bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Altered aquaporin expression in glaucoma eyes
Authors: Tran Thuy Linh , Bek Toke , la Cour Morten , Nielsen Søren , Prause Jan Ulrik , Hamann Steffen , Heegaard Steffen 
Published: January 2014

Aquaporins (AQP) are channels in the cell membrane that mainly facilitate a passive transport of water. In the eye, AQPs are expressed in the ciliary body and retina and may contribute to the pathogenesis of glaucoma and optic neuropathy. We investigated the expression of AQP1, AQP3, AQP4, AQP5, AQP7 and AQP9 in human glaucoma eyes compared with normal eyes. Nine glaucoma eyes were examined. Of these, three eyes were diagnosed with primary open angle glaucoma; three eyes had neovascular glaucoma; and three eyes had chronic angle‐closure glaucoma. Six eyes with normal intraocular pressure and without glaucoma were used as control. Immunohistochemistry was performed using antibodies against AQP1, AQP3, AQP4, AQP5, AQP7 and AQP9. For each specimen, optical densities of immunoprecipitates were measured using Photoshop and the staining intensities were calculated. Immunostaining showed labelling of AQP7 and AQP9 in the nonpigmented ciliary epithelium and the staining intensities were significantly decreased in glaucoma eyes (p = 0.003; p = 0.018). AQP7 expression in the Müller cell endfeet was increased (p = 0.046), and AQP9 labelling of the retinal ganglion cells (RGC) showed decreased intensity (p = 0.037). No difference in AQP1, AQP4 and AQP9 expression was found in the optic nerve fibres. This study is the first investigating AQPs in human glaucoma eyes. We found a reduced expression of AQP9 in the retinal ganglion cells of glaucoma eyes. Glaucoma also induced increased AQP7 expression in the Müller cell endfeet. In the ciliary body of glaucoma eyes, the expression of AQP7 and AQP9 was reduced. Therefore, the expression of AQPs seems to play a role in glaucoma.
Presence of plicidentine in the labial teeth of Hoplias aimara (Erythrinidae; Ostariophysi; Teleostei)
Authors: Meunier François J. , De Mayrinck Diogo , Brito Paulo M. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractHoplias aimara is a predatory South American teleostean fish. It has caniniform teeth that show parallel, surface ridges at their base. The dentine of the teeth is divided in two layers: an inner layer of circumpulpal dentine and an external one of pallial dentine, and their apical top has a lightly flattened cap of enameloid. A peculiar specificity of the teeth is the presence of plicidentine in their basal part, which is thought to strengthen the tooth attachment. This is a new example of plicidentine in teleostean teeth following its description in the lingual teeth of the osteoglossid Arapaima gigas. Some other ichthyophagous Characiformes also show caniniformes teeth with plicidentine: Hydrocynus, Hydrolycus. So, in the Actinopterygii, plicidentine is not limited to the lepisosteids only. We interpret plicidentine in the teeth of these actinopterygian fishes as a morphofunctional adaptation to a predatory life style.
Prediction of central compartment lymph node metastasis in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma
Authors: Yang Yinlong , Chen Chengze , Chen Zimiao , Jiang Jiachun , Chen Yizuo , Jin Langping , Guo Guilong , Zhang Xiaohua , Ye Tingting 
Published: January 2014

SummaryObjectivesWe aimed to determine the predictive factors for central compartment lymph node metastasis (LNM) in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC).Design and patientsWe undertook a retrospective study of 291 patients treated for PTMC. The following criteria were assessed to predict the presence of central compartment LNM: sex, age, tumour multifocality, tumour size, tumour bilaterality, extracapsular spread (ECS), lateral neck LNM, coexistence of chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, BRAFV600E mutation and ultrasonography (US) features. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify clinicopathological characteristics and US findings in predicting central compartment LNM from PTMC.ResultsThe central compartment LNM affected 133 (45·7%) of 291 patients. With use of univariate and multivariate analyses, male gender (OR 2·020; P = 0·039), tumour size (>5 mm) (OR 3·687; P = 0·015), ESC (OR 2·330; P = 0·044), lateral LNM (OR 15·075; P = 0·000) and BRAFV600E mutation (OR 2·464; P = 0·000) were independently correlated with central compartment LNM. Age, tumour multifocality, tumour bilaterality, coexistence of chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis and US characteristics were not significantly related to the presence of central compartment LNM. We have also developed a nomogram to predict the probability of central compartment LNM for an individual patient. The sensitivity was 71·9% and specificity was 70·3%, with an under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of 0·772.ConclusionsA prophylactic neck dissection of the central compartment should be considered particularly in PTMC patients with male gender, a >5 mm tumour size, ECS of the tumours, lateral LNM and positive BRAFV600E mutation.
Vertical and horizontal smooth pursuit eye movements in children with developmental coordination disorder
Authors: Robert Matthieu P , Ingster‐Moati Isabelle , Albuisson Eliane , Cabrol Dominique , Golse Bernard , Vaivre‐Douret Laurence 
Published: January 2014

AimOur aim was to study horizontal and vertical smooth pursuit eye movements in children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD).MethodHorizontal and vertical smooth pursuit eye movements of 91 children were studied using electro‐oculography: 27 children with DCD (23 males, four females), according to the DSM‐IV‐TR criteria, and 64 comparison children (26 males, 38 females). All children were 7 to 12 years old (mean 9y, SD 1.5y). Among the group of children with DCD, eight had received intervention. Intervention exercised static and dynamic fixation, saccades, visual strategies, visuospatial abilities, and eye–hand coordination. A smooth pursuit gain index was calculated and statistical comparisons were made between the two groups of children.ResultsHorizontal pursuit gain was similar in both populations, but vertical pursuit gain was significantly impaired (p<0.001, after adjusting for age as covariate), i.e. more saccadic in children with DCD (18–99%; n=27, mean 51.6%, median 48.5%, SD 23.2%) than in comparison participants (35–97%; n=63, mean 66.4%, median 65.0%, SD 15.4%). Among the DCD group, the vertical pursuit index was also significantly higher (p=0.009) in the intervention subgroup (29–99%; n=8, mean 69.4%, median 75.5%, SD 28.7%) than in the non‐intervention subgroup (18–74%; n=19, mean 44.1%, median 42.5%, SD 15.9%).InterpretationThese results suggest a delay in the maturation of the pursuit system in children with DCD.
Structural and kinetic studies on adenylosuccinate lyase from Mycobacterium smegmatis and Mycobacterium tuberculosis provide new insights on the catalytic residues of the enzyme
Authors: Banerjee Sanchari , Agrawal Monika J. , Mishra Diptimayee , Sharan Siddharth , Balaram Hemalatha , Savithri Handanhal S. , Murthy Mathur R. N. 
Published: January 2014

Adenylosuccinate lyase (ASL), an enzyme involved in purine biosynthesis, has been recognized as a drug target against microbial infections. In the present study, ASL from Mycobacterium smegmatis (MsASL) and Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MtbASL) were cloned, purified and crystallized. The X‐ray crystal structure of MsASL was determined at a resolution of 2.16 Å. It is the first report of an apo‐ASL structure with a partially ordered active site C3 loop. Diffracting crystals of MtbASL could not be obtained and a model for its structure was derived using MsASL as a template. These structures suggest that His149 and either Lys285 or Ser279 of MsASL are the residues most likely to function as the catalytic acid and base, respectively. Most of the active site residues were found to be conserved, with the exception of Ser148 and Gly319 of MsASL. Ser148 is structurally equivalent to a threonine in most other ASLs. Gly319 is replaced by an arginine residue in most ASLs. The two enzymes were catalytically much less active compared to ASLs from other organisms. Arg319Gly substitution and reduced flexibility of the C3 loop might account for the low catalytic activity of mycobacterial ASLs. The low activity is consistent with the slow growth rate of Mycobacteria and their high GC containing genomes, as well as their dependence on other salvage pathways for the supply of purine nucleotides.Structured digital abstract
purB and purB bind by x-ray crystallography (View interaction)
Miscanthus sacchariflorus – biofuel parent or new weed?
Authors: Bonin Catherine L. , Heaton Emily A. , Barb Jessica 
Published: January 2014

AbstractThe perennial grass triploid Miscanthus × giganteus is a promising renewable bioenergy feedstock in the United States and Europe. Originating from eastern Asia, this species is a sterile hybrid cross between M. sinensis and M. sacchariflorus. While research has begun to examine the impacts of M. sinensis and triploid M. × giganteus on the landscape, M. sacchariflorus has been largely overlooked in the peer‐reviewed literature. This review article discusses the origin, uses, distribution, and invasive potential of M. sacchariflorus. M. sacchariflorus is capable of producing high yields (10.7 t DM ha−1 yr−1), generally does not reproduce by seed, and can be challenging to establish due to poor cold tolerance, likely due to the limited germplasm used in evaluations. However, M. sacchariflorus has abundant and aggressively spreading rhizomes, which underscores its invasive risk. In the United States, it is listed as escaped from cultivation in at least eight states, primarily in the Midwest, although it is likely that not all populations have been reported. As such, it is essential to generate a comprehensive dataset of all known M. sacchariflorus populations and monitor any continued spread of this species.
The effect of enzymatic hydrolysis on the biological properties of Oenothera biennis,Borago officinalis and Nigella sativa seedcake by‐products from oil pressing
Authors: Ratz‐Łyko Anna , Arct Jacek , Herman Anna , Pytkowska Katarzyna , Majewski Sławomir 
Published: January 2014

SummaryThe biological properties of ethanolic (50%, v/v) extracts from Oenothera biennis, Borago officinalis, Nigella sativa seedcake before and after enzymatic hydrolysis by alpha‐amylase (EC 3.2.1.1) from Aspergillus oryzae, beta‐glucosidase (EC 3.2.1.21) and beta‐glucanase (EC 3.2.1.6) from Aspergillus niger combinations in a ratio of 1:1:1 were investigated. Total phenolic, flavonoid and reducing sugar content for O. biennis extract after enzymatic hydrolysis was, respectively, 0.5, 1.5 and 2 times higher in comparison with nonhydrolysed extract. Iron‐chelating and radical‐scavenging activity of O. biennis seedcake extract after hydrolysis (IC50 = 0.076 mg mL−1 and IC50 = 0.050 mg mL−1) was at a similar level as that nonhydrolyeed (IC50 = 0.070 mg mL−1 and IC50 = 0.065 mg mL−1). The antioxidant activity was two times higher after hydrolysis than before enzymatic hydrolysis of O. biennis seedcake extract. Also strong elastase inhibition activity has been shown to O. biennis seedcake extract before (IC50 = 0.095 mg mL−1) and after enzymatic hydrolysis (IC50 = 0.07 mg mL−1), respectively. Oenothera biennis and B. officinalis seedcake extracts before and after hydrolysis have stronger antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain in comparison with N. sativa seedcake.
Upper Esophageal Incompetence in Five Horses After Prosthetic Laryngoplasty
Authors: Barakzai Safia Z. , Dixon Paddy M. , Hawkes Claire S. , Cox Alistair , Barnett Timothy P. 
Published: January 2014

ObjectiveTo describe a complication observed endoscopically in horses after prosthetic laryngoplasty (LP).Study DesignCase series.AnimalsHorses (n = 5) that had previous LP.MethodsFour horses had endoscopic examination as part of a larger prospective study and had saliva emanating from their upper esophageal opening. One other horse was referred with clinical signs of severe upper esophageal obstruction 2 months after LP.ResultsFour horses were observed to have saliva emanating from their upper esophageal opening during endoscopic examination 21–58 months after LP. Esophageal reflux was noted endoscopically at rest (n = 1) and during exercise (4). All 5 horses were reported to cough postoperatively, and 2 horses coughed severely when eating. On necropsy, the horse referred with signs of esophageal obstruction had dilation of the proximal esophagus associated with food impaction and had fibrosis and thickening of the left cricopharyngeus and thyropharyngeus muscles.ConclusionsIatrogenic damage to the caudal pharyngeal constrictor muscles, the intrinsic musculature of the upper esophagus, or their innervation, or damage to the peri‐esophageal fascia or esophageal adventitia may cause upper esophageal incompetence in horses after LP.
Neurologic Outcome After Thoracolumbar Partial Lateral Corpectomy for Intervertebral Disc Disease in 72 Dogs
Authors: Salger Florian , Ziegler Luisa , Böttcher Irene Christine , Oechtering Gerhard , Böttcher Peter , Flegel Thomas 
Published: January 2014

ObjectiveTo determine neurologic outcome and factors influencing outcome after thoracolumbar partial lateral corpectomy (PLC) in dogs with intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) causing ventral spinal cord compression.Study DesignRetrospective case series.AnimalsDogs with IVDD (n = 72; 87 PLC).MethodsDogs with IVDD between T9 and L5 were included if treated by at least 1 PLC. Exclusion criteria were: previous spinal surgery, combination of PLC with another surgical procedure. Neurologic outcome was assessed by: (1) modified Frankel score (MFS) based on neurologic examinations at 4 time points (before surgery, immediately after PLC, at discharge and 4 weeks after PLC); and (2) owner questionnaire. The association of the following factors with neurologic outcome was analyzed: age, body weight, duration of current neurologic dysfunction (acute, chronic), IVDD localization, breed (chondrodystrophic, nonchondrodystrophic), number of PLCs, degree of presurgical spinal cord compression and postsurgical decompression, slot depth, presurgical MFS. Presurgical spinal cord compression was determined by CT myelography (71 dogs) or MRI (1 dog), whereas postsurgical decompression and slot depth were determined on CT myelography (69 dogs).ResultsMFS was improved in 18.7%, 31.7%, and 64.2% of dogs at the 3 postsurgical assessments, whereas it was unchanged in 62.6%, 52.8%, and 32.0% at corresponding time points. Based on owner questionnaire, 91.4% of dogs were ambulatory 6 months postsurgically with 74.5% having a normal gait. Most improvement in neurologic function developed within 6 months after surgery. Presurgical MFS was the only variable significantly associated with several neurologic outcome measurements (P < .01).ConclusionsPLC is an option for decompression in ventrally compressing thoracolumbar IVDD. Prognosis is associated with presurgical neurologic condition.
Impedance Spectroscopy of (Bi1/2Na1/2)TiO3–BaTiO3 Ceramics Modified with (K0.5Na0.5)NbO3
Authors: Zang Jiadong , Li Ming , Sinclair Derek C. , Jo Wook , Rödel Jürgen 
Published: January 2014

The electrical and dielectric properties of (1 − x)(0.94Bi1/2Na1/2TiO3–0.06BaTiO3)–x(K0.5Na0.5NbO3) with x = 0, 0.03, 0.09, 0.18 have been investigated by impedance spectroscopy over a wide temperature range. The dc conductivity of the ceramics follows the Arrhenius law with an activation energy ranging from ~1.20 to 1.50 eV. Measurements under different atmospheres show the materials exhibit n‐type semiconducting behavior at elevated temperatures. The presence of a highly polarizable phase for all compositions is revealed by electric modulus (M″) spectra. The Burns temperature decreases with increasing KNN content. The change in temperature‐dependent permittivity with composition is explained by the difference in thermal evolution of polar nanoregions induced by the addition of KNN.
Additive Sintering, Postannealing, and Dielectric Properties of SrTaO2N
Authors: Sun Shi‐Kuan , Zhang Ya‐Ru , Masubuchi Yuji , Motohashi Teruki , Kikkawa Shinichi 
Published: January 2014

The maintaining of the chemical composition and electrical insulativity of SrTaO2N ceramics was investigated during sintering and annealing, using powders prepared by the nitridation of Sr2Ta2O7. Due to the low thermal stability of SrTaO2N, the partial loss of SrO and nitrogen induced the formation of a TaO0.9 impurity after heat‐treating at above 1100°C. The sintering additive SrCO3 and postannealing in NH3 were employed to compensate for the loss of SrO and nitrogen to obtain ceramics with the original chemical composition. The as‐sintered SrTaO2N ceramics with various relative density (RD) were annealed in NH3 to observe the recovery of color and electrical insulativity. It was found that the inner part of the well‐sintered samples with RD = 95.1% could not be recovered by annealing, and continued to exhibit semiconducting behavior and a black color. On the other hand, for the as‐sintered SrTaO2N ceramics with RD < 84%, both the nitrogen content and electrically insulating behavior were completely recovered after annealing. The postannealed SrTaO2N ceramics (RD = 83.3%) possessed a relatively large dielectric constant of 450 with a low dielectric loss of less than 0.1 at 100 Hz, almost independent of frequency and temperature.
High Hardness and Ductile Mosaic SiC/SiO2 Composite by Spark Plasma Sintering
Authors: He Zhenhua , Katsui Hirokazu , Tu Rong , Zhang Jianfeng , Goto Takashi 
Published: January 2014

SiC powder was coated with SiO2 layer by chemical vapor deposition, and the SiC(core)/SiO2(shell) composite powder was consolidated to a SiC/SiO2 composite with a mosaic microstructure by spark plasma sintering (SPS) at 1923 K for 1.8 ks. The SiC(core)/SiO2(shell) powder with a 80–100 nm thick SiO2 layer resulted in a SiC/SiO2 composite with a relative density of 97% and hardness and fracture toughness of 17.1 GPa and 8.4 MPa m1/2, respectively.
An experimental test of whether cheating is context dependent
Authors: Ghoul M. , West S. A. , Diggle S. P. , Griffin A. S. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractMicrobial cells rely on cooperative behaviours that can breakdown as a result of exploitation by cheats. Recent work on cheating in microbes, however, has produced examples of populations benefiting from the presence of cheats and/or cooperative behaviours being maintained despite the presence of cheats. These observations have been presented as evidence for selection favouring cheating at the population level. This apparent contradiction arises when cheating is defined simply by the reduced expression of a cooperative trait and not in terms of the social costs and benefits of the trait under investigation. Here, we use two social traits, quorum sensing and iron‐scavenging siderophore production in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, to illustrate the importance of defining cheating by the social costs and benefits. We show that whether a strain is a cheat depends on the costs and benefits associated with the social and abiotic environment and not the absolute expression of a cooperative trait.
Evidence‐based medicine: going beyond improving care provider viewpoints, using and challenges upcoming
Authors: Rezazadeh Esmaeil , Hachesu Peyman Rezaei , Rezapoor Aziz , Alireza Khaksarian 
Published: January 2014

AbstractObjectivesEvidence Based Medicine (EBM) is proper and an efficient incorporation of the researches and experiences. This is study surveyed the attitudes, awareness, and practice of EBM with specific focus on the barriers to EBM, among clinical residents.MethodsWe conducted a cross sectional survey during September 2012 to February 2013 at the teaching hospitals of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences among 81 clinical providers from different medical specialties. A valid and reliable questionnaire consisted of five sections and 22 statements were used in this research. Most respondents (83%) completed the questionnaires voluntarily and anonymously. We input the data into Micro‐ soft Excel 2007. Data were analysed using SPSS 16.0 software.ResultsFindings of the study showed that the knowledge of respondents about EBM is low. Their attitude towards EBM was positive but their knowledge and skills in regard to the evidence based medical information resources were mostly limited to PubMed and Google scholar. The main barrier was the lack of enough time to practicing EBM. There was no significant correlation between residency grade and familiarity and use of electronic EBM resources (Spearman, P = 0.116).ConclusionsThe attitude of the respondents towards EBM is fairly positive. But there is a deficit in knowledge and skills of EBM among respondents. Integration and implementation of training approaches like journal clubs or workshops in clinical practices is suggested.
Knowledge and attitude toward evidence‐based medicine among medical students in Semnan, Iran
Authors: Ghahremanfard Farahnaz , Nassaji Mohammad , Mirmohammadkhani Majid , Tanha Asghar , Mosavi Mehdi , Ghaemi Ali , Shams Prastoo 
Published: January 2014

AbstractObjectivesEvidence‐based medicine (EBM) has gained widespread acceptance in medicine. Little is known about the attitudes, knowledge, and behavior of medical students toward EBM in developing countries. This study was designed to assess medical students’ awareness and attitudes toward EBM and to obtain the basis required for developing appropriate teaching and learning opportunities.MethodsThis was a cross‐sectional study in which medical students completed a questionnaire to determine their attitudes, knowledge, and perceptions regarding EBM.ResultsCompleted questionnaires were received from 84% (143) of 170 medical students. Only 24.5% of respondents had good basic information and familiarity with the term of EBM. The majority (89.3%) of participants had positive attitude toward EBM and agreed that it was useful in the management of patients. Mostly were interested in learning the skills of EBM. Most of the respondents (80.2%) had no or little awareness of EBM resources especially the Cochrane, DARE, and Bandolier clinical evidence database. Forty‐two (29%) reported having had formal training in search strategies. Most of the respondents did not understand but would like to learn about technical terms used in EBM, and about a third felt able to explain to others the meaning of some of these terms.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates lack of adequate knowledge about basic concepts of EBM among medical student. On the other hands, there is an overall positive attitude toward EBM. There is need for educational interventions and incorporating formal teaching of EBM at medical education.
The assessment of strategic plans of a developing country for solving barriers to access evidence‐based information sources
Authors: Kahouei Mehdi , Alaei Safollah , Panahi Sohaila Sadat Ghazavi Shariat , Zadeh Jamileh Mahdi 
Published: January 2014

AbstractObjectiveMost developing societies attempt to eliminate physicians and medical students’ barriers to the use of evidence‐based information to ensure about delivering the best practice. Hence, health sector of Iran has conducted numerous educational interventions and has provided information technology infrastructure through strategic plans to provide opportunity for physicians and medical students to use research‐based information in their clinical decision from 2005. The aim of this study is to reply a question. Have the reforms of a developing country eliminated the physicians and medical assistants and students’ barriers to the use of research and evidence‐based information resources?MethodsA descriptive study was performed among 315 physicians, assistants, and medical students in the affiliated hospitals of Semnan University of medical sciences in 2012.ResultsThe results reflected actual world scenarios in developing countries, and obviously showed that the investments could not overcome the main obstacles to the extent that was hoped.ConclusionsThis study offers organizational and cultural approaches and information management to simplify the usage of evidence‐based information sources in practice in developing countries.