Melatonin concentrations in serum of primary glaucoma patients.

Aim: To determine whether glaucoma patients exhibit an abnormal melatonin concentration in serum and the effects of psychiatric disorders caused by glaucoma in melatonin secretion.

Methods: A sample of 80 primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) patients, 120 primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) patients, and 120 normal controls were enrolled in this study. All the participants were asked to complete the following questionnaires: Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), self-rating anxiety scale (SAS), and self-rating depression scale (SDS).

Etiology, diagnosis, management and outcomes of epiphora referrals to an oculoplastic practice.

Aim: To investigate the etiology, diagnosis, management and outcome of epiphora referrals to an oculoplastic practice.

Methods: Retrospective chart review of patients referred for epiphora to an oculoplastic clinic between 2005 and 2009. Patient demographics, past history, ophthalmic examination, treatment and outcome were analyzed.

High Levels of 17β-Estradiol Are Associated with Increased Matrix Metalloproteinase-2 and Metalloproteinase-9 Activity in Tears of Postmenopausal Women with Dry Eye.

Purpose. To determine the serum levels of sex steroids and tear matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) 2 and 9 concentrations in postmenopausal women with dry eye. Methods.

Effect of Moisture Chamber Spectacles on Tear Functions in Dry Eye Disease.

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of moisture chamber spectacles (MCS) on tear functions in dry eye subjects.

Methods: In this short-term study, 30 subjects with dry eye were recruited and randomly divided into two groups. Fifteen subjects (MCS group) were instructed to wear the appropriately sized MCS for a total of 90 min.

Biodegradable PTLGA Terpolymers versus Collagen Implants Used as an Adjuvant in Trabeculectomy in Rabbit Eye.

Purpose. To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of three biodegradable terpolymers prepared from L-lactide, trimethylene carbonate, and glycolide (PTLGA) as an aid for trabeculectomy compared with the Ologen (OLO). Methods.

Characterization of particle size distribution of mainstream cigarette smoke generated by smoking machine with an electrical low pressure impactor.

Cigarette smoking is a particle-related exposure. Studying the characteristics of the particle size distribution of cigarette smoke can aid in providing knowledge of smoke aerosol attributes. We used an electrical low pressure impactor (ELPI) to measure the particle size distribution of mainstream cigarette smoke generated by a smoking machine and provided a continuum of particle sizes of cigarette smoke from a whole cigarette.

Structural identification of isomallotusinin and other phenolics in Phyllanthus emblica L. fruit hull.

The air-dried fruit hull of Phyllanthus emblica L. was extracted with 95% ethanol, and then the extract was partitioned by diethyl ether and ethyl acetate (EA). The EA fraction was then subjected to separation and purification using silica gel and Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography repeatedly to obtain five hydrolysable tannins.