bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optical Coherence Tomography‐Guided Retinal Prosthesis Design: Model of Degenerated Retinal Curvature and Thickness for Patient‐Specific Devices
Authors: Opie Nicholas L. , Ayton Lauren N. , Apollo Nicholas V. , Ganesan Kumaravelu , Guymer Robyn H. , Luu Chi D. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractRetinitis pigmentosa affects over 1.5 million people worldwide and is a leading cause of vision loss and blindness. While retinal prostheses have shown some success in restoring basic levels of vision, only generic, “one‐size‐fits‐all” devices are currently being implanted. In this study, we used optical coherence tomography scans of the degenerated retina from 88 patients with retinitis pigmentosa to generate models of retinal thickness and curvature for the design of customized implants. We found the average retinal thickness at the fovea to be 152.9 ± 61.3 μm, increasing to a maximum retinal thickness of 250.9 ± 57.5 μm at a nasal eccentricity of 5°. These measures could be used to assist the development of custom‐made penetrating electrodes to enhance and optimize epiretinal prostheses. From the retinal thickness measurements, we determined that the optimal length of penetrating electrodes to selectively stimulate retinal ganglion cell bodies and interneuron axons in the ganglion cell layer should be 30–100 μm, and to preferentially stimulate interneurons in the inner nuclear layer, electrodes should be 100–200 μm long. Electrodes greater than 200 μm long had the potential to penetrate through the retina into the choroid, which could cause devastating complications to the eye and should be avoided. The two‐ and three‐dimensional models of retinal thickness developed in this study can be used to design patient‐specific epiretinal implants that will help with safety and to optimize the efficacy of neuronal stimulation, ensuring the best functional performance of the device for patients.
Impacts of newly liberalised policies on customary land rights of forest‐dwelling populations: A case study from East Kalimantan, Indonesia
Authors: Urano Mariko 
Published: April 2014

Abstract: Based on interviews and participant observation conducted in the province of East Kalimantan, Indonesia, from 2008 to 2012, this paper examines why the agrarian reforms have failed to secure the land rights of local farmers. Since the fall of the authoritarian government in 1998, Indonesia has seen limited, but growing government recognition of customary land rights of local farmers living in forest areas. I present a case study of two villages, in which the greater discretion on the part of the local community to negotiate with large‐scale oil palm estates has led to the abuse of power by local elites, as well as territorial tensions between local communities. The finding questions the optimistic view that state recognition of customary land rights of communities would automatically lead to the security of landownership of local farmers, and its underlying image of harmonious local communities in which members share coherent interests. The agrarian reform that has centred on communities' rights of control over land and natural resources is problematic. When local communities do not possess capabilities for resolving conflicts in an equitable and transparent manner, third‐party intervention is needed to assist communities to strengthen local land rights.
Comparing incidence of enterocolitis after laparoscopic and open low anterior resection for stage II/III rectal cancer
Authors: Inomata Masafumi , Kusano Toru , Etoh Tsuyoshi , Akagi Tomonori , Shibata Tomotaka , Ueda Yoshitake , Tojigamori Manabu , Shiroshita Hidefumi , Noguchi Tsuyoshi , Shiraishi Norio , Kitano Seigo 
Published: April 2014

AbstractIntroductionWe recently observed an increased incidence of severe enterocolitis following laparoscopic low anterior resection (LAR) in some patients with stage II/III rectal cancer. This study aimed to examine the influence of laparoscopic LAR on postoperative enterocolitis compared with open LAR for Stage II/III rectal cancer.MethodsFrom April 2002 to March 2012, we evaluated 65 patients with stage II/III cancer of the upper or lower rectum who underwent LAR. Among these, 27 patients underwent open LAR and 38 underwent laparoscopic LAR. First, we compared short‐term outcomes between the two groups. Next, we evaluated the incidence of postoperative enterocolitis in the laparoscopic LAR group. The clinicopathological factors were examined by univariate and odds ratio (OR) analysis.ResultsUnivariate analysis revealed significant differences in the occupancy rate, tumor location, depth of tumor invasion, operative time, amount of intraoperative blood loss, and postoperative enterocolitis between the laparoscopic and open groups. Postoperative enterocolitis developed in 6 of 38 patients (15.8%) in the laparoscopic group and in no patient in the open group. The occurrence of postoperative enterocolitis was significantly associated with BMI (≥28 kg/m2), operative time, and wound infection in the laparoscopic LAR group (OR: 0.11, 95% confidence interval: 0.044–0.280, P < 0.05; OR: 1.40, 95% confidence interval: 1.068–1.835, P < 0.05; and OR: 15.0, 95% confidence interval, 1.752–128.310, P < 0.05, respectively).ConclusionPostoperative enterocolitis occurred more frequently after laparoscopic LAR than after open LAR in patients with stage II/III rectal cancer. Clinical management in the perioperative period of laparoscopic LAR is necessary to prevent postoperative enterocolitis in obese patients and those with a prolonged operative time.
Cardiovascular responsiveness to sympathoexcitatory stress in subjects with and without mild hypertension
Authors: Carthy Elliott R. , White Leigh , Russell Fraser D. , Holmes Mark , Leicht Anthony S. , Brooks Peter R. , Hitchen‐Holmes Deborah , Askew Christopher D. 
Published: April 2014

SummaryPurposeThis study compared blood pressure, heart rate variability (HRV) and forearm blood flow, at rest and in response to sympathoexcitatory stressors between normotensive and mildly hypertensive participants.MethodsParticipants aged 30–79 years with normal blood pressure (n = 49) or mild hypertension (n = 17), with no history of taking antihypertensive medication, were recruited. Participants completed a cold pressor test (CPT) followed by an ischaemic handgrip test (IHGT). Blood pressure, HRV, forearm blood flow and vascular resistance were measured at rest and in response to each test.ResultsThe CPT and IHGT evoked greater increases in mean arterial blood pressure in hypertensive participants (CPT: 10 ± 2 mmHg, IHGT: 9 ± 1 mmHg) compared with normotensive participants (CPT: 5 ± 1 mmHg, IHGT: 3 ± 1 mmHg; P<0·05). Resting high frequency power, which is a parameter of HRV associated with parasympathetic cardiac modulation, was lower in hypertensive participants (hypertensive: 31·73 ± 4·07 nu; normotensive: 42·08 ± 2·22 nu; P = 0·026) and was negatively correlated with systolic blood pressure (r = −0·272, P = 0·03) and mean arterial pressure across all participants (r = −0·258, P<0·05). There were no differences in HRV or forearm blood flow responses to the CPT or IHGT between groups.ConclusionThis study demonstrated that sympathoexcitatory stress evoked by the CPT and IHGT induces an augmented blood pressure response in individuals with mild hypertension, which supports the notion that autonomic dysfunction is likely to contribute to the pathogenesis of hypertension. It remains to be determined whether the hypertensive response is mediated through alterations in cardiac activity, peripheral vascular resistance or both.
Validity of a portable computer‐based ultrasound system for estimating adipose tissue in female gymnasts
Authors: Loenneke Jeremy P. , Barnes Jeremy T. , Wagganer Jason D. , Pujol Thomas J. 
Published: April 2014

SummaryThe aim of this investigation was to determine the validity of a portable ultrasound instrument for estimating adipose tissue (AT%) compared to dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) in female collegiate gymnasts. Participants had their measurements taken in the following order: urine‐specific gravity, body mass, height, ultrasound determined AT% (1‐site and 3‐site) and DXA determined AT%. The current pilot study found significant differences between estimates of AT% (P < 0·001). Pearson's correlations between DXA and 1‐site and 3‐site estimates were r = 0·786 and r = 0·753, respectively. The standard error of the estimate between DXA and 1‐site and 3‐site estimates was 3·6% and 3·9%, respectively. However, the average deviation of individual scores from the line of identity was 6·7% for the 1‐site and 4·9% for the 3‐site, when compared with the DXA estimate. The results of this preliminary study found that the portable ultrasound was not a valid estimate of AT% when compared with the DXA estimate in female collegiate gymnasts.
Involvement of dopamine signaling in the circadian modulation of interval timing
Authors: Bussi Ivana L. , Levín Gloria , Golombek Diego A. , Agostino Patricia V. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractDuration discrimination within the seconds‐to‐minutes range, known as interval timing, involves the interaction of cortico‐striatal circuits via dopaminergic–glutamatergic pathways. Besides interval timing, most (if not all) organisms exhibit circadian rhythms in physiological, metabolic and behavioral functions with periods close to 24 h. We have previously reported that both circadian disruption and desynchronization impaired interval timing in mice. In this work we studied the involvement of dopamine (DA) signaling in the interaction between circadian and interval timing. We report that daily injections of levodopa improved timing performance in the peak‐interval procedure in C57BL/6 mice with circadian disruptions, suggesting that a daily increase of DA is necessary for an accurate performance in the timing task. Moreover, striatal DA levels measured by reverse‐phase high‐pressure liquid chromatography indicated a daily rhythm under light/dark conditions. This daily variation was affected by inducing circadian disruption under constant light (LL). We also demonstrated a daily oscillation in tyrosine hydroxylase levels, DA turnover (3,4‐dihydroxyphenylacetic acid/DA levels), and both mRNA and protein levels of the circadian component Period2 (Per2) in the striatum and substantia nigra, two brain areas relevant for interval timing. None of these oscillations persisted under LL conditions. We suggest that the lack of DA rhythmicity in the striatum under LL – probably regulated by Per2 – could be responsible for impaired performance in the timing task. Our findings add further support to the notion that circadian and interval timing share some common processes, interacting at the level of the dopaminergic system.
Total phosphorus thresholds for regime shifts are nearly equal in subtropical and temperate shallow lakes with moderate depths and areas
Authors: Wang Hai‐Jun , Wang Hong‐Zhu , Liang Xiao‐Min , Wu Shi‐Kai 
Published: April 2014

Summary

Published research suggests that the total phosphorus (TP) thresholds for the regime shifts between a clear‐water state dominated by submersed macrophytes and a turbid‐water state dominated by phytoplankton in shallow lakes vary with forms of lake basins and climates. However, such hypotheses remain untested by direct field evidence. We therefore tested the hypotheses with empirical data from subtropical lakes on the Yangtze floodplain and also from other lakes in temperate to tropical zones.

TP thresholds were found to vary little at moderate depths, but to decrease notably when depth exceeds a level of probably 3–4 m, and increase sharply when depth is below a level of around 1–2 m.

TP thresholds were found to be nearly equal in shallow lakes (1–2 m <mean depth <3–4 m; c. 0.1 km2 <area <at least 350 km2) from temperate to subtropical (probably to tropical) zones, being 80–120 mg m−3 for the forward shift from a clear‐water state to a turbid‐water state and 40–60 mg m−3 for the backward shift.

The threshold of turbidity for the forward shift was found to be higher than that for the backward shift, amending the previous hypothesis of the equality of turbidity thresholds for both shifts.

Our findings suggest that according to the subequality of TP thresholds, similar target concentrations for in‐lake TP can be set in most shallow lakes world‐wide to mitigate eutrophication.
Head lifting strength is associated with dysphagia and malnutrition in frail older adults
Authors: Wakabayashi Hidetaka , Sashika Hironobu , Matsushima Masato 
Published: April 2014

AimThe purpose of the present study was to assess the association between head lifting strength, dysphagia and malnutrition in frail older adults.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was carried out in 386 frail older adults aged 65 years and older with dysphagia or suspected dysphagia. Head lifting strength was assessed by the Medical Research Council score. The severity of swallowing and nutritional status was evaluated using the Dysphagia Severity Scale and the Mini‐Nutritional Assessment Short Form, respectively. Univariate and logistic regression analyses were applied to examine the associations between head lifting strength, dysphagia and malnutrition.ResultsThere were 129 men and 257 women. The mean age was 83 years. The median Barthel Index score was 30 (interquartile range 5–65). A total of 189 (49%) older adults could independently lift their head. Based on the Dysphagia Severity Scale, 79 participants had no dysphagia, 138 had dysphagia without aspiration and 169 had dysphagia with aspiration. The Mini‐Nutritional Assessment Short Form showed that 175 older adults were malnourished, 171 were at risk for malnutrition and 40 had a normal nutritional status. The Medical Research Council score in men was higher compared with women. Head lifting strength was significantly correlated with age (r = −0.256), the Barthel Index (r = 0.540), the Dysphagia Severity Scale (r = 0.458) and the Mini‐Nutritional Assessment Short Form (r = 0.331). In logistic regression analysis, the Medical Research Council score was independently associated with both dysphagia with aspiration and malnutrition.ConclusionsHead lifting strength is associated with dysphagia with aspiration and malnutrition in frail older adults. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15: 410–416.
Efficacy of Tailored Helicobacter pylori Eradication Treatment Based on Clarithromycin Susceptibility and Maintenance of Acid Secretion
Authors: Sugimoto Mitsushige , Uotani Takahiro , Sahara Shu , Ichikawa Hitomi , Yamade Mihoko , Sugimoto Ken , Furuta Takahisa 
Published: April 2014

AbstractBackgroundInsufficient acid inhibition during Helicobacter pylori eradication treatment and bacterial resistance to antibiotics often causes eradication failure. Four times daily dosing (q.i.d.) of a proton‐pump inhibitor (PPI) achieves potent acid inhibition, suggesting its potential usefulness as a regimen for eradicating H. pylori infection. Therefore, a tailored eradication regimen based on antibiotic susceptibility and maintenance of acid inhibition should have a high success rate. We investigated the efficacy of such treatment based on clarithromycin (CAM) susceptibility.MethodsUsing 153 H. pylori‐positive Japanese patients, we investigated the efficacy of tailored eradication strategy: (1) Patients infected with CAM‐sensitive H. pylori were treated with a PPI (rabeprazole 10 mg q.i.d.), amoxicillin 500 mg q.i.d., and CAM 200 mg b.i.d. (n = 89), and (2) patients infected with CAM‐resistant were given the same doses of rabeprazole and amoxicillin and metronidazole 250 mg b.i.d. (n = 64) for 1 week.ResultsIn the tailored regimen group, the overall eradication rate was 96.7% (95% CI: 92.5–98.9%, 148/153) in the intention‐to‐treat (ITT) analysis and 97.4% (93.4–99.3%, 148/152) in the PP analysis. The eradication rates for the CAM‐ and metronidazole‐based treatments were similar (95.5% and 98.4%, respectively, p = .400). The tailored treatment achieved a high eradication rate in CYP2C19 rapid metabolizers who were a resistance genotype for PPI treatment (94.3% (86.0–98.4%, 66/70)).DiscussionA tailored H. pylori eradication regimen based on CAM susceptibility and maintaining acid secretion (rabeprazole 10 mg q.i.d.) is useful because it can achieve an eradication rate exceeding 95%, irrespective of eradication history, thus overcoming differences among CYP2C19 genotypes.
Study on the relationship between LUTS and the background of female community residents
Authors: Uchida Yoko 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACTThis study aimed to clarify the relationship between lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and the backgrounds of female community residents. The subjects were 928 female residents. The questionnaire comprised questions on their background and LUTS based on core lower urinary tract symptom score (CLSS) questionnaire. Among the 10 items of LUTS were related to age, sleep, exercise habits, going out, hospital visits or medication needs.
Developmental changes in the spinning apparatus over the life cycle of wolf spiders (Araneae: Lycosidae)
Authors: Dolejš Petr , Buchar Jan , Kubcová Lenka , Smrž Jaroslav 
Published: April 2014

AbstractSpiders are characterized by their spinning activity. Much of the current knowledge of the spinning apparatus comes from studies on orb web spiders and their relatives, whereas wolf spiders have been more or less neglected in this respect. Therefore, we studied developmental changes in the spinning apparatus of four wolf spiders (Tricca lutetiana, Arctosa alpigena lamperti, Pardosa amentata, and Xerolycosa nemoralis) throughout their life cycles. Each of these lycosids has a stenochronous life cycle, but of varied length (from 1 to 3 years) and number of instars (from seven to ten). Use of the spinning apparatus begins in the first instar, after leaving the egg sac. Secondary ampullate, all piriform, and all but four aciniform glands are tartipore‐accommodated. The tartipores, collared openings through which silk gland ducts pass during proecdysis, appear on the spinning field starting with the second instar. Tartipore‐accommodated glands can function during proecdysis and their evolution corresponds with the way spiders secure themselves when molting. We suggest that the function of aciniform silk in juvenile wolf spiders is to serve as an ancillary “scaffold” supporting the spider's body during ecdysis.
Risk Factors and Diagnostic Accuracy of Clinical Findings for Meniscal Disease in Dogs With Cranial Cruciate Ligament Disease
Authors: Dillon Dayle E. , Gordon‐Evans Wanda J. , Griffon Dominique J. , Knap Kim M. , Bubb Carrie L. , Evans Richard B. 
Published: April 2014

ObjectiveTo determine the risk factors for meniscal disease and diagnostic accuracy of physical examination in dogs with cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) deficiency.Study DesignProspective cohort study.AnimalsStifles (n = 80) of dogs with CCL deficiency.MethodsEach dog was evaluated preoperatively for factors that may increase the risk of, or aid in the diagnosis of meniscal disease including presence of pain on extension and flexion of the affected stifle, range of motion during flexion and extension, thigh circumference, positive cranial‐drawer test, positive tibial compression test, tibial plateau angle, complete tear of the CCL, presence of a meniscal click, and gait analysis. Odds ratios were calculated for each of the factors and a multivariate approach was used to create an ROC curve. Subsequent sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve was used to determine the diagnostic value of clinical tests.ResultsDogs with pain upon flexion of the stifle were 4.3 times more likely to have medial meniscal disease than those without flexion pain and dogs with a complete CCL tear were 9.6 times more likely to have medial meniscal disease than those with partial tears. A meniscal click increased the likelihood of medial meniscal disease by a factor of 11.3. The diagnostic accuracy using a meniscal click and pain upon stifle flexion was 76%.ConclusionCombining the presence of a meniscal click and pain during flexion of the stifle provide a more accurate diagnosis of medial meniscal disease in dogs with CCL disease over individual examination variables.
Comparison of 2 Fluid Ingress/Egress Systems for Canine Stifle Arthroscopy Using Computed Tomography
Authors: Warnock Jennifer J. , Nemanic Sarah , O'Donnell Matthew D. , Wiest Jason E. 
Published: April 2014

ObjectiveTo evaluate volume of extra‐articular fluid egress and complications associated with 2 fluid ingress/egress techniques for stifle arthroscopy.Study DesignEx vivo study.Study SubjectsCanine cadavers (n = 14).MethodsFour cadavers (8 stifles) were used to validate 3D computed tomographic (CT) methods to quantify stifle joint intra‐ and extra‐articular volumes of iodinated contrast medium. Ten canine cadavers (20 stifles) had preoperative CT, followed by stifle arthroscopy using a 10% solution of iodinated contrast enhanced ingress fluid delivered by pressure bag (2PB) or by arthroscopic peristaltic pump (3FP). All 3FP limbs had an additional fluid egress portal placed by cannula and obturator. Arthroscopy was limited to 20 minutes/joint. The volume of the contrast medium egress into the soft tissues was measured on postoperative 3D CT reconstructed images.ResultsMean percentage of total ingress fluids administered that remained in the joint and extra‐articular tissues postoperatively was 8.8 ± 1.2% in 3FP and 33.2 ± 8% in 2PB (P = .014). Two 3FP joints had 4–5 mm egress obturator tracks on the proximal medial trochlear ridge. Two 2PB joints had severe joint collapse from extracapsular fluid precluding further examination. Intermittent visual blurring by joint fluid mixing or fat pad fragmentation/dissolution was noted in 2PB joints.ConclusionsA superior technique was not identified: 2PB had greater egress fluid tissue accumulation, whereas 3FP had better viewing of intra‐articular structures with less tissue egress fluid accumulation; however, cartilage damage was induced with the egress obturator.