bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Malformations of the endangered Chinese sturgeon,
Acipenser sinensis
, and its causal agent
Authors: Hu Jianying , Zhang Zhaobin , Wei Qiwei , Zhen Huajun , Zhao Yanbin , Peng Hui , Wan Yi , Giesy John P. , Li Luoxin , Zhang Bo
Published: May 2009

The anadromous Chinese sturgeon (
Acipenser sinensis
) is endangered and listed among the first class of protected animals in China. The possible causes for the decline of this species are the effects of synthetic chemicals, and loss of critical habitat. Chinese sturgeon in the Yangtze River have accumulated triphenyltin (TPT) to 31–128 ng/g wet weigh (ww) in liver, which is greater than the concentrations of tributyltin (<1.0 ng/g ww). Maternal transfer of TPT has resulted in concentrations of 25.5 ± 13.0 ng/g ww in eggs of wild Chinese sturgeon, which poses a significant risk to the larvae naturally fertilized or hatched in the Yangtze River. The incidence of deformities in fry was 7.5%, with 1.2% of individuals exhibiting ocular abnormal development, and 6.3% exhibited skeletal/morphological deformations. The incidences of both ocular and skeletal/morphological deformations were directly proportional to the TPT concentration in the eggs of both the Chinese sturgeon and the Siberian sturgeon (
Acipenser baerii
) in controlled laboratory studies. The rates of deformities in the controlled studies were consistent with the rates caused at the similar concentrations in eggs collected from the field. Thus, TPT is the causal agent to induce the malformation of larvae of Chinese sturgeon. The incidence of deformed larvae of Chinese sturgeon is an indicator of overall population-level effects of TPT on Chinese sturgeon, because TPT at environmentally relevant concentrations can result in significantly decrease both quality and quantity of eggs and spawning frequency of fish.
RETRACTED: Distinct function of 2 chromatin remodeling complexes that share a common subunit, Williams syndrome transcription factor (WSTF)
Authors: Yoshimura Kimihiro , Kitagawa Hirochika , Fujiki Ryoji , Tanabe Masahiko , Takezawa Shinichiro , Takada Ichiro , Yamaoka Ikuko , Yonezawa Masayoshi , Kondo Takeshi , Furutani Yoshiyuki , Yagi Hisato , Yoshinaga Shin , Masuda Takeyoshi , Fukuda Toru , Yamamoto Yoko , Ebihara Kanae , Li Dean Y. , Matsuoka Rumiko , Takeuchi Jun K. , Matsumoto Takahiro , Kato Shigeaki
Published: May 2009

A number of nuclear complexes modify chromatin structure and operate as functional units. However, the in vivo role of each component within the complexes is not known. ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling complexes form several types of protein complexes, which reorganize chromatin structure cooperatively with histone modifiers. Williams syndrome transcription factor (WSTF) was biochemically identified as a major subunit, along with 2 distinct complexes: WINAC, a SWI/SNF-type complex, and WICH, an ISWI-type complex. Here,
WSTF
−/−
mice were generated to investigate its function in chromatin remodeling in vivo. Loss of WSTF expression resulted in neonatal lethality, and all
WSTF
−/−
neonates and ≈10% of
WSTF
+/−
neonates suffered cardiovascular abnormalities resembling those found in autosomal-dominant Williams syndrome patients. Developmental analysis of
WSTF
−/−
embryos revealed that
Gja5
gene regulation is aberrant from E9.5, conceivably because of inappropriate chromatin reorganization around the promoter regions where essential cardiac transcription factors are recruited. In vitro analysis in
WSTF
−/−
mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF) cells also showed impaired transactivation functions of cardiac transcription activators on the
Gja5
promoter, but the effects were reversed by overexpression of WINAC components. Likewise in
WSTF
−/−
MEF cells, recruitment of Snf2h, an ISWI ATPase, to PCNA and cell survival after DNA damage were both defective, but were ameliorated by overexpression of WICH components. Thus, the present study provides evidence that WSTF is shared and is a functionally indispensable subunit of the WICH complex for DNA repair and the WINAC complex for transcriptional control.
First trial rewards promote 1-trial learning and prolonged memory in pigeon and baboon
Authors: Cook Robert , Fagot Joël
Published: May 2009

There is a long-standing debate in educational settings on the influence of positive and negative consequences on learning. Although positive rewards seem desirable from an ethical perspective, 1-trial learning has been best demonstrated in the animal literature with tasks using highly salient negative consequences, such as shock or illness, and so far only in tasks requiring the acquisition of a singular stimulus-response association. Here we show that pigeons and baboons can concurrently learn, in a cognitively challenging memorization task, hundreds of picture-response associations after a single exposure and that this rapid learning is better promoted by a positive outcome after the first picture presentation. Further, the early positive outcomes had beneficial effects on the memory of learned acquisitions that was detectable up to 6–8 months after initial training. Beyond their significance for educational policies, these findings suggest that the psychological and brain mechanisms controlling rapid, often 1-trial, learning have a long evolutionary history. They may represent the phylogenetic precursor for the disproportionate impact of first impressions in humans and the phenomenon of fast word learning in children.
Modulation of long-term memory for object recognition via HDAC inhibition
Authors: Stefanko Daniel P. , Barrett Ruth M. , Ly Alexandra R. , Reolon Gustavo K. , Wood Marcelo A.
Published: May 2009

Histone acetylation is a chromatin modification critically involved in gene regulation during many neural processes. The enzymes that regulate levels of histone acetylation are histone acetyltransferases (HATs), which activate gene expression and histone deacetylases (HDACs), that repress gene expression. Acetylation together with other histone and DNA modifications regulate transcription profiles for specific cellular functions. Our previous research has demonstrated a pivotal role for cyclicAMP response element binding protein (CREB)-binding protein (CBP), a histone acetyltransferase, in long-term memory for novel object recognition (NOR). In fact, every genetically modified
Cbp
mutant mouse characterized thus far exhibits impaired long-term memory for NOR. These results suggest that long-term memory for NOR is especially sensitive to alterations in CBP activity. Thus, in the current study, we examined the role of HDACs in memory for NOR. We found that inducing a histone hyperacetylated state via HDAC inhibition transforms a learning event that would not normally result in long-term memory into an event that is now remembered long-term. We have also found that HDAC inhibition generates a type of long-term memory that persists beyond a point at which normal memory for NOR fails. This result is particularly interesting because one alluring aspect of examining the role of chromatin modifications in modulating transcription required for long-term memory processes is that these modifications may provide potentially stable epigenetic markers in the service of activating and/or maintaining transcriptional processes.
Unlocking wheat genetic resources for the molecular identification of previously undescribed functional alleles at the
Pm3
resistance locus
Authors: Bhullar Navreet K. , Street Kenneth , Mackay Michael , Yahiaoui Nabila , Keller Beat
Published: May 2009

The continuous improvement of crop plants is essential for agriculture in the coming decades and relies on the use of genetic variability through breeding. However, domestication and modern breeding have reduced diversity in the crop germplasm. Global gene banks conserve diversity, but these resources remain underexplored owing to a lack of efficient strategies to isolate important alleles. Here we describe a large-scale allele-mining project at the molecular level. We first selected a set of 1,320 bread wheat landraces from a database of 16,089 accessions, using the focused identification of germplasm strategy. On the basis of a hierarchical selection procedure on this set, we then isolated 7 resistance alleles of the powdery mildew resistance gene
Pm3
, doubling the known functional allelic diversity at this locus. This targeted approach for molecular utilization of gene bank accessions reveals landraces as a rich resource of new functional alleles. This strategy can be implemented for other studies on the molecular diversity of agriculturally important genes, as well as for molecular breeding.
Qualification tests and facilities for the ITER superconductors
Authors: Bruzzone P. , Wesche R. , Stepanov B. , Cau F. , Bagnasco M. , Calvi M. , Herzog R. , Vogel M.
Published: May 2009

All the ITER superconductors are tested as short length samples in the SULTAN test facility at CRPP. Twenty-four TF conductor samples with small layout variations were tested since February 2007 with the aim of verifying the design and qualification of the manufacturers. The sample assembly and the measurement techniques at CRPP are discussed. Starting in 2010, another test facility for ITER conductors, named EDIPO, will be operating at CRPP to share with SULTAN the load of the samples for the acceptance tests during the construction of ITER.
Exchange protein activated by cAMP enhances long-term memory formation independent of protein kinase A
Authors: Ma Nan , Abel Ted , Hernandez Pepe J.
Published: May 2009

It is well established that cAMP signaling within neurons plays a major role in the formation of long-term memories—signaling thought to proceed through protein kinase A (PKA). However, here we show that exchange protein activated by cAMP (Epac) is able to enhance the formation of long-term memory in the hippocampus and appears to do so independent of PKA, thus demonstrating the importance of Epac-mediated signaling in memory consolidation.
Pharmacological intervention of hippocampal CA3 NMDA receptors impairs acquisition and long-term memory retrieval of spatial pattern completion task
Authors: Fellini Laetitia , Florian Cédrick , Courtey Julie , Roullet Pascal
Published: May 2009

Pattern completion is the ability to retrieve complete information on the basis of incomplete retrieval cues. Although it has been demonstrated that this cognitive capacity depends on the NMDA receptors (NMDA-Rs) of the hippocampal CA3 region, the role played by these glutamatergic receptors in the pattern completion process has not yet been specified. In the present study, we investigated the function of the CA3 NMDA-Rs during the different memory stages (acquisition, memory consolidation, and retrieval) in a spatial pattern completion task (when some visual cues were removed from the environment) in comparison to a standard spatial water maze task (when all visual cues were available in the environment). Thus, we coupled a massed training with the injection of NMDA-receptor antagonist (AP5) into the CA3 subfield of the dorsal hippocampus of C57BL/6 mice. Our results show that NMDA-Rs are not implicated in a standard situation but are crucial during both acquisition and long-term memory retrieval in pattern completion. This work provides the first evidence of a specific role of CA3 NMDA-Rs during memory process involved in the reactivation of incomplete memory trace, particularly when the amount of environmental information available is strongly limited.
Host–parasite relations of an angiospermous root parasite (Thonningia sanguineaVahl) in logged and unlogged sites of Budongo forest reserve, western Uganda
Authors: Olanya Concy Acen , Eilu Gerald
Published: May 2009

Host–parasite relationships of an angiospermous root parasite (Thonningia sanguinea) were investigated in logged and unlogged sites of Budongo Forest Reserve. Host trees were identified and their diameters measured in 20 × 20 m plots established randomly in sites where the parasites were presumed to occur. The distance of the point of attachment of the parasite from the base of the host stem was determined and overstorey density measured at the centre of each plot. There were more parasites in the logged than in the unlogged sites (878 and 425 individual parasites ha−1respectively). The parasite was not host specific butAlchornea laxiflora(Benth) Pax and K.Hoffm,Celtis mildbraediiEngl andLasiodiscus mildbraediiEngl had relatively more parasites than other species. The parasite could be found within a radius of 2 m from the base of the host stem. The diameter of hosts ranged from 1 to 95 cm. There was a positive correlation between overstorey density and occurrence ofT. sanguinea. Conservation ofT. sanguinea,therefore, requires maintenance of intact forests with closed canopies rather than logged sites with many gaps and hence low overstorey density.
Ezetimibe improves postprandial hyperlipidaemia in patients with type IIb hyperlipidaemia
Authors: Masuda D. , Nakagawa‐Toyama Y. , Nakatani K. , Inagaki M. , Tsubakio‐Yamamoto K. , Sandoval J. C. , Ohama T. , Nishida M. , Ishigami M. , Yamashita S.
Published: May 2009

Background  Postprandial hyperlipidaemia is known to be a high‐risk factor for atherosclerotic disease because of rapid and lasting accumulations of triglyceride‐rich lipoproteins and remnants. The Niemann‐Pick C1‐Like 1 (NPC1L1) protein acts as an intestinal cholesterol transporter and ezetimibe, which inhibits NPC1L1, has been used in patients with hypercholesterolaemia. We investigated effects of ezetimibe on fasting lipid and lipoprotein profiles and postprandial hyperlipidaemia in patients with type IIb hyperlipidaemia.

Materials and methods  Ezetimibe 10 mg per day was administered in ten patients with type IIb hyperlipidaemia for 2 months, and lipid and lipoprotein profiles were examined during fasting and after an oral fat loading (OFL) test.

Results  In the fasting state, ezetimibe significantly decreased not only total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL)‐cholesterol and apolipoproteinB‐100 (apoB‐100) levels but triglycerides (TG), apoB‐48 and remnant lipoprotein cholesterol (RemL‐C) levels. High performance liquid chromatography analysis showed that ezetimibe decreased cholesterol and TG levels in the very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) and LDL size ranges as well as apoB‐100 levels, suggesting a decrease in numbers of VLDL and LDL particles. After OFL, ezetimibe decreased the area under the curve for TG, apoB‐48 and RemL‐C. Ezetimibe decreased postprandial elevations of cholesterol and TG levels in the chylomicrons (CM) size range, suggesting that the postprandial production of CM particles was suppressed by ezetimibe.

Conclusions  These findings suggest that ezetimibe improves fasting lipoprotein profiles and postprandial hyperlipidaemia by suppressing intestinal CM production in patients with type IIb hyperlipidaemia and such treatment may prove to be effective in reducing atherosclerosis.
Community lifestyle of Candida in mixed biofilms: a mini review
Authors: Thein Z. M. , Seneviratne C. J. , Samaranayake Y. H. , Samaranayake L. P.
Published: May 2009

Candida is the most common human fungal pathogen that causes a variety of afflictions from superficial mucosal infections to deep mycoses. Biofilm formation is a major virulence factor of Candida, and more than 300 articles have been published on Candida biofilms over the past two decades. However, most of these data are on monospecies biofilms of Candida, and information on mixed‐species Candida biofilms or bacteria–Candida combinations is still scarce. Yet, in nature, the yeast exist in a mixed milieu either in the oral cavity or in other habitats with a multitude of bacteria colonising mucosal surfaces within a shared community. This mini review describes the current knowledge on candidal–candidal or bacterial–candidal interactions in mixed‐species biofilms. The underlying mechanisms of these interactions appear to depend on several factors relating to biofilm development, such as species and strains of organisms, nutritional factors, aerobiosis and related environmental factors. Although the fundamental nature of these interactions appears to be commensalism and antagonism, the emerging evidence based on novel molecular, proteomic and imaging tools indicates these biological mechanisms to be far more complex than hitherto recognised. Demystifying the mechanisms underlying the growth and development of mixed‐species communities involving Candida will undoubtedly yield useful data for the effective management of microbial infections in general.
The antiangiogenic effect of thalidomide on occult liver metastases: An in vivo study in mice
Authors: Liu Yi , Li Hui , Matsui Osamu
Published: May 2009

Aim:  To investigate the morphological changes of intratumoral microvessels after administration of thalidomide in occult hepatic metastases.

Methods:  Twenty mice with hepatic metastases created by injection of colon‐26 tumor cells into the spleen were enrolled. Ten mice were treated with thalidomide (200 mg/kg) by intraperitoneal injection daily from the first day after inoculation of tumor cells, and the other 10 with saline only. Fifteen days after tumor cell inoculation, the intratumoral microvessels of hepatic metastases in both groups were studied by intravital microscopy and immunohistochemistry.

Results:  For the control group, although the intratumoral microvessel density (MVD) and CD34 positive microvessel density (MVD‐CD34) of larger metastases (> 400 µm in diameter) were more than those of small metastases respectively (P < 0.01), the intratumoral branch density (BD) was similar to that of small metastases (P > 0.05). For the thalidomide treated group, despite the fact that MVD‐CD34 of larger metastases was more than that of small metastases (P < 0.01), the MVD and BD were similar to those of small metastases respectively (P > 0.05). The MVD, BD and MVD‐CD34 of small metastases of both groups were similar (P > 0.05); however, those of large metastases in the thalidomide treated group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P < 0.01).

Conclusions:  Thalidomide exerts an antiangiogenic effect on occult hepatic metastases with angiogenesis only, and the different vascular components in the tumor vasculature demonstrate various responses to antiangiogenic therapy.
Coordinate regulation of metabolic enzymes and transporters by nuclear transcription factors in human liver disease
Authors: Congiu Mario , Mashford Maurice L , Slavin John L , Desmond Paul V
Published: May 2009

Background: It has been hypothesised, mainly from studies with animal models of liver disease, that the transport of substrates for metabolic enzymes and their subsequent metabolism and elimination in hepatic bile or blood is co‐ordinated, but there is little information on this process in diseased human liver.

Methods: In this study we have measured by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) major genes involved in drug metabolism from UDP‐glucuronosyltransferases (UGT1A1, UGT1A6, UGT1A9, and UGT2B4) and cytochrome P450 (CYP) families (CYP1A2, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, CYP2E1, and CYP3A4), transport (OATP‐C, MRP2, MRP3, and MDR1) and major transcription factors (PXR, CAR, HNF1alpha, HNF4alpha, RXR, and AHR) involved in their regulation. Liver biopsy tissue from patients with viral hepatitis was scored for inflammation and fibrosis by the METAVIR system, and separated into groups with mild (A0‐1; F0‐1,n = 20) or severe (A2‐3; F3‐4,n = 19) liver disease. Correlation analysis (Spearman rank‐test,P < 0.05) was used to identify metabolic enzymes and transporters which shared significant correlation with transcription factors.

Results: Our results show an extensive correlation between transcription factors, transporters, and metabolic enzymes. An unexpected finding was that this was substantially greater in the severely diseased liver. Cross‐talk between transcription factors was markedly increased in tissue from patients with severe liver disease, particularly between CAR, HNF4alpha, and PXR.

Conclusion: Our results support the hypothesis of co‐ordinate regulation of metabolic enzymes and transporters in diseased human liver, as part of a widespread co‐ordinated process under the control of nuclear receptor transcription factors.
Acute septic arthritis in children
Authors: Al Saadi Muslim M. , Al Zamil Fahad A. , Bokhary Nada A. , Al Shamsan Layla A. , Al Alola Sulaiman A. , Al Eissa Youssef S.
Published: May 2009

Background:  Acute septic arthritis is a health‐care problem in growing children. The aim of the present study was to determine the demographic features, clinical presentation, diagnostic evaluation, treatment and outcome of children suffering from acute septic arthritis.

Methods:  Retrospective review of consecutive admissions of children ≤14 years of age with a bacteriologically and/or radiologically confirmed diagnosis of septic arthritis during the 10 year period, January 1997–December 2006 at King Fahad Hospital, King Abdulaziz Medical City was undertaken.

Results:  Sixty‐five patients (male : female, 2.4:1), 10 days–14 years of age (mean ± SD: 3.3 ± 3.2 years), met the inclusion criteria. More than half of the patients were under 2 years. The most frequent clinical features were pain (92%), fever (77%), limitation of joint movement (77%) and joint swelling (72%). Joint involvement was monoarticular in 97% of knees, and hips were affected in 75% of patients. Bacteria were isolated from joint aspirate or blood in 28 patients (43%), and Staphylococcus aureus was the most common organism, comprising 39% of the total bacterial isolates. Radiological diagnostic findings were observed in 19 (32%) of 60 patients with plain radiographs, nine (69%) of 16 patients with sonograms of the hip, 36 (80%) of 45 patients with Tc‐labeled bone scan and nine (100%) of nine patients with magnetic resonance imaging. The joint infection resolved with no sequelae in 46 patients who were followed up for 6–36 months, but two had bone deformity and 17 were lost to follow up.

Conclusion:  According to the present series, septic arthritis is most common in young infants, mainly monoarticular, and is frequently localized in the knee and hip joints. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are associated with excellent outcome.
Knowledge and attitude regarding human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome in dermatological outpatients
Authors: Kouznetsov L , Kuznetsov AV , Ruzicka T , Matterne U , Wienecke R , Zippel SA
Published: May 2009

Background  Dermatologists are often the first‐line specialists who recognize and diagnose human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection because of pathognomic skin signs. It is therefore important to investigate attitudes and knowledge regarding HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) amongst dermatological patients in order to provide information for dermatologists and to draw their attention to the issues.

Objectives  Awareness of HIV/AIDS, its prevention, and hypothetical behaviour were surveyed in dermatological outpatients.

Patients/method  The anonymous cross‐sectional survey was conducted with consecutive German‐speaking outpatients aged 18–65 years, who registered at the dermatological outpatient's clinic (excluding venereology, genitourinary or HIV medicine) of the University of Munich (Germany).

Results  Three hundred forty‐seven (77.5%) questionnaires were accepted for analysis. Most of the patients knew about HIV incurability (89.4%), HIV transmissibility during needle sharing (95.3%), or vaginal (87.4%) and anal intercourse (79.5%), as well as about HIV prevention by condom use (97.8%), and use of single needles (76.2%). However, knowledge gaps and misconceptions were detected regarding the risk of HIV transmission during oral sex, and the efficacy of sexual fidelity and avoidance of blood transfusions in HIV prevention. The lowest knowledge level (< 50% correct answers) was detected in patients aged 50–59 years, in unemployed, divorced/widowed, and in those without or with incomplete school education.

Conclusions  Patient education about HIV/AIDS in dermatological ambulant settings should be performed differentially with regard to socio‐demographic factors, and focused on the topic of oral sexual HIV transmission and on some other specific misconceptions.

Conflicts of interest

None declared.
Use of topical herbal remedies and cosmetics: a questionnaire‐based investigation in dermatology out‐patients
Authors: Corazza M , Borghi A , Lauriola MM , Virgili A
Published: May 2009

Background Although topical remedies and cosmetics based on herbal ingredients are becoming increasingly popular with the public due to the perception that botanical compounds are safer and healthier than their synthetic counterparts, a large number of adverse cutaneous effects of plant extracts, notably contact sensitization, have been reported in medical literature.

Objective To evaluate the prevalence of herbal compound usage in a dermatological out‐patient population and to estimate the incidence of consequent cutaneous side‐effects.

Methods Four hundred patients were subjected to a self‐administered 15‐item questionnaire to assess both prevalence and type of topical botanical preparations used and occurrence of skin adverse reactions.

Results Two hundred forty‐one patients (60.25%) reported use of natural topical products, predominantly aloe, marigold, chamomile, propolis and arnica. Females used herbal products, for both medicinal and cosmetic purposes, more frequently than males. Fifteen patients (6.22%) referred one or more adverse cutaneous reactions.

Conclusion Herbal preparations were widely used in the examined population, but, despite the common belief in the innocuous nature of botanical extracts, the incidence of side‐effects referred by the patients confirms that they should be regarded as a potential source of adverse skin events. The lack of adequate patch testing in case of suspected contact allergic dermatitis, incomplete or misleading product labelling, and the risk of chemical adulteration may represent further concerns as regards application of botanical products.
Time as an ecological constraint
Authors: Dunbar R. I. M. , Korstjens A. H. , Lehmann J. ,   British Academy Centenary Research Project
Published: May 2009

Conventional approaches to population biology emphasise the roles of climatic conditions, nutrient flow and predation as constraints on population dynamics. We argue here that this focus has obscured the role of time as a crucial constraint on species’ abilities to survive in some habitats. Time constraints may be particularly intrusive both for species that live in intensely bonded groups (where the need to devote time to social interaction may ultimately limit the size of group that a species can maintain in a particular habitat) and for taxa that face constraints on the length of the active day. We use a linear programming approach that allows us to specify both how time allocations to different activities are influenced by local environmental and climatic variables and how these in turn limit group size and population density. The linear programming approach identifies the realizable niche space within which a species can maintain coherent groups that are larger than the minimum viable group size (or density). This approach thus allow us to understand better why a given taxon can survive in some habitats but not others, as well as the demographic stress that a population may face. In addition, they also allow us to evaluate the implications of both past and future climate change for a taxon’s ability to cope with particular habitats.
Parametric Study of Blade Tip Clearance, Flow Rate, and Impeller Speed on Blood Damage in Rotary Blood Pump
Authors: Kim Nahn Ju , Diao Chenguang , Ahn Kyung Hyun , Lee Seung Jong , Kameneva Marina V. , Antaki James F.
Published: May 2009

Phenomenological studies on mechanical hemolysis in rotary blood pumps have provided empirical relationships that predict hemoglobin release as an exponential function of shear rate and time. However, these relations are not universally valid in all flow circumstances, particularly in small gap clearances. The experiments in this study were conducted at multiple operating points based on flow rate, impeller speed, and tip gap clearance. Fresh bovine red blood cells were resuspended in phosphate‐buffered saline at about 30% hematocrit, and circulated for 30 min in a centrifugal blood pump with a variable tip gap, designed specifically for these studies. Blood damage indices were found to increase with increased impeller speed or decreased flow rate. The hemolysis index for 50‐µm tip gap was found to be less than 200‐µm gap, despite increased shear rate. This is explained by a cell screening effect that prevents cells from entering the smaller gap. It is suggested that these parameters should be reflected in the hemolysis model not only for the design, but for the practical use of rotary blood pumps, and that further investigation is needed to explore other possible factors contributing to hemolysis.
CACNA1A Nonsense Mutation is Associated With Basilar‐Type Migraine and Episodic Ataxia Type 2
Authors: Robbins Matthew S. , Lipton Richard B. , Laureta Emma C. , Grosberg Brian M.
Published: May 2009

Mutations in the CACNA1A gene on chromosome 19 have been associated with a variety of clinical disorders, including familial hemiplegic migraine type 1 and episodic ataxia type 2 (EA2). We report a patient with 2 distinct attack types, one representing EA2 and the other, basilar‐type migraine. Genetic testing revealed a novel nonsense mutation in the CACNA1A gene at codon position 583. Treatment with acetazolamide relieved both types of attacks. We hypothesize that the CACNA1A gene mutation may contribute to both typical EA2 and typical basilar‐type migraine, extending the spectrum of clinical manifestations associated with CACNA1A mutations.
HBOC‐201 use in traumatic brain injury: case report and review of literature
Authors: Marinaro Jonathan , Smith Jessica , Tawil Isaac , Billstrand Mary , Crookston Kendall P.
Published: May 2009

BACKGROUND: The first use of HBOC‐201 in severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) is presented. The use of noninvasive cerebral oximetric devices to follow clinical progress in a patient infused with HBOC‐201 is reported and the literature of hemoglobin‐based oxygen carriers (HBOCs) in brain injury is reported.

CASE REPORT: A 21‐year‐old Jehovah's Witness who was hit and dragged by a motor vehicle was admitted to the University of New Mexico Hospital Level 1 Trauma Center Trauma Surgical Intensive Care Unit with severe TBI and extensive soft tissue loss resulting in profound anemia. The patient received infusion of HBOC‐201 with regional and global oximetric monitoring.

RESULTS: Chart abstraction was performed to identify clinically relevant physiologic markers of patient progress. We observed a marked increase in brain tissue oxygen saturations, central venous oxygen saturation, and hemodynamic variables after administration of HBOC‐201. The patient subsequently suffered massive cerebral edema and died.

CONCLUSIONS: Major HBOC trials to date have excluded severe TBI. We report the first use of an HBOC in severe TBI to correct profound anemia. The HBOC‐201 rapidly corrected cerebral venous and central venous oxygen saturations. The patient's death may have been due to massive reperfusion injury from delayed repayment of cerebral oxygen debt in a severely ischemic brain.
Corneal astigmatism
Authors: Høvding Gunnar
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT The results of transverse or combined transverse and radial keratotomy in eyes with idiopathic corneal astigmatism (N = 11), astigmatism + myopia (N = 9) or early stages of keratoconus (N = 6) are presented. The corneal astigmatism was reduced in all our patients, the absolute reduction being significantly correlated to the degree of preoperative astigmatism (p = 0.007). In the whole study group the mean relative reduction of the corneal astigmatism was 52.7%. In eyes without keratoconus the astigmatism recorded at the last follow‐up visit was very similar to that measured a few days after surgery, while greater changes occurred in the keratoconus group.
Snake‐like chromatin in conjunctival cells of normal elderly persons and of patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome and other connective tissue diseases
Authors: Bjerrum Kirsten B.
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of snake‐like chromatin in the nuclei of conjunctival cells of normal elderly persons, and to compare with findings in patients with connective tissue diseases other than primary Sjögren's syndrome and in age‐matched patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome. Thirty‐nine per cent of the eyes of normal controls contained snake‐like chromatin. Snake‐like chromatin has almost never been found in young normals, and the results of this study therefore raise the question of whether age may be a contributing factor. Snake‐like chromatin was as frequent in patients with other connective tissue diseases as in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome, and no correlation to the presence of keratoconjunctivitis sicca was found in this group. The presence of snake‐like chromatin was significantly correlated to increased cell size (N/C ratio) and low goblet cell density. A marked correlation between snake‐like chromatin and low values of break‐up time was found in normals, whereas no correlation was found to the other standard tests for dry eye.
Retrobulbar anesthesia with and without adrenaline in extracapsular cataract surgery
Authors: Krohn J. , Høvding G. , Seland J. H. , Aasved H.
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT Seventy‐five patients with senile cataract underwent a planned extracapsular cataract extraction. They were randomly divided into two groups, receiving retrobulbar anesthesia (4 ml lidocaine 2% and 250 IU hyaluronidase) with or without adrenaline. Patients in the adrenaline group had the lowest mean intraocular pressure after the retrobulbar injection (p < 0.02) and they required a shorter time of digital bulbar massage to reduce tension before surgery (p < 0.01). They also appeared to have a deeper anterior chamber during the first part of surgery, although the difference was not statistically significant. The duration of postoperative analgesia was significantly prolonged in patients receiving adrenaline. Different mechanisms explaining the effects of adrenaline in retrobulbar anesthesia are discussed.
Video controlled M‐mode biometry
Authors: Jensen Peter Koch , Rask Rune , Olsen Thomas
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT To increase the accuracy of intraocular lens power calculation, an interface between an ultrasonic A‐scanning device and a personal computer was created, allowing for an on‐line interpretation of the ultrasonogram in an M‐mode fashion. On the same computer display, a video recording of the movements of the transducer probe relative to the eye was inserted to obtain simultaneous information on the external alignment of the transducer probe. The precision of the experimental set‐up in the measurement of intraocular distances was compared with conventional A‐scanning procedures run in automatic mode. The video controlled M‐mode biometry was found easy to operate and to result in reproducible axial length determination: The median value of the standard deviation was found to be below 0.04 mm as compared to a value of about 0.10 mm with conventional equipment. We concluded that video controlled M‐mode biometry has great potential in the endeavour to increase the accuracy of intraocular lens calculation.
Presumed ophthalmic Herpes zoster after contralateral cataract extraction
Authors: Walland Mark J.
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT Herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO) may occur spontaneously, but can be precipitated by stress, trauma, debility or systemic illness. A case is here reported of Herpes zoster involving the contralateral eye, associated with a midline skin rash, following cataract extraction under local anaesthesia.
Epidemiology of endogenous uveitis in south‐western Finland
Authors: Saari K. M. , Päivönsalo‐Hietanen T. , Vaahtoranta‐Lehtonen H. , Tuominen J. , Sillanpää M.
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT We studied the case records of 1122 patients with endogenous uveitis including 418 new cases treated at the University Eye Clinic in Turku during the years 1980–1982 and 1988. The mean annual incidence and prevalence rates of anterior uveitis were, respectively, 21.3 and 68.7 per 100 000, of intermediate uveitis 0.3 and 1.4 per 100 000, of posterior uveitis 0.8 and 4.6 per 100 000, of panuveitis 0.2 and 0.8 per 100 000, and of all uveitis cases 22.6 and 75.4 per 100 000 population. The incidence of uveitis was higher in the age group 20–69 years than in the age groups 0–19 years (p<0.001) and 70 years or over (p = 0.049). The incidence rates were not different between sexes in any age group (p = 0.2). The incidence of uveitis was higher in lower socio‐economic groups than in higher socio‐economic groups (p<0.001). There were no significant differences in the incidence of uveitis between sexes in different socio‐economic groups (p = 0.1).
Ocular side effects associated with 13‐cis‐retinoic acid therapy for acne vulgaris: clinical features, alterations of tearfilm and conjunctival flora
Authors: Egger S. F. , Huber‐Spitzy V. , Scholda C. , Barisani T. , Vecsei V. P. , Böhler K. , Raff M.
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT Isotretinoin (13‐cis‐retinoic acid) is commonly used for the treatment of acne vulgaris. We included 55 patients in this prospective study, and inspected them before, while and after therapy with isotretinoin regarding ocular side effects. Careful slit‐lamp inspection, measurement of break‐up‐time and Schirmer‐test and microbiological investigations of the conjunctival flora were performed. While staphylococcus aureus was cultured from the conjunctival sac before application of isotretinoin in 7.3%, this percentage increased to 61.8% during therapy. A pathological decrease of break‐up‐time was realized in 69.1% of the cases, the development of blepharitis in 40%. But in spite of the alteration of conjunctival flora, bacterial conjunctivitis developed in just 7.3% of the cases. However, only 34.5% of the patients showed symptoms of a conjunctivitis sicca, in spite of the impressive diminution of break‐up‐time in so many cases. All ocular side effects of isotretinoin were treatable and disappeared completely within 1 month after stopping therapy.
Physiology of cumulative defect curves; consequences in glaucoma perimetry
Authors: Åsman Peter , Olsson Jonny
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT Purely diffuse field loss is a controversial sign of early glaucoma. Cumulative defect curves have been proposed to distinguish between diffuse and localized visual field loss. In such curves, pointwise deviations from the normal reference field are ranked. The deviations are then compared with normative limits for each rank. The ranking leads to a complete loss of spatial information and ignoration of pointwise physiological threshold variability. We believed that this might impair the curves' intended ability to distinguish diffuse and localized types of defects. The lower 5% normative limit was estimated for each rank in the cumulative defect curve using Humphrey 30–2 tests of 88 subjects from the Statpac normal database. For each rank we identified those two test points (among the total of 6512 (74 test points in each of 88 subjects)) from which the 5% limit was calculated. The average eccentricity, eccrank, of those two points was then determined at each rank. For lower to intermediate ranks eccrank was spread out from center to periphery. When instead the 20 highest ranks (most depressed points) were considered eccrank was much concentrated peripherally. Our normative limits were subsequently used to evaluate field results in 101 patients with glaucoma. In this glaucoma evaluation group, the largest deviations were often encountered in central or paracentral scotomas, in sharp contrast to the more peripheral position in the normative group. These deviations often failed to reach the cumulative defect curve limits which originated from points in the mid‐periphery where normal variability is large. At present, cumulative defect curves are not optimized to distinguish diffuse and localized field loss.
Peripheral contrast sensitivity for dynamic sinusoidal gratings in early glaucoma
Authors: Lundh Björn L. , Gottvall Eva
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT Automated contrast thresholds were established for dynamic, 2 reversals per sec phase‐shifted, sinusoidal gratings in a 5° circular test field centred 7.5° from the fixation point in six positions in the visual field in 16 patients (age 56–76 years) with clinically established (optic disc or nerve fibre layer damage) early glaucoma, without visual field defects. For reference, contrast thresholds were also obtained in 16 sex‐matched and age‐matched controls. For all three spatial frequencies, thresholds were raised in the glaucoma group (0.5 c/deg: p = 0.0034–0.041,2 positions n.s.; 1.0 c/deg: p = 0.0093–0.049, 1 position n.s.; 2.0 c/deg: p = 0.0011–0.041, 1 position n.s.). Deficiencies did not correlate to glaucoma type (simplex vs capsular), intraocular pressure level at examination, visual acuity, or local therapy (β‐blockers vs miotics). In the glaucoma group, there was a general loss of contrast sensitivity in all six positions tested in the visual field, reflected in roughly similar threshold elevations. Losses appeared slightly greater in the lower hemi‐field. Definite contrast threshold elevations from the early glaucomatous process were established in this group of glaucoma patients without visual field defects. However, the method was considered to be of less value in glaucoma detection for individual subjects, due to the large overlap in threshold values between glaucoma patients and controls.
The amount of lens exfoliation and chamber‐angle pigmentation in exfoliation syndrome with or without glaucoma
Authors: Puska Päivi
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT Correlations of the amount of chamber‐angle pigmentation and exfoliation material with IOP and with image analysis of the optic discs are reported in the paired eyes of 63 persons with unilateral exfoliation syndrome, and 35 patients with unilateral capsular glaucoma. The effect on IOP of phenylephrine‐induced pigmentary dispersion is examined. Chamber‐angle pigmentation was more pronounced in capsular glaucoma than in the nonglaucomatous exfoliation eyes (p < 0.01), although the amount of lens exfoliation was the same. In nonglaucomatous exfoliative eyes IOP correlated significantly with the amount of chamber‐angle pigmentation (p < 0.01) and exfoliation material (p < 0.05). The nonglaucomatous exfoliative eyes with grade ≥2 trabecular pigmentation and those with reduction of IOP on phenylephrine provocation had smaller rim areas and rim/disc area ratios than the fellow eyes (p < 0.05). Rather than the amount of exfoliation, the main risk factor for glaucoma seems to be the degree of chamber‐angle pigmentation.
Traumatic glaucoma
Authors: Sihota R. , Sood N. N. , Agarwal H. C.
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT In the management of an ocular injury, traumatic glaucoma is often overlooked. Prospectively reviewing 100 consecutive patients of traumatic glaucoma we found a very high correlation of post‐concussional glaucoma with traumatic cataracts, angle recession of more than 180°, significant injuries to the iris and a displacement of the lens. Two of these four clinical features were present in all cases. Penetrating injuries were followed by a secondary glaucoma if an adherent leucoma and/or evidence of lenticular damage or displacement were seen. These clinical features all point to a damage to the lens‐iris diaphragm. The trabecular meshwork being directly related to these structures would also be involved in such an injury, leading to significant impairment of function, and the eye would therefore be more prone to developing glaucoma. Our study has highlighted certain clinical findings which could act as ‘markers’ for the early diagnosis of traumatic glaucoma.
Indications and efficacy of combined trabeculectomy and extracapsular cataract extraction with intraocular lens implantation in cataract patients with coexisting open angle glaucoma
Authors: Storr‐Paulsen Allan , Perriard Andreas , Vangsted Peter
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT In an observational study 19 eyes with cataract and coexisting primary open angle glaucoma were scheduled to undergo combined procedure with ECCE‐IOL and trabeculectomy. The aim of the present study was to investigate the results and the efficacy of combined surgery, when we extended the indication for surgery. Thus the surgical decision making was not based solely upon IOP readings, but also involved social/psychological factors. Median decrease in IOP (IOPpost ‐ IOPpre) was significant through a 12‐month observation period, p < 0.001. The number of medications dropped from 1.74 to 0.21, p < 0.01. Complication rate during operation and in the postoperative follow‐up period was low. We conclude that it seems justified to extend the indication for combined surgery in cataract patients with coexisting open angle glaucoma in case of uncontrolled IOP, poor compliance, inability of sufficient medical care, or unacceptable medication. We recommend careful monitoring of the early postoperative IOP, even if hypotensive agents are given prophylactically.
Eye movements in normal subjects induced by vibratory activation of neck muscle proprioceptors
Authors: Han Ying , Lennerstrand Gunnar
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT Versional eye movements, induced by neck muscle vibration at 70 Hz in 8 normal subjects, were recorded with infrared reflection technique in each eye separately with one eye fixating a target and the other covered. The direction of eye movements was horizontal when the sternocleidomastoid muscle on one side of the neck and the splenius on the other side were activated, and downward when both splenii muscles were vibrated. The direction was the same as that of the illusory movements of the target also induced by the vibration. These findings would imply that the proprioceptive messages originating in the neck muscles are processed together with visual information of eye position in determining gaze direction.
The use of perfluorocarbon liquids in vitreoretinal surgery
Authors: Crafoord Sven , Larsson Jörgen , Hansson Lars‐Jörgen , Carlsson Jan‐Olof , Stenkula Staffan
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT Two perfluorocarbon liquids (perfluoro‐n‐octane and per‐fluorodecaline) were evaluated as technical aids in vitreoretinal surgery in 42 patients. Perfluorocarbon liquids were found to stabilize the retina and simplify removal of repiretinal membranes, which in many cases permitted the subsequent use of an expanding gas instead of silicone oil at the conclusion of the operation. The infusion of a perfluorocarbon liquids allowed the drainage of subretinal fluid through peripheral retinal breaks obviating the need for a retinotomy in most cases. No difference could be observed between the two types of perfluorocarbon liquids, and there were no adverse effects associated with their use. The retina was centrally attached in 32 eyes (76%) at 3–10 months follow‐up.
Differential diagnosis of choroidal melanomas and nevi using scanning laser ophthalmoscopical indocyanine green angiography
Authors: Andersen Mads Varis Nis , Scherfig Erik , Prause Jan Ulrik
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT Fluorescein angiography is one of several standard ancillary diagnostic techniques in the evaluation of suspected malignant choroidal melanoma. Indocyanine green choroidal angiography has improved visibility of the choroidal circulation in comparison with fluorescein angiography. Studies concerning the use of indocyanine green angiography in the differentiation between nevi and melanomas have been few and the results inconclusive. A case of a choroidal melanoma (verified by histopathological examination) and a nevus in the same eye is documented by fluorescein and indocyanine green choroidal angiography performed by scanning laser ophthalmoscopy. This modality may be considered in the evaluation of a suspected malignant choroidal melanoma.