The concentration of lactoferrin in tears of normals and of diabetics.

The tear lactoferrin content and the tear secretion rate was determined in 105 normal subjects (age range: 15-93 years) and 21 diabetic patients (age 21-78 years). Tear sampling was performed using glass capillaries and the lactoferrin concentration in tears was tested employing an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Tear secretion rate was measured using standardized Halberg filter paper placed in the inferior fornix for 5 min.

Prostaglandin E2 level in tears during postoperative inflammation of the eye.

The concentration of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in tears was measured by a radio immuno assay technique in 25 persons before cataract extraction and during the post-operative period. In addition we studied the clinical signs of inflammation, the tear secretion rate, the content of polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMNs) in tears, the bacteriology of the conjunctival sac and the central corneal thickness (CCT) during this period. We found pre-operative median level of PGE2 of 82 pg/ml and on the first post-operative day a significant rise in PGE2 concentration despite increased tearing.

Fibronectin in tears following surgical trauma to the eye.

The concentration of the high molecular glycoprotein fibronectin (FN) was measured by an enzyme-linked immunoadsorbent technique (ELISA) in tears of 25 patients before and after cataract extraction. Both native and degraded FN was measured. The median concentration of FN in tears before surgery was 0.

The concentration of lactoferrin in tears during post-operative ocular inflammation.

Tear concentration of lactoferrin (LF) was measured by an ELISA technique and followed in 25 patients undergoing cataract surgery. The pre-operative concentration of LF in tears was 773 +/- 60 micrograms/ml (+/- SE) (range: 407-1514 micrograms/ml). On the first day following surgery, there was a significant decrease in tear LF concentration to 377 +/- 45 micrograms/ml followed by a gradual return to the initial value during a post-operative observation period of twelve days.

Bacterial growth in the conjunctival sac and the local defense of the outer eye.

25 patients admitted for cataract surgery were subjected to conjunctival bacterial culturings preoperatively and during the postoperative observation period. Simultaneously lactoferrin (LF), lysozyme (LY) and secretory immunoglobulin A (s-IgA) were measured in tears. The preoperative flora disclosed the growth of Staphylococcus albus (SA) and diphtheroids.

Prostaglandin E2 in tears.

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) concentration in tears was measured before and following cataract extraction, during acute anterior uveitis and in patients with chronic conjunctival complaints. Following cataract extraction a significant increased PGE2 level in tears was observed, returning towards normal level within two weeks. In patients with acute anterior uveitis low levels of PGE2 was found in tears.

Prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection in out-patient alcoholics.

Sera from 192 out-patient alcoholics attending a clinic for the treatment of alcoholism were tested for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and for antibodies to HBsAg and to hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg). Three sera (1.5%) were positive for HBsAg.

Local application of indomethacin in healthy eyes and in post-operative cataract patients.

The effects of locally applied Indomethacin were studied. Ten healthy subjects received 1 drop of a 1% watery solution 4 times a day in their left eye during 2 weeks, the right eye serving as control. Neither changes in visual acuity and refraction nor in the appearance and function of the external and anterior segment of the eye were found during this period.

Influence of cataract extraction on cornea and conjunctiva, assessed by vital staining.

A study of the post-operative course in 100 patients subjected to cataract extraction revealed fairly pronounced dehydration of the corneal epithelium and the generally non-exposed segment of the conjunctiva, estimated by Rose Bengal stainability. This dehydration was to become appreciably reduced from the first to the third post-operative day, reaching normal levels of Rose Bengal stainability. The exposed conjunctival segment showed a surprisingly low Rose Bengal stainability on the first post-operative day, in 10% declining until the third day.

Demodex folliculorum hominis (Simon): incidence in a normomaterial and in patients under systemic treatment with erythromycin or glucocorticoid.

A study was made of 20 cilia and sebum from 20 nasal follicles from each of 86 persons. In a normomaterial aged 20-30 years. Demodex folliculorum was present in the nasal follicles in 25% and in the cilia in 29% of the subjects.

Gamma-glutamyltransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase as markers of alcohol consumption in out-patient alcoholics.

Serum activity of gamma-glutamyltransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase were determined in 316 patients attending an out-patients clinic for treatment of alcoholism. The activity of gamma-glutamyltransferase was raised in 34% and that of aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase in 18% and 7%. Neither the activity of gamma-glutamyltransferase, aspartate aminotransferase nor alkaline phosphatase showed any significant (P greater than 0.