bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mutagenesis studies of conserved proline residues of human P2X1 receptors for ATP indicate that proline 272 contributes to channel function
Authors: Roberts Jonathan A. , Evans Richard J. 
Published: February 2005

AbstractProline residues can play a major role in the secondary structure of proteins. In the extracellular ATP binding loop of P2X receptors there are four totally conserved proline residues (P2X1 receptor numbering; P93, P166, P228 and P272) and three less conserved residues P196 (six of seven isoforms), P174 and P225 (five of seven isoforms). We have mutated individual conserved proline residues in the human P2X1 receptor and determined their properties. Mutants were expressed in Xenopus oocytes and characterized using a two‐electrode voltage clamp. Mutants P166A, P174A, P196A, P225A and P228A had no effect on ATP potency compared with wild‐type and P93A had a fourfold decrease in ATP potency. The P272A, P272D and P272K receptor mutants were expressed at the cell surface; however, these mutants were non‐functional. In contrast, P272I, P272G and P272F produced functional channels, with either no effect or a 2.5‐ or 6.5‐fold increase in ATP potency, respectively. At P272F receptors the apparent affinity of the ATP analogue antagonist 2′,3′‐O‐(2,4,6‐trinitrophenyl)‐ATP was increased by 12.5‐fold. These results suggest that individual proline residues are not essential for normal P2X receptor function and that the receptor conformation around P272 contributes to ATP binding at the receptor.
Molecular characterization of the family of choline transporter‐like proteins and their splice variants
Authors: Traiffort E. , Ruat M. , O'Regan S. , Meunier F. M. 
Published: February 2005

AbstractWe show here that the choline transporter‐like (CTL) family is more extensive than initially described with five genes in humans and complex alternative splicing. In adult rat tissues, CTL2–4 mRNAs are mainly detected in peripheral tissues, while CTL1 is widely expressed throughout the nervous system. During rat post‐natal development, CTL1 is expressed in several subpopulations of neurones and in the white matter, where its spatio‐temporal distribution profile recalls that of myelin basic protein, an oligodendrocyte marker. We identified two major rat splice variants of CTL1 (CTL1a and CTL1b) differing in their carboxy‐terminal tails with both able to increase choline transport after transfection in neuroblastoma cells. In the developing brain, CTL1a is expressed in both neurones and oligodendroglial cells, whereas CTL1b is restricted to oligodendroglial cells. These findings suggest specific roles for CTL1 splice variants in both neuronal and oligodendrocyte physiology.
Microdot test of foveal function. A comparison with visual acuity at high and low contrast
Authors: Malmer L. , Martin L. 
Published: February 2005

AbstractPurpose:  To define normal values across age from novel computerized tests of foveal vision and to compare the findings with visual acuity (VA) at high and low contrast.Subjects and methods:  Sixty‐one healthy volunteers, aged 22–87, with subjectively normal vision participated in the study. The right eye from each subject was tested with Snellen letter VA at high contrast, at 10% contrast using the Tri‐VA test and with the Rarebit Microdot Fovea Test (RMFT), in addition to biomicroscopy and fundus examination.Results:  The median letter VA was 0.77 minimum angle of resolution (MAR; range 0.63–1.54) with a significant decline in letter VA with increasing age (r = 0.7, p < 0.001). The median Tri‐VA resolution threshold at 10% contrast was 1.8 MAR (range 0.9–4.1) and a significant age effect (r = 0.7) was observed, most pronounced above 65 years. The median RMFT hit rate was 100% (range 97–100) in the age group below 65 years and 87.5% (range 34–98) in subjects older than 65 years.Conclusion:  The study shows a decline in foveal function with age with all three methods, reflecting the loss of neural detectors with increasing age. The hit rate to microdot stimuli appears to be a sensitive measure, which can be used for fine‐graded evaluation of foveal function.
Effect of training on attitudes and expertise of optometrists towards people with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Adler Paul , Cregg Mary , Duignan Ann , Ilett Gordon , Margaret Woodhouse J. 
Published: February 2005

AbstractPurpose:  To determine whether participation in an educational programme, which comprised both lectures and supervised patient contacts, did more to improve the attitudes, expertise, knowledge and confidence of optometrists and student optometrists towards people with intellectual disabilities (ID) compared with receiving didactic lectures only.Methods:  Optometrists and student optometrists were invited to take part in vision screening. A series of lectures were provided followed by supervised practice for a minimum of 2 days. A questionnaire was administered before the commencement of the training, and afterwards, in order to assess the impact of the training. The results were compared with a group of control subjects who received similar lectures without the clinical experience.Results:  For both groups there were statistically significant improvements in self‐reported knowledge of ophthalmic complications of ID, confidence in working with people with ID, and there was a significantly reduced perceived need for further training after the courses. There was a significantly better result for the group experiencing patient contact particularly in respect of self‐reported attitudes towards people with ID. Confidence in dealing with people with ID was related to the number of such patients seen over the last year.Conclusions:  Training incorporating clinical experience, and using real patients, is particularly effective, although there is still benefit in providing lecture type courses. It is recommended that, whenever possible, courses are provided that offer hands‐on experience with real patients. There is a need for further research using validated attitudinal scales to investigate the attitudes of optometrists to people with ID.
Use of a high molecular weight fluorescein (fluorexon) ophthalmic strip in assessments of tear film break‐up time in contact lens wearers and non‐contact lens wearers
Authors: Doughty Michael J. , Jalota Vinati , Bennett Emma , Naase Taher , Oblak Emil 
Published: February 2005

AbstractPurpose:  To assess whether fluorexon strips could be used in tear stability [tear film break‐up time (TBUT)] measures, as compared with fluorescein strips.Methods:  The pre‐ocular tear film stability was assessed in 40 adults (19–29 years of age), half of whom were adapted soft contact lens wearers, using the dye‐assisted tear film break‐up time (TBUT) method. The measures were carried out between 10.00 and 17.00 hours, with contact lens wearers removing their lenses just before the assessments. For all subjects, fluorescein or fluorexon ophthalmic strips (pre‐wetted with preservative‐free saline) were used to add dye to the tear film, the TBUT was assessed three times and then the eye lightly irrigated with saline. The measures were repeated 45 min later with the other dye, with half the subjects receiving fluorescein first and the other half receiving fluorexon first.Results:  Overall, the mean TBUT times were 12.2 ± 5.9 s for fluorescein and 12.6 ± 5.6 s for fluorexon (p = n.s.), but the non‐lens wearers had longer TBUT times (14.6 and 14.5 s for the two dyes) compared with contact lens wearers (9.8 and 10.7 s, p < 0.01). While the inter‐subject variability (as S.D.) was larger for non‐contact lens wearers, the intra‐subject variability [as coefficient of variation (COV)] was greater in the contact lens wearers when fluorescein was used (p < 0.001). When analysed as a function of the time of day that the measures were made, there were clear trends for both the fluorescein and fluorexon. TBUT values to increase in non‐contact lens wearers and decrease in contact lens wearers. These trends failed to reach statistical significance, but the results with the contact lens wearers showed less variation than the non‐contact lens wearers.Conclusion:  The use of a fluorexon dye‐impregnated strip (pre‐wetted with preservative‐free saline) yielded comparable results with a fluorescein strip for assessments of tear film stability based on TBUT. The studies also indicate that further research is needed on changes in TBUT values during the day.
Intra‐ and interrater agreement and reliability of the Functional Field Score
Authors: Langelaan Maaike , Wouters Bill , Moll Annette C. , de Boer Michiel R. , van Rens Ger H. M. B. 
Published: February 2005

AbstractIn 2001, the American Medical Association adopted the Functional Vision Score (FVS). It is built on Functional Acuity Scores (FAS) and Functional Field Scores (FFS). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the intra‐ and interrater reproducibility of the FFS. The study sample was composed of 62 persons, mean age 41.8 years, from the population of patients who visited a rehabilitation centre for visually impaired adults. We analysed 30 FFSs of isopter III‐4e and 58 of isopter V‐4e. Two raters independently scored the plots. The smallest detectable difference (SDD) and the weighted kappa quantified agreement. The SDDs were smaller than the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) of 10 points. Thus, the MCID can be distinguished from measurement error. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) quantified reliability. The intra‐ and inter ICCs were high (ICCs > 0.98). We concluded that both intra‐ and interrater reliability of the FFS were excellent.
Increasing the proportion of binocular vision makes horizontal prism adaptation complete
Authors: Brautaset R. L. , Jennings J. A. M. 
Published: February 2005

AbstractIn previous phoria adaptation experiments on normal subjects adaptation tends to reach only approximately 2/3 of the prism‐induced phoria while clinical experience indicates that prism adaptation is usually complete. The present data show that increasing the proportion of binocular experience through the phoria‐inducing prism allows adaptation to become complete. Longer periods of binocular vision give a better indication of vergence adaptation function. This is particularly important in experiments where normal and abnormal adaptive abilities are being compared.
Maternal Depression, Adult Attachment, and Children's Emotional Distress
Authors: Whiffen Valerie E. , Kerr Matthew A. , Kallos‐Lilly Veronica 
Published: February 2005

Introduction: Our goal was to evaluate the impact of depressed mothers' marital intimacy and attachment security in romantic relationships on children's internalizing and externalizing symptoms.Method: Forty‐six clinically depressed mothers rated attachment security, marital intimacy, and symptoms shown by their children aged 8 to 12.Results: Maternal avoidance of closeness predicted increases in children's internalizing symptoms over a 6‐month period.Discussion: Avoidance of closeness in depressed mothers may be implicated in the development of internalizing symptoms in their children, possibly because individuals who are avoidant of closeness are poor caregivers.
Trinitrotoluene (TNT)‐induced cataract in Danish arms factory workers
Authors: Kruse Anders , Hertel Mette , Hindsholm Marianne , Viskum Sven 
Published: February 2005

Abstract.Purpose:  To compare the prevalence of cataract in workers exposed to trinitrotoluene (TNT) to the prevalence in a group of unexposed workers, matched on age and sex, using Tiukina's description and grading of TNT‐induced cataract. Methods:  A total of 23 TNT‐exposed and 44 unexposed workers underwent an eye examination performed by an ophthalmologist who did not know the exposure status of the subjects. All lens opacities matching Tiukina's description were classified as TNT cataract and graded on Tiukina's scale of stages 1–4. Results:  Four cases of TNT‐induced cataract were identified among the 23 TNT‐exposed workers and none in the unexposed group (p < 0.01). Conclusion:  Exposure to TNT may cause a unique type of cataract, which a general ophthalmologist, using Tiukina's description and grading scale, will be able to distinguish from other cataracts.
Occurrence of lacrimal gland tissue outside the lacrimal fossa: comparison of clinical and histopathological findings
Authors: Alyahya Ghassan Ayish , Bangsgaard Regitze , Prause Jan Ulrik , Heegaard Steffen 
Published: February 2005

Abstract.Purpose:  To analyse clinical referral diagnoses and the location of lesions with histologically verified lacrimal gland tissue occurring outside the fossa of the lacrimal gland. Methods:  Sections of lesions excised from areas outside the fossa of the lacrimal gland containing lacrimal gland tissue on histological examination were collected from the files of the Eye Pathology Institute, Copenhagen, Denmark. Specimens spanned a period of 50 years. Sections were re‐examined and referral data on location and clinical diagnosis were compared with histological findings. Results:  A total of 120 lesions were collected. Of these, 59 (49%) consisted of prolapsed lacrimal gland. The remaining 61 (51%) lesions contained ectopic lacrimal gland tissue, either as part of a complex choristoma in 38 (32%) cases, or as solitary ectopic lacrimal gland tissue in 23 (19%) cases. The majority (97; 81%) of lesions had been located at the temporal epibulbar conjunctiva and included mainly prolapsed lacrimal gland and complex choristoma. The clinical referral diagnoses covered a wide spectrum of lesions. The most frequent clinical diagnoses were non‐specific tumour (35%), non‐specific cyst (18%) and dermoid (11%). Of the 61 lesions containing ectopic lacrimal gland tissue, only two had been preoperatively diagnosed as such and only two of the 59 lesions with prolapsed lacrimal gland had been correctly diagnosed. Conclusions:  Prolapsed palpebral lobe of the lacrimal gland was the most common lesion and, as expected, the prime location was the temporal conjunctiva. Despite this location, the referring clinical diagnosis was often wrong or non‐specific. Surgeons seem to have been unaware of the various clinical manifestations of extrafossal glandular tissue, particularly when excising lesions in the upper temporal region of the conjunctiva. Surgical intervention in this location may jeopardize the excretory ducts of the lacrimal gland and may consequently lead to dry eye and thus should be avoided when the typical clinical appearance of prolapsed lacrimal gland is encountered.
Is vision screening in 3‐year‐old children feasible? Comparison between the Lea Symbol chart and the HVOT (LM) chart
Authors: Kvarnström G. , Jakobsson P. 
Published: February 2005

Abstract.Purpose:  The aim of this prospective study was to compare visual screening at the age of 3 years with screening at 4 years using two different charts. Methods:  A total of 478 3‐year‐old children were tested at four child health care centres (CHCCs). Of these children, 440 were tested again at the age of 4 years. A third group, a control group, consisting of 229 children, was examined only at the age of 4 years. All children were tested with both the HVOT chart and the Lea Symbol chart. Results:  Testability rates for 3‐year‐olds were almost the same with the Lea Symbol chart and the HVOT chart (82.8% and 84.8%, respectively). The corresponding rates for the same children tested at 4 years of age were 96.5% and 97.0%, and for the 4‐year‐olds not previously tested 92.9% and 92.8%. The mean testing time was somewhat shorter for the Lea Symbol chart in all three groups, but the difference was not statistically significant. The difference in the assessment of visual acuity between the two charts was small and less than 1/10th of a line. The positive predictive value was lower at 3 years (58%) than has previously been found at 4 years (74.6%). Conclusion:  Three‐year‐old children co‐operate well in visual acuity testing. However, the examination time is a little longer and the testability rate is about 10% lower than at 4 years. Both 3‐year‐old and 4‐year‐old children can be tested equally well with the HVOT and the Lea Symbol charts.
Glare disability and spherical aberration with five foldable intraocular lenses: a prospective randomized study
Authors: Casprini Fabrizio , Balestrazzi Angelo , Tosi Gian Marco , Miracco Flavia , Martone Gianluca , Cevenini Gabriele , Caporossi Aldo 
Published: February 2005

Abstract.Purpose:  To compare differences in subjective glare and spherical aberration between five foldable intraocular lenses (IOLs) made of different materials and to different designs. Methods:  This prospective study comprised 175 cataract patients who underwent phacoemulsification and were randomized to receive one of five types of foldable IOL (AcrySof® MA30BA, Alcon; Sensar® AR40, AMO; AcrySof® SA30AL, Alcon; Sensar® AR40e, AMO, and Tecnis® Z9000, Pharmacia & Upjohn). All patients received a questionnaire investigating the incidence of subjective photic phenomena. Two months postoperatively, we collected data regarding subjective glare and evaluated pupil size, visual acuity and wavefront aberration of the cornea and eye. Results:  With regard to difficulty in performing ordinary activities under different light conditions and light and dark adaptation, the difference between the groups was not significant (p > 0.05, chi‐squared test). With respect to difficulty in driving at night, the MA30BA group had a significant higher incidence of photic phenomena than the SA30AL, AR40e and Z9000 groups (p < 0.05, chi‐squared test). Wavefront measurements revealed a significant difference between the Z9000, AR40e and SA30AL groups, which showed the lowest values, and the MA30BA group, which showed the highest value (p < 0.05, anova with Tamhane posthoc test). Conclusions:  New generation IOLs such as the Pharmacia Z9000, AMO AR40e and AcrySof® SA30AL have a lower incidence of glare and spherical aberrations; however, their impact on future IOL design should be conditioned by further data, especially regarding posterior capsule opacification.
Proteomic analysis of aqueous humour from patients with acute corneal rejection
Authors: Funding Mikkel , Vorum Henrik , Honoré Bent , Nexø Ebba , Ehlers Niels 
Published: February 2005

Abstract.Purpose:  To compare the basic proteomic composition of aqueous humour (AH) from patients with corneal rejection (patients) with AH from patients with cataract (controls). Methods:  Aqueous humour was analysed for total protein concentration using Bradford's method and for protein composition using two‐dimensional (2D) gel electrophoresis. Image analysis was used to detect protein spots in 2D gels that were increased by more than factor 2 in patients as compared with controls. Increased spots were identified by immunoblotting and mass spectrometry. Results:  Aqueous humour from patients contained significantly higher total protein concentration than did AH from controls. A total of 31 spots were significantly increased in 2D gels from patients. The spots were derived from albumin, α1‐antitrypsin, apolipoprotein J, cytokeratin type II, serin proteinase inhibitor and transthyretin. After correction of spot volumes by total protein concentrations, 10 spots derived from albumin, cytokeratin type II and α1‐antitrypsin remained significantly increased. Conclusion:  The proteomic composition of AH differed significantly between patients and controls. The identified proteins suggest that the changes in AH are due to at least three different mechanisms: breakdown of the aqueous–blood barrier, enzymatic degradation, and liberation of locally synthesized proteins.
Lesions of the lacrimal drainage system: a clinicopathological study of 643 biopsy specimens of the lacrimal drainage system in Denmark 1910−1999
Authors: Marthin June Kehlet , Lindegaard Jens , Prause Jan Ulrik , Heegaard Steffen 
Published: February 2005

Abstract.Purpose:  To determine the frequency of histologically verified lesions of the lacrimal drainage system in Denmark between the years 1910 and 1999. Furthermore, to correlate the clinical diagnosis with the pathology diagnosis. Methods:  Retrospective review of all pathology reports from 1910 to 1999 in the files of the Eye Pathology Institute, University of Copenhagen, describing a lesion of the lacrimal drainage system. In addition, a retrospective review of all reports describing a lesion of the lacrimal drainage system from the Danish Pathology Database. All specimens were re‐evaluated, except in cases with a primary diagnosis of dacryocystitis. In these cases a sample of 25% was re‐evaluated. Results:  A total of 643 lesions were collected. Dacryocystitis was the most frequent lesion, constituting 508 cases (79%). The remaining cases were diagnosed as dacryolithiasis (62 cases; 7.9%), tumour (29 cases; 4.5%), trauma (19 cases; 3.0%), congenital malformation (nine cases; 1.4%), canaliculitis (eight cases; 1.2%) and granulomatous inflammation (eight cases; 1.2%). Seventeen tumours were malignant, of which B‐cell lymphoma was the most common (six cases). In 0.6% of cases with a clinical diagnosis of dacryocystitis/lithiasis a non‐suspected malignant tumour was diagnosed. Micro‐organisms were uncommon in dacryocystitis (9%) but frequent in cases of dacryolithiasis (87%). Conclusion:  Dacryocystitis was by far the most frequent lesion of the lacrimal drainage system referred for histopathological evaluation. Dacryolithiasis was often associated with micro‐organisms, especially Gram positive rods. Histopathology is necessary to confirm suspected tumours, more than half of which were inflammatory lesions, and to detect tumours that sometimes masquerade as inflammation.
Vasoactive mediators and retinopathy during type 1 diabetic pregnancy
Authors: Loukovaara Sirpa , Immonen Ilkka J. , Yandle Tim G. , Nicholls Gary , Hiilesmaa Vilho K. , Kaaja Risto J. 
Published: February 2005

Abstract.Purpose:  To evaluate the role of various vasoactive hormones in the evolution of diabetic retinopathy during pregnancy and postpartum. Methods:  Retinopathy was graded from fundus photographs of 45 pregnant women with type 1 diabetes and seven pregnant women without diabetes in a prospective study. Markers of renin‐angiotensin‐system (RAS), plasma renin activity (PRA), angiotensin II (AngII), aldosterone, natriuretic peptides (ANP, BNP, CNP) and adreonomedullin (AM) were measured during the first and third trimesters and at 3 months postpartum. The women with diabetes were grouped by progression of retinopathy during pregnancy and postpartum. Results:  Levels of PRA (p = 0.001) and ANP (p = 0.03) were significantly lower in diabetes than in non‐diabetes subjects throughout pregnancy and postpartum. No significant differences appeared in levels of AngII, aldosterone, AM, BNP or CNP between the two groups. In multivariate logistic regression analyses with retinopathy progression by the third trimester as the dependent variable, only duration of diabetes qualified in the model (p = 0.027, R = 0.227, Exp(B) = 1.28). Conclusions:  Diabetic pregnancy is associated with lower levels of PRA and ANP compared to non‐diabetic pregnancy. Lowered RAS activity may contribute to the hyperdynamic blood flow and progression of DR during diabetic pregnancy. Within the power of this study no clear associations between the vasoactive hormones and progression of retinopathy could be detected.