bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
CHARACTERIZATION OF CATIONIC AMINO ACID TRANSPORT SYSTEMS IN RAT ERYTHROCYTES: LACK OF EFFECT OF URAEMIA ON l‐ARGININE INFLUX
Authors: Brunini TMC , Yaqoob MM , Roberts NB , Ellory JC , Moss MB , Siqueira MAS , Mann GE , Mendes Ribeiro AC 
Published: September 2010

SUMMARY

Chronic renal failure (CRF) is associated with the abnormal regulation of nitric oxide (NO) synthesis at the systemic level. The transport of l‐arginine, upregulated in blood cells from uraemic patients, modulates NO synthesis in this pathological condition. The model of partial nephrectomy in rats is widely accepted as a valid model of uraemia. Because there are no reports of l‐arginine transport in blood cells from uraemic rats, the aim of the present study was to investigate l‐arginine transport in red blood cells (RBCs) from these rats.
The kinetics of l‐arginine transport in RBC and plasma and the amino acid profiles of RBC were investigated in control, sham‐operated and subtotally nephrectomized rats.
l‐Arginine transport was mediated via the cationic amino acid transport system y+ and a transport system with kinetics resembling the human system y+L. In control RBC, the apparent Ki for l‐leucine inhibition of l‐arginine transport via system y+L was 0.16 ± 0.02 and 4.8 ± 2 mmol/L in the presence of Li+ and Na+, respectively.
The Vmax values for l‐arginine transport via system y+L and system y+ were similar in RBC from control sham‐operated and uraemic rats. Moreover, l‐arginine concentrations in plasma and RBC were not affected by uraemia.
The findings of the present study provide the first evidence that l‐arginine transport in rat erythrocytes is mediated by two distinct cationic transport systems with characteristics of systems y+ and y+L, which accept neutral amino acids only in the presence of Li+. In contrast with previous studies in uraemic patients, plasma levels and maximal transport rates of l‐arginine were not altered in this rat model of CRF.
RESETTING OF AORTIC BARORECEPTORS IN RESPONSE TO HYPOTENSION DOES NOT ALTER GAIN SENSITIVITY
Authors: Koike Marcia K , Moreira Edson D , Da Silva Gustavo JJ , Consolim‐Colombo Fernanda M , Ida Fumio , Irigoyen Maria CC , Krieger Eduardo M 
Published: September 2010

SUMMARY

In chronic hypertension, the baroreceptors reset to hypertensive levels with a decrease in gain sensitivity, but only a few studies have evaluated baroreceptor resetting during chronic hypotension and, under these conditions, no consistent information is available concerning changes in baroreceptor gain sensitivity. Therefore, in the present study, the aortic baroreceptor function curve and the baroreflex control of heart rate (HR) were evaluated in chronic hypotension produced by myocardial infarction (MI) with no heart failure.
Aortic baroreceptor function curves were studied in anaesthetized three groups of rats: (i) MI‐7, six rats 7 days after MI; (ii) MI‐30, nine rats 30 days after MI; and (iii) five control animals (SHAM). The pressure–nerve activity relationship was measured during rapid changes in blood pressure by integrating the whole‐nerve activity of the baroreceptors in a computerized beat‐to‐beat analysis.
Both long‐term periods (7 or 30 days) of hypotension were accompanied by complete resetting of the baroreceptor in rats (the leftward displacement of the baroreceptor curve matched the decrease in blood pressure). Moreover, the resetting of the baroreceptor function curve was not accompanied by changes in gain sensitivity (1.47, 1.64 and 1.67%/mmHg for SHAM, MI‐7 and MI‐30 groups, respectively) and the baroreflex control of HR was normal comparing SHAM and MI‐30 groups (bradycardic 1.62 ± 0.18 vs 1.99 ± 0.52 b.p.m./mmHg, respectively; tachycardic 3.6 ± 0.5 vs 4.1 ± 0.4 b.p.m./mmHg for, respectively).
The data indicate that the resetting of baroreceptors in chronic hypotension is stable and is not accompanied by changes in gain sensitivity, as observed in hypertension. This may account for the normal baroreflex control of HR observed in non‐anaesthetized rats.
FUNCTIONAL DIVERSITY OF MAMMALIAN TYPE 2C PROTEIN PHOSPHATASE ISOFORMS: NEW TALES FROM AN OLD FAMILY
Authors: Lu Gang , Wang Yibin 
Published: September 2010

SUMMARY

The Type 2C protein phosphatases (PP2C) represent a highly conserved gene family in the mammalian genome. Recent studies have revealed that PP2C isoforms possess unique patterns of tissue and subcellular distribution associated with diverse functionalities.
The functional importance of PP2C isoforms has been shown in a plethora of signalling networks controlling cell differentiation, proliferation, growth, survival and metabolism. However, little is known about the regulatory mechanisms of PP2C at the molecular level. It is uncertain how PP2C isoforms are recruited, activated and inactivated during signalling transduction processes.
In the present paper, an overview of the critical functions of individual PP2C isoforms in regulating cellular signalling events will be provided, along with our perspectives on the challenging issues to be addressed. It is clear that a better understanding of the complex biological effects elicited by specific signalling pathways involving PP2C isoforms has great potential for developing novel therapies for a variety of human diseases, including cancer, diabetes and neural disorders, as well as cardiovascular diseases.
HOW I DO NEUROSURGERY: PARASAGITTAL MENINGIOMAS
Authors: Aung T.H. , Wong W.K. , Mo H.P. 
Published: September 2010

Abstract: While meningiomas are histologically categorised as benign neoplasm of the brain, surgical extirpation of some of these tumours are technically demanding to the neurosurgeon. When complications arise from surgery, significant neurological morbidity and even mortality can occur. In order to minimise post‐operative complications and improve the outcome careful pre‐operative planning and sound operative techniques need to be developed. In a retrospective study of 80 meningiomas operated in the past 5 years, we identified 22 parasagittal meningiomas that came under our scrutiny. Operative outcome of these patients and our operative strategy will be discussed.Patients demographics: In a retrospective study, 22 tumours in the parasagittal region were identified among 68 supratentorial meningiomas with the remaining 12 in the infratentorial compartment. Interestingly all the patients were females with only 2 males operated in the last 2 years. Their age range from 39 to 86 with an average age of 60 years. Headache seizure and hemiparesis were the 3 main symptoms with 2 patients presenting with bilateral weakness of the lower limbs.Almost 60% of the tumours were psamommatous type and transitional type was seen in 6 patients. Four patients had atypia.The majority of the tumours were in the middle third of the sagittal sinus with only one in the posterior third of the sagittal sinus. In 3 patients the sinus was partially blocked and 5 patients had total occlusion of the sinus.Essentials of the operative procedure: Attention was given to proper positioning of the patient. Mayfield clamp was used for fixation of the head and craniotomy was performed by high speed drill with a single drill hole for anchoring the craniotome. Retractors are no longer used since early 1999 and meningiomas were devascularized at an early stage before exenteration.Outcome: Total excision could be achieved in 70% of the tumours including 3 patients with total occlusion of the middle third of the sagittal sinus. Nineteen patients had good outcome and 3 patients suffer from moderate disability. We encounter no mortality.Conclusion: Surgery of parasagittal meningiomas still pose a challenge to neurosurgeons and good results could be obtained if the vascular supply is cut off at an early stage. This also allowed drainage of cerebrospinal fluid and facilitated the dissection without use of retractors on the brain.
Pupil dilation using a pledget sponge: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: McCormick Austin , Srinivasan Sathish , Harun Shabbir , Watts Mark 
Published: September 2010

AbstractBackground:  To show that a pledget soaked in mydriatics and placed in the lower conjunctival fornix is as effective as drops in providing mydriasis for cataract surgery.Methods:  A randomized, masked, controlled trial of 56 patients assigned to either a pledget group (n = 25) or a control eye drops group (n = 31) was carried out. Controls had the routine practice of repeated topical mydriatic drops: tropicamide, phenylepherine and atropine. The trial group had a 3‐mm pledget trimmed, soaked in mydriatics and placed in the inferior fornix for 20 min. Pupil diameter was measured using a photographic technique with a standard scale shown in each picture. Two masked observers measured the pupils using the scale of the ruler in the developed photograph. All patients completed a 0–10 stinging score prior to surgery.Results:  There were no complications. The mean pupil diameter in the control group was 7.23 (6.91–7.94 95% confidence intervals [CI]) and 7.44 (6.96–7.92 95% CI) in the pledget group. There was no statistically significant difference in pupil diameter between the two groups: difference between means 0.21 (−0.32 to 0.75 95% CI) and Student’s t‐test of the difference between means (t = 0.8 and two‐tailed) probability P = 0.43. There was no significant difference in the stinging scores: Mann–Whitney test P = 0.69.Conclusion:  The use of a pledget cellulose sponge to deliver mydriatics prior to cataract surgery is as effective as the conventional method of repeated drop administration and was not associated with any adverse effects.
Presumed herpetic endotheliitis following phacoemulsification surgery*
Authors: Vajpayee Rasik B , Sharma Namrata , Verma Kamna , Saxena Tishu , Tandon Radhika 
Published: September 2010

AbstractThe authors present an observational case series. Three cases of presumed herpetic endotheliitis presented as cases of pseudophakic bullous keratopathy many years after successful phacoemulsification surgery. All patients had reduction of vision in the involved eye, corneal oedema and secondary glaucoma. The patients were treated with medical therapy consisting of topical corticosteroids, antiviral and antiglaucoma drugs. Resolution of corneal oedema, control of glaucoma and restoration of visual acuity were achieved in all cases. Specular microscopy performed thereafter demonstrated relatively normal endothelial cell counts. The authors conclude that pseudophakic bullous keratopathy occurring after phacoemulsification surgery may be caused by herpetic endotheliitis.
Multifocal objective perimetry compared with Humphrey full‐threshold perimetry in patients with optic neuritis
Authors: Pakrou Nima , Casson Robert , Kaines Andrew , Selva Dinesh 
Published: September 2010

AbstractBackground:  The aim of the study is to compare multifocal visual evoked potential (mfVEP) objective perimetry with Humphrey full‐threshold visual field (HVF) perimetry, in the assessment of patients with optic neuritis (ON).Methods:  We assessed 16 patients with clinically diagnosed ON. A comparison was made between the HVF and mfVEP, based on the global severity indices of both tests and number and topography of significant abnormalities detected. The latency data and inter‐eye asymmetry findings on the mfVEP were also evaluated.Results:  From a total of 128 quadrants analysed in the 16 patients (100 affected, 28 unaffected eyes), HVF perimetry identified a scotoma in 39/128 (30.5%) quadrants, all of which were in affected eyes; the mfVEP detected a scotoma in 68/128 (53.1%) quadrants using amplitude and/or asymmetry data (XV2 = 7.2485, P = 0.0071). Latency plots on the mfVEP identified a significant latency deviation cluster in 20/25 (80%) affected eyes. Abnormalities were also detected in 4/7 (57%) unaffected eyes. The global severity indices in the affected eyes showed a high correlation between the two tests (r = 0.73).Conclusions:  The mfVEP detected more abnormalities in patients with ON than HVF perimetry. The use of latency recordings as well as combined amplitude and asymmetry plots is advantageous and has the potential to detect abnormalities not otherwise detected on HVF perimetry.
Modification of the surface properties of a lens material to influence posterior capsular opacification
Authors: Yuen Conrad , Williams Rachel , Batterbury Mark , Grierson Ian 
Published: September 2010

AbstractPurpose:  To study the effect of surface properties of materials on cellular behaviour and the formation of posterior capsular opacification (PCO).Methods:  Polymethylmethacrylate, silicone and a hydrophobic acrylic were plasma treated and used in tissue culture. The changes in surface properties were quantified by dynamic contact angle measurements. Bovine lens epithelial cells (BLECs) were seeded onto these materials and cultured for 1 month. Serial photographs were taken. The cells were then fixed and stained to facilitate counting.Results:  Plasma treatment significantly increased the hydrophilicity of surfaces. BLECs grew on all surfaces but significantly more cells adhered to the treated than the untreated surfaces. On the untreated surfaces the BLECs had a fibroblastic morphology whereas on the treated surfaces the cells maintained their epithelial morphology.Conclusions:  Posterior capsular opacification is a form of wound healing and the behaviour of lens epithelial cells is central to its progression. Emphasis has been on the elimination of residual lens epithelial cells to combat PCO. This study demonstrated that the phenotype of BLECs was influenced by the surface properties of the intraocular lens materials. Gas plasma treatment of the materials increased their hydrophilicity and allowed the adhered BLECs to maintain their normal epithelial morphology. We believe that controlled growth of lens epithelial cells may reduce the incidence of PCO.
Thirteen‐year follow up of isolated foveal retinoschisis in a 24‐year‐old woman
Authors: Chen Fred K , McAllister Ian L , Chelva Enid S 
Published: September 2010

AbstractFoveal retinoschisis is rarely found in women. An 11‐year‐old girl, from non‐consanguineous parents, presented with bilateral visual loss from isolated foveal retinoschisis as confirmed by a normal fluorescein angiogram and characteristic optical coherence tomogram. Psychophysical and electrophysiological studies demonstrated mild contrast sensitivity loss, dyschromatopsia and normal full field electroretinographic responses. Visual acuity, foveal retinoschisis, electroretinography, electro‐oculography and visual evoked responses remained stable after 13 years but a reduction in pattern electroretinography amplitude was noted. No mutation was found in the coding regions of the RS1 gene. Isolated foveal retinoschisis may be a form of macular dystrophy. Longer‐term follow up may contribute to our understanding of this rare disease.
Case of recurrent macular haemorrhage after removal of a sub‐internal limiting membrane haematoma secondary to retinal artery macroaneurysm
Authors: Hotta Kazuki , Hotta Junko 
Published: September 2010

AbstractThe authors report the case of an 80‐year‐old man with sub‐internal limiting membrane haematoma secondary to retinal artery macroaneurysm in the right eye. Corrected visual acuity was 6/60 in the right eye. Vitreous surgery was performed. The internal limiting membrane over the haematoma was removed by pulling with a soft‐tipped extrusion cannula, and then the haematoma was removed with a vitreous cutter. One month post surgery vision had improved to 6/9. Two months post surgery, however, the same macroaneurysm ruptured again, and vision decreased to 6/60. Clinicians should be aware that recurrent macular haemorrhage may occur after removal of sub‐internal limiting membrane haematoma secondary to macroaneurysm.
Spontaneneous hydrops in pellucid marginal degeneration: documentation by OCT‐III
Authors: Ramamurthy Balasubramanya , Mittal Vikas , Rani Alka , Ram Mohan , Sangwan Virender S 
Published: September 2010

AbstractCorneal pellucid marginal degeneration (PMCD) is an idiopathic condition characterized by non‐inflammatory, non‐ulcerative thinning of inferior peripheral cornea. PMCD has been reported occasionally complicated with hydrops owing to break in descemet membrane. We herein report a 38‐year‐old man, who presented with sudden dimness of vision in right eye. Clinical findings and Orbscan II were suggestive of PMCD in both eyes with hydrops in right eye. Slit‐lamp and optical coherence tomography of right eye showed central descemet’s detachment without any break. Patient underwent descemetopexy by isoexpansile C3F8 (14%) and is doing well with significant improvement in the hydrops.
Choroidal neovascular membrane in radiation retinopathy
Authors: Berker Nilufer , Aslan Ozlem , Batman Cosar , Elgin Ufuk , Ozkan Seyhan Sonar 
Published: September 2010

AbstractRadiation retinopathy can occur years after the initial radiotherapy of the cancers of head and neck. It generally has a fulminant course, and can cause a variety of severe retinal abnormalities. Choroidal neovascularization has been rarely reported in radiation retinopathy. In this case report, a 21‐year‐old boy is presented who developed fulminant radiation retinopathy and choroidal neovascular membrane 4 years after receiving radiotherapy for his nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumour of the orbit in a 7‐year‐old child
Authors: Ahmad Syed M , Tsirbas Angelo , Kazim Michael 
Published: September 2010

AbstractInflammatory myofibroblastic tumour (IMT) is a rare low‐grade lesion in the spectrum of myofibroblastic tumours. Systemic IMT is a well‐described entity, but orbital IMT is extremely uncommon. These tumours are detected incidentally or through site‐specific complaints. Their presentation may clinically and radiologically mimic that of a malignant neoplasm, thus necessitating a biopsy. Even with reports of persistence, local recurrence and malignant transformation the overall prognosis remains favourable.
Dilated conjunctival vessels in a patient undergoing epoprostenol therapy
Authors: Foroozan Rod , Chan‐Kai Brian , Marx Douglas P 
Published: September 2010

AbstractA 44‐year‐old man with primary pulmonary hypertension was referred for a possible carotid‐cavernous fistula. Since initiation of epoprostenol therapy 3 months prior to presentation, he noticed progressive redness in both eyes and a macular rash, primarily involving the face and abdomen. Examination revealed engorged superficial conjunctival vessels in both eyes. Magnetic resonance imaging and angiography of the brain and orbits revealed no evidence of an arteriovenous fistula. Epoprostenol, a vasodilator, was associated with dilated conjunctival vessels in this patient.
Nodular scleritis and Sweet's syndrome
Authors: Wong Melissa Hsing Yi , Su Daniel Hsien Wen , Loh Raymond Ser Keat 
Published: September 2010

AbstractThe authors report a case of nodular scleritis in Sweet's syndrome. The patient was a 40‐year‐old Malay woman with a history of Sweet's syndrome presented with a 6‐day history of a red and painful right eye associated with blurred vision. Clinical examination revealed nodular scleritis of the right eye which was deemed secondary to Sweet's syndrome after investigations for other systemic diseases were negative. The patient demonstrated good response to systemic corticosteroid therapy with complete resolution of scleritis in the right eye. However, her inflammatory skin condition worsened each time the systemic corticosteroids were tapered so colchicine and dapsone were added to treat the dermatologic disease. Ocular manifestations are uncommon in Sweet's syndrome but it is important to diagnose and treat them. This will prevent ocular morbidity and ensure a good clinical outcome.
Retinal vessel diameter in normal and glaucomatous eyes: the Beijing eye study
Authors: Wang Shuang , Xu Liang , Wang Yunshong , Wang Yaxing , Jonas Jost B 
Published: September 2010

AbstractPurpose:  To assess retinal vessel diameter in adult Chinese with and without glaucoma.Methods:  The population‐based, cross‐sectional study included 4439 of the 5324 subjects asked to participate (response rate 83.4%), all aged 40 years or older. This study was divided into a rural part (1973 subjects [44.4%]) and an urban part (2466 subjects [55.6%]). Colour optic disc and fundus photographs were morphometrically examined for 2418 subjects. The retinal vessel diameters were measured at the optic disc border and at a distance of 2 mm to the optic disc border. The main outcome measure was the retinal vessel diameter.Results:  Diameters of the retinal arteries were significantly (P < 0.001) the widest in the temporal inferior region, followed by the temporal superior region (P < 0.001), the nasal superior region (P < 0.001) and finally the nasal inferior region. Except for the nasal inferior vein, the same held true for the retinal veins. The sequence of the main four vessel trunks with respect to their diameters was not associated with age, gender or hyperopia versus myopia. The artery diameters showed a tendency to decrease in older age, while the vein diameters decreased across all age groups. Eyes with glaucomatous optic nerve damage showed significantly (P < 0.001) thinner arteries while the retinal vein diameters were not different.Conclusions:  Diameters of the retinal arterioles and veins are the widest in the temporal inferior arcade, followed by the temporal superior arcade, the nasal superior arcade and finally the nasal inferior arcade. Retinal artery diameters decrease with glaucoma, and retinal vein diameters decrease with age.
Association between stature, ocular biometry and refraction in an adult population in rural Myanmar: the Meiktila eye study
Authors: Wu Hui Min , Gupta Aanchal , Newland Henry S , Selva Dinesh , Aung Tin , Casson Robert J 
Published: September 2010

AbstractPurpose:  To study the association between adult stature and ocular biometric parameters and refraction.Methods:  In a population‐based cross‐sectional ophthalmic survey of 2418 adults (≥40 years old) living in the rural villages in central Myanmar, height and weight were measured using a standardized protocol, and body mass index was calculated. Non‐cycloplegic refraction and corneal curvature were determined by an autorefractor. Ultrasound pachymetry was performed and ocular biometry, including axial length, anterior chamber depth, lens thickness and vitreous chamber length were measured using A‐mode ocular ultrasonography.Results:  Height and weight were significantly correlated with age, gender and all the ocular biometric parameters, except lens thickness. After adjusting for age and gender, taller and heavier persons had eyes with longer axial length, deeper anterior and vitreous chambers, and flatter and thicker corneas than shorter persons. Height was not significantly correlated with refraction, and heavier persons tended to be less myopic (P < 0.001). Multivariate linear regression models revealed consistent results with the findings for association between height, weight and ocular biometry and refractive error.Conclusions:  Adult stature is independently associated with vitreous chamber length and corneal radius in this Burmese population. Heavier persons were slightly hyperopic.
Resolution of primary acquired melanosis with atypia after minimal mitomycin C treatment
Authors: Chen Jern Yee , Chappell Angela J , Klebe Sonja , Mills Richard A 
Published: September 2010

AbstractThe most effective dose of mitomycin C (MMC) in the treatment of primary acquired melanosis (PAM) with atypia of the conjunctiva and cornea has yet to be established. This case report describes successful treatment of PAM with atypia with a single four day cycle of 0.02% MMC.