Improving event-based progression analysis in glaucomatous visual fields

Glaucoma is a progressive optic neuropathy with characteristic changes to the optic nerve head and the visual field (VF). Detecting progression of VF damage with Standard Automated Perimetry (SAP) is of paramount importance for clinical care. One common approach to detecting progression is to compare each new VF test to a baseline SAP test (event analysis). This comparison is made difficult by the test–retest variability of SAP, which increases with the level of VF damage, and the limited range of measurement, meaning that damage cannot be assessed below a certain level. We performed a prospective international multi-centre data collection of SAP data on 90 eyes from 90 people with glaucoma and different levels of VF damage over a short period of time (6 tests in 60 days). Data were collected using a fundus tracked perimeter (Compass, CenterVue). We used these data (minus the first test) to develop an improved event analysis that accounts for both the change in variability with damage and the lower bound on the measurement imposed by SAP. Using simulations, we show that our approach is more sensitive compared to previously developed methods, especially in the case of advanced glaucoma, while retaining similar specificity.

A novel approach to event-based progression analysis in glaucomatous visual fields

Glaucoma is a progressive optic neuropathy determining characteristic changes to the optic nerve head and the visual field (VF). Detecting progression of VF damage with Standard Automated Perimetry (SAP) is of paramount importance for clinical care. One common approach to detecting progression is to compare each new VF test to a baseline SAP test (event analysis). This comparison is made difficult by the test-retest variability of SAP, which increases with the level of VF damage, and the lower bounds on the range of measurement, meaning that damage cannot be assessed below a certain level. We performed a prospective international multi-centre data collection of SAP data on 90 eyes from 90 people with glaucoma and different levels of VF damage over a short period of time (6 tests in 60 days). Data were collected using a fundus tracked perimeter (Compass, CenterVue). We used these data (minus the first test) to develop an improved event analysis that accounts for both the change in variability with damage and the lower bound on the measurement imposed by SAP. Using simulations, we show that our approach is more sensitive compared to previously developed methods, especially in the case of advanced glaucoma, while retaining similar specificity.

452 Evaluation of Midrib Nitrate-N Tests for Desert Lettuce

Criteria for managing fertilizer nitrogen (N) applications for lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) based on midrib nitrate-N analysis were developed 25 years ago. However, this test had not been recently evaluated for the newer cultivars of lettuce currently grown or the higher yield potential now obtained. More recently, quick sap nitrate-N tests have been correlated to the traditional dry midrib test and preliminary criteria for making diagnosis based on these sap tests have been proposed. Field experiments were conducted at 20 locations across the low desert region of the southwestern United States from 1996-1999 to evaluate the traditional dry midrib and sap nitrate-N tests. Tissue samples were collected before each sidedress N application and diagnostic accuracy was evaluated by determining lettuce growth and yield on both N-treated and untreated plots and comparing predicted to actual response. Overall, the variability associated with the quick sap test seemed to limit its application as a predictive N management tool in the low desert. Although less variable than the quick sap test, the high frequency with which the dry midrib test resulted in incorrect diagnosis suggests that either this test needs revision or that it is an unreliable N management tool.

A Petiole Sap Nitrate Test for Cauliflower

This study was conducted to evaluate the accuracy of sap analysis using a portable nitrate ion meter for cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L. Botrytis Group, cv. Candid Charm) petiole nitrate determination. The relationship between NO3-N concentration in fresh petiole sap and in dried petiole tissue was studied for cauliflower grown in southern Arizona during the 1993–94 and 1994–95 growing seasons. Experiments were factorial combinations of three water rates and four N rates, both ranging from deficient to excessive. Petioles were collected throughout each season and were split for analysis of sap NO3-N and dried petiole NO3-N. Linear correlations between the two methods were similar in both seasons, with no consistent effect due to water application rate or crop maturity. Therefore, a single regression equation was derived: petiole sap NO3-N (mg·liter–1) = 0.047 × dry petiole NO3-N (mg·kg–1) + 218 (r2 = 0.772). This equation can be used to relate sap test measurements to existing guidelines for NO3-N concentrations in cauliflower petioles. These results suggest that the quick sap test, using the portable nitrate ion meter, is a valuable technique for monitoring N status of cauliflower.

SAP NITRATE TESTING FOR IMPROVED NITROGEN MANAGEMENT ON POTATOES

A procedure for rapid determination of nitrate in the fresh petiole sap using an ion specific electrode was developed. A highly significant correlation (R2-0.92) was obtained between the nitrate measured by the sap test and the conventional oven-dried tissue method. The effects of five nitrogen(N) rates ranging from 0 to 268 kg ha-1, and five dates of sampling dates beginning at tuber initiation, on the sap nitrate concentration were investigated. The nitrate level increased in proportion to N fertilizer rate. The nitrate level was generally higher at tuber initiation and decreased as the season progressed. The rate of decrease was related to the N supply in the soil. At N rates of 0 and 67 Kg ha-1, the average weekly decrease in the nitrate level was greater than 100 ppm. Based on yield response, the nitrate levels were partitioned as deficient adequate and excessive, and a critical nutrient range was established. The sap test offers a tactical approach for corrective in-season fertilization and a means to increase the efficiency of both fertilizer and available soil N.