bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Temporal evolution of ocular aberrations following laser in situ keratomileusis
Authors: Benito Antonio , Redondo Manuel , Artal Pablo 
Published: May 2011

Citation information: Benito A, Redondo M & Artal P. Temporal evolution of ocular aberrations following laser in situ keratomileusis. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt 2011, 31, 421–428. doi: 10.1111/j.1475‐1313.2011.00854.xAbstractPurpose:  To study the temporal evolution of ocular aberrations after standard LASIK to correct myopia.Methods:  The ocular, corneal and internal aberrations for a 6‐mm pupil were measured in 22 young myopic eyes (n = 12 subjects; range −2.0 to−7.6 D) before and during a 9‐month follow‐up after standard myopic LASIK. Ocular aberrations were measured with a Hartmann‐Shack wavefront sensor, while corneal aberrations were estimated from the elevation data obtained by corneal topography. For every patient and condition the eye’s modulation transfer function (MTF) and Strehl ratio (SR) were calculated.Results:  Compared to preoperative results, we found that standard myopic LASIK produced a significant increase of ocular high‐order aberrations at 1 month after surgery. During the next 8 months, we found a small increase of ocular and corneal positive spherical aberration (SA), although with a large inter‐subject variability. However, all eyes treated for myopia higher than −5 D showed a significant increase of positive SA during the first 6 months after surgery.Conclusions:  Standard myopic LASIK decreases ocular optical quality. For most subjects, the increase in aberrations induced by the surgery was stable during the next 9 months after LASIK. However, further changes of the ocular SA after myopic LASIK are possible in patients treated for higher amounts of myopia. The changes in aberrations mainly appeared between the first and the sixth month after surgery, which suggests the need to wait at least 6 months after myopic LASIK before comparing outcomes, especially for patients treated for higher myopias.
Adenosine negatively regulates duodenal motility in mice: role of A1 and A2A receptors
Authors: Zizzo MG , Mastropaolo M , Lentini L , Mulè F , Serio R 
Published: May 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Adenosine is considered to be an important modulator of intestinal motility. This study was undertaken to investigate the role of adenosine in the modulation of contractility in the mouse duodenum and to characterize the adenosine receptor subtypes involved.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH RT‐PCR was used to investigate the expression of mRNA encoding for A1, A2A, A2B and A3 receptors. Contractile activity was examined in vitro as changes in isometric tension.KEY RESULTS In mouse duodenum, all four classes of adenosine receptors were expressed, with the A2B receptor subtype being confined to the mucosal layer. Adenosine caused relaxation of mouse longitudinal duodenal muscle; this was antagonized by the A1 receptor antagonist and mimicked by N6‐cyclopentyladenosine (CPA), selective A1 agonist. The relaxation induced by A1 receptor activation was insensitive to tetrodotoxin (TTX) or Nω‐nitro‐l‐arginine methyl ester (l‐NAME). Adenosine also inhibited cholinergic contractions evoked by neural stimulation, effect reversed by the A1 receptor antagonist, but not myogenic contractions induced by carbachol. CPA and 2‐p‐(2‐carboxyethyl) phenethylamino‐5′‐N‐ethylcarboxamidoadenosine hydrochloride hydrate (CGS‐21680), A2A receptor agonist, both inhibited the nerve‐evoked cholinergic contractions. l‐NAME prevented only the CGS‐21680‐induced effects. S‐(4‐Nitrobenzyl)‐6‐thioinosine, a nucleoside uptake inhibitor, reduced the amplitude of nerve‐evoked cholinergic contractions, an effect reversed by an A2A receptor antagonist or l‐NAME.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Adenosine can negatively regulate mouse duodenal motility either by activating A1 inhibitory receptors located post‐junctionally or controlling neurotransmitter release via A1 or A2A receptors. Both receptors are available for pharmacological recruitment, even if only A2A receptors appear to be preferentially stimulated by endogenous adenosine.LINKED ARTICLE This article is commented on by Antonioli et al., pp. 1577–1579 of this issue. To view this commentary visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1476‐5381.2011.01529.x
Atrial Fibrillation in Chronic Hemodialysis Patients: Prevalence, Types, Predictors, and Treatment Practices in Greece
Authors: Tsagalis George , Bakirtzi Nerantzoula , Manios Efstathios , Chouliaras Ioannis , Papagiannidou Parthenia , Stamellou Eleni , Akrivos Theodore , Makris Fotis , Psimenou Erasinia , Koutroubas George , Xinos Koustantinos , Vemmos Koustantinos 
Published: May 2011

AbstractAtrial fibrillation (AF), the most common sustained arrhythmia in clinical practice, is associated with increased mortality and cardiovascular morbidity both in nonuremic and (recently) in dialysis patients. The aims of this study are: (i) to assess the prevalence of AF, the risk factors, and predictors of its presence in a cohort of incident hemodialysis (HD) patients in Greece and (ii) to report on current practices in the management of these patients. This is a prospective, cross‐sectional, multicenter study of 574 patients on a regular HD program for >6 months. Demographic characteristics, cause of renal disease, cardiovascular risk factors, medication use, dialysis data (Kt/V, dialysis method, type of dialysate), 12‐lead electrocardiogram (ECG) (interdialytic day), and cardiac echo data were collected. Pertinent demographic, ECG, and echocardiographic data were entered into univariate and multivariate analyses to evaluate associations with AF. The CHADS2 score (congestive heart failure [HF], hypertension, age ≥75, diabetes, previous stroke/transient ischemic attack [TIA]) was estimated and clinical practices in high‐risk (CHADS2 score ≥2) patients were evaluated. The cohort included 368 men (64.1%) and 206 (35.8%) women (mean age 65.1 ± 14.4 years) with a mean duration on dialysis of 72.1 ± 60.4 months. Hypertension (75.6%) and coronary artery disease (47.2%) were the commonest cardiovascular risk factors for AF. The prevalence of AF was 23.2% and showed an age‐dependent increase; in patients <50 years, AF was present in 9.3%, while in patients ≥80 years, its prevalence increased to 36.4%. Furthermore, 8.3% of patients had permanent, 1.8% persistent, 12.7% paroxysmal AF, while the prevalence of paroxysmal atrial flutter and sick sinus syndrome were 1.2 and 2%, respectively. Logistic regression analysis showed that age, smoking, left atrial and aortic root diameter, β‐blocker and α‐calcidol use, HF, and the presence of valvular calcifications (VC) on cardiac echo were independently associated to the presence of AF. VC on cardiac echo had an almost sevenfold increased association with AF (odds ratio 6.72, 95% confidence interval 3.23–13.98, P < 0.0001). Only 25.5% of high‐risk (CHADS2 score ≥2) patients were receiving anticoagulants. AF is a frequent arrhythmia in HD patients. Apart from well‐known risk factors, VC merits special attention in this patient population. Less than one‐third of high‐risk AF patients receive anticoagulants, possibly reflecting the absence of definite guidelines for the management of AF in HD patients.
Influence of Locking Bolt Location on the Mechanical Properties of an Interlocking Nail in the Canine Femur
Authors: Burns Colby G. , Litsky Alan S. , Allen Matthew J. , Johnson Kenneth A. 
Published: May 2011

Objective:To determine whether the fatigue properties of an interlocking nail (ILN) construct are influenced by metaphyseal or diaphyseal location of the locking bolt.Study Design:Ex vivo mechanical investigation.Sample Population:Adult canine femora (n=19 pairs).Methods:Femora were implanted with a 6‐mm diameter ILN. In 1 femur, the ILN was locked with a 2.7 mm bolt placed in the diaphysis; the ILN in the contralateral femur was locked with a bolt placed in the metaphysis. Constructs were tested to failure in axial loading (9 pairs) or torsion (10 pairs), with failure defined as displacement>2 mm or a total of 500,000 cycles for axial loading, and rotation>45° for torsional loading. Outcome measures included initial construct stiffness, number of cycles to failure, peak load, and peak torque. After testing, microradiography and histology were used to determine the location and nature of construct failure.Results:Metaphyseal bolts failed at higher axial loads than diaphyseal bolts (P=.03), with bolt failure because of bending at the nail‐bolt interface. All of the metaphyseal bolt constructs survived torsional testing whereas 9 of 10 diaphyseal bolt constructs failed catastrophically because of spiral fracture through the adjacent cortical bone.Conclusions:Placement of a locking bolt in metaphyseal bone extends fatigue life under axial loading and decreases the incidence of catastrophic failure under torsional loading.
Treatment of ilioinguinal nerve entrapment – a randomized controlled trial
Authors: HAHN LENNART 
Published: May 2011

AbstractObjective. Neuralgic pain caused by entrapment of peripheral nerves can be a difficult clinical problem. The objective of the present study was to assess pain and quality of life in women with pain secondary to ilioinguinal nerve entrapment. Design: In a controlled prospective crossover study, women with ilioinguinal nerve entrapment were randomly allocated to either medical treatment or surgical resection of the ilioinguinal nerve. Setting. A university hospital. Population. 19 women, 21–60 years of age with pelvic pain of more than 6 months’ duration. Methods and main outcome measures. Visual analogue (VA) scales and psychological general well‐being (PGWB) scales were used to validate pain and quality of life, respectively. Results. Improvements were found in the group randomly allocated to surgery, p < 0.008 for the VA scale and p < 0.0098 for the PGWB scale, respectively. Nine of 10 women discontinued the medical arm of treatment because of side effects and/or lack of effect. After being shifted over to surgery, similar improvements were noted (p < 0.0002 and p < 0.0043, respectively). Conclusions. The positive results found here indicate that surgery is superior to medical treatment in ilioinguinal nerve entrapment of unknown cause as well as after previous surgery. More randomized trials from different centers with larger numbers of women are needed to confirm these results.
Density Effects of a Dominant Understory Herb,Isoglossa woodii(Acanthaceae), on Tree Seedlings of a Subtropical Coastal Dune Forest
Authors: Tsvuura Zivanai , Griffiths Megan E. , Lawes Michael J. 
Published: May 2011

ABSTRACTSuppression of tree seedlings by the understory is an important ecological filter with implications for tree diversity and dynamics. In a greenhouse competition experiment, we used seedlings of four canopy species from coastal dune forest (Diospyros natalensis, Euclea racemosa, Sideroxylon inermeandApodytes dimidiata) to examine the relative competitive effects of the dominant understory herbIsoglossa woodiion seedling performance. We manipulatedI. woodiidensity, light and nutrient levels and measured growth responses. Total seedling biomass decreased with density ofI. woodii. The magnitude of biomass suppression with competitor density was similar among tree species. Consequently there was no discernable hierarchy of competitive ranking among tree species. The relative growth rate of seedlings decreased at higher densities ofI. woodiiand increased at higher nutrient levels but was unaffected by variation in light conditions. Aboveground biomass decreased at higher densities ofI. woodiiand at higher light levels but increased at higher nutrient levels. Size asymmetric competition for light and nutrients may be the major driver of aboveground interactions between tree seedling andI. woodii. While tree species showed no hierarchy of competitive ability their seedlings exhibited equivalent responses to competition from an understory dominant, permitting species coexistence and the maintenance of species diversity.
Serum Concentration of Complement Components of the Lectin Pathway in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients, and Relatively Higher Levels of L‐Ficolin and MASP‐2 in Mannose‐Binding Lectin Deficiency
Authors: Ishii Masaya , Ohsawa Isao , Inoshita Hiroyuki , Kusaba Gaku , Onda Kisara , Wakabayashi Michiro , Ohi Hiroyuki , Horikoshi Satoshi , Matsushita Misao , Tomino Yasuhiko 
Published: May 2011

AbstractMannose‐binding lectin (MBL), L‐ficolin and MBL associated serine protease‐2 (MASP‐2) are molecules involved in initiation of the lectin pathway (LP) in the complement system. Although MBL deficiency is observed in almost 10% of healthy people, studies of associations between MBL deficiency and end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) remain rare. The objective of the present study is to clarify the significance of the LP in maintenance hemodialysis (HD) patients, especially in terms of MBL levels. Two hundred and forty‐four HD patients who had been followed up for 74 ± 84 months and 199 healthy controls were included in this study. Measurements of serum concentrations of MBL, L‐ficolin, and MASP‐2 were performed. Low serum MBL levels (<0.1 µg/mL) in the patients were confirmed by examination of a point mutation in the Mbl‐2 gene. Seventeen HD patients (7%) and 20 healthy controls (10%) had MBL deficiency. During the follow‐up period, 99 patients died. There was no significant difference in the frequency of deaths by infectious diseases between MBL deficient and non‐deficient patients. In both patients and healthy controls with MBL deficiency, the serum concentration of L‐ficolin tended to be high, and that of MASP‐2 was significantly high (P < 0.05). MBL deficiency is not a risk factor for HD induction or life‐threatening infections. It is postulated that the elevation of concentration of the two components of the LP, L‐ficolin and MASP‐2, may compensate for the insufficient activity of the LP in MBL deficiency.
Long‐Term Efficacy and Safety of the Small‐Sized β2‐Microglobulin Adsorption Column for Dialysis‐Related Amyloidosis
Authors: Yamamoto Yuichiro , Hirawa Nobuhito , Yamaguchi Satoshi , Ogawa Nariaki , Takeda Hideyuki , Shibuya Ken , Kawahara Kimiko , Kojima Hirofumi , Dobashi Yasushi , Fujita Megumi , Azusima Kengo , Miyazaki Nobuko , Kobayashi Mayumi , Kobayashi Chinatsu , Fujiwara Akira , Yuto Jun , Saka Sanae , Yatsu Keisuke , Toya Yoshiyuki , Yasuda Gen , Ohnishi Toshimasa , Umemura Satoshi 
Published: May 2011

AbstractDialysis‐related amyloidosis (DRA) is one of the major complications often seen in long‐term dialysis patients, and is one of the factors that decreases quality of life. β2‐microglobulin (β2‐m) is considered to be a major pathogenic factor in dialysis‐related amyloidosis. The Lixelle adsorbent column, with various capacities, has been developed to adsorb β2‐m from the circulating blood of patients with dialysis‐related amyloidosis. Using a minimum type of β2‐m‐adsorbing column (Lixelle S‐15), we evaluated its therapeutic efficacy and safety in dialysis patients. Seventeen hemodialysis patients with DRA were treated with the S‐15 column for one year. Treatment was performed three times a week in this study. During the study period, pinch strength, visual analog scale for joint pain, and activities of daily living were evaluated every three months, and blood sampling was performed every six months. After one year's treatment with the S‐15 column, the β2‐m level decreased from 29.3 ± 9.6 mg/L to 24.7 ± 5.1 mg/L (P < 0.05), and the high sensitive C‐reactive protein level decreased from 2996 ± 4380 ng/mL to 1292 ± 1774 ng/mL. After one year of S‐15 column use, pinch strength increased from 5.9 ± 3.0 pounds to 7.2 ± 3.2 pounds (P < 0.05), and the visual analog scale for joint pain and activities of daily living score also improved. Long‐term use of the Lixelle S‐15 column is safe and effective for improvement of quality of life in chronic dialysis patients. Improvement of chronic inflammation may be one of the mechanisms through which the beneficial effects of the column is effected.
Australia's Population Future: Probabilistic Forecasts Incorporating Expert Judgement
Authors: BELL MARTIN , WILSON TOM , CHARLES‐EDWARDS ELIN 
Published: May 2011

AbstractProjections of future population are essential for planning in both the public and private sectors but conventional approaches provide little guidance as to the uncertainties associated with published projections. Moreover, history suggests that forecasters are generally slow in responding to new trends in key demographic processes. These limitations come into sharp relief at times of high public interest, such as occasioned by the unprecedented increase in Australia's net overseas migration over the past decade. How reliable is the recent upwards revision which raises Australia's projected population from 28 million to 35 million by mid‐century? If projections are to be of more value to users, progress is required on two fronts: (i) more effective processes for setting assumptions, and (ii) greater clarity as to the uncertainty of the resulting projections. We address these challenges by combining a more systematic, theoretically guided approach to the formulation of projection assumptions using a structured questionnaire to elicit the views of experts on the future of net overseas migration to Australia, and harness the results in a new, probabilistic projection framework which explicitly identifies confidence intervals within which Australia's future population growth is likely to fall. We present probabilistic projections for Australia from 2010 to 2051 and compare the results with the 2006‐based Australian Bureau of Statistics projections. We show how forecast uncertainty grows, and how it varies between demographic variables.
Biodegradation of phenol by Synechocystis sp. in media including triacontanol hormone
Authors: Kιlιç Nur Koçberber , Karacakaya Pιnar , Duygu Ergin , Dönmez Gönül 
Published: May 2011

AbstractPhenol removal levels of Synechocystis sp. were investigated in BG11 media with 10 mg/L triacontanol (TRIA) and without it to test whether the hormone could increase the removal efficiency by increasing biomass. The assays were performed to determine the effect of light on degradation, in media with 119.0–492.8 mg/L phenol under light and dark conditions. At increasing phenol concentrations, the degradation ranged between 98.5 and 100% regardless of a dark or a light condition. Experiments were carried out under light to determine the optimum pH for effective degradation. Optimum pH was found to be 6.5 at 200 mg/L phenol with or without TRIA. Phenol degradation was investigated in the 120.2–826.9 mg/L range. Although 377.4 mg/L phenol was completely degraded in hormone controls within 120 h, degradation was increased by TRIA, and the process was completed in 96 h. These data suggest that Synechocystis sp. has potential for use in the treatment of wastewaters containing phenol.
Neuroanatomical, Sensorimotor and Cognitive Deficits in Adult Rats with White Matter Injury Following Prenatal Ischemia
Authors: Delcour Maxime , Olivier Paul , Chambon Caroline , Pansiot Julien , Russier Michaël , Liberge Martine , Xin Dong , Gestreau Christian , Alescio‐Lautier Béatrice , Gressens Pierre , Verney Catherine , Barbe Mary F. , Baud Olivier , Coq Jacques‐Olivier 
Published: May 2011

AbstractPerinatal brain injury including white matter damage (WMD) is highly related to sensory, motor or cognitive impairments in humans born prematurely. Our aim was to examine the neuroanatomical, functional and behavioral changes in adult rats that experienced prenatal ischemia (PI), thereby inducing WMD. PI was induced by unilateral uterine artery ligation at E17 in pregnant rats. We assessed performances in gait, cognitive abilities and topographical organization of maps, and neuronal and glial density in primary motor and somatosensory cortices, the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, as well as axonal degeneration and astrogliosis in white matter tracts. We found WMD in corpus callosum and brainstem, and associated with the hippocampus and somatosensory cortex, but not the motor cortex after PI. PI rats exhibited mild locomotor impairments associated with minor signs of spasticity. Motor map organization and neuronal density were normal in PI rats, contrasting with major somatosensory map disorganization, reduced neuronal density, and a marked reduction of inhibitory interneurons. PI rats exhibited spontaneous hyperactivity in open‐field test and short‐term memory deficits associated with abnormal neuronal density in related brain areas. Thus, this model reproduces in adult PI rats the main deficits observed in infants with a perinatal history of hypoxia‐ischemia and WMD.
Implantation of bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells demonstrates improved outcome in horses with overstrain injury of the superficial digital flexor tendon
Authors: GODWIN E. E. , YOUNG N. J. , DUDHIA J. , BEAMISH I. C. , SMITH R. K. W. 
Published: May 2011

SummaryReasons for performing study:Mesenchymal stem (progenitor; stromal) cell (MSC) therapy has gained popularity for the treatment of equine tendon injuries but without reports of long‐term follow‐up.Objectives:To evaluate the safety and reinjury rate of racehorses after intralesional MSC injection in a large study of naturally occurring superficial digital flexor tendinopathy and to compare these data with those published for other treatments.Methods:Safety was assessed clinically, ultrasonographically, scintigraphically and histologically in a cohort of treated cases: 141 client‐owned treated racehorses followed‐up for a minimum of 2 years after return to full work. Reinjury percentages were compared to 2 published studies of other treatments with similar selection criteria and follow‐up. The number of race starts, discipline, age, number of MSCs injected and interval between injury and treatment were analysed.Results:There were no adverse effects of the treatment with no aberrant tissue on histological examination. The reinjury percentage of all racehorses with follow‐up (n = 113) undergoing MSC treatment was 27.4%, with the rate for flat (n = 8) and National Hunt (n = 105) racehorses being 50 and 25.7%, respectively. This was significantly less than published for National Hunt racehorses treated in other ways. No relationship between outcome and age, discipline, number of MSCs injected or injury to implantation interval was found.Conclusions:Whilst recognising the limitations of historical controls, this study has shown that MPC implantation is safe and appears to reduce the reinjury rate after superficial digital flexor tendinopathy, especially in National Hunt racehorses.Potential relevance:This study has provided evidence for the long‐term efficacy of MSC treatment for tendinopathy in racehorses and provides support for translation to human tendon injuries.