Methods of investigation transformation kinetics of yttrium carbonate hydroxide in citric acid solution into yttrium citrate dihydrate.

A method of synthesis crystalline yttrium citrate dihydrate was proposed as a result of the transformation of the freshly precipitated basic yttrium carbonate phase in a citric acid solution. The synthesis time was determined on the basis of composition analysis, structure and thermogravimetric studies of samples taken during the synthesis. The research methods used have shown that in the initial stage of the synthesis, the processes of citric acid sorption on basic yttrium carbonate and transformation of amorphous yttrium carbonate hydroxide into crystalline yttrium hydroxide occurs. It is only after 72 h of synthesis that the crystalline yttrium citrate dihydrate is formed.•Synthesis crystalline yttrium citrate dehydrate.•The synthesis time 72 h.•Synthesis components: the freshly precipitated basic yttrium carbonate phase in a citric acid solution.

Global proteome response of Synechocystis 6803 to extreme copper environments applied to control the activity of the inducible petJ promoter.

AIMS: Cyanobacteria are prokaryotes performing oxygenic photosynthesis, and they can be engineered to harness solar energy for production of commodity and high-value chemicals by means of synthetic biology. The Cu2+ -regulated petJ promoter (PpetJ ), which controls the expression of the endogenous cytochrome c553, can be used for expression of foreign products in Synechocystis 6803. We aimed to disclose potential bottlenecks in application of the PpetJ in synthetic biology approaches. METHODS AND RESULTS: Quantitative label-free mass spectrometry revealed global proteome changes which occurred during nutrient conditions which repress or activate of PpetJ in Synechocystis 6803. CONCLUSIONS: Some irreversible proteome alterations were discovered due to the copper stress, including downregulation of the ribosomal proteins, significant changes in protein amounts of the cell surface layer and the outer and inner membranes. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This study revealed limitations in the use of PpetJ for biotechnological applications.

New insight into organic anion transporters from the perspective of potentially important interactions and drugs toxicity.

The family of organic anion transporters (OATs) includes a group of over 10 transmembrane transporting proteins belonging to the solute carrier 22 subfamilies of the major facilitator superfamily. Their function is related to the transport of a great variety of organic anions against the electrical and chemical gradient. OATs are present in most types of human tissues, including the kidneys, liver, placenta, olfactory epithelium, retina, and choroid plexus tissues. The OATs family plays an important role in the cellular uptake, distribution, excretion, and detoxification of many water-soluble drugs, endogenous compounds, nutrition ingredients, environmental contaminants and toxins, and significantly impacts their efficacy, pharmacokinetics and toxicity, both in a preferable and unfavorable way. OATs demonstrated great potential to participate in many potentially relevant interactions, which may lead to unexpected, but not always detrimental, effects. Wider knowledge about their specific functions in the body, role in disease states, pharmacokinetics interactions, and intraindividual response to therapeutic treatment will allow to predict and prevent OAT-related adverse effects or use favorable interactions in pharmacotherapy, as well as to rationally design therapeutics targeted at individual transporter drugs with improved bioavailability, prolonged half-life or reduced toxicity, and improve safety guidelines concerning drug dosage. This review gathers recent reports regarding OAT-related essential interactions involving components of popular therapeutic herbal products, dietary supplements, and clinically important drugs, their significance and potential suitability in modulating the severity of drug-related side effects and toxicity mechanisms.

Comparative analysis of ferroelectric domain statistics via nonlinear diffraction in random nonlinear materials.

We present an indirect, non-destructive optical method for domain statistic characterization in disordered nonlinear crystals having homogeneous refractive index and spatially random distribution of ferroelectric domains. This method relies on the analysis of the wave-dependent spatial distribution of the second harmonic, in the plane perpendicular to the optical axis in combination with numerical simulations. We apply this technique to the characterization of two different media, Calcium Barium Niobate and Strontium Barium Niobate, with drastically different statistical distributions of ferroelectric domains.

Erythropoietin accelerates tumor growth through increase of erythropoietin receptor (EpoR) as well as by the stimulation of angiogenesis in DLD-1 and Ht-29 xenografts.

Anemia is a relatively common symptom coexisting with colorectal carcinoma. Besides having a positive impact on hematological parameters, erythropoietin (Epo) has the serious adverse effect of promoting the neoplastic process. The role of Epo in colon cancer has not been clearly shown. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of Epo therapy on colorectal carcinoma cells both in in vitro and in animal models. Human colon adenocarcinoma cells DLD-1 and Ht-29 were cultured in medium with Epo beta in normoxia. Cell proliferation was measured with an automated cell counter. Expression of erythropoietin receptor (EpoR) mRNA, Akt mRNA, and their proteins were assessed by RT-PCR and confocal microscopy, respectively. Nude mice were inoculated with adenocarcinoma cells and treated with a therapeutic dose of Epo. Expression of EpoR, VEGF, Flt-1 and CD31 was evaluated in xenograft tumors. We identified that Epo through EpoR activates Akt, which promotes colon cancer cell growth and proliferation. Epo, and high levels of phosphorylated EpoR, directly accelerates tumor growth through its proliferative and proangiogenic effects. This study demonstrated that Epo had enhanced carcinogenesis through increase of EpoR and Flt-1 expression, and thereby contributed to tumor development. These results suggest that both EpoR-positive and EpoR-negative cancer cells could be regulated by exogenous Epo. However, an increased response to erythropoietin was observed in the EpoR-positive cells. Thus, erythropoietin increases the risk of tumor progression in colon cancer and should not be used to treat anemia in this type of cancer.

Application of AnaLig resin for (99m)Tc separation from (100)Mo target irradiated in cyclotron.

The purpose of this study was the development of procedure for molybdenum metallic target processing after its irradiation in a cyclotron. As a first step the dissolution of molybdenum in various physical forms was investigated. The concentrations of NaOH and (NH4)2CO3 allowing the highest sorption of Tc on AnaLig Tc-02 resin had been found. Based on these results the sintered irradiated Mo pellet was processed. The radionuclidic and radiochemical purities of separated Tc product were evaluated.

New insights into tryptophan and its metabolites in the regulation of bone metabolism.

Osteoporosis, a debilitating disease caused by an imbalance between the action of osteoblasts and osteoclasts, is becoming an increasing problem in today's aging population. Although many advances in this field have addressed certain aspects of disease progression and pain management, new approaches to treatment are required. This review focuses on the influence of tryptophan, its metabolites and their influence on bone remodeling. Tryptophan is a precursor to serotonin, melatonin, kynurenines and niacin. Changes of tryptophan levels were noticed in bone metabolic diseases. Moreover, some works indicate that tryptophan plays a role in osteoblastic differentiation. Serotonin can exert different effects on bones, which depend on site of serotonin synthesis. Gut-derived serotonin inhibits bone formation, whereas brain-derived serotonin enhances bone formation and decreases bone resorption. Melatonin, increased differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells into the osteoblastic cell lineage. Results of melatonin action on bone are anabolic and antiresorptive. Activation of the second tryptophan metabolic pathway, the kynurenine pathway, is associated with osteoblastogenesis and can be implicated in the occurrence of bone diseases. Oxidation products like kynurenine stopped proliferation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. This may result in inhibition of osteoblastic proliferation and differentiation. Kynurenic acid acts as an antagonist at glutamate receptors, which are expressed on osteoclasts. Quinolinic acid activates N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors. 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid exhibits pro-oxidant and antioxidant activity. Decreased concentration of 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid can be one of the causes of osteoporosis. 3-hydroxykynurenine reduced the viability of osteoblast-like cells. Picolinic acid exerted osteogenic effect in vitro. Kynurenine derivatives exert various effects on bones. Discovery of the exact mechanism of action of tryptophan metabolites on bones may take us a step closer to understanding the complicated mechanism of bone metabolism, which in turn may result in finding a new, effective therapy for treating bone diseases.

44Sc-DOTA-BN[2-14]NH2 in comparison to 68Ga-DOTA-BN[2-14]NH2 in pre-clinical investigation. Is 44Sc a potential radionuclide for PET?

AIM: In the present study we demonstrate the in vitro and in vivo comparison of the (44)Sc and (68)Ga labeled DOTA-BN[2-14]NH(2). (44)Sc is a positron emitter with a half life of 3.92 h. Hence it could be used for PET imaging with ligands requiring longer observation time than in the case of (68)Ga. METHODS: The binding affinity of (nat)Sc-DOTA-BN[2-14]NH(2) and (nat)Ga-DOTA-BN[2-14]NH(2) to GRP receptors was studied in competition to [(125)I-Tyr(4)]-Bombesin in the human prostate cancer cell line PC-3. A preliminary biodistribution in normal rats was performed, while first microPET images were assessed in male Copenhagen rats bearing the androgen-independent Dunning R-3327-AT-1 prostate cancer tumor. RESULTS: The affinity to GRP receptors in the PC-3 cell line was higher for (nat)Ga-DOTA-BN[2-14]NH(2) (IC(50)(nM)=0.85 ± 0.06) than that of (nat)Sc-DOTA-BN[2-14]NH(2) (IC(50) (nM)=6.49 ± 0.13). The internalization rate of (68)Ga labeled DOTA-BN[2-14]NH(2) was slower than that of (44)Sc, but their final internalization percents were comparable. (68)Ga-DOTA-BN[2-14]NH(2) was externalized faster than (44)Sc-DOTA-BN[2-14]NH(2). The biodistribution of (44)Sc-DOTA-BN[2-14]NH(2) and (68)Ga-DOTA-BN[2-14]NH(2) in normal rats revealed a higher uptake in target organs and tissues of the first one while both excreted mainly through urinary tract. In microPET images both tracers were accumulated in the tumor with similar uptake patterns. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the differences in the receptor affinity both the (68)Ga- and the (44)Sc-labeled DOTA-BN[2-14]NH(2) tracers showed comparable distribution and similar time constants of uptake and elimination. Moreover no differences in tumor accumulation (neither in the overall uptake nor in the dynamics) were observed from the microPet imaging. From that perspective the use of either (44)Sc or (68)Ga for detecting tumors with GRP receptors is equivalent.

Kynurenine and its metabolites in Alzheimer's disease patients.

PURPOSE: The kynurenine pathway (KP) is a major route of tryptophan metabolism. Several metabolites of this pathway are proposed to be involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate peripheral KP in patients with Alzheimer type dementia and a detailed analysis of correlation between kynurenine (KYN), kynurenic acid (KYNA), 3-hydroxykynurenine (3-HK), anthranilic acid (AA), quinolinic acid (QUIN) and degree of neuropsychological changes in AD. MATERIAL/METHODS: The plasma concentration of tryptophan and its products degradation by kynurenine pathway were analyzed in 34 patients suffering from Alzheimer type dementia and 18 controls in similar age using high-performance liquid chromatography technique. RESULTS: In demented patients we found lower tryptophan and KYNA concentrations. There was a non-significant increase of KYN, 3-HK and AA levels, and a Marked increase of QUIN in Alzheimer's disease group. We observed positive correlations between cognitive function tests and plasma KYNA levels, and inversely correlations between these tests and QUIN levels in Alzheimer type dementia. CONCLUSIONS: Increased TRP degradation and simultaneous altered kynurenines levels were found in plasma of AD patients. It proves activation of peripheral kynurenine pathway in this type of dementia. The alterations of two main KYN metabolites: KYNA and QUIN seem to be associated with the impairment of the cognitive function in AD patients. This appears to offer Novel therapeutic opportunities, with the development of new compounds as a promising perspective for brain neuroprotection.

Kynurenine pathway - a new link between endothelial dysfunction and carotid atherosclerosis in chronic kidney disease patients.

PURPOSE: The endothelium dysfunction is an important component of atherosclertic cardiovascular disease. It has been also suggested that kynurenine pathway activation may be involved in the pathogenesis of this disease. MATERIAL/METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients (n=106; 60 Males). The plasma markers of endothelial dysfunction and kynurenine (KYN), 3-hydroxykynurenine (3-HKYN), kynurenic acid (KYNA), anthranilic acid (AA) and quinolinic acid (QA) were measured in relation to an early indicator of the systemic atherosclerosis - intima-media thickness (IMT). RESULTS: Kynurenines, von Willebrand factor (vWF), thrombomodulin (TM), soluble adhesion molecules (sICAM-1, sVCAM-1) and IMT in each uraemic group were significantly higher than in healthy people. In contrast, no significant differences in sE-selectin and sP-selectin concentrations were observed between CKD patients and controls. Kynurenines were positively associated with vWF, TM, sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1, whereas sP-selectin was inversely associated with the most of kynurenines. IMT was positively correlated both with kynurenines: KYN, 3-HKYN, QA as well as with endothelial markers: TM, vWF, sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 (all p<0.01). Finally, multiple regression analysis identified age, vWF, sVCAM-1 and QA levels as the independent variables significantly associated with increased IMT in this population (adjusted r² = 0.51). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests a relationship between kynurenine pathway activation, endothelial dysfunction and the progression of atherosclerosis in CKD patients. It opens a new idea that the inhibition of kynurenine pathway may provide an effective strategy to slow down endothelial dysfunction and thereby the prevalence of atherosclerosis in this population.

Efficacy of radionuclide treatment DOTATATE Y-90 in patients with progressive metastatic gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine carcinomas (GEP-NETs): a phase II study.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the clinical and radiological effectiveness of [DOTA(0), D-Phe(1), Tyr(3)]-octreotate (DOTATATE) Y-90 in patients with extensive progressive gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine carcinomas (GEP-NETs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty patients with histologically proven GEP-NETs were treated with DOTATATE Y-90. Clinical responses were assessed 6 weeks after completing therapy and then after each of the 3- to 6-month intervals. The radiological response was classified according to RECIST criteria. RESULTS: At 6 months after final treatment, radiological partial response (PR; at least a 30% decrease in the sum of the longest diameter of target lesions) was observed in 13 patients (23%), and the remaining patients had stable disease (SD; less than 30% decrease in the sum of the longest diameter of target lesions or less than 20% increase in the sum of the longest diameter of target lesions) (77%). Clinical PR at 6 months was in 43 patients (72%), nine patients had SD and progressive disease (PD) was noted in eight patients. Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 17 months, while the median overall survival (OS) was 22 months. In eight patients with early PD, the PFS was 4.5 and OS 9.5 months, while in those with SD or PR, PFS and OS were 19.5 and 23.5 months, respectively. After 12 months of follow-up, five patients had World Health Organization (WHO) grade 2 or 3 renal toxicity. Haematological toxicity (WHO grade 3 and 4) was noted during therapy in 10% of patients and persisted in 5%. CONCLUSIONS: DOTATATE Y-90 therapy is effective and relatively safe in patients with GEP-NET. Standard doses of DOTATATE Y-90 result in a relatively low risk of myelotoxicity. However, due to ongoing risk of renal toxicity, careful monitoring of the kidney is recommended.

[Fundus flavimaculatus and choroidal neovascularization]. / Fundus flavimaculatus et néovascularisation choroïdienne.

OBJECTIVE: Fundus flavimaculatus is an aspect of Stargardt disease, which is characterized by juvenile onset, rapidly progressive deterioration, and poor visual outcome due to atrophic areas or flecks. Recently, a late-onset form has been described, on the borderline with AMD. However, choroidal neovascular complications are not frequent and rarely described in Stargardt's disease. CASE REPORT: Late discovery of FFM in a patient over 50 years old. During her follow-up, she presented a decrease in visual acuity due to juxtafoveal choroidal neovascularization. In spite of laser treatment, a retrofoveal recurrence appeared, which was treated with perifoveal laser. DISCUSSION: Confusion between AMD and a late-onset Stargardt may occur because of their many clinical similarities. The population and the fundus results can be similar to AMD and an examiner may be confused. In the literature, choroidal neovascular complications appear in patients over 50 years of age who may suffer from AMD. In fundus flavimaculatus, pigmentary epithelium alterations are due to progressive lipoproteic scrap storage that predisposes to Bruch's membrane rupture and choroidal neovascularization. This physiopathology resembles the that of AMD. CONCLUSION: Choroidal neovascular complications are possible in late-onset Stargardt disease. Their appearance together may be greater than previously believed.

Preliminary evaluation of morphological parameters of the saliva in patients undergoing orthodontic treatment.

PURPOSE: In recent years, many reports have focused on clinical changes in the oral cavity of orthodontic patients, manifested in general inflammation of the mucosa. In order to better understand histopathological alterations in the mouth and the use of easily available diagnostic material, we decided to assess the morphology of salivary cells at different time points of treatment with orthodontic appliances. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study material included non-stimulated saliva obtained from 21 orthodontic patients and 11 healthy secondary school students (controls). After fixation in 96% ethanol the smears were stained with PAS + hematoxylin or H+E, and using the methods of May-Grünwald-Giemsa and Feulgen. RESULTS: As revealed by the histopathological examinations of saliva smears, patients treated with intra-oral fixed orthodontic appliances showed morphological changes in oral epithelial cells and in the number of leukocytes as compared to the control group. The changes were most pronounced in the first months of treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The preliminary data indicate that orthodontic patients develop changes in the composition and morphology of salivary cells, the intensity of which depends on the time of exposure to the appliance.

Preliminary evaluation of saliva composition in allergic patients subjected to orthodontic treatment; morphological examination.

PURPOSE: Intra-oral fixed orthodontic appliances, so frequently used in the treatment of malocclusions, may cause pathomorphological changes in the mouth and can be a potential source of antigen stimulation. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to assess the changes in salivary cells of orthodontically treated allergic patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study material was the non-stimulated saliva samples collected from 28 allergic patients subjected to orthodontic treatment with intra-oral fixed appliances and from 11 healthy secondary school students (controls). After fixation in 96% ethanol, saliva smears were stained with PAS + hematoxylin or H+E, and using the methods of May-Grünwald-Giemsa and Feulgen. The microscopic analysis was made of oral epithelial cells and inflow elements, with regard to their shape, size, the nucleus-to-cytoplasm ratio and nuclear chromatin condensation. RESULTS: The results of preliminary investigations indicate that allergic patients with fixed orthodontic appliances exhibit changes in the morphology and composition of salivary cells as compared to control patients. Differences in the morphological picture were most pronounced in the first months of orthodontic treatment. CONCLUSIONS: It was shown that the number and morphology of salivary cells in allergic patients altered in response to ions released from dental alloys. Thus, saliva can be used as diagnostic material.

Oral cavity status and IgE level in orthodontic patients.

PURPOSE: Considering nickel release from fixed orthodontic appliances, determination of the relationship between the clinical status of the mouth, IgE level and treatment duration in orthodontic patients seems to be advisable. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-one patients with symptoms of nickel hypersensitivity observed during treatment with fixed orthodontic appliances were separated from a group of 50 subjects, aged 11-33 years, undergoing orthodontic treatment for malocclusion. The patients were divided into two subgroups PgA and PgB. RESULTS: The mean IgE level in PgA was 39.20 IU/ml and in PgB 210.61 IU/ml. In PgA, the majority of patients were wearing ear-rings (8/10), but not in PgB (4/11). The mean treatment duration in PgA was 21.3 +/- 4.83 months, while in PgB 14.4 +/- 2.84. There were no statistically significant differences in the symptoms indicating stomatitis between the groups of patients subjected to treatment with intra-oral appliances. CONCLUSIONS: The immunologic profile of the patient plays a key role in the choice of the type of appliance used to treat abnormalities of the masticatory organ. Determination of IgE is necessary in the case of allergy-positive history.

Tryptophan and its metabolites in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma: preliminary study.

PURPOSE: It has been showed that tryptophan (TRP) degradation has been linked to modulation of cancer cell proliferation. The aim of our study was to estimate the concentration of TRP and its derivatives, such as anthranilic (AA) and kynurenic acid (KYNA) in plasma, saliva, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) tissues and healthy oral mucosa in patients with oral SCC. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was performed on plasma, non-stimulated, mixed saliva and squamous cell carcinoma tissues and healthy oral mucosa in patients with oral SCC. The concentration of TRP and its metabolites were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). RESULTS: In plasma the concentration of TRP was 33.73 +/- 2.52 microM, of KYNA was 26.97 +/- 5.35 nM and of AA was 32.40 +/- 2.30 nM. In saliva the concentration of TRP was 3.81 +/- 0.62 microM, of KYNA was 8.06 +/- 1.86 nM and of AA was 20.41 +/- 10.77 nM. In cancer tissues the levels of TRP (30.21 +/- 5.88 microM), KYNA (15.85 +/- 1 .82 nM) and AA (265.32 +/- 1 51.45 nM) were higher in respect to the concentration of TRP (13.28 +/- 0.62 microM), KYNA (12.75 +/- 2.28 nM) and AA (31.68 +/- 8.89 nM) in normal tissues. The increase in the content of TRP, KYNA and AA in cancer tissues reached 127.48 +/- 5.95%, 24.31 +/- 4.35% and 737.50 +/- 206.96%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our study has demonstrated the change of TPR metabolism, which is reflected by the increase TRP, AA and KYNA concentrations in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma. We can suppose that these substances may be one of many factors responsible for cancer development.

The concentration of anthranilic acid in saliva of orthodontic appliances.

PURPOSE: Anthranilic acid is an important, the aromatic intermediate in the degradation of tryptophan in kynurenine pathway. This compound plays an important role in the regulation of immunological processes as well shows antibacterial activity. The aim of our study was to estimate the concentration of anthranilic acid in saliva of young patients with orthodontic apparatus. We also assessed correlation between saliva anthranilic acid concentrations and time of orthodontic treatment. For the first time we have demonstrated the enhanced concentration of anthranilic acid in saliva of young orthodontic appliances. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was performed on non-stimulated, mixed saliva of patients with orthodontic appliances. The concentration of anthranilic acid and was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. RESULTS: The concentration of anthranilic acid was significantly higher in orthodontic patients (p = 0.043) in comparison to healthy volunteers. The mean time of orthodontic treatment was 15.0 +/- 2.03 months. We did not observe existence of correlation between anthranilic acid concentration in saliva and time of orthodontic treatment (r = -0.250; p = 0.517). CONCLUSION: These results might indicate that anthranilic acid can be one of many factors initiating of periodontal disease in orthodontic appliances.

Anthranilic acid-uraemic toxin damaged red cell's membrane.

Normocytic normochromic anaemia is a common syndrome present in patients with chronic renal insufficiency (CRI). Simultaneously in these patients the increase in L-tryptophan (TRP) degradation via kynurenine pathway is observed. On the basis of these observations we tried to examine whether one of the TRP metabolites, anthranilic acid (AA), shows interaction with membranes of erythrocytes and because of that it may contribute to anaemia development. In patients with CRI we have observed changes characteristic for normocytic normochromic anaemia, such as the decrease in erythrocyte count, haemoglobin concentration, haematocrit and the decrease in erythrocyte osmotic resistance as well as the increase in AA concentration in plasma in comparison to healthy subjects. We have also noticed the existence of a positive correlation between anthranilic acid concentration and creatinine and urea concentrations and also negative relationships between anthranilic acid concentration and haematological parameters. Moreover, incubation of healthy erythrocytes with 10 and 100 microM AA caused haemolysis curve movement to the right, which shows decrease in osmotic resistance. In conclusion, the increase in plasma AA concentration might be one of many factors, which damage erythrocyte membrane, and thereby contributes to anaemia development in patients with CRI.

[Results of limited macular translocation in subfoveal choroidal neovascularization in age-related macular degeneration]. / Résultats de la translocation maculaire limitée dans la néovascularisation choroïdienne rétrofovéale de la dégénérescence maculaire liée à l'âge.

PURPOSE: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the major cause of legal blindness in industrialized countries. The exudative form could be responsible for severe visual loss. Recent therapeutic approaches are now available for treating subfoveal neovascularization. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the visual results obtained with macular translocation (MT) in subfoveal choroidal neovascularization due to AMD. METHODS: A prospective nonrandomized review of 29 consecutive patients with subfoveal neovascularization attributable to AMD. Limited macular translocation with chorioscleral infolding based on the De Juan technique was performed. The mean follow-up was 14 months. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients studied was 75 years. The mean initial visual acuity was 20/200, with of 59% of patients having worse than 20/200. The mean displacement of the fovea after translocation was 1,274 microm, and at 1 year, vision was grossly unchanged in comparison to baseline (mean final gain of 0.7 line). Postoperative complications observed were retinal detachment (17.2%), macular hole (13%) and macular fold (14%). No complication was seen in 55.2% of the operated eyes, which had a mean final gain of 3.25 ETDRS lines at 14 months of follow-up. In comparison to the photodynamic therapy (PDT) group of the TAP study, 48% of the MT group had a gain of 1 line or more versus 16% of the PDT group. CONCLUSION: MT may lead to a significant improvement in visual acuity. Further larger and controlled studies are required to evaluate MT in the treatment of subfoveal neovascularization.

Histomorphometry of marrow megakaryocytes in experimental uraemia in rats.

Uraemic patients frequently demonstrate tendencies towards life-threatening bleeding. Reduced platelet counts and their functional immaturity seem to be caused, among other things, by disorders in the system of marrow megakaryocytes. The aim of the study was a histomorphometric evaluation of marrow megakaryocytes in the course of experimental uraemia in rats. Uraemia was induced by means of right nephrectomy and a partial removal of the left kidney cortex in rats. Morphometric analysis was conducted, using the Microlmage program set. The number of MK, MK area, N/C, CDMK, CDNMK and MK cluster formation were analysed. Uraemic rats showed a reduction in the MK count and their area and an increase in the N/C ratio, CDMK, CDNMK and in the incidence of MK clusters. The results indicate that platelet disorders, observed in uraemia, can also be conditioned by disturbed maturation of MK.