bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Morphological and functional differences between normal‐tension and high‐tension glaucoma
Authors: Häntzschel Janek , Terai Naim , Sorgenfrei Friederike , Haustein Michael , Pillunat Karin , Pillunat Lutz E. 
Published: February 2013

Abstract.Purpose:  To compare visual field (VF) and nerve fibre loss in patients with normal‐tension (NTG) and high‐tension glaucoma (HTG) at an equal level of glaucomatous structural damage of the optic nerve head (ONH).Methods:  In a retrospective, pair‐matched, comparative study, 126 eyes with NTG and 126 eyes with HTG were matched according to the same glaucomatous ONH damage based on rim volume, rim area and disc size measured by the Heidelberg Retina Tomograph (HRT III). Visual field by Humphrey perimetry and nerve fibre layer thickness measured by scanning laser polarimetry (GdxVCC) were compared between both groups.Results:  Based on the HRT, NTG and HTG displayed comparable structural damage of the ONH without a statistically significant difference between both groups (mean, NTG/HTG: disc area 2.32/2.32 mm², p =0.342; rim area 1.03/1.00 mm², p = 0.279; rim volume 0.2/0.19 mm³; p = 0.274). Eyes with NTG had significantly less VF damage than eyes with HTG (mean, NTG/HTG: mean deviation (MD) −3.69/−9.77 dB, p = 0.0001; pattern standard deviation (PSD) 4.80/7.17 dB, p = 0.0001). The nerve fibre layer of NTG patients was thicker than that of HTG patients (mean, NTG/HTG: GDx total: 46.9/44.0 μm, p = 0.073; GDx superior: 57.2/49.9 μm, p = 0.0001; GDx inferior: 54.9/49.7 μm, p = 0.001).Conclusions:  At an equal level of glaucomatous structural damage of the ONH indicated by cupping, rim area and rim volume, NTG patients seem to have a less affected visual field and a better preserved nerve fibre layer than HTG patients.
Calculation of central retinal artery diameters from non‐invasive ocular haemodynamic measurements in type 1 diabetes patients
Authors: Pemp Berthold , Cherecheanu Alina‐Popa , Garhofer Gerhard , Schmetterer Leopold 
Published: February 2013

Abstract.Purpose:  The aim of the study was to compare the diameter of the central retinal artery (CRA) between patients with diabetes mellitus and healthy subjects in vivo. CRA diameters were calculated from retinal haemodynamic parameters measured with noninvasive measurement techniques.Methods:  Sixteen patients with type 1 diabetes with no or mild diabetic retinopathy and 16 age‐matched healthy controls were included in this study. Total retinal blood flow was assessed by combining bidirectional laser Doppler velocimetry in all veins entering the optic disc with measurements of retinal vessel diameters using a Dynamic Vessel Analyser. Blood flow velocity in the CRA was measured with colour Doppler imaging (CDI). The diameter of the CRA in the optic nerve was then calculated for each subject using the individual ocular haemodynamic data.Results:  Calculated CRA diameters were significantly larger in patients with diabetes (180 ± 13 μm) compared with healthy controls (166 ± 10 μm, p =  0.001). No significant differences were found in retinal blood flow, retinal artery or vein diameters or mean flow velocity of the CRA.Conclusion:  The data of the present study show increased calculated CRA diameter in patients with type 1 diabetes with no or mild retinopathy. Blood flow velocity measurements in retrobulbar vessels using CDI need to be interpreted with caution in terms of retinal blood flow, because no information about vessel diameters is obtained by this technique.
Allograft survival enhancement using doxycycline in alkali‐burned mouse corneas
Authors: Ling Shiqi , Li Weihua , Liu Lin , Zhou Hongmei , Wang Tao , Ye Hui , Liang Lingyi , Yuan Jin 
Published: February 2013

Abstract.Purpose:  To explore the inhibitory effects of doxycycline on allograft rejection in alkali‐burned cornea beds.Methods:  The corneas of BALB/c mice were injured using a 1 mol/l NaOH solution. Following the injury, the corneas from C57BL/6 mice were transplanted into the eyes of BALB/c mice after being randomized into three groups: allogeneic corneal transplantation (group A), topical use of doxycycline after allogeneic corneal transplantation (group B) and syngeneic corneal transplantation (group C). Corneal angiogenesis was examined using whole‐mount immunofluorescence, and corneal inflammation was evaluated using inflammation index scoring. The immune rejection of the grafts was examined using a slit lamp. In addition, the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor A and interleukin‐1β in the transplanted corneas was examined using a real‐time polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemistry and an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.Results:  The outgrowth of the corneal blood vessels in the group A mice was faster than that in the group B and group C mice. The inflammation index levels were highest in the group A mice, intermediate in the group B mice and lowest in the group C mice. Vascular endothelial growth factor and the interleukin‐1β protein and mRNA levels decreased dramatically in the group B mice compared with the group A mice (all p‐values < 0.01). In addition, the mean survival time in the group B mice (27.00 ± 2.00 days) was significantly longer than that in the group A mice (11.67 ± 1.51 days; p < 0.05).Conclusions:  Doxycycline may have had a significant role in preventing corneal angiogenesis and inflammation in alkali‐burned corneal beds, which resulted in higher allograft survival rates.
Multimodal imaging of the macula in hereditary and acquired lack of macular pigment
Authors: Theelen Thomas , Berendschot Tos T. J. M. , Klevering B. Jeroen , Fuijkschot Joris , Hoyng Carel B. , Willemsen Michèl A. A. P. 
Published: February 2013

Abstract.Purpose:  Macular pigment (MP) deficit has been described in macular teleangiectasia type 2 (MTA; acquired MP loss) and in Sjögren–Larsson syndrome (SLS; hereditary MP deficiency). Central blue light‐induced fundus autofluorescence (FAF) and blue light fundus reflectance (BLR) are thought to reflect MP distribution. This study was performed to describe the macular morphology in SLS and MTA by multimodal imaging to further investigate the causes of FAF and BLR changes in these disorders.Methods:  This was a single‐centre, cross‐sectional, retrospective, observational study on SLS and MTA patients treated at our institution. In a multimodal retinal imaging dataset, patterns of BLR and FAF changes were compared with the optical coherence tomography (OCT) and clinical appearance of the patients’ retinas.Results:  Multimodal image sets of seven eyes of four patients with SLS and of 25 eyes of 15 patients with MTA were included in this study. In MTA, areas of focal FAF increase were mainly associated with retinal pseudocysts and photoreceptor loss and were co‐located with regions of increased BLR. In SLS, areas of focally decreased FAF correlated with the typical intraretinal glistening dots. Frequently, a spot of focally increased FAF was visible at the fovea of SLS patients, often independent of the presence of pseudocysts or photoreceptor loss on OCT.Conclusion:  In MTA and SLS different patterns of FAF alterations could be observed. The areas of increased BLR, which are thought to correlate with MP loss, appeared to have only restricted correlation with FAF appearance.
Congestive heart failure with diffuse neonatal hemangiomatosis – case report and literature review
Authors: Dotan Moshe , Lorber Avraham 
Published: February 2013

AbstractBackgroundVascular hemangiomas are considered to be a common finding among neonates and infants. The presence of five or more cutaneous hemangiomas may carry a higher incidence of multiple organ involvementMaterials & MethodsAn eleven week old female infant with high cardiac output heart failure and multiple cutaneous hemangiomas was referred to our clinic. Soon after birth she failed to gain weight and developed breathlessness. There was partial response to Captopril and Frusemide therapy, with development of a progressive cough. Echocardiogram and liver and brain ultrasound scans revealed heart chamber enlargement, multiple liver hemangiomas and an isolated cerebellar arterio‐venous malformation (AVM). Supportive treatment for congestive heart failure combined with propranolol therapy resulted in rapid clinical response and recovery.DiscussionThe diagnosis of Diffuse Neonatal Hemangiomatosis in infants with failure to thrive and symptoms of heart failure raises the possibility of internal organ involvement. Augmentation of propranolol in such cases may cause regression of Hemangiomatosis with patient clinical improvement.ConclusionWe report our experience with a single patient of Hemangiomatosis induced heart failure which responded to propranolol combined with medication to control heart failure and failure to thrive prevention. This treatment should be further evaluated with special attention to potential adverse effects, tolerance and compliance
Maternal intrapartum antibiotics and decreased vertical transmission of Lactobacillus to neonates during birth
Authors: Keski‐Nisula Leea , Kyynäräinen Hanna‐Reetta , Kärkkäinen Ulla , Karhukorpi Jari , Heinonen Seppo , Pekkanen Juha 
Published: February 2013

AbstractAimTo estimate the transmission of maternal vaginal microbiota to neonates during term delivery, focusing on Lactobacillus flora in relation to various obstetric clinical factors.MethodsFifty consecutive pregnant healthy women with singleton term pregnancies and their newborn infants. Vertical transmission of Lactobacillus flora to the newborn during delivery was evaluated in 45 mother–newborn pairs.ResultsLactobacillus‐dominant mixed flora was detected in 90% (N = 45) of vaginal samples, but only in 28% (N = 14) of neonatal cultures (transmission rate 31%). All neonates with Lactobacillus‐dominant mixed flora had findings similar to those in maternal cultures. Cocci‐dominant flora was the most common finding in neonates. Administration of antibiotics to the mother during the intrapartum period before birth and duration of rupture of membranes (ROM), regardless of maternal antibiotic treatment, were associated significantly with a decreased transmission rate of Lactobacillus‐dominant mixed flora to neonates.ConclusionMaternal intrapartum antibiotics and prolonged expectant management after ROM were associated with decreased transmission rate of vaginal Lactobacillus flora to the neonate during birth. As early colonization of Lactobacillus flora may have a preventive role in the development of allergic diseases later, the significance of intrapartum prophylactic antibiotics needs to be highlighted in forthcoming studies, especially as regards immunological development of the offspring.
The enigma to achieve normal postnatal growth in preterm infants – using parenteral or enteral nutrition?
Authors: Christmann V , Visser R , Engelkes M , de Grauw AM , van Goudoever JB , van Heijst AFJ 
Published: February 2013

AbstractAimTo evaluate whether increasing the amount of amino acids and energy in parenteral nutrition combined with rapid increment of enteral feeding improves postnatal growth in preterm infants.MethodsObservational study; two consecutive year‐cohorts of preterm infants; Cohort 2 received higher supplementation of parenteral amino acids and energy with more rapid enhancement of enteral feeding than Cohort 1. Nutritional intake, weight and head circumference (HC) were compared.ResultsCohort 2 [N: 79, gestational age (GA): 29.8 ± 2.2 weeks, birth weight (BW): 1248 ± 371 g] achieved full enteral feeds earlier (p < 0.001) and had a higher protein/energy intake during the first week (p < 0.001) than Cohort 1 (N: 68, GA: 29.5 ± 2.3 weeks, BW: 1261 ± 339 g). Both cohorts developed cumulative protein/energy deficits, but less in Cohort 2 (p < 0.01). Appropriate for gestational age infants (AGA) of Cohort 2 improved weight gain until week 5 (p < 0.01) compared to AGA of Cohort 1, nevertheless all infants demonstrated a decline in mean standard deviation score (>1) for weight at term. Small for GA infants failed to improve HC.ConclusionImproved parenteral intake may lead to improved short‐term postnatal weight gain. Faster increase of enteral nutrition was well tolerated but failed to prevent nutritional deficits. Practising early enteral feeding with higher supplementation of nutrients may be needed and requires further study.
L‐arginine or tempol supplementation improves renal and cardiovascular function in rats with reduced renal mass and chronic high salt intake
Authors: Carlström M. , Brown R. D. , Yang T. , Hezel M. , Larsson E. , Scheffer P. G. , Teerlink T. , Lundberg J. O. , Persson A. E. G. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractAimEarly life reduction in nephron number and chronic high salt intake cause development of renal and cardiovascular disease, which has been associated with oxidative stress and nitric oxide (NO) deficiency. We investigated the hypothesis that interventions stimulating NO signalling or reducing oxidative stress may restore renal autoregulation, attenuate hypertension and reduce renal and cardiovascular injuries following reduction in renal mass and chronic high salt intake.MethodsMale Sprague–Dawley rats were uninephrectomized (UNX) or sham‐operated at 3 weeks of age and given either a normal‐salt (NS) or high‐salt (HS) diet. Effects on renal and cardiovascular functions were assessed in rats supplemented with substrate for NO synthase (L‐Arg) or a superoxide dismutase mimetic (Tempol).ResultsRats with UNX + HS developed hypertension and displayed increased renal NADPH oxidase activity, elevated levels of oxidative stress markers in plasma and urine, and reduced cGMP in plasma. Histological analysis showed signs of cardiac and renal inflammation and fibrosis. These changes were linked with abnormal renal autoregulation, measured as a stronger tubuloglomerular feedback (TGF) response. Simultaneous treatment with L‐Arg or Tempol restored cGMP levels in plasma and increased markers of NO signalling in the kidney. This was associated with normalized TGF responses, attenuated hypertension and reduced signs of histopathological changes in the kidney and in the heart.ConclusionReduction in nephron number during early life followed by chronic HS intake is associated with oxidative stress, impaired renal autoregulation and development of hypertension. Treatment strategies that increase NO bioavailability, or reduce levels of reactive oxygen species, were proven beneficial in this model of renal and cardiovascular disease.
Facilitating in a demanding environment: Experiences of teaching in virtual classrooms using web conferencing
Authors: Cornelius Sarah 
Published: February 2013

Abstract“How to” guides and software training resources support the development of the skills and confidence needed to teach in virtual classrooms using web‐conferencing software. However, these sources do not often reveal the subtleties of what it is like to be a facilitator in such an environment—what it feels like, what issues might emerge and what personal challenges will be faced. This paper reports findings from a phenomenological study guided by the following question: “how do experienced teachers describe and understand their experiences in synchronous virtual classrooms?” which aimed to find out what it is like to be a teacher in a virtual classroom. The transcripts of semi‐structured interviews with four experienced web‐conferencing users across the UK were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. One of the themes that emerged—“facilitating in a demanding environment”—is explored in this paper to give an insight into participants' experiences and some of the challenges faced when encouraging interaction in an environment where feedback is limited. The discussion may be relevant to those developing their practice in virtual classrooms, as well as staff developers and software designers.
Accelerated and Enhanced Bone Formation on Novel Simvastatin‐Loaded Porous Titanium Oxide Surfaces
Authors: Nyan Myat , Hao Jia , Miyahara Takayuki , Noritake Kanako , Rodriguez Reena , Kasugai Shohei 
Published: February 2013

AbstractBackgroundWith increasing application of dental implants in poor‐quality bones, the need for implant surfaces ensuring accelerated osseointegration and enhanced peri‐implant bone regeneration is increased.PurposeA study was performed to evaluate the osseointegration and bone formation on novel simvastatin‐loaded porous titanium oxide surface.Materials and MethodsTitanium screws were treated by micro‐arc oxidation to form porous oxide surface and 25 or 50 μg of simvastatin was loaded. The nontreated control, micro‐arc oxidized, and simvastatin‐loaded titanium screws were surgically implanted into the proximal tibia of 16‐week‐old male Wistar rats (n = 36). Peri‐implant bone volume, bone‐implant contact, and mineral apposition rates were measured at 2 and 4 weeks. Data were analyzed by one‐way analysis of variance followed by Tukey's post hoc test.ResultsNew bone was formed directly on the implant surface in the bone marrow cavity in simvastatin‐loaded groups since 2 weeks. Bone‐implant contact values were significantly higher in simvastatin‐loaded groups than control and micro‐arc oxidized groups at both time points (p < .05). Peri‐implant bone volume and mineral apposition rate of simvastatin‐loaded groups were significantly higher than control and micro‐arc oxidized groups at 2 weeks (p < .05).ConclusionsThese data suggested that simvastatin‐loaded porous titanium oxide surface provides faster osseointegration and peri‐implant bone formation and it would be potentially applicable in poor‐quality bones.
Regional scale patterns of fine root lifespan and turnover under current and future climate
Authors: Luke McCormack M. , Eissenstat David M. , Prasad Anantha M. , Smithwick Erica A. H. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractFine root dynamics control a dominant flux of carbon from plants and into soils and mediate potential uptake and cycling of nutrients and water in terrestrial ecosystems. Understanding of these patterns is needed to accurately describe critical processes like productivity and carbon storage from ecosystem to global scales. However, limited observations of root dynamics make it difficult to define and predict patterns of root dynamics across broad spatial scales. Here, we combine species‐specific estimates of fine root dynamics with a model that predicts current distribution and future suitable habitat of temperate tree species across the eastern United States (US). Estimates of fine root lifespan and turnover are based on empirical observations and relationships with fine root and whole‐plant traits and apply explicitly to the fine root pool that is relatively short‐lived and most active in nutrient and water uptake. Results from the combined model identified patterns of faster root turnover rates in the North Central US and slower turnover rates in the Southeastern US. Portions of Minnesota, Ohio, and Pennsylvania were also predicted to experience >10% increases in root turnover rates given potential shifts in tree species composition under future climate scenarios while root turnover rates in other portions of the eastern US were predicted to decrease. Despite potential regional changes, the average estimates of root lifespan and turnover for the entire study area remained relatively stable between the current and future climate scenarios. Our combined model provides the first empirically based, spatially explicit, and spatially extensive estimates of fine root lifespan and turnover and is a potentially powerful tool allowing researchers to identify reasonable approximations of forest fine root turnover in areas where no direct observations are available. Future efforts should focus on reducing uncertainty in estimates of root dynamics by better understanding how climate and soil factors drive variability in root dynamics of different species.
Increasing variance in North Pacific climate relates to unprecedented ecosystem variability off California
Authors: Sydeman William J. , Santora Jarrod A. , Thompson Sarah Ann , Marinovic Baldo , Lorenzo Emanuele Di 
Published: February 2013

AbstractChanges in variance are infrequently examined in climate change ecology. We tested the hypothesis that recent high variability in demographic attributes of salmon and seabirds off California is related to increasing variability in remote, large‐scale forcing in the North Pacific operating through changes in local food webs. Linear, indirect numerical responses between krill (primarilyThysanoessa spinifera) and juvenile rockfish abundance (catch per unit effort (CPUE)) explained >80% of the recent variability in the demography of these pelagic predators. We found no relationships between krill and regional upwelling, though a strong connection to the North Pacific Gyre Oscillation (NPGO) index was established. Variance inNPGOand related central Pacific warming index increased after 1985, whereas variance in the canonicalENSOand Pacific Decadal Oscillation did not change. Anthropogenic global warming or natural climate variability may explain recent intensification of theNPGOand its increasing ecological significance. Assessing non‐stationarity in atmospheric‐environmental interactions and placing greater emphasis on documenting changes in variance of bio‐physical systems will enable insight into complex climate‐marine ecosystem dynamics.
A sink‐limited growth model improves biomass estimation along boreal and alpine tree lines
Authors: Leuzinger Sebastian , Manusch Corina , Bugmann Harald , Wolf Annett 
Published: February 2013

AbstractAimDespite increasing evidence for plant growth often being limited by sink (meristem) activity rather than source (photosynthesis) activity, all currently available dynamic global vegetation models (DGVMs) simulate plant growth via source‐limited processes. For a given climatic region, this may lead to an overestimation of carbon stock per unit surface area, particularly if a model fails to correctly predict forest cover. Our aim is to improve the Lund–Potsdam–Jena (LPJ) DGVM by replacing the source‐limited (SoL) tree growth algorithm by a sink‐limited (SiL) one.LocationOur analysis focuses on the cold tree line at high latitudes and altitudes. We study two altitudinal transects in the Swiss Alps and the northern tree line.MethodsWe limit annual net primary productivity of the LPJ DGVM by an algorithm based on the annual sum of growing degree‐days (GDD), assuming that maximum plant growth is reached asymptotically with increasing GDD.ResultsComparing simulation results with observational data, we show that the locations of both the northern and the alpine tree line are estimated more accurately when using a SiL algorithm than when using the commonly employed SoL algorithm. Also, simulated carbon stocks decrease in a more realistic manner towards the tree line when the SiL algorithm is used. This has far‐reaching implications for estimating and projecting present and future carbon stocks in temperature‐limited ecosystems.Main conclusionsIn the range of 60–80° N over Europe and Asia, carbon stored in vegetation is estimated to be c. 50% higher in the LPJ standard version (LPJ‐SoL) compared with LPJ‐SiL, resulting in a global difference in estimated biomass of 25 Pg (c. 5% of the global terrestrial standing biomass). Similarly, the simulated elevation of the upper tree line in the European Alps differs by c. 400 m between the two model versions, thus implying an additional overestimation of carbon stored in mountain forests around the world.