bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Matrix metalloproteinase‐2 (MMP‐2) is expressed in melanoma associated spongiform scleropathy (MASS)
Authors: ALYAHYA GA , KOLKO M , PRAUSE JU , HEEGAARD S 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: To correlate the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP‐2) with the occurrence ofmelanoma associated spongiform scleropathy (MASS) and tumour extension in eyes withuveal melanoma. Methods: Twenty‐two specimens of human eyes with choroidal melanoma were selected for this study. Eleven were MASS positive with tumour extension and eleven were MASS negative without tumour extension. Sections were examined for MMP‐2 expression by in situ hybridization.Immunohistochemical study of the same specimens was conducted. For double labelling, primary MMP‐2 antibodies directed against fibroblasts and macrophage were applied. Results: Distinct hybridization signals with MMP‐2 were seen in fibroblast‐like cells located in the sclera in 14 out of 22 melanoma eyes.MMP‐2 mRNA expression was detected in ten eyes with MASS and tumour extension. In eight the signals were seen in numerous cells. In melanoma cases without MASS, MMP‐2 signals were detected in four cases and only one case showed numerous positive cells. The expression of MMP‐2 was further demonstrated at protein level by immunostaining, confirmed by double labelling experiment.Tumour macrophages were also found to harbour MMP‐2. Conclusions: MASS which is considered as scleral degradation process, may be mediated by MMP‐2 produced by scleral fibroblasts under the influence of tumour cells and/or tumour macrophages. This is manifested by the significantly higher expression of MMP‐2 in MASS areas indicating that MMP‐2 is involved in the development of MASS.MASS changes may represent a step in the invasion of uveal melanoma. This association between MASS and MMP‐2 could be considered as a new prognostic marker in uveal melanoma.
A mutation in a novel connexin‐like gene affects early lens development in the mouse
Authors: PUK O , LOESTER J , GRAW J 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: Aim of the study was the morphological and genetical characterization of Aey12, a novel dominant mouse mutant suffering from microphthalmia, lens and corneal opacities. Methods: A genome wide linkage analysis was performed using micro‐satellite markers. The Aey12 mutation was identified by sequence analysis of positional candidate genes. Histological analysis and in‐situ hybridizations were performed at the stages E10.5 ‐ E17.5. Results: Aey12 (abnormality of the eye) is a new dominant mouse mutant, which was recovered in an ENU mutagenesis program at the GSF. Aey12 animals are characterized by small eyes with cornea opacities and lenses with cataracts and vacuoles. Both, heterozygotes and homozygotes, are viable and fully fertile. As major histological defect, the elongation of the primary lens fibres is blocked resulting in the stop of lens development at this stage. Genome‐wide linkage analysis mapped the Aey12 mutation on mouse chromosome 10 between the markers D10Mit206 and D10Mit189. Among the positional candidate genes, one EST (D230044M03Rik) encodes a connexin‐like protein, which is similar to Connexin 43.4. A G‐T point mutation was identified at cDNA position 96 resulting in an R32Q amino acid exchange in a transmembrane domain. D230044M03Rik is expressed in the posterior part of the lens vesicle exactly at the position where the primary fiber elongation starts. Furthermore, an additional expression was observed in many other tissues like brain, lung, heart, liver and kidney. Conclusions: The new mouse mutant Aey12 is characterized by an early block of the eye development caused by a point mutation in a novel connexin‐like gene.
Disturbed vascular response of the central retinal artery during hypercapnia in normal tension glaucoma
Authors: PLANGE N , KAUP M , HARRIS A , AREND KO , REMKY A 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: Altered blood flow regulation might contribute to the pathogenesis of glaucoma. The purpose of the study is to investigate retrobulbar flow velocities during hypercapnia in patients with normal tension glaucoma (NTG) without systemic vasospasm and healthy controls. Methods: Sixteen NTG patients (mean age 58 +/‐ 14 years) and sixteen control subjects (mean age 50 +/‐ 13 years, p=0.10) were enrolled in this clinical study. Blood flow velocities (peak systolic velocity (PSV), end‐diastolic velocity (EDV)) and resistive indices (RI) of the ophthalmic (OA) and central retinal artery (CRA) were assessed using colour Doppler imaging (CDI). Blood flow velocities were measured under normocapnic and hypercapnic conditions (increasing the end‐tidal pCO2 by 15%). Blood pressure, ventilation rate and oxygen saturation were monitored simultaneously. Results: During hypercapnia, the increase of the PSV (p=0.044) and EDV (p=0.037) of the CRA was significanlty reduced in NTG patients compared to healthy controls. Flow velocities of the OA increased significantly in all subjects (PSV: p=0.039, EDV: p=0.003) during hypercapnia. Blood pressure, oxygen saturation and intraocular pressure changed similarly in both study groups with carbon dioxide provocation. Conclusions: Vascular response to hypercapnia was reduced in the CRA of NTG patients compared to controls. This may indicate a faulty vasodilatory response in NTG patients without vasospastic disease.
Topical beta‐blockers and the risk of cardiovascular mortality
Authors: JANSONIUS NM , WOLFS RCW , WITTEMAN JC , HOFMAN A , DE JONG PTVM , STRICKER BHC , MUSKENS RPHM 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: Recently, the Blue Mountains Eye Study reported an association between the use of topical timolol and cardiovascular mortality (Lee et al. Ophthalmology 2006). The purpose of the present study was to confirm or falsify this clinically very important finding, using data from the population‐based Rotterdam Study. Methods: 6971 participants of the Rotterdam Study, a longitudinal population based study of all residents aged 55 years and older from a district of Rotterdam, The Netherlands, were followed from 1991 onwards. Medication use and morbidity were recorded continuously during follow‐up. For the current analysis, baseline use of topical beta‐blockers and systemic cardiovascular medication as well as baseline cardiovascular morbidity were used, aiming to follow the design of the Blue Mountains Eye Study as close as possible. Cause of death was registered up to 1‐1‐2005. Data were analysed using Cox regression; Hazard ratios of topical beta‐blocker use were adjusted for age, sex, cardiovascular morbidity and use of systemic cardiovascular medication. Results: Mean age at baseline was 69 years (SD 9 years); 146 participants were using topical beta‐blockers at baseline. 2726 participants died during follow‐up (all cause mortality 40.1%), 611 (9.0%) had a cardiovascular cause of death. Hazard ratio of topical beta‐blocker use was 0.80 (95% confidence interval 0.63‐1.02; P=0.07) for all cause mortality and 0.78 (0.46‐1.29; P=0.32) for cardiovascular mortality. Conclusions: In our data, the use of topical beta‐blockers at baseline was not associated with either all cause mortality or cardiovascular mortality during follow‐up.
Aldose Reductase Inhibition Counteracts Diabetes‐Induced Retinal Oxidative Injury, Glial Activation, and Apoptosis
Authors: OBROSOVA IG , SHIN J , ALI TK , JULIUS U , EL‐REMEZZY A , DREL VR 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: To access the role for increased aldose reductase (AR) activity in oxidative injury, glial activation, and apoptosis in retinae of diabetic rats and high glucose‐exposed cultured retinal pericytes and endothelial cells. Methods: Control (C) and STZ‐diabetic (D) rats were treated with/without the AR inhibitor fidarestat (F, 16 mg/kg/g, for 10 wks after 2 wks without treatment). The rate of apoptosis was assessed in flat‐mounted retinas by TUNEL assay with immunoperoxidase staining, and nitrotyrosine (NT), poly(ADP‐ribose) [PAR, a marker of poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase activation] and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression in retinal sections by immunohistochemistry. Primary bovine retinal pericytes and endothelial cells were cultured in 5 mM or 30 mM glucose with/without F (10 microM) for 3‐14 d. Apoptosis was assessed by TUNEL assay, NT and PAR by immunocytochemistry, and Bax and Bcl‐2 expression by Western blot analyses. Results: The number of TUNEL‐positive nuclei (Mean ± SEM) was increased ~4‐fold in D (207 ± 33 vs 49 ± 4 in C, p < 0.01), and this increase was partially corrected in D+F (106 ± 34, p < 0.05 vs D). The apoptotic cell number increased with prolongation of exposure of both pericytes and endothelial cells to high glucose. F counteracted high glucose‐induced apoptosis, and NT and PAR accumulation in both cell types. Antiapoptotic effect of F in high glucose‐exposed retinal pericytes was not associated with inhibition of Bax or increase in Bcl‐2 expression (endothelial cell studies are in progress). Conclusions: AR inhibition with fidarestat conteracts diabetes‐associated retinal oxidative injury, glial activation, and apoptosis.
External dacryocystorhinostomy
Authors: DUCASSE A 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: Indications, techniques and complications of external DCR. Methods: Indications are lacrimonasal stenosis with clinical symptoms : epiphora, dacryocystitis . The external approach is more specifically interesting in case of canalicular stenosis associated, when a skin approach is necessary or in case of lacrimal tumor . The endonasal approach is the best way in case of nasal or sinusal pathology, failure of DCR or lacrimal abscess and for us in case of bilateral DCR. Technique is always the same, under general or local anaesthesia with nasal vasoconstriction. After disinfection, probing, the skin incision is short and rectilinear inside or outside the angular vessels. Marking is the anterior lacrimal crest. After section of the medial canthal tendon, an osteotomy is performed ; it must be wide with or without anterior ethmoidectomy. We make two anterior mucosal flaps which are sutured and fixed at the periosteum. We do not use systematically a bicanalicular intubation ; we put an intubation in case of canalicular stenosis, or for a second DCR or in case of surgical difficulties. The main complications are haemorrhages, cribrosal plate fracture with cerebrospinal leakage, infection, pain and in a few case, a bad scar. Results: The results are good. Anatomical and functional success are found in 88 to 96%, for us 91.2% . The failures occur during the three first months. Conclusions: Conclusion: To compare internal or endonasal DCR, the advantages for the external way are cost, rapidity and usual practise. Endonasal DCR needs a lot of material, an apprenticeship and usually a scanner before the surgery and systematically a bicanalicular intubation. In conclusion, external DCR remains an easy technique, which is quick, with high success rate and few complications.
Radiologic diagnostic of the lacrimal system. Meassurements of the bony lacrimal canal in a european population
Authors: LACHMUND U , JAVDANI Z , PILAT Y , COOLEN C , VALAVANIS A , WILHELM K 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: To examine the bony anatomical structures and dimensions of the nasal lacrimal duct. Methods: Patients who underwent a routinely multislice Spiral CT examination of the nasal sinus were retrospectively reexamined.The original data set with thin slices in 0.75mm was used to reconstruct the nasal lacrimal duct in 3 dimensions (axial, coronal, sagital). Results: We found a spectrum of the diameter of the bony canal from 3.0‐4.0mm.There was no significant difference in sex and also in the population based on typical swiss names and more foreign names. Conclusions: Measurements of the bony canal are very important if lacrimal interventions like balloondilatation or stentimplantation is performed. Our results of the bony canal were similar results to Janssen et. al. (2001). This population based study proved no difference in between the races.
Oxidation damage repair in the lens: Thioltransferae and Thioredoxin systems
Authors: LOU MF 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: Oxidative stress can modify/damage protein thiols to protein‐S‐S‐glutathione (PSSG) or protein‐protein disulfides, leading to high molecular weight aggregation and cataract formation. The two thiol/disulfide regulatory systems of thioltransferase (TTase) and thioredoxin (TRx) are examined for their roles in oxidation damage repair in lens proteins/enzymes and protection of lens clarity. Methods: Human lens epithelial (HLE) B3 cells were examined for their resistance to oxidative stress of H2O2 by monitoring PSSG level, glyceraldehyde 3‐phosphodehydrogenase (G‐3PD) and GSH peroxidase (GPx) activities among groups of control (vector), TTase /TRx overexpressed or cadmium treated (inhibitor to both) cells. Exodgenous TTase or TRx were used to enrich the cellular TTase or TRx for the similar studies. TTase knockout (KO) mouse model was used to examine the effect of TTase deletion on lens clarity. Results: TTase or TRx transfectants showed 2‐fold expression over the control. These cells displayed a faster and complete recovery of G‐3PD or GPx activity and lowered PSSG formation. Cadmium suppressed G‐3PD re‐activation in cells exposed to H2O2. TRx showed similar ability to repair and reactivate these oxidatively damaged enzymes. Cells enriched with overexpressed TRx gene or treated with exogenous TRx induced upregulation of several oxidation defense enzymes. Lenses from TTase KO mice were less resistant to oxidative stress, and showed age‐dependent increase in PSSG and accumulation of high molecular weight aggregates sooner than that of the age‐matched wild type mice. Conclusions: TTase and TRx systems can repair oxidation damage and restore protein/enzyme functions in the lens. TTase is essential to lens clarity.
A model for corneal endothelium specular microscopy images
Authors: SÖDERBERG PG , BUCHT C 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: As a part of an ongoing project on corneal endothelium morphometry by diffraction, a model for corneal endothelium specular microscopy (CSM) images has been developed. The simulator has been developed to as realistically as possibly emulate real CSM images. Development of the simulator was anticipated to be valuable in examining the impact of varying quality of CSM images on different methods of corneal endothelium morphometry. Methods: The model was written with the mathematical programming language MATLAB. An earlier version of the simulator was used to find theoretical functional relationships between cell density and cell size variation of the corneal endothelium and identifiable characteristics in the diffraction pattern, simulated using a numerical Fourier transform. Further development has added realism to the created images as well as ways of altering illumination profiles, image noise and contrast. Results: Currently, the simulation model allows creation of realistic clinical CSM images and variation of; CSM image size, cell size and density, regularity of cell shape, variation in cell size, frequency of illumination profile, weight of illumination profile, level of image distortion, and level of cell barrier contrast. Conclusions: There are several different CSM instruments on the market providing CSM images of varying quality. There are also a number of, often instrument specific, tools for analysis of CSM images resulting in measurement variation depending on instrument, patient and operator. It is anticipated that a simulation model that allows standardized variation of important characteristics in CSM images will be an important tool for evaluation of existing tools for analysis of CSM images and for creation of new improved alternatives.
Dose dependence of alpha‐tocopherol protection against in vivo ultraviolet radiation and associated alterations in lens redox balance
Authors: JING W , LÖFGREN S , DONG X , ZHANG Y , MODY V , AYALA M , MEYER L , GALICHANIN K , SÖDERBERG PG 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: To investigate the dose dependence of alpha‐tocopherol protection against in vivo ultraviolet radiation (UVR) induced light scattering and associated alterations in the redox balanced in the albino rat lens. Methods: Five groups of twenty, six‐week‐old female albino Sprague Dawley rats were supplemented with 0, 5, 25, 50, and 100 IU/day alpha‐tocopherol orally depending on group belonging for 4 weeks. Then, each rat was unilaterally exposed in vivo to 8 kJ/m2 UVR‐300 nm for 15 min. At 1 week after exposure to UVR, the rats were sacrificed, the lenses were extracted and homogenized. Lens total reduced (GSH) and oxidized (GSSG) glutathione; glutathione‐ reductase (GR) and oxidase (GPx) were determined colorimetrically by enzyme reactions. Results: Alpha‐tocopherol caused a dose‐dependent protection against UVR induced light scattering with a rate constant (1/e) of 4.8 IU/day. The exposure to UVR caused a depletion of total lens GSH at low alpha‐tocopherol supplementation that recovered towards higher alpha‐tocopherol supplementation. The UVR exposure did not cause any alteration of total lens GSSG at any level of alpha‐tocopherol supplementation. The UVR exposure did not cause any alteration of total lens GR‐ or GPx activity at any level of alpha‐tocopherol supplementation. Conclusions: Alpha‐tocopherol dose dependently protects against UVR induced light scattering. The protection of UVR induced light scattering is associated with a reduction of GSH depletion due to UVR exposure without any effect on total lens GSSG or GR‐ or GPx activity
Methods for quantifying diplopia
Authors: HOLMES JM , HATT SR , LESKE DA , ADAMS WE 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: Methods for quantifying diplopia include 1) the Goldmann diplopia field, 2) the Cervical Range of Motion (CROM) method, evaluating 10 specific positions of gaze and 3) a Diplopia Questionnaire addressing 7 positions of gaze (rating diplopia as always, sometimes or never). We investigated how patients’ subjective perception of the severity of their diplopia (percent impact) related to scores obtained using each of these methods. Methods: 28 patients with acquired binocular diplopia due to strabismus were asked to rate the percent impact of their diplopia, based on all daily activities. Diplopia was also quantified using the Goldmann perimeter, CROM method and Diplopia Questionnaire. Scores were scaled from 0 to 100, where 0 was no diplopia and 100 was diplopia in all measured positions. Correlations between percent impact and diplopia measures were assessed using intra‐class correlation coefficients (ICC) and mean values compared using t‐tests. Results: Across all patients, the mean self‐rated percent impact was 40% (range 0 to 100%). Mean scores using the CROM and Questionnaire were similar to percent impact (39% and 38% respectively), whereas Goldmann scores significantly overestimated severity when compared to perceived impact (51%, p<0.05). Percent impact was most closely correlated to the Questionnaire score (ICC=0.75). The most frequent reason for a higher Goldmann diplopia score was scoring of diplopia beyond 30 degrees. Conclusions: Quantifying diplopia using the CROM method and Diplopia Questionnaire better represents the perceived impact of patients’ diplopia than scores obtained on the Goldmann perimeter. The CROM method and Diplopia Questionnaire may prove useful instruments for clinical evaluation of diplopic patients and in future clinical trials.
In vivo GFP imaging of dormant liver metastasis in a human uveal melanoma mouse model
Authors: FERNANDES BF , LOGAN P , DI CESARE S , ANTECKA E , MARSHALL JC , BURNIER MN 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: We previouly demonstrated the feasibility of a human uveal melanoma GFP model in nude mice. We were able to monitor the preferential colonization of the liver by malignant cells during a 20‐day period. In this study we extended the observation period in order to observe disease progression and metastatic growth. Methods: Five hundred thousand, GFP transfected, human primary uveal melanoma cells (92.1) were injected into the tail vein of 30 nude mice at time zero. Starting at day one, five mouse per week was imaged, using an abdominal incision to expose the liver, for up to 60 minutes before sacrifice. The liver was imaged in vivo and post mortem, while the lungs, spleen, and kidney were all examined post‐mortem for GFP expression. Histopathological examination of all organs was performed to ensure that the GFP signal was arising from malignant cells. Results: In vivo imaging of the liver revealed positive GFP signal in all mice throughout the experiment. Malignant cells seeded the liver after injection, but there was no apparent tumor growth upon completion of the experiment. The micrometastatic foci remained viable without changes in size or intensity of the signal. No tumors were seen in any other organ at the end of the experiment. Histopathology confirmed that the cells emitting GFP were malignant cells. Conclusions: The results of this uveal melanoma model show great promise for understanding the previously unobservable interactions between single human uveal melanoma cells and native liver tissue. The fact that our cells successfully colonize the liver yet remain dormant for six weeks should actually mirror the disease in humans; metastases in patients takes roughly five to ten years to develop.
Changed retinal capillary flow in patients with disc haemorrhages
Authors: KURVINEN L , HARJU M , SAARI J , VESTI E 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Purpose: Vascular pathogenesis in glaucoma has been recognized and optic disc haemorrhages (DH) may pre‐cede nerve fiber damage in glaucoma. The change in peripapillary retinal capillary flow after resorbtion of DH was investigated. Methods: Included were 25 eyes of 25 patients with DH. 17 eyes had glaucoma. Peripapillary retinal capillary flow was measured with the Heidelberg Retina Flowmeter in arbitrary units (AU). The first measure‐ment was made right after diagnosis of DH and the second six months later. Automatic full field perfu‐sion image analyser was used for analysis. Mean flow (MF), peak systolic flow (SF), and minimum dia‐stolic flow (DF) were measured, and pulsation index (PI) calculated. Flow values are reported from the whole temporal peripapillary retina (Area 1), the same horizontal level as the DH (Area 2), and from the area specifically around the DH (Area 3). Results: A significant increase in MF after resorbtion of DH was detected in Area 1 (median 263 AU, range 188 – 561 AU, vs. 328 AU, 199 – 462 AU; P = 0.008), and Area 2 (255 AU, 166 – 386 AU, vs. 330 AU, 198 – 646 AU; P=0.04). The increase in MF in Area 3 was of borderline significance (342 AU, 230 – 513 AU, vs. 402 AU, 200 – 629 AU; P = 0.10), as was the increase in SF in Area 2 (334 AU, 187 – 486 AU, vs. 400 AU, 227 – 690 AU; P = 0.07). No significant changes in DF or PI were found. Conclusions: Increase in retinal capillary flow after resorbtion of DH suggests a generalized decrease in retinal flow at the time DH is detected, or a compensatory increase after ischemia.