An in vivo method for visualizing flow dynamics of cells within corneal lymphatics.

Background: Monitoring the trafficking of specific cell populations within lymphatics could improve our understanding of processes such as transplant rejection and cancer metastasis. Current methods, however, lack appropriate image resolution for single-cell analysis or are incompatible with in vivo and longitudinal monitoring of lymphatics in their native state. We therefore sought to achieve high-resolution live imaging of the dynamic behavior of cells within lymph vessels in the rat cornea.

QALY weights for diabetic retinopathy--a comparison of health state valuations with HUI-3, EQ-5D, EQ-VAS, and TTO.

Objective: To estimate quality-adjusted life-year weights for patients with diabetic retinopathy by using various methods and to investigate the empirical validity of the different measures.

Methods: The study population comprised 152 patients with diabetes in Östergötland County, Sweden. Participants were interviewed by telephone by using the time trade-off (TTO) method and a visual analogue scale (EQ-VAS) (direct valuations) as well as the EuroQol five-dimensional questionnaire (EQ-5D) and the health utilities index mark 3 (HUI-3) (indirect valuations).

Cellular level characterization of capillary regression in inflammatory angiogenesis using an in vivo corneal model.

In this study, we introduce a technique for repeated, microscopic observation of single regressing capillaries in vivo in inflamed murine corneas. Natural capillary regression was initiated by removal of inflammatory stimulus during an active pro-angiogenic phase, while the additional impact of anti-angiogenic treatment with triamcinolone or bevazicumab was investigated. Capillaries regressed naturally within 1 week and treatments did not further enhance the natural regression.

Time-lapse in vivo imaging of corneal angiogenesis: the role of inflammatory cells in capillary sprouting.

Purpose: To elucidate the temporal sequence of events leading to new capillary sprouting in inflammatory corneal angiogenesis.

Methods: Angiogenesis was induced by corneal suture placement in Wistar rats. The inflamed region was examined by time-lapse in vivo confocal microscopy for up to 7 days.

Transient anterior corneal deposits in a human immunodeficiency virus-positive patient.

Purpose: To report findings of pigmented anterior corneal deposits in a human immunodeficiency virus-positive patient.

Methods: Case report. A 49-year-old human immunodeficiency virus-positive patient was examined after the appearance of pigmented corneal deposits.

Cellular-level characterization of lymph vessels in live, unlabeled corneas by in vivo confocal microscopy.

Purpose: To determine whether in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) of the cornea can be used for the label-free detection and monitoring of lymph vessels in live corneas.

Methods: Parallel corneal hemangiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis was induced by the placement of a single suture in one cornea of male Wistar rats. Fourteen days after suture placement and under general anesthesia, laser-scanning IVCM was performed in the vascularized region.

Expression of the focal adhesion protein PINCH in normal and alkali-injured corneas and the role of PMNs.

Purpose: To evaluate the role of particularly interesting new cysteine-histidine-rich protein (PINCH) in corneal wound healing and early neovascularization and to assess the influence of granulocytes.

Methods: A standardized corneal alkali wound was inflicted under general anaesthesia to the right eye of 14 New Zealand White rabbits. Seven of the rabbits received i.

Relapsing polychondritis: a rare disease with varying symptoms.

Purpose: Relapsing polychondritis (RPC) is a rare systemic disease affecting primarily cartilaginous and proteoglycan-rich structures. It is a potentially fatal disease with unknown aetiology. There are no specific tests for RPC.