bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Laser‐assisted in situ keratomileusis flap creation with the three‐dimensional, transportable Ziemer FEMTO LDV model Z6 I femtosecond laser
Authors: Pietilä Juhani , Huhtala Anne , Mäkinen Petri , Salmenhaara Kalle , Uusitalo Hannu 
Published: December 2013

AbstractPurposeTo present the outcomes of laser‐assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) operations performed with the new three‐dimensional, transportable FEMTO LDV Z6 I femtosecond laser (Ziemer Ophthalmic Systems, Port, Switzerland) and the Allegretto Wave Concerto 500 Hz excimer laser (Wavelight AG, Erlangen, Germany) in terms of accuracy, reproducibility and safety of flap creation.MethodsThis is a retrospective study of 309 consecutive eyes of 160 patients treated with the FEMTO LDV Z6 I for corneal flap creation. The target flap thickness was 90 μm. The size of the suction ring varied from 9.5 to 10.0 mm and target flap diameter from 9.3 to 9.6 mm, respectively. The target hinge length was 4.0 mm.ResultsThe FEMTO LDV Z6 I produced the 90‐μm targeted flaps very consistently (mean 90.1 ± 2.7 μm, range 78–100). Mean flap diameter with the 9.3‐mm target flap diameter was 9.3 ± 0.1 mm (range 9.0–9.6) and with the 9.6‐mm target flap diameter 9.6 ± 0.1 mm (range 9.0–9.8). Mean hinge length was 3.9 ± 0.1 mm (range 3.3–4.2). Minor complications were reported in 15 (5%) eyes, but none of them prevented refractive laser treatment. The most common complications were bubbles in the conjunctiva (n = 7, 2%) and an opaque bubble layer inside the flap margin (n = 6, 2%). None of the eyes lost two Snellen lines of corrected distance visual acuity during 1‐month follow‐up.ConclusionsIn the hands of an experienced surgeon, the transfer from the Classic FEMTO LDV to Z6 I was a safe and straight forward process yielding accurate and reproducible flaps.
Analysis of biological networks and biological pathways associated with residual feed intake in beef cattle
Authors: Karisa Brian , Moore Stephen , Plastow Graham 
Published: December 2013

AbstractIn this study, biological networks were reconstructed from genes and metabolites significantly associated with residual feed intake (RFI) in beef cattle. The networks were then used to identify biological pathways associated with RFI. RFI is a measure of feed efficiency, which is independent of body size and growth; therefore selection for RFI is expected to result in cattle that consume less feed without adverse effects on growth rate and mature size. Although several studies have identified genes associated with RFI, the mechanisms of the biological processes are not well understood. In this study, we utilised the results obtained from two association studies, one using 24 genes and one using plasma metabolites to reconstruct biological networks associated with RFI using IPA software (Igenuity Systems). The results pointed to biological processes such as lipid and steroid biosynthesis, protein and carbohydrate metabolism and regulation of gene expression through DNA transcription, protein stability and degradation. The major canonical pathways included signaling of growth hormone, Oncostatin M, insulin‐like growth factor and AMP activated protein kinase, and cholesterol biosynthesis. This study provides information on potential biological mechanisms, and genes and metabolites involved in feed efficiency in beef cattle.
Investigation of 305 patients with myelodysplastic syndromes and 20q deletion for associated cytogenetic and molecular genetic lesions and their prognostic impact
Authors: Bacher Ulrike , Haferlach Torsten , Schnittger Susanne , Zenger Melanie , Meggendorfer Manja , Jeromin Sabine , Roller Andreas , Grossmann Vera , Krauth Maria‐Theresa , Alpermann Tamara , Kern Wolfgang , Haferlach Claudia 
Published: December 2013

SummaryIn patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), sole 20q deletion [del(20q)] is a recurrent favourable abnormality. We studied additional molecular and cytogenetic lesions and their prognostic impact in 305 MDS patients with del(20q) (229 males/76 females; 29–90 years). All patients were investigated by cytomorphology and chromosome banding analysis (CBA), subsets by fluorescence in situ hybridization, molecular mutation screening, and array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH). By aCGH (n = 30), the minimal common deleted region (CDR) was flanked by PTPRT (20q13·11) and EYA2 (20q13·12). 210 (68·9%) patients had ‘early MDS’ without blast increase, 95 (31·1%) ‘advanced’ MDS with blast increase (5–19%). Additional chromosomal abnormalities (ACAs) were detected in 88/305 (28·9%) patients. Patients with advanced MDS more frequently had ACAs (P = 0·003) and had a higher mean number of ACAs (P = 0·020) and of molecular mutations (P = 0·060). Spliceosome mutations were frequent (U2AF1: n = 31/155; 20·0%; SRSF2: n = 31/159; 19·5%; SF3B1mut: n = 8/159; 5·0%). ASXL1mut (25/153; 16·3%) were associated with advanced MDS (P = 0·001). Presence of ≥3 ACAs (P = 0·003) and ASXL1mut (P = 0·002) were associated with worse 2‐year survival. In conclusion, the cytogenetic subgroup of MDS with del(20q) has a good prognosis but may be further subclassified by additional cytogenetic and molecular lesions. U2AF1mut is overrepresented in MDS with del(20q), and ASXL1mut is prognostically adverse.
Sociocultural mediators of remembering: An extension of Bartlett's method of repeated reproduction
Authors: Wagoner Brady , Gillespie Alex 
Published: December 2013

The reported research uses an extension of Bartlett's method of repeated reproduction to provide data on the sociocultural processes underlying reconstructive remembering. Twenty participants worked in pairs to remember the War of the Ghosts story 15 min and 1 week after presentation. The observed transformations were comparable to previous research with individuals. Going beyond previous research, we analyse participants' discourse to provide a window on the processes underlying these transformations. Textual excerpts demonstrate how imagery, narrative coherence, deduction, repetition, gesture, questioning and deferring contribute to the transformation and conventionalization of the material. These diverse sociocultural mediators are integrated into a partially coherent recollection by participants self‐reflecting, or as Bartlett termed it, turning around upon their schemas. We demonstrate that this self‐reflection is both a social and a psychological process, occurring because participants are responding to their own utterances in the same way that they respond to the utterances of other people. These empirical findings are used to make a case for using discursive data to look not only at discursive processes but also at socially situated and scaffolded psychological processes.
Changes in nerve‐mediated contractility of the lower urinary tract in a mouse model of premature ageing
Authors: Triguero D , Lafuente‐Sanchis A , Garcia‐Pascual A 
Published: December 2013

Background and PurposeA high incidence of lower urinary tract disorders is associated with ageing. In the senescent‐accelerated prone (SAMP8) mouse strain and the senescent‐accelerated resistant (SAMR1) strain, we compared smooth muscle contractility in responses to intrinsic neurotransmitters, both in the bladder and urethra.Experimental ApproachWe analysed micturition frequency, the changes in muscle tension induced by electrical field stimulation or agonist administration, the density of nerves (adrenergic, cholinergic and nitrergic) and interstitial cells (ICs), as well as cGMP accumulation in bladder and urethral preparations.Key ResultsSenescent mice of the SAMP8 strain displayed increased micturition frequency and excitatory contractility of neurogenic origin in the bladder. While cholinergic nerve density remained unchanged, there was a mild sensitization to ACh in male mice. Potentiation in the detrusor may be also provoked by the stronger contribution of ATP, together with reduced adrenergic innervation in males and COX‐derived prostanoid production in females. The greater excitatory contractility in the urethra was probably due to the sensitization to noradrenaline, in conjunction with attenuated nitrergic relaxation. There were also fewer neuronal NOS immunoreactive (ir) nerves and vimentin‐positive ICs, although the sildenafil‐ and diethylamine‐NONOate‐induced relaxations and cGMP‐ir remained unchanged.Conclusions and ImplicationsPremature senescent mice exhibit bladder and urethral hyperexcitability, coupled with reduced urethral relaxation of neurogenic origin, which could model the impaired urinary function in elderly humans. We propose that senescence‐accelerated mice provide a useful tool to analyse the basic mechanisms of age‐related changes in bladder and urethral function.
The concomitant coronary vasodilator and positive inotropic actions of the nitroxyl donor Angeli's salt in the intact rat heart: contribution of soluble guanylyl cyclase‐dependent and ‐independent mechanisms
Authors: Chin Kai Yee , Qin Chengxue , Cao Nga , Kemp‐Harper Barbara K , Woodman Owen L , Ritchie Rebecca H 
Published: December 2013

Background and PurposeThe NO redox sibling nitroxyl (HNO) elicits soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC)‐dependent vasodilatation. HNO has high reactivity with thiols, which is attributed with HNO‐enhanced left ventricular (LV) function. Here, we tested the hypothesis that the concomitant vasodilatation and inotropic actions induced by a HNO donor, Angeli's salt (sodium trioxodinitrate), were sGC‐dependent and sGC‐independent respectively.Experimental ApproachHaemodynamic responses to Angeli's salt (10 pmol–10 μmol), alone and in the presence of scavengers of HNO (L‐cysteine, 4 mM) or of NO [hydroxocobalamin (HXC), 100 μM] or a selective inhibitor of sGC [1H‐[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3‐a]quinoxalin‐1‐one (ODQ), 10 μM], a CGRP receptor antagonist (CGRP8–37, 0.1 μM) or a blocker of voltage‐dependent potassium channels [4‐aminopyridine (4‐AP), 1 mM] were determined in isolated hearts from male rats.Key ResultsAngeli's salt elicited concomitant, dose‐dependent increases in coronary flow and LV systolic and diastolic function. Both L‐cysteine and ODQ shifted (but did not abolish) the dose–response curve of each of these effects to the right, implying contributions from HNO and sGC in both the vasodilator and inotropic actions. In contrast, neither HXC, CGRP8–37 nor 4‐AP affected these actions.Conclusions and ImplicationsBoth vasodilator and inotropic actions of the HNO donor Angeli's salt were mediated in part by sGC‐dependent mechanisms, representing the first evidence that sGC contributes to the inotropic and lusitropic action of HNO in the intact heart. Thus, HNO acutely enhances LV contraction and relaxation, while concomitantly unloading the heart, potentially beneficial actions in failing hearts.
TRP channels in the skin
Authors: Tóth Balázs I , Oláh Attila , Szöllősi Attila Gábor , Bíró Tamás 
Published: December 2013

Emerging evidence suggests that transient receptor potential (TRP) ion channels not only act as ‘polymodal cellular sensors’ on sensory neurons but are also functionally expressed by a multitude of non‐neuronal cell types. This is especially true in the skin, one of the largest organs of the body, where they appear to be critically involved in regulating various cutaneous functions both under physiological and pathophysiological conditions. In this review, we focus on introducing the roles of several cutaneous TRP channels in the regulation of the skin barrier, skin cell proliferation and differentiation, and immune functions. Moreover, we also describe the putative involvement of several TRP channels in the development of certain skin diseases and identify future TRP channel‐targeted therapeutic opportunities.Linked ArticlesThis article is part of a themed section on the pharmacology of TRP channels. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2014.171.issue‐10
Reversible phospho-Smad3 signalling between tumour suppression and fibrocarcinogenesis in chronic hepatitis B infection
Authors: Deng Y-R , Yoshida K , Jin Q L , Murata M , Yamaguchi T , Tsuneyama K , Moritoki Y , Niu J Q , Matsuzaki K , Lian Z-X 
Published: December 2013

SummaryTransforming growth factor (TGF)-β, type I receptor (TβRI) and c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK) phosphorylate Smad3 differentially to create 2 isoforms phosphorylated (p) at the COOH-terminus (C) or at the linker region (L) and regulate hepatocytic fibrocarcinogenesis. This study aimed to compare the differences between how hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection affected hepatocytic Smad3 phosphorylated isoforms before and after anti-viral therapy. To clarify the relationship between Smad3 phosphorylation and liver disease progression, we studied 10 random patients in each stage of HBV-related fibrotic liver disease (F1–4) and also 10 patients with HBV-associated HCC. To examine changes in phosphorylated Smad3 signalling before and after anti-HBV therapies, we chose 27 patients with chronic hepatitis B who underwent baseline and follow-up biopsies at 52 weeks from the start of nucleoside analogue treatments (Lamivudine 100 mg daily or Telbivudine 600 mg daily). Fibrosis stage, inflammatory activity and phosphorylated Smad3 positivity in the paired biopsy samples were compared. Hepatocytic pSmad3C signalling shifted to fibrocarcinogenic pSmad3L signalling as the livers progressed from chronic hepatitis B infection to HCC. After nucleoside analogue treatment, serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and HBV-DNA levels in 27 patients with HBV-related chronic liver diseases were decreased dramatically. Decrease in HBV-DNA restored pSmad3C signalling in hepatocytes, while eliminating prior fibrocarcinogenic pSmad3L signalling. Oral nucleoside analogue therapies can suppress fibrosis and reduce HCC incidence by successfully reversing phosphorylated Smad3 signalling; even liver disease progressed to cirrhosis in chronic hepatitis B patients.
In vitro cleaning potential of three different implant debridement methods
Authors: Sahrmann Philipp , Ronay Valerie , Hofer Deborah , Attin Thomas , Jung Ronald E. , Schmidlin Patrick R. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractObjectivesTo assess the cleaning potential of three different instrumentation methods commonly used for implant surface decontamination in vitro, using a bone defect‐simulating model.Materials and methodsDental implants were stained with indelible ink and mounted in resin models, which represented standardized peri‐implantitis defects with different bone defect angulations (30, 60 and 90°). Cleaning procedures were performed by either an experienced dental hygienist or a 2nd‐year postgraduate student. The treatment was repeated 20 times for each instrumentation, that is, with a Gracey curette, an ultrasonic device and an air powder abrasive device (PAD) with glycine powder. After each run, implants were removed and images were taken to detect color remnants in order to measure planimetrically the cumulative uncleaned surface area. SEM images were taken to assess micromorphologic surface changes (magnification 10,000×). Results were tested for statistical differences using two‐way ANOVA and Bonferroni correction.ResultsThe areas of uncleaned surfaces (%, mean ± standard deviations) for curettes, ultrasonic tips, and airflow accounted for 24.1 ± 4.8%, 18.5 ± 3.8%, and 11.3 ± 5.4%, respectively. These results were statistically significantly different (P < 0.0001). The cleaning potential of the airflow device increased with wider defects. SEM evaluation displayed distinct surface alterations after instrumentation with steel tips, whereas glycine powder instrumentation had only a minute effect on the surface topography.ConclusionWithin the limitations of the present in vitro model, airflow devices using glycine powders seem to constitute an efficient therapeutic option for the debridement of implants in peri‐implantitis defects. Still, some uncleaned areas remained. In wide defects, differences between instruments are more accentuated.
Factors Determining the Choice of Hunting and Trading Bushmeat in the Kilombero Valley, Tanzania
Authors: NIELSEN MARTIN REINHARDT , JACOBSEN JETTE BREDAHL , THORSEN BO JELLESMARK 
Published: December 2013

AbstractRegulation of illegal bushmeat trade is a major conservation challenge in Africa. We investigated what factors are most likely to induce actors in the bushmeat trade to shift to an alternative occupation by conducting a choice experiment with 325 actors in the bushmeat trade in the Kilombero Valley, Tanzania. Specifically, we asked respondents to choose between hunting or trading bushmeat and alternative salary‐paying work, in a set of hypothetical scenarios where the attributes of these alternatives were varied and included measures of command and control, price of substitute meat, daily salary in the work option, and whether or not cows were donated to the respondent. We modeled the choice contingent on socioeconomic characteristics. The magnitude of fines and patrolling frequency had a significant but very low negative effect on the probability of choosing to engage in hunting or trading bushmeat compared with the salary of an alternative occupation. Donation of livestock and the price of substitute meats in the local market both affected the choice significantly in a negative and a positive direction, respectively. The wealthier a household was the more likely the respondent was to choose to continue hunting or trading bushmeat. On the margin, our results suggest that given current conditions in the Kilombero Valley on any given day 90% of the respondents would choose salary work at US$3.37/day over their activities in the bushmeat trade, all else equal.Factores que Determinan la Elección de Cazar y Vender Carne de Caza en el Valle Kilombero, Tanzania
Identification of Areas in Brazil that Optimize Conservation of Forest Carbon, Jaguars, and Biodiversity
Authors: DE BARROS ALAN E. , MACDONALD EWAN A. , MATSUMOTO MARCELO H. , PAULA ROGÉRIO C. , NIJHAWAN SAHIL , MALHI Y. , MACDONALD DAVID W. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractA major question in global environmental policy is whether schemes to reduce carbon pollution through forest management, such as Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation (REDD+), can also benefit biodiversity conservation in tropical countries. We identified municipalities in Brazil that are priorities for reducing rates of deforestation and thus preserving carbon stocks that are also conservation targets for the endangered jaguar (Panthera onca) and biodiversity in general. Preliminary statistical analysis showed that municipalities with high biodiversity were positively associated with high forest carbon stocks. We used a multicriteria decision analysis to identify municipalities that offered the best opportunities for the conservation of forest carbon stocks and biodiversity conservation under a range of scenarios with different rates of deforestation and carbon values. We further categorized these areas by their representativeness of the entire country (through measures such as percent forest cover) and an indirect measure of cost (number of municipalities). The municipalities that offered optimal co‐benefits for forest carbon stocks and conservation were termed REDDspots (n = 159), and their spatial distribution was compared with the distribution of current and proposed REDD projects (n = 135). We defined REDDspots as the municipalities that offer the best opportunities for co‐benefits between the conservation of forest carbon stocks, jaguars, and other wildlife. These areas coincided in 25% (n = 40) of municipalities. We identified a further 95 municipalities that may have the greatest potential to develop additional REDD+ projects while also targeting biodiversity conservation. We concluded that REDD+ strategies could be an efficient tool for biodiversity conservation in key locations, especially in Amazonian and Atlantic Forest biomes.Identificación de Áreas en Brasil que Optimizan la Conservación del Carbono del Bosque, Jaguares y la Biodiversidad.
Wildlife Connectivity Approaches and Best Practices in U.S. State Wildlife Action Plans
Authors: LACHER IARA , WILKERSON MARIT L. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractAs habitat loss and fragmentation threaten biodiversity on large geographic scales, creating and maintaining connectivity of wildlife populations is an increasingly common conservation objective. To assess the progress and success of large‐scale connectivity planning, conservation researchers need a set of plans that cover large geographic areas and can be analyzed as a single data set. The state wildlife action plans (SWAPs) fulfill these requirements. We examined 50 SWAPs to determine the extent to which wildlife connectivity planning, via linkages, is emphasized nationally. We defined linkage as connective land that enables wildlife movement. For our content analysis, we identified and quantified 6 keywords and 7 content criteria that ranged in specificity and were related to linkages for wide‐ranging terrestrial vertebrates and examined relations between content criteria and statewide data on focal wide‐ranging species, spending, revenue, and conserved land. Our results reflect nationwide disparities in linkage conservation priorities and highlight the continued need for wildlife linkage planning. Only 30% or less of the 50 SWAPs fulfilled highly specific content criteria (e.g., identifying geographic areas for linkage placement or management). We found positive correlations between our content criteria and statewide data on percent conserved land, total focal species, and spending on parks and recreation. We supplemented our content analysis with interviews with 17 conservation professionals to gain specific information about state‐specific context and future directions of linkage conservation. Based on our results, relevant literature, and interview responses, we suggest the following best practices for wildlife linkage conservation plans: collect ecologically meaningful background data; be specific; establish community‐wide partnerships; and incorporate sociopolitical and socioeconomic information.Acercamientos a la Conectividad de Vida Silvestre y las Mejores Prácticas en los Planes de Acción de Vida Silvestre Estatales en los Estados Unidos