Therapeutic difficulties in neovascular glaucoma

This issue presents the results of a study on patients with neovascular glaucoma. We analyse the difficulties that occur in the management of this severe form of glaucoma.     

Long-term effect of early protein malnutrition on growth curve, hematological parameters and macrophage function of rats

To evaluate the long-term effect of mild-early maternal protein malnutrition on weight gain, hematological parameters and macrophage function in rats at adult age, we compared rats whose dams were fed diets containing either 9.5% (low protein-LPD) or 23% protein (normal-NPD) for the first 12 d of lactation. At 80 d of age, the functions of spreading, phagocytosis and killing Candida albicans were determined in resident peritoneal macrophages, whereas leukocytes and red blood cells were counted in peripheral blood. The number of resident peritoneal macrophages from LPD was the same as from NPD, but the ability of spreading and phagocytosing opsonised yeast was impaired. Besides, they were not able to block the germ tube formation or kill C. albicans to the same extent as in the control group. The low protein diet produced a significant reduction in the pups' growth and in hematological parameters although no difference was found in leukocyte counts. Taken together the data suggest that protein malnutrition during early lactation induces permanent alterations in macrophage function, body composition and hematological status, which are not restored completely even after a normal protein diet is supplied.     

Anger and its association to distress and social/occupational functioning in symptomatic disaster relief workers responding to the September 11, 2001, World Trade Center disaster

Empirical evidence suggests that anger plays a significant role in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and may impede recovery from traumatic events. The purpose of this study was to assess the role of anger and its relationship to distress and social/occupational functioning in disaster relief workers (DRWs) who had PTSD symptoms who were deployed to the World Trade Center after September 11, 2001. Six hundred twenty-six utility workers (96% male) completed measures of anger, distress, PTSD severity, and social/occupational functioning. Results indicated that anger was significantly higher in DRWs who had PTSD symptoms than in those who did not, and statistically significant associations were found among anger, distress, PTSD severity, and social/occupational functioning in workers who had PTSD symptoms. Careful assessment of anger in DRWs exposed to traumatic events is warranted as well as longitudinal studies to further understand the relationship between anger and PTSD.     

Impact of birth in the presence and absence of simulated birth injury on vaginal glycosaminoglycan content

Introduction and hypothesis  

This study aims to evaluate the effects of simulated birth trauma and vaginal and Cesarean delivery on glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in the vagina of female rats.     

Immediate function in the edentulous mandible: replacement of a lost implant using prefabricated guides

This article describes a technique for replacement of a lost implant. The procedure involves the use of templates, drill guides, and drills of the system to replace a 4.5-mm-wide lost implant with a 5.0-mm-wide implant. The surgical procedure was simplified to optimize the healing process and to be more comfortable for the patient. The accuracy of the templates and guides allowed for ideal position of the implant and the immediate use of the original fixed implant-supported prosthesis.