bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of temperature on corneas stored in culture medium. A comparative study using functional and morphological methods
Authors: Sandboe Frode D. , Medin Walther , Frøslie Kathrine Frey 
Published: December 2004

Abstract.Purpose: To investigate the influence of storage temperature on corneal swelling and on endothelial morphology in cultured corneas.Material and methods: Forty‐eight rabbit corneas were separated into four groups of 12. The corneas were stored in culture medium at 37 ° (group 37), 34 ° (group 34), 31 ° (group 31) and 23 ° (room temperature) (group 23), respectively. All the corneas were monitored by weight recordings on days 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 7. On day 7, corneas were prepared for scanning electron microscopy and endothelial cell counts were performed.Results: Lowering the temperature of the culture medium resulted in less swelling. Both temperature and storage time had significant effects on corneal swelling (p < 0.001). On day 7, the observed mean weight increase was 131.2%, 143.0%, 172.5% and 199.7% in groups 23, 31, 34 and 37, respectively. The estimated mean daily weight increase for the corneas were 2.6%, 4.0%, 9.1% and 16.0% in groups 23, 31, 34 and 37, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy showed an intact endothelial layer in all groups after 7 days and there were no statistically significant differences in endothelial counts between groups 23, 31 and 34. In group 37, the cell borders were difficult to distinguish after 7 days and no meaningful count could be performed.Conclusions: The swelling rate of cultured corneas is significantly less at 23 ° and 31 ° than it is at 34 ° and 37 ° during the first week. This is most likely the result of a greatly increased barrier effect at lower temperatures. Whereas weight recording revealed profound differences between the groups, scanning electron microscopy and endothelial cell counting did not. The results support the hypothesis that storage at 37 ° is not optimal in culturing corneas. Lowering the temperature below body temperature, and even lower than 31 °, results in less corneal swelling.
Indocyanine green angiography in pigmented paravenous retinochoroidal atrophy
Authors: Yanagi Yasuo , Okajima Osamu , Mori Mikiro 
Published: December 2004

Abstract.Purpose:  To report long‐term follow‐up of patients with pigmented paravenous retinochoroidal atrophy (PPRCA) and to assess the involvement of the choroid and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) in PPRCA.Methods:  Clinical features of PPRCA were studied retrospectively in four patients followed for 6–26 years. Retinal pigment epithelium and choroidal changes were analysed with fluorescein and indocyanine green (ICG) angiography.Results:  The two younger patients, aged 16 and 28 years and followed for 6 and 18 years, respectively, showed stationary RPE atrophy and pigmentation. Indocyanine green angiography visualized slight to modest atrophy of the choriocapillaris. The two older patients, aged 69 and 70 years and each followed for 26 years, showed slow progression of disease during follow‐up. Indocyanine green angiography revealed choriocapillaris atrophy partly extending into the areas shown as hyperfluorescent in fluorescein angiography.Conclusion:  Pigmented paravenous retinochoroidal atrophy is probably a slowly progressive disease, particularly in older patients. The choriocapillaris atrophy in this disease is more properly evaluated by ICG angiography and can be underestimated by fluorescein anigiography.
Metastases in the ophthalmic region in Denmark 1969–98. A histopathological study
Authors: Fahmy Peter , Heegaard Steffen , Jensen Ove Aksel , Prause Jan Ulrik 
Published: December 2004

Abstract.Purpose:  To evaluate the patterns of origin and anatomical localization of histologically verified metastases in the ophthalmic region in Denmark during 1969–98, and to compare the findings with those of a similar study for the period 1944–68.Methods:  All metastatic lesions presented at the Eye Pathology Institute, University of Copenhagen during the period 1968–98 were investigated.Results:  Metastases were found in 81 specimens from the eye and eye region in 76 patients (32 men, 44 women). Five patients had bilateral involvement. The most frequent site of involvement was the uvea (63%), followed by the orbit (26%) and the eyelids (10%). Breast cancer accounted for the most frequent primary tumour (38%), followed by lung cancer (24%) and skin melanoma (14%).Conclusion:  The pattern of anatomical location of metastases in the ocular region has not changed since 1944. The incidence of metastases has fallen significantly throughout the period.
The effects of aspirin and warfarin therapy on haemorrhage in vitreoretinal surgery
Authors: Narendran Niro , Williamson Tom H 
Published: December 2004

Abstract.Background:  No substantial recommendations exist regarding the management of anticoagulant drugs prior to ocular surgery. Stopping anticoagulation can cause fatal emboli, but sight‐threatening bleeds may occur if anticoagulation is continued. We examined the effects of anticoagulation on vitreoretinal surgery.Methods:  Clinical details were prospectively entered on a database. The anticoagulant status of 541 consecutive patients undergoing vitreoretinal surgery was recorded.Results:  Sixty patients in the study were taking aspirin and seven were taking warfarin. There were 11 cases of choroidal haemorrhage, one of which involved a warfarin user. Of 325 retinal detachment repairs, 21 (6.5%) had preoperative vitreous haemorrhages. Two of these patients were on aspirin and two were on warfarin. Sixty‐six vitrectomies were performed for diabetic vitreous haemorrhages, of which nine re‐bled postoperatively. One of these patients was taking warfarin. The association of warfarin with bleeding was statistically significant (relative risk 6.185).Conclusion:  Anticoagulation had no effect on the number of significant perioperative (choroidal) haemorrhages. Aspirin had little effect on bleeding during vitreoretinal surgery. Warfarin, however, was associated with bleeding complications. We suggest that aspirin should not be stopped prior to surgery. Warfarin may be stopped if the patient's thromboembolic risk is low.
The Finnish evidence‐based guideline for open‐angle glaucoma
Authors: Tuulonen A. , Airaksinen P. J. , Erola E. , Forsman E. , Friberg K. , Kaila M. , Klemetti A. , Mäkelä M. , Oskala P. , Puska P. , Suoranta L. , Teir H. , Uusitalo H. , Vainio‐Jylhä E. , Vuori M‐L. 
Published: December 2004

Abstract.In most patients, chronic open‐angle glaucoma is a slowly progressive disease. Eyes with very high intraocular pressure (IOP > 30 mmHg) represent an exception to this and should be treated and followed extremely intensively. As lowering IOP is, so far, the only means of treating glaucoma, the majority of research reports deal with the IOP‐lowering effect of the treatment. The primary goal of treatment, however, is to prevent glaucomatous damage to the structures and function of the eye. The effectiveness of treatment is monitored with optic disc and retinal nerve fibre layer imaging and with visual field examinations. If the glaucomatous changes are progressing, more effective treatment should be given. In the course of follow‐up, it should be noted that the changes in the optic nerve structure and function appear and progress at different time‐points with delays of up to several years. The assessment of abnormalities is dependent on the examination method and requires a great deal of experience on the part of the examiner. The important risk factors in glaucoma are elevated IOP (even if IOP is within normal range in half of patients ), age, positive family history, exfoliation, race and myopia.
Vigabatrin‐associated visual field constriction in a longitudinal series. Reversibility suggested after drug withdrawal
Authors: Fledelius Hans C. 
Published: December 2004

Abstract.Purpose:  To evaluate through a longitudinal study the effects on visual fields of long‐term vigabatrin medication in patients with partial epilepsy and to discuss visual field screening strategies.Methods:  A total of 26 patients aged 14–68 years with a mean history of vigabatrin medication of 8.5 years (range 2–14 years) were followed by manual kinetic Goldmann perimetry (objects IV,4 and I,4) for 6–26 months (mean value 12.3 months). At time zero and at follow‐up, each patient was assigned a ‘pooled’ averaged value, as a linear percentage of normal isopter position, for the two objects as tested nasally and temporally in the five most horizontal meridians on the Goldmann chart. Twelve eyes from nine adults (age 24–60 years) served as controls.Results:  Constrictions were recorded in 24 of 26 patients at baseline. Averaged isopters ranged from 8% to 96% of the controls' averaged isopter positions. Median values of 71.5% and 60.5% for large and small objects, respectively, indicated that the smaller object was more sensitive to visual field constriction. There was no difference in the degree of constriction between nasal and temporal hemifields. Significant improvement in the visual field (mean gain 13.6% units) was seen in the eight patients who underwent full drug withdrawal. No similar improvement was seen in the 12 patients still on full dose or the six with reduced intake.Conclusions:  Most Danish patients on long‐term vigabatrin medication have suffered some visual field loss. Contrary to most clinical evidence so far, the present follow‐up study indicates some reversibility of visual field loss after drug withdrawal. Kinetic Goldmann perimetry appears to be a fair alternative to computerized static perimetry techniques for screening and following vigabatrin‐treated patients.
Indocyanine green angiography in a case of unilateral recurrent posterior acute multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy
Authors: Schneider Ulrike , Inhoffen Werner , Gelisken Faik 
Published: December 2004

Abstract.Purpose:  To report a case of unilateral recurrent acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy (APMPPE) imaged by indocyanine green (ICG) angiography.Methods:  A complete ophthalmological evaluation, including fluorescein and ICG angiography, was performed.Results:  Acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy recurred 3 months after the initial disease in a 23‐year‐old male patient. On ICG angiography, both new, active and healed, inactive lesions demonstrated hypofluorescence throughout the study. The healed lesions were smaller in size and irregularly shaped, whereas the new, active lesions were larger in size, round and more confluent.Conclusion:  New, active and healed, inactive lesions in APMPPE can both be imaged and differentiated by ICG angiography.
Predictive factors of developing diabetes mellitus in women with gestational diabetes
Authors: ÅBerg Anders E. B. , Jönsson Eva K. , Eskilsson Inger , Landin‐Olsson Mona , Frid Anders H. 
Published: December 2004

Background.  To investigate which factors during gestational diabetes pregnancies correlate with the risk of developing impaired glucose tolerance or diabetes 1 year postpartum and to compare this risk in women with gestational diabetes and women with a normal oral glucose tolerance test during pregnancy.Methods.  Of 315 women with gestational diabetes, defined as a 2‐hr blood glucose value of at least 9.0 mmol/l at a 75‐g oral glucose tolerance test, who delivered in Lund 1991–99, 229 (73%) performed a new test 1 year postpartum. We compared maternal and fetal factors during pregnancy with the test value at follow up. A control group of 153 women with a 2‐hr test value below 7.8 mmol/l during pregnancy were invited to a new test 1 year postpartum and 60 (39%) accepted.Results.  At 1 year follow up, 31% of the women with gestational diabetes but only one of the 60 controls showed pathologic glucose tolerance and one had developed diabetes. The following factors in women with gestational diabetes were identified as predicting impaired glucose tolerance or diabetes at 1 year follow up: maternal age over 40 and – in a multiple regression analysis, independent of each other – a high 2‐hr value at oral glucose tolerance test during pregnancy and insulin treatment during pregnancy.Conclusion.  The risk of developing manifest diabetes after gestational diabetes may be high enough to justify a general screening or diagnostic procedure in all pregnant women to identify women with gestational diabetes and a postpartum follow up program for them. This study did not identify any particular factor during pregnancy with enough precision to predict a later progression to diabetes.
Normal cervical changes in parous women during the second half of pregnancy – a prospective, longitudinal ultrasound study
Authors: Bergelin Ingrid , Valentin Lil 
Published: December 2004

Objective. To determine what constitutes normal cervical changes during the second half of pregnancy in parous women delivering at term.Design. The study comprises 21 healthy, pregnant parous women who all gave birth at term. They were examined with transvaginal ultrasound every two weeks from 24 gestational weeks until delivery. Cervical length and width were measured. The inner cervical os was assessed as being closed or open, the length and width of any opening were measured, and dynamic cervical changes (i.e. opening and closing of the inner cervical os during examination) were noted.Results. Median cervical length was 41 mm (range 26–55) at the first examination and 29 mm (range 8–56) at the last examination. The corresponding figures for cervical width were 38 mm (range 29–47) and 46 mm (range 38–64). Cervical length decreased in 18 women but remained unchanged in three. Three patterns of change in cervical length were observed: in 12 women there was a steady, continuous decrease in cervical length (median decrease rate 1.1 mm/week, range 0.6–2.4); in four women the decrease rate accelerated towards the end of pregnancy, the median decrease rate after the change being 3.0 mm/week (range 1.5–4.8); and in two women there was a sudden drop in cervical length at term. Cervical width increased in 16 women but remained unchanged in five. Two patterns of change in cervical width were seen: 14 women manifested a steady continuous increase in cervical width (median 0.8 mm/week, range 0.4–1.8); in two women the increase rate accelerated from around 34 gestational weeks, the increase rate after the change being 4.1 and 5.9 mm/week, respectively. Opening of the internal cervical os was observed at least once in 11 (52%) women and was seen as early as at 24 and 25 gestational weeks in two women. The opening was always V‐shaped (median length 6 mm, range 4–17; median width 7 mm, range 3–20). Dynamic changes of the internal cervical os were seen in three women (14%) at 25, 30 and 41 gestational weeks, respectively.Conclusion. The cervix of parous women decreases in length and increases in width from midpregnancy to term, but the pattern of change varies between individuals. Knowledge of the different patterns of normal change forms the basis of transvaginal ultrasound studies of pathological cervical changes during pregnancy.
A prospective observational study on tears during vaginal delivery: occurrences and risk factors
Authors: Samuelsson Ellen , Ladfors Lars , Lindblom Britta Gåreberg , Hagberg Henrik 
Published: December 2004

Background. To ascertain the occurrence and distribution of various types of I‐IV degree tears, during childbirth, and analyze risk factors for perineal II degree tears.Materials and methods. A total of 2883 consecutive vaginal deliveries, during 1995–97 at Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Göteborg Sweden, were included. All tears were classified according to an especially designed protocol, and risk factors for II degree tears were evaluated by use of univariate and logistic regression analysis.Results. Only 6.6% of nulliparous parturients had no detectable tear as compared to 34.2% in parous women. Almost half of the women suffered from a II degree tear during birth, and a higher proportion of nulliparous (16.6%) than parous (9.4%) women had extensive perineal lacerations. In addition, nulliparous were more likely than parous parturients to be subjected to a perineotomy (18.1% versus 5.6%). Stepwise logistic regression analysis revealed that the following factors remained independently associated with II degree tear: slight perineal edema, high infant weight, excellent visualization of perineum, increasing age of the mother, excellent cooperation of the women, protracted second phase (> 60 min) and duration of second phase < 30 min.Conclusions. The majority of women (78%) undergoing childbirth had a tear and 47.1% suffered from perineal lacerations. Nulliparous women were more likely to have severe perineal lacerations or episiotomies. Similar risk factors were found for II degree tears as previously shown for III/IV degree tears.
Effect of α‐trinositol on secretion induced byEscherichia coliST‐toxin in rat jejunum
Authors: Lahti A.‐M. , Cassuto J. , Yregård L. , Lindblom L. , Sinclair R. , Tarnow P. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractAim: d‐myo‐inositol‐1,2,6‐trisphosphate (α‐trinositol, PP56), is a synthetic isomer of the intracellular second messenger,d‐myo‐inositol‐1,4,5‐trisphospahate. The pharmacological actions ofα‐trinositol include potent anti‐inflammatory properties and inhibition of the secretion induced by cholera toxin and obstructive ileus. In the present study, we investigated whetherα‐trinositol was able to influence the secretion induced by heat‐stable ST‐toxin fromEscherichia coliin the rat jejunum.Methods: A midline abdominal incision was performed in anaesthetized male Sprague–Dawley rats and a 6–7 cm long jejunal segment was isolated with intact vascular supply and placed in a chamber suspended from a force displacement transducer connected to a Grass®polygraph. Intestinal net fluid transport was continuously monitored gravimetrically. Crystalline ST‐toxin (120 mouse units) was introduced into the intestinal lumen and left there for the rest of the experiment. When a stable secretion was observed,α‐trinositol (60 mg kg−1 h−1) or saline were infused during 2 h, followed by a 2‐h control period.Results: α‐Trinositol induced a significant (P < 0.001) inhibition of ST‐toxin secretion within 30 min, lasting until 2 h after infusion had stopped. The agent also moderately increased (P < 0.05) net fluid absorption in normal jejunum. Mean arterial pressure (P < 0.001) and heart rate (P < 0.001) were reduced byα‐trinositol.Conclusion: The inhibition byα‐trinositol of ST‐toxin induced intestinal secretion is primarily secondary to inhibition of secretory mechanisms and only to lesser extent due to increased absorption. The detailed mechanisms of action have not been clarified but may involve suppression of inflammation possibly by means of cellular signal transduction.
Renal and hepatic expression of the ammonium transporter proteins, Rh B Glycoprotein and Rh C Glycoprotein
Authors: Weiner I. D. , Verlander J. W. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractA family of ammonium transporter proteins was recently identified. Members of this family, Rh B Glycoprotein (RhBG) and Rh C Glycoprotein (RhCG) are expressed in the kidney and the liver, important tissues for ammonium metabolism. Immunohistochemical studies demonstrate basolateral RhBG immunoreactivity in the connecting segment (CNT) and collecting ducts, but not in the proximal tubule or the loop of Henle. Colocalization with thiazide sensitive cotransporter and carbonic anhydrase II confirms expression in the CNT, initial collecting tubule (ICT), and throughout the collecting duct. Colocalization with AE1 and pendrin demonstrates expression is greatest in A‐type intercalated cells in the cortical collecting duct (CCD), outer medullary collecting duct (OMCD) and inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD), present in the CCD principal cell, and not detectable in either pendrin‐positive CCD intercalated cells or in non‐intercalated cells in the OMCD and IMCD. RhCG immunoreactivity has a similar axial distribution as RhBG. However, RhCG immunoreactivity is apical, and is detectable in all CCD and outer stripe of OMCD cells. The liver, a second organ involved in ammonia metabolism, also expresses both RhBG and RhCG. Basolateral RhBG immunoreactivity is present in the perivenous hepatocyte, but is not present in either the periportal or mid‐zonal hepatocyte. Hepatic RhCG mRNA is expressed at lower levels than RhBG, and RhCG protein is detected in bile duct epithelium. These findings indicate that RhBG and RhCG are involved in at least two organs that transport ammonia, and that they are located in sites where they are likely to mediate important roles in ammonia transport.
Novel Ca2+ signalling mechanisms in vascular myocytes: symposium overview*
Authors: Li P.‐L. , Lee H. C. , Nelson M. T. , Meininger G. A. , Van Breemen C. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractThis commentary presents the proceedings of the symposium sponsored by Cardiovascular Section of American Physiological Society in San Diego, CA on 12 April 2003. The major focus of this symposium was on the actions and physiological relevance of several novel Ca2+ signalling mechanisms in vascular smooth muscle (VSM) cells. Five important topics were presented in this symposium including the discovery and roles of cyclic ADP‐ribose (cADPR) and nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NAADP) in mediating Ca2+ release, Ca2+ sparks and activation of plasma membrane KCa channels in VSM cells, the role of cADPR‐mediated activation of ryanodine receptors in the control of vascular tone, the role of [Ca2+]i in mechanotransduction in the arterioles, and interactions of mitochondrial Ca2+ release and SR Ca2+ mobilization. The purpose of this symposium was to promote discussions and exchange of ideas between scientists with interests in Ca2+ signalling mechanisms and those with interests in vascular physiology and pharmacology. The cross‐fertilization of ideas is expected to greatly advance our understanding of the physiological and pharmacological relevance of these new Ca2+ signalling mechanisms.
Effects of prolonged exercise and recovery on sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ cycling properties in rat muscle homogenates
Authors: Schertzer J. D. , Green H. J. , Fowles J. R. , Duhamel T. A. , Tupling A. R. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractAim:  To examine the effects of exercise and exercise plus active and passive recovery on sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+‐handling properties.Methods:  Crude muscle homogenates were prepared from adult rat gastrocnemius muscle from two experiments. In one experiment, the muscle was extracted immediately after prolonged treadmill running (RUN), after a 45 min period of reduced exercise intensity (RUN+) following RUN and compared with controls (CON). In the second experiment, muscle was extracted during passive recovery following the same run protocol at 10 min (REC10), 25 min (REC25) and 45 min (REC45) and compared with CON.Results:  Sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+‐uptake was 31% higher (P < 0.05) in RUN+ compared with CON and RUN. Higher values (P < 0.05) were also found in REC25 (48%) and REC45 (50%) compared with CON. Maximal Ca2+‐ATPase was increased by 23% (P < 0.05) in RUN+ compared with CON and RUN and by 65–68% (P < 0.05) in REC25 and REC45 compared with CON. A higher (P < 0.05) Hill coefficient for Ca2+‐ATPase activity was observed in RUN+ (2.3 ± 0.2) compared with CON (1.7 ± 0.2) or RUN (1.6 ± 0.2), but not for any REC conditions. In addition, the coupling ratio (Ca2+‐uptake/Ca2+‐ATPase activity) was higher (P < 0.05) in RUN+ (2.2 ± 0.10) compared with CON (1.9 ± 0.05) and RUN (1.9 ± 0.08).Conclusions:  It is concluded that in crude homogenates, SR Ca2+‐uptake and Ca2+‐ATPase activity are elevated in recovery following prolonged running and that the elevation in these properties is more pronounced during passive compared with active recovery.