bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nasolacrimal duct screening to minimize post‐cataract surgery endophthalmitis
Authors: Kam Jonathan K , Cheng Nicholas M , Sarossy Marc , Allen Penelope J , Brooks Anne MV 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBackgroundTo examine unrecognized nasolacrimal duct obstruction as a risk factor for developing endophthalmitis post‐cataract surgery in order to assess the value of preoperative lacrimal system screening.DesignProspective case‐control study.ParticipantsA random sample of patients undergoing phacoemulsification cataract surgery (control group) and a consecutive series of patients admitted to our hospital with post‐cataract surgery endophthalmitis.MethodsWe compared the rate of nasolacrimal duct obstruction in the control group versus the endophthalmitis series. Both groups underwent nasolacrimal duct syringing with normal saline on the ipsilateral side to the surgery. A standard macro‐dacryocystogram was performed to confirm for obstruction detected on syringing.Main Outcome MeasuresNasolacrimal duct obstruction rate.ResultsForty‐four eyes from 39 patients were included in this study: 34 eyes from 29 patients formed the control group and 10 eyes from 10 patients formed the endophthalmitis group.A higher rate of nasolacrimal duct obstruction was found among patients who developed endophthalmitis post‐cataract in comparison with the control group, on both nasolacrimal duct syringing (50.0% vs. 11.8%; P = 0.018) and macro‐dacryocystogram (20.0% vs. 2.9%, P = 0.125). Two out of the three patients with radiologically confirmed nasolacrimal duct obstruction reported a long history of epiphora.ConclusionThe higher rates of obstruction on nasolacrimal duct syringing and macro‐dacryocystogram among patients who developed endophthalmitis suggest that nasolacrimal duct obstruction is a significant risk factor for postoperative endophthalmitis. We recommend routine screening for symptoms and examination of the lacrimal system prior to cataract surgery.
Early to middle gestational exposure to diethylstilbestrol impairs the development of labyrinth zone in mouse placenta
Authors: Kagawa Nao , Saito Yoshiaki , Nagao Tetsuji 
Published: October 2013

Abstract This study was performed to clarify the involvement of impaired labyrinth zone (LZ) of the placenta in the developmental toxicity of diethylstilbestrol (DES). DES at 10 μg/kg per day was administered orally to mice on days 4 through 8 of gestation. Histological observation of the LZ and determination of blood glucose levels in dam and fetus were performed on day 13. A high frequency of embryonic death was observed in the DES group. DES induced the underdevelopment of the plexus vasculosus, extensive maternal blood space and the decreased expression of glucose transporters in the LZ, and a reduction of the glucose level in embryos. These findings suggest that impaired LZ development may be related to the embryolethality of DES.
Appearance Stylization of Manhattan World Buildings
Authors: Li C. , Willis P. J. , Brown M. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractWe propose a method that generates stylized building models from examples (Figure ). Our method only requires minimal user input to capture the appearance of a Manhattan world (MW) building, and can automatically retarget the captured ‘look and feel’ to new models. The key contribution is a novel representation, namely the ‘style sheet’, that is captured independently from a building's structure. It summarizes characteristic shape and texture patterns on the building. In the retargeting stage, a style sheet is used to decorate new buildings of potentially different structures. Consistent face groups are proposed to capture complex texture patterns from the example model and to preserve the patterns in the retarget models. We will demonstrate how to learn such style sheets from different MW buildings and the results of using them to generate novel models.
Early molecular assessment of osseointegration in humans
Authors: Thalji Ghadeer N. , Nares Salvador , Cooper Lyndon F. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the early temporal‐wide genome transcription regulation by the surface topography at the bone–implant interface of implants bearing microroughened or superimposed nanosurface topology.Materials and methodsFour commercially pure titanium implants (2.2 × 5.0 mm) with either a moderately roughened surface (TiOblast) or super‐imposed nanoscale topography (Osseospeed) were placed (n = 2/surface) in edentulous sites of eleven systemically healthy subjects and subsequently removed after 3 and 7 days. TotalRNAwas isolated from cells adherent to retrieved implants. A whole‐genome microarray using theAffymetrix Human gene 1.1STArray was used to describe the gene expression profiles that were differentially regulated by the implant surfaces.ResultsThere were no significant differences when comparing the two implant surfaces at each time point. However, the microarray identified several genes that were differentially regulated at day 7 vs. day 3 for both implant surfaces. Functionally relevant categories related to the extracellular matrix (ECM), collagen fibril organization, and angiogenesis were upregulated at both surfaces (day7 vs. day3). Abundant upregulation of several differential markers of alternative activated macrophages was observed (e.g.,MRC1,MSR1,MS4A4A,SLC38A6,andCCL18). The biological processes involved with the inflammatory/immune response gene expression were concomitantly downregulated.ConclusionsGene regulation implicating collagen fibrillogenesis andECMorganization as well as the inflammatory/immune responses involving the alternative activated pathway are observed in implant adherent cells at early (3–7 days) after implantation. These gene expression events may indicate a pivotal role of collagen fibrillogenesis as well as immunomodulation in altering bone accrual and biomechanical physical properties of the implant–bone interface.
Histologic and histomorphometric evaluation of peri‐implant bone of immediate or delayed occlusal‐loaded non‐splinted implants in the posterior mandible – an experimental study in monkeys
Authors: Stokholm Rie , Isidor Flemming , Nyengaard Jens R. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractObjectivesThe primary aim of this study was to compare the bone reaction around immediate‐loaded non‐splinted single implants vs. delayed loaded non‐splinted single implants placed in healed ridges in the posterior mandible.Materials and methodsSix adult Macaca Fascicularis monkeys were used in this study. The first and second premolars and the first molar were extracted in both sides of the mandible. After 3 months of healing, four implants (Replace Select Tapered; Nobel Biocare, Gothenburg, Sweden) with a moderately rough surface (TiUnite, Nobel Biocare) were placed in the edentulous areas of each monkey, two in each side. The implants had a length of 10 mm and a diameter of 3.5 mm. Four groups of varying time and occlusal loading aspects were created: (i) control group: implant placed non‐loaded for 3 months; (ii) immediate loaded: implant placed and loaded immediately for 3 months; (iii) immediate loaded: implant placed and loaded immediately for 6 months; and (iv) delayed loaded: implant placed submerged for 3 months and then loaded for 3 months. At the loaded implants, after a second stage surgery, a composite crown was made directly on an abutment mounted on the implant reinsuring simultaneous occlusal contact on the implant crown and the neighboring teeth. After euthanization of the animals, histologic specimens were quantified in the light microscope.ResultsAll implants were clinically, radiographically, and histologically osseointegrated at the time of euthanization and with only mild signs of inflammation in the peri‐implant mucosa. The histologic marginal bone level was located on average 1.14–1.74 mm apical to the margin of the implants in the various groups. The average bone‐to‐implant contact (BIC) varied between 55% and 65% and the average bone density (i.e., the proportion of mineralized bone tissue from the implant surface and to a distance of 1 mm lateral to the implant) varied between 30.6% and 34.2%. No statistical significant differences between groups were observed in the above‐stated histomorphometric parameters.ConclusionsSimilar histologic and histomorphometric findings were observed in immediately and delayed loaded non‐splinted implants placed in the posterior mandible of macaque monkeys.
A pilot study to compare daily with twice weekly transcutaneous posterior tibial nerve stimulation for faecal incontinence
Authors: Thomas G. P. , Dudding T. C. , Bradshaw E. , Nicholls R. J. , Vaizey C. J. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractAimPosterior tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) has been shown to improve faecal incontinence in the short term. The optimal treatment regimen is unclear with wide variations in protocol reported in the literature. The study aimed to assess two different regimens of transcutaneous PTNS and to establish whether increasing the frequency of stimulation increases the effectiveness.MethodThirty patients were randomized to receive once daily or twice weekly PTNS for a 6‐week period. The treatment was carried out by the patient at home after instruction. The primary investigator was blinded to the patient allocation until the study had ended, at which point the symptoms were assessed. No further stimulation was given after 6 weeks and the patients were followed until their symptoms returned to the pre‐stimulation state (baseline). The primary outcome measure was a change in the frequency of incontinent episodes.ResultsThree patients in the daily group and none in the twice weekly group achieved complete continence. Only patients from the daily group showed a significant reduction in median (interquartile range) incontinent episodes per week from 5 (11.13) to 3.5 (4.31) (P = 0.025). There was no significant change in the frequency of defaecation nor in the ability to defer defaecation. Patients in the daily group experienced a significant improvement in the domains of lifestyle [2.2 (1.7) to 2.6 (1.65), P = 0.04] and embarrassment [1.7 (0.85) to 2.15 (0.4), P = 0.04] on the Rockwood Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life assessment. No adverse events were reported.ConclusionTranscutaneous PTNS can safely be used by the patient at home. Daily treatment may be more effective than twice weekly treatment. Larger studies are needed to investigate this further.
The prognostic value of tumour regression grade following neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy for rectal cancer
Authors: Abdul‐Jalil K. I. , Sheehan K. M. , Kehoe J. , Cummins R. , O'Grady A. , McNamara D. A. , Deasy J. , Breathnach O. , Grogan L. , O'Neill B. D. P. , Faul C. , Parker I. , Kay E. W. , Hennessy B. T. , Gillen P. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractAimTo date, there is no uniform consensus on whether tumour regression grade (TRG) is predictive of outcome in rectal cancer. Furthermore, the lack of standardization of TRG grading is a major source of variability in published studies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic impact of TRG in a cohort of patients with locally advanced rectal cancer treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy (CRT). In addition to the Mandard TRG, we utilized four TRG systems modified from the Mandard TRG system and applied them to the cohort to assess which TRG system is most informative.MethodOne‐hundred and fifty‐three patients with a T3/T4 and/or a node‐positive rectal cancer underwent neoadjuvant 5‐fluorouracil‐based CRT followed by surgical resection.ResultsThirty‐six (23.5%) patients achieving complete pathological response (ypCR) had a 5‐year disease‐free survival (DFS) rate of 100% compared with a DFS rate of 74% for 117 (76.5%) patients without ypCR (P = 0.003). The Royal College of Pathologists (RCPath) TRG best condenses the Mandard five‐point TRG by stratifying patients into three groups with distinct 5‐year DFS rates of 100%, 86% and 67%, respectively (P = 0.001). In multivariate analysis, pathological nodal status and circumferential resection margin (CRM) status, but not TRG, remained significant predictors of DFS (P = 0.002, P = 0.035 and P = 0.310, respectively).ConclusionOur findings support the notion that ypCR status, nodal status after neoadjuvant CRT and CRM status, but not TRG, are predictors of long‐term survival in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer.
Effect of transcranial magnetic stimulation on rectal sensitivity in irritable bowel syndrome: a randomized, placebo‐controlled pilot study
Authors: Melchior C. , Gourcerol G. , Chastan N. , Verin E. , Menard J. F. , Ducrotte P. , Leroi A. M. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractAimRepetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) applied to the motor cortex can induce analgesic effects in patients with chronic pain syndromes through its effect on central pain‐modulatory systems. Our aim was to evaluate the effect of rTMS on rectal sensitivity in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patients.MethodIn this randomized, sham‐controlled, proof‐of concept trial, 21 IBS patients (11 women and 10 men; mean age 44.0 ± 12.6 years) were randomized, using a double‐blind crossover protocol, to active or sham rTMS for 5 days of treatment. The primary outcome was the increase in the pressure pain threshold after rTMS. Secondary outcomes were the changes in maximum tolerated rectal volume, rectal compliance and average pain intensity between baseline and the end of the treatments.ResultsThere were no statistically significant differences between active and sham rTMS in terms of an increase in the pressure pain threshold, maximum tolerated volume and rectal compliance at the end of the treatments compared with baseline. However, in the subgroup of patients with the most marked rectal hypersensitivity, the volume threshold was significantly improved by active, but not by sham, rTMS (P = 0.03). Patients experienced a significant improvement in pain regardless of the type of stimulation.ConclusionThis pilot study failed to demonstrate any benefit of rTMS on our primary end‐point. However, the effect of rTMS on rectal tolerated volume in the most hypersensitive patients was encouraging enough to plan more powered studies.
Quantitative Standards for Absolute Linguistic Universals
Authors: Piantadosi Steven T. , Gibson Edward 
Published: October 2013

AbstractAbsolute linguistic universals are often justified by cross‐linguistic analysis: If all observed languages exhibit a property, the property is taken to be a likely universal, perhaps specified in the cognitive or linguistic systems of language learners and users. In many cases, these patterns are then taken to motivate linguistic theory. Here, we show that cross‐linguistic analysis will very rarely be able to statistically justify absolute, inviolable patterns in language. We formalize two statistical methods—frequentist and Bayesian—and show that in both it is possible to find strict linguistic universals, but that the numbers of independent languages necessary to do so is generally unachievable. This suggests that methods other than typological statistics are necessary to establish absolute properties of human language, and thus that many of the purported universals in linguistics have not received sufficient empirical justification.
Forest Rights: The Hard Currency of REDD+
Authors: Balooni Kulbhushan , Lund Jens Friis 
Published: October 2013

AbstractOne of the proposed strategies for implementation of reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation plus (REDD+) is to incentivize conservation of forests managed by communities under decentralized forest management. Yet, we argue that this is a challenging road to REDD+ because of three general characteristics of forests under existing decentralized management regimes. First, these forests already accumulate biomass and, in some cases, generate leakage, which threatens to undercut REDD+ additionality. Second, these forests are many and small, which will drive up REDD+ transactions costs. Third, beyond the “conservation islands” represented by forests under decentralized management, processes of deforestation and forest degradation continue. Given these challenges, we argue that REDD+ efforts through decentralized forestry should be redirected from incentivizing further conservation of forests under existing decentralized management arrangements toward a push for extending the coverage of forests under decentralized management, making forest rights the hard currency of REDD+.
Evidence for reduced neuromuscular function in men with a history of androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer
Authors: Girard Danielle , Marino Frank E. , Cannon Jack 
Published: October 2013

SummaryBackgroundIndices of body composition and muscular strength were compared between men with prostate cancer (PCa) treated with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) and asymptomatic matched men.MethodsNine subjects aged 63–83 years with PCa who received ADT (PCa+ADT; duration 6–180 months) and 11 asymptomatic aged‐matched eugonadal men (HM) aged 59–80 years were assessed for prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) and total testosterone (TT). Total body non‐osseous lean mass (TBLM) and right thigh non‐osseous fat‐free mass (RTLM) were assessed using dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry. Peak torque of the right knee extensors at 0° s−1 (ISO) and 60° s−1 (CON), maximal handgrip strength of the dominant hand (MHS) and whole‐body strength (WBS) were assessed. ISO and CON per unit mass of RTLM and MHS and WBS per unit mass of TBLM were calculated.ResultsAge, height, mass, body mass index and prostate‐specific antigen were comparable between groups (P>0·05), while TT was lower in PCa+ADT (P<0·01). RTLM was similar between groups (P≥0·075). Absolute ISO and CON were lower for PCa+ADT (P<0·01) as were CON per unit of RTLM and ISO per unit of RTLM (P<0·05). Absolute MHS, WBS and MHS per unit of TBLM and WBS per unit of TBLM were lower for PCa+ADT (P<0·01; P<0·05).ConclusionsMen with PCa who receive ADT experience significant losses in whole‐body muscular strength compared with asymptomatic age‐matched men, which may impair functional capacity. These losses in muscular strength appear to involve neuromuscular mechanisms that are yet to be identified.
Mucociliary clearance: pathophysiological aspects
Authors: Munkholm Mathias , Mortensen Jann 
Published: October 2013

SummaryMucociliary clearance has long been known to be a significant innate defence mechanism against inhaled microbes and irritants. Important knowledge has been gathered regarding the anatomy and physiology of this system, and in recent years, extensive studies of the pathophysiology related to lung diseases characterized by defective mucus clearance have resulted in a variety of therapies, which might be able to enhance clearance from the lungs. In addition, ways to study in vivo mucociliary clearance in humans have been developed. This can be used as a means to assess the effect of different pharmacological interventions on clearance rate, to study the importance of defective mucus clearance in different lung diseases or as a diagnostic tool in the work‐up of patients with recurrent airway diseases. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, and clinical aspects of mucociliary clearance and to present a clinically applicable test that can be used for in vivo assessment of mucociliary clearance in patients. In addition, the reader will be presented with a protocol for this test, which has been validated and used as a diagnostic routine tool in the work‐up of patients suspected for primary ciliary dyskinesia at Rigshospitalet, Denmark for over a decade.
The relationship between exercise‐induced muscle fatigue, arterial blood flow and muscle perfusion after 56 days local muscle unloading
Authors: Weber Tobias , Ducos Michel , Mulder Edwin , Beijer Åsa , Herrera Frankyn , Zange Jochen , Degens Hans , Bloch Wilhelm , Rittweger Jörn 
Published: October 2013

SummaryIn the light of the dynamic nature of habitual plantar flexor activity, we utilized an incremental isokinetic exercise test (IIET) to assess the work‐related power deficit (WoRPD) as a measure for exercise‐induced muscle fatigue before and after prolonged calf muscle unloading and in relation to arterial blood flow and muscle perfusion. Eleven male subjects (31 ± 6 years) wore the HEPHAISTOS unloading orthosis unilaterally for 56 days. It allows habitual ambulation while greatly reducing plantar flexor activity and torque production. Endpoint measurements encompassed arterial blood flow, measured in the femoral artery using Doppler ultrasound, oxygenation of the soleus muscle assessed by near‐infrared spectroscopy, lactate concentrations determined in capillary blood and muscle activity using soleus muscle surface electromyography. Furthermore, soleus muscle biopsies were taken to investigate morphological muscle changes. After the intervention, maximal isokinetic torque was reduced by 23·4 ± 8·2% (P<0·001) and soleus fibre size was reduced by 8·5 ± 13% (P = 0·016). However, WoRPD remained unaffected as indicated by an unchanged loss of relative plantar flexor power between pre‐ and postexperiments (P = 0·88). Blood flow, tissue oxygenation, lactate concentrations and EMG median frequency kinematics during the exercise test were comparable before and after the intervention, whereas the increase of RMS in response to IIET was less following the intervention (P = 0·03). In conclusion, following submaximal isokinetic muscle work exercise‐induced muscle fatigue is unaffected after prolonged local muscle unloading. The observation that arterial blood flow was maintained may underlie the unchanged fatigability.
Precompetitive assessment of heart rate variability in elite female athletes during play offs
Authors: D'Ascenzi Flavio , Alvino Federico , Natali Benedetta M. , Cameli Matteo , Palmitesta Paola , Boschetti Giampaolo , Bonifazi Marco , Mondillo Sergio 
Published: October 2013

SummaryBackgroundHeart rate variability (HRV) has been rarely applied in elite athletes prior to competition. The aim of this study was to examine the changes in HRV in elite female volleyball players before a stressful match during play offs and to evaluate the impact on sport‐specific performance.MethodsA short‐term resting HRV analysis was applied right after the night sleep in ten female athletes 1 and 2 days prior to the match and the day of the competition.ResultsApproaching the decisive match, RR interval, resting heart rate (HR), pNN50, rMSDD and SD1 did not significantly vary. SD2 significantly increased in comparison with first‐day measurement (P<0·05). HF% levels significantly decreased the prematch day and the match day (P<0·05); however, no significant changes in LF/HF% ratio were observed. A gradual increase in VLF% and in LnVLF was observed, with a significant difference between first‐day and match‐day measurements (P<0·01 and P<0·05, respectively). The number of positive receptions was inversely correlated with LF/HFms2 ratio, with LF/HF% ratio (R = −0·98, P<0·05 for both) and with resting HR (R = −0·92, P<0·05).ConclusionsElite female athletes practising team sports exhibit a slight change in HRV prior to a decisive competition, without a pronounced variation of the autonomic nervous system activity. A day‐to‐day HRV measurement could be a useful tool to evaluate the impact of a competition on the autonomic nervous system in athletes, also considering the relationship between sympathetic activity and athletic performance.