bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Persistency rates for prostaglandin and other hypotensive eyedrops: population‐based study using pharmacy claims data
Authors: Rait Julian L , Adena Michael A 
Published: September 2007

AbstractBackground:  Effective management of ocular hypertension requires patients to be persistent with their treatment regimen. We evaluated patients' persistency with hypotensive eyedrops commonly used to treat glaucoma and ocular hypertension.Methods:  This large, population‐based, retrospective, cohort study used pharmacy claims data for concessional patients from the Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (July 1999–June 2005). Resupply rates for prostaglandins, beta‐blockers, alpha‐agonists and carbonic anhydrase inhibitors were analysed using life tables and Cox regression. Two populations, based on patients' supply histories, were examined: (i) ‘new to this eyedrop’– patients who had used other hypotensive eyedrops before (presumably, previously diagnosed with glaucoma or ocular hypertension); and (ii) ‘new to any eyedrop’– patients who were using their first hypotensive eyedrop (presumably, newly diagnosed with glaucoma or ocular hypertension).Results:  Data were obtained for 14 359 618 supplies of commonly used hypotensive eyedrops to 357 099 concessional patients. For both populations, resupply rates were highest for prostaglandins or the dorzolamide‐timolol combination eyedrops, compared with beta‐blockers, alpha‐agonists or carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. Among the prostaglandins, there was no significant difference in the risk of ceasing supply between latanoprost and bimatoprost, but the risk was significantly higher for travoprost.Conclusions:  Based on resupply rates from a national pharmacy claims database, patients supplied with ocular hypotensive eyedrops were most persistent with prostaglandin (bimatoprost, latanoprost and travoprost) and dorzolamide‐timolol combination eyedrops. Among the prostaglandins, persistency was highest with, and similar between, bimatoprost and latanoprost. Persistency should be taken into account when selecting the most appropriate eyedrop to treat glaucoma and ocular hypertension.
Unfolding characteristics of a new hydrophobic acrylic intraocular lens, and possible association with complications in triple procedures
Authors: Iwase Takeshi , Tanaka Nobushige 
Published: September 2007

AbstractBackground:  To evaluate the relationship between complications observed in triple procedures and the unfolding characteristics of the HOYA AF‐1 lens.Methods:  Intraoperative and postoperative complications of 242 eyes undergoing vitrectomy, phacoemulsification and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation were reviewed. Ninety eyes were implanted with the AF‐1 lens (VA60BB), 100 eyes with a polymethylmethacrylate lens (824C) and 52 eyes with an AcrySof lens (SA60AT). The unfolding characteristics of the VA60BB and SA60AT were also experimentally examined.Results:  Intraoperative iatrogenic posterior capsular holes caused by the vitreous cutter were observed in two eyes with the VA60BB, in three eyes with the 824C, and in one eye with the SA60AT. Significant rotation of the curled IOL in the capsular bag during implantation, with dislocation of the IOL into the vitreous cavity through the hole occurred in the two eyes with the VA60BB. Postoperatively, posterior synechia of the iris occurred more frequently in the VA60BB group (seven eyes) than in the 824C group (one eye) or the SA60AT group (one eye). In the experimental study, the unfolding time of the VA60BB lens was longer than that of the SA60AT lens. The overall diameter of the VA60BB lens after unfolding remained shorter than that before folding.Conclusion:  Incomplete unfolding of the VA60BB appears to cause intraoperative rotation of the IOL in the capsular bag, resulting in IOL dislocation into the vitreous cavity in the presence of a posterior capsular hole. This lens also appears to be associated with higher rate of postoperative complications in triple procedures.
Subthreshold micropulse diode laser photocoagulation for clinically significant diabetic macular oedema: a three‐year follow up
Authors: Sivaprasad Sobha , Sandhu Ranjit , Tandon Anamika , Sayed‐Ahmed Khalid , McHugh Dominic A 
Published: September 2007

AbstractPurpose:  To report the long‐term visual outcome of subthreshold micropulse diode laser photocoagulation for clinically significant diffuse diabetic macular oedema (CSME).Design:  Non‐comparative case‐series.Methods:  The main outcome measures of this 3‐year follow‐up study of infrared (810 nm) subthreshold diode micropulse laser photocoagulation for CSME were visual outcome and the angiographic CSME status of 19 patients (25 eyes).Results:  Visual acuity stabilized or improved in 84% of treated eyes by the end of the first year. The result was maintained in the second year and by the third year, 92% maintained vision. However, more patients needed supplementary grid laser in the third year than in the second year. CSME decreased in 92% of the eyes and resolved in 88% in the first year. By the second year, 92% showed complete resolution. However, in the third year, recurrent CSME was noted in 28% of patients.Conclusion:  This study has the longest follow up reported so far and demonstrating that subthreshold micropulse diode laser photocoagulation has a beneficial long‐term effect on visual acuity and resolution of CSME with minimal chorio‐retinal damage.
Pronociceptive changes in response properties of rostroventromedial medullary neurons in a rat model of peripheral neuropathy
Authors: Gonçalves Leonor , Almeida Armando , Pertovaara Antti 
Published: September 2007

AbstractThe spared nerve injury (SNI) model of peripheral neuropathy produces a robust and long‐lasting hypersensitivity. Previous behavioural studies suggest that brainstem–spinal pathways originating in or relaying through the rostroventromedial medulla (RVM) contribute to neuropathic hypersensitivity. We determined whether SNI induces changes in response properties of RVM neurons that might influence descending modulation of nociception. RVM neurons included in the study were classified into presumably pronociceptive ON‐cells and antinociceptive OFF‐cells (giving excitatory or inhibitory responses to noxious stimulation, respectively). Spontaneous activity and the response to cold, pinch and colorectal distension were assessed under light anaesthesia in the rat, 1 week and 8 weeks following nerve injury or sham operation. Spontaneous activity was increased 1 week but not 8 weeks after nerve injury in ON‐cells but decreased in OFF‐cells at both time points. In the SNI group, cold‐evoked responses were enhanced particularly in ON‐cells, independent of the postoperative time point. Responses of ON‐cells to pinch and visceral stimulation were enhanced 8 weeks but not 1 week following nerve injury, whereas OFF‐cell responses to pinch or colorectal distension were not changed. The results indicate that SNI induces pronociceptive changes in spontaneous activities of ON‐cells and OFF‐cells and peripherally evoked responses of ON‐cells that vary with the postoperative time point. Increased ON‐cell activity and decreased OFF‐cell activity in the RVM are likely to enhance spinal nociception in a tonic fashion, whereas increased responses of ON‐cells to peripheral stimulation are likely to enhance ascending nociceptive signals by a positive feedback following peripheral noxious stimulation.
Diabetes mellitus as a risk factor for nosocomial pneumonia and associated mortality
Authors: Vardakas K. Z. , Siempos I. I. , Falagas M. E. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractBackground  Patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) are considered to be more susceptible to several types of infections, including community‐acquired pneumonia. However, it is not clear whether DM is a risk factor for development of hospital‐acquired pneumonia (HAP), an infection with considerable morbidity and mortality worldwide.Methods  We searched PubMed for relevant publications that included data on the possible association between DM and HAP. Cohort studies, case–control studies and observational studies were included in this analysis. Two of the authors performed the literature search independently.Results  We identified 84 studies designed to identify risk factors and predictors of mortality as a result of HAP. Of these, 13 studied patients in the ward or intensive care unit (ICU), 28 studied patients treated in the ICU only, and 44 studied patients with ventilator‐associated pneumonia. Only 14 considered the role of DM for this nosocomial complication. The reviewed data suggest that DM is not a risk factor for development of HAP in patients who require ICU treatment. In addition, patients with DM are not at increased risk for development of ventilator‐associated pneumonia. Moreover, DM is not a prognostic factor for mortality in patients with HAP based on data from two out of 84 identified studies that provided relevant information.Conclusions  There is a relative scarcity of studies examining DM as a potential risk factor for HAP. Our analysis of the available data supports the conclusion that DM is not a risk factor for development of HAP and mortality associated with this nosocomial infection.
Time and cost involved in the care of newly registered patients with diabetes mellitus and other lifestyle diseases at diabetes clinics in Japan (JDDM 4)
Authors: Oishi M. , Yokoyama H. , Abe N. , Iwasaki K. , Okuguchi F. , Kawai K. , Sugimoto H. , Takamura H. , Takeda H. , Doi K. , Hirao K. , Ikeda S. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractAims  To study the time and cost involved in the care of newly registered outpatients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), compared with patients with hypertension and/or hyperlipidaemia (HTL).Methods  A total of 313 patients with DM and 58 patients with HTL without diabetes were registered on their first visits to 11 diabetes clinics across Japan. The time and cost involved in their care was recorded over the following 5 months.Results  In the first 3 months, there was an extensive time commitment to both groups. The time spent by physicians was 1.5 times longer for DM than for HTL. The total care time spent by all the care providers for DM was twice that for HTL. The cost of DM care was twice that for HTL, with the cost of medicines excluded. However, half of the cost for DM was for laboratory tests. When these were excluded, and the remaining cost divided by the time spent, the amount for DM was half of that for HTL. Over the 5 months, mean glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) in DM patients improved from 8.0% to 6.5%, and 72% of DM patients achieved the glycaemic target of HbA1c ≤ 6.5%.Conclusions  DM care in a diabetes clinic requires a great deal more time and resources than HTL to achieve the best outcome. An educational system for self care, presently lacking in the primary care setting in Japan, would improve glycaemic control for DM patients in the community.
Characteristics of adults with and without cystic fibrosis‐related diabetes
Authors: Adler A. I. , Gunn E. , Haworth C. S. , Bilton D. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractAims  The prevalence of diabetes in adults with cystic fibrosis (CF) approximates 25%, yet few studies have defined risk factors. We examined the association between biochemical and clinical factors and CF‐related diabetes.Methods  We performed a study in adults with CF in 2004 in Cambridgeshire, UK. Of 160 individuals, 51 had diabetes (cases) on the basis of medical history or screening using a 75‐g oral glucose tolerance test, and 107 did not have diabetes (control subjects); two were excluded. We used logistic regression to model the cross‐sectional association between potential risk factors and diabetes.Results  The mean age was 26 (16–58) years, mean body mass index (BMI) was 21 (16–28) kg/m2, and mean forced expiratory volume in 1 s was 60 ± 24% (mean ± sd). All of the cases and 88% of control subjects had pancreatic insufficiency. Cases did not differ from control subjects with respect to age, sex, body mass index, or dose of oral pancreatic enzymes. Cases were more likely to have low serum magnesium, haemoglobin, and pulmonary function, and higher serum gamma‐glutamyl transferase (GGT) activity, plasma fibrinogen levels, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, use of oral corticosteroids, and number of CF‐related complications. In multivariate analyses, GGT, previous organ transplantation, plasma fibrinogen and the presence of CF‐related complications were independently associated with diabetes, after controlling for corticosteroid use.Conclusions  These data confirm the high prevalence of diabetes in adults with CF, and identify plasma fibrinogen and GGT, and organ transplantation as factors independently associated with CF‐related diabetes. A prospective study would clarify the nature of these associations.
The importance of TCF7L2
Authors: Weedon M. N. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractAfter many years of frustratingly limited success, the genetic architecture of Type 2 diabetes is finally being uncovered. Recent genome‐wide association studies have identified novel genes predisposing to Type 2 diabetes, which are giving fascinating new insights into the pathophysiology of this complex disease. Of the genes so far identified by this approach, one stands out as having by far the biggest effect on disease risk. A common variant of TCF7L2, when present in two copies, is associated with an approximate 2‐fold higher risk of Type 2 diabetes. This short review focuses on the TCF7L2 finding and discusses its significance for Type 2 diabetes genetic studies and for clinical practice.
Pollution, Capital Mobility and Tax Policies with Unemployment
Authors: Tsakiris Nikos , Hatzipanayotou Panos , Michael Michael S. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractIn this paper we highlight aspects related to the links among unemployment, international capital mobility, and tax policies in a small open developing economy. Without international capital mobility, the joint optimal trade and environmental policies require a zero tariff and an emission tax lower than the Pigouvian tax. With international capital mobility and a capital tax (subsidy), the optimal emission tax rate is smaller (larger) compared to the rate when capital is untaxed. When both the emission tax and the capital tax/subsidy are jointly chosen optimally, then the optimal policy on capital is a lower subsidy, or even a tax, compared to the standard capital subsidy of the no pollution case.
A Modification of the Relative Risk Model with Heterogeneity Component for Detecting Genes Contributing to Longevity
Authors: Begun A. 
Published: September 2007

SummaryGenes associated with longevity can be identified on the basis of information on genotype frequencies for different age groups. This information is usually collected in population studies on aging. Significant age trends of genotype frequencies can indicate gene‐longevity associations. Specific demographic data included in the model allows us to estimate the hazard and survival functions for different genotype groups. A new method based on the relative risk model makes it possible to dispense with some superfluous assumptions of this model and additionally to study the cohort effect and the effect of antagonistic pleiotropy.
Hypsodonty in ungulates: an adaptation for grass consumption or for foraging in open habitat?
Authors: Mendoza M. , Palmqvist P. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractHypsodont (i.e. high‐crowned) teeth have been interpreted as an indicator of feeding preferences and habitat selection in ungulates. For this reason, the degree of hypsodonty has been used for estimating the diet of ancient taxa and in palaeoenvironmental reconstructions. The goal of this study is to elucidate the relative importance of grass consumption and open habitat foraging in the development of hypsodont teeth, using novel computer techniques of knowledge discovery applied to a dataset of 134 species of artiodactyls and perissodactyls distributed among thirteen families. The results obtained suggest that high‐crowned teeth represent an adaptation for feeding in an open habitat, although the minimum threshold of hypsodonty seems to increase with the relative length of the anterior part of the jaw. On the contrary, there is no direct relationship between the degree of hypsodonty and the percentage of grass consumed, except for the correspondence between grazing and dwelling in open habitats. A relatively wide muzzle evidences an adaptation for grass foraging in open and mixed habitats, but there are some non‐grazing species from a closed habitat that also show wide muzzles. Thus, the hypsodonty index, combined with the length of the anterior part of the jaw and the width of the muzzle, allows accurate inferences on the ecological preferences of extinct ungulates.
Online shoppers in Australia: dealing with problems
Authors: Ha Huong , Coghill Ken 
Published: September 2007

AbstractAlthough the Internet is a convenient platform to conduct commercial transactions, consumers are disadvantaged in the online marketplace due to insufficient information about goods and services as well as business and transaction process, lack of access to redress and several other problems. The number of complaints regarding online transactions increased in Australia from 2001 to 2005, and the number of Internet‐fraud related complaints reported to Consumer Sentinel (USA) also increased from 2003 to 2006. This, in turn, has undermined consumer trust and impeded the growth of e‐retailing as well as added to the fear among e‐consumers of falling prey to online fraud. In spite of this, the nature and effectiveness of e‐consumer protection has not been adequately studied, notwithstanding extensive research into other aspects of e‐retailing. This article examines (i) the level of awareness of the respondents in the survey in Australia of the current policy framework for addressing consumer protection about online shopping in terms of redress; and (ii) the behaviour of the two groups of respondents in this survey who have and have not encountered problems with online purchases. The findings suggest that most respondents are not aware of the following issues, namely (i) which organizations are involved in e‐consumer protection; (ii) government regulations and guidelines; (iii) industry codes of conduct; (iv) self‐regulatory approaches adopted by business; and (v) the activities of consumer associations to protect consumers in the online marketplace. The findings also show that most respondents would seek redress if they were unhappy with their online purchases and if they knew how to proceed, and that most of them would settle disputes directly with e‐retailers. Also, online shoppers who had encountered problems were more likely to continue purchasing via the Internet than online shoppers who had not encountered any problems. This suggests that respondents find that the benefits offered by e‐retailing outweigh the risks associated with it.
AMPA and kainate receptors mediate mutually exclusive effects on GABAA receptor expression in cultured mouse cerebellar granule neurones
Authors: Payne Helen L. , Ives Jane H. , Sieghart Werner , Thompson Christopher L. 
Published: September 2007

SummaryStudies on animal models of epilepsy and cerebellar ataxia, e.g., stargazer mice (stg) have identified changes in the GABAergic properties of neurones associated with the affected brain loci. Whether these changes contribute to or constitute homeostatic adaptations to a state of altered neuronal excitability is as yet unknown. Using cultured cerebellar granule neurones from control [+/+; α‐amino‐3‐hydroxyl‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionate receptor (AMPAR)‐competent, Kainate receptor (KAR)‐competent] and stg (AMPAR‐incompetent, KAR‐competent), we investigated whether non‐NMDA receptor (NMDAR) activity regulates GABAA receptor (GABAR) expression. Neurones were maintained in 5 mmol/L KCl‐containing basal media or depolarizing media containing either 25 mmol/L KCl or the non‐NMDAR agonist kainic acid (KA) (100 μmol/L). KCl‐ and KA‐mediated depolarization down‐regulated GABAR α1, α6 and β2, but up‐regulated α4, β3 and δ subunits in +/+ neurones. The KCl‐evoked but not KA‐evoked effects were reciprocated in stg neurones compatible with AMPAR‐regulation of GABAR expression. Conversely, GABAR γ2 expression was insensitive to KCl‐mediated depolarization, but was down‐regulated by KA‐treatment in a 6‐cyano‐7‐nitroquinoxaline‐2,3‐dione (CNQX)‐reversible manner in +/+ and stg neurones compatible with a KAR–mediated response. KA‐mediated up‐regulation of GABAR α4, β3 and δ was inhibited by L‐type voltage‐gated calcium channel (L‐VGCC) blockers and the Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase inhibitor, 4‐[(2S)‐2‐[(5‐isoquinolinylsulfonyl)methylamino]‐3‐oxo‐3‐(4‐phenyl‐1‐piperazinyl)propyl] phenyl isoquinoline sulfonic acid ester (KN‐62). Up‐regulation of GABAR α4 and β3 was also prevented by calcineurin (CaN) inhibitors, FK506 and cyclosporin A. Down‐regulation of GABAR α1, α6 and β2 was independent of L‐VGCC activity, but was prevented by inhibitors of CaN. Thus, we provide evidence that a KAR‐mediated and at least three mutually exclusive AMPAR‐mediated signalling mechanisms regulate neuronal GABAR expression.
Regulation of A2Aadenosine receptor expression and functioning following permanent focal ischemia in rat brain
Authors: Trincavelli Maria L. , Melani Alessia , Guidi Sara , Cuboni Serena , Cipriani Sara , Pedata Felicita , Martini Claudia 
Published: September 2007

AbstractIschemia, through modulation of adenosine receptors (ARs), may influence adenosine‐mediated‐cellular responses. In the present study, we investigated the modulation of rat A2Areceptor expression and functioning, in rat cerebral cortex and striatum, followingin vivofocal ischemia (24 h). In cortex, middle cerebral artery occlusion did not induce any alterations in A2Areceptor binding and functioning. On the contrary, in striatum, a significant decrease in A2Aligand affinity, associated with an increase in receptor density, were detected. In striatum, ischemia also induced a significant reduction both in G protein pool and in A2Areceptor‐G protein coupling. On the contrary, A2Areceptor functional responsiveness, measured as stimulation of adenylyl cyclise, was not affected by ischemia, suggesting receptor up‐regulation may represent a compensatory mechanism to maintain receptor functioning during cerebral damage. Immunohistochemical study showed that following 24 h middle cerebral artery occlusion, A2AARs were definitely expressed both on neurons and activated microglia in ischemic striatum and cortex, but were not detected on astrocytes. In the non‐ischemic hemisphere and in sham‐operated rats A2AARs were barely detected. Modifications of ARs may play a significant role in determining adenosine effects during ischemia and therefore should be taken into account when evaluating time‐dependent protective effects of specific A2Aactive compounds.