bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Developmental differences in learning and error processing: Evidence from ERPs
Authors: Eppinger Ben , Mock Barbara , Kray Jutta 
Published: May 2009

AbstractThis study examined developmental differences in the ERP correlates of internal and external error processing (ERN and FRN) during learning. A probabilistic learning task was applied in which feedback validity was manipulated. The behavioral data showed similar accuracy for children and adults when feedback was valid, whereas age differences were obtained when it was partially invalid. We found no reduction of the ERN for children compared to adults when performance levels were equated. Yet, contrary to adults, children did not differentiate between responses when feedback was partially invalid, indicating that they are less able to represent the correctness of a response when there is interference during learning. Moreover, we found a larger FRN and reduced ERP learning effects for positive feedback for children, suggesting that they are more sensitive to external error feedback and less able to disengage from positive feedback during learning.
A prospective study of laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy for the management of pelvic organ prolapse
Authors: North CE , Ali‐Ross NS , Smith ARB , Reid FM 
Published: May 2009

Objective  Assessment of the 2‐year outcome of laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy.Design  A prospective observational study of women undergoing laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy for prolapse.Setting  A tertiary referral unit in the North West of England.Population  A total of 22 women taking part in a prospective longitudinal study of prolapse who had a laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy between September 2002 and January 2005.Methods  Women attended a research clinic where they completed validated quality‐of‐life questionnaires and were examined. Women were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively at 6 months, 1 year and 2 years.Main outcome measures  Pelvic organ support assessed by Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification score. Assessment of the degree and impact of vaginal, urinary and bowel symptoms using validated quality‐of‐life questionnaires.Results  At a mean follow up of 26.5 months, all 22 women had stage 0 vault support with 21 cured of prolapse symptoms. Stress urinary incontinence resolved in half of women without concomitant continence surgery. Bowel symptoms were uncommon, but of those reporting postoperative bowel symptoms, approximately one‐third had no symptoms prior to surgery. No new onset dyspareunia was reported in those women sexually active at 2 years.Conclusions  Laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy is a safe and effective treatment for vault prolapse, providing excellent vault support in the medium term. The outcome for anterior and posterior support is less predictable, and anatomical outcome correlated poorly with functional outcome.
The cost‐effectiveness of outpatient (at home) cervical ripening with isosorbide mononitrate prior to induction of labour
Authors: Eddama O , Petrou S , Schroeder L , Bollapragada SS , Mackenzie F , Norrie J , Reid M , Norman JE 
Published: May 2009

Objectives  To assess the cost‐effectiveness of outpatient (at home) cervical ripening with isosorbide mononitrate (IMN) prior to induction of labour.Design  Economic evaluation was conducted alongside a randomised placebo controlled trial (the IMOP trial).Setting  Large UK maternity hospital.Population  A total of 350 nulliparous women with a singleton pregnancy, cephalic presentation ≥37 weeks gestation, requiring cervical ripening prior to induction of labour.Interventions  Isosorbide mononitrate (n = 177) or placebo (n = 173) self‐administered vaginally at home at 48, 32 and 16 hours prior to the scheduled time of admission for induction.Results  Mean health service costs between the period of randomisation and discharge for mother and infant were £1254.86 in the IMN group and £1242.88 in the placebo group, generating a mean cost difference of £11.98 (bootstrap mean cost difference £12.86; 95%CI: −£106.79, £129.39) that was not statistically significant (P = 0.842). The incremental cost per hour prevented from hospital admission to delivery was £7.53. At the notional willingness to pay threshold of £100 per hour prevented from hospital admission to delivery, the probability that IMN is cost‐effective was estimated at 0.67. This translated into a mean net monetary benefit of £98.13 for each woman given IMN.Conclusions  Although the probability that IMN is cost‐effective approaches 0.7 at seemingly low willingness to pay thresholds for an hour prevented from hospital admission to delivery, our results should be viewed in the light of the clinical findings from the IMOP trial.
Urban Metabolism
Authors: Niza Samuel , Rosado Leonardo , Ferrão Paulo 
Published: May 2009

SummaryUrban metabolism studies have been established for only a few cities worldwide, and difficulties obtaining adequate statistical data are universal. Constraints and peculiarities call for innovative methods to quantify the materials entering and leaving city boundaries. Such methods include the extrapolation of data at the country or the region level based, namely, on sales, population, commuters, workers, and waste produced.The work described in this article offers a new methodology developed specifically for quantifying urban material flows, making possible the regular compilation of data pertinent to the characterization of a city's metabolism. This methodology was tested in a case study that characterized the urban metabolism of the city of Lisbon by quantifying Lisbon's material balance for 2004. With this aim, four variables were characterized and linked to material flows associated with the city: absolute consumption of materials/products per category, throughput of materials in the urban system per material category, material intensity of economic activities, and waste flows per treatment technology.Results show that annual material consumption in Lisbon totals 11.223 million tonnes (20 tonnes per capita), and material outputs sum 2.149 million tonnes. Nonrenewable resources represent almost 80% of the total material consumption, and renewables consumption (biomass) constitutes only 18% of the total consumption. The remaining portion is made up of nonspecified materials.A seemingly excessive consumption amount of nonrenewable materials compared to renewables may be the result of a large investment in building construction and a significant shift toward private car traveling, to the detriment of public transportation.
New and Low‐Cost Auto‐Algometry for Screening Hypertension‐Associated Hypoalgesia
Authors: Viggiano Andrea , Zagaria Nicola , Passavanti Maria Beatrice , Pace Maria Caterina , Paladini Antonella , Aurilio Caterina , Tedesco Michele Adolfo , Natale Francesco , Calabrò Raffaele , Monda Marcellino , De Luca Elena 
Published: May 2009

AbstractObjective: The aim of the present work was to measure the pain threshold in hypertensive patients with a new auto‐algometry method.Design and Setting: Auto‐algometry consists of asking the subjects to push their fingers against a fixed round‐tip needle until they feel a pain sensation. An electronic force transducer permits the measurement of the force applied by the subjects and storage of the data on a personal computer. Eight tests are performed twice on each subject on the tip and back of four fingers. For each test, the maximal applied force (grams) is defined as pain threshold. The overall discomfort during the entire procedure is reported by the subjects on a 0 (no discomfort) to 10 (intolerable pain) scale.Patients and Interventions: A group of hypertensive patients (n = 22) and a group of normotensive subjects (n = 22) underwent the auto‐algometry examination.Results: The pain threshold was higher in hypertensive patients compared with normotensive subjects. All discomfort scores referred by the subjects fell within the 4–6 range.Conclusion: The data obtained from this study indicate that the auto‐algometer as described here can detect hypoalgesia associated with hypertension.
Spinal Cord Stimulation as a Novel Approach to the Treatment of Refractory Neuropathic Mediastinal Pain
Authors: Guttman Oren T. , Hammer Adam , Korsharskyy Boleslav 
Published: May 2009

AbstractSpinal cord stimulation (SCS) offers new hope for patients with neuropathic pain. SCS “neuromodulates” the transmission and response to “painful” stimuli. The efficacy of SCS has been established in the treatment of a variety of neuropathic pain conditions and more recently in refractory angina pectoris, peripheral vascular disease, and failed back surgery syndrome. Recent publications suggest that visceral pain could be successfully treated with SCS. We report the first successful use of a spinal cord stimulator in the treatment of refractory neuropathic mediastinal, esophageal, and anterior neck pain following esophagogastrectomy.
Permanent Atrial Pacing Lead Implant Route after Fontan Operation
Authors: TAKAHASHI KAZUHIRO , CECCHIN FRANK , FORTESCUE ELIZABETH , BERUL CHARLES I. , ALEXANDER MARK E. , WALSH EDWARD P. , FYNN‐THOMPSON FRANCIS , TRIEDMAN JOHN K. 
Published: May 2009

Background:

Atrial pacing is indicated for sinus node dysfunction (SND) after Fontan surgery; preferred lead implantation technique is debated. We compare outcomes of transvenous (TV) and epicardial (Epi) atrial lead implants in this population.
Methods:

Retrospective review of Fontan patients undergoing atrial lead implant between 1992 and 2007. Demographics, lead performance data, and outcomes were analyzed.
Results:

78 patients had 90 leads implanted: 25 via TV route and 65 via Epi route. Median follow‐up was 1.6 years (TV) and 3.6 years (Epi). TV leads were implanted in older patients (23.1 vs 9.3 years, P < 0.001) and at longer intervals after Fontan (15.2 vs 4.9 years, P < 0.001). Pacing indication for most TV leads was SND, while Epi leads were also indicated for atrioventricular block. Acute complication rates were similar (8% TV vs 19% Epi, P = 0.23), but median hospital stay was shorter for TV (2 vs 5 days, P = 0.03). Thrombus was observed in five patients (two in TV; three in Epi), but no thromboembolic events were observed. Mean lead survival was similar (TV 9.9 vs Epi 7.8 years, P = NS). Energy threshold was lower at implant for TV leads (0.9 vs 2.2 μJ, P = 0.049), but similar at follow‐up (1.2 vs 2.6 μJ, P = 0.35). Atrial sensing was unchanged over time for TV (2.2 to 2.1 mV, P = NS), but decreased for Epi (3.3 to 2.5 mV, P = 0.02).
Conclusions:

Compared to epicardial leads, transvenous atrial pacing leads may be placed in Fontan patients with lower procedural morbidity and equivalent expectation of lead performance and longevity.
Reoperations after photorefractive keratectomy for moderate and high myopia
Authors: Pedersen O.Øyvind 
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT.Purpose: To contribute data regarding results of reoperation with excimer laser for the treatment of residual myopia, and to improve corneal clarity following previous photorefractive keratectomy for ‘moderate’ (< ‐ 9 D) and ‘high’ (> ‐ 9 D) myopia.Methods: Surface reablations with excimer laser (5 mm treatment diameter) were performed to correct residual myopia and remove subepithelial scars. Refraction, visual acuity, and corneal clarity were recorded with average follow‐up of one and two years after reoperation.Results: In 27 eyes with ‘moderate’ myopia before the first operation, significant improvement was obtained regarding refraction (changed from ‐ 2.3 ±1.56 D before retreatment to ‐ 0.58 ± 1.31 D after retreatment (p< 10‐3)), and uncorrected visual acuity (improved to ≥ 0.8 in 51.8% of the cases). All cases (6 eyes) with corneal scars improved. Six eyes with ‘high’ myopia showed no improvement of refraction following reoperation. Effects on corneal clarity were mixed in that group.Conclusion: We were able to improve the results of photorefractive keratectomy for ‘moderate’ myopia with a second excimer laser ablation. The risks involved in retreatments of such eyes are small. In ‘high’ myopia, reablations with a 5 mm treatment zone did not improve the refractive outcome on a long‐term basis.
The ratio of albumin to lactoferrin in tear fluid as a diagnostic tool in primary Sjogren's syndrome
Authors: Bjerrum K. B. 
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT.Purpose: To compare the protein composition of tear fluid obtained from patients with primary Sjogren's syndrome, patients with other connective tissue diseases and control individuals.Methods: SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis followed by staining with Coomassie blue and Western blotting.Results: Comparison revealed the presence of a characteristic difference in the ratio of intensity between the albumin and lactoferrin bands. An albumin:lactoferrin ratio above 2:1 was significantly more common in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome than in patients with other connective tissue diseases or the controls.Conclusion: An albumin:lactoferrin ratio above 2:1 may therefore prove of use when diagnosing 1°SS. Used as a test, its sensitivity was 67% and its specificity 100%.
Retinal mean transit time determined with an impulse‐response analysis from video fluorescein angiograms
Authors: Sperber G. O. , Alm A. 
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT.Purpose: To evaluate a new technique for determing the Mean Transit Time (MTT) of retinal circulation, based on an impulse‐response analysis. The results obtained were compared to those obtained with a conventional method based on semilogarithmic extrapolation.Methods: 128 frames at a rate of 5 frames per second were digitized from video fluorescein angiograms and processed with a specially designed image analysis system. The MTT was determined from 25 curve pairs from 12 eyes in 8 young, healthy volunteers by the conventional technique (MTTSLOPE) and by our newly developed Impulse‐Response analysis (MTTIR).Results: MTTSLOPE and MTTIR calculated for the 25 curve pairs were 3.54 ± 1.00 and 2.67 ± 0.88 seconds, respectively (Mean ± SD). There was a good correlation between the two techniques (r2 = 0.81, p<0.001). Unlike MTTSLOPE MTTIR could be calculated also from curves with a badly defined bolus. Conclusion: We conclude that MTTiR‐analysis of the retinal circulation may be used for clinical studies on retinal blood flow from angiograms obtained in patients.
Cataract patients in a defined Swedish population 1986–1990
Authors: Ninn‐Pedersen K. , Bauer B. 
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT.Purpose: Cataract surgery is often followed by a posterior capsule opacification, usually treated with YAG laser capsulotomy, however, there are huge variations in the incidence figures available in the literature, from 18 to 50% (Sterling & Wood 1986). We have therefore analyzed the incidence of secondary cataracts in a population‐based cohort of patients, as revealed by the number of YAG laser capsulotomies performed postoperatively.Methods: Data for all patients undergoing cataract surgery from 1986 up to and including 1990 in the Lund Health Care District were prospectively recorded, and 4722 patients were retrieved for analysis, using only one eye per patient. The patients had been operated on with extracapsular extraction (phacoemulsification or planned large incision procedure) or a combined trabeculectomy and cataract extraction procedure leaving an intact capsule after surgery. Death dates for each patient were obtained from the Swedish Bureau of Census up to and including 1991. Different risk factors were considered such as sex, age, preoperative axial length, preoperative average keratometry, preoperative intraocular pressure, glaucoma history, diabetes history, uveitis history (including both anterior and posterior uveitis), history of age related macular degeneration and a history of rheumatoid arthritis. We also considered the influence of factors connected to the operation itself on the incidence of secondary capsular haze: extraction mode (ordinary ECCE versus phacoemulsification or trabeculectomy) and the type of implant and the surgeon's surgical activity.Results: Besides age, four variables significantly influenced the risk of having postoperative YAG laser treatment. They were gender, iris sphincterotomy, operation date, and whether the patient came from a rural or an urban region. After about four to five years, the percentage of patients not having had a YAG laser capsulotomy was reduced to around 50% for women and 60% for men. These percentages were based on a survival analysis, minimizing the confounding effect of the limited life span of these elderly patients.Conclusions: In this material, the most important predisposing factors for YAG laser capsulotomy after extracapsular cataract surgery are: young age, female gender, if the patient was operated late in the period observed, and if the patient came from an urban area.
A new generation of algorithms for computerized threshold perimetry, SITA
Authors: Bengtsson Boel , Olsson Jonny , Heijl Anders , Rootzén Holger 
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACTPurpose: The purpose of this work was to develop a new family of test algorithms for computerized static threshold perimetry which significantly reduces test time without any reduction of data quality.Methods: A comprehensive visual field model constructed from available knowledge of normal and glaucomatous visual fields is continuously updated during testing. The model produces threshold estimates and also estimates of the certainty to which the threshold is known at each point. Testing is interrupted at each test location at predetermined levels of threshold certainty. New time‐saving methods are employed for estimation of false answers, and test pacing is optimized. After completion of the test, all threshold estimates are re‐computed, taking into account the complete body of patient responses. Computer simulations were used to optimize the different parameters of the new algorithms, to evaluate the relative importance of those parameters, and to evaluate the performance of the algorithm as a whole in comparison with a standard algorithm.Results: Simulated test results obtained with this algorithm were slightly more accurate than those of the Humphrey Full Threshold test algorithm. The number of simulated stimuli presented was reduced by an average of 29% in normal fields and 26% in glaucomatous fields. Actual clinical test time should be further reduced, since the influence of the improved timing algorithm was not included in the simulations.Conclusions: We applied new methods which take available knowledge of visual field physiology and pathophysiology into account, and employ modern computer‐intensive mathematical methods for real time estimates of threshold values and threshold error estimates. In this way it was possible to design a family of testing algorithms which significantly reduced perimetric test time without any loss of quality in results.
The effect of a shear force on the cell shedding rate of the corneal epithelium
Authors: Ren Hongwei , Wilson Graeme 
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACTPurpose: During blinking the lids apply a shear force to the corneal epithelium. The aim of this study was to determine if a shear force applied to the epithelial surface increases the rate at which cells shed.Methods: The shedding rate was studied in perfused whole rabbit eyes, and the effect of a shear force examined by exposing the corneas to a stirred solution. Control corneas were exposed to a static solution. The shedding rate and size of shed cells were measured, and the number of terminally differentiated cells on the corneal surface determined after 6 h of perfusion using ethidium bromide.Results: Compared with controls, the shear force increased the cell shedding rate from the corneal surface significantly (p<0.01, paired t‐test). The increase was due to small cells with a longest dimension less than 25 μm. The number of terminally differentiated cells on the epithelial surface did not increase.Conclusion: Because of the decrease in size, and the change in appearance of shedding cells, it is proposed that the increase in cell shedding rate was due to an increase in the number of apoptotic cells, and not to an increase in terminally differentiated cells. It is suggested that in the human eye, under adverse conditions, shear forces due to blinking may play a role in creating apoptotic cells.
Immunohistochemical characterization of retinal glial cell changes in areas of vascular occlusion secondary to diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Bek Toke 
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACTPurpose: To study changes in retinal glial cell components in areas of vascular occlusion secondary to diabetic retinopathy.Material: The retina from ten eyes of six diabetic patients and from five eyes of five normal controls were studied for immunoreactivity to glial fibrillary acid protein and vimentin (glial cells), S‐100 protein (perivascular glial cells), carbonic anhydrase isoenzyme II and CD‐57 antigen (Müller cells), and CD‐68 antigen (microglia).Results: The study showed increased immunoreactivity to S‐100 protein, corresponding to perivascularly located glial cells in the retina from diabetic patients, except for areas of vascular occlusion where this immunoreactivity was absent. Furthermore, the material invading the lumen of former retinal vessels in areas of vascular occlusion showed immunoreactivity to CAH‐II and CD‐57, suggesting that this material represents ingrowth of retinal Müller cells.Conclusions: The findings suggest that at least two types of changes in retinal glial cells are involved in the pathophysiology of diabetic retinopathy, i.e. 1) Reactive changes in the perivascular glial cells in the retina, and 2) Müller cell ingrowth into the former lumen of occluded retinal vessels.
Inflammatory response after endocapsular phacoemulsification or conventional extracapsular lens extraction in the rabbit eye
Authors: Laurell Carl‐Gustaf , Wickström Kerstin , Zetterström Charlotta , Lundgren Björn 
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACTPurpose: We compared the inflammatory response after phacoemulsification and conventional extracapsular lens extraction in New Zeeland albino rabbits.Methods: One eye was selected at random and phacoemulsification was performed. Extracapsular lens extraction was done in the fellow eye. In both eyes a polymethylmetacrylate intraocular lens was implanted into the capsular bag and the wound was sutured with a 9–0 polypropylene continuous suture. The levels of prostaglandin E2 in aqueous humour and wet mass of the iris‐ciliary bodies were measured at day 1. The number of white blood cells and protein levels in the aqueous humour were measured at day 1, 3, 7, 14 and 30. Corneal thickness was estimated with pachymetry.Results: Prostaglandin E2 levels and wet masses of iris‐ciliary bodies were significantly higher after extracapsular lens extraction, which also induced significantly higher white blood cells counts at day 1 and 3 and higher protein levels at day 7. Extracapsular lens extraction caused more corneal edema at day 3, 7 and 14.Conclusion: The results suggest that phacoemulsification induced less surgical trauma with less breakdown of the blood‐aqueous barrier.