bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Amadeus microkeratome: experience with the first 2000 cases and lessons learned
Authors: Chan Colin CK , Moshegov Con N 
Published: July 2005

AbstractBackground:  To assess the safety and efficacy of the Amadeus microkeratome and to report on lessons learnt in optimizing results from its use.Methods:  A retrospective review of the flap‐related complications of 2000 laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) procedures performed by one surgeon using the Amadeus microkeratome (AMO, Irvine, CA, USA) was conducted. One hundred consecutive cases had preoperative and intraoperative pachymetry to evaluate the relationship between flap thickness, corneal thickness and reuse of the blade.Results:  There were 35 cases of minor epithelial defects (1.8%) and four eyes with major epithelial defects (0.2%). There were no cases of suction loss, buttonholes, or incomplete or damaged flaps. There were four free caps (0.2%). Twenty‐five cases had minor wrinkles and two cases had significant folds requiring relifts. Thinner corneas resulted in thinner flaps (P < 0.0001). Reuse of the blade resulted in thinner flaps (P = 0.0001).Conclusion:  The Amadeus is a safe and reliable microkeratome. Although short, there is a learning curve with use of the instrument. Corneal thickness and reuse of the blade affect flap thickness.
Cataract surgery in patients with age‐related maculopathy: preoperative diagnosis and postoperative visual acuity
Authors: Pham Thuan Q , Wang Jie J , Maloof Anthony , Mitchell Paul 
Published: July 2005

AbstractPurpose:  To report the reliability in detecting age‐related maculopathy (ARM) lesions before cataract surgery and postoperative visual acuity (VA) in cataract surgery patients with ARM.Methods:  Medical records of surgical patients in a large public hospital, west of Sydney, were reviewed retrospectively. Detection of ARM lesions was compared before and after surgery to determine sensitivity and specificity of preoperative diagnoses. Postoperative VA was assessed 4 weeks after surgery.Results:  Data were available for 721/784 eyes (92.0%) of 656 patients aged 60 years or older. ARM lesions were detected in 98 eyes (13.6%) before and 92 eyes (12.8%) after  surgery.  Sensitivities  for  detecting  late  ARM  lesions, soft drusen and retinal pigment epithelium abnormalities preoperatively were 100%, 94% and 69%, respectively. Corresponding specificities were 100%, 100% and 77%, respectively. Postoperative VA achieved or remained 6/12 or better in 81.6% of eyes.Conclusion:  A high sensitivity and specificity in detecting late ARM lesions and soft drusen preoperatively, and a good postoperative VA outcome is achievable in patients with preoperative early ARM lesions.
Two‐year results of laser treatment for retinopathy of prematurity at a single neonatal intensive care unit
Authors: Essex Rohan W , Carden Susan M , Elder James E 
Published: July 2005

AbstractPurpose:  To present the 2‐year results of all patients receiving laser treatment for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) at a single institution over a 9.5‐year period. To establish the frequency of threshold ROP.Methods:  Consecutive case series. All patients who had laser treatment for ROP at The Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia, between January 1992 and July 2001 were prospectively recorded in a database. Their medical charts were retrospectively reviewed. Baseline birthweight, gestational age at birth, timing of treatment, and ROP severity at treatment were recorded. The main outcome measures were visual acuity (significantly reduced or not), anatomic outcome and refractive error at 2 years of age (corrected for the degree of prematurity).Results:  A total of 107 eyes of 57 babies were treated with laser photocoagulation. Four children did not survive for follow‐up, and 2‐year follow‐up data were available for 38 children (67%, 71 treated eyes). Average duration of follow‐up was 26 months. Two‐year visual acuity was significantly reduced in 12/71 (17%) treated eyes, and 3/38 children (8%) had significantly reduced vision in both eyes. An anatomical outcome of macular fold or worse was observed in 8/71 eyes (11%). Mean 2‐year spherical equivalent refractive outcome was only minimally myopic (−0.6 D).Conclusion:  Visual, anatomic and refractive outcomes after laser treatment for ROP were favourable, confirming that laser photocoagulation is an effective treatment for severe ROP.
Eyelid schwannoma in a male adult
Authors: Siddiqui MA Rehman , Leslie Thorfinn , Scott Christopher , MacKenzie James 
Published: July 2005

AbstractSchwannomas (neurilemmomas) are benign tumours of peripheral nerves arising from Schwann cells. These tumours along with neurofibromas form the two most common primary peripheral nerve tumours. Solitary lesions can occur sporadically in the general population but multiple neurofibromas are distinctive feature of neurofibromatosis type 1 and bilateral acoustic schwannomas are a feature of neurofibromatosis type 2. Schwannomas of ophthalmic interest are rare although they have been reported in relation to the orbit, and infrequently uveal tract and conjunctiva. Isolated eyelid schwannomas appear infrequent; only four cases in adults and one in a child in the published literature have been found. Herein, a case of eyelid schwannoma in a 53‐year‐old man is described.
Hyperpolarization‐activated (Ih) currents in auditory brainstem neurons of normal and congenitally deaf mice
Authors: Leao Richardson N. , Svahn Katarina , Berntson Amy , Walmsley Bruce 
Published: July 2005

AbstractWe have investigated the membrane properties of brainstem auditory neurons in a mouse model of congenital deafness (dn/dn). Whole‐cell recordings were made from visualized neurons in slices of the medial nucleus of the trapezoid body (MNTB) and anteroventral cochlear nucleus (AVCN). We have recently demonstrated that MNTB neurons in deaf mice are more excitable than in normal mice, due in part to a reduced expression of low‐threshold potassium currents. In this study, we have examined the contribution of hyperpolarization‐activated (Ih) channels to the membrane properties of MNTB and AVCN neurons. Our results show thatIhis larger in MNTB neurons from deaf mice than in normal mice. In contrast, no significant differences were found inIhor excitability between AVCN bushy cells fromdn/dnand normal mice. Experimental evidence and neuronal modelling suggests that, in the MNTB of normal mice, a small contribution ofIhhelps to reduce temporal summation of synaptic potentials. A largerIhin neurons from deaf mice has a much greater effect in reducing temporal summation of synaptic potentials, counteracting to some extent the greater excitability of these cells. Our results provide further insight into the role of activity during development in regulating the membrane and firing properties of central neurons.
Inducible neuronal expression of transgenic TGF‐β1 in vivo: dissection of short‐term and long‐term effects
Authors: Ueberham Uwe , Ueberham Elke , Brückner Martina K. , Seeger Gudrun , Gärtner Ulrich , Gruschka Hildegard , Gebhardt Rolf , Arendt Thomas 
Published: July 2005

AbstractVarious chronic neurological diseases are associated with increased expression of transforming growth factor‐beta1 (TGF‐β1) in the brain. TGF‐β1 has both neuroprotective and neurodegenerative functions, depending on conditions such as duration and the local and temporal pattern of its expression. Previous transgenic approaches did not enable control for these dynamic aspects. To overcome these limitations, we established a transgenic mouse model with inducible neuron‐specific expression of TGF‐β1 based on the tetracycline‐regulated gene expression system. TGF‐β1 expression was restricted to the brain where it was particularly pronounced in the neocortex, hippocampus and striatum. Transgene expression was highly sensitive to the presence of doxycycline and completely silenced within 6 days after doxycycline application. After long‐term expression, perivascular thioflavin‐positive depositions, formed by amyloid fibrils, developed. These depositions persisted even after prolonged silencing of the transgene, indicating an irreversible process. Similarly, strong perivascular apolipoprotein E (ApoE) depositions were found after TGF‐β1 expression and these remained despite TGF‐β1 removal. These in vivo observations suggests that the continuous presence of TGF‐β1 as intitial trigger is not necessary for the persistence and development of chronic lesions. Neuroprotective effects were observed after short‐term expression of TGF‐β1. Death of striatal neurons induced by 3‐nitropropionic acid was markedly reduced after induced TGF‐β1 expression.
Voltage‐gated calcium channels in developing GnRH‐1 neuronal system in the mouse
Authors: Toba Yoko , Pakiam Jennifer G. , Wray Susan 
Published: July 2005

AbstractMigration of gonadotropin‐releasing hormone‐1 (GnRH‐1) neurons from the nasal placode into the central nervous system occurs in all vertebrates. This study characterizes the expression of L‐ and N‐type voltage‐gated calcium channels (VGCCs) in migrating GnRH‐1 neurons in mice. Class C (L‐type) and class B (N‐type) VGCGs were detected in GnRH‐1 cells and cells in the olfactory and vomeronasal epithelium during prenatal development. This expression pattern was mimicked in a nasal explant model known to retain many characteristics of GnRH‐1 development in vivo. Using this in vitro system, perturbation studies were performed to elucidate the role of VGCCs in GnRH‐1 neuronal development. This report shows that olfactory axon outgrowth and GnRH‐1 neuronal migration are attenuated when nasal explants are grown in calcium‐free media, and that this effect is temporally restricted to an early developmental period. Blockade of either the L‐ or the N‐type channel did not alter GnRH‐1 cell number or overall olfactory axon outgrowth. However, blockade of N‐type channels altered the distribution of GnRH‐1 neurons in the periphery of the nasal explants. In these explants, more GnRH‐1 neurons were located proximal to, and fewer GnRH‐1 neurons distal to, the main tissue mass, suggesting a general decrease in the rate of GnRH‐1 neuronal migration. These results indicate that extracellular calcium is required for initiating GnRH‐1 neuronal migration and that these events are partially dependent on N‐type VGCC signals.
Hypothalamic projections to locus coeruleus neurons in rat brain
Authors: Reyes Beverly A. S. , Valentino Rita J. , Xu Guangping , Van Bockstaele Elisabeth J. 
Published: July 2005

AbstractLocus coeruleus (LC) neurons respond to autonomic and visceral stimuli and discharge in parallel with peripheral sympathetic nerves. The present study characterized the synaptic organization of hypothalamic afferents with catecholaminergic neurons in the LC using electron microscopy. Peroxidase labeling of axon terminals that were anterogradely labeled from the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) was combined with gold‐silver labeling of tyrosine hydroxylase in the LC. Approximately 19% of the anterogradely labeled axon terminals formed synaptic specializations with tyrosine hydroxylase‐immunoreactive dendrites in the LC. Retrograde transport from the LC combined with immunocytochemical detection of enkephalin and corticotropin‐releasing factor (CRF) suggested that most of the LC‐projecting PVN neurons (30%) were CRF immunoreactive and few (2%) were enkephalin immunoreactive. Finally, dual retrograde tracing from the LC and median eminence revealed that PVN neurons that project to the LC are a population distinct from that projecting to the median eminence. The present data suggest that a population of hypothalamic neurons is poised to directly modulate the activity of LC neurons and may integrate autonomic responses in brain by influencing LC neurons. Moreover, PVN neurons that use CRF as a neurohormone are distinct from those that use CRF as a neuromodulator to impact on the LC.
Functional asymmetry of left and right avian piriform cortex in homing pigeons' navigation
Authors: Gagliardo Anna , Odetti Francesca , Ioalè Paolo , Pecchia Tommaso , Vallortigara Giorgio 
Published: July 2005

AbstractIt has been shown that homing pigeons rely on olfactory cues to navigate over unfamiliar areas and that any kind of olfactory impairment produces a dramatic reduction of navigational performance from unfamiliar sites. The avian piriform cortex is the main projection field of olfactory bulbs and it is supposed to process olfactory information; not surprisingly bilateral lesions to this telencephalic region disrupt homing pigeon navigation. In the present study, we attempted to assess whether the left and right piriform cortex are differentially involved in the use of the olfactory navigational map. Therefore, we released from unfamiliar locations pigeons subjected, when adult, to unilateral ablation of the piriform cortex. After being released, the pigeons lesioned to the right piriform cortex orientated similarly to the intact controls. On the contrary, the left lesioned birds were significantly more scattered than controls, showing a crucial role of the left piriform cortex in processing the olfactory cues needed for determining the direction of displacement. However, both lesioned groups were significantly slower than controls in flying back to the home loft, showing that the integrity of both sides of the piriform cortex is necessary to accomplish the whole homing process.
Diabetes mellitus concomitantly facilitates the induction of long‐term depression and inhibits that of long‐term potentiation in hippocampus
Authors: Artola A. , Kamal A. , Ramakers G. M. J. , Biessels G. J. , Gispen W. H. 
Published: July 2005

AbstractMemory impairments, which occur regularly across species as a result of ageing, disease (such as diabetes mellitus) and psychological insults, constitute a useful area for investigating the neurobiological basis of learning and memory. Previous studies in rats found that induction of diabetes (with streptozotocin, STZ) impairs long‐term potentiation (LTP) but enhances long‐term depression (LTD) induced by high‐ (HFS) and low‐frequency stimulations (LFS), respectively. Using a pairing protocol under whole‐cell recording conditions to induce synaptic plasticity at Schaffer collateral synapses in hippocampal CA1 slices, we show that LTD and LTP have similar magnitudes in diabetic and age‐matched control rats. But, in diabetic animals, LTD is induced at more polarized and LTP more depolarized membrane potentials (Vms) compared with controls: diabetes produces a 10 mV leftward shift in the threshold for LTD induction and 10 mV rightward shift in the LTD–LTP crossover point of the voltage–response curve for synaptic plasticity. Prior repeated short‐term potentiations or LTP are known to similarly, though reversibly, lower the threshold for LTD induction and raise that for LTP induction. Thus, diabetes‐ and activity‐dependent modulation of synaptic plasticity (referred to as metaplasticity) display similar phenomenologies. In addition, compared with naïve synapses, prior induction of LTP produces a 10 mV leftward shift in Vms for inducing subsequent LTD in control but not in diabetic rats. This could indicate that diabetes acts on synaptic plasticity through mechanisms involved in metaplasticity. Persistent facilitation of LTD and inhibition of LTP may contribute to learning and memory impairments associated with diabetes mellitus.
Selective manipulation of predators using pheromones: responses to frontalin and ipsdienol pheromone components of bark beetles in the Great Lakes region
Authors: Aukema Brian H. , Raffa Kenneth F. 
Published: July 2005

Abstract 1 One proposed approach to improving biological control of bark beetles (Coleoptera: Scolytidae; alt. Curculionidae: Scolytinae) is to manipulate predator movement using semiochemicals. However, selective manipulation is impeded by attraction of both predators and pests to bark beetle pheromones.2 The primary bark beetle affecting pine plantations in Wisconsin, U.S.A., is the pine engraver,Ips pini(Say). Other herbivores includeIps grandicollis(Eichhoff) andDryophthorus americanusBedel (Curculionidae). The predominant predators are the beetlesThanasimus dubius(Cleridae) andPlatysoma cylindrica(Histeridae).3 We conducted field assays using two enantiomeric ratios of ipsdienol, and frontalin plus α‐pinene. Ipsdienol is the principal pheromone component ofI. pini, and frontalin is produced by a number ofDendroctonusspecies. α‐Pinene is a host monoterpene commonly incorporated into commercial frontalin lures.4 Thanasimus dubiuswas attracted to frontalin plus α‐pinene, and also to racemic ipsdienol. By contrast,I. piniwas attracted to racemic ipsdienol, but showed no attraction to frontalin plus α‐pinene.Platysoma cylindricawas attracted to 97%‐(–)‐ipsdienol and, to a lesser extent, racemic ipsdienol, but not to frontalin plus α‐pinene.Ips grandicolliswas attracted to frontalin plus α‐pinene but not to ipsdienol.Dryophthorus americanuswas attracted to both ipsdienol and frontalin plus α‐pinene.5 This ability to selectively attract the predatorT. dubiuswithout attracting the principal bark beetle in the system,I. pini, provides new opportunities for research into augmentative biological control and basic population dynamics. Moreover, the attraction ofT. dubius, but notP. cylindrica, to frontalin plus α‐pinene creates opportunities for selective manipulation of just one predator.6 Patterns of attraction by predators and bark beetles to these compounds appear to reflect various degrees of geographical and host tree overlap with several pheromone‐producing species.
Forest type affects predation on gypsy moth pupae
Authors: Liebhold A. M. , Raffa K. F. , Diss A. L. 
Published: July 2005

Abstract 1 Predation by small mammals has previously been shown to be the largest source of mortality in low‐density gypsy moth,Lymantria dispar(L.), populations in established populations in north‐eastern North America. Fluctuations in predation levels are critical in determining changes in population densities.2 We compared small mammal communities and levels of predation on gypsy moth pupae among five different oak‐dominated forest types along this insect's western expanding population front in Wisconsin. Comparisons of predator impact can provide critical information for predicting variation in susceptibility among forest types.3 The results indicated that small mammals caused more mortality than did invertebrates.4 Both abundance ofPeromyscussp. predators and predation levels were lower in urban and xeric forest types than in mesic sites.5 These results suggest that, because predation pressures will probably be greater in the mesic sites, gypsy moths may be less likely to develop outbreaks in these habitats, and that defoliation will probably be more frequent in urban and xeric oak‐dominated sites.
Primary attraction and kairomonal host discrimination in three species of Dendroctonus (Coleoptera: Scolytidae)
Authors: Pureswaran Deepa S. , Borden John H. 
Published: July 2005

Abstract  1 Synthetic blends of bole and foliage volatiles of four sympatric species of conifers were released from pheromone‐baited multiple‐funnel traps to determine if three species of tree‐killing bark beetles (Coleoptera: Scolytidae): (i) exhibited primary attraction to volatiles of their hosts and (ii) discriminated among volatiles of four sympatric species of host and nonhost conifers.2 Bole and foliage volatiles from Douglas‐fir, Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco, increased the attraction of coastal and interior Douglas‐fir beetles, Dendroctonus pseudotsugae Hopkins, to pheromone‐baited traps. Primary attraction to bole volatiles was observed in interior D. pseudotsugae. Beetles were significantly less attracted to the pheromone bait when it was combined with volatiles of lodgepole pine, Pinus contorta var. latifolia Engelm. or interior fir, Abies lasiocarpa × bifolia.3 The monoterpene myrcene synergized attraction of mountain pine beetles, Dendroctonus ponderosae Hopkins, to their aggregation pheromones, but there was no evidence of primary attraction to host volatiles or discrimination among volatiles from the four conifers.4 There was significant primary attraction of the spruce beetle, Dendroctonus rufipennis Kirby, to bole and foliage volatiles of interior spruce, Picea engelmannii × glauca, but beetles did not discriminate among volatiles of four sympatric conifers when they were combined with pheromone baits.5 Our results indicate that host volatiles act as kairomones to aid pioneer Douglas‐fir beetles and spruce beetles in host location by primary attraction, and that their role as synergists to aggregation pheromones is significant. For the mountain pine beetle, we conclude that random landing and close range acceptance or rejection of potential hosts would occur in the absence of aggregation pheromones emanating from a tree under attack.
Resistance of fast‐ and slow‐growing subalpine fir to pheromone‐induced attack by western balsam bark beetle (Coleoptera: Scolytinae)
Authors: Bleiker Katherine P. , Staffan Lindgren B. , Maclauchlan Lorraine E. 
Published: July 2005

Abstract  1 We investigated the resistance of fast‐ and slow‐growing subalpine fir to pheromone‐induced attack by western balsam bark beetle at two sites in the interior of British Columbia, Canada.2 Attack success by the beetle and subsequent tree mortality were higher in slow‐growing trees than in fast‐growing trees.3 Fast‐growing trees were more likely to produce secondary resin, and in greater quantities, than slow‐growing trees after attack.4 Host vigour (indicated by recent radial growth) was positively related to the induced defense response and resistance of subalpine fir to bark beetle attack. These results are discussed in the context of plant defense and plant–herbivore interaction hypotheses.5 Given the preference of western balsam bark beetle for weakened trees, as well as the reduced defenses and increased mortality rates in less vigorous trees, effective management tactics for this beetle may include strategies that increase the growth and vigour of its subalpine fir host.
Dual colonization of Eucalyptus urophylla S.T. Blake by arbuscular and ectomycorrhizal fungi affects levels of insect herbivore attack
Authors: Gange Alan C. , Gane Dominic R. J. , Chen Yinglong , Gong Mingqin 
Published: July 2005

Abstract  1 Eucalypts are an important part of plantation forestry in Asia but, in south China, productivity is very low. This is due to infertile soils and lack of indigenous symbiotic mycorrhizal fungi. The genus Eucalyptus is unusual because it forms both arbuscular (AM) and ectomycorrhizal (ECM) associations.2 Eucalyptus urophylla saplings were grown with and without AM (Glomus caledonium) and ECM (Laccaria laccata) fungi in a factorial design. Two experiments were performed: one to simulate nursery conditions and the other to simulate the early stages of plantation establishment. Plant growth was measured over 18 weeks and levels of insect attack were recorded.3 The AM fungus reduced tree growth in the early stages, but the effect appeared to be transient. No effects of ECM were detected on tree growth, but the ectomycorrhiza reduced colonization by the arbuscular mycorrhiza. AM fungi appear to be rapid invaders of the root system, gradually being replaced by ECM.4 Both fungal types affected levels of damage by insect herbivores. Most importantly, herbivory by the pest insects Anomala cupripes (Coleoptera) and Strepsicrates spp. (Lepidoptera) was decreased by ECM.5 It is suggested that mycorrhizal effects on eucalypt insects may be determined by carbon allocation within the plant. Future studies of eucalypt mycorrhizas need to take into account the effects of the fungi on foliar‐feeding insects and also the effects of insect herbivory on mycorrhizal establishment.