bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Glaucoma screening: analysis of conventional and telemedicine‐friendly devices
Authors: Kumar Sajeesh , Giubilato Antonio , Morgan William , Jitskaia Ludmila , Barry Chris , Bulsara Max , Constable Ian J , Yogesan Kanagasingam 
Published: April 2007

AbstractPurpose:  Portable, telemedicine‐friendly devices offer novel opportunity for screening and monitoring glaucoma in the remote and rural regions of the world. This study examines the effective combination of telemedicine‐friendly screening devices for detection of glaucoma in relation with conventional, hospital‐based devices.Methods:  A total of 399 eyes were screened with telemedicine‐friendly devices and conventional, hospital‐based devices such as ophthalmoscope, tonometer and perimeter.Results:  Combination of age and family history of glaucoma alone has a sensitivity of 35.6% (specificity 94.2%, area under the curve 0.81, correctly classified 81.1%) and an addition of telemedicine‐friendly or conventional visual field tests optimized the sensitivity to 91.1% (specificity 93.6%, area under the curve 0.95, correctly classified 93%). Analysis indicates good agreement between vertical cup‐to‐disc ratio by ophthalmoscopy and digital image reading. An addition of intraocular pressure test does not change sensitivity (35.6%) and specificity (94.2%).Conclusion:  This study indicates that evaluations of cup‐to‐disc ratio and visual field, using telemedicine‐friendly devices, are most useful tools in screening for glaucoma. When used together these devices may be an alternative for conventional glaucoma screenings.
Disseminated mucormycosis and orbital ischaemia in combination immunosuppression with a tumour necrosis factor alpha inhibitor
Authors: Singh Pritpal , Taylor Simon F , Murali Rajmohan , Gomes Lavier J , Kanthan Gowri L , Maloof Anthony J 
Published: April 2007

AbstractDisseminated mucormycosis, with pulmonary and cerebral angioinvasive disease, developed in a 65‐year‐old woman with rheumatoid arthritis being treated with combination immunosuppression including adalimumab. Clinical presentation included progressive orbital ischaemia. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first reported case of disseminated mucormycosis in a patient treated with a tumour necrosis factor inhibitor. Important pathophysiological factors are considered.
In vivo microscopy of Best's Vitelliform Macular Dystrophy: optical coherence tomography study of combined stage III and IV lesions
Authors: Arora Ritu , Das Sima , Shroff Daraius , Narula Ritesh , Chauhan Deepender 
Published: April 2007

AbstractA 35‐year‐old man presented with decreased vision in both eyes. Fundus biomicroscopy of the right eye revealed a pseudohypopyon along with an area of hyperpigmentation and scarring at the macula (combined stage III and IVb Best's Vitelliform Macular Dystrophy [BVMD]). The left eye showed the presence of a pseudohypopyon along with macular atrophy (combined stage III and IVa). On optical coherence tomography both eyes had a neurosensory retinal detachment with an optically clear subretinal zone, an accumulation of material between neurosensory retina and the retinal pigment epithelium corresponding to the pseudohypopyon and subfoveal photoreceptor atrophy. We document on optical coherence tomography the transition of BVMD from stage III to IV (in the form of the combined stage). These new findings may be considered unique for this stage of BVMD, and would help in a further understanding of the disease as it passes through its various stages.
Scleral perforation after trans‐scleral cyclodiode laser for intraocular pressure reduction
Authors: Amariotakis George , Ressiniotis Thomas , Voros Gerasimos M , Birch Michael 
Published: April 2007

AbstractHerein a case is reported of a full‐thickness scleral burn in the left eye of a 61‐year‐old man, following contact trans‐scleral cyclodiode laser treatment for traumatic aphakic glaucoma, unresponsive to maximal medical treatment. The defect was successfully repaired by scleral suturing under local anaesthetic.
Culture‐proven Aspergillus fumigatus infection in a primary hydroxyapatite orbital implant
Authors: Sharma Neil S , Ooi Ju‐Lee , Maloof Tiba C , Wilcsek Geoffrey , Francis Ian C , Coroneo Minas T 
Published: April 2007

AbstractHydroxyapatite orbital implants are widely used in enucleation surgery. Infection in this setting is an uncommon but severe complication. Herein a patient with a 3‐year history of chronic socket discharge, orbital discomfort, conjunctival breakdown and implant exposure after enucleation and implantation of a hydroxyapatite sphere 7 years previously is reported. Repeated attempts at covering the exposed implant failed. Eventually the implant was removed, and Aspergillus fumigatus was cultured from the explanted material. This is the second reported case of Aspergillus infection of a hydroxyapatite orbital implant, and the first case where fungal cultures were positive.
Motor activity is modulated via different neuronal circuits in rats with chronic liver failure than in normal rats
Authors: Cauli Omar , Mlili Nisrin , Llansola Marta , Felipo Vicente 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe mechanisms by which liver failure alters motor function remain unclear. It has been suggested that liver disease alters the neuronal circuit between basal ganglia and cortex that modulates motor function. Activation of group I metabotropic glutamate receptors in the nucleus accumbens (NAcc) by injecting (S)‐3,5‐dihydroxyphenylglycine (DHPG) activates this circuit and induces locomotion We analysed byin vivobrain microdialysis the function of the circuits that modulate motor function in rats with liver failure due to portacaval shunt (PCS). We inserted cannulae in the NAcc and microdialysis probes in the NAcc, ventral pallidum (VP), substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr), medio‐dorsal thalamus (MDT), ventro‐medial thalamus (VMT) or prefrontal cortex (PFCx). We injected DHPG in the NAcc and analysed extracellular neurotransmitters concentration in these areas. The results indicate that in control rats DHPG induces locomotion by activating the ‘normal’ neuronal circuit: NAcc → VP → MDT → PFCx. In PCS rats this circuit is not activated. In PCS rats, DHPG injection activates an ‘alternative’ circuit: NAcc → SNr → VMT → PFCx. This circuit is not activated in control rats. DHPG injection increases dopamine in the NAcc of control but not of PCS rats, and glutamate in PCS but not in control rats. DHPG‐induced increase in dopamine would activate the ‘normal’ neuronal circuit, while an increase in glutamate would activate the ‘alternative’ circuit. The identification of the mechanisms responsible for altered motor function and coordination in liver disease would allow designing treatments to improve motor function in patients with hepatic encephalopathy.
Subventricular zone‐derived neuroblast migration to the olfactory bulb is modulated by matrix remodelling
Authors: Bovetti Serena , Bovolin Patrizia , Perroteau Isabelle , Puche Adam C. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractIn the rodent brain neural progenitor cells are born in the subventricular zone and migrate along a pathway called the rostral migratory stream (RMS) into the olfactory bulb where they differentiate into several classes of interneurones. In the adult, tangential migration in the RMS takes place in ‘chains’ of cells contained within glial tubes. In contrast, neonatal neuroblasts along the RMS lack these defined glial tubes and chains, migrating instead as individual cells. Time‐lapse confocal microscopy of neuroblasts at each of these ages shows that individual cells migrate in a saltatory manner with bursts of high speed followed by periods of slower speed. Tangential migration within a glial tube is 20% faster than migration as individual cells. Neuroblasts may also interact and modify the extracellular matrix during migration through expression of a family of proteins, the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). MMPs are present and active along the subventricular zone–olfactory bulb pathway. In the presence of inhibitors of MMPs, neuroblast migration rates were reduced only when cells migrate individually. Chain migration in the adult was unaffected by MMP inhibitors. Taken together, these data suggest that MMPs only influence migration as individual cells and not as chains.
Embryonic motor neuron dendrite growth is stunted by inhibition of nitric oxide‐dependent activation of soluble guanylyl cyclase and protein kinase G
Authors: Xiong Guoxiang , Mojsilovic‐Petrovic Jelena , Pérez Cristian A. , Kalb Robert G. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractWe have examined the participation of a neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) signaling pathway in the elaboration of motor neuron dendrites during embryonic life. During chick embryogenesis, nNOS is expressed by interneurons that surround the motor neuron pools in the ventral horn. Pseudorabies virus tracing suggests that these cells, while juxtaposed to motor neurons are not synaptically connected to them. The downstream effectors, soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) and protein kinase G (PKG), are found in motor neurons as well as several other populations of spinal cord cells. To determine the functional significance of the nNOS/sGC/PKG signaling pathway, pharmacological inhibitors were applied to chick embryos and the effects on motor neuron dendrites monitored. Inhibition of nNOS activity led to a lasting reduction in the overall size and degree of branching of the dendritic tree. These alterations in dendritic architecture were also seen when the activity of sGC or PKG was blocked. Our results suggest that normal motor neuron dendrite elaboration depends, in part, on the activity‐dependent generation of NO by ventral horn interneurons, which then activates sGC and PKG in motor neurons.
Enhancement of dopaminergic properties and protection mediated by neuronal activation of Ras in mouse ventral mesencephalic neurones
Authors: Chakrabarty Koushik , Serchov Tsvetan , Mann Stefan A. , Dietzel Irmgard D. , Heumann Rolf 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe poor differentiation and survival of dopaminergic neurones are practical constraints in their therapeutic applications. Here we explored the role of neuronally activated Ras in ventral mesencephalon‐derived neurospheres generated from synRas mouse embryos. The expression of Val12 Ha‐Ras transgene and enhanced Ras activity was evident after differentiation of the neurospheres with a corresponding activating phosphorylation of mitogen‐activated protein kinase. Phosphorylation of Akt/PKB, the target kinase of phosphoinositide 3‐kinase, along with phosphorylation of Bad and CREB were enhanced in synRas‐derived differentiated neurosphere cultures. Furthermore, increased Nurr1 expression was associated with elevated numbers of dopaminergic neurones in synRas‐derived cultures compared with the wild‐type. Correspondingly, tyrosine hydroxylase promoter assays revealed enhanced transcriptional activation of the promoter in synRas‐derived cultures. synRas‐derived dopaminergic neurones were greatly resistant to degeneration induced by various noxious stimuli. Consistently, the transgenic expression of activated Ras attenuated the adverse 6‐hydroxydopamine effects on dopaminergic neurones. Dopaminergic neurones derived from both wild‐type and synRas cultures expressed voltage‐gated potassium and sodium currents, fired action potentials and exhibited electrical network activity. Thus, expression of the transgene promotes survival and enhances differentiation towards a dopaminergic cell fate without altering their basic electrical properties. Our results suggest that intracellular cell therapy mimicking trophic signalling may offer potential benefit in models of human disease associated with dopamine neurone dysfunction.
Central nervous system and non‐central nervous system antigen vaccines exacerbate neuropathology caused by nerve injury
Authors: Ankeny Daniel P. , Popovich Phillip G. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractPreviously, we showed that autoimmune (central nervous system myelin‐reactive) T cells exacerbate tissue damage and impair neurological recovery after spinal cord injury. Conversely, independent studies have shown T cell‐mediated neuroprotection after spinal cord injury or facial nerve axotomy (FNAx). The antigen specificity of the neuroprotective T cells has not been investigated after FNAx. Here, we compared the neuroprotective capacity of autoimmune and non‐autoimmune lymphocytes after FNAx. Prior to axotomy, C57BL/6 mice were immunized with myelin basic protein, myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) or ovalbumin (a non‐self antigen) emulsified in complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA). FNAx mice receiving injections of phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS) only (unimmunized) or PBS/CFA emulsions served as controls. At 4 weeks after axotomy, bilateral facial motor neuron counts were obtained throughout the facial motor nucleus using unbiased stereology (optical fractionator). The data show that neuroantigen immunizations and ‘generic’ lymphocyte activation (e.g. PBS/CFA or ovalbumin/CFA immunizations) exacerbated neuron loss above that caused by FNAx alone. We also found that nerve injury potentiated the effector potential of autoimmune lymphocytes. Indeed, prominent forelimb and hindlimb motor deficits were accompanied by disseminated neuroinflammation and demyelination in FNAx mice receiving subencephalitogenic immunization with MOG. FNAx or neuroantigen (MOG or myelin basic protein) immunization alone did not cause these pathological changes. Thus, irrespective of the antigens used to trigger an immune response, neuropathology was enhanced when the immune system was primed in parallel with nerve injury. These data have important implications for therapeutic vaccination in clinical neurotrauma and neurodegeneration.
Behavioural and neural deficits induced by rotenone in the pond snail Lymnaea stagnalis. A possible model for Parkinson's disease in an invertebrate
Authors: Vehovszky Ágnes , Szabó Henriette , Hiripi László , Elliott Christopher J. H. , Hernádi László 
Published: April 2007

AbstractParkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder, related to the loss of dopamine (DA)‐containing neurons in the substantia nigra. In experimental animals, both vertebrates and invertebrates, rotenone, a commercially available organic pesticide, induces symptoms of Parkinson's disease. We found that that rotenone is toxic to the pond snail Lymnaea stagnalis (4‐day LC50 0.8 µm). Rotenone, at concentrations from 0.1 to 5 µm, caused progressive and irreversible behavioural deficits in both acute and chronic exposure. Chronic exposure to 0.5 µm rotenone led to a progressive decrease in spontaneous locomotion and in feeding, reaching almost 100% inhibition of both behaviours by the 7th day of rotenone treatment. In the central nervous system preparation made on the 7th day of treatment the postsynaptic potentials evoked by the identified dopaminergic RPeD1 neuron disappeared whereas the synaptic inputs received by the RPeD1 from a peptidergic neuron (VD4) were still functional. Immunostaining revealed that the tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity decreased below the detectable level in both the RPeD1 cell body and its axonal processes. Finally, HPLC assay showed a significant (25%) decrease in DA level in the CNS by the 7th day of rotenone treatment. We conclude that, as in vertebrates, rotenone disrupts feeding and locomotion of the model mollusc Lymnaea stagnalis. One possible target of rotenone is the dopaminergic neurons in the CNS. We therefore suggest that Lymnaea stagnalis is a suitable invertebrate model for the study of Parkinson's disease, allowing direct analysis of the response of dopaminergic systems to rotenone at behavioural, cellular and neuronal levels.
Nigrostriatal lesion induces D2‐modulated phase‐locked activity in the basal ganglia of rats
Authors: Zold Camila L. , Ballion Bérangère , Riquelme Luis A. , Gonon François , Murer M. Gustavo 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThere is a debate as to what modifications of neuronal activity underlie the clinical manifestations of Parkinson's disease and the efficacy of antiparkinsonian pharmacotherapy. Previous studies suggest that release of GABAergic striatopallidal neurons from D2 receptor‐mediated inhibition allows spreading of cortical rhythms to the globus pallidus (GP) in rats with 6‐hydroxydopamine‐induced nigrostriatal lesions. Here this abnormal spreading was thoroughly investigated. In control urethane‐anaesthetized rats most GP neurons were excited during the active part of cortical slow waves (‘direct‐phase’ neurons). Two neuronal populations having opposite phase relationships with cortical and striatal activity coexisted in the GP of 6‐hydroxydopamine‐lesioned rats. ‘Inverse‐phase’ GP units exhibited reduced firing coupled to striatal activation during slow waves, suggesting that this GP oscillation was driven by striatopallidal hyperactivity. Half of the pallidonigral neurons identified by antidromic stimulation exhibited inverse‐phase activity. Therefore, spreading of inverse‐phase oscillations through pallidonigral axons might contribute to the abnormal direct‐phase cortical entrainment of basal ganglia output described previously. Systemic administration of the D2 agonist quinpirole to 6‐hydroxydopamine‐lesioned rats reduced GP inverse‐phase coupling with slow waves, and this effect was reversed by the D2 antagonist eticlopride. Because striatopallidal hyperactivity was only slightly reduced by quinpirole, other mechanisms might have contributed to the effect of quinpirole on GP oscillations. These results suggest that antiparkinsonian efficacy may rely on other actions of D2 agonists on basal ganglia activity. However, abnormal slow rhythms may promote enduring changes in functional connectivity along the striatopallidal axis, contributing to D2 agonist‐resistant clinical signs of parkinsonism.
High pressure modulation of NMDA receptor dependent excitability
Authors: Mor Amir , Grossman Yoram 
Published: April 2007

AbstractPressure above 1.1 MPa induces in mammals and humans the high pressure neurological syndrome (HPNS). HPNS is characterized by cognitive and motor decrements associated with sleep disorders, EEG changes, tremor, and convulsions that ultimately may lead to death. Previous theories proposed that augmented response of the glutamatergic N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor (NMDAR) or reduced GABAergic inhibition may be involved. Recently, we have reported that isolated NMDAR response was augmented at high pressure. We now test whether this augmentation induces neuronal hyperexcitability. We studied high pressure effects on pharmacologically isolated NMDAR field excitatory postsynaptic potentials (fEPSPs) and on their efficacy in generating population spikes (PSs). Sprague–Dawley male rats were used. Hippocampal coronal brain slices were prepared, constantly superfused with physiological solutions, gas‐saturated at normobaric pressure, and compressed up to 10.1 MPa with helium. fEPSPs and PSs were recorded from the dendritic and the somatic layers of CA1 pyramidal neurons in response to Schaefer collaterals stimulation with trains of five stimuli at 25 Hz. Pressure caused PSs to appear earlier in the train. However, PS delay, rise time and decay time were increased and PS amplitude, frequency, and number were decreased in the last responses in the train. The decrease in late fEPSPs was associated with a reduction of the total number of PSs in the train, apparently without a change in the synaptic efficacy. These results may partially explain the neuronal hyperexcitability observed at pressure. Therefore, it is postulated that significant hyperexcitability is attained at pressure only when the normal fast fEPSP is intact.
Accessory phase petrogenesis in relation to major phase assemblages in pelites from the Nelson contact aureole, southern British Columbia
Authors: TOMKINS H. S. , PATTISON D. R. M. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractMonazite petrogenesis in the Nelson contact aureole is the result of allanite breakdown close to, but downgrade and therefore independent of, major phase isograds involving cordierite, andalusite and staurolite. The development of garnet downgrade of the staurolite and andalusite isograds does not appear to affect the onset of the allanite‐to‐monazite reaction but does affect the textural development of monazite. In lower pressure, garnet‐absent rocks, allanite breakdown results in localized monazite growth as pseudomorphous clusters. In higher pressure, garnet‐bearing rocks, allanite breakdown produces randomly distributed, lone grains of monazite with no textural relationship to the original reaction site. Fluids liberated from hydrous phases (chlorite, muscovite) during garnet formation may have acted as a flux to distribute light rare earth elements more widely within the rock upon allanite breakdown, preventing the localized formation of monazite pseudomorphs. Despite these textural differences, both types of monazite have very similar chemistry and an indistinguishable age by electron microprobe chemical dating (157 ± 6.4 Ma). This age range is within error of isotopic ages determined by others for the Nelson Batholith. Garnet from the garnet, staurolite and andalusite zones shows euhedral Y zoning typified by a high‐Y core, low‐Y collar and moderate‐Y annulus, the latter ascribed to allanite breakdown during garnet growth in the garnet zone. The cause of the transition from high‐Y core to low‐Y collar, traditionally interpreted to be due to xenotime consumption, is unclear because of the ubiquitous presence of xenotime. Accessory phase geothermometry involving monazite, xenotime and garnet returns inconsistent results, suggesting calibration problems or a lack of equilibration between phases.
Contaminant Removal of Domestic Wastewater by Constructed Wetlands: Effects of Plant Species
Authors: Yang Qiong , Chen Zhang‐He , Zhao Jian‐Gang , Gu Bin‐He 
Published: April 2007

AbstractA comparative study of the efficiency of contaminant removal between five emergent plant species and between vegetated and unvegetated wetlands was conducted in small‐scale (2.0 m × 1.0 m × 0.7 m, length × width × depth) constructed wetlands for domestic wastewater treatment in order to evaluate the decontaminated effects of different wetland plants. There was generally a significant difference in the removal of total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP), but no significant difference in the removal of organic matter between vegetated and unvegetated wetlands. Wetlands planted with Canna indica Linn., Pennisetum purpureum Schum., and Phragmites communis Trin. had generally higher removal rates for TN and TP than wetlands planted with other species. Plant growth and fine root (root diameter 3 mm) biomass were related to removal efficiency. Fine root biomass rather than the mass of the entire root system played an important role in wastewater treatment. Removal efficiency varied with season and plant growth. Wetlands vegetated by P. purpureum significantly outperformed wetlands with other plants in May and June, whereas wetlands vegetated by P. communis and C. indica demonstrated higher removal efficiency from August to December. These findings suggest that abundance of fine roots is an important factor to consider in selecting for highly effective wetland plants. It also suggested that a plant community consisting of multiple plant species with different seasonal growth patterns and root characteristics may be able to enhance wetland performance.
Diphenyl Ether Glycoside from the Stems of Ilex litseaefolia Hu et Tang
Authors: Xiao Yan‐Hua , Zhang Ai‐Lian , Zhang Guo‐Lin 
Published: April 2007

AbstractNew diphenyl ether glycoside, ilexfoliaoside, was isolated from the stems of Ilex litseaefolia Hu et Tang, along with esculetin and 3,4‐dimethoxybenzylacetic acid. The structure of ilexfoliaoside was determined as 6,2′‐dihydroxy‐4, 4′‐di‐vanilloyloxymethyl‐1,1′‐diphenyl ether 2‐O‐β‐D‐glucopyranoside on the basis of chemical and spectroscopic evidence.