bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of extracapsular and phaco‐emulsification cataract extraction techniques when combined with intra‐ocular lens placement and trabeculectomy: Short‐term results
Authors: Chia Wei‐Lin Audrey , Goldberg Ivan 
Published: November 2007

Abstract Background Methods: Fifty patients who had undergone combined extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE), intraocular lens (IOL) placement and trabeculectomy (ECCE‐trab) and 50 who had undergone combined cataract phaco‐emulsification, IOL placement and trabeculectomy (phaco‐trab) were reviewed over a period of 12 months. Results: Postoperatively, intra‐ocular pressure (IOP) in both eyes fell significantly (P < 0.005). Initially, IOP fell to roughly equal degrees (mean IOP being 14 mmHg at 3 months; P = 0.84). At 12 months, IOP in the phacotrab group was slightly lower than that in the ECCE‐trab group (13.4 ± 4.3 vs 15.4 ± 4.4 mmHg, respectively; P= 0.0312). The number of pre‐operative medications did not appear to affect outcome (P= 0.124).Visual recovery was approximately 3 months faster in the phaco‐trab group. By 12 months there was little difference in visual acuity, with an average improvement of two Snellen lines (P= 0.68). The mean change in astigmatism was significantly less in the phacotrab group (0.61 ± 1.25 vs 1.39 ± 1.46 D, respectively, P= 0.0063). Transient hypotony (IOP < 5 mmHg) was more frequent in the phaco‐trab group (66 vs 32%, respectively; P < 0.002). The frequency of other complications was not significantly different between the two groups. Conclusion: Both ECCE‐trab and phaco‐trab procedures are safe and effective. However; the phaco‐trab procedure may have slightly improved IOP control, earlier visual recovery and less astigmatism.
Ocular anomalies in the branchio–oculo–facial syndrome
Authors: Su Charles S , O'Hagen Stephen B , Sullivan Timothy J 
Published: November 2007

Abstract Purpose: To describe the ocular anomalies in two cases of branchio‐oculo‐facial syndrome (BOFS). Methods: Two cases of BOFS are reviewed. Results/Conclusions: Branchio oculo facial syndrome is a rare branchial cleft syndrome that is characterized by a typical facial appearance of pseudo‐cleft or cleft lip, subauricular branchial sinuses, deafness and ocular anomalies, which include nasolacrimal obstruction, telecanthus and colobomata. It has an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern.
Corneal scarring and irregular astigmatism following refractive surgery in a corneal transplant
Authors: Danjoux Jean‐Pierre , Fraenkel Graham , Wai David , Conway Max , Eckstein Robert , Lawless Michael 
Published: November 2007

Abstract Background: Scarring may follow refractive surgery, causing irregular astigmatism and loss of visual acuity. Methods: A case report of scarring and irregular astigmatism occurring in a corneal transplant following photorefractive keratectomy and arcuate incisions is presented. Results: Following surgical excision of the scan unaided visual acuity improved from 1/60 to 6/12. Histopathology of the excised scar was obtained. Conclusions: Refractive surgery following corneal transplantation may produce scarring. The origin of the scar in the present case has not been established.
Subretinal perfluorodecalin toxicity
Authors: Lee Graham A , Finnegan Sidney J , Bourke Robert D 
Published: November 2007

Abstract Background: Subretinal injection of perfluorocarbon liquids (PFCL) can occur during vitreoretinal surgery. The long‐term effects of this complication are not well established. Methods: A case report is presented of a patient with retained subretinal perfluorodecalin following retinal detachment repair for a giant retinal tear. Results: In the early postoperative period, the macular retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) became opalescent in appearance and by 2 months postoperatively the patient developed macular RPE atrophy with resulting poor central vision. Conclusions: Toxicity of subretinal perfluorodecalin causing RPE atrophy is proposed. We recommend all traces of PFCL should be removed if possible.
Perforating eye injuries from external rear vision mirrors
Authors: Thompson CG , Griffits RKS , Cottee L , Nardi W , Noble MJ 
Published: November 2007

Abstract Purpose: To highlight external rear vision mirrors as a cause of ocular injuries in motor vehicle accidents. Methods: Three cases of perforating eye injuries due to shattered external rear vision mirrors in motor vehicle accidents are described. The relevant Australian design rules are reviewed. Results/Conclusion: External rear vision mirrors can be responsible for serious ocular injuries in motor vehicle accidents. Further investigation of the incidence of such injuries is required to determine whether vehicle manufacturing methods and the design rules covering their production warrant revision.
Complex motion stimuli localize higher‐order visual processing in normal observers and in patients with parietal lesions
Authors: Zanker JM , Patzwahl DP , Braun D. , Fahle M. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractThe present paper illustrates how modern techniques applied in neuroscience can help us to understand the processing of visual information in the human brain and, in turn, how they can be helpful to characterize functional deficits in patients with cortical lesions. Based on theoretical considerations, motion stimuli are developed that require very specific operations to be performed by the visual system. Computational models explaining the processing of these ‘Fourier’ and ‘second‐order’ motion stimuli are characterized by increasing complexity. The same types of stimuli are used to map the distribution of cortical activity during motion perception by measuring the magnetic and electrical fields on the head surface. Clinical investigations of patients with lesions in the parietal cortex indicate specific deficits in the perception of such stimuli that can be related to the lesion sites.
Congenital endophthalmitis following maternal shellfish ingestion
Authors: Marshman Wendy E. , Lyons Christopher J. 
Published: November 2007

Abstract Purpose: To highlight an unusual organism causing a unilateral endophthalmitis by transplacental spread. Method: We report a case of Plesiomonas shigelloides endophthalmitis, presenting in a newborn, with co‐existing septicaemia and meningitis. There was a significant maternal history of diarrhoea associated with the ingestion of oysters 2 weeks prior to delivery. Result: The endophthalmitis was treated with parenteral antibiotics and topical mydriatics with complete resolution, although subsequent assessment of the affected eye suggests a poor visual outcome. Conclusion: Endophthalmitis in the newborn is an unusual clinical finding and usually presents with other manifestations of bacteraemia. Plesiomonas shigelloides is fortunately an infrequent cause of neonatal infection, but is associated with a high degree of morbidity and mortality. We postulate that this neonate acquired P. shigelloides via the transplacental route, and suggest that this organism be included in the list of ‘other’ causes of transplacental infection that has been abbreviated to ‘O’ in the acronym TORCH.
Changes in hippocampal function of ovariectomized rats after sequential low doses of estradiol to simulate the preovulatory estrogen surge
Authors: Scharfman Helen E. , Hintz Tana M. , Gomez Juan , Stormes Kerry A. , Barouk Sharon , Malthankar‐Phatak Gauri H. , McCloskey Daniel P. , Luine Victoria N. , MacLusky Neil J. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractIn adult female rats, robust hippocampal changes occur when estradiol rises on the morning of proestrus. Whether estradiol mediates these changes, however, remains unknown. To address this issue, we used sequential injections of estradiol to simulate two key components of the preovulatory surge: the rapid rise in estradiol on proestrous morning, and the slower rise during the preceding day, diestrus 2. Animals were examined mid‐morning of simulated proestrus, and compared to vehicle‐treated or intact rats. In both simulated and intact rats, CA1‐evoked responses were potentiated in hippocampal slices, and presynaptic mechanisms appeared to contribute. In CA3, multiple population spikes were evoked in response to mossy fiber stimuli, and expression of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor was increased. Simulation of proestrous morning also improved performance on object and place recognition tests, in comparison to vehicle treatment. Surprisingly, effects on CA1‐evoked responses showed a dependence on estradiol during simulated diestrus 2, as well as a dependence on proestrous morning. Increasing estradiol above the physiological range on proestrous morning paradoxically decreased evoked responses in CA1. However, CA3 pyramidal cell activity increased further, and became synchronized. Together, the results confirm that physiological estradiol levels are sufficient to profoundly affect hippocampal function. In addition: (i) changes on proestrous morning appear to depend on slow increases in estradiol during the preceding day; (ii) effects are extremely sensitive to the peak serum level on proestrous morning; and (iii) there are striking subfield differences within the hippocampus.
Pharmacological evidence for an anticonvulsant relay in the rat ventromedial medulla
Authors: Shehab Safa , Alzigali Laila , Madathil Muhammed , Redgrave Peter 
Published: October 2007

AbstractLocal disinhibition of several interconnected regions in the brainstem of rats, including the dorsal midbrain, the mesencephalic locomotor region and the ventrolateral pontine reticular formation, has anticonvulsant properties in the maximal electroshock model of epilepsy. A recent anatomical study [Shehab, S., McGonigle, D., Hughes, D., Todd, A. & Redgrave, P. (2005) Eur. J. Neurosci., 22, 1431–1444.] revealed significant anatomical connections between an anticonvulsant relay region in the ventrolateral pons and reticulospinal projection neurons in the ventromedial medullary reticular formation. This pathway was shown to have both glutamatergic and GABAergic components. The purpose of the present study was to test whether local excitation or inhibition directed to the target zone of this projection in the ventral medulla would also have anticonvulsant properties. Neural excitation induced by local bilateral injections of the GABAA antagonist bicuculline into the ventromedial medulla caused a reliable dose‐related suppression of hindlimb extension in the maximal electroshock test. The anticonvulsant effect of bicuculline was significantly greater in the terminal zone of the afferent projection from the ventral pons than that observed in adjacent tissue. Neither direct excitation following injections of N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate nor direct inhibition by injections of the GABA agonist muscimol into the same region had reliable anticonvulsant effects. A statistically reliable association was observed between the anticonvulsant and locomotor activation effects of injections of bicuculline into the ventral medulla. No such relationship was found with bicuculline‐induced disturbances of muscle tone, as reflected by the presence of postural dysfunction. Together these data establish the final functional link connecting brainstem anticonvulsant circuitry with reticulospinal systems controlling hindlimb musculature.
Lesions of rat infralimbic cortex result in disrupted retardation but normal summation test performance following training on a Pavlovian conditioned inhibition procedure
Authors: Rhodes S. E. V. , Killcross A. S. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThe prefrontal cortex has a well‐established role in the inhibition of inappropriate responding. Converging evidence implicates the infralimbic (IL) region of the rat medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC) in the maintenance of extinction [Quirk et al. (2000)J. Neurosci., 20, 6225–6231; Rhodes & Killcross (2004)Learn. Mem., 11, 611–616], a process generally considered to be mediated by the formation of inhibitory associations. An appetitive Pavlovian conditioned inhibition paradigm was used in order to investigate further the role of the IL MPFC in the control over behaviour by inhibitory associations. In two separate experiments, the effect of IL lesions on summation and retardation tests of conditioned inhibition was assessed. IL lesions did not affect summation test performance, indicating that lesioned animals were able to acquire inhibitory associations between a stimulus and reward and could express them normally when placed in competition with an excitatory cue. However, the retardation of excitatory conditioning that is normally seen when a stimulus with inhibitory properties is subsequently paired with reward was abolished in IL‐lesioned animals. This suggests a selective role for the IL MPFC in the competition for behavioural control between the inhibitory and excitatory associations of a single stimulus.
Regeneration‐enhancing effects of EphA4 blocking peptide following corticospinal tract injury in adult rat spinal cord
Authors: Fabes Jez , Anderson Patrick , Brennan Caroline , Bolsover Stephen 
Published: October 2007

AbstractSpinal cord injury often leads to permanent incapacity because long axons cannot regenerate in the CNS. Eph receptors inhibit axon extension through an effect on the actin cytoskeleton. We have previously reported that after injury EphA4 appears at high levels in stumps of corticospinal axons, while a cognate ligand, ephrinB2, is upregulated at the lesion site so as to confine the injured axons. In this study we have infused lesioned spinal cords with a peptide antagonist of EphA4. In treated animals the retrograde degeneration that normally follows corticospinal tract injury is absent. Rather, corticospinal tract axons sprout up to and into the lesion centre. In a behavioural test of corticospinal tract function, peptide treatment substantially improved recovery relative to controls. These results suggest that blocking EphA4 is likely to contribute to a future successful clinical treatment for spinal cord injury.
The effect of CB1 receptor antagonism in the right basolateral amygdala on conditioned fear and associated analgesia in rats
Authors: Roche Michelle , O'Connor Emer , Diskin Catherine , Finn David P. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThe endocannabinoid system mediates analgesia expressed following exposure to conditioned or unconditioned aversive stimuli, and controls the extinction of conditioned aversive behaviour. The present study investigated the effects of administration of the cannabinoid1 (CB1) receptor antagonist SR141716A into the right basolateral amygdala (BLA) on expression of conditioned fear, formalin‐evoked nociceptive behaviour, fear‐conditioned analgesia and associated alterations in monoamine levels in discrete rat brain areas. Re‐exposure to a context previously paired with footshock significantly reduced formalin‐evoked nociceptive behaviour. Intra‐BLA administration of SR141716A did not attenuate fear‐conditioned analgesia, but reduced formalin‐evoked nociceptive behaviour and attenuated the formalin‐induced decrease in freezing and 22‐kHz ultrasonic vocalizations in the early part of the trial. Furthermore, intra‐BLA SR141716A significantly prolonged the duration of these fear‐related behaviours in fear‐conditioned rats not receiving formalin. Fear‐conditioned analgesia was accompanied by increased homovanillic acid (HVA) : dopamine (DA) ratio and reduced serotonin (5‐HT) in the cerebellum, an effect not altered by SR141716A. SR141716A‐induced analgesia was accompanied by reduced DA, increased HVA : DA ratio and reduced 5‐HT levels in the cerebellum, increased hippocampal HVA levels and increased 5‐hydroxyindole‐3‐acetic acid (5‐HIAA) in the amygdaloid cortex. The SR141716A‐induced prolongation of contextually induced aversive behaviour was accompanied by reduced DA and 3,4‐dihyroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), levels in the hippocampus, and increased DA and 5‐HIAA in the periaqueductal grey. These data suggest an important role for CB1 receptors in the right BLA in mediating short‐term extinction of conditioned aversive behaviour but not fear‐conditioned analgesia. The results also enhance our understanding of endocannabinoid–monoamine interactions of relevance to conditioned fear and associated analgesia.
A toolbox for light control of Drosophila behaviors through Channelrhodopsin 2‐mediated photoactivation of targeted neurons
Authors: Zhang Wei , Ge Wooping , Wang Zuoren 
Published: October 2007

AbstractIn order to study the function of specific neural circuits, we generated UAS‐Channelrhodopsin2 (ChR2) transgenic Drosophila and established a ChR2‐based system that enables specific activation of targeted neurons in larval and adult fruit flies with blue light illumination, under the control of a newly designed light source that provides fully programmable stimulation patterns. We showed that stimulating selectively the nociceptor of larvae expressing ChR2 elicited light‐induced ‘pain’ response, confined freely behaving larvae in defined area and directed larva migration along a preset route. In freely behaving adult flies, rapid photoactivation of targeted gustatory sensory neurons, dopaminergic modulatory neurons and motor neurons triggered the proboscis extension response, escaping reflex and changes in the locomotion pattern, respectively, with precise temporal control. This non‐invasive method for remote control of animal behaviors also provides a potential tool for conducting ‘gain of function’ studies toward understanding how animal behaviors are controlled by neural activity.
Plasma membrane Ca2+‐ATPase in the cilia of olfactory receptor neurons: possible role in Ca2+ clearance
Authors: Castillo Karen , Delgado Ricardo , Bacigalupo Juan 
Published: October 2007

AbstractOlfactory sensory neurons respond to odorants increasing Ca2+ concentrations in their chemosensory cilia. Calcium enters the cilia through cAMP‐gated channels, activating Ca2+‐dependent chloride or potassium channels. Calcium also has a fundamental role in odour adaptation, regulating cAMP turnover rate and the affinity of the cyclic nucleotide‐gated channels for cAMP. It has been shown that a Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCX) extrudes Ca2+ from the cilia. Here we confirm previous evidence that olfactory cilia also express plasma membrane Ca2+‐ATPase (PMCA), and show the first evidence supporting a role in Ca2+ removal. Both transporters were detected by immunoblot of purified olfactory cilia membranes. The pump was also revealed by immunocytochemistry and immunohistochemistry. Inside‐out cilia membrane vesicles transported Ca2+ in an ATP‐dependent fashion. PMCA activity was potentiated by luminal Ca2+ (K0.5 = 670 nm) and enhanced by calmodulin (CaM; K0.5 = 31 nm). Both carboxyeosin (CE) and calmidazolium reduced Ca2+ transport, as expected for a CaM‐modulated PMCA. The relaxation time constant (τ) of the Ca2+‐dependent Cl– current (272 ± 78 ms), indicative of luminal Ca2+ decline, was increased by CE (2181 ± 437 ms), by omitting ATP (666 ± 49 ms) and by raising pH (725 ± 65 ms), suggesting a role of the pump on Ca2+ clearance. Replacement of external Na+ by Li+ had a similar effect (τ = 442 ± 8 ms), confirming the NCX involvement in Ca2+ extrusion. The evidence suggests that both Ca2+ transporters contribute to re‐establish resting Ca2+ levels in the cilia following olfactory responses.
A natural antisense transcript against Rad18, specifically expressed in neurons and upregulated during β‐amyloid‐induced apoptosis
Authors: Parenti Rosalba , Paratore Sabrina , Torrisi Antonietta , Cavallaro Sebastiano 
Published: October 2007

AbstractApoptosis, the main form of programmed cell death, is associated to a complex and dynamic transcriptional and post‐transcriptional programme. By microarray analysis, we have previously implicated 241 genes differentially expressed in rat cortical neurons exposed to β‐amyloid (Aβ) protein, the major constituent of amyloid plaques in Alzheimer's disease. A large number of identified genes have no name or known function. In the present study, we have investigated one of these genes that encodes for a natural antisense transcript against Rad18 (NAT‐Rad18). Real‐time quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) confirmed differential expression of this transcript in cortical neurons exposed to Aβ. In situ hybridization, qRT‐PCR and immunohistochemistry were used to assess the regional and cellular distribution of NAT‐Rad18 in adult rat brain. These experiments showed a widespread distribution of NAT‐Rad18, with the highest levels in the cerebellum, brainstem and cortex, where it was specifically expressed by neurons. NAT‐Rad18 was also strongly expressed in epithelial cells of choroid plexus and cerebral vessels. At the cellular level, expression of Rad18 was counterbalanced by that of its natural antisense transcript, as shown by both in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. These experiments suggest the existence of a NAT that exerts a post‐transcriptional control over Rad18.
Neural representation of spectral and temporal features of song in the auditory forebrain of zebra finches as revealed by functional MRI
Authors: Boumans Tiny , Theunissen Frédéric E. , Poirier Colline , Van Der Linden Annemie 
Published: October 2007

AbstractSong perception in songbirds, just as music and speech perception in humans, requires processing the spectral and temporal structure found in the succession of song‐syllables. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging and synthetic songs that preserved exclusively either the temporal or the spectral structure of natural song, we investigated how vocalizations are processed in the avian forebrain. We found bilateral and equal activation of the primary auditory region, field L. The more ventral regions of field L showed depressed responses to the synthetic songs that lacked spectral structure. These ventral regions included subarea L3, medial‐ventral subarea L and potentially the secondary auditory region caudal medial nidopallium. In addition, field L as a whole showed unexpected increased responses to the temporally filtered songs and this increase was the largest in the dorsal regions. These dorsal regions included L1 and the dorsal subareas L and L2b. Therefore, the ventral region of field L appears to be more sensitive to the preservation of both spectral and temporal information in the context of song processing. We did not find any differences in responses to playback of the bird's own song vs other familiar conspecific songs. We also investigated the effect of three commonly used anaesthetics on the blood oxygen level‐dependent response: medetomidine, urethane and isoflurane. The extent of the area activated and the stimulus selectivity depended on the type of anaesthetic. We discuss these results in the context of what is known about the locus of action of the anaesthetics, and reports of neural activity measured in electrophysiological experiments.
Effects of insular cortex lesions on conditioned taste aversion and latent inhibition in the rat
Authors: Roman Christopher , Reilly Steve 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThe present study tested the hypothesis that lesions of the insular cortex of the rat retard the acquisition of conditioned taste aversions (CTAs) because of an impairment in the detection of the novelty of taste stimuli. Demonstrating the expected latent inhibition effect, nonlesioned control subjects acquired CTAs more rapidly when the conditioned stimulus (0.15% sodium saccharin) was novel rather than familiar (achieved by pre‐exposure to the to‐be‐conditioned taste cue). However, rats with insular cortex lesions acquired taste aversions at the same slow rate regardless of whether the saccharin was novel or familiar. The pattern of behavioural deficits obtained cannot be interpreted as disruptions of taste detection or stimulus intensity, but is consistent with the view that insular cortex lesions disrupt taste neophobia, a dysfunction that consequently retards CTA acquisition because of a latent inhibition‐like effect.