ASSESSMENT OF CORNEAL ENDOTHELIAL LAYER IN CONTACT LENS WEARERS WITH THE AID OF AN ENDOTHELIAL MICROSCOPE.

AIMS: The main aim of our study was to demonstrate the difference in endothelial cell density between a group of keratoconus contact lens users and non-contact lens users (without keratoconus). MATERIAL AND METHODS: In our study we had data from 96 subjects with an average age of 40.5 ±14.05 years. For the purposes of our study, we worked with each eye separately for each subject (n = 192). Keratoconus (research group) was diagnosed in 97 eyes. The mean age of the patients in the research group was 41.9 ±10.6 years. Keratoconus was not diagnosed in the remaining 95 eyes (control group). The mean age of the patients in the control group was 39.5 ±16.6 years. In the keratoconus group, the patients wore hard contact lenses (HCL) in a total of 43 eyes, hybrid contact lenses (HbCL) in 48 eyes and soft contact lenses (SCL) in 6 eyes. The average total period of contact lens use in the research group was 10.6 ±2.36 years. RESULTS: The average number of endothelial cells in the research group was 2607.11 ±298.45 cells per mm2. The average number of endothelial cells in the control group was 2831.94 ±523.51 cells per mm2. We tested these two variables using a T-test, which showed a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001). A statistically significant difference in the mean endothelial cell count related to patient age and use / non-use of contact lenses of two types was demonstrated only in the under-40 group in a comparison of the non-contact and keratoconus group with the keratoconus group using HCL (p = 0.02). A statistically significant difference in the length of contact lens wear was demonstrated between the keratoconus-free group with or without SCL and the keratoconus group when wearing HCL or HbCL for more than 20 years (p = 0.01 and p = 0.02). For HbCL users, this difference was demonstrated also after 15 years of wearing (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: From our results we can conclude that there is a difference in endothelial cell density between patients with and without keratoconus.

Search for magnetic monopoles produced via the Schwinger mechanism.

Electrically charged particles can be created by the decay of strong enough electric fields, a phenomenon known as the Schwinger mechanism1. By electromagnetic duality, a sufficiently strong magnetic field would similarly produce magnetic monopoles, if they exist2. Magnetic monopoles are hypothetical fundamental particles that are predicted by several theories beyond the standard model3-7 but have never been experimentally detected. Searching for the existence of magnetic monopoles via the Schwinger mechanism has not yet been attempted, but it is advantageous, owing to the possibility of calculating its rate through semi-classical techniques without perturbation theory, as well as that the production of the magnetic monopoles should be enhanced by their finite size8,9 and strong coupling to photons2,10. Here we present a search for magnetic monopole production by the Schwinger mechanism in Pb-Pb heavy ion collisions at the Large Hadron Collider, producing the strongest known magnetic fields in the current Universe11. It was conducted by the MoEDAL experiment, whose trapping detectors were exposed to 0.235 per nanobarn, or approximately 1.8 × 109, of Pb-Pb collisions with 5.02-teraelectronvolt center-of-mass energy per collision in November 2018. A superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometer scanned the trapping detectors of MoEDAL for the presence of magnetic charge, which would induce a persistent current in the SQUID. Magnetic monopoles with integer Dirac charges of 1, 2 and 3 and masses up to 75 gigaelectronvolts per speed of light squared were excluded by the analysis at the 95% confidence level. This provides a lower mass limit for finite-size magnetic monopoles from a collider search and greatly extends previous mass bounds.

First Search for Dyons with the Full MoEDAL Trapping Detector in 13 TeV pp Collisions.

The MoEDAL trapping detector consists of approximately 800 kg of aluminum volumes. It was exposed during run 2 of the LHC program to 6.46 fb^{-1} of 13 TeV proton-proton collisions at the LHCb interaction point. Evidence for dyons (particles with electric and magnetic charge) captured in the trapping detector was sought by passing the aluminum volumes comprising the detector through a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometer. The presence of a trapped dyon would be signaled by a persistent current induced in the SQUID magnetometer. On the basis of a Drell-Yan production model, we exclude dyons with a magnetic charge ranging up to five Dirac charges (5g_{D}) and an electric charge up to 200 times the fundamental electric charge for mass limits in the range 870-3120 GeV and also monopoles with magnetic charge up to and including 5g_{D} with mass limits in the range 870-2040 GeV.

USAGE OF DIGITAL D CHART TEST AS A MODIFICATION OF AMSLER GRID IN OPHTHALMOLOGY AND OPTOMETRY.

AIMS: Metamorphopsia is important symptom of macular disease. The most common simple detection method of metamorphopsia is Amsler grid. Usually it is used monocularly with best correction for near. Patient should evaluate grid deformation a describe position of the deformity. This method is based on qualitative principle. For quantitative evaluation we can use Software D Chart (Thomson Software Solution). This instrument enables evaluate degree and position of the metamorphopsia in central visual field. Our goal was to establish M-score values in group of young healthy subjects without correction (M-score natural), with cylindrical spectacle lens (M-score SL) and in group of patients with age related degeneration (M-score ARMD). OBJECTS AND METHODS: We had 33 probands divided into 2 samples. The first sample contains 15 young probands with average age 23 years without any eye pathology. The second sample contains 18 patients with ARMD (7 with dry form and 11 with wet form). In our study we used software D Chart (Thomson Software Solution). This software was use in Acer PC with touchable screen. We note total M-score in right eye of all probands. Level for statistic evaluation was set on p = 0.05. RESULTS: Natural M-score values for young probands was: median 0, minimum 0, maximum 2.3. With cylindrical lens we got these values: median 25.2, minimum 3.6, maximum 41.6. In second sample with probands suffer from ARMD we got these values: median 0.8, minimum 0, maximum 29.4. Wilcoxon non-parametric test was used for statistical evaluation. We proved statistically significant difference between all variables. M-score natural vs. M-score SL showed p < 0.001, M-score natural vs. M-score ARMD showed p = 0.04 and M-score SL vs. M-score ARMD showed p < 0.001. CONCLUSION: Our study showed statistically significant differences between variable M-score natural, M-score SL and M-score ARMD. We found that printed Amsler grid as well as its digital modification D Chart are suitable for determining metamorphopsia in central visual field. The main advantage of D Chart is quantitative evaluation of the test with M-score and digital registration of retinal changes during patient´s follow up.

Sensitivity and specificity in methods for examination of the eye astigmatism.

PURPOSE: We usually use objective and subjective methods for examination of the eye astigmatism in optometry, respectively ophthalmology. Objective methods enable to measure sphere-cylindrical refraction of the eye. If we want to prescribe new glasses or contact lenses we usually use subjective methods. The aim of this study was to measure sensitivity and specificity of some subjective and objective methods for examination of the eye astigmatism. We supposed that automatic objective refraction will be the most exact method so we choose this method as the reference method. For comparison we chose subjective methods Jackson crossed cylinders (JCC), fogging method (FM) and objective method Spot Vision Screener (SVS, WelschAllyn). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We had in total 30 subjects with average age 23 years (SD 1 year) in our study. We made each measurement per eye separately and it was independent measurement so we could use measurement from each eye (n = 60). Each eye was firstly measured by subjective method FM, followed by JCC method and finally was use objective method Spot Vision Screener (SVS, WelschAllyn). Measurement with objective instrument TRK-1P (TOPCON) was use as reference measurement. The significance level was set at p = 0.05. RESULTS: In variable FM we measured sensitivity 76.2 % and specificity 66.7 %. Criterion for positive finding was -0.25 D. Result was statistically significant on level p < 0.001. In variable JCC we measured sensitivity 95.2 % and specificity 66.7 %. Criterion for positive finding was -0.25 D. Result was statistically significant on level p < 0.001. In variable SVS we measured sensitivity 47.6 % and specificity 94.4 %. Criterion for positive finding was -0.75 D. Result was statistically significant on level p < 0.001. Direct comparison of all methods showed statistically important difference between techniques JCC and FM (p = 0.0095). In other method we did not find statistically important difference (FM vs. SVS, p = 0.526 and JCC vs. SVS, p = 0.105). CONCLUSION: All subjective and objective techniques were statistically significant in detection of eye astigmatism. Comparison of ROC curves showed statistically significant difference between FM and JCC technique. The JCC method showed the highest sensitivity, whereas SVS highest specificity.

Magnetic Monopole Search with the Full MoEDAL Trapping Detector in 13 TeV pp Collisions Interpreted in Photon-Fusion and Drell-Yan Production.

MoEDAL is designed to identify new physics in the form of stable or pseudostable highly ionizing particles produced in high-energy Large Hadron Collider (LHC) collisions. Here we update our previous search for magnetic monopoles in Run 2 using the full trapping detector with almost four times more material and almost twice more integrated luminosity. For the first time at the LHC, the data were interpreted in terms of photon-fusion monopole direct production in addition to the Drell-Yan-like mechanism. The MoEDAL trapping detector, consisting of 794 kg of aluminum samples installed in the forward and lateral regions, was exposed to 4.0 fb^{-1} of 13 TeV proton-proton collisions at the LHCb interaction point and analyzed by searching for induced persistent currents after passage through a superconducting magnetometer. Magnetic charges equal to or above the Dirac charge are excluded in all samples. Monopole spins 0, ½, and 1 are considered and both velocity-independent and-dependent couplings are assumed. This search provides the best current laboratory constraints for monopoles with magnetic charges ranging from two to five times the Dirac charge.

Digital Eye Strain in a Population of Young Subjects.

The main goal of our study was to prove short-term objective influence of near addition and relieving prism on accommodative and vergence facility in group of young healthy persons. Further, we wanted to prove objective and subjective difference between two types of soft contact lenses during working with digital device. We had in total 37 subjects in our study. The first group contained 37 subjects with average age 23 years without important eye pathology. The second group contained 8 subjects with the same average age without important eye pathology. In the first group of subjects, we measured binocular accommodative facility (BAF) and binocular vergence facility (BVF) with and without addition 1 D and with and without relieving prism 2 pD BO at working distance 45 cm. In the second group, we evaluated BAF, BVF and standardized questionnaire (Computer Vision Syndrome Questionnaire - CVS-Q, Sequí M. 2015) during usage of two types of soft contact lenses. The first type of contact lenses (type 1) contained relieving prism for PC working and type 2 was soft contact lens with aspheric design. In the first group of subjects, we measured these values: BAF without addition = 12.78 cpm, BAF with addition = 11.57 cpm, BVF without prism = 12.32 cpm, BVF with prism = 11.59 cpm. In the second group of subjects, we measured with contact lens type 1 these values: BAF = 12.13 cpm, BVF = 13.63 cpm and questionnaire score 9.43 points. With contact lens type 2 we measured BAF = 11.75 cpm, BVF = 11.63 cpm and questionnaire score 12.86 points. We proved statistically important different between two variable only in the first group between BAF with and without addition and BVF with and without relieving prism. In conclusion, we found statistically important decrease in variable BAF and BVF with usage of addition and relieving prism. We found that neither addition nor prism have positive influence on increase of BAF and BVF. Subjects in second group had higher BAF and BVF values with both types of contact lenses in comparison with natural values. We found that with contact lens type 1 (with addition) subjects had higher BAF and BVF values in comparison with contact lens type 2 (aspheric). Subjects with contact lens type 1 had also lower (better) questionnaire score, i.e. 9.43 versus 12.86 point. Key words: Digital eyestrain syndrome, accommodative and vergence facility, addition, relieving prism.

Sensitivity and specificity of spectral OCT in patients with early glaucoma.

This work deals with sensitivity and specificity in spectral OCT in detection of early glaucoma. Our goal was to evaluate data from RNFL analysis and compare them with resulted diagnosis of glaucoma neuropathy based on visual field changes. This retrospective study contains 31 subjects who undergone OCT examination in our department between years 2008 and 2017. Test statistic showed RNFL OCT sensitivity 63.64 % and specificity 90 %. Test ROC (receiver operating characteristic curve) showed AUC (area under curve) 0.734, which was statistically significant (p = 0.0097). We found that spectral OCT SLO with RNFL analysis is useful and effective instrument in analysis of glaucoma.

Transcription factor c-Myb inhibits breast cancer lung metastasis by suppression of tumor cell seeding.

Metastasis accounts for most of cancer-related deaths. Paracrine signaling between tumor cells and the stroma induces changes in the tumor microenvironment required for metastasis. Transcription factor c-Myb was associated with breast cancer (BC) progression but its role in metastasis remains unclear. Here we show that increased c-Myb expression in BC cells inhibits spontaneous lung metastasis through impaired tumor cell extravasation. On contrary, BC cells with increased lung metastatic capacity exhibited low c-Myb levels. We identified a specific inflammatory signature, including Ccl2 chemokine, that was expressed in lung metastatic cells but was suppressed in tumor cells with higher c-Myb levels. Tumor cell-derived Ccl2 expression facilitated lung metastasis and rescued trans-endothelial migration of c-Myb overexpressing cells. Clinical data show that the identified inflammatory signature, together with a MYB expression, predicts lung metastasis relapse in BC patients. These results demonstrate that the c-Myb-regulated transcriptional program in BCs results in a blunted inflammatory response and consequently suppresses lung metastasis.

Search for Magnetic Monopoles with the MoEDAL Forward Trapping Detector in 13 TeV Proton-Proton Collisions at the LHC.

MoEDAL is designed to identify new physics in the form of long-lived highly ionizing particles produced in high-energy LHC collisions. Its arrays of plastic nuclear-track detectors and aluminium trapping volumes provide two independent passive detection techniques. We present here the results of a first search for magnetic monopole production in 13 TeV proton-proton collisions using the trapping technique, extending a previous publication with 8 TeV data during LHC Run 1. A total of 222 kg of MoEDAL trapping detector samples was exposed in the forward region and analyzed by searching for induced persistent currents after passage through a superconducting magnetometer. Magnetic charges exceeding half the Dirac charge are excluded in all samples and limits are placed for the first time on the production of magnetic monopoles in 13 TeV pp collisions. The search probes mass ranges previously inaccessible to collider experiments for up to five times the Dirac charge.

Colour vision in group of subjects with and without chromagen filter.

Our aim in this study was to prove influence of chromagen filter on color vision quality. Further we wanted to compare quality of color vision in groups of young healthy persons with persons with maculopathy. In our study we had in total 39 subjects. First group contained 13 subjects with average age 23 years without important eye pathology. In the second group we had 13 patients (average age 68 years) with maculopathy. Third group contained subjects with average age 64 years without important eye pathology. While examination we used sorting tests for color vision: Farnsworth-Munsell test and Lanthony test. Results were evaluated according the Vingryse and King-Smith technique. We found that average total error score (TES) in young healthy subjects with color chromagen filter doesnt differ from TES value gained from patients with disease of macula (p = 0.86). Further we found that chromagen filter changes color vision in group of young subjects on statistical significant level (p = 0.01). But in clinical view this is not important color vision defect (TES = 107.46 and CI = 1.42). Next study result showed statistically not important difference between the color vision in young healthy patient (average age 23 years) and older healthy patients with average age 64 years (p = 0.58). Finally we can conclude that green color chromagen filter doesnt have negative influence for dyslectic patients who will use this filter all day. Further we proved that color vision deterioration of patients with macular disease is not important for practical distinguishing of colors but is important clinically for diagnostic purposes. Last but not least we brought result which shows not important difference between young healthy subjects and older subjects (23 versus 64 years).Key words: Color vision, chromagen lens, total error score, maculopathy.

[First Results and Experience with the iTrace Aberometer]. / První výsledky a zkusenosti s aberometrem iTrace.

PURPOSE: To evaluate obtained data by using a relatively novel devices and their results which are important eg. in refractive and cataract surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 66 eyes (n = 66). Subjects were represented by 32 women and 1 man whose age was 22.5 years ± 1.2 years (min. 21, max. 26 years) without any signs of potential eye disease. Duration of the study was 3 months. Results were compared with the measurements using the auto-refract-keratro-tono-pachymeter (TRK 1P, Topcon, Japan), Keratograph 5M (Oculus, Germany) and aberrometer iTRACE (Hoya, Japan). RESULTS: After 3 months were statistically compared keratometry values of ​​ corneal anterior surface detected by all devices. They provided to be comparable. Furthermore the values ​​of objective refraction and pachymetry were detected. CONCLUSION: Results of this study show a statistically significant correlation values ​​of objective refraction using devices TRK and iTRACE (r = 0.66 at p = 0.05) and showed a significant relationship between the keratometric data for all the devices. All used methods and devices are possible to reliably and use for valid evaluation parameters of the eye. KEY WORDS: aberrometry, low and high orders abberations, keratometry, topography, pachymetry.

[Microperimetry in the wet form of age - related macular degeneration (ARMD)]. / Mikroperimetrie u vlhké formy vekem podmínené makulární degenerace.

UNLABELLED: Aim of the paper is to introduce and evaluate the microperimetry as a support technique in the evaluation of the ARMD wet form bevacizumab (Avastin) treatment efficacy. METHODS: Twenty-one patients (21 eyes) with ARMD wet form were included in the study; they were examined by means by OCT/SLO (optic coherence tomography / scanning laser ophthalmoscope) machine whose part is the microperimetric test. In each patient, there were two microperimetric examinations performed - the first one was done one day before the application of the treatment and the second one one month after the application. The values of retinal sensitivity and possible absolute scotomas were recorded by the microperimeter. The best-corrected visual acuity measurement was recorded as well. RESULTS: The measurements were performed in the group of 21 eyes of 8 men and 13 women (age 50 - 86 years). There were the differences between the genders evaluated (at the selected level of significance of 0.05) in the following categories: age, retinal sensitivity, absolute scotoma extent, and visual acuity. Differences among men and women were found in retinal sensitivity, before the treatment and after it as well. The influence of the gender we may exclude, except the category of retinal sensitivity. In the categories age, visual acuity, and even absolute scotoma extent, no differences between genders were found. The retinal sensitivity (in case of fixation up to 4 degrees) improved in the men group from 14.49 dB ± 2.44 dB to 15.65 dB ± 2.61 dB, in the women group from 10.47 dB ± 3.11 dB to 12.05 dB ± 3.10 dB. The visual acuity in the whole group (men + women) increased from 0.48 ± 0.17 to 0.60 ± 0.18, so improved by 12 %. Statistically significant is also the result of the treatment in the absolute scotoma. CONCLUSION: Microperimetry is a suitable method to evaluate the function of macular region of the retina. The study confirms, that the treatment of wet form ARMD by means of intravitreal bevacizumab injections significantly increases the retinal sensitivity (in dB), decreases of the extent of absolute scotoma and improves the visual acuity by 12 %.

[Incidence of refractive errors with corrective aids subsequent selection]. / Výskyt refrakcních vad s následnou volbou korekcní pomucky.

UNLABELLED: This study follows the occurrence of refractive errors in population and the possible selection of the appropriate type of corrective aids. Objective measurement and subsequent determination of the subjective refraction of the eye is on essential act in opotmetric practice. The file represented by 615 patients (1230 eyes) is divided according to the refractive error of myopia, hyperopia and as a control group are listed emetropic clients. The results of objective and subjective values of refraction are compared and statistically processed. METHODS: The study included 615 respondents. To determine the objective refraction the autorefraktokeratometer with Placido disc was used and the values of spherical and astigmatic correction components, including the axis were recorded. These measurements were subsequently verified and tested subjectively using the trial lenses and the projection optotype to the normal investigative distance of 5 meters. After this the appropriate corrective aids were then recommended. RESULTS: Group I consists of 123 men and 195 women with myopia (n = 635) of clients with an average age 39 +/- 18,9 years. Objective refraction - sphere: -2,57 +/- 2,46 D, cylinder: -1,1 +/- 1,01 D, axis of: 100 degrees +/- 53,16 degrees. Subjective results are as follows--the value of sphere: -2,28 +/- 2,33 D, cylinder -0,63 +/- 0,80 D, axis of: 99,8 degrees +/- 56,64 degrees. Group II is represented hyperopic clients and consists of 67 men and 107 women (n = 348). The average age is 58,84 +/- 16,73 years. Objective refraction has values - sphere: +2,81 +/- 2,21 D, cylinder: -1,0 +/- 0,94 D; axis 95 degree +/- 45,4 degrees. Subsequent determination of subjective refraction has the following results - sphere: +2,28 +/- 2,06 D; cylinder: -0,49 +/- 0,85 D, axis of: 95,9 degrees +/- 46,4 degrees. Group III consists from emetropes whose final minimum viasual acuity was Vmin = 1,0 (5/5) or better. Overall, this control group is represented 52 males and 71 females (n = 247). The average age was 43 +/- 18,73 years. Objective refraction - sphere: +0,32 +/- 0,45 D; cylinder: -0,51 +/- 0,28 D, axis of: 94,7 degrees +/- 57,5 degrees. DISCUSSION: Values of objective refraction take higher values than the subsequent execution of the subjective examination of the refractive error and recommendation of the appropriate type of corrective aids. This all is in examined groups and in the individual components of refractive errors. It also confirmed the hypothesis that the population outweighs with-the-rule astigmatism, the deployment of resources according to the literature ranges from 90 degrees +/- 10 degrees. CONCLUSION: The values observed correction of refractive errors are then derived also offer the most common prescription ranges and products for the correction of given ametropia. In the selection and design corrective aids, we are often limited. Our task is then to manufacture high quality, functional and aesthetic corrective aids, you need to connect knowledge from the fields of optics, optometry and ophthalmology. Faster visual rehabilitation simplifies clients' rapid return to everyday life.

[Comparison of keratometric values and corneal eccentricity of myopia, hyperopia and emmetropia]. / Porovnání keratometrických hodnot a excentricit rohovek u myopie, hypermetropie a emetropie.

PURPOSE: The aim of this work is to compare the findings of keratometric values and their differences at various ametropias. The eccentricity of the cornea in the sense compared to the possible influence of refraction of the eye is topographically observed. Groups of myopia, hyperopia and emmetropia are always represented 100 subjects, i.e. 600 eyes. The results of these measurements are mutually compared and statistically processed. METHODS: The studied cohort a total of 300 clients enrolled. To measure the steepest (r1) and flattest meridian (r2) and to determine corneal eccentricity was used autorefraktokeratometer with Placido disc (KR 8100P, Topcon, Japan). The obtained data were processed with appropriate software and statistically evaluated. RESULTS: Group A consisted of 100 myopes (n = 200), 35 men and 65 women, average age 37.3 +/- 18.7 years (min. 10 years, max. 87 years). Objective refractive error - sphere: - 2.9 +/- 2.27 D (min.-0.25 D, -14.5 D max), cylinder: -0.88 +/- 0.75 D (min. -0.25 D, up to -5.0 D). Keratametry in this group is as follows: radius of curvature of the cornea in the front area of the steepest meridian 7.62 +/- 0.28 mm (min. 6.96 mm, max. 8.44 mm) and the flattest meridian is 7.76 +/- 0.3 mm (min. 7.08 mm, max 8.75 mm). The mean eccentricity was 0.37 +/- 0.12 (min 0.00, max. 0.79). Group B consisting of 100 hyperopic subjects (n = 200), 40 men and 60 women, average age 61.6 +/- 15 years (min. 21 years, max 88 years). Objective refraction in this group -sphere: +2.71 +/- 1.6 D (at least +0.25 D, up to +9.0 D), cylinder: -1.0 +/- 0.9 D (min. -0.25 D, max. -5.75 D).Corneal surface curvature in two main sections according keratometric measurement looks as follows: the steepest meridian is 7.67 +/- 0.29 mm (min. 6.99 mm, max. 8.62 mm), the flattest meridian then 7.81 +/- 0.29 mm (min. 7.10 mm, max. 8.70 mm). The value of the median eccentricity for these hundred hyperopes is 0.37 +/- 0.14 (min. 0.00; max 0.86). The third group C consists of 100 emetropic subjects (n = 200), then clients without refractive errors who achieve without corrective aids Vmin = 1.0. This group is composed of 42 men and 58 women, mean age 41.4 +/- 17.8 years (min. 3 years, max. 82 years). Measured values of objective refraction - sphere: +0.32 +/- 0.47 D (at least -1.75 D, up to +1.5 D), cylinder: -0.28 +/- 0.45 D (min. -1.25 D, up to +1.25 D). Keratometry values measured at the corneal surface in two perpendicular cross-section are: steepest meridian corresponds to the radius of curvature of 7.72 +/- 0.26 mm (min. 6.91 mm, max. 8.32 mm), the flattest meridian reaches values 7.83 +/- 0.25 mm (min. 7.10 mm, max. 8.53 mm). The median eccentricity is represented by the observed values of 0.36 +/- 0.11 (min 0.00; max. 0.57). Due to the validity of the results from the groups as unsuitable respondents with corneal astigmatism greater than -1.0 D were subsequently eliminated. CONCLUSION: Keratometry as well as topography is one of the fundamental methods of measuring corneal front surface. Their proportions are essential for the proper parameters selection, especially with contact lenses as one of the possible means intended to correct refractive errors. The study subjects were not included in any load condition cornea, purulent conjunctivitis, blepharitis, after refractive surgery or other eye symptoms.

Functional analysis of the common haplotype in the receptor for advanced glycation end-products gene previously identified as a susceptibility factor for diabetic nephropathy.

The Receptor for Advanced Glycation End-products (RAGE) belongs to the family of pattern-recognition receptors and is significantly involved in the molecular mechanisms mediating pro-inflammatory action of hyperglycemia in diabetes. The aim of the current study was to elucidate the possible functional impact of the genetic variability in the AGER gene constituting previously identified risk haplotype for diabetic nephropathy (-429C/-374T/2184G) by testing the haplotype-specific effect on the AGER gene transcriptional activity IN VITRO. Promotor and intron 8 constructs carrying respective substitutions were amplified and cloned into pGL3-Basic reporter vector and subsequently used for transfection of HEK293 cells. Following 48hrs incubation in either normo- (5 mM/L) or hyperglycemic (25 mM/L) culture medium luciferase activity was measured to assess transcriptional efficiency. Risk haplotype was associated with the highest transcriptional activity in hyperglycemia and greatest relative increase of activity between normo- and hyperglycemia conditions (approx. 3-times). We conclude that ascertained functional differences in the regulatory regions of the AGER gene might have significant consequences for the development of hyperglycemia-related pathology in diabetics.

[Mitochondrial neurogastrointestinal encephalomyopathy (MNGIE)]. / Mitochondriální neurogastrointestinální encefalomyopatie (syndrom MNGIE).

BACKGROUND: Mitochondrial neurogastrointestinal encephalomyopathy (MNGIE) is a disorder with autosomal recessive inheritance caused by mutations in the gene encoding thymidine phosphorylase (TP). TP deficiency results in imbalance of mitochondrial pool of nucleotides leading secondary to multiple deletions and depletion of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and impairment of oxidative phosphorylation system. The disease is clinically characterized by gastrointestinal dysmotility with symptoms of pseudo-obstruction, severe failure to thrive, ptosis, leukoencephalopathy, peripheral neuropathy and myopathy. We present results of the clinical, histochemical, biochemical and molecular analyses of the first Czech patient with MNGIE syndrome. METHODS AND RESULTS: Man, 33-years old with twenty-year history of failure to thrive (height 168 cm, weight 34 kg) and progressive gastrointestinal dysmotility, external ophthalmoplegia, leucoencephalopathy and peripheral neuropathy was recommended to metabolic center. Histochemical analyses in muscle biopsy showed the presence of "ragged red fibers" with focal decrease of cytochrome c oxidase activity, but spectrophotometric analyses in isolated muscle mitochondria revealed normal activities of all respiratory chain complexes. Metabolic investigation revealed markedly increased plasma level of thymidine (6.6 micromol/l, controls <0.05 micromol/l) and deoxyuridine (15 micromol/l, controls <0.05 micromol/l). The activity of TP in isolated lymphocytes was low (0.02 micromol/hour/mg protein, reference range 0.78 +/- 0.18). Molecular analyses in muscle biopsy revealed multiple mtDNA deletions and homozygous mutation 1419G>A (Gly145Arg) was found in gene for TP. Both parents are heterozygotes. CONCLUSIONS: MNGIE has to be considered in patients presenting with a combination of gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms. Plasma level of thymidine may serve as the best method for laboratory screening of MNGIE, but molecular analyses are necessary for genetic counselling and prenatal diagnosis in affected families.

Oncologic markers in patients with colorectal cancer after a complex therapy.

The authors present a prospective study on a value of oncologic markers CEA and CA 19-9 in patients after curative therapy for colorectal adenocarcinoma. During a five-year follow-up in 320 patients, a significant elevation of CEA or CA 19-9 was documented in 71 patients (22.8 %), and resulted in tumour detection in 39/71 patients (55 %). Although the levels were defined as false positive in 32 patients (45 %), the importance of CEA and CA 19-9 monitoring is documented by elevated levels of oncomakers in 39/55 patients (71%) with metastases or local-regional recurrence of colorectal adenocarcinoma. (Tab. 3, Ref: 21.)

[What to expect from the neoadjuvant therapy of the oesophageal carcinoma?]. / Co je mozno ocekávat od neoadjuvantní terapie karcinomu jícnu?

AIM: The aim of this study was to assess the neoadjuvant therapy of the oesophageal carcinoma firstly from the perspective of the immediate effect on the resection procedure itself and, secondly, from the perspective of the long-term results. METHODOLOGY: Prior to the resection of the oesophagus, the patients were administered the neoadjuvant therapy. The patients were allocated to three groups with the following branches of the cytostatic treatment: CDDP+FU, TAX+FU a CDDP. A smaller group with a less advanced disorder was treated only surgically, with the oesophageal resection. Furthermore, the study aimed at assessing chemoresistance of the tumors according to the MTT test and at correcting the individual branches appropriately. RESULTS: The total of 70 patients were operated from 2001 to V/2004. Out of this number, 15 oesophgeal resections without the neoadjuvant therapy were conducted. None of the patients exited, and fistules were the commonest complications. CONCLUSION: No differences in postoperative complications were reported between the groups with or without the neodjuvant therapy. Therefore, this therapy has no positive effect on the resection results themselves. The MTT test proved to be of low significance in the neodjuvant therapy assessment. Chemoresistance can be assessed only retrospectively and, furthermore, the results are likely to be affected by a relatively high sensitivity to the neodjuvant therapy itself. The pCR rate reaches 20%. Long-term results had not been assessed due to a short follow-up period.