Proton Distribution Radii of

The root mean square radii of the proton density distribution in ^{16-24}O derived from measurements of charge changing cross sections with a carbon target at ∼900A MeV together with the matter radii portray thick neutron skin for ^{22-24}O despite ^{22,24}O being doubly magic. Imprints of the shell closures at N=14 and 16 are reflected in local minima of their proton radii that provide evidence for the tensor interaction causing them. The radii agree with ab initio calculations employing the chiral NNLO_{sat} interaction, though skin thickness predictions are challenged. Shell model predictions agree well with the data.

Towards the Limits of Existence of Nuclear Structure: Observation and First Spectroscopy of the Isotope

The most remote isotope from the proton dripline (by 4 atomic mass units) has been observed: ^{31}K. It is unbound with respect to three-proton (3p) emission, and its decays have been detected in flight by measuring the trajectories of all decay products using microstrip detectors. The 3p emission processes have been studied by the means of angular correlations of ^{28}S+3p and the respective decay vertices. The energies of the previously unknown ground and excited states of ^{31}K have been determined. This provides its 3p separation energy value S_{3p} of -4.6(2) MeV. Upper half-life limits of 10 ps of the observed ^{31}K states have been derived from distributions of the measured decay vertices.

Proton Distribution Radii of

Proton radii of ^{12-19}C densities derived from first accurate charge changing cross section measurements at 900A MeV with a carbon target are reported. A thick neutron surface evolves from ∼0.5 fm in ^{15}C to ∼1 fm in ^{19}C. The halo radius in ^{19}C is found to be 6.4±0.7 fm as large as ^{11}Li. Ab initio calculations based on chiral nucleon-nucleon and three-nucleon forces reproduce the radii well.

Measurement of Excitation Spectra in the

Excitation spectra of ^{11}C are measured in the ^{12}C(p,d) reaction near the η^{'} emission threshold. A proton beam extracted from the synchrotron SIS-18 at GSI with an incident energy of 2.5 GeV impinges on a carbon target. The momenta of deuterons emitted at 0° are precisely measured with the fragment separator (FRS) operated as a spectrometer. In contrast to theoretical predictions on the possible existence of deeply bound η^{'}-mesic states in carbon nuclei, no distinct structures are observed associated with the formation of bound states. The spectra are analyzed to set stringent constraints on the formation cross section and on the hitherto barely known η^{'}-nucleus interaction.

Observation and Spectroscopy of New Proton-Unbound Isotopes ³°Ar and ²9Cl: An Interplay of Prompt Two-Proton and Sequential Decay.

Previously unknown isotopes (30)Ar and (29)Cl have been identified by measurement of the trajectories of their in-flight decay products (28)S+p+p and (28)S+p, respectively. The analysis of angular correlations of the fragments provided information on decay energies and the structure of the parent states. The ground states of (30)Ar and (29)Cl were found at 2.25(-0.10)(+0.15) and 1.8±0.1 MeV above the two- and one-proton thresholds, respectively. The lowest states in (30)Ar and (29)Cl point to a violation of isobaric symmetry in the structure of these unbound nuclei. The two-proton decay has been identified in a transition region between simultaneous two-proton and sequential proton emissions from the (30)Ar ground state, which is characterized by an interplay of three-body and two-body decay mechanisms. The first hint of a fine structure of the two-proton decay of (30)Ar*(2(+)) has been obtained by detecting two decay branches into the ground and first-excited states of the (28)S fragment.

Proton radii of (12-17)B define a thick neutron surface in ¹7B.

The first determination of radii of point proton distribution (proton radii) of (12-17)B from charge-changing cross sections (σ(CC)) measurements at the FRS, GSI, Darmstadt is reported. The proton radii are deduced from a finite-range Glauber model analysis of the σ(CC). The radii show an increase from ¹³B to ¹7B and are consistent with predictions from the antisymmetrized molecular dynamics model for the neutron-rich nuclei. The measurements show the existence of a thick neutron surface with neutron-proton radius difference of 0.51(0.11) fm in ¹7B.

Optical coherence tomography--a new imaging method in ophthalmology.

An improvement of examination methods in ophthalmology, technical digitalisation and knowledge of validity of examinations in various diseases contributes to early diagnostics, thereby leading to an opportunity for early treatment of eye disorders. Standard introduction of the so-called optical coherence tomography into the ophthamological clinical practice facilitated new options for a detailed analysis of pathological processes in the particular layers of the retina (Fig. 2, Ref. 5). Full Text (Free, PDF) www.bmj.sk.

Mechanical injuries of the eye.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic mechanical damage of the eye can cause serious morphological and functional changes in eye structures. Thorough examination and appropriate approach are essential in successful treatment and maintenance of visual functions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In the years 2005-2007, 78 patients with mechanical eye injury were treated at the Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava. We treated 17 eyes with globe contusions, 19 eyes with penetrating injuries, 16 eyes with intraocular foreign bodies, 2 eyes with perforating injuries and 24 eyes with globe ruptures. RESULTS: Final visual acuity better than 5/50 was achieved in 7 eyes (41.2%) with contusion, 15 eyes (78.9%) wih penetrating injuries, 10 eyes (62.5%) with intraocular foreign bodies and in 5 eyes (20.8%) with globe ruptures. Twelve eyes (50.0%) from the group of patients with globe ruptures were without light perception. CONCLUSION: Traumatic mechanical damage of the eye can result in serious morphological and functional impact on eye tissue structures. Globe rupture often causes a visual loss despite advances in diagnostic and surgical procedures. Proper examination and appropriate approach are essential in successful treatment and saving the visual functions. Modern diagnostic and surgical procedures can save many eyes and maintain their useful function (Tab. 9, Fig. 2, Ref. 12).

[Purtscher-like retinopathy--a rare complication of acute pancreatitis]. / Purtscher-like retinopatia--zriedkavá komplikácia akútnej pankreatitídy: kazuistika.

The article reports the case of a 27-year old woman hospitalised in the internal medicine ward for acute pancreatitis after eating fat food and drinking alcohol. In addition to acute pancreatitis, the patient complained of vision problems. The ophthalmologist detected bilateral occurrence of large whitish nidi located primarily around the optic disc, intraretinal hemorrhage and a massive retinal oedema in the central field and diagnosed Purtscher-like retinopathy. After a month of treatment of acute pancreatitis, the clinical picture improved, the patient's vision sharpness improved and the laboratory parametres returned to normal. The finding on the ocular fundus also improved. Even though similar cases are rare, more patients with acute pancreatitis should be checked for eventual vision disorders. Ocular fundus examination should be included in the set of tests performed for acute pancreatitis, similarly to the practice in arterial hypertension or diabetes mellitus patients.

Conjunctival nevus and melanoma.

The conjunctival nevus is one of the most common benign tumors of the ocular surface. Melanomas are rare; they can arise without a preexisting conjunctival nevus, or due to malignant transformation in case of PAM (primary acquired melanosis). The retrospective study analyzed 70 patients with pigmented lesion of the conjunctiva in period 1996-2006 at the Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava, with the aim to determine the frequency of change in size and pigmentation of these benign lesions. Epibulbar pigmented lesions are rare, recognition of their precursors lesions at an early stage is important. Surgical excision is usually effective in eradicating these lesions. Extensive cases of flat primary acquired melanosis with atypia may be managed with mitomycin C. Multifocal and advanced melanoma, especially showing intraocular or orbital invasion, may require exenteration and/or radiotherapy to adequately extirpate the neoplasm locally. However, systemic metastases might have already develop in patients with advanced stage of disease (Fig. 7, Ref 13). Full Text (Free, PDF) www.bmj.sk.

Complications in patients with uveal melanoma after stereotactic radiosurgery and brachytherapy.

Malignant uveal melanoma is the most common intraocular tumour with the incidence about 0.7-1.0 in 100.000 inhabitants. Enucleation is still a standard treatment method for posterior uveal melanoma, but conservative methods are an adequate alternative. Brachytherapy has been used more than 20 years in our Department, stereotactic radiosurgery was introduced in 1999. In years 1991-2004, 145 patients with uveal melanoma were treated at the Department of Ophthalmology, Comenius University, Bratislava. Conservative treatment/brachytherapy is indicated in tumours staged T1-T3. Survival is comparable for all conservative methods. After stereotactic radiosurgery (Linac), the necessity of enucleation because of complications (e.g. secondary glaucoma), after brachytherapy (Ru106 plaques), it was 5%. Conservative methods and combined techniques are effective methods for the therapy of uveal melanomas (Fig. 5, Tab. 1, Ref. 6).

[The Changes of the Spectrum in Primarily Indicated Surgeries due to Retinal Detachment during the Period of 15 Years]. / Zmena spektra primarne indikovaných operácií pre odlúpenie sietnice pocas 15 rokov.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness of surgery for the rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, depending upon changes in the type of the primary surgery in the last 15 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: There were 991 patients with primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment operated (in total 1020 eyes) at the Department of Ophthalmology Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Bratislava. In the prospective part, in A group concerning the years 1999-2001, there were 346 eyes, 339 patients included. In the first retrospective part, in B group concerning the years 1994-1998 there were 464 eyes, 455 patients. In the second retrospective part, in C group concerning the years 2009-2010, 210 eyes, 197 patients were enrolled. We have analyzed the anatomical and functional results, focusing on the primary indicated surgical procedure of retinal detachment. The primary pars plana vitrectomy was in A group indicated in 54,6%, in group B in 27,6% and in group C in 90,4%. RESULTS: We have recorded the improvement of visual acuity after retinal detachment surgery in A group in 54.7% of eyes, in B group in 58.2% of eyes and in C group in 57% of eyes. The same visual acuity as it was before the first surgery for retinal detachment was recorded in A group in 26.8%, in B group in 19.8% and in C group C in 28% of eyes. Attached retina has been achieved in 75 % in A group after the first surgery and after the last surgical procedure the success rate increased to 98%. The anatomical success was 72% of eyes after the first surgery in B group and after the last surgery it was 94%, in C group the retina was attached in the 74% after primary surgery and 99% after the last surgery. CONCLUSION: The changing of spectrum indicated by primary retinal detachment surgeries for the last 15 years has not brought the expected major functional and anatomical improvement.

[Brachytherapy in the treatment of age-related macular degeneration]. / Brachyterapia v liecbe VPMD.

Low-dose radiotherapy by local applicators--Ru106--plaques at a retinal apex dose of 1000-1500 cGy offers a method to treat subretinal neovascularisation by age related macular degeneration without destroying the overlying retina.

[Age-related macular degeneration in fluoroangiographic findings]. / Vekom podmienená makulárna degenerácia vo fluoroangiografickom náleze.

Age-related macular degeneration has become the leading cause of severe visual loss in people over 60 years of age. The authors are reporting on characteristic fluorescein angiography findings obtained by fluorescein angiography of patients with age-related macular degeneration diagnosis.

Retrobulbar neuritis associated with Borrelia afzelii infection.

PURPOSE: To report retrobulbar neuritis caused by Borrelia afzelii culturally proved from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). METHODS: A 23 year old female underwent ophthalmologic, laboratory and other auxilliary examinations. RESULTS: CSF cultures grew spirochetal microorganisms, serotyped by monoclonal antibodies as Borrelia afzelii. Following the serological and cultural results, treatment with doxycycline 200 mg daily was started and kept for three weeks. Gradual improvement of the visual acuity of the right eye was observed with full recovery to 20/20. CONCLUSIONS: Borrelia infection should be considered in the differential diagnosis of retrobulbar neuritis. CSF should be examined also culturally. (Ref. 5.)

[Pars plana vitrectomy and combination therapy pars plana vitrectomy, intravitreal triamcinolon acetonid and macular lasercoagulation - one year results]. / Pars plana vitrektómia a kombinovaná liecba pars plana vitrektómia, triamcinolon acetonid intravitreálne a laserkoagulácia makuly pri diabetickom edéme makuly - rocné výsledky.

PURPOSE: To compare anatomic and functional results of pars plana vitrectomy with MLI peeling (group PPV) and pars plana vitrectomy with MLI peeling, intravitreal triamcinolon acetonide 4 mg and macular lasercoagulation (group PPV + TRIAM) in eyes with diffuse diabetic macular edema (DEM). METHODS: In the group PPV eyes underwent PPV with MLI peeling and in the group PPV + TRIAM, PPV with MLI peeling, intravitreal triamcinolon acetonide 4 mg was performed at the end of surgery and macular lasercoagulation 3 weeks after surgery. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT) and macular volume were recorded before, 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after vitrectomy. RESULTS: Sixty - eight eyes from 59 subjects with DEM non responsive to lasercoagulation or with vitreomacular traction were enrolled, the group PPV 35 eyes and the group PPV + TRIAM 33 eyes. In the group PPV before and 1, 3, 6 a 12 months after surgery mean BCVA were 0,22; 0,21; 0,28; 0,32; 0,30, mean CMT were 497,69 µm; 400,89 µm; 356,46 µm; 346,89 µm; 319,49 µm and mean macular volume were 11,48 mm3; 9,82 mm3; 9,28 mm3; 9,07 mm3, 8,83 mm3. In the group PPV + TRIAM mean BCVA were 0,18; 0,16; 0,23; 0,26; 0,26, mean CMT were 447,82 µm; 276,03 µm; 266,27 µm; 268,36 µm; 251,15 µm, mean macular volume were 10,71 mm3; 8,03 mm3; 8,28 mm3; 7,96 mm3; 7,66 mm3. In both groups statistical significant improvement in BCVA were observed from month 3 (p = 0.0013), in CMT and macular volume from month 1 (< 0.001). To compare both groups, in the group PPV + TRIAM changes in CMT and macular volume in month 1 after combination therapy from baseline were statistical significant, but without statistical significant, change in BCVA (p = 0.229). The major complications after surgery were an elevation of intraocular pressure and cataract surgery, more often in the group PPV + TRIAM (p = 0.153, p = 0.056). CONCLUSION: Both surgical technics are effective in the treatment of DEM. Combination therapy PPV, triamcinolon acetonide 4mg and macular lasercoagulation is associated with higher number of complications after surgery (elevation of intraocular pressure and cataract surgery).

[Sub-internal limiting membrane haemorrhage treated by pars plana vitrectomy]. / Krvácania pod vnútornú hranicnú membránu sietnice liecené pars plana vitrektómiou.

PURPOSE: A retrospective study of anatomical and functional results of haemorrhages sub-internal limiting membrane treated by pars plana vitrectomy with internal limiting membrane peeling. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The studied group consists of 6 patients - 6 eyes with acute bleeding under internal limiting membrane at the age of 18-59 years (mean age 37,3 years). The group was ethiopathogenetically various: 1x sarcoidosis, 1x cocaine abuse, 1x alcoholic and drug-induced hepatopathy, 1x morbus von Willebrand, 1x branch retinal vein occlusion combined with macroaneuryzm, 1x unknown cause - idiopathic. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was hand motion in 3 of the eyes, counting fingers at 30 cm, 20/200 or 20/63 in the other 3 eyes. After a complete ophthalmologic examination including fluorescein angiography and optical coherence tomography a 23-gauge sutureless pars plana vitrectomy with internal limiting membrane peeling was performed in all patients. The follow-up period was 3-36 months (mean follow-up 18.3 months). RESULTS: In all 6 patients (6 eyes) an important improvement of visual functions was observed within 2-3 days after the surgery with a corresponding improvement of anatomical ophthalmoscopic findings and findings on optical coherence tomography. The BCVA at the last examination was 20/20 in 3 eyes, 20/32 in 2 eyes and 20/25 in 1 eye. We did not experience any complications like retinal tear, retinal detachment, endophthalmitis or relapse of bleeding neither during the surgery nor during the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: Sub-internal limiting membrane haemorrhage affect younger patients in working-age population. These patients need rapid visual recovery. Surgical treatment of sub-internal limiting membrane haemorrhages by pars plana vitrectomy with internal limiting membrane peeling is a safe and effective method, which facilitates a quick return to patients` previous working activities and social standard.

[Extrascleral overgrowth of malignant choroidal melanoma after endoresection]. / Extrasklerálne prerastanie malígneho melanómu choroidey po endoresekcii.

OBJECTIVE: Course of progression of the malignant choroidal melanoma diagnosed in T2 stage up to stage T4 with infiltration of the orbit. Case report 41 year old patient identified with intraocular malignant melanoma in the year 2005, documentation of disease progression and disease. Access to treatment of intraocular malignant melanoma in stage T1 - T2 in the last decade has changed from a radical approach (enucleation) towards conservative treatment (brachytherapy, radiosurgical methods) or combined procedures (pars plana vitrectomy and endoresection followed by irradiation or addition of laser treatment). Currently, more than 60% of uveal melanoma is treated by brachytherapy or radiosurgical techniques and combined procedures. CASE REPORT: A 41 years old female patient with malignant melanoma in the choroid stage T2 since 2005. The volume of the tumor was 0.9 cm³, maximal elevation was over 12 mm. The patient refused a radical treatment (primary enucleation). Due to the stage of the melanoma she was recommended to stereotactic radiosurgery and combined therapy. She underwent stereotactic radiosurgery (TDmax - total dose of 35.0 Gy) in 2005. In 2006 pars plana vitrectomy with incomplete endoresection of the tumor and silicon oil instillation was done. In 2006-2007 appeared bleeding into the anterior chamber and she underwent three times an anterior chamber lavage in another department with subsequent development of secondary glaucoma. In January 2010 patient came to our department with the local finding of malignant melanoma in stage T4 with epibulbar growth process and the infiltration of the orbit. In the period have been found two solid liver metastases. Indicated exenteration of the orbit, histopathologically confirmed mixed cell type malignant melanoma. CONCLUSION: Progression of malignant melanoma after incomplete endoresection despite previous radiosurgical treatment can be very rapid in the course of the disease documented by ultrasound, computed tomography and magnetic resonance. The patient subsequently passed to another workplace and underwent repeated lavage of the vitreous cavity. During endoresection is opened the package fibrous mesh gateway for the infiltration process in the cavity of the orbit and epibulbar space. In the case of residual melanoma after endoresection even though the tumor was irradiated before the procedure the melanoma might progress very fast into the surrounding tissues.

[Basalioma of the eyelid: rate and factors of recurrence after surgical therapy]. / Výskyt recidív po chirurgickej liecbe bazaliómu koze mihalníc.

UNLABELLED: The aim of our study was to evaluate a recurrence rate of basalioma of the eyelid after surgical therapy. In our cohort of patients we also assessed a relation between the recurrence and chosen clinical parameters (localisation and size of tumour, TNM classification, histopathological grade of differentiation, margins of excision). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of data from patients with basalioma of the eyelid treated surgically at the Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine Comenius University in Bratislava during the years 2005-2007. The excision exceeded the macroscopically visible margins of tumor with a safety margin of 2-3 mm into the healthy tissue. RESULTS: In our cohort we studied 67 histologically proven tumors in 65 patients. During a mean follow-up time of 24.6 +/- 13.6 months we found a recurrence in 4 tumors (6,0%), one of them subsequently recidivated for a second time. There was no statistically significant relation between the studied parameters and a tumor recurrence. CONCLUSION: Our recurrence rate of 6.0% is comparable with the published results from other centers.

[Clinical trial of the generic product UNILAT following its efficiency and safety in glaucoma and intraocular hypertension]. / Klinické sledovanie ucinnosti a bezpecnosti generického produktu UNILAT v terapii glaukómu a vnútroocnej hypertenzie.

The authors introduce UNILAT, a new generic product from UNIMED PHARMA Ltd., a Slovak pharmaceutical company. Within the Phase III. of clinical trial they evaluate UNILATes efficacy and safety in the treatment of glaucoma and intraocular hypertension. The clinical study design was performed as an open comparative multicenter trial. Its goal was to compare the UNILAT generic product (latanoprost 50 microg/ml, eye drops solution, Unimed Pharma) with XALATAN original product (latanoprost 50 microg/ml, eye drops solution, Pfizer) and to prove that UNILAT is as effective and safe as original product. The study was performed on 77 subjects in seven private ophthalmic outpatient departments in Slovakia during the period from February 5, 2008 till July 24, 2008. The primary endpoint specified to prove UNILAT's efficacy was the average decrease of IOP measured between the first and last visit. The secondary endpoint was proportion of patients with measured IOP less than 21 mmHg at the end of the clinical trial. The safety of the generic product was based on the frequency of adverse reactions in subjects included in the study. Results of clinical study have confirmed UNILAT's therapeutical indications and demonstrated that it is non-inferior to the original product concerning efficacy and safety in the treatment of glaucoma and ocular hypertension.