bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quality of life after postoperative endophthalmitis
Authors: Clark Antony , Ng Jonathon Q , Morlet Nigel , Tropiano Elisabeth , Mahendran Priya , Spilsbury Katrina , Preen David , Semmens James B 
Published: October 2008

AbstractPurpose:  The aim of this study is to determine if postoperative endophthalmitis adversely affects quality of life after cataract surgery.Methods:  We compared quality of life in patients who developed endophthalmitis after cataract surgery between 1 January and 31 December 2003 with those who had uncomplicated surgery. The National Eye Institute VFQ‐25 (VFQ‐25) and EuroQol EQ‐5D (EQ‐5D) questionnaires and time trade‐off utility scores were used to compare self‐perceived general health and vision‐related quality of life between groups. Linear regression was used to model differences between groups after adjusting for age, gender and visual acuity in the better eye.Results:  Nineteen postoperative endophthalmitis cases were compared with 30 who had uncomplicated cataract surgery. Following surgery the mean composite VFQ‐25 score was 13.5% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 6.0–26.4, P < 0.01) lower in endophthalmitis cases. Endophthalmitis patients reported significantly lower (P < 0.05) general vision, near vision, peripheral vision, mental health and role difficulties subscales scores after adjusting for age, sex and visual acuity. No significant differences were found in other subscales. Mean time trade‐off utility and all EQ‐5D scores were similar except for mobility (95% CI: 0.04–0.68, P < 0.05).Conclusions:  Endophthalmitis after cataract surgery negatively impacts on self‐perceived vision‐related quality of life, resulting in poorer psychological well‐being and ability to maintain a role in daily life.
Cataract surgical coverage and self‐reported barriers to cataract surgery in a rural Myanmar population
Authors: Athanasiov Paul A , Casson Robert J , Newland Henry S , Shein Win K , Muecke James S , Selva Dinesh , Aung Than 
Published: October 2008

AbstractPurpose:  The aim of this study is to determine the cataract surgical coverage and investigate the barriers to cataract surgery as reported by those with cataract‐induced visual impairment in rural Myanmar.Methods:  A cross‐sectional, population‐based survey of inhabitants 40 years of age and over from villages in the Meiktila District (central Myanmar); 2481 eligible participants were identified and 2076 participated. Data recording included corrected visual acuity, dilated slit lamp examination and stereoscopic fundus examination. Lens opacity was graded using the Lens Opacities Classification System III. Participants with cataract‐induced visual impairment (acuity < 6/18 in better eye) were also invited to respond to a verbal questionnaire about barriers to cataract surgery.Results:  Cataract surgical coverage for visual acuity cut‐offs of <6/18, <6/60 and <3/60 was 9.74%, 20.11% and 22.3%, respectively, for people and 4.18%, 9.39% and 13.47%, respectively, for eyes. Cataract surgical coverage was higher for men than women, but gender was not associated with refusal of services. Of the 239 who responded to the extra questionnaire, 216 were blind or had low vision owing to cataract. Three quarters refused referral for surgery: cost and fear of surgery were the most frequently reported barriers.Conclusion:  Cost plays a large role in the burden of cataract in this region. Implementation of educational programmes, reforms to local health service and subsidization of ophthalmic care may improve the uptake of cataract surgery.
Understanding intraocular lymphomas
Authors: Coupland Sarah E , Damato Bertil 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThe purpose of this review is to describe the clinical features, pathology and molecular biology of intraocular lymphomas, which represent a heterogenous group of malignant neoplasms; to propose an anatomical classification of these tumours according to whether they occur in the retina or uvea; and to overview laboratory investigations and highlight factors required for successful biopsy. Recent findings show that retinal lymphomas are high‐grade (i.e. aggressive), B‐cell malignancies and are associated with a poor prognosis, with most patients dying of central nervous system disease. Immunophenotyping and somatic mutation analyses indicate that these lymphomas are probably derived from early post‐germinal centre cells. Primary choroidal lymphomas are typically low‐grade (i.e. indolent), B‐cell tumours with morphological, immunophenotypical and genotypic features similar to extranodal marginal zone B‐cell lymphomas (EMZL) elsewhere in the body. The putative cell of origin is the post‐germinal centre (memory) B cell. Primary iridal lymphomas are very rare, with an equal distribution of B‐ and T‐cell types and with a variable clinical course, most patients succumbing to their disease as a result of systemic dissemination. Primary lymphomas limited to the ciliary body are exceptionally rare. Secondary uveal lymphomas/leukaemias occur in patients with advanced systemic lymphoma or leukaemia, respectively. In summary, the term ‘primary intraocular lymphoma (PIOL)’ is imprecise. It would be preferable to refer to the various forms of intraocular lymphoma according to whether they are retinal, choroidal, ciliary or iridal and whether they are primary or secondary in these locations.
Uncoupling of interleukin‐6 from its signalling pathway by dietary n‐3‐polyunsaturated fatty acid deprivation alters sickness behaviour in mice
Authors: Mingam Rozenn , Moranis Aurélie , Bluthé Rose‐Marie , De Smedt‐Peyrusse Véronique , Kelley Keith W. , Guesnet Philippe , Lavialle Monique , Dantzer Robert , Layé Sophie 
Published: October 2008

AbstractSickness behaviour is an adaptive behavioural response to the activation of the innate immune system. It is mediated by brain cytokine production and action, especially interleukin‐6 (IL‐6). Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are essential fatty acids that are highly incorporated in brain cell membranes and display immunomodulating properties. We hypothesized that a decrease in n‐3 (also known as omega3) PUFA brain level by dietary means impacts on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced IL‐6 production and sickness behaviour. Our results show that mice exposed throughout life to a diet containing n‐3 PUFA (n‐3/n‐6 diet) display a decrease in social interaction that does not occur in mice submitted to a diet devoid of n‐3 PUFA (n‐6 diet). LPS induced high IL‐6 plasma levels as well as expression of IL‐6 mRNA in the hippocampus and cFos mRNA in the brainstem of mice fed either diet, indicating intact immune‐to‐brain communication. However, STAT3 and STAT1 activation, a hallmark of the IL‐6 signalling pathway, was lower in the hippocampus of LPS‐treated n‐6 mice than n‐3/n‐6 mice. In addition, LPS did not reduce social interaction in IL‐6‐knockout (IL‐6‐KO) mice and failed to induce STAT3 activation in the brain of IL‐6‐KO mice. Altogether, these findings point to alteration in brain STAT3 as a key mechanism for the lack of effect of LPS on social interaction in mice fed with the n‐6 PUFA diet. The relative deficiency of Western diets in n‐3 PUFA could impact on behavioural aspects of the host response to infection.
Cocaine disinhibits dopamine neurons in the ventral tegmental area via use‐dependent blockade of GABA neuron voltage‐sensitive sodium channels
Authors: Steffensen Scott C. , Taylor Seth R. , Horton Malia L. , Barber Elise N. , Lyle Laura T. , Stobbs Sarah H. , Allison David W. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThe aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of cocaine on γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) and dopamine (DA) neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA). Utilizing single‐unit recordingsin vivo, microelectrophoretic administration of DA enhanced the firing rate of VTA GABA neurons via D2/D3 DA receptor activation. Lower doses of intravenous cocaine (0.25–0.5 mg/kg), or the DA transporter (DAT) blocker methamphetamine, enhanced VTA GABA neuron firing rate via D2/D3 receptor activation. Higher doses of cocaine (1.0–2.0 mg/kg) inhibited their firing rate, which was not sensitive to the D2/D3 antagonist eticlopride. The voltage‐sensitive sodium channel (VSSC) blocker lidocaine inhibited the firing rate of VTA GABA neurons at all doses tested (0.25–2.0 mg/kg). Cocaine or lidocaine reduced VTA GABA neuron spike discharges induced by stimulation of the internal capsule (ICPSDs) at dose levels 0.25–2 mg/kg (IC501.2 mg/kg). There was no effect of DA or methamphetamine on ICPSDs, or of DA antagonists on cocaine inhibition of ICPSDs. In VTA GABA neuronsin vitro, cocaine reduced (IC5013 μm) current‐evoked spikes and TTX‐sensitive sodium currents in a use‐dependent manner. In VTA DA neurons, cocaine reduced IPSCs (IC5013 μm), increased IPSC paired‐pulse facilitation and decreased spontaneous IPSC frequency, without affecting miniature IPSC frequency or amplitude. These findings suggest that cocaine acts on GABA neurons to reduce activity‐dependent GABA release on DA neurons in the VTA, and that cocaine’s use‐dependent blockade of VTA GABA neuron VSSCs may synergize with its DAT inhibiting properties to enhance mesolimbic DA transmission implicated in cocaine reinforcement.
Muscle relaxant use for tracheal intubation in pediatric anaesthesia: a survey of clinical practice in Germany
Authors: NAUHEIMER D. , FINK H. , FUCHS‐BUDER TH. , GELDNER G. , HOFMOCKEL R. , ULM K. , WALLEK B. , BLOBNER M. 
Published: October 2008

SummaryObjectives:  Aim of this Germany‐wide study was to evaluate the use and application customs of neuromuscular blocking drugs (NMBDs) for tracheal intubation in children of age 5 years or younger.Material and Methods:  In the year 2005, a total of 3260 questionnaires were sent out to all heads of anesthesia departments at all types of hospitals as well as ambulatory anesthesia centers in Germany. The fields covered by the questionnaire were regarding institutional size, amount of general anesthesia and specifically pediatric cases, number of intubations and NMBDs used, frequency of use of the individual relaxants and techniques utilized when administering muscle relaxants.Results:  Of the sent‐out questionnaires 66.9%could be analyzed: 82% of hospitals use 1–3 muscle relaxants in children; 91% of the ambulatory anesthesia centers use a repertoire of 1–2 neuromuscular blockers for pediatric cases. However, general anesthesia with tracheal intubation in children is often induced without using any NMBD at all. Mivacurium is the predominantly used NMBD for pediatric intubation in Germany. In contrast, the use of succinylcholine is far less in ambulatory anesthesia centers than in hospitals. Despite controversial discussion, precurarization, priming, and timing are still utilized in German anesthesia practice.Conclusion:  In Germany, mivacurium, with its favorable pharmacologic profile for short cases, is the predominantly used NMBD for pediatric tracheal intubation. Despite the known adverse effects of intubation without muscle relaxation, this technique is also wide‐spread, especially among German anesthetists in ambulatory anesthesia centers. Surveys like these are important to determine a status quo of use and application customs of NMBDs in pediatric anesthesia and provide a basis for numerous other studies.
A molecular phylogeny of the Cephalaspideasensu lato(Gastropoda: Euthyneura): Architectibranchia redefined and Runcinacea reinstated
Authors: Malaquias Manuel António E , Mackenzie‐Dodds Jacqueline , Bouchet Philippe , Gosliner Terrence , Reid David G 
Published: October 2008

The monophyly and phylogenetic relationships of the Cephalaspideasensu lato(sensu Burn and Thompson 1998) have been investigated by means of Bayesian, parsimony and distance analyses of nuclear (18S rRNA and 28S rRNA) and mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (COI) genes.Results revealed the presence of three monophyletic groups among the Cephalaspideas. l.(i) Architectibranchia (sensu Haszprunar 1985, in part: including Acteonidae and Aplustridae, but excluding Diaphanidae), (ii) Cephalaspidea including Diaphanidae but not Runcinidae (both previously of uncertain systematic affinity), and (iii) Runcinacea.The monophyly of the architectibranch families Acteonidae (represented byActeonandPupa) and Aplustridae (HydatinaandMicromelo); of the runcinacean family Runcinidae (Runcina); and of the cephalaspidean families Aglajidae (Chelidonura,Aglaja,Odontoglaja,NavanaxandPhilinopsis), Bullidae (Bulla), Gastropteridae (SiphopteronandSagaminopteron), Haminoeidae (Atys,Haminoea,PhanerophthalmusandSmaragdinella,but notVentomnestia), and Retusidae (RetusaandPyrunculus, but notVolvulella) is suggested. The families Scaphandridae (Scaphander) and Rhizoridae (Volvulella) are reinstated as valid. A new phylogenetic classification of the Cephalaspidea is proposed.
The Laptev Sea walrus Odobenus rosmarus laptevi: an enigma revisited
Authors: Lindqvist Charlotte , Bachmann Lutz , Andersen Liselotte W , Born Erik W , Arnason Ulfur , Kovacs Kit M , Lydersen Christian , Abramov Alexei V , Wiig ØYstein 
Published: October 2008

The walrus (Odobenus rosmarus) is in some current systematic schemes divided into three subspecies: O. r. rosmarus in the North Atlantic, O. r. divergens in the North Pacific and O. r. laptevi in the Laptev Sea. These three subspecies have been described as differing in body size, but the taxonomic status of O. r. laptevi is disputed. The current study applies molecular and morphometric methods to assess the taxonomic status of O. r. laptevi and to analyse the systematic and phylogeographic relationships between the three purported walrus subspecies. Tusk length and tusk circumference were measured from the few skulls available of O. r. laptevi, and the obtained values were within the ranges reported for Pacific walruses. Thus, morphologically, subspecies status for O. r. laptevi is not supported according to the Amadon–Mayr ‘75% rule’. Phylogenetic analyses and haplotype networks based on mitochondrial nucleotide sequence data of NADH dehydrogenase 1, 16S rRNA, cytochrome oxidase I and the d‐loop of the control region of the historic O. r. laptevi bone material and contemporary O. r. rosmarus and O. r. divergens showed that the Laptev Sea walrus groups with individuals from the North Pacific. Thus, the mitochondrial sequence data do not support the recognition of three walrus subspecies as reciprocally monophyletic evolutionary units with independent evolutionary histories. Only O. r. rosmarus and O. r. divergens meet this criterion with the present sampling. Accordingly, we recommend that Odobenus r. laptevi be abandoned and the Laptev walrus instead be recognized as the westernmost population of the Pacific walrus, Odobenus r. divergens. However, further research is recommended to assess whether the Laptev walrus could be considered as a significant unit in terms of conservation and management, since it is unique in several ecological parameters.
Molecular ecology and phylogeography of the bent‐wing bat complex (Miniopterus schreibersii) (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae) in Asia Minor and adjacent regions
Authors: Furman Andrzej , ÇOraman Emrah , Bilgin Raşit , Karataş Ahmet 
Published: October 2008

In this study we investigate population genetic structure and phylogeography of the bent‐wing bat complex (Miniopterus schreibersii) in Asia Minor and adjacent regions. PCR amplification and sequencing of the first hypervariable domain of the mitochondrial control region were used to obtain the genetic data. Morphometric differentiation between lineages was analysed by comparing forearm lengths. We found two reciprocally monophyletic lineages within the M. schreibersii complex, identified as M. s. schreibersii and M. s. pallidus. Distributions of the lineages were allopatric with a U‐shaped suture zone passing through Central Anatolia. The suture zone separated coastal regions occupied by M. s. schreibersii from inland, higher altitude regions occupied by M. s. pallidus. The lineages showed a considerable sequence divergence of c. 9%, accompanied by a corresponding difference in forearm length. The presence of the genetically distinct lineages, with allopatric distribution and corresponding morphometric differences, probably reflects their long isolation during the ice‐age in the Balkans and the Caspian/Caucasus refugia, followed subsequently by expansion into different habitats. Based on the present data, the lineages can be recognized as evolutionary significant units.
BIOMETRICS, IDENTIFICATION AND SURVEILLANCE
Authors: LYON DAVID 
Published: October 2008

ABSTRACTGoverning by identity describes the emerging regime of a globalizing, mobile world. Governance depends on identification but identification increasingly depends on biometrics. This ‘solution’ to difficulties of verification is described and some technical weaknesses are discussed. The role of biometrics in classification systems is also considered and is shown to contain possible prejudice in relation to racialized criteria of identity. Lastly, the culture of biometric identification is shown to be limited to abstract data, artificially separated from the lived experience of the body including the orientation to others. It is proposed that creators of national ID systems in particular address these crucial deficiencies in their attempt to provide new modes of verification.
BODY, BIOMETRICS AND IDENTITY
Authors: MORDINI EMILIO , MASSARI SONIA 
Published: October 2008

ABSTRACTAccording to a popular aphorism, biometrics are turning the human body into a passport or a password. As usual, aphorisms say more than they intend. Taking the dictum seriously, we would be two: ourself and our body. Who are we, if we are not our body? And what is our body without us? The endless history of identification systems teaches that identification is not a trivial fact but always involves a web of economic interests, political relations, symbolic networks, narratives and meanings. Certainly there are reasons for the ethical and political concerns surrounding biometrics but these reasons are probably quite different from those usually alleged.
C’est encœur plus jeuli, le Mareuc: some evidence for the spread of //‐fronting in French
Authors: Armstrong Nigel , Low Jennifer 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThis paper examines //‐fronting in French, the centralising or fronting of the back rounded mid‐vowel //. Using variationist methodology, we present some results from a corpus of speech recorded in Roanne in central eastern France. After an analysis of the co‐articulatory factors that endorse and disfavour //‐fronting, we present results suggesting that young females may be leading a change in the direction of the supralocal frontmost variant. We also examine evidence that points to the unrounding of // after /r/, a phenomenon that appears to give the effect of fronting. We conclude with a consideration of the nature of the phonological levelling which characterises the current French situation, and which //‐fronting exemplifies.
Lexical similarity and endemism in historical wordlists of Australian Aboriginal languages of the greater Sydney region
Authors: Jones Caroline , Laffan Shawn 
Published: October 2008

AbstractTo reconstruct an indigenous language known solely from historical wordlists, the linguist needs to decide which source wordlists are most relevant, i.e. which sources are most likely to be attestations of the language to be reconstructed. There is little published research on methods appropriate to this task, and yet there is increasing attention to indigenous language reconstruction in support of language revival and revitalisation in education and community contexts. This paper1 describes a replicable and relatively objective method for comparing lexical similarity within a set of historical sources. The method described draws on the use of measures of lexical similarity in linguistics and the use of measures of endemism in biogeography. The method is illustrated via an analysis of historical sources for Aboriginal languages from the greater Sydney region, New South Wales, Australia. The sample is used to describe the overall similarity and difference between wordlists from this region, and to identify which wordlists are most similar to the wordlist recorded by the surveyor R. H. Mathews (e.g. 1903) as Darkinyung language.
Consistent Model Selection and Data-Driven Smooth Tests for Longitudinal Data in the Estimating Equations Approach
Authors: Wang Lan , Qu Annie 
Published: October 2008

SummaryModel selection for marginal regression analysis of longitudinal data is challenging owing to the presence of correlation and the difficulty of specifying the full likelihood, particularly for correlated categorical data. The paper introduces a novel Bayesian information criterion type model selection procedure based on the quadratic inference function, which does not require the full likelihood or quasi-likelihood. With probability approaching 1, the criterion selects the most parsimonious correct model. Although a working correlation matrix is assumed, there is no need to estimate the nuisance parameters in the working correlation matrix; moreover, the model selection procedure is robust against the misspecification of the working correlation matrix. The criterion proposed can also be used to construct a data-driven Neyman smooth test for checking the goodness of fit of a postulated model. This test is especially useful and often yields much higher power in situations where the classical directional test behaves poorly. The finite sample performance of the model selection and model checking procedures is demonstrated through Monte Carlo studies and analysis of a clinical trial data set.
Empirical Bayes Confidence Intervals Shrinking Both Means and Variances
Authors: Gene Hwang J. T. , Qiu Jing , Zhao Zhigen 
Published: October 2008

SummaryWe construct empirical Bayes intervals for a large number p of means. The existing intervals in the literature assume that variances σi2 are either equal or unequal but known. When the variances are unequal and unknown, the suggestion is typically to replace them by unbiased estimators Si2. However, when p is large, there would be advantage in ‘borrowing strength’ from each other. We derive double-shrinkage intervals for means on the basis of our empirical Bayes estimators that shrink both the means and the variances. Analytical and simulation studies and application to a real data set show that, compared with the t-intervals, our intervals have higher coverage probabilities while yielding shorter lengths on average. The double-shrinkage intervals are on average shorter than the intervals from shrinking the means alone and are always no longer than the intervals from shrinking the variances alone. Also, the intervals are explicitly defined and can be computed immediately.
Jenner's Ladies: Women and Vaccination against Smallpox in Early Nineteenth‐Century Britain
Authors: BENNETT MICHAEL 
Published: October 2008

AbstractIn 1798 Edward Jenner published his theory that cowpox inoculation (vaccination) provided immunity to smallpox, the greatest scourge of his age. In the following decade the practice spread remarkably rapidly, partly as a substitute for the older and more dangerous practice of smallpox inoculation (variolation) and partly through the creation of a larger constituency for immunization. While there is some awareness that Jenner was able to cultivate the support of some aristocratic ladies for the new prophylactic, there has been no study of the role of women and women's networks in the adoption and promotion of vaccination. Using a wide range of evidence, this article argues that women were crucial to the rapid establishment of the new practice: as mothers with experience of smallpox and cowpox; as discerning consumers and disseminators of medical knowledge; and as activists, in terms of both patronage and practice. A focus on vaccination offers a new perspective on women's roles in the private and public spheres, and in the mobilization of the British nation during the Napoleonic Wars.