Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Modifier”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 1,747 records · Page 97Linked to original sources

Immunohistochemical evidence for the myeloperoxidase/H2O2/halide system in human atherosclerotic lesions: colocalization of myeloperoxidase and hypochlorite-modified proteins.

The 'oxidation theory' of atherosclerosis proposes that oxidation of low density lipoprotein (LDL) contributes to atherogenesis. Although the precise mechanisms of in vivo oxidation are widely unknown, increasing evidence suggests that myeloperoxidase (MPO, EC 1.11.1.7), a protein secreted by activated phagocytes, generates modified/oxidized (lipo)proteins via intermediate formation of hypochlorous acid (HOCl). In vitro generation of HOCl transforms lipoproteins into high uptake forms for macrophages giving rise to cholesterol-engorged foam cells. To identify HOCl-modified-epitopes in human plaque tissues we have raised monoclonal antibodies (directed against human HOCl-modified LDL) that do not cross-react with other LDL modifications, i.e. peroxynitrite-LDL, hemin-LDL, Cu2+-oxidized LDL, 4-hydroxynonenal-LDL, malondialdehyde-LDL, glycated-LDL, and acetylated-LDL. The antibodies recognized a specific epitope present on various proteins after treatment with OCl- added as reagent or generated by the MPO/H2O2/halide system. Immunohistochemical studies revealed pronounced staining for HOCl-modified-epitopes in fibroatheroma (type V) and complicated (type VI) lesions, while no staining was observed in aortae of lesion-prone location (type I). HOCl-oxidation-specific epitopes are detected in cells in the majority of atherosclerotic plaques but not in control segments. Staining was shown to be inside and outside monocytes/macrophages, endothelial cells, as well as in the extracellular matrix. A similar staining pattern using immunohistochemistry could be obtained for MPO. The colocalization of immunoreactive MPO and HOCl-modified-epitopes in serial sections of human atheroma (type IV), fibroatheroma (type V) and complicated (type VI) lesions provides further convincing evidence for MPO/H2O2/halide system-mediated oxidation of (lipo)proteins under in vivo conditions. We propose that MPO could act as an important link between the development of atherosclerotic plaque in the artery wall and chronic inflammatory events.

Aged↗

Formation of advanced glycation end-product-modified superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD1) is one of the mechanisms responsible for inclusions common to familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients with SOD1 gene mutation, and transgenic mice expressing human SOD1 gene mutation.

Neuronal Lewy body-like hyaline inclusions (LBHI) and astrocytic hyaline inclusions (Ast-HI) are morphological hallmarks of certain familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (FALS) patients with superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD1) gene mutations, and transgenic mice expressing the human SOD1 gene mutation. The ultrastructure of inclusions in both diseases is identical: the essential common constituents are granule-coated fibrils approximately 15-25nm in diameter and granular materials. Detailed immunohistochemical analyses have shown that the essential common protein of the inclusions in both diseases is an SOD1 protein. This finding, together with the immunoelectron microscopy finding that the abnormal granule-coated fibrils comprising the inclusions are positive for SOD1, indicates that these granule-coated fibrils containing SOD1 are important evidence for mutant SOD1-linked disease in human and mouse. For immunoelectron microscopy, the granule-coated fibrils are modified by advanced glycation endproducts (AGE) such as N(epsilon)-carboxymethyl lysine, pyrraline and pentosidine (Maillard reaction). Based on the fact that AGE themselves are insoluble molecules with direct cytotoxic effects, the granule-coated fibrils and granular materials are not digested by the lysosomal and ubiquitin systems. The neurons and astrocytes of the normal individuals and non-transgenic mice show no significant immunoreactivity for AGE. Considered with the mutant-SOD1 aggregation toxicity, a portion of the SOD1 comprising both types of the inclusion is modified by the AGE, and the formation of the AGE-modified SOD1 (probably AGE-modified mutant SOD1) is one of the mechanisms responsible for the aggregation (i.e. granule-coated fibril formation).

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis↗

Carcinoma of the penis--appraisal of a modified tumour-staging system.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate variables for the prediction of lymph node metastases in carcinoma of the penis, using a recently proposed modified tumour-staging system that combines the histological degree of differentiation and extent of local invasion of the primary tumour. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-five patients with squamous carcinoma of the penis and histo- or cytological staging of the inguinal lymph nodes were reviewed. A clinical TNM staging system was used in which the size (diameter) of the primary tumour and the clinical extent of invasion were considered. Subsequently, the tumours were also staged according to a modified T-system in which the histological degree of differentiation and pathological extent of tumour invasion were combined. RESULTS: Penectomy was performed in 34 patients (partial amputation in 20 and radical penectomy in 17). Inguinal lymphadenectomy was performed in 31 patients and in four the presence of lymph node metastases was confirmed by aspiration cytology. Using the clinical TNM staging system, lymph node metastases were histo- or cytologically present in no patients with T1, in five of 19 with T2, in 10 of 13 with T3 and in both patients with T4 tumours. Lymph node metastases were present in two of eight patients without clinically palpable inguinal nodes, in three of 14 with nodes clinically thought to be infective and in 11 of 12 nodes clinically considered to be malignant. Lymph node metastases were present in five of 17 patients with grade 1, in nine of 13 with grade 2 and in three of five with grade 3 tumours. Using the modified histological T-staging system (T1 = grade 1-2, invasive through dermis; T2 = any grade, invasion of corpus spongiosum or cavernosum; T3 = any grade, invasion of urethra; T4 = grade 3, regardless of invasion) lymph node metastases were present in one of nine patients with T1, in eight of 16 with T2, in all five with T3 and in three of five with T4 tumours. CONCLUSION: The modified T-staging system, which combines histological differentiation with pathological extent of invasion, provided the best predictive distinction between T1 and T2-4 tumours, indicating that lymphadenectomy can be avoided in T1 tumours, but should be performed in all patients with T2-4 tumours. We recommend bilateral inguinal lymphadenectomy 6-8 weeks after penectomy in such patients.

Adult↗

Modified ureterosigmoidostomy (Mainz II)--technique and early results.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the surgical method and results at 3 months of ureterosigmoidostomy modified by reconfiguration of the rectum to make a low-pressure reservoir. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Over the last 8 years, patients undergoing lower urinary tract reconstruction have been followed using a written protocol; the data from patients undergoing a modified ureterosigmoidostomy were retrieved for a retrospective analysis. Two groups of patients were defined: in group A, 15 patients underwent cystectomy and diversion by modified ureterosigmoidostomy and in group B, four patients already had a conventional ureterosigmoidostomy which was incontinent, and the rectum was reconfigured to improve control. The incidence of complications and causes of incontinence were assessed. RESULTS: The rectum was reconfigured by longitudinal incision and transverse closure in a 'U' fashion (Mainz II) in 17 patients, and augmented with ileum in two. There were no surgical complications. In group A all patients were continent at 3 months and in group B only two of four were continent; one patient in group A subsequently became incontinent. All incontinence was caused by chronic retention and overflow. There were no cases of pyelonephritis during follow-up to 29 months and no ureteric reflux was detected. CONCLUSIONS: Modified ureterosigmoidostomy is a safe method of urinary diversion after cystectomy. A longer follow-up is needed to judge its place compared with other forms of diversion. It has a limited place in the management of incontinence in those with a longstanding conventional ureterosigmoidostomy.

Aged↗

A modified corporoplasty for treating congenital penile curvature and reducing the incidence of palpable indurations.

OBJECTIVE: To reduce the incidence of postoperative palpable induration after treating congenital penile curvature, using a modified corporoplasty technique. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a retrospective unrandomized clinical trial, 105 patients with a congenital penile angulation of >30 degrees and for whom coitus was therefore difficult or impossible, underwent surgical correction. Of the 105 patients, 55 underwent the Nesbit-Kelâmi technique, whereby a diamond-shaped section of the tunica albuginea is excised and the defect closed with an interrupted suture. The remaining 50 patients underwent the modified corporoplasty, the edges of the tunica albuginea being brought together with a continuous, blood-tight, intratunical suture, and the end knots buried. RESULTS: The early results (<6 months) were comparable in both groups, with correction of the curvature in 94% and 95%, and postoperative complications in 14% and 15%. There were fewer postoperative haematomas in those undergoing modified corporoplasty (6% vs 18%). The late results (>6 months) also showed that these patients developed fewer palpable indurations (16% vs 44%). CONCLUSION: The modified corporoplasty reduced the incidence of postoperative haematoma and late complications (e.g. palpable indurations) after the surgical correction of congenital penile curvature.

Adolescent↗

RNA metabolism in uremic patients: accumulation of modified ribonucleosides in uremic serum. Technical note.

To determine the metabolism of ribonucleic acid (RNA) in uremia, serum and urine levels of ribonucleosides in uremic patients were analyzed using reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. The serum levels of xanthosine and all modified ribonucleosides were increased in undialyzed patients with chronic renal failure (CRF), and patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) and continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). The serum level of pseudouridine was markedly increased in all the uremic patients especially CAPD patients (32 times higher than normal). By contrast, the serum level of adenosine did not show any significant change in the uremic patients. Interestingly, the serum and urine levels of inosine were significantly decreased in all the uremic patients, suggesting that the production of inosine is decreased in uremic patients. The serum level of uridine was significantly elevated only in the HD patients. The serum levels of all ribonucleosides except inosine and uridine decreased significantly after HD. The urinary excretion of inosine, 1-methyladenosine, 1-methylguanosine, N2,N2-dimethylguanosine and N4-acetylcytidine was significantly decreased in the CRF patients, leading to the accumulation of these modified ribonucleosides in the uremic serum. CAPD patients showed markedly increased serum levels of modified ribonucleosides such as pseudouridine, 1-methylinosine, and N2,N2-dimethylguanosine and N4-acetylcytidine as compared with the HD patients. These results demonstrate that there was an altered metabolism of RNA in uremic patients with marked accumulation of modified ribonucleosides.

Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid↗

beta(2)-Microglobulin modified with advanced glycation end products delays monocyte apoptosis.

BACKGROUND: A local inflammatory reaction to beta(2)-microglobulin (beta(2)m) amyloid deposits by monocytes/macrophages is a characteristic histologic feature of dialysis-related amyloidosis (DRA). Since beta(2)m modified with advanced glycation end products (AGE-beta(2)m) is a major constituent of amyloid in DRA, we tested the hypothesis that AGE-beta(2)m affects apoptosis and phenotype of human monocytes. METHODS: Human peripheral blood monocytes were incubated with or without in vitro-derived AGE-beta(2)m, and their viability, extent of apoptosis, morphology, and function examined over the subsequent four days. RESULTS: AGE-modified but not unmodified beta(2)m significantly delayed spontaneous apoptosis of human peripheral blood monocytes in adherent and nonadherent cultures. The effect of AGE-beta(2)m on monocytes apoptosis was time- and dose-dependent and was attenuated by a blocking antibody directed against the human AGE receptor (RAGE). There was no difference in effect between AGE-beta(2)m and that of AGE-modified human serum albumin. Culture of monocytes with AGE-beta(2)m did not alter membrane expression of Fas or Fas ligand. Monocytes cultured with AGE-beta(2)m underwent substantial changes in morphology similar to those observed when monocytes differentiate into macrophages. The cultured cells increased in size and vacuolization, and their content of beta-glucuronidase and acid phosphatase increased by 5- to 10-fold at day 4. Expression of the monocyte--macrophage membrane antigens HLA-DR, CD11b, and CD11c also increased at day 4. Although exhibiting phenotypic characteristics of macrophages, monocytes cultured with AGE-beta(2)m functioned differently than macrophages cultured with serum. Superoxide production in response to phorbol myristic acetate was maintained in monocytes cultured with AGE-beta(2)m, but declined with time in cells cultured with serum. Constitutive synthesis of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) increased in monocytes cultured for four to six days with AGE-beta(2)m. CONCLUSIONS: These findings support a novel role for AGE-modified proteins such as AGE-beta(2)m that may contribute to the development of a local inflammatory response, with predominant accumulation of monocytes/macrophages, in DRA.

Antibodies↗

A modified dialyzer with vitamin E and antioxidant defense parameters.

BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress, increased lipid peroxidation, and decreased activity of antioxidant systems may contribute to the accelerated development of atherosclerosis in patients receiving hemodialysis therapy for chronic renal failure. We investigated the influence of vitamin E on antioxidant defense parameters in hemodialysis patients who were using a modified dialyzer. METHODS: In eight hemodialyzed patients, erythrocyte antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX), plasma total antioxidant capacity (TAC), the concentration of plasma malondialdehyde (MDA), and vitamins A, E, and C were investigated. Each parameter was measured before and after hemodialysis. The study was divided into three periods. Each period lasted three weeks, and during this time, 10 hemodialyses were performed. The first and second periods were carried out using the conventional dialyzer, Terumo CL-S15, but during the second period, patients received vitamin E 400 mg perorally after each hemodialysis. The third period was carried out using a modified dialyzer with vitamin E, Terumo CL-E15. All hemodialyzed patients were treated by erythropoietin and received vitamin C 50 mg/day and pyridoxine 20 mg/day during the entire study. RESULTS: The peroral administration of vitamin E led to a significant increase of serum vitamin E (22%), and no influence on other antioxidant defense parameters was found. The modified dialyzer with vitamin E led to a significant increase of serum vitamin E (33%) and TAC and to the significant decrease of plasma MDA. CONCLUSION: The results of our study suggest that the modified dialyzer with vitamin E provided more effective antioxidant defense than peroral administration of vitamin E in our hemodialysis patients.

Administration, Oral↗

Taenia multiceps (Cestoda): Ia antigen expression and prostaglandin secretion by parasite-modified, murine peritoneal macrophages.

Taenia multiceps secretions modify accessory cell activity in macrophages. The present experiments were designed to elucidate the cellular mechanisms involved. While normal, murine peritoneal macrophages amplified mitogen-activated T-cell proliferation, macrophages modified by exposure to parasite secretions inhibited this proliferation. The modified behaviour was shown by glutaraldehyde-fixed as well as living macrophages, and modification was inducible by FPLC fraction 24 of coenurus fluid and was associated with an expanded population of 1a- macrophages. Secretory products of parasite-activated macrophages also inhibited T-cell proliferation, and secretion was prevented by indomethacin. The measurement of modified accessory activity was not influenced by the concentration of tritiated thymidine in lymphocyte proliferation assays. Consequently there is no evidence that the reported events are affected by macrophage-derived, cold thymidine secretion. It is concluded that T. multiceps si able to manipulate macrophage accessory function by mechanisms which involve altered histocompatibility antigen expression and the secretion of prostaglandin.

Animals↗

Outpatient intensive chemotherapy for small cell lung cancer: five years experience of modified 'ICE' ifosfamide carboplatin and etoposide.

INTRODUCTION: Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) is increasingly being treated in the district general hospital setting. The search for an active regimen which can be given with the least toxicity and best outcomes led us to use a modified ICE (Ifosfamide, Carboplatin and Etoposide) regimen and modify it further by using oral mesna instead of intravenous mesna. METHOD: All patients selected to receive the modified ICE regime over a 5-year period were included in our study. All patients were assessed for performance status and prognostic factors. Only those with WHO performance status 0-1 and Manchester prognostic score 0-3 were considered for ICE chemotherapy. All patients were followed up for 1 year after recruitment was completed. RESULTS: Median survival for all 32 patients was 18.4 months (CI 12.2-24.6) and for the 28 patients with limited disease the median survival was 19.9 months (CI 8.2-31.6). Toxicity levels were low with no neutropenic deaths. One patient died three days after treatment was started due to disease progression. A total of 6 patients remained alive one year after recruitment was completed. Five out of the 6 were followed up for at least 2 years. CONCLUSION: Using this out-patient modified ICE regime we have achieved a median survival comparable to other active chemotherapy regimes for SCLC with no significant increase in toxicity.

Administration, Oral↗

The mismatch repair complex hMutS alpha recognizes 5-fluorouracil-modified DNA: implications for chemosensitivity and resistance.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Recent evidence suggests that patients with advanced microsatellite unstable (MSI) colorectal cancers lack a survival benefit with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-based chemotherapy. Additionally, tumor cells with MSI (caused by defective DNA mismatch repair) are more resistant to 5-FU in culture compared with microsatellite stable cells, despite similar amounts of 5-FU incorporation into the cell's DNA. We examined whether the component of the DNA mismatch repair (MMR) system that normally recognizes single base pair mismatches could specifically recognize 5-FU incorporated into DNA as a potential mechanism for chemosensitivity. METHODS: We synthesized oligonucleotides with and without incorporated 5-FU and created oligonucleotides with a single base pair mismatch (as a positive control) to perform electromobility gel shift assays (EMSA) with a purified, baculovirus-synthesized hMutS alpha MMR complex. We also utilized surface plasmon resonance to measure relative binding differences between the oligonucleotides and hMutS alpha in real time. RESULTS: Using EMSA, we demonstrate that hMutS alpha recognizes and binds 5-FU-modified DNA. The reaction is specific as added ATP dissociates the hMutS alpha complex from the 5-FU-modified strand. Using surface plasmon resonance, we demonstrate greater binding between hMutS alpha and 5-FU-modified DNA compared with complementary DNA or DNA containing a C/T mismatch. CONCLUSIONS: The MMR complex hMutS alpha specifically recognizes and binds to 5-FU-modified DNA. Because MMR components are required for the induction of apoptosis by many DNA-damaging agents, the chemosensitivity of 5-FU for patients with advanced colorectal cancer may be in part due to recognition of 5-FU incorporated into tumor DNA by the MMR proteins.

Adenosine Triphosphatases↗

Fracture dislocations of the tarsometatarsal joints: Analysis of interrater reliability in using the modified Hardcastle classification system.

Fracture dislocations/subluxations of the tarsometatarsal joint are complex injuries that are often misdiagnosed. Prompt recognition and treatment of Lisfranc injuries decrease the likelihood of long-term sequelae. The original (1909) classification system was modified in 1982 and again in 1986. The 1986 classification system, developed by Hardcastle et al, is used most widely in clinical practice and is cited most often in the biomedical literature. For this-or any-classification system to be beneficial, however, multiple observers must be able to use it in a consistent manner, and a high level of interrater agreement should exist. This study examined interrater reliability among clinicians using the modified Hardcastle classification system for Lisfranc fracture dislocations. Thirteen Lisfranc injury radiographs were evaluated by 21 independent observers consisting of surgeons and residents (podiatric and orthopedic) as well as musculoskeletal radiologists, who classified radiographs according to the modified Hardcastle classification system. We used kappa statistics to evaluate the degree of interrater reliability for the entire group. A mean weighted kappa value of 0.54 was found for the group. Moderate interrater agreement was observed among clinicians interpreting the modified Hardcastle classification system for Lisfranc fracture dislocations.

Fractures, Bone↗

The effect of modified ultrafiltration on the amount of circulating endotoxins in children undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the use of modified ultrafiltration during pediatric cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) diminishes the load of circulating endotoxins. DESIGN: Single-arm prospective observational study. SETTING: A university hospital operating room and intensive care unit. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty children undergoing CPB for correction of various congenital heart diseases. INTERVENTIONS: The amount of endotoxins in plasma was measured during CPB and before and after modified ultrafiltration. The ultrafiltrate was assayed for the presence of endotoxins. Postoperatively, the children were followed with relevant infectious parameters and cultures. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The amount of endotoxins increased significantly during the CPB procedure (from a median of 1.3 ng [range, 0 to 13.7 ng] to 24.2 ng [range, 2.1 to 75.9 ng]). After termination of CPB, modified ultrafiltration was shown to lower the amount of circulating endotoxins in blood (from a median of 24.2 ng [range, 2.1 to 75.4 ng] to 9.0 [range, 0.1 to 40.6 ng]). The major bulk of this reduction in endotoxin load was retrieved in the ultrafiltrate (median of 11.9 ng [range, 0 to 12.1 ng]). CONCLUSION: This study strongly suggests that modified ultrafiltration decreases the amount of circulating endotoxins in children undergoing cardiac surgery.

Cardiopulmonary Bypass↗

Evidence for the in vivo generation of oxidatively modified epitopes in patients with atherosclerotic endothelium.

There is increasing evidence that autoantibodies (AAbs) against oxidatively modified low-density lipoprotein (LDL) are present in humans and may be detected in fasting plasma. Using a standardized immunoassay for the detection of circulating levels of AAbs against malondialdehyde (MDA)-modified LDL, we examined the acute changes in AAb levels during postprandial lipemia in a group of men and women without (n = 28) and with (n = 17) normal endothelium. The presence of atherosclerotic vessel is documented by clinical evidence of coronary artery disease (CAD). In response to the oxidative stress associated with postprandial lipemia, statistically significant reductions in AAb levels were demonstrated at 2 and 4 hours postprandially by paired t test. In patients with atherosclerotic arterial wall, the mean AAb level was reduced to 90.8% of fasting levels (P < .001) after 2 hours and to 90% after 4 hours (P < .01). This acute reduction in AAbs against MDA-LDL appears to be unique to atherosclerotic patients and could not be demonstrated in young controls with healthy blood vessels. In nonatherosclerotic controls, the mean normalized levels during postprandial lipemia were not statistically different from baseline (104.5% at 2 hours and 104.6% at 4 hours). The transient reduction in AAb levels with postprandial lipemia in atherosclerotic patients could be reproduced in a subset of the CAD patients after significant improvement in the lipid profile with weight loss. In patients with atherosclerotic disease, the transient reduction in the level of circulating AAbs reflects either an increased propensity to generate oxidatively modified epitopes or a reduced capacity to remove excess modified epitopes. These data are the first in vivo demonstration of an acute change in the oxidative process during postprandial lipemia.

Adolescent↗

Biological Response Modifiers and Normal Tissue Injury After Irradiation.

The reactions of tissues after irradiation can be modified using a variety of biologically based approaches. Cellular radiosensitivity can be changed using growth regulatory molecules (GRM) that have cell-cycle-mediated effects. Radiosensitivity can also be changed using prostaglandins, dose-miodifying factors of up to around 2 can be achieved. Proliferation and differentiation of precursor cells in early-reacting tissues can be promoted by GRM, producing substantial dose-modifying factors in tissues (eg, up to around 2 for marrow failure). Enhanced cell migration probably also plays an important role in the response of epithelial and stromal tissue elements. Antibiotics can prevent or delay the onset of bacterial infection in susceptible tissues (eg, marrow and intestine) to allow time for tissue recovery to occur. Even in situations where injury is already developing, a choice of dietary components in the case of kidney injury or modifiers of the vasculature in general (eg, using essential fatty acids) can delay or reduce the onset of late injury. Biological response modifiers have the potential to attain an increasingly important role in the management of cancer patients receiving radiotherapy as well as in the infrequent cases of high doses received in accidents.

Journal Article↗

[Hydrophobic AcrySof lenses or heparin-modified PMMA lenses in combined vitrectomy surgery -- results of a four-year study].

BACKGROUND: Combining pars plana vitrectomy with phacoemulsification and implantation of an intracapsular IOL provides many advantages and is performed as a routine operation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Over a period of 3 years we compared foldable acrylic lenses AcrySof (Alcon) to heparin-modified PMMA lenses (Pharmacia) in a prospective study. The last implanted lenses had a follow-up period of at least 1 year. Out of 396 eyes from 329 patients we implanted 182 AcrySof lenses and 214 heparin-modified lenses. RESULTS: Both a smaller scleral tunnel incision and a lower rate of secondary cataract are advantages of foldable AcrySof lenses. Higher vulnerability of an AcrySof lens and a less stable lens-iris-diaphragm are of disadvantage. Heparin-modified PMMA lenses do not show these disadvantages, however, in consequence of using them you have to accept the wider scleral tunnel incision and a higher adhesion to cells. Furthermore, we found slightly more posterior synechiae with these lenses. CONCLUSIONS: In all, both types of intraocular lenses are suitable for combined surgery. We recommend using heparin-modified PMMA lenses in case of pre-existent instability of the lens-iris diaphragm or of patients' inability to maintain the prone position.

Acrylates↗

[Modified moisture chamber].

BACKGROUND: Moisture chambers can protect the eye in corneal lubrication or eyelid closure disorders. However, in cases with protrusio bulbi or pronounced chemosis conjunctivae direct damaging contact of the cornea or conjunctiva on the one hand and the inside of the moisture-chamber-bandage on the other hand are possible. Since commercial moisture-chamber-bandages are not available with different internal radii, new methods are necessary to increase the distance between the bandage and the eye. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A special pressure relieving foam dressing used in the therapy and prophylaxis of decubitus was prepared in such a way that a periocular attachment was enabled and an opening for the eye was left blank. This central opening was covered with a commercial moisture-chamber-bandage. Five test persons and two ventilated patients with protrusio bulbi and manifest lagophthalmus were treated with the modified moisture chamber. The relative humidity within the bandage was measured. RESULTS: The modified moisture chamber allows an individual adaptation to the periocular shape of the face and rises the level of the monoculus for about 7 mm. The internal relative humidity was for eight hours at 98% in both test persons and patients. All test persons felt more comfortable with the modified moisture chamber on their skin. CONCLUSIONS: The presented modified moisture chamber is a derivative of the commercial monoculus bandage for patients with sensitive protrusio bulbi.

Adult↗

Treatment of adenosine deaminase deficiency with polyethylene glycol-modified adenosine deaminase.

We treated two children who had adenosine deaminase deficiency and severe combined immunodeficiency disease by injecting bovine adenosine deaminase modified by conjugation with polyethylene glycol. The modified enzyme was rapidly absorbed after intramuscular injection and had a half-life in plasma of 48 to 72 hours. Weekly doses of approximately 15 U per kilogram of body weight maintained plasma adenosine deaminase activity at two to three times the level of erythrocyte adenosine deaminase activity in normal subjects. The principal biochemical consequences of adenosine deaminase deficiency were almost completely reversed. In erythrocytes, adenosine nucleotides increased and deoxyadenosine nucleotides decreased to less than 0.5 percent of total adenine nucleotides. The activity of S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase, which is inactivated by deoxyadenosine, increased to normal in red cells and nucleated marrow cells. Neither toxic effects nor hypersensitivity reactions were observed. In vitro tests of the cellular immune function of each patient showed marked improvement, along with an increase in circulating T lymphocytes. Clinical improvement was indicated by absence of infection and resumption of weight gain. We conclude that from the standpoints of efficacy, convenience, and safety, polyethylene glycol-modified adenosine deaminase is preferable to red-cell transfusion as a treatment for adenosine deaminase deficiency. Patients with other inherited metabolic diseases in which accumulated metabolites equilibrate with plasma could benefit from treatment with the appropriate polyethylene glycol-modified enzyme.

Adenosine Deaminase↗