bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transversus abdominis plane block or subcutaneous wound infiltration after open radical prostatectomy: a randomized study
Authors: SKJELSAGER A. , RUHNAU B. , KISTORP T. K. , KRIDINA I. , HVARNESS H. , MATHIESEN O. , DAHL J. B. 
Published: February 2013

BackgroundOpen radical retropubic prostatectomy (ORRP) is associated with moderate pain. We hypothesized that a transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block would reduce post‐operative pain, morphine consumption and opioid‐related side effects compared with wound infiltration and placebo in this population.MethodsThis was a randomized, double‐blind and placebo‐controlled study. The operations were performed with patients in general anaesthesia. Patients were allocated to receive either bilateral TAP block (n = 23), wound infiltration (n = 25) or placebo (n = 25). Treatment was 40 ml ropivacaine 0.75% and placebo was 40 ml saline 0.9%. Pre‐operatively, all patients received oral gabapentin, ibuprofen and paracetamol, followed by oral paracetamol and ibuprofen at regular doses and intervals, and patient‐controlled analgesia with IV morphine from 0 h to 24 h post‐operatively.ResultsVisual analogue scale pain score during mobilization 4 h post‐operatively (primary outcome) did not differ significantly between the TAP block and placebo group (TAP 28 ± 22 mm vs. placebo 33 ± 18 mm, P = 0.64). Pain scores (as area under the curve) during the first 24 h were not significantly different among any of the three groups, neither at rest nor during mobilization. Morphine consumption (0–24 h) did not differ significantly between groups {TAP block = 15 [8–23] mg, infiltration 15 [8–36] mg, placebo 15 [3–30] mg, [median (interquartile range)]}. Levels of nausea, sedation and number of vomits were not different among the groups.ConclusionNeither TAP block nor wound infiltration with ropivacaine improved a basic multimodal analgesic regimen with paracetamol, ibuprofen and gabapentin after ORRP.
The relationship between minimum alcohol prices, outlet densities and alcohol‐attributable deaths inBritishColumbia, 2002–09
Authors: Zhao Jinhui , Stockwell Tim , Martin Gina , Macdonald Scott , Vallance Kate , Treno Andrew , Ponicki William R. , Tu Andrew , Buxton Jane 
Published: February 2013

AbstractAimTo investigate relationships between periodic increases in minimum alcohol prices, changing densities of liquor stores and alcohol‐attributable (AA) deaths inBritishColumbia,Canada.DesignCross‐section (16 geographic areas) versus time–series (32 annual quarters) panel analyses were conducted withAAdeaths as dependent variables and price, outlet densities and socio‐demographic characteristics as independent variables.Setting and participantsPopulations of 16HealthServiceDeliveryAreas inBritishColumbia,Canada.MeasurementsAge–sex‐standardized rates of acute, chronic and whollyAAmortality; population densities of restaurants, bars, government and private liquor stores; minimum prices of alcohol in dollars per standard drink.FindingsA 10% increase in average minimum price for all alcoholic beverages was associated with a 31.72% [95% confidence interval (CI): ± 25.73%,P < 0.05] reduction in whollyAAdeaths. Significantly negative lagged associations were also detected up to 12 months after minimum price increases for wholly but not for acute or chronicAAdeaths. Significant reductions in chronic and totalAAdeaths were detected between 2 and 3 years after minimum price increases. Significant but inconsistent lagged associations were detected for acuteAAdeaths. A 10% increase in private liquor stores was associated with a 2.45% (95%CI: ± 2.39%,P < 0.05), 2.36% (95%CI: ± 1.57%,P < 0.05) and 1.99% (95%CI: ± 1.76%,P < 0.05) increase in acute, chronic and totalAAmortality rates.ConclusionIncreases in the minimum price of alcohol inBritishColumbia,Canada, between 2002 and 2009 were associated with immediate and delayed decreases in alcohol‐attributable mortality. By contrast, increases in the density of private liquor stores were associated with increases in alcohol‐attributable mortality.
Outcomes of Descemet’s stripping endothelial keratoplasty in eyes with failed therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty
Authors: Chaurasia Sunita , Murthy Somasheila , Ramappa Muralidhar , Mohamed Ashik , Garg Prashant 
Published: February 2013

Abstract.Purpose:  To report the results of Descemet’s stripping endothelial keratoplasty (DSEK) for failed therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty (PK).Methods:  Twenty‐seven eyes of 27 patients undergoing DSEK for failed therapeutic PK were analysed.Results:  The mean age of the patients was 36 ± 13.9 years (range: 14–70 years). The median size of the therapeutic graft was 10 mm (inter‐quartile range; IQR 9.5–11 mm). Descemet’s membrane stripping was performed in all eyes. Graft clarity was achieved in 20/27 eyes. Six eyes had primary graft failure, and one had interface keratitis in the early postoperative period. In all eyes with primary graft failure, there was progressive stromal vascularization, which led to haziness in the graft. Late postoperative complications were rejection in four eyes, infection in two eyes, secondary graft failure in one eye and vortex keratopathy in one eye. Graft size was found to be a significant risk factor for graft rejection in this series. At the last follow‐up visit, the best‐corrected visual acuity was ≥20/40 in 5/27 eyes (18.5%), 20/60–20/40 in 12/27 eyes (44.4%), 20/100–20/60 in 3/27 eyes (1.5%) and ≤20/200 in 7/27 eyes (25.9%).Conclusions:  Considering the limited success of repeat PK in failed large therapeutic keratoplasty, DSEK is a viable option for visual rehabilitation in these eyes, however; visual acuity may be limited due to sub‐epithelial/stromal or interface scarring.
Expression of thrombospondin‐2 as a marker in proliferative diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Abu El‐Asrar Ahmed M. , Nawaz Mohd I. , Ola Mohammad S. , De Hertogh Gert , Opdenakker Ghislain , Geboes Karel 
Published: February 2013

Abstract.Purpose:  To determine the expression of the endogenous anti‐angiogenic and pro‐fibrotic matricellular protein thrombospondin (TSP)‐2 and its receptors CD36 and CD47 in proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). In addition, we examined the expression of TSP‐2 in the retinas of diabetic rats.Methods:  Epiretinal membranes from 14 patients with PDR and nine patients with proliferative vitreoretinopathy were studied by immunohistochemistry. Vitreous samples from 30 PDR and 25 nondiabetic patients were studied by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Vitreous samples and retinas of rats were examined by Western blotting.Results:  In epiretinal membranes, vascular endothelial cells and myofibroblasts expressed TSP‐2, CD36 and CD47. In PDR membranes, significant correlations were observed between numbers of blood vessels expressing the panendothelial cell marker CD34 and numbers of blood vessels and stromal cells expressing TSP‐2, CD36 and CD47. The numbers of blood vessels and stromal cells expressing CD34, TSP‐2, CD36 and CD47 were significantly higher in membranes with active neovascularization when compared with those with quiescent disease. Thrombospondin‐2 levels in vitreous samples from PDR patients were significantly higher than those in control patients without diabetes (p < 0.001). Western blot analysis revealed a significant increase in the expression of intact and cleaved TSP‐2 in vitreous samples from PDR patients and in the retinas of diabetic rats compared to nondiabetic controls.Conclusions:  Upregulation of TSP‐2 may be a protective mechanism against inflammation and angiogenesis associated with PDR.
Eye laterality: a comprehensive analysis in refractive surgery candidates
Authors: Linke Stephan J. , Druchkiv Vasyl , Steinberg Johannes , Richard Gisbert , Katz Toam 
Published: February 2013

Abstract.Purpose:  To explore eye laterality (higher refractive error in one eye) and its association with refractive state, spherical/astigmatic anisometropia, age and sex in refractive surgery candidates.Methods:  Medical records of 12 493 consecutive refractive surgery candidates were filtered. Refractive error (subjective and cycloplegic) was measured in each subject and correlated with eye laterality. Only subjects with corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) of >20/22 in each eye were enrolled to exclude amblyopia. Associations between eye laterality and refractive state were analysed by means of t‐test, chi‐squared test, Spearman’s correlation and multivariate logistic regression analysis, respectively.Results:  There was no statistically significant difference in spherical equivalent between right (−3.47 ± 2.76 D) and left eyes (−3.47 ± 2.76 D, p = 0.510; Pearson’s r = 0.948, p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis revealed (I) right eye laterality for anisometropia >2.5 D in myopic (−5.64 ± 2.5 D versus −4.92 ± 2.6 D; p = 0.001) and in hyperopic (4.44 ± 1.69 D versus 3.04 ± 1.79 D; p = 0.025) subjects, (II) a tendency for left eye cylindrical laterality in myopic subjects, and (III) myopic male subjects had a higher prevalence of left eye laterality. (IV) Age did not show any significant impact on laterality.Conclusions:  Over the full refractive spectrum, this study confirmed previously described strong interocular refractive correlation but revealed a statistically significant higher rate of right eye laterality for anisometropia >2.5 D. In general, our results support the use of data from one eye only in studies of ocular refraction.
Acute–onset diplopia
Authors: O’Colmain Una , Gilmour Claire , MacEwen Caroline J. 
Published: February 2013

Abstract.Purpose:  To investigate the clinical features of all patients with acute–onset diplopia presenting to the ophthalmology department.Methods:  The notes of every patient who presented with acute onset (<4‐week duration) diplopia to the ophthalmology clinic over a 2‐year period were reviewed. Data regarding clinical features, underlying aetiology, past medical history, investigations and outcomes were extracted.Results:  One hundred and forty‐nine patients presented with 53.7% having an isolated third, fourth or sixth nerve palsy, 10.7% a mechanical cause, 10.1% a dysfunction of higher control, 8.1% decompensation of a pre‐existing heterophoria, 6.7% idiopathic, 5.4% causes of monocular diplopia and 5.3% another diagnosis. Neuroradiological investigation identified that <5% of patients had a serious underlying pathology, which required immediate management; 80.5% had a diagnosis and underlying aetiology, which were obvious at presentation based only on clinical information and evaluation.Conclusions:  Acute onset diplopia is an uncommon and challenging presentation for the ophthalmologist to manage. These results demonstrate that the aetiology is commonly identifiable at the first presentation based on clinical evaluation, only a small percentage require urgent radiological investigation and a small minority of cases are likely to have serious emergent pathology.
Positive pressure during penetrating keratoplasty can be solved with a modified graft‐over‐host technique
Authors: Dekaris Iva , Gabrić Nikica , Pauk Maja , Drača Nataša 
Published: February 2013

Abstract.Purpose:  To describe a modified graft‐over‐host (MGOH) surgical technique which was used to prevent serious complications in cases of positive vitreal pressure during penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) and to compare the endothelial cell density (ECD) loss and clinical outcome between eyes undergoing MGOH or standard PKP.Methods:  In the proposed MGOH technique, the donor graft is sutured over the recipient cornea as soon as signs of positive pressure are noticed, even before cutting the recipient cornea, and the surgery is continued by consecutive cutting of the recipient and continuous suturing of the donor cornea, quadrant by quadrant. Donor grafts were prospectively followed up for the graft clarity, ECD loss and the amount of astigmatism.Results:  Of 220 cases scheduled for standard PKP in years 2009–2011, eight were operated by MGOH technique. Despite the fact that the donor cornea is situated over the recipient almost throughout the whole MGOH procedure, the ECD loss is equal between eyes operated on by MGOH technique and standard PKP, and none of the grafts had primary graft failure. The only disadvantage was an increased amount of astigmatism that was not as significant once the sutures were taken out.Conclusion:  Modified graft‐over‐host technique seems to be a safe and effective method to prevent complications during PKP complicated by positive vitreal pressure.
Angiopoietin‐like protein 4 (ANGPTL4) is induced by high glucose in retinal pigment epithelial cells and exhibits potent angiogenic activity on retinal endothelial cells
Authors: Yokouchi Hirotaka , Eto Koki , Nishimura Wataru , Takeda Norio , Kaburagi Yasushi , Yamamoto Shuichi , Yasuda Kazuki 
Published: February 2013

Abstract.Purpose:  Hyperglycaemia has been identified as major risk factor for diabetic retinopathy (DR). It is widely accepted that the progression of DR is mainly due to a local imbalance of pro‐ versus anti‐angiogenic factors in the retina. In this study, we investigated whether retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells produced pro‐angiogenic factors under high glucose (HG) conditions in vitro.Methods:  Cultured human retinal endothelial (RE) cells were exposed to conditioned medium from retinal pigment epithelium cells (ARPE‐19) grown in HG medium and assessed for tube formation. Based on the expression profiles of ARPE‐19, we investigated whether ANGPTL4 was a major angiogenic factor released from ARPE‐19 under HG conditions using cultured human RE cells as the test system for experiments with recombinant protein, conditioned medium from ARPE‐19 and RNA interference (RNAi).Results:  The conditioned medium from ARPE‐19 cultured under HG conditions promoted tube formation of cultured human RE cells. GeneChip analysis showed that ANGPTL4 was one of the highest upregulated genes under HG conditions. In addition, recombinant ANGPTL4 promoted all of the elements of angiogenesis in human RE cells in vitro. The results of experiments using conditioned medium from ARPE‐19 combined with RNAi demonstrated that ANGPTL4 was a major angiogenic factor released from ARPE‐19 under HG conditions.Conclusions:  ANGPTL4 was induced by high glucose in RPE cells and exhibited potent angiogenic activity on RE cells. Our results are unique and may potentially add a new candidate to the long list of molecules involved in diabetic retinopathy.
Predictive value of neonatal brain MRI on the neurodevelopmental outcome of preterm infants by 5 years of age
Authors: Setänen Sirkku , Haataja Leena , Parkkola Riitta , Lind Annika , Lehtonen Liisa 
Published: February 2013

AbstractAimTo study the prognostic value of MRI in preterm infants at term equivalent age for cognitive development at 5 years of age.MethodsA total of 217 very low birth weight/very low gestational age infants who all received brain MRI at term equivalent age were categorized into 4 groups based on the brain MRI findings. Cognitive development was assessed at 5 years of chronological age by using a short form of Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence – Revised. This information was combined with neurosensory diagnoses by 2 years of corrected age.ResultsOf all infants 31 (17.0%) had Full Scale Intelligence Quotient (FSIQ) <85, 14 (6.5%) had cerebral palsy and 4 (1.8%) had severe hearing impairment. A total of 41 (22.0%) infants had some neurodevelopmental impairment at 5 years of age. Considering cognitive outcome (FSIQ <85), the positive predictive value of several major MRI pathologies was 43.8%, and the negative predictive value of normal finding or minor pathologies was 92.0% and 85.7%, respectively.ConclusionThe MRI of the brain at term equivalent age may be valuable in predicting neurodevelopmental outcome in preterm infants by 5 years of age. The findings should always be interpreted alongside the clinical information of the infant. Furthermore, MRI should not replace a long‐term clinical follow‐up for very preterm infants.
Humerus development in moles (Talpidae, Mammalia)
Authors: Bickelmann Constanze , Jiménez Rafael , Richardson Michael K. , Sánchez‐Villagra Marcelo R. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractThe humerus of fossorial moles has a highly derived anatomy, reflecting the ecological specialization of these animals for digging. It is short and broad, with enlarged muscle attachment sites and pronounced articulations compared to non‐fossorial sister taxa and other mammals. Both condyles are rotated in opposite directions, resulting in a torsion which is unique among eutherian mammals. The development of this exceptional bone was studied in embryonic stages of the fossorial Iberian mole (Talpa occidentalis) from mesenchymal condensation to incipient ossification based on histological serial sections using 3D reconstruction methods. For comparison, embryonic stages of the semi‐fossorial Japanese shrew mole (Urotrichus talpoides) as well as a sister taxon of moles, the terrestrial North American least shrew (Cryptotis parva), were studied. Results show that the humerus of Talpa already shows its derived anatomy with broadened muscle attachment sites and distinct articulations at early cartilaginous stages, when ossification has just started in the mid‐diaphyseal region. The torsion takes place simultaneously with the medial rotation of the forelimbs. The supracondylar foramen is closed in all studied Talpa embryos, but patent in Cryptotis and Urotrichus. This is an example of developmental penetrance, suggesting that variation of adult elements can be found at early stages as well.
Generalist genes and cognitive abilities in Chinese twins
Authors: Chow Bonnie Wing‐Yin , Ho Connie Suk‐Han , Wong Simpson Wai‐Lap , Waye Mary M.Y. , Bishop Dorothy V.M. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractThis study considered how far nonverbal cognitive, language and reading abilities are affected by common genetic influences in a sample of 312 typically developing Chinese twin pairs aged from 3 to 11 years. Children were individually given tasks of Chinese word reading, receptive vocabulary, phonological memory, tone awareness, syllable and rhyme awareness, rapid automatized naming, morphological awareness and orthographic skills, and Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices. Factor analyses on the verbal tasks adjusted for age indicated two factors: Language as the first factor and Reading as the second factor. Univariate genetic analyses indicated that genetic influences were substantial for nonverbal cognitive ability and moderate for language and reading. Multivariate genetic analyses showed that nonverbal cognitive ability, language and reading were influenced by shared genetic origins, although there were specific genetic influences on verbal skills that were distinct from those on nonverbal cognitive ability. This study extends the Generalist Genes Hypothesis to Chinese language and reading skills, suggesting that the general effects of genes could be universal across languages.
Plasticity and metaplasticity of adult rat hippocampal mossy fibers induced by neurotrophin‐3
Authors: Ramos‐Languren L. E. , Escobar M. L. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractChanges in synaptic efficacy and morphology are considered as the downstream mechanisms of consolidation of memories and other adaptive behaviors. In the last decade, neurotrophin‐3 (NT‐3) has emerged as one potent mediator of synaptic plasticity. In the adult brain, expression of NT‐3 is largely confined to the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG). Our previous studies show that application of high‐frequency stimulation (HFS) sufficient to elicit long‐term potentiation (LTP) at the DG‐CA3 pathway as well as acute intrahippocampal microinfusion of brain‐derived neurotrophin factor produce mossy fiber (MF) structural reorganization. Here, we show that intrahippocampal microinfusion of NT‐3 induces a long‐lasting potentiation of synaptic efficacy in the DG‐CA3 projection accompanied by an MF structural reorganization of adult rats in vivo. It is considered that the capacity of synapses to express plastic changes is itself subject to variation depending on previous experience; taking into consideration the effects of NT‐3 on MF synaptic plasticity, we thus used intrahippocampal microinfusion of NT‐3 to analyse its effects on functional and structural plasticity induced by subsequent MF‐HFS sufficient to induce LTP in adult rats, in vivo. Our results show that NT‐3 modifies the ability of the MF pathway to present subsequent LTP by HFS, and modifies the structural reorganization pattern. The modifications in synaptic efficacy and morphology elicited by NT‐3 at the MF‐CA3 pathway were blocked by the presence of a Trk receptor inhibitor (K252a). These findings support the idea that NT‐3 actions modify subsequent synaptic plasticity, a homeostatic mechanism thought to be essential for maintaining synapses in the adult mammalian brain.
Suppression of inhibitory GABAergic transmission by cAMP signaling pathway: alterations in learning and memory mutants
Authors: Ganguly Archan , Lee Daewoo 
Published: February 2013

AbstractThe cAMP signaling pathway mediates synaptic plasticity and is essential for memory formation in both vertebrates and invertebrates. In the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, mutations in the cAMP pathway lead to impaired olfactory learning. These mutant genes are preferentially expressed in the mushroom body (MB), an anatomical structure essential for learning. While cAMP‐mediated synaptic plasticity is known to be involved in facilitation at the excitatory synapses, little is known about its function in GABAergic synaptic plasticity and learning. In this study, using whole‐cell patch‐clamp techniques on Drosophila primary neuronal cultures, we demonstrate that focal application of an adenylate cyclase activator forskolin (FSK) suppressed inhibitory GABAergic postsynaptic currents (IPSCs). We observed a dual regulatory role of FSK on GABAergic transmission, where it increases overall excitability at GABAergic synapses, while simultaneously acting on postsynaptic GABA receptors to suppress GABAergic IPSCs. Further, we show that cAMP decreased GABAergic IPSCs in a PKA‐dependent manner through a postsynaptic mechanism. PKA acts through the modulation of ionotropic GABA receptor sensitivity to the neurotransmitter GABA. This regulation of GABAergic IPSCs is altered in the cAMP pathway and short‐term memory mutants dunce and rutabaga, with both showing altered GABA receptor sensitivity. Interestingly, this effect is also conserved in the MB neurons of both these mutants. Thus, our study suggests that alterations in cAMP‐mediated GABAergic plasticity, particularly in the MB neurons of cAMP mutants, account for their defects in olfactory learning.