Reduction of CO2 in the presence of light via excited-state hydride transfer reaction in a NADPH-inspired derivative.

The photo-catalytic reduction of CO2 into chemical feedstocks using solar energy has attracted vast interest in environmental science because of global warming. Based on our previous study on the CO2 complex with one of the benzimidazoline (BI) derivatives, we explore the photochemical reduction of CO2 in one of the benzimidazoline derivatives (1,3-dimethyl-5,6-diol-2,3-dihydro-1H-benzimidazole) by quantum-chemical methods. Our results reveal that carbon dioxide can be reduced to formate (HCOO-) by a hydride transfer reaction in the excited state of this complex of benzimidazoline derivative and CO2. While the ground-state hydride transfer reaction in this complex exhibits a substantial barrier, a charge-transfer can occur in the first singlet excited state of the complex in the UV-A region (326 nm), and after overcoming a moderate barrier (∼0.4 eV) the system can have access to the products. The interaction with a polar solvent decreases further the barrier such that the reaction in dimethyl sulfoxide can proceed with a negligibly small barrier (∼0.1 eV) or in a nearly barrierless manner. Our results show that this benzimidazoline derivative may act as a catalyst in the photoreduction of CO2.

Experimental and theoretical study of the effect of different functionalities of graphene oxide/polymer composites on selective CO2 capture.

There is a constant need for versatile technologies to reduce the continuously increasing concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere, able to provide effective solutions under different conditions (temperature, pressure) and composition of the flue gas. In this work, a combination of graphene oxide (GO) and functionalized waterborne polymer particles was investigated, as versatile and promising candidates for CO2 capture application, with the aim to develop an easily scalable, inexpensive, and environmentally friendly CO2 capture technology. There are huge possibilities of different functional monomers that can be selected to functionalize the polymer particles and to provide CO2-philicity to the composite nanostructures. Density functional theory (DFT) was employed to gain a deeper understanding of the interactions of these complex composite materials with CO2 and N2 molecules, and to build a basis for efficient screening for functional monomers. Estimation of the binding energy between CO2 and a set of GO/polymer composites, comprising copolymers of methyl methacrylate, n-butyl acrylate, and different functional monomers, shows that it depends strongly on the polymer functionalities. In some cases, there is a lack of cooperative effect of GO. It is explained by a remarkably strong GO-polymer binding, which induced less effective CO2-polymer interactions. When compared with experimental results, in the cases when the nanocomposite structures presented similar textural properties, the same trends for selective CO2 capture over N2 were attained. Besides novel functional materials for CO2 capture and a deeper understanding of the interactions between CO2 molecules with various materials, this study additionally demonstrates that DFT calculations can be a shorter route toward the efficient selection of the best functionalization of the composite materials for selective CO2 capture.

Light-driven reduction of CO2: thermodynamics and kinetics of hydride transfer reactions in benzimidazoline derivatives.

CO2 capture, conversion and storage belong to the holy grail of environmental science. We therefore explore an important photochemical hydride transfer reaction of benzimidazoline derivatives with CO2 in a polar solvent (dimethylsulfoxide) by quantum-chemical methods. While the excited electronic state undergoing hydride transfer to formate (HCOO-) shows a higher reaction path barrier compared to the ground state, a charge-transfer can occur in the near-UV region with nearly barrierless access to the products involving a conical intersection between both electronic states. Such radiationless decay through the hydride transfer reaction and formation of HCCO-via excited electronic states in suitable organic compounds opens the way for future photochemical CO2 reduction. We provide a detailed analysis for the chemical CO2 reduction to the formate anion for 15 different benzimidazoline derivatives in terms of thermodynamic hydricities (ΔGH-), activation free energies (ΔG‡HT), and reaction free energies (ΔGrxn) for the chosen solvent dimethylsulfoxide at the level of density functional theory. The calculated hydricities are in the range from 35.0 to 42.0 kcal mol-1i.e. the species possess strong hydride donor abilities required for the CO2 reduction to formate, characterized by relatively low activation free energies between 18.5 and 22.2 kcal mol-1. The regeneration of the benzimidazoline can be achieved electrochemically.

Systemic and Ophthalmic Manifestations in Different Types of Refractive Errors in Patients with Down Syndrome.

Background and Objective: This study aims to investigate the prevalence of systemic and ophthalmic manifestations in different refractive groups in children and young adults with Down syndrome (DS). Materials and Methods: The study was a population-based, cross-sectional study that included 141 Caucasian children and young adults with DS. They were classified into the following three groups: myopia DS group (37 subjects, mean age 15.8 years), emmetropia DS group (41 subjects, mean age 11.7 years) and hyperopia DS group (63 subjects, mean age 10.9 years). The participants underwent inspection, slit-lamp examination, cycloplegic refraction, ocular alignment and ocular motility examination. Ten systemic manifestations were analyzed. Results: There was no difference in the prevalence of any systemic manifestations between the groups. Considering the ophthalmic manifestations, there was statistical difference in the distribution of proportions among the three groups for nystagmus (p = 0.011), iris-stromal atrophy (p = 0.048) and strabismus (p = 0.031). The prevalence of strabismus in our DS myopia group was 35.1%, and in DS hyperopia group 38.1%. Conclusions: The results of our study suggest that DS children and young adults with any refractive error do not have a higher chance of additional systemic manifestations. Myopia in DS was associated with a higher prevalence of nystagmus and iris stromal atrophy, whereas astigmatism was found to be more frequent in hyperopia.

Effect of the swelling degree on the non-isothermal dehydration kinetics of a poly(acrylic acid)-g-gelatine hydrogel.

The kinetics of non-isothermal dehydration of a poly(acrylic acid)-g-gelatine hydrogel swollen to different swelling degrees is investigated. The thermogravimetric curves are recorded at different heating rates in the interval from 5 K mol-1 to 20 K mol-1 within the temperature range from ambient temperature to 480 K. It is found that all kinetics curves can be described using the Weibull function. Based on the suggested kinetics model, the values of the specific rates are calculated and the values of apparent activation energies are established. Distribution functions of activation energies are obtained. The changes found in the values of Weibull function parameters, dependences of the specific rate on temperature, and apparent activation energies on temperature and the dehydration degree, as well as different activation energy distributions, are explained using the fluctuation model of a hydrogel, as a dynamically disordered system that goes through changes during the dehydration process. The presented results can have both fundamental and practical significance in the fields where the application is based on the ability of the hydrogel to conserve and slowly release water.

Comparison of efficacy and safety of parenteral versus parenteral and oral glucocorticoid therapy in Graves' orbitopathy.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The most effective and safe treatment protocol for Graves' orbitopathy (GO) needs to be further assessed. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy, safety and outcome of parenteral versus parenteral and oral glucocorticoid (GC) protocols in euthyroid patients with untreated and active moderate to severe GO. METHODS: This was a retrospective observational study in 140 patients comparing intravenous GC pulses only (IVGC group, 74 patients, 51 ± 11 years) with historical controls of combined oral and intravenous GC therapy (CombGC group, 66 patients, 49 ± 10 years, P = ns). IVGC therapy included infusions of 500 mg of methylprednisolone weekly for the first six weeks, followed by infusions of 250 mg weekly for the remaining six weeks (cumulative dose 4.5 g). CombGC therapy included 500 mg of methylprednisolone in 500 mL of saline solution for two alternative days, followed by oral prednisone tapering dose repeated each month for the next 5 months (cumulative dose 10.2 g). RESULTS: The overall success of the treatment was 43/66 (65%) in the CombGC group and 37/73 (51%, P = .071) in the IVGC group. Deterioration of GO developed in four (6%) patients during CombGC therapy and in nine (12%, P = .214) patients during IVGC therapy. After 6 months, relapse of GO was observed in 10/37 (26%) in the IVGC group, whereas none of the patients in CombGC had a relapse (P < .001). There were significantly more side effects in the CombGC versus IVGC group (49/66, 74% vs 28/74, 38%, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that CombGC therapy was more efficient with significantly less relapse rate, but with more side effects in comparison to IVGC therapy.

Is there a potential link between keratoconus and autism spectrum disorders?: A case report and literature review.

RATIONALE: Eye rubbing (ER) is a proven factor that can trigger the onset and progression of keratoconus (KC). Apart from allergy, ER is a repetitive motor stereotypy. Eye rubbing is frequently observed in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and in individuals who may be at risk for developing KC. We present a child with ASD who developed progressive KC following standard corneal cross-linking (CXL), most likely because of abnormal ER associated with allergy and repetitive behavior due to ASD symptoms. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 14-year-old boy was referred to our clinic because of asymmetric visual acuity reduction. DIAGNOSIS: The child was diagnosed as having keratoconus. He had a strong ER habit. The child had been previously diagnosed as having ASD. INTERVENTIONS: Corneal cross-linking was performed in both the eyes. On account of keratoconus progression, most likely associated with persistent ER habit, he was retreated with CXL in the right eye. Behavioral modification intervention for ER habit reversal was also applied. OUTCOMES: Corneal cross-linking in combination with behavioral modification intervention for ER habit reversal prevented further KC progression. LESSONS: Behavioral interventions are likely to provide positive results in an ER habit reversal in children with ASD. Keratoconus treatment with CXL combined with behavioral management for ER reversal seemed effective in halting keratoconus progression in a young patient with ASD.

Methodologies for Assessing Disease Tolerance in Pigs.

Features of intensive farming can seriously threaten pig homeostasis, well-being and productivity. Disease tolerance of an organism is the adaptive ability in preserving homeostasis and at the same time limiting the detrimental impact that infection can inflict on its health and performance without affecting pathogen burden per se. While disease resistance (DRs) can be assessed measuring appropriately the pathogen burden within the host, the tolerance cannot be quantified easily. Indeed, it requires the assessment of the changes in performance as well as the changes in pathogen burden. In this paper, special attention is given to criteria required to standardize methodologies for assessing disease tolerance (DT) in respect of infectious diseases in pigs. The concept is applied to different areas of expertise and specific examples are given. The basic physiological mechanisms of DT are reviewed. Disease tolerance pathways, genetics of the tolerance-related traits, stress and disease tolerance, and role of metabolic stress in DT are described. In addition, methodologies based on monitoring of growth and reproductive performance, welfare, emotional affective states, sickness behavior for assessment of disease tolerance, and methodologies based on the relationship between environmental challenges and disease tolerance are considered. Automated Precision Livestock Farming technologies available for monitoring performance, health and welfare-related measures in pig farms, and their limitations regarding DT in pigs are also presented. Since defining standardized methodologies for assessing DT is a serious challenge for biologists, animal scientists and veterinarians, this work should contribute to improvement of health, welfare and production in pigs.

Endophthalmitis Following Strabismus Surgery: IPOSC Global Study.

PURPOSE: To examine the characteristics of patients with endophthalmitis after strabismus surgery (PSSE), the characteristics of the strabismus surgery, treatment, and prognosis as reported by pediatric ophthalmologists who are members of the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (AAOPS) around the world. METHODS: An email communication was sent to all members of AAPOS. The email included a web link to a survey that included 34 questions that examined the characteristics of patients with endophthalmitis after strabismus surgery. RESULTS: Three hundred forty-nine ophthalmologists responded to the questionnaire. Two hundred sixty four (76%) had practiced pediatric ophthalmology for over 10 years. Twenty-seven cases of endophthalmitis were reported. The medial rectus muscle (MR) was the most common muscle undergoing surgery (55%). In 5 patients (21%), perforation was observed at the time of surgery. In all cases, endophthalmitis was diagnosed 3-7 days after surgery. The final visual acuity of 34% was no light perception (NLP). DISCUSSION: This series is the largest existing series on PSSE. Our data suggest that PSSE can occur also in healthy patients and in patients without a visualized scleral perforation. The majority of PSSE occurs during the first week after surgery. Therefore, we believe that all patients that underwent strabismus surgery should be examined in this time frame. The prognosis was poor with 48% demonstrating a visual acuity of LP or NLP at the final follow-up.

Ophthalmia neonatorum treatment and prophylaxis: IPOSC global study.

INTRODUCTION: Characteristics of ophthalmia neonatorum (ON) amongst paediatric ophthalmologists remain unclear. The purpose of this current study is to examine the incidence, diagnosis, treatment, and prophylaxis of ON cases presenting to members of the American Association of Paediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (AAPOS). METHODS: An email containing a web link to a survey was sent to all members of AAPOS. The questionnaire examined the incidence of ON, etiology, diagnostic methods, treatment, and prophylaxis of the disease in different countries around the world. RESULTS: Two hundred and ninety-one ophthalmologists answered the questionnaire. Most were from North America (52.94 %). One hundred and seventy-six (60.69 %) ophthalmologists encountered 0-5 cases of ON per year. The most common pathogens causing ON was Chlamydia trachomatis (35.37 %). Two hundred and forty-two (85.21 %) treat empirically when encountering ON during the first 10 days of life and 205 (75.09 %) after the first 10 days of life. In both cases, erythromycin was the most common first line of treatment. Two hundred and twenty-two (78.72 %) ophthalmologists replied that prophylactic treatment is required in their country. The most common agent for prophylaxis was erythromycin ointment (71.50 %). CONCLUSIONS: We found that the incidence of ON per year per practitioner is 0-5 cases, the most common etiology is C. trachomatis, and most infants receive prophylaxis and treatment.

INTERMITTENT EXOTROPIA COURSE IN FRONTONASAL DYSPLASIA AND SEVERE ORBITAL HYPERTELORISM: CASE REPORT.

INTRODUCTION: Frontonasal dysplasia is a rare condition of congenital structure malformations of the midface. Ophthalmologic abnormalities have been estimated to occur in 87% of cases of frontonasal dysplasia. CASE REPORT: We report a case of type I frontonsal dysplasia in a 15-year old boy after the correction of severe hypertelorism, median nasal cleft w~ith a broad nasal root and associated decompensated intermittent exotropia with overaction. of the inferior oblique muscles and V pattern. He underwent bilateral lateral rectus recessions of 6.0 mm for intermittent exotropia when he was six years old. The correction of hypertelorism was performed with orbital rotation surgery when he was thirteen years old. For some time after strabismus surgery, the ocular alignment improved, but it deteriorated gradually. The ocular alignment improved after the hipertelorismus correction; however, intermittent exotropia deteriorated gradually again six to seven months later. On the last ophthalmologic examination, he had the ocular alignment on the level of small angle exotropia and associated hypertropia and occasionally even.small angle esotropiaat near. There was bilateral overelevation in addiction and V pattern, which remained unchanged after extensive facial bones surgical procedures. CONCLUSION: The high incidence of ocular abnormalities, particularly exodeviations, indicates that the early assessment by an ophthalmologist should be a part of the initial evaluation of patients with frontonasal dysplasia to detect treatable visual or ocular problems.

Ophthalmic manifestations in children and young adults with Down syndrome and congenital heart defects.

PURPOSE: To investigate whether different types of ocular manifestations are associated with congenital heart disease (CHD) in a large Caucasian population of children and young adults with Down syndrome (DS). METHODS: Population-based, case-control study which included 185 subjects with DS (mean age 13.2 ± 7.9 years), who reported presence or absence of CHD; DS with CHD group (51 subjects, mean age 10.6 ± 5.6 years) and DS without CHD (134 subjects, mean age 14.2 ± 8.4 years). RESULTS: In our sample with DS and CHD, strabismus was found in 15 subjects (29.4%), nystagmus in 1 (2.0%), epiblepharon in 21 (41.2%) and Brushfield spots in 15 (31.3%). In the DS without CHD group, strabismus was found in 38 participants (28.4%), nystagmus in 13 (9.7%), epiblepharon in 31 (23.5%) and Brushfield spots in 21 (16.0%). Only the variables epiblepharon and presence of Brushfield spots differed significantly between the two groups (p = 0.02 and p = 0.03, respectively). Hyperopia was present in 26 participants (53.1%) in the DS with CHD group, and in 65 (57.0%) in the DS without CHD group. Oblique astigmatism was present in 25 (52.1%) in the DS with CHD group and in 61 (53.5%) in the DS without CHD group. CONCLUSIONS: Frequencies of DS participants presenting with strabismus, nystagmus, hyperopia and oblique astigmatism were not statistically different between those with CHD and those without CHD in this sample. Further studies are needed to confirm if there are associations between the presence of Brushfield spots or epiblepharon and CHD in patients with DS.

Theoretical study of the molecular properties of dimethylanthracenes as properties for the prediction of their biodegradation and mutagenicity.

There is little information available on methyl derivatives of anthracene and their interaction with the enzymes of bacterial consortia that could be found in petroleum sludge. In this study a theoretical investigation of all dimethylanthracenes (DMA) isomers and their relation to biodegradation are presented. Equilibrium geometries, ionization potentials (IP), electronic affinities (EA), dipole moments and electronic dipole polarizabilities of DMA isomers calculated by Density Functional Theory (DFT) methods are reported. The calculated IP and EA values vary little along the series of isomers. The polarizability values (〈α〉, Δα, and αyy) increase on passing from meso,meso- and α,meso- to ß,ß-DMA isomers. The computed polarizability values of DMAs can be used as predictors in determining differences in biodegradation rates of DMAs. The summation over Raman activity ∑ARaman over 3N-6 vibrational modes is sensitive to the position of the methyl substituent. The ∑ARaman values of 1-methylanthracene (MA), 2-MA, 2,9-DMA and 9,10-DMA are consistent with observed mutagenic activities in Salmonella Typhimurium strains TA98 and TA100.

Efficacy and safety of combined parenteral and oral steroid therapy in Graves' orbitopathy.

OBJECTIVE: Glucocorticoids (GC) are the treatment of choice for moderate-to-severe and active Graves' orbitopathy (GO), but optimal treatment is still . The aim of the present study was to analyze the efficacy and tolerability of combined parenteral GC pulse therapy followed by oral GC in the interpulse period. DESIGN: The study included 50 patients (48 ± 10 years; 37 female) with untreated, active and moderate-to-severe GO. Patients received 500 mg of methylprednisolone in 500 ml of physiologic saline. Infusion was repeated after 48 h and then followed by tapering doses of oral prednisone and the cycle repeated each month for the next 5 months. The cumulative dose was 10.2g.Ophthalmic assessment was performed before and 6 months after start of treatment. Side effects of GC therapy were evaluated and recorded each month. RESULTS: GC showed the greatest effectiveness on soft tissue changes (incorporated in the CAS). Median CAS values decreased from 4.5 to 2 (p>0.001). Improvement was demonstrated in 37 patients (74%), there was no change in 13 patients (26%) and none of the patients presented with deterioration of inflammatory status. Diplopia improved in 21 patients (42%), was unchanged in 28 patients (56%) and deteriorated in 1 patient (2%). Improvement in visual acuity occurred in 36% of patients. At 6 months, 33/50 patients (66%) demonstrated overall treatment response. Response to GC therapy was influenced by CAS, TSHRAb and smoking behavior. The only independent parameter associated with positive treatment response was CAS ≥ 4 (p<0.001). Side effects occurred in 35/50 patients (70%) and the vast majority of them were mild to moderate. During the 6-months follow-up period, 2/33 patients (6%) had relapsing GO. CONCLUSION: With appropriate selection of patients and careful monitoring during and after treatment, combined parenteral and oral GC therapy is effective and safe.

The molecular properties of nitrobenzanthrone isomers and their mutagenic activities.

The mutagenic activity of five mono-substituted nitrobenzanthrones (NBA) has been determined in the Ames assay (Takamura-Enya et al., 2006). In the present study, a theoretical investigation of the electronic properties of all mono-substituted NBA isomers and their relation to mutagenic activity are presented. Equilibrium geometries, vertical ionization potentials (VIP), vertical electron affinities (VEA), relative energies, dipole moments and electronic dipole polarizabilities, and the IR and Raman spectra of NBA isomers calculated by Density Functional Theory (DFT) methods are presented. The position of the nitro group affects the spectral features of the IR and Raman spectra of the NBA isomers. The results show that a good linear relationship exists between the summation of Raman activities (∑ARaman) over all the 3N-6 vibrational modes and the mutagenic activity of the NBA isomers in Salmonella typhimurium strains. The spectroscopic results suggest that the unknown mutagenic activities of 4-NBA, 5-NBA, 6-NBA, 8-NBA and 10-NBA are predicted to follow the order 4-NBA>10-NBA>5-NBA>8-NBA>6-NBA.

Morphometric characteristics of optic disc in patients with myopia and primary open-angle glaucoma.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Primary open-angle glaucoma is a multifactorial and progressive neuropathy, characterised by the acquired loss of ganglion cells of the retina and their axons. One of the risk factors for primary open-angle glaucoma is myopia over 5 diopters (D). The aim of our work was to investigate two groups of patients with primary open-angle glaucoma and myopia by using confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy, and to find out if the size of refractive error influences optic disk morfometric characteristics. METHODS: One hundred eyes of one hundred patients with primary open-angle glaucoma and myopia were involved in our study. All the patients were classified into two groups, the first one with myopia < 5 D, and the second one with myopia > or = 5 D. The Heidelberg retina tomograph is a technique we used in our study. We analized morfometric parameters of patients optic discs, with the aim to find a correlation between the parameters in each group separeatly, and also to find differences between the same parameters from both groups. RESULTS: There were significant differences in disc area, cup area, rim area and mean RNFL thickness between the two groups. The size of damage of neuroretinal rim in the group with high myopia was 27%, and in the group with lower myopia 14%. The most frequently damaged segment of neuroretinal rim in the patients with high myopia was nasal segment and in the patients with low myopia infero-temporal one. The least frequently damaged segment of neuroretinal rim in both groups was temporal one. CONCLUSION: Optic discs of glaucomatous patients with high myopia have bigger diameter, also bigger and more irregularly distributed damaged zone of neuroretinal rim, and also thinner retinal nerve fiber layer compared to glaucomatous patients with lower myopia.

Duane type I retraction syndrome associated with Wyburn-Mason syndrome.

PURPOSE: Our aim is to report the co-existence of Duane's retraction syndrome and Wyburn-Mason syndrome, a rare condition characterized by arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) in the central nervous system and retina. METHODS: An 11-year-old boy was referred for evaluation of strabismus present since birth. On examination his uncorrected visual acuity was 6/6 in each eye, with small angle left eye esotropia in the primary position, ipsilateral face turn, abduction deficit, lid fissure narrowing in adduction and widening in abduction; plus typical features of left-sided type I Duane syndrome were present. The left fundus demonstrated localized, well-compensated, markedly convoluted, dilated and tortuous retinal vessels and venous congenital retinal macrovessel, which traverse the macular region. The right fundus was unremarkable. In order to elucidate if this retinal vascular malformation is associated with similar lesions in the orbit, paranasal sinuses and/or brain, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed, followed by digital subtraction angiography of the brain vessels. RESULTS: Clinical features of retinal disease (typical retinal vascular malformation) and brain imaging studies have led to the diagnosis of Wyburn-Mason syndrome. Digital subtraction angiography of the brain revealed an AVM of 30 mm maximal diameter in the left occipital lobe. CONCLUSIONS: Intracranial AVM might have affected the normal vascular development during the second month of gestation, causing involutional changes of the sixth nerve and resulted in Duane's syndrome by "steal phenomenon." Retinal AVM may point to concomitant intracranial AVMs, thus warranting neurological assessment. Patients with AVM of the retina should be examined early with brain and orbital neuroimaging to rule out cerebral AVMs.

The effect of intraocular pressure on visual field after trabeculectomy in patients with primary open angle glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To compare the mean intraocular pressure (IOP), peak IOP and percentage reduction in IOP in the first five years following trabeculectomy between the patients with progressed visual field loss and the patients with stable visual fields. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty-six eyes of 36 patients were followed for five years after their first trabeculectomy with tonometry and automated perimetry (Octopus 500EZ, program G1). The rate of change of the visual field was measured by linear regression analysis of the mean sensitivity value (dB) of each field test versus time (month). Based on the statistical significance of the slope of the regression line (Spearman p value of the correlation coefficient less than 0.05), patients were divided into two groups: with significant negative slope of the regression line (group with progressed visual field loss) and with non-significant slope of the regression line (group with stable visual field). The mean IOP values and percentage of IOP reduction at the end of each of the first five years after surgery were compared between the group with progressed field loss and group with stable fields by using Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: Patients with progressed visual field loss had higher mean IOP, higher peak IOP and less reduction in pressure after the operation than patients with stable visual field. The mean IOP at end of the two year postoperative period was significantly higher in patients with progressed visual field loss (21.98 +/- 3.38 mmHg) than in those with stable fields (17.48 +/- 4.80 mmHg). The mean percentage reduction in IOP at the end of two year postoperative period was significantly less in patients that showed progression of field loss (21.84%) than in those with stable fields (41.0%). CONCLUSION: Prognosis for further field loss seems to be better if postoperative pressure is at lower levels and greater percent reduction of IOP is obtained after surgery. The data that predict better prognosis is the mean postoperative IOP value of approximately 18 mmHg or less resulting from at least 35% of IOP reduction.

[Orbital decompression in Graves' orbitopathy].

INTRODUCTION: This paper was aimed at presenting our experience and results in the surgical management for proptosis in patients with Graves' orbitopathy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a retrospective, interventional, non-comparative case series review. Seventeen eyes often patients underwent orbital decompression between 2008 and 2009. Depending on case, the surgery involved one to 3 orbital walls with or without fat removal, being approached through combined transcaruncular and lower fornix incision. RESULTS: All the operated patients were females, their mean age being 48, with proptosis ranging from 21 to 28 mm, and 18 to 22 mm three months after surgery. A mean reduction in proptosis of 4.59 +/- 1.58 mm was attained. Intra-operative course was uneventful and post-operatively transient infraorbital hypoesthesia was seen in twelve patients (70.57%). CONCLUSION: Orbital decompression proved to be a safe, reliable and effective way to reduce proptosis provided that the procedure is carefully planned and properly performed.

[Influence of initial visual field sensitivity on visual field loss progression in open angle glaucoma].

INTRODUCTION: It is important to know the risk factors for visual field defect progression in order to predict the future development of glaucoma. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the influence of visual field initial sensitivity on the rate of visual field progression. METHODS: A minimum of five visual fields were performed using computerized perimetry (Octopus) over a mean followup 4-year period (48.85 +/- 17.84 months) in 64 persons (114 eyes) with primary open angle glaucoma. The rate of change of the whole central visual field and each of the seven regions of the field were measured by linear regression analysis of the mean sensitivity value versus time. Based on the slope of the regression line of visual field mean sensitivity over time the eyes were divided into two groups: the group with stable and the group with progressive visual field.The comparison of the mean sensitivity of the whole central visual field between the groups was performed using the Mann-Whitney U-test. The Spearman rang correlation coefficient and the Spearman probability p values were calculated to assess the mean sensitivity of the whole central visual field and of each visual field regions determined at the beginning of the study. RESULTS: The initial mean sensitivity of the whole central visual field was lower in the group with progressive visual field (16.62 +/- 6.35 dB). Correlation between the initial mean sensitivity and the slope of the regression line was negative. The lowest mean sensitivity was in the group with progressive visual field in the upper temporal (13.73 +/- 7.35 dB), nasal (14.74 +/- 7.23 dB) and upper nasal (15.03 +/- 7.75 dB) regions. CONCLUSION: The lower mean sensitivity value of the visual field, especially in the nasal and upper nasal visual field regions, carries a greater risk for delayed progressive loss of the visual field in persons with glaucoma.