bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inhibitory Effect of Telomere-Mimic Phosphorothioate Oligodeoxy Nucleotides (S-ODNS) on Human Tumor Cell Lines
Authors: Saeki Toshiaki , Takashima Shigemitsu , Tachibana Mari , Koga Masakazu , Hiyama Eiso , Salomon David S. , Holland James F. , Ohnuma Takao 
Published: April 2003

To clarify the inhibitory effect of telomere-mimic oligonucleotides on human cancer cell lines, we synthesized 18-mers (18T; n = 3), 24-mers (24T; n = 4) and 30-mers (30T; n = 5) of telomere-mimic phosphorothioate oligodeoxy nucleotides [5′-d(TTA GGG)n-3′] and examined their effects on the proliferation of human tumor cells by XTT assay. After 7 days of continuous exposure to 24T and 30T at concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 10 µ<i>M</i>, concentration-dependent cell growth inhibition was observed in MCF-7 clone E3, ZR-75-1, MDA-MB 231, Colo 201 and WiDr. All of these cell lines highly expressed telomerase using the telomeric repeat amplification protocol. None of these tumor cell lines were affected by 18T. In MCF-7, ZR-75-1 and Colo 201 cell lines, a more than 50% growth inhibition was obtained by 3 µ<i>M</i> of 24T and 30T whereas, in MDA-MB 231 and WiDr cell lines, cell growth inhibition was less than 50%. 30T was more effective than 24T. Estrogen-dependent growth of both MCF-7 and ZR-75-1 was inhibited by 3 µ<i>M</i> of 24T and 30T, however, in the absence of estrogen, no growth inhibition was seen. The MCF-10A cell line, which was developed from normal human breast tissue and expressed telomerase only weakly, was inhibited by 10 µ<i>M</i> of 18T. In conclusion, these observations indicate that S-ODNs inhibit tumor growth in cell lines expressing telomerase in a concentration-dependent manner and that cell growth inhibition is dependent on the length of S-ODNs. In addition, the short-length S-ODNs may inhibit growth of cells weakly expressing telomerase, but not of cells with high telomerase expression.
Evaluation of a Standardized Protocol of Intracavitary Recombinant Interferon Alpha-2b in the Palliative Treatment of Malignant Peritoneal Effusions
Authors: Sartori Sergio , Nielsen Ingrid , Tassinari Davide , Trevisani Lucio , Abbasciano Vincenzo , Malacarne Paolo 
Published: April 2003

<i>Objective:</i> Several schedules with variable doses of intracavitary interferon have been proposed for the management of metastatic peritoneal effusions. This prospective pilot study evaluated the efficacy of a standardized schedule of intraperitoneal interferon α<sub>2b</sub>. <i>Methods:</i> In 41 cancer patients with malignant ascites a 9-french intraperitoneal catheter was placed under sonographic guidance, and ascites was drained until abdominal ultrasound showed complete absence of effusion. Interferon α<sub>2b</sub>, 6 or 9 million units (body weight ≤ or >50 kg, respectively), was then administered via the tube, which was clamped for 6 h. 6 courses were given at 4-day intervals. In comparison with pretreatment levels, the 30-day response was classified as complete (CR) = no fluid recurrence, partial (PR) = fluid recurrence <50% and no response (NR) = >50%. Responders were monitored until fluid recurrence requiring paracentesis. <i>Results:</i> 12 patients had CR, 15 PR, 14 NR. Global response (GR) was 65.9%. In ovarian cancer, GR was 75% and was not influenced by the quantity of the pretreatment daily fluid production. In the other cancers, a pretreatment fluid production ≤500 ml/day was associated with a significantly higher response (p < 0.05). Patients not showing response within the first 3 courses did not respond after the next courses. 60-day GR was 41.5%, 90-day GR was 26.8%. The mean time to fluid reaccumulation was 70.5 ± 75.3 versus 11.4 ± 4.4 days before treatment (p < 0.001). The survival of responders was 38–394 days (mean 131), and the average duration of response was 101 days. <i>Conclusion:</i> This protocol could be reasonably applied to ovarian cancer patients and to patients with other cancers having a fluid production of ≤500 ml/day, and it should be stopped if no response is observed after 3 courses of treatment.
Progression of Visual Field Loss in Patients with Retinitis pigmentosa of Sporadic and Autosomal Recessive Types
Authors: Akeo Kiyoshi , Saga Masamichi , Hiida Yoshiki , Oguchi Yoshihisa , Okisaka Shigekuni 
Published: April 2003

<b>Purpose: </b>We examined the natural course of patients with retinitis pigmentosa of the eight sporadic and five autosomal recessive forms over 5 years. <b>Methods: </b>We measured the areas of the visual fields by Goldmann perimetry using a digitizer and a computer software. <b>Results: </b>The visual field of V-4 isopters in 4 sporadic cases was approximately 200 cm<sup>2</sup> during 30 years after the initial examination, but decreased down to 40 cm<sup>2</sup> in the next 10 years. The visual field was reduced to half the normal field in 3 autosomal recessive cases early below the age of 25 years. In 4 sporadic and 2 autosomal recessive cases, the inferior temporal visual field was the widest at the onset of the disease, but exhibited the most severe loss. The superior nasal area was the narrowest initially, and showed the mildest progression. <b>Conclusions: </b>The visual field in retinitis pigmentosa is constricted age-dependently with severe loss of the inferior temporal visual area and mild damage to the superior nasal area.
Electro-Oculography in Pigment Dispersion Syndrome
Authors: Scuderi G.L. , Ricci F. , Nucci C. , Galasso M.J. , Cerulli L. 
Published: April 2003

Clinical data and the common embryological origin of the pigment epithelium of the iris and retinal pigment epithelium suggest that the latter may be involved in the pigment dispersion syndrome (PDS). In our study functional changes of the retinal pigment epithelium were evaluated by electro-oculography in 10 PDS patients, 10 patients with chronic open-angle glaucoma (COAG) and 10 normal subjects. The mean dark-trough latency and Arden ratio for the PDS group were significantly lower than those of the COAG and control groups. Analysis of the Arden ratios based on the Kruskall-Wallis test revealed that 30% of the PDS values were subnormal with respect to the control group mean –1 SD. These results indicate primary involvement of the retinal pigment epithelium in PDS.
Role of Nitric Oxide during the Initial Phase of Reperfusion after Retinal Ischemia in the Rat
Authors: Hangai Masanori , Yoshimura Nagahisa , Hiroi Kano , Mandai Michiko , Honda Yoshihito 
Published: April 2003

The onset of reperfusion and the recovery of the ERG b-wave following retinal ischemia was examined among three groups of rats: group 1 (n = 12) and group 2 (n = 6) received pretreatment with N<sup>G</sup>-nitro-L-arginine (20 mg/kg, i.p., 2 h before ischemia) followed by intravenous injection of saline (group 1) or of 200 mg/kg L-arginine (group 2) 5 min before the end of ischemia; group 3 (n = 7) received saline pretreatment followed by intravenous injection of saline as a control. Group 1 showed delayed onset of reperfusion compared to the other two groups and a reduction in the rate of the b-wave recovery compared to the control on the 1st day after reperfusion (group 1 vs. group 3; p = 0.0357). The L-arginine posttreatment significantly increased the b-wave recovery (group 2 vs. group 1; p = 0.0005 on day 1 and p < 0.0006 on day 3). The rate of the b-wave recovery in group 1 was inversely proportional to the time to establish complete reperfusion. Inhibition of nitric oxide synthase during the initial phase of reperfusion may worsen the recovery of the b-wave following retinal ischemia, at least in part, by inhibiting establishment of reperfusion.
Postoperative Lens Position Preoperatively Determined by Scheimpflug Photography
Authors: Kersten I.S. , Olbert D. , Kehrhahn O.H. , Pfeiffer N. 
Published: April 2003

The position of the artificial lens has an important influence on refractive power calculation. We compared the position of the crystalline lens with that of the artificial lens after cataract surgery by means of Scheimpflug photography. A difference in position of approximately 0.8 mm in the anterior direction could be determined.
Inhibitory Effect of Nilvadipine on Disruption of Blood-Aqueous Barrier Induced by Prostaglandin E<sub>2</sub> Application in Pigmented Rabbits: A Morphologic Study
Authors: Kadoi Chiharu , Hiraki Shigeyoshi , Hayasaka Seiji , Ohtani Osamu 
Published: April 2003

The purpose of the present study is to investigate the morphologic sites of breakdown in eyes pretreated with nilvadipine (a calcium channel blocker) that has been shown to inhibit the acute rise of aqueous flare induced by prostaglandin E<sub>2</sub> (PGE<sub>2</sub>). Nilvadipine (100 µg/kg body weight) was injected intravenously in pigmented rabbits. Thirty minutes later, vehicle or PGE<sub>2</sub> (10, 50 or 250 µg/ml) was applied on the cornea by use of a glass cylinder. Forty-five minutes later, the animals received horseradish peroxidase (HRP) intravenously and the eyes were enucleated. Distribution of HRP in the anterior segments was observed by electron microscopy. Without nilvadipine pretreatment, HRP was seen in the intercellular space of nonpigmented cells of the eyes treated with 50 µg/ml PGE<sub>2</sub> and in the iris stroma of the eyes treated with 250 µg/ml PGE<sub>2</sub>. With nilvadipine pretreatment, HRP was not observed in these sites. Our results indicate that nilvadipine suppresses disruption of the different sites of the blood-aqueous barrier.
The Human Fetal Retinal Pigment Epithelium: A Target Tissue for Thyroid Hormones
Authors: Duncan K.G. , Bailey K.R. , Baxter J.D. , Schwartz D.M. 
Published: April 2003

Thyroid hormone (T<sub>3</sub>) has previously been shown to regulate visual function in experimental animals and humans. To determine if T<sub>3</sub> exerts direct effects on retinal function, cultured human fetal retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells were tested for the presence of thyroid hormone receptors (TRs) and T<sub>3</sub> responses. Using TR-isoform-specific reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction techniques, mRNA was detected for α1, α2 and β1 TR isoforms. Immunohistochemistry using a polyclonal antibody that simultaneously recognizes α1, α2 and β1 TRs showed nuclear staining of the fetal RPE. Specific binding of <sup>125</sup>I-T<sub>3</sub> to RPE cell nuclear extracts was detected, and Scatchard analysis revealed a K<sub>d</sub> of 110 p<i>M</i>. To determine if RPE cells can respond to T<sub>3</sub>, hyaluronic acid (HA) levels in cell culture media were measured after 2, 4 or 6 days of growth in medium containing 10<sup>–7</sup> <i>M</i> T<sub>3</sub>. T<sub>3</sub> inhibited accumulation of HA in the cell culture medium of RPE cells. This effect was not evident at 2 days, but at 4 days there was 42.8% less HA in cell culture medium of RPE cells grown in 10<sup>–7</sup> <i>M</i> T<sub>3</sub> (p < 0.01, t test). The effect persisted through 6 days, when there was 46.3% less HA in cell culture medium of RPE cells grown in 10<sup>–7</sup> <i>M</i> T<sub>3</sub> (p < 0.001, t test). The data indicate that human fetal RPE cells are a direct target for thyroid hormones.
Nucleoside Diphosphate Kinase (nm23 Protein) Expression in Retinoblastoma
Authors: Bardak Yavuz , Çekiç Osman , Ayhan Ayşe , Günalp İlhan , Bulay Orhan 
Published: April 2003

Forty-two enucleated eyes of 42 patients with unilateral retinoblastoma were studied histologically, including histochemically examiantion with anti-nm23 polyclonal antibody which does not recognise cDNA but its product. Primary tumours of >15 mm diameter with less evidence of apoptosis and with the most pleomorphic and anaplastic nuclei were associated with an increased risk of distant metastasis, but rosette formation did not discriminate. A high intensity of nm23 staining also indicated a tendency to meastasise, consistent with childhood neuroblastoma but in contrast to findings in carcinoma of the breast, colon and uterine cervix.
Quantification of Nitric Oxide and Cytokines in Rabbit Aqueous Humor after Neodymium:YAG Laser Capsulotomy
Authors: Er Hamdi , Gündüz Abuzer , Cigli Ahmet , Turkoz Yusuf , Cekmen Mustafa 
Published: April 2003

<i>Purpose:</i> The purpose of this study was to evaluate the presence of nitric oxide (NO) and cytokines such as interleukin 1β, interleukin 2 receptor (IL-2R), interleukin 6 and tumor necrosis factor α on aqueous humor after neodymium:YAG (Nd:YAG) laser posterior capsulotomy. <i>Methods:</i> Fifteen rabbits (30 eyes) with dense posterior capsule opacities underwent Nd:YAG capsulotomy 4 months after phacoemulsification cataract surgery. After general and topical anesthesia, Nd:YAG capsulotomy was performed using an equal number of shots and power setting on all eyes. Aqueous humor specimens were collected from each eye preoperatively and at 12, 24 and 48 h after the surgery to determine NO and cytokine levels. <i>Results:</i> The levels of NO and cytokines except IL-2R were significantly high as compared to preoperative levels in all eyes at 12 and 24 h postoperatively (p < 0.05). Although the levels of NO and cytokines were higher than preoperative levels at 48 h, the differences were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). <i>Conclusion:</i> These findings suggest that NO and cytokines appear to be potential inflammatory mediators in the occurrence of early inflammation following Nd:YAG posterior capsulotomy.
Influence of Dehydroepiandrosterone on Rabbit Intraocular Pressure
Authors: Kearse E. Claire , McIntyre Orinthal L. , Johnson Maribeth H. , Phillips Calbert I. , Lathe Richard , Adams William , Green Keith 
Published: April 2003

<i>Purpose:</i> The systemic concentration of dehydroepiandrosterone decreases with age in primates while in humans intraocular pressure (IOP) increases with aging. This study was designed to investigate if a relationship existed between dehydroepiandrosterone and IOP in pigmented rabbits. <i>Methods:</i> Animals were treated unilaterally for 6 weeks with topical 3% dehydroepiandrosterone in 30% 2-hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin; the contralateral eye received vehicle alone. Drops were applied, and IOP measured, twice daily. <i>Results:</i> Small, but statistically significant, drug-related effects were found. IOP was consistently higher in the afternoon; the afternoon minus morning difference in IOP, however, decreased with time. Topical, radioactive drug application indicated very low level penetration into aqueous humor, iris, corneal epithelium, the rest of the cornea, or bulbar conjunctiva. <i>Conclusion: </i> The small drug-related effects may be due, in large part, to poor intraocular drug penetration. The circadian rhythm of IOP appears to be time-dependent in chronic studies with a gradual loss of IOP difference between a.m. and p.m. readings.
Human and Rabbit Corneal Endothelial Permeability after Different Chemical Forms of Glutathione
Authors: Green Keith , Kearse E. Claire , Yokogaki Shuichi , Awata Takashi 
Published: April 2003

This study aimed to compare the effects of reduced glutathione (GSH) with those of S-(1,2-dicarboxyethyl)glutathione (DCE-GS) (in rabbits and humans), and different concentrations of the latter (in humans), on corneal endothelial permeability when added to solutions bathing the isolated cornea. Inulin/dextran permeability was determined from stromal- to endothelial-facing surfaces of de-epithelialized corneas. The bathing solution was modified Opeguard<sup>®</sup>-MA (MOMA), an ocular irrigating solution, to which either GSH or another intrinsic tripeptide, DCE-GS, was added. Paired corneas were used to compare either different combinations of GSH with DCE-GS (rabbit or human) or various concentrations of DCE-GS from 0.25 to 2.0 m<i>M</i> (human). Endothelial cyclic AMP levels were determined in cultured rabbit cells. MOMA alone resulted in approximately the same permeability as MOMA + 0.3 m<i>M</i> GSH while the use of 2 m<i>M</i> DCE-GS significantly reduced rabbit (40% maximum, p < 0.00001) and human (30% maximum, p < 0.01) corneal permeability. Human corneal endothelial permeability remained reduced through a range of concentrations of DCE-GS from 0.25 to 2.0 m<i>M</i> DCE-GS. Tissue-cultured rabbit corneal endothelium showed an increase in cyclic AMP after DCE-GS or GSH. DCE-GS potentially offers a viable alternative to GSH for inclusion in ocular irrigating or corneal preservative solutions since it maintains human corneal endothelial permeability at a lower, stable value relative to non-DCE-GS-containing solutions.
Interaction between Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol and Indomethacin
Authors: Green Keith , Kearse E. Claire , McIntyre Orinthal L. 
Published: April 2003

The effect of indomethacin on the Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC)-induced fall in rabbit intraocular pressure (IOP) was determined. A 2% suspension of indomethacin was given topically 1 h before intravenous injection of Δ9-THC. IOP was measured hourly and was compared between groups receiving either Δ9-THC alone or Δ9-THC plus indomethacin. A substantial attenuation of the IOP response to Δ9-THC was caused by indomethacin. Δ9-THC may influence IOP at least in part by a prostaglandin-mediated process. Involvement of the cyclooxygenase pathway offers a common explanation for linking several ocular cannabinoid effects. The latter include a fall in IOP, conjunctival hyperemia and minor inflammation.
Thalidomide Inhibits Leukocyte-Endothelium Interaction in Endotoxin-Induced Uveitis
Authors: Baatz Holger , Tönessen Björn , Prada Javier , Pleyer Uwe 
Published: April 2003

To investigate the effects of thalidomide on leukocyte-endothelium interaction in iris vessels of rats with an endotoxin-induced uveitis (EIU), intravital fluorescence microscopy was used to quantify leukocyte adhesion to the vascular endothelium of iris venules in Lewis rats at 2, 4, 8 and 24 h after induction of EIU. Animals (n = 84) received a single intraperitoneal dose of either thalidomide (80 mg/kg body weight) or prednisolone (10 mg/kg body weight). Both drugs significantly reduced firm adhesion of leukocytes at 4, 8 and 24 h. Thalidomide caused earlier suppression of leukocyte rolling than prednisolone (4 vs. 8 h). TNF-α plasma levels peaked at 2 h and were not significantly reduced in any group compared with controls. Cell count and protein concentration in aqueous humor were significantly reduced by prednisolone and thalidomide at 24 h (p < 0.05). Thalidomide exerts its anti-inflammatory effects by an inhibition of leukocyte-endothelium interaction. Compared with prednisolone, thalidomide shows earlier inhibition of leukocyte rolling, indicating modulation of adhesion molecule expression and/or function.
Effects of HNS-32, a Novel Antiarrhythmic Agent, on Guinea-Pig Myocardium
Authors: Noguchi Kazuo , Kase Junya , Saitoh Mariko , Masumiya Haruko , Saitoh Masaki , Nakazawa Tomoo , Tanaka Yoshio , Tanaka Hikaru , Hashimoto Keitaro , Shigenobu Koki 
Published: April 2003

The electrophysiological and mechanical effects of HNS-32, a novel azulene-1-carboxamidine derivative with antiarrhythmic activity, were studied in isolated guinea-pig myocardial preparations. HNS-32 (10<sup>–6</sup>–10<sup>–4</sup> mol/l) concentration-dependently decreased the maximum rate of rise (V<sub>max</sub>) of action potential in isolated papillary muscle; the potency was the same or slightly higher than that of disopyramide. At 10<sup>–4</sup> mol/l, HNS-32 also shortened the action potential duration (APD) and depolarized the resting membrane potential; these effects were similar to those of 10<sup>–5</sup> mol/l verapamil. HNS-32 (10<sup>–7</sup>–10<sup>–4</sup> mol/l), as well as verapamil (10<sup>–8</sup>–10<sup>–5</sup> mol/l) and disopyramide (10<sup>–6</sup>–10<sup>–3</sup> mol/l), had concentration-dependent negative chronotropic and negative inotropic effects on isolated right atrial and right ventricular papillary muscle preparations, respectively. The concentration-response relationship for the positive chronotropic effect of isoproterenol was not affected by HNS-32 (10<sup>–5</sup> mol/l). In isolated ventricular myocytes, HNS-32 (10<sup>–6</sup>–10<sup>–4</sup> mol/l) concentration-dependently inhibited the peak amplitude of the L-type Ca<sup>2+</sup> current. These results suggest that NHS-32 has V<sub>max</sub> reducing activity on myocardial tissue, which may be responsible for antiarrhythmic effect. The drug may also have additional effect on the Ca<sup>2+</sup> channel at higher concentrations.
Effect of Alpha-Adrenoceptor Agonists and Antagonists on Imipramine-Induced Antinociception in the Rat Formalin Test
Authors: Zarrindast Mohammad-Reza , Sahebgharani Mousa 
Published: April 2003

In this study, the effect of central administration of the α-adrenoceptor agents on the antinociception induced by imipramine in the formalin test has been investigated. Intraperitoneal (IP) administration of different doses of imipramine (10–80 mg/kg) and intracerebroventricular (ICV) administration of the α<sub>2</sub>-adrenoceptor agonist clonidine (0.05–0.8 µg/rat) elicited a dose-dependent antinociception in the both phases of the test. Furthermore, different doses of clonidine (0.05–0.2 µg/rat) increased the antinociception induced by imipramine (10 and 20 mg/kg). The α<sub>2</sub>-adrenoceptor antagonist yohimbine (2 µg/rat, ICV) reduced the response of a low dose imipramine (10 mg/kg, IP) plus different doses of clonidine (0.05, 0.1 and 0.2 µg/rat, ICV), but did not alter the response induced by higher doses of imipramine (20 and 40 mg/kg) alone or in combination with clonidine. Yohimbine by itself elicited no effect. The α<sub>1</sub>-adrenoceptor agonist phenylephrine (0.07–1.5 µg/rat) induced antinociception in both phases of the formalin test, but did not alter the imipramine-induced antinociception. The α<sub>1</sub>-adrenoceptor antagonist prazosin neither elicited antinociception nor altered the imipramine response. Yohimbine (2 µg/ rat, ICV) in combination with prazosin (0.5 µg/rat, ICV) caused more inhibition of the response of imipramine or imipramine plus clonidine. Therefore, it is concluded that α<sub>2</sub>-adrenoceptor mechanism may be involved in the imipramine-induced antinociception.
The Relationship between Vowel and Consonant Duration in Orkney and Shetland Dialects
Authors: van Leyden Klaske 
Published: April 2003

AbstractIn Shetland dialect, the northernmost branch of Lowland Scots, stressed monosyllables, when closed by a consonant, generally contain either a durationally short vowel followed by a durationally long consonant, or a long vowel followed by a short consonant. This feature, first described in the 1950s, can most likely be ascribed to the Scandinavian substratum of the dialect. Although several experimental investigations into the duration of Scottish vowels have been carried out recently, most of them in the light of the Scottish vowel length rule, none of them so far have looked at Shetland dialect or the relationship between the duration of the vowel and the final consonant. In the present study we will examine vowel and final consonant duration in monosyllabic words in both Shetland and Orkney dialects, as well as in Standard Scottish English and Standard Norwegian, in order to establish whether in Shetland dialect, durationally short consonants follow durationally long vowels and vice versa and if so, if this is indeed a feature peculiar to Shetland.