[A new high-power biconcave contact lens for observation and coagulation tasks of the posterior segment].

Background: At the present time, positive, wide-angle contact (and preset) lenses, having a large field of view, are widely used for inspecting and irradiating the fundus. They provide a real, inverted image of the fundus, but illuminate only the slit projected. The wide-field they provide (125 degrees ) is considered to be an advantage, but their image inversion and the lack of illumination of the whole field is disadvantageous.

A new high-power biconcave contact lens for observation and coagulation of the posterior segment.

A wide-angle, high-power negative contact lens was designed for observation and coagulation of the retina and choroid. The new contact lens has a lateral magnification of 0.44 and a field of view of 64 degrees.

Compromised LCAT function is associated with increased atherosclerosis.

Background: Prospective epidemiological studies have shown that low plasma levels of HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) are associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Despite nearly 40 years of research, however, it is unclear whether this also holds true for individuals with severely reduced levels of HDL-C due to mutations in the lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) gene. Better insight into CVD risk in these individuals may provide clues toward the potential of LCAT as a pharmaceutical target to raise HDL-C levels.

Plant sterols lower LDL cholesterol without improving endothelial function in prepubertal children with familial hypercholesterolaemia.

In adults with familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH), cholesterol lowering with statins has been shown to improve the endothelial function, a hallmark of early atherogenesis. Currently, therapeutic options for treating high cholesterol levels in FH children are limited. Plant sterols safely and effectively reduce serum cholesterol concentrations by inhibiting cholesterol absorption.

Internal sclerostomy with the Er:YAG laser using a gradient-index (GRIN) endoscope.

Background And Objective: To show that sclerostomy, a glaucoma filtering surgery, can be performed using an Er:YAG laser. Scarring at the filtering site, a recurrent problem, may be reduced through proper positioning of the sclerostomy by using an intraocular endoscope.

Materials And Methods: Ab interno full-thickness sclerostomies were performed on eye bank eyes with an Er:YAG laser through a custom made optical delivery system.