Refraction changes after cataract extraction with IOL implantation in the eyes with previous performed vitrectomy

PURPOSE: To determine differences between the predicted and postoperative refraction after cataract extraction with intraocular lens implantation in the eyes, which previous underwent vitrectomy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty three eyes of 52 patients underwent the analysis: twenty five in group I, nineteen in group II and nine eyes with previous scleral buckling in group III. All the eyes had ECCE and IOL with PMMA implantation after vitrectomy. In groups II and. III silicone oil tamponade was used and removed before cataract extraction. Thirty eyes of the control group K underwent cataract surgery and IOL implantation alone. The IOL power calculation was performed with SRK II formula. The predicted and postoperative refractions were compared. The follow-up was minimum 4 months (on average 15 +/- 12.71 months). RESULTS: The postoperative refractions were significantly shifted toward myopia than it was predicted--1.41 +/- 1.21 D in group I, -0.81 +/- 2.11 D in group II and -3.03 +/- 1.49 D in group III. In the control group K the difference was--0.07 +/- 0.91. CONCLUSIONS: Myopic shift of postoperative refraction after cataract surgery should be considered, when calculating the IOL power in the eye after vitreoretinal procedures.     

Prenatal diagnosis of common aneuploidies using quantitative fluorescent PCR

OBJECTIVE: Quantitative fluorescence-polymerase chain reaction (QF-PCR) has recently been used for the detection of common chromosomal aneuploidies in prenatal diagnosis. Here we describe our experience in prenatal diagnosis of 1100 samples. METHODS: Extraction of DNA was performed from amniotic fluid, chorionic villus samples (CVS), fetal blood and fetal tissue samples, using a simple, rapid protocol. Fluorescent multiplex PCR products of single tandem repeats (STRs) located on chromosomes 13, 18, 21, X and Y were then analyzed on an automated laser fluorescent sequencer. All samples were analyzed with at least two polymorphic markers for chromosomes 13, 18 and 21 and one for the X chromosome. The amelogenin locus was used for sexing. Analysis was performed twice on affected samples. When miscellaneous results were obtained extra markers were used. RESULTS: We evaluated the usefulness of different markers in the Greek population. In a total of 1100 samples, 25 chromosome aberrations were identified, including trisomy 13, 18 and 21, XYY, triploidies 69,XXX and 69,XXY and one Turner mosaic. All results but three were consistent with conventional cytogenetic analysis. One mosaic was missed. Most bloodstained samples were successfully analyzed. CONCLUSION: Successful analysis of a large number of prenatal samples proves QF-PCR to be an efficient adjunct in routine prenatal diagnosis.     

脐血胆红素测定对新生儿高胆红素血症的早期预测

本文报告在１０２例正常新生儿中，经分别采取脐血和出生后７２±４ｈ静脉血测定血清胆红素，诊断高胆红素血症的发生率为４４．１％。以脐血和静脉血总胆红素两变量作直线回归方程，求得以脐血胆红素预测发生高胆红素血症的预测值为３４．７３μｍｏｌ／Ｌ。根据预测值检验预测高胆红素血症的特异性、敏感性、阳性预测值和阴性预测值分别为８２．４％、７３．３％、８２．５％和７３．４％。结果提示，采取脐血测定胆红素预测新生儿高胆红素血症是简便易行的有效方法。     

Endocrinology: Follicle cyst formation after administration of different gonadotrophin-releasing hormone analogues for assisted reproduction

The aim of this study was to examine the occurence of ovariancysts during the administration of three different gonadotrophin-releasinghormone analogues (GnRHa) in the long protocol as well as theircharacteristics, management and outcome compared with patientswith no cyst formation. A total of 172 in-vitro fertilization(IVF) cycles in which GnRHa was administered at menstruationwere analysed. Group B consisted of 72 cycles in which buserelinwas used. Of these, 10 (13.9%) were with cysts (group B1) and62 (86.1%) without cysts (group B2). Group T included 49 cyclesin which triptorelin was injected. Of these, seven (14.2%) werewith cysts (group T1) and 42 (85.7%) without cysts (group T2).Group L comprised 51 cycles in which leuprolide was administered.Of these, eight (15.7%) were with cysts (group L1) and 43 (84.3%)without cysts (group L2). All women with ovarian cysts had higherserum oestradiol concentrations and all except five underwentcyst aspiration with no complication. No differences were observedin the number of follicles and oocytes between groups B, T andL or between the groups with cysts and those without cysts.The pregnancy rate was similar in all groups. In conclusion,follicle cyst formation does not seem to be related to the useof a specific GnRHa, its short- or long-acting form or to themode of administration. In addition, follicle cyst aspirationis a safe and successful solution to the problem of functionallyactive ovarian cysts.     

基于偏最小二乘法分析猪牙皂不同组分对大鼠脑缺血再灌注损伤的影响

目的 探讨猪牙皂对脑缺血再灌注损伤大鼠的保护作用,及其药效部位。方法 实验分6组,即假手术组、模型组、尼莫地平组、皂苷组、皂苷+萃取物组、萃取物组。建立大鼠脑缺血再灌注模型,进行大鼠神经功能评分,测量大鼠脑组织含水量,采用ELISA法检测大鼠脑缺血侧脑组织及血清中白介素-1β(interleukin-1β,IL-1β)、白介素-6(interleukin-6,IL-6)、肿瘤坏死因子-α(tumor necrosis factor-α,TNF-α)、丙二醛(malondialdehyde,MDA)、一氧化氮(nitric oxide,NO)的含量和一氧化氮合酶(nitric oxide synthase,NOS)、总超氧化物歧化酶(superoxide dismutase,SOD)的活性;最后借助偏最小二乘法和方差分析对比猪牙皂不同组分的作用。结果 与模型组比较,各给药组神经功能评分均下降,大鼠脑组织含水量、脑组织及血清中的IL-1β、IL-6、TNF-α、MDA、NO含量均降低,NOS活性被抑制,SOD活性显著增强。偏最小二乘法分析可得：皂苷4.5 mg·kg^-1对大鼠缺血性再灌注模型的保护作用强于皂苷+萃取物6.1 mg·kg^-1与萃取物1.6 mg·kg^-1。结论 猪牙皂皂苷对脑缺血再灌注损伤大鼠具有一定的治疗作用,其作用机制与抗炎、抗氧化应激作用有关。     

Invasive cutaneous infection with Geotrichum candidum: sequential treatment with amphotericin B and voriconazole.

A rare case of an invasive cutaneous infection by Geotrichum candidum in an 80-year-old male patient with diabetes mellitus is reported. The primary site of infection manifested after trauma as an ulcerative lesion on the distal phalanx of the midfinger and extended throughout the right hand. Histological examination showed fungal invasion in the deep dermis without vascular involvement and G. candidum was grown in cultures from the biopsy material. Angiography revealed severe obstructive disease of the right brachial artery and its branches. Treatment, after susceptibility testing of the isolated strain, consisted of sequential administration of intravenous liposomal amphotericin B with oral voriconazole followed by liposomal amphotericin B, resulting in substantial improvement of the infection.     

Cytokines in the human ovary: Presence in follicular fluid and correlation with leukotriene B4

Purpose: This study was undertaken to correlate the follicular levels of interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-2, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and leukotriene (LT) B₄ with oocyte maturity, fertilization, and achievement of pregnancy. Methods: The material was obtained from 22 women undergoing IVF, 8 of whom became pregnant and 14 of whom did not. Results: All of the studied cytokines and LT B₄ were found in follicular fluids, but there were no significant differences according to oocyte maturity, fertilization, embryo quality, and achievement of pregnancy. On the other hand, a significant positive correlation was found between IL-1α and TNF-α, IL-1α, and LT B₄ as well as between TNF-α and LT B₄ in follicular fluids with subsequently fertilized oocytes. Conclusions: It seems that IL-1α, TNF-α and LT B₄ may take part in the process of follicle wall degradation, and their follicular correlations may suggest more optimal follicular and oocyte development and maturation.