[Outcomes of Trifocal Toric Lens Implantation in Cataract Patients]. / Výsledky implantace trifokální torické cocky u pacientu s kataraktou.

AIM: The aim of our study was to evaluate the outcome of cataract surgeries with implantation of intraocular trifocal toric lens, and to study the accuracy of astigmatism correction, lens rotational stability, and safety of the procedures. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Our study comprised 22 eyes of 16 patients who underwent unilateral or bilateral implantation of AT LISA tri toric 939MP, or its implantation in combination with AT LISA tri 839MP. Mean patient age was 58 ± 11 years (39 to 75 years). Mean follow-up was 5 months. Evaluated parameters were preoperative and postoperative decimal corrected (CDVA) and uncorrected (UDVA) distance visual acuity. Uncorrected near (UNVA) and intermediate (UIVA) visual acuity was obtained with Jaeger optotypes. Furthermore, we studied manifest refraction, amount of corneal astigmatism, implanted lens position, and potential complications. Using two types of questionnaires we surveyed patients on their subjective satisfaction with vision. RESULTS: Spherical equivalent changed from preoperative -1.32 ± 4.05 D (-9.25 to 4.00 D) to postoperative -0.23 ± 0.21 D (-0.75 to 0.00 D). Preoperative corneal astigmatism was -1.97 ± 0.76 D (-4.02 to -1.01 D), manifest astigmatism was -1.70 ± 1.26 D. After the surgery, manifest astigmatism significantly improved to -0.34 ± 0.37 D (p<0.001). Mean monocular UDVA increased from 0.26 ± 0.18 (0.05 to 0.60) to postoperative 0.88 ± 0.13 (0.60 to 1.00) (p<0.001). CDVA also improved significantly, from 0.57 ± 0.24 to a final value of 1.02 ± 0.07 (p<0.001). Mean postoperative monocular UNVA was Jaeger 1-2, UIVA corresponded to Jaeger 3-4.No serious complications were recorded. Based on the outcome of questionnaires, all patients are satisfied with their vision and they are independent of spectacles. CONCLUSION: In the present study we have obtained very good functional outcomes of vision at far, near and intermediate in cataract patients after trifocal AT LISA tri toric lens implantation. Also, total astigmatism in studied eyes was substantially reduced. The treatment led to a high subjective satisfaction of patients and to their independence of spectacles. KEY WORDS: trifocal toric intraocular lens, cataract, astigmatism, refractive outcomes, patient subjective satisfaction.

First results on the genetic diversity of the invasive signal crayfish Pacifastacus leniusculus (Dana, 1852) in Europe using novel microsatellite loci.

The introduction of non-native crayfish in aquatic ecosystems is very common due to human activities (e.g. aquaculture, recreational and commercial fisheries). The signal crayfish, Pacifastacus leniusculus (Dana, 1852), is one of the most widespread invasive species in Europe. Although several important ecological and economic impacts of this species have been reported, its European population genetic characterisation has never been undertaken using nuclear markers. Thus, the aim of this study was to develop and characterise new microsatellite markers for signal crayfish that can be useful in future studies in its invaded range, since only five are available so far. In total, 93 individuals from four geographically distinct European populations (Portugal, Great Britain, Finland and Sweden) were scored for the new markers and for those previously described, with the Bayesian analysis revealing a clear distinction among populations. These markers are suitable for future studies of the population genetic structure of this important invasive species, by increasing information about the possible pathways of introduction and dispersal, and by giving insights about the most important vectors of introduction.

Cross-species amplification of microsatellite markers in the invasive spiny-cheek crayfish (Orconectes limosus): assessment and application.

The North American spiny-cheek crayfish, Orconectes limosus (Cambaridae), endangered in its native range, is a widespread invasive species in European waters and conservationally important carrier of crayfish plague. However, its population structure is poorly known, and no informative genetic markers for the species are available. We tested cross-species transfer of microsatellite loci to spiny-cheek crayfish from 5 other crayfish species. Variability of 10 successfully amplifying loci derived from 4 species was then tested in 60 individuals of O. limosus originating from 3 natural populations: the river Danube at Bogyiszló in Hungary, a pond in Starý Klíèov, and the brook Eernovický, both in the Czech Republic. The allele number within the populations ranged from 4 to 10 alleles per locus, while heterozygosity levels varied from 0.650 to 0.900 for H(o) and from 0.660 to 0.890 for H(e). No linkage disequilibrium and no null alleles were detected. The selected markers are useful for assessing population structure, intraspecific variation, and paternity studies in spiny-cheek crayfish.

Prevalence of the crayfish plague pathogen Aphanomyces astaci in invasive American crayfishes in the Czech Republic.

In Central Europe invasive North American crayfishes are carriers of the oomycete Aphanomyces astaci, which causes crayfish plague. This lethal disease currently represents one of the major threats to native European crayfishes. We used molecular methods-species--specific amplification and sequencing of the pathogen DNA--to investigate the prevalence of individuals latently infected with A. astaci in 28 populations of two invasive American crayfish species (6 of the signal crayfish [Pacifastacus leniusculus] and 22 of the spiny-cheek crayfish [Orconectes limosus]) in the Czech Republic. The pathogen occurred in 17 investigated populations. We recorded a high variation in positive reactions, ranging from 0% to 100%, in populations of O. limosus. In P. leniusculus, however, only one individual out of 124 tested positive for the pathogen. There was a clear relationship between the water body type and pathogen prevalence in O. limosus. Infection ratios in isolated standing waters were usually low, whereas in running waters, pathogen prevalence often exceeded 50%. Other evaluated characteristics of potential plague pathogen carriers (size, sex, and the presence of melanized spots in the cuticle) seemed to be unrelated to infection. Our data suggest that in contrast to other European countries, O. limosus seems to be the primary reservoir of crayfish plague in the Czech Republic. Although all populations of alien American crayfishes may be potential sources of infections and should be managed as such, knowledge on the prevalence of the plague pathogen at various localities may allow managers to focus conservation efforts on the most directly endangered populations of native crayfishes.

Role of CD64, P53 and P21 proteins in the pathogenesis of the tubulo-interstitial syndrome in Masugi chronic nephritis.

Experiments of 42 outbred male albino rats (160-180 g) showed an increase in the content of CD64, fibroblast growth factor, and proapoptotic proteins (p53 and p21) in the renal cortical matter on day 45 of experimental chronic Masugi nephritis. A positive correlation between CD64 and fibroblast growth factor characterizes the macrophage-fibroblast interactions, the key point in the formation of tubulo-interstitial fibrosis.

[Functional and structural characteristics of the nephron segments]. / Funktsional'no-strukturna kharakterystyka sehmentiv nefronu.

The review presents a modern view on the functional--morphological peculiarities of 12 segments of the nephron canaliculi possessing some functional, biochemical and histologic distinctions that should be taken into account to study physiology, biochemistry, morphology and pathophysiology of the kidney.

[Pathogenetic role of prostanoids in disorders of sodium reabsorption during development of acute renal insufficiency]. / Patohenetychne znachennia prostanoïdiv u porushenni reabsorbtsiï ioniv natriiu za umov rozvytku hostroï nyrkovoï nedostatnosti.

The experiments were carried out on 36 male rats with an acute renal insufficiency--sublimate-induced nephropathy. An increased amount of both tromboxan A2, and prostaglandine F2a has been shown to play a pathogenic role in the disorders of the main energy-dependent process in kidney--reabsorbtion of sodium ions. The negative correlative relation between the concentration of sodium ions in plasma and an increased amount of prostaglandine E2 in a kidney papilla can be explained by the hyperfunction of the interstitial cells of a kidney papilla and with a natriuretic effect of prostaglandine E2 at the level of collective tubules.

[The effect of the preparation Wobe-Mugos E on the functional and biochemical status of the kidneys in the polyuric stage of sublimate-induced nephropathy]. / Vplyv preparatu Wobe-Mugos E na funktsional'nyi ta biokhimichnyi stan nyrok u poliurychnu stadiiu sulemovoï nefropatiï.

The protective effect of Wobe-Mugos appliance on the kidney function and biochemical state in polyuric stage of sublimate nephropathia at the moment of tubulointerstitial component formation was revealed in experiments on 40 white male rats. It appeared in the increase of hydrogenous ion excretion, titred acids, renal tissue fibrinolytic and proteolytic activity. The succinatdehydrogenase activation in renal cortex matter pointed out on the improvement of energy balance.