bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Kidney transplantation in diabetic recipients with iliac atherosclerosis: Arterial anastomosis with Nakayama's ring pin stapler after endarterectomy
Authors: Yuan Xiao‐Peng , Gao Wei , Jiao Wei‐Hua , Wang Chang‐Xi 
Published: December 2011

Objectives:  To report our experience of arterial anastomosis with Nakayama's ring pin staplers (titanium staplers) after an endarterectomy in kidney transplantation of diabetic recipients with iliac atherosclerosis.Methods:  In a series of 2126 kidney transplantations carried out between January 1998 and December 2008, 62 recipients received an endarterectomy during transplantation before renal arterial anastomoses as a result of severe iliac atherosclerosis. The renal arteries were anatomosed to hypogastric arteries through titanium staplers in 32 patients (group 1), or to external/common iliac arteries with conventional suturing in 30 patients (group 2). Perioperative outcomes of the two groups have been compared.Results:  The mean artery anastomosis time in group 1 was considerably shorter than in the group 2 (6.4 min vs 17.3 min, P < 0.001). Group 1 showed a lower rate of delayed graft function (4.8% vs 27.5%, P = 0.004). No difference in Kaplan–Meier patient survival rate was found between group 1 and group 2 after follow up of 67 ± 28 months (P = 0.58). Graft survival rate (patient deaths included) was higher in group 1 than in group 2 (P = 0.04).Conclusions:  Arterial anastomosis with a titanium stapler is more rapid than conventional suture. It can diminish the rate of delayed graft function and improve the graft survival rate in diabetic recipients with severe iliac atherosclerosis.
Estimation of axon counts in a rat model of glaucoma: comparison of fixed‐pattern sampling with targeted sampling
Authors: Ebneter Andreas , Casson Robert J , Wood John PM , Chidlow Glyn 
Published: December 2011

AbstractBackground:  Full axon counting of optic nerve cross‐sections represents the most accurate method to quantify axonal damage, but such analysis is very labour intensive. Recently, a new method has been developed, termed targeted sampling, which combines the salient features of a grading scheme with axon counting. Preliminary findings revealed the method compared favourably with random sampling. The aim of the current study was to advance our understanding of the effect of sampling patterns on axon counts by comparing estimated axon counts from targeted sampling with those obtained from fixed‐pattern sampling in a large collection of optic nerves with different severities of axonal injury.Methods:  Chronic ocular hypertension was induced in adult Sprague‐Dawley rats for 1–7 weeks by translimbal laser photocoagulation of the trabecular meshwork. Axonal damage on resin‐embedded cross‐sections was estimated using three different methods: (i) semi‐quantitative damage grading; (ii) semi‐quantitative, automated axon counting using targeted sampling; and (iii) semi‐quantitative, automated axon counting using fixed‐pattern sampling.Results:  Estimated axon counts, as generated by targeted sampling and fixed‐pattern sampling, correlated equally well with the semi‐quantitative grading scheme. Estimated counts obtained with targeted sampling were not statistically different from those yielded by fixed‐pattern sampling. Bland–Altman analysis showed a good agreement between the two methods.Conclusions:  The results of our study validate the use of both fixed‐pattern sampling and targeted sampling for estimation of axonal damage but do not indicate that the latter method is superior for detection of axon loss in animals with minor damage.
Anatomy of Tenons capsule
Authors: Kakizaki Hirohiko , Takahashi Yasuhiro , Nakano Takashi , Asamoto Ken , Ikeda Hiroshi , Ichinose Akihiro , Iwaki Masayoshi , Selva Dinesh , Leibovitch Igal 
Published: December 2011

AbstractBackground:  The microscopic and macroscopic anatomy of the anterior and posterior Tenons capsule is described.Methods:  An observational anatomic study of twelve orbits of 6 cadavers (mean age 79.5 years) were examined microscopically and 8 orbits of 4 cadavers (mean age 76.8 years) were examined macroscopically. After orbital exenteration, an X‐shaped incision was made in the specimens to include the posterior part of the globe. The sections were divided into four parts: superomedial; inferomedial; superolateral; and inferolateral. In the macroscopically examined specimens, the eyelids and globes were removed from the exenterated tissues and the appearance of Tenons capsule was studied.Results:  In the microscopic study, Tenons capsule covered the sclera beneath the conjunctiva and contained smooth muscle fibres in the anterior area. This anterior fascia, which had a thick appearance, reached the globe equator. From there, the capsule of the orbital fat, which contained no smooth muscle fibres, enveloped the sclera and reached the optic nerve. This was defined as the posterior capsule. In the macroscopic specimens, Tenons capsule had a thick and fibrous white appearance in the anterior area. More posteriorly, the capsule was thinner and more translucent. This thin capsular part was generally larger in the lateral area than in the medial area.Conclusions:  Tenons capsule is composed of an anterior thick fibrous tissue comprising the orbital smooth muscle network and the posterior thin fibrous capsule of the orbital fat.
Big‐bubble deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty for post‐keratitis and post‐traumatic corneal stromal scars
Authors: Venkataratnam Sathyamurthy , Ganekal Sunil , Dorairaj Syril , Kolhatkar Tripti , Jhanji Vishal 
Published: December 2011

AbstractBackground:  Evaluation of outcomes of big‐bubble deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty in cases with post‐keratitis and post‐traumatic corneal scars.Design:  Interventional case series.Participants:  Patients with corneal stromal scarring secondary to healed infectious keratitis or trauma were recruited from the Corneal Clinic of the M. M. Joshi Eye Institute, Karnataka, India between August 2007 and December 2009.Methods:  All patients underwent big‐bubble deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty surgery.Main Outcome Measures:  Best‐corrected visual acuity, as well as intra‐ and postoperative complications.Results:  Big‐bubble deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty was performed in 36 patients (25 males, 11 females) with post‐infectious keratitis (n = 22) and post‐traumatic (n = 14) corneal stromal scars sparing the Descemet's membrane and endothelium. Mean age was 39.7 ± 11.3 years (range: 22–58 years). Although a big bubble was achieved in all eyes (100%), intraoperative perforation of the Descemet's membrane occurred in six eyes (16%) during stromal dissection. Two cases required conversion to penetrating keratoplasty. A double anterior chamber occurred in the immediate postoperative period in three cases (8.3%). Raised intraocular pressure was seen in one eye. Mean preoperative best‐corrected visual acuity (0.03 ± 0.04) improved significantly at the end of 6 months follow‐up postoperatively (0.43 ± 0.20; P < 0.01, Wilcoxon signed‐ranks test). Corneal stromal graft rejection was noted in two cases (5.5%) during the first 3 months after surgery. Graft failure occurred in two cases (5.5%).Conclusions:  Deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty using the big‐bubble technique is a viable option in cases with post‐infectious keratitis and post‐traumatic corneal stromal scarring with normal Descemet's membrane and endothelium.
Impact of gender on first eye cataract surgery and motor vehicle crash risk for older drivers
Authors: Meuleners Lynn B , Ng Jonathon Q , Fraser Michelle , Hendrie Delia , Morlet Nigel 
Published: December 2011

AbstractBackground:  No study to date has examined gender differences in crash risk after cataract surgery. Therefore, this study aimed to determine gender‐related differences in the effectiveness of first eye cataract surgery in reducing crash risk for older drivers.Design:  This retrospective before and after study used whole population linked data to compare the frequency of police reported crashes 1 year before and 1 year after first eye cataract surgery for the years 1997–2006.Participants:  All patients aged 60–85 years who had first eye cataract surgery between 1997 and 2006 in Western Australia and were involved in a motor vehicle crash 12 months before and/ or after surgery.Methods:  Two separate generalized estimating equation Poisson models were undertaken for males and females to compare crash frequency before and after surgery.Main Outcome Measures:  Police‐reported crashes before and after cataract surgery.Results:  A large proportion of the cohort involved in a crash either 1 year before or 1 year after first eye cataract surgery were male (n = 1091, 63.6%) compared with female (n = 624, 36.3%). Results from the generalized estimating equation Poisson models showed a significant reduction of 15.3% (P = 0.040) in all police reported crash frequency for males 1 year after cataract surgery. However, there was no significant change in crash frequency after surgery for females.Conclusions:  The results of this study suggest that clinicians may need to take gender into account when advising patients on driving safety before and after cataract surgery.
Current medical students' understanding of Surgical Education and Training
Authors: Farah Sam , Winter Matthew , Smith Julian A. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractBackground:  The current Surgical Education and Training (SET) programme in Australia and New Zealand has been implemented to streamline surgical training. As applications to the SET programme can occur as early as the 2nd post‐graduate year, early preparation is vital to ensure a successful outcome in gaining a SET position. We wish to demonstrate to what degree medical students are aware of the SET structure and application requirements to determine if further assistance to future SET candidates is required.Methods:  A standardized questionnaire was delivered to students of an Australian Medical School via an online medium. Ethics approval was granted, and all surveys were completed anonymously and voluntarily. One hundred eighty‐two completed surveys were received.Results:  Eighteen percent of surveyed participants felt they had a good understanding of the SET programme, with 82% stating they had minimal or no understanding of the programme. Fourteen percent felt they had the information needed to pursue a career in surgery. Fifty‐three percent were unaware that the College outlined areas of core competencies required in their training, with 75% unable to name any core competencies.Conclusion:  There are a large proportion of medical students potentially considering a career in surgery. However, only a small number feel that they have been adequately equipped throughout their medical course to understand the steps needed to build a strong application for SET.
Gum chewing during pre‐anesthetic fasting
Authors: Poulton Thomas J. 
Published: December 2011

SummaryMany ad hoc fasting guidelines for pre‐anesthetic patients prohibit gum chewing. We find no evidence that gum chewing during pre‐anesthetic fasting increases the volume or acidity of gastric juice in a manner that increases risk, nor that the occasional associated unreported swallowing of gum risks subsequent aspiration. On the contrary, there is evidence that gum chewing promotes gastrointestinal motility and physiologic gastric emptying. Recommendations against pre‐anesthetic gum chewing do not withstand scrutiny and miss an opportunity to enhance comfort and sense of wellbeing for patients awaiting anesthesia. Gum chewing during the pre‐anesthetic nil per os (NPO) period would also permit the development of gum‐delivered premedications and should be permitted in children old enough to chew gum safely. Gum chewing should cease when sedatives are given and all patients should be instructed to remove any chewing gum from the mouth immediately prior to anesthetic induction.
A comparison of inhalational inductions for children in the operating room vs the induction room
Authors: Varughese Anna M. , Hagerman Nancy , Patino Mario , Wittkugel Eric , Schnell Beverly , Salisbury Shelia , Kurth Dean 
Published: December 2011

SummaryBackground:  There has been debate about the use of an induction room (IR) compared with an operating room (OR) for inhalational induction in children. The quality of the anesthesia induction between these two physical environments has not been studied previously. We sought to compare child distress, OR utilization and efficiency, and parental satisfaction and safety, between an IR and an OR.Methods:  In a prospective observational study, we studied 501 developmentally appropriate children ages 1–14 years, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I–III, presenting for the inhalational induction of anesthesia, undergoing outpatient or outpatient‐admit ENT surgery. Inductions were performed in an IR (IR group) or OR (OR group) with parent(s) present. Child behavioral compliance was assessed using the Induction Compliance Checklist (ICC), a validated observational scale from 0 to 10 consisting of 10 behaviors; an ICC score ≥4 was considered poor behavioral compliance. Times for transport, anesthesia start, ready for surgery, surgery finish, out of OR, and total case process times were recorded. OR utilization and OR efficiency was derived using these times. Data on number and experience of clinical providers were also collected. Parent satisfaction with the induction was measured using a satisfaction survey. Safety was measured by recording respiratory complications during induction. The chi‐squared test was conducted to determine whether induction location was associated with level of behavioral compliance. A multivariable proportional odds model was used to control for risk factors. OR utilization and efficiency were analyzed using the Wilcoxon–Mann–Whitney test.Results:  There were no significant differences in ICC scores between the groups (P‐value = 0.12). Anesthesia, nonoperative, and transport time were statistically less in the OR group when compared with the IR group, although total case process times were similar in both groups. While OR efficiency was significantly higher for the OR group (P‐value = 0.0096), OR utilization did not differ between groups (P‐value = 0.288). The OR group had a significantly higher number of anesthesia providers and a more experienced surgical team. Parents in the two groups were equally satisfied with their experience during induction, and none of the subjects had respiratory complications during the anesthesia induction.Conclusions:  We found no differences in child distress, parent satisfaction, and respiratory complications between inductions conducted in the IR vs the OR. Differences in utilization, efficiency, and turnover were minimal and not operationally significant. Capital equipment, space, and staffing strategies should be key drivers in considerations for the use of IRs, and in the design of ORs with IRs.
A secretion of the mollusc Cryptomphalus aspersa promotes proliferation, migration and survival of keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts in vitro
Authors: Iglesias‐de la Cruz M. C. , Sanz‐Rodríguez F. , Zamarrón A. , Reyes E. , Carrasco E. , González S. , Juarranz A. 
Published: December 2011

SynopsisRegenerative properties of skin decrease with age, and thus, the search for substances that minimize cutaneous ageing has increased in the last few years. The secretion of the mollusc Cryptomphalus Aspersa (SCA) is a natural product that bears regenerative properties when applied topically. The purpose of this work is to study the in vitro effects of SCA on cell proliferation and migration, as well as on cell–cell (E‐cadherin and β‐catenin) and cell–substrate (vinculin and β1‐integrin) adhesion proteins expression, using a human keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT cells) and primary dermal fibroblasts (HF). We tested the effects of SCA on cell proliferation using a colorimetric assay. In addition, SCA‐induced changes on cell migration were studied by wound‐healing assays. Besides, Western blot and immunofluorescence microscopy were carried out to test the expression of different cell adhesion proteins. We found that SCA promotes proliferation and migration of HaCaT cells in a time‐ and dose‐dependent manner. Moreover, treatment with SCA increases the migratory behaviour and the expression of adhesion molecules in both HaCaT and HF. Finally, SCA also improves cell survival and promotes phosphorylation of FAK and nuclear localization of β‐catenin. These results shed light on the molecular mechanisms underlying the regenerative properties of SCA, based on its promoting effect on skin cell migration, proliferation and survival. Moreover, these results support future clinical uses of SCA in the regeneration of wounded tissues.
Geometric morphometrics shows differences and similarities in skull shape between the red and giant pandas
Authors: Figueirido B. , Serrano‐Alarcón F. J. , Palmqvist P. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractA morphometric analysis of the skull of the red or lesser panda, Aiulurus fulgens (Ailuridae), and the giant panda, Ailuropoda melanoleuca (Ursidae), was performed for evaluating the importance of natural selection and phylogenetic constraints in shaping the convergent morphological adaptations of these peculiar carnivores for feeding on bamboo. Principal components and discriminant analyses of landmark data was used in a comparative study across the families Procyonidae, Ursidae and Ailuridae. Skull morphospaces show that major patterns of morphological variation among these arctoid carnivorans correlate with differences in their feeding behavior. More specifically, this study has shown an extreme convergence in skull shape between the two bamboo specialists. Following the most recent molecular and morphological phylogenies, as well as the poor evidence from the fossil record, it seems highly improbable that homology could explain the shared morphology of the giant and red pandas, which lineages diverged ∼40 million years ago. On the contrary, most phylogenetic and paleontological data suggest that convergent or parallel evolution (homoplasy) would be the evolutionary process shaping the common morphological traits of these unusual carnivorans. Therefore, the overall resemblance in skull shape between the giant and red pandas was probably driven by extrinsic factors (natural selection and adaptation for feeding on bamboo) as well as by intrinsic ones (the shared developmental pathway of the carnivoran skull, which posed some biomechanical constraints on the direction of the evolution of pandas).
Integrity of the inferior longitudinal fasciculus and impaired object recognition in children: a diffusion tensor imaging study
Authors: ORTIBUS ELS , VERHOEVEN JUDITH , SUNAERT STEFAN , CASTEELS INGELE , DE COCK PAUL , LAGAE LIEVEN 
Published: December 2011

Aim  In this study, we explored the integrity of the inferior longitudinal fasciculus (ILF) by means of diffusion tensor imaging tractography in children with visual perceptual impairment, and more specifically, object recognition deficits, compared with typically developing children.Methods  Eleven individuals (nine males, two females; mean age 7y 8mo; range 3y 5mo–13y) were assessed with the L94 visual perceptual battery after assessment of performance age. In all participants, an ophthalmological evaluation was carried out. Diffusion tensor imaging tractography of the ILF was performed. The mean fractional anisotropy was determined for every child and compared with data for 11 age‐ and sex‐matched typically developing children.Results  The mean fractional anisotropy value in the left ILF was consistently lower in the study participants than in the comparison group. The five children with L94 impairment showed a significantly lower ILF fractional anisotropy on the left as well as on the right side. Furthermore, the decrease in ILF fractional anisotropy was correlated with the number of impaired subtests.Interpretation  The results suggest an association between ILF integrity loss and object recognition deficits. Moreover, the severity of clinical impairment is reflected in the degree of ILF integrity loss. Therefore, the ILF plays a potential role in object recognition.
Decomposing Racial and Ethnic Disparities in the Use of Postacute Rehabilitation Care
Authors: Holmes George M. , Freburger Janet K. , Ku Li‐Jung E. 
Published: December 2011

ObjectiveTo determine the degree to which racial and ethnic disparities in the use of postacute rehabilitation care (PARC) are explained by observed characteristics.Data SourcesState inpatient databases (SIDs) for 2005 and 2006 from four diverse states were used to identify patients with stays for joint replacement, stroke, or hip fracture.Study DesignOur primary outcomes were use of institutional PARC (versus discharge home) and, conditional on discharge to an institution, skilled nursing facility (versus inpatient rehabilitation facility) care. We modified the Oaxaca–Blinder decomposition method to account for the dichotomous outcome and multilevel nature of the data.Data Collection/Extraction MethodsDischarges from the four SIDs were included if the principal diagnosis (stroke, hip fracture) or procedure (joint replacement) was in the sample inclusion criteria.Principal FindingsObserved characteristics explained roughly half of the unadjusted differences in use of institutional PARC. Patient‐level factors (clinical, age) were more explanatory of disparities in institutional PARC use, while hospital‐level factors were more explanatory of skilled nursing facility versus inpatient rehabilitation facility care.ConclusionsAdjustment for characteristics influencing PARC use both mitigated and exacerbated racial/ethnic disparities in use. The degree to which the characteristics explained the disparity varied across conditions and outcomes.
miR‐210: The Master Hypoxamir
Authors: CHAN YUK C. , BANERJEE JAIDEEP , CHOI SANG YONG , SEN CHANDAN K. 
Published: December 2011

Please cite this paper as: Chan YC, Banerjee J, Choi SY, Sen CK. miR‐210: The master hypoxamir. Microcirculation19: 215–223, 2012.AbstractMicroRNAs are small non‐coding RNAs implicated mainly in post‐transcriptional gene silencing by interacting with the untranslated region of the transcript. miR‐210 represents major hypoxia‐inducible miRs, also known as hypoxamirs, which is ubiquitously expressed in a wide range of cells, serving versatile functions. This review article summarizes the current progress on biogenesis of miR‐210 and its physiological roles including arrest of cell proliferation, repression of mitochondrial respiration, arrest of DNA repair, vascular biology, and angiogenesis. Given the fact that miR‐210 is aberrantly expressed in a number of diseases such as tumor progression, myocardial infarction and cutaneous ischemic wounds, miR‐210 could serve as an excellent candidate for prognostic purposes and therapeutic intervention. With the advancement of computational prediction, high‐throughput target validation methodology, sequencing, proteomic analysis, and microarray, it is anticipated that more down‐stream targets of miR‐210 and its associated biological consequences under hypoxia will be unveiled establishing miR‐210 as a major hub in the biology of hypoxia‐response.