The Change of Exodeviation in the Seated and Supine Position

PURPOSE: To evaluate changes in exodeviation in the seated and supine position during adjustable suture strabismus surgery. METHODS: We measured the deviation angle at distances of 6 m, 2 m, and 33 cm in the seated position and at 2 m, and 33 cm in the supine position by the alternate prism cover test in fifty patients with exotropia. RESULTS: The mean deviation angle was 25.41+/-7.08 PD at 6 m, 25.51+/-7.08 PD at 2 m and 28.09+/-7.54 PD at 33 cm in the seated position. The mean deviation angle in the supine position was 24.68+/-7.40 PD at 2 m, and 27.29+/-8.09 PD at 33 cm. There was no significant difference in exodeviation at the same measuring distance between the seated and supine positions. A significant difference between the exodeviation at 6 m in the seated position and the exodeviation at 2 m in the supine position did not exist. CONCLUSIONS: The distant deviation angle at 6 m in the seated position can be replaced by the deviation angle measured by fixating a target at the ceiling in the supine position during adjustable suture strabismus surgery for exotropia.

Effect of beta-adrenergics on the Survival and Production of Nitric Oxide in the Cultured Trabecular Meshwork Cells

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of beta-adrenergics on the production of nitric oxide (NO) in cultured trabecular meshwork cells. METHODS: Primarily cultured porcine trabecular meshwork cells were exposed to timolol and to propranolol at various concentrations. Cellular survival was assessed by MTT assay and the production of nitrite was assessed by Griess reaction after 24 hours and 3 days respectively. Also investigated was the effect of co-administraton of timolol and isoproterenol. RESULTS: After exposure for 24 hours, neither drug affected the cellular survival. Timolol and propranolol inhibited the production of NO significantly (p<0.05). Isoproterenol abolished timolol-induced inhibition of NO production after 24 hours. These results were similar after exposure for 3 days. CONCLUSIONS: Both timolol and propranolol inhibit the production of NO in trabecular meshwork cells and isoproterenol abolished this effect. These results suggest that beta-adrenerics involves in the production of NO in trabecular meshwork cells.

Evaluation of Anterior Chest Wall Implanted Port: Technical Aspects, Results, and Complications

PURPOSE: To evaluate the technical aspects, results and complications of patients with implanted anterior chest wall port. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between April 1997 and June 1999, a total of 63 implanted ports were placed at the anterior chest wall of 63 consecutive patients by interventional radiologists. The indications were chemotherapy in 61 patients and total parenteral nutrition in two. The peripheral portion of the subclavian vein was punctured under fluoroscopic guidance via ipsilateral peripheral vein during venography. A central venous catheter was placed in the superior vena cava, and using the subcutaneous tunneling method, a connected infusion port was implanted at the anterior chest wall. Results and complications were reviewed, and by means of Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, the expected patency of the port was determined. RESULTS: The technical success rate for implanted port at the anterior chest wall was 100%(63/63 patients). In two patients, hematoma and oozing were treated by compression. The duration of port implantation ranged from 12 to 855(mean, 187) days, and the port patency rate was 305.7 +/-47.6 days. In seven patients [completed chemotherapy (n=3), central venous thrombosis (n=3) catheter-related infection (n=1)], the port was re-moved. Catheter obstruction occurred in two patients, and in one, the use of urokinase led to successful re-canalization. Sixteen patients died of an underlying malignancy, but no catheter-related death was noted. CONCLUSION: Implantation of an anterior chest wall port is a safe and useful procedure, with long patency, for patients requiring chemotherapy and long-term venous access.

Study on Serum and Urinary Calcium Level and Serum Parathyroid Hormone in Patients with Urinary Stone / 대한비뇨기과학회지

Urinary tract calculi are among the earliest documented afflictions of man but much remains to be learned about the causes and prevention of this common disease. We estimated the serum concentration and urinary excretion of calcium in 65 stone-formers, comparing to those 21 controls. Additionally, serum parathyroid hormone level in 38 stone-formers was estimated. The results were as follows: 1. Serum calcium levels of stone formers were significantly higher than those of controls in total, male and female. 2. Urinary calcium levels of stone formers were significantly higher than those of controls in total, male and female. 3. Hypercalcemia was significantly more frequent for stone-formers in total and male, but not in female. 4. Hypercalcemia was significantly more frequent for stone-formers in total, but not in male and female. 5. The incidence of stone-formers, in whom normocalcemia and normocalciuria, was significantly less than that of controls. 6. Serum parathyroid hormone levels of stone formers were significantly higher than those of control in total and female, but not in male. 7. The elevated serum parathyroid hormone was more frequent in stone formers, but not significant statistically. These results suggest the possibility that metabolic disorder of calcium may play some roles in the genesis of urinary stone.