The effect of celecoxib on the development of diethylnitrosamine-induced liver tumors in rats.

Background/aims: Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the most commonly diagnosed malignant tumors in the world, and it typically has a poor prognosis. Extensive studies have examined the effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs selective to COX-2 on the chemoprevention of various tumors. The objective of this study is to observe the effect of celecoxib on the development of liver tumors in rats.

Postconceptional age at the treatment of retinopathy of prematurity in inborn and referred preterm infants from the same institution.

Purpose: The outcomes of the treatment of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) seem to be better in inborn patients than in those patients who were referred for ROP treatment. This study aims to investigate the timing of treatment and the outcomes in inborn patients and in patients referred for treatment to the Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Brazil.

Methods: An institutional prospective cohort study was conducted from 2002 to 2010 and included in group 1 all inborn preterm neonates treated for retinopathy of prematurity and in group 2 all babies referred for treatment to the same institution.

[The role of vascular endothelial growth factor in angiogenesis and diabetic retinopathy].

Diabetic retinopathy (DR), a DM microvascular complication, is the leading cause of blindness. Angiogenic factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are involved in the pathogenesis of DR. VEGF-A is a potent, multifunctional cytokine that acts through the receptors VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2 expressed in the vascular endothelium and causing increased vascular permeability and neovascularization stimulation in both physiological and pathological processes.

The influence of gestational age on the dynamic behavior of other risk factors associated with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).

Background: Improved survival of preterm neonates has increased the incidence of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in many middle-income countries.

Aim: This study aimed to verify the main risk factors for the development of ROP according to different gestational age (GA) groups.

Methods: A prospective cohort study including infants weighing < or =1,500 g or GA < or =32 weeks at birth was conducted.

Is being small for gestational age a risk factor for retinopathy of prematurity? A study with 345 very low birth weight preterm infants.

Objective: To analyze prevalence and risk factors for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) among preterm infants born small for gestational age (SGA) and appropriate for gestational age (AGA).

Methods: A prospective cohort study included preterm infants with birth weight (BW) < or = 1,500 grams and gestational age (GA) < or = 32 weeks, divided into two groups: AGA or SGA. Prevalences and risk factors for ROP were determined in both groups.

Late afternoon blood pressure increase is associated with diabetic retinopathy in normotensive type 2 diabetes mellitus patients.

Aims: To identify if the variability of blood pressure (BP) is associated with diabetic retinopathy (DR) in normotensive type 2 DM patients.

Methods: Sixty-five normotensive type 2 DM patients that had 24-h ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) were grouped according any degree of DR.

Results: Fourteen (21%) patients had DR.

[Margin reflex distance measure by computerized image processing in rigid contact lens wearers].

Purpose: To measure the MRD (margin reflex distance) in rigid contact lens wearers and controls by a new method, based on computerized image processing.

Method: The patients were selected from the Contact Lens Sector of the Ophthalmology Service at the "Complexo Hospitalar Santa Casa de Porto Alegre", and they were divided into two groups: the first was formed of rigid contact lens wearers (63 eyes) and the second of patients without previous history of contact lens wear (30 eyes). All patients were photographed with a digital camera (Nikon Coolpix 4300).

[Blepharoptosis in contact lens wearers].

Purpose: To investigate the occurrence of acquired blepharoptosis in contact lens wearers.

Methods: Prospective analysis of 50 contact lens wearers being followed at the Contact Lenses Section of the Ophthalmology Service at the "Complexo Hospitalar Santa Casa de Porto Alegre" between April and November 2004. The margin reflex distance (MRD) was evaluated for the 99 eyelids of contact lens wearers and for the 52 eyelids of controls.