bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dispersal traits linked to range size through range location, not dispersal ability, in Western Australian angiosperms
Authors: Gove Aaron D. , Fitzpatrick Matthew C. , Majer Jonathan D. , Dunn Robert R.
Published: May 2009

Aim We examine the relative importance of seed dispersal mode in determining the range size and range placement in 524 species from six focal plant families (Agavaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Malvacaeae, Sapindaceae, Proteaceae and Fabaceae (Acacia)).

Location Western Australia.

Methods Taxa were categorized by dispersal mode and life‐form and their distributions modelled usingmaxent. Geographical range size was compared amongst dispersal mode, life‐form and biome using phylogenetically independent contrasts. Geographical range placement was considered in a similar manner.

Results Range size did not vary with dispersal mode (ant versus wind and vertebrate dispersal) or life‐form, and instead varied primarily as a function of the biogeographical region in which a species was found. Range placement, however, did vary among dispersal modes, with the consequence that diversity of wind‐ and ant‐dispersed plants increased with latitude while the diversity of vertebrate‐dispersed plants was more evenly distributed.

Main conclusions For the taxa studied, range sizes were a function of the biogeographical region in which species were found. Although differences in range size may exist among species differing in dispersal modes, they are likely to be far smaller than differences among species from different biogeographical regions. The trait most likely to affect species geographical range size, and hence rarity and risks associated with other threats, may simply be the geographical region in which that species has evolved.
Bringing About Changes to Corporate Social Policy through Shareholder Activism: Filers, Issues, Targets, and Success
Authors: ROJAS MIGUEL , M'ZALI BOUCHRA , TURCOTTE MARIE‐FRANCE , MERRIGAN PHILIP
Published: May 2009

We examine shareholder initiated social policy proposals' capacity to exert pressure on management to force it to adopt the suggested changes in policy. We show that social proposals, filed under the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's Rule 14a‐8, have a more limited capacity to change corporate social policy than it has been previously reported. However, the capacity to exert pressure on firms can be substantially higher for some types of filers, notably pension funds and mutual funds. The analysis also suggests that the capacity to influence management is higher for some types of issues presented in the resolution, such as those related to board diversity, energy and environment, and international laborand human rights. We also provide suggestions explaining why shareholder activism is a persistent practice despite its limited results.
Your E‐mail Trail: Where Ethics Meets Forensics1
Authors: MOORE JENNIFER M.
Published: May 2009

This article addresses ethical and legal issues arising from the increasing use of e‐mail and other forms of instant written communication in the conduct of business. E‐mail communications are often casual and informal. Yet e‐mail is a written record that can be more permanent and widely accessible than a paper communication. This article focuses on the implications of this fact, including (1) how individuals compromise their own privacy by the voluntary use of e‐mail; (2) how e‐mail has complicated the duty of confidentiality of employees to employers, and professionals to clients; (3) whether the use of e‐mail affects ethical deliberation and choice; and (4) the use of e‐mail as evidence of corporate conduct and intent in civil and criminal litigation. The article suggests that e‐mail users think “forensically” about their e‐mail—i.e., consider its potential as evidence in the context of other emails and underlying events—before pressing the “send” button.
Regulation and Human Rights in Socio‐Legal Scholarship
Authors: DARIAN‐SMITH EVE , SCOTT COLIN
Published: May 2009

This article sets the scene for a special issue ofLaw & Policythat brings together the themes of rights and regulation. The articles explore a number of settings where rapid changes in political commitments and economic systems, often stimulated by international developments, place pressures on rights regimes. The articles deploy a variety of methods to draw out differences in both focus and approach in the understanding of rights, when compared with regulation. This introductory article provides a more detailed analysis of these differences in approach, and is suggestive of ways in which they may complement each other. We argue that the articles collectively demonstrate the added valued in juxtaposing rights with regulation. They are suggestive not only of a richer understanding of the impact on rights of broad changes in regulatory frameworks, but more particularly argue for the importance of understanding how processes of institutionalization can underpin or undermine rights regimes, and that regulatory measures may form a key aspect of such institutionalization.
Inter‐observer agreement on acne severity based on facial photographs
Authors: Beylot C , Chivot M , Faure M , Pawin H , Poli F , Revuz J , Auffret N , Moyse D , Dréno B ,   Groupe Expert Acné (GEA)
Published: May 2009

Background  The three‐grade acne classification (mild, moderate, severe) is widely used to define the licensed indications of acne treatments, and for therapeutic decision‐making in clinical practice, but its reproducibility has never been assessed.

Methods  Ten photographs of facial acne were scored independently by eight experts using the three‐grade acne classification. We conducted a descriptive analysis of the results, based on graphical representation of the scores for each photograph.

Results  Inter‐observer agreement on acne severity based on the three‐grade acne classification was very poor.

Conclusion  The classical three‐grade acne classification is poorly reproducible. A new rating tool accompanied by a clinical description of each severity level would be extremely useful.
Evidence of a geographically variable competitive mimicry relationship in coral reef fishes
Authors: Rainey M. M.
Published: May 2009

In Kimbe Bay, Papua New Guinea, juvenile surgeonfish Acanthurus pyroferus have been shown to gain access to food resources defended by the damselfish Plectroglyphidodon lacrymatus by mimicking a pygmy angelfish, Centropyge vrolikii, that does not compete with the damsel for food. I tested whether A. pyroferus juveniles gain the same competitive advantage from mimicking a different pygmy angelfish, Centropyge flavissima, in Moorea, French Polynesia. Through abundance and substrate surveys, behavioral observations and stomach content analyses, I demonstrate that in Moorea, mimicry of Ce. flavissima does not provide A. pyroferus with access to damselfish Stegastes nigricans territories; Ce. flavissima models are always attacked upon territory entry and A. pyroferus mimics avoid damsel territories. Damselfish aggression toward the model angelfish cannot be attributed to overabundance of the deceptive mimic; instead, aggression can best be explained by the fact that Ce. flavissima competes with damsels in Moorea by consuming their algal turfs, making them inappropriate models for competitive mimics. Juveniles of many Indo‐Pacific surgeonfishes appear to mimic pygmy angelfishes; I suggest that these mimics' success in gaining access to damselfish territories is geographically variable and may be determined by the extent to which mimics, models and receivers overlap in resource use at a given site. This mimicry complex may thus present an excellent illustration of the geographic mosaic model of coevolution.
Experimental Evaluation of a New Antithrombogenic Stent Using Ion Beam Surface Modification
Authors: Sugita Yoichi , Suzuki Yoshiaki , Someya Kenji , Ogawa Akira , Furuhata Hiroshi , Miyoshi Shinichiro , Motomura Tadashi , Miyamoto Hiroshi , Igo Stephen , Nosé Yukihiko
Published: May 2009

A new antithrombogenic stent using ion beam surface modification nanotechnology was evaluated. The ion stent is being developed to inhibit acute and chronic stent‐related thrombosis. Thirty self‐expanding mesh stents were fabricated from Ti‐Ni metal wires with a dimension of 4 mm (diameter) × 25 mm (length) × 0.15 mm (thickness). Twenty stents were coated with type I collagen and irradiated with a He+ ion beam at an energy of 150 keV with fluences of 1 × 1014 ions/cm2 (ion stent group). Ten stents had no treatment (non‐ion stent group). The self‐expanding stents were implanted into the right and left peripheral femoral arteries of 15 beagle dogs (vessel diameter approximately 3 mm) via a 6Fr catheter under fluoroscopic guidance. Heparin (100 units/kg) was administered intravenously before implantation. Following stent implantation, no antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs were administered. The 1‐month patency rate for the non‐ion stent group was 10% (1/10), and for the ion stent group it was 80% (16/20) with no anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs given after stent implantation (P = 0.0004 by Fisher's exact test). Ten stents remain patent after 2 years in vivo with no anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs. These results indicate that He+ ion‐implanted collagen‐coated Ti‐Ni self‐expanding stents have excellent antithrombogenicity and biocompatibility. This ion stent is promising for coronary and cerebral stent applications.
Heparin Coating of Small‐Caliber Decellularized Xenografts Reduces Macrophage Infiltration and Intimal Hyperplasia
Authors: Cai Wei‐Wei , Gu Y. John , Wang Xue‐Ning , Chen Chang‐Zhi
Published: May 2009

Small‐caliber decellularized xenografts with surface heparin coating are known to reduce in vivo thrombogenicity. This study was performed to examine whether heparin coating on the small‐caliber decellularized xenografts would reduce macrophage infiltration and intimal hyperplasia. In a rabbit model of bilateral carotid implantation, each of the animals (n = 18) received a heparin‐coated decellularized xenograft from a canine carotid artery on one side and a nonheparin‐coated one on the other side. These experiments were terminated respectively at 1 week (n = 6), 3 weeks (n = 6), and 12 weeks (n = 6). Results showed that, compared with the nonheparin‐coated grafts, the heparin‐coated grafts had significantly less macrophage infiltration 1 week after implantation, identified by the mouse antirabbit macrophage antibody (RAM11)‐positive cells on the vascular wall, covering all the proximal, middle, and distal parts of the grafts (P < 0.01). Moreover, the heparin‐coated grafts also showed less deposition of proliferation cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)‐positive cells on the vascular wall, indicating less cell proliferation, which was significant not only at 1 week (P < 0.01) but also at 12 weeks (P < 0.01). Intimal hyperplasia, measured by the intimal : media (I : M) ratio, was found similar in both groups at 1 and 3 weeks. However, the I : M ratio was significantly lower in the heparin‐coated group than in the nonheparin‐coated group at 12 weeks, especially in the proximal anastomosis area (0.76 ± 0.12 vs. 0.345 ± 0.06, P < 0.01). Heparin coating of small‐caliber decellularized xenografts is associated with an early reduction of macrophage infiltration and intimal hyperplasia in a rabbit model of bilateral carotid artery implantation for 12 weeks. Thus, heparin coating appears to deliver not only the antithrombogeneity but also the antiproliferative property for small‐caliber decellularized xenografts.
Flow Visualization Study of a Novel Respiratory Assist Catheter
Authors: Budilarto Stephanus G. , Frankowski Brian J. , Hattler Brack G. , Federspiel William J.
Published: May 2009

Respiratory assist using intravenous catheters may be a potential therapy for patients with acute and acute‐on‐chronic lung failure. An important design constraint is respiratory catheter size, and new strategies are needed that enable size reduction while maintaining adequate gas exchange. Our group is currently developing a percutaneous respiratory assist catheter (PRAC) that uses a rotating bundle of hollow fiber membranes to enhance CO2 removal and O2 supply with increasing bundle rotation rate. In this study, particle image velocimetry (PIV) was used to analyze the fluid flow patterns and velocity fields surrounding the rotating fiber bundle of the PRAC. The goal of the study was to assess the rotational flow patterns within the context of the gas exchange enhancement that occurs with increasing fiber bundle rotation. A PRAC prototype was placed in a 1‐in. internal diameter test section of an in vitro flow loop designed specifically for PIV studies. The rotation rate of the PRAC was varied between 500 and 7000 rpm, and PIV was used to determine the velocity fields in the primary (r‐θ) and secondary (r‐z) flow planes. The secondary flow exhibited time‐varying and incoherent vortices that were consistent with the classical Taylor vortices expected for Taylor numbers (Ta) corresponding to the rotation speeds studied (2200 < Ta < 31 000). In the primary flow, the tangential velocity exhibited boundary layers of less than ½ mm adjacent to the fiber bundle and vessel wall. The estimated shear stress associated with the Taylor vortices was approximately 11 dyne/cm2 at 7000 rpm and was over 10 times smaller than the shear stress in the primary flow boundary layers.
Migraine and the Environment
Authors: Friedman Deborah I. , De Ver Dye Timothy
Published: May 2009

Migraineurs often describe environmental triggers of their headaches, such as barometric pressure change, bright sunlight, flickering lights, air quality, and odors. Environmental aspects of indoor space and workplaces are also implicated in migraine experience. Comprehensive migraine treatment programs emphasize awareness and avoidance of trigger factors as part of the therapeutic regimen. As migraine has a substantial economic impact, remediation of correctable environmental triggers may benefit employee attendance and productivity among migraineurs. Few controlled studies in the literature, however, confirm environmental influences on migraine and headaches. Although some are controversial, migraineurs worldwide consistently report similar environmental triggers. This article addresses commonly mentioned environmental triggers with a discussion of their pathophysiology and proposed preventive measures.

Objective: To examine the epidemiological evidence for commonly‐mentioned environmental migraine triggers, discuss their possible role in the pathophysiology of migraine and propose preventive measures to avoid or minimize exposure.

Background: Migraineurs often describe environmental triggers of their headaches, such as barometric pressure change, bright sunlight, flickering lights, air quality and odors. Environmental aspects of indoor space and workplaces are also implicated in the migraine experience. As migraine has a substantial economic impact, remediation of correctable environmental triggers may improve attendance and productivity among migraineurs in the workplace.

Methods: We reviewed the literature addressing indoor and outdoor environmental factors which are commonly implicated as migraine triggers.

Results: Although some factors are controversial, migraineurs worldwide consistently report similar environmental triggers. However, few studies confirm environmental influences on migraine and headaches. Research to date indicates that migraineurs have lower thresholds for light‐induced discomfort, sine grating distortion and illusions, noise tolerance and olfactory sensitivity compared to the general population.

Conclusion: There are conflicting studies supporting the validity of patient‐reported environmental migraine triggers. Prospective studies are needed to determine the extent that external stimuli influence the migraine process. Decreased thesholds for light, noise, olfactory and visual stimuli in migraineurs may be minimized by modifying the work, home and classroom settings.
Vestibular Pathways Involvement in Children With Migraine: A Neuro‐Otological Study
Authors: Marcelli Vincenzo , Furia Teresa , Marciano Elio
Published: May 2009

(Headache 2010;50:71‐76)

Objective.— To assess, during symptom free intervals, the clinical, audiological, and vestibular findings in a cohort of child migraine sufferers, with or without vertigo or dizziness or both.

Background.— In adults and children, dizziness and vertigo are frequently associated with migraine.

Methods.— Twenty‐two child migraine sufferers with vestibular symptoms, aged 7‐13 years (group A), and 18 child migraine sufferers without vestibular symptoms, aged 8‐13 (group B) entered our study between January 2007 and June 2007. The characteristics of auditory functions and vestibular symptoms and signs were assessed and reviewed by a blinded physician.

Results.— The whole sample was found audiologically normal. In group A, 6 subjects had normal vestibular test results, whereas vestibular testing disclosed either peripheral or central sufferance or both, in the remaining 16 patients (73%). Twelve subjects from group B had normal vestibular test results whereas positive vestibular test results were reported in the remaining 6 subjects (33%).

Conclusions.— This single‐blind work outlines the brain stem abnormalities in children with migraine in the form of direct involvement of peripheral or central vestibular pathways or both. Interestingly, some children with migraine but without vestibular symptoms also had abnormal results at vestibular testing. This could demonstrate a subclinical involvement of vestibular pathways without clinical presentation. The subjects are still being followed up to evaluate the evolution of symptomatology.
In vitro studies of conjunctival cells from eyes with and without pseudoexfoliation
Authors: Halvorsen F. , Nicolaissen B. , Ringvold A. , Näss O.
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT The aim of the study was to examine for possible differences between cell cultures derived from eye with and without pseudoexfoliation. In both populations, scanning electron microscopy showed flattened epithelial cells and also spindleshaped fibroblast‐like cells. The presence of these cell types was further confirmed by immunohistochemical demonstration of cytokeratin and vimentin in the cultured cells. The cells maintained in vitro showed a linear increase in uptake of leucine during a 12‐h period. Within this period, the leucine recovered in the TCA precipitable fraction was considerably higher than the non‐bound fraction. In cultures maintained in medium with and without L‐ascorbic acid, the presence of L‐ascorbic acid significantly increase the uptake of leucine into TCA precipitable material, and to a similar extent in cultures from the two populations. In conclusion, cells derived from eyes with and without pseudoexfoliation material and maintained in vitro showed similar morphology, presence of intermediate filaments, as well as uptake of leucine under various culture conditions.
Ocular hemodynamic changes in patients with high‐grade carotid occlusive disease and development of chronic ocular ischaemia
Authors: Kerty Emilia , Hørven Ivar
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT Ophthalmic artery blood flow pattern and the pulsatile ocular blood volume changes in patients with hemodynamically significant carotid occlusive disease are described. Using transorbital Doppler ultrasonography and dynamic tonometry 45 patients with high‐grade internal carotid artery stenosis or occlusion and 15 healthy controls were examined. The measurements were performed under baseline conditions and 30 min after 1 gi.v. acetazolamide administration. The velocity in the ophthalmic artery was significantly lower in patients compared with controls. Pulsatile ocular blood volume was also lower in patients than in controls under baseline conditions, and a further reduction was found after acetazolamide, despite the significant decrease of intraocular pressure. A different reaction was observed in eyes with chronic ocular ischaemia.
Do we operate too many cataracts?
Authors: Sletteberg Odd , Høvding Gunnar , Bertelsen Torstein
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT A questionnaire was sent to 379 patients referred for cataract extraction, asking them to assess their visual disability and their need for surgery. Two hundred and seventy‐nine patients (73.6%) answered the questionnaire, this group being representative for the 379 patients regarding all relevant variables. The patient's answers were analyzed in relation to data extracted from their referral notes (visual acuity, monocular pseudophakia, age, sex, place of residence, referring ophthalmologist). The overall level of self‐reported visual problems and need for cataract surgery were significantly correlated to a reduced best‐eye visual acuity, although the correlaion factor was low. A similar correlation between the subjective need for surgery and a worst‐eye visual acuity ≤6/24 was also found. Forty‐seven patients (16.9%) answered that cataract surgery was not needed for the time being, and this attitude was not significantly correlated to the visual acuity, provided the acuity was ≥6/24 in the best eye and ≥6/36 in the worst eye. One hundred and twenty patients (43.0%) felt that their visual disability was so severe that they had to be operated within 1 month and 67 patients (24.0%) within 3 months, while 45 patients (16.1%) felt that surgery could be postponed for at least 6 months. Age, sex, place of residence and the presence of monocular pseudophakia were not found to significantly influence the level of self‐reported visual problems. Only 18.3% preferred to be treated as out‐patients.
Visual impairment in Type 2 diabetic patients
Authors: Delcourt C. , Papoz L. , Villatte‐Cathelineau B. , Cathelineau G. , Vauzelle‐Kervroedan F. ,   CODIAB‐INSERM‐ZENECA Pharma Study Group
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT The prevalence and causes of visual impairment have been estimated in a sample of 423 Type 2 diabetic outpatients, aged 35 to 74 years, recruited in 8 centres from all parts of France. The presence of retinopathy was assessed by fluorescein angiography with centralized interpretation. The presence of cataract and glaucoma was also recorded. Prevalence of blindness was 1.2%. Moderate visual impairment affected 7% of the patients. The major cause of blindness was cataract, explaining 38% of the cases of blindness. Retinopathy was associated to blindness in 2 cases out of 26. More than half of the patients with proliferative retinopathy and the third of those who had macular edema had been treated by photocoagulation. According to the present patient material, retinopathy is a minor cause of visual impairment in Type 2 diabetic patients, cataract remaining the major cause. This reflects the introduction of photocoagulation into ophthalmologic pratice.
An in vitro study of fusidic acid susceptibility amongst isolates from conjunctival swabs
Authors: Hovenden J. L. , Phillips G. , MacEwen C.
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to examine the in vitro activity of fusidic acid against bacterial isolates from conjunctival swabs. Conjunctival swabs from 213 patients with conjuntivitis were examined. One or more pathogens were grown from 73 patients. Forty per cent of isolates were resistant to fusidic acid on disc sensitivity testing. Reduced sensitivity was detected by minimum inhibitory concentration testing in many isolates of H. influenzae and an isolate of S. pneumoniae. In addition, the in vitro activity of fusidic acid was determined against upper respiratory tract isolates of H. influenzae, S. pneumoniae and M. catarrhalis; this showed that many isolates had a reduced sensitivity to fusidic acid. Topical fusidic acid may not be optimal empiric therapy of bacterial conjunctivitis.
Sports‐related eye injuries
Authors: Ghosh Fredrik , Bauer Birgitta
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT At the University Eye Hospital of Lund 272 patients were treated following blunt trauma during a two and half year period. The number of cases related to sports activity were extracted. The major sports responsible for the injuries and the type of injuries were identified and also an investigation into the sex and age distribution was made. Forty percent of the total number of cases were sports‐related. Floor ball was responsible for 46% of these cases.
Anatomic features of the optic disc and risk of progression in ocular hypertension
Authors: Stewart William C. , Connor Amy B. , Wang Xiao‐hong
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT We evaluated characteristics of the optic disc in ocular hypertensive patients which might portend future glaucomatous damage. We included in this study 12 patients with an intraocular pressure > 21 mmHg who on follow‐up showed signs of optic nerve head damage. Each of these patients were matched to an ocular hypertensive patient who remained stable for > 5 years. This study found that neither optic disc, neural rim or peripapillary halo areas, vein or artery diameter over non‐atrophied or atrophied retinal areas, differed significantly between groups (p > 0.05, Wilcoxon signed rank test). However, peripapillary atrophy was greater in patients who showed signs of glaucomatous disc damage (1.757 ± 0.36 mm2, p = 0.02, Wilcoxon signed rank test) compared to stable patients (1.064 ± 0.79 mm2), although this finding was not significant after the Bonferroni correction. Patients with < 0.6 mm2 area of peripapillary atrophy (n = 6), however, did not suffer damage. This study suggests that a relationship between the extent of peripapillary atrophy and the chance of developing optic disc damage in patients with ocular hypertension deserves further study.
The morphology of conjunctiva after long‐term topical anti‐glaucoma treatment A quantitative analysis
Authors: Baun Ole , Heegaard Steffen , Kessing Svend V. , Prause Jan U.
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT On biopsy material, differences in the degree of conjunctival inflammation and fibrosis between topically treated glaucoma patients and age matched controls, were examined histologically. Eighteen patients with primary glaucoma underwent goniotrephinations, because maximal medical therapy had failed. The patients had received at least two types of topical anti‐glaucoma drugs for at least 12 months (mean 46 months). The control group consisted of 18 age‐matched control patients without glaucoma, who had received no topical therapy. These patients underwent cataract surgery or squint surgery. Biopsies were taken from the infero‐temporal bulbar quadrant with a biopsy forceps. The specimens were fixed while stabilized on a rubber support to exclude any major shrinkage. Specimens were analyzed by light microscopy for the content of inflammatory cells (plasma cells, lymphocytes, polymorphs, macrophages and mast cells), goblet cells and fibroblasts. No significant difference in the histologic parameters between the two groups could be demonstrated. The study suggests that topical treatment for periods up to 4 years with anti‐glaucoma drugs does not induce morphological signs of inflammation and fibrosis of the conjunctiva.
Early hypotony after trabeculectomy
Authors: Popovic Vladislav
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT The occurrence of early hypotony after trabeculectomy was analysed retrospectively in 60 glaucoma patients. Fifty‐two per cent of the eyes had an intraocular pressure ≤ 10 mmHg on the first postoperative day. In about one‐third of the eyes, the intraocular pressure was ≤ 5 mmHg at the first postoperative visit and in more than 70% of these eyes the hypotony was almost unchanged one week after operation. The hypotony one week after operation was not correlated to the age of the patients and the intraocular pressure at operation, nor to the glaucoma type, and showed no significant statistical dependence on the depth of anterior chamber and hyphema. The final untreated intraocular pressure and progression of the postoperative cataract were studied in four groups of patients, formed on the basis of the intraocular pressure level one week after operation: patients with marked hypotony, slight hypotony, normal pressure or with hypertension. The final untreated intraocular pressure in the eyes with early marked hypotony was not significantly different from the final untreated intraocular pressures in the slightly hypotonic and normotonic eyes. However, the untreated intraocular pressures in these three eye groups were significantly different from the untreated intraocular pressure in the eye group with hypertension. Fifty‐two per cent of the eyes suffered from cataract progression during a mean follow‐up period of 24 months. Postoperative cataract progression in the markedly hypotonic eyes was not significantly different from the cataract progression in the other groups of eyes.
Adult onset myopia ‐ oculometric features
Authors: Fledelius Hans C.
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT Adult onset myopia was investigated by ultrasound eye measurements and keratometry in 33 subjects (16 females, 17 males; age 32–62 years; age at myopia onset 18–50 years, mean value 26.2 years, SD 7.80). They were compared with 30 subjects (15 females, 15 males; age 29–62 years) with myopia onset age 4–16 years (mean value 11.1 years, SD 2.89). Excluded were subjects with cataract and corneal pathology. In the adult onset group, myopia ranged a little lower than in early onset myopia (mean values ‐3.24 and ‐4.91D, respectively), but high myopia was encountered in both groups (peak values ‐10 and ‐10.5D). In both groups axial elongation was the main oculometric event. There was no evidence of a corneal/lenticular background in adult onset myopia. In accord with the higher myopia in the early onset group the eyes were also larger (as for axial and vitreous length, mid lens depth) than in those of adult onset. Adult onset myopia being axial of nature, the findings confirm what has been suggested from recent reports by other authors: that the eye has a potential for re‐starting growth, even years after the presumed normal ocular growth arrest during early teenage years.
Correlating preferential looking visual acuity and visual behavior in severely visually handicapped children
Authors: Katsumi Osamu , Chedid Siham G. , Kronheim Jane K. , Henry Rochele K. , Denno Sachiko , Hirose Tatsuo
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT We developed a series of questions that reflects the functional abilities of severely visually handicapped children. The study population comprised 100 patients aged 30 to 60 months (mean 43.23), mostly afflicted with retinopathy of prematurity. Visual acuity was measured by preferential looking. Preferential looking acuities of the patients ranged from 20/25 (0.8) to 20/6400 (0.003) (mean 20/470 (0.04)). Ten activities were analyzed and correlated with preferential looking acuity. Among the selected visual activities, when children are not interested in television (p = 0.0001), toys (other than those that make sounds (p = 0.0001), and people (p = 0.001)), their preferential looking acuities were very low. For example, 73 out of 100 patients who were visually interested in television had preferential looking acuities (mean 20/245 (0.082)) that were significantly higher (p = 0.001) than 21 patients not interested in television (mean 20/2806 (0.007)). Patients with nystagmus (n = 79) had significantly lower preferential looking acuities (p = 0.0001) (mean 20/1114 (0.018)) than patients with no nystagmus (mean 20/57 (0.35)). When evaluating visual function in young, severely visually impaired patients, in addition to preferential looking testing, analyzing visual behavior within the environment is important to accurately evaluate their remaining visual abilities.
Sensory adaptations in Duane's retraction syndrome
Authors: Orton Helen P. , Burke John P.
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT Knowledge of the sensory status of patients with Duane's retraction syndrome is limited. Fourteen patients with type A Duane's retraction syndrome, aged 6 to 22 years, were assessed prospectively and their sensory findings and the nature of their sensory symptoms detailed. All 14 patients had corrected monocular Snellen acuities of 6/9 or better. Six patients were asymptomatic and 5 of these had dense suppression on lateral versions, were free of diplopia and had variable stereopsis. The 5 bilateral cases were among the asymptomatic group. The remaining 8 patients had weak or absent suppression on lateral versions, variable horizontal diplopia and relatively normal stereopsis. Six were aware of diplopia but were never bothered by it and two spontaneously complained of symptoms related to abnormal binocularity (diplopia in one and asthenopia at near in both). It was possible to differentiate the 2 symptomatic cases from the former 6 on the basis of their sensory findings. Patients with type A Duane's retraction syndrome spontaneously complained of symptoms related to abnormal binocularity. The patients least likely to suffer sensory symptoms were bilateral cases or patients with dense suppression on lateral versions, irrespective of their stereoacuity levels.
CO2 dependence of retinal arterial and capillary blood velocity
Authors: Harris Alon , Arend Oliver , Wolf Sebastian , Cantor Louis B. , Martin Bruce J.
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT Objective: Blood flow to the brain is extremely sensitive to changes in PCO2. While animal studies show a similar potent PCO2 dependence in retinal and choroidal vessels, the PCO2‐retinal blood flow relationship has never been adequately studied in humans.

Methods: Video scanning laser ophthalmoscopy after fluorescein angiography was used to analyze retinal arterial and capillary blood velocity under conditions of mild hypercapnia and hypocapnia. Control conditions (end‐tidal PCO2 = 38.3 ± 0.4 mmHg) were contrasted with hyperventilation‐induced hypocapnia (PCO2 = 34.0 ± 0.4 mmHg) and hypercapnia (PCO2 = 42.3 ± 0.5 mmHg) created by PCO2 addition to inspired gas.

Results: Both larger vessel and macular capillary blood velocity was dependent upon PCO2: arteriovenous passage time fell as PCP2 rose, and both mean arterial dye velocity and capillary blood velocity rose as PCO2 rose (all p< 0.05). These changes in flow velocity occurred despite unchanged heart rate, arterial systolic and diastolic blood pressure, intraocular pressure, and calculated ocular perfusion pressure. Contrast sensitivity was also unchanged by PCO2 variation.

Conclusions: The human retinal circulation, like the whole cerebral circulation, may be strongly dependent upon PCO2 in a manner that is unrelated to perfusion pressure and apparently outside strict autoregulatory controls.
Increased levels of Epstein‐Barr virus DNA in lacrimal glands of Sjögren's syndrome patients
Authors: Tsubota Kazuo , Fujishima Hiroshi , Toda Ikuko , Katagiri Shigeo , Kawashima Yasushi , Saito Ichiro
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT Many Sjögren's syndrome patients complain primarily of dry eye. Epstein‐Barr virus DNA has recently been found in the lacrimal glands of Sjögren's syndrome sufferers and normal individuals, and lacrimal glands are thought to be a target organ for latent Epstein‐Barr virus infection. In this study, we performed lacrimal and salivary gland biopsies on 9 Sjögren's syndrome patients. Extracted Epstein‐Barr virus DNA was assayed by polymerase chain reaction and compared to that of healthy individuals. An increased level of Epstein‐Barr virus DNA was observed in all of the lacrimal glands and 8 of the 9 salivary glands from the Sjögren's syndrome patients. However, the amount of genome in the lacrimal gland was more than 10 times that in the salivary glands, not only in the Sjögren's syndrome patients but also in the controls. This may explain the pathogenesis of dry eye in patients with Sjögren's syndrome, and why the lacrimal gland tends to be so prominently affected. It may also suggest a therapeutic approach for this and possibly other types of dry eye.
Observation of precorneal tear film in patients with Sjögren's syndrome
Authors: Danjo Yukitaka , Hamano Takashi
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT The present study was designed to examine whether the lipid layer of the precorneal tear film has a role in the pathogenesis of dry eye. The study involved 104 eyes of 52 patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome. The lipid layer of the precorneal tear film was observed by non‐contact specular microscopy, and relationships between grade of interference color and the tear function parameters were examined. The lipid layer was classified from Grade 1, with no interference color, to Grade 4, of most intense interference color. In addition to these four grades, an oil droplet type not previously described was characterized. The grade of interference color was closely related to the intensity of vital staining. The oil droplet type was associated with more severe ocular surface damage than were Grades 1 through 4. The findings of this study suggest that the state of the lipid layer of the tear film may have some involvement in the pathogenesis of dry eye.
Neuropeptide Y (NPY) in the orbital arteries of the rabbit
Authors: Elsås Tor , Uddman Rolf , Junping You , Edvinsson Lars
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT The purpose of the present study was to investigate the presence and vascular effects of neuropeptide Y in the rabbit orbital arteries. Neuropeptide Y‐containing nerve fibers were demonstrated, using an indirect immunofluorescence method with a neuropeptide Y antiserum raised in goat against porcine neuropeptide Y. Isometric responses in isolated circular segments of the orbital arteries were measured following application of neuropeptide Y, different contracting agonists, and the neuropeptide Y blocker α‐trinositol. A rich supply of neuropeptide Y‐containing nerve fibers was seen around the orbital arteries. Neuropeptide Y (10‐10 ‐10‐6 M) did not induce any contractions in resting arterial segments. Noradrenaline and histamine evoked concentration dependent constrictions which were potentiated by neuropeptide Y (3 times 10‐7 M). This potentiation was completely blocked by α‐trinositol (3 times 107 M). The contractile effects of endothelin‐1, endo‐thelin‐3, prostaglandin F2α, and 5‐hydroxytryptamine were not modified by neuropeptide Y.
Diurnal change of anterior chamber depth in rabbits
Authors: Larsson Lill‐Inger , Brubaker Richard F.
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT It has been shown that there is a circadian rhythm of intraocular pressure and aqueous humor flow in rabbits. It has also been shown that there is a fluctuation in the volume of the aqueous that can be aspirated from the anterior chamber at different times of day. This finding would suggest that the depth and volume of the anterior chamber of this species also undergoes a circadian rhythm. To confirm this hypothesis, we measured by pachometry the anterior chamber depth in 11 adult New Zealand albino rabbits that had been conditioned to light from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and to dark from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. The measurements were performed at noon and at midnight. The anterior chamber was found to be 4% deeper at midnight than at noon (p<0.001). This finding suggests that the volume of the anterior chamber would be slightly larger at night than during the day in the rabbit eye. We have no explanation for this finding. However, the difference is too small to have an appreciable effect on the measurement of aqueous dynamics or pharmaceutical effects.
Comparison of etidocaine and bupivacaine + lidocaine in retrobulbar anaesthesia
Authors: Ruusuvaara Pekka , Setälä Kirsi , Pajari Seppo , Ropo Auli , Paloheimo Markku
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACTEtidocaine (15 mg/ml) was compared with bupivacaine (5 mg/ml) combined with lidocaine (10 mg/ml) in retrobulbar anaesthesia. One hundred and twelve patients were randomised into two groups. Supplemental anaesthesia was needed in 41% of cases of the etidocaine group and 32% of the bupivacaine‐lidocaine group. Akinesia was evaluated by the surgeon both pre‐ and postoperatively and was found to be good or complete in more than 95% of both groups. Recovery from the motor and sensory block was investigated three times during the first 24 postoperative hours. The motor block of the orbicular muscle disappeared earlier than that of the globe. Akinesia lasted significantly longer in the etidocaine group than in the bupivacaine‐lidocaine group: after 14 h 69% vs 100%, respectively, of the eyes showed normal movements. Sensation in the cornea was also regained more rapidly in patients treated with the mixture.
Visual acuity in a population aged 70 years or older; prevalence and causes of visual impairment
Authors: Hirvelä Heli , Laatikainen Leila
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT Visual acuity and the prevalence and causes of impaired vision were studied in an epidemiological cross‐sectional population study of inhabitants aged 70 years or older in three communities in the county of Oulu, Finland. 500 of the 560 eligible persons (89.3%) were examined. Information on visual acuity was obtaned for 476 co‐operative persons (85.0%). 59.0% had a visual acuity of 0.3–0.6 in the better eye. 10.1% (48 persons) had low vision and 1.9% (9 persons) were blind as categorized according to the classification of visual impairment by the World Health Organization. Experienced visual capacity did not, however, always correspond to objective tests. Age‐related maculopathy and cataract were the leading causes of visual deterioration. Age‐related maculopathy was the main cause of low vision and blindness in 4.6% of the population. In 1.3% the etiology was cataract, and in 2.1% both early age‐related maculopathy and cataract were present without obvious dominance. Cataract was often associated with other conditions. Glaucoma was considered the main cause of visual deterioration in 1.5%, diabetic maculopathy in 0.6% and macula pucker in 0.4%. In 1.5% the visual deterioration was due to other causes.
Prevalence and visual consequences of macular changes in a population aged 70 years and older
Authors: Laatikainen Leila , Hirvelä Heli
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT In a population based study on 500 persons aged 70 years and older, photographic and/or ophthalmoscopic evaluation of the macula at least in one eye was possible for 478 persons (96%). No macular pathology in either eye was observed in 46%, signs of age‐related maculopathy in one eye or both eyes occurred in 41% and other pathology in 16%. Early age‐related maculopathy was diagnosed in 32%, geographic atrophy in 4.4% and disciform degeneration in 3.8%. Geographic atrophy was most common in persons aged 90 years and older (36%), and the highest prevalence of disciform degeneration was found in the age group of 85–89 years (17%). Of the 155 eyes with low vision or blindness and visible fundus, early age‐related maculopathy was found in 35%, geographic atrophy occurred in 14% and disciform degeneration in 14%. Age‐related maculopathy was considered the main cause for low vision and blindness in 4.7% of the 468 persons in whom visual acuity and information on fundus could be obtained, and in 3.6% it was one of the causes, usually together with cataract. The other macular disorders caused 1.5% of low vision and blindness.
Refractive state and correction of refractive errors among mentally retarded adults in a central institution
Authors: Haugen Olav H. , Aasved Henry , Bertelsen Torstein
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT In a population of 212 mentally retarded, retinoscopy could be performed in 342 eyes in 182 patients. Of these, 334 eyes were phakic. Hypermetropia of +5 or more was encountered in 20 eyes (6.0%), while 26 (7.8%) had a myopia of ‐5 or more. The most striking finding was a high number of severe astigmatism, cylindrical power of ‐3.25 or more being present in 29 eyes (8.7%). Glasses were initially prescribed to 88 patients. Six months after the prescription, 59.1% used their glasses regularly. Aspects of glass prescription to mentally retarded are discussed in the paper.
A 6‐month, randomized, double‐masked comparison of latanoprost with timolol in patients with open angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension
Authors: Friström Björn
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT The intraocular pressure reducing effect and side‐effects of latanoprost, a phenyl‐substituted prostaglandin analogue, were compared with those of timolol, in a group of 31 glaucomatous or ocular hypertensive patients, divided into three subgroups. The study was randomized and double masked. At the end of 6 month's treatment with latanoprost 0.005% once daily, either as a morning dose or as an evening dose, there was a reduction in intraocular pressure of 33% (p < 0.001) and 36% (p < 0.001), respectively. The intraocular pressure reduction of timolol 0.5%, administered twice daily was 26% (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in conjunctival hyperemia between the groups and there were few subjective symptoms in any of the patients. One patient with a light green‐brown iris, treated with latanoprost in one eye only, exhibited an increase in iris colour in the treated eye at week 26, and did not show any signs of reversion 9 months after discontinuing the therapy. It may be concluded that latanoprost is well tolerated and at least as effective as timolol in reducing intraocular pressure in patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension when applied once daily. The exact mechanism behind the increase in iris pigmentation and the clinical significance of this previously unknown side‐effect needs to be investigated further.
Ocular axial length in children with unilateral congenital cataract
Authors: Kugelberg Ulla , Zetterström Charlotta , Syrén‐Nordqvist Sinikka
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT Ocular axial length and thickness were measured in 12 children (age 4 to 418 days, median 103 days) with unilateral congenital cataract who were referred to St. Erik's Eye Hospital during 1991–1994. The measurements were performed in both eyes with A‐scan ultrasonography before cataract extraction. In 4 children measurement of the axial length was repeated 1 to 4 months after the unilateral cataract extraction. All eyes with congenital cataract were shorter than the normal fellow eye. The individual axial length differences showed a mean value ± SEM of 1.03 ± 0.16 mm. This difference was statistically significant (p < 0.01). In the 4 children where measurement of the axial length was repeated, the difference between the eyes after unilateral cataract extraction had become greater than before. In addition, the thickness of the cataractous lens was 0.63 ± 0.17 mm (mean ± SEM) less than the non‐operated clear lens. This difference was statistically significant (p < 0.01). In conclusion, in children with unilateral congenital cataract the affected eye has a shorter axial length and a thinner lens.
Influence of extended soft contact lens wear on the comparative measurement of central corneal thickness
Authors: Lattimore Morris R.
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT The clinical performance of a portable ultrasound pachometer was compared with a digital, ‘optical’ pachometer attachment of a contact specular microscope. The two separate methods were used to assess central corneal thickness (CCT) in 214 extended‐wear soft contact lens subjects over a cumulative 33 month period. The two test methods did not correlate well (r = 0.56). Mean ultrasound CCT was 0.542 mm ± 0.004 SEM; mean CSM ‘optical’ attachment CCT was 0.562 mm ± 0.004 SEM (significantly different by t‐test; p < 0.05). A two‐way anova (each CCT method by immediate duration of extended lens wear, and by duration in study) revealed an apparent underestimation of central corneal thickness by the ultrasound pachometer. While this presumed ultrasound bias or error can be explained by concurrent morphological and physiological changes associated with long‐term contact lens wear, other methodological errors could have influenced the results. Pending additional study, physiologically stressed corneas might be better evaluated by some method of corneal thickness measurement other than ultrasound.
The pupillary response to tropicamide in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Fridh Maria , Havelius Ulf , Elofsson Gert , Hindfelt Bengt
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT An increased pupillary response to a weak solution of tropicamide has recently been suggested to be diagnostic for Alzheimer's disease. If so, it would have far‐reaching implications. We performed a masked study involving 17 patients with Alzheimer's disease and 20 mentally healthy controls with respect to the pupillary response induced by tropicamide. We found no significant difference in pupillary dilatation between patients and controls (19.7 ± 11% versus 19.1 ± 9%; p = 0.19).