bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CORAL PHOTOBIOLOGY STUDIED WITH A NEW IMAGING PULSE AMPLITUDE MODULATED FLUOROMETER1
Authors: Ralph Peter J. , Schreiber Ulrich , Gademann Rolf , Kühl Michael , Larkum Anthony W. D.
Published: March 2005

A new high‐resolution imaging fluorometer (Imaging‐PAM) was used to identify heterogeneity of photosynthetic activity across the surface of corals. Three species were examined: Acropora nobilis Dana (branching), Goniastrea australiensis Edwards & Haime (massive), and Pavona decussata Dana (plate). Images of fluorescence parameters (F, Fm′, effective quantum yield, optimal quantum yield, electron transport rate, relative photosynthetic rate, and non‐photochemical quenching) allowed heterogeneity to be detected in terms of position on colony and indicated that the photosynthetic activity of polyp and coenosarc tissues responded differently to changing light for all three species. The Imaging‐PAM offers a special routine, with which images of PAR absorption (absorptivity) are obtained. In this way, for the first time it has become possible to derive images of the relative photosynthesis rate. Polyps had a lower PAR absorptivity than coenosarc tissue for A. nobilis and P. decussata, whereas G. australiensis showed the opposite pattern. Acropora nobilis showed heterogeneity along the longitudinal axis of the branch, which could be differentiated from the effect of variations in illumination across the rugose and curved surface. Diel changes were apparent and influenced the longitudinal heterogeneity along the A. nobilis branch. Images were also obtained showing the degree of photoinhibition caused by high‐light stress across a coral surface at a hitherto unobtainable level of resolution.
COMBINING NEW TECHNOLOGIES FOR DETERMINATION OF PHYTOPLANKTON COMMUNITY STRUCTURE IN THE NORTHERN GULF OF MEXICO 1
Authors: See Jason H. , Campbell Lisa , Richardson Tammi L. , Pinckney James L. , Shen Rongjun , Guinasso Norman L.
Published: March 2005

In situ analysis of phytoplankton community structure was determined at five stations along the Texas Gulf coast using two instruments, the Fluoroprobe and FlowCAM. Results were compared with traditional methods to determine community structure (pigment analysis and microscopy). Diatoms and small nanoplankton (most likely haptophytes) dominated the phytoplankton community at all stations. Estimated chl concentrations for diatoms+dinoflagellates obtained via the Fluoroprobe were not significantly different for three of the five stations sampled when compared with HPLC‐chemical taxonomy analysis, whereas the concentrations of green algal and cryptophyte chl were overestimated. The FlowCAM estimates of overall nanoplankton and microplankton cell abundance were not significantly different when compared with epifluorescence microscopy, and recorded images of phytoplankton cells provided a representative population of the phytoplankton community at each station. The Fluoroprobe and FlowCAM, when used in tandem, are potentially capable of determining the general characteristics of phytoplankton community structure in situ and could be an important addition to biological observing systems in the coastal ocean.
AN EVALUATION OF METHODS USED TO ASSESS INTERGENERIC HYBRIDIZATION IN KELP USING PACIFIC LAMINARIALES (PHAEOPHYCEAE)1
Authors: Druehl Louis D. , Collins Julie D. , Lane Christopher E. , Saunders Gary W.
Published: March 2005

Kelp intergeneric laminarialean hybridizations and hybridization protocol were assessed using seven northeast Pacific kelp species:Alaria marginataPostels and Ruprecht,Costaria costata(C. A. Agardh) Saunders,Eisenia arboreaAreschoug,Laminaria saccharina(L) Lamouroux,Lessoniopsis littoralis(Tilden) Reinke,Macrocystis integrifoliaBory, andNereocystis leutkeana(Mertens) Postels and Ruprecht. Survival and development of sporophyte morphologies derived from selfings, separate males and females, and reciprocal crosses were evaluated over 30 weeks of cultivation. All cultures were initiated from cloned gametophytes. Two closely related species,Laminaria angustataKjellman andL. japonicaAreschoug, demonstrated the efficacy of long‐term (up to 30 years) cloned gametophytes in hybridization studies. Sporophyte morphologies appeared in 34%–69% of control and hybridization trials, and 6%–16% of all trials produced sporophytes in control and hybridization conditions that persisted through 30 weeks of cultivation. Sporophytes in control and hybridization conditions could appear normal or abnormal. Usually, the morphology of sporophytes in hybridizations and female controls resembled the female parent, whereas the sporophytes in male controls often had an abbreviated morphology, lacking definitive generic features. Species‐specific rDNA internal transcribed spacer molecular primers were used to determine the parentage of five putative hybrids. Only theL. japonica♀/L. angustata♂ hybrid bore both parental genomes. That negative controls could produce persistent and normal‐appearing sporophytes negates their value and emphasizes the importance of molecular confirmation in hybridization studies. These findings were applied to critique the only known wild intergeneric hybrid,Pelagophycus/Macrocystis.
SEXUAL REPRODUCTION AND TWO DIFFERENT ENCYSTMENT STRATEGIES OF LINGULODINIUM POLYEDRUM (DINOPHYCEAE) IN CULTURE1
Authors: Figueroa Rosa Isabel , Bravo Isabel
Published: March 2005

Unreported aspects in the sexual cycle of the marine dinoflagellate Lingulodinium polyedrum (Stein) Dodge were described. Our observations included the description of two types of hypnozygote formation, because culture planozygotes were observed to encyst in two different ways: an ecdysal sexual stage or a spiny resting cyst. Phosphate deficiency was the main nutritional condition required for fusing gamete pairs to form resting cysts, whereas replete conditions prevented their appearance and favored the formation of ecdysal sexual forms. Mating experiments revealed the existence of two sexual types (+/−), which were enough to explain resting cyst appearance (simple heterothallism). Morphological aspects and timing of gamete mating, fusion, and the efficiency of encystment under different external levels of nitrate and phosphate were analyzed after isolating and monitoring individual pairs of fusing gametes. The staining of sexual stages showed that nuclear fusion was completed at the same time as the cytoplasmic fusion. After 1 to 2 h, the planozygotes presented one quadrolobulated nucleus. Germination of ecdysal sexual stages occurred after <24–72 h, whereas excystment of resting cysts was dependent on the studied parental cross and took place after 2–4 months. Newly germinated cells from both types of cysts had a similar, big, U‐shaped nucleus. Twenty‐four to 48 h after excystment, the germlings divided by desmoschisis, a process before which enlargement of the nucleus was observed.
PHYLOGENY OF DINOFLAGELLATES BASED ON MITOCHONDRIAL CYTOCHROME B AND NUCLEAR SMALL SUBUNIT RDNA SEQUENCE COMPARISONS1
Authors: Zhang Huan , Bhattacharya Debashish , Lin Senjie
Published: March 2005

Despite their evolutionary and ecological importance, dinoflagellate phylogeny remains poorly resolved. Here we explored the utility of mitochondrial cytochrome b (cob) in inferring a dinoflagellate tree and focused on resolving the relationship between fucoxanthin‐and peridinin‐containing taxa. Trees were inferred using cob and small subunit rDNA alone or in combination as concatenated data and including members of the six major dinoflagellate orders. Many regions of the cob DNA or protein and rDNA trees were congruent with support for the monophyly of Symbiodinium spp. Freudenthal and of the Prorocentrales and the early divergence of Crypthecodinium cohnii Seligo in Grasse. However, these markers provided differing support for the monophyly of Pfiesteria spp. Steidinger et Burkholder (only supported strongly by rDNA) and of the fucoxanthin dinoflagellates with Akashiwo sp. (Hirasaka) Hansen et Moestrup (Gymnodiniales, only supported strongly by the cob data). The approximately unbiased (AU) test was used to assess these results using 13‐and 11‐taxon (excluding apicomplexans) backbone maximum likelihood trees inferred from the combined cob+rDNA data. The AU test suggested that our data were insufficient to resolve the phylogenetic position of Symbiodinium spp. and that the ancestral position of C. cohnii might have resulted from long‐branch attraction to the apicomplexan outgroup. We found significant support, however, for the association of fucoxanthin dinoflagellates with Akashiwo sp. The monophyly and relatively derived position of the Gymnodiniales in our cob DNA and protein trees and in the cob+rDNA tree is consistent with the tertiary endosymbiotic origin of the plastid in fucoxanthin dinoflagellates.
Feasible Model for Prevention of Functional Decline in Older People: Municipality‐Randomized, Controlled Trial
Authors: Vass Mikkel , Avlund Kirsten , Lauridsen Jørgen , Hendriksen Carsten
Published: March 2005

Objectives: To investigate the effect of an educational program for preventive healthcare professionals in routine primary care on functional ability, nursing home admissions, and mortality in older adults.

Design: A prospective, controlled 3‐year follow‐up study (1999–2001) in primary care with randomization and intervention at the municipality level and outcomes measured at the individual level in two age cohorts.

Setting: Primary care.

Participants: Of 81 eligible municipalities in four counties, 34 agreed to participate. A total study population of 5,788 home‐dwelling subjects aged 75 and 80 were asked to participate. Written consent was obtained from 4,060 persons (70.1%), of whom 2,104 were living in 17 intervention municipalities and 1,956 were living in 17 matched control municipalities.

Intervention: Intervention municipality visitors received ongoing education, and local general practitioners were introduced to a short geriatric assessment program early in the study period. Control municipalities visitors and general practitioners received no education.

Measurements: At the 3‐year follow‐up, the outcome measures of mortality and nursing home admissions were obtained from all, and the outcome measure of functional ability was obtained from 3,383 (95.6%) of 3,540 surviving participants.

Results: Education improved functional ability (odds ratio=1.20, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.01–1.42, P=.04) in intervention municipality participants, notably in the 80‐year‐olds. There were no differences in mortality (relative risk (RR)=1.06, 95% CI=0.87–1.28, P=.59) or rates of nursing home admissions after 3 years (RR=0.74, 95% CI=0.50–1.09, P=.13). Subjects aged 80 benefited from accepting and receiving in‐home assessment with regular follow‐ups.

Conclusion: A brief, feasible educational program for primary care professionals helps preserve older people's functional ability.
High Prevalence of Chlamydia Pneumoniae Antibodies and Increased High‐Sensitive C‐Reactive Protein in Patients with Vascular Dementia
Authors: Yamamoto Hideki , Watanabe Takuya , Miyazaki Akira , Katagiri Takashi , Idei Tsunenori , Iguchi Takashi , Mimura Masaru , Kamijima Kunitoshi
Published: March 2005

Objectives: To determine the relationships between Chlamydia pneumoniae infection, carotid atherosclerosis, and dyslipidemia in patients with vascular dementia (VaD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Design: Case control study.

Setting: Showa University Karasuyama Hospital, Tokyo, Japan.

Participants: One hundred twenty‐four elderly subjects: 31 with VaD, 61 with AD, and 32 age‐matched controls without dementia.

Mesurements: Presence of antibodies to C. pneumoniae (immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgA), the serum concentrations of high‐sensitive C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP) and atherogenic lipoproteins, and the carotid artery intima‐media thickness (IMT) and plaques were determined.

Results: Age; body mass index; systolic and diastolic blood pressures; and fasting plasma glucose, hemoglobin A1c, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, and apolipoprotein A‐I, B, and E concentrations did not differ significantly between the three groups, but the mean IMT and frequency of atherosclerotic plaques in the carotid arteries, as well as the serum concentrations of low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C), lipoprotein(a), and lipid peroxides were significantly greater in VaD patients than in AD patients or nondemented controls. Hs‐CRP concentrations and prevalence of C. pneumoniae IgG and IgA antibodies also were significantly higher in VaD patients than in AD patients and nondemented controls. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that carotid IMT and plaques, LDL‐C, lipid peroxides, hs‐CRP, and IgG and IgA C. pneumoniae seropositivity were independent risk factors for VaD.

Conclusion: These results suggest that carotid atherosclerosis, atherogenic lipoproteins, and C. pneumoniae infection (as documented by the IgG and IgA seropositivity together with increased hs‐CRP) may be VaD risk factors.
A Multifactorial Intervention Program Reduces the Duration of Delirium, Length of Hospitalization, and Mortality in Delirious Patients
Authors: Lundström Maria , Edlund Agneta , Karlsson Stig , Brännström Benny , Bucht Gösta , Gustafson Yngve
Published: March 2005

Objectives: To investigate whether an education program and a reorganization of nursing and medical care improved the outcome for older delirious patients.

Design: Prospective intervention study.

Setting: Department of General Internal Medicine, Sundsvall Hospital, Sweden.

Participants: Four hundred patients, aged 70 and older, consecutively admitted to an intervention or a control ward.

Intervention: The intervention consisted of staff education focusing on the assessment, prevention, and treatment of delirium and on caregiver‐patient interaction. Reorganization from a task‐allocation care system to a patient‐allocation system with individualized care.

Measurements: The patients were assessed using the Organic Brain Syndrome Scale and the Mini‐Mental State Examination on Days 1, 3, and 7 after admission. Delirium was diagnosed according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, criteria.

Results: Delirium was equally common on the day of admission at the two wards, but fewer patients remained delirious on Day 7 on the intervention ward (n=19/63, 30.2% vs 37/62, 59.7%, P=.001). The mean length of hospital stay±standard deviation was significantly lower on the intervention ward then on the control ward (9.4±8.2 vs 13.4±12.3 days, P<.001) especially for the delirious patients (10.8±8.3 vs 20.5±17.2 days, P<.001). Two delirious patients in the intervention ward and nine in the control ward died during hospitalization (P=.03).

Conclusion: This study shows that a multifactorial intervention program reduces the duration of delirium, length of hospital stay, and mortality in delirious patients.
Determinants of Self‐Management Strategies to Reduce Out‐of‐Pocket Prescription Medication Expense in Homebound Older people
Authors: Sharkey Joseph R. , Ory Marcia G. , Browne Barry A.
Published: March 2005

Objectives: To determine the extent to which homebound older people adopt strategies to reduce out‐of‐pocket prescription medication cost and the factors associated with level of cost‐related medication management.

Design: Cross‐sectional study.

Setting: Home‐delivered meals programs in four North Carolina counties.

Participants: Random sample of 222 home‐delivered meal recipients aged 60 and older.

Measurements: The use of six different management strategies to reduce medication expenses was reported at the in‐home assessment. Associations between level of cost‐related medication management and sample characteristics, drug coverage, behaviors to cope with out‐of‐pocket medication expense, and payment difficulty were examined.

Results: Forty‐five (20.3%) participants used one or more behaviors that restricted medication use; another 47 (21.2%) used one or more strategies to reduce out‐of‐pocket medication cost. Using medication restriction to reduce medication expense was more likely in older people who had difficulty paying for medications (odds ratio (OR)=8.2, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.4–50.3), or used a strategy to cope with out‐of‐pocket expenses (choose food or medications (OR=5.1, 95% CI=1.7–15.7) or borrowed money or had another person pay for medications (OR=5.5, 95% CI=2.6–11.6)). Income, drug coverage, and medication use (prescribed and over‐the‐counter) increased the likelihood of having increased difficulty paying for medications.

Conclusion: Clinicians should attempt to identify patients who are at risk for medication restriction and develop strategies for minimizing any unintended consequences of cost‐related medication management behaviors. Provider‐patient communication should include discussion of medication cost and appropriate medication management strategies.
Dissemination of an Evidence‐Based Multicomponent Fall Risk‐Assessment and ‐Management Strategy Throughout a Geographic Area
Authors: Baker Dorothy I. , King Mary B. , Fortinsky Richard H. , Graff Louis G. , Gottschalk Margaret , Acampora Denise , Preston Jeanette , Brown Cynthia J. , Tinetti Mary E.
Published: March 2005

Objectives: To report on the penetration of, and identified barriers to and facilitators of, efforts to incorporate evidence‐based fall risk assessment and management into clinical practice throughout a defined geographic area.

Design: Dissemination project.

Setting: North central Connecticut.

Participants: Hospitals, home care agencies, primary care providers, and outpatient rehabilitation facilities.

Intervention: Multiple professional behavior‐change strategies were used to encourage providers to incorporate evidence‐based fall assessment and management into their practices.

Measurements: Penetration of dissemination efforts over 36 months; barriers and facilitators identified by provider working groups during the first 2 years of the project.

Results: All seven hospitals and 26 home care agencies in the area, 119 of 130 rehabilitation facilities, and 138 of 212 primary care offices participated. Most provider working groups expressed similar barriers and facilitating factors. Reported barriers specific to fall risk management included lack of awareness of fall morbidity and preventability, perceived lack of expertise and Medicare coverage, inadequate referral patterns among providers, and lack of a federal mandate for physicians. Facilitating factors specific to falls included the opportunity to market new services and to develop new networks of professional relationships across disciplines and the Medicare mandate that home care agencies focus on functional outcomes.

Conclusion: Dissemination efforts showed notable successes as well as challenges. Although many of the barriers were general to diffusing new practices, several were specific to fall assessment and management that span disciplines and sites. Project results have implications for efforts to diffuse evidence‐based practices for multifactorial geriatric conditions such as falls.
There Is Hope for the Future: National Survey Results Reveal that Geriatric Medicine Fellows Are Well‐Educated in End‐of‐Life Care
Authors: Pan Cynthia X. , Carmody Sharon , Leipzig Rosanne M. , Granieri Evelyn , Sullivan Amy , Block Susan D. , Arnold Robert M.
Published: March 2005

Objectives: To assess the status of geriatric medicine (GM) fellows' training experiences in end‐of‐life care via self‐report.

Design: Anonymous surveys completed by mail, Web access, and telephone.

Setting: U.S. accredited GM fellowship training programs.

Participants: Two hundred ninety‐six surveys were sent to graduating GM fellows in 1‐ and 2‐year programs across the Unites States.

Measurements: Measurements assessed self‐reported attitudes, quantity and quality of end‐of‐life care education, preparation to provide care, and perceived value of caring for dying patients.

Results: Response rate was 74%. Ninety‐five percent or more of respondents held positive views about physicians' responsibility and ability to help dying patients. Seventy percent of fellows had completed a rotation focused on end‐of‐life care. Fellows who had done such rotations rated their end‐of‐life care education as highly as their overall geriatrics training. Fellows frequently received teaching in many end‐of‐life care topics, with lower rates of teaching how to say goodbye and responding to requests for assisted suicide. Overall, fellows felt well prepared to care for dying patients. Four factors independently predicted such preparedness: having had a palliative or end‐of‐life care rotation, being female, having been taught how to say goodbye to patients, and perceiving that it is important to attending physicians that fellows learn to care for dying patients.

Conclusion: GM fellows feel their end‐of‐life care education is excellent and feel prepared to take care of dying patients. It is critical that geriatricians in training have access to and take advantage of palliative and end‐of‐life care rotations.
Soluble CD163 and interleukin‐6 are increased in aqueous humour from patients with endothelial rejection of corneal grafts
Authors: Funding Mikkel , Vorum Henrik , Nexø Ebba , Moestrup Søren Kragh , Ehlers Niels , Møller Holger Jon
Published: March 2005

Purpose:  To evaluate soluble CD163 (sCD163) as a new marker of macrophage activity in aqueous humour from patients with corneal rejection and to investigate correlations between sCD163, the CD163 inducing interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), and albumin; to investigate whether increases in sCD163 and IL‐6 levels in aqueous humour were results of intra‐ or extraocular production, and to investigate the impact of sCD163 and IL‐6 levels on graft outcome.

Methods:  Aqueous humour was obtained from 19 patients with endothelial rejection of corneal grafts, seven cataract patients and five cataract patients with uncomplicated corneal grafts. The presence of sCD163 was investigated by immunoprecipitation and immunoblotting. The concentrations of sCD163, IL‐6 and albumin were measured by ELISA.

Results:  Soluble CD163 was detected in aqueous humour from patients with corneal rejection. Soluble CD163, IL‐6 and albumin were significantly increased in aqueous humour from patients with corneal rejection when compared with control patients. When normalizing sCD163 and IL‐6 with albumin, the differences between rejection patients and control groups became insignificant for sCD163 but remained significant for IL‐6. Neither IL‐6 nor sCD163 were related to the outcome of the corneal rejection.

Conclusions:  Both sCD163 and IL‐6 are present in high levels in aqueous humour from patients with rejection of corneal grafts. Our data suggest that IL‐6 is produced locally, whereas sCD163 is at least partly derived from influx from plasma.
Topical dorzolamide increases pericentral visual function in age‐related maculopathy: pilot study findings with short‐wavelength automated perimetry
Authors: Remky Andreas , Weber Anke , Arend Oliver , Sponsel William Eric
Published: March 2005

Purpose:  Numerous studies have confirmed the enhancement of ocular circulation by carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (CAIs). Topical CAI treatment with dorzolamide averts the significant pericentral visual function loss accompanying retinal and choroidal vasoconstriction during acute hyperventilation‐induced hypocapnia. This study was designed to discern whether dorzolamide might similarly enhance macular function in patients with age‐related maculopathy (ARM).

Methods:  In a masked, placebo‐controlled study, 40 patients with ARM and acuity > 20/50 were randomized to receive either dorzolamide or placebo for 12 weeks, thrice daily. After pre‐study perimetric training, pericentral function (mean sensitivity) was quantified using Humphrey 10–2 short‐wavelength automated perimetry (SWAP), before and after 12 weeks of topical therapy.

Results:  Dorzolamide‐treated eyes demonstrated a significant increase in mean sensitivity of + 1.55 dB (p = 0.04); placebo‐treated eyes showed no significant change (+ 0.58 dB; p = 0.10). Given the non‐significant increase of mean sensitivity in the placebo‐treated group, fewer than 100 subjects per group would be required to afford > 70% power to yield a significant direct comparative difference between treatment and placebo in a prospective, randomized study of equally short duration.

Conclusions:  This study demonstrated a significant increase in short‐wavelength sensitivity in ARM with dorzolamide and the lack thereof with placebo. These encouraging pilot study data suggest a potential role for topical CAIs in ARM patients, and establish objective parameters for prospective studies to further evaluate the effects of dorzolamide in ARM.
Clinical outcomes of phacoemulsification cataract surgery in diabetes patients: visual function (VF‐14), visual acuity and patient satisfaction
Authors: Mozaffarieh Maneli , Heinzl Harald , Sacu Stefan , Wedrich Andreas
Published: March 2005

Purpose:  To evaluate the visual outcomes (visual acuity [VA] and visual function) after phacoemulsification cataract surgery in patients with diabetic retinopathy (DR), and assess patient satisfaction with final surgical outcome.

Methods:  This prospective study comprised 74 eyes of 74 patients with different stages of DR. One surgeon (AW) performed all cataract surgery in a standardized fashion. Patients were assessed using the VF‐14 (Visual Function‐14) questionnaire. The following groups of patients were compared: those with no apparent retinopathy; those with mild non‐proliferative DR (NPDR); those with severe NPDR, and those with proliferative DR (PDR). Visual acuity and visual function questionnaire (VF‐14) responses were recorded preoperatively and 3 months postoperatively, during which the non‐operated fellow eye showed no progression in retinopathy.

Results:  Improvements in visual outcomes were significantly higher in groups 1 and 2 compared to groups 3 and 4 (Tukey−Kramer, p < 0.001). Comparisons between groups 1, 2 and 3, 4 showed significant differences in improvements in VA (Tukey−Kramer, p < 0.01), yet no statistically significant differences in functional (VF‐14) improvements emerged between these groups.

Conclusions:  Patients with more advanced levels of DR showed no functional improvements despite improvements in VA. This emphasizes the relevance of patient education prior to surgery. In particular, it should be explained to patients with more advanced DR that, although surgery may be required, their functional improvement may be limited.
Metamorphopsia after successful retinal detachment surgery: an optical coherence tomography study
Authors: Wang Yi , Li Shi‐ying , Zhu Meidong , Chen Shao‐jun , Liu Yong , Men Xiao‐hong , Gillies Mark , Larsson Jörgen
Published: March 2005

Purpose:  To investigate the findings in optical coherence tomography (OCT) in eyes with metamorphopsia after scleral buckling surgery for macula‐off retinal detachment.

Methods:  A total of 46 patients (46 eyes) with macula‐off retinal detachment were prospectively studied 2 months after successful scleral buckling surgery. Patients were examined with the Amsler grid, fundus biomicroscopy and OCT.

Results:  At the 2 month follow‐up, 31/46 (67%) patients had metamorphopsia; 24/31 (77%) of these patients had an abnormal macular structure on OCT and 7/31 (23%) showed a normal macula. However, of the 15 patients in the non‐metamorphopsia group, 4/15 (27%) had an abnormal macula and 11/15 (73%) had a normal macula (p = 0.0015). The most common finding on OCT was neurosensory retinal detachment.

Conclusions:  Metamorphopsia after scleral buckling surgery in macula‐off detachment is more common in patients in whom abnormal macular structure is seen on the OCT scan compared to those showing a normal macular structure. Neurosensory retinal detachment is the most common pathology in these patients.
YAG curios #2: Nd:YAG laser treatment following suction posterior capsulorhexis
Authors: Jayaram Hari , Uppal Gurmit , Hugkulstone Charles E.
Published: March 2005

Suction posterior capsulorhexis (SPC) is a relatively new technique for creating a posterior capsulorhexis. We present a case series of seven patients who required Nd:YAG laser treatment 27 months after SPC. No patient had pre‐existing risk factors for increased postoperative inflammation and all received a one‐piece polymethylmethacrylate intraocular lens placed in‐the‐bag. Although it reduces the need for Nd:YAG laser treatment, SPC, like the more usual forceps posterior capsulorhexis, does not completely eliminate it.
Comparison of lidocaine 2% gel versus retrobulbar anaesthesia for implantation of Ahmed glaucoma drainage
Authors: Rebolleda Gema , Muñoz‐Negrete Francisco J. , Benatar Jacobo , Corcostegui Juan , Alonso Nieves
Published: March 2005

Purpose:  To compare patient comfort and the efficacy of lidocaine 2% gel versus retrobulbar anaesthesia for Ahmed glaucoma implant surgery.

Patients and Methods:  This prospective study included 32 eyes of 32 patients scheduled to undergo implantation of an Ahmed glaucoma drainage device for refractory glaucoma in one institution, randomized to receive either topical lidocaine 2% gel or retrobulbar anaesthesia. Sixteen eyes were randomized to each group. Patient assessment of pain was recorded during delivery of anaesthesia, during surgery and after surgery, using a visual analogue pain scale. The need for additional anaesthesia during tissue manipulation was recorded. Surgeon assessments of operative conditions, patient co‐operation and intraoperative complications were also recorded.

Results:  The patients in the retrobulbar group reported significantly more discomfort during administration of the anaesthetic agent than the patients in the topical anaesthesia group (p = 0.000). There was no significant difference in patient‐reported pain scores intraoperatively (p = 0.317) or postoperatively (p = 0.875). Surgeon assessment showed similar levels of patient co‐operation in both groups (p = 0.615). The overall operating conditions were overwhelmingly positive in each group (p = 0.186). The mean duration of surgery was significantly longer in the topical group compared with the retrobulbar group (p = 0.049).

Conclusions:  Lidocaine 2% gel is a safe alternative to retrobulbar anaesthesia for Ahmed drainage implant surgery and avoids the significantly greater pain associated with the administration of retrobulbar anaesthesia. It provides a reasonably safe and comfortable surgical environment and is well tolerated by patients.
Valsalva retinopathy: diagnostic challenges in a patient with pars‐planitis
Authors: Androudi Sofia , Ahmed Muna , Brazitikos Periklis , Foster C Stephen
Published: March 2005

Purpose:  To describe a case of Valsalva retinopathy in a patient with pars‐planitis and to discuss its management

Methods:  We present a case of a 19‐year‐old male with a six‐month history of bilateral intermediate uveitis, referred for evaluation of recent‐onset spontaneous bilateral vitreous hemorrhages. Clinical evaluation and fluorescein angiography were negative for the presence of neovascularization. On closer questioning the patient revealed that he had his most recent symptoms after heavy weight lifting.

Results:  The patient was instructed to avoid heavy weight lifting. Over the next two months, vitreal hemorrhages had resolved. However, despite the treatment with systemic prednisone, the patient's intermediate uveitis was still active, and cystoid macular edema had developed. Therefore, we proceeded to systemic immunomodulatory therapy, which controlled the inflammation and preserved vision in each eye.

Conclusions:  Although a very rare cause, Valsalva maneuver should be included in the differential diagnosis of bilateral vitreous hemorrhages. Ophthalmologists should advise patients with known eye problems that can predispose to vitreal hemorrhages to refrain from it.
The value of tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) immunoreactivity in diagnosis of hairy cell leukemia
Authors: AKKAYA HAMPAR , DOGAN ONER , AGAN MEHMET , DINCOL GUNCAG
Published: March 2005

Hairy cell leukemia (HCL) is a rare chronic B‐cell lymphoproliferative disorder characterized by splenomegaly, pancytopenia, and circulating atypical lymphocytes with circumferential cytoplasmic projections. We investigated the specificity and the sensitivity of anti‐TRAP antibody immunoreactivity in 57 cases of HCL. We found that there is a statistically highly significant difference between TRAP immunoreactivities of the study and the control groups, and HCL can be diagnosed by TRAP immunoreactivity in bone marrow trephine biopsy materials with a specificity of 98.27 % and a sensitivity of 100%.
Lack of agreement between biochemical and genetic identification of Aeromonas spp.
Authors: ØRMEN ØYVIND , GRANUM PER EINAR , LASSEN JØRGEN , FIGUERAS MARIA JOSE
Published: March 2005

Biochemical and genetic identification by RFLP (restriction fragment length polymorphism) of the PCR‐amplified 16S r‐RNA sequence were compared for a selection of 171 clinical and environmental isolates of Aeromonas spp. The investigation revealed large differences between the two methods. The species phenotypic identification scheme and the genetic technique applied to the environmental strains gave divergent results for 96% of the strains tested. There was 46% discrepancy between the two methods for the clinical isolates. The distribution of species differed between clinical and environmental isolates. A. hydrophila, A. caviae, A. jandaei and A. veronii dominated the clinical material (81% of isolates by RFLP), whilst only 21% of the environmental isolates belonged to those four species. From the environmental group A. salmonicida, A. bestiarum, A. sobria, A. media, and A. encheleia contributed 72% of the strains tested. The poor parity between the biochemical and the genetic identification of the environmental isolates, and to a lesser extent for the clinical isolates, underlines the fact that our current biochemical methods cannot adequately differentiate Aeromonas spp. This work also shows that the biochemical schemes derived from clinical isolates are incomplete for the identification of environmental strains.
The value of cytology in the diagnostics of lung cancer
Authors: BERG JANNA , AASE STEINAR , SØLAND TORUNN HELENE , GABRIELSEN ANNE MARIE , SVENDSEN MARTIN VEEL , LIEN JAN THOMAS , HAUSS GERHARDT
Published: March 2005

In order to elucidate the relative contributions made by cytology and histology in the diagnosis of lung cancer, we studied the cytology and histology reports of all patients who received a microscopic diagnosis of lung cancer in our hospital during the 7 years 1996–2002. This gave a total of 407 patients. The most frequent diagnoses were squamous cell carcinoma (34.9%), adenocarcinoma (24.8%), and small cell carcinoma (17.8%). One hundred and fifteen patients (28.3%) received their microscopic diagnosis based only on cytology, which therefore proved to be of great diagnostic value. The most useful type of cytology specimen was taken by bronchial lavage or bronchial brushing. These types of specimens provided the diagnosis in 71 patients (17.4%). Cytology was especially capable of finding squamous cell carcinomas. Small cell carcinomas were underrepresented (9.6% versus 17.8%) and unspecified carcinomas greatly overrepresented (9.6% versus 2.9%) among the diagnoses obtained by cytology alone. We conclude that cytology is of considerable diagnostic value, although not as specific as histology for the subtyping of carcinomas. Clinicians should be more aware of the usefulness of cytology, especially in cases where it is difficult to obtain bronchoscopic biopsy samples for histological examination.
Follicular lymphoid hyperplasia of the oral cavity representing progressive transformation of germinal center
Authors: KOJIMA MASARU , NAKAMURA SHIGEO , IIJIMA MISA , YOSHIZUMI TAKASHI , SAKATA NORIYUKI , MASAWA NOBUHIDE
Published: March 2005

Follicular lymphoid hyperplasia (FLH) of the oral cavity is a rare and poorly understood lymphoproliferative disorder. We present a case of FLH of the oral cavity presenting with progressive transformation of germinal center (PTGC). The patient was a 49‐year‐old Japanese woman presenting with a hard mass in the right cheek. The resected specimen contained numerous lymphoid follicles with active germinal centers and a portion of the lymphoid follicles exhibited PTGC. The PTGCs contained a few large lymphoid cells resembling lymphocytic and histiocytic Reed‐Sternberg cells of nodular lymphocyte‐predominant Hodgkin lymphoma. The PTGC was surrounded by groups of epithelioid cells. In situ hybridization studies demonstrated strong expression of Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV)‐encoded small RNA in scattered large lymphoid cells in the PTGC. Although the etiology of FLH of the oral cavity remains unclear, the present case suggests that a subset of FLH of the oral cavity appears to be an EBV‐associated lymphoproliferative disorder.
Dysgonomonas capnocytophagoides bacteraemia in a neutropenic patient treated for acute myeloid leukaemia
Authors: HANSEN PER S. , JENSEN THØGER G. , GAHRN‐HANSEN BENTE
Published: March 2005

Dysgonomonas capnocytophagoides, formerly known as CDC group DF‐3, is an opportunistic pathogen associated with diarrhoea and very rarely bacteraemia. We report a case of D. capnocytophagoides found in blood cultures from a severely neutropenic patient treated for acute myeloid leukaemia. The isolate was found resistant to penicillin, cephalosporins, meropenem, aminoglycosides and ciprofloxacin, and susceptible to ampicillin, tetracycline, chloramphenicol, clindamycin and trimethoprim‐sulphamethoxazole. It was identified using conventional phenotypic testing but remained unidentified by the automated identification system (Vitek‐2) as this system did not contain DF‐3 or D. capnocytophagoides in its database.
Soluble β‐1,3/1,6‐glucan from yeast inhibits experimental periodontal disease in Wistar rats
Authors: Breivik Torbjørn , Opstad Per Kristian , Engstad Rolf , Gundersen Glenn , Gjermo Per , Preus Hans
Published: March 2005

Objective: We have investigated whether a purified immunomodulatory water soluble β‐1,3/1,6‐glucan isolated from the cell wall of Bakers yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, would influence the progression of ligature‐induced periodontal disease, and to modulate accompanying cytokine and hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis responses to a lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge.

Material and Methods: β‐1,3/1,6‐glucan (10 mg/kg/day) was given in the drinking water to Wistar rats during the entire experiment, starting 14 days before disease induction, while control rats were given tap water only. Periodontal disease was assessed when the ligatures had been in place for 35 days.

Results: Orally administered soluble β‐1,3/1,6‐glucan significantly reduced periodontal bone loss as measured on digital X‐rays (p=0,026). Glucan‐treated rats also showed a significantly enhanced plasma level of the HPA axis‐driven hormone corticosterone (p=0.047), and of the cytokine transforming growth factor‐1β (p=0.032), as well as a tendency to enhanced IL‐10 (p=0.106), induced by intra‐peritoneally administered LPS.

Conclusion: Soluble β‐1,3/1,6‐glucan administered by the oral route diminishes ligature‐induced periodontal bone loss in this model. This effect may be attributable to the well documented ability of β‐1,3/1,6‐glucan to stimulate macrophage phagocytosis and to skew the T helper (Th)1/Th2 balance towards Th1 and T regulatory responses. The HPA axis may play a significant role in β‐1,3/1,6‐glucan induced immune modulation.
In vivo antimicrobial effectiveness of an essential oil‐containing mouth rinse 12 h after a single use and 14 days' use
Authors: Fine D. H. , Furgang D. , Sinatra K. , Charles C. , McGuire A. , Kumar L. D.
Published: March 2005

Objectives: Two studies were conducted to determine the antimicrobial effect of rinsing with an essential oil‐containing mouth rinse 12 h after a single rinse and 12 h after 2 weeks of twice daily rinsing, during the daytime and overnight.

Materials and Methods: These studies utilized a randomized, double‐blind, controlled crossover design. Following baseline sampling of bacteria from supragingival plaque and the dorsum of the tongue, subjects began twice‐daily rinsing with either an essential oil mouth rinse containing 0.09% zinc chloride (Tartar Control Listerine® Antiseptic) or a negative control rinse. Bacterial sampling was repeated 12 h after the first rinse, and again 12 h after the final rinse 14 days later. The sampling schedule was adjusted according to whether the study was investigating daytime or overnight activity. Samples were plated on Schaedlers medium (total anaerobes), Schaedlers Nalidixic/Vancomycin medium (Gram‐negative anaerobes), and OOPS medium (volatile sulphur compound (VSC)‐producing organisms). Inter‐group log10 transformed colony‐forming units /ml counts from samples of supragingival plaque and tongue swabs on each of the three media were compared by analysis of covariance.

Results: The mean bacterial counts in subjects using the essential oil mouth rinse were significantly lower (p0.005) than mean counts in subjects using the control rinse in all the comparisons, i.e., tongue and supragingival plaque samples on each of three media at two sampling periods in the daytime and overnight study, respectively. Mean bacterial count percent reductions for plaque samples ranged from 56.3 to 95.3; percent reductions for tongue samples ranged from 61.1 to 96.1. There was a trend to higher reductions after 14 days' rinsing than after the initial rinse.

Conclusion: Rinsing with the essential oil mouth rinse can have long‐lasting effects in reducing anaerobic bacteria overall as well as Gram‐negative anaerobes and VSC‐producing bacteria. The significant reductions in numbers of these bacteria produced by the essential oil mouth rinse, both in plaque and on the dorsum of the tongue, can play a key role in explaining the essential oil mouth rinse's effectiveness in reducing supragingival plaque and gingivitis as well as its effectiveness in controlling intrinsic oral malodor over prolonged periods.
The potential role of interleukin‐17 in the immunopathology of periodontal disease
Authors: Takahashi Keiso , Azuma Takashi , Motohira Hitoshi , Kinane D. F. , Kitetsu Shin
Published: March 2005

Background: Interleukin‐17 (IL‐17) is exclusively produced by activated T cells, and this cytokine can induce inflammatory responses, support immune responses (Th1), and stimulate osteoclastic bone resorption in combination with receptor activator of NF‐κB (RANK) and RANK ligand (RANKL). These biological functions are relevant to the aetiopathogenesis of periodontitis, and thus we sought to investigate whether IL‐17 is produced in periodontal lesions and to assess the relationship of gene expression between IL‐17 and other cytokines, and to determine the effect of IL‐17 on IL‐6 production in human gingival fibroblasts (HGF).

Materials and Methods: IL‐17 was detected and measured in periodontal tissues obtained as biopsy samples during periodontal surgery and in the cell‐free culture supernatants cultured ex vivo, by using Western immunoblotting and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. IL‐17 and other cytokine gene expression were investigated by the reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) method. The contribution of IL‐17 to IL‐6 production by HGF was studied.

Results: IL‐17 protein was moderately detected in periodontal tissues. In contrast, IL‐17 mRNA was expressed only in nine of 23 periodontitis tissue samples by RT‐PCR. The IL‐17 mRNA‐positive samples simultaneously expressed mRNAs encoding interferon (IFN)‐γ, IL‐2, RANK, and RANKL, but not IL‐4. IL‐10 (Th2 cytokine) was detected more frequently in the samples than IFN‐γ and IL‐2 (Th1 cytokine). Recombinant human IL‐17 induced IL‐6 production from HGF in a dose‐ and time‐dependent fashion.

Conclusions: These results indicate that IL‐17 is produced in periodontal lesions, which may be involved in Th1 modulation and enhance inflammatory reactions via gingival fibroblast‐derived mediators in periodontal disease. Thus, IL‐17, together with other cytokines, has a potential role in the aetiopathogenesis of periodontal disease.
Effect of air‐polishing devices on the gingiva: histologic study in the Canine
Authors: Kozlovsky Avital , Artzi Zvi , Nemcovsky Carlos E. , Hirshberg Abraham
Published: March 2005

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate histologically the immediate effect of two types of air‐polishing devices (APDs) on the gingiva.

Material and Methods: The buccal gingiva in four mongrel dogs was exposed to 5, 10 and 20 s of instrumentation, applying a hand‐piece type of APD (HP‐APD) PROPHYflex® and a stand‐alone type of APD (SA‐APD) Jetpolisher™ in a split‐mouth design. Immediately after treatment, the exposed gingiva was excised by sharp dissection and fixed in 10% buffered formalin. For each specimen, 15 sections, 20 μm apart, corresponding to the central part of the treated and control untreated gingiva were cut and stained with haematoxylin and eosin. Stained sections were examined histomorphometrically for keratin width and epithelial cell layer (ECL) (prickle and basal cell layers) width. Extent of erosion was expressed as loss of keratin and ECL compared with control.

Results: Microscopic examination presented changes in keratin and ECL, including keratin detachment and disruption of the normal ECL architecture. The erosive changes in the gingiva caused by both APD, positively correlated with instrumentation time (p<0.001) and type of instrument (p=0.008). Keratin loss was significantly higher for SA APD than for the HP APD in each time interval (p=0.019). Following exposure for 5 s, both APD caused a 25% loss of the ECL. Exposure for 10 and 20 s revealed a significantly greater ECL loss caused by the SA‐APD than the HP‐APD (p=0.018). Exposure for 20 s was the only time interval that presented the area of total epithelium erosion with SA‐APD causing significantly more (p=0.002) areas of total epithelial erosion than the HP‐APD.

Conclusion: Gingiva exposure to air‐polishing slurry delivered by APD caused localized trauma because of epithelial erosive changes with severity, positively correlated with instrumentation time and design principles of the applied APD. The clinician should be aware of the potential insult of the gingiva when applying the APD and careful precautions should be taken.
Efficacy of the Cybersonic in comparison with the Braun 3D Excel and a manual toothbrush
Authors: Zimmer Stefan , Strauss Juliane , Bizhang Mozhgan , Krage Tracy , Raab W. H.‐M. , Barthel Claudia
Published: March 2005

Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy of two power toothbrushes (Cybersonic and Braun 3D Excel) and one manual brush (Elmex super 29).

Material and Methods: After professional toothcleaning 120 subjects were randomly assigned to three groups. Four weeks later, at baseline, the Quigley–Hein plaque index (QHI), the modified approximal plaque index (API), and the papillary bleeding index (PBI) were recorded. Thereafter the subjects used the assigned toothbrushes for 8 weeks. Improvements of the indices after 4 and 8 weeks were calculated as medians. Kruskal–Wallis‐ and Mann–Whitney U‐test served for statistical analysis.

Results: All indices showed statistically significant reductions for both power toothbrushes which were superior to the manual brush (4 weeks: Cybersonic: API, 0.21; PBI, 0.25; QHI, 0.23; Braun: API, 0.20; PBI, 0.39; QHI, 0.22; Elmex: API, 0.04; PBI, 0.02; QHI, 0.07; 8 weeks: Cybersonic: API, 0.28; PBI, 0.36; QHI, 0.41; Braun: API, 0.36; PBI, 0.61; QHI, 0.35; Elmex: API, 0.03; PBI, 0.10; QHI, 0.08; p<0.001). The Braun was superior to the Cybersonic with respect to API after 8 weeks (p<0.05) and PBI after 4 and 8 weeks (p<0.01).

Conclusion: Cybersonic and Braun 3D Excel may be more efficacious than a manual toothbrush in removing plaque and reducing gingivitis.