bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lymphocyte Response to Mitogens: Influence of Life Events and Personality
Authors: González-Quijano M.I. , Martín M. , Millán S. , López-Calderón A.
Published: April 2003

The aim of the present study was to examine the possibility that the accumulation of life events is associated with low lymphoproliferative response to mitogens in undergraduate students. We also analyzed the possible interaction between life events and personality traits. Lymphocyte response to phytohemagglutinin (PHA) was lower in subjects with high life events compared to those with low levels. Introverted subjects were found to exhibit lower lymphocyte responses to PHA than those who were extraverted, and there was no interaction between the effect of introversion and life events on the proliferative capacity. Lymphocyte proliferation was low in subjects with high anxiety scores, whether they had high or low levels of life events. In the group with high scores on independence a high accumulation of life events was not associated with lower lymphoproliferation; while in the group with low scores it was, suggesting that independence buffers the association between life stress and lower cellular immunity.
The Statistical Distribution of Wrist Movements during Sleep
Authors: Gimeno Víctor , Sagales Teresa , Miguel Luchi , Ballarin Mercedes
Published: April 2003

The purpose of this work was to describe the basic statistical properties of the process of production of movements measured with a wrist actimeter, along a complete sleep period in normal human subjects. Two distinct types of random magnitudes were considered to analyze the data, the times between successive groups of movements and the number of movements at each fixed time (1 min) measurement epoch. Suitable probabilistic models for the two variates were chosen, fitting theoretical distribution functions to the observed data. It is concluded that interval data fit a one-parameter exponential distribution, while the number of movements fit a two-parameter negative binomial distribution. The estimated values of these parameters, besides being necessary to perform further statistical analysis, are a measure of the intensity and frequency of the movements. Finally the relationship between polysomnography measures and the elicited parameters was studied.
Overnight Effects of Triazolam on Cognitive Function: An Event-Related Potentials Study
Authors: Nakagome Kazuyuki , Ichikawa Ikuo , Kanno Osamu , Akaho Rie , Suzuki Masamichi , Takazawa Satoru , Watanabe Hirofumi , Kazamatsuri Hajime
Published: April 2003

The effects of triazolam on cognitive function and vigilance on the morning following a nocturnal administration were investigated using event-related potentials (ERP) measurement and a sleep latency test (SLT). We previously reported a significant reducing effect on target N1 amplitude on the morning following triazolam administration, suggesting a residual effect of triazolam. In order to demonstrate, which aspect of cognitive function alteration caused the reducing effect on N1 amplitude, we added the ignore condition for ERP measurement, which enabled us to separate mismatch negativity (MMN) from other subcomponents overlapping N1. As a result, MMN was attenuated and sleep latency was shortened on the morning following triazolam administration. Two possibilities were suggested for the mechanism of MMN attenuation. One is GABAergic activation caused by the residual effect of triazolam per se, and the other is the lowered vigilance level demonstrated in the SLT. Further studies are necessary to determine whether this alteration in physiological bases underlying mismatch detection is specific to triazolam and/or other benzodiazepines or related to nonspecific vigilance level.
Relationship of Energy Metabolism Detected by 31P-MRS in the Human Brain with Mental Fatigue
Authors: Kato Tadafumi , Murashita Jun , Shioiri Toshiki , Inubushi Toshiro , Kato Nobumasa
Published: April 2003

To search for a possible relationship between brain energy metabolism and mental fatiguability, 10 normal volunteers were examined by 31P-MRS (phosphorus-31 magnetic resonance spectroscopy) in the occipital cortex during photic stimulation (PS), and Uchida-Kraepelin test (UKT), a standardized serial calculation task, was used for measurement of intraindividual characteristics of mental fatigue in these subjects. More decrease of phosphocreatine measured by 31P-MRS during the PS was significantly associated with more effects of rest assessed by UKT (r = –0.86, p <0.005). More decrease in pH after PS was associated with steeper decline of performance (r = 0.78, p <0.01). These findings suggest that characteristics of brain energy metabolism in an individual may relate to intrinsic patterns of mental fatigability.
EEG Changes following Scopolamine Administration in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Kikuchi Mitsuru , Wada Yuji , Nanbu Yuko , Nakajima Akiko , Tachibana Hiroyuki , Takeda Tsutomu , Hashimoto Takuma
Published: April 2003

This study examined the effects of the anticholinergic drug, scopolamine (0.25 mg) in 16 right-handed healthy volunteers. EEGs were recorded before and 60 min after intramuscular administration, and spectral analysis was performed on EEGs recorded at rest and during photic stimulation. Each subject was also evaluated by the Wechsler Memory Scale (WMS; form 1 or 2) before and 90 min after drug administration. In the resting EEG, the scopolamine administration resulted in a significant increase in the absolute power on the delta band (2.0– 3.8 Hz) and in the relative power on the delta and theta-1 bands (4.0–5.8 Hz) mainly over the central and parieto-occipital regions. In contrast, scopolamine significantly decreased the relative alpha-2 band (9.2–12.8 Hz) power mainly over the frontal regions and the absolute alpha-2 band power at most of the recording sites. The analysis of stimulus data showed that scopolamine significantly decreased fundamental photic driving responses elicited by photic stimulation at 15 Hz, with significant effects confined to the occipital regions. These EEG changes occurred in association with a significant reduction in total WMS scores as well as in scores of logical and visual memory subtests. These findings suggest that, in addition to cognitive impairments, central cholinergic dysfunction can cause EEG changes under both nonstimulus and stimulus conditions.
Relationship of Mismatch Negativity to Background EEG and Morphological Findings in Schizophrenia
Authors: Kirino Eiji , Inoue Reiichi
Published: April 2003

The present study assessed relationships of mismatch negativity (MMN) of schizophrenics with other markers; quantitative EEG (QEEG), computed tomography (CT) and psychopathological ratings. Patients were divided into two groups before treatment; group A consisted of patients with greater MMN amplitudes while patients with lower ones were assigned to group B. In QEEG, group A showed no significant differences compared to controls, except for fast beta in the frontal region. The finding of well-preserved QEEG in group A indicates their function is less distorted than in group B, who showed greater powers in slow waves, slow alpha and fast beta bands. The greater slow-wave power of group B may be related to the cognitive impairment reflected by attenuated MMN, which corresponded to greater dilation in lateral ventricles and Sylvian fissures of group B on CT. Conclusively, MMN have crucial relationships to other biological markers representing the psychopathology of schizophrenia.
Neurochemical Substrates and Neuroanatomical Generators of the Event-Related P300
Authors: Frodl-Bauch Thomas , Bottlender Ronald , Hegerl Ulrich
Published: April 2003

The present review focuses on the current knowledge of the neurochemical processes and neuronal structures involved in the generation of P300. The increasing knowledge in this area facilitates the physiological interpretation of P300 findings as well as the link between P300 research and other research findings in biological psychiatry. Concerning the question of neurochemical substrates, the glutamatergic, GABAergic, cholinergic, noradrenergic, dopaminergic and serotonergic influences on P300 are reviewed. The knowledge of the generating structures of P300 is summarized from intracranial studies, magnetoencephalographic investigations, lesion and animal studies.
Endothelin-1 Plasma Concentrations in Depressed Patients and Healthy Controls
Authors: Lederbogen Florian , Weber Bettina , Colla Michael , Heuser Isabella , Deuschle Michael
Published: April 2003

Depression and cardiovascular morbidity are known to be associated. So far, however, the pathophysiological link between these conditions is unclear. We tested the hypothesis that in depressed hypercortisolemic patients endothelin-1 (ET-1) plasma concentrations are increased and contribute to the cardiovascular risk. Diurnal plasma concentrations of cortisol and ET-1 were measured in 29 healthy controls and 22 depressed patients. ANCOVA did not reveal a significant effect of diagnosis or age upon ET-1 concentrations. However, only in depressed patients, cortisol plasma concentrations tended to be positively related to ET-1 concentrations. We conclude that ET-1 is not increased in depressed patients, but within this group, hypercortisolemia may be associated with increased ET-1 concentrations.
Neuropeptide Y Plasma Levels and Immunological Changes during Academic Stress
Authors: Guidi Luisa , Tricerri Augusto , Vangeli Marcello , Frasca Daniela , Errani Andrea Riccardo , Di Giovanni Angela , Antico Leonardo , Menini Edoardo , Sciamanna Vittorio , Magnavita Nicola , Doria Gino , Bartoloni Carlo
Published: April 2003

Academic stress is a good model of psychological stress in humans for studying psychoneuroimmune correlations. We looked for correlations between psychological scores, immune tests and plasma levels of cortisol and neuropeptide Y (NPY). A group of medical students were evaluated at the beginning of the academic year (Baseline) and the day before an examination (Stress). They underwent evaluation by The Profile of Mood States (POMS), The Malaise Inventory, The Self Efficacy Scale and A Global Assessment of Recent Stress (GARS). The lymphocyte subsets, the lymphocyte proliferative response and the cytokine production were also evaluated. We detected modifications of some psychological test scores between the Baseline and Stress evaluation, a significant reduction of lymphocyte proliferation, IL-2 production and percentage of the lymphocyte CD19, and an increase in plasma cortisol levels during stress. The lymphocyte proliferation negatively correlated with the POMS score as well as the percentage of CD16+ cells with NPY plasma levels. NPY levels were not different from Baseline. The emotional and mood states seem to influence immunity.
Season of Birth Variations in Dimensions of Functioning Evaluated by the Diagnostic Interview for Borderline Patients
Authors: Chotai Jayanti , Salander Renberg Ellinor , Kullgren Gunnar , Åsberg Marie
Published: April 2003

In view of recent reports showing that cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of monoamine metabolites exhibit season of birth variations, and that they are also associated with section II (impulse action patterns) of the diagnostic interview for borderline patients (DIB), we analyzed two samples of data to investigate the relationship between the season of birth and the DIB. The first sample comprised 202 patients participating in psychobiological research in Stockholm, and the second sample comprised 130 patients who had committed suicide in Västerbotten in northern Sweden. Those with intermediate score for section II (impulse action patterns) were significantly more likely to have been born during the season October to January in the pooled data, and this tendency persisted in separate analyses for the two samples and for the two diagnostic groups mood disorders and schizophrenia, respectively. Those with high score for section IV (psychosis) were significantly more likely to have been born during February to April in the pooled sample and in the nonschizophrenic group. In the group with schizophrenia, those born during February to April had significantly high scores for section III (affects). These results throw further light on the role of season of birth in suicidology and in psychiatric morbidity.
Gender Differences in the EEG of Abstinent Cocaine Abusers
Authors: King Deborah E. , Herning Ronald I. , Gorelick David A. , Cadet Jean L.
Published: April 2003

Gender differences in the EEG were explored in cocaine-abusing individuals not seeking treatment. Twenty currently abstinent cocaine-abusing females aged 21–41 were studied. Their cocaine use history was matched to 20 currently abstinent cocaine-abusing males. Twelve female and 20 male non-drug-abusing individuals served as a control group. Resting eyes closed EEG was recorded from 8 leads. The males who used cocaine had elevated EEG beta (p < 0.0125) and reduced alpha (p < 0.0125) when compared to the cocaine-abusing females and control subjects. These findings suggest that the EEG of cocaine-abusing women may be more normal than that of cocaine-abusing men. Such gender-specific differences for cocaine-abusing populations may require gender-specific treatment to improve outcome.
Acamprosate Reduces Motor Cortex Excitability Determined by Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
Authors: Wohlfarth Kai , Schneider Udo , Haacker Tilmann , Schubert Margot , Schulze-Bonhage Andreas , Zedler Markus , Emrich Hinderk M. , Dengler Reinhard , Rollnik Jens D.
Published: April 2003

Acamprosate is effective in reducing alcohol intake in weaned alcoholics. We were interested if acamprosate had an effect on the excitability of cortical motoneurons determined by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). We studied 12 male healthy volunteers (mean age 29.5 years, SD = 4.8) who were either treated with 6 tablets of acamprosate (each containing 333 mg verum) per day or placebo (randomized cross-over design) for 1 week. TMS was performed after each treatment session including a paired stimulation paradigm. Motor evoked potentials (MEPs) of the placebo and verum group did not differ with respect to paired stimulation. However, motor threshold increased in the acamprosate group (verum: 61.5% (SD = 7.9) vs. placebo: 58.9% (SD = 8.8), p = 0.036). We conclude that acamprosate leads to a hypoexcitability of the motor cortex. This might be due to subcortical mechanisms, e.g. thalamocortical pathways since intracortical inhibition and facilitation was not affected.
An Experimental Study of the Interleukin 1 Levels in Aqueous Humor after Intraocular Lens Implantation
Authors: Zhou Zhao-hui , He Shou-zhi
Published: April 2003

This paper studies the interleukin 1 (IL-1) levels in aqueous humor after intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in rabbits and discusses the effect of IL-1 on postoperative anterior ocular inflammation. Twenty-seven pigmented rabbits were divided into three groups: in the first group, the IOL were placed in the capsular bag after lens extraction; in the second, the lenses of rabbits were removed without IOL implantation, and the third served as the control group without surgical intervention. On the 1st, 3rd, 7th and 14th postoperative days, aqueous humor samples were obtained. MTT colorimetry was employed to detect the presence of IL-1. The data were closely studied by means of analysis of variance with SAS software. The IL-1 level in aqueous humor reached its maximum on the 14th postoperative day in the IOL-implanted group, and the IL-1 levels in aqueous humor were significantly higher (p < 0.05) on the 1st, 3rd, 7th and 14th days postoperatively in the IOL-implanted group than in the non-surgical-intervention group and extracapsular-lens-extracted group. The result suggests that there is a physical relation to the IOL itself, a relation that induces the secretion of IL-1. The result, however, is also likely to have merely come from the mechanical factors related to the presence of the IOL itself.
Early Lens Changes Seen in Patients with Atopic Dermatitis Applying Image Analysis Processing of Scheimpflug and Specular Microscopic Images
Authors: Sasaki Kazuyuki , Kojima Masami , Nakaizumi Hiroko , Kitagawa Kazuko , Yamada Yuuji , Ishizaki Hiroshi
Published: April 2003

In order to know the initial lens changes that accompany atopic dermatitis (AD), 99 patients diagnosed dermatologically to have AD without any or with slight external ocular inflammations and with no habit of rubbing the eyelid due to severe itching were examined opthalmologically. Clinically, none of them showed any cataractous changes in their eyes. For the sake of comparison with the above population, 4 AD patients with cataractous eyes, 49 renal transplantation patients who were administered steroids over a long period of time but clinically had no cataractous lenses, and 94 healthy individuals with transparent lenses were also selected as subjects. The crystalline lenses of the subjects were examined using an anterior eye segment analysis system and specular microscopy. From Scheimpflug slit images of the lens, light scattering intensity of different lens layers was measured as an indicator of lens transparency changes. The subcapsular basement membrane and changes in the lens epithelial layers were analyzed from specular images of these areas by image processing. Results and considerations from the investigations were: (1) Initial lens changes in cases with AD which may be occult cataractous findings were often detectable. (2) Cataract associated with AD can be accelerated by steroid administration or the habit of strongly rubbing the eyelid, but this may not be the original cause of cataract formation. (3) Two types of cataract are seen in patients with AD: (a) anterior subcapsular plaque formation and (b) anterior and posterior subcapsular opacity formation. The latter type, however, is also accompanied by epithelial damage from the early stage. (4) Significant numbers of patients with AD who have not yet shown manifest lens changes were found among the subjects.
Axial Length and Refraction in Retinal Vein Occlusions
Authors: Bandello Francesco , Tavola Alessandra , Pierro Luisa , Modorati Giulio , Azzolini Claudio , Brancato Rosario
Published: April 2003

To assess whether axial length and refraction are risk factors for retinal vein occlusion, we measured these parameters in 88 consecutive patients with unilateral branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO), in 58 consecutive patients with unilateral central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) and in 50 patients selected as a control group. Patients and controls were free or affected by systemic or local predisposing factors. We compared eyes with CRVO with control eyes, eyes with BRVO with control eyes, and eyes with CRVO with eyes with BRVO. Comparing CRVO eyes and controls, none of the investigated variables was shown to be significant. From the analysis of BRVO eyes versus controls, it resulted that refraction was the only variable which played the role of an independent prognostic factor. When comparing BRVO eyes with CRVO eyes, we found that age was slightly related to the development of BRVO. In conclusion, faulty refraction appeared to be a risk factor for the development of BRVO. We did not find any influence of axial length on the occlusion of retinal veins.
Evaluation of the Brusini Glaucoma Staging System for Typing and Staging of Perimetric Results
Authors: Koçak Inci , Zulauf Mario , Bergamin Oliver
Published: April 2003

Background: Brusini’s recently introduced glaucoma staging system (GSS) categorizes visual-field damages into different types (i.e. generalized, mixed and localized) and classifies them into stages similar to those of Aulhorn-Karmeyer. Basically, the Brusini GSS is a scatterplot of mean defect (x-axis) and corrected loss variance (CLV; y-axis). The Brusini GSS charts are claimed to be simple to understand due to their 2-dimensional spatial representation and there is no subjective interpretation necessary, since their numerical presentation provides an objective evaluation. Inter- and intraindividual comparisons are, thus, provided ‘at a glance’. Methods: Retrospectively, 610 visual fields (Octopus 201, Program G1) for each eye of 32 glaucoma patients were inspected on screen with PeriData 7.0. The performance of the Brusini GSS was evaluated in terms of typing of visual-field defect and staging as defined by the Aulhorn-Karmeyer classification. Results: Typing of defects into ‘normal’ and various degrees of generalized and localized damage agreed with PeriData in 89% of fields; 5% were wrongly classified as normal by the Brusini GSS. The type of visual defect showed in 1.3% fields as marked and in 5% a minor discrepancy. Most of the 11% of nonagreement was due to high short-term fluctuation. Agreement could potentially be enhanced by using loss variance instead of CLV. Staging of visual-field defects with Brusini GSS charts was in agreement with the Aulhorn-Karmeyer classification in 73% of fields. Conclusion: The authors recommend the Brusini GSS because of its simplicity to concisely describe visual-field damage for clinical use as well as research work and because of the remarkably good agreement with the well-known Aulhorn-Karmeyer classification.
Blood Pressure Control during Eye Surgery under Local Anesthesia Using Pulse Oximetry
Authors: Mamiya Kikyo , Manabe Masanobu , Aono Jun , Ueno Hisayuki
Published: April 2003

We measured the arterial blood pressure and percutaneous O2 saturation (SpO2) in 39 elderly patients (age range, 70–89 years) who underwent cataract surgery under local anesthesia. Nineteen patients showed a 20% or greater increase in the systolic arterial pressure (SAP) measured every minute in the operating room compared to the basal value measured in the ward. We treated elevation of the SAP by intravenous bolus injection of 0.25 mg nitroglycerin (NTG), followed by continuous infusion at 0.1–0.3 μg/kg/min. NTG caused a statistically significant but clinically irrelevant decrease in SpO2 in the patients breathing room air. Two of these patients showed extremely decreased SpO2. Our results suggest that NTG does not typically cause a severe decrease in oxygenation. It might be advisable, however, for patients with severe lung dysfunction or ischemic heart disease to receive prophylactic O2 administration.
Correlation between Anterior Chamber IgG/Albumin Concentrations and Laser Flare Photometry in Eyes with Endogenous Uveitis
Authors: Chiou A.G.-Y. , Florakis G.J. , Herbort C.P.
Published: April 2003

Purpose: To assess the correlation between laser flare measurements and anterior chamber IgG/albumin concentrations in eyes with mild to severe inflammation. Materials and Methods: Seventeen eyes of 17 patients with endogenous uveitis underwent diagnostic paracentesis. IgG and albumin concentrations were determined from the samples of aqueous humor. Laser flare measurements were performed 1 h prior to paracentesis. The relationship between flare measurements and IgG/albumin concentrations was studied be plotting the data on a logarithmic scale. Results: The flare measurement was 97.5±150.0 photons ms (mean ± SD; range 4.3–528.7). The IgG concentration was 41.0±51.4 mg/dl mean ± SD; range 0.2–200). The albumin concentration was 184.6±196.2 mg/dl (mean ± SD; range 4–535). When plotted on a logarithmic scale, there was a statistically significant linear relationship between the flare measurements and the anterior chamber IgG or albumin concentrations (y = 1.14x–0.64, r = 0.87, p < 0.001 for IgG; y = 1.39x–0.1, r = 0.94, p < 0.001 for albumin). Conclusion: Laser flare photometry is an accurate technique for assessing anterior chamber inflammation. Flare measurements strongly correlate with blood-aqueous barrier breakdown.
Optic Disc Edema Associated with Spinocerebellar Degeneration
Authors: Nakazawa Toru , Abe Toshiaki , Hasegawa Takefumi , Tamai Makoto
Published: April 2003

A 58-year-old man presented with optic disc edema as a rare association with spinocerebellar degeneration (SCD). The patient also had chronic idiopathic intestinal pseudo-obstruction with hypoalbuminemia. No elevation of intraspinal pressure and no intracranial lesion was observed. The hypoalbuminemia reacted promptly to treatment, whereas the optic disc edema regressed gradually. An association between SCD and optic atrophy has often been described, but to our knowledge this is the first report of SCD in association with optic disc edema.
Selective Expression of Endothelin 1 mRNA in Rat Retina
Authors: Murata Masatoshi , Nakagawa Michihiro , Takahashi Shigeki
Published: April 2003

Endothelin is a potent vasoactive agent and three isoforms – endothelin 1 (ET-1), endothelin 2 (ET-2) and endothelin 3 (ET-3) – have been found in ocular tissues. However its source has not been determined. Therefore we have investigated the ET mRNA in the rat retina using reverse transcriptase with polymerase chain reaction. For ET-1, three retina samples were positive. For ET-2 and ET-3, all samples were negative. ET-1 mRNA was abundantly expressed compared with ET-2 and ET-3 mRNA (p < 0.05). Our study provides direct evidence that ET-1 is abundantly synthesized in the rat retina. The ET-1 within the retina could contribute to the regulation of the retinal circulation through vessel contraction.
Bilateral Optic Papillitis Following Mycoplasma pneumoniae Pneumonia
Authors: Milla Elena , Zografos Leonidas , Piguet Bertrand
Published: April 2003

Mycoplasma pneumoniae is an atypical bacterium that can cause a great variety of respiratory infections and be responsible for ocular involvement such as conjunctivitis, anterior uveitis and very rarely optic neuropathy. We report herein an additional case of bilateral optic disc swelling with profound visual loss following Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia and review the world literature on the ocular manifestations associated with this pathogen.
Unilateral Retinal Vasculitis Associated with Hairy Cell Leukaemia: Immunogenetic Study
Authors: Di Maria Alessandra , Redaelli Carla , Canevari Angelo , Pagnucco Guido , Martinetti Miryam , Bianchi Paolo E.
Published: April 2003

This report describes a case of retinal vasculitis which occurred in hairy cell leukaemia and was localized only in the right eye. An immunogenetic study investigates the possible genetic association between vascular uveitis and hairy cell leukaemia.
Antibiotic-Impregnated Fibrin Glue in Ocular Surgery:In vitro Antibacterial Activity
Authors: Marone Piero , Monzillo Vincenza , Segù Çatia , Antoniazzi Elena
Published: April 2003

A strategy to reduce postoperative ocular infections might consist in maintaining a high antibiotic concentration in the eye by using a topical slow-release drug formulation. Fibrin glue is widely used in ocular surgery. Vancomycin, teicoplanin, cephalothin and gentamicin were added to a 500 IU/ml thrombin solution, their concentrations in 1 g fibrin glue being 500 µg for vancomycin and 400 µg for the other drugs. The in vitro antibacterial activity of antibiotic-impregnated fibrin glue was evaluated against a recent clinical isolate of Staphylococcus epidermidis. Moreover the antibiotic elution from fibrin discs in saline was assayed for up to 96 h. Fibrin glue properties were maintained when thrombin was reconstituted with a CaCl2 solution additioned with the antibiotics tested. All antibiotic fibrin mixtures exhibited good antistaphylococcal activity immediately after the preparation. A prolonged inhibition (4 days) of S. epidermidis growth was observed with teicoplanin discs. Gentamicin and teicoplanin levels were higher than those of the other antibiotics. The results suggest that the fibrin glycopeptide and/or gentamicin mixtures can be used, both prophylactically and therapeutically, in ocular surgery.
Comparative Studies of Morphological Changes and Interleukin Concentration in Subretinal Fluid of Patients with Retinal Detachment
Authors: Bakunowicz-Łazarczyk A. , Sulkowski S. , Moniuszko T.
Published: April 2003

Morphological evaluation was performed with the light and scanning electron microscope of subretinal fluids (SRF) collected during operations from 36 patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. Duration of the disease was 3 weeks, 5–8 weeks, 10 weeks and 6 months. The immunoenzymatic method was used to establish the presence of interleukins IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4 and IL-6 in SRF. It was revealed that the differentiation of the morphological picture of SRF depended on the duration of detachment. Most cell-rich SRF came from the 3-week detachment. Mononuclear cells were predominant in that period (macrophages, lymphocytes). In the later period (over 8 weeks) a decrease in the number of cells and a change in cellular composition were noted in the fluids examined, while after six months of detachment normal cellular elements were absent. In all time intervals analyzed, no significant increase in IL-1β, IL-2 and IL-4 was noted in SRF. However, a significant quantity of IL-6 was found, particularly in the 5- to 8-week detachment. The authors assume that the presence of a large number of inflow cells in ‘fresh’ detachment can trigger a variety of inflammation-based immunological processes which stimulate the development of vitreoretinal proliferation.
Mortality in Blind Subjects
Authors: Krumpaszky H.G. , Dietz K. , Mickler A. , Selbmann H.K.
Published: April 2003

Background: Previous studies indicated that mortality is increased in blind subjects. However, no detailed analysis with respect to causes of blindness and the effect of additional diseases has been performed. The present study was undertaken to examine these questions. Materials and Methods: The investigation is based on social security files from the Württemberg-Hohenzollern region (population 5.5 millions) in Germany. In total, 571 files of blind subjects whose blindness benefits terminated (mostly due to death) in 1994 were included. Medical opinions on ophthalmological status and general health were extracted from the files. Standardised mortality ratios (SMRs) on the basis of life tables of former West Germany were calculated using maximum likelihood methods taking into account censoring. Results: Most subjects in our study had one or more additional diseases at onset of blindness (74%). The SMR in all blind is 1.41 [95% CI (confidence interval) = 1.28–1.54; n= 571]. Mortality of blind subjects is increased if subjects suffer from multiple disease at onset of blindness: the SMR in blind with multiple diseases is 1.76 (95% CI = 1.58–1.94; n = 421) versus 0.85 (CI = 0.70–1.0; n = 150) in otherwise healthy blind subjects. In cases where specifically ocular diseases were responsible for the visual loss, the symbol [M] indicates that the blind subject suffered from multiple disease at onset of blindness and [E] denotes that this was not the case. The SMRs for main causes of blindness are: macular degeneration [M] 1.5 (CI = 1.3–1.8; n = 123), [E] 1.1 (CI = 0.8–1.5; n = 43); glaucoma [M] 1.6 (CI = 1.3–2.1; n = 65), [E] 1.0 (CI = 0.6–1.5; n = 26); high myopia [M] 1.2 (CI = 0.8–1.7; n = 32), [E] 0.8 (CI = 0.5–1.2; n = 21); optic atrophy [M] 1.1 (CI = 0.6–1.8; n = 19), [E] 1.4 (CI = 0.4–3.2; n = 4), and tapetoretinal degeneration [M] 2.3 (CI = 1.1– 4.2; n = 10), [E] 0.9 (CI = 0.4–1.8; n = 12). The SMR of cases of blindness in conjunction with other diseases was fairly high for diabetic retinopathy: 5.5 (CI = 4.4–6.8; n = 81). Central-nervous-system-triggered blindness led to an SMR of 1.5 (CI = 1.0–2.2; n = 37). Discussion: According to the results of the present study mortality is significantly increased in blind subjects. However, increased mortality in cases of blindness due to specifically ocular disease (e.g. macular degeneration) is associated with the presence of multiple (extra-ocular) diseases at onset of blindness.
Origin of Innervation in the Feline Ophthalmic Artery
Authors: Chou Ping-I , Shaw Kai-Ping , Liu Jiang-Chuan , Lu Da-Wen
Published: April 2003

In this study, we investigate the innervation to the feline ophthalmic artery by the horseradish peroxidase (HRP) tracing method. Five adult cats with body weights ranging between 2.0 and 3.0 kg were used. Under microscopic dissection, the ophthalmic artery was identified and isolated. A gelfoam (Upjohn Co.), 1 × 3 mm in size, containing 0.1 ml of HRP was applied to the prepared artery segment for 2 h. The cat was sacrificed 3 days later. The trigeminal, stellate, superior cervical, middle cervical and nodal ganglia, and oculomotor, trochlear and abducens nuclei were removed, sectioned and stained for HRP-positive cells. HRP-labeled neurons were found in the ipsilateral trigeminal (TRG) and superior cervical ganglia (SCG). The middle cervical, stellate, Edinger-Westphal, trochlear and abducens nuclei were all deemed negative for HRP-labeled cells. In the TRG, HRP-labeled neurons ranged from 21 to 250 (mean ± SE = 93.8 ± 42.5/ganglion). The labeled neurons were distributed primarily in the ophthalmic branch. In the SCG, the HRP-labeled neurons were distributed evenly in the ganglion, ranging from 6 to 180 (mean ± SE = 91.6 ± 31.5/ganglion). Two additional cats having received a sham operation revealed a negative finding. The feline ophthalmic artery is innervated by the ipsilateral TRG and SCG. Such innervation may play a role in regulating blood flow to the optic nerve.
Blue-on-Yellow Perimetry Using an Armaly Glaucoma Screening Program
Authors: Maeda Hidetaka , Tanaka Yoshiaki , Nakamura Makoto , Yamamoto Misao
Published: April 2003

The purpose of the present investigation was to determine whether blue-on-yellow (B/Y) perimetry using a screening program can detect early glaucomatous change before it is evident with standard white-on-white (W/W) screening tests. The subjects included 25 normal, 20 ocular-hypertensive and 27 early glaucomatous eyes. From our results, even in normal subjects, B/Y perimetry alone demonstrated abnormal points in the nasal field in 10 eyes (40%). The Armaly central screening program was thought to be superior to the Armaly full-field program, because the former has less probabilities to detect a false-positive scotoma in the nasal field than the latter. In glaucomatous eyes, more abnormal points were detected by B/Y perimetry than by W/W perimetry. The screening program of B/Y perimetry is more advantageous than conventional tests in detecting early glaucomatous visual field defects.
Natural History of Macular Subretinal Hemorrhage in Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Scupola A. , Coscas G. , Soubrane G. , Balestrazzi E.
Published: April 2003

Purpose: To define the natural course of extensive submacular hemorrhage in age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Patients and Methods: The clinical charts of 54 patients (60 eyes) older than 55 years with subretinal hemorrhage larger than 1 disk diameter and extending beneath the fovea were retrospectively reviewed. The age of the patient, the use of antihypertensive or anticoagulant medication, visual acuity, biomicroscopic and fluorescein and indocyanine green (in 33 cases) angiographic data were recorded at presentation and during follow-up. Results: At the initial examination, average visual acuity was 20/240 (range from 20/70 to light perception). During follow-up (mean 24 months) visual acuity worsened in 80% of the eyes with a mean final visual acuity of 20/1,250 (range from 20/100 to light perception). The initial size and thickness of hemorrhage were correlated with initial and final visual acuity. Recurrence of hemorrhage resulted in an important impact on final visual acuity. Anatomic outcome showed fibrous tissue proliferation in 23 eyes (38.3%), atrophic scar in 15 eyes (25%) and occurrence of a retinal pigment epithelium tear in 13 eyes (21.6%). Conclusion: The visual outcome in eyes with submacular hemorrhages due to AMD is very poor. Size and thickness of the hemorrhage influenced negatively the natural prognosis. A surgical approach can be considered although it has not yet a widespread use.
Tumor Growth of a Choroidal Malignant Melanoma and Aqueous Flare
Authors: Nguyen NhungX. , Küchle Michael , Naumann GottfriedO.H.
Published: April 2003

We report the use of the laser flare-cell meter (LFCM) in monitoring blood-ocular barrier breakdown induced by a choroidal malignant melanoma in an 88-year-old white male, who refused enucleation or radiation treatment. During a follow-up of 16 months, aqueous flare values measured with the LFCM increased from 12.8 to 26.5 photon counts/ms with continuous tumor growth from a height of 7.9 to 18 mm. Our finding of increasing flare values with tumor growth appears to confirm the observation that aqueous flare is influenced by the size of uveal malignant melanomas. Quantification of aqueous flare with the LFCM may be helpful in the follow-up of eyes with intraocular tumors.
Effects of Frequency-Doubled Nd:YAG Laser Trabeculoplasty on Diurnal Intraocular Pressure Variations in Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma
Authors: Guzey Mustafa , Arslan Osman , Tamcelik Nevbahar , Satici Ahmet
Published: April 2003

In order to investigate the effects of laser trabeculoplasty (LT) on diurnal intraocular pressure (IOP) variations in 36 eyes of 30 cases with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) in which medical treatment was terminated, the IOP curves, recorded 24 h before as well as 24 h and 12 weeks after LT were compared. Twelve weeks after LT, significant IOP decreases were observed: 36.42% in the mean IOP, 29.77% in the mean peak IOP and 50.04% in the mean pressure range. LT might therefore have beneficial effects on the diurnal IOP variations in cases with POAG.
Corneal Endothelium Evaluation in Type I and Type II Diabetes mellitus
Authors: Roszkowska Anna M. , Tringali Carmelo G. , Colosi Pietro , Squeri Carlo A. , Ferreri Giuseppe
Published: April 2003

Background: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the corneal endothelium in type I and type II diabetic patients. Methods: Seventy-five diabetics divided into type I and type II groups and 62 healthy volunteers took part in the study. The mean endothelial cell density and morphology, and the central corneal thickness were evaluated and statistical analysis was done. Results: All evaluated parameters were found to be significantly different in both diabetic groups with reduction of the mean cell density of 5% in type II and of 11% in type I diabetes with respect to the normal age-matched control group. Important alterations of endothelial morphology were observed. The central corneal pachymetry was significantly higher in diabetics, with p < 0.01 in the type I group and p < 0.05 in the type II group. Conclusion: It is concluded that corneal endothelium in diabetices should still be considered as a tissue under continuous metabolic stress with consequent high vulnerability, especially in case of any external insult such as a surgical procedure.
In vitro Viability of External Eye Microbial Flora in Hydroxy-Propyl-Methylcellulose
Authors: Mastropasqua Leonardo , Piccolomini Raffaele , Carpineto Paolo , Ciancaglini Marco , Falconio Gennaro , Di Bonaventura Giovanni , Costagliola Ciro , Gallenga Pier E.
Published: April 2003

The aim of this study was to verify the in vitro influence of various dilutions of a viscoelastic substance containing 2% hydroxy-propyl-methylcellulose (HPMC) on the viability of some microbial strains representative of the normal flora of the external eye. Pure reference strain cultures of Candida albicans, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Propionibacterium acnes, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis and a fresh clinical isolate of Proteus mirabilis were selected for this study. Serial twofold dilutions of 2% HPMC, prepared so as to obtain a final concentration ranging from 50 to 0.78% of the product in sterile saline solution (0.85% NaCl), were taken out with a pipette that delivered 1.0 ml per tube. One hundred microliters of the abovementioned microbial inocula, used for the evaluation of the positive control of the test organism, were dispensed into each tube. After 24 h of incubation, 100 μl of samples were taken from each tube and plated into the specific medium for the growth of the test organism. After 24–48 h of incubation, these agar plates were examined and the colony-forming-unit count of each test organism was compared to the corresponding total colony count, acting as a positive control, in order to determine the quantitative variation of the test organism grown in the presence of the viscoelastic compounds. C. albicans and P. aeruginosa showed a statistically significant increase in growth with HPMC dilutions varying from 1:2 to 1:16. P. acnes and P. mirabilis growth was significantly reduced by all dilutions except for the 1:128 one. S. epidermidis growth was also significantly reduced in the presence of HPMC dilutions varying from 1:2 to 1:64. S. aureus growth was not significantly influenced. The viability of P. aeruginosa in HPMC dilutions needs to be carefully considered because of the ability of this organism to induce endophthalmitis, and the possibility that during cataract surgery, a small amount of HPMC may be left in the eye, trapped behind the intraocular lens optic.
Reliability of Applanation Tonometry Readings Obtained with a Disposable Latex Cap
Authors: Lotti Raffaella , Frau Barbara , Cerruti Simonetta , Trillo Carlandrea , Traverso Carlo Enrico
Published: April 2003

Background: To verify the accuracy of applanation tonometry through disposable latex caps used to prevent transmission of infectious diseases. Methods: Tonometry was performed in 80 patients. Each patient underwent two intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements with and without the latex. In group A patients tonometry was performed first without the cap; in group B tonometry was performed first with the cap. Each group was also divided into patients with IOP, ≥20 mm Hg (A1; B1) and patients with IOP <20 mm Hg (A2; B2). Results: The mean difference of tonometry readings was equal to –0.36 ± 1.62 mm Hg in group A, –0.03 ± 1.77 mm Hg in group A1, –0.61 ± 1.45 mm Hg in group A2, 0.23 ± 1.44 in group B, 0.64 ± 1.41 mm Hg in group B1, 0.05 ± 1.42 in group B2. A statistically significant correlation was found in group A, in group A2, B, B1 and B2; a less significant correlation was found in group A1. Conclusions: The use of the latex caps does not alter the reliability of tonometry readings as long as the cap is applied tightly. Measurement variation in our study is comparable to published data on applanation tonometry.
Variability in the Measurement of Corneal Temperature Using a Noncontact Infrared Thermometer
Authors: Koçak Inci , Orgül Selim , Flammer Josef
Published: April 2003

Purpose: To assess the variability of corneal temperature and the reproducibility of its measurement by means of a noncontact infrared thermometer in healthy subjects. Methods: The THI-500 noncontact infrared thermometer (Tasco Japan, Osaka, Japan) was used for the measurement of corneal temperature. The reproducibility of corneal temperature measurements was assessed for 5 consecutive temperature readings obtained within 45 min or within 5 days. In addition, the interocular difference in corneal temperature and the diurnal temperature changes of the cornea were assessed. For each experiment, 10 healthy subjects were recruited. Results: The reliability of 5 consecutive corneal temperature measurements obtained within 45 min and within 5 days was 97.92 and 85.35%, respectively. Interocular differences in corneal temperature were not statistically significant (p = 0.70). Average corneal temperature varied significantly during the day (p < 0.0001), with lower corneal temperature readings during the morning hours compared to those obtained during the afternoon. Conclusion: The assessment of corneal temperature by means of noncontact infrared thermometry is highly reproducible. Corneal temperature varies throughout the day, and this variation is independent of variations in environmental temperature.
Evaluation of Phacotrabeculectomy versus Trabeculectomy Alone
Authors: Guggenbach Monica , Mojon Daniel S. , Böhnke Matthias
Published: April 2003

Our purpose was to evaluate phacotrabeculectomy (PT) versus trabeculectomy alone (TA). 161 eyes with primary open angle or pseudoexfoliative glaucoma operated on consecutively by one surgeon were followed prospectively. 1 year follow-up was available for 70 eyes with PT and 54 with TA (77% of all eyes). Intraocular pressure (IOP) in PT dropped from 23.4 ± 8.9 to 13.3 ± 3.4 mm Hg and in TA from 24.8 ± 7.5 to 14.2 ± 3.9 mm Hg. IOP difference between PT and TA at 1 year was nonsignificant (p > 0.1). The average number of medications in PT dropped from 1.9 ± 0.9 to 0.1 ± 0.5 and in TA from 2.2 ± 0.9 to 0.3 ± 0.6 (p > 0.1). We conclude that additional phacoemulsification does not influence intraocular pressure control at 1 years.
Alpha-B-Crystallin in Neuropathology
Authors: van Rijk A.F. , Bloemendal H.
Published: April 2003

αB-Crystallin, which has homology with the small heat shock proteins, is the basic subunit of α-crystallin, a major component of the vertebrate eye lens. These crystallins have for a long time been thought to be absolutely lens specific. However, about a decade ago αB-crystallin has been detected extralenticularly in many tissues among which the central nervous system. Under pathological conditions the expression level of αB-crystallin frequently increases. For this reason it is considered to be a useful marker in a variety of neurodegenerative diseases. In this mini-review, a number of typical neurodegenerative disorders is dealt with in which αB-crystallin may play a role.
Alpha-B-Crystallin Expression in Tissues Derived from Different Species in Different Age Groups
Authors: Oertel Markus F. , May Christian Albrecht , Bloemendal Hans , Lütjen-Drecoll Elke
Published: April 2003

αB-Crystallin is constitutively expressed in a variety of tissues including the nervous system, the eye, heart and striated muscles and the kidney. The functional significance of the protein in the different cell populations is not yet known. Experimental data indicate that mechanical stress to the cells might play a role but that there is also a close correlation with markers of oxidative activity. Increased expression of αB-crystallin is seen in a number of age-related degenerative diseases. Whether aging per se induces expression of the protein has not been investigated yet. In this study tissue samples of the anterior eye segment, optic nerve, heart muscle and thyroid gland from mouse, rat, pig, cow and human donors of different age groups were investigated with immunohistochemical methods. αB-Crystallin levels in heart muscle and optic nerve samples from different species and different age groups were investigated using protein immunoblotting (dot blot) and the mRNA levels using semiquantitative PCR methods. The results showed that neither in heart muscle known to show constitutively high amounts of the protein nor in nonlenticular eye tissues with variations in staining intensity of different cell populations or in glandular cells studied for the first time, there were significant age-related staining differences. Dot blot methods as a quantitative evaluation method gave similar results. There were, however, species differences. In the eye these differences could be due to functional differences related to the development of a fovea centralis and an accommodative system in primates. In addition, in all mouse tissues there was less protein expression than in the other species. Differences in the absolute life span might be a factor involved in αB-crystallin expression. In summary the findings show that an increase in αB-crystallin with age may occur but is not a general phenomenon in tissues constitutively expressing this protein.