Changes of retinal functions following the induction of ocular hypertension in rats using argon laser photocoagulation.

Background: Electroretinography (ERG) provides a longitudinal monitoring of pathological changes in retina. Scotopic threshold response (STR) of ERG was shown to reflect inner retinal activity and is particularly useful in the evaluation of inner retinal changes in ocular hypertension models. Recently, STR was demonstrated to be attenuated after the induction of ocular hypertension using injection of hypertonic saline into episcleral veins which indicates an impairment of retinal function.

Expression of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-diaphorase in the retina of postnatal golden hamsters deprived of light stimulation.

Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Phosphate-Diaphorase (NADPH-d) expressing neurons in the retina of golden hamsters have been identified to be a subset of amacrine cells that provide a major source of Nitric Oxide (NO) in retina. This subset of amacrine cells in mouse retina was recently proved to contain the circadian clock gene Per1 (D.Q.

Graded ephrin-A2 expression in the developing hamster superior colliculus.

During development, ephrin gradients guide retinal ganglion cell axons to their appropriate topographic locations in the superior colliculus (SC). Expression of ephrin-A2, assessed immunohistochemically in the developing hamster SC, revealed a rostral(low) to caudal (high) gradient that is most prominent at postnatal days P4 and P7 when topography is established. Double-labelling immunohistochemistry for ephrin-A2 and cell specific markers revealed that ephrin-A2 is expressed exclusively by a subset of neurons.

Melanopsin-expressing retinal ganglion cells are more injury-resistant in a chronic ocular hypertension model.

Purpose: To investigate the survival of melanopsin-expressing retinal ganglion cells (mRGCs) after the induction of chronic ocular hypertension.

Methods: Intraocular pressure (IOP) was elevated in adult Sprague-Dawley rats using an argon laser to photocoagulate the episcleral and limbal veins. IOP was measured with a calibrated tonometer and monitored for a period.

Endothelial nitric oxide synthase is expressed in amacrine cells of developing human retinas.

Purpose: To examine the expression and cellular distribution pattern of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in the developing human retina and to compare its expression with that in rats.

Methods: Expression of eNOS was examined by immunohistochemistry in retinas of humans ranging from 8.5 to 28 weeks of gestation (WG) and of rats.

Nano neuro knitting: peptide nanofiber scaffold for brain repair and axon regeneration with functional return of vision.

Nanotechnology is often associated with materials fabrication, microelectronics, and microfluidics. Until now, the use of nanotechnology and molecular self assembly in biomedicine to repair injured brain structures has not been explored. To achieve axonal regeneration after injury in the CNS, several formidable barriers must be overcome, such as scar tissue formation after tissue injury, gaps in nervous tissue formed during phagocytosis of dying cells after injury, and the failure of many adult neurons to initiate axonal extension.

Light delays synaptic deafferentation and potentiates the survival of axotomized retinal ganglion cells.

Knowledge of the cellular mechanism underlying the therapeutic effect of stimulation and the optimal doses of such stimulation to maximize neuronal recovery is essential to guide clinical practice in neural rehabilitation. Using hamsters, we transected the optic nerve to demonstrate how light stimulation affects neuronal recovery. The c-fos protein was used as a neuronal connectivity marker.

Transgenic mice expressing Cre-recombinase specifically in retinal rod bipolar neurons.

Purpose: To establish a transgenic mouse line that expresses Cre-recombinase in retinal rod bipolar cells for the generation of rod bipolar cell-specific knockout mutants.

Methods: The IRES-Cre-cDNA fragment was inserted into a 173-kb bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) carrying the intact Pcp2 gene, by using red-mediated recombineering. Transgenic mice were generated with the modified BAC and identified.

Waveform dispersion, not reflection, may be the major determinant of aortic pressure wave morphology.

The objective of this study was to investigate the determinants of aortic pressure waveform morphology in the thoracoabdominal aorta with specific reference to features of potential prognostic value for cardiovascular disease. In particular, we aimed to determine the location of major pressure wave reflection sites within the aorta. Aortic pressure waveforms were acquired with 2-Fr Millar Mikro-tip catheter transducers in 40 subjects (26 men, 14 women), and repeated in 10 subjects, at five predetermined points within the aorta: aortic root, transverse arch, and at the levels of the diaphragm, renal arteries, and aortic bifurcation.

Cytochrome c release and caspase-3 activation in retinal ganglion cells following different distance of axotomy of the optic nerve in adult hamsters.

This study examined the relationship between the distance of axotomy and the death of injured retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in adult hamsters and the relationship of cytochrome c and caspase-3 on the death pathway of RGCs. The left optic nerve (ON) of adult hamsters was transected either at 1 or 3 mm away from the optic disc, and retrogradely labeled with Flurogold on the ON stump. After a predetermined period of postoperative time, the surviving RGCs were counted by retina flat-mount, and the activation of cytochrome c and caspase-3 were investigated by immunohistochemistry.

Intravitreal transplants of Schwann cells and fibroblasts promote the survival of axotomized retinal ganglion cells in rats.

Schwann cells (SCs) are considered one of the major cellular components to maintain the integrity of the peripheral nervous system (PNS) neurons after injury. Intravitreal transplant of peripheral nerves or Schwann cells has been shown to enhance the regenerative ability of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). In the present study, we compared the effects of intravitreal transplants of Schwann cells and fibroblasts, two major components of peripheral nerves, on the survival of retinal ganglion cells in adult rats after optic nerve (ON) transection.

[Effect of iron hydroxide on the phosphate elimination during anaerobic digestion of active sludge].

Addition of iron (III) hydroxide during methanogenic digestion of active sludge by anaerobic sludge displaying an iron-reducing activity resulted in a microbial reduction of iron (III) with formation of iron (II), capable of precipitating phosphates. Feasibility of eliminating 66.6 to 99.

Use of arterial transfer functions for the derivation of central aortic waveform characteristics in subjects with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Objective: Optimal blood pressure control in subjects with diabetes reduces cardiovascular complications. There is theoretical benefit in the assessment of central aortic waveforms including the augmentation index, which is taken as a putative index of stiffness. Transfer functions may be used to reconstruct aortic from radial pressure waveforms; however, a single generalized transfer function may not be appropriate for all patients.

Catalase and peroxiredoxin 5 protect Xenopus embryos against alcohol-induced ocular anomalies.

Purpose: To study the molecular mechanisms underlying alcohol-induced ocular anomalies in Xenopus embryos.

Methods: Xenopus embryos were exposed to various concentrations (0.1%-0.

Investigation of the collagen fibril distribution in the medial collateral ligament in a rat knee model.

This study compared the collagen fibril diameter distribution among six anatomical sites of the rat medial collateral ligament (MCL). Ultrathin MCL sections from 4 male Sprague-Dawley rats were examined electron microscopically. With an automated quantitation method, 41,638 fibrils were measured and compared among the periphery and core regions of the femoral, middle, and tibial portions of the MCL.

Use of arterial transfer functions for the derivation of aortic waveform characteristics.

Objective: To investigate the utility and accuracy of radial-aortic arterial transfer functions for the derivation of central blood pressure waveforms. DESIGN Prospective measurement of central and peripheral waveforms in patients undergoing coronary angiography or percutaneous coronary intervention.

Methods: Simultaneous invasive central aortic and non-invasive radial pressure waveforms were recorded in 78 subjects (61 male : 17 female).

Effects of a therapeutic laser on the ultrastructural morphology of repairing medial collateral ligament in a rat model.

Background And Objectives: Low energy laser therapy has been shown to enhance mechanical strength of healing medial collateral ligament (MCL) in rats. The present study investigated its effects on the ultrastructural morphology and collagen fibril profile of healing MCL in rats.

Study Design/materials And Methods: Thirty-two mature male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were used.

A morphometric study of optic axons regenerated in a sciatic nerve graft of adult rats.

PURPOSE: In the present study we have morphometrically examined a regeneration model in which axons normally residing in CNS have regrown and are interacting with Schwann cells from the PNS. This study will not only provide morphometric data on regenerated optic fibers but also shed light on possible factors in determining the fiber morphometry. METHODS: The optic nerves of rats aged 6 weeks were cut intra-orbitally and replaced with a autologous sciatic nerve.

Therapeutic low energy laser improves the mechanical strength of repairing medial collateral ligament.

Background And Objectives: Low energy laser therapy has been shown to enhance collagen production but its effect on tissue strength is not well reported. We tested the effects of therapeutic laser on the strength of healing medial collateral ligaments (MCLs) in rats.

Study Design/materials And Methods: Twenty-four rats received surgical transection to their right MCL and eight received sham operation.

Comparison of generalized and gender-specific transfer functions for the derivation of aortic waveforms.

Arterial transfer functions have been promoted for the derivation of central aortic waveform characteristics not usually accessible noninvasively, but possibly of prognostic significance. The utility of generalized rather than gender-specific transfer functions has not been assessed. Invasive central aortic and noninvasive radial (Millar Mikro-tip tonometer) blood pressure waveforms were recorded simultaneously in 78 subjects (61 male and 17 female).

Postnatal development of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-diaphorase-positive neurons in the retina of the golden hamster.

The histochemical method was used to investigate the postnatal development of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-diaphorase (NADPH-d) -positive neurons in retinas of the golden hamster. NADPH-d-positive neurons were discernible in the retina at postnatal day (P)1. From P4 onward to adulthood, when the retina acquired its laminated characteristics, NADPH-d- positive neurons were observed in the inner nuclear layer (INL) and the ganglion cell layer (GCL).

Expression of c-jun in the lateral vestibular nucleus following spinal cord injury and peripheral nerve graft transplantation in adult rats.

The time course of c-jun expression and the effect of a peripheral nerve (PN) graft on axonal regeneration and c-jun expression in the lateral vestibular nucleus (LVN) were investigated in this study. c-Jun was found in LVN neurons 1 day after hemisection of the spinal cord at C3, with weak immunoreactivity. Strong c-Jun positive immunoreactivity was found 3 days post-injury.

Maternal cold inducible RNA binding protein is required for embryonic kidney formation in Xenopus laevis.

We cloned a major isoform of Xenopus homologue of cold inducible RNA binding protein (CIRP), XCIRP-1. XCIRP-1 was neither cold inducible nor essential for cell division during early embryonic development. Suppression of XCIRP-1 dose dependently produced tailbuds with deformations of the brain and internal organs.

Intrathecal sufentanil as the sole agent in combined spinal-epidural analgesia for the ambulatory parturient.

Purpose: To compare the effect of a combination of intrathecal (i.t.) sufentanil plus bupivacaine with i.

Respiratory health in a total very low birthweight cohort and their classroom controls.

Aims: To compare the respiratory health and function at 8 to 9 years of age of a total population based cohort of 300 very low birthweight (VLBW) children with that of two classroom controls (n = 590) matched for age and sex.

Study Design: Cohort study with controls.

Setting: Schools throughout Scotland.