bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of prostaglandins on form deprivation myopia in the chick
Authors: Jin Niyun , Stjernschantz Johan 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT.Purpose: To investigate the possible role of endogenous prostaglandins in the development of form deprivation myopia, as well as the effects of exogenous prostaglandins using atropine as a positive control.Methods: Monocular form deprivation was accomplished by mounting a translucent occluder on one eye of 2–3 day old chicks for 1–4 weeks. Ocular occlusion for 1–2 weeks was used for pharmacological blocking experiments. The axial length of the eye was measured by ultrasonography.Results: Indomethacin, administered intramuscularly, subconjunctivally or intra‐vitreally had no significant effect on myopia development. Exogenous PGE2, PGF2α and latanoprost acid administered subconjunctivally, or topically as isopropyl ester eyedrops had no statistically significant effect on the myopia development. However, PGF2α significantly (p<0.01) attenuated the development of myopia after intravitreal injection. The other two prostaglandins had no statistically significant effect.Conclusions: Endogenous prostaglandins are unlikely to play a significant role in the development of form deprivation myopia in the chick. However, PGF2α suprisingly seems to retard the development of form deprivation myopia, but only when administered intravitreally. Whether the mechanism of the myopia retardation is direct or indirect remains unknown.
The anterior lens capsule used as support material in RPE cell‐transplantation
Authors: Nicolini Jair , Kiilgaard Jens Folke , Wiencke Anne Katrine , Heegaard Steffen , Scherfig Erik , Prause Jan Ulrik , La Cour Morten 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT.Purpose: To investigate the use of an ocular basement membrane as support material for transplanted porcine RPE cells.Methods: Porcine RPE cells were grown on bovine corneal extracellular matrix (ECM), isolated bovine‐ and porcine lens capsules, and tissue culture plastic. Cell density, and cell morphology were studied by phase contrast microscopy and transmission electron microscopy.Results: RPE cells grown on porcine anterior lens capsule and on ECM obtained better morphology and higher final cell density than cells grown on plastic and on bovine anterior lens capsule. It was possible to transplant the porcine anterior lens capsule to the subretinal space in pigs. Within two weeks of observation, the lens capsule was well tolerated in the subretinal space.Conclusion: The anterior lens capsule seems to be promising as support material for use in RPE cell‐transplantation.
An Efficacy and Tolerance Comparison of Emedastine Difumarate 0.05% and Levocabastine Hydrochloride 0.05%: Reducing Chemosis and Eyelid Swelling in Subjects with Seasonal Allergic Conjunctivitis
Authors: Secchi A. , Leonardi A. , Discepola M. , Deschenes J. , Abelson M. B. ,   the Emadine Study Group
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT.Purpose: To compare emedastine ophthalmic solution 0.05% BID to levocabastine ophthalmic suspension 0.05% BID in reducing chemosis, eyelid swelling and other signs and symptoms in subjects with seasonal allergic conjunctivitis.Methods: In a randomized, double‐masked, parallel controlled study, emedastine ophthalmic solution 0.05% BID was compared to levocabastine ophthalmic suspension 0.05% BID for control of chemosis, eyelid swelling and other parameters in the environmental allergy study model.Results: At Days 7, 14, 30 and 42, emedastine was significantly better than levocabastine at controlling chemosis and eyelid swelling (p<0.05). A statistical trend was seen at Day 3 (0.05<p<0.10). Results were clinically relevant at Days 30 and 42. Emedastine was also significantly better at reducing redness and itching at Days 7, 14, 30 and 42 (p<0.05).Conclusion: Emedastine is more efficacious than levocabastine in reducing chemosis, eyelid swelling and other efficacy variables associated with seasonal allergic conjunctivitis.
Wound healing response in the presence of stromal irregularities after excimer laser treatment
Authors: Weber Beat A. , Gan Lisha , Fagerholm Per 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT. Purpose: To trace the fate of stromal irregularities after excimer laser treatment and to increase our knowledge of the reasons why surface irregularities in the ablation bed cause inferior postoperative results.Methods: Twelve New Zealand White rabbits received a transepithelial photoablation to a preset depth of 60 μm. An electron microscopy specimen grid was then placed on the denuded stroma and another 20 μm ablation was applied in order to produce surface irregularities. Another six rabbits received a plano transepithelial photoablation to a preset depth of 80 μm. The treated corneas were harvested at various timepoints and differentially further processed for microradiography, hematoxylin‐eosin ‐, hyaluronan (HA)‐ and leukocyte protein L1 staining.Results: In the grid treated corneas the subepithelial mesh pattern is clearly discernible after 1 week, and after 4 weeks it is replaced by a subepithelial layer containing HA and water. The thinning of this layer between 1 and 12 weeks is statistically significant (p<0.05). After 4 and 8 week the plano treated corneas only exhibit some subepithelial HA‐ and water accumulation. After 1 day the grid treated corneas show an extensive stromal infiltration of leukocytes. In the plano treated corneas the leukocytes mainly remain on the surface.Conclusions: During the healing process stromal irregularities are flattened, leaving a homogeneous zone with increased water content. This subepithelial layer is rarefying as new subepithelial tissue is forming. Postablational irregularities induce a more pronounced healing reaction when compared to a smooth ablation surface. Leukocyte infiltration seems to play a role in this process.
Surgical decompression in traumatic optic neuropathy
Authors: Wohlrab Thomas‐Michael , Maas Stefan , De Carpentier J.P. 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT.Background:  The management of traumatic optic neuropathy remains controversial. This retrospective study presents the results of 19 cases of indirect optic neuropathy where surgical decompression represented the primary mode of treatment.Methods:  Nineteen patients (20 optic nerves) with traumatic optic neuropathy underwent primary surgical decompression. The surgery was performed using the transethmoidal technique.Results:  The extent of bony optic canal injury documented during surgery indicated that this had been underestimated in this series by CT findings. Vision improved in eight patients, five of whom had had no light perception preoperatively.Conclusion:  Primary surgical decompression of the optic nerve within 48 h of injury produces beneficial results. Testing of visual acuity 6 weeks after surgery does not serve as a reliable predictor of final outcome.
Visual improvement with corticosteroid therapy in giant cell arteritis. Report of a large study and review of literature
Authors: Hayreh Sohan Singh , Zimmerman Bridget , Kardon Randy H. 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT.Objectives:  (1) To report the incidence and extent of visual improvement achieved by high‐dose systemic corticosteroid treatment in eyes with visual loss due to giant‐cell arteritis (GCA). (2) To understand the cause of the discrepancies between visual improvement revealed by routine visual acuity (VA) and by the central visual field in kinetic perimetry. (3) To review critically the contradictory literature on the effectiveness of corticosteroid therapy on visual recovery in GCA and to attempt to reconcile differences in the reported results.Methods:  Clinical data were collected systematically on 84 consecutive patients (114 eyes) with visual loss, all of whom had GCA confirmed by temporal artery biopsy and treated by us with high‐dose systemic corticosteroid therapy. The patients were treated between 1974 and 1999 and data were compiled retrospectively. All patients underwent a detailed visual and ophthalmic evaluation at the initial visit and at every follow‐up. This included visual field testing (with a Goldmann perimeter). All were treated with systemic corticosteroid therapy (intravenous followed by oral in 41 patients and oral only in 43 patients).Results:  Visual loss was due to anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (91%), central retinal artery occlusion (10.5%), cilioretinal artery occlusion (10%), and/or posterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (4%), either alone or in different combinations. Improvement in both VA (≥ 2 lines) and central visual field was found in only five (4%) eyes of five patients (three treated with intravenous and two with oral steroid therapy). Improvement in VA ≥ 2 lines but not in the central visual field was found in seven eyes (in six patients). Visual improvement was seen in 7% of 41 patients treated initially with intravenous steroids versus 5% (p = 0.672) of 43 patients treated with oral steroids only. Comparison of patients with visual improvement in both VA and fields versus those with no improvement suggested a shorter interval (p = 0.065) between onset of visual loss and start of therapy in the improved patients.Conclusions: In our study, only 4% of eyes with visual loss due to GCA improved, as judged by improvement in both VA and central visual field (by kinetic perimetry and Amsler grid). The data also suggest that there is a better (p = 0.065) chance of visual improvement with early diagnosis and immediate start of steroid therapy. Improvement in VA without associated improvement in the central visual field or Amsler grid may simply represent a learned ability to fixate eccentrically with more effective use of remaining vision: this factor could help explain a number of reported cases in the literature of improved VA after steroid treatment for GCA. To prevent further visual loss in either eye and for management of systemic manifestations of GCA, all patients must be treated on a long‐term basis with adequate amounts of systemic corticosteroids.
Exfoliation syndrome:  Frequency, gender distribution and association with climatically induced alterations of the cornea and conjunctiva
Authors: Forsius Henrik , Forsman Eva , Fellman Johan , Eriksson Aldur W. 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT.Purpose: To investigate exfoliation syndrome (ES) in order to elucidate gender distribution and the roles of genetic and climatic factors in its manifestation.Material and Methods: We studied the gender distribution of ES and the association between ES and the appearance of certain climatically induced disorders (pterygium, climatic droplet keratopathy) and the size of pingueculae in populations living in the Arctic region, in temperate regions and in tropical regions. This involved a total of 11 samples taken in eight different countries, comprising 2206 persons of both genders over the age of 50 years.Results: A total of 1051 males were investigated for ES and 147 of them (14.0%) were found to have it. The corresponding figures for females were 1093 and 177 (16.2%). After standardization according to age, no systematic difference between the genders was found in the study. The frequency of ES varied greatly. It was not observed at all in the Inuit (Eskimos) but was found most frequently (about 30%) among the Saami (Lapps), Åland Islanders, Finns, Icelanders and Russians over 70 years of age. After the age of 50, the frequency of ES increases rapidly with age in all populations. However, the curves for ES in people living in the tropics show a delay of about 10 years. In contrast, the frequency of climatically caused changes (pterygium, climatic keratopathy and pronounced pinguecula) mostly peaks at the age of 50 years and is highest in the tropics and in the Arctic. Males in these regions tended to be more affected by climatically caused changes than females. Likewise, in tropical climates, where radiation from the sun is strong, and in Lapland and Novosibirsk, where there is radiation from snow, males showed more evidence of ES than females. However, examination of 506 patients from a private practice in South Finland, who were under observation for glaucoma or for risk of glaucoma, showed females to be in the majority of those with ES.Conclusions: As a rule, climate does not appear to influence the occurrence of ES. However, in tropical countries, where radiation from the sun is strong, ES was more common among males than among females. In the light of its peculiar population distribution, even when climatic factors are considered, there would appear to be an important genetic factor involved in the manifestation of ES.
Changes in visual acuity of patients undergoing cataract surgery during the last two decades
Authors: Leinonen Jaakko , Laatikainen Leila 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT.Purpose:  To compare preoperative visual acuities in patients who underwent cataract surgery between 1982 and 2000.Methods:  Information on visual acuity (VA), ocular disease and general disease was obtained from records relating to samples of consecutive cataract operations in 1982, 1985, 1990, 1995 and 2000 in two hospitals in the Vaasa region of Finland.Results:  Between 1982 and 2000, the average preoperative VA in the operated eye increased by 0.85 logMAR units (from logMAR 1.56 to logMAR 0.71) or 8.5 log lines. Corresponding decimal values are 0.03 and 0.2, respectively. In the better eye, VA increased from logMAR 0.64 to logMAR 0.37. Corresponding decimal values are 0.23 and 0.43, respectively. The incidence of cataract surgery increased from 1.0 to 7.2 operations per 1000 of the population per year over the period. For an annual increase of one operation per 1000 inhabitants, the increase in average VA before surgery is 1.3 log lines in the operated eye and 0.4 log lines in the better eye. The number of patients with visual impairment (WHO definition: VA < 0.3) before surgery fell from 47% to 15%, and the number of patients with profound visual handicaps (VA < 0.1) before surgery fell from 15% to 4%.Conclusion:  The preoperative vision of patients undergoing cataract surgery during the last two decades has improved significantly. Preoperative VA has increased linearly in line with the incidence of surgery. Only a small proportion of the increase in incidence of cataract surgery can be explained by the increasing average age of the population.
Evaluation of the clinical association between exfoliation syndrome and abdominal aortic aneurysm
Authors: Hietanen Jaana , Soisalon‐Soininen Sari , Kivelä Tero , Tarkkanen Ahti 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT.Purpose:To assess the validity of the suggested association between intraocular exfoliation syndrome and aneurysm of the abdominal aorta.Methods:A total of 77 patients recently operated for abdominal aortic aneurysm underwent biomicroscopy under pupillary dilatation to detect the presence of manifest and suspect deposits of exfoliation material.Results:The mean age of the 71 (92%) male and six female subjects was 73 years (range: 59–88 years). Manifest exfoliation was detected in 11 patients (14%; 95% CI 7–24), five of whom were aged 60–69 years and six of whom were aged 70–79 years. In addition, four patients (5%; 95% CI 1–13) had suspect exfoliation.Conclusions: The prevalence of exfoliation syndrome in patients operated for abdominal aortic aneurysm was similar to that in the general population of the same age in Finland. This finding does not support the proposed connection between exfoliation syndrome and abdominal aortic aneurysm.
Healing after standardized clinical probing of the perlimplant soft tissue seal
Authors: Etter Thomas H. , Håkanson Ingrid , Lang Niklaus P. , Trejo Pedro M. , Caffesse Raul G. 
Published: March 2003

Abstract: Background/Aims: Clinical probing of the soft tissues around oral implants has become a frequently used parameter for clinical monitoring. However, the healing of the disruption of the soft tissue seal as a result of probing has not yet been studied. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the healing events in the periimplant mucosal tissues following standardized clinical probing. Material and methods: In three foxhounds the mandibular premolars were extracted and, after 3 months of healing, TPS screw‐shaped implants (ITO Dental Implant System) were installed. A plaque control regimen was performed throughout the duration of the experiment. After 3 months of healing of the transmucosal implants, clinical implant stability and healthy periimplant mucosal tissues with mostly absence of bleeding on probing were obtained. Clinical probing of the mesial and distal implant sites was performed immediately before 1, 2, 3, 5 and 7 days prior to the sacrifice of the animals. A specially manufactured titanium cylinder with a mesial and distal groove was fixed to the implants to standardize the insertion geometry of a pressure‐sensitive probe (0.2–0.25 N, tip diameter 0.45 mm). The distances from the alveolar crest to the coronal border of the connective tissue adaptation to the implant and the length of the epithelial attachment were measured histomorphometrically in nondecalcified ground sections. The buccal and lingual aspects of the implants were used to determine the components of the biological width in unprobed control sites. Results: The probe caused a separation between the surface of the implant and the junctional epithelium, but not within the connective tissue adaptation. In general, the probe tip was located at the most coronal level of the supracrestal connective tissue as determined histologically. By 1 day after separation of the periimplant mucosal tissue by probing, an epithelial attachment of approximately 0.5 mm in the apico‐coronal direction was observed. The length of the epithelial adaptation showed a tendency to increase over time (day 2: 1.15 mm, day 3: 1.52 mm), and was complete at day 5 (1.92 mm). At the unprobed sites the epithelial attachment showed a mean length of 1.69 mm. Inflammatory infiltrates were practically nonexistent, indicating the absence of tissue trauma or infection as a result of probing. Conclusions: Clinical probing around osseointegrated implants does not appear to have detrimental effects on the soft tissue seal and, hence, does not seem to jeopardize the longevity of oral implants. The ‘healing of the epithelial attachment’ seems to be complete 5 days after clinical probing.
The calcium channel blocker used with cyclosporin has an effect on gingival overgrowth
Authors: James J. A. , Marley J. J. , Jamal S. , Campbell B. A. , Short C. D. , Johnson R. W. G. , Hull P. S. , Spratt H. , Irwin C. R. , Boomer S. , Maxwell A. P. , Linden G. J. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackground/aims:To investigate whether the choice of calcium channel blocker, used in conjunction with cyclosporin A, affected the prevalence of gingival overgrowth.Method: A cohort of 135 renal transplant recipients who had been medicated with cyclosporin A in combination with either nifedipine (89) or amlodipine (46) since transplant, took part in the study. The inclusion criteria were that eligible subjects had been in receipt of a kidney transplant for at least 12 months, had at least 10 teeth and had not received specialist periodontal treatment. The age, gender, current drug regimen and dosage were recorded for each participant and alginate impressions taken of both arches. The presence and severity of gingival overgrowth were scored from plaster models.Results: A higher proportion (72%) of the amlodipine group were categorised as having gingival overgrowth compared with only 53% of the nifedipine group, χ2=4.5, p<0.05. Logistic regression analysis was used to explore the relationship between the presence or absence of gingival overgrowth (dependent variable) and age, gender, time since transplant, dose of cyclosporin A, centre in which the patient was treated, and the calcium channel blocker used (independent variables). Independent predictors of gingival overgrowth in this multivariate analysis were whether the individual was treated with amlodipine or nifedipine (p=0.01) and whether the individual was young or old (p=0.01). Within the multivariate analysis, the odds ratio for amlodipine to be associated with gingival overgrowth compared with nifedipine was 3.0 (confidence interval 1.3–6.9).Conclusions: The prevalence of gingival overgrowth in renal transplant recipients maintained on cyclosporin A and nifedipine is lower than those treated with cyclosporin A and amlodipine.
Relationship of cigarette smoking to the subgingival microbiota
Authors: Haffajee A. D. , Socransky S. S. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackground: The relationship of cigarette smoking to the composition of the subgingival microbiota is not clear. Some studies indicated higher levels of certain species in smokers, while other studies failed to detect differences in the microbiota between subjects with different smoking histories. Thus, the purpose of the present investigation was to examine the prevalence, proportions and levels of the subgingival species in adult subjects who were current, past or never smokers.Method: 272 adult subjects ranging in age from 20–86 years with at least 20 teeth were recruited for study. Smoking history was obtained using a questionnaire. Clinical measures were taken at 6 sites per tooth at all teeth excluding third molars at a baseline visit. Subgingival plaque samples were taken from the mesial surface of all teeth excluding third molars in each subject at baseline and assayed individually for counts of 29 subgingival species using checkerboard DNA‐DNA hybridization. Subjects were subset according to smoking history into never (n=124), past (n=98) and current smokers (n=50). Uni‐variate and multi‐variate analyses were used to seek associations between smoking category and the counts, proportions and prevalence of subgingival species.Results: Greater differences were observed for the prevalence (% of sites colonized) of the test species in the 3 smoking groups than were observed for counts or proportions of total counts. Members of the orange and red complexes including E. nodatum, F. nucleatum ss vincentii, P. intermedia, P. micros, P. nigrescens, B. forsythus, P. gingivalis and T. denticola were significantly more prevalent in current smokers than in the other 2 groups. The difference in prevalence between smokers and non‐smokers was due to greater colonization at sites with pocket depth <4 mm. Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis indicated that combinations of the prevalence of 5 microbial species and pack years accounted for 44% of the variance for mean pocket depth (p<0.000001), while the prevalence of 3 microbial taxa along with age, pack years, current smoking and gender accounted for 31% of the variance in mean attachment level (p<0.000001). The difference in prevalence between current and never smokers of all members of the red complex and 8 of 12 members of the orange complex was significantly greater in the maxilla than in the mandible.Conclusions: The major difference between the subgingival microbiota in subjects with different smoking history was in the prevalence of species rather than counts or proportions. The greater extent of colonization in smokers appeared to be due to greater colonization at pocket depths <4 mm. Differences in colonization patterns between current and never smokers were greater in the maxilla than in the mandible.