Control of Western Corn Rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera) Reproduction through Plant-Mediated RNA Interference.

RNA interference (RNAi) in transgenic maize has recently emerged as an alternative mode of action for western corn rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera) control which can be combined with protein-based rootworm control options for improved root protection and resistance management. Currently, transgenic RNAi-based control has focused on suppression of genes that when silenced lead to larval mortality. We investigated control of western corn rootworm reproduction through RNAi by targeting two reproductive genes, dvvgr and dvbol, with the goal of reducing insect fecundity as a new tool for pest management.

Discovery of midgut genes for the RNA interference control of corn rootworm.

RNA interference (RNAi) is a promising new technology for corn rootworm control. This paper presents the discovery of new gene targets - dvssj1 and dvssj2, in western corn rootworm (WCR). Dvssj1 and dvssj2 are orthologs of the Drosophila genes snakeskin (ssk) and mesh, respectively.

Apolipoprotein E genotype and risk for development of cataract and age-related macular degeneration.

Purpose: To study whether apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotypes are associated with risk for developing cataract and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Methods: A sample of 88 healthy adults (50-75 years) genotyped for polymorphisms of APOE underwent an eye examination which included visual acuity (VA) testing, slit-lamp cataract evaluation, optical coherence tomography (OCT) and fundus photography, the last of which was analysed and graded for macular pathology at the Reading Centre, Moorfields Eye Hospital, London. Two-by-two cross tables were analysed using the Fisher-Boschloo unconditional full multinomial test.

Effects of APOE and CHRNA4 genotypes on retinal nerve fibre layer thickness at the optic disc and on risk for developing exfoliation syndrome.

Purpose: To investigate whether CHRNA4 and APOE genotypes influence retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickness at the optic disc, intraocular pressure (IOP) and the development of exfoliation syndrome (XFS).

Methods: A sample of 88 healthy adults (aged 50-75 years) genotyped for polymorphisms of APOE and CHRNA4 underwent an eye examination including slit-lamp examination and fundus photography, as well as measurements of visual acuity, refraction, IOP and RNFL thickness at the optic disc by optical coherence tomography. The Fisher-Boschloo unconditional full multinomial test and two sample t-tests were used in the statistical analyses.

Radiosurgery versus conventional surgery for dermatochalasis.

Purpose: To compare hemorrhage and wound healing after radiosurgery and conventional surgery for dermatochalasis.

Methods: We performed a prospective study of 13 patients with dermatochalasis who underwent radiosurgery in one upper eyelid and conventional surgery with scalpel and scissors in the contralateral eyelid. Hemorrhage and wounds were evaluated after surgery the same day, 1 week later, and 3 months after surgery by a masked observer.

Exfoliative glaucoma and primary open-angle glaucoma: associations with death causes and comorbidity.

Purpose: To investigate whether type of glaucoma or use of acetazolamide are associated with main cause of death and comorbidity.

Material And Methods: The survival data, including date and cause of death, for 1147 patients with capsular or simple glaucoma who were ultimately hospitalized at the Eye Department, National Hospital, Oslo, between 1961 and 1970, were analysed. Binary logistic regression was carried out to investigate the patterns of death causes and comorbidity in subgroup analyses.

Comparison of survival of exfoliative glaucoma patients and primary open-angle glaucoma patients: impact of acetazolamide use.

Purpose: To compare the survival rates of patients with exfoliative glaucoma (XFG) and those with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), and to establish whether the use of acetazolamide has any influence on survival.

Methods: The survival data, including date and cause of death, for 1147 patients with XFG or POAG who were ultimately hospitalized at the Eye Department, National Hospital, Oslo, between 1961 and 1970, were analysed retrospectively. The Cox proportional hazard model was used in the survival analyses.

Outcome of vitrectomy in patients with Terson syndrome.

Purpose: To report findings and evaluate the results of vitrectomy in 22 eyes with Terson syndrome.

Methods: We reviewed retrospectively the records of patients who underwent pars plana vitrectomy as a result of vitreous haemorrhage. Twelve cases concerned unilateral vitrectomy and five concerned bilateral vitrectomy.

External beam irradiation therapy for choroidal haemangiomas. Visual and anatomical results after a dose of 20 to 25 Gy.

Purpose: To evaluate the visual and anatomic results of radiation therapy in ten patients with choroidal haemangiomas.

Methods: Nine patients with circumscribed choroidal haemangiomas and one with diffuse choroidal haemangioma have been reviewed retrospectively. They were treated by lens-sparing external beam radiation therapy (20--24 Gy) (9 eyes) and plaque brachytherapy (25 Gy) (1 eye), respectively.

A retrospective study of patients with retained nuclear fragments after cataract extraction.

Purpose: A registration and follow-up of patients who underwent pars plana vitrectomy after dislocated nuclear fragments to the vitreous following cataract extraction.

Material And Methods: A retrospective study of 125 patients referred to The National Hospital during the years 1991 to 1998. Phacoemulsification and extracapsular technique were used in 115 eyes and 10 eyes, respectively.

Bilateral diffuse uveal melanocytic proliferation and uterine cancer. A case report.

Purpose: To report a case of bilateral diffuse uveal melanocytic proliferation (BDUMP), a rare paraneoplastic syndrome causing visual loss in patients with systemic carcinoma.

Results: A 70-year-old woman developed visual symptoms 13 months after surgery and local irradiation therapy for uterine cancer. Following bilateral external beam irradiation supplemented with subsequent drainage of subretinal fluid in the left eye, the visual acuity improved from 0.

Fine-needle aspiration biopsy diagnosis of a uveal metastasis from a follicular thyroid carcinoma.

Purpose: To report a rare tumour of the eye, and to illustrate the importance of performing a fine-needle aspiration biopsy.

Case Report: An 80-year-old woman suffering from general malaise, dyspnea and abdominal pain was found to have multiple lung metastases, a large tumour in the upper part of the mediastinum, and a large orange-brown tumour (19 x 15 x 11 mm) situated nasally in the left eye. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy of the uveal tumour and of the goitre was performed.