Semifluorinated Alkane Eye Drops for Treatment of Dry Eye Disease Due to Meibomian Gland Disease.

Purpose: Meibomian gland disease is generally accepted as the leading cause for evaporative dry eye disease (DED). In a previous study, perfluorohexyloctane, a semifluorinated alkane, has been demonstrated to significantly increase tear film breakup time and to reduce corneal fluorescein staining in patients with evaporative DED, thereby vastly reducing dry eye-related symptoms. This study was set up to evaluate perfluorohexyloctane in a larger population of patients with Meibomian gland dysfunction.

Facts, myths and hypotheses on the zoonotic nature of Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis.

Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) is the causative agent of paratuberculosis (Johne's disease [JD]), a chronic granulomatous enteritis in ruminants. JD is one of the most widespread bacterial diseases of domestic animals with significant economic impact. The histopathological picture of JD resembles that of Crohn's disease (CD), a human chronic inflammatory bowel disease of still unresolved aetiology.

Monitoring of balloon test occlusion of the internal carotid artery by parametric color coding and perfusion imaging within the angio suite: first results.

Background: Temporary balloon test occlusion (BTO) might be performed prior to procedures in which occlusion of the internal carotid artery (ICA) might be necessary. We tested the hypothesis that parametric color coding (PCC) of angiographic series (digital subtraction angiography (DSA)) along with the assessment of cerebral blood volume (CBV) in the angiography suite would simplify and enhance the identification of candidates who are most likely to tolerate occlusion.

Materials And Methods: Fifteen patients underwent angiographic series (DSA) and perfusion imaging before and during BTO.

Perfusion Imaging with SPECT in the Era of Pathophysiology-Based Biomarkers for Alzheimer's Disease.

SPECT allows registration of regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) which is altered in a characteristic temporoparietal pattern in Alzheimer's Dementia. Numerous studies have shown the diagnostic value of reduced cerebral blood flow and metabolic changes using perfusion SPECT and FDG-PEPT in AD diagnosis as well as in differential diagnosis against frontotemporal dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies and vascular disease. Recently more pathophysiology-based biomarkers in CSF and Amyloid-PET tracers have been developed that probably have a higher diagnostic accuracy than the more indirect rCBF changes seen in perfusion SPECT.

Expression of bone matrix proteins during de novo bone formation using a bovine collagen and platelet-rich plasma (prp)--an immunohistochemical analysis.

This animal study (domestic pig) examined the bone formation after filling defined defects with autogenous bone or a collagen lyophilisat in combination with Platelet-rich-plasma (PRP) by evaluating bone matrix proteins. Six groups, both materials with and without PRP in two concentrations (+ 1, + 2) were compared to untreated bone by means of immunohistochemistry at 2, 4, 12 and 26 weeks. BMP-2 expression was increased at 2 weeks in the collagen + 1 group and after 4 weeks in the collagen + 1 and + 2 group.

Effect of surface treatment on fatigue behaviour between Tetric Ceram inlays and Variolink luting composite.

The effect of pre-treatment of composite inlays on bonding performance between a resin composite inlay and a luting composite has not been fully studied. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of three different pre-treatment modes on fatigue bond strength and marginal adaptation. One hundred twenty resin composite discs (Tetric Ceram) were made as simulated inlays and randomly assigned to four groups (n=30): Without treatment (WT), hydrofluoric acid etching for 15 s + silanating (HF), roughening with a silicon carbide bur (SC), and silica coating + silanating (CO).