bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reproductive strategies and body shape in the European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis) from contrasting habitats in Italy
Authors: Zuffi M. A. L. , Celani A. , Foschi E. , Tripepi S. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractComparisons within and among populations offer important insights into variation in life‐history traits and possible adaptive patterns to environmental conditions. We present the results of observed differences in body size, body shape and patterns of reproduction in four separate populations of the European pond turtle Emys orbicularis in central and southern Italy – coastal (n=3) and mountainous (n=1) sites and pond (n=2) and canal (n=2) habitats – to determine whether phenotypic plasticity affects reproductive output. Although we did not find any significant latitudinal variation in body size, we observed significant differences in body shape between canal (rounded body shape) and pond (elongated body shape) systems and smaller size with rounded shape in the mountainous population. Reproductive output is similar among populations (median=5 eggs per clutch), whereas reproductive investment (relative clutch mass to maternal body mass) is higher in the mountain population (one clutch per year) than in coastal populations (two clutches per year), suggesting differential trade‐offs between geographic locality, elevation and habitat type. Turtle shell shape and geographic location together affect reproductive output in E. orbicularis in Italy.
Map of dermatology: ‘first‐impression’ user feedback and agenda for further development
Authors: Boulos Maged N. Kamel 
Published: August 2006

AbstractBackground:  Map of Dermatology (http://healthcybermap.org/dermap/) is a free web resource that enables users to search for images of skin conditions by body region and morphology rather than by condition name, which is much more useful and natural in answering questions about unknown clinical presentations/diagnoses, especially for non‐specialists.Objectives and methods:  This paper presents responses received from twelve users, including specialist dermatologists, non‐specialists (some with interests in health informatics), and lay persons, who provided their ‘first‐impression’ feedback on Map of Dermatology by responding to a very short e‐mail questionnaire covering service usefulness and interface usability. The paper also provides a brief review of the gaps in current online dermatology information service provision in general.Results:  The overall user feedback received was very positive. An exploratory discussion of the arguments and possibilities for radically improving Map of Dermatology to produce ‘the ultimate web‐based dermatology diagnostic tool’ is also provided, together with some desiderata and preliminary ‘design and feature specifications’ for such a tool based on users’ suggestions, the gaps highlighted in other existing online dermatology tools, and the author's own reflections and experience.Conclusions:  When successfully developed, the proposed tool is expected to have significant potential for efficiently and effectively addressing many of the currently unmet educational needs of clinicians.
Collection policy management for the Kuopio University and Kuopio University Hospital, Finland: detecting the needs of users and developing high‐quality collections
Authors: Kananen Jukka , Ovaska Tuulevi , Saarti Jarmo 
Published: August 2006

AbstractBackground:  This article discusses the collection policies of a university library in a modern digital environment. A brief description of national collection policy decisions in Finland is provided. The rapid evolution and growth of scientific publication places new demands on building a collection in a health and bioscience orientated university, and it requires an evidence‐based approach to support effective service processes.Objectives:  The aim of the study was to identify the needs of the university's students and staff.Methods:  Usage statistics were surveyed and analysed.Results:  Both usage statistics and user surveys indicate that the library use is divided half‐and‐half between the traditional use of printed material and library premises and the modern use of digital materials via the Web. The former is mainly the way that the students and hospital staff use the library, and the latter can be viewed as the researchers’ way of using the library. Librarians and information specialists act in this as service providers and/or guides and tutors to the end‐users. These results, however, must be validated with a longer timescale data collation and analysis, both of which are an ongoing process within the library.Conclusions:  It is important that requirements and needs of the library's users are monitored regularly and acquisition policies are updated frequently. It also seems that the needs have changed quite dramatically in response to modern ways of disseminating publications, but this supposition will require further study.
Complex alternative splicing of the myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein gene is unique to human and non‐human primates
Authors: Delarasse Cécile , Della Gaspera Bruno , Lu Chuan Wei , Lachapelle François , Gelot Antoinette , Rodriguez Diana , Dautigny André , Genain Claude , Pham‐Dinh Danielle 
Published: August 2006

AbstractMyelin/oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) is a minor integral membrane protein specific to CNS myelin, encoded by a gene located in the major histocompatibility complex. MOG is an highly encephalitogenic autoantigen and a target for autoaggressive immune responses in CNS inflammatory demyelinating diseases. We performed transcriptomic analyses for a gene expressed only in mammalian CNS, myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG). Complex splicing patterns were exclusively found in primates and not in mice, unlike patterns found for other myelin protein genes. In addition to those shared with rodents, these multiple MOG isoforms likely support functions unique to the primate order, in particular maintenance of myelin structure, intracellular signaling, and modulation of CNS autoimmunity via exposure of specific MOG determinants. Developmentally, in human brain the splice variants of MOG appear at a late stage compared to the major isoform, coincidental with myelination and myelin maturation, unlike other myelin proteins. These findings are discussed within the framework of a biological basis for phenotype diversity in recent mammalian evolution and for the notoriously variable clinical expression of diseases such as multiple sclerosis.
Blockade of PARP activity attenuates poly(ADP‐ribosyl)ation but offers only partial neuroprotection against NMDA‐induced cell death in the rat retina
Authors: Goebel Dennis J. , Winkler Barry S. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractRecent reports have linked neuronal cell death by necrosis to poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase‐1 (PARP‐1) hyperactivation. It is believed that under stress, the activity of this enzyme is up‐regulated, resulting in extensive poly(ADP‐ribosyl)ation of nuclear proteins, using NAD+ as its substrate, which, in turn, leads to the depletion of NAD+. In efforts to restore the level of NAD+, depletion of ATP occurs, resulting in the shutdown of ATP‐dependent ionic pumps. This results in cell swelling and eventual loss of membrane selectivity, hallmarks of necrosis. Reports from in vitro and in vivo studies in the brain have shown that NMDA receptor activation stimulates PARP activity and that blockade of the enzyme provides substantial neuroprotection. The present study was undertaken to determine whether PARP activity is regulated by NMDA in the rat retina, and whether blockade of PARP activity provides protection against toxic effects of NMDA. Rat retinas exposed to intravitreal injections containing NMDA, with or without the PARP inhibitor N‐(6‐oxo‐5, 6‐dihydrophenanthridin‐2‐yl)‐(N,‐dimethylamino) acetamide hydrochloride (PJ‐34), were assessed for changes in PARP‐1 activity as evidenced by poly(ADP‐ribosyl)ation (PAR), loss of membrane integrity, morphological indicators of apoptosis and necrosis, and ganglion cell loss. Results showed that: NMDA increased PAR formation in a concentration‐dependent manner and caused a decline in retinal ATP levels; PJ‐34 blockade attenuated the NMDA‐induced formation of PAR and decline in ATP; NMDA induced the loss of membrane selectivity to ethidium bromide (EtBr) in inner retinal neurons, but loss of membrane selectivity was not prevented by blocking PARP activity; cells stained with EtBr, or reacted for TUNEL‐labeling, displayed features characteristic of both apoptosis and necrosis. In the presence of PJ‐34, greater numbers of cells exhibited apoptotic features; PJ‐34 provided partial neuroprotection against NMDA‐induced ganglion cell loss. These findings suggest that although blockade of PARP activity fully attenuates NMDA‐induced PAR formation and loss of retinal ATP content, and improves the survival of select populations of ganglion cells, this approach does not provide full neuroprotection. In contrast, blockade of PARP activity promotes apoptotic‐like cell death in the majority of cells undergoing cell death. Furthermore, these studies show that the loss of membrane selectivity is not dependent upon PAR formation or the resulting decline of ATP, and suggests that an alternative pathway, other than PARP activation, exists to mediate this event.
The role of prohormone convertase‐2 in hypothalamic neuropeptide processing: a quantitative neuropeptidomic study
Authors: Pan Hui , Che Fa‐Yun , Peng Bonnie , Steiner Donald F. , Pintar John E. , Fricker Lloyd D. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractProhormone convertase (PC) 1/3 and 2 are involved in the generation of neuropeptides from their precursors. A quantitative peptidomic approach was used to explore the role PC2 plays in the processing of hypothalamic peptides. In this approach, extracts from mice lacking PC2 activity and from wild‐type littermates were labeled with isotopic tags, combined, fractionated on a reverse phase HPLC column, and analyzed by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. Altogether, 53 neuropeptides or other peptides derived from secretory pathway proteins were identified and sequenced using tandem mass spectrometry. These peptides arise from 21 distinct proteins: proenkephalin, proopiomelanocortin, prodynorphin, protachykinin A and B, procholecystokinin, promelanin‐concentrating hormone, proneurotensin, proneuropeptide Y, provasopressin, pronociceptin/orphanin, prothyrotropin‐releasing hormone, cocaine‐ and amphetamine‐regulated transcript, chromogranin A and B, secretogranin II, prohormone convertase 1 and 2, propeptidyl‐amidating monooxygenase, and proteins designated proSAAS and VGF. Approximately one third of the peptides found in wild‐type mice were not detectable in PC2 knock‐out mice, and another third were present at levels ranging from 25 to 75% of wild‐type levels. Comparison of the cleavage sites suggests that sequences with a Trp, Tyr and/or Pro in the P1′ or P2′ position, or a basic residue in the P3 position, are preferentially cleaved by PC2 and not by other enzymes present in the secretory pathway.
Ultrastructural localisation and differential agonist‐induced regulation of AMPA and kainate receptors present at the presynaptic active zone and postsynaptic density
Authors: Feligioni Marco , Holman David , Haglerod Camilla , Davanger Svend , Henley Jeremy M. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractActivity‐dependent changes in ionotropic glutamate receptors at the postsynaptic membrane are well established and this regulation plays a central role in the expression of synaptic plasticity. However, very little is known about the distributions and regulation of ionotropic receptors at presynaptic sites. To determine if presynaptic receptors are subject to similar regulatory processes we investigated the localisation and modulation of AMPA (GluR1, GluR2, GluR3) and kainate (GluR6/7, KA2) receptor subunits by ultrasynaptic separation and immunoblot analysis of rat brain synaptosomes. All of the subunits were enriched in the postsynaptic fraction but were also present in the presynaptic and non‐synaptic synaptosome fractions. AMPA stimulation resulted in a marked decrease in postsynaptic GluR2 and GluR3 subunits, but an increase in GluR6/7. Conversely, GluR2 and GluR3 increased in the presynaptic fraction whereas GluR6/7 decreased. There were no significant changes in any of the compartments for GluR1. NMDA treatment decreased postsynaptic GluR1, GluR2 and GluR6/7 but increased presynaptic levels of these subunits. NMDA treatment did not evoke changes in GluR3 localisation. Our results demonstrate that presynaptic and postsynaptic subunits are regulated in opposite directions by AMPA and NMDA stimulation.
Polysialic acid limits choline acetyltransferase activity induced by brain‐derived neurotrophic factor
Authors: Burgess Alison , Aubert Isabelle 
Published: August 2006

AbstractCholine acetyltransferase (ChAT), the enzyme synthesizing acetylcholine, is known to be activated by brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). We found that the specific removal of the carbohydrate polysialic acid (PSA) significantly increased BDNF‐induced ChAT‐activity in embryonic septal neurons. Using a p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) function‐blocking antibody and K252a, a‐pan tropomyosin related kinase (Trk) inhibitor, we demonstrate that BDNF‐induced ChAT activity requires the stimulation of p75NTR and TrkB. PSA removal drastically increased radioactive iodinated ([125I])BDNF's maximal binding capacity (Bmax), derived from concentrations of [125I]BDNF ranging from 1 pM to 3.2 nM. In the presence of unlabeled nerve growth factor to prevent the binding of [125I]BDNF to p75NTR sites, the impact of PSA removal on the binding capacity of [125I]BDNF was greatly reduced. In conclusion, PSA limits BDNF‐induced ChAT activity and BDNF–receptor interactions. BDNF‐induced ChAT activity is TrkB and p75NTR dependent, and upon PSA removal the additional binding of BDNF to its receptors, especially p75NTR, likely contributes to the maximal ChAT activity observed. In vivo, the ontogenetic loss of PSA in the postnatal period may allow more interactions between BDNF and its receptors to increase ChAT activity and assure the proper development of the cholinergic septal neurons.
Comparison of the experience sampling method and questionnaires to assess visual activities in pre‐teen and adolescent children*
Authors: Rah Marjorie J. , Walline Jeffrey J. , Lynn Mitchell G. , Zadnik Karla 
Published: August 2006

AbstractAim:  A study was conducted to assess the feasibility of the experience sampling method (ESM) to quantify the daily visual tasks of children.Methods:  Thirty‐one children (9–14 years old, 39% male) were randomly paged after school (four times per day) and on weekends (eight times per day) for seven consecutive days. When paged, the children completed a voicemail survey regarding the nature, duration, working distance and type of visual correction worn during the activity. Responses of the subjects were grouped into 14 categories. Before beginning the paging, each child and one parent also reported, via survey, the number of hours and working distance for several visual activities.Results:  The usable (complete voicemail responses) response rate was 87.1%. The most commonly reported activity category was watching television (17.8%). Other common responses included distance activities (12.5%), reading/studying (12.2%) and sports/outdoor activities (12.0%). Of the total number of responses, 25% were near work activities (reading/studying, computer use, near hobbies and playing Game Boy). The mean working distance (±S.D.) reported was 40.4 ± 36.9 cm for reading/studying, 232.9 ± 127.1 cm for watching television, 354.7 ± 345.8 cm for distance activities and 438.5 ± 421.0 cm for sports/outdoor activities. When comparing the ESM to surveys, the only significant difference was for the amount of time estimated to be spent in talking/conversation (p < 0.0001). No differences were found for any of the near work activities.Conclusions:  The ESM provides a feasible way to quantify daily near work tasks in children.
The contribution of accommodation and the ocular surface to the microfluctuations of wavefront aberrations of the eye
Authors: Zhu Mingxia , Collins Michael J. , Robert Iskander D. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractWe have used videokeratoscopy and wavefront sensing to investigate the contribution of the ocular surface and the effect of stimulus vergence on the microfluctuations of the wavefront aberrations of the eye. The fluctuations of the wavefront aberrations were quantified by their variations around the mean and by using power spectrum analysis. Integrated power was determined in two regions: 0.1–0.7 Hz (low frequencies) and 0.8–1.8 Hz (high frequencies). Changes in the ocular surface topography were measured using high‐speed videokeratoscopy and variations in the ocular wavefront aberrations were measured with a wavefront sensor. The microfluctuations of wavefront aberrations of the ocular surface were found to be considerably smaller than the microfluctuations of the wavefront aberrations of the total eye. The fluctuations in defocus while viewing a closer target at 2 or 4 D were found to be significantly greater than fluctuations in defocus when viewing a far target. This increase in defocus fluctuations (p ≤ 0.001) occurred in both the low‐ and high‐frequency regions of the power spectra.
Longitudinal changes in peripheral refraction with age
Authors: Charman W. N. , Jennings J. A. M. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractThe changes in the patterns of refraction (skiagrams) over the central ±35 degrees of the horizontal field of 3 originally near‐emmetropic eyes of 2 subjects were determined over a time interval of 26 years. The subjects were aged 32 and 40 years at the time of the first measurements. The central refractions shifted in the expected hyperopic direction, while the radial and tangential image fields in the periphery became more myopic. These longitudinal results agree with recent transverse studies, provided that allowance is made for the change in central refraction: the reported loss with age in peripheral visual performance does not seem to be attributable to markedly increased peripheral astigmatism.
The Mallett Fixation Disparity Test: influence of test instructions and relationship with symptoms
Authors: Karania Rajula , Evans Bruce J. W. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractFixation disparity is a minute ocular misalignment under conditions of binocular single vision and is typically detected in primary eye care practices in the UK using the Mallett Unit Fixation Disparity Test. This instrument creates natural viewing conditions, when the patient's binocular system is fused using both central and peripheral fusion locks. This allows the examiner to determine the minimum prism power that eliminates the fixation disparity: the associated phoria or aligning prism. The spherical power that eliminates the fixation disparity, the aligning sphere, can also be determined. The near Mallett Unit Fixation Disparity Test has been shown to have good sensitivity and specificity for detecting symptomatic heterophoria. Cases of decompensated heterophoria tend to have a fixation disparity and the aligning prism or aligning sphere is a good indicator of the correction that will render the heterophoria compensated. The purpose of this study was, for the first time, to investigate the effect of test instructions on the results of the Mallett Unit Fixation Disparity Test. In study 1, we surveyed and observed practitioners to determine the instructions that are typically used. In study 2, we compared results obtained with this ‘standard’ method of questioning with a more ‘specific’ form of questioning that has been suggested in the literature. The participants for study 2 were 105 patients aged 7–70 years who were randomly selected from those attending a community optometric practice. Significantly different results were obtained with the two sets of instructions. The specific form of questioning revealed more cases of fixation disparity and the results with this method showed a better correlation with symptoms. This only held for near vision: for distance vision, symptoms were not significantly correlated with the presence of fixation disparity. This agrees with previous work with the Mallett unit, which showed a significant relationship with symptoms only at near. We also found that patients with more severe symptoms had greater degrees of aligning prism. Our study supports previous work indicating that the Mallett unit is a useful tool for detecting symptomatic heterophoria at near. However, we found that the testing method is important: patients need to be asked not just whether the nonius strips are aligned but also whether one or both of the strips ever moves. More research is needed to investigate the significance of precise test instructions in other optometric and orthoptic tests.
Cytotoxicity and antimicrobial activity of six multipurpose soft contact lens disinfecting solutions1
Authors: Santodomingo‐Rubido Jacinto , Mori Osamu , Kawaminami Satoshi 
Published: August 2006

AbstractObjectives:  To assess and compare the cytotoxicity and antimicrobial activity of six multipurpose disinfecting contact lens solutions (MPDS).Method:  Six MPDS were assessed and compared: MeniCare Soft, Complete Moisture Plus, Solo‐Care Aqua, Opti‐Free Express, ReNu MultiPlus and ReNuMoistureLoc. Cytotoxicity was evaluated by means of the colony‐forming assay (ISO 10993‐5) using one cell line. One hundred Chinese hamster's fibroblast V79 cells in 2 mL of medium were inoculated into 6‐well plates and cultured for 24 h. After incubation, the medium was removed and 2 mL of each MPDS was diluted with physiological saline and medium and added individually into wells at 1.25, 2.5, 5 and 10% concentrations. After an additional 6 days of incubation, cells were fixed and stained with Giemsa solution. Subsequently, the number of colonies was counted. Cytotoxicity was expressed in terms of the concentration of the MPDS that suppresses colony formation. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated by means of the stand‐alone contact lens disinfection test (ISO 14729).Results:  Cytotoxicity–MeniCare Soft and Complete Moisture Plus were not cytotoxic at any of the concentrations tested. The cytotoxicity ranking of the other MPDS was as follows: Solo‐Care Aqua≈Opti‐Free Express < ReNu MultiPlus < ReNu MoistureLoc. Antimicrobial activity– All MPDS met the primary criteria of the stand‐alone test for bacterial species. ReNu MoistureLoc showed borderline values for Serratia marcescens and Staphylococcus aureus. Complete Moisture Plus failed to meet the stand‐alone test criteria for Fusarium solani.Conclusions:  Large differences in cytotoxicity and antimicrobial activity were found among the MPDS under investigation. Multipurpose disinfecting contact lens solutions with identical concentrations of polyhexamethylene biguanide can behave differently depending on solution formulation. The new MeniCare Soft showed effective antimicrobial activity and minimal cytotoxicity.
Case report: pseudophakic dysphotopsia simulating Bagolini glasses
Authors: Guerin Eoin , Armstrong Stewart 
Published: August 2006

AbstractA case is reported of a 68‐year‐old patient who had undergone uneventful cataract surgery and intraocular lens implantation. She reported the perception of a binocular cross simulating that seen with Bagolini striated glasses, especially with streetlights at night. It is suggested that this phenomenon was caused by posterior capsular folds.