bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Anidulafungin: when and how? The clinician’s view
Authors: George Jomy , Reboli Annette C. 
Published: June 2011

SummaryAnidulafungin is the newest addition to the antifungal arsenal. It possesses fungicidal activity against Candida spp., including isolates that are azole and polyene resistant. In addition, it is fungistatic against Aspergillus spp. Anidulafungin is unique in that it possesses no clinically relevant drug interactions and does not require dosage adjustment in renal or hepatic impairment. Anidulafungin was well tolerated in clinical trials and its clinical efficacy has been demonstrated in the treatment of candidemia and other forms of candidiasis.
Infantile digital fibromatosis: A rare tumour of infancy. Report of five cases
Authors: Girgenti Valentina , Restano Lucia , Arcangeli Fabio , Cambiaghi Stefano , Gelmetti Carlo 
Published: June 2011

ABSTRACTInfantile digital fibromatosis (IDF) is a rare tumour of infancy with a typical clinical presentation and characteristic histopathological findings. Despite an alarming appearance, IDF does not cause deep infiltration or metastasis. The traditional approach of surgical resection was recently challenged by increasing evidence of self regression in months or years. We describe the clinical history of five patients with IDF that were followed in our departments for 5 years.
Psoriasiform eruption triggered by a dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitor
Authors: Mas‐Vidal Albert , Santos‐Juanes Jorge , Esteve‐Martinez Altea , Caminal‐Montero Luis , Coto‐Segura Pablo 
Published: June 2011

ABSTRACTPsoriatic patients have a higher prevalence of diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM). Since dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP‐IV) dysregulation is present in DM and psoriasis, DPP‐IV inhibitors have been proposed as therapeutic agents for both conditions. We report a psoriasiform eruption induced by sitagliptin, a DPP‐IV inhibitor. The role of DPP‐IV in the pathogenesis of DM is well established; however data on psoriatic patients is contradictory. More studies are required to elucidate the effect of DPP‐IV inhibitors and their relationship with DM and psoriasis.
Long‐term effectiveness of autologous cultured limbal stem cell grafts in patients with limbal stem cell deficiency due to chemical burns
Authors: Marchini Giorgio , Pedrotti Emilio , Pedrotti Massimo , Barbaro Vanessa , Di Iorio Enzo , Ferrari Stefano , Bertolin Marina , Ferrari Barbara , Passilongo Mattia , Fasolo Adriano , Ponzin Diego 
Published: June 2011

AbstractBackground:  Chemical burns cause depletion of limbal stem cells and eventually lead to corneal opacity and visual loss. We investigated the long‐term effectiveness of autologous cultured limbal stem cell grafts in patients with limbal stem cell deficiency.Design:  Prospective, non‐comparative interventional case series.Participants:  Sixteen eyes from 16 patients with severe, unilateral limbal stem cell deficiency caused by chemical burns.Methods:  Autologous ex vivo cultured limbal stem cells were grafted onto the recipient eye after superficial keratectomy.Main Outcome Measures:  Clinical parameters of limbal stem cell deficiency (stability/transparency of the corneal epithelium, superficial corneal vascularization and pain/photophobia), visual acuity, cytokeratin expression on impression cytology specimens and histology on excised corneal buttons.Results:  At 12 months post‐surgery, evaluation of the 16 patients showed that 10 (62.6%) experienced complete restoration of a stable and clear epithelium and 3 (18.7%) had partially successful outcomes (re‐appearance of conjunctiva in some sectors of the cornea and instable corneal surface). Graft failure (no change in corneal surface conditions) was seen in three (18.7%) patients. Penetrating keratoplasty was performed in seven patients, with visual acuity improving up to 0.8 (best result). For two patients, regeneration of the corneal epithelium was confirmed by molecular marker (p63, cytokeratin 3, 12 and 19, mucin 1) analysis. Follow‐up times ranged from 12 to 50 months.Conclusions:  Grafts of autologous limbal stem cells cultured onto fibrin glue discs can successfully regenerate the corneal epithelium in patients with limbal stem cell deficiency, allowing to perform successful cornea transplantation and restore vision.
Pseudophakic rhegmatogenous retinal detachment in a large Asian tertiary eye centre: a cohort study
Authors: Quek Desmond T‐L , Lee Shu Y , Htoon Hla M , Ang Chong L 
Published: June 2011

AbstractBackground:  To determine the incidence and identify risk factors for the development of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment in patients who had cataract surgery at the Singapore National Eye Centre between 2001 and 2003.Design:  Retrospective case–control study.Participants:  All patients who had cataract surgery between 2001 and 2003 and subsequently retinal detachment surgery in the same eye, between 2001 and June 2008, at Singapore National Eye Centre.Methods:  Review of case records.Main Outcome Measures:  Incidence of posterior capsular rupture and retinal detachment.Results:  Thirty‐nine eyes, out of 24 846 cataract operations performed between 2001 and 2003, developed rhegmatogenous retinal detachment in the follow‐up period from 2001 to 2008 (cumulative incidence 0.16%, 95% confidence interval 0.11–0.21%). Of the 508 eyes with posterior capsular rupture during cataract surgery, nine developed retinal detachment (cumulative incidence 1.77%, 95% confidence interval 0.87–3.23%). Men were more likely to develop retinal detachment (P < 0.001). On Kaplan–Meier survival analysis, younger patients had a higher probability of retinal detachment in comparison with older subjects (P < 0.001). Similarly, eyes with posterior capsular rupture during surgery had shorter interval duration to retinal detachment, compared with eyes that did not (P = 0.002). When compared with patients more than 70 years of age, younger patients had significantly higher hazard ratios of retinal detachment (hazard ratio 19.7, 95% confidence interval 3.6–107.3, P < 0.05).Conclusion:  The incidence of pseudophakic retinal detachment in our institution is low. Posterior capsular rupture during surgery, men and younger age at time of surgery increases the risk of developing retinal detachment, and careful observation for the occurrence of retinal detachment may be warranted in these groups of patients.
Comparison of clinical outcomes between iris‐fixated anterior chamber intraocular lenses and scleral‐fixated posterior chamber intraocular lenses in Marfan syndrome with lens subluxation
Authors: Zheng Danying , Wan Pengxia , Liang Jingli , Song Tingting , Liu Yizhi 
Published: June 2011

AbstractBackground:  To compare the clinical outcomes in Marfan's with subluxated lens having phaco‐emulsification with simultaneous scleral‐fixated posterior chamber intraocular lens or iris‐fixated anterior chamber intraocular lens implantation.Design:  Randomized case series in the State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat‐sen University, Guangzhou, China.Participants:  Seventy‐one eyes of 49 patients with Marfan syndrome with subluxated lens.Methods:  This is a randomized case series of patients with Marfan syndrome and subluxated lenses who underwent phaco‐emulsification combined with scleral‐fixated posterior chamber intraocular lens or iris‐fixated anterior chamber intraocular lens implantation.Main Outcome Measures:  The evaluation indexes included the surgery time, best corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure, aqueous flare and cells counts, corneal endothelium counts and complications.Results:  Increase in best corrected visual acuity in both groups was not significant. The aqueous flare and cells rose in both groups postoperatively. Significant difference between the two groups at 1 week postoperatively was found, whereas no statistically significant difference was found later. The loss rate of corneal endothelium cells in the scleral‐fixated posterior chamber intraocular lens group was 13.2% and 19.5% at 3 months and 1 year postoperatively, which in the iris‐fixated anterior chamber intraocular lens group was 13.3% and 19.3% (P > 0.05). Prolapse of vitreous was found in 21 cases intraoperatively. The posterior capsule opacification rate was 32% and 15%, respectively. The decentration of the intraocular lens was found in 19 eyes (48.7%) in the scleral‐fixated posterior chamber intraocular lens group 1 year postoperatively, whereas none was found in the iris‐fixated anterior chamber intraocular lens group.Conclusions:  Iris‐fixated anterior chamber intraocular lens after phaco‐emulsification presented a safe, simple and efficient approach for managing subluxated lens in Marfan syndrome.
There is insufficient evidence to recommend lens extraction as a treatment for primary open‐angle glaucoma: an evidence‐based perspective
Authors: Walland Mark J , Parikh Rajul S , Thomas Ravi 
Published: June 2011

AbstractCataract extraction in primary open‐angle glaucoma has not been thought to provide a clinically useful or predictable decrease in IOP. This concept has now been challenged, with the opposite belief being promulgated: namely, that lens exchange should be considered as treatment for glaucoma. This revelation could bring a significant change in the glaucoma treatment paradigm.There are no randomised controlled trials to guide the role of lens extraction in primary open‐angle glaucoma. The available evidence suggests at most a modest reduction in IOP from cataract extraction – greater in the presence of pseudoexfoliation – which is likely to be of marginal benefit, and only in milder forms of open‐angle glaucoma. There is currently no evidence of any quality to suggest that lens extraction routinely represents a clinically useful treatment for primary open‐angle glaucoma.
Comparison of retinal nerve fibre layer thickness with visual evoked potential and visual field in patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Alpay Atilla , Guney Tuncer , Unal Aysun , Ugurbas Suat H 
Published: June 2011

AbstractBackground:  To evaluate retinal nerve fibre layer thickness and to compare results with visual evoked potentials and visual field in patients with multiple sclerosis.Design:  A prospective, case‐control study, university hospital setting.Participants:  Seventy‐three eyes of 37 multiple sclerosis patients and 74 eyes of 37 healthy subjects.Methods:  All patients underwent a complete neurological and ophthalmological examination and peri‐papillary retinal nerve fibre layer thickness was evaluated using scanning laser polarimetry (GDx). Furthermore, visual evoked potential and visual field testing were performed.Main Outcome Measures:  The χ2 test, Student's t‐test, Mann–Whitney U‐test and Pearson's correlation coefficient analysis of the GDx, visual evoked potential and visual field testing parameters.Results:  GDx measurements showed significantly more retinal nerve fibre layer damage in the patients than in the control groups. Comparison of the GDx parameters between patients with optic neuritis and non‐optic neuritis demonstrated a statistically significant difference in symmetry (P = 0.046) and superior/nasal parameters (P = 0.009). A correlation was found between the number, superior and inferior ratio parameters, and P100 amplitude obtained with visual evoked potential in patients with non‐optic neuritis. Additionally, there was a correlation between the number, inferior ratio and superior/nasal parameters, and the mean deviation of visual field in the non‐optic neuritis group.Conclusions:  For retinal nerve fibre layer thickness measurements in multiple sclerosis patients, the GDx, along with other techniques, such as visual evoked potential, can be used as a diagnostic and follow‐up criterion, particularly in patients without optic neuritis.
The effect of timing and temperature of oral fluids ingested after minor surgery in preschool children on vomiting: a prospective, randomized, clinical study
Authors: Mercan Arzu , El‐Kerdawy Hala , Bhavsaar Bharati , Bakhamees Hassan S. 
Published: June 2011

SummaryBackground:  The time at which children should resume oral intake after surgery is controversial. No information has been published about the relationship between postoperative vomiting and the temperature of the fluid ingested. This study was designed to analyze the effect on postoperative vomiting of the timing and temperature of the fluids ingested in the first oral intake.Methods:  Two hundred and thirty‐seven male children aged 2–7 years, scheduled for correction of inguinal hernia or undescended testis under general anesthesia and were allocated into four groups. The patients in groups C1 and C2 received clear fluids at room temperature or at body temperature, respectively, 2 h after emergence. The patients in groups E1 and E2 received clear fluids at room temperature or at body temperature, respectively, 1 h after emergence. Vomiting was assessed at intervals of 30 min for 6 h postoperatively, starting from 10 min after emergence.Results:  The incidence of vomiting was higher in groups C1 (25%) (P = 0.016) and E1 (26.7%) (P = 0.011) than in groups C2 (6.9%) and E2 (10.2%). The incidence was found to be increased significantly 40 min after oral intake in groups C1 (P = 0.012) and E1 (P = 0.010) compared with earlier measurements in the same groups.Conclusion:  A first oral intake in children 1 h after anesthesia for minor surgery seems not to increase the incidence of vomiting as long as the ingested fluid is at body temperature.
Valuation effects of investor relations investments
Authors: Vlittis Adamos , Charitou Melita 
Published: June 2011

AbstractWe investigate the stock price performance of 146 firms announcing the appointment of a new investor relations (IR) officer or the hiring of an IR firm between 1999 and 2005. We find positive abnormal returns around the announcement day. In addition, we find evidence that firms with lower valuations, higher idiosyncratic risk, greater chief executive officer holdings, and firms that announce in the post‐Sarbanes‐Oxley Act era experience greater valuation effects. Finally, we document significant reductions in the information asymmetry and significant increases in the liquidity and visibility of IR firms in the year following the IR announcement.
Self‐Presentational Motivations and Personality Differences in Self‐Esteem
Authors: Baumeister Roy F. , Tice Dianne M. , Hutton Debra G. 
Published: June 2011

ABSTRACT This article discusses the interpersonal motivations associated with different levels of self‐esteem. Although self‐esteem literally refers to an intrapsychic attitude, we propose that self‐esteem scales often measure a self‐presentational orientation. High self‐esteem scores are associated with a tendency to present oneself in a self‐enhancing fashion that is characterized by willingness to accept risks, focus on outstandingly good qualities, strategic ploys, and calling attention to self. Low self‐esteem scores are associated with a tendency to present oneself in a self‐protective fashion that is characterized by unwillingness to accept risks, focus on avoiding outstandingly bad qualities, avoidance of many strategic ploys, and reluctance to draw attention to self. Considerable evidence shows that most people rate themselves as above average on self‐esteem scales; relatively few people score below any self‐esteem scale's conceptual midpoint. Review of past literature yields the following conclusions: (a) Low scores on self‐esteem scales are typically the result of neutral and intermediate rather than self‐derogatory responses to scale items; (b) behavioral correlates of measured self‐esteem sometimes depend on self‐presentational variables such as audience presence; and (c) many past findings with self‐esteem scales may be interpretable in self‐presentational terms.
‘Shopping for Voice’: Do Pre‐Existing Non‐Union Representation Plans Matter When Employees Unionize?
Authors: Timur A. Tarik , Taras Daphne , Ponak Allen 
Published: June 2011

AbstractThe transition to unionization in three workplaces with pre‐existing non‐union employee representation plans (NERPs) is contrasted to three matched sites, which had only individual representation. Pre‐existing collective voice arrangements had substantial effects on the process and outcomes of unionization. While the individual representation sites presented a conventional process of mobilization and attachment to the union, the NERP sites revealed a more equivocal outcome. The union was used in an instrumental manner to increase NERP power and to achieve worker demands already articulated by the NERP. NERP leaders became union leaders. There remained significant attachment to the NERP and a reluctance to fully embrace unionization.
Learning Boundary Edges for 3D‐Mesh Segmentation
Authors: Benhabiles Halim , Lavoué Guillaume , Vandeborre Jean‐Philippe , Daoudi Mohamed 
Published: June 2011

AbstractThis paper presents a 3D‐mesh segmentation algorithm based on a learning approach. A large database of manually segmented 3D‐meshes is used to learn a boundary edge function. The function is learned using a classifier which automatically selects from a pool of geometric features the most relevant ones to detect candidate boundary edges. We propose a processing pipeline that produces smooth closed boundaries using this edge function. This pipeline successively selects a set of candidate boundary contours, closes them and optimizes them using a snake movement. Our algorithm was evaluated quantitatively using two different segmentation benchmarks and was shown to outperform most recent algorithms from the state‐of‐the‐art.
Social income transfers and poverty: A cross‐country analysis for OECD countries
Authors: Caminada Koen , Goudswaard Kees , Koster Ferry 
Published: June 2011

Caminada K, Goudswaard K, Koster F. Social income transfers and poverty: a cross‐country analysis for OECD countriesPoverty alleviation is an important policy objective in developed welfare states. This article reports on a study of the association between social transfer policies and poverty. It has been claimed in several studies that based on a simple bivariate approach, high social effort goes along with low poverty levels. Empirical studies have also found that factors such as demographic and economic conditions may also have an influence on poverty, affecting the relationship between social spending and poverty. In the present study, we empirically analysed the impact of social expenditure on poverty for the period 1985–2005, and in contrast to previous research, demographic and macroeconomic differences across countries were controlled for. Quite a strong negative relationship was still found between the level of social expenditure and poverty. Ageing and unemployment rates were found to have some explanatory power but without affecting the association between social transfers and poverty. Thus, the multivariate approach chosen in this study confirms the results of earlier research.
Executive functioning in children with specific language impairment
Authors: Henry Lucy A. , Messer David J. , Nash Gilly 
Published: June 2011

Background:  A limited range of evidence suggests that children with specific language impairment (SLI) have difficulties with higher order thinking and reasoning skills (executive functioning, EF). This study involved a comprehensive investigation of EF in this population taking into account the contributions of age, nonverbal IQ and verbal ability.Methods:  Ten separate measures of EF were assessed in 160 children: 41 had SLI; 31 had low language/cognitive functioning but did not fulfil the criteria for SLI (low language functioning or LLF); and 88 were typically developing with no language difficulties. Group differences in performance were assessed after controlling for age, nonverbal IQ and verbal ability in a series of regression analyses.Results:  Children with SLI and LLF had significantly lower performance than typical children on 6 of the 10 EF tasks once age and nonverbal IQ had been controlled (verbal and nonverbal executive‐loaded working memory, verbal and nonverbal fluency, nonverbal inhibition and nonverbal planning). Performance on these EF tasks remained lower for those in the SLI group even when verbal IQ was entered in the regressions.Conclusions:  Children with language impairments showed marked difficulties on a range of EF tasks. These difficulties were present even when adjustments were made for their verbal abilities.
SV31 is a Zn2+‐binding synaptic vesicle protein
Authors: Barth Joern , Zimmermann Herbert , Volknandt Walter 
Published: June 2011

J. Neurochem. (2011) 118, 558–570.AbstractWe recently identified in a proteomic screen a novel synaptic vesicle membrane protein of 31 kDa (SV31) of unknown function. According to its membrane topology and its phylogenetic relation SV31 may function as a vesicular transporter. Based on its amino acid sequence similarity to a prokaryotic heavy metal ion transporter we analyzed its metal ion‐binding properties and show that recombinant SV31 binds the divalent cations Zn2+ and Ni2+ and to a minor extent Cu2+, but not Fe2+, Co2+, Mn2+, or Ca2+. Zn2+‐binding of SV31 in viable cells was verified following heterologous transfection of pheochromocytoma cells 12 (PC12) with recombinant red fluorescent SV31 (SV31‐RFP) and the fluorescent zinc indicator FluoZin‐3. Sucrose density gradient fractionation of SV31‐RFP‐transfected PC12 cells revealed a partial overlap of SV31‐RFP with synaptic‐like vesicle markers and the early endosome marker rab5. Immunocytochemical analysis demonstrated a punctuate distribution in the cell soma and in neuritic processes and in addition in a compartment in vicinity to the plasma membrane that was immunopositive also for synaptosomal‐associated protein 25 (SNAP‐25) and syntaxin1A. Our data suggest that SV31 represents a novel Zn2+‐binding protein that in PC12 cells is targeted to endosomes and subpopulations of synaptic‐like microvesicles.
R3F, a novel membrane‐associated glycogen targeting subunit of protein phosphatase 1 regulates glycogen synthase in astrocytoma cells in response to glucose and extracellular signals
Authors: Kelsall Ian R. , Voss Martin , Munro Shonagh , Cuthbertson Daniel J. R. , Cohen Patricia T. W. 
Published: June 2011

J. Neurochem. (2011) 118, 596–610.AbstractAbnormal regulation of brain glycogen metabolism is believed to underlie insulin‐induced hypoglycaemia, which may be serious or fatal in diabetic patients on insulin therapy. A key regulator of glycogen levels is glycogen targeted protein phosphatase 1 (PP1), which dephosphorylates and activates glycogen synthase (GS) leading to an increase in glycogen synthesis. In this study, we show that the gene PPP1R3F expresses a glycogen‐binding protein (R3F) of 82.8 kDa, present at the high levels in rodent brain. R3F binds to PP1 through a classical ‘RVxF’ binding motif and substitution of Phe39 for Ala in this motif abrogates PP1 binding. A hydrophobic domain at the carboxy‐terminus of R3F has similarities to the putative membrane binding domain near the carboxy‐terminus of striated muscle glycogen targeting subunit GM/RGL, and R3F is shown to bind not only to glycogen but also to membranes. GS interacts with PP1‐R3F and is hyperphosphorylated at glycogen synthase kinase‐3 sites (Ser640 and Ser644) when bound to R3F(Phe39Ala). Deprivation of glucose or stimulation with adenosine or noradrenaline leads to an increased phosphorylation of PP1‐R3F bound GS at Ser640 and Ser644 curtailing glycogen synthesis and facilitating glycogen degradation to provide glucose in astrocytoma cells. Adenosine stimulation also modulates phosphorylation of R3F at Ser14/Ser18.