bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Protein restriction in pregnant‐ and lactating rats‐induced oxidative stress and hypohomocysteinaemia in their offspring
Authors: Fetoui H. , Garoui M. , Zeghal N. 
Published: April 2008

SummaryHyperhomocyteinaemia has been associated with pathological and stressful conditions and considered as a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Maternal protein restriction during late pregnancy and postnatal period is a stressful state to their offspring which is associated with disruption of various physiological processes. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the effects of maternal protein restriction during late pregnancy and early postnatal periods on systemic oxidative stress parameters and on homocysteine metabolism of their offspring. For this purpose, 12 female rats were divided into two groups: a control group (C) with free access to standard diet (20% protein) and a protein restricted group (PR) with free access to a low protein diet (7% protein) from the day 14 of pregnancy until day 14 after delivery. An increase of thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substance levels (TBARS) in plasma (+40%, p < 0.01) and in liver (+37%, p < 0.001) with a concomitant decrease in the activities of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) observed in undernourished pups suggest the possibility of oxidative stress. Moreover, no significant changes in total glutathione levels (tGSH) were also observed to be associated with a significant decrease in homocysteine concentrations (−35%; p < 0.001). In their mothers, an alteration of antioxidant enzyme activities (CAT and SOD) and slight increase of TBARS levels were observed. Whereas homocysteine and tGSH levels were unchanged in comparison with those fed ad libitum. These results suggested that PR diet given to mothers during late pregnancy and early postnatal periods induced oxidative stress and hypohomocysteinaemia in their offspring.
Collaboration among sponge species increases sponge diversity and abundance in a seagrass meadow
Authors: Wulff Janie L. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractCaribbean sponge species typical of coral reefs are generally inhibited from living in seagrass meadows by their vulnerability to predation by the large starfish Oreaster reticulatus (Linnaeus 1758). Although readily consumed by Oreaster, the conspicuous coral reef sponge species Lissodendoryx colombiensis Zea & van Soest, 1986 has expanded its habitat distribution to include a seagrass (Thalassia testudinum Banks ex König, 1805) meadow in Belize, where individuals grow to volumes of nearly 7 l. By simple observation, L. colombiensis appears to be an inferior competitor in this system, because portions of many individuals are overgrown by seagrass sponge species. However, experimentally clustering seagrass sponges around L. colombiensis individuals deterred starfish from feeding on them, suggesting an advantage to being overgrown. Sizes of individual L. colombiensis can fluctuate widely over short time intervals, reflecting both a relatively fast growth rate and the high rate at which starfish consume this species. At the population level these fluctuations are not evident, as losses of L. colombiensis due to Oreaster are balanced by a combination of efficient recruitment, rapid regeneration and growth, and protection of portions of many individuals by the overgrowth of seagrass sponge species that are unpalatable to Oreaster. In turn, the seagrass sponges acquire stable perches on L. colombiensis individuals in this sediment‐dominated habitat. Community ecology theory relating to diversity patterns in sessile organisms has focused on competition between space‐requiring neighbors as the underlying process that inevitably decreases diversity unless curtailed. Sponges, with their propensity for engaging in beneficial interactions with neighbors, demand expansion of the theory to acknowledge how collaboration can increase abundance and species diversity within a community.
Dynamics of Follicular Fluid in One‐humped Camel (Camelus dromedarius)
Authors: Zia‐Ur‐Rahman  , Bukhari SA , Ahmad N , Akhtar N , Ijaz A , Yousaf MS , Haq IU 
Published: April 2008

ContentsIn the present study, ovarian follicular fluid and serum biochemical, hormonal, electrolytes and amino acids profiles in female dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius), were investigated. Fluid from small (2–6 mm) and large follicles (7–20 mm) and blood samples were collected from 25 clinically healthy adult female camels. The concentrations of glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, high‐density lipoproteins, urea, total proteins, albumin, globulin, fibrinogen, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and tri‐iodothyronine were lower (p ≤ 0.05) in large follicles when compared with the small follicles. However, the concentrations of low‐density lipoproteins, uric acid, creatinine, alkaline phosphatase and acid phosphatase in small and large follicles did not differ. The concentrations of oestradiol 17‐β and progesterone were higher (p ≤ 0.05) in large follicles. The serum concentrations of these hormones were many folds lower (p ≤ 0.05) than those of follicular fluid. Among electrolytes, the concentration of phosphorus was higher (p ≤ 0.05) in the large follicles, while that of potassium and chloride were lower (p ≤ 0.05) in the small follicles. Serum concentrations of sodium, chloride, calcium and phosphorous were higher (p ≤ 0.05), while that of potassium lower (p ≤ 0.05) than corresponding concentrations in the follicular fluid. The concentrations of leucine and arginine were higher (p ≤ 0.05) in follicular fluid when compared with serum concentrations, while the reverse was true for other amino acids. In conclusion, this study is indicative of either low or high concentrations of certain biochemical metabolites, hormones, electrolytes and amino acids in small and large follicles for the individual roles that they play in the growth and development of follicles in the one‐humped she‐camel.
Quantification of Sexual Steroid Hormones in Faeces of Iberian Wolf (Canis lupus signatus): A Non‐invasive Sex Typing Method
Authors: Barja I , Silván G , Rosellini S , Piñeiro A , Illera MJ , Illera JC 
Published: April 2008

ContentsThe determination of gender in wild animals is essential for behavioural and ecological studies, and also for conservation. The objectives of this study were (i) the determination of gender in faecal samples of Iberian wolf based on the differential concentrations of sexual steroid hormones (SSH) and (ii) to analyse the profiles of SSH in males and females (considering the gender determination carried out previously) during the non‐reproductive and reproductive periods. The quantification of androgens (testosterone, T), progestin (progesterone, P) and oestrogen (oestradiol, E) was conducted by means of enzyme immunoassay. The k‐means conglomerate analysis showed that the 59 faecal samples grouped into three different conglomerates, considering SSH levels. Groups 1 and 2 showed higher levels of T than group 3. Therefore, the faecal samples included in groups 1 and 2 (17 samples) corresponded to males and those of group 3 (42 samples) to females. The levels of T + P + E and T/P were higher in the group of males than in the group of females. The results of this study also showed that levels of T in males were higher during the reproductive period than in the non‐reproductive period. However, the concentrations of P and E turned out to be higher during the non‐reproductive season. In females, the levels of the three hormones (T, P and E) were higher during the reproductive period.
Optic nerve sheath decompression: A clinical review and proposed pathophysiologic mechanism
Authors: Sergott Robert C. , Savino Peter J. , Bosley Thomas M. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractSurgical decompression of the intraorbital meningeal sheath of the optic nerve has undergone a recent resurgence of interest. Previously, the procedure had been reserved only for the most desperate cases of severe visual loss associated with chronic papilloedema.However, recent investigations have dernonstrated the operation's efficacy not only for chronic papilloedema and pseudotumor cerebri, but also for the optic neuropathy associated with the acute retinal necrosis syndrome, traumatic subdural haematomas of the optic nerve and progressive nonarteritic ischaemic optic neuropathy. In this article, we review the previous literature concerning optic nerve sheath decompression, the indication for the procedure, its techniques and results.Finally, we propose that optic nerve sheath decompression may be effective for what appear to be very different optic neuropathies because the operation may reverse optic nerve ischaemia, a common pathophysiologic feature of all these disorders.
Melanocytic lesions of the iris — A clinocopathological study of 100 cases
Authors: Workman David M.S. , Weiner John W. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractBetween 1958 and 1985 (28 years), 100 melanocytic lesions of the iris were submitted to the Pathology Department of the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital (RVEEH). A clinicopathological correlation of these cases was performed. The mean age at presentation was 42.6 years (range 12 to 79 years). The average duration of a visible lesion prior to surgery was 5.7 years (range two weeks to 47 years). Most patients presented with an iris tumour with or without, a recent increase in size. Less frequent presentations were: pupil abnormalities, visual disturbances, raised intraocular pressure, iridocylitis, ‘cyst’ formation and hyphaema.Angle involvement was noted in 36 patients, either clinically or pathologically. The cases were morphologically classified as melanocytic naevi (9%0), low‐grade malignant melanoma (79%), and highgrade malignant melanoma (1 2%). Detailed followup was obtained for 51 patients. Follow‐up ranged from one to 27 years and was greater than five years in 35 patients. There were six recurrences (1 1.8%) and two patients developed metastases (3.9%). Five of the recurrences were classified as low‐grade malignant melanoma. The two metastases and the other recurrences were from the high‐grade malignant melanoma category.
Cytomegalovirus retinopathy and the immune deficiency syndrome: Results of treatment with ganciclovir
Authors: McCluskey Peter , Wakefield Denis , Morgan Mark , Binneter Ron 
Published: April 2008

AbstractCytomegalovirus (CMV) infection of the retina is the commonest potentially blinding ocular manifestation of AIDS. Recently the acyclic nucleoside dihydroxypropoxymethyl guanine (DHPG, ganciclovir) has become available to treat sight‐threatening CMV retinopathy. This paper reports the clinical features and results of ganciclovir therapy in 48 patients seen over a four‐year period. Seven patients were excluded from the study due to inadequate followup, leaving 41 patients as the study group. All patients responded clinically to this therapy. Patients were treated initially with high‐dose ganciclovir (1 0 mglkglday) and then continued on lower dose treatment (5 mg/kg/day) indefinitely. Significant bone marrow toxicity developed in 12 patients (29.3%) requiring temporary cessation of therapy. Patients treated with ganciclovir retained vision and had increased survival times when compared to untreated patients. A poor visual outcome occurred when there was involvement of the macula or optic acquired nerve head at presentation or when there was an interruption of ganciclovir therapy.
Symptomatic nocturnal lagophthalmos
Authors: Lyons Christopher J. , McNab Alan A. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractNocturnal lagophthalmos producing symptoms of corneal exposure is not uncommon. We diagnosed 40 patients with the condition over a six‐month period. In 12 (30%), alcohol intoxication preceded the symptoms. Other factors included the use of hypnotics, cosmetic blepharoplasty, botulinum toxin injection for blepharospasm, facial palsy, dysthyroid eye disease and cicatrising skin disease of the lids. In the largest group (17 patients, 42%), no cause could be found, but five of these had either firstdegree relatives who slept with their eyes open, or had been observed with nocturnal lagophthalmos. In most patients, symptoms were unilateral. Testing of Bell's phenomenon did not predict eye position during sleep as manifested by distribution of punctate corneal staining. All patients were relieved of their symptoms by simple treatment modalities and none required surgery.
Metastatic cutaneous malignant melanoma of the vitreous and retina
Authors: ChB Stephen J. Best MB , FRCS William Taylor , FRCPA Jonathan P. Allen 
Published: April 2008

AbstractA case of cutaneous malignant melanoma metastasising to the retina in a 71‐year‐old patient who presented with vitreous opacities is discussed. In view of the increasing incidence of cutaneous malignant melanoma in our community the possibility of ocular metastases merits consideration.
Spasm of the near reflex associated with cerebrovascular accident
Authors: Raymond Grant L. , Crompton John L. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractSpasm of the near reflex most often has a functional basis, but may be associated with organic disease. This case report describes a patient with a progressive 11‐year history of spasm of the near reflex associated with cerebrovascular accidents and reviews the differential diagnosis, management and aetiology of this disease.
Simplification of unsharp masking in retinal nerve fibre layer photography
Authors: Barry Christopher J. , Eikelboom Robert H. , Cooper Richard L. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractFundus photography is now an established tool for showing early changes in the retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL). RNFL defects may precede glaucomatous visual field defects by up to five years and any improvement in photography should aid RNFL defect analysis. We have found that the use of an unsharp mask has helped to visualise the RNFL and by using readily available darkroom materials the process of unsharp mask preparation has been simplified.
Thermoablation treatment for trichiasis using the argon laser
Authors: Campbell D.C. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThis paper presents a brief review of the literature regarding current treatment modalities for trichiasis and their complications. The technique of Argon laser thermoablation of lashes is described. A total of 12 patients with recurrent trichiasis involving 15 eyelids were treated and the procedur e was found to be effective in 12 eyelids (80%). The follow‐up period was three to six months. The laser settings used were Argon blue‐green wavelength, spot size 50 to 100 microns, exposure time 0.05 to 0.10 seconds and power 1200 to 2000 mW. Advantages of the technique were precise application and selectivity, lack of complications, non‐requirement for infiltrative anaesthesia and ease of performance. Disadvantages were the need for up to three treatments in some patients and the technique only being suitable for treating small numbers (up to six) of lashes.
The dual chamber single plate implant — its use in neovascular glaucoma
Authors: Molteno A.C.B. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe insertion of an artificial draining implant consisting of a silicone tube, opening onto the upper surface of a circular episcleral plate, will provide long‐term drainage in cases of neovascular glaucoma. A simple modification of the episcleral plate, the addition of a subsidiary pressure ridge, allows the episcleral tissues to function as a temporary pressure‐sensitive valve which limits the escape of aqueous in the early postoperative period. The surgical technique used with this modified implant is described, together with the results in the first 24 eyes in which it has been used.
Retinal pigment epithelial tears after intravitreal bevacizumab injection for exudative age‐related macular degeneration
Authors: Garg Sunir , Brod Roy , Kim David , Lane R Gary , Maguire Joseph , Fischer David 
Published: April 2008

AbstractPurpose:  To determine the incidence of and the risk factors for the development of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) tears after intravitreal bevacizumab (Avastin) injection for the treatment of exudative age‐related macular degeneration (AMD).Methods:  A retrospective, multicentre, consecutive interventional case series of all patients with subfoveal exudative AMD treated with intravitreal bevacizumab between August 2005 and April 2007. The main outcome measures were pre‐ and post‐RPE tear visual acuity and choroidal neovascular membrane lesion types, incidence of tears and time from first injection until development of the tear.Results:  A total of 920 eyes with exudative AMD were treated with intravitreal bevacizumab. Fifteen eyes from 15 patients developed a RPE tear for an incidence of 1.6%. The average patient age was 79 years. Fourteen of the fifteen eyes (93%) had an occult subfoveal choroidal neovascular membrane. Forty‐seven per cent (7/15) of the RPE tears occurred within the first 6 weeks of treatment, and all tears occurred within the first 18 weeks of treatment initiation. The mean pre‐injection visual acuity was 20/100 with a mean post‐tear visual acuity of 20/200. In all 10 eyes in which the tear involved the fovea, the final visual acuity was poor. Six of the 15 eyes continued with bevacizumab/ranibizumab (Lucentis) injections after tear development, and four of these six eyes continued to have visual improvement.Conclusion:  RPE tears occur after intravitreal bevacizumab injections for exudative AMD in approximately 1.6% of eyes and can cause severe vision loss. Maintenance of therapy may help preserve vision after RPE tear development.
Functional presbyopia in a rural Kenyan population: the unmet presbyopic need
Authors: Sherwin Justin C , Keeffe Jill E , Kuper Hannah , Islam FM Amirul , Muller Andreas , Mathenge Wanjiku 
Published: April 2008

AbstractBackground:  Presbyopia is the most common reason for requiring spectacles in low‐income regions, although the unmet need for presbyopic spectacles in these regions is very high. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of presbyopia, and the functional impairment and spectacle use among persons with presbyopia in a rural Kenyan population.Methods:  A cross‐sectional study was carried out in the Rift Valley, Kenya. Clusters were selected through probability‐proportionate to size sampling, and people aged ≥50 years within the clusters were identified through compact segment sampling. Within the context of this survey, 130 eligible participants were selected for interview and underwent near‐vision testing. Functional presbyopia was defined as requiring at least +1.00 dioptre in order to read the N8 optotype at a distance of 40 cm in the participant's usual visual state. Participants were corrected to the nearest 0.25 dioptre in order to see N8. Unmet and met presbyopic need, and presbyopic correction coverage were calculated.Results:  Functional presbyopia was found in 111 participants (85.4%). Mean age was lower in those with presbyopia (64.1 years vs. 71.5 years, P = 0.004). Increasing degree of addition required to see N8 was significantly associated with increased difficulty with reading (P = 0.04), sewing (P = 0.03), recognizing small objects (P = 0.02) and harvesting grains (P = 0.05). Among participants with functional presbyopia, 5.4% wore reading glasses and 25.2% had prior contact with an eye care professional. The unmet presbyopic need was 80.0%, met presbyopic need was 5.4% and presbyopic correction coverage was 6.3%. Cost was cited as the main barrier to spectacle use in 62% of participants with presbyopia.Conclusion:  In low‐income regions, there is a high prevalence of uncorrected presbyopia, which is associated with near‐vision functional impairment. Provision of spectacles for near vision remains a priority in low‐income regions.
Use of an anterior chamber maintainer in the surgical management of traumatic hyphaemas
Authors: Yu Tao , Dahan Elie , Yin Zheng Qin , Levitz Lewis M 
Published: April 2008

AbstractSurgical intervention in traumatic hyphaemas becomes necessary when high intraocular pressure (IOP) is intractable and there is persistent corneal staining. Anterior chamber (AC) washout and elimination of blood clots have been described previously using one paracentesis. We describe the value of creating two paracenteses. The first one is made in the lower temporal quadrant and accommodates a 20‐gauge anterior chamber maintainer (ACM) that is connected to a bottle of Balanced Salt Solution. The second paracentesis is made in an upper quadrant and serves to evacuate liquefied blood and blood clots. With an ACM in place, the fluctuations of intraoperative IOP are minimized and the AC depth is stabilized throughout the operation. The risk of renewed bleeding is reduced because of the continuous positive intraoperative IOP. The ACM is an important tool in the surgical management of traumatic hyphaemas because it facilitates AC washout and reduces iatrogenic damage to the iris and corneal endothelium.
Prevalence of idiopathic macular hole in adult rural and urban south Indian population
Authors: Sen Parveen , Bhargava Arun , Vijaya Lingam , George Ronnie 
Published: April 2008

AbstractBackground:  This study was undertaken to evaluate the prevalence of idiopathic macular hole in a defined community in Southern India.Methods:  In all, 7774 of the 9546 enumerated (81.43%) subjects availed themselves for an ophthalmic assessment which included a detailed ophthalmic examination and fundus photography. All data were entered and stored in a secure computerized database and statistical analysis was performed using spss for Windows.Results:  Thirteen subjects comprising six males and seven females were diagnosed with macular holes equating to a risk of 0.17%. Bilateral macular holes were found in two subjects. The mean age of subjects with a macular hole was 67 years. Increasing age and history of cataract surgery was strongly associated with an increased prevalence of macular holes (P < 0.0001). There was no difference in the prevalence of macular hole between the rural and urban communities. The mean logMAR visual acuity of subjects in the eye with a macular hole was 1.31 ± 0.45 whereas the acuity in the unaffected fellow eye was 0.70 ± 0.51. The mean spherical equivalent in the subjects with macular hole was −0.56 ± 1.92 (−4.25 to +1.00).Conclusion:  Prevalence rate of idiopathic macular hole in South India appears to be comparable to that seen worldwide.
Risk factors for first presentation of glaucoma with significant visual field loss
Authors: Deva Narme C , Insull Elizabeth , Gamble Greg , Danesh‐Meyer Helen V 
Published: April 2008

AbstractPurpose:  To identify risk factors associated with visual field (VF) loss on first presentation of glaucoma.Methods:  A case–control study of 107 consecutive newly diagnosed glaucoma patients was performed. Information collected included demographic data, reasons for referral, ophthalmological assessment and VF testing. VF grading was based on Advanced Glaucoma Intervention Study (AGIS) scoring and was additionally classified for the presence of a nasal step, paracentral scotoma and/or arcuate scotoma.Results:  Demographic parameters were: mean age 59 years (standard deviation [SD] 14), mean deviation −4.37 dB (SD 4.5), intraocular pressure 21.4 mmHg (SD 6.6) and cup:disc ratio 0.69 (SD 0.1). Thirty‐seven per cent of all participants had a positive family history of glaucoma. Older age was associated with a VF defect at presentation (mean age of 54 years with no VF defect, compared with 63 years for mild, moderate or severe VF defect, P = 0.0014). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified positive family history (odds ratio [OR] 10.43; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.67–67.49) and age (OR 1.15; 95% CI 1.06–1.26) as independent risk factors for VF loss at presentation. Fifty‐six per cent had a paracentral VF defect at first diagnosis and 29% of patients showed evidence of substantial VF loss with AGIS score of ≥6 on initial presentation.Conclusions:  Patients who have a positive family history of glaucoma are 10 times more likely to have a VF defect at the time of glaucoma diagnosis. An increased focus on family history may help identify these patients earlier and prevent significant visual loss at the time of presentation.