A corneal model for slit-scanning elevation topography

Computerised videokeratography is increasing in sophistication and accuracy. The Orbscan II Videokeratographer combines the advantages of Placido derived and slit-scanning derived topography, to acquire shape information on the posterior surface of the cornea. The purpose of this paper is to construct a model of slit-scanning elevation topography and highlight potential sources of variation in this methodology. Ray tracing calculations were performed on a defined, theoretical, spherical model to obtain a pachymetric measurement. These calculations were tested by comparing the pachymetry measurement derived from the model, over a refractive index shift from 1.376 to 1.400 with the pachymetry measurement obtained by Orbscan II, of a human eye, with an identical alteration in refractive index. The two methods of measurement differed by only 0.157 microm, suggesting that the model is a good representation of slit-scanning elevation topography, and that refractive index variations have only a minimal effect on Orbscan II pachymetry measurement.     

Picotamide inhibition of excess in vitro thromboxane B2 release by colorectal mucosa in inflammatory bowel disease.

BACKGROUND: Inflammatory bowel disease is associated with increased mucosal release of eicosanoids. Among these, thromboxane A2 has been proposed as a possible inflammatory mediator; its suppression may be a useful therapeutic option. METHODS: Using a tissue incubation technique, we compared release of immunoreactive thromboxane B2 by colonic biopsies from patients with ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease and controls, and assessed the inhibitory effect of picotamide, a thromboxane synthesis inhibitor-receptor antagonist, which has been widely used in Italy for management of ischaemic heart and cerebrovascular disease. RESULTS: Increased amounts of thromboxane B2 were released from biopsies from patients with active ulcerative colitis (median 238 pg/20 min/mg wet weight (interquartile range 147- 325), n = 12) and active Crohn's disease (252 (174-450), 6) compared with those from patients with quiescent ulcerative colitis (95 (61- 140), 12) or Crohn's disease (105 (57-201), 13), or controls (136 (64- 206), 8). Incubation with picotamide at concentrations between 100 microM and 1 mM reduced thromboxane B2 release (IC50 890 microM). CONCLUSION: Since increased thromboxane A2 production may have pathogenetic importance, thromboxane synthesis inhibitor-receptor antagonists such as picotamide merit therapeutic trial in the management of inflammatory bowel disease.     

Mortality on dialysis--on the influence of early start, patient characteristics, and transplantation and acceptance rates

We compared changes from 1965 to 1987 in patients accepted to chronic dialysis, in a Swedish and a US dialysis center, by medical and clinical parameters at the start of dialysis and by duration of the dialysis. We also studied cause of death, outcome, and cumulative survival and tried to relate them to changes in patients and procedures. Finally, we studied how cumulative survival of dialysis patients was dependent on acceptance rates and transplant rates in five European regions and the United States. At both centers, the number of patients accepted grew, but since 1980, the only patient group that has increased has been older patients with many other diseases; these comorbid conditions have increased from approximately 1.2 to 1.4. In both centers, the number of patients with systemic disease, diabetes, and nephrosclerosis doubled. Cause of death showed a decrease in cardiovascular deaths and an increase in deaths due to stopping dialysis. The hemoglobin level increased from 70 to 90 g/L (7.0 to 9.0 g/dL) and the diastolic blood pressure decreased from 100 to 90 mmHg. The creatinine level decreased 30%, with an unchanged urea. Cumulative 3-year survival for patients without complications increased from 60% to approximately 90% and in patients with complications, it improved from 20% to 60% in Sweden and remained at approximately 60% in the US center. In the United States, many more patients were accepted to dialysis and the transplant rate was high. Cumulative survival on dialysis was inversely correlated both to the acceptance rates to dialysis and to the percent of patients transplanted. These factors explained over 90% of the differences in dialysis survival.     

Favorable results of coronary artery bypass grafting in patients older than 75 years

There is controversy whether the short-term and long-term results of coronary artery bypass grafting in elderly patients justify performing the procedure. Between January 1977 and December 1986, 4580 patients underwent coronary artery bypass grafting, of whom 222 (4.9%) were 75 years old or older (mean 77 years). There were 143 men and 79 women and 139 (63%) were in New York Heart Association class IV. One hundred forty-six patients (66%) had had at least one preoperative myocardial infarction. Myocardial revascularization was performed under emergency conditions in 17 patients (18%). The mammary artery was used in 43%, 96% of the patients received two or more grafts. The mean number of bypass grafts was 3.1 per patient. The overall hospital mortality rate was 10.8% (24/222), 3.6% for elective procedures, 14.9% in urgent cases, and 35% in emergencies. In contrast, the overall early mortality rate was 3.1% in 4358 patients less than 75 years old. Complications occurred in 83 patients (37%). Of the patients discharged from the hospital, 198 were followed up for a mean of 48 months (1 to 130). Actuarial probability of survival was 75% at 48 months. Postoperatively 70% were in New York Heart Association class I or II and only 21% were rehospitalized for cardiac problems. During the follow-up period 77% of the patients were free from angina, and of those experiencing angina the mean time from operation to the first episode was 75 months. Although elderly patients have a somewhat increased operative mortality rate, particularly if operated on urgently or emergently, long-term survival and freedom from angina are excellent and justify continued performance of coronary bypass grafting in selected patients over 75 years of age.     

Effects of the antimigraine compound zolmitriptan ('Zomig') on psychomotor performance alone and in combination with diazepam in healthy volunteers

Zolmitriptan (Zomig^TM) is a 5HT_1B/1D agonist which has the ability to cross the intact blood-brain barrier to access central as well as peripheral receptors. Because of the potential for central nervous system side effects, this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 6-period crossover study evaluated the effects of 2.5 and 5 mg doses of zolmitriptan on psychomotor performance and investigated any pharmacodynamic or pharmacokinetic interaction with diazepam. Twelve healthy volunteers received the following "treatments" as single doses: zolmitriptan 2.5 mg, zolmitriptan 5 mg, diazepam 10 mg, zolmitriptan 2.5 mg+diazepam 10 mg, zolmitriptan 5 mg+diazepam 10 mg and placebo. Pre-dose and at 1, 4, 8, and 24 h post-dose, the following validated battery of psychomotor tests was performed: Bond-Lader visual analogue scales (calmness, contentedness, and alertness factors), critical flicker fusion test, choice reaction time (recognition, motor, and total reaction times), finger-tapping test, number cancellation test and digit symbol substitution test. Plasma concentrations of zolmitriptan, its active metabolite, and diazepam and its active metabolites were measured at the same timepoints. Zolmitriptan 2.5 and 5 mg had no effect on psychomotor function when given alone. In contrast, diazepam 10 mg had profound effects, consistent with its sedative properties, but there was no synergism on concomitant administration of either dose of zolmitriptan. Plasma concentrations of zolmitriptan, diazepam, and their respective active metabolites were similar when the two drugs were given alone or in combination.     

Does cardiac SPECT using attenuation and scatter correction accurately predict coronary artery disease in a minority women population?

BACKGROUND: Myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) is a well-established diagnostic method for evaluation and risk stratification of coronary artery disease (CAD).We undertook this study to validate both the positive predictive value (when compared to cardiac catheterization) and the prognosis afforded by MPI in a group of minority women patients. MATERIAL/METHODS: The database of our Nuclear Imaging and Catheterization Laboratory was retrospectively queried for consecutive minority (African-American, Hispanic and Asian) women patients who underwent MPI and cardiac catheterization within 90 days of each other. Patients with recent revascularization were excluded. Attenuation/scatter correction was utilized in the final interpretation of the study. RESULTS: Of the 54 women patients who underwent MPI, 7 underwent exercise stress testing, 26 had stress testing with adenosine, 18 with dipyridamole and 3 with dobutamine. Eighteen patients (53%) had same number of vessels predicted by MPI and coronary angiography (7 patients with triple vessel disease, 7 with 2-vessel disease and 4 with single vessel disease). Five (3 with intermediate and 2 with high risk scans) out of the 54 patients (9.3%) were dead at 2 years. The sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value of MPI as compared to angiography were 87.2%, 26.7%, 75.6% and 44.4% respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The sensitivity of MPI in this group of patients is comparable to the general population though the specificity is lower in spite of using attenuation and scatter correction. Low risk perfusion scan signifies favorable prognosis at 2 years with regards to mortality.