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Background: Long-duration spaceflight crewmembers are at risk for spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome (SANS). One of the earliest manifestations of SANS is optic disc edema (ODE), which could be missed using the subjective Frisén scale. The primary objective of this study is to determine the inter-rater and intrarater reliability of Frisén grade for SANS-induced ODE among a trained observer cohort. The secondary objective is to propose a standardized evaluation process for SANS-induced ODE across International Space Station Partner Agencies., Methods: Retrospective, double-blinded diagnostic study. Preflight and postflight fundus photographs were presented to subject matter experts who identified and graded ODE. Pairs of images were also compared side-by-side for disc ranking. Grader concordance was assessed for Frisén grading and disc ranking., Results: Expert graders identified Grade 1 ODE in 17.35% of images from 62 crewmembers (9 female, mean [SD] age, 47.81 [5.19] years). Grades 2 and 3 were identified less than 2% of the time. Concordance in Frisén grades among pairs of graders was 70.99%. Graders identified a difference in preflight and postflight fundus photographs 17.21% of the time when using disc ranking. Pairs of graders had complete concordance in disc ranking 79.79% of the time. Perfect intrarater agreement between Frisén grade and disc ranking occurred 77.7% of the time., Conclusions: These findings demonstrate intergrader and intragrader variability when using the Frisén scale to identify SANS-induced ODE, which is typically milder in presentation than terrestrial cases of idiopathic intracranial hypertension. It is possible to miss early ODE on fundoscopy alone, making it insufficient as a sole criterion for the diagnosis of SANS. A more sensitive and objective method of surveillance is necessary to monitor international crewmembers for ODE, perhaps using a multimodal approach that includes technology such as optical coherence tomography., Competing Interests: The authors report no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2023 by North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society.)

Renal artery denervation (RDN) has been proposed for resistant arterial hypertension. Beyond conventional radiofrequency (RF) ablation, there are emerging RDN technologies, including laser catheter ablation. We aimed at evaluamting the local effects of laser ablation on the renal artery and perivascular nerve injury in comparison with radiofrequency ablation. Thirteen pigs (mean weight 36.7 ± 4.7 kg, age 3 months) were divided into three groups: (1) laser ablation in normotensive pigs (LA; n = 3), (2) bipolar RF ablation in normotensive pigs (RF; n = 7), and (3) a sham group (SHAM; n = 3). Transcatheter laser and RF ablations were performed under general anesthesia. After euthanasia, pathology and immunohistochemical studies were performed. Artery wall and perivascular nerve lesions were found in the LA and RF groups. A lower rate of intimal microdissections was evaluated after laser ablation when compared with RF ablation (0 vs. 1.5 [1;2.75] per artery; p < .05). There was a numerical prevalence of nerves with tyrosine hydroxylase expression loss after laser RDN when compared with RF ablation (16.7 [4; 18] vs. 9.1 [0;18] per specimen). Laser ablation is noninferior to RF ablation regarding perivascular nerve injury and is associated with less intimal layer damage., (© 2022 American Association for Anatomy.)

Myxofibrosarcoma is one of the most rare tumors of the heart. Surgical resection is the principal method of treatment; however, in some cases, radical removal of the tumor is not possible. Here, we present a case of heart transplant in a patient who experienced recurrent myxofibrosarcoma of the left atrium and examine the morphological features of this tumor. A 40-year-old female patient presented for treatment for heart failure of a high functional class. An examination revealed a tumor in the left atrial cavity, which was subsequently surgically removed. Morphological examination revealed an inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor. After 2 years, the patient's tumor recurred. The tumor was removed, and a morphological study again diagnosed myxofibrosarcoma of the heart. A year later, recurrence was again diagnosed. Instrumental examination determined that the tumor had incurred into the mitral valve and possibly spread to the myocardium. Tumor resection was not possible, and the need to perform a heart transplant was determined. The given case contributes to the practical conclusion that heart transplant contributes to an increase in the life expectancy for patients with inoperable cases of cardiac sarcoma.

Background: Few studies have compared COVID-19 patients from different waves. This study aims to conduct a clinical and morphological analysis of patients who died from COVID-19 during four waves., Methods: The study involved 276 patients who died from COVID-19 during four waves, including 77 patients in the first wave, 119 patients in the second wave, and 78 patients in the third wave. We performed a histological examination of myocardium samples from autopsies and additionally analyzed the samples by PCR. We conducted immunohistochemistry of the myocardium for 21 samples using antibodies against CD3, CD45, CD8, CD68, CD34, Ang1, VWF, VEGF, HLA-DR, MHC1, C1q, enteroviral VP1, and SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. We also did immunofluorescent staining of three myocardial specimens using VP1/SARS-CoV-2 antibody cocktails. Further, we ran RT-ddPCR analysis for 14 RNA samples extracted from paraffin-embedded myocardium. Electron microscopic studies of the myocardium were also performed for two samples from the fourth wave., Results: Among the 276 cases, active myocarditis was diagnosed in 5% (15/276). Of these cases, 86% of samples expressed VP1, and individual cells contained SARS-CoV-2 spike protein in 22%. Immunofluorescence confirmed the co-localization of VP1 and SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins. ddPCR did not confidently detect SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the myocardium in any myocarditis cases. However, the myocardium sample from wave IV detected a sub-threshold signal of SARS-CoV-2 by qPCR, but myocarditis in this patient was not confirmed. Electron microscopy showed several single particles similar to SARS-CoV-2 virions on the surface of the endothelium of myocardial vessels. A comparison of the cardiovascular complication incidence between three waves revealed that the incidence of hemorrhage (48 vs. 24 vs. 17%), myocardial necrosis (18 vs. 11 vs. 4%), blood clots in the intramural arteries (12 vs. 7 vs. 0%), and myocarditis (19 vs. 1 vs. 6%) decreased over time, and CD8-T-killers appeared. Immunohistochemistry confirmed the presence of endotheliitis in all 21 studied cases., Conclusions: This study compared myocardial damage in patients who died during three COVID-19 waves and showed a decrease in the incidence of endotheliitis complications (thrombosis, hemorrhage, necrosis) and myocarditis over time. However, the connection between myocarditis and SARS-CoV-2 infection remains unproven.

CuO atomic thin monolayer (mlCuO) was synthesized recently. Interest in the mlCuO is based on its close relation to CuO2 layers in typical high temperature cuprate superconductors. Here, we present the calculation of the band structure, the density of states and the Fermi surface of the flat mlCuO as well as the corrugated mlCuO within the density functional theory (DFT) in the generalized gradient approximation (GGA). In the flat mlCuO, the Cu-3dx2-y2 band crosses the Fermi level, while the Cu-3dxz,yz hybridized band is located just below it. The corrugation leads to a significant shift of the Cu-3dxz,yz hybridized band down in energy and a degeneracy lifting for the Cu-3dx2-y2 bands. Corrugated mlCuO is more energetically favorable than the flat one. In addition, we compared the electronic structure of the considered CuO monolayers with bulk CuO systems. We also investigated the influence of a crystal lattice strain (which might occur on some interfaces) on the electronic structure of both mlCuO and determined the critical strains of topological Lifshitz transitions. Finally, we proposed a number of different minimal models for the flat and the corrugated mlCuO using projections onto different Wannier functions basis sets and obtained the corresponding Hamiltonian matrix elements in a real space.

Cat-eye syndrome is associated with abnormalities in chromosome 22. Based on the literature on genetic and clinical characteristics of the disease, three clinical cases observed by the authors at different times are analyzed. Mental retardation of different degree was observed in all cases and schizotypal personality disorder in one case. The latter case is described in detail. The patient's stress due to the mockery of peers and teenagers regarding the characteristics of the patient's features plays a considerable role in the exacerbation of mental illness. Early cosmetic surgical intervention (iris's coloboma removal) is necessary to prevent exacerbations of a mental illness and comfortable existence of the patient in the social environment.

This review discusses recent publications on the problem of ophthalmic changes associated with long-term effects of microgravity during space flights. Described changes include hyperopic shift of refraction, change in intraocular pressure, increased intracranial pressure, changes in the choroid and retina tissues, and swelling of the optic nerve. These effects are caused by redistribution of blood and fluid to the upper half of the body, increased intracranial pressure and congestion of venous blood and lymph in the upper half of the body and head. The reviewed also discusses other factors that may triggervision impairment caused by microgravity. Photographic illustrations of changes are also provided.

The analysis was implemented concerning indicators of oxidative status and antioxidant capacity of serum. The indicators were received by colorimetry technique based on detection of peroxides in blood serum in examined patients of different categories: healthy persons aged from 17 to 20 years and from 30 to 60 years and patients with bronchopulmonary pathology. The low level of oxidative stress and high antioxidant capacity of serum were established in individuals ofyounger age. With increasing of age, degree of expression of oxidative stress augmented and level of antioxidant defense lowered. Almost all patients with bronchopulmonary pathology had high level of oxidative stress and low level of antioxidant defense. The analysis of quantitative data of examined indicators their conformity with health condition was established

Study of 462 patients with occupational pulmonary diseases revealed that hepatobiliary diseases are among concomitants of occupational COLD. Inflammatory changes in gallbladder and bile ducts with bile dyskinesia are first manifestations of such diseases developing early at chronic nonobstructive bronchitis stage. Shortly, hepatosteatosis adds to these disorders. Final stage of the pathologic process in some patients is bile stones or liver cirrhosis.

The study of 311 patients with chronic occupational bronchitis associated with diabetes mellitus (or diabetes-free) revealed lipid metabolism disorders presenting with overweight, obesity, dyslipoproteinemia. Diabetes mellitus addition to chronic bronchitis increased frequency of lipid metabolism disorders and higher values of lipid state. The revealed lipid metabolism disorders were more marked in the females.

Examination of 94 city bus drivers with long length of service revealed changes in lipid metabolism and C-reactive protein level, dependent on the examinees' age and length of service. Matching the biochemical parameters and clinical data proved that dyslipoproteinemia and serum C-reactive protein level could indicate cardiovascular risk in city bus drivers.

A complex of measures for lid hygiene in ocular surface disease is developed. These measures together with tear substitution and antibacterial treatment were revealed to result in elimination of blepharoconjunctivitis and dry eye signs, recovery of tear film and long-time remission, that significantly improved patient's life quality. When using this complex of measures meibomian glands are not damaged and their anatomy and functions are completely preserved. Lid hygiene affects all glands, there is no pain and no local anesthesia needed, normal tear film is formed

The authors analysed 854 case histories of occupational bronchitis patients and 326 ones of vibration disease patients. Inpatient investigation covered 129 patients with occupational dust bronchitis and 25 patients with vibration disease. Diabetes mellitus was diagnosed in 11.9 +/- 1.1% of the bronchitis examinees and in 6.7 +/- 1.4% of the vibration disease examinees. A total of 66.24 +/- 4.10% of the bronchitis examinees and 71.4 +/- 9.00% of the vibration disease examinees appeared to have family propensity to this endocrine condition. Factors actualizing such hereditary propensity in the bronchitis examinees could be respiratory failure (in 90.77%) and steroid therapy (in 21.5%).

The paper describes some experience in organizing and delivering specialized emergency health care to children who have suffered during traffic accidents in the Moscow Region, by attracting the forces and means of a disaster medicine service. In May 2004 to October 2008, examinations were made among 615 children, 552 of whom were evacuated to Moscow by intensive care cars (n = 469) and medical helicopters (n = 83). The paper shows that the two-stage medical victim medical evacuation provision system is effective and provides evidence for prospects for putting the developed model into practice of rendering a medical aid to traffic accident victims on out-of-town highways.

The analytic review demonstrated negative influence of polluted air on respiratory diseases formation, on development of pathologic changes in neuro-endocrine and cardiovascular systems, kidneys and blood of traffic regulation officers. Special attention was put on possible carcinogenic and genotoxic influence of air polluted with chemicals in exhaust automobile gases.

There is a potential of therapeutic action on certain stages of caractogenesis, in particular on the aggregation of water-soluble proteins of cytoplasmic lens fiber cells, giving rise to insoluble protein complexes. The effect of a combined preparation (N-acetyl carnosine and D-patethine), acting by the chaperon-like mechanism, was studied in vivo on a prolonged rat model of UV-induced cataract. The use of the combined preparation consisting of a mixture of peptides of N-acetyl carnosine and D-patethine in a ratio of 1:1 as ocular instillations and intraperitoneal injections could slow down the development of UV-induced cataract in vivo. Pathomorphological studies suggest that the combined preparation has a protective effect on lens tissue when the rat model of UV-induced cataract is employed.

To study the mechanisms of action of new-generation anticataract drugs, it is necessary to have an accessible and adequate model of age-related cataract. A model of UV-induced cataract is pathogenetically closest to that of age-related cataract. A prolonged rat model of UV-induced cataract developing within 10 months is proposed; the clinical features of UV-induced cataract have been established at different stages of its development. A moderate homogeneous cloud-like lenticular opacity was observed at the end of the experiment; a less pronounced homogeneous opacity was seen in the anterior and posterior cortical layers. Cataract development was assessed by the appraisal method using the developed rat lenticular transparency scale, as well as by microdensitometry of biomicroscopic lenticular optical sections. Within the proposed model, the pathomorphological lenticular changes are largely similar to the histological pattern of age-related cataract.

Densitometric methods for analyzing the images obtained at biomicroscopy were used to study the transparency of the spatium retrolentalis, membrana hialoidea anterior, and pars retrolenticularis of the vitreous body of 45 eyes after cataract phacoemulsification. In half the patients, the optical density in these structures has shown to increase as compared with the normal values, which is mainly associated with the opacity of the vitreous body and the increased destruction of its tracts. The results of drug treatment and a role of additional therapy with plasmin and collagenase activators in the complete rehabilitation of patients after surgical cataract treatment are discussed.

The MPEG-4 algorithm applicable to compression of video-images of the anterior eye segment and JPEG-2000 applicable to compression of static images of the lens and retina under the conditions of mydriasis were used to enable the telemedicine consultations. The compiled compression files were sent to the institute's E-Mail address by means of a voice modem through an analogue telephone line. The pixel structures of non-compression and compression images of the anterior eye segment and lenses were comparatively studied. The deviations of images' optic density versus non-compression images were found to be below or equal to 2.7%, thus, they can be attributed to a static error. The quantitative colorimetry of images was used, on the basis of a software-based color-regulating filter, to determine the lens-nucleus density and cataract-maturity degree. The differences between values of the green-canal brightness were found within the RGB model before and after the application of the filter in the posterior cortical strata and in the anterior lens-nucleus portion, which provided for classifying 6 stages of the lens-nucleus density and cataract maturity.

A total of 42 patients with traumatic iridocyclites were examined; the pathology developed within different time limits after extracapsular cataract extraction (ECE) and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. The efficiency of proteolytic drugs gemaza and collalysin was comparatively studied. The efficiency was evaluated by using the densitometry examination of fibrin density, which enabled an objective conclusion on the dynamics of lysis of fibrinous exudates in the eye anterior chamber. The severity of the postoperative inflammatory reaction of the eye was assessed quantitatively by a reaction degree of the pupil to light. The coefficients of pupil reaction to light were found to be different in patients after ECE with implantation of IOL, made from polymethylmethacrylate, and in patients after phacoemulsification with silicone IOL implantation.

Methods of mathematical computerized analysis of images obtained through the microscopy of the eye by the slit lamp were used in examining patients with different pathologies of the eye anterior segment. Densitometric and planimetric analysis of images of the cornea, lens as well as of the posterior and anterior capsules of the lens was made for patients with aphakia and artiphakia. The optic corneal density (which depends on a type and degree of refraction and an administered medication therapy) was found to change after excimerlaser procedures. The corneal transparency, which also depends on an administered medication therapy, was examined in cases of its opacities and photokeratitis. Examinations of the lens led to elaborating a clinical classification of cataract maturity degrees, which can be used during the preoperative period for planning a type and tactics of the therapeutic and surgical treatment. Main complications occurring after cataract extraction, i.e. opacities in the anterior and posterior capsules, were evaluated densitometrically. A classification of opacities in the lens capsule was worked out; it was used to determine the optimal time and types of the therapeutic and surgical treatment at secondary cataracts.

A total of 236 eyes of patients with myopia and hypermetropia of different severity degrees after photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) were observed. The densitometry and planimetry analysis of corneal images, obtained through storing them in the computer memory, was used to evaluate postoperatively the corneal condition. Planimetry was used to forecast the time of epithelization and to assess the efficiency of drug therapy. The optic density was found to increase, after excimer-laser surgeries, in all patients and it depended on a type of refraction and its degree. The optic-density dynamics of corneal images also depended on a degree and type of refraction as well as on a type of drug therapy. Hence, densitometry and planimetry, as objective methods used to follow up the patients after keratorefractive excimer-laser surgeries, make it possible to diagnose early enough the presence of complications related with disorders in transparency and healing of the cornea.

Forty-three patients (58 eyes) were observed, who used contact lenses for a long time before photorefraction operations (photorefraction keratectomy and laser specialized keratomileusis--PRK and LASIK). Measurements of lacrimal plasmin-like enzymes (PLE) were carried out before and after operations on a Uniscan II microreader. Corneal and conjunctival intactness was evaluated by Bengal rose staining. Before surgery PLE activity was 3.5 times higher than normally in the patients using contact lenses. After PRK and LASIK, PLE activity increased and was 25% lower after LASIK than after PRK. Based on the data of preoperative diagnosis (Bengal rose test, measurement of PLE activities, Norn and Schirmer tests), the patients with contact lens intolerance without hypoproduction of tears are recommended rehabilitation treatment with drugs activating the repair processes (Vitacic, etc.), while patients with contact lens intolerance and tear hypoproduction are recommended low concentrations of viscoelastic drugs (Vismed).

The barrier function of the cornea was studied before and after eximer laser photorefraction keratectomies and laser specialized keratomileusis (LASIK) for residual myopia after previous radial keratotomy. The barrier function of the cornea was studied by local keratofluoropenetrometry making use of computer system for analyzing TV images of the eye. Impaired barrier function of the cornea at the site of keratotomic cicatrices did not recover even many years after radial keratotomy, while after LASIK it recovered in 2-4 weeks. The time of recovery of this function depends on the state of the space between the flaps. LASIK does not affect the fluorescein permeability of keratotomic cicatrices.

Computer analysis of TV images of the eye was used for quantitative evaluation of optic density of the lens nucleus in patients with cataracts in need of surgical treatment. Indications to cataract phacoemulsification were determined using classification of the degree of the lens nucleus maturity. This classification is based on the maximal values of optic density of the anterior third of the nucleus, obtained by the lens densitometry, coefficient of light absorption by the lens nucleus, and tentative subjective classification of the lens nucleus maturity by a color scale. In initial cataract (first degree) the mean maximal optic density of the anterior third of the nucleus is 55.8 +/- 5.7 arb. units and coefficient of the lens nucleus light absorption is 0.93, in nuclear brown cataract (fourth degree) these values are 158.7 +/- 24.4 arb units and 1.81, respectively. Cataract with brown enlarged nucleus involving the cortical layers of the lens and high optic density of these layers, with lens nucleus light absorption coefficient more than 2.5 is a contraindication to phacoemulsification.

Hemophthalmos in patients with essential hypertension and diabetes mellitus was treated by antioxidant agent Histochrome manufactured by the Pacific Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Far Eastern Division of Academy of Sciences, Vladivostok. The results were analyzed with reference to localization, volume, and period elapsed since hemorrhage into the vitreous body and by hemophthalmos index determined by biomicroscopy and echography of the vitreous body. Histochrome was the most effective in fresh hemophthalmos with 1-2 point index. Visual functions improved in patients with nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy without hemorrhagic syndrome.

Terms of re-epithelialization, severity of the painful syndrome, intensity of corneal "crepe" (opacity) are assessed in myopic patients treated by maxitrol, eubetal, colbiocin ointments and maxitrol eyedrops in the early postoperative period after photorefraction keratectomy. The crepe intensity was assessed routinely according to a clinical score: 0) transparent cornea, 1) trace crepe; 2) moderate crepe; and 3) intensive crepe. Biomicroscopy on day 4 after photorefraction keratectomy showed complete epithelialization in 91.7% patients after colbiocin ointment, in 91.% after maxitrol eyedrops, 87% after eubetal ointment, and 82.6% after maxitrol ointment. The least corneal opacity (0 and 0-1) was observed after eubetal ointment and maxitrol eyedrops. The mean score for pain was virtually the same in all groups; in the colbiocin ointment group more patients complained of pain for more than 24 h in comparison with other groups.

The area of corneal epithelialization was evaluated and densitometry of corneal surface carried out by computer analysis of images in order to detect the relationship between epithelialization and formation of corneal fleur in patients with delayed healing after photorefraction keratectomy for hypermetropia. An arbitrary parameter: corneal epithelialization rate, a mathematical difference between the area of corneal defect every next day of observation in comparison with the day before, expressed in mm2/day, is proposed for evaluating the efficacy of various drugs used to stimulate corneal defect epithelialization. Computer analysis of images helps objectively evaluate epithelialization and corneal transparency after eximer laser keratectomy. The method is diagnostically and prognostically valuable, particularly in cases with delayed epithelialization and stubborn epithelial defects of the cornea.

Background: Corneal barrier function following photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) was evaluated to determine corneal damage and to compare the amount of corneal trauma associated with haze development with the two procedures., Methods: The PRK and LASIK procedures were performed with the Nidek EC-5000 excimer laser. The Chiron Hansatome microkeratome was used in the LASIK procedures. We followed 1528 eyes of myopic patients (range, -1.00 to -23.00 D) classified into three groups according to age. Each group was divided into four subgroups depending on the amount of myopia (-1.00 to -2.75 D; -3.00 to -5.75 D; -6.00 to -9.75 D; -10.00 to -23.00 D). In eyes with haze formation, haze intensity and postoperative period of haze development were evaluated. The corneal uptake was 5.6 carbonfluorescein 5%, and a computer program analyzed video slit-lamp corneal images., Results: PRK and LASIK increased corneal permeability to fluorescein (2 to 8 weeks after PRK and 4 to 6 weeks after LASIK). Deeper ablations showed higher corneal fluorescein permeability for longer periods. In eyes with haze formation, an increased index of corneal fluorescein permeability was observed in the eyes with early postoperative haze formation (1 to 2 months) and a decreased index of corneal permeability was observed in eyes with late postoperative period haze formation (after 3 months). This finding suggests a difference in the haze that developed in the early and later postoperative periods. Fluorescein permeability after PRK returned to normal in 2 to 8 weeks and remained constant. Following LASIK, fluorescein permeability returned to normal in 4 to 6 weeks. Decreasing corneal permeability to fluorescein was observed 2 to 6 months after LASIK, and returned to normal at 6 months., Conclusion: Photorefractive surgery disrupts corneal barrier function for up to 6 months postoperatively, even though other clinical tests of the cornea may be normal. This finding may help explain some mechanisms of pathogenesis of complication development following PRK and LASIK. The fluorescein permeability findings demonstrated different mechanisms for early and late haze formation after PRK.

Potentialities of lymphotropic method of drug administration for arresting inflammation after intraocular cataract correction were studied in 60 patients aged 48-63 years. Extracapsular cataract extraction with implantation of posterior-chamber Alexeev's intraocular lens (IOL) was carried out in all of them. Patients with complications of surgery and a history of inflammations in the operated eye were not included in the study. For assessing lymphotherapy effect on drug concentration in the blood, bloodflow aggregation gradient in the bulbar conjunctiva venules was estimated in the operated on eye. The data indicate that lymphotherapy is an effective method for treating early postoperative inflammations after IOL implantation, shortening the treatment terms in comparison with traditional therapy.

Effects of corticosteroid and nonsteroid antiinflammatory drugs on corneal transparency after photorefraction keratectomy (PFK) in myopia are studied. Corneal transparency was assessed by computer analytical system for the anterior segment of the eye, designed by the authors. Corticosteroids (0.1% dexamethasone solution) more effectively control bacterial contamination of the cornea in high myopia than nonsteroids (0.1% sodium diclofenac solution). A significant improvement of optic density of the cornea was observed 2 weeks after PFK when corticosteroids were discontinued. On the other hand, replacement of diclofenac with dexamethasone 2 weeks after PFK did not result in decrease of optic density of corneal image. Apparently, corticosteroids contribute to decrease of bacterial contamination of the cornea during the very first days after PFK. In myopia of up to -6.0 diopters, the densitometric parameters were virtually the same in the patients treated with nonsteroids and corticosteroids.

Video images of the cornea in photorefraction keratectomy (PFK) are analyzed by computer-aided microdensitometric analysis of televideo images of the eye. Optic density of various layers of the cornea and fluorescein penetration through the cornea were assessed in patients with myopia (235 eyes) and hypermetropia (65 eyes) before the after PFK. PFK was carried out by Nidek excimer laser (Japan). Analysis was carried out with consideration for the degree of emmetropia and patients' ages. Corneal transparency and index of fluorescein penetration through the cornea correlated with patient's age and emmetropia. Computer-aided microdensitometric analysis of televideo images of the eye earlier detects changes in the cornea than routine methods. The authors discuss the probability of assessing corneal transparency for selection of patients for PFK.

The efficacy of lecrolin (2% sodium cromoglycate) eye drops was assessed in 22 patients with allergic conjunctivitis. Positive effect was attained in all the patients on day 4.0 +/- 1.2. Signs of the disease exacerbation completely disappeared in 68% of patients in 8.3 +/- 2.4 days. No side effects of any type were observed for a month of using lecrolin eye drops.

The aggregation status of the blood in the bulbar vessels was assessed by computer analyzer system of television images of the eye (CASTIE) in 10 patients with hypertensive angiosclerosis, 22 with diabetic proliferative retinopathy, and 15 patients without vascular abnormalities. The aggregation gradients of intravascular bloodflow in the venules were increased and aggregation coefficients in the bulbar veins decreased in the patients with vascular diseases of the retina, this indicating disorders of blood aggregation. CASTIE helps assess the degree of disorders in blood aggregation at the level of the intravascular and parietal bloodflow and single out the groups at risk of developing thrombotic complications of the retina among the patients with essential hypertension and diabetes mellitus.

Computer-aided analysis of television images of the eye (CAATIE) helps objectively assess the intravascular aggregation in the bulbar vessels by determining the values of aggregation gradients of intravascular bloodflow. Standards gradients of intravascular bloodflow aggregation have been determined for three age groups. CAATIE permits the assessment of parietal bloodflow in large veins. No disorders of parietal bloodflow were detected in subjects without vascular abnormalities. The derived aggregation values for CAATIE in subjects of different age help assess the severity of microcirculatory disorders in vascular diseases on the basis of deviations of the above parameters from age-specific norm.

Effects of instillations of proteinase inhibitors and autologous fibronectin on the course of regeneration processes in corneal epithelial defects were studied in patients after perforating and lamellar keratoplasty, cataract extraction, trabecul- and vitrectomy. Proteinase inhibitors contrykal or gordox were administered to these patients to neutralize increased activity of lacrimal plasmin-like enzymes which was 899.3 +/- 80.8 rel. U on day 1 of observation vs. 50.72 +/- 7.73 in normal subjects. Contrykal (gordox) helped significantly reduce these enzymes activities in patients with corneal epithelial defects in comparison with the control group as soon as during the first days of the observation. Combined use of contrykal (gordox) and autologous fibronectin helped attain complete epithelialization in all the patients in 12.3 +/- 1.7 days (47.9 +/- 6.3 days in controls).