bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the new rebound tonometer with Goldmann applanation tonometer in a clinical setting
Authors: Kim Kyoung Nam , Jeoung Jin Wook , Park Ki Ho , Yang Min Kyu , Kim Dong Myung 
Published: March 2013

Abstract.Purpose:  To evaluate the clinical usefulness of a new rebound tonometer, Icare® PRO (Icare PRO), by comparison with Goldmann applanation tonometry (GAT) in a study on patients with glaucoma.Methods:  One hundred and seventy‐two eyes of 86 subjects were enrolled in this study. All of the subjects were examined with an autorefractometer, Icare PRO, slit‐lamp biomicroscope, GAT, ultrasound A‐scan and pachymeter. Three intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements were obtained by Icare PRO and GAT. The intraobserver reliabilities were established by calculating the intraclass correlation coefficients. The Bland–Altman plot was used to compare the Icare PRO and GAT.Results:  There was a good correlation between the IOP measurement by GAT and that by Icare PRO (r = 0.6995, p < 0.001). The intraclass correlation coefficients of Icare PRO and GAT were 0.778 and 0.955, respectively. The IOP differences between Icare PRO and GAT (mean: 1.92 mmHg; SD: 3.29 mmHg; 95% limit of agreement: −4.52 to 8.37 mmHg) did not vary over the wide range of central corneal thickness (p = 0.498), age (p = 0.248), axial length (p = 0.277) or spherical equivalent (p = 0.075).Conclusions:  Although IOP with Icare PRO was higher than that with GAT, especially at lower GAT IOP value, Icare PRO was found to be a reliable method and showed a good correlation with GAT. The IOP difference between Icare PRO and GAT was not affected by the central corneal thickness, age, axial length or spherical equivalent. Icare PRO can be expected not only to be a good screening tool but also to be a good substitute for GAT.
A time‐to‐event model for acute rejections in paediatric renal transplant recipients treated with ciclosporin A
Authors: Frobel Anne‐Kristina , Karlsson Mats O. , Backman Janne T. , Hoppu Kalle , Qvist Erik , Seikku Paula , Jalanko Hannu , Holmberg Christer , Keizer Ron J. , Fanta Samuel , Jönsson Siv 
Published: March 2013

AimsCiclosporin A (CsA) dosing in immunosuppression after paediatric kidney transplantation remains challenging, and appropriate target CsA exposures (AUCs) are controversial. This study aimed to develop a time‐to‐first‐acute rejection (AR) model and to explore predictive factors for therapy outcome.MethodsPatient records at the Children's Hospital in Helsinki, Finland, were analysed. A parametric survival model in NONMEM was used to describe the time to first AR. The influences of AUC and other covariates were explored using stepwise covariate modelling, bootstrap‐stepwise covariate modelling and cross‐validated stepwise covariate modelling. The clinical relevance of the effects was assessed with the time at which 90% of the patients were AR free (t90).ResultsData from 87 patients (0.7–19.8 years old, 54 experiencing an AR) were analysed. The baseline hazard was described with a function changing in steps over time. No statistically significant covariate effects were identified, a finding substantiated by all methods used. Thus, within the observed AUC range (90% interval 1.13–8.40 h mg l−1), a rise in AUC was not found to increase protection from AR. Dialysis time, sex and baseline weight were potential covariates, but the predicted clinical relevance of their effects was low. For the strongest covariate, dialysis time, median t90 was 5.8 days (90% confidence interval 5.1–6.8) for long dialysis times (90th percentile) and 7.4 days (6.4–11.7) for short dialysis times (10th percentile).ConclusionsA survival model with discrete time‐varying hazards described the data. Within the observed range, AUC was not identified as a covariate. This feedback on clinical practice may help to avoid unnecessarily high CsA dosing in children.
CEBPA double‐mutated acute myeloid leukaemia harbours concomitant molecular mutations in 76·8% of cases with TET2 and GATA2 alterations impacting prognosis
Authors: Grossmann Vera , Haferlach Claudia , Nadarajah Niroshan , Fasan Annette , Weissmann Sandra , Roller Andreas , Eder Christiane , Stopp Elisa , Kern Wolfgang , Haferlach Torsten , Kohlmann Alexander , Schnittger Susanne 
Published: March 2013

SummaryAcute myeloid leukaemia (AML) with CEBPA mutations is listed as a provisional entity in the current World Health Organization classification. A difference in clinical outcome between single‐ (sm) and double‐mutated (dm) cases has been reported, whereupon CEBPAdm cases were shown to be associated with better overall survival (OS). The occurrence and prognostic impact of concomitant molecular mutations in addition to CEBPAdm has not been assessed until now with exception of GATA2 mutations. Here, we investigated a cohort of 95 AML CEBPAdm cases for concomitant mutations. TET2 was found to be most frequently mutated (34·0%) gene, followed by GATA2 (21·0%), WT1 (13·7%), DNMT3A (9·6%), ASXL1 (9·5%), NRAS (8·4%), KRAS (3·2%), IDH1/2 (6·3%), FLT3‐internal tandem duplication (6·3%), FLT3‐tyrosine kinase domain (2·1%), NPM1 (2·1%), and RUNX1 (1/94). Patients harbouring additional mutations in the TET2 gene showed significantly worse OS than TET2 wild‐type cases (P = 0·035), whereas GATA2‐mutated patients showed improved OS (P = 0·032). Serial analyses were performed for 39 CEBPAdm cases with concomitant mutations. Here, we observed that CEBPA mutations present the primary pathogenetic event in the majority of cases (76·9%). Further, a distinct gene expression profile (GEP) was confirmed for CEBPAdm versus CEBPAsm or CEBPA wild‐type cases while no significant changes in GEP were observed related to additional mutations within the CEBPAdm AML.
Real‐Time Defocus Rendering With Level of Detail and Sub‐Sample Blur
Authors: Jeong Yuna , Kim Kangtae , Lee Sungkil 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThis paper presents a GPU‐based rendering algorithm for real‐time defocus blur effects, which significantly improves the accumulation buffering. The algorithm combines three distinctive techniques: (1) adaptive discrete geometric level of detail (LOD), made popping‐free by blending visibility samples across the two adjacent geometric levels; (2) adaptive visibility/shading sampling via sample reuse; (3) visibility supersampling via height‐field ray casting. All the three techniques are seamlessly integrated to lower the rendering cost of smooth defocus blur with high visibility sampling rates, while maintaining most of the quality of brute‐force accumulation buffering.
Cluster of Bacteria Associated with Peri‐Implantitis
Authors: Persson G. Rutger , Renvert Stefan 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackgroundInformation on the microbiota in peri‐implantitis is limited. We hypothesized that neither gender nor a history of periodontitis/smoking or the microbiota at implants differ by implant status.Materials and MethodsBaseline microbiological samples collected at one implant in each of 166 participants with peri‐implantitis and from 47 individuals with a healthy implant were collected and analyzed by DNA–DNA checkerboard hybridization (78 species). Clinical and radiographic data defined implant status.ResultsNineteen bacterial species were found at higher counts from implants with peri‐implantitis including Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Campylobacter gracilis, Campylobacter rectus, Campylobacter showae, Helicobacter pylori, Haemophilus influenzae, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus anaerobius, Streptococcus intermedius, Streptococcus mitis, Tannerella forsythia, Treponema denticola, and Treponema socranskii (p < .001). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis identified T. forsythia, P. gingivalis, T. socranskii, Staph. aureus, Staph. anaerobius, Strep. intermedius, and Strep. mitis in peri‐implantitis comprising 30% of the total microbiota. When adjusted for gender (not significant [NS]), smoking status (NS), older age (p = .003), periodontitis history (p < .01), and T. forsythia (likelihood ratio 3.6, 95% confidence interval 1.4, 9.1, p = .007) were associated with peri‐implantitis.ConclusionA cluster of bacteria including T. forsythia and Staph. aureus are associated with peri‐implantitis.
Exercise Training Lowers the Enhanced Tonically Active Glutamatergic Input to the Rostral Ventrolateral Medulla in Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Zha Yan‐Ping , Wang Yang‐Kai , Deng Yu , Zhang Ru‐Wen , Tan Xing , Yuan Wen‐Jun , Deng Xiao‐Ming , Wang Wei‐Zhong 
Published: March 2013

SummaryAimsIt is well known that low‐intensity exercise training (ExT) is beneficial to cardiovascular dysfunction in hypertension. The tonically active glutamatergic input to the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM), a key region for control of blood pressure and sympathetic tone, has been demonstrated to be increased in hypertensive rats. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of ExT on the increased glutamatergic input to the RVLM in spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR).MethodsNormotensive rats Wistar‐Kyoto (WKY) and SHR were treadmill trained or remained sedentary (Sed) for 12 weeks and classed into four groups (WKY‐Sed, WKY‐ExT, SHR‐Sed, and SHR‐ExT). The release of glutamate in the RVLM and its contribution to cardiovascular activity were determined in WKY and SHR after treatment of ExT.ResultsBlood pressure and sympathetic tone were significantly reduced in SHR after treatment with ExT. Bilateral microinjection of the glutamate receptor antagonist kynurenic acid (2.7 nmol in 100 nL) into the RVLM significantly decreased resting blood pressure, heart rate, and renal sympathetic nerve activity in SHR‐Sed but not in WKY groups (WKY‐Sed and WKY‐ExT). However, the degree of reduction in these cardiovascular parameters evoked by KYN was significantly blunted in SHR‐ExT compared with SHR‐Sed group. The concentration of glutamate and the protein expression of vesicular glutamate transporter 2 in the RVLM were significantly increased in SHR‐Sed compared with WKY‐Sed, whereas they were reduced after treatment with ExT.ConclusionOur findings suggest that ExT attenuates the enhancement in the tonically acting glutamatergic input to the RVLM of hypertensive rats, thereby reducing the sympathetic hyperactivity and blood pressure.
Resolvin D1, an Endogenous Lipid Mediator for Inactivation of Inflammation‐Related Signaling Pathways in Microglial Cells, Prevents Lipopolysaccharide‐Induced Inflammatory Responses
Authors: Xu Min‐Xuan , Tan Bing‐Chang , Zhou Wei , Wei Ting , Lai Wei‐Hong , Tan Jing‐Wang , Dong Jia‐Hong 
Published: March 2013

SummaryBackgrounds and aimMicroglial cells as an important part of central nervous system (CNS) have generally believed to play significant role in the process leading to a number of neurodegenerative disorders including Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, prion diseases, multiple sclerosis, HIV‐dementia, and stroke. Although different diseases have quite different pathogenesis, the activation of microglia was shared with all of them. Recently, the resolvin D1 (RvD1) as an endogenous antiinflammatory lipid mediator has been confirmed to be involved in the treatment of inflammation‐related neuronal injury in neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, the inhibition of microglia‐activated inflammation has been considered as a major treatment strategy in neurodegenerative disease therapy. However, the molecular mechanisms of RvD1 in microglial cells remain unknown and still do not be reported.MethodsWe taken murine microglia as the experimental sample, and Western blotting, ELISA, reverse‐transcriptase PCR, real‐time PCR, and electrophoretic mobility shift assay were used to study whether the RvD1 inhibit inflammation of microglial cells. The tumor necrosis factor α (TNF‐α), IL‐1β, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression, nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) activation, and mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways were investigated in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐activated primary microglia.ResultsOur data suggested that RvD1 inhibited the production of LPS‐induced microglia inflammatory mediators and TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and iNOS expression. In addition, according to the study of related signaling pathways, RvD1 attenuated LPS‐induced microglia NF‐κB activation,MAPK phosphorylation, and activator protein‐1 transcriptional activity.ConclusionThis is the first study to demonstrate that RvD1 effects on the reduction of pro‐inflammatory responses in LPS‐induced microglial cells. The mechanisms underlying these effects may include its potent intracellular NF‐κB down‐regulation and subsequent pro‐inflammatory cytokines release in LPS‐activated microglia.
The Role of CB1‐Receptors in the Proconvulsant Effect of Leptin on Penicillin‐Induced Epileptiform Activity in Rats
Authors: Arslan Gokhan , Alici Sabiha Kubra , Ayyildiz Mustafa , Agar Erdal 
Published: March 2013

SummaryAimsPrior studies have demonstrated the involvement of leptin and cannabinoids in food intake and metabolism. However, the interaction between leptin and cannabinoids in epilepsy has not been studied. This study elucidated the relationship between leptin and cannabinoids in penicillin‐induced epileptiform activity in rats.MethodsThe CB1 receptor agonist, arachidonyl‐2‐chloroethylamide (ACEA), at doses of 2.5 and 7.5 μg, the CB1 receptor antagonist, [N‐(piperidine‐1‐yl)‐5‐(4‐iodophenyl)‐1‐(2,4‐dichlorophenyl)‐4‐methyl‐1H‐pyrazole‐3 carboxamide] (AM‐251), at doses of 0.125 and 0.25 μg, and leptin, at the dose of 1 μg, were administered intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.) 30 min after intracortical penicillin (i.c.) application.ResultsLeptin caused proconvulsant activity in all groups. The administration of AM‐251, at a dose of 0.25 μg, increased the frequency of penicillin‐induced epileptiform activity by producing status epilepticus‐like activity, whereas AM‐251, at a dose of 0.125 μg, was not effective when applied alone. ACEA, at a dose of 7.5 μg, decreased the frequency of epileptiform activity. Leptin reversed the anticonvulsant activity of ACEA and enhanced the proconvulsant activity of AM‐251.ConclusionsThis study provides electrophysiological evidence that the proconvulsant activity of leptin is mediated, at least in part, by inhibition of cannabinoids in the experimental model of epilepsy.
Are rectoceles the cause or the result of obstructed defaecation syndrome? A prospective anorectal physiology study
Authors: Hicks C. W. , Weinstein M. , Wakamatsu M. , Pulliam S. , Savitt L. , Bordeianou L. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractAimTo determine the relationship between obstructed defaecation syndrome (ODS) and rectoceles.MethodFrom December 2007 to November 2011, all female patients with ODS were prospectively evaluated with full interview, clinical examination and anorectal physiology testing. The characteristics of patients with and without rectoceles were compared, and logistic regression was utilized to identify factors predictive of patients having a rectocele beyond the introitus.ResultsOf 239 patients with ODS, 90 (mean age: 52.3 ± 1.7 years) had a rectocele. Patients with rectoceles (R+) had a similar prevalence of incomplete emptying compared with patients with no rectocele (R−) (P ≥ 0.21), but only R+ patients reported splinting with defaecation (36.7% vs 0%; P < 0.0001). Anorectal manometry measurements, including mean resting pressure, maximum resting pressure and maximum squeeze pressure, were similar between groups (P ≥ 0.12). There were also no significant differences in rectal compliance (maximum tolerated volume) or rectal sensitivity (volume of first sensation) (P ≥ 0.65). R+ patients had greater difficulty expelling a 60 cm3 balloon (70.1% R+ patients vs 57.5% R− patients; P = 0.05), but the prevalence of pelvic floor dyssynergia, as quantified by nonrelaxation on electromyography (EMG) testing, was similar to that of R− patients (P = 0.49). Logistic regression suggested that only difficulty with balloon expulsion was associated with higher odds of having a rectocele (OR = 3.00; P = 0.002), whereas mean resting pressure, EMG nonrelaxation and symptoms of incomplete emptying were not (P ≥ 0.12).ConclusionRectoceles are not associated with an increased severity of ODS‐type symptoms, anorectal abnormalities or pelvic floor dyssynergia in patients with ODS. This suggests that rectoceles may be the result, rather than the cause, of ODS.
Perineal rectosigmoidectomy: quality of life
Authors: Kim M. , Reibetanz J. , Schlegel N. , Germer C.‐T. , Jayne D. , Isbert C. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractAimFor any surgical treatment of full‐thickness rectal prolapse, little attention has been given to quality of life (QoL). This study prospectively evaluated continence, constipation and QoL after perineal rectosigmoidectomy for full‐thickness rectal prolapse in young and elderly patients in the long term.MethodFrom May 2003 to May 2010, consecutive patients suffering from full‐thickness rectal prolapse and treated with perineal rectosigmoidectomy were prospectively studied. A standardized questionnaire, including the Cleveland Clinic Constipation Score (CCCS), the Cleveland Clinic Incontinence Score (CCIS) and generic [EuroQol five‐dimension (EQ‐5D)] and constipation‐specific [Patient Assessment of Constipation‐Quality of Life (PAC‐QOL)] QoL scores, was administered pre‐ and postoperatively. The Wilcoxon test (for EQ‐5D data) and two‐sample Student's t‐test [for EuroQol visual analogue scale (EQ‐VAS), CCCS, CCIS and PAC‐QOL data) were used for statistical analyses.ResultsFifty‐three patients (47 women), 72.7 (range 30–89) years of age, underwent perineal rectosigmoidectomy. One patient died and one patient needed reoperation. Five full‐thickness recurrences occurred. Thirty‐seven patients completed the follow‐up questionnaire at a median of 49 (range, 6–89) months. Postoperative incontinence and constipation improved significantly (CCIS from 13 ± 7.28 to 8.7 ± 6.96 and CCCS from 8.32 ± 6.96 to 3.49 ± 4.17). Furthermore, QoL, in terms of mobility, usual activity, pain/discomfort and anxiety/depression and subjective state of health, were significantly better at follow‐up (P < 0.001). All dimensions of constipation‐related QoL improved (P < 0.001). The results did not differ significantly between patients under or over 69 years of age.ConclusionPatients' experience improved general and constipation‐related QoL after perineal rectosigmoidectomy, and this was independent of age.
Low‐Temperature Co‐Fired Ceramic Substrates for High‐Performance Strain Gauges
Authors: Brandt Bjoern , Gemeinert Marion , Rabe Torsten , Bolte Jochen 
Published: March 2013

Recent advances in the development of high gauge factor thin films for strain gauges prompt the research on advanced substrate materials. A glass ceramic composite has been developed in consideration of a high coefficient of thermal expansion (9.4 ppm/K) and a low modulus of elasticity (82 GPa) for the application as support material for thin‐film sensors. In the first part, constantan foil strain gauges were fabricated from this material by tape casting, pressure‐assisted sintering, and subsequent lamination of the metal foil on the planar ceramic substrates. The accuracy of the assembled load cells corresponds to accuracy class C6. That qualifies the load cells for the use in automatic packaging units and confirms the applicability of the low‐temperature co‐fired ceramic (LTCC) substrates for fabrication of accurate strain gauges. In the second part, to facilitate the deposition of thin‐film sensor structures to the LTCC substrates, pressure‐assisted sintering step is modified using smooth setters instead of release tapes, which resulted in fabrication of substrates with low average surface roughness of 50 nm. Titanium thin films deposited on these substrates as test coatings exhibited low surface resistances of 850 Ω comparable to thin films on commercial alumina thin‐film substrates with 920 Ω. The presented material design and advances in manufacturing technology are important to promote the development of high‐performance thin‐film strain gauges.
Web‐based distance learning for nurse education: a systematic review
Authors: Du S. , Liu Z. , Liu S. , Yin H. , Xu G. , Zhang H. , Wang A. 
Published: March 2013

BackgroundWeb‐based distance learning is considered a promising approach to replace or supplement conventional nursing instruction. However, no systematic review has been seen to explore the effect of web‐based distance education in nursing.AimTo examine the efficacy of the web‐based distance education for nursing students and employed nurses.MethodsA systematic review of randomized controlled studies was undertaken. Multiple search strategies were performed in PubMed and Embase until July 2012. Two reviewers independently selected trials, conducted quality critical appraisal, and extracted the data from the included studies.ResultsNine randomized controlled trials met inclusion criteria, among which five studies were rated as A quality level, and the other four studies as B quality level. The results showed that web‐based distance learning has produced equivalent or better effects in knowledge acquisition. For nursing skill performance, four studies revealed a positive role for the new teaching mode, and one study showed a negative viewpoint. This review also demonstrated that participants generally accepted web‐based education with high satisfaction rates. Two studies reported a more positive trend for self‐efficacy in performing nursing skills in the experiment group compared with control group. Some negative feedbacks were also expressed.ConclusionWeb‐based education has encouraging effects in improving both participants' knowledge and skills performance, and in enhancing self‐efficacy in performing nursing skills, with a high satisfaction rate expressed by participants. More rigorous experimental studies are advocated.
Role of life cycle assessment in sustainable aquaculture
Authors: Cao Ling , Diana James S. , Keoleian Gregory A. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractAs an alternative food source to wild fisheries, aquaculture shows a great potential to help meet the growing demand for seafood and animal protein. The expansion of aquaculture has been achieved partly by system intensification, which has drawn vast criticisms of aquaculture for its environmental, social and economic sustainability issues. Life cycle assessment (LCA) has become the leading tool for identifying key environmental impacts of seafood production systems. A LCA evaluates the sustainability of diverse aquaculture systems quantitatively from a cradle‐to‐grave perspective. It provides a scientific basis for analysing system improvement and the development of certification and eco‐labelling criteria. Current efforts focus on integrating local ecological and socio‐economic impacts into the LCA framework. A LCA can play an important role in informing decision makers in order to achieve more sustainable seafood production and consumption. This article reviews recent applications of LCA in aquaculture, compares the environmental performance of different aquaculture production systems, explores the potential of including biodiversity issues into LCA analysis and examines the potential of LCA in setting criteria for certification and eco‐labelling.