bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of sildenafil, a phosphodiesterase‐5 inhibitor, on acetic acid‐induced colonic inflammation in the rat
Authors: Iseri Sevgin Ozlem , Ersoy Yasemin , Ercan Feriha , Yuksel Meral , Atukeren Pinar , Gumustas Koray , Alican Inci
Published: May 2009

Background and Aim:  Sildenafil, a selective and potent inhibitor of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)‐specific phosphodiesterase (PDE)5, has a relaxant effect on the smooth muscle cells of the arterioles supplying the human corpus cavernosum acting via nitric oxide (NO)‐dependent mechanism. This study aimed to investigate the possible protective effect of sildenafil citrate on the extent of tissue integrity, oxidant‐antioxidant status and neutrophil infiltration to the inflamed organ in a rat model of acetic acid‐induced colitis.

Methods:  Colitis was induced by intrarectal administration of 1 mL of 5% acetic acid to Sprague‐Dawley rats (200–250 g; n = 7–8/group). Control rats received an equal volume of saline intrarectally. In treatment groups, the rats were treated with either sildenafil citrate (5 mg/kg/day; subcutaneously) or saline for 3 days. After decapitation, distal colon was weighed and scored macroscopically and microscopically. Tissue samples were used for the measurement of malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, and oxidant production. Trunk blood was collected for the assessment of serum tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α and interleukin (IL)‐1β levels.

Results:  In the colitis group, the colonic tissue was characterized by lesions, increased lipid peroxidation with a concomitant reduction in GSH content, increased MPO activity and oxidant production. Serum TNF‐α and IL‐1β levels were higher in the colitis group compared to control values. Sildenafil reversed these inflammatory parameters nearly back to control values.

Conclusions:  Sildenafil citrate administration to rats with acetic acid‐induced colitis seems to be beneficial via prevention of lipid peroxidation, oxidant generation, cytokine production and neutrophil accumulation.
Single session versus separate session endoscopic ultrasonography plus endoscopic retrograde cholangiography in patients with low to moderate risk for choledocholithiasis
Authors: Fabbri Carlo , Polifemo Anna Maria , Luigiano Carmelo , Cennamo Vincenzo , Fuccio Lorenzo , Billi Paola , Maimone Antonella , Ghersi Stefania , Macchia Sandro , Mwangemi Constance , Consolo Pierluigi , Zirilli Agata , Eusebi Leonardo Henry , D'Imperio Nicola
Published: May 2009

Background and Aim:  Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) is a minimally invasive diagnostic tool for common bile duct stones (CBDS) and may be used to select patients for therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC). The aim of this trial is to compare, in patients with non‐high‐risk for CDBS, the clinical and economic impact of EUS plus ERC performed in a single endoscopic session versus EUS plus ERC in two separate sessions.

Methods:  During an 11‐month period, all adult patients admitted to the emergency department with suspicion of CBDS were categorized into either high‐risk or non‐high‐risk groups, on the basis of clinical, biochemical, or transabdominal ultrasound findings. Patients in the non‐high‐risk group were randomized to receive EUS plus ERC in one single or in two separate sessions.

Results:  Eighty patients were recruited and randomized. Forty patients underwent EUS plus ERC in a single session and 40 patients underwent EUS plus ERC in two separate sessions. Negative EUS examination for CBDS avoided unnecessary ERC to 33 patients. Out of 47 patients with positive EUS (25 from the single session group and 22 from the double session), ERC confirmed the presence of CBDS in 46 cases (EUS sensitivity 100% and specificity 98%). Average time of procedure and hospitalization were significantly shorter in the single session group compared to the two session group. The single session strategy was also less expensive.

Conclusion:  Endoscopic ultrasonography plus ERC with sphincterotomy and stone extraction performed during the same endoscopic session was safe and efficacious with a reduction of procedure time, hospitalization and costs.
Comparison of parenteral iron sucrose and ferric chloride during erythropoietin therapy of haemodialysis patients
Authors: WU CHIH‐JEN , LIN HSIN‐CHANG , LEE KUN‐FENG , CHUANG CHIH‐KUANG , CHEN YI‐CHOU , CHEN HAN‐HSIANG
Published: May 2009

Aim:  To compare the effects of i.v. iron sucrose and Fe chloride on the iron indices of haemodialysis patients with anaemia.

Methods:  One hundred and eight haemodialysis patients receiving recombinant human erythropoiesis‐stimulating agent (ESA) (mean age 59.37 years) were enrolled and randomly assigned to an iron sucrose or an Fe chloride group. Iron supplements were administered at 100 mg/week during the first 4 weeks (loading dose). Ferritin and transferrin saturation (TSAT) were then measured and dose adjusted. Ninety‐eight subjects completed treatment; 51 in the iron sucrose group and 47 in the Fe chloride group. Ferritin, TSAT, haematocrit (Hct), reticulocyte count, serum albumin, fractional clearance of urea (Kt/V) and intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) were measured.

Results:  There was no significant difference in baseline characteristics between the groups. Significant differences between the groups were observed in both iron indices and ESA dosage. Hct at week 24 (31.1% vs 29.7%, P = 0.006) and ferritin at week 20 (731.3 vs 631.7 ng/mL, P = 0.006) in the iron sucrose group were significantly higher than in the Fe chloride group. ESA dosage used in the iron sucrose group at week 8 was significantly lower than in the Fe chloride group (244.9 vs 322.6 U/kg per month, P = 0.003), and iron sucrose group received significantly lower iron dose than the Fe chloride group at week 8 (P = 0.005).

Conclusion:  Although the differences in ESA dosage, ferritin and iron dosage between two groups were found during the study period while similar results were shown at the end of 24 week study. Thus, iron sucrose and Fe chloride are safe and work equally well for haemodialysis patients.
Systemic disorders of calcium dynamics in rats with adenine‐induced renal failure: Implication for chronic kidney disease‐related complications
Authors: IKEDA RYUJI , IMAI YASUO , MARUYAMA WAKAKO , MIZOGUCHI KAZUSHIGE
Published: May 2009

Aim:  Chronic kidney disease (CKD) causes the dysregulation of systemic mineral metabolism. A major issue in CKD patients is the emergence of ectopic calcification in soft tissues, presumably due to increased levels of calcium (Ca) or inorganic phosphorus (Pi); however, the precise mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate Ca dynamics in an animal model of CKD.

Methods:  Renal failure was produced in rats by feeding an adenine‐containing diet for 4 weeks, and time‐course changes in biochemical parameters, including Ca, Pi, creatinine (Cr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), parathyroid hormone (PTH), 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3, and N‐telopeptide and cross‐linked collagen type I (NTx), were monitored once a week during the feeding period. Intestinal absorption, tissue contents, and urinary excretion of Ca were monitored using radioisotope (RI) 45Ca.

Results:  Adenine‐fed rats exhibited renal failure, ectopic calcification and altered serum parameters, including elevated levels of serum Pi, Cr, PTH and BUN. Serum Ca levels were not increased in rats with renal failure. RI‐based experiments revealed that abnormal Ca dynamics including attenuated intestinal absorption, increased incorporation into soft tissues, particularly aortic tissue, in which it was increased threefold, and enhanced urinary excretion occurred in renal failure rats.

Conclusion:  Rats with renal failure induced by an adenine diet exhibited severe abnormality of Ca dynamics, including Ca shortage and ectopic accumulation of Ca. These findings would provide useful information to research CKD‐related complications.
Study by transmission and scanning electron microscopy of the morphogenesis of three types of lingual papillae in the albino rat (Rattus rattus)
Authors: El‐Bakry Ahlam Mostafa
Published: May 2009

El‐Bakry, A.M. 2010. Study by transmission and scanning electron microscopy of the morphogenesis of three types of lingual papillae in the albino rat (Rattus rattus).—Acta Zoologica (Stockholm) 91: 267–278

Tongues were removed from albino rat foetus on days 12 (E12) and 16 (E16) of gestation and from newborns (P0) and from juvenile rats on days 7 (P7), 14 (P14) and 21 (P21) postnatally for investigation by light, scanning, and transmission electron microscopy. Significant changes appeared during the morphogenesis of the papillae. At E12, two rows of rudiments of fungiform papillae were extended bilaterally on the anterior half of the tongue. At E16, the rudiments of fungiform papillae were regularly arranged in a lattice‐like pattern. A rudiment of circumvallate papillae could be recognized. No rudiment of filiform papillae was visible. No evidence of keratinization was recognizable. At P0, rudiments of filiform papillae were visible but had a more rounded appearance, with keratinization. The fungiform and circumvallate papillae were large and their outlines were somewhat irregular as that found in the adult rat. At P7, the filiform papillae were large and slender. The fungiform papillae became large and the shape of circumvallate papillae was almost similar to that observed in the adult. At P14 and P21, the shape and structure of the three types of papillae were irregular as those found in the adult. In conclusion, the rudiments of the fungiform and circumvallate papillae were visible earlier than those of the filiform papillae. The morphogenesis of filiform papillae advanced in a parallel manner with the keratinization of the lingual epithelium, in the period from just before birth to a few weeks after birth.
Comparing hormonal and symptomatic responses to experimental hypoglycaemia in insulin‐ and sulphonylurea‐treated Type 2 diabetes
Authors: Choudhary P. , Lonnen K. , Emery C. J. , MacDonald I. A. , MacLeod K. M. , Amiel S. A. , Heller S. R.
Published: May 2009

Aims  Patients with diabetes rely on symptoms to identify hypoglycaemia. Previous data suggest patients with Type 2 diabetes develop greater symptomatic and hormonal responses to hypoglycaemia at higher glucose concentrations than non‐diabetic controls and these responses are lowered by insulin treatment. It is unclear if this is as a result of insulin therapy itself or improved glucose control. We compared physiological responses to hypoglycaemia in patients with Type 2 diabetes patients treated with sulphonylureas (SUs) or insulin (INS) with non‐diabetic controls (CON).

Methods  Stepped hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemic clamps were performed on 20 subjects with Type 2 diabetes, 10 SU‐treated and 10 treated with twice‐daily premixed insulin, and 10 age‐ and weight‐matched non‐diabetic controls. Diabetic subjects were matched for diabetes duration, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and hypoglycaemia experience. We measured symptoms, counterregulatory hormones and cognitive function at glucose plateaux of 5, 4, 3.5, 3 and 2.5 mmol/l.

Results  Symptomatic responses to hypoglycaemia occurred at higher blood glucose concentrations in SU‐treated than INS‐treated patients [3.5 (0.4) vs. 2.6 (0.5) mmol/l SU vs. INS; P = 0.001] or controls [SU vs. CON 3.5 (0.4) vs. 3.0 (0.6) mmol/l; P = 0.05]. They also had a greater increase in symptom scores at hypoglycaemia [13.6 (11.3) vs. 3.6 (6.1) vs. 5.1 (4.3) SU vs. INS vs. CON; P = 0.017]. There were no significant differences in counterregulatory hormone responses or impairment of cognitive function among groups.

Conclusions  Sulphonylurea‐treated subjects are more symptomatic of hypoglycaemia at a higher glucose level than insulin‐treated subjects. This may protect them from severe hypoglycaemia but hinder attainment of glycaemic goals.
Interacting effects of changes in climate and forest cover on mortality and growth of the southernmost European fir forests
Authors: Linares Juan Carlos , Camarero J. Julio , Carreira José Antonio
Published: May 2009

Aims The combined effects of changes in climate and land use on tree mortality and growth patterns have rarely been addressed. Relict tree species from the Mediterranean Basin serve as appropriate models to investigate these effects, since they grow in climatically stressed areas which have undergone intense cover changes. The aim is to use climate, aerial photographs, stand structure and radial‐growth data to explain the mortality and historical patterns of growth ofAbies pinsapoin the area where this relict species was first protected.

Location Sierra de las Nieves, West Baetic Range, southern Spain.

Methods We assessed variations of tree cover inA. pinsapoforests through image analyses of aerial photographs spanning the last 50 years. We sampled 31 stands to assess current altitudinal patterns of forest structure and mortality. We evaluated the relationships between radial growth and regional climate using linear models in three sites at different elevations.

Results Regional warming and a decrease in precipitation were detected. Forest tree cover increased at all elevations from 1957 until 1991, but it afterwards decreased below 1100 m. Currently, the likelihood of tree mortality increases downwards and is associated with dense, closed stands with a low living basal area. In contrast to previous droughts, a sharp synchronized reduction in tree growth, not fully accounted for in linear climate–growth models, occurred at low elevations in 1994–95, but not upwards. It was preceded by a weakening of the negative association between low‐elevation growth and water deficit since the late 1970s.

Conclusions The intense densification ofA. pinsapoforests following strict protection measures in the late 1950s enhanced the vulnerability of climate‐sensitiveA. pinsapoforests to recent drier conditions. Such abrupt land‐use changes help to explain recent patterns of mortality and growth decline in low‐elevationA. pinsapoforests.
EFFECTS OF HEALTH AND CHRONIC DISEASES ON LABOUR FORCE PARTICIPATION OF OLDER WORKING‐AGE AUSTRALIANS*
Authors: CAI LIXIN , CONG CHANGXIN
Published: May 2009

This study examines the effects of general health and chronic diseases on the labour force participation of older working‐age Australians. To account for potential endogeneity of health status, a simultaneous equation model is estimated and chronic diseases are used as instrumental variables. The effects of chronic diseases on labour force participation are assessed indirectly using the parameters estimated from the simultaneous equation model. The results show that both health status and chronic diseases have significant effects on labour force participation. It also appears that the effects of chronic diseases are more accurately estimated from the simultaneous equation model than from a single equation labour force participation model.
Stakeholder Reporting: The Role of Intermediaries
Authors: STAPLETON PAMELA , WOODWARD DAVID
Published: May 2009

Corporate social responsibility encompasses a multiplicity of different concepts, such that its nature is confused, and it remains difficult to operationalize because opening dialogue with and responding to the various expectations of diverse stakeholders is beyond the capacity of many companies. This paper adapts Mayston's normative “information beneficiaries” framework and focuses on intermediaries who might potentially use published financial information to open a restricted form of dialogue with companies, which might benefit unsophisticated stakeholders. The paper examines the Mayston framework using interviews conducted in organizations that might act on behalf of three stakeholder groups associated with gas and electricity suppliers in the United Kingdom, these being: consumers, employees, and the environment. While a long chain of communication exists between utility company and stakeholder, and many organizations do not fulfill their full potential as information intermediaries, there is some evidence that Mayston's framework might well operate in practice.
A Study of the Financial Reporting Dichotomy of Managers' Perceived Usefulness of the Value Added Statement
Authors: MALGWI CHARLES A. , PURDY DEREK E.
Published: May 2009

The value added statements' (VAS) literature has been overwhelmingly normative and generally strongly suggested companies should produce a VAS, as did the Nigerian Accounting Standards Board in its Statement of Accounting Standards (NASB, 1984). This study investigated whether the perceived usefulness of the Nigerian VAS conformed to what the managers, as preparers, had envisioned the VAS to accomplish. Using methods pioneered in the empirical literature about the effects of information provision on managers, senior managers in two companies were interviewed about their past, current, and future views concerning the VAS. One company produced a VAS while the other did not produce one even when the Nigerian government made it mandatory. Empirical research about VAS is rare, especially the reasons for nonproduction of a VAS. The collection of interview data at the individual manager level enabled the findings to be compared with various aspects of the VAS literature, including emerging economies, finance studies in the United States, and normative literature in South Africa and UK studies. The non‐VAS company respondents strongly considered the government to be the main user, compared with the employees as main users in UK studies. Our findings had some strong support for shareholders as did the United Kingdom. The majority of the VAS‐producing respondents noted that a VAS might not be useful to employees, but could be used to measure productivity, demonstrating the function of VAS as a complementary performance indicator. The non‐VAS company respondents did not know if a VAS measured productivity, as it was merely a rearrangement of the Income Statement and thus similar to UK views. The paper also provides suggestions for further research with both VAS and other financial representatives.
WHAT LOTTERY PROBLEM FOR RELIABILISM?
Authors: COMESAÑA JUAN
Published: May 2009

It can often be heard in the hallways, and occasionally read in print, that reliabilism runs into special trouble regarding lottery cases. My main aim in this paper is to argue that this is not so. Nevertheless, lottery cases do force us to pay close attention to the relation between justification and probability.
SUBJECTIVITY, JUDGMENT, AND THE BASING RELATIONSHIP
Authors: DAVIS JOHN K.
Published: May 2009

Moral and legal judgments sometimes depend on personal traits in this sense: the subject offers good reasons for her judgment, but if she had a different social or ideological background, her judgment would be different. If you would judge the constitutionality of restrictions on abortion differently if you were not a secular liberal, is your judgment really based on the arguments you find convincing, or do you find them so only because you are a secular liberal? I argue that a judgment can be based on the considerations the subject claims as justification even when it depends on personal traits.
HOW I LEARNED TO STOP WORRYING AND LOVE THE INVERTED SPECTRUM
Authors: SCHOETTLE TIMOTHY
Published: May 2009

It is possible for a person and their environment to be physically identical each day and yet the representational content of their beliefs about color are inverted. Each day they utter the same words, ‘Wow! The colors of everything have switched again today.’ In uttering these words, they express a different proposition each day. This supports the view held by Reichenbach and Carnap that when it comes to representations of colored objects, relations of similarity and difference are fundamental. There are no such things as colors like ‘redness’ and ‘greenness’ apart from the particular things we call red and green.
ON DAVIDSON'S REFUTATION OF CONCEPTUAL SCHEMES AND CONCEPTUAL RELATIVISM
Authors: WANG XINLI
Published: May 2009

Despite Donald Davidson's influential criticism of the very notion of conceptual schemes, the notion continues enjoying its popularity in contemporary philosophy and, accordingly, conceptual relativism is still very much alive. There is one major reason responsible for Davidson's failure which has not been widely recognized: What Davidson attacks fiercely is not the very notion, but a notion of conceptual schemes, namely, the Quinean notion of conceptual schemes and its underlying Kantian scheme‐content dualism. However, such a notion simply cannot carry the weight of conceptual relativism for it does not catch the essences of conceptual relativism. Consequently, I argue that the very notion of conceptual schemes and conceptual relativism have survived Davidson's attack. Therefore, the failure of the Quinean notion of conceptual schemes and Kantian scheme‐content dualism, even if Davidson can claim victory, does not mark the end of the very notion of conceptual schemes.
In Vivo Osteogenic Capability of Human Mesenchymal Cells Cultured on Hydroxyapatite and on β‐Tricalcium Phosphate
Authors: Matsushima Asako , Kotobuki Noriko , Tadokoro Mika , Kawate Kenji , Yajima Hiroshi , Takakura Yoshinori , Ohgushi Hajime
Published: May 2009

The aim of the current study was to examine in vitro osteogenic capability and in vivo bone formation of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) on two kinds of calcium phosphate ceramics. MSCs derived from human bone marrow were seeded on either hydroxyapatite (HA) ceramic or β‐tricalcium phosphate (β‐TCP) ceramic and then cultured in a medium supplemented with a donor's serum, vitamin C, β‐glycerophosphate, and dexamethasone. The culture revealed the expression of alkaline phosphatase activity, indicating the osteogenic differentiation of the MSCs on the ceramics (fabrication of tissue‐engineered construct). The constructs were then implanted subcutaneously into nude rats for 8 weeks. New bone formation was observed in both types of ceramics, and human‐specific Alu sequence was detected by in situ hybridization analysis. Quantitative microcomputed tomography showed that the volume of the new bone in the HA ceramic was greater than that in the β‐TCP ceramic in six of seven cases. These results suggest that human MSCs cultured on ceramics could retain their osteogenic capability even after ectopic implantation and provide a rationale for the use of tissue‐engineered constructs derived from a patient's MSCs and calcium phosphate ceramics in bone tissue regeneration.
Computational Evaluation of Dialysis Fluid Flow in Dialyzers With Variously Designed Jackets
Authors: Yamamoto Ken‐ichiro , Matsuda Masato , Hirano Ayaka , Takizawa Natsuo , Iwashima Shigeto , Yakushiji Taiji , Fukuda Makoto , Miyasaka Takehiro , Sakai Kiyotaka
Published: May 2009

Dialyzer performance strongly depends on the flow of blood and dialysis fluid as well as membrane performance. It is necessary, particularly to optimize dialysis fluid flow, to develop a highly efficient dialyzer. The objective of the present study is to evaluate by computational analysis the effects of dialyzer jacket baffle structure, taper angle, and taper length on dialysis fluid flow. We modeled 10 dialyzers of varying baffle angles (0, 30, 120, 240, and 360°) with and without tapers. We also modeled 30 dialyzers of varying taper lengths (0, 12.5, 25.0, and 50.0 mm) and angles (0, 2, 4, and 6°) based on technical data of APS‐SA dialyzers having varying surface areas of 0.8, 1.5, and 2.5 m2 (Rexeed). Dialysis fluid flow velocity was calculated by the finite element method. The taper part was divided into 10 sections of varying fluid resistances. A pressure of 0 Pa was set at the dialysis fluid outlet, and a dialysis fluid flow rate of 500 mL/min at the dialysis fluid inlet. Water was used as the dialysis fluid in the computational analysis. Results for dialysis fluid flow velocity of the modeled dialyzers indicate that taper design and a fully surrounded baffle are important in making the dialysis fluid flow into a hollow‐fiber bundle easily and uniformly. However, dialysis fluid flow channeling occurred particularly at the outflowing part with dialyzers having larger taper lengths and angles. Optimum design of dialysis jacket structure is essential to optimizing dialysis fluid flow and to increasing dialyzer performance.
The Effect of Pregnancy and Parity on Headache Prevalence: The Head‐HUNT Study
Authors: Aegidius Karen , Zwart John‐Anker , Hagen Knut , Stovner Lars
Published: May 2009

Background.— In previous studies, pregnancy has been associated with less headache, but the influence of parity on this association is largely unknown.

Objectives.— To examine the prevalence of headache and migraine among pregnant women, and explore the relation of headache to parity in a large, population‐based study.

Methods.— In the Nord‐Trøndelag Health Study in Norway 1995‐1997 (HUNT 2), a total of 27,700 (60%) out of 46,506 invited women responded to headache questions (Head‐HUNT). In total, 9281 women were 40 years or younger and responded to questions on pregnancy and birth, and 550 of these reported to be pregnant when filling in the questionnaire. A total of 20,287 women who were 70 years or younger and reported not to be pregnant responded to questions on headache and reported number of child births.

Results.— Adjusting for age and educational level, the headache prevalence was lower among pregnant than among nonpregnant women. The association between headache and pregnancy was significant for nulliparous (one who has never given birth) (OR = 0.5, 95% CI = 0.4‐0.7), but not for primiparous (1 child only) and multiparous (several children) women (OR = 0.8, 95% CI = 0.7‐1.0). This was evident for both migraine and nonmigrainous headache. Among nonpregnant women, there was an increased headache prevalence among primi‐ and multiparous women compared with nulliparous (OR = 1.3, 95% CI = 1.2‐1.4).

Conclusion.— Headache, both migraine and nonmigrainous, was less prevalent in nulliparous pregnant women compared with all nonpregnant women, and to nulliparous nonpregnant women. Headache was less prevalent in the third trimester of pregnancy, but not in the first and second trimesters, compared with nonpregnant women. Also in nonpregnant women, headache was less prevalent in nulliparous than in primi‐ and multiparous women.
A Critical View on the Role of Migraine Triggers in the Genesis of Migraine Pain
Authors: Levy Dan , Strassman Andrew M. , Burstein Rami
Published: May 2009

A number of distinct endogenous and exogenous factors have been implicated in migraine precipitation but the exact nature of the triggering process itself and its relationship to the genesis of the headache remains largely speculative. In this article, we examine the potential sites and downstream cascades through which migraine triggers might exert their action to promote the activation of the migraine pain pathway. We further look at the laterality of the headache as a potential indicator for the site of migraine pain initiation and examine the question of triggering factor specificity in relation to the current understanding of migraine pathophysiology.
A simple two‐step culture system for the large‐scale generation of mature and functional dendritic cells from umbilical cord blood CD34+ cells
Authors: Balan Sreekumar , Kale Vaijayanti P. , Limaye Lalita S.
Published: May 2009

BACKGROUND: In vitro generated dendritic cells (DCs) are widely used as adjuvants in cancer immunotherapy. The major sources for DC generation are monocytes and CD34+ cells. CD34+‐derived DCs are less frequently used in clinical applications because it requires complex generation methods. Here a simple method for the large‐scale generation of mature functional DCs from umbilical cord blood–derived CD34+ cells is described.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: CD34+ cells were first expanded with a combination of early acting growth factors in a medium containing autologous plasma. In the second step the DC precursors were further either enriched by plastic adherence or sorted on a cell sorter and differentiated as DCs. DCs generated by both methods were compared for their morphology, phenotype, and different functional variables.

RESULTS: This culture system provided a large‐scale expansion of CD34+ cells giving a mean fold increase of 615. The majority of the expanded cells were interstitial DC precursors, that is, CD14+‐positive cells. In vitro generated immature DCs could be matured into functional DCs by appropriate maturation stimuli. DCs generated by the plastic adherence method had a better cytokine profile and strong mixed leukocyte reaction compared to those generated by cell sorting.

CONCLUSION: A two‐step culture system provides a large‐scale expansion of CD34+ cells with a preferential lineage commitment toward CD14+ cells. Enrichment of these precursors with a simple plastic adherence technique results in generation of large numbers of mature, functional DCs. This method of in vitro DC generation will have applications in cancer immunotherapy.
Evaluation of Longitudinal Tissue Velocity and Deformation Imaging in Akinetic Nonviable Inferobasal Segments of Left Ventricular Myocardium by Dobutamine Stress Echocardiography
Authors: Sadeghian Hakimeh , Majidi Shahla , Lotfi‐Tokaldany Masoumeh , Nikdoust Farahnaz , Sheikhfathollahi Mahmood , Abbasi Seyed Hesameddin
Published: May 2009

Aim: To study tissue velocity imaging (TVI) and strain rate imaging (SRI) indices in akinetic nonviable and normal left ventricular (LV) inferobasal segment and effect of dobutamine infusion on these indices in nonviable segments. Methods: The study population consisted of two groups: 25 patients (mean age 60.75 ± 8.69 years) with left ventricular akinetic inferobasal nonviable segment determined by dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) and 14 normal coronaries (mean age 56.67 ± 11.90 years) with normal echocardiography as control group. The following TVI and SRI parameters were measured in patient and control group: ejection phase velocity (Sm [cm/sec]), peak systolic strain (ST [%]), and strain rate (SR [per second])). Results: Ejection fraction was significantly lower in patient group (29.40%± 5.46% vs. 55.00%± 3.39%; P < 0.001). Several differences were observed in patients with nonviable inferobasal segments compared to control group: Sm was reduced (3.58 ± 1.08 cm/sec vs. 5.56 ± 1.28 cm/sec; P < 0.001); SR and ST were significantly decreased (−0.39 ± 0.20/second vs. −1.44 ± 0.64/second, and −3.86%± 4.12% vs. −17.64%± 7.44%, respectively; P < 0.001 in both). The range of SR for nonviable segments (−0.04 to −0.77/second) did not overlap with that of the normal segments (−0.80 to −3.0/second). This range for Sm and ST overlapped with those of the normal segments. Conclusion: All TVI and SRI parameters are reduced in akinetic nonviable inferobasal compared with normal segments. According to findings of this study, resting strain rate has a potential to discriminate nonviable inferobasal from normal segments.
Left Ventricular Thickness Is Increased in Nonhypertensive Turner's Syndrome
Authors: Sozen Ahmet Bilge , Cefle Kıvanc , Kudat Hasan , Ozturk Sukru , Oflaz Huseyin , Akkaya Vakur , Palanduz Sukru , Demirel Seref , Ozcan Mustafa , Goren Taner , Guven Ozen
Published: May 2009

Background: Turner's syndrome (TS), the most frequent congenital anomaly in newborn girls, is associated with various cardiovascular abnormalities, predominantly bicuspid aortic valves and aortic coarctation. The causes of the left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and ECG findings associated with TS are unknown. We used echocardiography to assess cardiac structure and function in normotensive patients with TS. Method: Thirty‐one patients with TS and 30 healthy women were enrolled in this comparative study. Twelve‐lead ECG, 24‐hour‐ambulatory ECG recording, and echocardiography were performed. Results: With 24‐hour‐ambulatory ECG recording, the mean heart rate (HR) of TS women was higher than non‐TS women. With echocardiographic examination, the interventricular septum diastolic thickness, left ventricle posterior wall diastolic thickness (LVPW), the LV mass index (LVMI), and left atrial diameter index (LADi) were significantly higher in TS women compared with controls. Mitral flow A velocity was significantly higher and the ratio of early to late diastolic filling was significantly lower in TS patients. Conclusion: HR, LV wall thicknesses, LVMI and the LADi are significantly increased in normohypertensive TS women. There is also subclinical diastolic dysfunction in these patients.
Extensibility of the normo‐hydrated human cornea
Authors: Hjortdal Jesper Ø.
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT The extensibility of 10 human corneas was evaluated in vitro by measuring central epithelial side and endothelial side tangential strain induced by intraocular pressure loads ranging from 2 to 100 mmHg. Corneal normo‐hydration was attempted by immersing and perfusing the eyes with 8% Dextran 500 in isotonic saline. The relationship between corneal strain and intraocular pressure was found to be non‐linear, showing a typical stress‐stiffening behaviour. Strain changes were approximately 10% higher on the endothelial side compared with the epithelial side. This difference could be fully explained by pressure induced changes in corneal volume. Compared to previous experiments performed on swollen corneas, the stiffness of the normo‐hydrated human cornea was found to be higher. Young's modulus of elasticity for the corneal stroma was estimated to 3, 9, and 20 MPa for intraocular pressure intervals of 2–10, 10–25, and 25–100 mmHg, respectively.
Contrast visual acuities in cataract patients
Authors: Bissen‐Miyajima Hiroko , Katsumi Osamu , Shimbo Ritsuko , Ji‐Wang Guang , Hara Emiko
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT We compared pre‐ and postoperative visual acuities in 45 cataract patients without ocular pathology except lens opacity (group 1) and 20 patients with ocular pathologies and lens opacity (group 2) using Variable Contrast Visual Acuity Charts. Charts 1 and 4 have 90% contrast; chart 4 has white optotypes on a black background (reverse polarity), charts 2 and 3 have 15% and 2.5% contrast, respectively. The mean preoperative visual acuities of groups 1 and 2 measured with the high‐contrast Landolt optotypes ranged from 0.02–0.80 and 0.22–0.40, respectively. Visual acuity improvements between the pre‐ and postoperative periods ranged from 1.37–1.61 and 0.52–1.24 octaves in groups 1 and 2, respectively, with the different charts. Visual acuity improvement was poorest with chart 3. The group 1 mean preoperative visual acuity measured with chart 2 was 1.11 octaves lower than with chart 1. In group 2, the visual acuity reduction was 1.81 octaves. The relation between the visual acuities measured with the high‐contrast intermediate‐contrast optotypes are important for predicting postoperative visual acuity improvement. An abnormal contrast acuity profile may indicate the presence of additional ocular pathologies.
Dynamics of accommodative vergence movements controlled by the dominant and non‐dominant eye
Authors: Han Ying , Seideman Marianne , Lennerstrand Gunnar
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT Accommodative vergence responses to accommodative stimuli presented at three different amplitudes in a stepwise and a sinusoidal mode to either the dominant or the non‐dominant eye were studied. The motor control loop was opened by one eye viewing the target and the other eye covered. Each eye was stimulated monocularly and eye movements were recorded with an infra‐red reflection system. Latency and time constant of the accommodative vergence response to step stimulation or the phase of the vergence response to sine wave stimulation, did not vary systematically with stimulus amplitude or eye stimulated. However, the gain of the accommodative vergence movements was highest in the non‐dominant eye at a particular stimulus amplitude. This suggested that accommodative vergence angles can vary depending on which eye is leading and driving the accommodative vergence system in a specific fixation situation.
Results of out‐patient cataract surgery in patients who live far from the surgeon
Authors: Fernández Gema Rebolleda , Muñoz Francisco J. , del Castillo Juan Murube
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT We have performed this prospective study to address the question of whether there is an association between the outcome following cataract surgery and the distance from the patient's home to the place of surgery. Three hundred and forty consecutive out‐patient extracapsular cataract extractions were evaluated. According to the distance, the cases were grouped into two categories, 183 cases in the nearest group (Group 1) and 157 cases in the farthest group (Group 2). A best corrected visual acuity of 0.5 or better was achieved in 90% of patients, 6 months after surgery. There was not a statistically significant difference between the groups. No significant differences in rates for operative and postoperative complications were identified. This study does not show that the distance from the patient's home to the surgical site has had any adverse effect on surgical outcome or in rates of complications.
Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) to facilitate removal of post‐traumatic submacular haemorrhage
Authors: Laatikainen Leila , Mattila Jouko
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT A case report is presented of a 20‐year‐old man, who had posttraumatic choroidal rupture and thick submacular haemorrhage. The haemorrhage was successfully removed with vitrectomy and intraoperative fibrinolysis with subretinal tissue plasminogen activator. Six months postoperatively the visual acuity was 0.7 (6/9).
Primary argon laser trabeculoplasty vs pilocarpine
Authors: Bergeå Bengt , Bodin Lennart , Svedbergh Björn
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT In a prospective randomized study on primary argon laser trabeculoplasty vs piloparpine in 82 newly detected open‐angle glaucoma patients, visual field changes were analysed for absolute changes over 2 years on automated threshold perimetry and manual Goldmann perimetry. Regression analysis was also performed using the threshold perimetry examinations taken every second month. Analyses based on automatic perimetry were corrected for eventual bias due to cataract and induced miosis. There was significantly less decay of visual field in the group treated with laser. This was even more pronounced for eyes with capsular glaucoma, especially in the early stage. For the smaller group with simple glaucoma no significant advantage of laser could be shown. Successful intraocular pressure reduction significantly improved the visual field outcome. Laser trabeculoplasty is therefore recommended as primary therapy in capsular glaucoma.
Prevalence of glaucoma and distribution of intraocular pressure in a population The Casteldaccia Eye Study
Authors: Giuffrè Giuseppe , Giammanco Raimondo , Dardanoni Gabriella , Ponte Francesco
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT IOP was measured in 1062 middle‐aged and elderly subjects of a small Sicilian town, enrolled in a population based survey. The mean IOP was 15.1 ± 3.7 mmHg without interocular or sex differences. A small but significant age‐dependent increase of IOP was found. Circadian and seasonal influences were recorded: IOP was higher in the morning and in winter. The prevalence of chronic open‐angle glaucoma was 1.2%, but it grew to 3.6 if only subjects aged 70 years or more were considered. IOP of 24 mmHg or more was found in 2.7%, while 4.3% of subjects showed IOP of 21 mmHg or more. This survey shows that mean IOP of the Mediterranean population studied is similar to the IOP found in other epidemiologic investigations; the prevalence of glaucoma, however, seems to be rather high.
IgG, albumin and total IgG index in the aqueous humour of eyes with pseudoexfoliation syndrome
Authors: Moreno‐Montañés J. , Blesa J. Lajara
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT IgG and albumin in the aqueous humour and serum were studied using kinetic nephelometry, carried out on 34 eyes with pseudoexfoliation and 31 normal eyes (control group). The results show a rupture in the hemato‐aqueous barrier for IgG and albumin in the group of eyes with pseudoexfoliation and glaucoma, and only for albumin in the group of eyes with pseudoexfoliation without glaucoma. The calculation of the total IgG index rules out the existence of a primary or associated immunological mechanism in eyes with this syndrome.
Medical and surgical aspects of congenital glaucoma
Authors: Turaçh M. Erol , Aktan Gülderen , Idil Aysun
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT During the years 1977–1986, 338 patients at the University Eye Clinic were diagnosed as having congenital glaucoma. This paper presents our experience of the management of 88 of these patients (161 eyes) who had a follow‐up of at least 3 years. Medical therapy alone reduced the intraocular pressure to less than 21 mmHg in 17 eyes (11.8%) in the short‐term and in 14 eyes (9.7%) in the long‐term. Surgical intervention in 127 eyes (goniotomy: 9 eyes; trabeculotomy: 3 eyes; peripheral iridencleisis: 4 eyes; Elliott trephine; 23 eyes; trabeculectomy: 88 eyes), resulted in an immediate normalization of intraocular pressure in 98 eyes (77%, reducing to 66% at the final examination). Trabeculectomy normalized the intraocular pressure in 84% of eyes in the short‐term and 76% in the long‐term. Trabeculectomy is recommended as the surgical management of choice in congenital glaucoma in societies where presentation is late, or where individual surgeons may not be conversant with goniotomy.
Argon laser photocoagulation of cyclodialysis clefts after cataract surgery
Authors: Bauer Birgitta
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT Three patients with cyclodialysis clefts, hypotony and hypotonic retinopathy subsequent to cataract surgery were treated with argon laser photocoagulation. The hypotony was reversed in each patient and their visual acuity was normalized. Laser photocoagulation is a noninvasive treatment that can be repeated easily and safely. The complications of the treatment are minor. A hypertensive episode commonly occurs in the early postoperative period
Myopia in teenagers
Authors: Jensen Hanne
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT A prospective 2‐year study on myopia progression was commenced in 1984/85, with special attention to the rate of progression in a representative group of school children aged 9 to 12 years. A follow‐up investigation of this group of myopic persons (now aged 17 ‐ 20 years) was performed after 8 years, in order to describe the refractive error and possible risk factors for myopia progression over the period. The refractive error increased from ‐2.77 D to ‐5.14 D (mean values). Parameters: age at début, degree of myopia, intraocular pressure, changes at the fundus, status of phoria, nearpoint of convergence and accommodation were all measured at the start and related to the refractive error measured 8 years later. No single parameter, apart from age at début, indicated that the individual would reach a high degree of myopia. The refractive error among the children with a début below 7 years of age was ‐6.60 D, but only ‐3.72 D among those with a début after 10 years. The change in refractive error over the 8‐year period was not statistically related to the age at début, neither did the rate of progression depend on the degree of myopia, the changes at the fundus, nor the intraocular pressure. However, children could be found who had a high rate of progression, by using a combination of these parameters.
Outcome monitoring in cataract surgery
Authors: Olsen Thomas , Bargum Ralph
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT The short‐term surgical results are reported in a consecutive series of 1473 patients undergoing cataract surgery (60% planned extracapsular cataract extraction and 40% phacoemulsification) on an out‐patient basis in a major university eye clinic. Preoperatively, 80% of all cases had a visual acuity of 0.3 (6/18) or lower. On the first day after surgery, 51% of all patients had a corrected visual acuity of 0.5 (6/18) or better and 9% had a visual acuity of 1.0 (20/20) or better. The unaided visual acuity was 0.5 (6/12) or better in 20% of all patients (78% of these after phaco‐emulsification). The average postoperative refraction was ‐0.43 D (±1.03 D SD, range ‐6.00 D to +5.00 D). A significant improvement in refractive error was achieved in many patients. The mean intraocular lens power prediction error was found to be +0.04 D (±0.84 D). The surgically induced astigmatism (vector analysis) was found to be +4.91 D (±2.08) in the extracapsular cataract extraction cases and +1.37 D (±1.38) in the phacoemulsification cases (p < 0.001). Capsular or zonular rupture and/or vitreous loss occurred in 43 (2.9%) of which 26 (1.8%) received an anterior chamber lens rather than the intended posterior chamber lens. The results of this study document the favorable results of modern cataract surgery.
Orbital presentation of ethmoid sinus adenocarcinoma
Authors: Seregard Stefan , Kock Erik
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT Ethmoid sinus adenocarcinoma with orbital invasion is distinctly uncommon. This case presented with epiphora, whereas proptosis and decreased ocular motility were later signs. Treatment was delayed for 4 months, while misdiagnoses like dacryocystitis and thyroid eye disease were entertained. Even an incisional biopsy was not sufficient for a conclusive diagnosis and adenomatous differentiation was only present in a small proportion of tissue available after an excisional attempt. The aggressive behaviour including this patient's death of metastatic disease, underlines the importance of considering secondary invasion from a sino‐nasal malignancy in uncharacteristic orbital disease.
Soft lens movement: Effect of blink rate on lens settling
Authors: Golding Timothy R. , Bruce Adrian S. , Gaterell Lori L. , Little Simon A. , Macnamara Jonelle
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT Little is understood about the mechanism by which soft lenses settle on the eye, although it has been suggested that lens base curve, steepening with in‐eye lens dehydration or tear film changes may influence lens movement in the initial period of wear. In this study, we investigated the role of postlens tear fluid expulsion by assessing lens movement in 20 subjects wearing 38% water content hydrogel lenses for 10 min under three different conditions: 10 blinks/min, 30 blinks/min and eye closure. Over the 10 min wearing period, the total decrease in median lens movement for the 10 blinks/min condition was 0.07 mm, which was not a significant change (Friedman ANOVA, p = 0.13), while significant decreases occurred with conditions of 30 blinks/min (0.19 mm, p = 0.004) and eye closure (0.43 mm, p = 0.0001). As expected, lens movement under the three conditions was the same at insertion, but was significantly higher thereafter for the slower blink rate condition compared to the faster blink rate or eye closure conditions (Wilcoxon test, Z = 2.8 and ‐ 3.0, p = 0.006 and 0.003, respectively). Based on these findings, we postulate the model that the extent of lens settling and the degree of postinsertion lens movement are determined by the time‐average pressure for postlens tear film expulsion exerted on the lens by the eyelids.
Features of the partially expanded human inferior conjunctival sac
Authors: Cygan Walter F. , Benjamin William J.
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT Space in the inferior conjunctival sac has not been studied in sufficient detail to allow optimal physical design of conjunctival inserts. We analyzed shape and volume of partially expanded, anesthetized, left inferior conjunctival sacs in 10 young adult subjects by injection of a liquid polysiloxane molding compound. Mean volume, greatest thickness, central thickness, horizontal width, and vertical height of 60 molds were 125.7 μl (SD = 55), 1.56 mm (SD = 0.69), 1.46 mm (SD = 0.62), 20.7 mm (SD = 2.2), and 8.9 mm (SD = 0.8), respectively. Volumetric and linear dimensions varied between subjects, but certain features were common to all molds: 1) a crescent shape horizontally; 2) a thick inferior horizontal ridge; and 3) a wedge‐like shape sagittally. We postulate several advantages of conjunctival inserts with features representative of our molds of conjunctival sacs, e.g. such inserts may be more comfortable, less expelled, larger in volume, and contact more tissue area.