Application of Blue Filters Increases the Usefulness of Moreland Test in Anomaloscopic Color Vision Assessment for Blue-Green Color Range.

The effect of blue light filters on the anomaloscopic examination was analyzed. Thirty subjects (18-43 y, 20 female, 10 male) without color vision disorders were examined in 4 filter conditions: no filter (F-0), Blue Control Hoya (F-BC), Med-1 JZO (F-Med1) and 450 Eschenbach (F-450). Both Rayleigh test (red-green axis) and Moreland test (blue-green axis) were performed. Application of F-BC filter shows negligible effect on color vision perception in both tests. Contrary to this, the application of strong F-450 filter causes significant shift in Moreland test towards tritanopy and the decrease in correlations of Moreland parameters with Rayleigh test parameters. The application of medium strong F-Med1 filter causes the slight shift in Moreland test towards the center of the Moreland scale and increases the Spearman correlations between Moreland and Rayleigh test parameters. This observation suggests that the about 15-40% reduction of blue diode intensity in the Moreland test may be beneficial in detecting mild changes in color vision perception in the blue-green axis and may improve its usefulness in evaluating the color vision perception disorders accompanying different illnesses, such as diabetes, glaucoma, neuritis optica, or cataract. The discussion concerning the modifications of Moreland test construction is also presented.

Variability of Rayleigh and Moreland test results using anomaloscope in young adults without color vision disorders.

AIM: To validate the reference ranges proposed by the manufacturer of the Oculus HMC Anomaloscope MR for Rayleigh and Moreland tests in healthy young adults. METHOD: The manual Rayleigh (red-green) and the Moreland (blue-green) anomaloscope tests were performed on 90 healthy subjects (54 female, 36 male, 178 eyes) residing in Poland, aged between 18-45 years, and without color vision disorders (assessed with HRR test). The analyzed parameters for both the Rayleigh and the Moreland tests were as follows: the lower (R1/M1) and the upper (R2/M2) limits; the center (RC/MC) and the width (RW/MW) of the matching ranges. RESULTS: The results of the Rayleigh test were similar to the values proposed in the anomaloscope user's manual, however, with a small shift of RC and R2 towards the red color. The double-peak distribution of R2 with a small second peak (approximately at R2 = 52) was mainly due to the measurements in male subjects (nmale = 8, nfemale = 2), which suggests that this group might be diagnosed with subtle protanomaly. The results of the Moreland test showed a high MW which did not correspond to the reference range described in the anomaloscope user's manual. The observed significant correlations between R1 and M1 suggest that the M1 parameter seems to be the best indicator of blue vision quality. CONCLUSIONS: Oculus HMC Anomaloscope MR is a sensitive tool for detection of prot-deuteranomalies but the reference ranges for young adults require a certain adjustment towards the red color. The parameters obtained for the Moreland test varied significantly between the subjects and therefore the test should not be used as is to diagnose color vision deficits in the green-blue area (tritanomaly).

Computerised dynamic posturography for postural control assessment in subjects wearing multifocal contact lenses dedicated for myopia control.

PURPOSE: To measure body balance using computerised dynamic posturography in young adults wearing multifocal contact lenses (MFCL) with high addition powers designed for myopia control. METHODS: Twenty-four young adults (mean age: 24 years) wearing distance-centred soft MFCL (SwissLens Orbis Relax) with two different central zones (3 and 4.5 mm), two addition powers (+2 D, +4 D) and single vision control lenses. Body balance was measured on a moving platform under three viewing conditions: (1) eyes open when fixating on letters at 3 m or (2) at 40 cm, as well as (3) with the eyes closed. Parameters of body stabilisation were analysed: the rate of body stabilisation (τrelax ), the stabilisation time (Tmax ) and the number of oscillations (Nosc ). RESULTS: The MFCLs did not produce a significant difference in the mean values of the analysed parameters (p > 0.05 for τrelax, Tmax, Nosc ). However, a positive correlation was found between pupil size and Nosc and Tmax (p < 0.01), suggesting an effect of the +4 D add with the 3 mm central zone on the posturographic parameters. As was expected, dynamic body stabilisation was better with eyes open versus eyes closed (p < 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Distance-centred MFCLs with a medium addition (+2 D) do not disturb body stabilisation in young adults. However, high additions (+4 D) with a small central zone may affect body balance control in subjects with large pupil size.

Contrast sensitivity and visual acuity in subjects wearing multifocal contact lenses with high additions designed for myopia progression control.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the visual performance of multifocal contact lenses (MFCLs) with high addition powers designed for myopia control. METHODS: Twenty-four non-presbyopic adults (mean age 24 years, range 18-36 years) were fitted with soft MFCLs with add powers of +2.0 D (Add2) and +4.0 D (Add4) (RELAX, SwissLens) and single vision lenses (SVCL; Add0) in a counterbalanced order. In this double-masked study, half of the participants were randomly fitted with 3 mm-distance central zone MFCLs while the other half received 4.5 mm-distance central zone MFCLs. Visual acuity was measured at distance (3.0 m) and at near (0.4 m). Central and peripheral contrast sensitivity was evaluated at distance using the Gabor patch test. The area under the logarithmic contrast sensitivity function curve (ALCSF) was calculated and compared between the groups (i.e. different additions powers used). RESULTS: Near and distance visual acuities were not affected by the lenses, neither Add2 nor Add4, when compared to Add0, however, CZ3 significantly reduced distance visual acuity with Add4 when compared to CZ4.5 (-0.08 logMAR vs. for CZ3 and -0.18 logMAR for CZ4.5, p = 0.013). MFCLs impaired central ALCSF only when Add2 was used (15.99 logCS for Add2 and 16.36 logCS for SVCLs, p = 0.021). Peripheral ALCSF was statistically lower for both addition powers of the MFCLs when compared to SVCLs (12.70 for Add2 and Add4, 13.73 for SVCLs, p = 0.009). The above effects were the same for both central zones used. CONCLUSIONS: MFCLs with CZ3 diameter and high add power (Add4) slightly reduced distance visual acuity when compared to CZ4.5 but no reduction in this parameter was found with medium add power (Add2). Central contrast sensitivity was impaired only by MFCLs with the lower add power (Add2). Both add powers in the MFCLs reduced peripheral contrast sensitivity to a similar extent.

The influence of tobacco smoke exposure on selected markers of oxidative stress, kidneys and liver function in the serum of rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes.

BACKGROUND: The significance of the free radicals is emphasized in the pathophysiology of diabetes and the progression of chronic diabetic complications. Smoking cigarettes increases the risk of developing type II diabetes and intensifies pathophysiological processes during the development of type I diabetes. Tobacco smoke is also additional source of free radicals. Moreover, smoking causes variety of adverse effects on organs, that have no direct contact with the tobacco smoke itself. The objective of the study was to examine the effects of tobacco smoke on the serum concentrations of relevant oxidative stress markers such as total protein (TP), reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione S-transferase (GST) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), as well as renal (creatinine, urea) and liver function (alkaline phosphatase, ALP; alanine aminotransferase, ALT; aspartate aminotransferase, AST) among animals with induced diabetes after administration of a single dose of streptozotocin (65 mg/kg, ip). METHODS: The markers of oxidative stress and biochemical parameters were determined using spectrophotometric methods. As a biomarker of exposure to tobacco smoke, cotinine was determined using high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection (HPLC-DAD). RESULTS: Tobacco smoke exposure of diabetic rats was manifested by significantly elevated liver enzymes activity - ALT (p < 0.05) and ALP (p < 0.01), higher creatinine and urea concentration (p < 0.01), lower GSH amount (p < 0.05), and higher GST activity (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Tobacco smoking induce liver and renal damage through the mechanisms including increased oxidative stress.

Urinary tract infection during pregnancy affects the level of leptin, ghrelin and insulin in maternal and placental blood.

AIM: We examined ghrelin, leptin and insulin in maternal blood during normal pregnancy and pregnancy complicated by urinary tract infection (UTI), as well as in cord blood at labor. METHODS: A total of 36 delivering women with history of UTI during the third trimester of pregnancy were enrolled in the study; 12 healthy pregnant women served as a control. Infection markers (CRP and procalcitonin) were determined in maternal blood during the course of UTI and at labor. Ghrelin, leptin and insulin were determined during labor in venous maternal and in umbilical cord blood. RESULTS: We found negative correlation between infection markers in maternal blood during UTI, and level of tested hormones in cord blood, indicating potential risk of placental impairment due to energetic imbalance. We noted lower level of leptin in mothers with UTI and no change in leptin from umbilical blood comparing subjects with and without UTI. Low level of ghrelin was observed in maternal and cord blood when pregnancy was complicated by UTI. Insulin concentrations were high in mothers with UTI and low in their newborn's cord blood. Increased maternal insulin level could indicate peripheral insulin resistance caused by the infection. CONCLUSION: UTI during pregnancy affects the concentration of hormones responsible for regulating energetic homeostasis within the placenta.

Pharmacokinetics and ocular disposition of paracetamol and paracetamol glucuronide in rabbits with diabetes mellitus induced by alloxan.

BACKGROUND: This study evaluates the pharmacokinetics (PK) and ocular disposition of paracetamol and paracetamol glucuronide in diabetic rabbits. METHODS: Thirty two New Zealand rabbits were divided into four groups: control group (I, n = 8), control group with diabetes (II, n = 8), rabbits with diabetes receiving paracetamol (III, n = 8), rabbits without diabetes receiving paracetamol (IV, n = 8). To induce diabetes mellitus, alloxan was administrated intravenously (iv) in the dose of 90 mg/kg body weight (b.w.) to 16 rabbits (groups II and III). Eight weeks post induction of the diabetic state, paracetamol was administrated via the ear vein at a dose of 35 mg/kg b.w. to groups III and IV. Blood and aqueous (ocular fluid) samples were collected after drug administration. PK calculations were made based on non-compartmental analysis. RESULTS: Significant differences were observed in PK of paracetamol between the studied groups. Lower value of the area under the concentration--time curve and enhanced clearance of paracetamol were noted in the diabetic group. In the case of paracetamol glucuronide , the area under the concentration--time curve was also little lower; however, no changes in the elimination rate were observed. Simultaneously, diminished ocular disposition of paracetamol was obtained in the diabetic group, whereas no changes were noted according to the penetration of paracetamol glucuronide. CONCLUSIONS: The PK as well as ocular disposition of paracetamol may be altered in non-treated diabetes mellitus. The glucuronidation does not seem to be the process responsible for these changes.

In vitro evaluation of the effect of tobacco smoke on rat cornea function.

The influence of tobacco smoke on the dielectric properties of rat cornea were measured in vitro over the frequency range of the electric field of 500Hz-100kHz and in temperatures of the air from 25 to 150°C. The temperature dependencies of the loss tangent for both healthy and smoky cornea represent the relation between the energy lost and the energy stored in the epithelium-stromal-endothelium systems of the cornea. The differences between the healthy and the smoky cornea concerned the temperature ranges in which there appeared the decomposition of loosely-bound water and ß-relaxation associated with polar side-chains relaxations on protein molecules of this tissue. The effect of smoke is manifested as a shift of the loss tangent peaks of these two processes towards higher temperatures, when compared with the control. The results are interpreted as caused by the toxic compounds of the tobacco smoke leading to higher ion transport in the nonhomogeneous structure of the cornea when compared to that of the control tissue. The activation energy of conductivity were similar for the healthy and smoky cornea as a consequence of the braking of hydrogen and Van der Waals bonds between loosely bound water, and the proteins of channels in the epithelium and endothelium. Recognition of the effect of frequency and temperature on the dielectric behaviour of the smoky cornea may be of interest for disease characterization of this tissue.

[Effect of tobacco smoke on lipids peroxidation and liver function in streptozotocin diabetic rats--preliminary study]. / Wplyw dymu tytoniu na peroksydacje lipidów i funkcje watroby u szczurów z cukrzyca streptozotocynowa--badania wstepne.

Diabetes is considered a group of diseases with chronic hyperglycemia caused by various organ disorders, failure or damage as a common feature. Hyperglycemia exerts toxic effect on endothelium, promotes oxidative stress, inhibits bioavailability of nitrogen monoxide (NO) and leads to formation of advanced glycation end products. Moreover, hyperglycemia induces production of reactive oxygen specimens (ROS) through several distinct mechanisms, such as: glucose autoxydation activation of polyol (sorbitol-aldose reductase) pathway, non-enzymatic glycation and neutrophil granulocyte's stimulation. These changes lead to uncontrolled oxidation and peroxidation of lipids, nucleic acids, certain enzymes and most of all--oxidative protein damage (OPD) in many tissues. The aim of this study was to evaluate influence of exposure to tobacco smoke on lipid peroxidation and liver function in experimentally induced diabetes. The research showed that the protein level in blood serum did not change neither in case of induced diabetes nor after tobacco smoke exposure. However a statistically significant increase of lipid peroxidation was observed in rats with pharmacologically induced diabetes. In animals exposed to tobacco smoke only lipid peroxidation increasing trend was demonstrated, while in animals with induced diabetes and exposed to tobacco smoke a statistically significant decrease of lipid peroxidation was noticed. In the adopted experimental model basically no alterations of hepatic aminotranspherases were observed, with exception of AIAT in the group of diabetic animals compared to rats in the control group. Results of the study do not explicitly explain the influence of tobacco smoking in experimentally induced diabetes on lipid peroxidation and liver functions.

Influence of selected angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors on alloxan-induced diabetic cataract in rabbits.

BACKGROUND: Hyperglycemia enhances cataractogenesis. Elevated glucose level is commonly accompanied by arterial hypertension, for which angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (ACEIs) are a widely used intervention. ACE inhibitors exert some endothelial pleiotropic actions and can beneficially modulate glucose control and some other metabolic pathways. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of ACEIs on cataract formation in experimental alloxan-induced diabetes in rabbits and assess the role of the reactive function group of the ACEIs in this process. MATERIAL/METHODS: Two study and two control groups of rabbits were examined. In the study groups and in one of the control groups, diabetes was induced by alloxan. The study groups were assigned to receive captopril or enalapril for six months; the controls received distilled water. Glucose concentration was monitored with a glucometer. A biomicroscope and an ophthalmoscope were used to evaluate lens opacity and cataractogenesis. RESULTS: Six-month administration of ACEI to rabbis resulted in a delay of diabetic cataractogenesis. The rate of cataract formation was significantly lower in the group treated with captopril than in the enalapril group. A difference in morphology of lens opacity formation between the two study groups was observed. CONCLUSIONS: ACEIs delay diabetic cataractogenesis in an experimental animal model. The ACEI functional groups have different influences on the pattern and rate of lens opacity.

[The evaluation of level of epigenetic indicator--5-methylcytosine in smoking and non-smoking patients with mild essential hypertension]. / Ocena poziomu wskaznika epigenetycznego--5-metylocytozyny u chorych z pierwotnym lagodnym nadcisnieniem tetniczym palacych i niepalacych papierosy.

5-methylcytosine (m5C, 5mC) is a nucleotide occurring naturally in genomic DNA and play an important role in regulation of genes expression. Methylation of cytosine in DNA is an epigenetic modification and different intrinsic and extrinsic factors can influence on its level. For example, it is subject to modification and/or degradation by the free radicals which are commonly present in environment of human, among others the cigarette smoke. The reactions of m5C with free radicals lead to origination of many products which effect is decrease of level of m5C in DNA (hypomethylation) and excessive expression of genes inducing development of different diseases, especially cardiovascular system diseases. The aim of the study was statement if exist differences of level of 5-methylcytosine in DNA between smoking and non-smoking patients suffering from mild essential hypertension. The study group was composed of 30 patients suffering from mild essential hypertension (21 females and 40 males) aged from 18 to 55 years (32.4+/-10.3 years). The group of smoker was composed of 13 patients (5 females and 8 males) and the group of non-smokers was composed of 17 patients (7 females and 10 males). 3-5 ml of blood was sampled on EDTA and then thin-layer chromatography analysis of 5-methylcytosine level in DNA after previous enzymatic hydrolysis of DNA and radioactive phosphorus labeling [32p] was performed. The mean level of 5-methylcytosine (m5C) were 1.30+/-0.56 [%] in non-smoking patients, and 1.28+/-0.42 [%] in smoking patients suffering from mild essential hypertension. There is no significant statistically differences between non-smoking and smoking patients (p>0.4). In the study the following conclusion was drawn: the level of m5C in DNA of patients suffering from mild essential hypertension in the study is independent of smoking (p>0.4) in patients with mild essential hypertension. However it supposes, out of regard for theoretic datum suggestive such influence, the study should be performed in more frequent group of patients.