bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incidence, risks, and outcome of idiopathic pneumonia syndrome early after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Zhu Kang‐Er , Hu Jun‐Yan , Zhang Tao , Chen Jie , Zhong Jun , Lu Yu‐Hong
Published: September 2008

We retrospectively analyzed 23 cases with early‐onset idiopathic pneumonia syndrome (IPS) of 192 patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) from April 1997 to October 2007. Risk factors for IPS development were evaluated using Cox proportional hazards model, including age, gender, underlying disease, disease status at transplant, transplant type, conditioning regimens, donor type, acute graft‐vs.‐host disease (GVHD), severity of acute GVHD (aGVHD), human leukocyte antigen (HLA) disparity, and organ involvement of aGVHD. Factors that were significant at the 0.1 level on univariate analysis were evaluated by multivariate analysis. Twenty‐three of 192 patients developed IPS (12.0%). Median time to IPS onset after allogeneic HSCT was 76 d (range 32–120 d); median time to death after the diagnosis of IPS was 9 d (range 3–92 d); 20 patients with IPS died because of the rapid progression of respiratory failure (87.0%). Nineteen patients with IPS developed aGVHD (82.6%), with grade III–IV aGVHD in 11 patients (47.8%) and aGVHD of gut in 16 patients (69.6%). The following six factors were associated with an increased risk of IPS by univariate analysis: not in remission, unrelated donor, HLA disparity, occurrence of aGVHD, grade III–IV aGVHD and aGVHD of gut. These risk factors were entered into a multivariate analysis model. Only unrelated donor, grade III–IV aGVHD and aGVHD of gut are identified as being significantly associated with the occurrence of IPS, and among them, aGVHD of gut was associated with the largest risk of IPS, suggesting that the lung may be a target organ of aGVHD.
When should phototherapy be stopped? A pilot study comparing two targets of serum bilirubin concentration
Authors: Barak Mila , Berger Irit , Dollberg Shaul , Mimouni Francis B , Mandel Dror
Published: September 2008

Objective: The objective of this study was to compare the outcome of two groups of jaundiced newborns randomized to one of the two targets of total serum bilirubin (TSB) for phototherapy discontinuation.

Design: Infants treated with phototherapy were assigned to two groups: in the ‘high‐threshold’ group, phototherapy was interrupted when TSB decreased to ≥1 mg/dL (17 μmol/L) below the limit requiring phototherapy and in the ‘low‐threshold’ group when TSB decreased to ≥3 mg/dL (51 μmol/L) below the same limit.

Results: Fifty‐two infants were enrolled, 25 in the high‐ and 27 in the low‐threshold group. Phototherapy duration was significantly shorter in the high‐ than in the low‐threshold group (22.3 ± 13 vs. 27.6 ± 12 h, respectively, p = 0.03). Length of hospital stay was 84±30 h in the high‐ and 94 ± 24 h in the low‐threshold group (p = 0.05). Additional phototherapy was required in 20% of the high‐ versus 18% of the low‐threshold group (p = 0.58). In the presence of haemolysis or G6PD deficiency, 28% of the infants required re‐phototherapy and 8.3% when such factors were absent (p = 0.06).

Conclusion: Phototherapy duration may be shortened by using higher TSB limits for interruption. When hyperbilirubinaemia is accompanied by risk factors, the infants should be followed for longer periods, since some of them will need re‐phototherapy.
Sensitization and allergy to turnip rape: a comparison between the Finnish and French children with atopic dermatitis
Authors: Poikonen S , Rancé F , Puumalainen TJ , Le Manach G , Reunala T , Turjanmaa K
Published: September 2008

Aim: Finnish children with atopic dermatitis (AD) are frequently sensitized and show positive food challenge to turnip rape. We examined whether French children are also allergic to this oilseed plant and whether mustard could be the cross‐reacting allergen.

Methods: Turnip rape and mustard challenge was performed to 14 Finnish and 14 French children with atopic dermatitis and positive skin prick test to turnip rape. Specific IgE antibodies were measured by ImmunoCAP and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results: Open labial or oral challenge to turnip rape was positive in 14 (100%) Finnish and five (36%) French children and mustard challenge in five Finnish and five French children. IgE antibodies to oilseed rape and mustard were slightly more frequent in the Finnish (100% and 93%) than in the French (93% and 71%) children but rare (4%) in the 28 matched controls. The same findings were true for IgE antibodies to purified 2S albumin allergens, which showed similar cross‐wise IgE inhibition patterns.

Conclusion: French children with atopic dermatitis show IgE antibodies to turnip rape, oilseed rape and mustard similarly to the Finnish children. 2S albumin allergens in the seeds of these plants are highly cross‐reactive and therefore, they all could be important sensitizers in children with atopic dermatitis.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and transposition of great arteries associated with maternal diabetes and presumed gestational diabetes
Authors: Chaudhari Milind , Brodlie Malcolm , Hasan Asif
Published: September 2008

Maternal diabetes mellitus affects the foetal heart both structurally and functionally. In early gestation, it has a teratogenic effect causing defects of primary cardiogenesis. In late gestation, it causes a unique form of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. We report an infant of a diabetic mother and an infant where there was presumed gestational diabetes during the pregnancy who presented with combined severe hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and complex transposition of the great arteries. This rare combination of structural and functional cardiac abnormalities reflects the different mechanisms and timings of injury that may occur to the foetal heart in association with maternal diabetes and has not been previously reported. The combination has significant implications regarding medical and surgical management, and necessitates prolonged supportive therapy whilst awaiting regression of the hypertrophic cardiomyopathy followed by delayed arterial switch operation.

Conclusion: We describe two infants with the unusual combination of both hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and transposition of the great arteries. One was an infant of a diabetic mother, and the second was associated with presumed gestational diabetes.
EMPLOYEE ATTRIBUTIONS OF THE “WHY” OF HR PRACTICES: THEIR EFFECTS ON EMPLOYEE ATTITUDES AND BEHAVIORS, AND CUSTOMER SATISFACTION
Authors: NISHII LISA H. , LEPAK DAVID P. , SCHNEIDER BENJAMIN
Published: September 2008

The construct of human resource (HR) attributions is introduced. We argue that the attributions that employees make about the reasons why management adopts the HR practices that it does have consequences for their attitudes and behaviors, and ultimately, unit performance. Drawing on the strategic HR literature, we propose a typology of 5 HR‐attribution dimensions. Utilizing data collected from a service firm, we show that employees make varying attributions for the same HR practices, and that these attributions are differentially associated with commitment and satisfaction. In turn, we show that these attitudes become shared within units and that they are related to unit‐level organizational citizenship behaviors and customer satisfaction. Findings and implications are discussed.
A LONGITUDINAL EXAMINATION OF CONCOMITANT CHANGES IN TEAM LEADERSHIP AND CUSTOMER SATISFACTION
Authors: WALKER ALAN G. , SMITHER JAMES W. , WALDMAN DAVID A.
Published: September 2008

For each of three 1‐year time periods, we examined the relationship between changes in the team leadership of branch managers (as measured by employee ratings) and concomitant changes in customer satisfaction for branches of a regional bank. Specifically, for the time period 2001–2002, we examined concomitant changes in team leadership and customer service satisfaction with 68 branch managers; between 2002–2003 and 2003–2004 we examined these relationships for 46 and 40 of the remaining 68 branch managers, respectively. We expected that improvements (declines) in team leadership ratings would be accompanied by concomitant changes (i.e., improvement or decline) in customer satisfaction ratings. We found that, in 2 of the 3 time periods we examined, improvements (declines) in team leadership were related to improvements (declines) in customer satisfaction. We interpret these findings using the service climate literature.
WORK SAMPLE TESTS IN PERSONNEL SELECTION: A META‐ANALYSIS OF BLACK–WHITE DIFFERENCES IN OVERALL AND EXERCISE SCORES
Authors: ROTH PHILIP , BOBKO PHILIP , McFARLAND LYNN , BUSTER MAURY
Published: September 2008

Work sample exams are generally thought to have either low or comparatively low levels of ethnic group differences when used for personnel selection. Such exams are sometimes called “simulation exercises” and involve having applicants perform a set of tasks that are similar to those performed on the job. The nearly ubiquitous meta‐analytic value of Black–White subgroup differences in the literature is d= .38. Unfortunately, this estimate is plagued by a variety of problems (e.g., range restriction, inclusion of nonwork sample tests). Further, there are virtually no analyses that examine how the saturation of different constructs influence work sample tests. We gathered available data for Black–White ethnic group differences and found that overall work sample differences were markedly larger for samples of job applicants (d= .73) than previously thought. We also examined how different exercises and saturation of different constructs influenced work sample ds. For example, work sample test ratings of cognitive and job knowledge skills were associated with a mean observed d= .80, whereas ratings of various social skills were associated with mean observed ds that varied from .21 to .27. We urge scientists and practitioners to consider both the method and the constructs that are targeted when forecasting predictor ds.
Tree Regeneration in Church Forests of Ethiopia: Effects of Microsites and Management
Authors: Wassie Alemayehu , Sterck Frank J. , Teketay Demel , Bongers Frans
Published: September 2008

Tree regeneration is severely hampered in the fragmented afromontane forests of northern Ethiopia. We explored how trees regenerate in remnant forests along the gradient from open field, forest edge to closed sites and canopy gaps inside the forest. We investigated the effects of seed sowing, litter removal, and weeding on the regeneration success along this gradient. Regeneration success was investigated for four indigenous tree species, and measured in terms of seedling establishment, growth, and survival. Species performed differently according to site conditions. Within the forest, local canopy openings facilitated seed germination (Ekebergia), seedling growth (all species except Olea), or survival (Ekebergia and Olea), suggesting that all species benefited from local high light conditions in the forest. Outside the forest, germination (all species) and growth rates (Juniperus and Olea) were lower in the open field, most probably due to water stress in the dry season. Outer edge conditions favored growth for three of the four species. Natural seed germination was, however, zero at any site for Juniperus and Olea and low for Ekebergia and Prunus in the open field. Soil scarification influenced germination positively, while weeding did not have a positive effect. These results suggest that simple measures may improve seedling establishment, and that, for some species, forest edges are particularly useful for growth and survival after succesful establishment. Together with erecting fences, needed to protect seedlings against grazing, seed sowing, planting seedling, and soil scarification may contribute to maintain and restore church forests in the fragmented landscapes of northern Ethiopia.
Landscape‐Scale Environmental and Floristic Variation in Costa Rican Old‐Growth Rain Forest Remnants
Authors: Sesnie Steven E. , Finegan Bryan , Gessler Paul E. , Ramos Zayra
Published: September 2008

Studies of tropical rain forest beta‐diversity debate environmental determinism versus dispersal limitation as principal mechanisms underlying floristic variation. We examined the relationship between soil characteristics, terrain, climate variation, and rain forest composition across a 3000 km2area in northeastern Costa Rica. Canopy tree and arboreal palm species abundance and soils were measured from 127 0.25‐ha plots across Caribbean lowlands and foothills. Plot elevation, slope, temperature, and precipitation variation were taken from digital grids. Ordination of forest data yielded three floristic groups with strong affinities to foothills and differing lowland environments. Variation in floristics, soil texture, and climate conditions showed parallel patterns of significantly positive spatial autocorrelation up to 13 km and significantly negative correlation beyond 40 km. Partial Mantel tests resulted in a significant correlation between floristic distance and terrain, climate and soil textural variables controlling the effect of geographical distance. Separate comparisons for palm species showed significant correlation with Mg and Ca concentrations among other soil factors. Arboreal palm species demonstrated a stronger relationship with soil factors than did canopy trees. Correlation between floristic data and geographical distance, related to seed dispersal or unmeasured variables, was not significant after controlling for soil characteristics and elevation. Canopy trees and palms showed differing relationships to soil and other environmental factors, but lend greater support for a niche‐assembly hypothesis than to a major role for dispersal limitation in determining species turnover for this landscape.
Edge‐effects Drive Tropical Forest Fragments Towards an Early‐Successional System
Authors: Tabarelli Marcelo , Lopes Ariadna V. , Peres Carlos A.
Published: September 2008

O futuro da biodiversidade das florestas tropicais e dos serviços ambientais prestados por este ecossistema está intrinsecamente ligado a nossa habilidade de entender as mudanças deflagradas pela fragmentação de habitats e por outras forças que dirigem a dinâmica biológica em paisagens antrópicas. Neste artigo nós reunimos evidências empíricas e teóricas para argumentar que os efeitos de borda deflagram um processo sucessional rápido e inevitável, o qual conduz a maioria dos fragmentos de florestas neotropicais em direção a um sistema sucessional inicial. Este tipo de sistema emerge e persiste uma vez que os efeitos de borda favorecem, de forma permanente, um pequeno grupo de espécies pioneiras redundantes em detrimento de um grupo muito diverso de espécies que compõe as florestas maduras. Esta mudança na direção de um sistema inicial representa um conjunto de processes inter‐relacionados, a qual define a assinatura dos ambientes expostos aos efeitos de borda em termos de estrutura de comunidades e do funcionamento do ecossistema. Nossa intenção é que este ensaio estimule a investigação e, também, uma melhor compreensão das forças que determinam a natureza dos ecossistemas em paisagens alteradas pela ação antrópica. Esta compreensão é um passo fundamental para a definição de normas do uso da terra que sejam capazes de ampliar o papel das paisagens antrópicas em termos de retenção de biodiversidade e prestação de serviços ambientais.
Cardiac autonomic function and baroreflex changes following 4 weeks of resistance versus aerobic training in individuals with pre‐hypertension
Authors: Collier S. R. , Kanaley J. A. , Carhart Jr R. , Frechette V. , Tobin M. M. , Bennett N. , Luckenbaugh A. N. , Fernhall B.
Published: September 2008

Aim:  Cardiac autonomic modulation and baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) are altered in individuals with hypertension. Aerobic exercise (AE) training has been shown to improve both measures, yet little is known about the effects of resistance exercise (RE). The purpose of this study was to examine the heart rate variability (HRV) and BRS following 4 weeks of resistance or aerobic training in a population with borderline high blood pressure (BP).

Methods:  Twenty‐nine mild hypertensives were recruited and randomly assigned to 4 weeks of RE or AE training. Before and after training, resting measures of HRV frequencies and BRS were obtained.

Results:  There was a significant decrease in resting systolic BP for both exercise training modes (RE 136 ± 3.0 pre‐ to 132 ± 3.4 post‐training vs. AE 142 ± 4.0 pre‐ to 137 ± 3.6 mmHg post‐training, P = 0.019). Diastolic BP decreased significantly following both exercise training modes (RE 78 ± 1.31 pre to 74 ± 1.1 post vs. AE 80 ± 1.7 pre to 77 ± 1.6 mmHg post, P = 0.002). A significant time by training mode interaction for low frequency :  high frequency (HF) ratio (P = 0.017) with AE decreasing the ratio (275.21 ± 67.28 to 161.26 ± 61.49) and RE increasing this ratio (143.73 ± 65.00 to 227.83 ± 59.41). Natural log‐transformed (ln) HRV values showed a time‐by‐training mode interaction for ln HF (P = 0.05) as ln HF increased (4.7 ± 0.38 to 5.4 ± 0.35 ms2) following AE and decreased (5.98 ± 0.37 to 5.76 ± 0.42 ms2) following RE. BRS increased following aerobic training and decreased after resistance training (6.74 ± 1.2 to 7.94 ± 1.3 and 10.44 ± 1.2 to 9.1 ± 1.2 ms mmHg−1 respectively, P = 0.021).

Conclusions:  Aerobic exercise improved the autonomic nervous system (increasing vagal tone, reducing sympathovagal balance while increasing BRS) while RE showed no improvements in cardiac autonomic tone and decreased BRS.
An enhanced level of motor cortical excitability during the control of human standing
Authors: Tokuno C. D. , Taube W. , Cresswell A. G.
Published: September 2008

Aim:  The study examined the role of the motor cortex in the control of human standing.

Methods:  Subjects (n = 15) stood quietly with or without body support. The supported standing condition enabled subjects to stand with a reduced amount of postural sway. Peripheral electrical stimulation, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) or transcranial electrical stimulation (TES) was applied to elicit a soleus (SOL) H‐reflex, or motor‐evoked potentials (MEPs) in the SOL and the tibialis anterior (TA). Trials were grouped based on the standing condition (i.e. supported vs. normal) as well as sway direction (i.e. forward and backward) while subjects were standing normally.

Results:  During normal when compared to supported standing, the SOL H‐reflex was depressed (−11 ± 4%), while the TMS‐evoked MEPs from the SOL and TA were facilitated (35 ± 11% for the SOL, 51 ± 15% for the TA). TES‐evoked SOL and TA MEPs were, however, not different between the normal and supported standing conditions. The data based on sway direction indicated that the SOL H‐reflex, as well as the SOL TMS‐ and TES‐evoked MEPs were all greater during forward when compared to backward sway. In contrast, the TMS‐ and TES‐evoked MEPs from the TA were smaller when swaying forward as compared to backward.

Conclusions:  The results indicated the presence of an enhanced cortical excitability because of the need to control for postural sway during normal standing. The increased cortical excitability was, however, unlikely to be involved in an on‐going control of postural sway, suggesting that postural sway is controlled at the spinal and/or subcortical levels.
Aeromobilities: Geographies, Subjects and Vision
Authors: Adey Peter
Published: September 2008

Studies of the social and cultural dimensions of airspace and aerial transportation have evaded much geographical investigation until recently. While transport geographers have sought to trace out the economic, political and organisational dimensions and linkages air‐transport creates between places, new scholarship is beginning to contribute through disparate techniques, theories and methodologies, more sensitive to social and cultural theory. As this article suggests, however, they have not gone far enough in exploring both the multiple spatialities of aeromobility and, furthermore, the spaces in which aeromobilities count most critically for human life and quality. This article provides a short overview of recent research that has used a disparate set of approaches to the study of aeromobilities. Issues from passenger profiling, strategic bombing to extraordinary rendition are explored.
Plants, Mobilities and Landscapes: Environmental Histories of Botanical Exchange
Authors: Pawson Eric
Published: September 2008

This article explores environmental histories of botanical transfers, drawing on the emerging literature of mobilities in social science and historical research about patterns of plant movement. It sees such movement as integral to the annexation of nature by culture that characterises modernity. Using the metaphor of the web, the multi‐directional complexity of these flows is assessed, to counter the seductive thesis of European ‘ecological imperialism’. In addition to the widely acknowledged role of institutions, such as botanic gardens, in assembling and disseminating plant materials in calculative ways, attention is also drawn to commercial linkages. Elements of the refashioned landscapes that resulted are identified: these reveal the tensions of order, mobility and hybridity that also characterise modernity.
Texture and Quality Properties of Chinese Fresh Egg Noodles Formulated with Green Seaweed (Monostroma nitidum) Powder
Authors: Chang H.C. , Wu L.‐C.
Published: September 2008

ABSTRACT:  The objective of this study was to compare fresh Chinese noodles made with different levels of green seaweed. Green seaweed powder was incorporated in proportions of 4%, 6%, and 8% in noodles, which were made with or without additional eggs. Proximate compositions, cooking properties, textural intensities, and sensory qualities of noodles were assessed. The addition of seaweed powder increased the crude fiber contents of raw fresh noodles; the fiber contents were 0.100%± 0.015 to 0.449%± 0.013 for noodles made with eggs from 0% to 8% additional seaweed and 0.247%± 0.018 to 0.344%± 0.021 for those without eggs. Higher cooking yields were found in the noodles, due to water absorption during cooking by the fibers and polysaccharides in the seaweed. Significantly higher cooking yields (P < 0.05) were found in the noodles with 8% additional seaweed powder; water uptake readings measured 2.39 ± 0.38 and 2.43 ± 0.25 g H2O/g noodle for samples made without and with eggs, respectively. Higher water absorption by the seaweed led to softer and spongier textural intensities in the noodles. Breaking energy of cooked fresh egg noodles were 28.94 ± 3.42 to 6.43 ± 1.01 N × mm for 8% to 0% additional seaweed, and the intensities decreased as the amount of seaweed increased; the same pattern was observed in noodles without eggs, where readings were 8.66 ± 1.02 to 3.49 ± 0.25 N × mm. Capacities of extensibility measured 61.81 ± 2.04 to 30.74 ± 0.90 mm for fresh egg noodles with additional seaweed powder from 0% to 8%, and 47.46 ± 2.41 to 28.36 ± 2.25 mm for cooked fresh noodles without eggs. The results from Pearson's correlation analysis indicated that textural parameters were influenced not only by additional eggs and seaweed powder, but also by cooking properties.
Selected Quality Characteristics of Fresh‐Cut Sweet Potatoes Coated with Chitosan during 17‐Day Refrigerated Storage
Authors: Waimaleongora‐Ek P. , Corredor A.J.H. , No H.K. , Prinyawiwatkul W. , King J.M. , Janes M.E. , Sathivel S.
Published: September 2008

ABSTRACT:  Selected quality characteristics of fresh‐cut sweet potatoes (FCSP) coated with chitosan were evaluated during 17‐d refrigerated storage. The FCSP cubes were coated with a solution (1%, w/v) of chitosan having 470 or 1110 kDa. Color (L*, a*, b*) values of uncoated and chitosan‐coated FCSP during storage were generally affected by storage time as well as coating treatments (P < 0.05). No significant changes in color lightness (L*) of 470 kDa‐coated FCSP were observed during the 17‐d storage. During days 3 to 17, 470 kDa‐coated FCSP had significantly higher redness (a*) and yellowness (b*) values than did uncoated and 1110 kDa‐coated FCSP. Texture firmness of uncoated and chitosan‐coated FCSP exhibited minimal changes during the 17‐d storage. Although actual weight loss values (%) of uncoated and chitosan‐coated FCSP were not significantly different at day 17, the weight loss difference (%) between day 3 and day 17 for uncoated FCSP (3.02%) was slightly higher compared to those (2.24% to 2.26%) of chitosan‐coated FCSP. The initial total aerobic count was 4.7 log10 CFU/g which then gradually increased to 8.54 and 9.67 log10 CFU/g after 17 d of storage for 470 kDa‐coated and uncoated FCSP, respectively. After day 6, the total aerobic counts of uncoated FCSP were higher than those of 470 kDa‐coated FCSP. The yeast and mold count of chitosan‐coated FCSP was about 2.5 log10 CFU/g at day 17. Overall, consumers could not differentiate between 470 kDa‐coated FCSP at day 17 and uncoated FCSP at day 0.
Virtual patient instruction for dental students: can it improve dental care access for persons with special needs?
Authors: Sanders Carla , Kleinert Harold L. , Boyd Sara E. , Herren Chris , Theiss Lynn , Mink John
Published: September 2008

An interactive, virtual‐patient module was produced on compact disc (CD‐ROM) in response to the critical need to increase dental students' clinical exposure to patients with developmental disabilities. A content development team consisting of dental faculty members, parents of children with developmental disabilities, an individual with a developmental disability, and educational specialists developed the interactive, virtual‐patient module. The module focused on a young man with congenital deafblindness presenting as a new patient with a painful molar. Students were required to make decisions regarding clinical interactions throughout the module. Differences in both comfort and knowledge level were measured pre‐ and post‐module completion, as well as the dental students' overall satisfaction with the learning experience. Significant results were obtained in students' perceived comfort and knowledge base. Participants reported overall satisfaction using the modules. This study demonstrated that an interactive, multi‐media (CD‐ROM), virtual patient learning module for dental students could be an effective tool in providing students needed clinical exposure to patients with developmental disabilities.
Interim monitoring and analysis: Statistics in clinical trials
Authors: MUSCH D
Published: September 2008

Abstract not provided
Anton Banko, the Slovenian inventor behind the success of Charles Kelman
Authors: HAWLINA M
Published: September 2008

Behind the success story of phacoemulsification that started with Charles Kelman, there was an ingenious engineer that helped him to create the first clinically useful apparatus. Anton Banko was born in a Slovenian family in Istria, very close to actual venue of EVER meeting. He studied engineering and electrics in Ljubljana and later moved to United Sates where he worked in the field of ultrasound instruments for dental use Cavitron company as the director of research and development. Charles Kelman turned to him with a request to construct an ultrasound device for cataract removal and their first joint US patent No. 3589363 was filed on 25th July 1967. A year later, Anton Banko established his own company in New York, named Surgical Design, and the company produced a series of very reliable and successful phaco machines that are still used worldwide. Anton Banko continued to develop many other patents used in ocular surgery including instrument for vitrectomy that he patented in 1969 after which a combined Mackool/Heslin Ocusystem machine was designed. Sadly , he died of incurable disease soon after the success of his company which since then is led by his son William. Anton Banko's wish to donate one of the machines to the University Eye Hospital in Ljubljana was conweyed by his family. Due to his legacy, surgeons from Slovenia started to use phacoemulsification as early as in 1989 after training in the wetlab of Surgical Design company. Anton Banko remains one of the giants of instrumentation in ocular surgery with Slovenian origins.
A new era for age‐related macular degeneration: insights pertaining to a key role for the complement system
Authors: HAGEMAN G
Published: September 2008

Age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) is characterized by a progressive loss of central vision attributable to degenerative and, in advanced cases, neovascular lesions in the macula. As the leading cause of irreversible vision loss in the developed world, AMD affects an estimated 25% of individuals over the age of 75. A host of new discoveries has begun to provide a much clearer picture of the relevant cellular events, genetic factors, and biochemical processes associated with early AMD. Among the first was the discovery that a variety of complement components, complement activators, and complement regulatory proteins are molecular constituents of drusen, a hallmark risk factor for AMD. These observations formed the basis for the concept that drusen are a byproduct of chronic, local inflammatory processes characterized, in part, by robust activation of the complement cascade along the RPE‐choroid interface. Strong support for this new paradigm emerged from subsequent discoveries that revealed a highly significant association between AMD and variations in several complement‐associated genes: Factor H (CFH), Component 3 (C3), and Factor B (CFB). Haplotypes defined by polymorphisms in these genes confer an increased risk for, or protection from, developing AMD. Moreover, a large deletion encompassing two CFH‐related genes ‐‐ CFHR1 and CFHR3 ‐‐ defines one of the CFH protective haplotypes. Similar variations in CFH and CFH‐related genes are also associated with seemingly unrelated systemic diseases, perhaps offering an explanation for some or the previously established risk factors for AMD.

Commercial interest
Functional analysis of mutants of the optineurin gene, associated with some forms of glaucoma
Authors: BALASUBRAMANIAN D , CHALASANI M , SWARUP G , AGARWAL N
Published: September 2008

Purpose Mutations in the gene OPTN are associated with normal tension and open angle glaucomas. We have studied the effects of some of these mutations on the cellular biology of retinal ganglion cells, and tried to infer the role of the protein optineurin.

Methods We transfected plasmids expressing normal or wild‐type (WT) and E50K, R545Q, H26D, and H486R mutant optineurin into a variety of cells such as HeLa, COS‐1, retinal pigment epithelial (RPE), and the rat retinal ganglion cell (RGC) line RGC‐5, and followed their effects on cell survival by morphologic observation of cells. Expression of optineurin and its mutants was monitored by immunofluorescence staining of cells and by Western blotting.

Results The E50K mutant of optineurin, which is associated with the severest phenotype, was seen to selectively induce the death of retinal ganglion cells but not of the other cell lines tested. Neither the wild type cDNA nor the other mutants have any such effect. This cell death induced by E50K OPTN was inhibited by the antioxidants N‐acetylcysteine and Trolox. E50K was seen to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), which were reduced by antioxidants. Coexpression of manganese superoxide dismutase with the E50K mutant abolished ROS production and inhibited cell death.

Conclusion E50K optineurin is a gain of function mutant, which has acquired the ability to induce cell death selectively in retinal ganglion cells. This cell death was mediated by oxidative stress. The present findings suggest the possibility of antioxidant use for delaying or controlling some forms of glaucoma.
MLPA of small ciliary body melanoma: scope for prospective study
Authors: DAMATO EM , DAMATO BE , SIBBRING J , COUPLAND SE
Published: September 2008

Abstract not provided
Introduction ; the principles of OCT
Authors: DE SMET MD
Published: September 2008

Abstract not provided
OCT imaging in uveitis: advantages and limits
Authors: HERBORT CP , DE SMET MD
Published: September 2008

Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) has gradually invited itself into everyday practice. The imaging quality is steadily improving with new generations of instruments giving fascinating insight into the retina. Although OCT investigation gives stunning pictures of the retina it is basically imaging those structures for which imaging access was already possible. The novelty is, with the new machines especially, the degree of precision of the information we can gather: A corollary to this first point, is the fact that we can get this information instantly without invasive procedures. For conditions such as choroïdal neovessels, much closer follow‐up has allowed, in parallel with the availability of potent intravitreal anti‐VEGF therapy to improve drastically the management of AMD cases. In inflammatory diseases the availability has changed our attitude in the management of CME, increasingly based on OCT profile rather than strictly functional parameters. In diabetic maculopathy also OCT came along with the advent of new performing therapies the effect of which can so be optimally verified. One drawback of OCT is the fact that information is lost or OCT is impossible when turbid media are present. It has also to be acknowledged that information on the underlying choroid is limited. Many cases will be presented with discussion especially on inflammatory and AMD.
OCT in diabetic macular edema
Authors: ABU EL ASRAR AM
Published: September 2008

Abstract not provided
Comparison of microperimetry and OCT retinal thickness in uveitis
Authors: TAKEUCHI M
Published: September 2008

Abstract not provided
Enhanced, OCT‐assisted management of choroidal neovessels in AMD
Authors: HERBORT C
Published: September 2008

Abstract not provided
Neural networks compared with Cox regression
Authors: DAMATO B , TAKTAK A , ELEUTERI A
Published: September 2008

Purpose Survival prediction is useful in patient care and research. Most studies rely on Cox analysis and Kaplan‐Meier curves whereas we have preferred neural networks. The aim of this presentation is to compare these methods and to discuss the advantages and limitations of each.

Methods This presentation will be based on our experience with uveal melanoma. A neural network was trained with data from 1780 patients and evaluated with data from another 874 patients. Clinical, histopathological and cytogenetic data were included in the model. All cause mortality was reported, both for patients and for the matched general population.

Results Cox analysis assumes linear correlations between variables and proportional hazards throughout the follow‐up period. Kaplan‐Meier analysis requires large patient categories, so that the precision of any prognostication is reduced. Neural networks overcome these limitations. Our model does censor non‐metastatic deaths so that melanoma‐related mortality is not exaggerated in groups of patients with significant competing risks.

Conclusion Neural networks allow large numbers of variables to be included in predictive models with relatively small numbers of patients, thereby improving prognostication. Nevertheless, care must be taken when interpreting survival results to avoid serious misconceptions about the natural history of a disease and the impact of treatment.
History
Authors: GOLNIK K
Published: September 2008

The two most common causes of acute visual loss and unilateral optic disc swelling are acute optic neuritis (AON) and Nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). Important historical points include patient age, presence of pain, and predisposing medical conditions (diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, sarcoidosis, recent viral infections/illnesses, other autoimmune conditions). In patients over 50 years of age, symptoms of giant cell arteritis (scalp tenderness, headache, jaw claudication, weight loss, fatigue, fever) must be discussed. Details of the onset of visual loss may be important because occasionally more chronic loss of vision is suddenly discovered when the good eye is occluded. Finally, one must be sure that this is a completely isolated, unilateral visual problem by ascertaining whether any other symptoms exist.
Examination of the patient with visual loss and unilateral disc swelling
Authors: KAWASAKI A
Published: September 2008

This presentation will show multiple examples of disc swelling and the clues one must use to decide its cause. Several congenital conditions (tilted disc, hypoplasia, disc hamartoma, drusen) have an elevated or even swollen‐looking appearance which may, at first glance, be mistaken for acquired disc edema. Acquired swelling of the optic disc represents axoplasmic stasis due to obstruction of orthograde axoplasmic transport. A variety of insults (compression, ischemia, inflammation, metabolic derangement, toxicity and malignancy) to the proximal portion of the optic nerve can disrupt axoplasmic flow , so disc swelling (edema) is a rather non‐specific finding. It is presence of other accompanying fundus abnormalities which is helpful for distinguishing the mechanism of disc swelling, and these can be divided into disc‐related signs and retinal signs and will be discussed. It is also helpful to examine the contralateral disc. For example, a small or absent cup suggests a structural risk for ischemic injury. Of note, papilledema due to increased intracranial pressure is rarely a cause of unilateral disc edema (less than 5% of cases).
Ancillary testing and differential diagnosis
Authors: BORRUAT FX
Published: September 2008

The most frequent mechanisms leading to acute visual loss in the setting of a unilateral swollen optic disc include : ischemia (anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, arteritic versus non‐arteritic) inflammation (demyelinative disorder or other inflammatory diseases), and infection (Lyme, syphilis, Bartonellosis). Less frequent causes include: infiltration (lymphoma, leukaemia, metastasis), paraneoplastic mechanisms, unilateral papilledema, pseudopapilledema (drusen), hereditary (Leber’s optic neuropathy). Ancillary testing will be directed according to the presumed mechanism. Apart from a complete visual function examination (visual acuity, color vision, visual field) and pupillary testing, various tests are available including : retinal angiography (fluorescein, indocyanine green), electrophysiology (VEP, mfERG), to name a few.
Examination of the patient with visual loss and normal fundus
Authors: KAWASAKI A
Published: September 2008

This presentation will discuss certain examination clues that help to distinguish visual loss from retinal disease from visual loss due to optic nerve disease when the fundus appears normal. Chief among these is the relative afferent pupillary defect. The standard clinical technique for detecting an RAPD is the alternating light test and neutral density filters can be used to quantify the amount of pupillomotor asymmetry. Another useful examination technique is measuring the time it takes to recover central visual function, e.g. acuity, following exposure to a bright light. This is the principle of the photostress test and it is very useful for distinguishing maculopathy. The recovery time is prolonged in a variety of macular disorders but are normal in optic neuropathies. Other specific findings such as a carotid bruit which hints to a specific etiology, e.g. retinal emboli from carotid artery plaque will be discussed.
Epidemiology of corneal viral infections
Authors: LABETOULLE M
Published: September 2008

The three main causes of viral keratitis are Herpes simplex virus (HSV), varicella‐zoster virus (VZV) and adenovirus (ADV). Corneal HSV infection is a frequent cause of severely impaired visual acuity. Despite the effectiveness of currently available antiviral drugs, the incidence of herpetic corneal events does not tend to decrease in the general population, as recently showed in a nationwide epidemiological study performed in France. On the other hand, corneal transplantations relative to herpes keratitis tend to become rarer thanks to the effectiveness of preventive oral treatment. Management of herpes keratitis could thus be improved by a better knowledge of epidemiological data. For example, children and atopic patients are now identified as groups of patients with increased risk of severe herpetic disease. The epidemiology of VZV‐related keratitis may drastically vary in the future, due to the generalization of the vaccination against chickenpox/herpes zoster, with a probable increase in the next decades, followed by a progressive and durable decrease. Finally, outbreaks of ADV‐related keratitis are now less frequent than fifty years ago, thanks to the more rigorous hygiene in the general population.

Commercial interest
Herpetic keratitis
Authors: BOURCIER T
Published: September 2008

Abstract not provided
Electroretinography
Authors: LEROY BP
Published: September 2008

Purpose To illustrate the value of electroretinography in clinical practice.

Methods A case presentation format will be used to illustrate how pattern electroretinography, full‐field flash electroretinography and multifocal electroretinography can be used in clinical practice.

Results As will be shown by the cases to be discussed, each of the electroretinography techniques has a specific role to play in making a better diagnosis.

Conclusion All electroretinography techniques have a specific role to play in the evaluation of retinal disease.
Pattern electroretinography and imaging of the macula
Authors: HAWLINA M
Published: September 2008

Purpose Pattern electroretinogram (PERG) is retinal response to contrast stimulation that originates from inner retina, mostly from ganglion cells. PERG may help to answer frequent diagnostic ambiguities between macular and optic nerve diseases and can serve as a link between flash and multifocal ERG and VEP.

Methods Current trends with emphasis on PERG recording in relation to mfERG, flash ERG and VEP, perimetry, microperimetry and scanning laser ophthalmoscope imaging including autofluorescence of the RPE and OCT will be reviewed in representative clinical cases.

Results Global retinal function is well assessed by flash evoked ERGs, but these may be normal in macular disease. PERG and multifocal ERG in combination with autofluorescence imaging and OCT may delineate macular diseases in very early stages. OCT may reveal transversal loss of photoreceptors which correlates well with PERG amplitude. In differential diagnosis, optic nerve diseases usually do not affect multifocal ERG but can affect PERG, especially its N95 component. Combination of reduced N95 component and delay in VEP is strongly suggestive for optic nerve or ganglion cell disease in which autofluorescence imaging would usually be normal.

Conclusion By judging the cause of visual loss, PERG in combination with mfERG and morphological features by RPE autofluorescence and OCT with psychophysical methods usually leads to correct diagnosis.
Making the diagnosis
Authors: HOLDER GE
Published: September 2008

Abstract not provided
Diagnosis of intraocular and conjunctival tumours
Authors: KIVELÄ T
Published: September 2008

Purpose To summarise clinical methods used to diagnose eye cancer.

Methods Personal experience of the author and other members of the European Ophthalmic Oncology Group.

Results Conjunctival tumours are generally excised based on provisional clinical diagnosis or cosmetic considerations or, if they are extensive, atypical or part of systemic disease such as lymphoma, biopsied to obtain a histopathologic diagnosis. Additional methods to diagnose and stage conjunctival tumours are high frequency ultrasonography (US) or ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) to noninvasively measure their thickness, in vivo confocal microscopy or impression cytology to chart their extent, and exfoliative cytology to get a provisional diagnosis. Ciliary body tumours are visualised by radical biomicroscopy, transillumination and indirect ophthalmoscopy with scleral indentation, supplemented with high frequency US or UBM. Binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy and US form the basis or diagnosing choroidal tumours. In addition to fluorescein and indocyanine green angiography, optical coherence tomography to detect minor subretinal fluid and autofluorescence to detect orange pigment are useful adjuncts in telling a small melanoma from a nevus. The mnemonic “To Find Small Ocular Melanomas” (from Thickness >2mm, subretinal Fluid, Symptoms, Orange pigment, Margin touching disc) is also useful in this respect. Clinical diagnosis of medium‐sized to large melanomas is 99% accurate, whereas fine needle aspiration or vitrectomy biopsy is used to diagnose atypical tumors and for prognostic purposes.

Conclusion Conjunctival tumours are almost always diagnosed histopathologically, whereas diagnosis of uveal tumours is usually based on clinical examination. While clinical diagnosis is usually reliable, biopsy of uveal tumours is increasingly used for prognostic purposes.
Management of uveal tumors
Authors: DAMATO B , COUPLAND SE
Published: September 2008

Purpose In this presentation, we will overview the management of uveal tumours, focussing on melanomas, metastases, lymphomas and haemangiomas.

Methods As with other diseases, proper management relies on full systemic and ocular assessment. Accurate measurement of tumour dimensions is especially important. Trans‐retinal or trans‐scleral biopsy may be needed for diagnosis or to grade the degree of malignancy. Uveal melanomas can be treated by: radiotherapy, delivered with plaque, proton beam or stereotactic methods; local resection, performed trans‐retinally or trans‐sclerally; phototherapy using a diode laser, with or without a photodynamic agent; and enucleation. Metastases and lymphomas usually respond to external beam radiotherapy. Haemangiomas resolve after one or two sessions of photodynamic therapy. Prognostication is important, especially in the case of melanoma and this requires both histology and cytogenetics. It is essential to address psychological issues to improve well‐being as much as possible.

Results Outcomes are measured in terms of vision, local tumour control, ocular conservation, survival and quality of life. Such results are more meaningful if analyzed according to clinical, histological and cytogenetic baseline variables, depending on the underlying condition. Pathological studies are especially important and require a a specialized pathologist, with good facilities and the support of a highly‐skilled team.

Conclusion The management of patients with uveal tumour requires access to a wide range of therapeutic modalities, close collaboration with the pathologist, the support of a multidisciplinary team, and an infrastructure for performing continuous outcomes analyses and research.
Management of conjunctival tumors
Authors: MIDENA E
Published: September 2008

Abstract not provided
Lid tumors
Authors: SEREGARD S
Published: September 2008

Abstract not provided