bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Visual Acuity Outcomes With SA60D3, SN60D3, and ZM900 Multifocal IOL Implantation After Phacoemulsification
Authors: Ngo Cheryl , Singh Mandeep , Sng Chelvin , Loon Seng-Chee , Chan Yiong-Huak , Thean Lennard 
Published: March 2010

PURPOSE:
To assess the near and distance visual acuity achieved with implantation of the ReSTOR SA60D3 and SN60D3 (Alcon Laboratories Inc) and Tecnis ZM900 (Abbott Medical Optics [AMO]) multifocal intraocular lens (IOL) after cataract surgery.

METHODS:
This is a retrospective study of 108 eyes of 54 patients who underwent uneventful bilateral phacoemulsification of cataract and IOL implantation at an ophthalmic center in Singapore by a single surgeon. Inclusion criteria were visually significant cataracts, corneal astigmatism <2.00 diopters, and no other ocular diseases. Patients received the SA60D3, SN60D3, or ZM900 multifocal IOL in both eyes. Binocular near and distance visual acuity outcomes were assessed 3 months after second-eye surgery.

RESULTS:

No difference in mean postoperative uncorrected and best spectacle-corrected visual acuity for distance among the groups was noted. The ZM900 lens was significantly better than both ReSTOR lenses for uncorrected near vision with 96.7% achieving N5 compared to 75% of SA60D3 patients and 83.3% of SN60D3 patients (
P
=.003). For distance corrected near vision, 100% of ZM900 patients achieved N5 compared to 83.3% for each the SA60D3 and SN60D3 IOLs (
P
=.005). No significant difference between both ReSTOR lenses for near vision was noted.

CONCLUSIONS:

All three IOLs provide similar uncorrected and best corrected distance visual acuity. However, the ZM900 IOL provides better binocular distance corrected and uncorrected near acuity than the SA60D3 or SN60D3. The ZM900 IOL group was more myopic preoperatively compared to the other two groups, which may be a contributing factor. [
J Refract Surg.
2010;26:177–182.]
Contribution of Optical Zone Decentration and Pupil Dilation on the Change of Optical Quality After Myopic Photorefractive Keratectomy in a Cat Model
Authors: Bühren Jens , Yoon Geunyoung , MacRae Scott , Huxlin Krystel 
Published: March 2010

PURPOSE:
To simulate the simultaneous contribution of optical zone decentration and pupil dilation on retinal image quality using wavefront error data from a myopic photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) cat model.

METHODS:

Wavefront error differences were obtained from five cat eyes 19±7 weeks (range: 12 to 24 weeks) after spherical myopic PRK for −6.00 diopters (D) (three eyes) and −10.00 D (two eyes). A computer model was used to simulate decentration of a 6-mm sub-aperture relative to the measured wavefront error difference. Changes in image quality (visual Strehl ratio based on the optical transfer function [VSOTF]) were computed for simulated decentrations from 0 to 1500
µ
m over pupil diameters of 3.5 to 6.0 mm in 0.5-mm steps. For each eye, a bivariate regression model was applied to calculate the simultaneous contribution of pupil dilation and decentration on the pre- to postoperative change of the log VSOTF.

RESULTS:

Pupil diameter and decentration explained up to 95% of the variance of VSOTF change (adjusted R
2
=0.95). Pupil diameter had a higher impact on VSOTF (median β= −0.88,
P
<.001) than decentration (median β=−0.45,
P
<.001). If decentration-induced lower order aberrations were corrected, the impact of decentration further decreased (β= −0.26) compared to the influence of pupil dilation (β= −0.95).

CONCLUSIONS:

Both pupil dilation and decentration of the optical zone affected the change of retinal image quality (VSOTF) after myopic PRK with decentration exerting a lower impact on VSOTF change. Thus, under physiological conditions pupil dilation is likely to have more effect on VSOTF change after PRK than optical zone decentration. [
J Refract Surg.
2010;26:183–190.]
Adjustable Intracorneal Ring in a Lamellar Pocket for Keratoconus
Authors: Daxer Albert 
Published: March 2010

PURPOSE:
No theory or method currently exists to preoperatively predict the optimal position of an intracorneal implant for the treatment of keratoconus, or a surgical system or technique to adjust and optimize the position of the implant after its implantation. A surgical technique for adjusting the position of the implant inside the cornea is presented, and by adjusting the position of the implant after its insertion into a corneal pocket, the surgical results in keratoconus treatment may be improved.

METHODS:
After the formation of a closed pocket of 9 mm in diameter and 300 µm in depth within the corneal stroma, a flexible full-ring implant is inserted into the corneal pocket via a narrow incision tunnel. After insertion and evaluation of the clinical data, the implant position can be adjusted inside the pocket to achieve an optimal treatment result.

RESULTS:
The procedure is quick and easy to perform. An adjustment of the implant position of only 0.5 mm towards the apex of the cone may dramatically improve the surgical result.

CONCLUSIONS:

The presented technique enables the surgeon to access all three degrees of freedom possible in theory, which are associated with intracorneal implants in a corneal stroma, including implant diameter, implant thickness, and implant position. This is of particular importance for the treatment of irregularly shaped corneas such as in keratoconus. [
J Refract Surg
. 2010;26:217–221.]
The attitudes of team members towards family presence during hospital-based CPR: a study based in the Muslim setting of four Iranian teaching hospitals
Authors: Kianmehr N , Mofidi M , Rahmani H , Shahin Y 
Published: March 2010

Background: Contrary to international guidelines recommending family presence during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), allowing family members to be present remains a matter of debate in many countries. The purpose of this study was to determine the opinions of healthcare providers from a Muslim setting concerning family-witnessed resuscitation (FWR). Methods: The sample population consisted of CPR responders in four teaching hospitals in Tehran. These centres have no policy regarding the presence of family members during resuscitation. We developed and circulated a questionnaire gathering opinions, and collated their comments. Results: From 200 respondents, 77% opposed FWR. We found that gender, age, experience, previous exposure to FWR or specialty (except for emergency physicians) did not predict opinion towards family presence during CPR. The most common reasons given for opposition to family presence were fear of psychological trauma to family members, possible interference with patient care/ decision-making, and a perceived increase in staff stress. Conclusion: In a largely Muslim community, and contrary to general guidelines, our survey suggested that the majority of CPR responders do not favour the presence of relatives during cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Any counter to this opinion would need to be based on educating team members about the possible benefits of relatives being present during resuscitation. Public education surrounding CPR would also be a fundamental element for implementing any formal programme encouraging family-witnessed CPR in hospitals such as ours.
A pilot observational study of the association between fatigue after stroke and C-reactive protein
Authors: McKechnie F , Lewis S , Mead G 
Published: March 2010

Background: The aetiology of fatigue after stroke is unknown. We explored the relationship between fatigue and C-reactive protein (CRP) as a marker of inflammation. Methods: This cross-sectional study recruited inpatients with a stroke (onset within the previous three months) over a five-week period. Those with dysphasia or confusion severe enough to prevent informed consent and those with current infection were excluded. A semi-structured interview determined a) fulfilment of a case definition for fatigue and b) severity of fatigue (fatigue assessment scale, FAS). Venous blood was taken for CRP. A hospital anxiety and depression score (HADS) was used to screen for emotional distress. Results: Of the 28 patients recruited (mean age 72.7 years, proportion men 47%), 15 (53%) fulfilled the case definition for fatigue. C-reactive protein data were logarithmically transformed for analysis. C-reactive protein levels did not differ significantly between those with and without fatigue, according to the case definition (n=28, p=0.35). After exclusion of those with pre-stroke fatigue and those with high scores on the HADS (suggestive of emotional distress), the geometric mean CRP of the fatigued group was 16.04 mg/l (95% CI: 7.12–36.14) compared with 5.16 mg/l (95% CI: 2.7–9.85) in the non-fatigued group (n=21, p=0.025, unpaired t test), but the relationship between FAS and CRP was not statistically significant (r=0.37, p= 0.098). Conclusion: This pilot study is the first to demonstrate an association between fatigue after stroke and higher CRP, after excluding patients with pre-stroke fatigue and those with probable mood disorders. If this finding is confirmed in a larger number of patients, it might provide a target for treating fatigue after stroke.
Small‐molecule Inhibitors of
DNA
Base Excision Repair
Authors: Praggastis V Alexandra , Rice Kevin P 
Published: March 2010

Abstract

Cells rely on several DNA (
deoxyribonucleic acid
) repair pathways to maintain the integrity of their genetic information, including DNA base excision repair (BER). BER involves the removal of a DNA base, damaged in some way by a chemical modification, and then subsequent repair to reconstitute the DNA. Inhibition of the proteins and enzymes that mediate BER can result in cell death, especially in actively dividing cells. As such, many of these enzymes are targets for pharmaceutical research to combat cancer and severe inflammatory ailments. Small molecules have been identified that inhibit at least three of the principal enzymes of BER: an enzyme that participates in the signalling of DNA damage, an
endonuclease
involved in processing an intermediate of BER and a
DNA polymerase
. This article focuses on the known BER enzyme inhibitors, many of which are pharmaceutical candidates in clinical trials to treat disease.

Key concepts:

Several small molecules have been developed that inhibit the enzymes involved in DNA base excision repair.

Inhibition of DNA base excision repair can sensitize cells to DNA‐damaging treatments.

Inhibitors of the DNA base excision repair enzymes are being investigated as potential treatments for cancer and severe inflammation.
Pathological Variations in 3′‐untranslated Regions of Human Genes
Authors: Pal Jayanta K , Chatterjee Sangeeta , Berwal Sunil Kumar 
Published: March 2010

Abstract

The 3′‐untranslated regions (UTRs) of messenger
ribonucleic acids
(mRNAs) play a critical role in the stabilization, localization and translation of mRNAs. Mutations that disrupt functional elements of the 3′‐UTR of mRNAs such as polyadenylation signal, micro RNA (miRNA) target sites and AU‐rich elements lead to production of nonfunctional proteins or reduced amounts of functional proteins. Genetic variations in the 3′‐UTR are associated with disease risk or diseases such as spinocerebellar ataxia 8, Parkinson disease, breast cancer, atopic dermatitis, papillary thyroid carcinoma and many others. With the advent of genetic counselling and promise of personalized medicine, genetic variation in this region of mRNAs is the focus of intense research. Current research shows that this region is of immense significance in the context of translational research.

Key concepts:

3′‐Untranslated regions (UTRs) are noncoding regions of mRNAs.

The 3′‐UTR is delimited by stop codon (UAA or UAG or UGA) at the 5′ end and poly (A) tail at the 3′ end.

Motifs like AU‐rich elements, polyadenylation signal, iron responsive elements and others are involved in mRNA stability, localization and translation.

Mutations are changes in the DNA/gene of an organism which are heritable.

Mutations in the AU‐rich elements lead to atypical stabilization of mRNA and associated diseases.

Mutations that lead to abolition of canonical polyadenylation signal interfere with efficient transcription termination and polyadenylation of mRNA.

Mutations in the 3′‐UTR may alter the binding sites of interacting miRNAs or proteins resulting in deregulation of mRNA translation.

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the 3′‐UTR are associated with individual's drug response and disease risk.
Glucose‐Responsive Bioinorganic Nanohybrid Membrane for Self‐Regulated Insulin Release
Authors: Gordijo Claudia R. , Shuhendler Adam J. , Wu Xiao Yu 
Published: March 2010

AbstractA bioinorganic nanohybrid glucose‐responsive membrane is developed for self‐regulated insulin delivery analogous to a healthy human pancreas. The application of MnO2 nanoparticles as a multifunctional component in a glucose‐responsive, protein‐based membrane with embedded pH‐responsive hydrogel nanoparticles is proposed. The bio‐nanohybrid membrane is prepared by crosslinking bovine serum albumin (BSA)–MnO2 nanoparticle conjugates with glucose oxidase and catalase in the presence of poly(N‐isopropyl acrylamide‐co‐methacrylic acid) nanoparticles. The preparation and performance of this new nanocomposite material for a glucose‐responsive insulin release system is presented. The activity and stability of immobilized glucose oxidase and the morphology and mechanical properties of the membrane are investigated. The enzymatic activity is well preserved in the membranes. The use of MnO2 nanoparticles not only reinforces the mechanical strength and the porous structure of the BSA‐based membrane, but enhances the long‐term stability of the enzymes. The in vitro release of insulin across the membrane is modulated by changes in glucose concentration mimicking possible fluctuations of blood‐glucose level in diabetic patients. A four‐fold increase in insulin permeation is observed when the glucose concentration is increased from normal to hyperglycemic levels, which returns to the baseline level when the glucose concentration is reduced to a normal level.
Functionalized‐Silk‐Based Active Optofluidic Devices
Authors: Tsioris Konstantinos , Tilburey Graham E. , Murphy Amanda R. , Domachuk Peter , Kaplan David L. , Omenetto Fiorenzo G. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractSilk protein from the silkworm Bombyx mori has excellent chemical and mechanical stability, biocompatibility, and optical properties. Additionally, when the protein is purified and reformed into materials, the biochemical functions of dopants entrained in the protein matrix are stabilized and retained. This unique combination of properties make silk a useful multifunctional material platform for the development of sensor devices. An approach to increase the functions of silk‐based devices through chemical modifications to demonstrate an active optofluidic device to sense pH is presented. Silk protein is chemically modified with 4‐aminobenzoic acid to add spectral‐color‐responsive pH sensitivity. The functionalized silk is combined with the elastomer poly(dimethyl siloxane) in a single microfluidic device. The microfluidic device allows spatial and temporal control of the delivery of analytic solutions to the system to provide the optical response of the optofluidic device. The modified silk is stable and spectrally responsive over a wide pH range from alkaline to acidic.
Surface‐Grafted Gel‐Brush/Metal Nanoparticle Hybrids
Authors: Benetti Edmondo M. , Sui XiaoFeng , Zapotoczny Szczepan , Vancso G. Julius 
Published: March 2010

AbstractPolymer brushes are classically defined and are to date employed as assemblies of macromolecules tethered at one end to a surface. The concept of preparing surface‐grafted gels by crosslinking such brushes is attractive since it gives rise to new opportunities related to the constraints present in this type of structure. Aiming at the development of nanostructured films possessing precisely adjustable chemical, mechanical, and optical properties, the present article describes the preparation of novel grafted layers based on gel‐brush/metal nanoparticle hybrids. These films were synthesized by surface‐initiated atom transfer radical polymerization of hydroxyethyl methacrylate with a small percentage of a crosslinker. The swelling, morphological, and mechanical properties of the gel‐brushes are shown to be highly dependent on the relative amount of crosslinker used. The gel‐brushes are subsequently used as matrixes for the controlled synthesis of silver nanoparticles with overall characteristics that are specifically tunable as a function of the macromolecular structure of the brush template.
Coaxial Metal Nano‐/Microcables with Isolating Sheath: Synthetic Methodology and Their Application as Interconnects
Authors: Gao Min‐Rui , Xu Wei‐Hong , Luo Lin‐Bao , Zhan Yong‐Jie , Yu Shu‐Hong 
Published: March 2010

AbstractSynthesis of coaxial nano‐/microcables has been an intensive research subject due to their heterogeneous structures, tuneable properties, and important applications in nano‐/micrometer‐scale electronic and optoelectronic devices. Research on the fabrication of nanocables via solution strategies has made great progress in the past few years. In this Research News article, rapidly emerging new solution strategies such as hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) and synergistic soft–hard templates (SSHTs) are highlighted. Unique and flexible coaxial nano‐/microcables synthesized by those methods have obvious advantages such as long‐term stability and their electrical transport properties, compared with bare counterparts, suggesting that they are potential candidates as interconnects in the future.
Technical note: A stereological analysis of the cross‐sectional variability of the femoral osteon population
Authors: Villa Chiara , Lynnerup Niels 
Published: March 2010

AbstractUnbiased selection of regions of interest (ROIs) and unbiased definition of histological structures are needed to improve the repeatability of microscopic methods for age at death determination and to reduce operator subjectivity. We present results obtained by selecting ROIs according to stereological principles on a sample of 28 femoral cross sections of Caucasoid males aged 20–89 years. A regular grid was overlaid on the cross section, and the ROIs were selected as close as possible to the periosteum in the anterior, lateral, and medial regions. The areas consisting of all intact secondary osteons plus fragments were outlined and osteon population density, percent osteon population, area, and perimeter were calculated using stereological methods and software. Overall, the analyses of intra‐ and inter‐section variability showed no significant difference between the ROIs, i.e., the location within the cross section of the ROIs does not affect the outcome of the analyses. The individual variability was found to be higher in adults aged 30–55 years than in other age ranges. ranges. Am J Phys Anthropol 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hetero‐ and homo‐leptic Ru(II) catalyzed synthesis of cyclic carbonates from CO2; Synthesis, spectroscopic characterization and electrochemical properties
Authors: Kilic Ahmet , Ulusoy Mahmut , Durgun Mustafa , Tasci Zeynep , Yilmaz Ismail , Cetinkaya Bekir 
Published: March 2010

AbstractBased on the a ligand BDPPZ [(9a,13a‐dihydro‐4,5,9,14‐tetraaza‐benzo[b]triphenylene‐11‐yl)‐phenyl‐methanone] (1) and its polypyridyl hetero‐ and homoleptic Ru(II) metal complexes, [Ru(bpy)2L](PF6)2 (2), [Ru(phen)2L](PF6)2 (3), [Ru(dafo)2L](PF6)2 (4), [Ru(dcbpy)2L](PF6)2 (5) and [RuL3](PF6)2 (6) (where, L = ligand, bpy = 2,2′‐bipyridine, phen = 1,10‐phenantroline, dafo = 4,5‐diazafluoren‐9‐one and dcbpy = 3,3′‐dicarboxy‐2,2′‐bipyridine), have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, UV–vis, FT‐IR, 1H and 13C‐NMR spectra (for ligand), molar conductivity measurements and X‐ray powder techniques. The electrochemical parameters of the substituted ligand and its polypyridyl hetero‐ and homoleptic Ru(II) metal complexes are reported by cyclic voltammetry. UV–vis spectroscopy is used to compare the differences between the conjugated π systems in this ligand and its Ru(II) metal complexes. The polypyridyl hetero‐ and homoleptic Ru(II) metal complexes also tested as catalysts for the formation of cyclic organic carbonates from carbon dioxide and liquid epoxides which served as both reactant and solvent. The results showed that the [Ru(L)3](PF6)2 (6) complex is more efficient than the other Ru(II) complexes for the formation of cyclic organic carbonates from carbon dioxide. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chronic Heart Rate Reduction Facilitates Cardiomyocyte Survival After Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Zhang Rong‐Lin , Christensen Lance P. , Tomanek Robert J. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractChronic heart rate reduction (HRR) therapy following myocardial infarction, using either the pure HRR agent ivabradine or the β‐blocker atenolol, has been shown to preserve maximal coronary perfusion, via reduction of perivascular collagen and a decrease in renin‐angiotensin system activation. In addition ivabradine, but not atenolol, treatment attenuated the decline in ejection fraction and decreased left ventricular wall stress. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that cell survival within the infarct region was enhanced by these two pharmacological agents. Four weeks after ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery, the percentage of the LV that contained the infarct was similar in the untreated (MI) rats and those chronically treated with ivabradine (MI + IVA) or atenolol (MI + ATEN). However, the mean thickness (mm) of the ventricular wall containing the scar was significantly greater in the MI + IVA, 1.54 (P ≤ 0.01) and the MI + ATEN 1.32, compared to 1.1 in the MI group, due to a 2‐fold greater area of surviving cardiomyocytes (P ≤ 0.01) in the treated rats compared to the untreated group. Regions of cell survival were usually in the subepicardium, with cardiomyocytes surrounding veins or venules. However, some hearts displayed surviving cells along the endocardium. These data suggest that HRR by either ivabradine or atenolol facilitates a more favorable O2 microenvironment via improved venous flow and decreased O2 demand. We conclude that chronic HRR by these agents may serve to limit infarct expansion and wall thinning and may serve to reduce the potential for ventricular rupture. Anat Rec, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.