bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cell function in relation to age: A pupillometric study in humans with special reference to the age-related optic properties of the lens
Authors: Herbst Kristina , Sander Birgit , Lund-Andersen Henrik , Broendsted Adam Elias , Kessel Line , Hansen Michael Stormly , Kawasaki Aki 
Published: April 2012

Abstract

Background
The activity of melanopsin containing intrinsically photosensitive ganglion retinal cells (ipRGC) can be assessed by a means of pupil responses to bright blue (appr.480 nm) light. Due to age related factors in the eye, particularly, structural changes of the lens, less light reaches retina. The aim of this study was to examine how age and in vivo measured lens transmission of blue light might affect pupil light responses, in particular, mediated by the ipRGC.

Methods
Consensual pupil responses were explored in 44 healthy subjects aged between 26 and 68 years. A pupil response was recorded to a continuous 20 s light stimulus of 660 nm (red) or 470 nm (blue) both at 300 cd/m2 intensity (14.9 and 14.8 log photons/cm2/s, respectively). Additional recordings were performed using four 470 nm stimulus intensities of 3, 30, 100 and 300 cd/m2. The baseline pupil size was measured in darkness and results were adjusted for the baseline pupil and gender. The main outcome parameters were maximal and sustained pupil contraction amplitudes and the postillumination response assessed as area under the curve (AUC) over two time-windows: early (0–10 s after light termination) and late (10–30 s after light termination). Lens transmission was measured with an ocular fluorometer.

Results
The sustained pupil contraction and the early poststimulus AUC correlated positively with age (p = 0.02, p = 0.0014, respectively) for the blue light stimulus condition only.
The maximal pupil contraction amplitude did not correlate to age either for bright blue or red light stimulus conditions.
Lens transmission decreased linearly with age (p < 0.0001). The pupil response was stable or increased with decreasing transmission, though only significantly for the early poststimulus AUC to 300 cd/m2 light (p = 0.02).

Conclusions
Age did not reduce, but rather enhance pupil responses mediated by ipRGC. The age related decrease of blue light transmission led to similar results, however, the effect of age was greater on these pupil responses than that of the lens transmission. Thus there must be other age related factors such as lens scatter and/or adaptive processes influencing the ipRGC mediated pupil response enhancement observed with advancing age.
Citrus aurantium flavonoids inhibit adipogenesis through the Akt signaling pathway in 3T3-L1 cells
Authors: Kim Gon-Sup , Park Hyoung Joon , Woo Jong-Hwa , Kim Mi-Kyeong , Koh Phil-Ok , Min Wongi , Ko Yeoung-Gyu , Kim Chung-Hei , Won Chung-Kil , Cho Jae-Hyeon 
Published: April 2012

Abstract

Background
Obesity is a health hazard that is associated with a number of diseases and metabolic abnormalities, such as type-2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and coronary heart disease. In the current study, we investigated the effects of Citrus aurantium flavonoids (CAF) on the inhibition of adipogenesis and adipocyte differentiation in 3T3-L1 cells.

Methods
During adipocyte differentiation, 3T3-L1 cells were treated with 0, 10, and 50 μg/ml CAF, and then the mRNA and protein expression of adipogenesis-related genes was assayed. We examined the effect of CAF on level of phosphorylated Akt in 3T3-L1 cells treated with CAF at various concentrations during adipocyte differentiation.

Results
The insulin-induced expression of C/EBPβ and PPARγ mRNA and protein were significantly down-regulated in a dose-dependent manner following CAF treatment. CAF also dramatically decreased the expression of C/EBPα, which is essential for the acquisition of insulin sensitivity by adipocytes. Moreover, the expression of the aP2 and FAS genes, which are involved in lipid metabolism, decreased dramatically upon treatment with CAF. Interestingly, CAF diminished the insulin-stimulated serine phosphorylation of Akt (Ser473) and GSK3β (Ser9), which may reduce glucose uptake in response to insulin and lipid accumulation. Furthermore, CAF not only inhibited triglyceride accumulation during adipogenesis but also contributed to the lipolysis of adipocytes.

Conclusions
In the present study, we demonstrate that CAF suppressed adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Our results indicated that CAF down-regulates the expression of C/EBPβ and subsequently inhibits the activation of PPARγ and C/EBPα. The anti-adipogenic activity of CAF was mediated by the inhibition of Akt activation and GSK3β phosphorylation, which induced the down-regulation of lipid accumulation and lipid metabolizing genes, ultimately inhibiting adipocyte differentiation.
Understanding Optimal Colonic Cancer Surgery: Comparison of Japanese D3 Resection and European Complete Mesocolic Excision With Central Vascular Ligation
Authors: West Nicholas P. , Kobayashi Hirotoshi , Takahashi Keiichi , Perrakis Aristoteles , Weber Klaus , Hohenberger Werner , Sugihara Kenichi , Quirke Philip 
Published: April 2012

Purpose Over recent years, patient outcomes after colon cancer resection have not improved to the same degree as for rectal cancer. Japanese D3 resection and European complete mesocolic excision (CME) with central vascular ligation (CVL) are both based on sound oncologic principles. Expert surgeons using both techniques report impressive outcomes as compared with standard surgery. We aimed to independently compare the physical appearances and quality of specimens resected using both techniques in major institutions in Japan and Germany. Methods A series of resections for primary colon cancer from one European and two Japanese centers were independently assessed in terms of the plane of surgery, physical characteristics, and lymph node yields. Results Mesocolic plane resection rates from both series were high; however, Japanese D3 specimens were significantly shorter (162 v 324 mm, P < .001), resulting in a smaller amount of mesentery (8,309 v 17,957 mm2, P < .001) and nodal yield (median, 18 v 32, P < .001). The distance from the high vascular tie to the bowel wall (100 v 99 mm, P = .605) was equivalent. Conclusion Both techniques showed high mesocolic plane resection rates and long distances between the high tie and the bowel wall. The extended longitudinal resection after CME with CVL increased the nodal yield but did not increase the number of tumor involved nodes. Both series were oncologically superior to recently reported series from other countries and confirm the wide variation in colonic cancer surgery and the need for further standardization and optimization following the approach undertaken in improving rectal cancer outcomes.
Appropriate Chemotherapy Dosing for Obese Adult Patients With Cancer: American Society of Clinical Oncology Clinical Practice Guideline
Authors: Griggs Jennifer J. , Mangu Pamela B. , Anderson Holly , Balaban Edward P. , Dignam James J. , Hryniuk William M. , Morrison Vicki A. , Pini T. May , Runowicz Carolyn D. , Rosner Gary L. , Shayne Michelle , Sparreboom Alex , Sucheston Lara E. , Lyman Gary H. 
Published: April 2012

Purpose To provide recommendations for appropriate cytotoxic chemotherapy dosing for obese adult patients with cancer. Methods The American Society of Clinical Oncology convened a Panel of experts in medical and gynecologic oncology, clinical pharmacology, pharmacokinetics and pharmacogenetics, and biostatistics and a patient representative. MEDLINE searches identified studies published in English between 1996 and 2010, and a systematic review of the literature was conducted. A majority of studies involved breast, ovarian, colon, and lung cancers. This guideline does not address dosing for novel targeted agents. Results Practice pattern studies demonstrate that up to 40% of obese patients receive limited chemotherapy doses that are not based on actual body weight. Concerns about toxicity or overdosing in obese patients with cancer, based on the use of actual body weight, are unfounded. Recommendations The Panel recommends that full weight–based cytotoxic chemotherapy doses be used to treat obese patients with cancer, particularly when the goal of treatment is cure. There is no evidence that short- or long-term toxicity is increased among obese patients receiving full weight–based doses. Most data indicate that myelosuppression is the same or less pronounced among the obese than the non-obese who are administered full weight–based doses. Clinicians should respond to all treatment-related toxicities in obese patients in the same ways they do for non-obese patients. The use of fixed-dose chemotherapy is rarely justified, but the Panel does recommend fixed dosing for a few select agents. The Panel recommends further research into the role of pharmacokinetics and pharmacogenetics to guide appropriate dosing of obese patients with cancer.
Six Developmental Trajectories Characterize Children With Autism
Authors: Fountain Christine , Winter Alix S. , Bearman Peter S. 
Published: April 2012

OBJECTIVE:
The goal of this study was to describe the typical longitudinal developmental trajectories of social and communication functioning in children with autism and to determine the correlates of these trajectories.

METHODS:
Children with autism who were born in California from 1992 through 2001 and enrolled with the California Department of Developmental Services were identified. Subjects with &lt;4 evaluations present in the database were excluded, resulting in a sample of 6975 children aged 2 to 14 years. Score sequences were constructed based on 9 evaluative items for social, communication, and repetitive behavior functioning. Typical trajectories were identified by using group-based latent trajectory modeling, and multinomial logistic regression models were used to determine the odds of classification within each trajectory varied by individual and family-level factors.

RESULTS:
Six typical patterns of social, communication, and repetitive behavior functioning were identified. These trajectories displayed significant heterogeneity in developmental pathways, and children whose symptoms were least severe at first diagnosis tended to improve more rapidly than those severely affected. One group of ∼10% of children experienced rapid gains, moving from severely affected to high functioning. Socioeconomic factors were correlated with trajectory outcomes; children with non-Hispanic, white, well-educated mothers were more likely to be high functioning, and minority children with less-educated mothers or intellectual disabilities were very unlikely to experience rapid gains.

CONCLUSIONS:
Children with autism have heterogeneous developmental pathways. One group of children evidenced remarkable developmental change over time. Understanding what drives these outcomes is thus critical.
Obese Mexican American Children Have Elevated MCP-1, TNF-α, Monocyte Concentration, and Dyslipidemia
Authors: Breslin Whitney L. , Johnston Craig A. , Strohacker Kelley , Carpenter Katie C. , Davidson Tiffany R. , Moreno Jennette P. , Foreyt John P. , McFarlin Brian K. 
Published: April 2012

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:
Obesity is an independent risk factor for chronic disease. The prevalence of obesity is especially high among Mexican American children. Peripheral blood monocytes are altered with obesity contributing to elevated systemic inflammation and increased risk of chronic disease. In addition, obesity alters the circulating levels of cytokines/chemokines that influence monocyte behavior. The study objective was to investigate alterations in blood monocytes and plasma cytokines/chemokine levels among healthy weight (standardized BMI [zBMI] ≤85th percentile; n = 66), overweight (zBMI 85th–95th percentile; n = 23), and obese (zBMI ≥95th percentile; n = 39) Mexican American children.

METHODS:
Blood samples were analyzed for total and subset monocyte concentration via flow cytometry. Serum monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), fractalkine, interleukin-8, and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) were measured by using a Milliplex MagPix assay. Serum cholesterol, high-density lipoproteins, triglycerides, and glucose were measured by using an enzymatic assay.

RESULTS:
Total monocyte concentration (P = .012), classic monocyte concentration (P = .045), MCP-1 (P = .015), and TNF-α (P = .002) were significantly greater in obese children compared with healthy weight children. Also, overweight and obese children had elevated triglycerides (P = .001) and reduced high-density lipoproteins (P = .033) compared with healthy weight children.

CONCLUSIONS:
Childhood obesity alters monocytes and circulating chemokines, putting children at a greater risk of developing obesity-related chronic diseases in adulthood. Further characterization of early immune alterations in childhood obesity may provide additional clinical insight into the assessment of obesity-related disease risk.
Tenfold Medication Errors: 5 Years’ Experience at a University-Affiliated Pediatric Hospital
Authors: Doherty Catherine , Mc Donnell Conor 
Published: April 2012

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:
Tenfold medication errors are a significant source of risk to pediatric patients. This may be because of wide variations in age, weight, dosing ranges, and off-label practices, but few studies exclusively devoted to examining pediatric 10-fold error have identified the circumstances and mechanisms that lead to such errors. We examined all 10-fold medication errors reported within an academic, university-affiliated pediatric hospital to make recommendations for future initiatives that could improve medication safety in pediatric practice.

METHODS:
We retrospectively evaluated all medication-related incident reports submitted to a voluntary safety-reporting database over a 5-year period for reports describing 10-fold medication error. Main outcome measures comprised severity of error, drugs and drug classes involved, 10-fold medication error enablers, mechanisms, and contributing causes.

RESULTS:
From 6643 medication-related safety reports, 252 10-fold medication errors were identified at a mean reporting rate of 0.062 per 100 total patient days. Morphine was the most frequently reported medication, and opioids were the most frequently reported drug class. Twenty-two reports described patient harm. Intravenous formulations, paper ordering, and drug-delivery pumps were frequent error enablers. Errors of dose calculation, documentation of decimal points, and confusion with zeroes were frequent contributing causes to 10-fold medication error.

CONCLUSIONS:
This study exclusively and comprehensively examined 10-fold medication errors over a prolonged time in pediatric inpatients. We discuss recommendations of vigilance for specific drugs and standardized order sets for opioids and antibiotics, and identify the administering phase of the medication process as a high-risk practice that can result in pediatric 10-fold medication error.
Micro-Raman characterization of Ge diffusion and Si stress change in thin epitaxial Si1−xGex layers on Si(100) after rapid thermal annealing
Authors: Chang Chun-Wei , Hong Min-Hao , Lee Wei-Fan , Lee Kuan-Ching , Tseng Li-De , Chen Yi-Hann , Chuang Yen , Fan Yu-Ta , Ueda Takeshi , Ishigaki Toshikazu , Kang Kitaek , Yoo Woo Sik 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
Learning Internal Controls from a Fraud Case at Bank of China
Authors: Higgins Huong Ngo 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACT
This case provides an opportunity to discuss principles of internal control, the process by which an entity's board of directors, management, and other personnel provide reasonable assurance that fraud and theft are prevented and detected. The case also facilitates discussion of the unique corporate governance and internal control environments in China, a fast-growing economy. Readers will be asked to apply the fraud triangle theory to identify internal control weaknesses and to design control activities for preventing fraud. The case is intended for beginning auditing students, but is also suitable for a more general audience such as accounting, management, and business students at the M.B.A. or undergraduate level.
The case introduces Bank of China (BOC) against the backdrop of China's banking sector. It describes the proliferation of non-performing loans in Chinese banks, the failure to report these loans correctly, and the way in which these conditions create a climate where fraud and theft might be easily hidden. These problems and the need for internal controls become evident in the description of a major fraud scheme at BOC. After relating this scheme, the case concludes by reviewing recent reform initiatives to modernize internal controls in Chinese banks.
Accuracy, intermethod agreement, and inter-reviewer agreement for use of magnetic resonance imaging and myelography in small-breed dogs with naturally occurring first-time intervertebral disk extrusion
Authors: Bos Alexandra Squires , Brisson Brigitte A. , Nykamp Stephanie G. , Poma Roberto , Foster Robert A. 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
Objective—To determine accuracy, intermethod agreement, and inter-reviewer agreement for multisequence magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and 2-view orthogonal myelography in small-breed dogs with first-time intervertebral disk (IVD) extrusion.
Design—Prospective evaluation study.
Animals—24 dogs with thoracolumbar IVD extrusion.
Procedures—Each dog underwent MRI and myelography. Images obtained with each modality were independently evaluated and assigned standardized scores in a blinded manner by 3 reviewers. Results were compared with surgical findings. Inter-reviewer and intermethod agreements were assessed via κ statistics. Accuracy was assessed as the percentage of dogs for which ≥ 2 of 3 reviewers recorded findings identical to those determined surgically.
Results—Inter-reviewer agreement was substantial for site (κ = 0.70) and side of IVD extrusion (κ = 0.62) in T2-weighted magnetic resonance images and was substantial for site (κ = 0.72) and fair for side of extrusion (κ = 0.37) in myelographic images. Agreement for site between each modality and surgical findings was near perfect (κ = 0.94 and 0.88 for MRI and myelography, respectively). Intermethod agreement was substantial for site (κ = 0.71) and moderate for side of extrusion (κ = 0.40). Accuracy of MRI for site and side was 100% when results for T1-weighted, T2-weighted, and contrast-enhanced T1-weighted sequences were combined. Accuracy of myelography was 90.9% and 54.5% for site and side, respectively.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Agreement between imaging results and surgical findings for identification of IVD extrusion sites in small-breed dogs was similar for MRI and myelography. However, MRI appeared to be more accurate than myelography and allowed evaluation of extradural compressive mass composition.
Endoscopic placement of ureteral stents for treatment of congenital bilateral ureteral stenosis in a dog
Authors: Lam Nathaniel K. , Berent Allyson C. , Weisse Chick W. , Bryan Christine , Mackin Andrew J. , Bagley Demetrius H. 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
Case Description—A 5-year-old 8.6-kg (18.9-lb) spayed female Pug was evaluated because of chronic hematuria and recurrent urinary tract infections.
Clinical Findings—Excretory urography, ultrasonography, and excretory CT urography were performed. Results indicated that the dog had bilateral hydronephrosis and hydroureter and suspected proximal ureteral stenosis. Retrograde ureteropyelography confirmed the presence of stenosis at the ureteropelvic junction of each ureter, along with a large amount of endoluminal ureteral debris. Clinical findings suggested that the dog had a congenital bilateral anomaly of the upper urinary tract.
Treatment and Outcome—The dog was anesthetized, and 2 double-pigtail ureteral stents were placed cystoscopically with fluoroscopic guidance for immediate relief of the ureteropelvic junction obstructions. Each stent extended from the left or right renal pelvis to the urinary bladder. The procedures and the patient's recovery from anesthesia were uncomplicated. Continuing improvements in severity of hydronephrosis, hydroureter, and dysuria were evident during routine follow-up examinations at 2, 4, 12, 16, and 45 weeks after stent placement. Over the subsequent 12 months, all clinical signs remained resolved other than a urinary tract infection that was successfully treated with antimicrobials.
Clinical Relevance—Ureteral stenosis should be considered as a differential diagnosis for hydronephrosis in dogs, particularly when urinary tract calculi or neoplasia is not present. Chronic hematuria and recurrent urinary tract infections can be associated with this condition. Placement of ureteral stents may be a successful treatment option for ameliorization of congenital ureteral obstructions.
Comparison of the effects of xylazine bolus versus medetomidine constant rate infusion on cardiopulmonary function and depth of anesthesia in horses anesthetized with isoflurane
Authors: Creighton Catherine M. , Lemke Kip A. , Lamont Leigh A. , Horney Barbara S. , Riley Christopher B. 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
Objective—To compare the effects of xylazine bolus versus medetomidine constant rate infusion (MCRI) on cardiopulmonary function and depth of anesthesia in dorsally recumbent, spontaneously breathing, isoflurane-anesthetized horses.
Design—Prospective, randomized crossover study.
Animals—10 healthy adult Standardbreds.
Procedures—Horses were premedicated with xylazine or medetomidine IV. Anesthesia was induced with diazepam and ketamine and maintained with isoflurane for 150 minutes. For the xylazine treatment, end-tidal isoflurane concentration was maintained at 1.7%, and xylazine (0.2 mg/kg [0.09 mg/lb], IV) was administered as a bolus at the end of anesthesia. For the MCRI treatment, end-tidal isoflurane concentration was maintained at 1.4%, and medetomidine (0.005 mg/kg/h [0.0023 mg/lb/h], IV) was infused throughout anesthesia. Physiologic data (ie, heart rate, respiratory rate, rectal temperature, bispectral index, and electromyographic values) were compared between treatments with xylazine bolus versus MCRI.
Results—Heart rate was lower, but mean arterial blood pressure was higher from 20 to 40 minutes with MCRI treatment, compared with conventional treatment with xylazine. Respiratory rate and rectal temperature were greater with MCRI treatment. Bispectral index was lower with MCRI treatment from 80 to 150 minutes, and electromyographic values were lower with MCRI treatment from 30 to 150 minutes.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—In isoflurane-anesthetized horses, premedication with medetomidine followed by administration of medetomidine as a constant rate infusion resulted in decreased heart rate, higher arterial blood pressure from 20 through 40 minutes after induction of anesthesia, and better preserved body temperature, compared with conventional treatment with xylazine. Greater depth of anesthesia and muscle relaxation were seen with MCRI treatment, despite the lower isoflurane concentration.