bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lentivirus‐mediated gene transfer of interleukin 10 to the ovine and human cornea
Authors: Parker Douglas G , Coster Douglas J , Brereton Helen M , Hart Prue H , Koldej Rachel , Anson Donald S , Williams Keryn A 
Published: March 2010

AbstractBackground:  Gene transfer to a donor cornea ex vivo can modulate corneal graft failure in experimental animal models. We compared a lentiviral vector (LV) carrying the transgene ovine interleukin 10 (IL10) with a comparable adenoviral vector (Ad) for its ability to transduce ovine and human corneas and to modulate ovine corneal allograft survival.Methods:  The LV carrying the ovine IL10 gene was used to transduce ovine and human corneas in vitro. LV‐mediated gene expression in corneal endothelium was assessed by real‐time quantitative reverse‐transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, at varying doses and duration of transduction. The effect of ex vivo transduction of the donor cornea with LV‐SV40‐IL10 was assessed following orthotopic corneal transplantation in outbred sheep.Results:  Expression of IL10 mRNA in Ad‐CMV‐IL10‐transduced ovine corneas was 103‐fold higher than in LV‐SV40‐IL10‐transduced corneas (P < 0.0001), and 107‐fold higher than in non‐transduced controls. IL10 was secreted rapidly from Ad‐CMV‐IL10‐transduced, organ‐cultured corneas, peaking at 13–15 days. IL10 secreted from LV‐SV40‐IL10‐transduced corneas increased 20‐fold compared with controls, but had not reached a plateau at 15 days. Gene expression driven by LV‐SV40‐IL10 varied with vector dose and transduction time, but was less than with Ad‐CMV‐IL10 at both mRNA and protein levels. Gene expression driven by LV‐SV40‐IL10 was faster in the human cornea than the ovine cornea. Corneal allograft survival was prolonged by a median of 7 days in the LV‐SV40‐IL10‐treated recipients, compared with the control group (P = 0.026).Conclusion:  Although lentiviral vectors show some promise for corneal gene therapy, they are less efficient than adenoviral vectors.
Testing a facilitation model for ecosystem restoration: Does tree planting restore ground layer species in a grassy woodland?
Authors: NICHOLS PETER W. B. , MORRIS E. CHARLES , KEITH DAVID A. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractPlanning for the restoration of degraded ecosystems has a strong basis in facilitation successional theory, which, as applied in restoration practice, states that planting of structurally dominant tree species will assist the entry of other native species into a restored community. In Australia, tree planting has been widely applied in restoration of grassy woodland ecosystems. Trees have been postulated to reduce the cover and diversity of weed species, thus facilitating recolonization of native woodland species (indirect facilitation). The expected outcomes of this process include reduced species richness and abundance of exotic plant species and increased species richness and abundance/dominance of natives in areas beneath tree canopies, with these trends strengthening with time. To assess whether this was occurring, we carried out a comparative analysis of species assemblages found underneath and outside of planted tree canopies in sites replanted with juvenile canopy tree species 3–5 or 8–10 years previously. We sampled revegetated stands of Cumberland Plain Woodland, an endangered ecological community in Western Sydney, Australia. We found that neither the number nor abundance of native ground layer species beneath canopies increased as a result of trees being planted at sites of both ages. Where seed is limited, we predicted an increase in abundance of existing native species under planted tree canopies. On this point, the results were mixed and showed some natives with an increased abundance while others decreased. Exotic species richness showed the reverse of the expected pattern, being greater under tree canopies. These findings lend no support to the theory of indirect facilitation. We conclude that simple facilitation models may be inadequate to support planning of grassy woodland restoration and that those models incorporating successional time lags and restoration barriers are likely to be more informative about the development of communities initiated by tree planting.
Mammal responses to matrix development intensity
Authors: BRADY MEGAN J. , MCALPINE CLIVE A. , MILLER CRAIG J. , POSSINGHAM HUGH P. , BAXTER GREG S. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractThe landscape matrix is increasingly being recognized as important to biodiversity conservation. The nature of the matrix impacts the persistence of species in human‐modified landscapes through its pervasive influence on adjacent habitat and through the habitat value of the matrix itself. However, previous studies have not isolated the effects of the matrix from the effects of other aspects of landscape modification, such as habitat loss and fragmentation, and much remains to be understood about the independent impact of the matrix on wildlife. We investigated the effects of the matrix on mammal abundance and landscape use in south‐east Queensland, Australia. Mammals were surveyed in patch ‘core’, patch ‘edge’ and ‘matrix’ landscape elements along a rural–suburban gradient of matrix development intensity quantified by a weighted road‐length metric, which was significantly correlated with housing density, while controlling for potentially confounding patch and landscape attributes. Response to increasing matrix development intensity was highly species‐specific. Several native species declined in abundance; however, others were more resilient to moderate levels of matrix intensity, one species increased in abundance, and at least one species appeared unaffected by matrix intensity. Native species richness peaked at moderate levels of matrix development intensity. Exotic species richness and feral predators increased with matrix intensity and were negatively correlated with native species. Species response to matrix intensity appeared related to their use of edge or matrix habitat. An ability to use the matrix per se, however, may not translate into an ability to persist in a landscape where development substantially reduces the habitat or movement value of the matrix.
Growth and survivorship as proximate causes of sexual size dimorphism in peninsula dragon lizards Ctenophorus fionni
Authors: JOHNSTON GREG 
Published: March 2010

AbstractMales and females differ in body size in many animals, but the direction and extent of this sexual size dimorphism (SSD) varies widely. Males are larger than females in most lizards of the iguanian clade, which includes dragon lizards (Agamidae). I tested whether the male larger pattern of SSD in the peninsula dragon lizard, Ctenophorus fionni, is a result of sexual selection for large male size or relatively higher mortality among females. Data on growth and survivorship were collected from wild lizards during 1991–1994. The likelihood of differential predation between males and females was assessed by exposing pairs of male and female lizards to a predator in captivity, and by comparing the frequency of tail damage in wild‐caught males and females. Male and female C. fionni grew at the same rate, but males grew for longer than females and reached a larger asymptotic size (87 mm vs. 78 mm). Large males were under‐represented in the population because they suffered higher mortality than females. Predation may account for some of this male‐biased mortality. The male‐biased SSD in C. fionni resulted from differences in growth pattern between the sexes. The male‐biased SSD was not the result of proximate factors reducing female body size. Indeed SSD in this species remained male‐biased despite high mortality among large males. SSD in C. fionni is consistent with the ultimate explanation of sexual selection for large body size in males.
The recovery of urinary continence after radical retropubic prostatectomy: a randomized trial comparing the effect of physiotherapist‐guided pelvic floor muscle exercises with guidance by an instruction folder only
Authors: Dubbelman Yvette , Groen Jan , Wildhagen Mark , Rikken Berend , Bosch Ruud 
Published: March 2010

Study Type – Therapy (RCT) Level of Evidence 1bOBJECTIVETo compare the effect on the recovery of incontinence after retropubic radical prostatectomy (RRP) of intensive physiotherapist‐guided pelvic floor muscle exercises (PG‐PFME) in addition to an information folder, with PFME explained to patients by an information folder only (F‐PFME), and to determine independent predictors of failure to regain continence after RRP.PATIENTS AND METHODSWe postulated that a 10% increase in the proportion of men who regained continence at 6 months with PG‐PFME compared with men treated with F‐PFME only would constitute a clinically relevant effect. To show statistical significance of this difference with a power of 80%, 96 men should be randomized to each of the two arms. One day before operation, all patients received verbal instruction and an information folder on PFME. Patients randomized to the F‐PFME arm received no further physiotherapist guidance, whereas those in the PG‐PFME arm received a maximum of nine sessions with the physiotherapist. The men underwent a 1‐h pad‐test at 1, 12 and 26 weeks, and a 24‐h pad‐test at 1, 4, 8, 12 and 26 weeks after catheter removal. We defined ‘continence’ as urine loss of <1 g at the 1‐h and <4 g at the 24‐h pad‐test.RESULTSDuring the 2‐year recruitment period, the number of patients randomized fell short of the target determined by the sample size calculation, because of limitations of resources and unexpected changes in treatment preferences. Despite this, we analysed the data. Of the 82 randomized patients, 70 completed the study. Of these, 34 and 36 men had been assigned to the PG‐PFME and the F‐PFME group, respectively. At 6 months after RRP, 10 (30%) and nine (27%) men were completely dry on both the 1‐h and 24‐h pad‐test in the PG‐PFME and the F‐PFME group, respectively (difference not significant). In a multivariate analysis the amount of urine loss at 1 week after catheter removal seemed to be an independent prognostic factor for failure to regain continence.CONCLUSIONPG‐PFME seems to have no beneficial effect on the recovery of continence within the first 6 months after RRP, over an instruction folder‐guided approach. However, due to under‐powering there is a high risk of type II error. Nevertheless, these findings add to the knowledge base for availability in meta‐analyses and can serve as a starting point for the design of new randomized studies.
Total urethral construction with the radial artery‐based forearm free flap in the transsexual
Authors: Garaffa Giulio , Ralph David J. , Christopher Nim 
Published: March 2010

Study Type – Therapy (case series) Level of Evidence 4OBJECTIVETo report our experience of using a radial artery‐based forearm free flap urethroplasty (RAFFFU) inside a pre‐fashioned pedicled pubic phalloplasty for female‐to‐male gender reassignment.PATIENTS AND METHODSA neourethra based on the RAFFF was incorporated into a previously constructed phalloplasty in 27 patients. Surgical outcome, patients’ satisfaction and voiding sensation of the neourethra were subjectively and prospectively assessed by direct questioning during the follow‐up.RESULTSAfter a median follow‐up of 9.2 months, all patients who completed the two stages of the procedure were able to void from the tip of the phallus while standing. Donor‐site morbidity was minimal, with all patients reporting a complete recovery of forearm sensation and mobility. The overall satisfaction rate was 92%.CONCLUSIONSThe RAFFFU is the best technique of total urethral construction in female‐to‐male transsexuals who opt not to undergo a RAFFF phalloplasty.
Relationship of baseline HbA1c and efficacy of current glucose‐lowering therapies: a meta‐analysis of randomized clinical trials
Authors: DeFronzo R. A. , Stonehouse A. H. , Han J. , Wintle M. E. 
Published: March 2010

Diabet. Med. 27, 309–317 (2010)AbstractAims  Baseline glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) concentrations vary between clinical trials of glucose‐lowering agents and this may affect interpretation of clinical efficacy. The objective of this study is to quantify the relationship between baseline HbA1c and reduction of HbA1c in clinical trials.Methods  PubMed literature searches from 1991 to 2007. Randomized controlled studies with placebo‐controlled or comparator arms [≥ 9 patients in the intent‐to‐treat (ITT) population] ranging in duration from 23 to 52 weeks, in which baseline and change in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) were reported. The relationship between baseline HbA1c and change in HbA1c was analysed by a weighted least‐squared regression model accounting for ITT population and variance of HbA1c change. Fourteen per cent of independently abstracted studies met the selection criteria.Results  Meta‐analysis from 59 clinical trials (8479 patients) produced weighted R2 of 0.35 (P < 0.0001) for the association of baseline HbA1c and absolute change in HbA1c. Subanalysis of eight metformin clinical trials demonstrated a stronger association [weighted R2 of 0.67 (P = 0.0130)]. Exclusion of metformin clinical trials from the overall meta‐analysis (n = 51) yielded a weighted R2 of 0.31 (P < 0.0001). Subanalyses of clinical trials of glucose‐lowering therapies predominantly targeting fasting (n = 37) or postprandial (n = 22) blood glucose produced weighted R2 values of 0.27 (P < 0.001) and 0.42 (P < 0.005), respectively.Conclusions  These data demonstrate a positive relationship between baseline HbA1c and the magnitude of HbA1c change across 10 categories of glucose‐lowering therapies, irrespective of class or mode of action. These observations should be considered when assessing clinical efficacy of diabetes therapies derived from clinical trials.
Atherosclerotic disease location and disparities in the control and treatment of cardiovascular risk factors in patients with Type 2 diabetes
Authors: Berthold H. K. , Bestehorn K. P. , Krone W. , Gouni‐Berthold I. 
Published: March 2010

Diabet. Med. 27, 303–308 (2010)AbstractAims  To assess whether differences exist in the control and intensity of medication treatment of cardiovascular risk factors in secondary prevention patients with Type 2 diabetes, depending on their atherosclerotic disease territory [coronary artery disease (CAD), cerebrovascular disease (CBVD) or peripheral arterial disease (PAD)].Methods  Cross‐sectional analysis of 17 571 patients with Type 2 diabetes with prevalent atherosclerotic disease. Endpoints included uncontrolled cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors [systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥ 140 mmHg, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol ≥ 3.4 mmol/l and glycated haemoglobin ≥ 8.0%] and high intensity of medication treatment (defined as ≥ 2 classes of anti‐hypertensive agents, ≥ 1 lipid‐lowering agent or either insulin or ≥ 2 oral glucose‐lowering agents) in patients with uncontrolled CVD risk factors. Multiple‐adjusted odds ratios were calculated for CAD, CBVD and PAD after adjusting for sex, age, body mass index, current smoking and diabetes duration.Results  Proportions of patients with uncontrolled risk factors were significantly different among disease territories. Decreased odds of having lipids not controlled were observed in patients with CAD, while decreased odds of having systolic blood pressure not controlled were observed in patients with PAD. PAD was associated with the highest odds of hyperglycaemia not being controlled. High‐intensity treatment was observed in lipid and blood glucose management but not in hypertension management, independent of disease location.Conclusions  In subjects with Type 2 diabetes and atherosclerotic disease, control of modifiable CVD risk factors but not intensity of medication treatment is modified by atherosclerotic disease territory. Intensity of medication treatment is different between risk factors.
The influence of geographic life environments on cardiometabolic risk factors: a systematic review, a methodological assessment and a research agenda
Authors: Leal C. , Chaix B. 
Published: March 2010

SummaryRecent environmental changes play a role in the dramatic increase in the prevalence of cardiometabolic risk factors (CMRFs) such as obesity, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemias and the metabolic syndrome in industrialized countries. Therefore, identifying environmental characteristics that are associated with risk factors is critical to develop more effective public health interventions. We conducted a systematic review of the literature investigating relationships between characteristics of geographic life environments and CMRFs (131 articles). Most studies were published after 2006, relied on cross‐sectional designs, and examined whether sociodemographic and physical environmental characteristics, and more recently service environment characteristics, were associated with obesity or, to a lesser extent, hypertension. Only 14 longitudinal studies were retrieved; diabetes, dyslipidemias and the metabolic syndrome were rarely analysed; and aspects of social interactions in the neighbourhood were critically underinvestigated. Environmental characteristics that were consistently associated with either obesity or hypertension include low area socioeconomic position; low urbanization degree; low street intersection, service availability and residential density; high noise pollution; low accessibility to supermarkets and high density of convenience stores; and low social cohesion. Intermediate mechanisms between environmental characteristics and CMRFs have received little attention. We propose a research agenda based on the assessment of underinvestigated areas of research and methodological limitations of current literature.
How Reliable are Income Data Collected with a Single Question?
Authors: Micklewright John , Schnepf Sylke V. 
Published: March 2010

SummaryIncome is an important correlate for numerous phenomena in the social sciences. But many surveys collect data with just a single question covering all forms of income. This raises questions over the reliability of the data that are collected. Issues of reliability are heightened when individuals are asked about the household total rather than own income alone. We argue that the large literature on measuring incomes has not devoted enough attention to ‘single-question’ surveys. We investigate the reliability of single-question data by using the UK Office for National Statistics’s Omnibus survey and the British Social Attitudes survey as examples. We compare the distributions of income in these surveys—individual income in the Omnibus and household income in the British Social Attitudes survey—with those in two larger UK surveys that measure income in much greater detail. Distributions compare less well for household income than for individual income. Disaggregation by gender proves fruitful in much of the analysis. We also establish levels of item non-response to the income question in single-question surveys from a wide range of countries.
IN DEFENCE OF NATURAL DAYLIGHT
Authors: ALLEN KEITH 
Published: March 2010

AbstractObjects appear different as the illumination under which they are perceived varies. This fact is sometimes thought to pose a problem for the view that colours are mind‐independent properties: if a coloured object appears different under different illuminations, then under which illumination does the object appear the colour it really is? I argue that given the nature of natural daylight, and certain plausible assumptions about the nature of the colours it illuminates, there is a non‐arbitrary reason to suppose that it is under natural daylight that we are able to perceive the real colours of objects.
SELF‐DEFENSE, INNOCENT AGGRESSORS, AND THE DUTY OF MARTYRDOM
Authors: KAUFMAN WHITLEY 
Published: March 2010

AbstractOn the traditional doctrine of self‐defense, defensive force is permissible not only against Culpable Aggressors but against Innocent Aggressors as well (for example, psychotic aggressors). Some moral philosophers have recently challenged this view, arguing that one may not harm innocent attackers because morality requires culpability as an essential condition of being liable to defensive force. This essay examines and rejects this challenge as both a violation of common sense and as insufficiently grounded in convincing reasons from moral theory.
PERFECTION AND DESIRE: SPINOZA ON THE GOOD
Authors: KISNER MATTHEW J. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractWhile Spinoza claims that our good is both what increases our essential power and what helps us to satisfy our desires, he admits that people desire things that do not increase their power. This paper addresses this problem by arguing that Spinoza conceives of desires as expressions of our conatus, so that satisfying our desires necessarily increases our power and vice versa. This reading holds, in opposition to recent work, that Spinoza upholds a desire‐satisfaction theory of the good, though an unusual one, since our good is only determined by desires arising from our conatus, in other words, active desires.
Why it Pays to Conceal: On the Optimal Timing of Acquiring Verifiable Information
Authors: Feess Eberhard , Walzl Markus , Schieble Michael 
Published: March 2010

Abstract
We consider optimal contracts when a principal has two sources to detect bad projects. The first one is an information technology without agency costs (ITP), whereas the second one is the expertise of an agent subject to moral hazard, adverse selection and limited liability (ITA). First, we show that the principal does not necessarily benefit from access to additional information and thereby may prefer to ignore it. Second, we discuss different timings of information release, i.e., a disclosure contract offered to the agent after the principal announced the result of ITP, and a concealment contract where the agent exerts effort before ITP is checked. We find that concealment is superior whenever the quality of ITP is sufficiently low. Then, ITP is almost worthless under a disclosure contract, while it can still be exploited to reduce the agent’s information rent under concealment. If the quality of ITPimproves, disclosure can be superior as it allows to adjust the agent’s effort to the updated expected quality of the project. However, even for a highly informative ITP, concealment can be superior as it mitigates the adverse selection problem.
Epidemiology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in Isfahan, Iran
Authors: Sajjadi M. , Etemadifar M. , Nemati A. , Ghazavi H. , Basiri K. , Khoundabi B. , Mousavi S. A. , Kabiri P. , Maghzi A. H. 
Published: March 2010

Background:  Few studies are carried out on the epidemiology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in Middle East with no reports from Iran.Objective:  To determine the epidemiological and clinical features of ALS amongst the Iranian population living in Isfahan, Iran.Methods:  Medical records of all hospitals with a neurology department and outpatient neurology clinics in Isfahan province from 2002 to 2006 were reviewed, and all patients with the diagnosis of ALS according to El Escorial diagnostic criteria were extracted and related demographic and clinical data were gathered and analyzed.Results:  We found 98 new patients (66 men and 32 women) with definite, probable, or possible ALS. The average annual incidence was 0.42/100 000, with the highest incidence rate amongst those aged 70–74. On 21 March 2006, the crude prevalence was 1.57/100 000. Median survival from onset was 48 months (95% confidence interval 34–61) and survival rates for 1, 3,and 5 years after the onset were 94%, 66%, and 32%, respectively.Conclusions:  The incidence and prevalence of ALS in the Iranian population seems to be lower compared to other populations and the survival of patients was longer than previously reported.