Sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) intravitreal injection combined with argon laser photocoagulation for treatment of optic disc pit maculopathy

PurposeTo evaluate clinical efficacy of combined sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) gas tamponade and laser photocoagulation for optic disc pit maculopathy (ODPM).MethodsEleven eyes of nine patients with optic disc pit maculopathy were treated with intravitreal injection of 0.6 ml 100% sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) combined with laser photocoagulation treatment. Patients were followed up for a mean of 28.54 months (range of 14–57 months) after treatment. The anatomical success was shown by optical coherence tomography (OCT) and the functional outcome was judged by best corrected visual acuity.ResultsTreatment with SF6 gas tamponade followed by laser photocoagulation in OPDM patients resulted in resolution of subretinal fluid (SRF) in 82% of eyes after single injection. Repeated injection was needed in two eyes to achieve resolution of SRF. Visual acuity improved significantly from a mean of 0.83 ± 0.14 logMAR preoperatively to a mean of 0.26 ± 0.11 logMAR postoperatively. Visual acuity stayed stable throughout the follow-up period.ConclusionsSF6 gas tamponade combined with laser photocoagulation represents simple, effective, minimally invasive treatment option for ODPM without vitreomacular traction. Repeated injection was required in some patients.Subject terms: Outcomes research, Surgery     

Toxocara seroprevalence and childhood asthma among Malaysian children

BACKGROUND: The larva of Toxocara spp., a common animal roundworm, may infect non-compatible hosts, causing a profound immunological reaction with marked eosinophil and IgE responses, not unlike in atopy. In this study, we determined the seroprevalence of Toxocara exposure in 66 asthmatic and 58 non-asthmatic children. METHODS: Exposure to Toxocara was determined by examining the serum samples of the children for specific IgG antibodies to L2 Toxocara larvae, using a commercially available diagnostic kit. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the mean age, sex, social class, residence type and presence of domestic pets at home between the two children groups. Children with bronchial asthma were observed to have higher Toxocara seropositivity than that of the non-asthmatic controls (21.2 vs 8.6%, P=0.047). CONCLUSION: The observed relationship between exposure to Toxocara infection and bronchial asthma in Malaysian children warrants further evaluation. An understanding of any possible contribution to the pathogenesis of childhood asthma provides a potential avenue for prevention.     

Principles and problems in assessing prenatal toxicity

(1) The terminology to be used in reproductive (or in prenatal) toxicology has to be in accord with other fields and principles of toxicology; the reasons are briefly discussed. In addition it is essential to assess prenatal toxicity in comparison to adult (maternal) toxicity. (2) Since pharmacokinetics in laboratory animals (e. g. rodents) usually differ considerably from that in man, this fact has to be considered when planning and evaluating studies on prenatal toxicity. Up till now this aspect has seldom been taken into account. (3) A special problem in prenatal toxicity is the inter- and intralitter variability of the toxic manifestation (especially in polytocal animals). This problem has to be recognized by the investigators and means of dealing with it have to be developed. (4) Like all other toxic effects, embryo-/fetotoxic manifestations occur dose dependently. Little information is available in the literature on clean dose-response-curves for teratogenic effects. Some data from our laboratory are presented. (5) Risk assessment of teratogenic effects up till now represents a major problem. While qualitative risk assessment for man on the basis of animal data is possible, quantitative extrapolation from such data to the situation possibly existing in man is still difficult, because basic principles and strategies are largely lacking (e. g. may a “threshold” be assumed or not?). The results of some activities towards this goal are presented from our laboratory.     

Repair Gastroesophageal Junction to Relieve Asthma

A strong association between gastroesophageal reflux （GER） and asthma has been undisputedly establisheO recognized by experts in advanced countries. Yet few topics in medicine are as controversial as the nature of causal relationship between GER and asthma： some argue that GER causes asthma, while others think vise versa, still quite a few believe that bronchodilator medications are to blame. This controversy continues a conundrum. However the most practical issue is, so far, none substantial effort to diagnose and to treat the large amount of such patients, who always under severe suffering or even life jeopardizing without knowing their causative etiology that should have be known.     

Forecasting the number of future disabled elderly using Markovian and mathematical models.

The accuracy of forecasting the number of future disabled elderly people depends on the accuracy of projecting mortality rates and the rates of transition to and from functional disability. We describe a new two-step method for constructing mathematical models that project these future rates dynamically. (1) A Markovian model of elders' transitions between functional states is specified. (2) A mathematical model of the probability of each transition is created. We conducted pilot studies of the fundamental mathematical processes of this method using data from the Longitudinal Study of Aging. First we constructed prototypic mathematical models of the probabilities of remaining functionally able and of making transitions to disability and to death within 2 years. Then we used these models to project hypothetical rates of transition for white women of selected ages, morbidity ratings and health statuses.     

Inhibition by chlordiazepoxide of adenosine-stimulated glucagon secretion

The action of a water soluble benzodiazepine, chlordiazepoxide (CDZ) on the stimulatory effect of adenosine on glucagon secretion from the isolated pancreas of the rat perfused in presence of 2.8 mM glucose was studied. CDZ 10(-7) and 10(-6) M had no effect per se on glucagon secretion under our experimental conditions. In contrast, CDZ 10(-6) M (but not 10(-7) M) markedly reduced the peak of glucagon secretion provoked by adenosine, 2-chloroadenosine (1.65 C 10(-6) M) and by a stable analogue, 5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine or NECA (1.65 X 10(-8) M). This peripheral interaction between CDZ and adenosine seemed to be specific, since CDZ did not modify the peak of glucagon secretion induced by (-)isoproterenol (10(-8) M). Our results demonstrate an inhibitory effect of CDZ on adenosine-stimulated glucagon secretion.