bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Estimating glaucomatous anatomical damage by computerized automated perimetry
Authors: Brusini Paolo 
Published: May 2009

AbstractThe ability of two methods (the Glaucoma Staging System and the Functional Score index) in estimating anatomical damage from automated visual field data was studied in 100 patients with chronic open‐angle glaucoma. The level of association between functional and anatomical loss (classified by cup/disk ratio assessment) was satisfactory in both systems. Both the GSS (Glaucoma Staging System) and the FS (Functional Score) could be useful for estimating and quantifying the glaucomatous anatomical damage, both in the day‐to‐day clinical practice and in research.
The use of flunarizine in the management of low‐tension glaucoma: A Color Doppler study
Authors: Cellini M. , Possati G. L. , Caramazza N. , Profazio V. , Caramazza R. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractThe authors assess the efficacy of flunarizine in improving blood flow and perimetric indices in low‐tension glaucoma (LTG). A group of 20 patients with LTG well‐compensated by medical treatment underwent Color Doppler Imaging (CDI) of the ophthalmic artery and posterior ciliary arteries with peak systolic velocity (PSV) and Purcelot's index (PI) evaluation. Computerized perimetry was also performed to assess MD, SF and CPSD. The parameters were measured before and after three months' therapy with flunarizine.Data before and after flunarizine treatment were: Ophthalmic artery — PSV 33.261±1.628 cm/sec vs 35.746±0.800 cm/sec (p<0.001); PI 0.697±0.017 vs 0.627±0.031 (p<0.001); Posterior ciliary arteries — PSV 9.385±0.751 cm/sec vs 10.738±1.566 cm/sec (p<0.005); PI 0.673±0.056 vs 0.589±0.023 (p<0.001).The perimetric indices were modified as follows: MD ‐11.002±6.574 vs ‐6.604±6.426 (p<0.006); SF 5.05±5.717 vs 2.937±1.780 (p<0.193); CPSD 10.198±13.392 vs 3.445±2.709 (p<0.093).Oral administration of flunarizine, a calcium channel‐blocker which acts at a vascular and neuronal level, improves the blood flow indices for the optic nerve, improving thereby the perimetric indices in LTG.
Molecular basis of open‐angle glaucoma in Italy
Authors: Angius A. , Pisano M. , Manca A. , Casu G. , Persico I. , Pitzalis S. , De Gioia E. , Grignolo F. M. , Loi A. , Sole G. , Cao A. , Spinelli P. , Ghillotti G. , Bonomi L. , Fossarello M. , Serra A. , Gandolfi S. , Alberti G. , Maraini G. , Serru A. , Orzalesi N. , Pirastu M. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractGlaucoma is a group of ocular diseases characterized by an optic neuropathy in which degeneration of retinal ganglion cells leads to a characteristic excavation of the optic nerve head. Primary openangle glaucoma (POAG) can be subdivided into two groups according to age of onset:‐1. the more common middle‐to late‐age onset, chronic open‐angle glaucoma (COAG) diagnosed after the age of 40 years;2. the rarer juvenile open‐angle glaucoma (JOAG), which is diagnosed between the age of 3 years and early adulthood.Recently, the gene coding for the trabecular meshwork‐induced glucocorticoid response protein (TIGR), located in chromosome 1 (lq23‐25), was found mutated in patients affected by POAG. In this work we describe the clinical and molecular genetic features of several Italian families affected by autosomal dominant POAG, collected in various regions of Italy.
Pattern electroretinogram and optic nerve topography in ocular hypertension
Authors: Colotto A. , Salgarello T. , Falsini B. , Buzzonetti L. , Cesari L. , Errico D. , Scullica L. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractIt is known that changes in pattern electroretinogram (PERG) and optic disk morphology may both precede the onset of visual field damage in glaucomatous disease. However, the relationship between PERG and optic disk morphometry in ocular hypertension (OHT) has not yet been evaluated in detail. This study of PERG amplitude in a group of OHT patients indicates its significant correlation with various optic disk morphometric parameters, in particular, those of optic disk sectors considered at risk for early glaucomatous damage. Analysis of individual data points to the possibility that, while functional abnormalities may often precede optic disk morphologic changes, in a much lower number of cases it seems to be the other way around.
Clinical use of a topical carbonic anhydrase inhibitor in patients affected by chronic simple glaucoma
Authors: D'Andrea A. , D'Andrea D. , Ferreri G. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractThe aim of this study is to evaluate the ocular hypotensive efficacy of a topical carbonic anhydrase inhibitor (dorzolamide) in primary open‐angle glaucoma patients, administered alone or in association with beta‐blockers or with beta‐blockers and miotics, in a one‐year follow‐up.
Latanoprost 0.005% in POAG: effects on IOP and ocular blood flow
Authors: Vetrugno M. , Cantatore F. , Gigante G. , Cardia L. 
Published: May 2009

SummaryThe scope of this work was to evaluate the effect on ocular pressure and on ocular blood flow of latanoprost 0.005% eye‐drops.Included in the study were 12 patients (24 eyes) with POAG, aged between 37 and 48 years, non‐smokers, refractions between ±3D, Haemorrheological parameters within normal, not in ocular or systemic vasoactive therapy. Each patient had one eye treated with latanoprost 0.005% and the other with timolol 0.05%. The choroidal perfusion was measured by Langham's POBF system during the first day of therapy and then after 7, 15, 30, 60, 90 and 180 days.The maximum pressure decrease after the first administration of latanoprost was at the twelfth hour; after 6 months of therapy, mean IOP reduction was 32.6%. POBF values increased up to 55.8% in the first day and then settled at 22.6% at the end of the study. Timolol showed a similar pressure progress, but its haematic perfusion values were distinctly lower.In conclusion, latanoprost is efficacious in POAG therapy since it unites a positive optic nerve head perfusion effect with hypotensive efficacy.
Human freedom and the brain
Authors: Kornhuber Hans Helmut 
Published: May 2009

Abstract:Freedom of will does exist, it is self-leadership of man based on reason and ethos. Evidence comes from truth. Determinism cannot be proved since if you try, you mean to prove a truth; but there is no truth without freedom. By contrast for freedom there are many pieces of evidence e.g. science, arts, technology.Freedom utilizes creative abstract thinking with phantasy. Freedom is graded, limited, based on nature, but not developed without good will. We perceive reliably freedom by self-consciousness and in other persons as long as we are sober. Freedom needs intelligence, but is more, it is a creative and moral virtue.The basis for freedom is phylogenesis and culture, in the individual learning and experimenting. Factors in the becoming of freedom are not only genes and environment but also self-discipline. But the creativity of free will is dangerous. Man therefore needs morale. Drives and feelings become humanized, cultural interests are developed. There is a humane nobility from long good will.
Demographic Change and Economic Growth in Asia
Authors: BLOOM David E. , FINLAY Jocelyn E. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractTrade openness, high savings rates, human capital accumulation, and macroeconomic policy only accounted for part of the 1965–1990 growth performance in East Asia. Subsequently, demographic change was shown to be a missing factor in explaining the East Asian growth premium. Since 1990, East Asia has undertaken major economic reforms in response to financial crises and other factors. We reexamine the role of the demographic transition in contributing to cross‐country differences in economic growth through to 2005, with a particular focus on East Asia. We highlight the need for policy to offset potential negative effects of aging populations in the future.
Parasites of the Nile rat in rural and urban regions of Sudan
Authors: FAGIR Dina M. , EL‐RAYAH El‐Amin 
Published: May 2009

AbstractIn this investigation on endoparasites (helminths) and ectoparasites of the Nile rat (Arvicanthis niloticus Desmarest, 1822), a total of 220 Nile rats were trapped from different regions of Sudan during the period January 2003–January 2006. Examination of different tissues, identification of parasites, effect of these parasites on the organs, the prevalence and intensity of infestation of the parasites and their relation to the habitat of the host, and sex‐related infestations were considered. Results showed that the variation among helminth species was wide, especially in those that are transferred by arthropods. No protozoan parasites or distortion in the infected tissues were observed. No examination for Toxoplasma gondii was carried out. Two species of cestodes (Hymenolepis nana, Hymenolepis diminuta), two genera (Raillietina sp. I, Raillietina sp. II) and one unidentified Hymenolepididae were reported. The most prevalent species of cestodes was Raillietina sp. And for nematodes only one species and one genus were recovered (Monanema nilotica and Streptopharagus sp.). Investigation of skin revealed that 83.8% of rats were infested with one or more of ectoparasites; namely, insects and arachnids. This survey also revealed that fleas and lice were the most common ectoparasites that infested the Nile rat. Synanthropic rodents, particularly those living in close association with man, play a significant role in human health, welfare and economy. It has to be stressed that their arthropod ectoparasites are important vectors of pathogenic microorganisms and they can also be important reservoirs for parasitic zoonoses, like trichinellosis and capillariosis. No doubt, the increase in rodent populations could be followed by an increase in zoonotic diseases (Stojcevic et al. 2004, Durden et al. 2000). Rats and mice (commensal and wild) play an important role in public health, being carriers or reservoirs for infectious diseases that can be transmitted to humans (zoonoses). Xenopsylla cheopis is the most important vector of plague and the rickettsial infection murine typhus (Gratz 1999). Man can also acquire the infection through direct contact with infected animals' tissues (WHO 1987). Arvicanthis niloticus, Mastomys natalensis and Rattus rattus are probably the most important and widespread reservoirs of plague in Kenya: 10 percent of all Rattus rattus tested were found to be positive as compared to 12% of the Arvicanthis niloticus (Gratz 1999).
Corridor use by Asian elephants
Authors: PAN Wenjing , LIN Liu , LUO Aidong , ZHANG Li 
Published: May 2009

AbstractThere are 18 km of Kunming–Bangkok Highway passing through the Mengyang Nature Reserve of Xishuangbanna National Nature Reserve in Yunnan Province, China. From September 2005 to September 2006 the impact of this highway on movement of wild Asian elephants between the eastern and western part of the nature reserve was studied using track transecting, rural surveys and direct monitoring. Our results showed that the number of crossroad corridors used by Asian elephants diminished from 28 to 23 following the construction of the highway. In some areas, the elephant activity diminished or even disappeared, which indicated a change in their home ranges. The utilization rate of artificial corridors was 44%. We also found that elephants prefered artificial corridors that were placed along their original corridors. During the research, wild elephants revealed their adaptation to the highway. They were found walking across the highway road surface many times and for different reasons. We suggest that the highway management bureau should revise their management strategies to mitigate the potential risks caused by elephants on the road for the safety of the public and to protect this endangered species from harm. It is also very important to protect and maintain current Asian elephants corridors in this region.
Three therapeutic tendencies for secondary prevention of myocardial infarction and possible role of Chinese traditional patent medicine: viewpoint of evidence‐based medicine
Authors: Shang Hongcai , Chen Jing , Zhang Junhua , Xiang Yaozu , Cao Hongbo , Ren Ming , Wang Hui , Xu Hongjuan , Li Jing , Liu Dan , Hu Jing , Wu Chao , Jing Li , Zhang Boli 
Published: May 2009

Abstract Objective The possibility of the preventive and therapeutic effects of Chinese traditional patent medicine for myocardial infarction has been reported in the literature, but there have been few studies. This paper presents three tendencies for the secondary prevention of myocardial infarction and presents a systematic evaluation of current research evidence related to the use of Chinese traditional patent medicine in secondary prevention of myocardial infarction, with a goal of making objective recommendations for patient rehabilitation. Method Literature was retrieved from traditional Chinese medicine websites, MEDLINE, CNKI, VIP, CINAHL, The Cochrane Library, EMBASE, HealthSTAR, and Academic ASAP to locate research‐based scientific evidence related to the use of Chinese traditional patent medicine for myocardial infarction. Results Some Chinese traditional patent medicine therapies alone or in combination with routine rehabilitation therapies might be useful in patients with myocardial infarction, but we found insufficient evidence to support the use of most Chinese traditional patent medicine therapies in the secondary prevention of myocardial infarction. Conclusion Difficulty in accessing information regarding traditional Chinese medicine has implications for health education in both myocardial infarction and patient safety. Some Chinese traditional patent medicine therapies hold promise for patients in the secondary prevention of myocardial infarction but further research is essential in all areas of traditional Chinese medicine to confirm its efficacy.
Design and application of the emergency response mobile phone‐based information system for infectious disease reporting in the Wenchuan earthquake zone
Authors: Ma Jiaqi , Zhou Maigeng , Li Yanfei , Guo Yan , Su Xuemei , Qi Xiaopeng , Ge Hui 
Published: May 2009

Abstract Objective To describe the design and application of an emergency response mobile phone‐based information system for infectious disease reporting. Methods Software engineering and business modeling were used to design and develop the emergency response mobile phone‐based information system for infectious disease reporting. Results Seven days after the initiation of the reporting system, the reporting rate in the earthquake zone reached the level of the same period in 2007, using the mobile phone‐based information system. Surveillance of the weekly report on morbidity in the earthquake zone after the initiation of the mobile phone reporting system showed the same trend as the previous three years. Conclusion The emergency response mobile phone‐based information system for infectious disease reporting was an effective solution to transmit urgently needed reports and manage communicable disease surveillance information. This assured the consistency of disease surveillance and facilitated sensitive, accurate, and timely disease surveillance. It is an important backup for the internet‐based direct reporting system for communicable disease.
Searching for health information online: characteristics of online health seekers
Authors: Gallagher S , Doherty DT 
Published: May 2009

Abstract Objective To investigate the use of, and willingness to use, the internet for health information purposes in Ireland, with a particular focus on the demographic and mental health of users and non‐users. Methods Data from the Health Research Board National Psychological Wellbeing and Distress Survey were analyzed. This telephone survey included 2711 adults aged 18 years and over living in private households in Ireland. Internet use was measured using three items: past use, use specifically for health information, and willingness to use the internet in the future. Current psychological wellbeing was measured using the 12‐item General Health Questionnaire. In addition, mental health problems in the previous year were measured. Sociodemographic variables examined included age, gender, employment status, and education. Results Online health‐seeking differed significantly by gender, age, employment status, and educational level. A substantial proportion of internet users with poor mental health were found to have searched for health information online. A high willingness to use the internet for health information in the future by non‐users was reported. Conclusion This study has shown that those with mental health problems use the internet to search for health information more often than those who have not experienced such problems. It has also shown that there is still a digital divide in terms of online health seeking, which is influenced by age, gender, education, and employment status. These findings highlight the need to address access, technological, psychological, and perceptual issues that may present barriers to the use of online health seeking.
Detection of High Levels of European Bat Lyssavirus Type‐1 Viral RNA in the Thyroid Gland of Experimentally‐Infected Eptesicus fuscus Bats
Authors: Fooks A. R. , Johnson N. , Müller T. , Vos A. , Mansfield K. , Hicks D. , Nunez A. , Freuling C. , Neubert L. , Kaipf I. , Denzinger A. , Franka R. , Rupprecht C. E. 
Published: May 2009

SummaryTwo common bat lyssavirus species have been identified in many European countries: European bat lyssavirus type‐1 and ‐2 (EBLV‐1 and EBLV‐2). Only limited knowledge on the susceptibility of the natural EBLV‐hosts, insectivorous bats, to lyssavirus infection is available. Our study was undertaken to evaluate the susceptibility and pathology associated with an EBLV‐1 infection in Eptesicus fuscus following different routes of virus inoculation including intracranial (n = 6), intramuscular (n = 14), oral (n = 7) and intranasal (n = 7). Blood and saliva samples were collected from all bats on a monthly basis. Four bats inoculated intracranially developed rabies with a mean of 11 days to death, whilst seven bats inoculated intramuscularly developed rabies, with an extended incubation period prior to death. We did not observe any mortality in the oral (p.o.) or intranasal (i.n.) groups and both groups had detectable levels of virus neutralizing antibodies (data not shown). Virus shedding was demonstrated in the saliva by virus isolation and the detection of viral RNA in ill bats, particularly immediately prior to the development of disease. In addition, the presence of virus and viral RNA was detected in the thyroid gland in bats challenged experimentally with EBLV‐1, which exceeded that detected in all other extra‐neural tissue. The significance of detecting EBLV‐1 in the thyroid gland of rabid bats is not well understood. We speculate that the infection of the thyroid gland may cause subacute thyroiditis, a transient form of thyroiditis causing hyperthyroidism, resulting in changes in adrenocortical activity that could lead to hormonal dysfunction, thereby distinguishing the clinical presentation of rabies in the rabid host.
Science journal editors’ views on publication ethics: results of an international survey
Authors: Wager E , Fiack S , Graf C , Robinson A , Rowlands I 
Published: May 2009

Background:Breaches of publication ethics such as plagiarism, data fabrication and redundant publication are recognised as forms of research misconduct that can undermine the scientific literature. We surveyed journal editors to determine their views about a range of publication ethics issues.Methods:Questionnaire sent to 524 editors-in-chief of Wiley-Blackwell science journals asking about the severity and frequency of 16 ethical issues at their journals, their confidence in handling such issues, and their awareness and use of guidelines.Results:Responses were obtained from 231 editors (44%), of whom 48% edited healthcare journals. The general level of concern about the 16 issues was low, with mean severity scores of <1 (on a scale of 0–3) for all but one. The issue of greatest concern (mean score 1.19) was redundant publication. Most editors felt confident in handling the issues, with <15% feeling “not at all confident” for all but one of the issues (gift authorship, 22% not confident). Most editors believed such problems occurred less than once a year and >20% of the editors stated that 12 of the 16 items never occurred at their journal. However, 13%–47% did not know the frequency of the problems. Awareness and use of guidelines was generally low. Most editors were unaware of all except other journals’ instructions.Conclusions:Most editors of science journals seem not very concerned about publication ethics and believe that misconduct occurs only rarely in their journals. Many editors are unfamiliar with available guidelines but would welcome more guidance or training.
The death of Hector: pity in Homer, empathy in medical education
Authors: Marshall R , Bleakley A 
Published: May 2009

Empathy is thought a desirable quality in doctors as a key component of communication skills and professionalism. It is therefore thought desirable to teach it to medical students. Yet empathy is a quality whose essence is difficult to capture but easy to enact. We problematise empathy in an era where empathy has been literalised and instrumentalised, including its measurement. Even if we could agree a universally acceptable definition of empathy, engendering it in the student requires a more subtle approach than seems the case currently.We therefore examine this modern concept and compare it with others such as pity and compassion, using the medium of Homer’sIliad. Two famous scenes from theIliadelicit pity in the characters and the audience. Pity and compassion are, however, given a complexity within the narrative that often seems lacking in modern ways of conceptualising and teaching empathy.
Nitrate and phosphate removal in sulphur-coral stone autotrophic denitrification packed-bed reactorsA paper submitted to the Journal of Environmental Engineering and Science.
Authors: Ruan Yun-Jie , Luo Guo-Zhi , Tan Hong-Xin , Che Xuan , Jiang Yan , Sun Da-Chuan 
Published: May 2009

The removal effect on nitrate and phosphate of a sulphur-based autotrophic denitrifying bioreactor in composite packing of sulphur with coral stone were investigated on a pilot scale. The results showed that the optimal influent loading rate of the bioreactor (the ratio of sulphur volume to coral stone volume was 1:1) was in the range of 0.080–0.244 kg NO3–-N/(m3·d) when the water temperature was 29 ± 1 °C. In this range, the removal efficiency of nitrates was higher than 95% and no nitrite accumulation occurred in the effluent. The maximum nitrate volumetric removal rate of 0.594 kg NO3–-N / (m3·d) was achieved at an influent loading rate of 0.716 kg NO3–-N/(m3·d) with obvious nitrite accumulation in the effluent. Along with the autotrophic denitrifying reaction, an influent loading rate between 0.070–0.210 kg PO43–-P/ (m3·d) achieved the removal efficiency and volumetric removal rate of phosphates were 50.5%–89.2% and 0.045–0.179 kg PO43–-P/(m3·d), respectively. The phosphates related to the resistance ability of the bioreactor (the ratio of sulphur volume to coral stone volume was 1:1) was stronger than that of bioreactors (the ratio of sulphur volume to coral stone volume was 1:2 and 1:4).