We are presenting the state of knowledge concerning intraoperative light-induced retinal injury, considered to be a combination of photic retinopathy and retinal photocoagulation. It may arise from retinal light exposure to the operating microscope or to the fiberoptic endoilluminator. Ultraviolet and short-wavelength visible light are more dangerous than longer wavelength light. Many risk factors may facilitate the onset of this iatrogenic disease following surgery. Many aspects of the retinal damage are still poorly understood. Many mid light-induced retinal injuries probably remain undiagnosed in routine postoperative examination. Current appropriate light filters are not the definitive solution. Appropriate precautions should be taken during both anterior segment and vitreoretinal surgery.

Aged↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Zidovudine resistance mutations and human immunodeficiency virus type 1 DNA burden: longitudinal evaluation of six patients under treatment.

Zidovudine (ZDV) is by far the most widely used drug to counteract human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection, both in monotherapy and in combination therapy regimens. However, the majority of patients under prolonged ZDV therapy have been shown to harbour HIV-1 mutant genomes displaying reduced sensitivity to the drug in vitro. In order to investigate the pathogenic role of in vitro resistance to ZDV, six HIV-1-infected ZDV-treated subjects were evaluated longitudinally (mean follow-up 28.5 months, range 12-39 months) for HIV-1 DNA load in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and for the presence of HIV-1 pol gene mutations responsible for ZDV resistance. Quantitation of HIV-1 DNA was performed by competitive polymerase chain reaction (cPCR) and the pol genotype was determined by direct sequencing of PCR products. All of the six patients developed one or more of the HIV-1 pol mutations known to confer resistance to ZDV in vitro (Met41-->Leu, Asp67-->Asn, Lys70-->Arg, Thr215-->Phe/Tyr, Lys219-->Gln/Glu). A temporal association was found between HIV-1 DNA burden and the level of ZDV resistance, as predicted on the basis of the pol genotype (genotypic resistance). Both virus load and ZDV resistance were inversely correlated with CD4+ cell counts. These results are compatible with a direct in vivo pathogenetic role for pol gene mutations shown to be involved in resistance to ZDV in vitro. Monitoring the degree of genotypic resistance to ZDV and to other antiretroviral drugs should be considered in designing protocols for the management of treated patients.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Thyrotropin-releasing hormone-like material in human retina.

Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH)-like material was found in human retina obtained at autopsy from eyes used for corneal grafts. The TRH-like material was extracted with methanol and was found to be indistinguishable from synthetic TRH in its immunoreactivity and bioreactivity and in its proteolytic degradation by fresh human serum. The TRH concentration in human retina was similar to that reported in human cerebral cortex. These data are in keeping with the notion that the retina is an extension of the central nervous system. The physiological function of human retinal TRH in unknown: probably it acts as a neurotransmitter.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Repetitive movements of the upper extremities: the results of assessing exposure to biomechanical overload and of a clinical study in a group of workers employed in the production of plywood and veneer panels].

In a group of 27 female workers employed on the manual "moulding" of plywood panels exposure to factors of biomechanical overload for the upper limbs was assessed and an anamnestic and clinical examination was made in order to clarify the occurrence of a series of WMSDs type diseases and disorders. Data are reported on the risk factors, frequency of action (range: right limb-->14.5 divided by 22.0 actions/min,-->5.5 divided by 11.0 actions/min), use of strength (right limb-->Borg 3.7-4.9; left limb-->Borg 3.0-3.8), incongruous postures and movements, complementary factors, and on the lack of recovery pauses (4 hours in an 8-hour shift). The OCRA indices were: single press: right limb-->146-208; left limb-->61-85; multi press: right limb-->4.8-7.1; left limb-->1.1-2.3. The EPM method showed that the factors producing greatest overloading were excessive use of strength, incongruous postures and movements (specially of wrist, hand and elbow) and of complementary factors like constant compression of the palm of the right hand, tearing movements and the use of gloves. Clinical examination according to EPM showed that tendon disorders (69% of which 34% were carpal tunnel syndrome) were the most frequent disorders followed by epicondylosis (23%); disorders of the shoulder were less frequent (8%). In view of the clear significance of the statistical data of these disorders which were proved to be caused by current work organization (Fisher test was highly significant for 65% and significant for 75% of the disorders), further diagnostic and therapeutic investigations for each single female worker are necessary along with specific interventions to improve working conditions. Among the possible prevention measures the need is stressed for improvements on tools, on job organization, and for an adequate information and training program for all workers.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Clinical and statistical findings in 907 operated cases of concomitant strabismus].

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Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Biological monitoring of acrylonitrile exposure.

This study reports the results obtained with the environmental and biological monitoring of 34 workers exposed to acrylonitrile (ACN). Occupational exposure was monitored during 8-h work shifts with both active and diffusive personal samplers which yielded comparable results. The median exposure was 78 micrograms/m3. The ACN concentration in urine collected at the end of the work shifts correlated significantly with the environmental exposure. The ACN concentration in the pre-shift urine samples (median 3.6 micrograms/l) was lower than that found in the post-shift samples (median 10.9 micrograms/l), but higher than in the urine of non-exposed people (median 0.45 microgram/l). Smoking is an important confounding factor in monitoring exposure to ACN. The ACN concentration in urine provides reliable information about occupational and non-occupational exposure to ACN. Aspects of the mechanism of ACN excretion in urine are also discussed.

Acrylonitrile↗