bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Role of the epidermal barrier in atopic dermatitis
Authors: Proksch Ehrhardt , Fölster‐Holst Regina , Bräutigam Matthias , Sepehrmanesh Marjan , Pfeiffer Stephan , Jensen Jens‐Michael 
Published: August 2009

SummaryThe skin's permeability barrier protects against extensive water loss and prevents the entry into the skin of harmful substances like irritants, allergens and microorganisms. The permeability barrier is mainly located in the stratum corneum and consists of corneocytes and a lipid‐enriched intercellular domain. The barrier is formed during epidermal differentiation. In atopic dermatitis the skin barrier is disturbed already in non‐lesional skin. The disturbed skin barrier allows the entry of environmental allergens from house dust mites, animal dander and grass pollen into the skin. In predisposed individuals these allergens may trigger via immunologic pathways the inflammation of atopy. The causes for the disturbed epidermal skin barrier are changes in skin lipids and in epidermal differentiation, in particular filaggrin mutations. Filaggrin mutations lead to a disturbed skin barrier and dry skin which are hallmarks in atopic dermatitis. Therapeutic agents influence the skin barrier differently; topical therapy with potent corticosteroids does not lead to the repair of the barrier in atopic dermatitis, whereas therapy with the calcineurin inhibitors and lipid‐containing emulsions support barrier repair.
Variations in resistance to canopy disturbances and their interactions with the spatial structure of major species in a cool‐temperate forest
Authors: Torimaru Takeshi , Nishimura Naoyuki , Matsui Kiyoshi , Hara Toshihiko , Yamamoto Shin‐Ichi 
Published: August 2009

AbstractQuestion:How does typhoon‐related disturbance (more specifically, disturbance in the understorey due to tree‐fall and branch‐fall) affect different species mortality rates in a vertically well‐structured forest community?Location:Cool‐temperate, old‐growth forest in the Daisen Forest Reserve, Japan.Methods:We investigated the canopy dynamics and mortality rate trends of trees ≥5 cm diameter at breast height in a 4‐ha study plot, and analysed the effects of tree diameter and spatial structure on the mortality risks for major tree species in the understorey.Results:Significant differences were found in the mortality rates and proportions of injured dead stems between census periods, which were more pronounced in the understorey than in the canopy.Acer micranthum, which showed increased mortality during typhoon disturbance periods, had a clumped distribution. In contrast,Acer japonicumandViburnum furcatum, which showed similar mortality rates between census periods, had a loosely clumped spatial distribution and a negative association with canopy trees, respectively. In the understorey stems ofAcanthopanax sciadophylloidesandFagus crenata, whose spatial distribution patterns depended on canopy gaps, significant increases in mortality rates were observed only during severe typhoon‐related disturbance periods.Conclusions:The sensitivity of trees to typhoon‐related canopy disturbance is more pronounced in the lower layers of vertically structured forest communities. Differences in mortality patterns generated through the combined effects of spatial variation in disturbance regime and species‐specific spatial distribution patterns (spatial aggregation, association with canopy trees, and canopy gap dependency) contribute to the co‐existence of understorey species in forest communities that are subject to typhoon‐related disturbance.
Causes of plant community divergence in the early stages of volcanic succession
Authors: Tsuyuzaki Shiro 
Published: August 2009

AbstractQuestion: How do temporal changes in plant communities occur after volcanic eruptions? What characteristics determine successional divergence or convergence?Location: The summit area of Mount Usu, northern Japan, completely destroyed by 1‐3 m of thick ash and pumice during the 1977‐1978 eruptions. Habitats were classified into three types: gullies where the pre‐eruption topsoil was exposed due to the erosion of tephra (EG), gullies covered with tephra (CG), and outside of gullies covered with thick tephra (OG).Methods: Plant community structure was monitored for 15 years from 1983 to 1997 in 14 2 m × 5 m permanent plots. The data were summarized by species diversity, life form, and the detrended correspondence analysis.Results: The common species were perennial herbaceous plants, but habitat preferences differed between species. Seed bank species, including a nitrogen fixer Trifolium repens, were dominant in EG, and excluded the establishment of the later colonists. Pioneer trees slowly increased in cover. The detrended correspondence analysis indicated that species composition in the earlier stages did not differ greatly between plots. Thereafter, three patterns of temporal community changes were observed: seed bank species persisted in EG, and in OG and CG forest development proceeded or community structure did not change greatly.Conclusion: Pre‐eruption topsoil contributed to revegetation by the supply of seed bank and nutrients in the earliest stages, but resulted in the delay of forest development due to the persistence of seed bank species. Plant community divergence was driven by the persistence of earlier colonists.
A 5‐year follow‐up of older adults residing in long‐term care facilities: utilisation of a comprehensive dental programme
Authors: Wyatt Chris C. L. 
Published: August 2009

Objective:  This study will compare the clinical outcomes of 139 elders residing in long‐term care (LTC) who received dental treatment with those who did not receive care under a comprehensive dental programme over 5 years.Background:  Numerous studies have documented very poor oral health and limited access to dental care among frail older adults residing in LTC facilities. The University of British Columbia and Providence Healthcare developed a comprehensive dental programme to serve elderly LTC residents within seven Vancouver hospitals. Since 2002, the Geriatric Dentistry Programme has provided annual oral health assessments and access to comprehensive dental care.Material and methods:  A comprehensive oral health assessment was provided using CODE (an index of Clinical Oral Disorders in Elders). A change in oral health status (improvement or worsening) was evaluated by measuring CODE scores including caries and periodontal condition, and other aspects of the dentition.Results:  Eighty‐three residents received dental treatment of some form over the 5 years, while 56 did not receive any treatment beyond an annual examination. The percentage of residents initially recommended for treatment in 2002 was 97%, which declined to 70–73% after the 3rd year. The percentage of residents treated increased after the first year and remained at 56–72% thereafter. The comparison between CODE scores from baseline and 5 years later showed an improvement for those receiving care (p = 0.02, χ2 = 7.9, df = 2).Conclusion:  Within the limitations of this study, residents who did consent and receive care showed an improvement in their oral health status after 5 years.
Submillimetre surveys: the prospects for Herschel
Authors: Pearson Chris , Khan Sophia A. 
Published: August 2009

Abstract
Using the observed submillimetre source counts, from 250 to 1200μm[including the most recent 250, 350 and 500μm counts from Balloon-borne Large-Aperture Submillimetre Telescope (BLAST)], we present a model capable of reproducing these results, which is used as a basis to make predictions for upcoming surveys with the Spectral and Photometric Imaging Receive (SPIRE) instrument aboard the Herschel Space Observatory. The model successfully fits both the integral and differential source counts of submillimetre galaxies in all wavebands, predicting that while ultra-luminous infrared (IR) galaxies dominate at the brightest flux densities, the bulk of the IR background is due to the less luminous IR galaxy population. The model also predicts confusion limits and contributions to the cosmic IR background that are consistent with the BLAST results. Applying this to SPIRE gives predicted source confusion limits of 19.4, 20.5 and 16.1mJy in the 250, 350 and 500μm bands, respectively. This means the SPIRE surveys should achieve sensitivities 1.5 times deeper than the BLAST, revealing a fainter population of IR-luminous galaxies and detecting approximately 2600, 1300 and 700 sources per deg2 in the SPIRE bands (with one in three sources expected to be a high-redshift ultra-luminous source at 500μm). The model number redshift distributions predict a bimodal distribution of local quiescent galaxies and a high-redshift peak corresponding to strongly evolving star-forming galaxies. It suggests the very deepest surveys with Herschel–SPIRE ought to sample the source population responsible for the bulk of the IR background.
OLFinder—a program which disentangles DNA sequences containing heterozygous indels
Authors: DIXON C. J. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThe presence of heterozygous indels in a DNA sequence usually results in the sequence being discarded. If the sequence trace is of high enough quality, however, it will contain enough information to reconstruct the two constituent sequences with very little ambiguity. Solutions already exist using comparisons with a known reference sequence, but this is often unavailable for nonmodel organisms or novel DNA regions. I present a program which determines the sizes and positions of heterozygous indels in a DNA sequence and reconstructs the two constituent haploid sequences. No external data such as a reference sequence or other prior knowledge are required. Simulation suggests an accuracy of >99% from a single read, with errors being eliminable by the inclusion of a second sequencing read, such as one using a reverse primer. Diploid sequences can be fully reconstructed across any number of heterozygous indels, with two overlapping sequencing reads almost always sufficient to infer the entire DNA sequence. This eliminates the need for costly and laborious cloning, and allows data to be used which would otherwise be discarded. With no more laboratory work than is needed to produce two normal sequencing reads, two aligned haploid sequences can be produced quickly and accurately and with extensive phasing information.
The effect of ginkgo biloba on the rat retinal ganglion cell survival in the optic nerve crush model
Authors: Ma Ke , Xu Liang , Zhang Haijuan , Zhang Shixian , Pu Mingliang , Jonas Jost B. 
Published: August 2009

Abstract.Purpose:  To investigate the effect of ginkgo biloba on the retinal ganglion cell survival in a rat optic nerve crush model.Methods:  Twenty‐four Sprague–Dawley rats were divided randomly into a study group of 12 animals receiving intraperitoneal injections of ginkgo biloba and a control group of 12 animals receiving intraperitoneal saline injections. All injections were performed 1 hr before the optic nerve crush and daily afterwards. For each animal, the right optic nerve was crushed closely behind the globe for 60 seconds using a microclip with 40 g power. The left optic nerve was kept intact. At 23 days after the optic nerve crush, the retinal ganglion cells were labelled retrogradely by injecting 3% fluorogold into both sides of the superior colliculus of the brain. At 4 weeks after the optic nerve crush, the animals were killed. Photographs taken from retinal flat mounts were assessed for the number and density of the retinal ganglion cells.Results:  The survival rate, defined as the ratio of the retinal ganglion cell density in the right eye with the optic nerve crush divided by the retinal ganglion cell density in left eye without an optic nerve trauma, was significantly (p = 0.035) higher in the study group with ginkgo biloba than in the control group (60.0 ± 6.0% versus 53.5 ± 8.0%).Conclusion:  The results suggest that intraperitoneal injections of a ginkgo biloba extract given prior to and daily after an experimental and standardized optic nerve crush in rats were associated with a higher survival rate of retinal ganglion cells.
The North Jutland County Diabetic Retinopathy Study (NCDRS)
Authors: Knudsen Lars Loumann , Lervang Hans‐Henrik , Lundbye‐Christensen Søren , Gorst‐Rasmussen Anders 
Published: August 2009

Abstract.Purpose:  This study set out to map the associations between retinal lesions, visual acuity (VA) and the presence of clinically significant macular oedema (CSMO) in diabetes subjects.Methods:  This cross‐sectional study comprised 656 type 1 and 328 type 2 diabetes subjects undergoing retinopathy screening in the County of North Jutland, Denmark. Numbers of specific retinal lesions were quantified from retinal photographic recordings. Associations between CSMO, number of specific retinal lesions and VA were established. The percentages of eyes with CSMO ascribed to retinal lesions were calculated.Results:  The presence of CSMO, number of specific retinal lesions and VA were all significantly associated. The parameter with the highest statistical association with CSMO measured by Spearman’s correlation coefficient was hard exudates (type 1: 0.524; type 2: 0.715), followed by microaneurysms (type 1: 0.298; type 2: 0.508), retinal haemorrhages (type 1: 0.227; type 2: 0.595), cottonwool spots (type 1: 0.207; type 2: 0.259) and VA (type 1: − 0.137; type 2: − 0,175).Conclusions:  All retinal lesions are significantly associated with CSMO and together can predict for up to 42.3% (in type 1 diabetes) and 64.3% (in type 2 diabetes) of CSMO cases.
Liposomes as an ocular delivery system of fluconazole: in‐vitro studies
Authors: Habib Fawzia S. , Fouad Ehub A. , Abdel‐Rhaman Mohamed S. , Fathalla Dina 
Published: August 2009

Acta Ophthalmol. 2010: 88: 901–904Abstract.Purpose:  To study the clinical effect of topical controlled‐release ophthalmic fluconazole liposomal formulation and to compare its effect with fluconazole solution in a reproducible model of Candida keratitis in rabbits.Methods:  Forty adult rabbits were included in this study. Right eyes were inoculated with freshly prepared Caindida albicans strain no. 4925 and showed signs of infected keratitis. The rabbits were divided randomly into two groups: in the first group (18 rabbits) the right eyes received fluconazole solution, while in the second group (22 rabbits) the right eyes received fluconazole‐loaded liposomes. The rabbits’ eyes were examined daily over a 21‐day period and results were recorded.Results:  Rabbits infected with C. albicans responded better and showed more improvement in terms of size of ulcer and hypopyon using fluconazole‐loaded liposomal formulae than using fluconazole solution. In the first group (solution), nine rabbits’ cornea showed complete healing (50%) at the end of third week while in group 2 (liposome), 19 rabbits’ cornea showed complete healing (86.4%) at equal duration. These results were statistically significant.Conclusion:  Therapy with topical liposomal fluconazole (2 mg/ml) was successful in eliminating experimental C. albicans infection of the rabbit cornea and was superior to fluconazole solution.
Use of the retinal vessel analyzer in ocular blood flow research
Authors: Garhofer Gerhard , Bek Toke , Boehm Andreas G. , Gherghel Doina , Grunwald Juan , Jeppesen Peter , Kergoat Hélène , Kotliar Konstantin , Lanzl Ines , Lovasik John V. , Nagel Edgar , Vilser Walthard , Orgul Selim , Schmetterer Leopold 
Published: August 2009

Acta Ophthalmol. 2010: 88: 717–722Abstract.The present article describes a standard instrument for the continuous online determination of retinal vessel diameters, the commercially available retinal vessel analyzer. This report is intended to provide informed guidelines for measuring ocular blood flow with this system. The report describes the principles underlying the method and the instruments currently available, and discusses clinical protocol and the specific parameters measured by the system. Unresolved questions and the possible limitations of the technique are also discussed.
Prevalence of anti cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies in Malaysian rheumatoid arthritis patients and its correlation with disease activity
Authors: SOCKALINGAM Sargunan , KHUAN Chow Sook , STHANESHWAR Pavai 
Published: August 2009

AbstractAim:  The objectives of this study are to provide data regarding the prevalence of anti‐cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP) antibodies in Malaysian rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and to correlate the levels of anti‐CCP antibody with the Disease Activity Score (DAS).Method:  We studied the prevalence of anti‐CCP antibodies in 51 RA patients attending our clinic and 29 controls. We also looked for correlation between anti‐CCP antibody levels with the DAS and parameters such as duration of disease, rheumatoid factor (RF) and disease‐modifying anti rheumatic drug (DMARD) usage.Results:  None of the controls demonstrated anti‐CCP antibodies. Forty‐one out of 51 patients (80.4%) were positive for anti‐CCP antibodies. Sensitivity and specificity were 80.4% and 100% respectively in this study. Anti‐CCP levels correlated significantly with rheumatoid factor, but no correlation was observed with the other parameters.Conclusions:  Anti‐CCP antibody is prevalent in Malaysian RA patients at 80.4% and more sensitive than RF in our cohort of established RA patients. Even though the anti‐CCP levels correlated with RF, it did not show correlation with DAS.
Survey of vitamin D levels among post‐menopausal Filipino women with osteoporosis
Authors: RASO Anne‐Annette P. , NAVARRA Sandra V. , LI‐YU Julie , TORRALBA Tito P. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractObjective:  To determine the prevalence of vitamin D inadequacy in a group of Filipino post‐menopausal women with osteoporosis.Methods:  Seventy otherwise healthy post‐menopausal Filipino women seen at the University of Santo Tomas Hospital, Section of Rheumatology, were diagnosed with osteoporosis by central dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) technique. Levels of serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D were measured using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.Results:  The mean age of this population was 70 ± 8 years, with an average of 22 ± 10 years since menopause, and mean body mass index (BMI) of 22 ± 1 kg/m2. Only 30% (21/70) were on calcium plus vitamin D supplementation. Overall serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D levels ranged from 48–128 nmol/L, with a mean of 87 ± 20.48 nmol/L. Serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D levels were divided as follows: 80–140 nmol/L (adequate), 25–79 nmol/L (inadequate/insufficient), and < 25 nmol/L (deficient). Sixty‐four percent (45/70) of subjects had adequate levels while 36% (25/70) had inadequate levels of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D. There were no subjects with deficient levels of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D. Fischer’s exact test did not show a significant association between BMD and 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (P = 0.4804).Conclusion:  Among this group of women with post‐menopausal osteoporosis, only 36% had insufficient levels of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D, with none of the subjects having deficient 25‐hydroxyvitamin D levels. The majority (64%) had normal serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D levels – comparatively higher than that reported in the literature. These results suggest the possible contribution of factors other than vitamin D deficiency in post‐menopausal Filipino women with osteoporosis.
Successful use of infliximab in a patient with neuro‐Behçet’s disease
Authors: ABALOS‐MEDINA Gracia Maria , SÁNCHEZ‐CANO Daniel , RUIZ‐VILLAVERDE Gonzalo , RUIZ‐VILLAVERDE Ricardo , QUIROSA FLORES Susana , RAYA ÁLVAREZ Enrique 
Published: August 2009

AbstractBehçet′s disease (BD) is a systemic vasculitic disorder of unknown aetiology characterised by recurrent oral and often genital ulcers, which may be associated with ocular, cutaneous, articular, neurological or vascular involvement. We report a 52‐year‐old woman diagnosed of neuro‐BD who was treated with infliximab with a dramatic response to this treatment.
Recurrent fractures in an elderly patient with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: CHIA Faith Li‐Ann , THONG Bernard Yu‐Hor , LAU Tang‐Ching , FENG Pao‐Hsii 
Published: August 2009

AbstractGlucocorticoid‐induced osteoporosis (GIO) is an important problem that remains undertreated, even by rheumatologists. We present a case of an elderly patient with systemic lupus erythematosus diagnosed more than 40 years ago, who suffered from recurrent fractures and attendant complications despite a bone mineral density (BMD) score in the osteopenic range and treatment with bisphosphonates. With improved treatment and outcome of lupus, an increasing number of elderly patients who are susceptible to osteoporotic fractures are expected. This case serves to highlight that rheumatic disease patients on steroids should be screened for GIO, as effective treatment and preventive measures are available. Teriparatide is a promising treatment for patients who have failed bisphosphonate treatment or who are at high risk for fracture. We should also bear in mind that BMD scores alone are not indicative of fracture risk, and other tools such as the WHO‐FRAX (Fracture risk assessment tool), serum vitamin D3 levels and bone turnover markers should be used where appropriate. Other measures including attention to factors that contribute to falls should also be considered, necessitating a multi‐disciplinary approach.
Teleoanticipation in all-out short-duration cycling
Authors: Wittekind A L , Micklewright D , Beneke R 
Published: August 2009

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of all-out cycling test duration on indices of power, anaerobic lactic energy metabolism, perceived exertion and mood.MethodsNine physically active men undertook four all-out cycling tests of 5, 15, 30 or 45 s from seated stationary start on an ergometer fit with power cranks. The participants completed a Profile of Mood States questionnaire before each test and indicated perceived exertion immediately post-test (Borg 6–20 scale). Indices of anaerobic lactic metabolism were determined from blood lactate concentrations.ResultsPacing strategy was apparent in the 45-s tests with lower peak (p<0.01) and mean power in the initial 10 s compared to the 5- and 15-s tests (p<0.05). The first 15 s of the 30- and 45-s tests revealed lower fatigue indices compared to the 15-s tests (p<0.05) indicating some pacing in the 30-s tests. Perceived exertion increased with duration, with no difference between the 15- and 30-s tests (p>0.05). Extravascal lactate generation (reflecting exercising muscle lactate production) explained 59% of the variance in perceived exertion. There was no effect of knowledge of test duration on mood states or total mood disturbance (p>0.05).ConclusionsAn all-out pacing strategy was apparent for at least up to 15 s, with indicators of dampened power in both 30 and 45 s sprints. Reduced power at the start of all-out long-duration sprints support a central control of at least initial pacing strategy.
The Redemption of State Securities: The Intersection of Civil and Budgetary Legislation in Russia
Authors: Ishutina Olga 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThe author discusses the inter-relationship of Russia's civil and budgetary legislation in light of the rules and regulations governing obligations arising from state securities under conditions of a financial crisis. She argues that the redemption of state bonds (treasury bills) by exchanging them for other state debt instrument bonds does not conform to the conditions for debt novation. However, the author does not rule out the possibility for the state to make unilateral changes to the terms and conditions of a loan and, in addition, offers alternative means of resolving this (legal) issue.