bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Adhesion of the posterior capsule to different intraocular lenses following cataract surgery
Authors: Zhu Xiangjia , He Wenwen , Yang Jin , Hooi Michelle , Dai Jinhui , Lu Yi 
Published: April 2015

AbstractPurposeTo investigate the prevalence and morphologic and clinical features of posterior capsule–optic inadhesion following cataract surgery.MethodsIn this prospective cohort study, we examined 518 consecutive patients who had undergone uneventful phacoemulsification and posterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. They were assigned into five groups based on the type of IOL used: MC X11 ASP, Rayner 920H A, ZCB00, SN60WF and KS‐3Ai. Routine ophthalmic examinations were performed. Patients were followed up at 1 day, 1 week, and 1 and 2 months postsurgery. Anterior segment photography, Scheimpflug imaging and KR‐1W aberrometry were conducted after the patients’ pupils were dilated.ResultsThe overall rate of posterior capsule–optic inadhesion on the first day after surgery was 215/518 (41.5%), and it decreased to 37/518 (7.1%) at 2 months postsurgery. Posterior capsule–optic inadhesion can be morphologically classified into five types with three outcomes, of which gradual absorption of the accumulated fluid predominated for all IOLs. The clinical characteristics of patients with inadhesion varied with IOL type. Notably, visual quality data (Strehl ratios and modulation transfer function) were poorer in patients with posterior capsule–optic inadhesion, especially in those with irregular forms of suspension. Four cases of capsular contraction syndrome were identified among the patients with inadhesion.ConclusionsPosterior capsule–optic inadhesion is a prevalent capsule–IOL interaction following cataract surgery. Although the accumulated fluid is absorbed in the majority of patients, its adverse effects on visual outcomes, especially visual quality in the operated eye(s), must not be underestimated in patients with persistent inadhesion.
Relationships between nicotine and cotinine concentrations in maternal milk and saliva
Authors: Jacob Nelly , Golmard Jean‐Louis , Berlin Ivan 
Published: April 2015

AbstractAimBreastfeeding may be impaired due to nicotine excreted into the milk of smoking mothers. We investigated the relationships between nicotine and cotinine concentrations in maternal milk and saliva among breastfeeding smokers.MethodsThe 41 mothers reported their cigarette consumption between waking up and milk and saliva sampling. The median sampling time took place four days after delivery. Nicotine and cotinine concentrations were determined by liquid chromatography and UV detection, after a single‐step saliva or three‐step milk liquid‐to‐liquid extraction.ResultsThe median (interquartile range) concentrations in milk and saliva were 7 (6–22) and 27 (4–207) μg/L for nicotine and 24 (5–111) and 22 (4–120) μg/L for cotinine, respectively. Milk cotinine was positively associated with saliva cotinine (p < 0.0001) and cigarette consumption (p = 0.039) and inversely associated with the time since the last cigarette (p = 0.0004, model R2 = 0.90). Milk nicotine was associated with saliva nicotine concentration (p = 0.0017) and cigarette consumption (p = 0.0023, model R2 = 0.63).ConclusionSaliva nicotine concentration was not a very good estimate of milk nicotine concentration in breastfeeding mothers. Saliva cotinine concentration may be used instead of milk cotinine concentration to estimate tobacco or nicotine exposure among breastfed neonates or infants.
Systematic review with meta‐analysis: the association between the use of calcium channel blockers and gastrointestinal bleeding
Authors: He Y. , Chan E. W. , Leung W. K. , Anand S. , Wong I. C. K. 
Published: April 2015

SummaryBackgroundDue to their potential anti‐platelet effect, it is suggested that calcium channel blockers (CCBs) are associated with gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB). However, results from previous studies are conflicting.AimTo conduct a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies to clarify the association between CCBs and GIB.MethodsWe conducted a systematic search of PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane library and Trial Register databases up to January 2015. Studies that evaluated exposure to CCBs reporting GIB outcomes were included in the meta‐analysis. The inverse variance method with random effects model was used to calculate the pooled estimates.ResultsSeventeen studies (four RCTs, eleven case–control and two cohort studies) were included in the meta‐analysis. The summary risk ratio (RR) for GIB was 1.17 (95% CI 1.01–1.36) for CCB users vs. non‐users. Subgroup analysis showed that CCB use was associated with a moderately higher risk of lower GIB (RR = 1.83, 95% CI 1.17–2.84) but not upper GIB. However, data from four RCTs did not support association between CCBs and GIB (RR = 0.93, 95% CI 0.82–1.05). Subgroup analyses further showed that the increased risk of GIB among CCB users was only observed in studies that failed to adjust for prior history of GIB (RR = 1.67, 95% CI 1.34–2.08) or use of anti‐ulcer drugs (RR = 1.40, 95% CI 1.19–1.65).ConclusionOur meta‐analysis showed a marginal association between calcium channel blocker use and the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. This association is of dubious clinical significance, as the effects of different comparators or adjustment for confounding factors render this association nonsignificant.
Factors attributable for the prevalence of dental caries in Queensland children
Authors: Do Loc Giang , Ha Diep Hong , Spencer A. John 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBackgroundDental caries is a multifactorial condition, prevention of which requires comprehensive understanding of both contextual and compositional determinants and their population impact.AimsTo investigate contextual and compositional factors associated with the prevalence of dental caries in children and to estimate the population impact of those factors.MethodsChildren in one Australian state were selected through stratified random sampling selection in 2010–2011. Oral epidemiological examinations provided individual‐level outcomes: prevalence of dental caries in the primary (among 5‐ to 8‐year‐olds) and permanent dentitions (9‐ to 14‐year‐olds). Socioeconomic status, oral health behaviours and practices and dietary patterns were explanatory factors at the individual‐level, school‐level and area‐level fluoridation status. Three‐level multilevel multivariable models were sequentially specified for the prevalence of dental caries to estimate prevalence ratios (PR) associated with explanatory factors, adjusting for covariates and between‐ and within‐group variances. Population attributable fraction (PAF) was estimated as the population impact of the statistically significant explanatory factors.ResultsData from 2214 5‐ to 8‐year‐olds and 3186 9‐ to 14‐year‐olds from 207 schools in 16 areas were analysed. The prevalence of dental caries in the primary and the permanent dentitions was 47.1% (43.9–50.4) and 38.8% (36.1–41.6), respectively. The highest prevalence of dental caries was observed in the nonfluoridated areas. In bivariate associations, factors at three levels were associated with prevalence of dental caries. In the full models, children in the nonfluoridated areas had significantly higher prevalence of dental caries [PR for the primary: 1.29 (1.11–1.50); PR for the permanent 1.49 (1.01–2.21)] compared with children in fluoridated areas, controlling for other factors. PAF estimates indicated that lack of water fluoridation attributed to 21% and 31% of primary and permanent dental caries, respectively in this child population.ConclusionA multitude of factors had significant population impact on the prevalence of dental caries in children. Water fluoridation has a significant population impact on dental caries experience in this child population.
Informed consumer or unlucky visitor? A profile of German patients who received dental services abroad
Authors: Panteli Dimitra , Augustin Uta , Röttger Julia , Struckmann Verena , Verheyen Frank , Wagner Caroline , Busse Reinhard 
Published: April 2015

AbstractObjectivesA common characteristic of sending countries in cross‐border dental care is that of high costs and/or high copayments for dental services. This study aims to provide an insight into the characteristics of German patients receiving planned and emergency (unplanned) dental care abroad and their satisfaction with received services.MethodsThe Europabefragung is a postal survey carried out by Techniker Krankenkasse for patients who are treated in EU/EEA countries. This study uses data from the Europabefragung 2012. The survey was sent to 45 189 individuals; descriptive statistics for the subset of respondents who received emergency (unplanned) or planned dental treatment are presented.ResultsThere were 18 339 responses to the questionnaire, out of which 17 543 were deemed valid; 1416 respondents had received emergency (unplanned) (78%) or planned (22%) dental care and were included in the analysis. There were clear differences between unplanned and planned treatments regarding country and type of treatment as well as satisfaction with different aspects of treatment and the need for follow‐up care. Overall, satisfaction with treatment was high for both groups; individuals who had received planned treatment were more satisfied on all aspects of care and reported a need for follow‐up care less frequently.ConclusionsWhile German patients who received both emergency (unplanned) and planned services abroad are mostly satisfied with their experience, some concerns arise with regard to continuity of care. Types of information provided to patients seeking care abroad and dissemination modalities should be carefully planned.
The improved efficacy of a fixed‐dose combination of fluticasone furoate and levocabastine relative to the individual components in the treatment of allergic rhinitis
Authors: Murdoch R. D. , Bareille P. , Ignar D. , Miller S. R. , Gupta A. , Boardley R. , Zieglmayer P. , Zieglmayer R. , Lemel P. , Horak F. 
Published: April 2015

SummaryBackgroundAllergic rhinitis (AR) is a common chronic disease, which has significant detrimental effect on well‐being and quality of life as well as substantial socio‐economic impact. Combination pharmacotherapy is utilized by 40–50% of patients to treat their symptoms.ObjectiveTo compare the effects of intranasal fluticasone furoate (FF)/levocabastine (LEVO) fixed‐dose combination (FDC) with each component alone on allergen‐induced nasal and ocular symptoms.MethodsA randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, three‐way, incomplete block, cross‐over, proof‐of‐concept study in 71 patients with AR, evaluated FF 100 μg, LEVO 200 μg and FDC (FF 100/LEVO 200 μg), once daily via intranasal spray for 8 days. On days 1 and 8, total nasal symptom score (TNSS) and total ocular symptom score (TOSS) were assessed every 15 min during a 4‐h allergen exposure in the Vienna Challenge Chamber. The primary endpoint was Day 8 weighted mean TNSS.ResultsAfter 8 days, FDC resulted in both statistically and clinically significant reductions in mean TNSS compared with FF and LEVO alone [adjusted mean differences (95% CI): FDC vs. FF: −2.26 (−2.90, −1.62); FDC vs. LEVO: −2.57 (−3.21, −1.93)]. All active treatments were significantly superior to placebo [adjusted mean difference (95% CI) from placebo: FDC: −4.1 (−4.86, −3.34); FF: −1.84 (−2.66, −1.03); LEVO: −1.53 (−2.34, −0.72)]. Onset of action was rapid following FDC and LEVO treatment with an approximate two unit reduction in mean TNSS from pre‐dose levels by 30 min and 1 h. Mean TOSS was also reduced following all active treatments relative to placebo (range 0.6–0.8 unit reduction). All treatments were equally well tolerated.Conclusions and Clinical RelevanceThese results suggest that once daily FF/LEVO FDC could provide a clinical therapeutic advantage to existing standard monotherapies in the treatment of moderate‐to‐severe AR, and support progression to evaluation in larger phase III clinical studies.
Muscarinic modulation of TREK currents in mouse sympathetic superior cervical ganglion neurons
Authors: Rivas‐Ramírez P. , Cadaveira‐Mosquera A. , Lamas J. A. , Reboreda A. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractMuscarinic receptors play a key role in the control of neurotransmission in the autonomic ganglia, which has mainly been ascribed to the regulation of potassium M‐currents and voltage‐dependent calcium currents. Muscarinic agonists provoke depolarization of the membrane potential and a reduction in spike frequency adaptation in postganglionic neurons, effects that may be explained by M‐current inhibition. Here, we report the presence of a riluzole‐activated current (IRIL) that flows through the TREK‐2 channels, and that is also inhibited by muscarinic agonists in neurons of the mouse superior cervical ganglion (mSCG). The muscarinic agonist oxotremorine‐M (Oxo‐M) inhibited the IRIL by 50%, an effect that was abolished by pretreatment with atropine or pirenzepine, but was unaffected in the presence of himbacine. Moreover, these antagonists had similar effects on single‐channel TREK‐2 currents. IRIL inhibition was unaffected by pretreatment with pertussis toxin. The protein kinase C blocker bisindolylmaleimide did not have an effect, and neither did the inositol triphosphate antagonist 2‐aminoethoxydiphenylborane. Nevertheless, the IRIL was markedly attenuated by the phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitor ET‐18‐OCH3. Finally, the phosphatidylinositol‐3‐kinase/phosphatidylinositol‐4‐kinase inhibitor wortmannin strongly attenuated the IRIL, whereas blocking phosphatidylinositol 4,5‐bisphosphate (PIP2) depletion consistently prevented IRIL inhibition by Oxo‐M. These results demonstrate that TREK‐2 currents in mSCG neurons are inhibited by muscarinic agonists that activate M1 muscarinic receptors, reducing PIP2 levels via a PLC‐dependent pathway. The similarities between the signaling pathways regulating the IRIL and the M‐current in the same neurons reflect an important role of this new pathway in the control of autonomic ganglia excitability.
Methods for studying the zebrafish brain: past, present and future
Authors: Wyatt Cameron , Bartoszek Ewelina M. , Yaksi Emre 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThe zebrafish (Danio rerio) is one of the most promising new model organisms. The increasing popularity of this amazing small vertebrate is evident from the exponentially growing numbers of research articles, funded projects and new discoveries associated with the use of zebrafish for studying development, brain function, human diseases and screening for new drugs. Thanks to the development of novel technologies, the range of zebrafish research is constantly expanding with new tools synergistically enhancing traditional techniques. In this review we will highlight the past and present techniques which have made, and continue to make, zebrafish an attractive model organism for various fields of biology, with a specific focus on neuroscience.
Post‐transcriptional regulation of dopamine D1 receptor expression in caudate‐putamen of cocaine‐sensitized mice
Authors: Tobón Krishna E. , Catuzzi Jennifer E. , Cote Samantha R. , Sonaike Adenike , Kuzhikandathil Eldo V. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThe dopamine D1 receptor is centrally involved in mediating the effects of cocaine and is essential for cocaine‐induced locomotor sensitization. Changes in D1 receptor expression have been reported in various models of cocaine addiction; however, the mechanisms that mediate these changes in D1 receptor expression are not well understood. Using preadolescent drd1a‐EGFP mice and a binge cocaine treatment protocol we demonstrate that the D1 receptor is post‐transcriptionally regulated in the caudate‐putamen of cocaine‐sensitized animal. While cocaine‐sensitized mice express high levels of steady‐state D1 receptor mRNA, the expression of D1 receptor protein is not elevated. We determined that the post‐transcriptional regulation of D1 receptor mRNA is rapidly attenuated and D1 receptor protein levels increase within 30 min when the sensitized mice are challenged with cocaine. The rapid increase in D1 receptor protein levels requires de novo protein synthesis and correlates with the cocaine‐induced hyperlocomotor activity in the cocaine‐sensitized mice. The increase in D1 receptor protein levels in the caudate‐putamen inversely correlated with the levels of microRNA 142‐3p and 382, both of which regulate D1 receptor protein expression. The levels of these two microRNAs decreased significantly within 5 min of cocaine challenge in sensitized mice. The results provide novel insights into the previously unknown rapid kinetics of D1 receptor protein expression which occurs in a time scale that is comparable to the expression of immediate early genes. Furthermore, the results suggest a potential novel role for inherently labile microRNAs in regulating the rapid expression of D1 receptor protein in cocaine‐sensitized animals.
Environmental variation and population responses to global change
Authors: Lawson Callum R. , Vindenes Yngvild , Bailey Liam , van de Pol Martijn 
Published: April 2015

AbstractSpecies' responses to environmental changes such as global warming are affected not only by trends in mean conditions, but also by natural and human‐induced environmental fluctuations. Methods are needed to predict how such environmental variation affects ecological and evolutionary processes, in order to design effective strategies to conserve biodiversity under global change. Here, we review recent theoretical and empirical studies to assess: (1) how populations respond to changes in environmental variance, and (2) how environmental variance affects population responses to changes in mean conditions. Contrary to frequent claims, empirical studies show that increases in environmental variance can increase as well as decrease long‐term population growth rates. Moreover, environmental variance can alter and even reverse the effects of changes in the mean environment, such that even if environmental variance remains constant, omitting it from population models compromises their ability to predict species' responses to changes in mean conditions. Drawing on theory relating these effects of environmental variance to the curvatures of population growth responses to the environment, we outline how species' traits such as phylogenetic history and body mass could be used to predict their responses to global change under future environmental variability.
An assessment of Putative Sexually Antagonistic Traits in a Freshwater Amphipod Species
Authors: Cothran Rickey D. , French Beverly J. , Relyea Rick A. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractSexual conflict can result in an ‘evolutionary arms race’ between males and females, with the evolution of sexual antagonistic traits used to resolve the conflict in favor of one sex over the other. We assessed the resolution of sexual conflict in a Hyalella amphipod species by manipulating putative sexually antagonistic traits in males and females and used mate‐guarding duration as our metric of conflict resolution. We discovered that large male posterior gnathopod size increased mate‐guarding duration, which suggests that it is a sexually antagonistic trait in this species. In contrast, female and male body size did not significantly affect mate‐guarding duration. Given that male posterior gnathopods show heightened condition dependence, future investigations should explore the interactive effects of sexual conflict and ecological context on trait evolution, phenotypic divergence, and speciation to elucidate the complex mechanisms involved in the evolution of biological diversity.
The evolutionary legacy of size‐selective harvesting extends from genes to populations
Authors: Uusi‐Heikkilä Silva , Whiteley Andrew R. , Kuparinen Anna , Matsumura Shuichi , Venturelli Paul A. , Wolter Christian , Slate Jon , Primmer Craig R. , Meinelt Thomas , Killen Shaun S. , Bierbach David , Polverino Giovanni , Ludwig Arne , Arlinghaus Robert 
Published: April 2015

AbstractSize‐selective harvesting is assumed to alter life histories of exploited fish populations, thereby negatively affecting population productivity, recovery, and yield. However, demonstrating that fisheries‐induced phenotypic changes in the wild are at least partly genetically determined has proved notoriously difficult. Moreover, the population‐level consequences of fisheries‐induced evolution are still being controversially discussed. Using an experimental approach, we found that five generations of size‐selective harvesting altered the life histories and behavior, but not the metabolic rate, of wild‐origin zebrafish (Danio rerio). Fish adapted to high positively size selective fishing pressure invested more in reproduction, reached a smaller adult body size, and were less explorative and bold. Phenotypic changes seemed subtle but were accompanied by genetic changes in functional loci. Thus, our results provided unambiguous evidence for rapid, harvest‐induced phenotypic and evolutionary change when harvesting is intensive and size selective. According to a life‐history model, the observed life‐history changes elevated population growth rate in harvested conditions, but slowed population recovery under a simulated moratorium. Hence, the evolutionary legacy of size‐selective harvesting includes populations that are productive under exploited conditions, but selectively disadvantaged to cope with natural selection pressures that often favor large body size.
Cellular processes associated with LRRK2 function and dysfunction
Authors: Wallings Rebecca , Manzoni Claudia , Bandopadhyay Rina 
Published: April 2015

Mutations in the leucine‐rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2)‐encoding gene are the most common cause of monogenic Parkinson's disease. The identification of LRRK2 polymorphisms associated with increased risk for sporadic Parkinson's disease, as well as the observation that LRRK2‐Parkinson's disease has a pathological phenotype that is almost indistinguishable from the sporadic form of disease, suggested LRRK2 as the culprit to provide understanding for both familial and sporadic Parkinson's disease cases. LRRK2 is a large protein with both GTPase and kinase functions. Mutations segregating with Parkinson's disease reside within the enzymatic core of LRRK2, suggesting that modification of its activity impacts greatly on disease onset and progression. Although progress has been made since its discovery in 2004, there is still much to be understood regarding LRRK2′s physiological and neurotoxic properties. Unsurprisingly, given the presence of multiple enzymatic domains, LRRK2 has been associated with a diverse set of cellular functions and signalling pathways including mitochondrial function, vesicle trafficking together with endocytosis, retromer complex modulation and autophagy. This review discusses the state of current knowledge on the role of LRRK2 in health and disease with discussion of potential substrates of phosphorylation and functional partners with particular emphasis on signalling mechanisms. In addition, the use of immune cells in LRRK2 research and the role of oxidative stress as a regulator of LRRK2 activity and cellular function are also discussed.