bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rosiglitazone, a peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ stimulant, abrogates diabetes‐evoked hypertension by rectifying abnormalities in vascular reactivity
Authors: El‐Bassossy Hany M , Abo‐Warda Shaymaa M , Fahmy Ahmed 
Published: May 2012

Summary

In addition to insulin sensitization, rosiglitazone exhibits favourable circulatory effects. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that rosiglitazone protects against hypertension and vascular derangements caused by diabetes.
Diabetes was induced by a single bolus injection of streptozotocin (50 mg/kg, i.p.). After 2 weeks, rats were started on a treatment regimen of 5 mg/kg rosiglitazone daily for a period of 6 weeks. The control group consisted of rats treated with vehicle (distilled water) for the same period of time. After 6 weeks treatment, blood pressure (BP) was recorded and serum levels of glucose, advanced glycation end‐products (AGE), triglycerides, total cholesterol and low‐density lipoprotein–cholesterol (LDL‐C) were determined. In in vitro experiments, concentration–response curves were constructed to phenylephrine (PE), KCl and acetylcholine (ACh) in thoracic aorta rings. In addition, ACh‐induced nitric oxide (NO) generation and KCl‐induced intracellular Ca accumulation were determined in the aorta.
Compared with values in control rats, both diastolic and systolic BP were increased in diabetic rats. Rosiglitazone treatment of diabetic rats abolished the increase in diastolic BP and significantly reduced the increased systolic BP without affecting the development of hyperglycaemia. The possibility that changes in vascular reactivity and/or lipid profile contributed to the effects of rosiglitazone on BP in diabetic rats was investigated.
In aortic rings from diabetic rats, contractile responses to KCl were increased, whereas the relaxant responses to ACh were decreased. In rings from diabetic rosiglitazone‐treated rats, the exaggerated response to KCl and the impaired response to ACh were abolished. Furthermore, rosiglitazone abrogated impaired ACh‐stimulated NO generation in aortas isolated from diabetic rats. Diabetes in rats was accompanied by elevated levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL‐C and AGE. Rosiglitazone treatment abrogated the increased levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol and LDL‐C, but only partially reduced AGE levels.
Collectively, these observations indicate that rosiglitazone abrogates diabetes‐evoked hypertension by ameliorating detrimental changes in vascular reactivity and lipid profiles.
Primary prophylaxis of overt hepatic encephalopathy in patients with cirrhosis: An open labeled randomized controlled trial of lactulose versus no lactulose
Authors: Sharma Praveen , Sharma Barjesh Chander , Agrawal Amit , Sarin Shiv Kumar 
Published: May 2012

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Development of overt hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is associated with poor prognosis in patients with cirrhosis. Lactulose is used for the treatment of HE. There is no study on the prevention of overt HE using lactulose in patients who never had HE earlier.Methods:  Consecutive cirrhotic patients who never had an episode of overt HE were randomized to receive lactulose (Gp‐L) or no lactulose (Gp‐NL). All patients were assessed by psychometry (number connection test [NCT‐A and B], figure connection test if illiterate [FCT‐A and B], digit symbol test [DST], serial dot test [SDT], line tracing test [LTT]) and critical flicker frequency test (CFF) at inclusion and after 3 months. These patients were followed every month for 12 months for development of overt HE.Results:  Of 250 patients screened, 120 (48%) meeting the inclusion criteria were randomized to Gp‐L (n = 60) and Gp‐NL (n = 60). Twenty (19%) of 105 patients followed for 12 months developed an episode of overt HE. Six (11%) of 55 in the lactulose (Gp‐L) group and 14 (28%) of 50 in the Gp‐NL (P = 0.02) developed overt HE. Ten (20%) of 50 patients in Gp‐NL and five (9%) of 55 patients in the Gp‐L group died, P = 0.16. Number of patients with minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) were comparable in two groups at baseline (Gp‐L vs Gp‐NL, 32:36, P = 0.29). Lactulose improved MHE in 66% of patients in Gp‐L. Taking a cutoff < 38 Hz sensitivity and specificity of CFF in predicting HE were 52% and 77% at baseline and 52% and 82% at 3 months of treatment. On multivariate analysis, Child's score and presence of MHE at baseline were significantly associated with development of overt HE.Conclusions:  Lactulose is effective for primary prevention of overt hepatic encephalopathy in patients with cirrhosis.
New distribution and lure records of Dacinae (Diptera: Tephritidae) from Queensland, Australia, and description of a new species of Dacus Fabricius
Authors: Royer Jane E , Hancock David L 
Published: May 2012

AbstractNew distribution records for 42 species of fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae: Dacinae) in Queensland are presented, resulting from exotic fruit fly monitoring from 1996 to 2011. Summaries of previously known Australian distributions are provided. Fruit flies were collected at cue lure and methyl eugenol traps and reared from host fruit. No new distributions south of Townsville were recorded for the economic species Bactrocera frauenfeldi (Schiner, 1868), Bactrocera kraussi (Hardy, 1951) and Bactrocera musae (Tryon, 1927). Minor range extensions are noted for Bactrocera neohumeralis (Hardy, 1951) and Bactrocera tryoni (Froggatt, 1897). Bactrocera jarvisi (Tryon, 1927) is recorded being weakly attracted to cue lure in Queensland and the first lure record (one specimen from cue lure) is provided for Dacus (Mellesis) petioliforma (May, 1956). Taxonomic issues with Bactrocera melanothoracica Drew (1989) and Bactrocera unirufa Drew (1989) are discussed. Dacus (Neodacus) coenensis sp. n. is described and illustrated from Cape York Peninsula.
Determination of anterior segment changes with Pentacam after phacoemulsification in eyes with primary angle‐closure glaucoma
Authors: Zhao Qi , Li Nai‐yang , Zhong Xing‐wu 
Published: May 2012

AbstractBackground:  To investigate changes of anterior segment morphology in primary angle‐closure glaucoma after phacoemulsification using the Pentacam system.Design:  Prospective, interventional study, Zhongshan Hospital of Sun Yat‐sen University.Participants:  Eighty‐five eyes from 60 patients with primary angle‐closure glaucoma undergoing phacoemulsification.Methods:  Intraocular pressure was measured by Goldmann applanation tonometry. Anterior segment morphology was assessed using the Pentacam camera.Main Outcome Measures:  The intraocular pressure, central anterior chamber depth, peripheral anterior chamber depth, anterior chamber volume, pupil diameter and anterior chamber angle preoperative and 3 months postoperative.Results:  A total 78 eyes of 55 patients with primary angle‐closure glaucoma were included in the analysis. Thirty‐two eyes (41.0%) had acute primary angle‐closure glaucoma, and 46 eyes (59.0%) had chronic primary angle‐closure glaucoma. In both groups, statistically significant decreases in intraocular pressure and increases in anterior chamber volume, central anterior chamber depth, peripheral anterior chamber depth and anterior chamber angle inferiorly, nasally, temporally and superiorly were observed at 3 months after phacoemulsification (all P < 0.001).Conclusions:  Phacoemulsification induces significant changes in anterior segment morphology in primary angle‐closure glaucoma accompanied by a significant fall in intraocular pressure in the short term.
Retropupillary iris claw intraocular lens for aphakia
Authors: Hsing Y Eve , Lee Graham A 
Published: May 2012

AbstractBackground:  To assess outcomes of the iris claw intraocular lens implanted in the retropupillary position for correction of aphakia without adequate capsular support.Design:  Retrospective study of patients consulted at two private practices and a tertiary public hospital clinic in Brisbane, Queensland.Samples:  Thirty‐two consecutive patients who underwent posterior chamber insertion of the iris claw intraocular lens alone or in combination with other procedure/s by the same consultant ophthalmologist (GL).Methods:  Lens power was calculated using an A‐constant of 117.0.Main Outcome Measures:  Clinical examination.Results:  Thirty‐four eyes in 32 patients (23 male, 9 female) were included in the study. Indications for surgery were pseudophakic bullous keratopathy (n = 14), aphakia from previous lens extraction/lensectomy (n = 9), subluxation of intraocular lens (n = 7), cataract extraction (n = 2), explantation of anterior chamber intraocular lens due to uveitis (n = 1) and for Baerveldt tube insertion (n = 1). Follow‐up duration ranged from 1 to 68 months. Of the 26 eyes followed for at least 6 months, the final vision improved in 69% (n = 18), remained unchanged in 8% (n = 2) and worsened in 23% (n = 6). Final visual acuity was 6/12 or better in 58% (n = 15). Complications included iris trauma/defect (n = 8), pupil irregularity/ovalization (n = 6), microhyphaema (n = 2) and lens decentration (n = 2).Conclusion:  Implantation of the iris claw intraocular lens in the retropupillary position is a useful technique for correction of aphakic eyes with sufficient iris support, avoiding the corneal complications of an anterior chamber intraocular lens and the surgical challenge of a sutured posterior chamber intraocular lens.
Iris involvement by lymphoma: a review of 13 cases
Authors: Mashayekhi Arman , Shields Carol L , Shields Jerry A 
Published: May 2012

AbstractBackground:  To describe the clinical and histopathological features of lymphomas involving the iris.Design:  Retrospective, descriptive study.Participants:  Fourteen eyes of 13 patients.Methods:  Review of medical records.Main Outcome Measures:  Clinical and histopathological findings.Results:  Median patient age was 58 years (range, 25–76 years). Seven patients had known systemic lymphoma of which five were of large B‐cell type. Symptoms included blurred vision (8/14), eye redness (3/14) and eye pain (2/14). Four eyes had secondary elevated intraocular pressure. Anterior segment findings included anterior chamber cells (14/14 eyes), keratic precipitates (11/14 eyes), congestion of conjunctival/episcleral blood vessels (9/14), hyphaema (7/14), conjunctival/anterior epibulbar lymphoma (6/14), tumour‐induced pseudohypopyon (4/14) and corneal oedema (3/14). Of 12 eyes with adequate view of iris details, clinically detectable iris thickening or visible mass was noted in all (12/12). There was concomitant involvement of ciliary body (8/14), choroid (5/14) and orbit (2/14). All patients had biopsy of conjunctiva, episclera, iris or ciliary body, confirming the diagnosis of lymphoma. Histopathological or cytopathological evaluation of iris or ciliary body showed high‐grade lymphoma in 9/11 eyes in which it was performed. Five patients did not have long‐term follow up and, of the other eight patients, three died from complications of systemic lymphoma during follow up ranging from 1 to 44 months.Conclusion:  Lymphomatous involvement of the iris should be considered in the differential diagnosis of corticosteroid‐resistant uveitis in middle‐aged and elderly patients. Iris lymphoma tends to be high grade and usually develops in patients with known aggressive systemic lymphoma.
Is primary open‐angle glaucoma part of a generalized sensory neurodegeneration? A review of the evidence
Authors: O'Hare Fleur , Rance Gary , McKendrick Allison M , Crowston Jonathan G 
Published: May 2012

AbstractOpen‐angle glaucoma is an optic neuropathy that has a multifarious aetiological profile. Emerging theories suggest that a group of factors induce optic nerve injury in innately susceptible aging optic nerves. These factors have the potential to impact on the function of other vulnerable neurons within the central nervous system of older patients. Although changes within the visual pathways due to retinal ganglion cell dysfunction and death are well established, research exploring the behaviour of other sensory systems in individuals with glaucoma is limited. This review summarizes what is known about these other non‐visual sensory changes, explores whether glaucoma is in fact part of a global neurodegenerative condition, and suggests areas for future research direction.
ReGAE 9: baseline factors for success following augmented trabeculectomy with mitomycin C in African‐Caribbean patients
Authors: Agrawal Pavi , Shah Peter , Hu Victor , Khaw Peng T , Holder Rodger , Sii Freda 
Published: May 2012

AbstractBackground:  To identify the baseline factors influencing success following trabeculectomy with mitomycin C in a case series of African‐Caribbean patients.Design:  A prospective, observational and non‐comparative cohort study.Participants:  Forty‐seven consecutive African‐Caribbean patients (47 eyes) with glaucoma.Methods:  Association between trabeculectomy survival and study factors was examined using Fisher's exact test and the Wilcoxon rank sum test at 12, 24 and 36 months following trabeculectomy. Logistic regression was used to establish the combination of factors best predicting survival.Main Outcome Measures:  Surgical success was based upon intraocular pressure reduction to ≤21 mmHg, ≤18 mmHg and ≤15 mmHg without glaucoma medication (criterion 1), or intraocular pressure reduction to ≤21 mmHg, ≤18 mmHg and ≤15 mmHg with or without glaucoma medication (criterion 2).Results:  Trabeculectomy survival at 36 months was significantly decreased with the use of preoperative acetazolamide, pseudophakic status and higher preoperative intraocular pressure (P < 0.05). In pseudophakic eyes, there was a lower rate of success for criterion 2 when aiming for an intraocular pressure ≤15 mmHg at 2 years post‐trabeculectomy, the odds ratio being 12.Conclusions:  Three major independent risk factors were identified that influenced trabeculectomy failure at 3 years in African‐Caribbean ethnicity: the preoperative use of acetazolamide, pseudophakic status and higher preoperative intraocular pressure. The presence of these risk factors may guide the clinician to use a more aggressive antiproliferative and postoperative management regime to enhance survival rates in this high‐risk population.
Sociodemographic factors and utilization of eye care services: is there an association with patients presenting to a tertiary referral hospital in acute angle‐closure?
Authors: Sandhu Suneet , Van Wijngaarden Peter , Nguyen Dan Q , O'Hare Fleur , Sandhu Navneet , Wang Jie Jin , Crowston Jonathan G 
Published: May 2012

AbstractBackground:  The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between sociodemographic factors and utilization of eye care services in patients presenting in acute angle‐closure (AAC).Design:  A hospital‐based retrospective, case‐control study.Participants:  Fifty‐five patients consecutively presenting to the emergency department of the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital with AAC (cases), and 43 patients consecutively referred to the outpatient department for prophylactic laser peripheral iridotomy (controls) over a 3‐year period.Methods:  Standardized telephone questionnaires.Main Outcome Measures:  Comparisons were made for sociodemographic factors, utilization of eye care services and provision of information on glaucoma and premonitory symptoms of AAC.Results:  No significant differences across a range of socioeconomic and demographic factors were found. Fewer cases reported having attended an eye care professional ever (P = 0.02), or in the 12 months preceding their acute hospital attendance (P = 0.002), and had less awareness of angle closure glaucoma (P = 0.001). Logistic regression modelling demonstrated premonitory symptoms of AAC (odds ratio 3.96, [95% confidence interval 1.52–10.32], P < 0.001) and a period of greater than 12 months since the last eye examination (odds ratio 3.89, [95% confidence interval 1.64–9.21]) were significantly associated with the risk of AAC.Conclusions:  No significant differences in socioeconomic or demographic parameters between cases and controls were identified. Control subjects had a history of more frequent and recent access to eye care services than cases. The finding that more than one‐third of patients presenting with AAC had consulted an eye care provider in the preceding year suggests that a significant proportion of individuals at risk of AAC remain undetected.
Ocular toxoplasmosis I: parasitology, epidemiology and public health
Authors: Furtado João M , Winthrop Kevin L , Butler Nicholas J , Smith Justine R 
Published: May 2012

AbstractOcular toxoplasmosis results from retinal infection with the protozoan, Toxoplasma gondii. This parasite, which exists as multiple clonal subpopulations and in three stages, is capable of replication in any nucleated cell of its primary feline or multiple paratenic hosts. Human seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis is high across the globe, but with geographic variation. While prevalence of ocular toxoplasmosis is not well documented, toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis is the commonest form of posterior uveitis in many countries. Correlation of parasite genotype with disease is an important area of new research. Ocular infection with T. gondii often follows ingestion of bradyzoites in undercooked infected meat. Oocysts may survive for an extended period in the environment, and water contaminated with oocysts is an important source in toxoplasmosis epidemics. Ocular toxoplasmosis is preventable by a combination of community activities and personal measures. Public health action is well justified by the considerable burden of congenital and postnatal infections.
Influence of non‐proportional bending with torsion on fatigue life of 10HNAP steel within the range of crack initiation and propagation
Authors: GASIAK G. 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACTThe paper presents a precise analysis of the influence of non‐proportional loading of specimens on fatigue life during initiation and propagation of fatigue cracks. Simulation of the fatigue life of specimens was based on relations describing propagation rate of the fatigue cracks. The Paris and Forman relations were applied; they were integrated after previous introduction of relationships for the equivalent range of the stress intensity factor ΔKeq and including the phase shift angle ϕ between amplitudes of the bending moment and the torsional moment. Under bending with torsion, range of the equivalent stress intensity factor ΔKeq includes ranges of stress intensity factors for loading modes I and III, i.e. ΔKI and Δ KIII. The performed tests of 10HNAP constructional steel under cyclic bending with torsion allowed us to determine the influence of the phase shift angle ϕ on the fatigue life. It has been proved that increase of the phase shift angle from ϕ= 0° to ϕ= 60° and the ratio of amplitude of the bending moment Mag to amplitude of the torsional moment Mas equal to 1.33, 2 and 4 cause increase of the fatigue life of the tested specimens. The maximum increase of the fatigue life of specimens made of 10HNAP steel was 73% (Mag/Mas= 2, ϕ= 45°).
Microtubule stabilization by peloruside A and paclitaxel rescues degenerating neurons from okadaic acid‐induced tau phosphorylation
Authors: Das Viswanath , Miller John H. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractMany cellular organelles must travel long distances in neurons to perform their specific functions, and this transport is highly dependent on the microtubule network within the axon. Hyperphosphorylation of microtubule‐associated tau protein destabilizes microtubules and leads to neuronal cell death. This destabilization can be corrected in part by treatment with microtubule‐stabilizing drugs such as paclitaxel and epothilone. The phosphatase inhibitor okadaic acid inhibits the outgrowth of neurites in neuronal cell cultures by hyperphosphorylating tau protein. In this study using neuronal cultures derived from the cerebral cortex of early postnatal Sprague–Dawley rats, we examined whether stabilization of microtubules by peloruside A, a microtubule‐stabilizing agent that binds to a different site on β‐tubulin from paclitaxel, could counter the deleterious effects of 8 h exposure to 15 nm okadaic acid. Peloruside A reversed the decrease in axonal outgrowth and branching seen in neuronal cultures treated with okadaic acid and rescued neurons from growth cone collapse. Although peloruside A had no effect on the hyperphosphorylation of tau caused by okadaic acid, it restored the levels of acetylated tubulin, a marker of stable microtubules, and reversed the okadaic acid‐induced depression of growth‐associated protein‐43, an axonal growth regulator. Thus, microtubule‐stabilizing drugs show promise as new therapeutic agents for treating damaged microtubule networks characteristic of neurodegenerative disease.
Preso regulation of dendritic outgrowth through PI(4,5)P2‐dependent PDZ interaction with βPix
Authors: Mo Jiwon , Lee Dongmin , Hong Soontaek , Han Seungrie , Yeo Hyojin , Sun Woong , Choi Sukwoo , Kim Hyun , Lee Hyun Woo 
Published: May 2012

AbstractIn neuronal development, dendritic outgrowth and arborization are important for the establishment of neural circuit formation. A previous study reported that PSD‐95‐interacting regulator of spine morphogenesis (Preso) formed a complex with PAK‐interacting exchange factor‐beta (βPix) via PSD‐95/Dlg/ZO‐1 (PDZ) interaction. Here, we report that Preso and its binding protein, βPix, are localized in dendritic growth cones. Knockdown and dominant‐negative inhibition of Preso in cultured neurons markedly reduced the dendritic outgrowth but not branching, and led to a decrease in the intensity of βPix and F‐actin in neuronal dendritic tips. Moreover, phosphatidylinositol 4,5‐bisphosphate (PIP2) induced a conformational change in Preso toward the open PDZ domain and enhanced the interaction with βPix. In addition, the Preso band 4.1 protein, ezrin, radixin and moesin (FERM) domain mutant is unable to interact with PIP2 and it did not rescue the Preso‐knockdown effect. These results indicate that PIP2 is a key signalling molecule that regulates dendritic outgrowth through activation of small GTPase signalling via interaction between Preso and βPix.
Dissociation of BOLD responses to reward prediction errors and reward receipt by a model comparison
Authors: Rohe Tim , Weber Bernd , Fliessbach Klaus 
Published: May 2012

AbstractThe representation of reward anticipation and reward prediction errors is the basis for reward‐associated learning. The representation of whether or not a reward occurred (reward receipt) is important for decision making. Recent studies suggest that, while reward anticipation and reward prediction errors are encoded in the midbrain and the ventral striatum, reward receipts are encoded in the medial orbitofrontal cortex. In order to substantiate this functional specialization we analyzed data from an fMRI study in which 59 subjects completed two simple monetary reward paradigms. Because reward receipts and reward prediction errors were correlated, a statistical model comparison was applied separating the effects of the two. Reward prediction error fitted BOLD responses significantly better than reward receipt in the midbrain and the ventral striatum. Conversely, reward receipt fitted BOLD responses better in the orbitofrontal cortex. Activation related to reward anticipation was found in the orbitofrontal cortex. The results confirm a functional specialization of behaviorally important aspects of reward processing within the mesolimbic dopaminergic system.