bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A 3 year retrospective case series of temporal arteritis in Portsmouth, United Kingdom
Authors: TRIKHA S , LOCKWOOD A , BUCHANAN E , KIRWAN JF 
Published: November 2009

Abstract Purpose To investigate the incidence,socioeconomic status and inflammatory markers of patients with biopsy proven Temporal(Giant Cell)Arteritis(GCA)in Portsmouth, United Kingdom. Methods A single‐centre retrospective study assessed patients referred for Temporal Artery biopsy.Serum platelet count,Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)and C‐Reactive Protein(CRP)were analysed. Socioeconomic status was investigated using index of deprivation scores from the national database and compared to a cataract surgery group(control). Patients received high dose oral prednisolone or intravenous methylprednisolone initially,followed by oral prednisolone.Telephone survey follow‐up for biopsy positive patients assessed smoking history and subjective visual improvement following treatment. Results 70% of biopsies were negative. Biopsy positive age adjusted incidence was 29.3/100000.93% of cases referred were subsequently diagnosed with GCA on clinical grounds.Mean platelet count was 359.7(B‐ve)vs.438.8(B+ve)(p≤0.001),mean CRP 50.75(B‐ve)vs.98.0(B+ve)(p≤0.001)and mean ESR was 53.9(B‐ve)vs.69.9(B+ve)(p≤0.018). Insignificant differences in socioeconomic status were found in biopsy positive group compared to controls(p=0.112).33% of biopsy positive patients sustained Visual loss, all patients reported unchanged Visual function, irrespective of treatment regime. Conclusion Biopsy +ve GCA was associated with significant elevations in serum platelet count,ESR and CRP levels compared to B‐ve GCA. The incidence in Portsmouth appears higher than other Caucasian populations. GCA appears unrelated to socioeconomic status in this cohort. A large proportion of biopsies were negative or inconclusive – warranting a strict referral pathway to ease pressure on Ophthalmic services.
Electrogenesis of the retina in proceeding glaucomatous optical neuropathy
Authors: VAZHENKOV SN , SHAMSHINOVA AM 
Published: November 2009

Abstract Purpose to investigate some branches of the pathogenetic mechanisms of eye function’s disturbance in patients with the glaucomatous optic neuropathy(GON) with normalized intraocular pressure(IOP) Methods 12 p‐s(23 eyes) with primary open angle glaucoma(POAG) of I‐IIIa study and normalized IOP by conservative treatment or after operation and 7 healthy volunteers were investigated. Standard (ISCEV) methods of record of the electroretinogram (ERG)and the original method of the oscillatory potentials (OPs) recording in light adaptation were used. Oscillations O1,O2 and O3 of the flicker 30Hz ERG were filtered on frequencies of 80 and 120Hz(MBN’s equipment). Heidelberg retinal tomography(HRT), central field perimetry(CFP) on 30(Humphry) also were used Results The correlation between decreasing of O3 and increasing of excavation of the optic nerve disc by HRT‐data was obtained. Attenuation of amplitude of cones’ oscillations O1 and O2 was linked with magnification of the degree of CFP’s declension from the age norm (PSD). Decreasing of O1‐oscillation amplitude was linked with the increasing of average elevation of CFP threshold mean(MD) Conclusion 1.The genesis of the O1, O2 and O3 in flicker 30Hz ERG is differ in comparing with the genesis of OPs registered in dark adaptation, and is linked with the light on and dark off‐channels of the cone retinal system. 2.Appearing indices of the retinal ischemia O1, O2 and O3, picked out from the flicker 30Hz ERG, show the link with the functional state of the retinal neurons in the light on‐ and dark off‐channels of midget pathway. The O3‐oscillation displays the neuronal links disturbance of the ganglion cells that is proving the degree of apoptosis’ evolution
Regulatory T‐cells induce an immune escape in a murine model of primary intraocular B‐cell lymphoma
Authors: TOUITOU V , BODAGHI B , DAUSSY C , DONNOU S , LEHOANG P , FRIDMAN WH , FRIDMAN C , FISSON S 
Published: November 2009

Abstract Purpose The role of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the immune evasion of tumors is usually prominent. The aim of this study was to assess the presence and role of Tregs in a murine model of primary intraocular B‐cell lymphoma (PIOL). Methods We used a syngeneic model of PIOL in immunocompetent BALB/c mice. Immunohistochemistry and flow cytometric analysis have been performed to study the tumor growth and the immune infiltrate. Depletion of Tregs was achieved using intraperitoneal injection of anti‐CD25 mAb (PC61). Splenectomy was performed to study the role of induced Tregs. Results Tregs were recruited in PIOL eyes (16.2%) compared to control eyes (1.2%, p<0.001). The number of infiltrating Tregs was correlated with tumor burden (r2=0.76), and inversely correlated with CD4+ T‐cells (r2=‐0.79). Recruitment of Tregs was also observed in the spleen of mice bearing tumor (2.9%) compared to controls (2.1%, p<0.001), but not in the draining lymph nodes. Depletion of Tregs resulted in a significant decrease of tumor burden (53.8% in control mice compared to 37.7% in PC61 mice, p=0.03), and an increase of the immune infiltrate. Splenectomy experiments comfirmed the role of iTregs in tumor escape. Eventhough the number of tumor cells decreased, tumor growth could not be abrogated. Conclusion We demonstrated that Tregs are recruited in the tumor microenvironment. Tregs limit the recruitement of CD4+ T‐cells in the eyes and are thought to inhibit their effector functions. The mechanisms by which Tregs are generated could be similar to ACAID, yet in the posterior chamber. Several escape mechanisms are responsible for tolerance toward the tumor in the eye.
Morphofunctional correlates in rhegmatogenous detachment of the retina
Authors: ZUEVA MV , NEROEV VV , GRINCHENKO MI , TSAPENKO IV , SARYGINA OI , RYABINA MV , TOLSTIK SI 
Published: November 2009

Abstract Purpose To detect the selective reduction of retinal neurons' activity in retinal detachment (RD) of different duration and after the reattachment surgery (RS). Methods We created earlier two protocols for 8‐30Hz flicker ERG testing in photopic (Ph) and scotopic (Sc) conditions using EP‐1000 TOMEY system. Standard and Ph/S flicker ERGs were examined in 9 healthy subjects and in 18 patients with rhegmatogenous RD (groups ≤1m, 1‐2m, >2m duration) in eyes with myopia before, 1w, 1m after the RS. Results The comparing of Ph/Sc flicker and standard ERGs showed that in the RD group 1, the Sc system function was relatively more impaired than the Ph, confirming literature histological data about rods' alterations in the earlier period after RD. In RD<1m, ERGs at 8‐10Hz were more reduced than at higher frequencies. Our data showed the greater functional changes in photoreceptors for ≤1m, in cones and bipolar cells ‐ for 1‐2m, and moderate general alterations of retina function in the group 3 before the RS. After the RS, the general decrease of all ERGs was found, but the cone‐ERG a‐wave and Ph 8‐12Hz flicker ERGs, which amplitudes showed the moderate increase during the follow up. It was more typical for RD duration < 1m, and a recovery was the worst in 1‐2m RD. Conclusion The flicker ERGs of broad frequency range seems to provide functional correlates of morphological alterations in RD, and may be useful in indirect estimation of retina recovery after the RS. In myopic eyes, even the earlier RS does not result in immediate recovering of retinal function. Earlier signs of restoration are characteristic only for the cone’s function, and they are more manifested after the RS for less than 1m RD.
Amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT): Implications for corneal wound healing
Authors: SAID DG , NUBILE M , HOPKINSON A , GRAY T , LOWE J , DUA HS 
Published: November 2009

Abstract Purpose When transplanted as a graft AM is incorporated into the cornea. Our aim was to ascertain by immunohistology the fate of the incorporated membrane over time. Methods Corneal buttons from 8 eyes treated by AMT for bullous keratopahty and subsequently had penetrating keratoplasty were examined by electron microscopy and by immunohistology with markers for keratocytes (CD34), fibroblasts (vimentin) and myofibroblasts (SMactin). Time from AMT to PK was between 2 to 32 months Results Amnion tissue was covered with stratified corneal epithelium with well‐defined hemidesmosomes. At places a fluid cleft was seen between amnion and underlying Bowman’s zone. Transformed keratocytes/fibroblasts could be seen migrating from the anterior stroma, through breaks in the Bowman’s zone, into connective tissue of the amniotic membrane. Immunohistology showed that the cells populating amnion stroma were CD34 negative but positive for vimentin and smooth muscle actin. In 2 samples where corneal transplants were performed more than 1 year following AMT, some cells in the amniotic stroma showed CD34+ staining Conclusion The amniotic basement membrane facilitates epithelial cell migration and adhesion. Corneal stromal keratocytes can migrate through breaks in Bownans zone, into the amniotic tissue thus integrating it with the host. Despite the presence of large fluid clefts between amniotic membrane and Bowman’s zone, the overlying epithelium remained compact. Repopulation of the amniotic stroma by corneal keratocytes allows for rebuilding of corneal stroma with an indication that over time they may revert to the resting keratocyte immunophenotype.
Clinical and microbiological features of acute bacterial conjunctivitis at the primary eye care unit in a hospital of central Italy
Authors: FRUSCHELLI M , MONTAGNANI F , PARADISO A , STOLZUOLI L , ZANCHI A , MOTOLESE I , MOTOLESE E 
Published: November 2009

Abstract Purpose Aim of this study is to identify bacteria causing conjunctivitis in a central Italian area and to analyze their chemosusceptibility. Methods From 2005 to 2006, 91 conjunctival swabs were collected from acute conjunctivitis cases who were examined in the primary eye care unit at the "S. Maria alle Scotte" Hospital in Siena. All swabs collected were screened for common bacteria and fungi. Susceptibility tests were performed on isolates. Results Isolated bacteria were Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae for an amount of 86.2%. Overall, 100% of strains were susceptible to chloramphenicol and 96.6% to quinolones. Conversely, 20.7% of isolates were tetracycline‐resistant and, even if all Gram negative isolates were susceptible to gentamicin, more frequently isolated pneumococci are constitutively resistant. Conclusion Acute “red eye” is one of the commonest reasons for consultation with primary eye care physicians; in the majority of cases an acute bacterial conjunctivitis is diagnosed, the pathogens most frequently responsible are Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae and Staphylococcus aureus. Guidelines on the management of conjunctivitis recommend antibiotic routine use where bacterial infection is suspected. This study provides a support in rational choice of empiric therapy with distinct regional preferences in the topical agent to be used.
New optical device for functional studies of the optic nerve head
Authors: GEISER MH , TRUFFER F , KHAYI H , CHIQUET C 
Published: November 2009

Abstract Purpose To develop a confocal ocular laser Doppler device for the recording of functional optic nerve head (ONH) blood flow responses to various physiological stimuli. Methods The flowmeter consists of a self‐aligned confocal system, a fundus illumination (green light) and CCD based observation unit, a target fixation system and a CCD camera to observe the pupil. This CCD allows monitoring of the position of the probing laser beam at the pupil to insure constant entrance point in successive measurements of ONH blood flow. The Doppler signal is digitized and a dedicated software operating on a portable computer calculates the relative velocity, volume and flux of the red blood cells in the ONH microcirculation. Synchronization of theses parameters with the heart pulse allows determination of the flow pulsatility. Flicker stimulation of the macular area can be performed at 2 wavelengths. Three measurements were performed at rest in each of 29 normal subjects to determine the variability of ONH blood flow parameters. Preliminary responses of these parameters to the breathing of various gases were obtained. Results Variability of blood flow obtained from 3 successive measurements from the same site ranged from 0.5 to 33% (mean 11%, n = 29). The breathing of carbogen (95% O2, 5% CO2) for 5 min by subjects with optimal target fixation induced an increase of ONH blood flow of 28 +/‐ 16 (sd) % (p = 0.03, n = 11) in accordance with previously published data. Conclusion This new confocal device combined with monitoring of the entrance site of the laser beam at the pupil provides laser Doppler blood flow data at the ONH that show a variability that makes the device potentially useful for physiological and clinical investigations.
The future of neuroprotection in glaucoma therapeutics
Authors: WHEELER LA 
Published: November 2009

Abstract Purpose Give an overview on the future of neuroprotection in light of the announcements concerning the memantine phase 3 clinical trial. Methods Allergan recently unmasked the second memantine phase 3 clinical trial examining the efficacy and safety of oral memantine for the treatment of glaucoma. Results While the study failed to meet its primary endpoint to sufficiently replicate the results of the first phase 3 trial; additional data analyses are ongoing. What have we learned about studing neuroprotection in this pioneering effort? Conclusion An update on the status of the glutamate hypothesis and the implications for future neuroprotective therapies in glaucoma will be discussed.
Commercial interest
The lens response to daily in vivo exposures to UVR
Authors: GALICHANIN K , LI Y , MEYER L , LÖFGREN S , SÖDERBERG PG 
Published: November 2009

Abstract Purpose Epidemiological data indicate correlation between life long exposure to ultraviolet radiation and cortical cataract. There is no experimental data on the effect of daily repeated in vivo exposures of the eye to UVR. This experiment was designed to verify whether the dose additivity for UVR exposures holds through periods of time up to 30 days. Methods Eighty rats were conditioned to a rat restrainer five days prior to exposure. All animals were divided into 4 exposure period classes of 1, 3, 10 and 30 days of exposure to UVR. Each exposure period class of 20 animals was randomly divided into five cumulated UVR dose sub‐groups. Eighteen‐week‐old non‐anesthetized albino Sprague‐Dawley(SD) rats were exposed daily to UVR‐300 nm for 15 minutes. One week after the last exposure, animals were sacrificed. The lenses were extracted for macroscopic imaging of dark‐field anatomy and degree of cataract was quantified by measurement of intensity of forward lens light scattering. Maximum tolerable dose (MTD2.3:16), statistically defined standard for sensitivity for threshold for UVR cataract, was estimated for the periods of exposure and plotted with a linear regression as a function of days during which dose was accumulated. Results All exposed lenses developed anterior subcapsular cataract with varying appearance depending on the period of days exposed to UVR. Small single doses of UVR accumulated to cause cataract during the periods up to 30 days. MTD2.3:16 for 1, 3, 10 and 30 days of repeated exposures was estimated to 4.7, 4.74, 4.8 and 6.0 kJ/m2, respectively. Conclusion The tolerance to UVR‐B for 18 week old SD rat increases with increasing number of days being exposed. With lower single dose and longer duration for daily exposure the lens is more tolerant to UVR.
Cis‐urocanic acid, a novel anti‐inflammatory and cytoprotective drug, decreases effectively UVB‐induced IL‐6 secretion and cytotoxicity in human corneal and conjunctival epithelial cells in vitro
Authors: VIIRI J , RYHÄNEN T , PAIMELA T , LAIHIA J , LEINO L , SALMINEN A , KAARNIRANTA K 
Published: November 2009

Abstract Purpose Urocanic acid (UCA) is a major UV‐absorbing chromophore in the epidermis and has been suggested to act as one of the initiators of UV‐induced immunosuppression. The anti‐inflammatory and cytoprotective effects of cis‐UCA were studied in human corneal and conjunctival epithelial cells in response to UVB‐irradiation in vitro. Methods Human corneal epithelial cells (HCE‐2) and human conjunctival epithelial cells (HCEC) were exposed to 10, 100, 1000, and 5000 µg/ml concentrations of cis‐UCA (BioCis Pharma, Turku, Finland) with and without UVB‐radiation (4 x Philips TL 20W/12 lamps; total irradiation dose 153 mJ/cm2). Secreted interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) levels were analyzed with ELISA assay. Cell viability was measured by a colorimetric MTT (3‐(4,5‐dimethyldiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay. Results The 100 µg/ml and 1000 µg/ml concentrations of cis‐UCA significantly suppressed IL‐6 secretion induced by UVB‐irradiation in both cell types. In addition, the same concentrations improved the viability of the UVB‐irradiated cells when analyzed by MTT assay. No significant alterations in IL‐6 expression levels or viability were observed in response to 10, 100, and 1000 µg/ml cis‐UCA only, while 5000 µg/ml cis‐UCA evoked cytotoxicity in both cell types. Conclusion Our findings suggest that cis‐UCA is a promising novel drug to suppress UVB‐induced inflammation and cellular damage in human corneal and conjunctival epithelial cells.
Variability in short‐wavelength automated perimetry among peri‐ or postmenopausal women: a dependence on phyto‐oestrogen consumption?
Authors: Eisner Alvin , Demirel Shaban 
Published: November 2009

Abstract.Purpose:  To determine whether the hill of vision for Short‐Wavelength Automated Perimetry (SWAP) is shallower for women who consume phyto‐oestrogen‐rich foods than for women who do not.Methods:  Visual field data were compared for two groups of healthy amenorrhoeic women 48–69 years‐old with normal vision and not using hormone replacement: (1) 24 subjects who reported consuming soy and/or flax products and (2) 20 subjects who reported not consuming these products. Two types of 24‐2 visual fields were measured: (1) Full Threshold SWAP and (2) a white‐on‐white (W/W) field obtained using a Swedish Interactive Threshold Algorithm (SITA Standard).Results:  The reduction of SWAP sensitivity from the centre of the field (4 loci, mean eccentricity = 4.2°) to the periphery (20 loci, mean eccentricity = 21.9°) was less for soy/flax consumers than for nonconsumers, both with age‐referencing (mean difference = 1.7 dB, p = 0.018) and without (p = 0.012). Corresponding distinctions existed for the SWAP – W/W difference, and there was minimal effect for W/W fields alone. The peripheral age‐referenced SWAP sensitivities averaged 2.5 dB higher for consumers than nonconsumers (p = 0.022).Conclusion:  The between‐group distinctions are consistent with the possibility (derived from the women’s health literature) that phyto‐oestrogens may counteract a decline of short‐wavelength‐sensitive cone‐mediated response among postmenopausal women. These results suggest another potential application for SWAP outside its original intended purpose as a glaucoma test. Future studies should assess whether phyto‐oestrogen consumption is most beneficial for women who are sufficiently young and/or not too far beyond menopause.
EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT DIFFERENCES BETWEEN POPULATION GROUPS IN SOUTH AFRICA AND THE TIMING AND NUMBER OF BIRTHS
Authors: Gustafsson Siv , Kalwij Adriaan , Worku Seble 
Published: November 2009

AbstractFrom 1981 to 2005, the total fertility rate in South Africa has been reduced from an estimated level of 4.6 to 2.8 children per woman. The relative differences in the total fertility rate between population groups, however, remain large. Our empirical analysis of the determinants of the timing of births shows that better‐educated women schedule birth later and have fewer children. The differences in education between population groups account for a substantive part (up to 40%) of the differences in completed fertility between the population groups. Our findings suggest that educational reforms aimed at equal access to education, which benefit African women most, may not only improve the quality of life of women but also, through their impact on fertility behaviour, yield long‐run benefits, as they will have fewer children and more resources to invest in the next generation.
Internal bleaching of teeth: an analysis of 255 teeth
Authors: Abbott P , Heah SYS 
Published: November 2009

AbstractBackground:  Studies about bleaching have not analysed factors that affect the outcome. This aim of this study was to analyse the outcome of, and the factors associated with bleaching.Methods:  Internal bleaching was done on 255 teeth in 203 patients. Colour was assessed pre‐operatively, postoperatively and at recalls. The cause and type of discolouration, number of applications, bleaching outcome, and colour stability were assessed.Results:  The most common teeth were upper central (69 per cent) and lateral (20.4 per cent) incisors. Trauma was the most common cause (58.8 per cent), followed by previous dental treatment (23.9 per cent), pulp necrosis (13.7 per cent) and pulp canal calcification (3.6 per cent). Dark yellow and black teeth required more applications of bleach than light yellow and grey teeth. Colour modification was “good” (87.1 per cent) or “acceptable” (12.9 per cent). Teeth restored with glass ionomer cement/composite resin had good colour stability, but this was less predictable with other restorations. No teeth had external invasive resorption.Conclusions:  Bleaching endodontically treated teeth was very predictable, especially for grey or light yellow discolourations. Glass ionomer cement/composite restorations were effective at preventing further discolouration. Patient age and tooth type did not affect treatment outcome and no cases of external invasive resorption were observed.
Localization of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs‐2, 8, 9 and 20) in normal and carious dentine
Authors: Shimada Y , Ichinose S , Sadr A , Burrow MF , Tagami J 
Published: November 2009

AbstractBackground:  Dentine matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) may participate in the destruction of dentine following demineralization by bacterial acids. This study investigated the localization of MMPs in carious dentine.Methods:  Frozen sections of dentine caries were prepared without demineralization and immersed in monoclonal antibody against MMP‐2, ‐8, ‐9 and ‐20. The sections were labelled by IgG conjugated with gold colloidal particles, and observed under FE‐SEM. Labelling indexes (number of gold particles/μm2) of outer and inner carious dentine, respectively, with and without bacterial infection, were compared with that of normal dentine.Results:  MMP‐2 was distributed in both carious and normal dentine; the level of MMP‐2 showed no significant difference among the outer caries, inner caries, and normal dentine. The labelling indexes of MMP‐8 and MMP‐9 both significantly decreased at the inner carious dentine compared with the level of normal dentine, but intensified again at the outer caries region. The labelling index of MMP‐20 was the highest at normal dentine.Conclusions:  The localization of MMPs was visibly detected using immunogold labelling. The localization of MMP‐2 showed no significant difference among the three regions, while MMP‐8 and MMP‐9 showed significant reduction at the inner caries layer, and MMP‐20 reduced toward the outer caries.