bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Management of symptoms in step‐down therapy of gastroesophageal reflux disease
Authors: MINE SHINICHIRO , IIDA TAKESHI , TABATA TAKAHIRO , KISHIKAWA HIROFUMI , TANAKA YOSHIYA 
Published: August 2005

AbstractObjective:  Majority of studies on gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) that include patients with or without erosive disease have documented the efficacy of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) as well as their superiority to H2‐receptor antagonist (H2‐RA). The purpose of this study was to clarify the difference in quality of GERD treatment with PPIs and H2‐RA in step‐down protocol using lansoprazole.Methods:  Forty‐three patients with reflux esophagitis were randomly divided into three groups and assessed by severity score; group 1 received 30 mg lansoprazole initially and maintenance therapy with a standard dose H2‐RA; group 2 received 30 mg of lansoprazole initially and maintenance therapy of 15 mg lansoprazole; and group 3 received 15 mg of lansoprazole once daily for 16 weeks. If the patients experienced symptomatic recurrence while on H2‐RA, they were switched to PPI maintenance.Results:  Heartburn, regurgitation and dysphagia were hardly found in any group at 8 weeks after 15 mg or 30 mg lansoprazole treatment. After 8 weeks, however, heartburn and regurgitation recurred at 50% and 78.6%, respectively, in the stepped down to famotidine group, and quality of life (QOL) was significantly impaired. Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) analysis showed reduction of the submucosal layer without any change in the mucosal surface in the stepped down to famotidine group.Conclusions:  Step‐down lansoprazole therapy is considered very effective in terms of rapid effect, long‐term effect and high quality GERD treatment.© 2005 Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd
Mutations in the NS5B region of the hepatitis C virus genome correlate with clinical outcomes of interferon‐alpha plus ribavirin combination therapy
Authors: HAMANO KOSEI , SAKAMOTO NAOYA , ENOMOTO NOBUYUKI , IZUMI NAMIKI , ASAHINA YASUHIRO , KUROSAKI MASAYUKI , UEDA ERI , TANABE YOKO , MAEKAWA SHINYA , ITAKURA JUN , WATANABE HIDEKI , KAKINUMA SEI , WATANABE MAMORU 
Published: August 2005

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Combination treatments of interferon‐alpha (IFN) and ribavirin (RBV) are more effective than those of IFN alone in hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. However, mechanisms of the action of the combination regimen are not well understood. To elucidate the viral genetic basis of IFN plus RBV combination therapy, genetic variabilities of HCV‐1b were analyzed.Methods:  We performed pair‐wise comparisons of full‐length HCV genomic sequences in three patients’ sera before and after initiation of IFN plus RBV treatment. Subsequently, we analyzed amino acid sequences of the NS5B region, which codes for the viral RNA‐dependent RNA polymerase, and compared these with the outcomes of the therapy in 81 patients.Results:  Analysis of the entire HCV sequence in patients who received IFN plus RBV therapy did not show consistent amino acid changes between before and after the initiation of the therapy. NS5B sequence analyses revealed that mutations at positions 300–358 of NS5B, including polymerase motif B to E, occurred more frequently in a group of patients exhibiting a sustained viral response (SVR) or an end‐of‐treatment response (ETR) compared with a group of patients exhibiting a non‐response (NR). Closer examination revealed that mutations at aa 309, 333, 338 and 355 of NS5B occurred significantly more frequently in the SVR plus ETR group than in the NR group (P = 0.0004). Multivariate analysis showed that the number of mutations at these four sites was an independent predictor of SVR plus ETR versus NR.Conclusions:  Particular amino acid changes in the NS5B region of HCV may correlate with outcomes of IFN plus RBV combination therapy.© 2005 Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd
Recovery of the water content of hydrogel contact lenses after use
Authors: Velasco Cabrera Josefa , García Velasco María José 
Published: August 2005

AbstractThe aim of the present study is to determine the amount and time of water‐content recovery of ionic contact lenses (Surevue® and Acuvue®) and non‐ionic contact lenses (Soflens 38®, Soflens 66® and Optima 38®) when submerged in maintenance solution for 9 h. Using a hand‐held refractometer, we measured the water content of the lenses upon removal from the eye, and after 15, 30, 45 min, 1, 2 and 9 h in soaking solution. Both ionic lenses presented pre‐wear water content of 58%, while two of the non‐ionic ones (Soflens 38® and Optima 38®) registered 38.6% and the third (Soflens 66®) had 66%. We found a significant increase (p < 0.05) in water content after submersion in the Opti‐Free® solution for all the time periods studied and for all lenses. The water‐content recovery was faster in the non‐ionic lenses (Soflens 38®, Soflens 66® and Optima 38®) than in the ionic ones (Surevue® and Acuvue®), especially at 15 min. After 9 h in the soaking solution, the Surevue® Acuvue®, Soflens 38®, Soflens 66® and Optima 38® lenses reached water‐content recovery values of 99.7%, 99.6%, 99.8%, 99.8% and 99.6%, respectively, without significant differences (p > 0.05) between ionic and non‐ionic lenses, although the non‐ionic lenses reached slightly higher water‐content values at all the times studied. These results indicate that when the refractometer technique is used to measure water content, the lens types used in this study regain their initial water‐content values after 9 h in soaking solution. These data indicate the time needed for hydrogel contact lenses to reach their maximum water content after removal from the eye and submersion in maintenance solution. By ensuring maximum water content and minimum reduction of oxygen for the cornea, the specialist can help avoid clinical signs and symptoms related to low water content in the lenses.
Myopia and associated pathological complications
Authors: Saw Seang‐Mei , Gazzard Gus , Shih‐Yen Edwin Chan , Chua Wei‐Han 
Published: August 2005

AbstractBesides the direct economic and social burden of myopia, associated ocular complications may lead to substantial visual loss. In several population and clinic‐based cohorts, case–control and cross‐sectional studies, higher risks of posterior subcapsular cataract, cortical and nuclear cataract in myopic patients were reported. Patients with high myopia (spherical equivalent at least –6.0 D) are more susceptible to ocular abnormalities. The prevalent risks of glaucoma were higher in myopic adults, and risks of chorioretinal abnormalities such as retinal detachment, chorioretinal atrophy and lacquer cracks increased with severity of myopia and greater axial length. Myopic adults were more likely to have tilted, rotated, and larger discs as well as other optic disc abnormalities. Often, these studies support possible associations between myopia and specific ocular complications, but we cannot infer causality because of limitations in study methodology. The detection and treatment of possible pathological ocular complications is essential in the management of high myopia. The ocular risks associated with myopia should not be underestimated and there is a public health need to prevent the onset or progression of myopia.
The Proview Eye Pressure Monitor: influence of clinical factors on accuracy and agreement with the Goldmann tonometer
Authors: Herse Peter , Hans Avleen , Hall Julia , Langejans Jessica , Markoulli Maria 
Published: August 2005

AbstractPurpose:  To investigate (i) the effect of probe position on the lid when using the Proview Eye Pressure Monitor (Proview) and (ii) the accuracy of the Proview and its agreement with the Goldmann applanation tonometer (GAT) in a normal population.Methods:  Intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements were performed on 107 control subjects (mean 25 years) using the Proview and the GAT. The Proview probe was applied to two locations on the eyelid (superior nasal and superior temporal). The IOPs measured with both instruments were compared.Results:  A total of 4.6% of young normal eyes could not perceive the phosphene. The mean Proview reading using the recommended nasal lid position was significantly higher (+2.5 mmHg) than that measured using the GAT. The position of the probe application was significant, with temporal lid application giving statistically significantly higher IOP readings than the recommended nasal lid application. The repeatability of Proview measurements was lower than the GAT (coefficients of repeatability of GAT and Proview nasal were 0.96 and 4.21 mmHg respectively). The limit of agreement between the GAT and the Proview nasal was low at ±7.95 mmHg.Conclusion:  This study shows that the position of probe application can influence the measurements taken using the Proview. Application of the probe to the nasal superior lid (as recommended) gives the more repeatable and accurate results. Overall however the data indicate that the Proview is neither sufficiently accurate nor repeatable to be used in the detection and management of glaucoma. More work is needed in developing this interesting product.
Comparing glaucomatous optic neuropathy in primary open angle and chronic primary angle closure glaucoma eyes by optical coherence tomography
Authors: Sihota Ramanjit , Sony Parul , Gupta Viney , Dada Tanuj , Singh Rajvir 
Published: August 2005

AbstractPurpose:  To comparatively evaluate the optic nerve head (ONH) using Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) in normal subjects, primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) and chronic primary angle closure glaucoma (CPACG) patients.Methods:  A total of 138 normal eyes (138 subjects) and 139 glaucomatous eyes (139 patients), were evaluated in this cross‐sectional observational study. The ONH was imaged on OCT using the optic disc scan. Disc area, cup area, rim area, vertical integrated rim area (VIRA), rim volume (horizontal integrated rim volume), average cup/disc ratio, horizontal and vertical cup/disc ratios, and cup volume were evaluated. Additionally, cup depth and slope of the temporal ONH were also measured. These ONH parameters were compared between normal subjects and eyes with early POAG and CPACG. Correlation of mean deviation and corrected pattern standard deviation on full threshold 30‐2 perimetry, with measured ONH parameters was carried out amongst the two groups.Results:  There was a significant difference in disc area (2.38 ± 0.5, 2.77 ± 0.4, 2.62 ± 0.4 mm2, p < 0.01), cup area (0.88 ± 0.6, 1.99 ± 0.7, 1.60 ± 0.7 mm2, p < 0.01), rim area (1.48 ± 0.4, 0.86 ± 0.4, 0.96 ± 0.4 mm2, p < 0.01), VIRA (1.64 ± 0.3, 1.23 ± 0.3, 1.22 ± 0.4 mm2, p < 0.01), rim volume (0.34 ± 0.2, 0.1 ± 0.1, 0.15 ± 0.1 mm3, p < 0.01) and cup/disc ratio (0.36 ± 0.2, 0.69 ± 0.1, 0.63 ± 0.2, p < 0.01) in normal vs POAG vs CPACG eyes respectively. A comparison of ONH parameters between early POAG and early CPACG showed a significant difference in the disc area (2.85 ± 0.3, 2.57 ± 0.4 mm2, p = 0.03), cup area (2 ± 0.5, 1.34 ± 0.5 mm2, p < 0.01), rim area (0.96 ± 0.4, 1.21 ± 0.5 mm2, p = 0.009), rim volume (0.12 ± 0.1, 0.18 ± 0.1 mm3, p < 0.01) and cup/disc ratio (0.67 ± 0.1, 0.53 ± 0.2, p < 0.01). The parameters with the highest area under the receiver operator characteristic (AROC) curves for differentiating normal and early POAG eyes were rim volume, 0.89, VIRA, 0.84, and rim area, 0.76. The AROC values (normal vs early CPACG eyes) were 0.75 for rim volume, 0.72 for VIRA, and 0.66 for rim area.Conclusion:  OCT may serve as a useful diagnostic modality in distinguishing a normal optic disc from a glaucomatous one, even in the early stages of glaucoma. Rim volume, VIRA and rim area can be used to differentiate normal from early glaucoma (both early POAG and CPACG), and most efficiently early POAG eyes. CPACG eyes have smaller discs, a smaller cup, smaller cup/disc ratio, and a larger rim area when compared with eyes with POAG.
Three portable tonometers, the TGDc‐01, the ICARE and the Tonopen XL, compared with each other and with Goldmann applanation tonometry*
Authors: Van Der Jagt Liane H. , Jansonius Nomdo M. 
Published: August 2005

AbstractThree portable tonometers, the TGDc‐01, the ICARE and the Tonopen XL, were compared with each other and to Goldmann applanation tonometry in a large group of healthy subjects and patients with ocular hypertension or glaucoma (n = 103). Measurements performed with the ICARE and the Tonopen XL were in good agreement with that of the Goldmann tonometer. Intraocular pressure (IOP) values measured with the TGDc‐01 were significantly lower and showed more variability. The 95% limits of agreement (portable tonometer – Goldmann) were −17 to +10 mmHg for the TGDc‐01, −6 to +7 mmHg for the ICARE and −6 to +8 mmHg for the Tonopen. Corneal thickness could not explain the differences between an IOP measured with the portable tonometers and an IOP measured with the Goldmann tonometer. Patient comfort was slightly higher for ICARE when compared with the Tonopen.
Retention of Inorganic Nitrogen by Epiphytic Bryophytes in a Tropical Montane Forest1
Authors: Clark Kenneth L. , Nadkarni Nalini M. , Gholz Henry L. 
Published: August 2005

ABSTRACTWe developed and evaluated a model of the canopy of a tropical montane forest at Monteverde, Costa Rica, to estimate inorganic nitrogen (N) retention by epiphytes from atmospheric deposition. We first estimated net retention of inorganic N by samples of epiphytic bryophytes, epiphyte assemblages, vascular epiphyte foliage, and host tree foliage that we exposed to cloud water and precipitation solutions. Results were then scaled up to the ecosystem level using a multilayered model of the canopy derived from measurements of forest structure and epiphyte mass. The model was driven with hourly meteorological and event‐based atmospheric deposition data, and model predictions were evaluated against measurements of throughfall collected at the site. Model predictions were similar to field measurements for both event‐based and annual hydrologic and inorganic N fluxes in throughfall. Simulation of individual events indicated that epiphytic bryophytes and epiphyte assemblages retained 33–67 percent of the inorganic N deposited in cloud water and precipitation. On an annual basis, the model predicted that epiphytic components retained 3.4 kg N ha/yr, equivalent to 50 percent of the inorganic N in atmospheric deposition (6.8 kg N ha/yr). Our results indicate that epiphytic bryophytes play a major role in N retention and cycling in this canopy by transforming highly mobile inorganic N (ca. 50% of atmospheric deposition is NO−3) to less mobile (exchangeable NH+4) and recalcitrant forms in biomass and remaining litter and humus.
Disturbance Effects on the Seed Bank of Mexican Cloud Forest Fragments1
Authors: Alvarez‐Aquino C. , Williams‐Linera G. , Newton A. C. 
Published: August 2005

ABSTRACTThe density and floristic composition of the soil seed bank was assessed in six cloud forest fragments with different levels of human disturbance in central Veracruz, Mexico. A total of 8416 seeds germinated in 60 soil samples, at 5‐cm depth, corresponding to 107 species, 85 genera, and 48 families. Significant differences were found among study sites in seed densities with values ranging from 873 to 3632/m2. Tree species contributed 20 percent of the total soil seed bank in four sites and herbs accounted for the majority of the species in each site. Among tree species, Trema micrantha displayed the highest seed density, accounting for 84 percent of the germinated seeds. In general, the tree species composition of the soil seed bank did not closely reflect the composition of the tree community. Results suggest that disturbance produced by human activities (trail use, selective cutting of trees, livestock) may influence the size and composition of the soil seed bank in forest fragments. Sites where human activity has been reduced showed the highest proportion of dormant seeds.
Vegetative Phenology and Growth of a Facultatively Deciduous Bamboo in a Monsoonal Climate1
Authors: Franklin Donald C. 
Published: August 2005

ABSTRACTCanopy closure, leaf flush, and ramet recruitment in Bambusa arnhemica, a semelparous, clumping bamboo from the Australian monsoonal tropics, were monitored monthly for 2.5 years at three sites along a flood gradient. Bambusa arnhemica was facultatively deciduous, remaining evergreen at a downslope riparian site but suffering total loss of canopy on a hillside for up to 4 mo during the dry season. Leaf flush was flexible, occurring after as little as 25 mm of rain at the onset of wet season, in response to unusual dry season storms, and apparently also in response to fire independent of rainfall. New culms emerged soon after leaf flush early in the wet season. Culm growth took place during the middle and late wet season, with peak elongation rates of 15–30 cm/day. Some growth continued into the dry season, mostly on branches and leaves of new culms at riparian sites. Not all culms completed elongation before the onset of the dry season, and those that did not were permanently stunted. The demands of culm elongation may limit the occurrence of bamboo in wet‐dry climates to areas with predictable and sustained wet season rainfall, but the flexibility of branching and leaf processes facilitates coping with, and permits exploitation of less predictable pre‐ and postmonsoonal rains. The bamboo growth form and phenological patterns differ markedly from those of dicotyledonous trees and shrubs.
Pollination Biology of the Exotic Rattleweed Crotalaria retusa L. (Fabaceae) in NE Brazil1
Authors: Jacobi Claudia M. , Ramalho Mauro , Silva Maise 
Published: August 2005

ABSTRACTThe rattleweed Crotalaria retusa was introduced in Brazil from Africa, and combines a series of characters that have ensured its establishment in NE Brazil. We focused on its reproductive biology and pollinator behavior to explain its reproductive success. We performed manual pollination and germination experiments, and monitored the behavior of C. retusa's main pollinators in monospecific plots, and in mixed plots where C. retusa occurred together with two congeners, Crotalaria pallida and Crotalaria lanceolata. Crotalaria retusa is self‐compatible and capable of automatic selfing. Inbreeding depression was expressed at the level of percent seed germination, but not seed set. Few insects visited the inflorescences. Legitimate pollinators were two large carpenter bees, Xylocopa frontalis and Xylocopa grisescens which, together, accounted for more than 90 percent of the visits. The former foraged on C. retusa exclusively and has low pollen spread potential. The latter flew longer distances between plants and visited fewer flowers per inflorescence, potentially increasing the extent of pollen carryover, but at the risk of increasing heterospecific pollen transfer, because it visits other Crotalaria species during the same foraging bout. The different foraging strategies, allied to morphological disadvantages represented by pollen overlap on X. grisescens' body, may partially explain the much lower seed germination observed in C. pallida and C. lanceolata. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that a reduction in flower constancy may significantly depress viable seed set by increasing the chances of self‐pollination.
Equal and Opposite Effects of Floral Offer and Spatial Distribution on Fruit Production and Predispersal Seed Predation in Xanthosoma daguense (Araceae)1
Authors: García‐Robledo Carlos , Kattan Gustavo , Murcia Carolina , Quintero‐Marín Paulina 
Published: August 2005

ABSTRACTInflorescences of the terrestrial aroid Xanthosoma daguense in the Andes of Colombia are visited by Dinastinae and Nitidulidae beetles. Plants produce one inflorescence at a time, which is pollinated during the first night of opening. Dynastine beetles act as pollinators, whereas Nitidulids lay eggs in the inflorescence and the larvae damage the seeds. We explored the effects of floral offer and distance among inflorescences on the number of pollinator visits, fruit production, and predispersal seed predation. Number of Dynastine visits per inflorescence tended to increase with increasing distances among inflorescences, but fruit predation increased when inflorescences were more clumped. Both pollinator visitation rates and predispersal seed predation were low at high floral offer. Fruit set increased when inflorescences were visited by two or more Dynastines, but the proportion of fruits damaged by Nitidulid larvae was equivalent to the increase in fruit production due to more Dinastine visits. The net result was a similar number of undamaged fruits in all infructescences produced, independent of the number of Dinastine visits. Our results revealed that both pollinators and predators responded to the number of available inflorescences and their spatial distribution, but they had opposing effects on the infructescences. Thus, our study suggests that the interaction of two ecological processes, pollination and predispersal seed predation, may cancel each other's effects under natural conditions.
Limited Fruit Production in Hancornia speciosa (Apocynaceae) and Pollination by Nocturnal and Diurnal Insects1
Authors: Darrault Reisla O. , Schlindwein Clemens 
Published: August 2005

ABSTRACTFrequency and efficiency of pollinator visits strongly influence the reproductive success of self‐incompatible plants. We investigated the breeding and pollination systems of Hancornia speciosa, a small tree that produces fleshy berries used in the Brazilian fruit industry. Observation and experiments were carried out in Northeastern Brazil. Thirty‐three species of the visitor were recorded. Hawkmoths (Sphingidae), bees (Euglossini and Centridini), and butterflies (Nymphalidae and Hesperiidae) with long mouth parts were effective pollinators of H. speciosa. Access to nectar, the only reward for flower visitors, is determined by corolla tube length. Nylon threads of various diameters and dried mouth parts from a number of flower visitors were used in experiments to simulate flower visits. The number of pollen grains removed during such simulated visits showed no significant difference. Although xenogamic, H. speciosa presented a low pollen/ovule ratio (77). This might be related to the high efficiency of its pollination mechanism. Flowers of H. speciosa had 76 ovules on average. Seed set varied from 1 to 25, indicating that individual flowers received different amounts of outcross‐pollen. Fruit production of hand cross‐pollinated flowers increased by 90 percent when compared to natural pollination, suggesting pollinator limitation of H. speciosa.
Predispersal Seed Predation by Insects vs. Vertebrates in Six Dipterocarp Species in Sarawak, Malaysia1
Authors: Nakagawa Michiko , Takeuchi Yayoi , Kenta Tanaka , Nakashizuka Tohru 
Published: August 2005

ABSTRACTWe investigated the predispersal survivorship of seeds of six dipterocarp species (Dipterocarpus globosus, D. tempehes, Dryobalanops aromatica, D. lanceolata, Shorea beccariana, and S. pilosa) during 2001–2002, when a general flowering occurred in Lambir Hills National Park, Sarawak, Malaysia. More immature seeds dropped during the first month in Dryobalanops and Shorea spp. than in Dipterocarpus spp. Insects attacked the seeds of all species during all developmental stages through to maturity, although temporal patterns varied among the dipterocarps. In contrast, arboreal vertebrates only occasionally ate seeds, and produced less damage than insects. In four species, insects damaged a significantly higher percentage of seeds than did vertebrates. Direct observations of seed survival patterns and bagging experiments using two sizes of mesh (cloth and wire) in the canopy of Dryobalanops aromatica identified insects as the principal seed predators during both the last phase, and overall. These results document the relative importance of insects as predispersal seed predators in these dipterocarp species.