bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
DETAILED EXAMINATION OF CARTILAGE FORMATION and ENDOCHONDRAL OSSIFICATION USING HUMAN MESENCHYMAL STEM CELLS
Authors: Ichinose Shizuko , Yamagata Kazuo , Sekiya Ichiro , Muneta Takeshi , Tagami Motoki 
Published: September 2010

SUMMARY1. Cartilage formation is one of the most complex processes in biology. The aim of the present study was to produce a simplified in vitro system to resolve its complexities.2. Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC) were maintained in alginate beads with a chondrogenesis‐induction medium containing 10 ng/mL transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β3.3. At days 0, 2, 4, 8, 12, 16 and 19 of culture, we examined the cells using a light microscope and a transmission electron microscope. We also evaluated the cells using immunocryo‐ultramicrotomy.4. The present study demonstrated that hMSC produced numerous extracellular matrices containing abnormal collagen fibres following their exposure to a chondrogenesis‐induction medium in alginate beads. At this time, calcification was detected by alizarin red staining and electron‐dense particles, composed of hydroxyapatite, appeared in both the cytoplasm and the extracellular spaces.5. In addition immunocryo‐ultramicrotomy revealed that collagen type II, type X and proteoglycan were prominent and that osteocalcin was detectable at day 2. During 8–16 days of culture, collagen type X maintained its strong expression and the expression of osteocalcin increased markedly. In contrast, the expression of collagen type II and proteoglycan decreased with time.6. These findings demonstrate that hMSC rapidly differentiate into chondrocytes expressing collagen type II and proteoglycan.7. The expression of collagen type II and proteoglycan then dropped and the activity of collagen type X was the same as before (4–8 days). As a result, the cells developed into the next cell type, so‐called hypertrophic chondrocytes. Finally, both osteocalcin activity and the calcification of cell bodies and extracellular matrices became evident, indicating endochondral ossification. Thus, we conclude that hMSC rapidly differentiate into chondrocytes, followed by the development of hypertrophic chondrocytes. Endochondral ossification is the final form in this culture.8. The findings of the present study indicate that our three‐dimensional culture is a convenient in vitro model for the investigation of the regulatory mechanisms of cartilage formation and endochondral ossification.
INVOLVEMENT OFN‐METHYL‐d‐ASPARTATE RECEPTORS and NITRIC OXIDE IN THE ROSTRAL VENTROMEDIAL MEDULLA IN MODULATING MORPHINE PAIN‐INHIBITORY SIGNALS FROM THE PERIAQUEDUCTAL GREY MATTER IN RATS
Authors: Javanmardi Kazem , Parviz Mohsen , Sadr Seyed shahabeddin , Keshavarz Mansoor , Minaii Bagher , Dehpour Ahmad Reza 
Published: September 2010

SUMMARY1. Supraspinal opioid antinociception is mediated, in part, by connections between the periaqueductal grey (PAG) and the rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM). Morphine antinociception from the PAG is decreased by serotonin,N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) and opioid receptor antagonists administered into the RVM. Because the brain isoform of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) is also prominent in the RVM, the present study was designed to evaluate the effects of microinjection of the non‐selective NOS inhibitorNG‐nitro‐l‐arginine methyl ester (l‐NAME) and the non‐competitive NMDA receptor antagonist MK‐801 into the RVM on PAG morphine antinociception and their potential interactions, as measured by the tail‐flick test.2. Rats were anaesthetized with sodium pentobarbital and then special cannulas were inserted stereotaxically into the RVM and PAG. After 1 week recovery, the effects of microinjection of MK‐801 andl‐NAME into the RVM and their interactions in altering PAG morphine (2.5 µg) antinociception elicited from the PAG were assessed.3. Mesencephalic morphine antinociception was significantly reduced after pretreatment withl‐NAME (0.6–1.3 µmol) or MK‐801 (0.8 nmol). The reduction in mesencephalic morphine antinociception when MK‐801 (0.8 nmol) andl‐NAME (1 µmol) were microinjected sequentially into the RVM was not significantly different from the effects of MK‐801 (0.8 nmol) orl‐NAME (1 µmol) administered alone.4. These data imply that NMDA receptors and nitric oxide production in the RVM modulate the transmission of opioid pain‐inhibitory signals from the PAG.
CARNITINE ESTERS PREVENT OXIDATIVE STRESS DAMAGE AND ENERGY DEPLETION FOLLOWING TRANSIENT FOREBRAIN ISCHAEMIA IN THE RAT HIPPOCAMPUS
Authors: Al‐Majed Abdulhakeem A , Sayed‐Ahmed Mohamed M , Al‐Omar Fadhal A , Al‐Yahya Abdulaziz A , Aleisa Abdulaziz M , Al‐Shabanah Othman A 
Published: September 2010

SUMMARYThe present study investigated whether propionyl‐l‐carnitine (PLC) has neuroprotective effects, similar to those reported for acetyl‐l‐carnitine (AC), against transient forebrain ischaemia‐induced neuronal damage and biochemical derangement in the rat hippocampal CA1 region.In total, 105 adult male Wistar albino rats were divided into seven groups of 15 animals each. The first three groups were injected i.p. with normal saline, AC (300 mg/kg) or PLC (300 mg/kg) for 7 successive days. The next three groups were injected i.p. with the same doses of normal saline, AC or PLC immediately after the induction of 10 min forebrain ischaemia and i.p. injections were continued for 7 successive days. Rats in the seventh group were subjected to sham‐operated ischaemia and injected with normal saline for 7 successive days.Seven days after treatment, animals were killed and their brains isolated for histopathological examination and biochemical studies.Forebrain ischaemia resulted in a significant decrease in the number of intact neurons (77%), ATP concentration (51%) and glutathione content (32%), whereas there was a significant increase in the production of thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances (TBARS; 71%) and total nitrate/nitrite (NOx; 260%) in hippocampal tissues.Administration of either AC or PLC attenuated forebrain ischaemia‐induced neuronal damage, manifested by a greater number of intact neurons, ATP and glutathione, as well as a decrease in TBARS and NOxin hippocampal tissues.Results from the present study suggest, for the first time, that PLC attenuates forebrain ischaemia‐induced neuronal injury, oxidative stress and energy depletion in the hippocampal CA1 region. Propionyl‐l‐carnitine has neuroprotective effects similar to AC and could have a potential use in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.The results of the present study will open up new perspectives for the use of PLC in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases associated with, or secondary to, myocardial ischaemia–reperfusion injury and chronic circulatory failure.
ARE GAP JUNCTIONS TRULY INVOLVED IN INHIBITORY NEUROMUSCULAR INTERACTION IN MOUSE PROXIMAL COLON?
Authors: Sibaev Andrei , Yüce Birol , Schirra Joerg , Göke Burkhard , Allescher Hans D , Storr Martin 
Published: September 2010

SUMMARYGap junctions exist between circular muscle cells of the colon and between interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) in the myenteric plexus of the gastrointestinal tract. They also probably couple intramuscular ICC with smooth muscle cells. Recent functional evidence for this was found in dye‐coupling and myoelectrical experiments.In the present study, we tested the hypothesis of gap junctions putatively being involved in neuromuscular interaction in mouse colon by using different classes of gap junction blockers.Electrical field stimulation of the myenteric plexus elicited tetrodotoxin‐sensitive and hexamethonium‐independent fast and slow inhibitory junction potentials (fIJP and sIJP, respectively) in circular smooth muscle cells, as evaluated by intracellular recording techniques in impaled smooth muscle cells. Heptanol produced a time‐dependent hyperpolarization of the membrane potential (MP) and abolished fIJP and sIJP. Octanol had no effect on the MP and abolished fIJP and sIJP. Carbenoxolone produced a time‐dependent depolarization of the MP without any effect on fIJP or sIJP. The connexin 43 mimetic gap junction blocker GAP‐27 had no effect on MP, fIJP or sIJP.Based on the presently available gap junction blockers we found no evidence that gap junctions are involved in neuromuscular transmission in mouse colon, as suggested by morphological studies.
β‐ADRENOCEPTOR‐MEDIATED INHIBITION OF MEDIATOR RELEASE FROM HUMAN PERIPHERAL BLOOD‐DERIVED MAST CELLS
Authors: Wang XS , Lau HYA 
Published: September 2010

SUMMARYMast cells cultured from human peripheral blood have been used as a cell model for functional studies of human mast cells, particularly human lung mast cells. However, the β‐adrenoceptor subtype expressed by these cultured cells has not been identified. The aim of the present study was to characterize pharmacologically the β‐adrenoceptors involved in the suppression of IgE‐mediated release of mediators, including histamine, prostaglandin (PG) D2and leukotriene (LT) C4from cultured mast cells.Mast cells were cultured from mast cell progenitors isolated from peripheral blood in the presence of 200 ng/mL stem cell factor and 50 ng/mL interleukin‐6. Mast cells were sensitized with human myeloma IgE, treated with β‐adrenoceptor agonists or antagonist and then challenged with anti‐human IgE. The release of histamine, PGD2and LTC4from mast cells was determined.Both isoprenaline and salbutamol inhibited anti‐IgE‐induced release of histamine, PGD2and LTC4from cultured mast cells in a dose‐dependent manner. Isoprenaline was a more potent inhibitor than salbutamol. The pD2values for the inhibition of the release of histamine, PGD2and LTC4were 7.37 ± 0.12, 8.38 ± 0.23, 8.85 ± 0.23, respectively, for isoprenaline and 6.96 ± 0.12, 7.65 ± 0.36, 7.91 ± 0.64, respectively, for salbutamol. The selective β3‐adrenoceptor agonist BRL‐37344 failed to affect anti‐IgE‐induced histamine release from cultured mast cells.The selective β2‐adrenoceptor antagonist ICI 118 551 (10−8mol/L) strongly reversed the concentration‐dependent suppression of histamine release by isoprenaline and salbutamol; however, the selective β1‐adrenoceptor antagonist atenolol (10−6 mol/L) did not have any effect.These results indicate that both isoprenaline and salbutamol act at β2‐adrenoceptors to suppress IgE‐mediated mediator release from cultured human mast cells.
Germination phenology of some Great Basin native annual forb species
Authors: FORBIS TARA A. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractGreat Basin native plant communities are being replaced by the annual invasive cheatgrass Bromus tectorum. Cheatgrass exhibits a germination syndrome that is characteristic of facultative winter annuals. Although perennials dominate these communities, native annuals are present at many sites. Germination timing is often an important predictor of competitive interactions, and might determine whether the use of annual species in restoration efforts will be successful. I used a laboratory experiment to determine whether a suite of native annuals exhibit winter or spring annual germination syndromes. Seeds of Amsinckia menziesii var. intermedia, Amsinckia tesselata, Blepharipappus scaber, Descurainia pinnata, Eriastrum sparsiflorum, Lappula occidentalis, Mentzelia veatchiana and Plagiobothrys tenellus were tested for dormancy, and for responsiveness to light, cold stratification and dry after‐ripening. Species that would be expected to be most similar to cheatgrass are those that have no requirement for cold stratification and are therefore likely to germinate under autumn or winter conditions. The species that clearly met this criterion in this laboratory study were A. menziesii var. intermedia, A. tesselata, D. pinnata and L. occidentalis. In contrast, B. scaber, E. sparsiflorum, M. veatchiana and P. tenellus had their highest germination after cold stratification and would be expected to be spring germinators. Blepharipappus scaber was not coaxed out of dormancy to a great degree by any of the treatments I applied and may exhibit cue‐non‐responsive dormancy. Field seed burial experiments, as well as experiments examining the competitive ability of these annuals versus cheatgrass will further inform us about their potential for success in restoration seedings.
Prepubertal testicular tumors: A 20‐year experience with 40 cases
Authors: Hisamatsu Eiji , Takagi Shizuko , Nakagawa Yoshikiyo , Sugita Yoshifumi , Yoshino Kaoru , Ueoka Katsuhiko , Tanikaze Saburo 
Published: September 2010

AbstractTesticular tumors are rare in children. In addition, prepubertal testicular tumors (PTT) are fundamentally different from their postpubertal counterparts. We reviewed our 20‐year experience with 40 cases to suggest an algorithm for the appropriate surgical approach for patients with PTT. All tumors ultrasonographically suspected of being benign were confirmed to be benign postoperatively. There was a significant difference between median preoperative α‐fetoprotein (AFP) levels of infants with yolk sac tumor and teratoma. The majority of our cases were benign, with the most common histopathological subtype being teratoma, as recently reported. Testis‐sparing surgery was carried out in five patients with teratoma and three patients with epidermoid cyst. Other than one patient with teratoma, none of the patients developed recurrence or testicular atrophy after testis‐sparing surgery. When testis‐sparing surgery is considered, our algorithm based on ultrasonographic findings and preoperative AFP levels might be helpful.
In vivo confocal microscopy of pre‐Descemet’s membrane corneal dystrophy
Authors: Ye Yu‐Feng , Yao Yu‐Feng , Zhou Ping , Pan Fei 
Published: September 2010

AbstractPre‐Descemet’s membrane corneal dystrophy is clinically characterized by the presence of numerous tiny pleomorphic opacities located in the deep stroma immediately anterior to Descemet’s membrane. A 35‐year‐old man, clinically diagnosed with pre‐Descemet’s corneal dystrophy, was examined by in vivo slit scan confocal microscopy. The pleomorphic structures containing dense hyperreflective inclusions in the posterior stroma were revealed in vivo. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, it is consistent with the result of the previous histological study, but different from other reports using in vivo confocal microscopy.
Periocular squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Limawararut Vanessa , Leibovitch Igal , Sullivan Tim , Selva Dinesh 
Published: September 2010

AbstractSquamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common eyelid malignancy and its incidence is increasing. Because of its variable clinical presentation, SCC may be difficult for even the experienced clinician to diagnose. Hence, all suspicious lesions warrant biopsy. As SCC behaviour may range widely in aggression, management should be individualized based on tumour (e.g. size, location, grade, histological subtype, previous recurrence, perineural invasion) and patient factors (e.g. age, health). Treatment of eyelid SCC should include margin control whenever possible for the highest cure rate in this high‐risk area. Immediate histological monitoring of surgical margins with frozen sections or Mohs’ micrographic surgery also allows for smaller margins of excision in an area where tissue conservation is important. Other special considerations in the periocular area include maintaining a high level of suspicion for perineural invasion as this may be associated with a poorer prognosis.
Objective monitoring of papilloedema using confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy
Authors: Chen Jern Yee , Taranath Deepa A , Chappell Angela J , Brophy Brian P , Craig Jamie E 
Published: September 2010

AbstractIdiopathic intracranial hypertension can cause severe optic nerve damage with irreversible visual loss. Heidelberg retina tomography is a sensitive and reproducible tool that can be used in the monitoring of optic disc swelling due to IIH. We demonstrate that the three‐dimensional images produced are easy to interpret, indicate progression or resolution and improve the timing of intervention in multidisciplinary settings by facilitating communication between specialists.
Relationship between second‐generation frequency doubling technology and standard automated perimetry in patients with glaucoma
Authors: Zarkovic Andrea , Mora Justin , McKelvie James , Gamble Greg 
Published: September 2010

AbstractPurpose:  The aim of the study was to establish the correlation between visual filed loss as shown by second‐generation Frequency Doubling Technology (Humphrey Matrix) and Standard Automated Perimetry (Humphrey Field Analyser) in patients with glaucoma. Also, compared were the test duration and reliability.Methods:  Forty right eyes from glaucoma patients from a private ophthalmology practice were included in this prospective study. All participants had tests within an 8‐month period. Pattern deviation plots and mean deviation were compared to establish the correlation between the two perimetry tests. Overall correlation and correlation between hemifields, quadrants and individual test locations were assessed.Results:  Humphrey Field Analyser tests were slightly more reliable (37/40 vs. 34/40 for Matrix)) but overall of longer duration. There was good correlation (0.69) between mean deviations. Superior hemifields and superonasal quadrants had the highest correlation (0.88 [95% CI 0.79, 0.94]). Correlation between individual points was independent of distance from the macula.Conclusion:  Generally, the Matrix and Humphrey Field Analyser perimetry correlate well; however, each machine utilizes a different method of analysing data and thus the direct comparison should be made with caution.
Pterygium in Tibetans: a population‐based study in China
Authors: Lu Peng , Chen Xiaoming , Kang Ying , Ke Lang , Wei Xiaoyan , Zhang Wenfang 
Published: September 2010

AbstractPurpose:  To describe the prevalence and to identify associated risk factors for pterygium in a Tibetan population at high altitude in Zeku County, China.Methods:  A prospective population‐based survey was conducted from October to December 2006. A stratified, clustered, randomized sampling procedure was used to select 2632 Tibetan people aged 40 years and older. Pterygium was diagnosed and graded clinically as grade 1 (transparent), 2 (intermediate) and 3 (opaque). Risks factors associated with pterygium were evaluated with logistic regression models.Results:  From a total of 2632 eligible subjects, 2229 (84.69%) were examined. There were 323 people with pterygium, equivalent to an overall prevalence of 14.49% (95% confidence interval [CI] 13.03–15.95). Pterygium was independently associated with increasing age for persons aged 70–79 years, compared with those aged 40–49 years (odds ratio [OR] 2.0; 95% CI 1.4–2.8), female gender (OR 1.6; 95% CI 1.2–2.0), dry eye symptoms (OR 1.3; 95% CI 1.0–1.7), seldom use of sunglasses/crystal spectacles (OR 4.6; 95% CI 1.9–11.3) or hats (OR 3.6: 95% CI 2.4–5.4), lower education level (<3 years) (OR 1.6; 95% CI 1.1–2.4) and low socioeconomic status (OR 1.9; 95% CI 1.5–2.4).Conclusions:  The prevalence of pterygium in a Tibetan population at high altitude is significantly high, particularly in certain at‐risk groups. The primary causative factors are related to ocular sun exposure, which are easily preventable. Public health schemes to address this serious health issue are urgently needed.
Rapid improvement of radiation‐induced neovascular glaucoma and exudative retinal detachment after a single intravitreal ranibizumab injection
Authors: Dunavoelgyi Roman , Zehetmayer Martin , Simader Christian , Schmidt‐Erfurth Ursula 
Published: September 2010

AbstractNeovascular glaucoma is a serious complication arising from irradiation of uveal melanoma. Treatment options include panretinal photocoagulation, peripheral retina cryotherapy, photodynamic therapy with verteporfin, triamcinolone injections and surgical removal of the dying tumour mass. Nevertheless, enucleation of the affected eye often is inevitable. The authors describe a case report of a radiation‐induced neovascular glaucoma and exudative retinal detachment caused by malignant melanoma of the uvea that was treated with intravitreal ranibizumab.
Comparison of central corneal thickness as measured by non‐contact specular microscopy and ultrasound pachymetry before and post LASIK
Authors: Zhao Ming‐hui , Zou Jun , Wang Wen‐qing , Li Jun 
Published: September 2010

AbstractPurpose:  To compare central corneal thickness (CCT) measurements made by ultrasound pachymetry and non‐contact specular microscopy in eyes before and post laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK).Methods:  Forty eyes of 20 consecutive refractive surgery candidates were included in this study. The CCT in both eyes was measured before and 3 months after LASIK with a non‐contact specular microscope and a ultrasound pachymeter.Result:  Both before and after LASIK, the difference of the mean CCT between non‐contact specular microscopy and ultrasound pachymetry was statistically significant (P < 0.001 before surgery, and P = 0.02 after surgery). The difference between them was −14.41 μm and −3.69 μm, respectively. In both situations, non‐contact specular microscopy and ultrasound pachymetry measurements were highly correlated (r = 0.959, before surgery, and r = 0.979 after LASIK). Bland–Altman analysis showed that either before or post LASIK, the 95% limits of agreement have a span of approximately 30 μm. Preoperatively, the mean standard deviation of repeated measurements was 4.26 μm by ultrasound pachymetry, and 4.02 μm by non‐contact specular microscopy, whereas it was 3.83 μm by ultrasound pachymetry, and 3.89 μm by non‐contact specular microscopy, postoperatively. No statistically significant differences were found between the mean standard deviations by these two devices in both situations (P = 0.561 before surgery, and P = 0.849 after LASIK).Conclusions:  Both before and after LASIK, non‐contact specular microscopy is not in complete agreement with ultrasound pachymetry in measuring CCT. Both devices provided comparable repeatability of measurements.
Bilateral occlusive retinal vasculitis in Kikuchi–Fujimoto disease
Authors: Zou Wenjun , Wen Feng 
Published: September 2010

AbstractA 22‐year‐old Chinese woman noted a sudden decrease in vision in both eyes 3 days after being histologically proven Kikuchi–Fujimoto disease. Fundus fluorescein angiography of both eyes showed multiple focal areas of retinal arteriolae occlusion with adjacent areas of capillary non‐perfusion and leakage from the dilated retinal vessels in the posterior pole and midperiphery. During the follow‐up period of 7 months, the patient was treated with intravenous methotrexate and a low maintenance dose of prednisone. Occlusive vasculitis resulted in proliferative retinopathy in both eyes and there were no other systemic abnormal findings. Autoimmune event was considered as the possible pathogenesis of occlusive retinal vasculitis.