bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
VIP Barcoding: composition vector‐based software for rapid species identification based on DNA barcoding
Authors: Fan Long , Hui Jerome H. L. , Yu Zu Guo , Chu Ka Hou 
Published: January 2014

AbstractSpecies identification based on short sequences of DNA markers, that is, DNA barcoding, has emerged as an integral part of modern taxonomy. However, software for the analysis of large and multilocus barcoding data sets is scarce. The Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) is currently the fastest tool capable of handling large databases (e.g. >5000 sequences), but its accuracy is a concern and has been criticized for its local optimization. However, current more accurate software requires sequence alignment or complex calculations, which are time‐consuming when dealing with large data sets during data preprocessing or during the search stage. Therefore, it is imperative to develop a practical program for both accurate and scalable species identification for DNA barcoding. In this context, we present VIP Barcoding: a user‐friendly software in graphical user interface for rapid DNA barcoding. It adopts a hybrid, two‐stage algorithm. First, an alignment‐free composition vector (CV) method is utilized to reduce searching space by screening a reference database. The alignment‐based K2P distance nearest‐neighbour method is then employed to analyse the smaller data set generated in the first stage. In comparison with other software, we demonstrate that VIP Barcoding has (i) higher accuracy than Blastn and several alignment‐free methods and (ii) higher scalability than alignment‐based distance methods and character‐based methods. These results suggest that this platform is able to deal with both large‐scale and multilocus barcoding data with accuracy and can contribute to DNA barcoding for modern taxonomy. VIP Barcoding is free and available at http://msl.sls.cuhk.edu.hk/vipbarcoding/.
Effect of an aspheric intraocular lens on the ocular wave‐front adjusted for pupil size and capsulorhexis size
Authors: Crnej Alja , Buehl Wolf , Greslechner Roman , Hirnschall Nino , Findl Oliver 
Published: January 2014

AbstractPurposeTo compare the ocular wave‐front of eyes with silicone Intraocular lens (IOLs) with aspheric and spherical optics after cataract surgery, taking into account the patient's pupil size under reading conditions and after pupil dilatation.MethodsIn this institutional prospective, randomized, controlled, patient and examiner masked, bilateral trial with intra‐individual comparison, 60 eyes of 30 patients with bilateral age‐related cataract were included. Each patient received a spherical IOL (CeeOn Edge, 911A, AMO, Santa Ana, CA, USA) in one eye and an aspheric IOL (Tecnis, Z9000, AMO) in the contra‐lateral eye. Exclusion criteria were other ocular pathologies, capsular changes or zonular weakness. The main outcome variable was spherical aberration of the ocular wave‐front under mesopic pupil conditions measured 2 years after surgery. Additional outcome variables were visual acuity and photopic and mesopic contrast sensitivity.ResultsThere was no significant difference in visual acuity between the two IOL types under physiological pupil conditions and also not after pupil dilation. However, spherical aberrations were significantly lower with the aspheric IOL (SA: spherical 0.38 μm, SD: 0.11 μm; aspheric 0.10 μm, SD: 0.13 μm; p < 0.01), and there was a significant difference in contrast sensitivity at 12 cycles/degree.ConclusionsThis is the first randomized and masked trial on visual function and ocular wave‐front after implantation with this silicone aspheric IOL, taking the patients' own pupil size into account. The effect on visual function was detectable for mesopic contrast sensitivity, but there was no difference in visual acuity. The SA was found to be significantly lower under physiological pupil conditions as well as when recalculated for the rhexis size and under pharmacological dilatation.
Tuberculous uveitis in China
Authors: Mao Yu , Peng Xiao Yan , You Qi Sheng , Wang Hong , Zhao Meng , Jonas Jost B. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractPurposeTo assess tuberculous uveitis in Chinese patients.MethodsThe hospital‐based observational case series study included patients who attended a third‐referral hospital and presented with chronic and recurrent uveitis without primarily detected aetiology. The patients underwent the tuberculin skin test (TST) and/or interferon gamma release test (IGRA). Patients with positive test results received standard antituberculous therapy. Patients who responded to the therapy and did not show recurrence of uveitis in the follow‐up period were diagnosed as tuberculous uveitis and formed the study group. The remaining patients were diagnosed as non‐tuberculous uveitis and formed the control group. The clinical characteristics were compared between both groups.ResultsThe study group with tuberculous uveitis included 46 patients and the non‐tuberculous group 38 patients. Multifocal choroiditis [n = 9 (20%) versus n = 1(3%); p = 0.04] and retinal vasculitis [n = 25(54%) versus 8 = (21.1%); p = 0.002] were significantly more common in the study group. Of 25 patients with retinal vasculitis in the study group, 11 patients (44%) additionally showed choroiditis lesions, compared with only one (13%) of eight patients in the control group (p = 0.01). In multivariate regression analysis, multifocal choroiditis [odds ratio (OR): 32.1], choroidal granuloma (OR: 21.4) and retinal vasculitis (OR: 11.2) were independent predictors of tubercular uveitis.ConclusionsAbout 50% of a group of 84 patients with primarily unexplained chronic posterior uveitis had tuberculosis and showed multifocal choroiditis, choroidal granuloma and retinal vasculitis. These features had a high predictive value for the diagnosis of tuberculous uveitis. Tuberculosis is an important part in the differential diagnosis of unexplained uveitis.
Prevalence and risk factors of visual impairment and blindness in Korea: the Fourth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in 2008–2010
Authors: Rim Tyler H. T. , Nam Jae S. , Choi Moonjung , Lee Sung C. , Lee Christopher S. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractPurposeTo describe the age, gender specific prevalence and risk factors of visual impairment and blindness in Korea.MethodsFrom 2008 to 2010, a total 14 924 randomly selected national representative participants of the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey underwent additional ophthalmologic examinations by the Korean Ophthalmologic Society. Best Corrected Distance Visual Acuity was measured using an international standard vision chart based on Snellen scale (Jin's vision chart). Independent risk factors for visual impairment were investigated using multivariate logistic regression analysis.ResultsThe overall prevalence of visual impairment (≤20/40) of adults 40 years and older was 4.1% (95% CI, 3.6–4.6) based on the better seeing eye. The overall prevalence of blindness (≤20/200) for adults 40 years and older was 0.2% (95% CI, 0.1–0.3). Risk indicators of visual impairment were increasing age, low education status, living in rural area, being unemployed, being without spouse and the absence of private health insurance. The visually impaired were more likely to have eye diseases compared with the normal subjects, and they were less likely to utilize eye care.ConclusionThe prevalence of visual impairment was demonstrated to be higher while that of blindness was similar to previous population studies in Asia or U.S. Sociodemographic disparities are present in the prevalence of visual impairment and more targeted efforts are needed to promote vision screening in high risk groups.
Comparison of peroperative subconjunctival injection of methylprednisolone and standard postoperative steroid drops after uneventful cataract surgery
Authors: Merkoudis Nikolaos , Wikberg Matsson Anna , Granstam Elisabet 
Published: January 2014

AbstractPurposeTo compare the safety and efficacy of a single subconjunctival injection of methylprednisolone and a standard postoperative steroid regimen in terms of intraocular inflammation and intraocular pressure (IOP) after uncomplicated phacoemulsification surgery.MethodsTwo groups of 25 patients each were included in this prospective randomized controlled trial. Patients in the injection group were given a subconjunctival injection of 20 mg methylprednisolone and the topical group received the conventional postoperative care with steroid eye drops (dexamethasone 1 mg/ml). The patients were examined 1 week and 1 month after surgery. Slit‐lamp evaluation of anterior chamber inflammation and IOP were performed. Changes in IOP of ≥2.4 mmHg were considered clinically relevant.ResultsIn the injection group, mean IOP decreased from 15.4 ± 2.2 mmHg (baseline) to 14.1 ± 3.2 mmHg at 1 week (p = 0.03). The topical group had a stable IOP at 1 week (16.3 ± 2.6 mmHg) compared to baseline (16.1 ± 2.7 mmHg; p = 0.74). At 1 month, mean IOP was 14.3 ± 2.6 mmHg (p = 0.03) in the injection group and 15.6 ± 2.3 mmHg (p = 0.2) in the topical group. The intragroup changes were neither statistically significant nor clinically relevant at any postoperative visit. Both groups had the highest values of intraocular inflammation at the 1‐week postoperative visit, followed by a decline to barely traceable levels at 1 month. The difference was not clinically relevant at any postoperative visit.ConclusionsThe subconjunctival injection of methylprednisolone appears to be as safe and effective as the conventional treatment, and it might therefore be considered for treatment of individuals with compliance issues.
Epigenetics and Transcriptomics to Detect Adverse Drug Effects in Model Systems of Human Development
Authors: Balmer Nina V. , Leist Marcel 
Published: January 2014

AbstractPrenatal exposure to environmental chemicals or drugs has been associated with functional or structural deficits and the development of diseases in later life. For example, developmental neurotoxicity (DNT) is triggered by lead, and this compound may predispose to neurodegenerative diseases in later life. The molecular memory for such late consequences of early exposure is not known, but epigenetic mechanisms (modification of the chromatin structure) could take this role. Examples and underlying mechanisms have been compiled here for the field of DNT. Moreover, we addressed the question as to what readout is suitable for addressing drug memory effects. We summarize how complex developmental processes can be modelled in vitro by using the differentiation of human stem cells. Although cellular models can never replicate the final human DNT phenotype, they can model the adverse effect that a chemical has on key biological processes essential for organ formation and function. Highly information‐rich transcriptomics data may inform on these changes and form the bridge from in vitro models to human prediction. We compiled data showing that transcriptome analysis can indicate toxicity patterns of drugs. A crucial question to be answered in our systems is when and how transcriptome changes indicate adversity (as opposed to transient adaptive responses), and how drug‐induced changes are perpetuated over time even after washout of the drug. We present evidence for the hypothesis that changes in the histone methylation pattern could represent the persistence detector of an early insult that is transformed to an adverse effect at later time‐points in life.
The Neuronal Cytoskeleton as a Potential Target in the Developmental Neurotoxicity of Organophosphorothionate Insecticides
Authors: Flaskos John 
Published: January 2014

AbstractPhosphorothionates are toxicologically the most important class of organophosphorus ester (OP) insecticides. Phosphorothionates are metabolically converted in vivo to their oxon analogues. These oxon metabolites can bind and inhibit acetylcholinesterase, thus causing acute cholinergic neurotoxicity. Oxon binding to the same target may also be partly responsible for manifestation of the ‘intermediate syndrome’. More recent evidence suggests that the oxons may be also capable of inducing developmental neurotoxicity. The neuronal cytoskeleton may represent a potential target for the developmental neurotoxicity of the oxons because of its vital importance in many stages of normal neurodevelopment. Data obtained in the last five years and critically reviewed here indicate that the oxon metabolites, at concentrations that can be attained in vivo, exert potent effects on the neuronal cytoskeleton disrupting all three cytoskeletal networks. This disruption is expressed at the level of cytoskeletal protein expression, intracellular distribution, post‐translational modification, cytoskeletal dynamics and function and may involve effects on both neuronal and glial cells. These effects are not secondary to other changes but may constitute primary effects of the oxons, as these compounds have been shown to be capable of covalently binding to and organophosphorylating multiple sites on tubulin and actin. Analogous studies must be extended to include other neurodevelopmentally important cytoskeletal proteins, such as neurofilament heavy chain, and tau, which are known to contain unusually high numbers of phosphorylatable sites and to establish whether organophosphorylation by the oxons takes place at sites where neurodevelopmentally relevant, endogenous, reversible phosphorylation is known to occur.
What is the role of genetic testing in the investigation of patients with suspected platelet function disorders?
Authors: Daly Martina E. , Leo Vincenzo C. , Lowe Gillian C. , Watson Steve P. , Morgan Neil V. 
Published: January 2014

SummaryInherited platelet function disorders (PFDs), associated with normal or reduced platelet counts, account for a significant proportion of bleeding diatheses. Identification of the underlying genetic defects is difficult in the majority of cases due to the variable clinical expression of the bleeding symptoms and the redundancy of platelet receptor and signalling pathways, which add to the complexity of diagnosis. The gold standard method for phenotyping platelets, light transmission aggregometry (LTA), has allowed classification of functional defects in the majority of patients referred for investigation of suspected PFDs, while DNA‐based analysis has primarily played a confirmatory role and been restricted mainly to analysis of candidate genes. Recent advances in next generation sequencing have facilitated the identification of gene defects in patients with PFDs where the underlying genetic defect was previously unknown, especially when combined with genome‐wide linkage analysis. These studies have provided new insights into the mechanisms controlling platelet formation and function, and it is likely that, as understanding of the relationships between platelet phenotype and genotype increases and pipelines for the interpretation of genetic variations identified in patients are developed, DNA‐based analysis will play an increasingly important role in the first‐line investigation of patients with PFDs.
Lessons in platelet production from inherited thrombocytopenias
Authors: Pecci Alessandro , Balduini Carlo L. 
Published: January 2014

SummaryOur knowledge of the cellular and molecular mechanisms of platelet production has greatly expanded in recent years due to the opportunity to culturein vitromegakaryocytes and to create transgenic animals with specific genetic defects that interfere with platelet biogenesis. However,in vitromodels do not reproduce the complexity of the bone marrow microenvironment where megakaryopoiesis takes place, and experience shows that what is seen in animals does not always happen in humans. So, these experimental models tell us what might happen in humans, but does not assure us that these events really occur. In contrast, inherited thrombocytopenias offer the unique opportunity to verify in humans the actual effects of abnormalities in specific molecules on platelet production. There are currently 20 genes whose defects are known to result in thrombocytopenia and, on this basis, this review tries to outline a model of megakaryopoiesis based on firm evidence. Inherited thrombocytopenias have not yet yielded all the information they can provide, because nearly half of patients have forms that do not fit with any known disorder. So, further investigation of inherited thrombocytopenias will advance not only the knowledge of human illnesses, but also our understanding of human platelet production.
Masculinity, alexithymia, and fear of intimacy as predictors of UK men's attitudes towards seeking professional psychological help
Authors: Sullivan Luke , Camic Paul M. , Brown June S. L. 
Published: January 2014

ObjectivesMen's reluctance to access health care services has been under researched even though it has been identified as a potentially important predictor of poorer health outcomes amongst men. Male gender role socialization and male development may be important in accounting for men's underutilization of mental health services in the United Kingdom.MethodA cross‐sectional online survey was used to administer standardized self‐report measures that were subject to regression analysis. Five hundred and eighty‐one men from the UK general population completed the survey, and 536 participants formed the final regression analysis.ResultsMen who score higher on measures of traditional masculine ideology, normative alexithymia, and fear of intimacy reported more negative attitudes towards seeking professional psychological help. Normative alexithymia fully mediated the effect of fear of intimacy on attitudes towards professional help seeking. In the final regression model, education significantly accounted for a proportion of unique variance in men's help‐seeking attitudes.ConclusionsHypothesized consequences of male emotional and interpersonal development and male gender role socialization were associated with men's attitudes towards seeking psychological help. These are important factors which could help to improve help seeking and mental health outcomes for men. Limitations of this study and implications for future research are discussed.
Statement of contributionWhat is already known on this subject? Men are less likely to seek help for physical and psychological problems and have poorer health outcomes across nearly all major illness and injury. Men's reluctance to access health care services is believed to be a major contributory factor to poorer health outcomes for men.What does the study add? The study is a large‐scale survey of UK men's attitudes towards professional psychological help seeking. Results provide evidence that hypothesized consequences of male gender role socialization and dominant masculine norms are associated with men's attitudes towards seeking professional psychological help.

Attitudes towards psychological help seeking were associated with masculinity, alexithymia, and intimacy.

Alexithymia fully mediated the effect of intimacy on men's attitudes towards psychological help seeking.

Promoting help seeking in men could improve men's emotional well‐being and interpersonal functioning.
Phylogeny of the symphytan grade of Hymenoptera: new pieces into the old jigsaw(fly) puzzle
Authors: Malm Tobias , Nyman Tommi 
Published: January 2014

AbstractThe Hymenoptera constitutes one of the largest, and ecologically and economically most important, insect orders. During the past decade, a number of hypotheses on the phylogenetic relationships among hymenopteran families and superfamilies have been presented, based on analyses of molecular and/or morphological data. Nevertheless, many questions still remain, particularly concerning relationships within the hyperdiverse suborder Apocrita, but also when it comes to the evolutionary history of the ancestrally herbivorous “sawfly” lineages that form the basal, paraphyletic grade Symphyta. Because a large part of the uncertainty appears to stem from limited molecular and taxonomic sampling, we set out to investigate the phylogeny of Hymenoptera using nine protein‐coding genes, of which five are new to analyses of the order. In addition, we more than tripled the taxon coverage across the symphytan grade, introducing representatives for many previously unsampled lineages. We recover a well supported phylogenetic structure for these early herbivorous hymenopteran clades, with new information regarding the monophyly of Xyelidae, the placement of the superfamily Pamphilioidea as sister to Tenthredinoidea + Unicalcarida, as well as the interrelationships among the tenthredinoid families Tenthredinidae, Cimbicidae, and Diprionidae. Based on the obtained phylogenies, and to prevent paraphyly of Tenthredinidae, we propose erection of the tribe Heptamelini to family status (Heptamelidae). In particular, our results give new insights into subfamilial relationships within the Tenthredinidae and other species‐rich sawfly families. The expanded gene set provides a useful toolbox for future detailed analyses of symphytan subgroups, especially within the diverse superfamily Tenthredinoidea.
A multicenter study of the attitude of secondary school teachers toward solid organ donation and transplantation in the southeast of Spain
Authors: Febrero Beatriz , Ríos Antonio , López‐Navas Ana , Martínez‐Alarcón Laura , Almela Javier , Sánchez Álvaro , Sánchez Jose , Parrilla Juan José , Ramírez Pablo , Parrilla Pascual 
Published: January 2014

AbstractBackgroundTeachers play a fundamental role in providing information to adolescents and could influence their attitudes.ObjectivesTo analyze the attitude of teachers toward organ donation and the concept of brain death (BD); the psychosocial variables related to attitude; and the information provided to pupils.MethodsA multicenter study was carried out using a random sample of secondary school teaching staff from 10 schools (n = 327) in the southeast of Spain. Attitude toward organ donation was assessed using a validated questionnaire that was self‐administered and completed anonymously.ResultsThe questionnaire completion rate was 88% (n = 288), with 75% (n = 215) in favor of organ donation, 23% had doubts, and 2% were not in favor. Regarding the knowledge of BD, 62% (n = 179) accepted that this meant a person's death. The variables associated with a more favorable attitude included conversations with family and friends (p < 0.05); a partner's favorable opinion (OR 3.194); knowledge of the concept of BD (p = 0.006); being a blood donor (OR 8.264); and a favorable attitude toward autopsy (OR 4.716). Teachers provided information about organ donation to pupils in 16% of cases (n = 47).ConclusionsSeventy‐five percent of teachers are in favor of organ donation. Their attitude is affected by psychosocial factors.
Outcome of deceased donor renal transplantation in patients with an ileal conduit
Authors: McLoughlin Louise C. , Davis Niall F. , Dowling Catherine M. , Power Richard E. , Mohan Ponusamy , Hickey David P. , Smyth Gordon P. , Eng Molly M.P. , Little Dilly M. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractRenal transplantation in recipients with an ileal conduit is uncommon and occasionally controversial as it has been associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. We report on 17 patients with an ileal conduit who received a deceased donor renal transplant at our institution between January 1986 and December 2012. We retrospectively reviewed their allograft and surgical outcome. There were four mortalities at five, five, 39, and 66 months post‐transplant. Sixteen of 17 grafts functioned immediately; one patient had primary non‐function secondary to vascular thrombosis. Thirteen of 17 (76.5%) grafts were functioning at a mean follow‐up period of 105 months. The mean serum creatinine at follow‐up was 111 μM (±38.62). Five patients had seven episodes of urosepsis requiring hospital admission, and five patients received treatment for renal stone disease. We conclude that given improvements in immunosuppression, surgical technique, infection treatment, and selection criteria, we believe that renal transplantation in the patient with an ileal conduit yields excellent graft survival, although there is a high morbidity rate in this cohort of patients in the long term.