject?

Mindfulness courses improve psychological well‐being for people with chronic conditions.

Mindfulness courses have been successful in improving psychological well‐being and symptom management for people with multiple sclerosis but we do not know how these courses work.

What does this study add?

Decentering and self‐efficacy appear to be key mechanisms leading to reduced distress.

Acceptance and self‐compassion may need more time and practice to develop.

Group dynamics and expectations of the mindfulness courses were also important elements of mindfulness.
Pharmacological profile of Ascaris suum ACR‐16, a new homomeric nicotinic acetylcholine receptor widely distributed in Ascaris tissues
Authors: Abongwa Melanie , Buxton Samuel K , Courtot Elise , Charvet Claude L , Neveu Cédric , McCoy Ciaran J , Verma Saurabh , Robertson Alan P , Martin Richard J 
Published: May 2016

SummaryBackground and PurposeControl of nematode parasite infections relies largely on anthelmintic drugs, several of which act on nicotinic ACh receptors (nAChRs), and there are concerns about the development of resistance. There is an urgent need for development of new compounds to overcome resistance and novel anthelmintic drug targets. We describe the functional expression and pharmacological characterization of a homomeric nAChR, ACR‐16, from a nematode parasite.Experimental ApproachUsing RT‐PCR, molecular cloning and two‐electrode voltage clamp electrophysiology, we localized acr‐16 mRNA in Ascaris suum (Asu) and then cloned and expressed acr‐16 cRNA in Xenopus oocytes. Sensitivity of these receptors to cholinergic anthelmintics and a range of nicotinic agonists was tested.Key ResultsAmino acid sequence comparison with vertebrate nAChR subunits revealed ACR‐16 to be most closely related to α7 receptors, but with some striking distinctions. acr‐16 mRNA was recovered from Asu somatic muscle, pharynx, ovijector, head and intestine. In electrophysiological experiments, the existing cholinergic anthelmintic agonists (morantel, levamisole, methyridine, thenium, bephenium, tribendimidine and pyrantel) did not activate Asu‐ACR‐16 (except for a small response to oxantel). Other nAChR agonists: nicotine, ACh, cytisine, 3‐bromocytisine and epibatidine, produced robust current responses which desensitized at a rate varying with the agonists. Unlike α7, Asu‐ACR‐16 was insensitive to α‐bungarotoxin and did not respond to genistein or other α7 positive allosteric modulators. Asu‐ACR‐16 had lower calcium permeability than α7 receptors.Conclusions and ImplicationsWe suggest that ACR‐16 has diverse tissue‐dependent functions in nematode parasites and is a suitable drug target for development of novel anthelmintic compounds.
Radiographic Evaluation of Maxillary Sinus Lateral Wall and Posterior Superior Alveolar Artery Anatomy: A Cone‐Beam Computed Tomographic Study
Authors: Danesh‐Sani Seyed Amir , Movahed Ali , ElChaar Edgard S. , Chong Chan King , Amintavakoli Niloufar 
Published: May 2016

AbstractObjectiveThe purpose of the current study is to assess the thickness of the maxillary sinus lateral wall in dentate and edentulous patients using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). This study also provides information about the diameter, prevalence, and course of the posterior superior alveolar artery (PSAA), and its relation to the maxillary sinus floor.Materials and MethodsFour hundred and thirty CBCT scans of the maxillofacial complex (860 maxillary sinuses) were reviewed. Measurements of the lateral wall of the maxillary sinus and PSAA were performed on the CBCT images.ResultsStatistical analysis showed that dental status (edentulous, non‐edentulous) of the patients had no significant effect on the lateral wall thickness. The mean thickness of the lateral wall of the maxillary sinus was 1.21 ± 1.07 mm at the second molar (M2), 1.98 ± 1.87 mm at the first molar (M1), 2.02 ± 1.53 mm at the second premolar (P2) and 2.16 ± 1.25 mm at the first premolar (P1). There was statistically significant difference between the left and right sides of the maxillary sinus only at P2 (p =.043). Detection rate of the PSAA on CBCT was reported as 60.58%. The mean diameter of the artery was 1.17 mm (range 0.4–2.8 mm). There was no significant correlation between age and the size of the PSAA. The most frequent path of the PSAA was intraosseous (69.6%), followed by intrasinusal (24.3%) and superficial (6.1%). The overall mean distance of the PSAA from the floor of the maxillary sinus is 8.16 mm.ConclusionsThe results from this study suggest that using CBCT prior to the surgery provides valuable diagnostic information. However, undetected intraosseous canal in CBCT does not exclude its existence. Alteration in the lateral window design and the use of piezoelectric instruments are recommended if intraoperative complications are expected.
“Peri‐Implantitis”: A Complication of a Foreign Body or a Man‐Made “Disease”. Facts and Fiction
Authors: Albrektsson Tomas , Canullo Luigi , Cochran David , De Bruyn Hugo 
Published: May 2016

AbstractBackgroundThe discrepancy between some scientific views and the daily clinical experience with dental implants has made the topic of “periimplantitis” highly controversial, especially the discussion whether “periimplantitis” should even be considered a “disease” or whether marginal bone loss instead would represent a complication of having a foreign body placed in the oral cavity.PurposeThe aim of the present paper was to present the outcomes from a consensus meeting on “peri‐implantitis” in Rome, Italy (January 8–10, 2016).Materials and MethodsSeventeen clinical scientists were invited to, based on prepared reviews of the literature, discuss topics related to “periimplantitis.”Results and conclusionsOral implants may lose bone or even display clinical failure. However, progressive bone loss threatening implant survival is rare and limited to a percent or two of all implants followed up over 10 years or more, provided that controlled implant systems are being used by properly trained clinicians. There is very little evidence pointing to implants suffering from a defined disease entity entitled “peri‐implantitis.” Marginal bone loss around implants is in the great majority of cases associated with immune‐osteolytic reactions. Complicating factors include patient genetic disorders, patient smoking, cement or impression material remnants in the peri‐implant sulcus, bacterial contamination of the implant components and technical issues such as loose screws, mobile components or fractured materials. These reactions combine to result in cellular responses with the end result being a shift in the delicate balance between the osteoblast and the osteoclast resulting in bone resorption. However, the great majority of controlled implants display a foreign body equilibrium resulting in very high survival rates of the implants over long term of follow‐up.
A case of sarcoidosis with pleural involvement
Authors: Sunnetcioglu Aysel , Sertogullarindan Bunyamin , Batur Abdussamet , Bayram Irfan 
Published: May 2016

AbstractSarcoidosis is a chronic, multisystem inflammatory disorder of unknown etiology that is characterized by noncaseating granulomas. Although lung involvement is common in sarcoidosis, pleural involvement is rare. Pleural involvement may manifest as a pleural effusion, pneumothorax, pleural thickening and nodules, hydropneumothorax, hemothorax, or chylothorax. Here, we describe a case of sarcoidosis with pleural nodular thickening.
The effect of pulmonary rehabilitation on COPD exacerbation frequency per year
Authors: Sahin Hulya , Varol Yelda , Naz Ilknur , Aksel Nimet , Tuksavul Fevziye , Ozsoz Ayse 
Published: May 2016

AbstractObjectiveWe aimed to investigate the effect of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) on the number of exacerbations in chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD) patients.MethodsThe study included 82 patients referred to our hospital's PR Unit between June 2013 and June 2014. Patients were divided into two groups, including those with low exacerbation risk (low number of exacerbations) (Groups A + B) and those experiencing frequent exacerbations (Groups C+ D) according to the combined COPD assessment.ResultsPatients were included in a PR program that consisted of 16 sessions in total, held twice a week over a period of 2 months. After one year, patients were called to find out about their COPD exacerbation frequency. Groups presented similar characteristics in terms of age, BMI and smoking duration prior to the PR program (P > .05). The frequent exacerbators had lower scores in exercise capacity, arterial oxygenation, health‐related quality of life and anxiety (P < .05). However, both groups exhibited significantly improved scores in the perceived dyspnea, FEV1 percentage, arterial oxygenation, exercise capacity, quality of life and anxiety after pulmonary rehabilitation (P < .05). The number of post‐PR emergency referrals and hospitalization (P < .0001, P = .04), and depression score decreased significantly among the frequent exacerbators. Group 1 presented insignificant changes in the number of emergency referrals and hospitalizations (P < .05).ConclusionNotwithstanding disease severity, PR treatment is reported to have positive effects on COPD patients in terms of perceived dyspnea, exercise capacity, arterial oxygenation, quality of life, anxiety and depression. This study found reduced number of emergency referrals and hospitalization among COPD patients with frequent exacerbations after PR.