Reference Intervals for Platelet Counts in the Elderly: Results from the Prospective SENIORLAB Study.

Currently, age- and sex-independent reference limits (RLs) are frequently used to interpret platelet counts in seniors. We aimed to define and validate reference intervals (RIs) for platelet counts within the framework of the prospective SENIORLAB study. Subjectively healthy Swiss individuals aged 60 years and older were prospectively included and followed for morbidity and mortality.

Assembly of eukaryotic algal chromosomes in yeast.

Background: Synthetic genomic approaches offer unique opportunities to use powerful yeast and Escherichia coli genetic systems to assemble and modify chromosome-sized molecules before returning the modified DNA to the target host. For example, the entire 1 Mb Mycoplasma mycoides chromosome can be stably maintained and manipulated in yeast before being transplanted back into recipient cells. We have previously demonstrated that cloning in yeast of large (> ~ 150 kb), high G + C (55%) prokaryotic DNA fragments was improved by addition of yeast replication origins every ~100 kb.

Aesthetic outcome of transfacial sinus surgery: the patient's view.

Objective: To investigate the patient's view of the cosmetic outcome of transfacial sinus surgery.

Design: Prospective survey of patients after transfacial sinus surgery in a tertiary referral academic otolaryngology department.

Setting: Academic outpatient clinic of otorhinolaryngology.

Bacteria and granulation tissue associated with Montgomery T-tubes.

Objectives: Although complications (infection, development of granulation tissue) of silicone Montgomery T-tubes have been reported, the microbiological consequences and the origin of granulation tissue have not yet been evaluated.

Study Design: A prospective trial.

Methods: Twenty-three Montgomery T-tubes from 10 patients were analyzed with regard to the development of granulation tissue, bacterial growth (including genotyping with polymerase chain reaction), and results of sensitivity testing.

[Excimer laser subepithelial ablation (ELSA) or laser epithelial keratomileusis (LASEK) - a new kerato-refractive procedure for myopia. Surgical technique and first clinical results on 24 eyes and 3 months follow-up].

Background: Laser epithelial keratomileusis (LASEK) is a new keratorefractive surgical procedure to treat myopia and possibly other refractive errors, which combines the advantages while eliminating the disadvantages of both PRK (pain, corneal haze) and LASIK (flap complications, interface complications). Our results with LASEK are very promising and because this technique is currently not very popular in Germany we here with introduce the surgical technique and our first clinical results.

Patients And Methods: We treated 24 eyes (18 patients) by LASEK.