bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Final height in children with steroid‐sensitive nephrotic syndrome
Authors: MOTOYAMA OSAMU , IITAKA KIKUO 
Published: July 2007

AbstractBackground: Growth retardation following steroid treatment in children is a major problem. Reduction of steroid dose has been tried using immunosuppressive agents such as cyclosporine A or mizoribine in children with frequently relapsing nephrotic syndrome. Few reports concerning final height in steroid‐sensitive nephrotic syndrome (SSNS) are available.Method: Patients who developed SSNS before 15 years of age and reached their final height were retrospectively studied by standard deviation score (SDS) of height and target height calculated by their parental height.Results: A total of 34 patients were evaluated for their final height. The mean age at onset of SSNS was 8.0 years and the mean age at last follow up was 21.6 years. In total, 22 patients had frequent relapses and were treated with cyclophosphamide, mizoribine or cyclosporin A. All patients had normal renal function at the last evaluation. The mean final height was 168 cm in males and 155 cm in females. The mean height SDS was 0.37 at the time of onset and was −0.43 when they reached their final height (P = 0.0001). The final height was a mean of 2.5 cm below target height and was significantly lower than their siblings (P = 0.007). Final height of two boys who continued to have frequent relapses during puberty and were not treated with cyclosporin A was 146 and 150 cm.Conclusion: Final height in children with SSNS was slightly affected by steroid treatment and two patients had severe growth retardation.
The influence of posterior capsular opacification removal on anterior segment birefringence parameters as measured by scanning laser polarimetry
Authors: Garcia‐Medina Jose J , Garcia‐Medina Manuel , Zanon‐Moreno Vicente C , Gallego‐Pinazo Roberto , Pons‐Vazquez Sheila , Gonzalez‐Ocampo Samuel , Pinazo‐Durán María D 
Published: July 2007

AbstractPurpose:  To determine the effect of posterior capsular opacification (PCO) removal on anterior segment birefringence (ASB) and its influence on peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) retardation measurements obtained by means of scanning laser polarimetry.Methods:  In this prospective interventional study, scanning laser polarimetry was performed using GDx variable corneal compensation on 26 eyes of 26 patients who developed clinically significant PCO (after uncomplicated cataract surgery and with no other ocular pathology) both before and between 1 and 4 weeks after Nd:YAG capsulotomy. Best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure, corneal polarization axis (CPA), corneal polarization magnitude (CPM) were compared using the Student t‐test and Wilcoxon signed ranks test. Spearman correlations between changes (differences between values after and before capsulotomy) in the CPA, CPM, BCVA and RNFL data were also performed.Results:  PCO removal is associated with a shift in CPA (from 10.86 to 15.03 degrees, P = 0.004) and CPM (from 28.54 to 37.92 nm, P = 0.004). Significant correlations were found between changes in the parameters of ASB and BCVA. Furthermore, RNFL measurements (nerve fibre indicator, temporal‐superior‐nasal‐inferior‐temporal average and superior average) were also well related to the CPA and CPM shifts.Conclusions:  PCO induces an inaccurate compensation of ASB which affects RNFL assessment. Thus, it is necessary to recompensate ASB after posterior capsulotomy.
Surface modification of silicone intraocular lens by 2‐methacryloyloxyethyl phosphoryl‐choline binding to reduce Staphylococcus epidermidis adherence
Authors: Huang Xiao‐Dan , Yao Ke , Zhang Hui , Huang Xiao‐Jun , Xu Zhi‐Kang 
Published: July 2007

AbstractPurpose:  To analyse the in vitro adherence of Staphylococcus epidermidis to the 2‐methacryloyl oxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC)‐modified silicone intraocular lens (IOL).Methods:  The test IOLs were modified by using an air plasma treatment to bind MPC to the surface. The control IOLs were not modified. Chemical changes on the IOL surface were analysed by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) to confirm the covalent binding of MPC. IOL hydrophilicity was determined by measuring the water contact angle. Two different techniques, direct counting of viable adherent bacteria released by sonication, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), were used to observe and compare the adherence of S. epidermidis to the IOLs after 1‐ and 18‐h incubation.Results:  XPS analysis confirmed that the test IOLs were surface‐modified with MPC. The hydrophilicity of the IOLs was improved by surface modification, and the MPC‐modified IOLs exhibited significantly reduced adhesion of S. epidermidis (P = 0.002) after an incubation period of 1 h. The SEM results showed that the MPC modification also suppressed the accumulation of bacteria and biofilm production after 18 h incubation.Conclusions:  MPC‐modified hydrophilic silicone IOLs reduce bacterial adherence and colonization, and thus may help reduce the incidence of postoperative endophthalmitis.
Regression of choroidal metastasis from breast carcinoma following Letrozole therapy
Authors: Venkatesh Pradeep , Garg Satpal 
Published: July 2007

AbstractMetastasis to the choroid from primary tumours elsewhere in the body is not an infrequent occurrence. Management of such metastasis may involve modalities such as radiotherapy, chemotherapy, photocoagulation and surgical resection. The role of hormonal therapy is poorly defined in the management of these tumours. Herein regression of choroidal metastasis from primary breast carcinoma following antihormonal therapy with the antioestrogen drug Letrozole is reported.
Subacute complete ophthalmoplegia: an anti‐Hu paraneoplastic manifestation of myxoid liposarcoma
Authors: Chan Jane W 
Published: July 2007

AbstractParaneoplastic neurological syndromes are well‐known sequelae of some cancers. Based on the current literature, this is the first report of a complete ophthalmoplegia preceding the diagnosis of a myxoid liposarcoma associated with the anti‐Hu antibody. An 83‐year‐old woman presented with a several‐month history of progressive ophthalmoplegia without any other neurological symptoms or signs. After resection of her myxoid liposarcoma grade 1, her ophthalmoplegia resolved. Her paraneoplastic syndrome was associated with the anti‐Hu antibody. It is important to consider an underlying malignancy when an isolated, complete ophthalmoplegia presents subacutely and when other more common aetiologies are ruled out.
Hughes syndrome
Authors: Sivaprasad Sobha , Gregor Zdenek 
Published: July 2007

AbstractAntiphospholipid syndrome, also known as Hughes syndrome, is a recently described entity that mimics symptoms of other diseases such as multiple sclerosis. It is a potentially life‐threatening autoimmune disorder where the body produces antibodies directed against phospholipids and phospholipid‐binding proteins. Herein a patient with successive ocular vascular events associated with antiphospholipid syndrome is presented.
New algorithm for assessing patient suitability for macular translocation surgery
Authors: Uppal Gurmit , Milliken Andrew , Lee John , Acheson James , Hykin Phil , Tufail Adnan , Da Cruz Lyndon 
Published: July 2007

AbstractPurpose:  We propose a case selection algorithm to assess suitability for macular translocation for subfoveal neovascular membrane (CNV) secondary to age‐related macular degeneration. The algorithm is based on preoperative assessment of residual foveal function, as assessed by a slit‐lamp fixation task and duration of visual loss, in patients with poor acuity. We validate our slit‐lamp fixation task against an objective analysis (Nidek MP‐1 Microperimetry) and proceed to examine surgical outcomes as selected by the algorithm.Methods:  A prospective series of 27 consecutive patients with CNV underwent translocation at Moorfields Eye Hospital, London between May 2003 and May 2006.Results:  Validation of the slit‐lamp fixation task revealed 100% concordance in classification of fixation between the slit‐lamp task and the microperimeter. At an average follow up of 12.2 months, the mean Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Study distance acuity improved from logMAR 0.88 to 0.68 (P < 0.03). Sixty‐six per cent of patients achieved an acuity of ≤logMAR 0.8 (6/30), 22% an acuity of ≤logMAR 0.3 (6/12) and 33% gained three lines of acuity. The mean MN Read reading acuity improved from logMAR 1.23 to 0.91 (P < 0.01). Forty‐four per cent of patients achieved an acuity of ≥logMAR 0.7 (N10), 15% an acuity of ≥logMAR 0.4 (N5) and 44% gained three lines of acuity.Discussion:  We have demonstrated a simple case selection algorithm that is based on residual foveal function and suggests good outcomes. The strongest indicators of foveal function are fixation characteristics and duration of visual loss. In contrast to previous studies, our algorithm suggests good outcomes independently of preoperative visual acuity and CNV characteristics.
Genetic testing for retinal dystrophies and dysfunctions: benefits, dilemmas and solutions
Authors: Koenekoop Robert K , Lopez Irma , Den Hollander Anneke I , Allikmets Rando , Cremers Frans PM 
Published: July 2007

AbstractHuman retinal dystrophies have unparalleled genetic and clinical diversity and are currently linked to more than 185 genetic loci. Genotyping is a crucial exercise, as human gene‐specific clinical trials to study photoreceptor rescue are on their way. Testing confirms the diagnosis at the molecular level and allows for a more precise prognosis of the possible future clinical evolution. As treatments are gene‐specific and the ‘window of opportunity’ is time‐sensitive; accurate, rapid and cost‐effective genetic testing will play an ever‐increasing crucial role. The gold standard is sequencing but is fraught with excessive costs, time, manpower issues and finding non‐pathogenic variants. Therefore, no centre offers testing of all currently 132 known genes. Several new micro‐array technologies have emerged recently, that offer rapid, cost‐effective and accurate genotyping. The new disease chips from Asper Ophthalmics (for Stargardt dystrophy, Leber congenital amaurosis [LCA], Usher syndromes and retinitis pigmentosa) offer an excellent first pass opportunity. All known mutations are placed on the chip and in 4 h a patient's DNA is screened. Identification rates (identifying at least one disease‐associated mutation) are currently ∼70% (Stargardt), ∼60–70% (LCA) and ∼45% (Usher syndrome subtype 1). This may be combined with genotype–phenotype correlations that suggest the causal gene from the clinical appearance (e.g. preserved para‐arteriolar retinal pigment epithelium suggests the involvement of the CRB1 gene in LCA). As ∼50% of the retinal dystrophy genes still await discovery, these technologies will improve dramatically as additional novel mutations are added. Genetic testing will then become standard practice to complement the ophthalmic evaluation.
‘Where the money is’: A case report of the successful removal of a large number of coins by esophagogastroduodenoscopy utilizing a Roth net
Authors: RAYNOR Kathleen M , WU George Y 
Published: July 2007

OBJECTIVE:  To demonstrate the use of a Roth net and to determine the maximum number of coins that can be removed per net.METHODS:  During esophagogastroduodenoscopy, a Roth net was passed multiple times in order to retrieve 49 ingested coins without the use of an over tube.RESULTS:  Removal of 49 coins of various sizes was accomplished. The largest of the coins was 2.4 cm. Because of damage to the nets during the withdrawal past the gastroesophageal junction, several nets were required. But, there was minimal trauma to the esophageal mucosa and no complications.CONCLUSIONS:  Removal of ingested foreign objects requires individually tailored treatment. From an extensive literature search, there does not appear to be consensus for standard of care based on the variability of presentation and multiple modalities available for removal.
New protein kinase C activator regulates amyloid precursor protein processing in vitro by increasing α‐secretase activity
Authors: Yang Hong‐Qi , Pan Jing , Ba Mao‐Wen , Sun Zhi‐Kun , Ma Guo‐Zhao , Lu Guo‐Qiang , Xiao Qin , Chen Sheng‐Di 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe beta amyloid (Aβ) cascade has been at the forefront of the hypothesis used to describe the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). It is generally accepted that drugs that can regulate the processing of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) toward the non‐amyloidogenic pathway may have a therapeutic potential. Previous studies have shown that protein kinase C (PKC) hypofunction has an important role in AD pathophysiology. Therefore, the effects of a new PKC activator, α‐APP modulator [(2S,5S)‐(E,E)‐8‐(5‐(4‐(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)‐2,4‐pentadienoylamino)benzolactam (TPPB)], on APP processing were investigated. Using PC12 cells and SH‐SY5YAPP695 cells, it was found that TPPB promoted the secretion of sAPPα without affecting full‐length expression of APP. The increase in sAPPα by TPPB was blocked by inhibitors of PKC, extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK), c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) and tyrosine kinase, suggesting the involvement of these signal transduction pathways. TPPB increased α‐secretase activity [a disintegrin and metalloproteinase (ADAM)10 and 17], as shown by direct fluorescence activity detection and Western blot analysis. TPPB‐induced sAPPα release was blocked by the metalloproteinase inhibitor TAPI‐2, furin inhibitor CMK and by the protein‐trafficking inhibitor brefeldin. The results also showed that TPPB decreased β‐secretase activity, Aβ40 release and beta site APP‐cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) expression, but did not significantly affect neprilysin (NEP) and insulin‐degrading enzyme (IDE) expression. Our data indicate that TPPB could direct APP processing towards the non‐amyloidogenic pathway by increasing α‐secretase activity, and suggest its therapeutic potential in AD.
The corticotrophin‐releasing factor‐like peptide urocortin reverses key deficits in two rodent models of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Abuirmeileh Amjad , Lever Rebecca , Kingsbury Ann E. , Lees Andrew J. , Locke Ian C. , Knight Richard A. , Chowdrey Hardial S. , Biggs Christopher S. , Whitton Peter S. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe potential neuroprotective action of the corticotrophin‐releasing factor‐related peptide urocortin (UCN) was investigated in the rat 6‐hydroxydopamine (6‐OHDA) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) paradigms of Parkinson's disease. UCN (20 fmol) was either given at the same time as (T = 0) or 7 days after (T = +7) intracerebral 6‐OHDA or LPS injection. At 14 days after 6‐OHDA or LPS injection, circling behaviour was measured following apomorphine challenge. Circling was significantly lower in rats given UCN at either T = 0 or T = +7 compared with animals given 6‐OHDA or LPS and vehicle. Sham‐treated rats showed no circling. Consistent with these observations, striatal dopamine concentrations were markedly higher in 6‐OHDA/LPS + UCN rats vs. 6‐OHDA/LPS + vehicle groups. Additionally, l‐dihydroxyphenylalanine production by tyrosine hydroxylase was greatly reduced in the striata of 6‐OHDA/LPS + vehicle rats, whereas this was not the case in rats coadministered UCN. Finally, the numbers of tyrosine hydroxylase‐positive cells recorded in the substantia nigra of 6‐OHDA/LPS + vehicle‐treated animals were markedly lower than those of sham‐operated or 6‐OHDA/LPS + UCN rats. Critically, UCN was effective in reversing lesion‐induced deficits when given either at the same time as or 7 days after the neurotoxic insult. To our knowledge, this is the first time that such an effect has been demonstrated in vivo. The apparent ability of UCN to arrest the progression of or even reverse nigral lesions once established suggests that pharmacological manipulation of this system could have substantial therapeutic utility.
mGluR7 inhibits glutamate release through a PKC‐independent decrease in the activity of P/Q‐type Ca2+ channels and by diminishing cAMP in hippocampal nerve terminals
Authors: Martín Ricardo , Torres Magdalena , Sánchez‐Prieto José 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe modulation of calcium channels by metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) is a key event in the fine‐tuning of neurotransmitter release. Here we report that, in hippocampal nerve terminals from adult rats, the inhibition of glutamate release by the group III mGluR agonist L‐2‐amino‐4‐phosphonobutyrate (L‐AP4) is largely mediated by mGluR7. In this preparation, P/Q‐type Ca2+ channels support the major component of glutamate release while the remaining release is supported by N‐type Ca2+ channels. The release associated with P/Q channels was modulated by mGluR7, either in the presence of ω‐conotoxin‐GVIA or after decreasing the extracellular Ca2+ concentration [Ca2+]o to abolish the contribution of N‐type Ca2+ channels. Under these conditions, L‐AP4 (1 mm) reduced the evoked glutamate release by 35 ± 2%. This inhibition was largely prevented by pertussis toxin, but it was insensitive to inhibitors of protein kinase C (bisindolylmaleimide) and protein kinase A (H‐89). Furthermore, this inhibition was associated with a reduction in the Ca2+ influx mediated by P/Q channels in the absence of any detectable change in cAMP levels. However, L‐AP4 decreased the levels of cAMP in the presence of forskolin. The activation of this additional signalling pathway was very efficient in counteracting the facilitation of glutamate release induced by forskolin. Thus, mGluR7 mediates the inhibition of glutamate release at hippocampal nerve terminals primarily by inhibiting P/Q‐type Ca2+ channels, although augmenting the levels of cAMP reveals the ability of the receptor to decrease cAMP.
Involvement of NR2A‐ or NR2B‐containingN‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptors in the potentiation of cortical layer 5 pyramidal neurone inputs depends on the developmental stage
Authors: Le Roux Nicolas , Amar Muriel , Moreau Alexandre , Fossier Philippe 
Published: July 2007

AbstractIn the cortex,N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptors (NMDARs) play a critical role in the control of synaptic plasticity processes. We have previously shown in rat visual cortex that the application of a high‐frequency stimulation (HFS) protocol used to induce long‐term potentiation in layer 2/3 leads to a parallel potentiation of excitatory and inhibitory inputs received by cortical layer 5 pyramidal neurones without changing the excitation/inhibition balance of the pyramidal neurone, indicating a homeostatic control of this parameter. We show here that the blockade of NMDARs of the neuronal network prevents the potentiation of excitatory and inhibitory inputs, and this result leaves open to question the role of the NMDAR isoform involved in the induction of long‐term potentiation, which is actually being strongly debated. In postnatal day (P)18–23 rat cortical slices, the blockade of synaptic NR2B‐containing NMDARs prevents the induction of the potentiation induced by the HFS protocol, whereas the blockade of NR2A‐containing NMDARs reduced the potentiation itself. In P29–P32 cortical slices, the specific activation of NR2A‐containing receptors fully ensures the potentiation of excitatory and inhibitory inputs. These results constitute the first report of a functional shift in subunit composition of NMDARs during the critical period (P12–P36), which explains the relative contribution of both NR2B‐ and NR2A‐containing NMDARs in synaptic plasticity processes. These effects of the HFS protocol are mediated by the activation of synaptic NMDARs but our results also indicate that the homeostatic control of the excitation/inhibition balance is independent of NMDAR activation and is due to specialized recurrent interactions between excitatory and inhibitory networks.
Simultaneous feeding by aboveground and belowground herbivores attenuates plant‐mediated attraction of their respective natural enemies
Authors: Rasmann Sergio , Turlings Ted C. J. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractHerbivore‐damaged plants emit volatile organic compounds that attract natural enemies of the herbivores. This form of indirect plant defence occurs aboveground as well as belowground, but it remains unclear how simultaneous feeding by different herbivores attacking leaves and roots may affect the production of the respective defence signals. We employed a setup that combines trapping of volatile organic signals and simultaneous measurements of the attractiveness of these signals to above and belowground natural enemies. Young maize plants were infested with either the foliar herbivore Spodoptera littoralis, the root herbivore Diabrotica virgifera virgifera, or with both these important pest insects. The parasitic wasp Cotesia marginiventris and the entomopathogenic nematode Heterorhabditis megidis were strongly attracted if their respective host was feeding on a plant, but this attraction was significantly reduced if both herbivores were on a plant. The emission of the principal root attractant was indeed reduced due to double infestation, but this was not evident for the leaf volatiles. The parasitoid showed an ability to learn the differences in odour emissions and increased its response to the odour of a doubly infested plant after experiencing this odour during an encounter with hosts. This first study to measure effects of belowground herbivory on aboveground tritrophic signalling and vice‐versa reemphasizes the important role of plants in bridging interactions between spatially distinct components of the ecosystem.
The ecogenetic link between demography and evolution: can we bridge the gap between theory and data?
Authors: Kokko Hanna , López‐Sepulcre Andrés 
Published: July 2007

AbstractCalls to understand the links between ecology and evolution have been common for decades. Population dynamics, i.e. the demographic changes in populations, arise from life history decisions of individuals and thus are a product of selection, and selection, on the contrary, can be modified by such dynamical properties of the population as density and stability. It follows that generating predictions and testing them correctly requires considering this ecogenetic feedback loop whenever traits have demographic consequences, mediated via density dependence (or frequency dependence). This is not an easy challenge, and arguably theory has advanced at a greater pace than empirical research. However, theory would benefit from more interaction between related fields, as is evident in the many near‐synonymous names that the ecogenetic loop has attracted. We also list encouraging examples where empiricists have shown feasible ways of addressing the question, ranging from advanced data analysis to experiments and comparative analyses of phylogenetic data.