bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
LASIK complication: loss of electricity to the microkeratome during the forward pass
Authors: Tuominen Ilpo S. J. , Tervo Timo M. T. 
Published: September 2003

Abstract.Context:  A 32‐year‐old woman was scheduled for myopic laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) because of myopia and anisometropia caused by retinal detachment surgery. Case Report:  During surgery, a sudden malfunction of the microkeratome during the forward pass was experienced. It was not possible to reverse the blade manually along the suction ring. Moreover, disconnecting the suction from the control unit did not help at first, because the suction ring was firmly attached to the ocular surface. However, detaching the suction line from the control unit aborted the vacuum and allowed the surgeon to turn the whole microkeratome backwards, mimicking the normal blade movement. Finally, an almost normal flap was observed, and the operation was successfully completed. Afterwards, the wire to the electromotor of the microkeratome was found to be broken and subsequently replaced. Conclusion:  This type of unforeseen microkeratome malfunction may result in serious flap or other complications.
Age‐related macular degeneration: filter lenses help in certain situations
Authors: Langagergaard Ulrich , Ganer Hans Jørgen , Baggesen Kirsten 
Published: September 2003

Abstract.Purpose:  To investigate the ability of different filter lenses to enhance the contrast sensitivity of patients with age‐related macular degeneration (AMD). Methods:  A total of 32 patients with non‐exudative AMD and no other significant eye diseases underwent the study tests using their optimal correction. We used Hyvärinen's contrast sensitivity tests with 100%, 10%, 5%, 2.5% and 1.25% charts. All the tests were made without filter lenses and with the Corning 527 and LVI 527 lenses. Results:  With the 100% charts, there was a slight tendency towards contrast sensitivity improvement with LVI filter lenses, but the degree of improvement was not statistically significant. With the 10% charts, contrast sensitivity improved significantly with LVI 527 filter lenses, but not with Corning 527 lenses. It was not possible to perform statistical analyses of the results with the 5%, 2.5% and 1.25% charts. Conclusion:  Use of LVI filter lenses may improve contrast sensitivity in certain situations in patients with AMD.
Ophthalmological evaluation in thyroid‐associated ophthalmopathy
Authors: Åsman Peter 
Published: September 2003

Abstract.Purpose:  Thyroid‐associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) is an autoimmune disorder associated with Graves' disease and can seriously decrease quality of life. Current therapeutic regimens have considerable side‐effects and are not always able to restore normal function and appearance. Timing and a proper choice of therapy are critical but require careful patient evaluation. The present paper aims to describe clinical symptoms and signs of TAO and their relevance for management. Results and Conclusions:  Thyroid‐associated ophthalmopathy has an initial active inflammatory phase which usually lasts for 6–24 months but which may not infrequently continue for several years. The severity of the subsequent clinical manifestations is determined by the degree of optic nerve involvement, corneal involvement, eye muscle dysfunction and exophthalmus, and also by the degree of subjective illness and disfigurement. Disease severity is the key determinant of indication for therapy, while inflammatory activity is the key determinant of therapeutic choice. Immunosuppressive therapy may be used in the inflammatory stage, while reconstructive surgery should be postponed to the inactive phase. Emergency surgery may be needed for vision‐threatening situations during the active stage.
Fractured teeth bonded with dentin adhesives with and without unfilled resin
Authors: Farik Ban , Munksgaard Erik Christian , Andreasen Jens Ove , Kreiborg Sven 
Published: September 2003

AbstractFractured incisors were restored by reattaching the fragment to the remaining tooth structure. For this purpose, seven dentin adhesive systems were used with and without an unfilled resin (Heliobond®) and the strength of the restored teeth was tested at a cross‐head speed of either 1 or 500 mm/min. The hypothesis was that the strength of the reattachment would be higher when an unfilled resin was used. The dentin adhesive systems were Prime & Bond NT® (PB), Exite® (EX), One‐Step® (OS), PQ1® (PQ), SingleBond® (SB), Optibond Solo Plus® (OS), and an experimental adhesive (GL). Statistical analysis revealed that with all adhesives except EX, a significantly greater mean fracture strength was achieved when the adhesives were used with the resin (Heliobond). Furthermore, with all adhesives except PB, there was a significantly lower mean fracture strength when tested at 500 mm/min than at 1 mm/min. All the tested adhesives except EX should be used with an unfilled resin when restoring fractured teeth by reattachment.
Effect of source–sink ratio on seed set and filling in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)
Authors: ALKIO M. , SCHUBERT A. , DIEPENBROCK W. , GRIMM E. 
Published: September 2003

ABSTRACTPoor seed development in sunflower may result from insufficient assimilate supply (source limitation). To test this hypothesis, the effects of changed source–sink ratio on seed set (measured as percentage of empty achenes) and seed filling (measured as dry mass per filled achene) in individual plants were investigated. Source–sink ratio, defined as leaf area per floret (LAF), was experimentally altered using invasive (floret removal, defoliation) and non‐invasive (pulse of chilling, short days or shading during leaf or floret initiation) treatments. Shading at floret initiation proved the most effective non‐invasive method. Generally, an increase, or decrease, in LAF improved, or impaired, both seed set and filling. Increasing LAF by 2.0 cm2[95% confidence interval (1.5, 2.5)] decreased the percentage of empty achenes by 36.9%‐points (−41.9, −30.9) and increased dry mass per filled achene by 20.1 mg (13.6, 26.7) in the capitulum centre. The effect of source–sink ratio on seed set was always strongest in the centre, whereas peripheral whorls were not affected. Achene mass was affected in all parts of the capitulum. It is concluded that source limitation is a major cause for empty achenes in sunflower plants grown under non‐stress conditions.
Holcocera sakura (Lepidoptera: Gelechioidea; Coleophoridae, Blastobasinae), a new species from Japan, associated with Prunus
Authors: OHSHIMA Issei 
Published: September 2003

AbstractA new species, Holcocera sakura (Lepidoptera: Coleophoridae: Blastobasinae) that is associated with Prunus is described from Japan. This is the first record of the tribe Holcocerini from Japan. A photograph of the imago, and illustrations of wing venation and male and female genitalia are provided. The taxonomic position of this species is discussed.
Analysis of the meal‐dependent intragastric performance of a gastric‐retentive tablet assessed by magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Steingoetter A. , Kunz P. , Weishaupt D. , Mäder K. , Lengsfeld H. , Thumshirn M. , Boesiger P. , Fried M. , Schwizer W. 
Published: September 2003

SummaryBackground : Modern medical imaging modalities can trace labelled oral drug dosage forms in the gastrointestinal tract, and thus represent important tools for the evaluation of their in vivo performance. The application of gastric‐retentive drug delivery systems to improve bioavailability and to avoid unwanted plasma peak concentrations of orally administered drugs is of special interest in clinical and pharmaceutical research.Aim : To determine the influence of meal composition and timing of tablet administration on the intragastric performance of a gastric‐retentive floating tablet using magnetic resonance imaging in the sitting position.Methods : A tablet formulation was labelled with iron oxide particles as negative magnetic resonance contrast marker to allow the monitoring of the tablet position in the food‐filled human stomach. Labelled tablet was administered, together with three different solid meals, to volunteers seated in a 0.5‐T open‐configuration magnetic resonance system. Volunteers were followed over a 4‐h period.Results : Labelled tablet was detectable in all subjects throughout the entire study. The tablet showed persistent good intragastric floating performance independent of meal composition. Unfavourable timing of tablet administration had a minor effect on the intragastric tablet residence time and floating performance.Conclusion : Magnetic resonance imaging can reliably monitor and analyse the in vivo performance of labelled gastric‐retentive tablets in the human stomach.
Small bowel stenosis in Crohn's disease: clinical, biochemical and ultrasonographic evaluation of histological features
Authors: Maconi G. , Carsana L. , Fociani P. , Sampietro G. M. , Ardizzone S. , Cristaldi M. , Parente F. , Vago G. L. , Taschieri A. M. , Bianchi Porro G. 
Published: September 2003

SummaryAim : To establish whether intestinal ultrasound, clinical or biochemical indices of activity can assess histological features of ileal stenosis in Crohn's disease.Methods : In 43 patients undergoing surgery for a single ileal stenosis, clinical and biochemical parameters, as well as intestinal ultrasound, were assessed prior to surgery. The echo pattern of thickened bowel segments at the site of stenosis was classified as hypoechoic, stratified or mixed (segments with/without stratification). During surgery, stenoses were identified, resected and then histologically examined using standardized criteria.Results : Clinical and biochemical indices of activity showed an overall weak positive correlation with histological inflammatory parameters and a negative correlation with fibrosis. The intestinal ultrasound echo pattern at the stenosis site was stratified in 25 patients, hypoechoic in 14 and mixed in four. Stenoses characterized by a stratified echo pattern showed a significantly higher degree of fibrosis, those characterized by hypoechoic echo pattern showed a higher degree of inflammation, while stenoses with a mixed echo pattern showed high degrees of both fibrosis and inflammation.Conclusion : Ultrasound and, to a lesser degree, clinical and laboratory indices discriminate between inflammatory and fibrotic ileal stenoses complicating Crohn's disease, thus allowing appropriate medical and/or surgical treatment to be defined.
Detection of oxidative DNA damage in oesophageal biopsies of patients with reflux symptoms and normal pH monitoring
Authors: Liu L. , Ergun G. , Ertan A. , Woods K. , Sachs I. , Younes M. 
Published: September 2003

SummaryBackground : Gastro‐oesophageal reflux has been shown to induce oxidative DNA damage.Aim : To determine whether oxidative DNA damage, detected in oesophageal biopsies by simple immunohistochemical staining, correlates with gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease as determined by pH monitoring.Methods : The study included 47 patients with reflux symptoms who had oesophageal biopsy and 24‐h pH monitoring studies performed within 3 months of each other with no variation in treatment in the time between the two procedures. Sections of formalin‐fixed and paraffin‐embedded oesophageal biopsies were stained for 8‐hydroxy‐2′‐deoxyguanosine using the standard immunoperoxidase method. Positive nuclear immunoreactivity was considered to indicate oxidative DNA damage.Results : Seven (33%) of the 21 cases with normal 24‐h pH monitoring results were negative for oxidative DNA damage, compared with only two (8%) of the 26 cases with abnormal 24‐h pH results (P = 0.058, two‐sided Fisher's exact test). Five of the patients with normal 24‐h pH results had oesophageal biopsies performed within 24 h of the monitoring procedure and, of these, four (80%) were positive for oxidative DNA damage, including a case in which both biopsy and 24‐h pH monitoring were performed on the same day whilst the patient was on proton pump inhibitor therapy. All cases with normal 24‐h pH results and positive oxidative DNA damage showed features of reflux on routine morphological evaluation.Conclusions : Oxidative DNA damage can occur in the absence of acid reflux and despite adequate antisecretory therapy. This may indicate that other agents, such as bile, can induce oxidative DNA damage in an acid‐suppressed environment. The significant discordance between oxidative DNA damage and 24‐h pH results makes the determination of oxidative DNA damage a poor surrogate marker for 24‐h pH monitoring.
Infliximab in the treatment of medically refractory indeterminate colitis
Authors: Papadakis K. A. , Treyzon L. , Abreu M. T. , Fleshner P. R. , Targan S. R. , Vasiliauskas E. A. 
Published: September 2003

SummaryAim : To examine the outcome of infliximab intervention in refractory indeterminate colitis.Methods : Twenty patients with severe, medically refractory indeterminate colitis were treated with infliximab. All patients initially received infliximab, 5 mg/kg, intravenously and, in some patients, the dose was subsequently increased to 10 mg/kg. The number of infusions ranged from one to 16 per patient. Indeterminate colitis was defined as colitis that could not be classified with certainty as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis based on traditional clinical, endoscopic and histopathological criteria. The clinical response to infliximab was classified as complete response, partial response or non‐response.Results : Fourteen of the 20 patients (70%) showed a complete response to infliximab treatment, two showed a partial response and four showed no response. The four non‐responders underwent colectomy with ileal pouch‐anal anastomosis. The resected colon specimen was consistent with ulcerative colitis in all four cases, although two were subsequently re‐classified as Crohn's disease. Eight additional patients were subsequently re‐classified as having Crohn's disease on longer follow‐up evaluation, whilst eight continued to have features of indeterminate colitis. The response rate to infliximab treatment was similar in both groups.Conclusions : Infliximab is effective in approximately two‐thirds of patients with indeterminate colitis, and thus may be considered for patients with refractory disease prior to colectomy. The follow‐up time afforded by infliximab treatment may allow for more accurate classification of the disease in a significant proportion of patients whose colitis has indeterminate features at initial presentation.
Effect of non‐selective γ‐aminobutyric acid receptor stimulation on motor function of the lower oesophageal sphincter and gastro‐oesophageal reflux in healthy human subjects
Authors: Cantù P. , Carmagnola S. , Savojardo D. , Allocca M. , Penagini R. 
Published: September 2003

SummaryBackground : Transient lower oesophageal sphincter relaxation and low lower oesophageal sphincter pressure are the main mechanisms of reflux. It has recently been shown that the stimulation of γ‐aminobutyric acid type B (GABAB) receptors by baclofen decreases the rate of transient lower oesophageal sphincter relaxation and increases the lower oesophageal sphincter pressure in healthy humans. Valproic acid increases synaptosomal GABA concentrations, thus affecting all types of GABA receptors.Aim : To evaluate the effect of valproic acid on transient lower oesophageal sphincter relaxation, lower oesophageal sphincter pressure and gastro‐oesophageal reflux.Methods : Thirteen healthy subjects underwent 2‐h post‐prandial oesophageal motility and pH monitoring on two separate occasions after the oral administration of 1 g valproic acid or placebo.Results : Valproic acid increased the lower oesophageal sphincter pressure by 41% (14.0 ± 2.1 mmHg vs. 9.9 ± 2.0 mmHg after placebo, P < 0.02), but did not affect the rate of transient lower oesophageal sphincter relaxation (7.9 ± 1.0/h vs. 8.2 ± 0.9/h after placebo), the number of reflux episodes or gastro‐oesophageal reflux.Conclusions : Non‐selective GABA receptor stimulation may be beneficial to reflux patients with low lower oesophageal sphincter pressure, but exerts a different modulation of transient lower oesophageal sphincter relaxation than the selective stimulation of GABAB receptors.
Intracranial haemorrhage among a population of haemophilic patients in Brazil
Authors: Antunes S. V. , Vicari P. , Cavalheiro S. , Bordin J. O. 
Published: September 2003

Summary.Intracranial haemorrhage (ICH) is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in haemophilic patients. The overall incidence of ICH has been reported to range from 2.2% to 7.5% in patients with haemophilia. From 1987 to 2001, 401 haemophilic patients from the Serviço de Hemofilia, Disciplina de Hematologia e Hemoterapia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo were evaluated. The episodes of ICH were documented by CT scan and the anatomic location, clinical presentation, relationship to trauma and clinical factors, including the presence of HIV infection and the presence of inhibitor, were reviewed. Among 401 haemophilic patients, 45 ICH episodes in 35 (8.7%) patients with age ranging from 4 days to 49 years (mean 10.6 years) were observed. A history of recent trauma was documented in 24 (53.3%) cases. Seventeen (37.8%) episodes occurred in more than one site of bleeding, 12 (26.7%) were subdural, seven (15.5%) subarachnoid, four (8.9%) epidural, two (4.4%) intracerebral and one (2.2%) intraventricular. The most frequent symptoms were headache and drowsiness. All patients were submitted to replacement therapy and neurosurgical intervention was performed in eight (17.8%) patients. Despite the treatment, three (8.6%) haemophilia A patients died due to the ICH event and three presented late sequelae. The most important aspect of ICH management is the early replacement therapy in haemophilic patients. This prompt treatment will increase the chances of a better prognosis. Another impact measure consists in the administration of the deficient coagulation factor after every head trauma, even when considered minor.
Practice patterns in haemophilia A therapy – a survey of treatment centres in the United States
Authors: Butler Regina B. , McClure Wilma , Wulff Karen 
Published: September 2003

Summary.A survey was conducted to ascertain practice patterns for haemophilia A therapy in the United States. Questionnaire data were supplied by 52 haemophilia centres with a total of 4129 patients under treatment. Most participating centres were affiliated with academic/teaching hospitals or institutions. Patients below 5 years comprised 17% of the study population, 6–18 years 41% and >18 years 42%, and the apportionment across severity categories was 53% severe, 17% moderate and 30% mild. Among patients with severe haemophilia, 49% were receiving on‐demand treatment, while 44% were receiving some form of prophylaxis (13% primary, 20% secondary and 11% tertiary). Primary prophylaxis was the most common type in children below 5 years of age, accounting for 25% of this age group. In children 6–18 years old, 58% were on some type of prophylactic regimen, while on‐demand treatment was most frequent among adults. Difficulties of venous access were the most frequently cited barrier to instituting prophylaxis. Catheters were in use among 37% of the patients under primary prophylaxis and 14% of those on secondary prophylaxis. No major differences were observed in forms of therapy used between larger and smaller centres. These observations provide an extensive characterization of haemophilia A practice patterns in the United States.
Solubility of root‐canal sealers in water and artificial saliva
Authors: Schäfer E. , Zandbiglari T. 
Published: September 2003

AbstractAim  To compare the weight loss of eight different root‐canal sealers in water and in artificial saliva with different pH values.Methodology  For standardized samples (n = 12 per group), ring moulds were filled with epoxy resin (AH 26, AH Plus)‐, silicone (RSA RoekoSeal)‐, calcium hydroxide (Apexit, Sealapex)‐, zinc oxide–eugenol (Aptal‐Harz)‐, glass‐ionomer (Ketac Endo)‐ and polyketone (Diaket)‐based sealers. These samples were immersed in double‐distilled water or artificial saliva with different pH values (7.0, 5.7 and 4.5) for 30 s, 1 min, 2 min, 5 min, 10 min, 20 min, 1 h, 2 h, 10 h, 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, 14 days and 28 days. Mean loss of weight was determined and analysed statistically using a one‐way anova and Student–Newman–Keuls test for all pairwise comparisons.Results  Most sealers were of low solubility, although Sealapex, Aptal‐Harz and Ketac Endo showed a marked weight loss in all liquids. Even after 28 days of storage in water, AH 26, AH Plus, RSA RoekoSeal, and Diaket showed less than 3% weight loss. At exposure times greater than 14 days, Sealapex showed the significantly greatest weight loss of all sealers tested (P < 0.05). Aptal‐Harz and Ketac Endo were significantly more soluble in saliva (pH 4.5) than in water (P < 0.05).Conclusions  Under the conditions of the present study, AH Plus showed the least weight loss of all sealers tested, independent of the solubility medium used. Sealapex, Aptal‐Harz and Ketac Endo had a marked weight loss in all liquids.
Removal of gutta‐percha from root canals using an Nd:YAG laser
Authors: Vidučić D. , Jukić S. , Karlović Z. , Božić Ž. , Miletić I. , Anić I. 
Published: September 2003

AbstractAim  To examine the use of an Nd:YAG laser in removing gutta‐percha fillings from root canals when used in conjunction with eucalyptol, dimethylformamide (DMF) or no solvent.Methodology  Root‐canal fillings (sealer and gutta‐percha) were removed with laser irradiation of 20 Hz/1.5 W from 30 roots randomly divided in three groups. In group 1, the solvent was eucalyptol; in group 2, the solvent was DMF; and in group 3, no solvent was used. Laser irradiation was performed until the temperature measured on the root surface increased by 4 °C over room temperature. The treatment was deemed complete when the apical foramen was reached with the optical fibre and a reamer. The samples were split longitudinally, and the area of remaining gutta‐percha on the root‐canal walls was determined with the aid of a computer program. The total number of laser pulses to achieve length and the highest temperature recorded was determined for each tooth. The results were statistically analysed using Student's t‐test (P < 0.05) for independent samples.Results  The average temperature increase in group 1 was 9.17 ± 0.56 °C; in group 2, 9.56 ± 0.28 °C; and in group 3, 8.29 ± 0.41 °C. The shortest time to achieve length was in group 3 (6.4 ± 0.49 min), then in group 1 (6.7 ± 0.85 min) and group 2 (7.05 ± 0.79 min). The area of remaining gutta‐percha was the largest in group 2 (6.13 ± 5.76%), whilst the smallest was for group 3 (4.69 ± 4.03%), but the difference was not statistically significant. The number of pulses was not statistically significant between the groups.Conclusions  Use of an Nd:YAG laser alone is capable of softening gutta‐percha. The addition of solvents did not improve the retreatment, either in terms of the time required for the procedure or in terms of the area of remaining gutta‐percha on root‐canal walls.