bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The oxygen saturation in retinal vessels from diabetic patients depends on the severity and type of vision‐threatening retinopathy
Authors: Jørgensen Christina M. , Hardarson Sveinn H. , Bek Toke 
Published: December 2013

AbstractPurposeDiabetic retinopathy is characterized by morphological lesions in the retina secondary to disturbances in retinal blood flow which may influence the supply of oxygen to the retinal metabolism. Using retinal oximetry, it has been shown that the oxygen saturation is increased in retinal arterioles and venules from diabetic patients with retinopathy, but oxygenation before the development of retinopathy and possible differences in retinal oxygenation between diabetic maculopathy and proliferative diabetic retinopathy patients have not been evaluated.MethodsOne‐hundred and fifty‐six consecutive patients referred for specialist evaluation of diabetic retinopathy, and eighty normal control persons were subjected to retinal oximetry of the larger retinal arterioles and venules. The diabetic patients were allocated to one of four groups with severity of retinopathy ranging from no retinopathy to vision‐threatening retinopathy, and the oxygen saturation in arterioles and venules was compared between these groups.ResultsIncreasing severity of retinal changes from no retinopathy to diabetic maculopathy was accompanied with increasing oxygen saturation in retinal venules and decreasing oxygen extraction, whereas proliferative diabetic retinopathy showed increased oxygen saturation in both retinal arterioles and venules to result in a normal oxygen extraction.ConclusionProspective observational and interventional studies are needed to show whether changes in retinal oxygen saturation precede or follow the development of diabetic retinopathy. Additionally, studies of regional variations in haemodynamic parameters in patients with vision‐threatening diabetic retinopathy might improve the understanding of the pathophysiology of diabetic retinopathy. This is a precondition for improving the prevention and treatment of the disease.
Improving performance under mirror‐image conditions during laparoscopic surgery using the Broadview camera system
Authors: Tokunaga Masakazu , Egi Hiroyuki , Hattori Minoru , Suzuki Takahisa , Kawahara Tomohiro , Ohdan Hideki 
Published: December 2013

AbstractIntroductionUnder mirror‐image conditions, surgeons often become confused and their task performance may deteriorate. This study aimed to quantitatively investigate the difficulty of performing laparoscopic surgery based on a mirror image and to find methods to improve performance under these conditions.MethodsTwelve medical students with no prior endoscopic surgical experience and 10 surgical residents, each with over 50 laparoscopic surgery experiences, participated in this study. Three measures were assessed using the Hiroshima University Endoscopic Surgical Assessment Device: the deviation with integrated time, the approaching time, and the peak velocity. The scope was placed at 0° (coaxial position), 180° (mirror‐image condition), and 180° using the Broadview camera system. Each participant performed the Hiroshima University Endoscopic Surgical Assessment Device task 10 times.ResultsThe deviation with integrated time, the approaching time, and the peak velocity were better for surgical residents than for novices at 0° (P < 0.001, P = 0.001, P = 0.011). The deviation with integrated time, the approaching time, and the peak velocity at 180° were significantly worse than the corresponding values at 0° (P < 0.0001) for both surgical residents and novices. All three types of Hiroshima University Endoscopic Surgical Assessment Device assessment at 180° were significantly better when the Broadview camera system was used than when it was not (P < 0.0001).ConclusionThis study showed quantitatively the difficulty in manipulating laparoscopic instruments in mirror‐image conditions. Using the Broadview camera system improved surgeons' performance under mirror‐image conditions during laparoscopic surgery.
Relationship between inflammation and infliximab pharmacokinetics in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Ternant David , Ducourau Emilie , Perdriger Aleth , Corondan Anca , Le Goff Benoît , Devauchelle‐Pensec Valérie , Solau‐Gervais Elisabeth , Watier Hervé , Goupille Philippe , Paintaud Gilles , Mulleman Denis 
Published: December 2013

AimsInfliximab, an anti‐tumour necrosis factor‐α monoclonal antibody, is indicated in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Our objective was to evaluate the influence of the sources of infliximab pharmacokinetic variability in RA.MethodsEighty‐four patients treated with infliximab for RA were included in a prospective noncomparative study. They were analysed between two consecutive infliximab infusions. Infliximab concentrations were measured before the infusion, 2 h, 1 and 4 weeks after the infusion and immediately before the next infusion. Infliximab concentrations were described using a two‐compartment population pharmacokinetic model.ResultsThe mean (interindividual standard deviation) estimated central volume of distribution was 2.3 l (36%) and systemic clearance was 0.019 l h−1 (37%). The central volume of distribution increased with bodyweight; it was doubled between 50 and 90 kg. Systemic clearance increased with pre‐infusion C‐reactive protein concentration by 20%, varying from 3 to 14 mg l−1, and was decreased by 30% when methotrexate was coadministered.ConclusionsThe influence of methotrexate and inflammation on infliximab clearance suggests that individual adjustment of infliximab doses according to disease activity may be useful in RA.
A variational Bayes spatiotemporal model for electromagnetic brain mapping
Authors: Nathoo F. S. , Babul A. , Moiseev A. , Virji‐Babul N. , Beg M. F. 
Published: December 2013

SummaryIn this article, we present a new variational Bayes approach for solving the neuroelectromagnetic inverse problem arising in studies involving electroencephalography (EEG) and magnetoencephalography (MEG). This high‐dimensional spatiotemporal estimation problem involves the recovery of time‐varying neural activity at a large number of locations within the brain, from electromagnetic signals recorded at a relatively small number of external locations on or near the scalp. Framing this problem within the context of spatial variable selection for an underdetermined functional linear model, we propose a spatial mixture formulation where the profile of electrical activity within the brain is represented through location‐specific spike‐and‐slab priors based on a spatial logistic specification. The prior specification accommodates spatial clustering in brain activation, while also allowing for the inclusion of auxiliary information derived from alternative imaging modalities, such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). We develop a variational Bayes approach for computing estimates of neural source activity, and incorporate a nonparametric bootstrap for interval estimation. The proposed methodology is compared with several alternative approaches through simulation studies, and is applied to the analysis of a multimodal neuroimaging study examining the neural response to face perception using EEG, MEG, and fMRI.
Comparison of collagen membrane and bone substitute as a carrier for rhBMP‐2 in lateral onlay graft
Authors: Chang Yun‐Young , Lee Jung‐Seok , Kim Min‐Soo , Choi Seong‐Ho , Chai Jung‐Kiu , Jung Ui‐Won 
Published: December 2013

AbstractObjectivesTo evaluate the bone regenerative effect of bioresorbable collagen membrane (CM) as a carrier for recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (rhBMP‐2) when performing lateral onlay grafts using bovine hydroxyapatite incorporated with collagen matrix (BHC) in combination with CM in dogs.Material and methodsA guided bone regeneration (GBR) was performed at the buccal aspect of edentulous maxillary alveolar ridges in dogs (n = 5): (1) BHC group, in which rhBMP‐2‐loaded BHC was covered by a CM, and (2) CM group, in which BHC was covered by an rhBMP‐2‐loaded CM. A histologic and histometric analysis was performed after 8 weeks of healing.ResultsBoth the BHC and CM groups exhibited substantial newly formed bone (NB). More NB was found in the CM group than in the BHC group without statistical significance. Most of the NB was in direct contact with the residual bone substitute in the BHC group, whereas the projections and islands of NB were observed in the spaces between the residual bone substitute clusters in the CM group. The bone‐to‐residual bone substitute contact ratio was significantly lower in the CM group than in the BHC group (P = 0.043).ConclusionsWithin the limitations of this study, it can be concluded that rhBMP‐2‐loaded CM performed lateral onlay grafts as effectively as rhBMP‐2‐loaded BHC while showing less bone‐residual bone substitute contact ratio in dogs. The loading of CMs with rhBMP‐2 might therefore be a recommendable treatment option for facilitating lateral onlay graft combined with rhBMP‐2.
Histone Decacetylase Inhibitors Prevent Mitochondrial Fragmentation and Elicit Early Neuroprotection against MPP+
Authors: Zhu Min , Li Wen‐Wei , Lu Chuan‐Zhen 
Published: December 2013

SummaryBackgroundParkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disease, characterized by progressive loss of dopaminergic (DA) neurons in the substantia nigra. Recent investigations have shown that mitochondrial fragmentation, an early event during apoptosis, is implicated in the degeneration of DA neurons in PD, and more importantly, preventing mitochondrial fragmentation could rescue cell death in several PD models. Therefore, mitochondrial dynamics may be a therapeutic target for early intervention in PD. However, much remains unknown about the mechanism underlying mitochondrial fragmentation in PD.MethodsThe alterations in mitochondrial morphology, cell apoptosis, and mitochondrial shaping protein levels were detected after SH‐SY5Y cells were treated with various doses of MPP+ or rotenone.ResultsMitochondrial fragmentation is an early event during apoptosis caused by MPP+ but not rotenone, and Trichostatin A (TSA), a commonly used histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor, selectively rescues mitochondrial fragmentation and cell death induced by lower doses of MPP+. Mitochondrial fragmentation triggered by lower doses of MPP+ may be a result of Mfn2 down‐regulation, which could be completely reversed by TSA. Further investigation suggests that TSA prevents MPP+‐induced Mfn2 down‐regulation via inhibiting histone deacetylation over Mfn2 promoter and alleviating its transcriptional dysfunction.ConclusionsHistone deacetylase inhibitors prevent mitochondrial fragmentation and elicit early neuroprotection in PD cell model induced by MPP+. Hence, HDAC inhibitors may be a potential early treatment for PD.
Coffee Tourism in Chiapas: Recasting Colonial Narratives for Contemporary Markets
Authors: Lyon Sarah 
Published: December 2013

AbstractIn contrast to specialty coffee marketing, which tends to overlook the history and political economic position of real coffee producers, coffee tourism provides producers with the opportunity to shape their own self‐image in the marketplace. This article employs two coffee tourism projects in the Mexican state of Chiapas as case studies, one that is managed by a cooperative of small coffee farmer organizations and another that is situated on a plantation that is one stop on a coffee tourism route. Both projects actively work to differentiate their coffee within an increasingly competitive specialty coffee market by recasting colonial narratives. In the case of the plantation, which is recast as a family farm, the historical exploitation of laborers is framed as patronage, whereas the smallholders are represented by the cooperative as savvy businessmen who have overcome inequitable power relations through self‐organization and the entry into direct markets. The comparison is used to initiate a conversation within anthropology about the understudied, yet rapidly expanding, domain of agritourism. Consequently, the article concludes with a discussion of some of the important questions the comparison raises.
Killer Corn and Capitalist Pigs: Forensic Noir and Television Portrayals of Modern Agricultural Technology
Authors: Specht Annie R. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractForensic noir, a subgenre of the popular television crime drama, presents science as the definitive solution for solving crimes. At the same time, forensic noir programs portray technology used for economic gain—such as that used in modern “industrial agriculture”—as detrimental to the human condition. These warring interpretations of science present an intriguing critique of capitalism from within the capitalist structure of commercial entertainment. In this qualitative study, episodes of two programs, CSI: Miami and Bones, were content‐analyzed for characteristics of the forensic‐noir category as well as for elements illustrating the dual nature of their anticapitalist critique of science, technology, and modern agriculture. In these episodes, the crimes committed were directly related to intensive production agriculture and the owners and operators of those production facilities vilified for disregarding the human and environmental impacts of their businesses in their quest for profit. The visual imagery depicted agricultural facilities as “crime scenes” and treated agricultural products as evidence. The forensic dramas painted a largely negative portrait of modern production agriculture as exploitative and profit‐driven—criticisms often lobbed at television as a medium for cultural production.
Investigation of heterogeneity in the association between interferon beta and disability progression in multiple sclerosis: an observational study
Authors: Shirani A. , Zhao Y. , Karim M. E. , Petkau J. , Gustafson P. , Evans C. , Kingwell E. , van der Kop M. L. , Oger J. , Tremlett H. 
Published: December 2013

Background and purposeIt was recently reported that there was no significant overall association between interferon beta exposure and disability progression in relapsing−remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients in an observational study from Canada. In the current study, the potential for heterogeneity in the association between exposure to interferon beta and disability progression across patients' baseline characteristics was investigated.MethodsRRMS patients treated with interferon beta (n = 868) and two cohorts of untreated patients (829 contemporary and 959 historical controls) were included. The main outcome was time from interferon beta treatment eligibility (baseline) to a confirmed and sustained Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score 6 using a multivariable Cox model, with treatment as a time‐varying predictor, testing interaction effects for five pre‐specified baseline characteristics: sex, age, disease duration, EDSS and annualized relapse rate (ARR) based on the previous 2 years.ResultsSignificant heterogeneity was found in the association of interferon beta exposure and disability progression only across ARR, and only when treated patients were compared with historical controls (P = 0.005 at a Bonferroni‐adjusted alpha of 0.01). For patients with ARR>1, treatment‐exposed time was associated with a hazard ratio of 0.38 (95%CI 0.20–0.75) for disability progression compared with the unexposed time.ConclusionsRRMS patients with more frequent relapses at baseline may be more likely to benefit from interferon beta treatment with respect to long‐term disability progression.
Gender Equality on the Boards of EU Companies: Between Economic Efficiency, Fundamental Rights and Democratic Legitimisation of Economic Governance
Authors: Szydło Marek 
Published: December 2013

AbstractCurrently, there is a large gap between the proportion of employed and well‐educated women and those sitting on the boards of EU companies. This gap should be significantly diminished because it is mandated by the EU fundamental right of equality between women and men (Article 23 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights), and by the need for democratic legitimisation of the EU and of its economic governance (Articles 2 and 3(3) TEU). However, the Commission's proposal for a directive on improving the gender balance among non‐executive directors of companies listed on stock exchanges does not constitute an appropriate legal solution for this problem because it infringes the principles of proportionality and subsidiarity. There are many other instruments than compulsory gender quotas that can be used by EU institutions to promote more gender‐balanced boards of EU companies. The potential of such measures has not been utilised yet in full.
Cooperative binding of LysM domains determines the carbohydrate affinity of a bacterial endopeptidase protein
Authors: Wong Jaslyn E. M. M. , Alsarraf Husam M. A. B. , Kaspersen Jørn Døvling , Pedersen Jan Skov , Stougaard Jens , Thirup Søren , Blaise Mickaël 
Published: December 2013

Cellulose, chitin and peptidoglycan are major long‐chain carbohydrates in living organisms, and constitute a substantial fraction of the biomass. Characterization of the biochemical basis of dynamic changes and degradation of these β,1–4‐linked carbohydrates is therefore important for both functional studies of biological polymers and biotechnology. Here, we investigated the functional role of multiplicity of the carbohydrate‐binding lysin motif (LysM) domain that is found in proteins involved in bacterial peptidoglycan synthesis and remodelling. The Bacillus subtilis peptidoglycan‐hydrolysing NlpC/P60 d,l‐endopeptidase, cell wall‐lytic enzyme associated with cell separation, possesses four LysM domains. The contribution of each LysM domain was determined by direct carbohydrate‐binding studies in aqueous solution with microscale thermophoresis. We found that bacterial LysM domains have affinity for N‐acetylglucosamine (GlcNac) polymers in the lower‐micromolar range. Moreover, we demonstrated that a single LysM domain is able to bind carbohydrate ligands, and that LysM domains act additively to increase the binding affinity. Our study reveals that affinity for GlcNAc polymers correlates with the chain length of the carbohydrate, and suggests that binding of long carbohydrates is mediated by LysM domain cooperativity. We also show that bacterial LysM domains, in contrast to plant LysM domains, do not discriminate between GlcNAc polymers, and recognize both peptidoglycan fragments and chitin polymers with similar affinity. Finally, an Ala replacement study suggested that the carbohydrate‐binding site in LysM‐containing proteins is conserved across phyla.
Context dependency of infectious disease: the cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa decreases white bacterial disease in Daphnia magna
Authors: Coopman Marlies , Muylaert Koenraad , Lange Benjamin , Reyserhove Lien , Decaestecker Ellen 
Published: December 2013

Summary

We investigate whether an increase in the occurrence of cyanobacterial blooms affects zooplankton–parasite interactions. Cyanobacteria are expected to be of poor food quality for zooplankton hosts and are therefore expected to increase parasitism. Nevertheless, simultaneous exposure to both stressors may lead to different results, given the antibacterial secondary metabolites of cyanobacteria.

We exposed the zooplankter Daphnia magna to the cyanobacterial species Microcystis aeruginosa and the parasite that causes white bacterial disease in D. magna. Increased M. aeruginosa concentrations reduced the percentage of infected individuals and as such protected D. magna against parasitism. Interactions between M. aeruginosa and the parasite were antagonistic in terms of percentage of surviving Daphnia, total offspring per female and clutch size. Additional plating experiments showed a direct negative effect of Microcystis on bacterial growth.

The results suggest that changes in phytoplankton affect host–parasite interactions in zooplankton. Contrary to the prevailing paradigm that multiple stressors often induce additive or synergistic effects, we report an antagonistic effect of the presence of cyanobacterial stress on parasites in Daphnia. Thus, assessment of the outcome of host–parasite interactions needs to incorporate the environmental context.
When vegetation change alters ecosystem water availability
Authors: Scott Russell L. , Huxman Travis E. , Barron‐Gafford Greg A. , Darrel Jenerette G. , Young Jessica M. , Hamerlynck Erik P. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThe combined effects of vegetation and climate change on biosphere–atmosphere water vapor (H2O) and carbon dioxide (CO2) exchanges are expected to vary depending, in part, on how biotic activity is controlled by and alters water availability. This is particularly important when a change in ecosystem composition alters the fractional covers of bare soil, grass, and woody plants so as to influence the accessibility of shallower vs. deeper soil water pools. To study this, we compared 5 years of eddy covariance measurements of H2O and CO2 fluxes over a riparian grassland, shrubland, and woodland. In comparison with the surrounding upland region, groundwater access at the riparian sites increased net carbon uptake (NEP) and evapotranspiration (ET), which were sustained over more of the year. Among the sites, the grassland used less of the stable groundwater resource, and increasing woody plant density decoupled NEP and ET from incident precipitation (P), resulting in greater exchange rates that were less variable year to year. Despite similar gross patterns, how groundwater accessibility affected NEP was more complex than ET. The grassland had higher respiration (Reco) costs. Thus, while it had similar ET and gross carbon uptake (GEP) to the shrubland, grassland NEP was substantially less. Also, grassland carbon fluxes were more variable due to occasional flooding at the site, which both stimulated and inhibited NEP depending upon phenology. Woodland NEP was large, but surprisingly similar to the less mature, sparse shrubland, even while having much greater GEP. Woodland Reco was greater than the shrubland and responded strongly and positively to P, which resulted in a surprising negative NEP response to P. This is likely due to the large accumulation of carbon aboveground and in the surface soil. These long‐term observations support the strong role that water accessibility can play when determining the consequences of ecosystem vegetation change.
Interaction between RB protein and NuMA is required for proper alignment of spindle microtubules
Authors: Uchida Chiharu , Hattori Takayuki , Takahashi Hirotaka , Yamamoto Naoki , Kitagawa Masatoshi , Taya Yoichi 
Published: December 2013

Retinoblastoma protein (pRB) controls cell cycle progression and cell cycle exit through interactions with cellular proteins. Many pRB‐binding proteins, which function in gene transcription or modulation of chromatin structure, harbor LXCXE motifs in their binding domain for pRB. In this study, we found that nuclear mitotic apparatus protein (NuMA), a mitotic spindle organizer, interacts with pRB through LSCEE sequences located in its C‐terminal region. siRNA‐mediated down‐regulation of pRB caused aberrant distribution of NuMA and alignment of spindle microtubules in mitotic cells. Abnormal organization of spindle microtubules was also accompanied by misalignment of an over‐expressed NuMA mutant (mut‐NuMA) with a defect in pRB binding caused by an LSGEK mutation. The mut‐NuMA‐over‐expressing cells showed lower potency for survival than wild‐type NuMA (wt‐NuMA)‐over‐expressing cells during 2 weeks of culture. Interestingly, knockdown of pRB reduced the population of wt‐NuMA‐over‐expressing cells to the same level as mut‐NuMA cells after 2 weeks. Taken together, pRB may have a novel function in regulating the mitotic function of NuMA and spindle organization, which are required for proper cell cycle progression.