bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Photocoagulation of human retinal pigment epithelium in vitro: unravelling the effects on ARPE‐19 by transcriptomics and proteomics
Authors: Tababat‐Khani Poya , de la Torre Carolina , Canals Francesc , Bennet Hedvig , Simo Rafael , Hernandez Cristina , Fex Malin , Agardh Carl‐David , Hansson Ola , Agardh Elisabet 
Published: January 2015

AbstractPurposeDespite the extensive use of retinal photocoagulation for ischaemia and vascular leakage in retinal vascular disease, the molecular mechanisms behind its clinical beneficial effects are still poorly understood. One important target of laser irradiation is the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). In this study, we aimed at identifying the isolated effects of photocoagulation of RPE at both the mRNA and protein expression levels.MethodsHuman ARPE‐19 cells were exposed to photocoagulation. Gene expression and protein expression were compared to untreated cells using microarray and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis. Genes and proteins queried by microarray and mass spectrometry were subjected to the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database pathway analyses.ResultsLaser irradiation resulted in an induction of the cytoprotective heat‐shock protein subfamily Hsp70 as well as in a suppression of the vascular permeability factor carbonic anhydrase 9 (CA9). These expression patterns were evident at both the mRNA and protein levels. KEGG pathway analyses revealed genes and proteins involved in cellular turnover, repair and inflammation.ConclusionsBy characterizing the transcriptional and translational effects of laser coagulation on the RPE cells in culture, we have revealed responses, which might contribute to some of the beneficial effects obtained by photocoagulation for ischaemia and vascular leakage in retinal vascular disease.
New rarebit vision test captures macular deficits hidden to acuity tests
Authors: Winther Christina , Frisén Lars 
Published: January 2015

AbstractPurposeEvaluation of a new personal‐computer‐based vision test aimed for rapid and accurate assessment of macular conditions such as age‐related macular degeneration (AMD).MethodsThe new test depends on segmented digits defined by rarebits, that is, receptive field‐size bright dots briefly presented against a dark background. Digit size was fixed at 40 × 50 min of arc. Digit positions were varied at random within a 4.6 × 3.5‐degree test field. There were no fixation demands. The number of rarebits per digit segment could be varied between 3 (the minimum needed for veridical perception) and 128, in 11 preset steps. The test task was to find the smallest rarebit number required to recognize the test digits. Thirty‐seven patients with various stages of AMD and 25 control subjects participated in the evaluation, which also included a standard acuity test.ResultsAnalysis of receiver operating characteristics indicated significantly better discrimination by the rarebit test. Rarebit numbers >16 appeared to reliably indicate the presence of oedema.ConclusionThe rarebit test appeared well suited for fine grading of vision in AMD. The simple set‐up and the lack of fixation demands made for practicable examinations of short durations. The test is available for free on the Internet.
Adolescents who perceive fewer consequences of risk‐taking choose to switch off games later at night
Authors: Reynolds Chelsea M. , Gradisar Michael , Kar Kellyann , Perry Ashleigh , Wolfe Jasper , Short Michelle A. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractAimTechnology use by adolescents close to bedtime commonly leads to sleep problems, and individual factors predicting those at heightened risk are under studied. We investigated whether risk‐taking perceptions influenced length of adolescent technology use at bedtime and whether being aware of time moderated this association.MethodsWe recruited 16 males and five females, with a mean age of 17.6 years, from school and university populations to assess adolescent technology use and bedtimes. They were assessed for trait risk‐taking using the Cognitive Appraisal of Risky Events questionnaire and had unrestrained access to a video game on two separate nights, counterbalanced for clock present or clock absent conditions. The adolescents’ self‐selected bedtime provided a measure of the level of technology use and was the dependent variable.ResultsAdolescents who perceived fewer negative consequences of risky activities on the Cognitive Appraisal of Risky Events played the video game longer and went to bed later than those who perceived more negative consequences (p = 0.03). There was no influence on bedtimes from perceived benefits of risk‐taking or clock presence.ConclusionAdolescents who perceived fewer negative consequences of risk‐taking were more likely to stay up later using technology, facing a heightened risk of displaced sleep.
Description of a new epibiotic relationship (Suctorian–Copepoda) in NE Atlantic waters: from morphological to phylogenetic analyses
Authors: Gregori Maria , Fernández‐Leborans Gregorio , Roura Álvaro , González Ángel F. , Pascual Santiago 
Published: January 2015

AbstractParaeuchaeta hebes is one of the most important carnivorous copepods in the coastal upwelling system off Galician waters (Ría de Vigo, NE Atlantic). A suctorian epibiont of the genus Pelagacineta was found attached to the surface of these copepods. The abundance and distribution on the copepod surface were analysed, taking into account the sex of the crustacean, revealing some preference for females and also a different attachment point in both sexes. The morphological study allowed us to identify a new species of this Suctoria epibiont as Pelagacineta hebensis. Moreover, the 18S rRNA gene was partially sequenced to inspect the phylogenetic position of Pelagacineta hebensis within the subclass Phyllopharyngea. The maximum‐likelihood (ML) tree obtained was consistent with the morphological and with previous molecular studies and showed that P. hebensis belongs to the order Endogenina, as a sister clade of the few taxa sequenced within this order. Including new genetic data to the Endogenina will allow building new hypothesis about the evolution of the most derived clade of suctorians.
Variations in the hypotarsus morphology of birds and their evolutionary significance
Authors: Mayr Gerald 
Published: January 2015

AbstractCrown group (neornithine birds) exhibit a great variation in the morphology of the hypotarsus, a structure on the proximal end of the tarsometatarsus, which guides the tendons of the flexor muscles of the toes. Hypotarsus morphology is of significance for the identification of fossil taxa, and several extant groups show characteristic patterns that are of phylogenetic interest. So far, however, the diversity of hypotarsus morphologies has been little studied, and there are no comprehensive studies across all neornithine birds. In particular, the identities of the involved canals and sulci remain elusive, and some confusion exists about their correct homologies. In this study, hypotarsus morphologies are for the first time surveyed among all extant birds, and basic patterns are characterized. Instances are identified, in which particular hypotarsus morphologies are correlated with certain locomotion types, inferences are made about possible ancestral morphologies, and some patterns of phylogenetic interest are discussed.
Causes of death in men with localized prostate cancer: a nationwide, population‐based study
Authors: Van Hemelrijck Mieke , Folkvaljon Yasin , Adolfsson Jan , Akre Olof , Holmberg Lars , Garmo Hans , Stattin Pär 
Published: January 2015

ObjectiveTo detail the distribution of causes of death from localized prostate cancer (PCa).Patients and MethodsThe database PCBase Sweden links the Swedish National Prostate Cancer Register with other nationwide population‐based healthcare registers. We selected all 57 187 men diagnosed with localized PCa between 1997 and 2009 and their 114 374 PCa‐free control subjects, matched according to age and county of residence. Mortality was calculated using competing risk regression analyses, taking into account PCa risk category, age and Charlson comorbidity index (CCI).ResultsIn men with low‐risk PCa, all‐cause mortality was lower compared with that in corresponding PCa‐free men: 10‐year all‐cause mortality was 18% for men diagnosed at age 70 years, with a CCI score of 0, and 21% among corresponding control subjects. Of these cases, 31% died from cardiovascular disease (CVD) compared with 37% of the corresponding control subjects. For men with low‐risk PCa, 10‐year PCa‐mortality was 0.4, 1 and 3% when diagnosed at age 50, 60 and 70 years, respectively. PCa was the third most common cause of death (18%), after CVD (31%) and other cancers (30%). By contrast, PCa was the most common cause of death in men with intermediate‐ and high‐risk localized PCa.ConclusionsMen with low‐risk PCa had lower all‐cause mortality than PCa‐free men because of lower CVD mortality, driven by early detection selection; however, for men with intermediate‐ or high‐risk disease, the rate of PCa death was substantial, irrespective of CCI score, and this was even more pronounced for those diagnosed at age 50 or 60 years.
Phenotypical and functional profiles of natural killer cells exhibiting matrix metalloproteinase-mediated CD16 cleavage after anti-HIV antibody-dependent activation
Authors: Tang C-C , Isitman G , Bruneau J , Tremblay C , Bernard N F , Kent S J , Parsons M S 
Published: January 2015

SummaryNatural killer (NK) cell-mediated antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) has been linked to protection from HIV infection and slower progression towards AIDS. However, antibody-dependent activation of NK cells results in phenotypical alterations similar to those observed on NK cells from individuals with progressive HIV infection. Activation of NK cells induces matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-mediated cleavage of cell surface CD16. In the present study we assessed the phenotype and functional profile of NK cells exhibiting post-activation MMP-mediated CD16 cleavage. We found that NK cells achieving the highest levels of activation during stimulation exhibit the most profound decreases in CD16 expression. Further, we observed that educated KIR3DL1+ NK cells from human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-Bw4-carrying donors exhibit larger decreases in CD16 expression post-activation than the KIR3DL1− NK cell subset containing cells educated via other inhibitory receptor/ligand combinations and non-educated NK cells. Lastly, we assessed the ex-vivo expression of CD16 on educated KIR3DL1+ NK cells and the KIR3DL1− NK cell subset from HLA-Bw4-carrying HIV-uninfected and HIV-infected donors. Suggestive of in-vivo activation of KIR3DL1+ NK cells during HIV infection, CD16 expression was higher on KIR3DL1+ than KIR3DL1− NK cells in uninfected donors but similar on both subsets in HIV-infected donors. These results are discussed in the context of how they may assist with understanding HIV disease progression and the design of immunotherapies that utilize antibody-dependent NK cell responses.
Cataract surgery audit at an Australian urban teaching hospital
Authors: Kahawita Shyalle K , Goggin Michael 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBackgroundTo provide local data on visual acuity and surgical outcomes for cataract surgery performed in an Australian teaching hospital.DesignContinuous audit over 7 years in a public teaching hospital.ParticipantsA total of 3740 eyes had cataract surgery performed at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, South Australia, from May 2006 to September 2013.MethodsVisual acuity and complication rates were recorded for cataract surgery cases operated on between May 2006 and September 2013 on a digital database with data entry contemporaneous with final follow‐up.Main Outcome MeasuresVisual acuity and surgical complications.ResultsOf the patients, 91.4% achieved postoperative best‐measured vision better than preoperative best‐measured vision. The rate of posterior capsular tear was 2.59%, endophthalmitis was 0.11% and the overall complication rate was 11.7%.ConclusionsThis audit is the first to document modern cataract surgery, overwhelmingly dominated by phacoemulsification in an Australian population and can be used to benchmark cataract surgery outcome in an urban Australian population.
The 5‐year outcome of patients having incomplete colonoscopy
Authors: Britton E. J. , Sidhu S. , Geraghty J. , Psarelli E. , Sarkar S. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractAimIncomplete colonoscopy indicated for the detection of neoplasia occurs in 2−23% of patients, but there is little information on the long‐term outcome of such patients.MethodAll patients who underwent colonoscopy over 5 years at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital with a follow‐up of up to 5 years were identified.ResultsThe risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) was 2.9% (312/10 580) for all patients undergoing colonoscopy. For a failed colonoscopy, the risk was five‐fold higher [14.3% (99/693)]. The mean age of the patients was 61 years and 58% were female. Following incomplete colonoscopy the risk of finding additional CRC, advanced colonic neoplasia and extracolonic neoplasia on subsequent investigation was 6.2%, 3.2% and 1.9%. The diagnostic yield on subsequent investigation for CRC or colonic polyps was 7% for repeat colonoscopy, 13.4% for computed tomography colonography, 10.3% for standard computed tomography and 1.8% for barium enema. In the 363 patients who were not offered a subsequent investigation, there was no further instance of CRC or CRC‐related mortality over a 36‐month period.ConclusionAlthough the risk of CRC is higher in patients who have had a failed colonoscopy, a protocol approach of subsequent investigation should not replace clinical assessment on whether another test is necessary in the light of the good outcome of patients who were not subsequently investigated.
Stress distribution in delayed replanted teeth splinted with different orthodontic wires: a three‐dimensional finite element analysis
Authors: de Souza Fernando Isquierdo , Poi Wilson Roberto , da Silva Vanessa Ferreira , Martini Ana Paula , Melo Regis Alexandre da Cunha , Panzarini Sonia Regina , Rocha Eduardo Passos 
Published: January 2015

AbstractAimThe aim was to evaluate the biomechanical behavior of the supporting bony structures of replanted teeth and the periodontal ligament (PDL) of adjacent teeth when orthodontic wires with different mechanical properties are applied, with three‐dimensional finite element analysis.Materials and methodsBased on tomographic and microtomographic data, a three‐dimensional model of the anterior maxilla with the corresponding teeth (tooth 13–tooth 23) was generated to simulate avulsion and replantation of the tooth 21. The teeth were splinted with orthodontic wire (Ø 0.8 mm) and composite resin. The elastic modulus of the three orthodontic wires used, that is, steel wire (FA), titanium–molybdenum wire (FTM), and nitinol wire (FN) were 200 GPa, 84 GPa, and 52 GPa, respectively. An oblique load (100 N) was applied at an angle of 45° on the incisal edge of the replanted tooth and was analyzed using Ansys Workbench software. The maximum (σmax) and minimum (σmin) principal stresses generated in the PDL, cortical and alveolar bones, and the modified von Mises (σvM) values for the orthodontic wires were obtained.ResultsWith regard to the cortical bone and PDL, the highest σmin and σmax values for FTM, FN, and FA were checked. With regard to the alveolar bone, σmax and σmin values were highest for FA, followed by FTM and FN. The σvM values of the orthodontic wires followed the order of rigidity of the alloys, that is, FA > FTM > FN.ConclusionThe biomechanical behavior of the analyzed structures with regard to all the three patterns of flexibility was similar.
The kinetics of relapse in DEK‐NUP214‐positive acute myeloid leukemia patients
Authors: Ommen Hans B. , Touzart Aurore , MacIntyre Elisabeth , Kern Wolfgang , Haferlach Torsten , Haferlach Claudia , Tobal Khalid , Hokland Peter , Schnittger Susanne 
Published: January 2015

AbstractPreemptive treatment of relapse of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) holds the promise to improve the prognosis of this currently highly lethal condition. Proposed treatment modalities applicable in preemptive cytoreduction (e.g., demethylating agents or standard chemotherapy) differ substantially in interval from administration to antileukemic effect. The t(6;9) balanced translocation, producing the DEK‐NUP214 fusion protein, is seen in only 1% of patients with AML. We hypothesized that in these patients, who relapse with a very high frequency, a more detailed knowledge of leukemic relapse growth kinetics would improve the personalized decision‐making regarding re‐administration of chemotherapy. Based on standardized quantitative PCR data, we therefore delineated the relapse kinetics in a cohort of 27 relapsing DEK‐NUP214‐positive patients treated in four different European countries. The prerelapse leukemic burden increased with a median doubling time of 13 d (range: 5–51 d, median: 0.71 logs/month, range: 0.18–1.91 logs/month), with FLT3‐ITD‐positive patients relapsing significantly faster than FLT3‐ITD‐negative ones (median: 0.9 vs. 0.6 logs/month, Wilcoxon rank sum test, P = 0.041). Peripheral blood and bone marrow were equally useful for minimal residual disease (MRD) detection, and thus, we found that with sampling intervals of 2 months, 94% of relapses would be detected with a median time from MRD detection to hematological relapse of 64 d. In conclusion, this data provide algorithms for handling the rare patients with DEK‐NUP214‐positive AML allowing for planning of both MRD follow‐up and, upon molecular relapse, the timing of cytoreduction or possibly transplant procedures.
Interaction between VWF and FVIII in treating VWD
Authors: Miesbach Wolfgang , Berntorp Erik 
Published: January 2015

AbstractIn patients with von Willebrand disease (VWD), the absence of von Willebrand factor (VWF) antigen leads to the premature loss of endogenous circulating secreted factor VIII (FVIII), thereby resulting in the dual defect in haemostasis. Consequently, correcting the VWF deficiency also acts to correct the associated defect in FVIII activity because exogenous VWF forms complexes with and protects endogenous FVIII. The purpose of this study was to summarise relevant aspects of the interaction between VWF and FVIII and to analyse their effects on VWD treatment. Differences in the VWF/FVIII ratios in coagulation factor concentrates should be considered when treating VWD.
The molecular pathogenesis of the myelodysplastic syndromes
Authors: Pellagatti Andrea , Boultwood Jacqueline 
Published: January 2015

AbstractRecent studies have greatly illuminated the genomic landscape of the myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), and the pace of discovery is accelerating. The most common mutations found in MDS occur in genes involved in RNA splicing (including SF3B1, SRSF2, U2AF1, and ZRSR2) and epigenetic modification (including TET2, ASXL1, and DNMT3A). The identification of spliceosome mutations in approximately half of all patients with MDS implicates abnormalities of RNA splicing, a pathway not previously known as a target for mutation, in the MDS pathogenesis. Several regulators of signal transduction (NRAS, JAK2) and transcription factors (RUNX1, TP53) are also frequently mutated in MDS. The complex patterns of associations between gene mutations identified have revealed epistatic interactions between spliceosome components and epigenetic modifiers in MDS. The cytogenetic abnormalities found in MDS are characterized by the loss of genetic material, whereas translocations are rare. The cytogenetic deletion maps of MDS (e.g., 5q‐, 7q‐, 20q‐) provide us with circumstantial evidence for the presence of tumor suppressor genes. It is now recognized that haploinsufficiency (a gene dosage effect) resulting from gene deletions or inactivating mutations is an important disease mechanism in MDS. Haploinsufficiency of the ribosomal protein gene RPS14 plays a critical role in the development of anemia in the 5q‐ syndrome, and haploinsufficiency of CUX1 is important in some patients with MDS and AML with complete or partial loss of chromosome 7. Gene expression profiling has identified key deregulated genes and pathways and new prognostic gene signatures in MDS. Recent advances in the molecular pathogenesis of MDS are leading to new biological, clinical, and therapeutic insights.
Demographic and functional responses of wild dogs to poison baiting
Authors: Allen Lee R. 
Published: January 2015

SummaryLethal control of wild dogs – that is Dingo (Canis lupus dingo) and Dingo/Dog (Canis lupus familiaris) hybrids – to reduce livestock predation in Australian rangelands is claimed to cause continental‐scale impacts on biodiversity. Although top predator populations may recover numerically after baiting, they are predicted to be functionally different and incapable of fulfilling critical ecological roles. This study reports the impact of baiting programmes on wild dog abundance, age structures and the prey of wild dogs during large‐scale manipulative experiments. Wild dog relative abundance almost always decreased after baiting, but reductions were variable and short‐lived unless the prior baiting programme was particularly effective or there were follow‐up baiting programmes within a few months. However, age structures of wild dogs in baited and nil‐treatment areas were demonstrably different, and prey populations did diverge relative to nil‐treatment areas. Re‐analysed observations of wild dogs preying on kangaroos from a separate study show that successful chases that result in attacks of kangaroos by wild dogs occurred when mean wild dog ages were higher and mean group size was larger. It is likely that the impact of lethal control on wild dog numbers, group sizes and age structures compromise their ability to handle large difficult‐to‐catch prey. Under certain circumstances, these changes sometimes lead to increased calf loss (Bos indicus/B. taurus genotypes) and kangaroo numbers. Rangeland beef producers could consider controlling wild dogs in high‐risk periods when predation is more likely and avoid baiting at other times.