bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Upregulation of Retinal Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor mRNAs in Spontaneously Diabetic Rats without Ophthalmoscopic Retinopathy
Authors: Segawa Yasunori , Shirao Yutaka , Yamagishi Sho-ichi , Higashide Tomomi , Kobayashi Miho , Katsuno Kenji , Iyobe Akira , Harada Hiromu , Sato Fumiyasu , Miyata Hiroshi , Asai Hiroshi , Nishimura Akira , Takahira Masayuki , Souno Tsutomu , Segawa Youji , Maeda Kazuhiko , Shima Kenji , Mizuno Akira , Yamamoto Hiroshi , Kawasaki Kazuo 
Published: April 2003

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has recently been shown to be involved in the pathogenesis of proliferative diabetic retinopathy. However, its involvement in the development of the early phase of diabetic retinopathy is not fully understood. In this study we investigated the retinal VEGF mRNA level in spontaneously diabetic Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima fatty (OLETF) rats, a model of non-insulin-dependent diabetes, without overt retinopathy, using quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. The retinal VEGF mRNA level was 2.2 times higher (p < 0.0005) in OLETF rats than in control rats at the age of 60 weeks. Moreover, their retinal mRNA level was positively correlated with serum concentration of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) but not to serum glucose concentration. Furthermore, the peak latency of the oscillatory potentials in the electroretinogram, one of the most sensitive markers for the early phase of diabetic retinopathy, was significantly prolonged in OLETF rats (p < 0.05), being also correlated with the serum AGE concentration. The results thus suggest that AGEs, which are formed acceleratedly in diabetic conditions, are involved in the development of the early phase of diabetic retinopathy probably through the induction of retinal VEGF mRNAs.
Immunohistochemical Markers in Full-Thickness Embryonic Rabbit Retinal Transplants
Authors: Ghosh Fredrik , Bruun Anitha , Ehinger Berndt 
Published: April 2003

<i>Purpose:</i> To examine immunohistochemical markers in straight, well-laminated retinal transplants with special attention paid to the interphotoreceptor matrix, the Müller cells and the ganglion cells as these three retinal components have been abnormal in transplants produced by previous methods. <i>Methods:</i> Nine rabbits underwent subretinal transplantation of a complete full-thickness embryonic neuroretina. After 31 or 49 days, the transplants were stained for light microscopy and processed for immunohistochemistry. <i>Results:</i> Six of 9 eyes contained transplants with straight, well-laminated regions with all light-microscopic characteristics of a normal retina. In the outer segment region, the expression of peanut agglutinin showed segmental labeling of cone domains in the interphotoreceptor matrix, and interphotoreceptor retinoid binding protein immunoreactivity was found. Glial fibrillary acidic protein and vimentin immunoreactivity revealed normal Müller cell morphology. In 3 transplants the AB5-antibody-labeled ganglion cells in the ganglion cell layer and all transplants contained nerve fibers in the nerve fiber layer labeled by an antibody against neurofilament of 160 kD. The latter also labeled fibers connecting the transplant with the host. <i>Conclusions:</i> Full-thickness embryonic retinal transplants develop the normal retinal appearance and display several of the retinal components necessary for normal function which are not found in transplants produced by previous methods.
Interleukin 10 Treatment Does Not Prolong Experimental Corneal Allograft Survival
Authors: Torres Paulo F. , de Vos Alex F. , Martins Berta , Kijlstra Aize 
Published: April 2003

In view of the known anti-inflammatory activities of interleukin (IL) 10, we investigated whether the administration of recombinant murine IL-10 prolonged corneal graft survival. A major histocompatibility complex mismatched rat model with AO rats as recipients of PVG donor corneas was used. A total of 39 corneal allografts was included in this study and divided into 7 groups for different treatments. Group I (n = 6), II (n = 8), III (n = 6) and IV (n = 7) were injected subconjunctivally with saline (control), 0.5 ng, 5 ng or 50 ng of IL-10, respectively, on the day of transplantation and then on postoperative days (POD) 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10. Group V (n = 4) and group VI (n = 4) were injected intraperitoneally with saline (control) or 1 µg of IL-10, respectively, on the day before surgery, the day of grafting and then on POD 2, 4 and 6. Finally, group VII (n = 4) was injected with both subconjuctival 5 ng of IL-10 and intraperitoneal 1 µg of IL-10 on the same days as the previous groups. The median days for corneal rejection in the various groups were: group I, 11.3 ± 0.9; group II, 11.5 ± 0.9; group III, 11.6 ± 0.8, and group IV, 10 ± 1.0. Statistical analysis revealed a trend towards rejection (p = 0.08) in group IV (compared to group I). In groups V and VI, corneal rejection was evident on day 12 and in group VII the median time for rejection was 10.5 ± 0.8 days. These results indicate that IL-10 treatment does not prolong corneal allograft survival and may even accelerate rejection.
The Ocular Pharmacokinetics of Topical Diclofenac Is Affected by Ocular Inflammation
Authors: Palmero M. , Bellot J.L. , Alcoriza N. , García-Cabanes C. , Orts A. 
Published: April 2003

The ocular pharmacokinetics of topical diclofenac sodium was studied in two experimental models of ocular inflammation and compared to physiological conditions. Keratitis or uveitis were induced by intrastromal injection of clove oil or by intravitreal lipopolysaccharide in rabbits. The control eyes were not inflamed. Simultaneously to the induction of inflammation, 30 µl of 0.1% diclofenac were applied topically in the right eye. Diclofenac levels were measured by HPLC in the cornea, aqueous humor (AH), iris/ciliary body (ICB) and plasma 30 min, 1, 3, 6 and 12 h after application. In physiological conditions, diclofenac reached a peak level in the cornea and ICB at 30 min slowly decreasing afterwards. Low levels of diclofenac were found in AH. In keratitic eyes, two peak levels which were significantly higher than in the controls were found in the cornea 30 min and 3 h after application. Diclofenac concentrations in keratitic AH and ICB were lower than in controls. In uveitic eyes, corneal and ICB levels peaked at 30 min, being significantly higher than in controls, and decreased quickly to very low levels at 1 h after application. In uveitic AH, diclofenac levels were lower than in controls. Plasma levels were very low (less than 0.1 µg/ml) in all experimental groups. It is concluded that the ocular pharmacokinetics of topical diclofenac is affected by inflammatory processes in the eye, reaching higher levels in the target tissues.
The Effects of Induced Acute Hyperglycemia in the Cat on the Retinal Capillary Blood Flow
Authors: Ben-nun Joshua , Alder Valerie A. , Constable Ian J. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Purpose:</i> To study the effect of acute hyperglycemia on the erythrocyte flow in specific retinal capillary paths. <i>Methods:</i> A technique for fluorescent labeling of a known fraction of the erythrocyte moiety of systemic blood was combined with fluorescence viewing of the retinal capillary network in live cats. This technique was developed to enable visualization of the erythrocyte flow in the retinal capillary network and used to acquire video recording of the retinal capillary erythrocyte flow in normal feline eyes. The pattern of capillary erythrocyte flow under normal blood glucose levels and normal systemic blood pressure served as baseline. Acute hyperglycemia was induced by intravenous injection of glucose while monitoring the systemic blood pressure. Two subsets of functional capillary pathways previously defined as S (simple) and C (complex) were identified in the recorded data. The relationship between erythrocyte flux in random selections of these two pathways and the level of hyperglycemia and systemic blood pressure was determined. <i>Results:</i> Induction of acute hyperglycemia led to acute elevation of the systemic blood pressure that returned to baseline levels within few minutes, while blood glucose remained high. The capillary erythrocyte flux in S paths was significantly higher than in C paths at all values of systemic blood pressure. The capillary erythrocyte flux in the S paths was directly proportional to the systemic blood pressure whereas the flux in C paths was minimally affected by acute hyperglycemia for the systemic blood pressure range between 110 and 160 mm Hg. <i>Conclusions:</i> The erythrocyte flux in S paths is affected by the changes of the systemic blood pressure and these paths act as ‘shunt vessels’ when acute elevation of the systemic blood pressure occurs. C paths maintain stable perfusion under changing conditions, most probably in an effort to minimally alter the basic metabolic needs of the retinal tissue. Hyperglycemia per se was not responsible for changes of the cell flux in these capillary paths.
Concentrations of Serum Albumin and Nonesterified Fatty Acids in Bovine Aqueous Humor with Regard to the Fatty Acid Sensitivity of Bovine Lens Epithelial Cells
Authors: John Mike , Glaesser Dietmar 
Published: April 2003

Concentrations of albumin and nonesterified fatty acids (FAs) have been determined in bovine serum and aqueous humor (AH) with regard to the FA-to-albumin molar ratio, which has been proved decisive for the FA cytotoxicity to bovine lens epithelial cells as described previously. In 6- to 7-month-old female calves the average albumin level was reduced 309-fold from 638 µmol/l in serum to 2.00 µmol/l in AH, in 72- to 84-month-old cows 405-fold from 632 to 1.56 µmol/l, and in 12- to 18-month-old bulls 395-fold from 553 to 1.40 µmol/l. In 64% of the animals the albumin concentration in AH differed significantly between both eyes. The serum albumin values resulted in a Gaussian curve, but the frequency distribution for AH albumin values skewed to the right. Using an enzymatic method the concentrations of nonesterified FAs were determined in serum as well as in concentrated AH samples. In all animals investigated the molar FA-to-albumin ratio was higher in AH than in serum. The results are discussed in view of the assumption that unsaturated nonesterified FAs might be cataractogenic risk factors.
Experimental Intravitreal Application of Trovafloxacin in Rabbits
Authors: Gürler Bülent , Ozkul Yasar , Bitiren Muharrem , Satici Ahmet , Oguz Halit , Karadede Sezin 
Published: April 2003

This study was performed to examine the retinal toxicity of trovafloxacin, a broad-spectrum fourth-generation fluoroquinolone, in rabbit eyes after intravitreal injection. The left eyes of 20 albino rabbits were divided into four groups, and each was injected intravitreally with 0.1 ml of trovafloxacin in a 50-µg, 100-µg, 250-µg or 500-µg concentration. The right eyes of these rabbits served as control and received normal saline solution. Retinal function was assessed from the electroretinogram (ERG), and retinal structure was also examined by ophthalmoscopy and histologic study (light microscopy). The intravitreal injections of 50 µg, 100 µg, and 250 µg trovafloxacin did not significantly change the ERG a-wave, b-wave or the oscillatory potential throughout the follow-up period of 4 weeks. While no ERG changes were observed at 4 weeks after injection, in the 3 eyes that received trovaloxacin 500 µg/0.1 ml, the a-wave amplitudes showed a diminution of 56–49% and those of b-waves one of 53–44% of the preinjection amplitudes at 4 weeks after injection, but oscillatory potentials remained unchanged in the other 2 rabbits intravitreally injected with 500 µg trovafloxacin. However, in none of the injected eyes and the control eyes in all groups were ophthalmoscopically visible fundus changes and histologic abnormality observed. The results suggest that intravitreally injected trovafloxacin at a dose of up to 500 µg is nontoxic to the rabbit retina. If future studies in other species confirm our findings, intravitreal trovafloxacin may be a good alternative in the treatment and prevention of clinical bacterial endophthalmitis.
Acute and Subacute Hydrocephalus in a Rat Neonatal Model: Correlation with Functional Injury of Neurotransmitter Systems
Authors: Ishizaki Ryuji , Tashiro Yuzuru , Inomoto Takaaki , Hashimoto Nobuo 
Published: April 2003

<i>Object:</i> The evolution and severity of hydrocephalus in animal models varies in the species and mode of induction. This makes comparisons of the physiological system under investigation difficult between models. We noted that injection of kaolin into neonatal rats results in a dichotomous outcome into either an acute or subacute form. We investigated the clinical and functional transmitter system changes to compare these two types of hydrocephalus evolution. <i>Methods:</i> Hydrocephalus was induced in Wistar neonatal rats (within a week after their birth) by intracisternal injection of 0.02 ml volume of 25% kaolin solution under microscopic guidance. The same volume of sterile saline was injected into 12 neonatal rats as control group. The animals were assigned to either the acute or subacute group according to their head size, and sacrificed at 2, 4 and 8 weeks after injection. Biparietal diameter, ventricular size, cholinergic interneurons in the neostriatum and dopaminergic projection neurons in the substantia nigra were analyzed at each stage. <i>Results:</i> Animals affected with the acute type of hydrocephalus had obvious head enlargement, rapid ventricular enlargement, and all died at about 4 weeks. Animals with subacute type had slowly progressive ventricular enlargement, and all survived until 8 weeks. There appeared to be more kaolin ventral to the brainstem in the acute type. The number of cholinergic neostriatal neurons was significantly reduced at 2 and 4 weeks in the acute type, but only at 8 weeks in the subacute type. The number of dopaminergic nigral neurons was decreased at 4 weeks in the acute type, but unaffected in the subacute type. <i>Conclusions:</i> The severity of onset of hydrocephalus in this animal model also correlates with the clinical outcome and changes in functional transmitter systems.
Prognostic Factors in Children with Severe Diffuse Brain Injuries: A Study of 74 Patients
Authors: Pillai Shibu , Praharaj S.S. , Mohanty A. , Kolluri V.R. Sastry 
Published: April 2003

Severe diffuse brain injury in children has a devastating influence on their physical and psychological development. This retrospective study was undertaken to analyse the factors that influence outcome in children with such injuries. The short-term outcomes (Glasgow outcome score) of 74 children (age ≤15 years) with severe diffuse brain injury and no focal operable mass lesions on CT scan, admitted between 1992 and 1998 at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences were analysed. The prognostic factors analysed were age, gender, time after injury to admission, nature of injury, highest post-resuscitation Glasgow coma score (GCS), pupillary reaction, horizontal oculocephalic reflex and CT scan findings. The following factors were found to be independent predictors of poor outcome: GCS 3–5 (p < 0.003), absent verbal response (p < 0.001), motor response score of 1–3 (p < 0.001), absent pupillary reaction (p < 0.001), absent oculocephalic reflex (p < 0.001) and presence of traumatic subarachnoid haemorrhage on CT scan (p < 0.002). These independent variables were then subjected to a stepwise logistic regression analysis, and the most important variables for predicting outcome were oculocephalic reflex and GCS, which together correctly predicted unfavourable outcome with a sensitivity of 79% and a specificity of 65%. An early CT scan or a single CT scan did not have any prognostic significance.
Protective Effects of (–)-Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate on UVA- and UVB-Induced Skin Damage
Authors: Kim Jongil , Hwang Jae-Sung , Cho Youn-Ki , Han Yongku , Jeon Young-Jin , Yang Kyu-Hwan 
Published: April 2003

It has been known that green tea and its components possess significant chemopreventive effects against chemical carcinogens and photo-caused skin tumor formation. In this study, the protective effects of (–)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a major green tea catechin, on the ultraviolet (UV)-induced skin damage (photoaging) were studied in guinea pigs, hairless mice and human dermal fibroblast cultures. The lipid peroxidation was significantly reduced in the EGCG-treated group. The amount of lipid peroxides produced in the control and EGCG treated group were 838 ± 144 and 286 ± 57 nmol/mg at 18 h after UV irradiation, respectively. UVB-induced erythema was also significantly reduced in the EGCG treated group. The erythema relative index of the control and the EGCG treated group were 311 ± 45 and 191 ± 49 at 16 h after UV irradiation, respectively. EGCG treatment reduced UVA-induced skin damage (roughness and sagginess) and protected from the decrease of dermal collagen in hairless mouse skin. EGCG treatment blocked the UV-induced increase of collagen secretion and collagenase mRNA level in fibroblast culture. The nuclear transcription factors NF-ĸB and AP-1 binding activities were also inhibited by EGCG treatment.
New Aspects of the Skin Barrier Organization
Authors: Bouwstra J. , Pilgram G. , Gooris G. , Koerten H. , Ponec M. 
Published: April 2003

In the superficial layer of the skin, the stratum corneum (SC), the lipids form two crystalline lamellar phases with periodicities of 6.4 and 13.4 nm (long-periodicity phase). The main lipid classes in SC are ceramides, free fatty acids and cholesterol. Studies with mixtures prepared with isolated ceramides revealed that cholesterol and ceramides are very important for the formation of the lamellar phases, and the presence of ceramide 1 is crucial for the formation of the long-periodicity phase. This observation and the broad-narrow-broad sequence of lipid layers in the 13.4-nm phase led us to propose a molecular model for this phase. This consists of one narrow central lipid layer with fluid domains on both sides of a broad layer with a crystalline structure. This model is referred to as ‘the sandwich model’. While the presence of free fatty acids does not substantially affect the lipid lamellar organization, it is crucial for the formation of the orthorhombic sublattice, since the addition of free fatty acids to cholesterol/ceramide mixtures results in transition from a hexagonal to a crystalline lipid phase. Studies examining lipid organization in SC derived from dry or lamellar X-linked ichthyosis skin revealed that in native tissue the role of ceramide 1 and free fatty acids is similar to that observed with mixtures prepared with isolated SC lipids. From this we conclude that the results obtained with lipid mixtures can be used to predict the SC lipid organization in native tissue.
Electromyography during Stereotactic Pallidotomy for Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Landy Howard J. , Weiner William J. , Calancie Blair , Harris William , Shulman Lisa M. , Singer Carlos , Abrams Lisa , Bowen Brian 
Published: April 2003

In stereotactic pallidotomy for Parkinson’s disease, care must be taken to avoid internal capsule injury while maximizing improvement of rigidity and tremor. In 21 patients, intraoperative electromyography (EMG) was used to assess stimulation thresholds required for capsular responses and to monitor muscle tone and tremor. Surface EMG electrodes were placed on the face and multiple muscle groups of the extremities. The stimulation and lesion electrode was introduced via MRI-guided stereotaxis toward a point 2–3 mm anterior to the midcommissural point, 5–6 mm inferior to the AC-PC plane, and 21–22 mm lateral to the midline. Exact targets were modified according to MRI-visualized anatomy. With stimulation at 5 and 50 Hz, thresholds for detection of EMG responses were usually seen at 4–5 mA. EMG responses were consistently seen prior to visual observation of muscle activity. Timing of EMG response relative to stimulus aided in differentiating stimulus-related movement from spontaneous tremor. Resting spontaneous EMG activity was seen to decrease as rigidity was improved by incremental lesion production. EMG activity related to tremor was recorded; tremor decrease by lesion production was documented by EMG recording. Patient cooperation with physiologic testing during stimulation and lesion production may become limited. Intraoperative EMG monitoring provides an adjunct to improve reliability of assessment of capsular stimulation and rigidity while providing documentation of lesion impact on rigidity and tremor.
Unilateral Testicular Torsion: Evaluation of bcl-2, p-53 and PCNA Expression in Contralateral Testes
Authors: Sarıca Kemal , Bakır Kemal , Erbagci Ahmet , Yagcı Faruk , Uysal Okan , Uçak Ramazan 
Published: April 2003

<i>Objectives and Methods:</i> The present study aims to evaluate the histologic as well as apoptotic changes indicated by PCNA, p-53 and bcl-2 expression in the contralateral testes after a period of unilateral testicular torsion of 4 h. <i>Results:</i> Regarding the histologic changes, while some significant alterations such as complete or incomplete spermatocytic arrest as well as sertoli cell only formation have to some extent been noted after the detorsion procedure, reasonably better preserved histology could be demonstrated following the orchiectomy procedure both in the early and late follow-up. Thus, the orchiectomy procedure was found to be limiting enough on the severity of the histologic changes in the contralateral testes after a certain period of time following the torsion procedure. On the other hand, however, in relation to the apoptotic events indicated by the three markers, while PCNA activity was found to be significantly different depending on the procedure performed (detorsion or orchiectomy), p-53 and bcl-2 positivity did not exhibit any difference in this aspect. Increased PCNA activity (especially after the detorsion procedure) together with marked positivity of p-53 both in the early and late follow-up indicated the increased cell turnover in the contralateral testes, which in turn may be accepted as a sign of increased apoptosis in these testes. In addition to these findings, bcl-2 expression has been found to be consistently negative in all specimens evaluated both in the early and late follow-up. <i>Conclusion:</i> Taking into account the strong inhibitory effect of bcl-2 during apoptotic events, these findings again support the likelihood of increased apoptosis in the contralateral testes.