bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ciprofloxacin Ophthalmic Solution in the Treatment of Conjunctivitis and Blepharitis: A Comparison with Fusidic Acid
Authors: Adenis J.P. , Colin J. , Verin P. , Riss I. , Saint-Blancat P.
Published: April 2018

The efficacy and safety of ciprofloxacin ophthalmic solution (0.3%) and fusidic acid gel (1%) were compared in the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis and blepharitis in a randomized, open, parallel group study. Thirty-nine patients, 21 treated with ciprofloxacin solution and 18 treated with fusidic acid gel, were culture-positive on admission and were evaluable for efficacy. At the end of a 7-day treatment, the infecting organism was eradicated in 81% of those treated with ciprofloxacin and 72% of those treated with fusidic acid gel. There was clinical cure or improvement in 95% and 89% respectively. The clinical cure rate appeared to be higher with ciprofloxacin than fusidic acid (62% compared with 28%) but this was related to the higher proportion of patients with acute conjunctivitis in the ciprofloxacin group. Two patients using ciprofloxacin had mild discomfort and stinging on instillation and one given fusidic acid had moderate edema and discomfort; the latter patient stopped treatment. Topical ciprofloxacin is effective and well tolerated and is a useful treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis and blepharitis.
Stato-Kinetic Dissociation in Subjects with Normal and Abnormal Visual Fields
Authors: Gandolfo E.
Published: April 2018

Purpose.

The aim of the study was to assess the presence and the importance of stato-kinetic dissociation (SKD) in subjects with normal and pathological visual fields (VF).

Methods.

A “customized” perimetric test designed for the assessment of SKD was carried out in seven homogeneous samples of subjects (normal, glaucomatous, ocular hypertensive, retinopathic, cataract, anterior visual pathways neuropathic and posterior visual pathways neuropathic). The results were statistically compared (Anova).

Results and Conclusions.

SKD is a physiological phenomenon, more evident in the central, paracentral and superior VF, influenced by age and partially by sex. SKD increases in the VF periphery when a posterior visual pathway disorder or retinopathy is present, and decreases in the centro-paracentral VF of glaucomatous and ocular hypertensive eyes. This SKD behaviour should be useful for early diagnosis of glaucoma.
Epidemiological Studies on Occupational Eye Pathology
Authors: Zlateva V. , Toncheva R. , Andreev A.
Published: April 2018

We examined 522 persons exposed to different types of non-ionizing radiation (UV, IR lasers) in the working environment. The control group consisted of 250 persons. The clinico-statistical analysis of occupational eye pathology depending on etiological factors, exposure time and age is presented. Specific cataracts were found in 38.37% of electric welders and in 11.4% of metal workers. The number of cataracts increased with exposure time and in elderly workers. We also observed six macular incidents when working with lasers. The results show the potential hazardous factors of the working environment and the corresponding eye impairments.
Vitrectomy for Ocular Trauma: A Question of Timing?
Authors: Dalma-Weiszhausz J. , Quiroz-Mercado H. , Morales-Canton V. , Oliver-Fernandez K. , De Anda-Turati M.
Published: April 2018

Purpose.

A long-standing controversy exists regarding the proper timing for vitrectomy in a traumatized eye. The present study was conducted to assess the influence of timing on the final visual acuity.

Materials and methods.

A retrospective review was made of 45 consecutive patients who underwent a pars plana vitrectomy procedure for repair of ocular trauma. The patients were divided into two groups according to the timing of the surgery post-trauma: those operated before or after 14 days. Type of trauma and pre- and postoperative visual acuities were compared.

Results.

A contusion type of trauma was more frequent in the late surgery group. Sharp, penetrating injuries were more common in the early vitrectomy group. No significant difference was found though visual acuity was worse in the patients with a contusion component to their injury. Timing of surgery seems to have very little effect on the final outcome.

Conclusions.

Final visual acuity is determined by the type and extent of trauma rather than the timing of surgery.
Dysplastic Nevi are a Risk Factor for Uveal Melanoma
Authors: Hammer H. , Oláh J. , Tóth-Molnár E.
Published: April 2018

Many studies have characterized the phenotypic features of individuals who are likely to develop cutaneous melanoma. One of the major items included in melanoma risk assessment has been the presence of clinically atypical nevi (dysplastic nevi). This study assessed the number of subjects with dysplastic nevi in groups of patients with uveal melanoma or cutaneous melanoma and in a group of volunteer controls. The SPSS program was used to calculate the odds ratios (hereafter called relative risks; RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) in melanoma patients and controls. The RR was 4.36 for uveal melanoma (95% CI 1.84–10.36) and 4.22 for cutaneous melanoma (95% CI 1.81–9.84). These results suggest that cutaneous dysplastic nevi are a significant risk factor for uveal melanoma.
Interferon Alpha in the Therapy of Conjunctival Lymphoma in An Hiv+ Patient
Authors: Cellini M. , Possati G.L. , Puddu P. , Caramazza R.
Published: April 2018

The authors evaluated the efficacy of interferon-alpha used intralesionally in the therapy of low-grade conjunctival non-Hodgkin lymphoma in an HIV-positive patient. The patient received one intralesional injection of 1,000,000 U of interferon-alpha three times a week for a total of twelve doses. The remission of conjunctival involvement was seen three months from the end of the therapy. The intralesional use of interferon-alpha can be considered an efficacious therapy for low-grade conjunctival non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
A Clinical Study of the Hydroxyapatite Orbital Implant
Authors: Ashworth J.L. , Rhatigan M. , Brammar R. , Sunderland S. , Leatherbarrow B.
Published: April 2018

The hydroxyapatite orbital implant has been used in the anophthalmia patient to give good motility of the artificial eye and a cosmetic result which matches that of the natural eye. It is thought to reduce the unacceptable complication rate that has been associated with other implants, as its buried, vascularized state deters extrusion and migration of the implant.

Eighty consecutive patients were followed, 33 of whom had been referred for primary enucleation or evisceration, and 47 for secondary implant surgery. Thirteen of the secondary patients already had implants in situ. There were 44 males and 36 females in the study. The age range was 2.5 to 72 years with a mean of 36 years. The follow-up time was 2 to 30 months with a mean of 15 months. Twenty patients had been pegged at the time of review. A standardised operative and post-operative protocol was followed. The patients were assessed for the results of the motility of the artificial eye for both smooth pursuit and saccades, and for the cosmetic result. The amount of upper lid sulcus deformity was assessed to give an indication of volume replacement by the implant. The nature of any complications was noted as well as any further surgical procedures undertaken.

The results show the hydroxyapatite orbital implant to give good cosmetic results with good motility of the artificial eye and to be associated with a low rate of complications. Drilling of the implant is simple to perform and also not associated with any significant complications. The hydroxyapatite orbital implant can be used successfully not only as a primary but also as a secondary or exchange implant with very few contraindications.
Pharmacokinetic Investigation of Fusidic Acid 1% Viscous Eye Drops in Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Thorn P. , Johansen S.
Published: April 2018

The biological half-life of fusidic acid was measured in tear fluid samples from the inferior fornix of 14 healthy volunteers after instillation of one drop of viscous fusidic acid eye drops. The study comprised four test days separated by six days of wash-out. On the first test day the concentrations of fusidic acid were measured 1 h after installation, on the second test day 3 h after, on the third test day 6 h after, and on the last day 12 h after instillation. The median fusidic acid concentrations in the tear fluid were 15.7 μg/ml, 15.2 μg/ml, 10.5 μg/ml and 5.6 μg/ml on the four days. This corresponds to a biological half-life of 7.3 h. Some of the volunteers reported mild local discomfort lasting a few minutes.
Ophthalmological Aspects in Allogenic Bone Marrow Transplantation: Sjögren-Like Syndrome in Graft-Versus-Host Disease
Authors: Mencucci R. , Ferrini C. Rossi , Bosi A. , Volpe R. , Guidi S. , Salvi G.
Published: April 2018

Purpose.

A major complication of allogenic bone marrow transplantation (BMT) is graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), characterized principally by involvement of the eyes, producing a Sjögren-like syndrome (SLS). This study assessed the predictive role of the eye involvement in the onset of GVHD.

Methods.

Thirty-five patients transplanted for hematological malignancies were routinely examined for ocular manifestation of dry eye. Examination includes the Schirmer I test, break-up time, Lissamine Green staining, fluorescein test, lactoferrin test and impression cytology. A threshold was established for quantitative analysis of SLS.

Results.

Fifteen of 35 patients (40%) developed SLS during long-term follow-up. Ten of these (77%) developed acute or chronic GVHD.

Conclusions.

The possible etiology of SLS includes three factors: total body irradiation, ocular toxicity of chemotherapy and GHVD. A correlation was found between poor-prognosis GVHD and the occurrence of SLS.
Conjunctival Scrapings and Impression Cytology in Chronic Conjunctivitis. Correlation with Microbiology
Authors: Cvenkel B. , Globočnik M.
Published: April 2018

To assess the utility of exfoliative cytology in the diagnosis of chronic conjunctivitis, we compared its findings with microbiological examination and established the correlation between cytology and microbiology in 32 patients with conjunctivitis lasting four weeks or more, with a nonspecific clinical picture. The material for cytology was collected by scraping and by imprint of the ocular surface on Millipore filter paper. The specimens were stained with Giemsa.

Material for bacterial culture and fluorescent antibody test for viruses and Chlamydia were obtained at the same time.

In 12 patients neutrophils predominated in cytology, in six eosinophils were found and in four there were more lymphocytes. One patient had a basophilic intracytoplasmic inclusion specific for Chlamydia infection. In eight patients coagulase-negative Staphylococcus species and in one Staphylococcus aureus were isolated, in two the fluorescent antibody test for Chlamydia was positive and in three for viruses.

In all patients with a positive bacterial culture, a predominance of neutrophils was observed. All patients with a positive test for viruses had lymphocytosis in conjunctival scrapings. In two patients microbiology detected Chlamydia, but characteristic intracytoplasmic inclusions were observed only in one.

Scrapings gave more specific results, that correlated well with microbiology in bacterial and viral infection, whereas the results of impression cytology showed minor metaplastic changes of epithelial cells that were nonspecific for the type of inflammation.

Cytology remains a useful non-invasive tool and is an adjunct to clinical and microbiological examination. It proved especially helpful in allergic conjunctivitis.
Changes in the Direct-Current Electroretinogram of Albino Rabbits during Prolonged Intermittent Recording
Authors: Gottvall E. , Textorius O.
Published: April 2018

The study investigated the pattern of the direct-current electroretinogram (ERG) of albino rabbits during prolonged intermittent recording, and whether different initial dark adaptation periods or starting the experiments at different times influenced the results. We examined 27 rabbits under general anesthesia, in three experiments, each comprising nine animals. Five series (experiments 1 and 3) or four series (experiment 2) of ten repeated light stimuli were presented to the eyes with 30 minutes of dark adaptation before experiments 1 and 3, and 90 minutes before experiment 2. The dark adaptation of experiments 1 and 2 began at 10.30 a.m. and that of experiment 3 at 3.30 p.m. The interval between consecutive series of light stimuli was 33 minutes.

Stimulus intensity was 680 lux, stimulus duration 10 seconds, and the interval between stimuli 3 minutes. The mean b-wave amplitude of the ten recordings in each series of stimuli increased up to the series beginning 3.5 hours (experiments 1 and 2) or 2.5 hours (experiment 3) after the start of dark adaptation. The mean c-wave amplitude increased throughout experiments 1 and 3, and up to the series beginning 3.5 hours after the start of dark adaptation in experiment 2. The mean a-wave amplitude was more stable. It seemed irrelevant for the long-term development of the mean ERG amplitudes whether the eye was dark adapted (experiment 2) or exposed to repeated light stimuli (experiments 1 and 3) during the first part of the experiment, and whether the experiments started in the morning or in the afternoon.
Color Doppler Imaging in Uveitis
Authors: Atilla H. , Zilelioğlu G. , Özdemir H. , Atilla S. , Isik S.
Published: April 2018

Purpose.

To evaluate the vascular hemodynamic changes that can be detected with color Doppler imaging (CDI) in diagnosis, differential diagnosis and prognosis of uveitis with different etiologies including Behçet's disease.

Methods.

Four groups consisting of healthy volunteers, uveitis patients with different etiologies and Behçet's disease patients with and without ocular involvement were examined by CDI. Central retinal artery (CRA), posterior ciliary artery (PCA), ophthalmic artery (OA) and central retinal vein (CRV) flow velocities and vascular resistances were measured prospectively by a radiologist blinded to the presence and etiology of uveitis.

Results.

The peak systolic and end-diastolic velocities in CRA and PCA in Behçet's disease with ocular involvement were significantly lower than all other groups (p<0.001). Peak systolic and end-diastolic velocities in CRA were lower than the control group in Behçet's disease patients without ocular involvement (p<0.001) but there were no differences in PCA and OA flow velocity (p>0.05). In the uveitis group, CRA and CRV flow velocities were significantly lower than in the control group (p<0.001).

Conclusions.

According to our results, uveitis in Behçet's disease is associated with significant reductions of CRA and PCA flow velocities when compared with other types of uveitis and. healthy subjects. In cases without ocular involvement, CRA flow velocities were lower than the control group, but there were no real differences in the PCA and OA values. This suggests that vasculitic involvement of PCA is more specific to Behçet's disease and occurs later in the course of the disease. The results also suggest that it may be possible to detect and follow hemodynamic changes in Behçet's disease with CDI before clinical findings of ocular involvement become evident.
Synthetic Patch for Scleral Tissue Loss
Authors: Dori D. , Beiran I. , Carmi R. , Miller B.
Published: April 2018

We report a case in which traumatic scleral tissue loss was surgically treated by a synthetic patch used in neurosurgical procedures. In the present case the patch served as a permanent solution to scleral loss. The patch is available commercially and easily stored. In the light of our experience, we suggest that this patch material be considered for both urgent and semi-elective scleral patching procedures.
Oral Low-Dose Midazolam as Premedication for Intraocular Surgery in Retrobulbar Anesthesia: Cardiovascular Effects and Relief of Perioperative Anxiety
Authors: Kiefer R.T. , Weindler J. , Ruprecht K.W.
Published: April 2018

The aim was to investigate the efficacy and practicability of oral low-dose premedication with 3.75 mg midazolam (1/2 tablet Dormicum® 7.5 mg) for selective intraocular surgery with retrobulbar anesthesia.

Forty-six ASA ll-lll patients were randomly assigned to either group I: midazolam (n=24) or group II: placebo (n=22). Sedation was objectively quantified with a scale derived from the Glasgow-Coma-Scale and a verbal self-rating scale. Trait-anxiety was studied with the State-Trait Inventory by Spielberger, perioperative situative anxiety with the Erlanger Anxiety Scale. Cardiovascular variables and oxygenation were automatically monitored.

Midazolam produced significant and sufficient sedation and significant anxiolysis. Systolic, diastolic and mean blood pressure were moderately but significantly, reduced. The effect on diastolic pressure was more pronounced. There was no effect on heart-rate. Oxygenation at all times remained well above 90% SpO2.

In conclusion low-dose oral midazolam proved to be a single and effective premedication before intraocular surgery under local anesthesia.
Topical Diclofenac Sodium Compared with Prednisolone Acetate after Phacoemulsification-Lens Implant Surgery
Authors: Demco T.A. , Sutton H. , Demco C.J. , Raj P. Sunder
Published: April 2018

Purpose.

This study was performed to compare the efficacy, safety and tolerability of diclofenac sodium 0.1 % ophthalmic solution with that of prednisolone acetate 1.0% ophthalmic suspension for treatment of inflammation following phacoemulsification and posterior chamber lens implantation.

Methods.

One hundred and sixteen patients (diclofenac 57, prednisolone 59) with visually disabling cataract were enrolled in this prospective, randomised, double-masked, parallel group study in two centres. Post-operative patient assessments at day 1, 5–8 and 12–16 included visual acuity, slit-lamp examination, applanation tonometry and subjective evaluation of local tolerance.

Results.

There was no statistically significant difference between the diclofenac and prednisolone groups in the sum of the grades of anterior chamber flare and cells or the degree of conjunctival hyperaemia at any study visit. The overall assessment of local tolerance was similar for both the study medications. There were two (3.4%) possibly drug-related adverse events in the prednisolone group but neither was severe.

Conclusions.

Diclofenac sodium 0.01% ophthalmic solution was as effective, safe and well tolerated overall as prednisolone acetate 1.0% ophthalmic suspension.
Choice of Surgical Technique in the Management of Cataract Combined with Vitreous Surgery
Authors: De Ortueta Hilberath D. , Lösche C.C.
Published: April 2018

Purpose.

To compare different methods of lens removal during vitreous surgery.

Methods.

We reviewed the data of 37 consecutive eye operations with combined surgery of the lens and vitreous in the Mülheim Eye Hospital between March ‘93 and September ‘94.

Results.

In 14 eyes a pars plana lensectomy was done, in 7 an ECCE (extra capsular cataract extraction), and in 16 phacoemulsification was combined with a regular threeport pars plana vitrectomy.

Conclusions.

The choice of procedure was mainly influenced by the hardness of the lens and whether an IOL implant was considered. If no IOL is planned and the lens is soft enough, the best way to remove it is by pars plana lensectomy. If the nucleus seems too hard, phacoemulsification should be performed, because of the risk of releasing the nucleus into the posterior segment. If an IOL is planned, the best method of lens removal is phacoemulsification via a scleral tunnel. In both cases if the nucleus is very hard ECCE should be performed because of the risk of corneal edema.
Relationship between Retinal Lesions and Axial Length, Age and Sex in High Myopia
Authors: Gözüm N. , Çakir M. , Gücukoglu A. , Sezen F.
Published: April 2018

We analysed the relationship between central and peripheral retinal lesions and axial length (AL), patient's age and sex with myopia greater than 6 diopters. A total of 212 eyes of 109 patients with high myopia underwent detailed funduscopy and A-scan ultrasonography. AL was measured, and central and peripheral retinal lesions were noted. Results were analysed using Student's t-test. Sixty-one patients (118 eyes) were female and 48 (94 eyes) male. Mean age was 31.00 ± 13.67 years, and mean AL was 28.31 ± 2.02 mm. Chorioretinal atrophy, Fuchs’ spot, posterior staphyloma and posterior vitreous detachment increased significantly with AL and age. Fuchs’ spot was more common in females. White-without-pressure (WWP) was inversely correlated with AL and age, and was more common in males. The high frequency of WWP in younger patients and moderate AL suggests that these lesions result from vitreoretinal tractions. Lattice degeneration was also a frequent finding in high myopia, and tended to increase with AL and age, though without reaching statistical significance.
Vitreoretinal Surgery in Diabetic Patients on Hemodialysis
Authors: Nawrocki J. , Chrzanowski W. , Koch D. , Dziegielewski K.
Published: April 2018

The present paper reports our first results after pars plana vitrectomy in patients with diabetic retinopathy and hemodialysis with a follow-up of 6 to 24 months. Between January 1992 and October 1994 we performed vitreoretinal surgery with silicone oil tamponade in nine eyes of seven patients with diabetic nephropathy on hemodialysis. All patients had had type I diabetes for 19–32 years. Over the observation period the retina was completely attached in eight eyes. Final visual acuity of 0.1 - 0.7 was attained in four eyes, 0.06 two, hand movements in one eye. Two eyes had no useful final visual acuity because of redetachment of the retina or secondary glaucoma with rubeosis iridis. The small number of complications shows that pars plana vitrectomy can be done in diabetic patients with nephropathy on hemodialysis. This significantly improves their quality of life
Orbital Metastasis of Renal Cell Carcinoma Masquerading as Amaurosis Fugax
Authors: Mezer E. , Gdal-On M. , Miller B.
Published: April 2018

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common malignancy involving the kidney. Only rarely does it metastasize to the eye and orbit, sometimes mimicking other lesions. A 70-year-old woman was referred from neurology because of a right orbital lesion, six months after the start of a neurological investigation because of amaurosis fugax. Six months earlier she had complained of transient visual disturbances in her right eye. After excluding cardiovascular abnormalities and coagulopathies as the source of her complaints, she was diagnosed as having a right senile ptosis. A computed tomography scan, done to complete the workout, detected a right orbital mass. The patient was referred to the oculoplastic unit. A biopsy and then a lateral orbitotomy were performed. Histopathological examination proved it to be a metastatic renal cell carcinoma, seven years after the primary tumor had been diagnosed and treated by nephrectomy.

The characteristics of metastatic renal cell carcinoma are discussed, in view of the rarity of metastasis to the eye and, in particular, to the orbit, and its tendency to masquerade as other lesions or symptoms. In this case it presented as amaurosis fugax before other signs appeared.
Corneal Epithelial Deficiency Induced by the Use of β-Blocker Eye Drops
Authors: Haruta Y. , Ohashi Y. , Matsuda S.
Published: April 2018

Two studies were conducted to check the effects of β-blocker eye drops, 2% carteolol (Mikelan®) and 0.5% timolol (Timoptol®), on regeneration of corneal epithelium in rabbit eyes. For the short-term study, epithelial deficiency was artificially induced in the cornea of albino rabbits. One of the β-blocker eye drops or 0.005% benzalkonium chloride was applied in the right eye and physiological saline solution was applied to the left eye four times a day, and wound healing rate was calculated. Two weeks later, images of the surface epithelium were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and proliferative capacity was studied, using proliferating cell nuclear antigen as a marker. The long-term study was conducted similarly except that the eye drops were applied twice a day and epithelial deficiency was re-induced every two weeks.

In the short-term study, epithelial wound healing rate was slowed in β-blocker groups. Significant differences were detected between the Mikelan® and Timoptol® groups, and the benzalkonium and physiological saline groups. The β-blocker groups had severe epithelial cell desquamation, as well as detachment. In the long-term study, the Mikelan® group had significantly delayed wound healing at first induction, the benzalkonium group showed delay up to the third induction and the Timoptol® group up to the fifth induction. These studies indicate that β-blocker eye drops delay corneal epithelial wound healing and supported the concept that corneal epithelial deficiency occurs clinically after the long-term administration of β-blocker eye drops.
Neuro-Ophthalmic Complications of Biopsy-Proven Giant Cell Arteritis
Authors: Von Blotzheim S. Glutz , Borruat F.-X.
Published: April 2018

Purpose

To define the spectrum of neuro-ophthalmic complications and clinical presentations of patients with giant cell arteritis (GCA).

Methods

Retrospective study (1977-1994) of clinical charts, fundus photographies and fluorescein angiographies of 66 patients with temporal artery biopsy positive for GCA.

Results

Clinical data were adquate for 47 patients. Headaches were reported by 83%, weight loss in 73%, jaw claudication in 68%, scapular pain in 64% and asthenia in 57%. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate was normal in 15%. Neuro-ophthalmic complications were present in 33 cases (70%), including anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (22 cases), choroidal ischemia (17 cases), central or branch retinal artery occlusion (seven cases), and oculomotility disturbances (four cases). Fluorescein angiography was very helpful for detecting choroidal ischemia (80.9% of our cases). Twenty-one patients presented with involvement of several distinct orbital arterial territories and one very unusual patient suffered from an orbital infarction (i.e. ischemia of all orbital structures).

Conclusions

In our series, two-thirds of biopsy-proven GCA patients presented with neuro-ophthalmic complications, ranging from transient visual loss to orbital infarction. Involvement of more than one orbital vascular territory is highly suggestive of an arteritic process. Clinicians should keep in mind the possibility of GCA even when ESR is normal, and fluorescein angiography should be performed. The finding of choroidal ischemia should prompt temporal artery biopsy and steroid therapy.
Granuloma Annulare–Like Granulomatous Reaction to Red Tattoo Pigment
Authors: Arshdeep  , Chougule Abhijit , De Dipankar , Handa Sanjeev
Published: April 2018

Cutaneous reactions to tattoos can be attributed either to trauma or to the exogenous pigment introduced into the skin. Red pigment is associated with a high sensitizing potential and is the most frequently implicated pigment inducing various types of histological reactions. Herein, we describe a patient with red tattoo pigment-induced granulomatous dermatitis that histologically revealed a very rare granuloma annulare–like reaction.
Privatization of Public Space: Spatial Practice in the Umbrella Movement
Authors: Tang Kin-Ling
Published: April 2018

This article argues that in order to understand the resistance potentials of taking space movements, the temporal dimensions and spatial practices implied cannot be neglected, or else there would be a tendency to be overoptimistic about resistance in these movements. Using the Umbrella Movement that took place in Hong Kong in 2014 as a case study, this article notes that representational space and spatial practice by protesters were guided by a dualistic view of the public and the private, which in turn is the dominant ideology in neoliberalism, and that their acts of resistance were not able to go beyond the confines of conceived space. In the movement, protesters reclaimed public spaces through privatizing them. Based on the work of Lefebvre, this article argues that only with a radical critique of neoliberal values embedded in capitalism including the public-private dualism can any real transformations of everyday life and hence revolution be possible.
The Role of a New Monoclonal Antibody Assay in the Detection of Recurrent Breast Cancer
Authors: Tommasi Mariasilvia , Fantappié Beatrice , Distante Vito , Cataliotti Luigi , Neri Bruno , Ciatto Stefano , Pacini Paolo
Published: April 2018

The immunoradiometric assay “CA 15-3”, recently developed to measure a breast tumor-associated antigen, gave a mean serum value of 13.8 U/ml (S.D. 6.2) for this antigen in 156 non-cancer controls (36 biopsies for a benign breast lesion and 120 healthy controls).

Setting a cut-off value of 30 U/ml (specificity 99.3%), only 3 out of 58 primary breast cancer cases were positive. In metastatic breast cancer, 11 out of 33 cases with limited recurrence (33.3%) and 36 out of 56 cases with extensive recurrence (64.3%) gave abnormal values in this assay, above the cut-off point, with an overall sensitivity of 52.8%; the difference between the sensitivity values in the two groups of recurrent cases was statistically significant (P < 0.01).

According to the findings of the present study, CA 15-3 has no role in the detection of primary breast cancer, but its usefulness in disease monitoring can be hypothesized, as circulating levels of the antigen seem to be dependent on the tumor mass.
Pleomorphic Adenoma and Adenoid-Cystic Carcinoma of the Salivary Glands: Comparative Immunohistochemical Patterns
Authors: Tomasino Rosa Maria , Nuara Rosabianca , Morello Vincenza , Florena Ada Maria , Daniele Elio
Published: April 2018

A series of 20 cases of pleomorphic adenoma and 19 cases of adenoid-cystic carcinoma of the salivary glands, and one case in the mammary location, were investigated regarding immunohistochemical reactivity for Tissue Polypeptid Antigen (TPA), Pre-Keratins, Vimentin, S-100 Protein, and their arrangement pattern of fibronectin.

As a whole, the results support the hypothesis of morpho-structural and mainly, onto-histogenetic similarities between these tumours, but they also underline the need for great care in outlining their morpho-functional features, in relation to their different prognoses.
The Clinical Relevance of Tumor Marker Cea, Ca 19-9 in Regional Chemotherapy of Hepatic Metastases of Colorectal Carcinoma
Authors: Safi F. , Roscher R. , Bittner R. , Beger H.G.
Published: April 2018

Up to December 1986, 50 patients with documented hepatic metastases from colorectal carcinoma were treated with 5-fluoro-2-deoxyuridine (FUDR) using Infusaid pumps. The response of liver metastases to regional chemotherapy was studied by computerized tomography (CT) and carcino-embryonal antigen (CEA), and/or CA 19-9 antigen serum assays. Preoperative CEA values were pathological in 94% of the patients but only 48% had a pathological concentration of the antigen CA 19-9 of over 37 U/ml.

The course of CEA and CA 19-9 in combination with the arterial angio-CT reflected the response of liver metastases to regional chemotherapy. A decrease or normalisation of CEA and CA 19-9 after the beginning of therapy is an indication of partial or complete remission of metastases (68% of the patients showed lowered CEA serum values).

If the marker continues to rise in serum this is a danger signal of progression of liver metastases or of extrahepatic tumor spread if the tumor stage in the liver remains unchanged.
Short-term Effects of i.v. Injected Murine 99M Tc-F(ab’)2 Fragments of an Anti-Melanoma Antibody (HMW-MAA 225.28 S) on Haemato-Immunological Parameters in Patients with Melanoma
Authors: Castello G. , Mansi L. , Leonardi E. , Lastoria S. , Melillo G.
Published: April 2018

To evaluate alterations induced by injectedmurine radiolabelled F(ab’)2 fragments of the anti HMW-MAA MoAb 225.28S on the principal haemato-immunological parameters, 32 patients with advanced malignant melanoma were studied. No statistically significant change was found after MoAb administration, but monocytes (3h after injection) and granular eosinophils (24 h after) were reduced and circulating immune complexes increased (3 h after). No toxic effect or adverse reaction was observed.

Therefore, the controlled administration of purified MoAb fragments for diagnostic purposes seems to involve only a very low risk of immediate adverse reactions
Radioimmunoscintigraphy Using Monoclonal Antibodies to CEA, CA 19-9 and CA 125
Authors: Baum R.P. , Lorenz M. , Hottenrott C. , Albrecht M. , Senekowitsch R. , Happ J. , Hertel A. , Spitz J. , Hör G.
Published: April 2018

131I labelled F (ab’)2 fragments of monoclonal antibodies against CA 19-9 and CEA (“radioimmunococktail” IMACIS 1) were used in a prospective study (n = 60 patients) and in a retrospective study (n = 32 patients) for the detection of colorectal carcinomas (n = 67) and other gastrointestinal CEA/CA 19-9-producing tumors (n = 32). Sensitivity was 82% and specificity 90%. Immunoscintigraphy proved useful and complementary to CT scan and sonography, especially in the diagnosis of pelvic recurrences and intra-abdominal metastases.

In addition, monoclonal antibody OC 125 (IMACIS 2) was used for the detection of ovarian carcinomas (n = 10) and other CA 125 producing tumors. Immunoscintigraphy was positive in all patients (n = 18) suggesting that this radioimmunological approach could be of use in the staging, therapeutic control and earlier diagnosis of recurrent epithelial ovarian carcinoma.
Hybrid Antibodies in Cancer Diagnosis and Therapy
Authors: Ménard S. , Canevari S. , Colnaghi M.I.
Published: April 2018

Monoclonal Antibodies (Mabs) represent a promising tool for cancer diagnosis and theraphy.

Administration of MAbs alone or conjugated to cytotoxic agents has been attempted but has significant limitations. Another potentially effective approach is the use of bispecific or bifunctional antibodies where the capacity to recognize the tumor cell and the toxic agent or lymphocyte activation molecule are united in one MAb. The hybrid molecule can be produced by chemical linkage between the two parentalantibodies, or alternatively by a biological approach that consists in the fusion of the two selected hybridomas. In the resulting quadroma cell the hybridoma immunoglobulin chains recombine randomly to form the bifunctional MAb.

In different in vitro and in vivo models, bifunctional MAbs against tumor and CDS at nanomolar concentration has been shown to promote tumor cell killing by cytotoxic T cells.

Specific localization of chemotherapeutic drugs in xenografted tumors has been demonstrated in mice pretreated with hybrid MAbs.

The advantages of the hybrid MAb approach are that it should reduce the MAb biodistribution problem and that it involves no chemical manipulation between the functional agent and the MAb molecules.
Serum Lactate Dehydrogenase Fails to Predict Response to Treatment and Survival in Acute Non-lymphocytic Leukemia
Authors: Fasola G. , Zuffa E. , Fanin R. , Michieli M. , Gallizia C. , Damiani D. , Russo D. , Visani G. , Resegotti L. , Comotti B. , Buzzetti M. , Battista R. , Leoni F. , Ciolli S. , Alghisi A. , Scapoli G.L. , Mangoni L. , Aieta M. , Leoni P. , Cantore M. , Baccarani M. , Tura S.
Published: April 2018

Total serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity was measured in 514 adult patients with de novo acute non-lymphocytic leukemia (ANLL) prior to any treatment and was compared with several disease features, with response to induction treatment, and with relapse-free survival. LDH was higher in the M4 and M5 FAB cytological subtypes and was positively correlated with the white blood cell count (WBC). The proportion of remissions, of deaths during induction, and of failure, and the duration of relapse-free survival, were clearly unrelated to LDH activity, in the whole series as well as in different age groups (below 40 years, and 40 to 60 years) and in any FAB cytological subtype. Multivariate analysis showed that only WBC and sex (female better than male) were marginally related with relapse-free survival. These data provide conclusive evidence that LDH does not help in defining the prognosis of adult ANLL, either because enzyme activity fails to reflect the number and proliferation rate of leukemic cells efficiently, or because with current standard treatment these features are of borderline importance, in contrast with acute lymphocytic leukemia and malignant lymphomas.
Significance of DNA Content in Oral Carcinoma
Authors: Sen R.
Published: April 2018

Standard cytophotometric measurement of DNA in normal, leukoplakic and cancerous oral and oropharyngeal tissues with a Leitz Weitzler Aristophot Cytophotometer showed both 1% and 5% significance in different grades of malignancy and 5% as regards sites of malignancy. The differences were marked in different grades of malignancy and specially with progression of the lesion. Cytophotometry can be useful to diagnose the stages of carcinoma.
MCA in Patients with Breast Cancer: Correlation with CEA and CA15-3
Authors: Molina R. , Filella X. , Mengual P. , Prats M. , Zanon G. , Daniels M. , Ballesta AM.
Published: April 2018

MCA serum levels were determined in 27 healthy subjects, 136 with benign pathology (42 breast) and in 289 patients with cancer (247 active). The last group includes 223 patients with breast cancer (96 without metastases, 89 with metastases and 38 no-evidence of disease). CEA and CA15-3 serum levels were determined in all the patients with breast diseases.

The mean levels of MCA were 4.7 + 2.4 U/ml in the control group, considering less than 11 U/ml as normal. MCA values were abnormal in 15.4 % of patients with benign pathology, mainly in those with liver cirrhosis (8/20) and lung diseases (4/20). In the majority of these cases, the rise was only moderate, lower than 15 U/ml in 97.5% of patients. In malignant diseases, important increments were found in breast cancer (19.8% Mo, 77.5% M1) and ovarian cancer stages III–IV (44.4%). When we compared MCA serum levels with CA15-3 and CEA in breast pathology, a similar specificity was observed: 92.3%, 92.3% and 100% in cases with benign pathology and 92.1%, 94.7%, and 97.4% in NED patients, respectively. MCA and CA15-3 sensitivity was similar in breast cancer without metastases (19.8%) and lower for CEA (16.7%). In patients with breast cancer without metastases, we found a relation between positivity of these tumor markers and prognostic factors (tumor size, nodal involvement). The disease free interval in patients with locoregional breast cancer was shorter in cases with abnormal presurgical levels of some of the tumor markers, but only the difference from MCA was significant (p < 0.02). Inpatients with metastases the sensitivity was about 77.5%, 70% and 65.1% respectively for MCA, CA15-3 and CEA. Sensitivity using the three tumor markers was not significantly better than with only two of them
Clinical Evaluation of CA 15.3 in the Post-operative Follow-up of Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Scaramuzzi M. , Amorotti C. , De Palma M. , Falchi A.M. , Baldini E. , De Maria D. , Casolo P.
Published: April 2018

In 265 patients operated for breast carcinoma the monoclonal antibody serum test CA 15.3 was predictive of metastatic diffusion of the disease. Its level increased in cases of distant metastasis with no significant difference between multiple and single sites (p = 0.014). The concentration of the marker was higher in 21 (23.8%) patients without nodal involvement and in 19 (27.5%) with nodal involvement (p = 0.193). Our study suggests that CA 15.3 may be an aid in the follow-up of patients with metastatic diffusion of breast cancer.
Radiolabelled Stripped Mucin, SM3, Monoclonal Antibody for Immunoscintigraphy of Ovarian Tumours
Authors: Granowska M. , Mather S.J. , Jobling T. , Naeem M. , Burchell J , Ylor-Papadimitriou J Ta , Shepherd J , Britton K.E.
Published: April 2018

A new monoclonal antibody, SM3, against stripped mucin core protein has been evaluated for the radioimmunoscintigraphy of ovarian cancer. It was radiolabelled with In-111, I-123 and Tc-99m and results showed a sensitivity of 95%, 100% and 100% and an accuracy of 73%, 86% and 100% for malignancy; respectively.
Clinical Value of Radioimmunoscintigraphy in the follow-up of Ovarian Carcinoma: A Prospective Study
Authors: Crippa F. , Presti M. , Marini A. , D'Onofrio B. , Bolis G. , Buraggi G.L.
Published: April 2018

Twenty-five patients treated with debulking surgery and chemotherapy for ovarian cancer were prospectively studied to evaluate the efficacy of radioimmunoscintigraphy (RIS) in detecting residual tumor before second-look surgery. RIS was performed with the monoclonal antibody OC125 F(ab')2 labelled with 1-131 without knowledge of clinical data and compared with subsequent surgical results. Second look showed tumor persistence in 12 patients, mostly characterized by small lesions. The overall diagnostic sensitivity of RIS was 50% and the specificity was 85%. In particular, RIS showed better sensitivity for pelvic tumor localizations than for abdominal sites (73% vs 33%); this was due to the inability of RIS to detect upper abdominal lesions. Therefore, our conclusion is that, at present, RIS cannot substitute surgical second-look in the management of ovarian cancer, however, considering that also ultrasonography, computer tomography and magnetic resonance are not always able to give definite diagnostic evidence in the follow-up of ovarian carcinoma, RIS could be added to these procedures to balance the limitations of each method. In this regard, the best application of RIS could be in the follow-up of patients with marker elevation without clinical evidence of disease, especially in the case of pelvic fibrosis or adhesions due to previous therapy, where the other non-invasive tools can give doubtful diagnostic results.
Levels of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin in Breast Cyst Fluid
Authors: Troccoli R. , Battistelli S. , Marcheggiani F. , Sessa M. , Fronduti A.
Published: April 2018

The results of dosage of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) in 75 breast cyst fluids taken from 61 patients suffering from breast gross cystic disease (BGCD), 13 of which had multiple mono and / or bilateral cysts are discussed. The corresponding sera were also examined. Assays were carried out using the ELISA method. For comparison, HCG levels were also determined in 21 breast cyst fluids using RIA method. In 66.7% of the breast cyst fluids examined the hormone levels were higher than normal serum values. Corresponding sera showed HCG to be within the range of normal levels. In 5 patients the multiple and / or bilateral cysts showed widely differing hormone levels. The importance of these observations is discussed.
Immunohistochemical Distribution of Mucinous-like Carcinoma Associated Antigen (MCA) in Breast and Non-breast Cancer: Comparison with other Biological Parameters
Authors: Martinazzi M. , Crivelli F. , Grassi C. , Zampatti C.
Published: April 2018

The present study reports the immunohistochemical reactivity of the monoclonal antibody b-12 (MAb b-12) with malignant human tissues. 173 neoplastic tissues were tested: MAb b-12 stained all breast carcinomas independently of their histology, with different patterns within the various type of cancer. Some other carcinomas (stomach, bowel, ovary, lung, endometrium), were also reactive even if the fraction of positive cells was lower.

A comparison between the histological localization of MCA and that of CEA was performed; anti-CEA antibodies stained the cancer tissues with different reactivity and showed different percentages of positivity. MCA expression was also compared with other biological parameters such as the presence of estrogen receptors (ER), progesterone receptors (PgR), epithelial growth factor receptors (EGF-R), and oncoprotein p-53 which is encoded by the oncogene N-myc. The proliferative activity was also evaluated by measuring the growth fraction (GF) using the antibody Ki67. Any correlation was demonstrated between MCA and these parameters except for growth fraction as revealed by Ki67 antibody.
Potential for Artifacts in Monitoring for the Detection of Tumor Associated Antigens (TAG-72 and CEA) in Serum from Patients Undergoing MAb-based Diagnostic and Therapeutic Protocols
Authors: Ferroni P. , Milenic D.E. , Roselli M. , Carrasquillo J.A. , Raubitschek A. , Schlom J. , Colcher D.
Published: April 2018

The administration of murine monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) induces, in many patients, an immunological response represented by the development of human anti-mouse antibodies (HAMA). HAMA have been previously shown to interfere in some assays for the detection of CEA, as well as other non tumor related analytes. The present study was performed to determine whether the CA 72-4 assay is affected by the presence of HAMA, and to establish conditions capable of overcoming this artifact. Serum samples obtained from 8/9 patients entered into a therapeutic protocol using 131I-labeled MAb B72.3 showed the development of apparently high levels of TAG-72 during the clinical follow-up concurrent with the appearance of elevated titers of HAMA. Heat treatment at 90°C at pH 5.0 sodium acetate, previously reported as a method of abolishing HAMA interference without affecting CEA levels, resulted in a considerable loss of detectable TAG-72. However, treatment of these samples at 90°C in pH 6.5 Bis Tris abolished the artifact due to HAMA and resulted in the reversion of reported TAG-72 levels to those observed prior to any MAb administration.

As the use of murine M Abs, for both diagnostic and therapeutic applications continues to expand, the identification of this artifactual increase in reported antigen levels due to the development of HAMA has become an important factor in the use of tumor markers, e.g. TAG-72 and CEA, in the follow-up of carcinoma patients.
Usefulness of Terminal Deoxynucleotidyl Transferase as Prognosticator in Leukemia Patients
Authors: Bhatavdekar J.M. , Trivedi S.N. , Vora H.H. , Shukla S.N.
Published: April 2018

Peripheral blood samples from 55 previously untreated leukemia patients (33 males, 22 females) were analysed for terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) activity. TdT was significantly higher in patients with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML; P < 0.001), chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML; P < 0.05) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL; P < 0.001) when compared with controls. One patient with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) had undetectable TdT. Among leukemic patients, ALL patients had higher concentration of TdT than CML and AML patients. Females had higher TdT activity than males, although the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant. 68% TdT+ and 32% TdT– patients were in blastic crisis. Patients with more than 10% of blasts in the circulation had significantly higher TdT than blast-negative patients (P < 0.001). No difference in survival was observed between TdT+ and TdT– groups. From these results, we conclude that the absolute TdT concentration is of little prognostic value in leukemia patients.
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of MCA
Authors: Maurer A. , Burckhardt J.
Published: April 2018

The mucin-like carcinoma-associated antigen (MCA) is a mucin with a molecular weight of 350 - 500 kD. It circulates in the serum and its serum content can be determined with the Cobas Core MCA EIA test. Patients with breast cancer show elevated MCA serum levels. The molecule has a polypeptide backbone consisting of three parts: the C-terminus the N-terminus and the transmembrane sequences. The protein is heavily glucosylated with carbohydrate side chains that contain fucose, galactose and N-acetyl galactosamine. The antibody b-12 recognizes a repetitive epitope on the peptide portion of the MCA molecule. The epithelial mucin, which is coded by a unique gene, was cloned using PCR technology. Peptides corresponding to the N- and C-terminus were expressed in E. coli. Analysis of the purified peptides revealed molecular weights of 12 and 18 kD.