bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pre‐term delivery and subsequent ocular development
Authors: Fledelius Hans C.
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT Binocular function was assessed as part of a more extensive examining programme in 88 children now aged 7–10 years. Initially they joined a regional screening programme for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) after pre‐term delivery 1982‐84; their mean values for gestational age and birth weight were 31 weeks and 1467 g, respectively. Binocularity was evaluated from cover test 6 m and 30 cm, Schober, Worth four dot, and Titmus stereo test. Excluding the four children with bilateral blindness due to ROP, 84 subjects were available, but occasional refusals were met also here. The overall frequency of ‘strabismus’ became 17.8%, as based on the combination of tests, and with emphasis on the sensory recordings. Binocularity patterns in subsamples were not significantly influenced by a) regressed ROP, b) gestational age 30 weeks and less. In contrast, c) the subgroup with severe CNS damage (n = 24) appeared more deviant, confirming the established association between brain damage and strabismus.
In vivo quantification of corneal endothelium function
Authors: Saini Jagjit S. , Mittal Sangeet
Published: May 2009

Abstract. Reliable and valid quantification of functional status of the corneal endothelium is a desirable input to optimize monitoring and intervention strategies in clinical disorders affecting endothelium. We examined the validity and clinical usefulness of an in vivo corneal stress test in an age and sex matched sample of 15 eyes each of normal controls, pseudophakic corneal edema and Fuchs' dystrophy. The test measures Percentage Recovery Per Hour (PRPH) as endothelial function by evaluating the deswelling response of cornea. In pseudophakic corneal edema assessed PRPH is significantly lower than in normal cornea (p < 0.01). At optimum critical cut off PRPH of 47.5%, the test has high specificity and sensitivity (93.3%) in pseudophakic corneal edema eyes, which validates the test. When baseline corneal thickness is more than 0.55 mm, PRPH is determined to be below the cut‐off value in 100% of eyes. In eyes where baseline corneal thickness is less than 0.55 mm, PRPH ranges from 26.7% to 76.8%. We conclude that the in vivo corneal stress test quantifies endothelial function reliably and when compared to age specific normal eyes, it helps in identifying and monitoring low endothelial function.
Distribution of α6 and β4 integrins following epithelial abrasion in the rabbit cornea
Authors: Latvala Terho , Päällysaho Taru , Tervo Kaarina , Tervo Timo
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT Integrin complex α6β4 is a component of the hemidesmosome. In the unwounded cornea both the integrin subunits face the laminin‐containing basement membrane, but the α6 subunit is also located between the basal cells. While the migrating epithelium is known to be without hemidesmosomes, we investigated the distribution of α6β4 during epithelial healing. Epithelial abrasion 7.5 mm in diameter was mechanically created. The rabbits were killed 1–24 h or 2, 3, or 7 days later. Monoclonal antibodies against α6, β4, and laminin A were used to detect their distributions by immunohistochemistry. Positive immunostaining for laminin A on the surface of the unepithelialized stroma indicated that basement membrane was intact after the epithelial abrasion. Three hours after corneal wounding, α6 was detectable around the entire cell up to the leading edge of the migrating epithelium. In the peripheral wound, α6 was also prominently present around the basal and suprabasal cells with only the superficial cell layers being negative. The β4 subunit showed a dissimilar distribution; it was not detectable subjacent to the leading edge. After 1 h the immunoreaction for the β4 subunit had faded 15–20 μm peripheral to the wound margin. Thereafter the subepithelial band was segmentally reassembled, starting from the periphery and progressing toward the central area of the wound. One week after epithelial wounding, immunolabeling for both integrin subunits was indistinguishable from that of the control cornea. Our results indicate that in addition to the β4 in the rabbit cornea, the α6 subunit is also complexed with another β subunit during the epithelial healing phase. The results also suggest that basal cells 15–20 μm peripheral to the wound margin disassemble their HDs prior to the migration process.
Practice styles and preferences of Danish cataract surgeons ‐ 1995 survey
Authors: Hansen Tom Eggert
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT A survey of the practice styles and preferences of the 348 members of the Danish Ophthalmological Society with address in Denmark was performed in January 1995. 51.4 percent (179) of the questionnaires were returned. The low percentage of returned answers is mainly due to non‐response from ophthalmologists not performing cataract surgery. The data from the questionnaire were compared to similar reports from Sweden and the US.
Alport's syndrome with bilateral macular hole
Authors: Mete Ufuk Ö. , Karaaslan Cüneyt , Özbilgin M. Kemal , Polat Sait , Tap Özgül , Kaya Mehmet
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT In this study 8 patients with Alport's syndrome are presented. The ocular manifestations of these patients were retinal flecks, macular depigmentation, microspherophakia and anterior lenticonus. One patient revealed bilateral macular hole which was an unusual feature. Four patients had renal biopsies with the characteristic electron microscopic changes of the disease. According to these findings our conclusion is that Alport's syndrome is a disorder of selected basement membranes.
Biochemical studies on the secretion of glycoproteins by isolated ciliary body of rabbits
Authors: Filho Rubens Bertazolli , Laicine Eduardo M. , Haddad Antonio
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT The contribution of the ciliary body to the origin of vitreous proteins was investigated in rabbits by incubating explants of this eye component under novel conditions. At the end of incubations for up to 21 h, the tissues were processed histologically and were shown to be in an excellent state of morphological preservation. When radioactive amino acids and fucose were added to the culture medium, protein and glycoprotein synthesis and secretion were detected using sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE) plus fluorography. The origin of these secretory products was traced by autoradiography to the ciliary epithelium. When samples of vitreous bodies ‐ injected intravitreally with the same radioactive precursors ‐ were run beside samples of the tissue culture media, comigration of at least 8 radioactively labelled bands including the one previously identified as transferrin was detected. This indicates that some vitreous proteins may be secreted by the ciliary body and that cultures of explants of ciliary body‐iris are useful tools for studies on vitreous protein secretion.
Regeneration of rat corneal epithelium is delayed by the inhibitory epidermal pentapeptide (EPP)
Authors: Wang Xiao Ling , Elgjo Kjell , Haaskjold Erling
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT The effect of the inhibitory epidermal pentapeptide (EPP) on regeneration of rat corneal epithelium was studied over a 24‐h period after removal of the central part of the corneal epithelium by means of n‐heptanol and scraping. Both unphosphorylated and phosphorylated EPP inhibited the mitotic rate and the formation of new cells to the same extent. Thus, the mitosis inhibitor that originally was isolated from mouse epidermis, acts even on the ectodermally derived corneal epithelial cells.
Glaucoma and visual outcome in central retinal vein occlusion
Authors: Moisseiev Joseph , Desatnik Howard , Cohen Yael , Lusky Ayala , Melamed Shlomo
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT Glaucoma is a recognized risk factor for central retinal vein occlusion. The authors retrospectively reviewed charts of fifty patients with central vein occlusion examined over a 5‐year period. The visual outcome and clinical characteristics of eyes with and without glaucoma were compared. There were 32 eyes without glaucoma and 18 eyes with glaucoma. Final visual acuity of 20/100 or better was obtained in 22% of eyes with glaucoma, compared with 34% of eyes without glaucoma, and final visual acuity of finger counting and less was found in 56% and 22%, respectively (p = 0.02). The rate of ischemic occlusion was higher in the glaucoma group, 44% and 28% respectively, but the difference did not reach statistical significance. There was no difference in the rate of neovascular complications and macular edema between the two groups. The results suggest that glaucoma has an adverse effect on the visual outcome of eyes with central vein occlusion.
Quantitative assessment of fixational eye movements by scanning laser ophthalmoscopy
Authors: Møller F. , Sjølie A. K. , Bek T.
Published: May 2009

Abstract. A new method for quantifying fixational eye movements by scanning laser ophthalmoscopy was developed and the method was evaluated in ten normal persons. Video sequences of the ocular fundus obtained during fixation were recorded, and linear movements of the fovea between successive video frames were transformed to angular movements of the eye by an algorithm that takes into account the individual optical properties of the eye. A computer program was developed to automatically calculate the amplitude, the direction, and the duration of the angular movements together with the precision of each of these estimates. Two types of eye movements could be recognized in normal persons; a fast type (saccades) which was initiated and terminated within one video frame (20 msec), and a slow type (drifts) which lasted more than 8 video frames (160 msec). The mean amplitude of the fast movements (0.41 degrees) was significantly higher than the mean amplitude of the slow movements (0.31 degrees). The method was found to be suitable for quantifying fixational eye movements in clinical trials while simultaneously visualizing the ocular fundus. However, by refining the determination of the foveal position on the SLO images the precision of the method can be further improved.
Visual impairment and general health among Danish cataract patients
Authors: Nørregaard Jens Christian , Bernth‐Petersen Peter , Andersen Tavs Folmer
Published: May 2009

Abstract. This Danish multicenter study was undertaken to evaluate current indications for cataract extraction and to compare the health status among patients enlisted for cataract surgery with that reported for the background population. A consecutive sample of 290 patients from all ophthalmic hospital departments in Denmark was examined and interviewed prior to cataract extraction. The mean visual acuity in the eye enlisted for surgery was 0.17. A visual acuity of < 0.05 occurred in 11.1% and 46.7% had a visual acuity of ≥ 0.05 to < 0.3. Comparing these figures to other recent European studies it seems reasonable to conclude that in Denmark surgery is performed at an earlier stage of the disease. Only a few patients with no functional impairment were seen; other appropriate indications for surgery were seen for these patients. Occurrence of angina, bronchitis and prior myocardial infarction was higher in the cataract sample as compared to the random sample of Danes. The likelihood of preferring an outpatient procedure was significantly increased among younger patients, patients of better general health and among patients with better pre‐operative visual acuity in eye enlisted for surgery.
Changing threshold for cataract surgery in Denmark between 1980 and 1992
Authors: Nørregaard Jens Christian , Bernth‐Petersen Peter , Andersen Tavs Folmer
Published: May 2009

Abstract. In Denmark the number of cataract extractions has increased 350% from 1980 to 1991. During the same period the elderly population at risk has only increased 17%, and thus cannot account for the large increase in the number of extractions. In order to investigate whether more comprehensive clinical indications could be a possible explanation, we compared pre‐operative visual acuity and visual impairment in two consecutive samples of Danish cataract surgery patients obtained in 1980 (n = 73) and in 1992 (n = 290). Criteria for inclusion were similar and both samples were representative for the whole country. During the period mean pre‐operative visual acuity increased from 0.04 to 0.16 in the eye enlisted for surgery (p < 0.00001). Visual functional impairment could be compared by using the same questionnaire for patient interview in 1992 as was used in 1980. In 1992 the degree of impairment was significantly less for reading, outdoor orientation and self care activities. A change in surgical threshold or clinical indications for surgery appears to be a major contributing factor to the large increase in surgical rates, even though a trend to perform second eye cataract surgery more often might also be of some importance.
Full‐field electroretinograms in a family with Mohr‐Tranebjaerg syndrome
Authors: Ponjavic Vesna , Andreasson Sten , Tranebjaerg Lisbeth , Lubs Herbert A.
Published: May 2009

Abstract. A family with a newly detected X‐linked syndrome including sensorineural deafness, mental retardation, dystonia and blindness was examined with full‐field electroretinography in order to find out if the blindness was caused by a retinal degeneration. Six affected males and 2 obligate carriers showed no signs of retinal degeneration. One of 7 affected males had central areolar choroidal dystrophy confirmed by central scotomas in visual fields and an electroretino‐graphic pattern consisting of an attenuated amplitude as well as a prolonged implicit time of the cone b‐wave on stimulation with 30 Hz flickering white light.
UVB‐induced formation of (6–4) photoproducts in the rat corneal epithelium
Authors: Estil S. , Olsen W. M. , Huitfeldt H. S. , Haaskjold E.
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT The induction of DNA photoproducts in rat corneal epithelium was studied after in vivo exposure to different doses of ultraviolet B light at 297 nm. Affinity‐purified antibodies with a major specificity against UV‐induced (6–4) photoproducts were used. The results indicate a dose dependent formation of (6–4) photoproducts. Even a minimal erythema dose (25 mJ/cm2) produced (6–4) photoproducts, demonstrating that DNA damage occurs in corneal tissue following exposure to biologically relevant doses of UVB light.
Evidence for a possible synergism between pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide and calcitonin gene‐related peptide in porcine ophthalmic artery
Authors: Elsås Tor , White Linda R.
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT The activities of pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) and calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) were investigated in isolated segments of porcine ophthalmic artery. In artery segments pre‐contracted by prostaglandin F2α, PACAP induced a concentration dependent relaxation, but was clearly less potent than CGRP. When 2 times 10‐10 M CGRP (relaxation 4.3 ± 0.8%, n = 11) and 10‐8 M PACAP (relaxation 12.4 ± 3.8%, n = 10) were added together, the subsequent relaxation was substantially increased (33.6 ± 5.6%, p<0.0005). In addition, the rate of relaxation was increased. The results indicate that there is synergism between low concentrations of CGRP and PACAP in isolated porcine ophthalmic artery.
Electroretinography of central retinal vein occlusion under scotopic and photopic conditions: What to measure?
Authors: Williamson Tom H. , Keating David , Bradnam Michael
Published: May 2009

Abstract. Introduction: In the management of cases of central retinal vein occlusion it is important to identify those patients who will develop the complication of iris neovascularisation. Electroretinography is of proven use in this role but there is some confusion about which parameters to measure and at what stimulus intensities.

Methods: A variety of ERG parameters in scotopic and photopic conditions were tested by ROC analysis for the prediction of the development of this complication in 39 patients with CRVO.

Results: The results indicated that a single flash and measurement of the b/a ratio under photopic conditions is as effective in this aim as measuring multiple parameters.

Conclusion: A simplified and shortened protocol could be used in the examination of this condition thereby making the application of ERG more practical in the clinical setting.
Pattern reversal visual evoked potentials in eyes with macular holes and their fellow eyes
Authors: Bemelmans Nicole A. , Tilanus Maurits A. , Cuypers Marinus H. , Pinckers Alfred J.
Published: May 2009

Abstract. Purpose: To investigate whether the pattern reversal visual evoked potential can be useful in the diagnosis and management of macular hole patients.

Methods: The pattern reversal visual evoked potential was measured in 66 patients with a macular hole and in 43 healthy control subjects. Check sizes of 34′, 17′ and 10′ were applied.

Results: Results showed that, for the check sizes of 34′, 17′ and 10′, eyes with a macular hole had significantly prolonged N80 and P100 latencies and a significantly reduced P100 amplitude as compared to their fellow eyes. Furthermore, for the 10′ check size, the fellow eyes appeared to have a significantly reduced P100 amplitude in comparison with the control eyes, whereas N80 and P100 latencies of the fellow eyes of the macular hole patients were not prolonged.

Conclusion: Significant pattern reversal visual evoked potential alterations were shown in eyes with macular holes and fellow eyes for small check sizes.
Retinopathy of prematurity: The continuing threat to vision in preterm infants
Authors: Schalij‐Delfos N. E. , Cats B. P.
Published: May 2009

Abstract. From January 1st 1986 until January 1st 1994, 82 infants were registered in The Netherlands as partially sighted or blind due to retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Compared with the previous Dutch survey (1975–1987) an increasing number of registered infants had been screened for ROP during their initial hospitalization (95.1% vs. 54.1%) and had ophthalmic treatment in the acute stages of the disease (43.9% vs. 24.5%). Nevertheless, an increase in the annual incidence of partial sight or blindness due to ROP from 4.2/100 000 live births (1975–1987) to 5.1/100 000 live births (1986–1994) was found. This increase seemed to be associated with a higher number of surviving premature infants of less than 28 weeks gestational age.
Pseudo‐exfoliation and mortality
Authors: Ringvold Amund , Blika Sigmund , Sandvik Leiv
Published: May 2009

The hypothesis that ocular pseudo‐exfoliation syndrome is part of a generalized disorder has been tested by suggesting that subjects having this syndrome would have increased mortality. However, no association was found between presence of ocular pseudo‐exfoliation syndrome and mortality.
Keratoconjunctivitis sicca and primary Sjögren's syndrome in a Danish population aged 30–60 years
Authors: Bjerrum Kirsten B.
Published: May 2009

Purpose: To investigate the presence of keratoconjunctivitis sicca and primary Sjögren's syndrome a sample of 504 persons aged 30–60 years from Copenhagen was studied.

Methods: The presence of keratoconjunctivitis sicca and primary Sjögren's syndrome was estimated according to both the Copenhagen set of criteria and the preliminary European criteria.

Results: Symptoms of dry eye and oral dryness were very common and with no significant correlation to age or sex. Keratoconjuncitivis sicca was most frequent in persons aged 50–59 years and was equally common in men and women. Primary Sjögren's syndrome could only be diagnosed in one person according to the Copenhagen criteria (cut‐off the Schirmer‐1 test ≤ 5 mm/5 min), and in three persons according to the preliminary European criteria.

Conclusion: The frequency of keratoconjunctivitis sicca in persons aged 30–60 years in Copenhagen may be estimated to be 11% according to the Copenhagen criteria and 8% according to the preliminary European criteria. The frequency of primary Sjögren's syndrome in persons aged 30–60 years in Copenhagen may be estimated to be between 0.2% and 0.8% according to the Copenhagen criteria and between 0.6% and 2.1% according to the preliminary European criteria.
Bilateral anterior uveitis and retinal haemorrhages after administration of trimethoprim
Authors: Kristinsson Jóhannes Kári , Hannesson Óli Björn , Sveinsson Örn , Thorleifsson Hördur
Published: May 2009

In this case report we present a female patient with recurrent urinary infection treated with trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, trimethoprim alone and ciprofloxacin. She developed adverse systemic symptoms and bilateral anterior uveitis following administration of the former two drugs, and in addition retinal haemorrhages after the use of trimethoprim. Uveitis and retinal haemorrhages are rare side effects of trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. To our best knowledge they have not been described as a side effect of trimethoprim alone.
Effect of diabetes mellitus and insulin therapy on bone density around osseointegrated dental implants: a digital subtraction radiography study in rats
Authors: De Morais Juliana Aparecida Najarro Dearo , Trindade‐Suedam Ivy Kiemle , Pepato Maria Teresa , Marcantonio Jr Elcio , Wenzel Ann , Scaf Gulnara
Published: May 2009

Objectives: To evaluate the effect of diabetes mellitus (DM) and insulin therapy on bone density around osseointegrated dental implants by digital subtraction radiography (DSR).

Material and methods: Forty implants were placed in tibiae of 40 adult rats. After a healing period of 2 months, the animals were divided into four groups of 10 animals each: a 2‐month control group, sacrificed at time (A), a diabetic group (D), an insulin‐treated group (I) and a 4‐month control group (C). During 2 months, group I received subcutaneous doses of insulin, whereas groups C and D received only saline. The animals in groups D, I and C were thereafter sacrificed. The glucose plasma levels (GPLs) were monitored throughout the experiment. Film radiographs were taken at implant surgery and on the day of sacrifice. The radiographs were digitized, and bone density in regions of osseointegration (OR) around the implants was evaluated by quantitative DSR between baseline and final images. Differences in shades of gray among the groups were assessed using ANOVA.

Results: GPLs were within normal range for groups A, C and I and higher for group D. There was a significant difference in mean gray shade values in the OR of subtraction images between groups D (122±7) and I (136±5) (P<0.05) while there were no significant differences between control groups A (128±13) and C (134±10) and the insulin group I.

Conclusions: DM impaired bone density around osseointegrated dental implant. Further, insulin therapy maintained bone density in diabetic rats.
Messenger RNA Export from the Nucleus: A Series of Molecular Wardrobe Changes
Authors: Kelly Seth M. , Corbett Anita H.
Published: May 2009

The advent of the nucleus during the evolutionary development of the eukaryotic cell necessitated the development of a transport system to convey messenger RNA (mRNA) from the site of transcription in the nucleus to ribosomes in the cytoplasm. In this review, we highlight components of each step in mRNA biogenesis, from transcription to processing, that are coupled with mRNA export from the nucleus. We also review the mechanism by which proteins from one step in the mRNA assembly line are replaced by those required for the next. These ‘molecular wardrobe changes' appear to be key steps in facilitating the rapid and efficient nuclear export of mRNA transcripts.
Randomized controlled trial of neoadjuvant chemotherapy with cisplatin and vinorelbine in patients with stage IIIA non‐small cell lung cancer in China
Authors: LI Jian , YU Li‐Chao , CHEN Ping , SHI Sheng‐Bing , DAI Chun‐Hua , WU Jian‐Rong
Published: May 2009

Aim:  The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of cisplatin plus vinorelbine as a regimen of neoadjuvant chemotherapy on the improvement of surgical resectability and survival in Chinese patients with stage IIIA non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods:  Fifty‐six patients with stage IIIA NSCLC were randomly assigned to undergo either surgery preceded by two cycles of chemotherapy with cisplatin plus vinorelbine (the neoadjuvant chemotherapy arm) or immediate surgery (the primary surgery arm). The patients who had a complete resection received two to four cycles of chemotherapy, and those with incomplete resection received radiotherapy followed by two cycles of chemotherapy after surgery.

Results:  The overall response rate to neoadjuvant chemotherapy was 53.6%, with a complete response of 7.1%. A pathological complete response was seen in two patients (8%). The complete resection rates were 78.6% in the neoadjuvant chemotherapy arm and 60.7% in the primary surgery arm. The median overall survival and median disease‐free survival was 30 months and 24 months, respectively, in the neoadjuvant chemotherapy arm as compared to 16 months and 11 months in the primary surgery arm (P = 0.04 and P = 0.048). The 3‐year and 5‐year survival rate was 49.7% and 31.9%, respectively, for the neoadjuvant chemotherapy arm and 29.2% and 3.6% for the primary surgery arm.

Conclusion:  Neoadjuvant chemotherapy with cisplatin plus vinorelbine regimen is effective and tolerable and can improve the overall survival and disease‐free survival time in Chinese patients with stage IIIA NSCLC.
Targeted agents for the systemic treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: AZAD Arun , CHIONH Fiona , CEBON Jonathan
Published: May 2009

The prognosis for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma is poor and systemic therapy has historically been of limited benefit. However, novel targeted agents offer promise in improving patient outcomes. In a recent phase III study the oral multi‐tyrosine kinase inhibitor sorafenib was demonstrated to have a survival advantage over a placebo in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. Similar efficacy was demonstrated in a phase III trial limited to an Asian–Pacific group of patients. While these results are encouraging, it is vital to make further progress. In this review we examine current knowledge of targeted agents in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. We also address some of the key issues that require exploration regarding the use of targeted agents in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma.
Identification of Hemodialysis Patients' Common Problems Using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health
Authors: Tsutsui Hideyo , Koike Teruhiko , Yamazaki Chikao , Ito Akira , Kato Fumi , Sato Hisamitsu , Tawada Hideo , Oshida Yoshiharu
Published: May 2009

The aim of this study was to identify the common health problems of Japanese patients on hemodialysis (HD) using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). The participants of this study had been on HD for at least five years when they were interviewed. The ICF checklist was used to initially interview 32 HD patients. Fifty‐seven categories of the ICF Checklist were identified as impaired; another 35 ICF categories, chosen based on interviews and expert discussion, as well as 8 categories relevant to HD, were included in the final checklist. This final checklist was then used to interview 104 patients. Overall, 10 categories in “Body functions” and 3 categories in “Body structures” were reported as problems by more than 50% of patients. Two categories in “Activities and participation” and 4 categories in “Environmental factors” were reported as restricted or a barrier for more than 30% of patients. A higher percentage of patients who started HD before 50 years of age and had a longer duration of HD reported problems in “Body functions” and “Body structures”, while more patients with a shorter duration of HD reported problems in relationships with their family. Japanese patients on maintenance HD have various physical and psychosocial problems. In addition, HD duration and the age when HD was started affect patients' reports of physical and psychosocial problems.
Clinical Importance of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia Nosocomial Pneumonia Due to its High Mortality in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Wakino Shu , Imai Eiko , Yoshioka Kyoko , Kamayachi Tadashi , Minakuchi Hitoshi , Hayashi Koichi , Inamoto Hajime , Itoh Hiroshi
Published: May 2009

Patients undergoing hemodialysis are immunocompromized and can suffer from pneumonia with various pathogens in nosocomial conditions. We investigated the fundamental information on the characteristics of hemodialysis inpatients and nosocomial pneumonia. We surveyed 1803 hemodialysis patients admitted to our university hospital between 2001 and 2007. The mean patient age was 64.8 years and the average period of hospitalization was 28.1 days, which was considerably longer than the average stay in our hospital (14.2 days). Patients were admitted to many different departments and for various reasons. We isolated 391 microorganisms from the sputum of 120 pneumonia patients undergoing hemodialysis, including Candida albicans, methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and Staphylococcus epidermidis, which were the leading three isolates. From these 120 patients, a total of 199 pathogens were identified as being responsible for the pneumonia. Multi‐drug resistant Stenotrophomonas maltophilia was found to be susceptible to a new fluoroquinolone, but is resistant to older generation quinolones. Out of the 120 patients with pneumonia, 12 out of 18 patients infected with S. maltophilia died, indicating the highest fatality rate for this pathogen. In this survey, we found that hemodialysis patients were hospitalized for long periods, and for various reasons in many departments. They suffered from nosocomial pneumonia caused by multi‐drug resistant pathogens, including S. maltophilia. For pneumonia due to S. maltophilia, new generation fluoroquinolones can be the treatment of choice, although S. maltophilia‐related pneumonia should be treated very carefully because of its high fatality rate.
Environmental Ethics: An Overview
Authors: McShane Katie
Published: May 2009

This essay provides an overview of the field of environmental ethics. I sketch the major debates in the field from its inception in the 1970s to today, explaining both the central tenets of the schools of thought within the field and the arguments that have been given for and against them. I describe the main trends within the field as a whole and review some of the criticisms that have been offered of prevailing views.
Kant's Aesthetics: Overview and Recent Literature
Authors: Wenzel Christian Helmut
Published: May 2009

In 1764, Kant published hisObservations on the Feeling of the Beautiful and the Sublimeand in 1790 his influential thirdCritique, theCritique of the Power of Judgment. The latter contains two parts, the ‘Critique of the Aesthetic Power of Judgment’ and the ‘Critique of the Teleological Power of Judgment’. They reveal a new principle, namely thea prioriprinciple of purposiveness (Zweckmäßigkeit) of our power of judgment, and thereby offer newa priorigrounds for beauty and biology within the framework of Kant's transcendental philosophy. They also unite the previous twoCritiques, theCritique of Pure Reasonand theCritique of Practical Reason. Besides contributing to general and systematic aspects within his transcendental philosophy, Kant's aesthetics also offers new insights into old problems. It deals with feeling versus experience, subjectivity versus objectivity, disinterested pleasure, aesthetic universality, free and adherent beauty, thesensus communis, genius, aesthetic ideas, beauty as the symbol of morality, beauty of nature versus beauty of art, the sublime, and the supersensible. In this article I will limit myself to this critical aesthetics of Kant. But I will also discuss the ugly and the possibility of beauty in mathematics and see whether Kant's theory can successfully explain or deal with them. I will also compare his theory with philosophical ideas from a very different tradition, namely from Confucius, not only as a challenge to Kant's theory, but also because there is a growing interest from the Chinese side in combining ideas from Confucius and Kant, an interest that might well become influential in both East and West during the 21st century.
DIE REFLEKTORISCHE PUPILLENSTARRE (ARGYLL‐ROBERTSON) UND DIE PTOSIS ALS OBERFLÄCHENSYMPTOME BEI BASALEN, VORWIEGEND LUISCHEN GEHIRNKRANKHEITEN
Authors: INGVAR SVEN
Published: May 2009

Aus entwicklungsgeschichtlichen Gründen ist die afferente pupillomotorische Bahn auf der Oberfläche des optischen Systems im Zwischenhirn zu erwarten. Wir wissen, dass sie oberflächlich auf ihrem Wege vom lateralen Kniehöcker zum vorderen Vierhügel verläuft. Da die metaluischen Krankheiten sich im Zwischenhirn durch früh einsetzende randständige subpiale Degenerationen manifestieren, muss dabei die pupillomotorische Bahn frühzeitig lädiert werden. In der Tat lassen sich sämtliche klinischen Charakteristica der metaluischen reflektorischen Pupillenstarre von diesem Gesichtspunkt aus in natürlicher Weise erklären. Die reflektorische Lichtstarre ist dann als ein einfaches metaluisches menin‐gitisches Symptom aufzufassen. In dieser Weise erst erhält die reflektorische Pupillenstarre einen Sinn als klinisches Phänomen. Die gestörte Pupillenreaktion für Licht spiegelt Krankheitsprozesse ab, die sich in den zerebralen basalen Räumen den optischen Bahnen entlang abspielen. Sie erscheint als ein hochgradig empfindlicher Anzeiger solcher Prozesse. Ein solcher Indikator ist auch die isolierte Ptosis. In derselben Weise erhalten wir auch Verständnis für die posttraumatischen Pupillenstörungen. Da, allem Anschein nach, vorwiegend die Krankheiten, die sich destruktiv in den basalen Räumen des Gehirnstammes etablieren, Pupillenstörungen ergeben können, verstehen wir, dass die luischen und metaluischen Krankheiten ihre monopolartige Stellung unter den Ursachen des Argyll‐Robertsonphänomens bekommen haben.
EIN NEUES VERFAHREN ZUR LOKALISATION VON FREMDKÖRPERN IM AUGE. FERNRÖNTGENAUFNAHMEN MIT SICHT BARMACHUNG DER HORNHAUT
Authors: AHLBOM HUGO
Published: May 2009

Verf. gibt eine kurze Zusammenfassung der wichtigeren, in der Literatur beschriebenen Methoden zur radiographischen Lokalisation von Fremdkörpern im Auge. Er berichtet danach über ein neues Verfahren, das sich auf die Aufnahme zweier Bilder gründet, die in zwei aufeinander senkrechten Ebenen aufgenommen werden. Das eine dieser Bilder ist ein Profilbild mit sichtbarer Kornea. Beide Bilder werden mit einem Fokus‐Platstenabstand von 2,75 m aufgenommen. Die Kornea wird auf dem Profilbilde sichtbar, dadurch dass eine keilförmige Aluminiumplatte zwischen dem Auge des Patienten und der Kasette angebracht wird. Der Patient befindet sich während der Untersuchung in sitzender Stellung, und es sind besondere Massnahmen vorgesehen, damit der Untersucher die Blickrichtung während der Exponierung kontrollieren kann. Als eine besondere Sicherheitsmassnahme wird das Prinzip des sog. physiologischen Verfahrens, der Blickwechsel, angewendet. Die Lagebestimmung wird direkt auf nassen Platten mit Hilfe von Schablonen ausgeführt, die auf einen durchsichtigen Film aufgezeichnet sind, und durch direkte Messung mit dem Zirkel. Bei dem geschilderten Verfahren braucht man keine sog. Kontaktmarken am Bulbus anzubringen.
DIE KERATITIS PARENCHYMATOSA IN SPÄTEREM ALTER
Authors: Granström K. O.
Published: May 2009

Es wird eine kurze Übersicht über die Verteilung nach dem Alter usw. in einem Material von 200 Fällen von syphilitischer Keratitis parenchymatosa (K. p.) gegeben.

Beschreibung der 7 Fälle von K. p. im Alter von über 30 Jahren in diesem Material, darunter zwei Fälle mit 51 und eines mit 70 Jahren.

Klinisches Bild, Verlauf und Prognose dieser 7 Fälle stim‐men mit der K. p. in jüngeren Jahren überein. Jedoch scheint das Vorkommen einer Streifenkeratitis bei K. p. in höherem Alter fast die Regel zu sein.

Bei einem der beschreibenen 7 Fälle hatte die syphilitische Infektion bewiesenermassen im Alter von 1 Jahre stattgefun‐den, und die K. p. stellte sich erst mit 51 Jahren ein. In 2 Fä1‐len war die Infektion entweder angeboren, oder sie hatte im frühen Kindesalter stattgefunden, und in einem Falle war sie wahrscheinlich mit 13 Jahren erworben. Bei 3 Fällen ist der Zeitpunkt der Infektion unbekannt. (In keinem dieser 3 Fälle ist cine früh erworbene Syphilis oder eine Syphilis congenita ausgeschlossen). Diese 7 Fälle sprechen für Igersheimers Auffas‐sung von der grossen Seltenheit einer K. p. auf Grund einer in crwachsenem Alter erworbenen Syphilis.

Es ist nicht ganz unwahrscheinlich, dass das Vorkommen einer K. p. in höherem Alter bei im Kindesalter erworbener Syphilis weniger ungewöhnlich ist, als bei Syphilis congenita.

Der Name Keratitis parenchymatosa sollte für die syphili‐tische K. p. reserviert werden. Ähnliche Keratiten anderer Ätio‐logie sollten anders benannt werden.
EINE UNTERSUCHUNG DER TIEFENVERSCHIEBUNG DES ZWEITEN LINSENREFLEXES BEI AKKOMMODATION
Authors: Karpe Gösta
Published: May 2009

In der vorliegenden Untersuchung wurde die akkommodative Tiefenverschiebung des zweiten Ihsenreflexcs an 9 Versuchspersonen im Alter von 9—21 Jahren bei verschiedenen Akkommodationsgraden gemessen.

Die Methode ist auf folgende Grundanordnungen aufgebaut: Man betrachtet durch ein binokuläres Hornhautrnikroskop den durch die hintere Linsenfläche des Auges hervorgerufenen Reflex (den zweiten Linsenreflex) einer entfernten, fixen Lichtquelle. In nächster Nähe von diesem wird ein Hornhautreflex von einer beweglichen Lichtquelle eingestellt, und zwar derart, dass er, im Hornhautmikroskop betrachtet, in derselben Tiefe zu liegen scheint wie der zweite Linsenreflex. Nachdem der Abstand der Lichtquelle von der Hornhaut und die Krümmung der letzteren gemessen worden sind, wird die Tiefenlage des ˜ornhautreflexes ausgerechnet. Auf diese Weise hat man die scheinbare Lage des in demselben Niveau liegenden zweiten Linsenreflexes erhalten.

Das Versuchsresultat ist in Tabelle 3 S. 146 zusammengefasst.

Es zeigt, dass die Veränderungen in der Form und Lage der hinteren Linsenfläche grösser sind, als man früher angenommen hat, und grösser als die in Helmholtz' und Gullstrands schematischern Auge angegebenen. Einerseits dürfte die Krümmungsverstärkung grösser sein, anderseits dürften axiale Verschiebungen des hinteren Linsenpols sowohl nach vorn als auch naeh hinten vorkommen.

Die individuellen Unterschiede in den Akkommodations veränderungen der hinteren Linsenfläche sind stark hervortretend.
KÉRATITE ULCÉREUSE ET AVITAMINOSE A
Authors: Wolff Herbert
Published: May 2009

Dans ces dernières années et de divers côtés on a exprimé l'avis que l'avitaminose A, pourrait chez d'autres que les nour‐ rissons, donner naissancc à des changements oculaires, différent de la xérophtalmie classique (Lesné et Clément 1934, Buschke 1936, Stocker 1936, Strebel 1936). A ce propos le cas suivant doit être d'un certain interé.

Il s'agit d'un homnie de 38 ans, qui, depuis juin 1936, souffrait d'une conjonctivite sur I'oeil droit. Reç à la clinique le 20 juin 1936.
DIE PATHOGENESE DER RETINITIS PIGMENTOSA
Authors: Levy‐Wolff Lizzie
Published: May 2009

Die vorstehenden Betrachtungen haben zu folgenden neuen Erkenntnissen geführt: Die Sclerosis pigmentosa chorio‐retinalis ist kein selbständiges Krankheitsbild, sondern Teil‐Symptom einer Stöning der Hirnzirkulation. Der Prozess dokumentiert sich in einer malignen Gefässsclerose, die dem anfänglich spastisch‐nervösem Prinzip bleibende Form verleiht. Die Degeneration der Ganglienzellen von Retina und Gehirn ist sekundär und ein Folgezustand der herrschenden, ständig zunehmenden Ischämie. Die Auslösung erfolgt im Zwischenhirn vermittels eines neu gefundenen lebenswichtigen sympathisch‐vegetativen Zentrums. Gestörte Vasomotorik, Hypotonic und Hypothermie sind Ausdruck einer Dysfunktion dieses Zentrums. Die Cholesterinämie stellt das mittelbare Moment dar. Eventuell vorhandene Taubstummheit oder hypophysäre Symptome müssen als parallele Erscheinungen desselben Krankheitsprozesses angesehen werden. Das bisher als selbständig abgetrennte Krankheitsbild der amaurotischen Idiotie vom Typus Spielmeger—Vogt ist nur eine Variante des gleichen Krankheitsbildes.

Pigmentierungen und Ringscotome stehen in keinen wechselseitigen Beziehungen, sondern sind entsprechende Symptome desselben übergeordneten Prinzips. Wahrend die amorphen Pigmentablagerungen in der Äquatorzone Ausdruck einer Sclerose der Choriocapillaris sind, stellen die «Knochenkörperchen» das Äquivalent dar für eine Beteiligung des retinalen Endsystems. Die heteronymen Ringscotome sind die conditio sine qua non für die Diagnose der Sclerosis pigmentosa chorio‐retinalis. Sie sind ein Spezialfall der bitemporalen Hemianopsie und eine bisher unerkannt gebliebene Form des klassischen Chiasmasyndroms.
DAS GEFÄSSSYSTEM DER FOVEA CENTRALIS
Authors: Salus Robert
Published: May 2009

Entgegen der herrschenden Ansicht von ihrer Gefässlosigkeit besitzt die Fovea centralis ein kompliziertes Gefäss‐system, das in seinem regel‐ und gesetzmässigen Aufbau, in seinem Reichtum an allerdings ganz feinen Gefäss‐chen der Bedeutung dieses Bezirkes als funktionellem Centrum der Netzhaut voll entspricht.

Beschreibung dieses Systems, s. Abb. I u. Tafel I.

Schon aus dem blossen Vorhandensein des fovealen Gefässsystems, aber auch aus mehreren anderen, vor allem klinischen Gründen kann man schliessen, dass die ganze Netzhaut in allen ihren Schichten von den Netzhautgefässen versorgt wird. Dementsprechend wird die herrschende Ansicht, dass die Fovea sowie das übrige Neuroepithel von der Aderhaut her ernährt wird, abgelehnt.

Die pathologischen Veränderungen, sowie die spezielle ophthalmoskopische Diagnostik des Gefässsystems der Fovea centr.

Die Altersveränderungen u. die Altersarteriosklerose

die Fovea hypertonica. Abb. II, Tafel II

Fovea bei blassem Hochdruck, die Retinitis albuminurica u. andere Retinitiden.
DEMONSTRATION EINER ABSORPTIONSKURVE DES FARBSTOFFES IN DER LEICHENMAKULA VOM AFFEN (MACACUS)
Authors: Hanström Erik
Published: May 2009

Demonstration von Absorptionskurven für den Farbstoff aus der Leichenmakula des Affen (Macacus).

An Affenaugen (Macacus), die nach dem Tode enukleiert wurden, hat Verf. erstens das Makulagebiet der Netzhaut und zweitens ein nicht gelbes, nasal von der Papille gelegenes Netzhautgebiet freipräpariert, die Stücke in Glyzerin aufgehoben und die betreffenden Gebiete (188 von jeder Art) nach einer von Willstaedt und With angegebenen Methode nach Behandlung mit Kalilauge mit Äther extrahiert. Aus den Makulae wurde ein gelber Farbstoff erhalten, der in Chloroformlösung gebracht wurde. Aus den farblosen Netzhautstücken erhielt man eine farblose Chloroformlösung. An beiden Arten von Lösungen wurden mit negativem Ergebnis Reaktionen auf Karotinoide angestellt. Quantitative Absorptionsmessung (310 mμ bis 660 mμ) wurde mit der von Warburg‐Negelein angegebenen Apparatur vorgenommen sowohl A) an Makulalsung: 1) an der frischen gelben Lösung, 2) an der schwächer gelben Lösung nach 14‐tägiger Aufbewahrung im Dunkeln und 3) an der farblosen Lösung nach Aufbewahrung 1 Woche im Dunkeln und 1 Woche in diffusem Tageslicht, als auch B) an farbloser Lösung aus nicht die Makula umfassenden Netzhautgebieten nach Aufbewahrung 1 Woche im Dunkeln und 1 Woche in diffusem Tageslicht. Die Absorptionskurven zeigen für die frische gelbe Lösung zunehmende Absorption gegen die kurzen Wellenlängen hin, ein Absorptionsmaximum bei 460 mμ und eins bei 590 mμ. Die Belichtung hat keinen Einfluss auf die Absorption in Violett und Blau, während das Absorptionsmaximum in Gelb verschwindet. In der aus nicht die Makula umfassenden Netzhautpartien stammenden Lösung findet man diese Absorptionsmaxima nicht wieder. Anzeichen von Vorhandensein von Karotinoiden liegen in keiner der vier Kurven vor, ferner sind keine Anzeichen von Vitamin A in der Kurve zu finden, die der reichlich stäbchenführenden, ausgeblichenen Netzhaut entstammt.

Die gelbe Leichenmakulafarbe ist höchst wahrscheinlich nicht durch ein Karotinoid bedingt, möglicherweise aber durch einen lipochromen Farbstoff anderer Art. Es ist möglich, dass eine gelbe (Absorptionsmaximum bei 460 mü, ätherlösliche, wenig lichtempfindliche Substanz sowie eine blaue (Absorptionsmaximum bei 590 mμ), äusserst lichtempfindliche Substanz in der Leichenmakula vorhanden sind. Verf. erinnert an eine von v. Studnitz nachgewiesene Substanz, die lichtempfindlich und ätherlöslich ist, ein Absorptionsmaximum bei 580 mμ besitzt und in der Zapfennetzhaut der Landschildkröte gefunden wird. Vitamin A lässt sich in der aus ausgeblichenen, sehpurpurführenden Netzhautgebieten stammenden Lösung nicht nachweisen.
ANISOCHROMATOPSIA CONGENITA
Authors: Keyser G. W.
Published: May 2009

English Summary.

The author calls congenital anisochromatopsia the anomaly of different defective colour vision found in a person's two eyes, reporting the case of a man the anomaly quotient of whose left eye was 2,08, and that of the right eye, 3,12.
ÜBER EIN NEUES ENTOPTISCHES PHÄNOMEN IM POLARISIERTEN LICHT. »PERIPHERE« POLARISATIONSBÜSCHEL
Authors: Boehm Gundo
Published: May 2009

Es wird ein neues entoptisches Phänomen im polarisierten Licht beschrieben; »Periphere« Polarisationsbüschel.

Diese Polarisationsbüschel sind auf dunklem Untergrund um eine kleine Leuchtfläche, die intensives, geradlinig polarisiertes Licht mit ständig sich drehender Schwingungsebene aussendet, bei parazentraler Betrachtung wahrzunehmen.

Die Büschel bestehen aus zwei gegenüberstehenden Sektoren, die sich gleichsinnig mit dem Polarisator um die Leuchtfläche als Mittelpunkt drehen. Unter günstigen Versuchsbedingungen reichen sie zusammen bis gegen 12° in die Peripherie. Die Verbindungslinie der hellen Sektoren steht senkrecht auf der Schwingungsrichtung des Lichts.

Zur Darstellung dieser entoptischen Erscheinung dient eine besondere Apparatur, mit der sich die Intensität und Farbe des Lichts, die Grösse der Leuchtfläche und die Drehgeschwindigkeit der Schwingungsebene beliebig variieren lässt.

Die »peripheren« Polarisationsbüschel sind nicht (oder fast nicht) zu sehen, wenn das Bild der kleinen Leuchtfläche genau auf die Fovea oder auf die Mitte der Papille fällt. Die Büschel werden augenblicklich unsichtbar, wenn man den Polarisator ruhig stellt.

Im Gegensatz zu den »macularen« (Haidinger'schen) Polarisationsbüscheln entstehen sie mit Licht jeder Wellenlänge; sie sind in der Farbe des einfallenden Lichts getönt.

Die Büschel sind auch im elliptisch polarisierten Licht zu sehen; sie werden nicht mehr wahrgenommen, wenn man sich der zirkularen Schwingungsform bis zu einem Achsenverhältnis der Schwingellipse von etwa 1: 0,8 nähert.

Die »peripheren« Polarisationsbüschel werden von Personen jeder Altersstufe bemerkt. Sie können auch von geeigneten Aphakischen wahrgenommen werden. Auch für Totalfarbenblinde sind sie eine sehr deutliche Erscheinung.

Die »peripheren« Polarisationsbüschel kommen durch eine Strewing des Lichts in der (alle Schichten umfassenden) Retina zustande. Die Netzhaut wirkt als »trübes Medium«. In einem solchen Medium mit kleinen licht‐splitternden Partikeln, wird geradlinig polarisiertes Licht in bestimmten Vorzugsrichtungen gestreut. Diese Streuung in Vorzugsrichtungen ruft auf der Retina — anstelle des gleichmässigen »Lichthofs« — einen büschelförmigen Lichteindruck hervor.

Die streuende Hohlfläche der Retina wirkt damit wie ein »Analysator« (»Peripherer« Netzhautanalysator).

Die »peripheren« Polarisationsbüschel lassen sich modellmässig in einer mit Mastixemulsion gefüllten Hohlfläche nachahmen.

Die Streuung von polarisiertem Licht in Vorzugsrichtungen lässt sich auch vermittels der entoptischen Darstellung der Netzhautgefässe nachweisen.

Es wird diskutiert, ob die eigenartige Feinstruktur der Stäbchenaussenglieder die entoptische Erscheinung verstärken kann.

Der Einfluss der »Empfindungszeit« auf das Phänomen der »peripheren« Polarisationsbäschel wird erörtert.