AIM:To report ocular changes in rabbits after the implementation of three different induction methods to create dry eye(DE)conditions and provides evidence of DErelated disease evolution.METHODS:Experimental methods w...AIM:To report ocular changes in rabbits after the implementation of three different induction methods to create dry eye(DE)conditions and provides evidence of DErelated disease evolution.METHODS:Experimental methods were divided into 3 models.The first model used involved triple injection of complete Freund’s adjuvant,50µL each,also called the meibomian gland dysfunction(MGD)model.In the second model,DE conditions were created by the resection of nictitating membranes(NM),Harderian glands(HG),and main lacrimal glands(LG),also called the LGR model.The third model involved the topical administration of benzalkonium chloride(BAK)0.1%solution.The Schirmer test,ocular surface staining with fluorescein,and tear breakup time tests were implemented before and after excision.After euthanasia,the ocular tissues were dissected.Cornea,conjunctiva,and meibomian glands were treated with periodic acid–Schiff(PAS)staining and haematoxylin–eosin staining.RESULTS:The MGD model triggered inflammation of meibomian glands.It detected changes in the lipid layer of the tear film.The bilateral resection of NM,HG,and LG reduced the watering layer of the tear film.The topical administration of BAK of 0.1%solution impacted the mucosal layer of the tear film.CONCLUSION:Different changes are observed with different DE syndrome models.The composition of the tear film differ depending on which part of the eye is targeted.More studies need to be done to confirm whether an increased thickness of the cornea has any impact on the DE disease.展开更多
AIM:To determine how green tea and catechins can affect intraocular pressure(IOP)changes.METHODS:Totally 43 young volunteers were included in the study.The experiment was held between noon and 2 p.m.Two extracts—gree...AIM:To determine how green tea and catechins can affect intraocular pressure(IOP)changes.METHODS:Totally 43 young volunteers were included in the study.The experiment was held between noon and 2 p.m.Two extracts—green tea and epigallocatechin gallate(EGCG,400 mg capsules)and placebo(400 mg capsules)were used in the study.Participants were divided into three groups.Green tea extract group(GT group)had 17 subjects,EGCG extract group 17 subjects,control(placebo)group 9 subjects.IOP was measured with the Icare tonometer before and 30 min,1,1.5,2 h after the consumption of each extract and placebo.Results were analyzed using the IBM SPSS program.Statistical confidence level P<0.05.RESULTS:The most significant reduction of IOP from the beginning of the experiment was measured after 2 h in GT group(left 2.18±3.19 mm Hg,P=0.012;right 2.59±1.97 mm Hg,P<0.000)and after 1 h in EGCG extract group(left 2.41±2.98 mm Hg,P<0.004;right 1.94±1.98 mm Hg,P<0.001).In control group no significant changes were measured.CONCLUSION:People who have increased IOP or risk factors for glaucoma development,could benefit from drinking green tea or its concentrated extracts in moderate doses.展开更多
BACKGROUND The inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor(IMT)is a rare,idiopathic,usually benign,mass-forming disease with myofibroblastic proliferation and a varying amount of inflammatory cells.Although it can affect vario...BACKGROUND The inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor(IMT)is a rare,idiopathic,usually benign,mass-forming disease with myofibroblastic proliferation and a varying amount of inflammatory cells.Although it can affect various organs,the biliary tract is a rare localization of primary IMT,clinically,endoscopically and radiologically imitating cholangiocarcinoma.The treatment options are based only on clinical practice experience.CASE SUMMARY A 70-year-old woman was referred to our center due to progressive fatigue,weight loss,abdominal pain,night sweats,and elevated liver enzymes.Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP)revealed proximal common hepatic duct and hilar biliary strictures extending bilaterally to lobular bile ducts.Although initial clinical,endoscopic and radiological signs were typical for hilar cholangiocarcinoma,histological examination showed no signs of malignancy.In total,8 biopsies using different approaches were performed(several biopsies from dominant stricture during ERCP and direct cholangioscopy;ultrasound-guided liver biopsy;diagnostic laparoscopy with liver and lymph node biopsies).Histological examination revealed signs of IMT,and the final diagnosis of biliary IMT was stated.Although IMT is usually a benign disease,in our case,it was complicated.All pharmacological treatment measures were ineffective.The patient still needs permanent stenting,suffers from recurrent infections and mechanical jaundice.Despite that,the patient already survived 24 mo.CONCLUSION IMT presenting with hilar biliary strictures is a unique diagnostic and clinical challenge as it is indistinguishable from cholangiocarcinoma,and there are no evidence-based treatment options.Our goal is to increase the understanding of this rare disease and its possible course.展开更多
BACKGROUND Plexiform neurofibromas are extremely rarely found in the region of cauda equina and can pose a significant challenge in the diagnostic and management sense.To our knowledge,only 7 cases of cauda equina neu...BACKGROUND Plexiform neurofibromas are extremely rarely found in the region of cauda equina and can pose a significant challenge in the diagnostic and management sense.To our knowledge,only 7 cases of cauda equina neurofibromatosis(CENF)have been reported up-to-date.CASE SUMMARY We describe a case of a 55-year-old man with a 10 years history of progressive lower extremities weakness and bladder dysfunction.Before presenting,patient was misdiagnosed with idiopathic polyneuropathy.Lumbar spine MRI revealed a tortuous tumorous masses in the cauda equina region,extending through the Th12-L4 vertebrae.The patient underwent Th12-L3 Laminectomy with duraplasty.During the operation,the most enlarged electroneurographically silent nerve root was resected,anticipating inadequate decompression if nerve root was spared.The patient’s neurological condition improved post-operatively,but urinary retention became the major complaint.We provide a follow-up period of 10 years.During this time,the patient’s condition progressively worsened despite extensive decompression.The consequent MRI scans showed progressive enlargement of cauda equina roots and increasing lumbar stenosis,predominantly affecting L3-L4 segment.During the follow-up 8 years after the operation,the patient complained of worsening lower extremities sensorimotor function and neurogenic claudication.Subsequent MRI revealed lumbar spine stenosis at the level of L3-L4,requiring further decompression.The patient underwent a second surgery involving L4-L5 Laminectomy with duraplasty and L2-L5 transpedicular fixation.The post-operative period was uneventful.Latest follow-up 18 mo after the second surgery revealed substantial improvement in patient’s well-being.CONCLUSION CENF should be kept in mind during the differential diagnostic work-up for polyneuropathies.Management with an extensive decompression,duraplasty and primary spinal fixation represents a rational approach to achieve a sustained symptomatic improvement and superior overall outcome.展开更多
Background:The growing public health concern caused by non-communicable diseases in urban surroundings cannot be solved by health care alone;therefore a multidisciplinary approach is mandatory.This study aimed to eval...Background:The growing public health concern caused by non-communicable diseases in urban surroundings cannot be solved by health care alone;therefore a multidisciplinary approach is mandatory.This study aimed to evaluate the airborne aerosol pollution level in primary schools as possible factor influencing origin and course of the diseases in children.Methods:Seasonal aerosol particle number concentration(PNC)and mass concentration(PMC)were studied in the randomly selected eleven primary schools in the Lithuanian capital,Vilnius,as model of a middle-size Eastern European city.Total PNC in the size range from 0.01 to>1.0μm in diameter was measured using a condensation particle counter.Using an optical particle sizer,PNC was measured and PMC estimated for particles from 0.3 to 10.0μm.A descriptive statistics was used to estimate the aerosol pollution levels.Results:During all seasons,local cafeterias in the absence of ventilation were the main sources of the elevated levels of indoor PMC and PNC(up to 97,500 particles/cm3).The other sources of airborne particulates were the children’s activity during the lesson breaks with PMC up to 586μg/m3.Soft furniture,carpets in the classrooms and corridors were responsible for PMC up to 200μg/m3.Outdoor aerosol pollution(up to 18,170 particles/cm3)was higher for schools in city center.Elevated air pollution in classrooms also resulted from intermittent sources,such as construction work during classes(200-1000μg/m3)and petrol-powered lawn trimmers(up to 66,400 particles/cm3).Conclusion:The results of our survey show that even in a relatively low polluted region of Eastern Europe there are big differences in aerosol pollution within middle-sized city.Additional efforts are needed to improve air quality in schools:more frequent wet cleaning,monitoring the operation of ventilation systems,a ban on construction works during school year,on a use of sandblasting mechanisms in the neighborhood of schools.展开更多
文摘AIM:To report ocular changes in rabbits after the implementation of three different induction methods to create dry eye(DE)conditions and provides evidence of DErelated disease evolution.METHODS:Experimental methods were divided into 3 models.The first model used involved triple injection of complete Freund’s adjuvant,50µL each,also called the meibomian gland dysfunction(MGD)model.In the second model,DE conditions were created by the resection of nictitating membranes(NM),Harderian glands(HG),and main lacrimal glands(LG),also called the LGR model.The third model involved the topical administration of benzalkonium chloride(BAK)0.1%solution.The Schirmer test,ocular surface staining with fluorescein,and tear breakup time tests were implemented before and after excision.After euthanasia,the ocular tissues were dissected.Cornea,conjunctiva,and meibomian glands were treated with periodic acid–Schiff(PAS)staining and haematoxylin–eosin staining.RESULTS:The MGD model triggered inflammation of meibomian glands.It detected changes in the lipid layer of the tear film.The bilateral resection of NM,HG,and LG reduced the watering layer of the tear film.The topical administration of BAK of 0.1%solution impacted the mucosal layer of the tear film.CONCLUSION:Different changes are observed with different DE syndrome models.The composition of the tear film differ depending on which part of the eye is targeted.More studies need to be done to confirm whether an increased thickness of the cornea has any impact on the DE disease.
文摘AIM:To determine how green tea and catechins can affect intraocular pressure(IOP)changes.METHODS:Totally 43 young volunteers were included in the study.The experiment was held between noon and 2 p.m.Two extracts—green tea and epigallocatechin gallate(EGCG,400 mg capsules)and placebo(400 mg capsules)were used in the study.Participants were divided into three groups.Green tea extract group(GT group)had 17 subjects,EGCG extract group 17 subjects,control(placebo)group 9 subjects.IOP was measured with the Icare tonometer before and 30 min,1,1.5,2 h after the consumption of each extract and placebo.Results were analyzed using the IBM SPSS program.Statistical confidence level P<0.05.RESULTS:The most significant reduction of IOP from the beginning of the experiment was measured after 2 h in GT group(left 2.18±3.19 mm Hg,P=0.012;right 2.59±1.97 mm Hg,P<0.000)and after 1 h in EGCG extract group(left 2.41±2.98 mm Hg,P<0.004;right 1.94±1.98 mm Hg,P<0.001).In control group no significant changes were measured.CONCLUSION:People who have increased IOP or risk factors for glaucoma development,could benefit from drinking green tea or its concentrated extracts in moderate doses.
文摘BACKGROUND The inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor(IMT)is a rare,idiopathic,usually benign,mass-forming disease with myofibroblastic proliferation and a varying amount of inflammatory cells.Although it can affect various organs,the biliary tract is a rare localization of primary IMT,clinically,endoscopically and radiologically imitating cholangiocarcinoma.The treatment options are based only on clinical practice experience.CASE SUMMARY A 70-year-old woman was referred to our center due to progressive fatigue,weight loss,abdominal pain,night sweats,and elevated liver enzymes.Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP)revealed proximal common hepatic duct and hilar biliary strictures extending bilaterally to lobular bile ducts.Although initial clinical,endoscopic and radiological signs were typical for hilar cholangiocarcinoma,histological examination showed no signs of malignancy.In total,8 biopsies using different approaches were performed(several biopsies from dominant stricture during ERCP and direct cholangioscopy;ultrasound-guided liver biopsy;diagnostic laparoscopy with liver and lymph node biopsies).Histological examination revealed signs of IMT,and the final diagnosis of biliary IMT was stated.Although IMT is usually a benign disease,in our case,it was complicated.All pharmacological treatment measures were ineffective.The patient still needs permanent stenting,suffers from recurrent infections and mechanical jaundice.Despite that,the patient already survived 24 mo.CONCLUSION IMT presenting with hilar biliary strictures is a unique diagnostic and clinical challenge as it is indistinguishable from cholangiocarcinoma,and there are no evidence-based treatment options.Our goal is to increase the understanding of this rare disease and its possible course.
文摘BACKGROUND Plexiform neurofibromas are extremely rarely found in the region of cauda equina and can pose a significant challenge in the diagnostic and management sense.To our knowledge,only 7 cases of cauda equina neurofibromatosis(CENF)have been reported up-to-date.CASE SUMMARY We describe a case of a 55-year-old man with a 10 years history of progressive lower extremities weakness and bladder dysfunction.Before presenting,patient was misdiagnosed with idiopathic polyneuropathy.Lumbar spine MRI revealed a tortuous tumorous masses in the cauda equina region,extending through the Th12-L4 vertebrae.The patient underwent Th12-L3 Laminectomy with duraplasty.During the operation,the most enlarged electroneurographically silent nerve root was resected,anticipating inadequate decompression if nerve root was spared.The patient’s neurological condition improved post-operatively,but urinary retention became the major complaint.We provide a follow-up period of 10 years.During this time,the patient’s condition progressively worsened despite extensive decompression.The consequent MRI scans showed progressive enlargement of cauda equina roots and increasing lumbar stenosis,predominantly affecting L3-L4 segment.During the follow-up 8 years after the operation,the patient complained of worsening lower extremities sensorimotor function and neurogenic claudication.Subsequent MRI revealed lumbar spine stenosis at the level of L3-L4,requiring further decompression.The patient underwent a second surgery involving L4-L5 Laminectomy with duraplasty and L2-L5 transpedicular fixation.The post-operative period was uneventful.Latest follow-up 18 mo after the second surgery revealed substantial improvement in patient’s well-being.CONCLUSION CENF should be kept in mind during the differential diagnostic work-up for polyneuropathies.Management with an extensive decompression,duraplasty and primary spinal fixation represents a rational approach to achieve a sustained symptomatic improvement and superior overall outcome.
文摘Background:The growing public health concern caused by non-communicable diseases in urban surroundings cannot be solved by health care alone;therefore a multidisciplinary approach is mandatory.This study aimed to evaluate the airborne aerosol pollution level in primary schools as possible factor influencing origin and course of the diseases in children.Methods:Seasonal aerosol particle number concentration(PNC)and mass concentration(PMC)were studied in the randomly selected eleven primary schools in the Lithuanian capital,Vilnius,as model of a middle-size Eastern European city.Total PNC in the size range from 0.01 to>1.0μm in diameter was measured using a condensation particle counter.Using an optical particle sizer,PNC was measured and PMC estimated for particles from 0.3 to 10.0μm.A descriptive statistics was used to estimate the aerosol pollution levels.Results:During all seasons,local cafeterias in the absence of ventilation were the main sources of the elevated levels of indoor PMC and PNC(up to 97,500 particles/cm3).The other sources of airborne particulates were the children’s activity during the lesson breaks with PMC up to 586μg/m3.Soft furniture,carpets in the classrooms and corridors were responsible for PMC up to 200μg/m3.Outdoor aerosol pollution(up to 18,170 particles/cm3)was higher for schools in city center.Elevated air pollution in classrooms also resulted from intermittent sources,such as construction work during classes(200-1000μg/m3)and petrol-powered lawn trimmers(up to 66,400 particles/cm3).Conclusion:The results of our survey show that even in a relatively low polluted region of Eastern Europe there are big differences in aerosol pollution within middle-sized city.Additional efforts are needed to improve air quality in schools:more frequent wet cleaning,monitoring the operation of ventilation systems,a ban on construction works during school year,on a use of sandblasting mechanisms in the neighborhood of schools.
