bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Indication criteria for cataract extraction and gender differences in waiting time
Authors: Smirthwaite Goldina , Lundström Mats , Albrecht Susanne , Swahnberg Katarina 
Published: August 2013

Abstract.Purpose:  The purpose of this study was to investigate national indication criteria tool for cataract extraction (NIKE), a clinical tool for establishing levels of indications for cataract surgery, in relation to gender differences in waiting times for cataract extraction (CE).Methods:  Data were collected by The Swedish National Cataract Register (NCR). Eye clinics report to NCR voluntarily and on regular basis (98% coverage). Comparisons regarding gender difference in waiting times were performed between NIKE‐categorized and non‐NIKE‐categorized patients, as well as between different indication groups within the NIKE‐system. All calculations were performed in spss version 20. Multivariate analyses were carried out using logistic regression, and single variable analyses were carried out by Student’s t‐test or chi square as appropriate.Results:  Gender, age, visual acuity and NIKE‐categorization were associated with waiting time. Female patients had a longer waiting time to CE than male, both within and outside the NIKE‐system. Gender difference in waiting time was somewhat larger among patients who had not been categorized by NIKE. In the non‐NIKE‐categorized group, women waited 0.20 months longer than men. In the group which was NIKE‐categorized, women waited 0.18 months longer than men.Conclusions:  It is reasonable to assume that prioritizing patients by means of NIKE helps to reduce the gender differences in waiting time. Gender differences in waiting time have decreased as NIKE was introduced and there may be a variety of explanations for this. However, with the chosen study design, we could not distinguish between effects related to NIKE and those due to other factors which occurred during the study period.
Individual difference in serum oxytocin concentrations of calves and the correlation with those in dams
Authors: Chen Siyu , Tanaka Shigefumi , Oyakawa Chisako , Roh Sanggun , Sato Shusuke 
Published: August 2013

AbstractWe examined individual differences in serum oxytocin concentrations (OT) of calves, and assessed whether these differences were correlated with their dams’ milk and serum OT. Eight Holstein (H), nine Japanese Shorthorn (JS), and six Japanese Black (JB) calves were examined. Blood was collected three times during the first month in H calves, while their dams’ blood was collected three times prior to parturition. Milk was collected twice after parturition from H cows. Blood from JS and JB calves were collected at 1 and 4 months old, while of their dams only once before parturition. Serum OT in H calves at 7 days old was significantly correlated with that at 30 days. Serum OT of JS calves at 1 month old was significantly correlated to that at 4 months, while of JB calves was also positively correlated (r = 0.70). Serum OT of calves showed significant individual differences in each breed. Serum OT of calves was not correlated with the milk OT of dams, except for 3‐day‐old calves that fed on their dams’ milk. We concluded that although serum OT differed among individuals, this difference was stable within each individual and not affected by the serum OT of the dams.
The influence of crate height on selected biochemical indices in captive‐reared mallards
Authors: Bedanova Iveta , Voslarova Eva , Chloupek Jan , Pistekova Vladimira , Forejtek Pavel , Passantino Annamaria 
Published: August 2013

AbstractThe aim of this study was to investigate the effects of crate type (particularly its height) on selected biochemical indices in captive‐reared mallards (Anas platyrhynchos). The physiological changes in response to 2‐h crating in crates of either 20 cm or 26 cm height were monitored in 6‐week‐old mallards. Plasma corticosterone concentrations showed an increase (P = 0.036) in mallards crated in crates of 26 cm height in comparison with control non‐crated birds, whereas no difference in plasma corticosterone levels was found between mallards crated in crates of 20 cm height and control non‐crated birds. Lower concentrations of plasma triglycerides (P < 0.05) and uric acid (P < 0.05) were found in crated mallards in comparison with control non‐crated birds; the height of the crates had no effect. Mallards crated in crates of 26 cm height also exhibited a higher (P = 0.032) plasma lactate dehydrogenase concentration in comparison with control non‐crated birds, whereas no difference (P > 0.05) was found in lactate dehydrogenase concentrations in mallards crated in crates of 20 cm height. Our results suggest that crating mallards in lower crates (20 cm) may be less stressful than keeping them in crates allowing vertical movements of the birds.
Increased Amoeboid Microglial Density in the Olfactory Bulb of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's Patients
Authors: Doorn Karlijn J. , Goudriaan Andrea , Blits‐Huizinga Carla , Bol John G.J.M. , Rozemuller Annemieke J. , Hoogland Piet V.J.M. , Lucassen Paul J. , Drukarch Benjamin , van de Berg Wilma D.J. , van Dam Anne‐Marie 
Published: August 2013

AbstractThe olfactory bulb (OB) is affected early in both Parkinson's (PD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD), evidenced by the presence of disease‐specific protein aggregates and an early loss of olfaction. Whereas previous studies showed amoeboid microglia in the classically affected brain regions of PD and AD patients, little was known about such changes in the OB. Using a morphometric approach, a significant increase in amoeboid microglia density within the anterior olfactory nucleus (AON) of AD and PD patients was observed. These amoeboid microglia cells were in close apposition to β‐amyloid, hyperphosphorylated tau or α‐synuclein deposits, but no uptake of pathological proteins by microglia could be visualized. Subsequent analysis showed (i) no correlation between microglia and α‐synuclein (PD), (ii) a positive correlation with β‐amyloid (AD), and (iii) a negative correlation with hyperphosphorylated tau (AD). Furthermore, despite the observed pathological alterations in neurite morphology, neuronal loss was not apparent in the AON of both patient groups. Thus, we hypothesize that, in contrast to the classically affected brain regions of AD and PD patients, within the AON rather than neuronal loss, the increased density in amoeboid microglial cells, possibly in combination with neurite pathology, may contribute to functional deficits.
Chronic inhibition of cGMP‐specific phosphodiesterase 5 suppresses endoplasmic reticulum stress in heart failure
Authors: Gong Wei , Duan Quanlu , Cai Zhejun , Chen Chen , Ni Li , Yan Mengwen , Wang Xingxu , Cianflone Katherine , Wang Dao Wen 
Published: August 2013

Background and PurposeInhibition of the cGMP‐specific phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) exerts profound beneficial effects on failing hearts. However, the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of PDE5 inhibition on heart failure are unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether PDE5 inhibition decreases endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, a key event in heart failure.Experimental ApproachHeart failure was induced by isoprenaline s.c. injection in Sprague–Dawley rats and transverse aortic constriction (TAC) in mice. PDE5 was inhibited with sildenafil. Heart function was detected by invasive pressure–volume analysis and echocardiography. ER stress markers were analysed by Western blotting. Apoptosis was measured by flow cytometric analysis.Key ResultsPDE5 inhibition markedly attenuated isoprenaline‐induced and TAC‐induced cardiac hypertrophy and dysfunction, and reduced ER stress and apoptosis. Further, PDE5 inhibition with sildenafil largely prevented ER stress and reduced apoptosis in isoprenaline‐ or thapsigargin‐treated cardiomyocytes. PKG inhibition markedly prevented the protective effects of sildenafil in vivo and in vitro. To further understand the mechanism of the effect of PDE5 inhibition on ER stress, we demonstrated that PDE5 inhibitor increased sarco‐(endo)‐plasmic reticulum Ca2+‐ATPase activity via phosphorylation of phospholamban at Ser16. This may contribute to the attenuation of ER stress induced by PDE5 inhibition.Conclusion and ImplicationsThese results suggest that PDE5 inhibition can attenuate ER stress and improve cardiac function in vivo and in vitro. Suppression of ER stress by inhibiting PDE5 may contribute to the therapeutic effects on heart failure.
Improving the Thrombin Inhibitory Activity of Glycyrrhizin, a Triterpenic Saponin, Through a Molecular Simplification of the Carbohydrate Moiety
Authors: de Paula Fernando T. , Frauches Petrina Q. , Pedebos Conrado , Berger Markus , Gnoatto Simone C. B. , Gossmann Grace , Verli Hugo , Guimarães Jorge A. , Graebin Cedric S. 
Published: August 2013

Glycyrrhizin, a saponin, and its aglycone glycyrrhetinic acid are natural products found in the Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.) root extract. This saponin is known for its in vitro and in vivo thrombin inhibitory activity. The design and synthesis of five glycyrrhizin derivatives were carried out to improve the natural product activity. Compound 3b, a phthalic ester derivative of glycyrrhizin, presented a more pronounced thrombin inhibition (IC50 = 114.4 ± 1.3 μm) than the saponin (IC50 = 235.7 ± 1.4 μm). Molecular docking simulations performed to investigate the molecular interaction between compound 3b and the enzyme indicate that this product is, as previously determined for glycyrrhizin, an allosteric thrombin inhibitor.
Public attitudes to organ donation among a sample of urban‐dwelling South African adults: a 2012 study
Authors: Etheredge H. R. , Turner R.E. , Kahn D. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackgroundPublished literature suggests that attitudes toward organ donation in South Africa are generally positive. However, there has been a decline in the actual number of transplants taking place annually, which is not consistent with expressed positive attitudes.ObjectivesAssess the attitudes of a representative sample of the urban‐dwelling South African population toward organ donation and how these might affect transplant numbers.MethodsA structured questionnaire was utilized to measure attitudes among a study population of 1048 adults in five major metropolitan areas of South Africa. Field work was undertaken by supervised field workers. Written informed consent was obtained from all participants.ResultsEighty‐nine percent (89%) of respondents had heard of organ donation, and 77% indicated that they would accept an organ transplant if necessary. Seventy percent (70%) of respondents specified they would be willing to donate their own organs after death, while 67% expressed willingness to donate a relative's organs after death. Participants were more positive about kidney donation than any other organ.ConclusionPublic attitudes toward organ donation among this population are generally positive. Recommendations include cultural and linguistic sensitivity in educational and advertising campaigns, as well as extensive research into other possible causes of organ shortage.
The effect of bariatric surgery on echocardiographic indices: a review of the literature
Authors: Grapsa Julia , Tan Timothy C. , Paschou Stavroula A. , Kalogeropoulos Andreas S. , Shimony Avi , Kaier Thomas , Demir Ozan M. , Mikhail Sameh , Hakky Sherif , Purkayastha Sanjay , Ahmed Ahmed R. , Cousins Jonathan , Nihoyannopoulos Petros 
Published: August 2013

AbstractObesity is the new epidemic and is associated with an increased risk of diastolic and systolic heart failure. Effective treatment options with drastic results such as bariatric surgery have raised interest in the possible reversal of some of the cardiovascular sequelae. Many studies have assessed individually the effect of weight loss on specific echocardiographic indices, mostly employing nonhomogeneous groups. The purpose of this narrative review is to summarise the effect of bariatric surgery on echocardiographic indices of biventricular function and to help in the understanding of the expected echocardiographic changes in bariatric patients after weight‐loss surgery
Metabolic changes in first‐episode early‐onset schizophrenia with second‐generation antipsychotics
Authors: O'Donoghue Brian , Schäfer Miriam R. , Becker Jana , Papageorgiou Konstantinos , Amminger G. Paul 
Published: August 2013

AbstractAimIndividuals with a diagnosis of schizophrenia have a reduced life expectancy compared with the general population and cardiovascular disease is the major contributor to this early mortality. The use of second‐generation antipsychotic (SGA) medications is associated with significant weight gain and metabolic side effects; however, there is limited knowledge in certain diagnostic groups, specifically early‐onset schizophrenia (EOS). This study aimed to investigate the metabolic side effects of SGAs, specifically olanzapine, risperidone and quetiapine, in a cohort of drug‐naïve children and adolescents with first‐episode EOS.MethodBody mass index (BMI), serum cholesterol and triglycerides were measured at baseline and a median of 7 months of follow up in drug‐naïve children and adolescents with EOS.ResultsA total of 49 children and adolescents received a diagnosis of first‐episode EOS and we had complete follow‐up data for 74% (N = 36). A significant increase in BMI, serum triglycerides and cholesterol was observed in the unselected cohort after commencement of SGAs. One‐third of children and adolescents had abnormal serum triglycerides and cholesterol; however, a dose–response was not demonstrated. Olanzapine and quetiapine had a greater increase in serum triglycerides.ConclusionsIn addition to highlighting the need for routine screening for metabolic side effects in EOS, interventions to prevent and treat obesity and the metabolic syndrome are indicated.
Self‐reported quality of life in a Scottish first‐episode psychosis cohort: associations with symptomatology and premorbid adjustment
Authors: MacBeth Angus , Gumley Andrew , Schwannauer Matthias , Fisher Rebecca 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackgroundThere is increased interest in quality of life (QoL) as a clinically relevant factor in adjustment to, and recovery from, first‐episode psychosis (FEP). Given the subjective nature of QoL, it is proposed that this variable may be associated with compromised functioning prior to the onset of psychosis, and may also have an impact on an individual's adjustment to psychosis after treatment is initiated.AimThe current study aims to explore associations between subjective QoL, symptomatology, premorbid adjustment, duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) and engagement with services after onset of treatment.MethodA cross‐sectional cohort of Scottish individuals undergoing treatment for FEP were characterized in terms of psychotic symptomatology, premorbid adjustment, DUP and service engagement. Self‐reported QoL was measured using the World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief Scale, allowing for the measurement of physical, psychological, social relational and environmental aspects of QoL.ResultsHigher scores for subjective QoL components were associated with better premorbid adjustment, lower positive psychotic symptoms, lower negative symptoms and less cognitive disorganization. Childhood premorbid adjustment predicted both physical and social relationship QoL.DiscussionSubjective QoL domains differ in their associations with clinical and premorbid factors. The relationship between premorbid adjustment and QoL requires further exploration in FEP.
Traits of fear resistance and susceptibility in an advanced intercross line
Authors: McGuire Jennifer L. , Bergstrom Hadley C. , Parker Clarissa C. , Le Thien , Morgan Maria , Tang Haiying , Selwyn Reed G. , Silva Afonso C. , Choi Kwang , Ursano Robert J. , Palmer Abraham A. , Johnson Luke R. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractGenetic variability in the strength and precision of fear memory is hypothesised to contribute to the etiology of anxiety disorders, including post‐traumatic stress disorder. We generated fear‐susceptible (F‐S) or fear‐resistant (F‐R) phenotypes from an F8 advanced intercross line (AIL) of C57BL/6J and DBA/2J inbred mice by selective breeding. We identified specific traits underlying individual variability in Pavlovian conditioned fear learning and memory. Offspring of selected lines differed in the acquisition of conditioned fear. Furthermore, F‐S mice showed greater cued fear memory and generalised fear in response to a novel context than F‐R mice. F‐S mice showed greater basal corticosterone levels and hypothalamic corticotrophin‐releasing hormone (CRH) mRNA levels than F‐R mice, consistent with higher hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis drive. Hypothalamic mineralocorticoid receptor and CRH receptor 1 mRNA levels were decreased in F‐S mice as compared with F‐R mice. Manganese‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MEMRI) was used to investigate basal levels of brain activity. MEMRI identified a pattern of increased brain activity in F‐S mice that was driven primarily by the hippocampus and amygdala, indicating excessive limbic circuit activity in F‐S mice as compared with F‐R mice. Thus, selection pressure applied to the AIL population leads to the accumulation of heritable trait‐relevant characteristics within each line, whereas non‐behaviorally relevant traits remain distributed. Selected lines therefore minimise false‐positive associations between behavioral phenotypes and physiology. We demonstrate that intrinsic differences in HPA axis function and limbic excitability contribute to phenotypic differences in the acquisition and consolidation of associative fear memory. Identification of system‐wide traits predisposing to variability in fear memory may help in the direction of more targeted and efficacious treatments for fear‐related pathology.
The influence of dopamine‐related genes on perceptual stability
Authors: Schmack Katharina , Sekutowicz Maria , Rössler Hannes , Brandl Eva J. , Müller Daniel J. , Sterzer Philipp 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBistable perception is the spontaneous and automatic alternation between two different perceptual states that occurs when sensory information is ambiguous. Perceptual alternation rates are robust within individuals but vary substantially between individuals. Slowed perceptual switching has been consistently reported in patients with bipolar disorder (BPD) and has been suggested as a trait marker for this disease. Although genetic factors have been implicated in both BPD and bistable perception, the underlying biological mechanisms that mediate the observed perceptual stability in BPD remain elusive. Here, we tested the effect of two variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) polymorphisms in DRD4 and DAT1 (SLC6A3), both candidate genes for BPD with functional impact on dopaminergic neurotransmission, on bistable perception in a cohort of 108 healthy human subjects. The BPD risk allele DRD4‐2R was significantly associated with slow perceptual switching. There was no effect of DAT1 genotype on bistable perception. Our findings indicate that genetic differences in dopaminergic neurotransmission linked to BPD also account for interindividual variability in bistable perception, thus providing a genetic basis for perceptual stability as a trait marker of BPD.
Best practice in alien species risk assessment: a comment on Leung et al. ()
Authors: Barry Simon C 
Published: August 2013

AbstractThe TEASI model is presented in Leung et al. (2012; TEASIng apart alien species risk assessments: a framework for best practices. Ecol. Lett., 15, 1475) as a framework for best practice in alien species risk assessment. This is not supported by the paper's review as it does not define good, bad or best practice and therefore cannot logically make this claim.
Biodiversity ensures plant–pollinator phenological synchrony against climate change
Authors: Bartomeus Ignasi , Park Mia G. , Gibbs Jason , Danforth Bryan N. , Lakso Alan N. , Winfree Rachael 
Published: August 2013

AbstractClimate change has the potential to alter the phenological synchrony between interacting mutualists, such as plants and their pollinators. However, high levels of biodiversity might buffer the negative effects of species‐specific phenological shifts and maintain synchrony at the community level, as predicted by the biodiversity insurance hypothesis. Here, we explore how biodiversity might enhance and stabilise phenological synchrony between a valuable crop, apple and its native pollinators. We combine 46 years of data on apple flowering phenology with historical records of bee pollinators over the same period. When the key apple pollinators are considered altogether, we found extensive synchrony between bee activity and apple peak bloom due to complementarity among bee species’ activity periods, and also a stable trend over time due to differential responses to warming climate among bee species. A simulation model confirms that high biodiversity levels can ensure plant–pollinator phenological synchrony and thus pollination function.
Clinical application and evaluation of the Bien diagnostic criteria for Rasmussen encephalitis
Authors: Olson Heather E. , Lechpammer Mirna , Prabhu Sanjay P. , Ciarlini Pedro D.S.C. , Poduri Annapurna , Gooty Vasu D. , Anjum Muhammad W. , Gorman Mark P. , Loddenkemper Tobias 
Published: August 2013

SummaryPurposeThe 2005 diagnostic criteria for Rasmussen encephalitis (RE) are based on seizures, clinical deficits, electroencephalography (EEG), neuroimaging, and pathology (Brain, 128, 2005, 451). We applied these criteria to patients evaluated for RE and epilepsy surgery controls to determine the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values (PPVs, NPVs) using pathology as the gold standard.MethodsWe identified patients evaluated for RE based on medical records from 1993 to 2011. Fifty‐two control patients with refractory epilepsy, unilateral magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) changes, and biopsies were selected from an epilepsy surgery database from matching years. Patients meeting all three of group A and/or two of three group B criteria were classified as meeting full criteria (positive). Patients not meeting full criteria were classified as negative. When available, pathology findings were re‐reviewed with neuropathologists, and MRI imaging was re‐reviewed with a neuroradiologist.Key FindingsRE was considered in the differential diagnosis for 82 patients, of whom 35 had biopsies. Twenty patients met full criteria (positive) without another explanation, including seven for whom biopsy was required to meet criteria and one in whom another etiology was identified. Two patients met full criteria but had another explanation. Thirty‐five met partial criteria (negative), of whom 14 had another etiology identified. Twenty‐five met no criteria (negative). The diagnostic criteria had a sensitivity of 81% with four false negatives (criteria‐negative, biopsy‐positive) when compared to pathology as a gold standard. Five false positives (criteria positive, biopsy negative) had identifiable alternate diagnoses.SignificanceThe 2005 Bien clinical diagnostic criteria for RE have reasonably high sensitivity and specificity and good clinical‐pathologic correlation in most cases. We suggest modification of the criteria to allow inclusion of cases with well‐described but less common features. Specifically we suggest making the diagnosis in the absence of epilepsia partialis continua (EPC) or clear progression of focal cortical deficits or MRI findings if biopsy is positive and two of the A criteria are met (B3 plus two of three A criteria). This would improve the sensitivity of the criteria.