bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stroke Recurrence Is More Frequent in Blacks and Hispanics
Authors: Sheinart K.F. , Tuhrim S. , Horowitz D.R. , Weinberger J. , Goldman M. , Godbold J.H. 
Published: April 2003

This study was designed to measure recurrent stroke rates and identify their determinants in a mixed ethnic population. A cohort of 299 patients (110 black, 57 Hispanic and 132 white) admitted to a large urban hospital with an acute stroke between November 1, 1991, and July 1, 1993, was followed for a mean of 17.8 months. Demographic and historical data and stroke subtype and severity were recorded at the time of the index stroke. The main outcome measure was stroke recurrence. The unadjusted relative risk of stroke recurrence for blacks, relative to whites, was 2.0 (95% CI: 0.9–4.4) and for Hispanics, relative to whites, it was 2.6 (95% CI: 1.08–6.0). Ethnicity appeared to be associated with recurrence risk only among first-ever strokes: the risk for blacks, relative to whites, was 2.4 (95% CI: 1.02–5.5) and for Hispanics it was 2.9 (95% CI: 1.2–7.4). None of the other putative risk factors for stroke recurrence identified at the time of initial hospitalization were associated with risk of recurrence.
Efficiency of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure versus Theophylline Therapy in Sleep Apnea: Comparative Sleep Laboratory Studies on Objective and Subjective Sleep and Awakening Quality
Authors: Saletu B. , Oberndorfer S. , Anderer P. , Gruber G. , Divos H. , Lachner A. , Mandl M. , Parapatics S. , Popp W. , Saletu M. , Saletu-Zyhlarz G. , Sertl K. , Strobl R. , Tschida U. , Winkler A. 
Published: April 2003

Sleep apnea is the most common sleep-related breathing disorder characterized by repetitive episodes of hypoxemia. Therapies include behavioral, surgical, orthodontic, pneumological, and pharmacological interventions. The aim of the present study was to compare the efficiency of pneumological therapy by nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) versus a pharmacological approach with theophylline (Respicur retard<sup>®</sup> 400 mg) on respiratory variables as well as objective and subjective sleep and awakening quality in patients with moderate sleep apnea measured by polysomnography and psychometry. Under CPAP therapy all respiratory variables improved and normalized, while under theophylline only the apnea-hypopnea index and the desaturation index improved but still did not return to normal values. Regarding sleep initiation and maintenance, CPAP therapy prolonged sleep latency and reduced movement time, while patients treated with theophylline showed reduced total sleep period, total sleep time and sleep efficiency. Sleep architecture demonstrated an increase in deep sleep and REM stages under CPAP therapy, and remained unchanged under theophylline. Concerning subjective sleep and awakening quality, both treatments improved well-being in the morning. Regarding objective awakening quality, reaction time performance was improved in both groups. In conclusion, CPAP treatment is more effective than theophylline regarding respiratory variables as well as the normalization of sleep maintenance and sleep architecture in sleep apnea patients.
Behavioral Effects of Aluminum in Mice: Influence of Restraint Stress
Authors: Colomina M. Teresa , Sanchez Domenec J. , Sanchez-Turet Miquel , Domingo Jose L. 
Published: April 2003

The influence of restraint stress on potential aluminum (Al)-induced behavioral changes was assessed in CD-1 mice. Three groups of adult mice were given 0, 300 and 600 mg Al/kg body weight per day in drinking water for 2 weeks. One-half of the animals in each group were concurrently subjected to restraint stress during 1 h per day throughout the study. After cessation of treatment, open-field activity, active avoidance learning, and motor resistance and coordination of the animals were evaluated. At the end of the behavioral testing period, mice were killed and Al concentrations were determined in a number of tissues. There were no remarkable effects of Al, restraint stress or their combined administration on either open-field activity or on the number of avoidances in an automatic reflex conditioner. However, a lower motor resistance and coordination in a rotarod were observed following exposure to Al at 600 mg/kg/day, restraint alone or concurrent administration of Al (300 and 600 mg/kg/day) plus restraint stress. The levels of Al in whole brain and cerebellum were significantly enhanced in mice exposed to Al plus restraint. Although the present results scarcely show Al-induced neurobehavioral effects, the influence of restraint stress on Al levels in whole brain and cerebellum can be the basis for further studies on the potential role of this element in certain neurological disorders.
Experimental Intravitreal Application of Ciprofloxacin in Rabbits
Authors: Wiechens Burkhard , Grammer Joachim B. , Johannsen Ute , Pleyer Uwe , Hedderich Jürgen , Duncker Gernot I.W. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> Ciprofloxacin (CFLX) is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic with a broad antimicrobial spectrum. This study was performed to examine the retinal toxicity of free and liposome-incorporated CFLX in rabbit eyes after intravitreal injection. <i>Materials and Methods:</i> Free CFLX in doses of 100, 250, 500, 1,000 and 2,000 µg was injected into the midvitreous of rabbit eyes (n = 28). To prolong the intravitreal antibacterial level, CFLX was incorporated into multilamellar liposomes: 0.1 ml of this suspension (≙ 273.6 µg CFLX) was injected into the midvitreous of a second group of rabbit eyes (n = 6). The other eye served as a control and received normal saline solution or empty liposomes, respectively. Before injection and at the end of follow-up an electroretinogram (ERG) was obtained. After a follow-up of 1, 14 and 28 days the animals were perfused with glutaraldehyde and the eyes were examined by light and transmission electron microscopy. <i>Results:</i> Significant reduction of the ERG was observed after 2,000 µg free CFLX in 4 out of 6 eyes after 14 days. Fourteen days after injection of 2,000 µg CFLX the central retina showed pigmentary changes in 4 out of 6 eyes. In the second group the ERG as well as the histologic studies did not reveal any pathologic changes after injection of liposome-incorporated CFLX compared to the control eyes. <i>Conclusion:</i> In therapeutic doses of 100–500 µg, free CFLX does not have retinal toxicity in rabbit eyes. No retinal toxicity was observed after intravitreal injection of liposome-incorporated CFLX.
Evaluation of the Analgesic Effect of 0.1% Indomethacin Solution on Corneal Abrasions
Authors: Patrone G. , Sacca S.C. , Macri A. , Rolando M. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Purpose:</i> The authors wished to verify the analgesic action of 0.1% indomethacin in a water-based solution on patients affected by traumatic corneal abrasions. <i>Methods:</i> 347 patients affected by traumatic corneal abrasions, having been randomly divided into 2 groups on the basis of the administration of indomethacin, were evaluated at 30 min, 12 h and 24 h after the initial treatment of the abrasion. The level of pain experienced was evaluated on a verbal pain scale and the healing time was evaluated relative to the dimension of the abrasion. <i>Results:</i> The pain level was initially overwhelming for both groups: p = 0.737; at successive check-ups it was possible to verify a reduction of the symptomatology, with a more pronounced decrease in pain in the group treated with indomethacin (p < 0.0001), which also demonstrated a lower sensitivity to pain in the case of larger lesions (p < 0.0001). There was no difference in the healing time between groups, and the reduction of pain is not correlated with corneal anesthesia and healing time. <i>Conclusions:</i> Our study highlighted the efficacy of indomethacin as a pain reducer for acute corneal pathology and suggested that the medication may act on the corneal nociceptors in a qualitative way.
Visual Outcome after Treatment with Low-Dose Recombinant Tissue Plasminogen Activator or Hemodilution in Ischemic Central Retinal Vein Occlusion
Authors: Hattenbach Lars-Olof , Wellermann Georg , Steinkamp Gerd Wilhelm Karl , Scharrer Inge , Koch Frank Heinz Johannes , Ohrloff Christian 
Published: April 2003

The ischemic type of central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) is associated with a poor visual and ocular prognosis. Although several reports have indicated that hemodilution or thrombolytic therapy may be of benefit, there is still no consensus among ophthalmologists about the management of this disorder. In our study, we retrospectively evaluated the visual outcome after medical treatment in 58 patients with ischemic CRVO and severe visual loss (≤20/50). We separately investigated three different groups, depending on the following criteria: onset of symptoms within 11 days prior to admission and thrombolytic treatment with 50 mg of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) and intravenous heparinization (n = 23) or hemodilution therapy (n = 22) or onset of symptoms >11 days before the initial visit and hemodilution (n = 13). An advancement of 2 or more lines on the logarithmic visual acuity chart was noted in 10 cases (44%) in the rtPA group and in 3 subjects (14%) in the early-phase hemodilution group, whereas only 1 patient in the late-phase hemodilution group showed a comparable improvement. Our findings suggest that treatment with low-dose rtPA or hemodilution aimed at early restoration of blood flow has the potential to improve the visual prognosis in ischemic CRVO. The finding that thrombolysis had a favorable outcome supports the hypothesis that specific subgroups of patients may benefit from this therapeutic approach. Further investigation will be required to definitively prove the effectiveness of fibrinolytic agents.
Visual Field Defects and Normal Nerve Fiber Layer: May They Coexist in Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma?
Authors: De Natale Renato , Marraffa Michele , Morbio Roberta , Tomazzoli Laura , Bonomi Luciano 
Published: April 2003

The retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) is the anatomical structure most sensitive to glaucoma injury. Before a functional loss such as a visual field defect is displayed, a large number of nerve fibers can be damaged. However, there are glaucoma patients in which an apparently normal RNFL coexists with evident visual field defects. A total of 54 eyes affected with primary open-angle glaucoma were studied. Visual field was examined with the Humphrey Field Analyzer (Zeiss) using program 30-2. The Nerve Fiber Analyzer II (Laser Diagnostic Technologies) was used to study the RNFL of these patients. Mean deviation of the visual field ranged from 6 to 31 dB in all eyes that were examined. The average thickness of the RNFL ranged from 20 to 90 μm. According to our previous experience 75 μm was fixed as the cutoff between normal and pathological values of RNFL thickness. We identified 5 eyes with a RNFL thickness over 75 μm and a visual field with a mean deviation over 6 dB; 9% of the studied eyes were found to have a visual field defect with no changes in RNFL. We conclude that not all subjects have the same number of fibers at birth and that it is therefore possible to underestimate the RNFL changes. Our study illustrates that the concept of normal and altered has to be considered as a relative one for all the aspects characterizing the glaucomatous disease.
Antiproliferative Wirkung von Genistein auf kultivierte retinale Pigmentepithelzellen vom Schwein
Authors: Krott Ralf , Lebek Julia , Grisanti Salvatore , Esser Peter , Heimann Klaus 
Published: April 2003

The isoflavonoid genistein is known as a potent inhibitor of proliferation in endothelial cells and in some tumor cell lines in vitro and in vivo. Cell growth arrest is mediated by inhbitor of the tyrosine-kinase receptor, a target for many growth factors such as fibroblast growth factor, platelet-derived growth factor, epidermal growth-factor and vascular endothelial growth factor, which may play a role in the development of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). In this study we report on the antiproliferative effect of genistein on retinal pigment epithelial cells (RPE), which is the major cell type involved in PVR. <i>Methods:</i> Cell culture experiments using porcine RPE treated with different concentrations (5 up to 100 μg/ml) of genistein in minimum essential medium +10% fetal calf serum. Inhibition of proliferation was demonstrated by two different methods: (1) uptake of 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridin (BrdU) in S phase after different exposure times (2) expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen 72 h after scratching confluent RPE. <i>Results:</i> Exposure of RPE to genistein resulted in a concentration-dependent inhibition of cell proliferation at concentrations over 25 μg/ml geinistein. BrdU incorporation was reduced to 65% after 24- and 48-hour treatment with 100 μg/ml genistein in comparison with the untreated cells. Proliferation of RPE growing into the artificial wound was inhibited when cells were exposed for 72 h to more than 25 μg/ml genistein. <i>Conclusions:</i> Genistein at concentrations over 25 μg/ml inhibits RPE proliferation. Further studies will be required to determine the applicability of genistein or other phytoestrogens in order to prevent uncontrolled wound healing processes such as PVR.
Changes in Deviation following Correction of Hyperopia in Children with Fully Refractive Accommodative Esotropia
Authors: Watanabe-Numata Konomi , Hayasaka Seiji , Watanabe Kazuhiko , Hayasaka Yoriko , Kadoi Chiharu 
Published: April 2003

Changes in deviation may occur following the correction of hyperopia in children with accommodative esotropia. We analyzed possible factors involving the development of changes in deviation. We examined 49 children (23 boys and 26 girls) who had fully refractive accommodative esotropia at the age of 3 or 4 years. All children wore glasses to correct the fully cycloplegic refractive errors. At the age of 10 or 11 years, 28 (57.1%) of these children had good alignment, 12 (24.5%) developed partial accommodative esotropia and 9 (18.4%) developed consecutive exotropia. The age at onset of esotropia, age at initial visit, and refraction, deviation and presence of stereopsis, as determined by the Titmus test using a fly at the initial visit, were similar among the three groups. In the consecutive exotropia group, amblyopia at the initial visit was significantly higher (89%) than that of the good alignment group (50%). The age at the start of the correction, and the refraction, amblyopia and presence of fusion (10 or 11 years) were almost equal among the three groups. We conclude that some children with fully refractive accommodative esotropia associated with amblyopia at the age of 3 or 4 years may be predisposed to developing consecutive exotropia.
Effect of Melatonin on Lenticular Calcium and Magnesium in Rats Exposed to Ultraviolet Radiation
Authors: Bardak Yavuz 
Published: April 2003

Six-week-old rats received 8 kJ/m<sup>2</sup> ultraviolet B (UVB) for 15 min. For the intervention in cataract development, intraperitoneal injection of melatonin (4 mg/kg daily for 1 week) following UVB exposure was performed. Lenticular calcium and magnesium levels were determined in UVB + melatonin, UVB and control groups. One week after exposure, significantly more cataractous changes were observed in the UVB group than the UVB + melatonin group. The mean lens calcium and magnesium levels for the UVB group were significantly higher than those for the control and the UVB + melatonin groups. There were no significant differences between the control and the UVB + melatonin groups for the mean lens calcium and magnesium levels.
The Reykjavik Eye Study – Prevalence of Lens Opacification with Reference to Identical Japanese Studies
Authors: Sasaki Hiroshi , Jonasson Fridbert , Kojima Masami , Katoh Nobuyo , Ono Masaji , Takahashi Nobuo , Sasaki Kazuyuki 
Published: April 2003

<i>Purpose:</i> A population-based cataract epidemiological study, the Reykjavik Eye Study, was conducted to determine the prevalence and characteristics of lens opacities in Iceland. The results were compared with those from previous surveys in Japan to determine the influence of race and environmental factors. <i>Methods:</i> 1,635 randomly selected residents of Reykjavik, Iceland, were enrolled, and among them, 1,045 responded and took part in the study. The subjects received ophthalmological examination of both the anterior and the posterior segments. Changes in the crystalline lens were examined and photographed under maximal pupillary dilation. Classification of the opacity types and grading of the extent of lens opacificiation were done using a standardized scheme, and the data were analyzed with Student’s test, the χ<sup>2</sup> test and the Mantel-Haenszel test. <i>Results:</i> The prevalence of lens opacities in subjects in their 50s, 60s, 70s and in those 80 years and older was 42.7, 61.0, 85.3 and 100%, respectively. Grade II and III lens opacities were found in 2.2% of subjects in their 50s and in 10.5, 35.9 and 62.3% in their 60s, 70s, and over 80 years, respectively. Cortical opacities predominated in all age groups followed by nuclear opacities; subcapsular opacities, on the other hand, were quite rare. A unique type of opacity, i.e., granular opacity, seldom seen among the Japanese, was found in 6.6% of the Icelandic subjects. <i>Conclusions:</i> Our results show that cortical opacity is the major type of opacity in Icelandic subjects, although its prevalence was lower than that in the Japanese subjects. Interestingly, the first appearance of lens opacities of grades II and III in Icelanders was delayed by 10 years compared to the Japanese suggesting fewer or less severe risk factors for cataract formation in Iceland.
Bilateral Superior Cervical Ganglionectomy Increases Choroidal Blood Flow in the Rabbit
Authors: Chou Ping-I , Lu Da-Wen , Chen Jiann-Torng 
Published: April 2003

In this study, we evaluate the effect of bilateral superior cervical ganglionectomy on albino rabbit choroidal blood flow (CBF) in changes of perfusion pressure (PP). Twenty albino rabbits of either sex weighing between 2.0 and 3.0 kg were randomly divided into two groups. The experimental group (group S) included 10 rabbits (20 eyes) that received bilateral superior cervical ganglionectomy one week prior to the study. The other 10 rabbits (20 eyes) served as a control (group N): each received the same procedure as group S except that the superior cervical ganglion was preserved. By means of a laser Doppler flowmeter (Perimed PF4001), blood cell flux (PF), velocity (V), and concentration of moving blood cells (CMBC) were recorded simultaneously while intraocular pressure was increased linearly by a syringe pump. Blood pressure and intraocular pressure were continuously monitored. The laser beam focused on the posterior pole away from major retinal vessels. When PP decreased from 75 to 0 mm Hg, in group N, PF, V and CMBC decreased from 100% to 6.94 ± 0.91%, 8.41 ± 0.87%, and 19.38 ± 1.11%; in group S, it was 17.75 ± 2.58%, 16.78 ± 1.48%, and 34.58 ± 4.42%, respectively. Group S poses higher PF, V, and CMBC than group N while PP decreased gradually. These results indicate that the superior cervical ganglion plays a role in CBF regulation. Bilateral sympathectomy led to a higher PF in the group S rabbits, indicating increased CBF. PF, V, and CMBC remained constant until PP <55 mm Hg demonstrated the existence of CBF autoregulation within a limited perfusion range in both groups. This autoregulation did not change after sympathectomy.
Vascular Inner Ear Partition:A Concept for Some Forms of Sensorineural Hearing Loss and Vertigo
Authors: Tange R.A. 
Published: April 2003

The results of a series of scanning electron microscopical studies were used to construct a model for the vascular pathways in the inner ear. Corrosion cast preparations of the vessels of the inner ear of the adult rat were used in this study. The inner ear is, like a hand, an end organ containing four sense organs (cochlea, saccule, utricle and the cristae ampullaris). All these specific inner ear structures have their own vascular supply. We have developed a blood flow diagram of the inner ear. This model was used for a classification of different types of ischemia in the inner ear and forms a concept for some forms of sensorineural hearing loss and vertigo. Four types of inner ear ischemia are proposed. In type I (a or b) of inner ear ischemia only the vessels of the cochlea are involved resulting in two types of hearing loss without vertigo. Type II is characterized by ischemia of a part of the cochlea and a part of the vestibular system. In type III (a or b) only the vestibular system is involved, while in type IV no blood circulation will be present in the inner ear resulting in total deafness and severe vertigo. Inner ear partition at ultramicroscopical level of these structures may be possible in the future and new imaging techniques will probably support the vascular schematic model presented in this study.
Clinical-Morphological Correlation of Nasal Obstruction with Skull Base Development and Otitis media
Authors: Maurizi Maurizio , Scarano Emanuele , Frusoni Federica , Deli Roberto , Paludetti Gaetano 
Published: April 2003

Morphological changes of the middle ear were investigated by means of microotoscopy and scanning electron microscopy in 40 developing Albino rats. In 20 one nostril (group B) and in 20 both nostrils (group C) had been experimentally obstructed. 20 rats were used as controls (group A). Microotoscopy and scanning electron microscopy on the middle ear mucosa were performed when the animals were 2 months old, i.e. at 90% of their development. At microotoscopy the tympanic membranes, homolateral to the obstructed nostril, proved to be abnormal in 81% of group B rats and in almost all rats belonging to group C. Scanning electron microscopy, performed after the bullae had been removed, showed the following epithelial surface changes of the middle ear homolaterally to the obstructed nostril: (a) a significant increase of nonciliated elements with a secretory behavior as compared to controls, even of the floor where normally a large number of ciliated cells is present; (b) several ciliated cells were destroyed and their cilia were irregular and untidy; (c) thick mucous secretions covered the floor of the tympanic bulla; and (d) squamous metaplasia of the hypotympanic epithelium. Extrarotation of the eustachian tubes and developmental abnormalities of the skull base in growing rats, caused by nasal obstruction, seem to be able to induce pathological events of the middle ear.
Three-Dimensional Imaging of Laryngeal Cancers Using High-Speed Helical CT Scanning
Authors: Sakakura Atsushi , Yamamoto Yuzo , Uesugi Yasuo , Nakai Ken , Takenaka Hiroshi , Narabayashi Isamu 
Published: April 2003

To evaluate the clinical usefulness and limitations of three-dimensional (3-D) imaging of laryngeal cancers by high-speed helical (spiral) CT scanning, 3-D images were reconstructed for one dissected human larynx and 10 patients with laryngeal cancer. The larynges were scanned in 1- to 2-mm slices, and were reconstructed using a slice thickness of 0.5–1.0 mm. The macroscopic (or endoscopic) findings and the 3-D CT images of the larynx were compared. The selected threshold CT values were –600 HU (Hounsfield units) to –100 HU for the mucous membranes, and 250 HU for bone. Under these conditions, almost all of the structures remained distinct. The 3-D images of the larynx obtained by helical CT were very helpful in understanding laryngeal anatomy, especially in the subglottic area, which cannot be seen clearly by endoscopy or conventional axial CT. Clinically, this system would have advantages in the detection of subglottic cancers, or the invasion of glottic or supraglottic cancers into the subglottic area.