bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Expression of macrophage migration inhibitory factor during Pseudomonas keratitis
Authors: Thakur Archana , Xue Mei Lang , Wang Wen , Lloyd Andrew , Wakefield Denis , Willcox Mark DP 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACTMacrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a recently rediscovered pro‐inflammatory cytokine, and has been shown to play a role in the regulation of neutrophil chemokines and angiogenesis. Corneal epithelial and endothelial cells have been shown to express MIF. This study evaluated the expression of MIF during Pseudomonas keratitis in mice and in vitro using a corneal epithelial cell line. Three strains of P. aeruginosa, 6294 (invasive strain), 6206 (cytotoxic strain) and Paer1 (non‐ infectious strain) were used. Both cytotoxic and invasive strains were isolated from human corneal ulcers and the Paer1 strain was isolated from a non‐infectious condition. Following challenge in mouse corneas or a corneal epithelial cell line, corneal homogenates or lysed corneal epithelial cells were used to isolate RNA. Migration inhibitory factor mRNA expression in the mouse cornea or human corneal epithelial cells was examined by reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction analysis, and was found to be expressed as early as 4 h after the injury (scratch controls) or infection in the mouse corneas. Migration inhibitory factor mRNA in scratch controls and Paer1‐inoculated corneas showed peak levels at 4 h post‐challenge and this dropped by 24 h post‐challenge. Corneas challenged with invasive and cytotoxic strains showed peak expression 24 h post‐challenge. Migration inhibitory factor mRNA levels were significantly higher in invasive and cytotoxic strain inoculated corneas compared to Paer1 inoculated corneas. Challenging the corneal epithelial cell line with Pseudomonas 6294 and 6206 strains induced peak expression at 8 h and levels were decreased by 12 h. Epithelial cells inoculated with recombinant human interleukin‐1β protein induced very high levels of MIF mRNA at all time points compared to infected and control corneal epithelial cells. High expression of MIF in the infected corneas suggests that it may have a role in the pathogenesis of corneal disease induced by invasive and cytotoxic strains of P. aeruginosa.
Prevalence and associations with ectropion in an older population: the Blue Mountains Eye Study
Authors: Mitchell Paul , Hinchcliffe Peter , Wang Jie Jin , Rochtchina Elena , Foran Suriya 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACTThe aim of this study was to describe the prevalence of eyelid ectropion and its associations with sunlight‐related and other ocular variables, plus systemic factors, in an older Australian population. The Blue Mountains Eye Study examined 3654 persons aged 49–97 years. Examination recorded ectropion and other ocular signs. The questionnaire assessed sunlight‐related and systemic variables. Ectropion was present in either eye of 143 subjects (3.9%) and was bilateral in 101 (70.6%). A marked age‐related increase in prevalence was observed with ectropion found in 0.3% of persons aged < 60 years, 1.2% of ages 60–69 years, 6.7% of ages 70–79 years and 16.7% of those aged 80 years or older. Ectropion prevalence was higher in men (5.1%) than women (3.0%), age‐adjusted odds ratio 2.1 (95% confidence interval 1.5–3.0). Statistically significant associations were found between ectropion and history of skin cancer removal, increased skin sun sensitivity, lighter iris colour and presence of pingueculum, as well as current smoking, hypertension, diabetes and stroke.
Lower nasal distribution of cortical cataract: the Blue Mountains Eye Study
Authors: Rochtchina Elena , Mitchell Paul , Coroneo Minas , Wang Jie Jin , Cumming Robert G 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACTPrevious reports have indicated that cortical cataract commences in the lower nasal lens, possibly due to sunlight exposure because of the shallow brow temporally. The present study aimed to assess the lens sector distribution of cortical cataract in a population. The Blue Mountains Eye Study assessed 3654 residents aged 49–97years; 3270 phakic subjects had retroillumination lens photographs graded using the Wisconsin method, which divides the lens into eight radial sectors with a grid overlay. Graders estimated percentage of cortical opacity in each sector. The lower nasal area consistently had the greatest opacity, a pattern present at each age and similar in both sexes, despite the 20% greater cortical cataract in women. The mean area of lens cortex involved by opacities in the lower nasal hemisphere was four fold greater than in the upper temporal hemisphere at each age. The lower nasal distribution was highly symmetrical when both eyes were affected. When > 20% of the lower nasal lens quadrant had cortical opacity, 88% of bilaterally affected subjects had cortical cataract in the same quadrant of the fellow eye. The lower nasal distribution may indicate a role for sunlight in the aetiology of cortical cataract, which could be considered when examining other cortical cataract risk factors, such as diabetes, vascular disease and hormonal factors in women.
Melanoma‐associated retinopathy: does autoimmunity prolong survival?
Authors: Chan Colin , O'Day Justin 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT Purpose: To discuss the autoimmune basis of melanoma‐associated retinopathy (MAR) and its implications for management and prognosis. Methods: An unusual history of a woman with melanoma‐associated retinopathy is presented in detail. A review of published reports and a summary of 19 reported cases of MAR provide a basis for discussion. Results: This case report and other published reports highlight a number of points regarding MAR including the male predominance, prolonged survival in several patients and lack of response to immunosuppression. Conclusions: Melanoma‐associated retinopathy may prolong the survival of patients with metastatic melanoma through the autoimmune response. Therefore, treatment of visual symptoms with immunosuppression needs to be considered carefully.
Scedosporium endophthalmitis: two fatal disseminated cases of Scedosporium infection presenting with endophthalmitis
Authors: McKelvie Penelope A , Wong Elaine YH , Chow Li Ping , Hall Anthony JH 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACTThe incidence of disseminated infection with Scedosporium species is increasing in patients with haematological malignancy. Two fatal cases are reported of patients with acute myeloid leukaemia and neutropenia who presented with Scedosporium endophthalmitis. Diagnosis of fungal infection was delayed as blood and vitreous cultures were positive only after 3 days in patient 1 and blood culture was positive at 7 days in patient 2. Despite antifungal therapy with amphotericin B and additional fluconazole in patient 2, both patients died of overwhelming fungal septicaemia. Post‐mortem examination of the right globe in patient 1 showed haemorrhagic necrotizing chorioretinitis with numerous fungal hyphae in choroidal vessels, choroid, retina and vitreous. Scedosporium species are often resistant to conventional antifungal therapy including amphotericin B. Diagnosis is difficult and mortality in disseminated infection is high.
Acute dacryocystitis presenting as an orbital abscess
Authors: Ataullah Sajid , Sloan Brian 
Published: March 2003

AbstractAcute dacryocystitis usually presents as a preseptal infection, but can uncommonly be associated with orbital cellulitis. Orbital abscess formation is, however, very rare. The case is presented of a 60‐year‐old woman with an extraconal abscess secondary to acute dacryocystitis. The clinical, radiological and intraoperative findings are discussed.
Ethanol effects on volitional versus reflexive saccades
Authors: Vassallo Suzane , Abel Larry A 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe effects of a moderate alcohol dose on reflexive and volitional saccades were compared. Healthy male subjects (n = 17) made horizontal reflexive saccades, antisaccades and self‐paced saccades before and after the ingestion of a body‐weight‐related dose of alcohol. At a mean blood alcohol concentration of 0.044%, reflexive saccade latency significantly increased although accuracy remained unimpaired at each target amplitude. No significant ethanol effects were noted for antisaccade accuracy and latency. Antisaccade error rates decreased significantly, likely demonstrating a learning effect. The mean rate of self‐paced saccades did not sig­­nificantly change post‐ethanol and their accuracy was also unimpaired. All saccades share a final common pathway for their execution. It thus seems reasonable to propose that ethanol modulated connections between the posterior parietal cortex and superior colliculus to increase reflexive saccade latency. Higher‐order paradigms, which require inhibition and are mediated by frontal areas, might be impaired at greater blood alcohol concentrations.
In vivo and ex vivo in situ confocal analysis of a rat model demonstrating transient ‘epithelialization of the endothelium’
Authors: Grupcheva Christina N , Laux Fenton Wilda T , Green Colin R , McGhee Charles NJ 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to identify the in vivo microstructural
characteristics of an animal model of ‘epithelialization
of the endothelium’ that are similar in appearance to the in
vivo confocal microscopical appearance of corneal endo­thelium
previously thought to be diagnostic of irido‐corneal endothelial
syndrome, and correlate these observations with ex vivo in situ confocal
microscopical analysis. A rat model (n = 8 eyes)
of transient ‘epithelialization of the endothelium’ resulting
from superficial corneal trauma, was developed and analysed using in
vivo confocal microscopy. One animal was killed at 48 h
and the cornea was immuno­labelled and analysed, using ex
vivo in situ confocal digital image reconstruction. Reversible ‘epithelialization
of the endothelium’ was observed by in vivo confocal
microscopy 48 h after superficial corneal trauma in all
eight eyes. Ex vivo in situ analysis failed to demonstrate
immunohistological characteristics of epithelialization. In vivo confocal microscopy is based on optical principles, and as a result various structural alterations may present with apparently identical characteristics that should be interpreted cautiously, on the basis of the presented clinicopathological observations.
Late orbital haemorrhage around alloplastic orbital floor implants: a case series and review
Authors: Gilhotra Jagjit Singh , McNab Alan A , McKelvie Penny , O'Donnell Brett A 
Published: March 2003

Abstract Background: Alloplastic implants have been used to repair orbital wall fractures and correct anophthalmic enophthalmos (or volume deficiency in an anophthalmic socket). Orbital haemorrhage is a rare complication of these implants. Method: A retrospective review of patient files of two consultant oculoplastic surgeons. Results: Four cases of orbital haemorrhage following alloplastic implants were identified. The haemorrhages occurred 5−18 years after surgery, and occurred within the pseudocapsule of the implant. In one case, recurrent haemorrhages were noted. Conclusion: Although rare, orbital haemorrhage is a potential complication of alloplastic orbital floor implants, which may present many years after surgery.
Vascular endothelial growth factor‐B and retinal vascular development in the mouse
Authors: Reichelt Melissa , Shi Shunning , Hayes Mark , Kay Graham , Batch Jennifer , Gole Glen A , Browning Jay 
Published: March 2003

Abstract Purpose: Vascular endothelial growth factor‐A (VEGF‐A) is crucial to retinal vascular growth, both normal and pathological. VEGF‐B, recently characterized, is reported to be expressed in retinal tissues, but the importance of VEGF‐B to retinal vascular development remained unknown. The aim of this study was to analyse retinal vascular growth in the Vegfb−/− knockout mouse. Methods: Retinal vascular growth was measured in Vegfb−/− knockout mice raised under normal conditions, and Vegfb−/− knockout mice with an oxygen‐induced proliferative retinopathy. Wild type Vegfb+/+ mice served as controls. Vessels were perfused with ink and retinal flatmounts secondarily labelled with FITC‐lectin (BS‐1, Griffonia simplicifolia). Area and diameter of retinal growth and retinal vascular growth were recorded over days 0−20, and capillary density and mean diameter recorded from day 17 pups. Results: A variety of techniques confirmed that Vegfb+/+ mice expressed VEGF‐B and that VEGF‐B expression was absent in Vegfb−/− mice. Vegfb−/− mice raised in room air showed no significant differences from Vegfb+/+ controls. No differences were found in oxygen‐induced retinopathy between Vegfb−/− and Vegfb+/+ pups in either the extent of the initial oxygen‐induced ablation, or in the regrowth of retinal vessels or vitreal (neovascular) sprouts; vitreal sprouts are important markers of the abnormal proliferative response, and are maximally expressed on day 17 in this model of oxygen‐induced retinopathy. Conclusions: These results indicate that a lack of VEGF‐B does not significantly affect development of the retinal vasculature under normal conditions, nor does it appear to affect the proliferative retinal responses seen in oxygen‐induced retinopathy.
Newly Developed Ultrasonic Probe With Ropeway System for Transpapillary Intraductal Ultrasonography of the Bilio–Pancreatic Ductal System
Authors: Fujita Naotaka , Noda Yutaka , Yokohata Kazuki , Tanaka Masao , Maguchi Hiroyuki , Komatsu Yutaka , Omata Masao , Inui Kazuo , Nakazawa Saburo , Mukai Hidekazu , Yasuda Kenjiro 
Published: March 2003

Background:
Intraductal ultrasonography of the bile/pancreatic duct using a thin‐caliber ultrasonic probe (IDUS) provides excellent images of these ducts and the surrounding structures. Insertion of the device through the papilla of Vater is essential to carry out this examination. We developed a new probe with a ropeway system (XUM5RG‐29R; Olympus, Tokyo) for transpapillary IDUS. Its usefulness such as ease of application and safety were prospectively evaluated.Patients and methods:
During the period of October 1997 to April 1998, transpapillary IDUS using the probe was performed in 194 patients at seven medical institutions. The success rates of insertion of the probe into the bile/pancreatic duct, observation of the area of interest, and the incidence of complications were evaluated.Results:
Passage of the probe through the papilla was successful without difficulty in all the patients. Successful introduction of the probe into the pancreatic duct, bile duct and both of the ducts was achieved in 98.4, 100 and 85% of the patients, respectively. Once the probe was introduced into the aimed duct, it was possible to obtain IDUS images of the area of interest in all but five patients. Mild acute pancreatitis developed in eight patients (4.1%), all of whom recovered with conservative therapy only.Conclusions:
It is possible to introduce the new ultrasonic probe into the desired duct once a guide wire has been inserted. This type of ultrasonic probe is quite useful when performing transpapillary IDUS of the bile and/or pancreatic duct.
Treatment of malignant esophageal/cardiac stricture with self‐expanding antireflux metallic stents: A preliminary report from 17 patients
Authors: Guoming Xu , Zhaoshen Li , Na Wang , Suqin Xie , Ning Yin , Zhen Wang , Kai Meng , Zinguan Zhou , Bosheng Zhang , Youmin Li , Zhengbu Sha 
Published: March 2003

BACKGROUND: Different types of self‐expanding metallic stents are available for the palliative treatment of malignant strictures at the gastroesophageal junction. To overcome some of the disadvantages in the design of these metallic stents, we designed a silicone‐covered self‐expanding antireflux metallic stent that can prevent free gastroesophageal reflux after stent placement. METHODS: Seventeen silicone‐covered antireflux prototypes were used in 17 patients with dysphagia caused by inoperable malignant tumors involving the gastroesophageal junction. RESULTS: Stent implantation was technically successful in all 17 patients. There were no procedure‐related perforations or deaths. As a group, the mean dysphagia grade improved significantly (2.56 ± 0.49 vs 1.00 ± 0.51, P < 0.001) and the mean lumenal diameter was greatly increased (4.11 ± 1.02 vs 14.72 ± 4.01, P < 0.001) after stent placement. Ten patients received ambulatory 24‐h esophageal pH monitoring and compared with the healthy volunteers, there were no postprocedural abnormal gastroesophageal refluxes in any patient. Three patients had substantial chest pain requiring long‐term analgesics. No other complications were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The newly developed self‐expanding antireflux metallic stent is safe and effective for use in the palliation of dysphagia caused by malignant strictures at the gastroesophageal junction. A larger patient population would be required to give valid conclusions.
Psychological factors in functional dyspepsia and its treatment
Authors: Xiaoping Pan , Yuyuan Li , Weihong Sha , Fuying Yang 
Published: March 2003

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of psychological factors in functional dyspepsia (FD) and the effects of antidepressant drugs on FD. METHODS: The psychological status of 24 FD patients and 24 healthy people was analyzed using the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD), the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAS) and the Symptom Checklist 90 (SCL‐90) scale. Antidepressants were used to treat FD patients for 8 weeks; 13 patients received Prozac, 11 patients received Seroxat. Psychometric analysis was carried out before and after treatment. RESULTS: There were significant differences in somatic and psychometric scores on the HAS and SCL‐90 scales in the two groups (P < 0.001). The scores of the FD patients improved significantly after 8 weeks of treatment (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Psychological factors played a role in the etiology of FD. The patients commonly had depression or anxiety. Antidepressants were effective in the treatment of FD for improving both somatic and psychological symptoms.
Effect of all‐trans retinoic acid on apoptosis and expression of regulatory genes (Bcl‐2, Fas, ICE) in experimentally induced gastric epithelial cell dysplasia in rats
Authors: Rutao Cui , Gan Cai , Yong Cheng , Qiuhong Yang , Tao Tian 
Published: March 2003

OBJECTIVE: To study the mechanism and effect of all‐trans retinoic acid on apoptosis and the expression of Bcl‐2, Fas and ICE in experimentally induced dysplastic gastric epithelial cells. METHODS: Apoptosis and expression of Bcl‐2, Fas and ICE in gastric epithelial cells was studied using the terminal dUTP nucleotide end‐labeling (TUNEL) technique. The immunohistochemistry of Wistar rats enrolled in three groups was studied: group 1, blank controls; group 2, dysplasia induced by N‐methyl‐N‐nitro‐N‐nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) and then treated with all‐trans retinoic acid; and group 3, dysplasia induced by MNNG and treated with a placebo. RESULTS: In the three groups, the rates of dysplasia were 0, 26.7 and 73.3%; the apoptosis indices were 8.3 ± 3.1, 7.8 ± 2.6 and 2.2 ± 0.4; the expression of Bcl‐2 was 13.3, 33.3 and 66.7%; and overexpression of Bcl‐2 was 6.7, 6.7 and 33.3%, respectively. There were significant differences between group 2 and group 3 (P < 0.05), but no significant differences were found between group 2 and group 1 (P > 0.05). The expression rates of Fas were 46.7, 40 and 6.7%; the overexpression rates were 13.3, 26.7 and 13.3%, respectively; the expression rates of ICE were 20, 60 and 13.3%; the overexpression rates were 0, 13.3 and 6.7% in the three groups, respectively. The expression rates of Fas and ICE in group 2 were significantly different from that of group 3 (P < 0.05), but there were no significant differences in overexpression rates between group 2 and group 3. No significant differences were found either in expression or overexpression of Fas and ICE between group 2 and group 1. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that all‐trans retinoic acid inhibits Bcl‐2 expression, promotes Fas expression, enhances ICE expression and gastric mucosal epithelial cell apoptosis, and thus may reverse or inhibit the progression to cancer.
Expression of cyclooxygenase‐2 protein in colon disease
Authors: Lu Hong , Ge Zhizheng , Liu Wenzhong , Chen Xiaoyu , Peng Yanshen , Xiao Shudong 
Published: March 2003

OBJECTIVE: Several epidemiological studies have indicated that the long‐term administration of non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may reduce the incidence of colorectal cancer. The best known action of NSAIDs is to block cyclooxygenase, the key enzyme required for the conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandins. Two cyclooxygenase isoforms have been identified and these are referred to as COX‐1 and COX‐2. Recent studies indicate that inducible COX‐2 plays an important role in gastrointestinal inflammation and carcinogenesis. The present study was undertaken to investigate the expression and clinical implications of COX‐2 and COX‐1 in normal and diseased colons. METHODS: COX‐2 and COX‐1 protein expression in specimens from normal controls and diseased colon tissues were examined semiquantitatively by using immunohistochemical methods. RESULTS: By using immunohistochemical detection methods, low COX‐2 protein expression in colonic epithelial cells was observed in 20.0% (2/10) of normal controls. Eighty percent (16/20) of specimens from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) had a high COX‐2 expression, 46.40% (13/28) of adenomas and 64.3% of (9/14) well‐differentiated colonic carcinomas had some COX‐2 protein expression. Expression of COX‐2 protein was increased in IBD and colonic carcinomas compared with normal controls. There were no significant differences between colonic adenomas and colonic carcinomas. No correlation was found between COX‐2 protein expression and patient gender, patient age, tumor size, tumor location or the degree of differentiation/ metastasis of the tumor. Strong immunoreactive COX‐2 was expressed in clusters in interstitial cells (mainly mononuclear cells) in 53.6% (15/28) of adenomas and 64.3% (9/14) of colonic carcinomas. Strong COX‐2 protein expression was also displayed in the normal glands that were adjacent to the adenomas and carcinomas. Expression of COX‐1 protein was observed in the epithelial cells and interstitial cells or tumor cells of normal colon, IBD, colonic adenomas and colonic carcinomas. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicated that COX‐2 protein overexpression may contribute to the development of IBD and colonic carcinogenesis.