bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
DHU-Pred: accurate prediction of dihydrouridine sites using position and composition variant features on diverse classifiers
Authors: Suleman Muhammad Taseer , Alkhalifah Tamim , Alturise Fahad , Khan Yaser Daanial 
Published: October 2022

Background
Dihydrouridine (D) is a modified transfer RNA post-transcriptional modification (PTM) that occurs abundantly in bacteria, eukaryotes, and archaea. The D modification assists in the stability and conformational flexibility of tRNA. The D modification is also responsible for pulmonary carcinogenesis in humans.

Objective
For the detection of D sites, mass spectrometry and site-directed mutagenesis have been developed. However, both are labor-intensive and time-consuming methods. The availability of sequence data has provided the opportunity to build computational models for enhancing the identification of D sites. Based on the sequence data, the DHU-Pred model was proposed in this study to find possible D sites.

Methodology
The model was built by employing comprehensive machine learning and feature extraction approaches. It was then validated using in-demand evaluation metrics and rigorous experimentation and testing approaches.

Results
The DHU-Pred revealed an accuracy score of 96.9%, which was considerably higher compared to the existing D site predictors.

Availability and Implementation
A user-friendly web server for the proposed model was also developed and is freely available for the researchers.
Role of Tristetraprolin in Psoriasis: A Case Control Study
Authors: El-agamy Esraa G. , Keshk Walaa Arafa , Fawzy Mohamed M. , Ibrahim Zeinab Abd Elsamad 
Published: October 2022

Background: Tristetraprolin (TTP) is RNA-binding protein encoded by Zfp36 gene which regulates the mRNA stability of several important cytokines. Due to its critical role in control of inflammation, TTP deficiency leads to the spontaneous development of a complex inflammatory syndrome. So far, this phenotype has been largely attributed to dysregulated production of TNF and IL23 by myeloid cells, such as macrophages or DCs. The expression of TTP was studied in keratinocytes and explored its role in the imiquimod-induced psoriasis model.
Objective: To study the possible role of Tristetraprolin in the pathogenesis of psoriasis.
Methods: The study included 32 patients who were randomly assigned to two groups, group 1 included 22 patients with psoriasis and group 2 included 10 apparently healthy individual as a control group. Skin specimens were obtained by punch biopsy (3mm) from the skin lesion of the patients and normal skin of controls. Skin tissue from each case was homogenized in phosphate buffer saline (pH 7.4). The crude homogenate was centrifuged, and the resultant supernatant was removed and used for the measurement of Tristetraprolin level by ELISA.
Results: Regarding to Tristetraprolin (ng/m protein) level, there was a significant difference between cases and control group regarding skin tissue TTP level. TTP was significantly lower in psoriasis patient when compared to controls (P value < 0.001). As regard relation between the level of TTP and the disease severity represented as PASI score; there was significant difference in TTP level between different grades (P value 0.001) with the lowest level in cases with severe psoriasis.
Conclusions: Tristetraprolin may play a role in pathogenesis of psoriasis and may provide important clues to assist in the development of new therapeutic strategies for psoriatic patients.
Diffuse large B‐cell non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma in a patient with autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome
Authors: Boulanger Emmanuelle , Rieux‐Laucat Frédéric , Picard Capucine , Legall Marie , Sigaux François , Clauvel Jean‐Pierre , Oksenhendler Eric , Le Deist Françoise , Meignin Véronique 
Published: July 2002

Mutations of Fas or Fas ligand genes result in the autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome (ALPS) in humans. We report here a diffuse large B‐cell non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma occurring in a man with ALPS. Fas‐mediated lymphocyte apoptosis was defective in vitro, owing to a mutation within the death domain of the Fas molecule. High‐dose methotrexate and doxorubicin–based chemotherapy led to complete remission of lymphoma.
n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation, monocyte adhesion molecule expression and pro‐inflammatory mediators in Type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Sampson M. J. , Davies I. R. , Brown J. C. , Morgan V. , Richardson T. , James A. J. , Sampson A. P. , Hughes D. A. 
Published: July 2002

SUMMARY Aims  To examine the effect of n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplements on the monocyte surface expression of adhesion molecules involved in pro‐atherogenic monocyte–endothelial interactions, and on pro‐inflammatory mediators in Type 2 diabetes mellitus.Methods  Twenty‐nine subjects with Type 2 diabetes and 21 controls without diabetes were studied. Monocyte expression of leucocyte function‐associated antigens 1 and 3, intercellular adhesion molecule‐1, and the major histocompatibility complex class II molecule HLA‐DR were measured using a laser flow cytometric method. Supplementation with 2.08 g n‐3 fatty acids for 21 days was undertaken and measurements repeated. Plasma soluble adhesion molecule concentrations, plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 activity and antigen and pro‐inflammatory mediators (cysteinyl leukotriene and monocyte leukotriene B4) were also measured.Results  Groups did not differ in monocyte expression of adhesion molecules or HLA‐DR, or in leukotriene production although plasma soluble adhesion molecule concentrations were higher in the diabetes groups (P < 0.05). n‐3 fatty acid supplementation influenced neither the expression of these molecules nor plasma soluble adhesion molecule concentrations or leukotriene production.Conclusions  This study does not support increased monocyte adhesion molecule expression or abnormal monocyte production of pro‐inflammatory mediators as mechanisms for increased atherogenic risk in Type 2 diabetes. Cardioprotective actions of n‐3 fatty acids may not be mediated through these mechanisms.
Blur due to pupil area when using progressive addition spectacles
Authors: Burns David 
Published: July 2002

SummaryThe progression zone of a progressive addition spectacle lens cannot provide a sharp retinal image as it presents the pupil with a range of powers through which to view an object. The resulting blur is explored mathematically. The nature of this blur is extraordinary but its visual significance is very slight and is less than previously believed. Peripheral astigmatism, found in all such lenses, may lower their visual performance.
A novel approach to measuring the wettability of rigid contact lenses. Mass measurement of the adherent liquid on the rigid lens surface (1)
Authors: Shirafkan Abbas , Woodward E. Geoffrey , Hull Christopher C. 
Published: July 2002

SummaryA novel approach and the equilibrium sessile drop (laser assisted) method were used to determine the wettability of hydrated and unhydrated PMMA, Polycon II, Boston IV, Equalens and Boston RXD rigid contact lens materials. In the new method the ability of the contact lens surface to attract the liquid is evaluated by measuring the adhered mass of liquid on the front lens surface. The mass has a direct relationship to contact lens wettability, so the greater the lens surface hydrophilicity the more liquid adheres to the contact lens surface. In the hydrated state, Equalens and Boston IV showed the greatest hydrophilicity of all five materials, although there was no significant difference between them (P > 0.9). Boston RXD had a lower ability to attract liquid and there was a significant difference between it and the next higher material which was Boston IV (P < 0.005) and also the next lowest Polycon II (P < 0.00001). PMMA had the lowest capability to adhere liquid and there was a significant difference between PMMA and Polycon II (P < 0.00001). The new method is simple and quick to use and gives greater discrimination and repeatability than other current methods.
A new protocol for the optometric management of patients with reading difficulties
Authors: Lightstone A. , Evans B. J. W. 
Published: July 2002

SummaryResearch by Evans et al. (Ophthal. Physiol. Opt.15, 481–487, 19956) has demonstrated a correlation between visual processing and ocular motor factors in people with specific reading difficulties (dyslexia). In addition, research by Wilkins et al. (Ophthal. Physiol. Opt.14, 365–370, 1994) has shown that some people with dyslexia will benefit from a reduction of perceptual symptoms of discomfort and distortion if they use individually prescribed coloured filters. Three examples of the dyslexic patients who attend at the Institute of Optometry clearly demonstrate the importance of full investigation of ocular function, including the assessment of the effect of colour on visual perception. All three patients presented with similar symptoms of asthenopia when reading. Symptoms were alleviated for the first patient by use of orthoptic treatment of an exotropia with intermittent suppression. With the second patient, ocular motor functions were found to be within acceptable limits and relief of symptoms was obtained by the prescribing of lenses of a specific chromaticity. For the third patient, both orthoptic intervention and the use of specifically tinted lenses were necessary to relieve the visual difficulties that were being experienced. By taking advantage of recent research and developments in optometric instrumentation, it is possible for some of those with dyslexia to receive considerable benefit from optometric intervention.
Visual training programme applied to precision shooting
Authors: Junyent Lluïsa Quevedo i , Fortó Joan Solé i 
Published: July 2002

SummaryA three month visual training programme was conducted at the CAR of Sant Cugat (Olympic Training Center). Eleven members of ‘The Catalan Government Special Intervention Squad’ were used in a clinical trial. Pre‐test and post‐test results were obtained for pistol shooting, visual function, and psychological and physical states. Statistical analysis indicated significant gains in visual function and pistol shooting scores after the programme, while psychological (anxiety) and physical condition remained the same. Some conclusive statements can be made with regard to the relation of visual function improvement and shooting performance increment, after analysing the data. This improvement is evident in statistically significant post‐test gains in the following variables: 'phoria at distance, recovery points in fusional reserves at distance, analytical amplitude, negative relative accommodation, saccadic fixations, and accommodative facility at distance and at near. The rest of the controlled visual variables also showed clinical improvement.
Pirenzepine prevents form deprivation myopia in a dose dependent manner
Authors: Leech E. M. , Cottriall C. L. , McBrien N. A. 
Published: July 2002

SummaryPrevious studies have demonstrated that muscarinic antagonists, such as atropine and pirenzepine, block form deprivation myopia in avian and mammalian models. The aim of the present investigation was to establish dose–response curves for intravitreal and subconjunctivally injected pirenzepine and to determine receptor specificity. Chicks were monocularly deprived of form vision for five days and received daily injections of either pirenzepine or saline. Keratometry, retinoscopy and A‐scan ultrasonography of axial ocular dimensions were then taken. Intravitreally injected pirenzepine was effective at preventing form deprivation myopia in a dose dependent manner with an ED50 of 175 μg. A 500 μg dose totally prevented induced myopia (+0.9 D versus −13.7 D) and axial enlargement (−0.14 mm versus +0.32 mm). Daily subconjunctival injection of pirenzepine was significantly less effective in preventing form deprivation myopia. Form deprivation myopia could still be induced in animals which had undergone pirenzepine treatment. Pirenzepine was effective in preventing the axial elongation associated with experimental myopia in a dose dependent manner and via a functional not toxic mechanism.
Reversal of tropicamide mydriasis with single instillations of pilocarpine can induce substantial pseudo‐myopia in young adults
Authors: Gilmartin Bernard , Amer Adam C. , Ingleby Stuart 
Published: July 2002

SummaryPupillary dilation for diagnostic purposes has become an increasingly common procedure in UK optometry in recent years and the consensus seems currently to militate against the routine use of miotics; an eye that is judged safe to dilate is thought to be at minimal risk during the natural recovery phase to normal pupil size. Nevertheless, the optometrist does, on occasion, need to consider whether there might be some advantage in minimising the sometimes debilitating effects of cycloplegia and mydriasis produced in young adults by tropicamide. In this context we compare the effects of single instillations of two miotic agents: the α‐adrenoceptor antagonist thymoxamine HCl (0.5%), and the parasympathomimetic pilocarpine HCl (1 and 2%). Tropicamide was used to induce mydriasis in a group of 12 volunteer student subjects aged 20–26 years (7 male, 5 female; mean 21.67 years) selected to provide low (L; n = 4), medium (M; n = 4) and high (H; n = 4) iris pigment levels. Measurements of pupil diameter (Brocca pupillometer), Snellen visual acuity and accommodative amplitude (near point rule) were made every 3 min over a 90 min recording period for 4 trials: (1) a control condition whereby a miotic was not employed; (2) thymoxamine HCl 0.5% was instilled after 30 min; (3) and (4) pilocarpine 1% and 2% was instilled after 30 min, respectively. Tropicamide induced a mean increase in pupil area from 25 to 50 mm2 after 22 min which was generally sustained over the 90 min period and was enhanced for the lower pigment groups. Although a partial reversal was induced by thymoxamine (i.e. a mean decrease from 50 to 35 mm2 35 min after instillation), was not present with pilocarpine, there was clear evidence of a significant pilocarpine‐induced pseudo‐myopia which, when corrected with negative spheres, had mean values (in DS for pigment levels L, M, H) as follows: for 1%, 0.56 (L), 0.66 (M), 0.34 (H); for 2%, 1.17 (L), 0.71 (M), 0.44 (H). The pseudo‐myopic effects were transitory but, if present, became apparent within 30 min after instillation of pilocarpine and lasted for up to 80 min after completion of the drug trials. The results emphasise the need to monitor closely the potential pseudo‐myopic effects of pilocarpine, especially in light coloured irides where an adequate standard of vision for driving might be at risk. Further, reinstatement of an easily accessible formulation of thymoxamine (or dapiprazole HCl) should be encouraged.
Ocular dysfunction associated with mental handicap
Authors: Castañe M. , Peris E. , Sanchez E. 
Published: July 2002

SummaryThe aim of this article is to show the main general and ocular characteristics of a group of 46 mentally handicapped people of different IQ and age who were provided with visual care. Many different syndromes and neurological alterations have been described in the literature. The case types and number of people studied for each condition attending our clinics were: syndromes: Down's (25), Soto (2), West (2), Rubinstein–Taybi (1), triple X (1); neurological conditions: cerebral palsy (8), microcephaly (5), hydrocephaly (2). In our study the ocular findings were high incidence of ametropies: 58.7% hyperopia, 21.7% myopia, 19.5% astigmatism and 28% strabismus.
The aetiology of presbyopia: a summary of the role of lenticular and extralenticular structures
Authors: Gilmartin Bernard 
Published: July 2002

SummaryPresbyopia is a condition of age rather than ageing and, as such, is devolved from the lamentable situation where the normal age‐related reduction in amplitude of accommodation reaches a point when the clarity of vision at near cannot be sustained for long enough to satisfy an individual's requirements. Most of our facility to accommodate has been lost by 55 years‐of‐age and subsequent deterioration in visual performance at near is attributable to characteristics of senescent vision familiar to the optometrist. Our understanding of the cause of presbyopia has then to be derived principally from our understanding of the mechanism of accommodation in young eyes. Hermann von Helmholtz did much to clarify these mechanisms, but despite much research in the 100 years since his death, there is still no consensus on their precise nature. This paper presents a summary of issues, past and present, which have figured in the literature on the physiology of accommodation and presbyopia, and confirms that the pathophysiology of presbyopia is likely to result from deterioration in structure and function of a number of inter‐related tissues. Changes in crystalline lens dimensions with age, the associated change in geometry of zonular attachments, and changes in viscoelastic properties of the lens capsule and lens matrix would, however, appear to be the principal correlates for the onset of presbyopia. Recent models of the biomechanics of accommodation have drawn attention to the feasibility of extralenticular contributions to presbyopia and have examined properties of the elasticity and leverage provided by posterior, anterior and tensile fibre systems. The stimulus for innovation in the correction and remediation of presbyopia is strong as at least 98% of individuals from the industrialised nations will survive until 45 years‐of‐age; it is salutary to note that the survival rate 100 years ago was only 60%.
The lacrimal lens as an assessment factor in hard contact lens fitting
Authors: Gowans M. 
Published: July 2002

SummaryThe fitting of hard contact lenses relies primarily on the evaluation of the findings of ‘K’ readings, the fluorescein pattern of the tear configuration and the interpretation of the lens movement upon blinking and the lens position after blinking. All of these methods have some disadvantages in the evaluation procedure: (a) keratometer readings measure cornical radius in a small and restricted area of the central cornea not in the larger area to eventually be covered by the lens (Bennett and Rabbetts, Clinical Visual Optics. Butterworths, London, UK, pp. 420–421, 19841); (b) the fluorescein pattern is sometimes unreliable especially in the presence of excessive tear flow; (c) lens movement, arguably the most reliable of evaluation methods, nonetheless requires some alternative back‐up technique. This presentation outlines the possibility of utilising the lacrimal lens as a useful additional procedure to the above when prescribing a lens curvature of choice. It should be pointed out that the technique discussed refers to spherical or near spherical corneas.
The risk of microbial keratitis with daily‐wear and extended‐wear use of disposable lenses
Authors: Radford Cherry F. , Minassian Darwin C. , Dart John K. 
Published: July 2002

SummaryA pilot case‐control study indicated an excess risk of microbial keratitis (MK) with disposable soft contact lenses (DSCL). A larger case‐control study was conducted to separate the risks associated with daily‐wear (DW) and extended‐wear (EW) use of DSCL, and to determine whether there is an excess risk associated with the lenses after controlling for other variables.Contact lens (CL) wearers presenting as new patients to Moorfields Eye Hospital Casualty over 12 months completed a questionnaire detailing CL use and hygiene practices. Cases were patients with presumed MK, according to established clinical criteria. Controls were patients attending with disorders unrelated to CL wear. Relative risks were calculated using conventional soft lenses (SCL) as the referent, and multivariable analysis was performed. DW and EW patients were analysed separately.Among SCL wearers there were 89 cases, and 566 controls. Multivariable analysis confirmed a statistically significant increased risk with DSCL among both DW (×3.5) and EW patients (×4.8).This study shows that, despite the proven reduction in less serious complications with the disposable regimen, there is an increased risk of MK with both DW and EW DSCL, even after controlling for other variables. Although patient and practitioner factors may contribute to these risks, it is likely that properties of some DSCL are partly responsible and require further investigation.
Spectral sensitivity as revealed by isolated step onsets and step offsets
Authors: Schwartz Steven H. 
Published: July 2002

SummaryOpponent‐colour spectral sensitivity functions are traditionally elicited with increments; the temporal presentation of these increments is usually step onset and step offset. However, there are both physiological and psychophysical data suggesting differences in sensitivity for spectral step onsets and step offsets. The purpose of this study was to elicit opponent‐colour spectral sensitivity functions with isolated step onsets and offsets, and to compare the form and sensitivity of these functions. Spectral sensitivity functions were determined for large, long duration, step onset and step offset stimuli. Four human observers participated in the study. The opponent‐colour functions obtained for onsets and offsets are largely similar in both form and sensitivity. Of particular interest is the finding that there is no reduction in sensitivity for blue offsets. These data are consistent with recently published psychological data and apparently at variance with physiological data that suggest a paucity of S‐cone OFF‐neurones in the primate retina and dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN).
Visual field defects due to spectacle frames: their prediction and relationship to UK driving standards
Authors: Steel S. E. , Mackie S. W. , Walsh G. 
Published: July 2002

SummaryOne male and one female subject wore a selection of ten current spectacle frames in random order. Monocular visual fields were assessed using an Aimark perimeter in accordance with UK Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) guidelines. Of the ten frames, seven plastic frames produced an absolute scotoma intruding into a 120°× 40°‘letterbox’ area acting as a driving visual field template. Three metal frames gave a relative scotoma; however, our apparatus was too insensitive to plot these scotomata. Relevant frame and patient parameters were measured and entered into a computer program which enabled theoretical visual field defects due to a spectacle frame to be calculated. Good agreement is shown to be possible between actual and computed visual field defects. Spectacle frames can and frequently do cause visual field defects which may affect a driver's fitness to drive. Our data also show that a frame which allows an adequate field of vision at night could cause a marked visual field defect during daylight hours. A model and rule‐of‐thumb are given to determine the size of these potential defects and suggestions are given to minimise or eliminate them.