bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical outcomes of corneal wavefront customized ablation strategies with SCHWIND CAM in LASIK treatments
Authors: Arbelaez Maria Clara , Vidal Camila , Arba‐Mosquera Samuel 
Published: July 2009

AbstractPurpose: To evaluate the clinical outcomes of aspheric corneal wavefront (CW) ablation profiles in LASIK treatments.Methods: Thirty eyes treated with CW ablation profiles were included after a follow‐up of 6 months. In all cases, standard examinations including preoperative and postoperative wavefront analysis with a CW topographer (Optikon Keratron Scout) were performed. Custom Ablation Manager (CAM) software was used to plan corneal wavefront customized aspheric treatments, and the ESIRIS flying spot excimer laser system was used to perform the ablations (both SCHWIND eye‐tech‐solutions, Kleinhostheim, Germany). Clinical outcomes were evaluated in terms of predictability, refractive outcome, safety, and wavefront aberration.Results: In general, the postoperative uncorrected visual acuity and the best corrected visual acuity improved (p < 0.001). In particular, the trefoil, coma, and spherical aberrations, as well as the total root‐mean‐square values of higher order aberrations, were significantly reduced (p < 0.05) when the pre‐existing aberrations were greater than the repeatability and the biological noise.Conclusions: The study results indicate that the aspheric corneal wavefront customized CAM approach for planning ablation volumes yields visual, optical, and refractive results comparable to those of other wavefront‐guided customized techniques for correction of myopia and myopic astigmatism. The CW customized approach shows its strength in cases where abnormal optical systems are expected. Apart from the risk of additional ablation of corneal tissue, systematic wavefront‐customized corneal ablation can be considered as a safe and beneficial method.
Modeling the effect of facial topographies upon the visual field of humans and primates
Authors: Glittenberg C. , Schubert C. , Meisel D. , Viola B. , Binder S. , Ahnelt P. K. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractPurpose:  To establish a virtual device that can predict the effect of facial features on the visual field of humans and primates.Methods:  Virtual masks were obtained from human subjects, and macaque, chimpanzee and baboon taxidermic specimens, and aligned with upright head orientation at the center of a virtual perimeter‐like dome (radius = 50 m) developed with Cinema 4D. Virtual searchlights positioned at the masks’ pupils were then allowed to ‘paint’ facial elements obstructing their path, and demarcate the unobstructed rays at the perimetric surface and on a virtual ground floor related to eye level. Searchlight positions along the human mask’s pupillary axis were identified by maximum congruence to Goldmann visual field limits.Results:  The human contours largely concur with large‐stimulus isopters displaying the limiting role of the nasal ridge, and the relatively extended ventral and temporal limits. In contrast, the facial design of chimpanzees and baboons obstructs significant portions of the ventral foreground (>2 m cf < 0.5 m in human), while there appear to be larger binocular overlaps (125° in chimp cf 90° in human).Conclusions:  The model provides information on anatomical constraints for monocular and binocular visual field extensions including projection of the ventral field on a virtual floor.
First in Human Validation of Impedance‐Based Catheter Tip‐to‐Tissue Contact Assessment in the Left Atrium
Authors: PIORKOWSKI CHRISTOPHER , SIH HARIS , SOMMER PHILIPP , MILLER STEPHAN P. , GASPAR THOMAS , TEPLITSKY LIANE , HINDRICKS GERHARD 
Published: July 2009

Background: In this study, a new method of contact assessment based on the measurement of the local electrical properties at the catheter tip‐to‐tissue interface was validated in a blinded fashion in vivo in the human left atrium. Methods: Using a 3‐terminal circuit model, local resistance and reactance between catheter tip and tissue surface were measured and combined in an electrical coupling index (ECI). Twelve patients undergoing atrial fibrillation (AF) catheter ablation were included in this study. The catheter was placed in the left atrium at various levels of contact. Blinded to the physician, measurements of electrogram amplitudes, pacing thresholds, and impedances at the catheter tip‐to‐tissue interface were performed. Results: As the catheter went from noncontact to contact, ECI increased from 118 ± 15 to 145 ± 24 (P < 0.0001), electrogram amplitudes increased from 0.14 ± 0.16 to 2.0 ± 1.9 mV (P < 0.0001), and pacing thresholds decreased from 13.9 ± 3.1 to 3.1 ± 2.0 mA (P < 0.0001). ECI was significantly higher in vascular tissue as compared with trabeculated and smooth myocardium. Patch orientation, operator, body mass index, or clinical type of AF had no influence on ECI values. On a patient‐by‐patient analysis, true contact/noncontact locations showed a mean ECI difference of 32.7 ± 11.6 units (95% CI 25.8–39.6). A cut‐off value of 5 ECI units was able to separate contact from noncontact with 97% sensitivity and 95% specificity. Conclusion: Measurement of local impedances between catheter tip and tissue is feasible to reproducibly describe electrical catheter contact within the left atrium in a clinical setting of AF catheter ablation.
Comparative study of gene expression during tooth eruption and orthodontic tooth movement in mice
Authors: Huang XF , Zhao YB , Zhang FM , Han PY 
Published: July 2009

Objective: The aim of this study was to understand tooth eruption by comparing the gene expression during tooth eruption and orthodontic tooth movement (OTM).Materials and methods: Orthodontic force was applied on maxillary molars for 2, 4, 7 and 14 days to study tooth movement. Mice at PN 0, 7, 10, 15 and 21 were fixed to observe tooth eruption. Comparative study of two procedures was assessed by haematoxylin and eosin, tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase staining andin situhybridization for matrix metalloproteinase (Mmp)2,13, bone sialoprotein (Bsp) and osteocalcin (Ocn).Results: Tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase activity and expression ofMmp2,13were obviously detectable in the compression region during OTM. They were also identified in the occlusal and apical region of alveolar bone during tooth eruption. Strong expression ofBspandOcnwas detectable at the tension side during OTM. These genes were also expressed in the inner lateral region of alveolar bone adjacent to the tooth, but absent in the inner surface of the occlusal and root apical regions during tooth eruption.Conclusion: The process of alveolar bone metabolism during developmental eruption and OTM shares the same mechanism. Internal force, as the orthodontic force for OTM, may be initiating factor for tooth eruption.
Complications of local anaesthesia. An observational study
Authors: Brand HS , Bekker W , Baart JA 
Published: July 2009

Abstract:  Objectives:  Local anaesthesia is increasingly used by dental hygienists. As little is known about the incidence of adverse effects during and after the administration of local anaesthetics, we evaluated side‐effects associated with local anaesthesia.Methods:  A prospective observational study was conducted using standard criteria among a group of 103 patients receiving mandibular block anaesthesia.Results:  Physical reactions like clenching fists (14.5%), moaning (12.6%) and turning pale (7.8%) were frequently observed. Patients (3.8%) showed a painful reaction because of needle contact with a nerve or the periosteum. Systemic complications were not observed. After the injection, 41.7% said they felt tense during the administration; 4.9% of the patients reported swallowing problems and 3.9% a tachycardia.Conclusions:  These results suggest that administration of local anaesthesia has a small risk of adverse events. Complications, if they occur, seem minor and transient in nature.
Three centuries of fire in montane pine‐oak stands on a temperate forest landscape
Authors: Aldrich Serena R. , Lafon Charles W. , Grissino‐Mayer Henri D. , DeWeese Georgina G. , Hoss Jennifer A. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractQuestion:What was the role of fire in montane pine‐oak (Pinus‐Quercus) stands under changing human land uses on a temperate forest landscape in eastern North America?Location:Mill Mountain in the central Appalachian Mountains, Virginia, US.Methods:A dendroecological reconstruction of fire history was generated for four stands dominated by xerophytic pine and oak species. The fire chronology began under presettlement conditions following aboriginal depopulation. Subsequent land uses included European settlement, iron mining, logging, and US Forest Service acquisition and fire protection.Results:Fires occurred approximately every 5 years until 1930 without any evidence of a temporal trend in fire frequency. Burning ceased after 1930. Area‐wide fires affecting multiple pine stands were common, occurring at intervals of approximately 16 years. Most living pines became established during the late 1800s and early 1900s. Dead pines indicated that an older cohort established ca. 1730. Most hardwoods were established between the 1920s and 1940s.Conclusions:Except for fire protection, changes in land use had no discernible influence on fire frequency. Lightning ignitions and/or large fire extent may have been important for maintaining frequent burning in the 1700s, while fuel recovery may have constrained fire frequency during later periods. The disturbance regime appears to be characterized by frequent surface fires and occasional severe fires, insect outbreaks or other disturbances followed by pine recruitment episodes. Industrial disturbances appear to have had little influence on the pine stands. The greatest impact of industrial society is fire exclusion, which permitted hardwood establishment.
Male‐specific expression of Sox9 during gonad development of crocodile and mouse is mediated by alternative splicing of its proline‐glutamine‐alanine rich domain
Authors: Agrawal Raman , Wessely Oliver , Anand Amit , Singh Lalji , Aggarwal Ramesh K. 
Published: July 2009

The initial trigger for sexual differentiation is regulated by multiple ways during embryonic development. In vertebrates, chromosome‐based mechanisms generally known as genetic sex determination are prevalent; however, some species, such as many reptilians, display temperature‐dependent sex determination. The Sry‐related transcription factor, Sox9, which is expressed by an evolutionary conserved gene, has been shown to be a key player in the process of sex determination. In the present study, we report the identification and expression of crocodile homolog of Sox9 (cpSox9) from the Indian Mugger, Crocodylus palustris. We show that cpSox9 undergoes extensive alternative splicing around the proline‐glutamine‐alanine rich transactivation domain that results in cpSox9 variants with presumably impaired or reduced transactivation potential. The multiple isoforms were also detected in various embryonic tissues, with some of them displaying a differential expression profile. With respect to sex differentiation, a putative unspliced full‐length cpSox9 could be detected only in the genital ridge–adrenal–mesonephros complex of male, but not female embryos during the temperature‐sensitive period. Importantly, we further show that this phenomenon was not restricted to the temperature‐dependent sex determination species C. palustris, but was also observed in the mouse, a species exhibiting genetic sex determination. Thus, the present study describes, for the first time, a complete coding locus of Sox9 homolog from a temperature‐dependent sex determination species. More importantly, we demonstrate an evolutionarily conserved role of alternative splicing resulting in transcriptional diversity and male‐sex specific expression of Sox9 during testis development in vertebrates (i.e. irrespective of their underlying sex‐determination mechanisms).
Children with High‐Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorders and Co‐occurring Anxiety Symptoms: Implications for Assessment and Treatment
Authors: Reaven Judith A. 
Published: July 2009

PURPOSE.  The purpose of this article is to provide guidance and recommendations for children with high‐functioning Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and anxiety, including suggestions for assessment and intervention.CONCLUSIONS.  Children with ASD are at increased risk for developing clinical anxiety symptoms. Anxiety symptoms can impact school performance, peer relationships, and family functioning. Emerging clinical research has demonstrated the potential positive impact of modified cognitive behavioral therapy to reduce anxiety symptoms in children with ASD.PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS.  Modifications necessary to make cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) protocols accessible to children with ASD are presented, along with specific suggestions for evaluating and treating anxiety symptoms.
The Orbital Pulley System: A Revolution in Concepts of Orbital Anatomy
Authors: DEMER JOSEPH L. 
Published: July 2009

Abstract:Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) now enables precise visualization of the mechanical state of the living human orbit. Resulting insights have motivated histological re‐examination of human and simian orbits, providing abundant consistent evidence for theactive pulley hypothesis, a re‐formulation of ocular motor physiology. Each extraocular muscle (EOM) consists of a global layer (GL) contiguous with the tendon and inserting on the eyeball, and a similar‐sized orbital layer (OL) inserting on a connective tissue ring forming the EOMpulley. The pulley controls the EOM path and serves as the EOM's functional origin. Activity of the OL positions the pulley along each rectus EOM to assure that its pulling direction shifts by half the change in ocular orientation, the half‐angle behavior characteristic of a linear ocular motor plant. Half‐angle behavior is equivalent to Listing's law of ocular torsion, and makes 3‐D ocular rotations effectively commutative. Pulleys are configured to maintain oblique EOM paths orthogonal to half‐angle behavior, and violate Listing's law during the vestibulo‐ocular reflex. Rectus pulley positions shift during convergence, facilitating stereopsis.Innervations, fiber types, and metabolism of the OL and GL differ, consistent with the elastic loading of the former, and viscous loading of the latter. Disorders of the location and stability of rectus pulleys are associated with predictable patterns of incomitant strabismus that may mimic cranial nerve palsies. Surgical interventions improve defective pulley function. Understanding of ocular motor control requires characterization of the behavior of the EOM pulleys as well as knowledge of angular eye orientation.
Neural Discharge in the Superior Colliculus during Target Search Paradigms
Authors: KELLER EDWARD L. , McPEEK ROBERT M. 
Published: July 2009

Abstract: Neural studies of oculomotor function in the past have been conducted with the use of very simple visual stimuli. More recently there has been a new emphasis on using more natural stimuli to extend our knowledge of oculomotor organization. Visual search paradigms are an example of the use of these more natural visual surrounds. In search a subject must locate and saccade to a target that appears simultaneously with an array of distractors. When monkeys are used in this paradigm, it is possible to record from neurons located in various central structures in the brain while the initial visual response, subsequent discrimination processes and final saccadic movement unfold. In the present study we used an array of four visual stimuli, and the target was distinguished by its odd color from three distractors of uniform color. Location of the target within the array and its color were randomly selected on each trial. Neurons located in the deeper layers of the superior colliculus (SC) were recorded by standard methods in blocks of search trials.We found several new features in the discharge of SC neurons using this search paradigm that have not previously been reported in studies using single‐target visual displays. (1) In contrast to the “winner take all” behavior previously reported for the SC, we found evidence of concurrent processing of alternative movement vectors. When incorrect movements were made to distractor locations, this concurrent activity was associated with significantly shorter intersaccadic intervals. (2) The discharge profile of the visual response in many units was modified by the appearance of a second prominent peak which followed the initial phasic visual response, but which was clearly differentiated from a third burst in activity associated with a saccade into the cell's response field. In some neurons, the activity in this second peak was discriminatory for the impending saccade vector. That is, it was larger when the target appeared in the response field of the cell than when it contained a distractor. This target selection signal was thus distinct from the burst normally associated with saccades into the movement fields of SC neurons. (3) Some saccades in search had a curved trajectory bowing toward the location of a distractor. These saccades were accompanied by an elevated discharge of neurons coding that distractor.
Electrophysiological Actions of Peripheral Hormones on Melanocortin Neurons
Authors: COWLEY MICHAEL A. , CONE ROGER D. , ENRIORI PABLO , LOUISELLE INGRID , WILLIAMS SARAH M. , EVANS ANNE E. 
Published: July 2009

Abstract:Neurons of the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus (ARH) appear to be sites of convergence of central and peripheral signals of energy stores, and profoundly modulate the activity of the melanocortin circuits, providing a strong rationale for pursuing these circuits as therapeutic targets for disorders of energy homeostasis. Recently, tremendous advances have been made in identifying genes and pathways important to regulating energy homeostasis, particularly the hormone leptin and its receptor. This hormone/receptor pair is expressed at high levels in the so‐called satiety centers in the hypothalamus, and at lower levels elsewhere in the body. Recent studies in our lab and those of our collaborators have shown that leptin modulates different populations of hypothalamic cells in different ways, rapidly activating POMC neurons and inhibiting NPY/AgRP neurons.In this report, we outline an integrated model of leptin's action in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus, derived from our electrophysiological studies of brain slice preparations taken from transgenic mice that have been bred to express a variety of fluorescent proteins in specific cell types. We also discuss the recently withdrawn obesity drug fenfluramine, which appears to act on POMC neurons via the serotonin 2C receptor. Nutrient‐sensing serotonin neurons may project from the raphe nuclei in the brainstem to the hypothalamus; within the arcuate nucleus, serotonin signals are integrated with others such as leptin, ghrelin, and peptide YY3–36from the gut, to produce a coordinated response to nutrient state. Finally, we review the current inquiries into the ability of the hormone ghrelin to stimulate appetite by its action of NPY neurons and inhibition of POMC neurons.
The Transfer of Immunity from Mother to Child
Authors: HANSON LARS Å. , KOROTKOVA MARINA , LUNDIN SAMUEL , HÅVERSEN LILJANA , SILFVERDAL SVEN‐ARNE , MATTSBY‐BALTZER INGER , STRANDVIK BIRGITTA , TELEMO ESBJÖRN 
Published: July 2009

Abstract: The newborn's immune system grows fast from a small size at birth by exposure primarily to the intestinal microflora normally obtained from the mother at and after birth. While building up its immune system, the infant is supported by the transplacental IgG antibodies, which also contain anti‐idiotypic antibodies, possibly also actively priming the offspring. The second mode of transfer of immunity occurs via the milk. Numerous major protective components, including secretory IgA (SIgA) antibodies and lactoferrin, are present.The breastfed infant is better protected against numerous common infections than the non‐breastfed. Breastfeeding also seems to actively stimulate the infant's immune system by anti‐idiotypes, uptake of milk lymphocytes, cytokines, etc. Therefore, the breastfed child continues to be better protected against various infections for some years. Vaccine responses are also often enhanced in breastfed infants. Long‐lasting protection against certain immunological diseases such as allergies and celiac disease is also noted.
Subtype Analysis of
Cryptosporidium
Specimens from Sporadic Cases in Colorado, Idaho, New Mexico, and Iowa in 2007: Widespread Occurrence of One
Cryptosporidium hominis
Subtype and Case History of an Infection with the
Cryptosporidium
Horse Genotype
Authors: Xiao Lihua , Hlavsa Michele C. , Yoder Jonathan , Ewers Christina , Dearen Theresa , Yang Wenli , Nett Randall , Harris Stephanie , Brend Sarah M. , Harris Meghan , Onischuk Lisa , Valderrama Amy L. , Cosgrove Shaun , Xavier Karen , Hall Nancy , Romero Sylvia , Young Stephen , Johnston Stephanie P. , Arrowood Michael , Roy Sharon , Beach Michael J. 
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACT

Subtyping was conducted in late 2007 on 57
Cryptosporidium
specimens from sporadic cases in Colorado, Idaho, New Mexico, and Iowa. One previously rare
Cryptosporidium hominis
subtype was indentified in 40 cases (70%) from all four states, and the
Cryptosporidium
horse genotype was identified in a pet shop employee with severe clinical symptoms.
Protein Kinase G Phosphorylates Mosquito-Borne Flavivirus NS5
Authors: Bhattacharya Dipankar , Mayuri  , Best S. M. , Perera R. , Kuhn R. J. , Striker Rob 
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACT

Serine/threonine phosphorylation of the nonstructural protein 5 (NS5) is a conserved feature of flaviviruses, but the kinase(s) responsible and function(s) remain unknown. Mass spectrometry was used to compare the phosphorylation sites of the NS5 proteins of yellow fever virus (YFV) and dengue virus (DENV), two flaviviruses transmitted by mosquitoes. Seven DENV phosphopeptides were identified, but only one conserved phosphoacceptor site (threonine 449 in DENV) was identified in both viruses. This site is predicted to be a protein kinase G (PKG) recognition site and is a strictly conserved serine/threonine phosphoacceptor site in mosquito-borne flaviviruses. In contrast, in tick-borne flaviviruses, this residue is typically a histidine. A DENV replicon engineered to have the tick-specific histidine residue at this position is replication defective. We show that DENV NS5 purified from
Escherichia coli
is a substrate for PKG in vitro and facilitates the autophosphorylation of PKG as seen with cellular substrates. Phosphorylation in vitro by PKG also occurs at threonine 449. Activators and inhibitors of PKG modulate DENV replication in cell culture but not replication of the tick-borne langat virus. Collectively, these data argue that PKG mediates a conserved serine/threonine phosphorylation event specifically for flaviviruses spread by mosquitoes.