bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intraretinal axon diameters of a New World primate, the marmoset (Callithrix jacchus)
Authors: Walsh Natalie , Ghosh Krishna K , FitzGibbon Thomas 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT Purpose: Previously, measurements of retinal ganglion cell axon diameter have been used to make inferences about the physiology and clinical pathology of the visual pathway. However, few of these studies were able to unequivocally relate axon diameter to retinal ganglion cell type and other associated measurements. In this and our previous study we have examined intraretinal axon diameters to determine if differences in axon diameter may help to explain conduction velocity measurements found previously. Methods: Individual retinal ganglion cells of a New World primate, the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) were injected iontophoretically with 2% Lucifer yellow and 4% neurobiotin. Labelled cells were visualized by horseradish peroxidase immunohistochemistry and diaminobenzidine and then retinae were mounted vitreal side up on a glass slide. Cell measurements were made with the aid of a camera lucida attachment and computer‐aided morphometry. Axons were photographed under ×100 oil immersion and measured at a final magnification of ×4600. Results: A sample of 62 parasol cells, 22 midget cells, 16 hedge cells and 11 small bistratified cells were analysed. Dendritic field diameter of the different cell classes showed only moderate (non‐significant) increases with eccentricity. Only the parasol cells demonstrated a significant increase in mean axon diameter with eccentricity. When the parasol class was examined more closely, it was found that only parasol cells of the superior, inferior and temporal retina (SIT group) showed significant positive correlations between different cell parameters (mean axon diameter, soma diameter, dendritic field diameter, eccentricity). Soma and dendritic field diameters of the SIT group were significantly larger than those of the nasal parasol cells. However, mean axon diameters of the SIT cells were not significantly different from nasal parasol cells. Axon diameters of nasal parasol cells were very variable and overlapped those of the midget and hedge cell classes to a large extent. Conclusions: The present data show that for marmoset parasol cells there may not be a clearly defined distinction between nasal and superior, inferior and temporal parasol cells on the basis of axon size. Of particular interest in the present analysis is the clear separation of superior, inferior and temporal parasol cells and nasal parasol cells when comparing soma and dendritic field diameters which is not reflected in the distribution of axon diameters. We suggest that changes in diameter along the length of an axon, differences between retinal quadrants and the variability between cells may be related to minimization of spatiotemporal dispersion necessary for accurate perception of motion within the visual world.
Regulatory role of IL‐1β in the expression of IL‐6 and IL‐8 in human corneal epithelial cells during Pseudomonas aeruginosa colonization
Authors: Xue Mei‐Lang , Willcox Mark DP , Lloyd Andrew , Wakefield Denis , Thakur Archana 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a virulent pathogen and is frequently associated with bacterial keratitis. Recent studies have shown that high levels of interleukin (IL)‐1β and macrophage inflammatory protein‐2 are associated with the severity of corneal infection. Interleukin‐1β is a principal inflammatory mediator. Understanding the regulatory role of IL‐1β would provide better understanding of host responses during P. aeruginosa corneal infection. A human corneal epithelial (HCE) cell line and three P. aeruginosa strains were used in this experiment. Confluent HCE cells were challenged with P. aeruginosa and monoclonal antihuman IL‐1β antibody (IL‐1β mAb). The culture supernatants were collected for measuring cytotoxicity and protein levels of IL‐1β, IL‐8 and IL‐6 by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Results showed that HCE cells expressed low levels of IL‐1β and high levels of IL‐6 and IL‐8 during P. aeruginosa colonization. Paer1‐colonized HCE cells produced higher levels of IL‐1β, IL‐6 and IL‐8 protein compared to those produced by 6206‐ and 6294‐ colonized HCE cells. Administration of IL‐1β mAb decreased the production of IL‐8 and IL‐6. In conclusion, P. aeruginosa‐colonized HCE cells produced low levels of IL‐1β and high levels of IL‐6 and IL‐8. Neutralizing IL‐1β protein significantly downregulated the production of IL‐8 and IL‐6.
Upside‐down orbitopathy: unilateral orbital dependent‐tissue oedema causing total visual loss
Authors: Fuller J Robert , Vote Brendan JT 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACTThe case is reported of a 24‐year‐old man who was involved in a road traffic accident and became trapped upside down with the right side of his face being the most dependent part of his body. Marked hemifacial tissue oedema was associated with right acute compressive orbitopathy and vascular compromise. Acute dysfunction of all orbital nerves was found on examination. Such neuropathy is usually related to the consequences of direct trauma, fractures or haemorrhage; however, computed tomography scanning demonstrated no evidence of orbital fracture or haemorrhage. Immediate anterior surgical orbital decompression was performed in the emergency room in addition to high dose intravenous steroids. Dependent orbital tissue oedema is proposed as a mechanism of compressive orbitopathy with consequent ischaemic damage to all orbital nerves, total visual loss and complete ophthalmoparesis. Good recovery of other orbital nerves has occurred and the globe has reperfused. Despite intervention, no visual function has returned.
Microstructural assessment of rare corneal dystrophies using real‐time in vivo confocal microscopy
Authors: Grupcheva Christina N , Malik Tahira Y , Craig Jennifer P , Sherwin Trevor , McGhee Charles NJ 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT Purpose: To analyse and describe three cases of rare corneal dystrophy and highlight their in vivo microstructural features. Methods: Subject 1 was diagnosed with a posterior stromal fleck corneal dystrophy. Two of her three children were also affected. Subjects 2 and 3 exhibited an almost identical clinical appearance on biomicroscopic examination, such that both clinically were diagnosed as having pre‐Descemet’s dystrophies. All subjects underwent in vivo confocal microscopy and approximately 300 sequential digital images were obtained and analysed for each cornea. Results: In vivo confocal microscopy of subject 1 demonstrated an abnormal appearance of numerous large ovoid particles, measuring 50–70 μm in diameter in the mid and posterior stroma as well as smaller hyperreflective dot‐like intracellular deposits, of less than 1 μm diameter. Despite the near‐identical clinical appearance, subjects 2 and 3 could be clearly differentiated by in vivo confocal microscopy. Subject 2 exhibited small, irregular, optically dense particles, mainly in the anterior stroma, whereas subject 3 possessed classical involvement of the stroma immediately adjacent to Descemet’s membrane, with numerous regular, small, hyperreflective particles. Conclusions: The ability of in vivo confocal microscopy to localize and accurately measure various elements in different corneal layers may help to resolve whether abnormalities are intra‐ or extracellular, and aid clearer differentiation of rare corneal disorders.
Results of combined vitreoretinal surgery and phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation
Authors: Jun Zeng , Pavlovic Sima , Jacobi Karl W 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT Purpose: To assess the outcome and complications after combined pars plana vitrectomy and phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation in patients with concomitant cataract and vitreoretinal abnormalities. Methods: This retrospective study consisted of 113 eyes of 109 patients with various vitreoretinal abnormalities and visually significant cataract. Vitreoretinal surgery was combined with clear corneal phacoemulsification and intra‐ocular implantation. Results: The combined surgery resulted in minimal complications, and postoperative visual acuity was improved in 83 eyes (71.6%). Visual acuity was improved by two or more lines in 26 eyes (66.6%) with proliferative diabetic retinopathy, 22 eyes (73%) with proliferative vitreoretinopathy, eight eyes (30.7%) with macular abnormalities, four eyes (55.5%) with trauma and two eyes (40%) with retinal vein occlusion. Conclusions: The combined vitreoretinal surgery and phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation was safe and effective in treating vitreoretinal abnormalities coexisting with cataract. Combined surgery is recommended for all patients having simultaneous vitreoretinal pathological changes and cataract. The addition of phacoemulsification does not prolong vitreoretinal operative time notably nor increase the risk of intraoperative and post‐operative complications significantly.
Rapid seroconversion to Treponema pallidum and HIV positivity in a patient with retinal vasculitis
Authors: Venkatesh Pradeep , Verma Lalit , Garg Satpal P , Tewari Hem K 
Published: March 2003

AbstractA patient with idiopathic retinal vasculitis was found to have rapid conversion of serological tests for Treponema pallidum and HIV. The diagnosis was confirmed by Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) testing and dark ground illumination for T. pallidum, and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blot assay tests for HIV. Following treatment with intravenous penicillin, the fundus lesions resolved and visual acuity recovered from inaccurate light projection to 6/24 in the right eye and from counting fingers close to face to 2/60 in the left eye. Serological tests for T. pallidum in patients with concurrent HIV infection may be unpredictable. Hence, it is important to repeat these tests even in the early treatment phase of patients with retinal vasculitis who have shown initial seronegativity. This enables earlier diagnosis and initiation of specific treatment.
Contact lens fitting for post‐radial‐keratotomy residual myopia
Authors: Titiyal Jeewan S , Dutta Ranjan , Sinha Rajesh , Sharma Namrata , Dada Vijay K , Vajpayee Rasik B 
Published: March 2003

Abstract Purpose: To formulate guidelines for contact lens fitting following radial keratotomy and to achieve a relationship between contact lens fitting parameters and refractive and keratometric parameters. Methods: Thirty‐five eyes of 30 patients who had post‐radial‐keratotomy residual myopia were evaluated for contact lens fitting. The base curve was selected by ‘hit and trial’ method until a proper fit was achieved, following which an over‐refraction was done and final power of the contact lens obtained. Results: The mean contact lens base curve was 43.04 ± 1.62 D, which was steeper than the postoperative keratometry by 2.35 ± 0.74 D. The base curve and the postoperative keratometry were correlated by regression analysis (r = 0.895, P < 0.001). The mean overall diameter of the contact lenses was 9.64 ± 0.08 mm. The mean contact lens power was 5.81 ± 3.07 D, which was more myopic than the residual myopia by 2.79 ± 1.67 D. Regression analysis showed definite correlation between the contact lens power and postoperative myopia (r = 0.854, P < 0.001). Conclusion: For correction of post‐radial‐keratotomy residual myopia, contact lens fitting parameters can be determined by a regression formula using keratometric and refractive values.
Preventative effect of deferoxamine on degenerative changes in the optic nerve in experimental retrobulbar haematoma
Authors: Pelit Aysel , Haciyakupoglu Gülhanim , Zorludemir Suzan , Mete Ufuk , Daglioglu Kenan , Kaya Mehmet 
Published: March 2003

AbstractPurpose:Changes in the optic nerve due to the breakdown of blood elements and the effect of deferoxamine on these changes were evaluated.Methods:The study group consisted of 12 rabbits. Three rabbits were used as control. In Group I, three rabbits had bilateral retrobulbar haematoma induced. In Group II, three rabbits had bilateral retrobulbar haematoma induced and were given systemic deferoxamine. In Group III, three rabbits were only given deferoxamine. At day 21, all the rabbits underwent bilateral enucleation and specimens from the orbital fat tissue were removed for light microscopic examination. The optic nerves were examined by light and electron microscopy.Results:Light microscopic examination of the optic nerves did not reveal significant differences among the groups. Electron microscopy revealed ultrastructural changes in Group I. There were no significant pathological findings observed in Groups II or III. There was abundant iron pigment in the orbital fat tissue of Group I, but only a small amount in Group II.Conclusion:Systemic deferoxamine treatment is effective in preventing degenerative changes in retrobulbar haema­toma.
Frequent multiple c‐ki‐ras oncogene activation in pancreatic juice from patients with benign pancreatic cysts
Authors: Nakaizumi Akihiko , Oka Takanori , Takenaka Akemi , Uehara Hiroyuki , Oshikawa Osamu , Ymamoto Tatsuo , Ioka Tatsuya , Yano Hiroyuki , Ohigashi Akihiro , Ishikawa Osamu , Kasugai Tsutomu , Tanaka Sachiko , Otani Toru , Tatsuta Masaharu 
Published: March 2003

Background: We detected benign pancreatic cysts in more than half of 12 cases of in situ pancreatic cancer. A few investigators, having detected K‐ras mutation in pancreatic juice before the clinical diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, have suggested that this mutation might be an early event in pancreatic oncogenesis. Therefore, in the present study, we evaluated whether benign pancreatic cysts are a precancerous condition as reflected by K‐ras mutation in pancreatic juice.Methods: Pancreatic juice was collected through endoscopic cannulation of the pancreatic duct. Analysis of the mutations was performed using the polymerase chain reaction–preferential homoduplex formation assay.Results: The frequencies and types of K‐ras point mutations and the rate of multiplicity of K‐ras mutations in patients with benign pancreatic cyst were the same as those with pancreatic cancer.Conclusions: Multiple K‐ras codon 12 mutations in the pancreatic juice of patients with benign pancreatic cysts are present as frequently as those with pancreatic cancer. These results indicate that patients with benign cysts may be at a high‐risk for the development of pancreatic cancer.
Changes in urinary levels of 8‐hydroxy‐2′‐deoxyguanosine due to aging and smoking
Authors: Mizushima Yutaka , Kan Shin , Yoshida Satoshi , Sasaki Sunao , Aoyama Sadatoshi , Nishida Tsutae 
Published: March 2003

Background:Oxidative DNA damage and oxidative stress have been recognized to participate in the pathogenesis of cancer or aging, and 8‐hydroxy‐2′‐deoxyguanosine (8‐OHdG) is currently one of the most popular markers for the evaluation of this. To measure the 8‐OHdG level in urine, the 8‐OHdG Check kit using a monoclonal antibody has been developed in Japan. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate this check kit and determine the influences of aging and smoking on oxidative DNA damage.Methods:Levels of 8‐hydroxy‐2′‐deoxyguanosine/creatinine (8‐OHdG/cre) in spot urine were measured in 120 healthy persons aged 25–88 years (78 non‐smokers and 42 smokers) and 24 cancer patients aged 54–89 years.Results:In the healthy people there were no sex differences in urinary levels of 8‐OHdG/cre in both non‐smokers and smokers. The urinary levels of 8‐OHdG/cre increased with age in non‐smokers, but not in smokers. There was a tendency for the urinary levels of 8‐OHdG/cre to be higher in smokers than in non‐smokers, but smokers over 70 years of age showed the lowest urinary levels of 8‐OHdG/cre among all age groups. In cancer patients there was a tendency for the urinary levels of 8‐OHdG/cre to be higher compared with age‐matched healthy persons (n = 51) in both smokers and non‐smokers.Conclusion:Aging and smoking are associated with oxidative DNA damage, and the 8‐OHdG Check kit, which uses a monoclonal antibody specific for 8‐OHdG, may be a useful tool for evaluating the influences of various factors on oxidative DNA damage.
Young patients with colorectal cancer: how do they fare?
Authors: Turkiewicz Domenika , Miller Brian , Schache David , Cohen Jon , Theile David 
Published: March 2003

Background:  Younger patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) have long been thought to have a poorer prognosis than older patients. Recent overseas reports, however, have disputed this. The aim of the present study was to conduct a review of data on patients with colorectal cancer collected over a 29‐year period at Princess Alexandra Hospital (PAH) to ascertain the outcome of a younger subset of patients at this hospital.Methods:  The PAH Colorectal Project records on 2495 patients with malignancies of the colon, rectum and anus who were treated and followed since 1971, were analysed to determine clinical presentation, treatment and outcome. A group of 61 patients with colo­rectal adenocarcinoma was identified who were aged less than 40 years at presentation. Their clinical data were then compared with the larger group of older patients.Results:  There were 30 male and 31 female patients in the younger group. A positive family history was the most consistent risk factor, present in 34% of patients. Despite this, only one patient out of 61 had been diagnosed as a result of a screening programme. The Australian Clinico‐Pathological Stage (ACPS), histology and distribution of tumours corresponded to that of the older patients. The overall 5‐year survival among younger patients was 53%. The 5‐year survival rates in younger patients were better than that for older patients for ACPS A and B, reaching statistical significance for both of these stages.Conclusions:  Our results indicate that younger patients with colorectal cancer have the potential to do just as well as older ones. With the influence of a family history of colorectal cancer being very apparent in this group, greater emphasis should be placed on an adequate screening programme for them.
Endoscopic laser stricturotomy and balloon dilatation for benign colorectal strictures
Authors: Luck Andrew , Chapuis Pierre , Sinclair Gael , Hood Judith 
Published: March 2003

Background: A fibrous stricture may develop at the site of a colorectal anastomosis or as a complication following abdominal aortic surgery. A major resection may be necessary if the stricture cannot be released. The authors’ experience with endoscopic stricturotomy using neodymium:yttrium–aluminium–garnet laser, together with balloon dilatation, as a conservative method of treating such strictures, is reported here. Methods: The case notes of all patients referred for laser treatment of benign distal large bowel strictures at Concord Hospital were reviewed. Results: Ten patients had endoscopic laser treatment combined with endoscopic balloon dilatation between October 1991 and July 1999. An anastomotic stricture had developed in eight patients and two patients had a fibrous stricture of the upper rectum after abdominal aortic aneurysm surgery. Nine of the 10 patients had their stricture treated successfully without complication or recurrence (median follow up 82 months; range: 14–104 months). The remaining patient re‐presented with a large bowel obstruction at the site of his stricture 6 years following initial treatment. Conclusion: A protocol combining laser stricturotomy with balloon dilatation appears to be a safe and effective treatment of such strictures.
Prevalence of Helicobacter Pylori in gastric cancer in a South‐east Asian Population by 14C‐Urea breath test
Authors: Chung Alexander Y‐F. , Chow Pierce K. H. , Yu Wing‐Kwong , Ho Jean M. S. , Chan Hsiang‐Sui , Wong Wai‐Keong , Soo Khee‐Chee 
Published: March 2003

Backgound: Helicobacter pylori is believed to play an important role in the aetiology of gastric cancer. There is a great variability in seropositivity and histological frequency of H. pylori in gastric cancer. The present prospective study investigates the prevalence of H. pylori infection in gastric cancer patients using 14C‐urea breath testing. Methods: Patients with endoscopic biopsy‐proven gastric cancer were fasted for 6 h prior to ingesting 18.5 × 104 Bq of 14C‐urea cocktail orally. Breath samples were collected after 20 min by asking them to blow into a hyamine solution and measurements were read in a scintillation counter. Results: Fifty out of 51 patients (98%) with gastric cancer were positive on the 14C‐urea breath test compared to 29 patients (61%) who were positive on histology. There was no association between sex, age or tumour site, stage, differentiation, Lauren type and H. pylori status. The test was negative in one patient with cardial tumour in which histology of the resected specimen was also negative for the bacteria. Conclusions: Active H. pylori infection is highly prevalent in gastric cancer in a South‐East Asian population. The 14C‐urea breath test is a highly sensitive method for detecting the presence of H. pylori even in gastric adenocarcinoma irrespective of the stage.
A reappraisal of thyroid surgery under local anaesthesia: Back to the future?
Authors: Hisham Abdullah N. , Aina Emran N. 
Published: March 2003

Background: Thyroid surgery is usually performed under general anaesthesia. However, for a selected group of patients, local anaesthesia may be preferable. The aim of this study was to review the authors’ experiences with local anaesthesia with regard to the safety and outcome of this approach. Methods: A total of 65 consecutive patients who underwent primary thyroid surgery were accrued prospectively into this study from May to December 1999. A field block with 0.5% bupivacaine and adrenaline in 1:200 000 dilutions was given in all cases. In addition, light sedative and narcotics were given as necessary to achieve patient comfort and cooperation. The pain experienced during surgery was recorded using a visual analogue scoring system on a scale of 1–10. Results: Unilateral thyroid resection was performed in 58 patients, isthmectomy in four patients and bilateral thyroid resection in three patients, two of which were in their second trimester of pregnancy diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer. There were 55 women and 10 men with an average age of 38.2 years (range: 18–67 years). No conversion to general anaesthetic was needed, and the mean operating time was 80 min. The postoperative recovery was quick with this technique and, of interest, 22 (33.9%) patients were discharged within 6 h following the surgery. Overall 62 (95.4%) patients were discharged in the first 24 h and three (4.6%) patients after 24 h. There were no significant postoperative complications encountered except for wound infection in two (3.1%) patients. Conclusions: Thyroid surgery under local anaesthesia can be performed safely in a selected group of patients. It offers an effective alternative approach to general anaesthesia and is associated with low morbidity and high levels of patient satisfaction.