bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The eye and sleep
Authors: McNab Alan A 
Published: April 2005

Abstract Background: Sleep‐associated disorders of the eye are increasingly recognized. Disordered sleep has also been found in some blind patients. Methods: Review of the current state of knowledge of sleep‐related eye disorders and blindness‐related sleep disorders. Results: Incomplete eyelid closure during sleep (lagophthalmos) may be physiological but in some patients can cause significant symptoms. Nocturnal lagophthalmos may be a limiting factor in the surgical repair of some eyelid and orbital disorders. Normal eyelid closure has also been linked to the development of a number of ocular surface disorders. Sleep disorders are common, and obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) the commonest. OSA is associated with a number of serious systemic diseases and also several eye disorders including floppy eyelid syndrome, optic neuropathy, glaucoma, anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy and papilloedema secondary to raised intracranial pressure. Treatment of OSA may help floppy eyelid syndrome, halt progression of associated glaucoma, and reduce intracranial pressure in patients with associated papilloedema. The diagnosis of OSA can only be made with formal sleep studies, but asking a small number of appropriate questions will help screen those patients who should be referred for sleep studies. Some blind patients have disordered sleep patterns due to disruption of the retinal input into the hypothalamic‐pineal melatonin secreting apparatus. This can be alleviated by oral administration of melatonin. Conclusions: Ophthalmologists should be aware of sleep‐associated eye disorders and refer appropriate patients for formal sleep studies. Sleep abnormalities in blind patients should be enquired about and patients offered assessment and treatment by a sleep physician.
Simple formula for determining the location of the equator
Authors: Kim Seunghyun , Suh Youngwoo , Cho Yoonae A 
Published: April 2005

AbstractThe determination of the position of the equator is very important during strabismus surgery for safe maximum recession. The purpose of this study is to present a simple formula for estimating the location of the equator (E = axial length·π/4 – corneal diameter/2). A previous formula (E = 2πr[β/360]), although well presented, proved relatively complex to understand and apply to the clinical situation. There was no significant difference between the values calculated by the new formula and the previous formula when the horizontal corneal diameter was between 10.0 and 11.5 mm (P = 0.23, r = 0.998). In this range, the mean difference between the values calculated by the two formulae was only 0.1 ± 0.08 mm (range 0–0.35 mm). Another advantage of the new formula is that the actual measured values of corneal diameter and axial length can be used. It is hoped that this simple formula can be used as an alternative for determining the location of the equator.
Prevalence of cicatricial trachoma in an indigenous population of Central Australia: the Central Australian Trachomatous Trichiasis Study (CATTS)
Authors: Landers John , Kleinschmidt Andrew , Wu Johnny , Burt Benjamin , Ewald Dan , Henderson Tim 
Published: April 2005

Abstract Background: Trachoma is one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide, resulting from conjunctival scarring, upper lid entropion and trichiasis, leading to corneal scarring and opacification. This study was designed to investigate the current prevalence of cicatricial trachoma in an indigenous population within Central Australia and help determine whether trachoma remains a public health issue. Methods: Participants aged 40 and over were recruited from patients attending one of 16 remote ophthalmology clinics held at indigenous communities in Central Australia within the Northern Territory. Once informed consent had been obtained, each patient underwent examination for evidence of trachomatous scarring, trachomatous trichiasis and corneal opacities. Results were collated and compared with previous prevalence surveys. Results: Among the sample (n = 181), there were 97 patients (54%; 95% CI 46.7–61.3) with trachomatous scarring, 15 patients (8%; 95% CI 2.8–13.2) with trichiasis and 5 patients (3%; 95% CI 0.5–5.5) with corneal opacities. Conclusion: This study suggests that, although the prevalence of the cicatricial and blinding consequences of trachoma may be decreasing in patients aged 40 years or greater, when compared with the current prevalence in other areas of Australia, trachoma still remains a public health issue in Central Australia.
Management of sight‐threatening optic nerve sheath meningioma with fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy
Authors: Richards Josephine C , Roden Dermot , Harper Christopher S 
Published: April 2005

Abstract Background: Previous management of optic nerve sheath meningioma included conservative observation, surgery, radiosurgery and conventional radiotherapy. All carried significant risk, either of visual loss or damage to adjacent structures. Fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy appears to have few side‐effects and may preserve or improve vision. To date only three groups have published their experience with this modality. Methods: A retrospective review of patients with optic nerve sheath meningioma treated with stereotactic radiotherapy in an academic complex was conducted. Patients with greater than 18 months follow up and no previous related surgery were eligible for inclusion. Patients received an average of 43.5 Gy to the tumour in 26 fractions. Case records from the treating institutions as well as those of the referring ophthalmologist were analysed. The limited literature on the subject was reviewed in order to draw conclusions relevant to contemporary patient management. Results: Four patients had undergone follow up for over 18 months. Prior to treatment all had exhibited progressive loss of visual function. In all cases visual function remained stable or improved at the last assessment. Side‐effects included radiologically detected cerebral changes in one patient and transient hair loss in one patient. Conclusions: This treatment modality represents a promising refinement of previous treatment options. It may be offered to patients who demonstrate progressive loss of visual function caused by optic nerve sheath meningioma. It offers significant advantages over other currently available therapeutic options but its use should be tempered by the knowledge that long‐term side‐effects are yet to be determined.
Assessing the accuracy of Orbscan II post‐LASIK: apparent keratectasia is paradoxically associated with anterior chamber depth reduction in successful procedures
Authors: Cairns Gerard , Ormonde Susan E , Gray Trevor , Hadden O Bruce , Morris Tony , Ring Peter , McGhee Charles NJ 
Published: April 2005

Abstract Purpose: To establish a relationship between the forward protrusion of the cornea (keratectasia), following successful LASIK, and anterior chamber depth. Methods: One hundred and fifteen eyes of 59 patients who had undergone Zyoptix LASIK and 39 eyes of 21 patients who had undergone PlanoScan LASIK at the Eye Institute, Centre for Refractive Surgery, Remuera, Auckland, New Zealand, were included in the study. The results of Orbscan II acquisitions, taken before and 8.3 weeks ± 4.0 (mean ± standard deviation) following the procedure, were analysed to determine the amount of forward protrusion of the central 2 mm diameter of the posterior surface. The apparent keratectasia was then related to the Orbscan II anterior chamber depth (ACD) measurement in a linear mixed model analysis that included ‘right or left eye’, ‘sex’, ‘type of LASIK procedure’, ‘change in pachymetry’, ‘postoperative pachymetry’, ‘change in anterior corneal curvature’, ‘postoperative anterior corneal curvature’, ‘planned ablation depth’ and ‘time until follow‐up’ as factors and covariates. Results: The mean ± SD amount of keratectasia determined by Orbscan II was 22.8 ± 26.8 µm for the Zyoptix group and 16.9 ± 24.6 µm for the PlanoScan group. The reduction in depth of the anterior chamber was 14.7 ± 79.3 µm for the Zyoptix group and 18.2 ± 68.8 µm for the PlanoScan group. The mixed model analysis demonstrated strong relationships with postoperative pachymetry and change in anterior corneal curvature (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). Furthermore, the statistical model showed a marked significant difference in the Orbscan II assessment of keratectasia and change in ACD (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Using the Orbscan II device, the forward protrusion of the posterior corneal surface appears to coincide with a paradoxical reduction in depth of the anterior chamber. Although the keratectasia found in this study is accompanied by thin postoperative corneas and larger central pachymetry change, the contradictory decrease in anterior chamber depth creates uncertainty of measurement, and of ectasia as a mechanism of regression.
History of retinal surgery in New Zealand
Authors: Polkinghorne Philip J , Brochner Olga H 
Published: April 2005

AbstractThe history of retinal surgery in New Zealand is relatively short but covers a period of transition from caustic cautery to laser retinopexy, from scleral shortening to 25 gauge vitrectomy. The practitioners of this craft include some of the notable figures in medicine in New Zealand, and in their own way each contributed to the welfare of those patients with surgical retinal disease.
Stretch‐activated channels: a mini‐review. Are stretch‐activated channels an ocular barometer?
Authors: Kalapesi Freny B , Tan James CH , Coroneo Minas T 
Published: April 2005

AbstractAll cells are subject to physical forces by virtue of their position in a dynamically changing environment. This review outlines the various putative ‘mechanosensors’, or sensors of pressure cells possess, and discusses in particular the role stretch‐activated membrane channels play in pressure recognition and transduction. The widespread occurrence of these channels is discussed and these ‘mechanosensors’ are related to pressure‐related diseases, in particular, glaucoma.
Intraocular pressure measurement in patients with previous LASIK surgery using pressure phosphene tonometer
Authors: Cheng Arthur CK , Leung Dexter YL , Cheung Eva YY , Fan Dorothy SP , Law Ricky WK , Lam Dennis SC 
Published: April 2005

Abstract Purpose: To compare intraocular pressure (IOP) assessment in post‐LASIK patients using non‐contact tonometry, pressure phosphene tonometry and applanation tonometry. Methods: Sixty‐two consecutive LASIK patients were analysed preoperatively and postoperatively with non‐contact, pressure phosphene and applanation tonometry. Comparisons among these values were assessed with paired sample Student t‐test, Pearson's correlation test and Bland–Altman plotting. Results: There was no significant difference for preoperative IOP measurement between non‐contact, pressure phosphene and applanation tonometry. The mean ±SD difference between the preoperative non‐contact tonometry and postoperative pressure phosphene tonometry IOP measurements was 0.80 ± 2.77 mmHg (P < 0.01). Postoperative applanation tonometry significantly underestimated IOP measurement by 5.45 ± 2.96 mmHg (P < 0.001) and postoperative non‐contact tonometry significantly underestimated IOP measurement by 9.96 ± 2.25 mmHg (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Pressure phosphene tonometry may provide an alternative method for the assessment of IOP in post‐LASIK patients.
Use of PCR to diagnose Toxoplasma gondii chorioretinitis in eyes with severe vitritis
Authors: Okhravi Narciss , Jones Colin D , Carroll Nora , Adamson Peter , Luthert Philip , Lightman Susan 
Published: April 2005

AbstractTwo cases are reported of intraocular inflammation in which severe vitritis hampered the fundal view, making an accurate clinical diagnosis impossible, and vitreous analysis using conventional techniques was unhelpful. PCR for Toxoplasma gondii was positive in both cases and provided the only way of confirming the diagnosis. Other ocular samples also underwent PCR for Toxoplasma DNA and the specificity of this approach is demonstrated.
Clinical Case Notes
Authors: Yang David S , Hilford David J , Conrad Diana 
Published: April 2005

AbstractMeningococcal C conjugate vaccines have proved to be safe and highly efficient in preventing group C meningococcal disease. Very few serious side‐effects have been reported. The case is reported of a 14 year‐old boy who developed acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy 3 days after receiving the vaccine. No other cause of uveitis was detected from history or from investigations. The patient was treated with topical and systemic corticosteroids and his visual acuity improved to near normal in both eyes at 4 months. Meningococcal immunization may have precipitated acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy in this adolescent.
Clinical Case Notes
Authors: Clement Colin I , Myers Phillip , Tan Kimberley P 
Published: April 2005

AbstractPatients on amiodarone have an increased incidence of optic neuro­pathy. The unusual case is reported of a 67‐year‐old man who developed bilateral optic neuropathy 4 weeks after commencing amiodarone and then had unilateral recurrence of segmental disc swelling despite cessation. The case highlights amiodarone‐induced optic neuropathy as a different clinical entity to anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy. It is characterized by insidious onset, bilateral disease and protracted disc swelling progressing to optic atrophy. Patients that experience any visual disturbance while taking amio­darone should seek urgent ophthalmic review.
Clinical implications of Nε‐(carboxymethyl)lysine, advanced glycation end product, in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Hwang J. S. , Shin C. H. , Yang S. W. 
Published: April 2005

Aim:  The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between serum levels of the glycoxylation product Nε‐(carboxymethyl)lysine (CML) and development of chronic diabetic complications and degree of diabetic control in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes.Methods:  The serum levels of CML were measured in 87 patients with uncomplicated type 1 diabetes mellitus (12.7 ± 4.6 years of age) and in seven patients with background retinopathy, microalbuminuria or neuropathy (18.2 ± 5.2 years of age) and compared with those in 64 normal control subjects (12.6 ± 5.2 years of age). The mean durations of diabetes in uncomplicated and complicated patients were 5.0 ± 3.4 years (0.1–14 years), and 8.6 ± 5.0  years (3.1–18 years), respectively. The serum levels of CML were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay using a monoclonal anti‐CML antibody (6D12).Results:  The serum levels of CML were significantly higher in the patient group than those in the control group; 0.85 ± 0.37 (0.37–1.93) U/ml vs. 0.56 ± 0.23 (0.15–1.05) U/ml (p < 0.001) and significantly higher in the patient group with chronic complications than those in patient group without chronic complications; 1.06 ± 0.39 (0.72–1.78) U/ml vs. 0.83 ± 0.36 (0.37–1.93) U/ml (p < 0.05). Weak, but statistically significant relationship between CML levels and haemoglobin A1c levels at the measurement of CML was observed (r = 0.29, p < 0.05).Conclusions:  Our data are suggesting that higher serum levels of CML are involved in the development of chronic diabetic complications, and serum levels of CML reflect the degree of diabetic control for a long duration in type 1 diabetic children and adolescents.
Metabolic risk factors in formerly obese women – effects of a pronounced weight loss by gastric band operation compared with weight loss by diet alone
Authors: Ritt M. , Piza H. , Rhomberg M. , Aigner F. , Lechleitner M. 
Published: April 2005

Aim:  The aim of the present study was to evaluate differences in the metabolic risk profile in formerly obese women, in whom a significant weight loss was obtained by Swedish adjustable gastric band (SAGB) operation or by diet alone.Methods:  A total of 40 patients (24 after SAGB and 16 after diet) participated in the study. Clinical data, including body mass index (BMI), waist‐to‐hip ratio, body fat content and blood pressure values, as well as laboratory results [fasting glucose, insulin, homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) index, leptin, lipid values and markers of subclinical inflammation] were evaluated before a planned abdominoplastic operation.Results:  Patients in the SABG group had lost a significantly greater amount of weight (52.7 ± 10.0 kg) compared with the diet group (20.0 ± 11.5 kg; p < 0.001), and the percent excess weight loss was 69.1 ± 11.4 in the SAGB group and 54.5 ± 17.7 (p < 0.040) in the diet group. Before the abdominoplastic operation neither the mean BMI nor the percentage of fat mass revealed a significant difference between the groups. Fasting insulin (6.1 ± 3.0 µU/ml) and the HOMA index (1.4 ± 0.7) as a measure of insulin resistance were significantly lower in the SAGB than in the diet group (fasting insulin: 8.2 ± 3.8 µU/ml; p < 0.048; HOMA index: 2.0 ± 1.0; p < 0.031). Swedish adjustable gastric band patients showed significantly lower plasma leptin levels (9.4 ± 10.8 ng/ml) than the dietary‐treated patients (13.9 ± 9.6 ng/ml; p < 0.014), while tumour necrosis factor‐alpha serum levels were increased in the SAGB group (17.6 ± 7.3 pg/ml) compared with the diet group (11.9 ± 0.49 pg/l; p < 0.048).Conclusions:  The extensive weight loss in formerly obese women after SAGB operation was paralleled by a favourable metabolic profile indicating a higher degree of insulin sensitivity than in women after a successful, but less pronounced weight loss by diet alone.
Lipoic acid prevents collagen abnormalities in tail tendon of high‐fructose‐fed rats
Authors: Thirunavukkarasu V. , Nandhini A. T. A. , Anuradha C. V. 
Published: April 2005

Background:  Non‐enzymatic glycation of proteins, leading to chemical modification and cross‐linking are of importance in the pathology of diabetic complications. We studied the effect of α‐lipoic acid (LA) on the glycation and cross‐linking of collagen from tail tendon of high‐fructose‐fed rats.Methods:  The rats were divided into four groups of six each. Two groups of rats were fed with a high‐fructose diet (60/100 g diet) and administered with either LA (35 mg/kg body weight, intraperitoneally) (FRU + LA) or saline (FRU) for 45 days. The other two groups were fed control diet containing starch (60/100 g diet) and administered with either saline (CON) or LA (CON + LA). The rats were maintained for 45 days and then sacrificed. Collagen was isolated from tail tendon and the extent of glycation, fluorescence, aldehyde and peroxidation levels were measured. The tail tendons were separated, and shrinkage temperature was also measured. Acid‐soluble collagen was extracted from tail tendon and subjected to sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.Results:  Fructose administration caused accumulation of collagen in tail tendon. Glycation, collagen‐linked fluorescence, aldehyde and peroxide contents were elevated. The gel pattern of acid‐soluble collagen from the fructose‐fed rat showed elevated β‐component. These changes were alleviated by the simultaneous administration of LA.Conclusion:  Administration of LA has a positive influence on tail tendon collagen glycation and other variables in high‐fructose‐fed rats.
The effect of diets high in protein or carbohydrate on inflammatory markers in overweight subjects
Authors: Due A. , Toubro S. , Stender S. , Skov A. R. , Astrup A. 
Published: April 2005

Aim:  Increased levels of inflammatory markers have been associated with weight gain and cardiovascular disease. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of diets high in either carbohydrate or protein on the inflammatory markers C‐reactive protein (CRP), haptoglobin and transferrin in plasma after weight loss.Methods:  Fifty overweight subjects [age: 18–56 years, body mass index (BMI): 27–34] were randomly assigned to an ad libitum, fat‐reduced diet (30% of energy, E%), either high in protein and low in carbohydrate (25 E and 45 E% respectively) or high in carbohydrate and low in protein (58 E and 12 E% respectively), during 6 months of strictly controlled dietary intervention with dietary counselling.Results:  An average reduction of 25% in CRP and an average increase of 20% in haptoglobin and transferrin were seen in both groups, however, these changes were not significant. In cross‐sectional analyses after the intervention CRP was associated with fat mass (r = 0.323, p = 0.03), and the changes in CRP were associated with various indices of body fatness (Δbody weight r = 0.346, p = 0.02). Changes in body fatness were positively associated with Δtransferrin (r = 0.344, p = 0.02) and nearly significantly associated with Δhaptoglobin (r = 0.271, p = 0.07) after 6 months. Multiple regression analysis showed no associations between dietary protein and carbohydrate content and serum CRP, haptoglobin or transferrin concentrations, and this remained unaltered after adjustment for weight change.Conclusion:  Dietary carbohydrate/protein ratio has no effect on inflammatory markers, but the study confirmed that body fatness is positively associated with levels of serum CRP.
Effects of sibutramine on abdominal fat mass, insulin resistance and blood pressure in obese hypertensive patients
Authors: Faria A. N. , Ribeiro Filho F. F. , Kohlmann N. E. , Gouvea Ferreira S. R. , Zanella M. T. 
Published: April 2005

Objective:  The objective of this study is to assess the effects of sibutramine on body weight, body fat distribution, insulin resistance, plasma leptin, lipid profile and blood pressure profiles in hypertensive obese patients.Methods:  Eighty‐six central obese hypertensive patients (BMI = 39 ± 5 kg/m2, 84% of women, 48 ± 8.5 years old) were placed on a hypocaloric diet and placebo therapy for 4 weeks. They were then randomized to receive sibutramine (10 mg) or placebo for 24 weeks. Both, before therapy and at the end of the study, the waist and hip circumferences were measured and the waist/hip ratio (WHR) was calculated; abdominal ultrasonography was performed in order to estimate the amount of subcutaneous fat (SF) and visceral fat (VF), and the visceral/subcutaneous ratio. Beyond HOMA‐r, another insulin resistance index (IRIp) was calculated by means of the formula: peak of blood glucose after oral glucose load × plasma insulin level/104. Fasting plasma leptin and lipid levels were also determined.Results:  Sibutramine induced greater weight reduction than placebo (6.7 vs. 2.5%, p < 0.001). Reductions in WHR (0.97 ± 0.08 vs. 0.94 ± 0.07, p < 0.01), IRIp (0.11 ± 0.07 vs. 0.09 ± 0.06 mmol μ/l2) and VF (6.4 ± 2.4–6.0 ± 2.4 cm, p < 0.01) were observed only with sibutramine. Plasma leptin decreased with placebo (24 ± 15 vs. 18 ± 10 UI/l, p < 0.01), but not with sibutramine (18.8 ± 8.4 vs. 18.2 ± 13.2 UI/l). No clinically significant change in lipid profile was observed in both groups. Moreover, office and 24‐h blood pressure values did not change during placebo or sibutramine therapy, whereas a significant increase in office heart rate, from 78.3 ± 7.3–82 ± 7.9 b.p.m., p = 0.02, was observed with sibutramine.Conclusions:  Sibutramine therapy induced greater body weight loss than placebo in hypertensive obese patients. This was associated with WHR reduction, decreases in VF and insulin resistance. The maintenance of leptin levels during sibutramine therapy may be important to avoid weight recovery, although this finding must be confirmed by other prospective studies.