bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Repeatability and agreement of ARK‐30 autorefraction after cataract surgery
Authors: de Juan Victoria , Herreras Jose Maria , Martin Raul , Morejon Angela , Perez Inmaculada , Cristobal Ana Rio‐San , Rodriguez Guadalupe 
Published: July 2011

AbstractBackground:  To evaluate the intra‐test variability of ARK‐30 handheld autorefractor and the agreement with subjective refraction and retinoscopy after uneventful cataract surgery.Design:  Prospective and non‐randomized study that included 6 visits by patients undergoing uneventful cataract surgery at IOBA (Instituto de Oftalmobiología Aplicada) Eye Institute (University of Valladolid).Participants:  The mean age of the 79 patients was 66.5 years (range 23–90 years). For the 124 eyes, the mean spherical equivalent of the sample at baseline visit was −3.59 ± 6.28 D (range −21.00 D to +4.44 D).Methods:  Automated refraction was performed on follow‐up visits 1 day and weekly for 4 weeks. Retinoscopy and subjective refraction were conducted at the Week 4 follow up.Main Outcome Measures:  Automated refraction.Results:  Sphere, cylinder and mean spherical equivalent, J0 and J45 coefficient variabilities were low in all visits. Standard deviations and the limits of agreement were smallest for the last visit. Subjective refraction sphere and cylinder values were more positive than autorefraction by 0.12 ± 0.53 D (P = 0.031) and 0.23 ± 0.42 D (P < 0.001), respectively. Comparison between autorefraction and retinoscopy showed a similar trend with the sphere and cylinder differences, 0.32 ± 0.77 D and 0.38 ± 0.43 D (P < 0.05), respectively.Conclusions:  The ARK‐30 is sufficiently accurate and repeatable for automated refraction after uneventful cataract surgery. This instrument may be useful for monitoring refractive outcome in these patients.
Investigation of nanoparticles using magnetic resonance imaging after intravitreal injection
Authors: Raju Hemalatha B , Hu Ying , Padgett Kyle R , Rodriguez Jose E , Goldberg Jeffrey L 
Published: July 2011

AbstractBackground:  Magnetic nanoparticles may be used for focal delivery for cells, plasmids or drugs, and other applications. Here we asked whether magnetic nanoparticles could be detected in vivo at different time points after intravitreal injection by magnetic resonance imaging.Methods:  Adult Sprague‐Dawley rats received intravitreal injections of 50‐nm or 4‐µm magnetic particles into the left eye, with an equal volume of phosphate‐buffered saline into the right eye (as controls). Animals were examined by magnetic resonance imaging at 1 h, 1 day and 5 weeks after injection. Eyes, brain, liver, spleen and kidney were also imaged with high‐resolution ex vivo magnetic resonance imaging scanning.Results:  In vivo magnetic resonance imaging at the 1 h and 1 day time points more clearly detected magnetic particles in the 4 µm group compared with the 50‐nm group, although 50‐nm magnetic nanoparticles were easily visualized with high‐resolution magnetic resonance imaging ex vivo. Five weeks after intravitreal injection magnetic resonance imaging clearly detected 4‐µm particles inside the eye, but by this time point the 50‐nm magnetic nanoparticles could not be detected by either in vivo or ex vivo high‐resolution magnetic resonance imaging. No magnetic particles were detected in any other organ.Conclusions:  Magnetic resonance imaging could be used to track magnetic nanoparticles in the eye with the dosing selected for this study. Clearance varies by size, with 50‐nm magnetic nanoparticles cleared more quickly than 4‐µm particles. Thus, nanoparticles may provide advantages over micron‐scale particles when considering risks associated with long‐term persistence.
An explanation for the central to peripheral thickness variation in the mouse cornea
Authors: Henriksson Johanna Tukler , Bron Anthony J , Bergmanson Jan PG 
Published: July 2011

AbstractBackground:  The mouse corneal stroma varies in thickness across its diameter. The purpose of the present study was to explain this variation and to advance our understanding of stromal lamellar architecture in the mammalian cornea.Methods:  Eight C57BL/6 mice were killed, eyes enucleated, immersed in 2% glutaraldehyde fixative, processed and sectioned transversely for light and transmission electron microscopy. Transmission electron micrographs were assembled into montages and printed at 5000× magnification and used for lamellar counts and thickness assessments.Results:  The mouse cornea had an average of 49.8 ± 2.4 lamellae centrally averaging 2.1 µm in thickness versus 35.5 ± 3.0 lamellae, averaging 1.9 µm in thickness peripherally. The central to peripheral decrease in number lamellae and lamellar thickness measured utilizing the transmission electron microscope was statistically significant (P < 0.005).Conclusions:  This study demonstrated that the thickness difference between the thicker central and thinner peripheral mouse cornea is explained primarily by the number of lamellae present and that the peripheral lamellar dropout occurred in the anterior 2/3 of stroma. The decreased lamellar count towards the periphery suggested that not all lamellae cross the cornea limbus to limbus. These findings may be relevant to the thickness variation of the human cornea.
Mathematical and computer simulation modelling of intracameral forces causing pupil block due to air bubble use in Descemet's Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty: the mechanics of iris buckling
Authors: Lockington David , Luo Xiaoyu , Wang Huiming , Hill Nick A , Ramaesh Kanna 
Published: July 2011

AbstractBackground:  Descemet's Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty has been associated with a steep learning curve. Angle closure post Descemet's Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty has been reported, either because of air posterior to the iris causing iridocorneal adhesions, or by air anterior to the iris causing pupillary block. The mechanics of floppy iris syndrome and pupil block have not been discussed.Methods:  We evaluated the various forces competing within the anterior chamber via mathematical modelling and computational simulation, and considered the influence of floppy iris on pupil block glaucoma.Results:  Energy formulae suggest a critical pressure value will maintain normal anterior chamber relationships, above which abnormal iris buckling may occur. This mechanical instability can be influenced intraoperatively by abnormal iris properties and intracameral forces (such as air). This critical value is lowered if the patient has a floppy iris (because of a lower elastic modulus, a mechanical measure of iris rigidity). To demonstrate this mathematical concept, a 3‐D computational model was built. Simulations show that, as intracameral pressure increases, the iris ring can buckle into predictable modes of shapes.Conclusion:  This model shows how iris buckling could occur with an intracameral air bubble leading to posterior iris displacement and mechanical pupil block. It also shows that abnormal iris behaviour in IFIS is consistent with the expected predicted buckling of an elastic disc.
Visual function following photodynamic therapy for central serous chorioretinopathy: a comparison of automated macular microperimetry versus best‐corrected visual acuity
Authors: Ehrlich Rita , Mawer Nick P , Mody Christopher H , Brand Christopher S , Squirrell David 
Published: July 2011

AbstractBackground:  The study compares the change in best‐corrected visual acuity with the change in central retinal sensitivity before treatment and 6 months after treatment with photodynamic therapy in patients with symptomatic central serous chorio retinopathy.Design:  Prospective, single‐centre, interventional case series.Participants:  Eleven consecutive patients with previously untreated central serous chorio retinopathy.Methods:  Patients had microperimetry and best‐corrected visual acuity recorded before and 6 months after treatment with photodynamic therapy. Refracted best‐corrected visual acuity was assessed at 2 m and adjusted to give the number of letters read at 1 m. Threshold microperimetry was performed by presenting a Goldman III stimulus to 29 points over the central 12° around fixation. Significant visual improvement at 6 months was defined as a best‐corrected visual acuity ≥10 letters or, microperimetry change in mean retinal sensitivity ≥2 decibels (dB).Main Outcome Measures:  Improvement in best‐corrected visual acuity compared with microperimetry following photodynamic therapy treatment in patients with central serous chorio retinopathy.Results:  All patients reported a subjective improvement in vision and had complete resolution of subretinal fluid at 6 months. Two patients had a significant improvement in best‐corrected visual acuity (mean ± SD +4.2 ± 5.8 letters), compared with all 11 patients who recorded a significant improvement in mean retinal sensitivity (mean ± SD 4.6 ± 1.9 dB) (P < 0.001).Conclusions:  These data suggest that compared with microperimetry, best‐corrected visual acuity is underestimating the effectiveness of photodynamic therapy in the treatment of central serous chorio retinopathy.
Investigation into the acceptability of door locking to staff, patients, and visitors on acute psychiatric wards
Authors: Muir‐Cochrane Eimear , van der Merwe Marie , Nijman Henk , Haglund Kristina , Simpson Alan , Bowers Len 
Published: July 2011

ABSTRACTThere is disagreement among psychiatric professionals about whether the doors of acute psychiatric wards should be kept locked to prevent patients from leaving and harming themselves or others. This study explored patient, staff, and visitor perceptions about the acceptability of locking the ward door on acute psychiatric inpatient wards. Interviews were conducted with 14 registered nurses, 15 patients, and six visitors from three different acute wards. Findings revealed commonalities across all groups, with general agreement that locking the door reduced absconding. Staff expressed feelings of guilt, embarrassment, and fear of being blamed when a patient absconded. Staff also reported that open wards created anxious vigilance to prevent an abscond and increased workload in allocating staff to watch the door, whereas staff on partially‐locked doors also perceived an increased workload in letting people in and out of the ward. Patients had mixed feelings about the status of the door, expressing depression, a sense of stigma, and low self‐esteem when the door was locked. The issue of balancing safety and security on acute psychiatric wards against the autonomy of patients is not easily resolved, and requires focused research to develop innovative nursing practices.
Recombinant plant‐expressed tumour‐associated MUC1 peptide is immunogenic and capable of breaking tolerance in MUC1.Tg mice
Authors: Pinkhasov Julia , Alvarez M. Lucrecia , Rigano M. Manuela , Piensook Khanrat , Larios Dalia , Pabst Martin , Grass Josephine , Mukherjee Pinku , Gendler Sandra J. , Walmsley Amanda M. , Mason Hugh S. 
Published: July 2011

SummaryThe human epithelial mucin MUC1 is a heavily glycosylated transmembrane protein that is overexpressed and aberrantly glycosylated on over 90% of human breast cancers. The altered glycosylation of MUC1 reveals an immunodominant peptide along its tandem repeat (TR) that has been used as a target for tumour immunotherapy. In this study, we used the MUC1 TR peptide as a test antigen to determine whether a plant‐expressed human tumour‐associated antigen can be successfully expressed in a plant system and whether it will be able to break self‐antigen tolerance in a MUC1‐tolerant mouse model. We report the expression of MUC1 TR peptide fused to the mucosal‐targeting Escherichia coli enterotoxin B subunit (LTB‐MUC1) in a plant host. Utilizing a rapid viral replicon transient expression system, we obtained high yields of LTB‐MUC1. Importantly, the LTB‐MUC1 fusion protein displayed post‐translational modifications that affected its antigenicity. Glycan analysis revealed that LTB‐MUC1 was glycosylated and a MUC1‐specific monoclonal antibody detected only the glycosylated forms. A thorough saccharide analysis revealed that the glycans are tri‐arabinans linked to hydroxyprolines within the MUC1 tandem repeat sequence. We immunized MUC1‐tolerant mice (MUC1.Tg) with transiently expressed LTB‐MUC1, and observed production of anti‐MUC1 serum antibodies, indicating breach of tolerance. The results indicate that a plant‐derived human tumour‐associated antigen is equivalent to the human antigen in the context of immune recognition.
A Survey on Shape Correspondence
Authors: van Kaick Oliver , Zhang Hao , Hamarneh Ghassan , Cohen‐Or Daniel 
Published: July 2011

AbstractWe review methods designed to compute correspondences between geometric shapes represented by triangle meshes, contours or point sets. This survey is motivated in part by recent developments in space–time registration, where one seeks a correspondence between non‐rigid and time‐varying surfaces, and semantic shape analysis, which underlines a recent trend to incorporate shape understanding into the analysis pipeline. Establishing a meaningful correspondence between shapes is often difficult because it generally requires an understanding of the structure of the shapes at both the local and global levels, and sometimes the functionality of the shape parts as well. Despite its inherent complexity, shape correspondence is a recurrent problem and an essential component of numerous geometry processing applications. In this survey, we discuss the different forms of the correspondence problem and review the main solution methods, aided by several classification criteria arising from the problem definition. The main categories of classification are defined in terms of the input and output representation, objective function and solution approach. We conclude the survey by discussing open problems and future perspectives.
Money‐output Causality Revisited – A Bayesian Logistic Smooth Transition VECM Perspective*
Authors: Gefang Deborah 
Published: July 2011

AbstractThis article proposes a Bayesian approach to examining money‐output causality within the context of a logistic smooth transition vector error correction model. Our empirical results provide substantial evidence that the postwar US money‐output relationship is nonlinear, with regime changes mainly governed by the output growth and price levels. Furthermore, we obtain strong support for nonlinear Granger causality from money to output, although there is also some evidence for models indicating that money is not Granger causal or long‐run causal to output.
Doing Good by Splitting Hairs? Analytic Philosophy and Applied Ethics
Authors: GLOCK HANS‐JOHANN 
Published: July 2011

abstractThis article explores the connections between analytic philosophy and applied ethics — both historical and substantive. Historically speaking, applied ethics is a child of analytic philosophy. It arose as the result of two factors in the 1960s: the re‐emergence of normative ethics on the one hand, and urgent social and political challenges on the other. But is there a significant substantive link between applied ethics and analytic philosophy? I argue that applied ethics inherited important ‘analytic’ ideals such as clarity and argumentative rigour. At the same time these ideals are not the exclusive preserve of analytic philosophy and applied ethics. Moreover, they are under threat from various trends within applied ethics. In this context I rebut the allegation that the anti‐revisionist reliance on pre‐theoretical moral judgements (aka ‘intuitions’) is less rational than their revisionist dismissal. The article ends with a plea for an analytic approach within applied ethics.
Number and location of venous valves within the popliteal and femoral veins – a review of the literature
Authors: Moore H. M. , Gohel M. , Davies A. H. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractAlthough deep venous insufficiency is common and important, the anatomy of deep vein valves is poorly understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the location, number and consistency of venous valves in the femoral and popliteal veins in normal subjects. A detailed literature search of PubMed was performed. Abstracts and selected full text articles were scrutinised and relevant studies published between 1949 and 2010 reporting anatomical details of deep vein valves were included. From 7470 articles identified by the initial search strategy, nine studies with a total of 476 legs were included in this review. All studies were cadaveric and subjects ranged from stillborn fetuses to 103 years of age. Studies suggested that femoral veins contain between one and six valves, and popliteal veins contain between zero and four valves. Deep vein valves were consistently located in the common femoral vein (within 5 cm of the inguinal ligament), the femoral vein (within 3 cm of the deep femoral vein tributary) and in the popliteal vein near the adductor hiatus. Valves are consistently located at specific locations in the deep veins of the leg, although there is often significant variability between subjects. Further anatomical and functional studies using new imaging modalities available should target these areas to identify whether certain valves play a more important role in venous disease. This may guide us in the development of new treatment options for patients with deep venous disease.
Spatially‐dense 3D facial asymmetry assessment in both typical and disordered growth
Authors: Claes Peter , Walters Mark , Vandermeulen Dirk , Clement John Gerald 
Published: July 2011

AbstractMild facial asymmetries are common in typical growth patterns. Therefore, detection of disordered facial growth patterns in individuals characterized by asymmetries is preferably accomplished by reference to the typical variation found in the general population rather than to some ideal of perfect symmetry, which rarely exists. This presents a challenge in developing an asymmetry assessment tool that is applicable, without modification, to detect both mild and severe facial asymmetries. In this paper we use concepts from geometric morphometrics to obtain robust and spatially‐dense asymmetry assessments using a superimposition protocol for comparison of a face with its mirror image. Spatially‐dense localization of asymmetries was achieved using an anthropometric mask consisting of uniformly sampled quasi‐landmarks that were automatically indicated on 3D facial images. Robustness, in the sense of an unbiased analysis under increasing asymmetry, was ensured by an adaptive, robust, least‐squares superimposition. The degree of overall asymmetry in an individual was scored using a root‐mean‐squared‐error, and the proportion was scored using a novel relative significant asymmetry percentage. This protocol was applied to a database of 3D facial images from 359 young healthy individuals and three individuals with disordered facial growth. Typical asymmetry statistics were derived and were mainly located on, but not limited to, the lower two‐thirds of the face in males and females. The asymmetry in males was more extensive and of a greater magnitude than in females. This protocol and proposed scoring of asymmetry with accompanying reference statistics will be useful for the detection and quantification of facial asymmetry in future studies.
Cannabinoids mediate opposing effects on inflammation‐induced intestinal permeability
Authors: Alhamoruni A , Wright KL , Larvin M , O'Sullivan SE 
Published: July 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Activation of cannabinoid receptors decreases emesis, inflammation, gastric acid secretion and intestinal motility. The ability to modulate intestinal permeability in inflammation may be important in therapy aimed at maintaining epithelial barrier integrity. The aim of the present study was to determine whether cannabinoids modulate the increased permeability associated with inflammation in vitro.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Confluent Caco‐2 cell monolayers were treated for 24 h with IFNγ and TNFα (10 ng·mL−1). Monolayer permeability was measured using transepithelial electrical resistance and flux measurements. Cannabinoids were applied either apically or basolaterally after inflammation was established. Potential mechanisms of action were investigated using antagonists for CB1, CB2, TRPV1, PPARγ and PPARα. A role for the endocannabinoid system was established using inhibitors of the synthesis and degradation of endocannabinoids.KEY RESULTS Δ9‐Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol accelerated the recovery from cytokine‐induced increased permeability; an effect sensitive to CB1 receptor antagonism. Anandamide and 2‐arachidonylglycerol further increased permeability in the presence of cytokines; this effect was also sensitive to CB1 antagonism. No role for the CB2 receptor was identified in these studies. Co‐application of THC, cannabidiol or a CB1 antagonist with the cytokines ameliorated their effect on permeability. Inhibiting the breakdown of endocannabinoids worsened, whereas inhibiting the synthesis of endocannabinoids attenuated, the increased permeability associated with inflammation.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS These findings suggest that locally produced endocannabinoids, acting via CB1 receptors play a role in mediating changes in permeability with inflammation, and that phytocannabinoids have therapeutic potential for reversing the disordered intestinal permeability associated with inflammation.LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed section on Cannabinoids in Biology and Medicine. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2012.165.issue‐8. To view Part I of Cannabinoids in Biology and Medicine visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2011.163.issue‐7
Amelioration of renal ischaemia–reperfusion injury by liposomal delivery of curcumin to renal tubular epithelial and antigen‐presenting cells
Authors: Rogers NM , Stephenson MD , Kitching AR , Horowitz JD , Coates PTH 
Published: July 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Renal ischaemia–reperfusion (IR) injury is an inevitable consequence of renal transplantation, causing significant graft injury, increasing the risk of rejection and contributing to poor long‐term graft outcome. Renal injury is mediated by cytokine and chemokine synthesis, inflammation and oxidative stress resulting from activation of the NF‐κB pathway.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We utilized liposomal incorporation of a potent inhibitor of the NF‐κB pathway, curcumin, to target delivery to renal tubular epithelial and antigen‐presenting cells. Liposomes containing curcumin were administered before bilateral renal ischaemia in C57/B6 mice, with subsequent reperfusion. Renal function was assessed from plasma levels of urea and creatinine, 4 and 24 h after reperfusion. Renal tissue was examined for NF‐κB activity and oxidative stress (histology, immunostaining) and for apoptosis (TUNEL). Cytokines and chemokines were measured by RT‐PCR and Western blotting.KEY RESULTS Liposomal curcumin significantly improved serum creatinine, reduced histological injury and cellular apoptosis and lowered Toll‐like receptor‐4, heat shock protein‐70 and TNF‐α mRNA expression. Liposomal curcumin also reduced neutrophil infiltration and diminished inflammatory chemokine expression. Curcumin liposomes reduced intracellular superoxide generation and increased superoxide dismutase levels, decreased inducible NOS mRNA expression and 3‐nitrotyrosine staining consistent with limitations in nitrosative stress and inhibited renal tubular mRNA and protein expression of thioredoxin‐interacting protein. These actions of curcumin were mediated by inhibition of NF‐κB, MAPK and phospho‐S6 ribosomal protein.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Liposomal delivery of curcumin promoted effective, targeted delivery of this non‐toxic compound that provided cytoprotection via anti‐inflammatory and multiple antioxidant mechanisms following renal IR injury.