Early constipation predicts faster dementia onset in Parkinson's disease

Constipation is a common but not a universal feature in early PD, suggesting that gut involvement is heterogeneous and may be part of a distinct PD subtype with prognostic implications. We analysed data from the Parkinson's Incidence Cohorts Collaboration, composed of incident community-based cohorts of PD patients assessed longitudinally over 8 years. Constipation was assessed with the MDS-UPDRS constipation item or a comparable categorical scale. Primary PD outcomes of interest were dementia, postural instability and death. PD patients were stratified according to constipation severity at diagnosis: none (n = 313, 67.3%), minor (n = 97, 20.9%) and major (n = 55, 11.8%). Clinical progression to all three outcomes was more rapid in those with more severe constipation at baseline (Kaplan-Meier survival analysis). Cox regression analysis, adjusting for relevant confounders, confirmed a significant relationship between constipation severity and progression to dementia, but not postural instability or death. Early constipation may predict an accelerated progression of neurodegenerative pathology.

G protein-coupled receptor 34 in ovarian granulosa cells of cattle: changes during follicular development and potential functional implications

Abundance of G protein-coupled receptor 34 (GPR34) mRNA is greater in granulosa cells (GCs) of cystic vs normal follicles of cattle. The present experiments were designed to determine if GPR34 mRNA in granulosa cell [GC] changes during selection and growth of dominant follicles in cattle as well as to investigate the hormonal regulation of GPR34 mRNA in bovine GC in vitro. In Exp. 1, estrous cycles of nonlactating cows were synchronized and then ovariectomized on either day 3-4 or 5-6 after ovulation. GPR34 mRNA abundance in GC was 2.8- to 3.8-fold greater (P < 0.05) in small (1-5 mm) and large (≥8 mm) estrogen-inactive dominant follicles than in large estrogen-active follicles. Also, GPR34 mRNA tended to be greater (P < 0.10) in F2 than F1 follicles on day 3-4 postovulation. In Exp. 2-7, ovaries were collected at an abattoir and GC were isolated and treated in vitro. Expression of GPR34 was increased (P < 0.05) 2.2-fold by IGF1. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α decreased (P < 0.05) the IGF1-induced GPR34 mRNA abundance in small-follicle GC, whereas IGF1 decreased (P < 0.05) GPR34 expression by 45% in large-follicle GC. Treatment of small-follicle GC with either IL-2, prostaglandin E2 or angiogenin decreased (P < 0.05) GPR34 expression, whereas FSH, cortisol, wingless 3A, or hedgehog proteins did not affect (P > 0.10) GPR34 expression. In Exp. 6 and 7, 2 presumed ligands of GPR34, L-a-lysophosphatidylserine (LPPS) and LPP-ethanolamine, increased (P < 0.05) GC numbers and estradiol production by 2-fold or more in small-follicle GC, and this response was only observed in IGF1-treated GC. In conclusion, GPR34 is a developmentally and hormonally regulated gene in GC, and its presumed ligands enhance IGF1-induced proliferation and steroidogenesis of bovine GC.

Changes in fibroblast growth factor 9 mRNA in granulosa and theca cells during ovarian follicular growth in dairy cattle

Fibroblast growth factor 9 (FGF9) has been suggested to act as an antidifferentiation factor in cattle by reducing steroidogenesis and increasing cell proliferation in granulosa (GC) and theca (TC) cells. The objective of this study was to characterize FGF9 mRNA abundance in GC and TC during development of dominant follicles in dairy cattle. Estrous cycles of nonlactating dairy cattle were synchronized, and ovaries were collected on either d 3 to 4 (n=8) or 5 to 6 (n=8) postovulation for GC and TC RNA extraction from small (1-5mm), medium (5.1-8mm), and large (8.1-18mm) follicles for PCR analysis. The FGF9 mRNA abundance was greater in GC than in TC. In GC, FGF9 mRNA abundance was greater in small, medium, and large estrogen-inactive [i.e., concentrations of estradiol (E2)<progesterone (P4)] follicles than in large E2-active (i.e., concentrations of E2>P4) follicles at both early (d 3-4) and late (d 5-6) growing phases of first dominant follicle. Abundance of FGF9 mRNA increased in medium-sized follicles from early to late growing phase of the dominant follicle. In TC, FGF9 mRNA abundance was greater in large E2-inactive follicles than in large E2-active follicles on d 3 to 4 postovulation; no significant differences in TC FGF9 mRNA existed among follicle types on d 5 to 6 postovulation. Correlations among levels of follicular fluid hormones and FGF9 mRNA levels revealed significant negative correlations between GC FGF9 mRNA abundance and follicular fluid E2 (r=-0.68), free IGF-1 (r=-0.63), and E2-to-P4 ratio (r=-0.58). In summary, abundance of FGF9 mRNA in GC and TC increases in medium-sized follicles during development of dominant follicles and is less in dominant E2-active than subordinate E2-inactive follicles, suggesting that FGF9 signaling could contribute to normal follicle development and steroidogenesis in dairy cattle.

Short-term outcomes after perinatal hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy: a report from the Children's Hospitals Neonatal Consortium HIE focus group

OBJECTIVE

To characterize infants affected with perinatal hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) who were referred to regional neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) and their related short-term outcomes.

STUDY DESIGN

This is a descriptive study evaluating the data collected prospectively in the Children's Hospital Neonatal Database, comprised of 27 regional NICUs within their associated children's hospitals. A consecutive sample of 945 referred infants born ⩾36 weeks' gestation with perinatal HIE in the first 3 days of life over approximately 3 years (2010-July 2013) were included. Maternal and infant characteristics are described. Short-term outcomes were evaluated including medical comorbidities, mortality and status of survivors at discharge.

RESULT

High relative frequencies of maternal predisposing conditions, cesarean and operative vaginal deliveries were observed. Low Apgar scores, profound metabolic acidosis, extensive resuscitation in the delivery room, clinical and electroencephalographic (EEG) seizures, abnormal EEG background and brain imaging directly correlated with the severity of HIE. Therapeutic hypothermia was provided to 85% of infants, 15% of whom were classified as having mild HIE. Electrographic seizures were observed in 26% of the infants. Rates of complications and morbidities were similar to those reported in prior clinical trials and overall mortality was 15%.

CONCLUSION

Within this large contemporary cohort of newborns with perinatal HIE, the application of therapeutic hypothermia and associated neurodiagnostic studies appear to have expanded relative to reported clinical trials. Although seizure incidence and mortality were lower compared with those reported in the trials, it is unclear whether this represented improved outcomes or therapeutic drift with the treatment of milder disease.

The Children's Hospitals Neonatal Database: an overview of patient complexity, outcomes and variation in care

The Children's Hospitals Neonatal Consortium is a multicenter collaboration of leaders from 27 regional neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) who partnered with the Children's Hospital Association to develop the Children's Hospitals Neonatal Database (CHND), launched in 2010. The purpose of this report is to provide a first summary of the population of infants cared for in these NICUs, including representative diagnoses and short-term outcomes, as well as to characterize the participating NICUs and institutions. During the first 2 1/2 years of data collection, 40910 infants were eligible. Few were born inside these hospitals (2.8%) and the median gestational age at birth was 36 weeks. Surgical intervention (32%) was common; however, mortality (5.6%) was infrequent. Initial queries into diagnosis-specific inter-center variation in care practices and short-term outcomes, including length of stay, showed striking differences. The CHND provides a contemporary, national benchmark of short-term outcomes for infants with uncommon neonatal illnesses. These data will be valuable in counseling families and for conducting observational studies, clinical trials and collaborative quality improvement initiatives.

Predicting death or tracheostomy placement in infants with severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the risk of death or tracheostomy placement (D/T) in infants with severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia (sBPD) born < 32 weeks' gestation referred to regional neonatal intensive care units.

STUDY DESIGN

We conducted a retrospective cohort study in infants born < 32 weeks' gestation with sBPD in 2010-2011, using the Children's Hospital Neonatal Database. sBPD was defined as the need for FiO2 ⩾ 0.3, nasal cannula support >2 l min(-1) or positive pressure at 36 weeks' post menstrual age. The primary outcome was D/T before discharge. Predictors associated with D/T in bivariable analyses (P < 0.2) were used to develop a multivariable logistic regression equation using 80% of the cohort. This equation was validated in the remaining 20% of infants.

RESULT

Of 793 eligible patients, the mean gestational age was 26 weeks' and the median age at referral was 6.4 weeks. D/T occurred in 20% of infants. Multivariable analysis showed that later gestational age at birth, later age at referral along with pulmonary management as the primary reason for referral, mechanical ventilation at the time of referral, clinically diagnosed pulmonary hypertension, systemic corticosteroids after referral and occurrence of a bloodstream infection after referral were each associated with D/T. The model performed well with validation (area under curve 0.86, goodness-of-fit χ(2), P = 0.66).

CONCLUSION

Seven clinical variables predicted D/T in this large, contemporary cohort with sBPD. These results can be used to inform clinicians who counsel families of affected infants and to assist in the design of future prospective trials.

Effects of fibroblast growth factor 9 on steroidogenesis and control of FGFR2IIIc mRNA in porcine granulosa cells

The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of fibroblast growth factor 9 (FGF9) on hormone-stimulated porcine granulosa cell proliferation and steroid production and to further elucidate the hormonal and developmental control of FGFR2IIIc gene expression in granulosa cells. Porcine ovaries were collected from a local slaughterhouse and granulosa cells were collected from small to medium (1 to 5 mm) follicles for 5 in vitro studies that were conducted. Cells were cultured for 48 h in 5% fetal calf serum plus 5% porcine serum and then treated with various combinations of FSH, IGF-I, FGF9, Sonic hedgehog (SHH), cortisol, PGE2, and/or wingless-type mouse mammary tumor virus integration site family member 5A (WNT5A) in serum-free medium for an additional 24 or 48 h. Medium was collected for analysis of steroid concentration via RIA, or RNA was collected for gene expression analysis of FGFR2IIIc via quantitative reverse transcription PCR. Fibroblast growth factor 9 stimulated (P < 0.05) IGF-I-induced estradiol production in the presence of FSH and testosterone. However, FGF9 had inconsistent effects on progesterone production, stimulating progesterone production in the presence of FSH and testosterone but inhibiting progesterone production in the presence of IGF-I, FSH, and testosterone. Cell numbers were increased (P < 0.05) by FGF9 in the presence of IGF-I and FSH but not in the presence of FSH and absence of IGF-I. For FGFR2IIIc mRNA studies, granulosa cells were treated with FSH, IGF-I, FGF9, SHH, cortisol, PGE2, or WNT5A. Follicle-stimulating hormone alone had no effect (P > 0.10) whereas IGF-I increased (P < 0.05) FGFR2IIIc mRNA abundance. Cortisol, PGE2, SHH, and WNT5A had no effect (P > 0.10) on FGFR2IIIc gene expression whereas FGF9 in the presence of FSH and IGF-I inhibited (P < 0.05) FGFR2IIIc gene expression. In an in vivo study, granulosa cells from large (7 to 14 mm) follicles had greater (P < 0.05) abundance of FGFR2IIIc mRNA than small (1 to 3 mm) or medium (4 to 6 mm) follicles. In conclusion, IGF-I-induced FGFR2IIIc mRNA may be a mechanism for increased responses to FGF9 in FSH plus IGF-I-treated granulosa cells. Fibroblast growth factor 9 and IGF-I may work together as amplifiers of follicular growth and granulosa cell differentiation by stimulating estradiol production and concomitantly stimulating granulosa cell growth in pigs.

Therapeutic interventions and short-term outcomes for infants with severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia born at <32 weeks' gestation

OBJECTIVE

To characterize the treatments and short-term outcomes in infants with severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia (sBPD) referred to regional neonatal intensive care units.

STUDY DESIGN

Infants born <32 weeks' gestation with sBPD were identified using the Children's Hospital Neonatal Database. Descriptive outcomes are reported.

RESULT

A total of 867 patients were eligible. On average, infants were born at 26 weeks' gestation and referred 43 days after birth. Infants frequently experienced lung injury (pneumonia: 24.1%; air leak: 9%) and received systemic corticosteroids (61%) and mechanical ventilation (median duration 37 days). Although 91% survived to discharge, the mean post-menstrual age was 47 weeks. Ongoing care such as supplemental oxygen (66%) and tracheostomy (5%) were frequently needed.

CONCLUSION

Referred infants with sBPD sustain multiple insults to lung function and development. Because affected infants have no proven, safe or efficacious therapy and endure an exceptional burden of care even after referral, urgent work is required to observe and improve their outcomes.

An analysis of the natural course of compensatory sweating following thoracoscopic sympathectomy

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the long-term results of thoracoscopic sympathectomy in the treatment of hyperhydrosis.

METHODS

Theatre log books were used to identify all patients who underwent thoracoscopic sympathectomy between 2000 and 2006. Details of pre-operative symptoms, surgical procedure and post-operative complications were collected from the patient notes. Each patient was sent a questionnaire regarding success of the procedure, compensatory sweating and overall satisfaction.

RESULTS

46 hyperhydrosis patients (34 females) age range 14-57 years. 20 patients suffered with hyperhydrosis in a combination of areas, 14 in the axillae alone, 9 palms alone and with 2 facial symptoms. There were 2 early post-operative complications, 1 haemothorax which required a chest drain and a chest infection. 3 patients required redo procedures. Of follow-up of 42 months (range 6-84), 32 (69·5%) patients reported complete dryness or a significant improvement in symptoms and 15 a substantial improvement in quality of life. However 43 patients (93%) suffered with compensatory sweating, of these 27 had to change clothes more than once daily. Compensatory sweating was graded as severe in 18 and incapacitating in 2. Of note only 5 patients noticed an improvement in the compensatory sweating over time. Only 26 (56%) would recommend thoracoscopic sympathectomy to others with hyperhydrosis.

CONCLUSION

Thoracoscopic sympathectomy is effective in the treatment of hyperhydrosis. However compensatory sweating seems unavoidable and infrequently improves with time. Patients need to be carefully counselled before committing to surgery.

Complications of transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEMS): a prospective audit

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to determine the postoperative complications of Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery (TEMS) excision of rectal lesions.

METHOD

A prospective audit of 262 consecutive TEMS procedures performed by a single surgeon between 1999 and 2008.

RESULTS

The mean age of patients was 72 years. The mean area of the lesions excised was 17.5 cm(2) with a mean diameter of 4.5 cm at a mean distance of 7.4 cm from the dentate line. There were 201 full thickness excisions, 51 partial thickness excisions and nine were mixed or unclassified. Thirty-three (13%) patients developed 41 complications. There were two (0.8%) deaths within 30 days. Pelvic sepsis occurred in seven (3%) patients and was significantly more common after excision of low lesions within 2 cm of the dentate line. Postoperative haemorrhage occurred in seven (3%) patients and was significantly less common when dissection was performed with ultrasonic dissection than with diathermy. Fourteen (5%) patients developed acute urinary retention. Four (1.5%) patients developed rectal stenosis and four (1.5%) suffered uncomplicated surgical emphysema that required no treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Transanal endoscopic microsurgery is a safe operation with a low mortality and morbidity. Pelvic sepsis is more common after excision of lesions within 2 cm of the dentate line. Ultrasonic dissection is associated with less postoperative haemorrhage than diathermy.

The apparent temperature response of leaf respiration depends on the timescale of measurements: a study of two cold climate species

Productivity and climate models often use a constant Q10 for plant respiration, assuming tight control of respiration by temperature. We studied the temperature response of leaf respiration of two cold climate species (the Australian tree Eucalyptus pauciflora and the subantarctic megaherb Pringlea antiscorbutica, both measured in a field setting) on a short timescale (minutes) during different times within a diel course, and on a longer timescale, using diel variations in ambient temperature. There were great variations in Q10 depending on measuring day, measuring time and measuring method. When Q10 was calculated from short-term (15 min) manipulations of leaf temperature, the resulting values were usually markedly smaller than when Q10 was calculated from measurements at ambient leaf temperatures spread over a day. While for E. pauciflora, Q10 estimates decreased with rising temperature (corroborating the concept of a temperature-dependent Q10), the opposite was the case for P. antiscorbutica. Clearly, factors other than temperature co-regulate both leaf respiration rates and temperature sensitivity and contribute to diel and seasonal variation of respiration.

Antioxidant vitamin and mineral supplements for preventing age-related macular degeneration

BACKGROUND

Some observational studies have suggested that people who eat a diet rich in antioxidant vitamins (carotenoids, vitamins C and E) or minerals (selenium and zinc) may be less likely to develop age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this review was to examine the evidence as to whether or not taking vitamin or mineral supplements prevents the development of AMD.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (which contains the Cochrane Eyes and Vision Group Trials Register) in The Cochrane Library (2007, Issue 3), MEDLINE (1966 to August 2007), SIGLE (1980 to 2005/03), EMBASE (1980 to August 2007), National Research Register (2007, Issue 3), AMED (1985 to January 2006) and PubMed (on 24 January 2006 covering last 60 days), reference lists of identified reports and the Science Citation Index. We contacted investigators and experts in the field for details of unpublished studies.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included all randomised trials comparing an antioxidant vitamin and/or mineral supplement (alone or in combination) to control. We included only studies where supplementation had been given for at least one year.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Both review authors independently extracted data and assessed trial quality. Data were pooled using a fixed-effect model.

MAIN RESULTS

Three randomised controlled trials were included in this review (23,099 people randomised). These trials investigated alpha-tocopherol and beta-carotene supplements. There was no evidence that antioxidant vitamin supplementation prevented or delayed the onset of AMD. The pooled risk ratio for any age-related maculopathy (ARM) was 1.04 (95% CI 0.92 to 1.18), for AMD (late ARM) was 1.03 (95% CI 0.74 to 1.43). Similar results were seen when the analyses were restricted to beta-carotene and alpha-tocopherol.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There is no evidence to date that the general population should take antioxidant vitamin and mineral supplements to prevent or delay the onset of AMD. There are several large ongoing trials. People with AMD should see the related Cochrane review "Antioxidant vitamin and mineral supplements for slowing the progression of age-related macular degeneration" written by the same author.

Surgical interventions for age-related cataract

BACKGROUND

Cataract accounts for 50% of blindness globally and remains the leading cause of visual impairment in all regions of the world, despite improvements in surgical outcomes (WHO 2005). This number is expected to rise due to an aging population and increase in life expectancy. Although cataracts are not preventable, their surgical treatment is one of the most cost-effective interventions in healthcare.

OBJECTIVES

To compare the effects of different surgical interventions for age-related cataract.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE up to July 2006, NRR Issue 3 2005, the reference lists of identified trials and we contacted investigators and experts in the field for details of published and unpublished trials.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials (RCTS).

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently extracted data and discrepancies were resolved by discussion. Where appropriate, risk ratios, odds ratios and weighted mean differences were summarised after assessing heterogeneity between the studies.

MAIN RESULTS

We identified 17 trials that randomised a total of 9627 people. Phacoemulsification gave a better visual outcome than extracapsular surgery but similar average cost per procedure in Europe but not in poorer countries. Extracapsular surgery with posterior chamber lens implant and ICCE with or without an anterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL) implant gave acceptable visual outcomes but extracapsular surgery had less complications. Manual small incision surgery provides better visual outcome than ECCE but slightly inferior unaided visual acuity compared to phacoemulsification.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

This review provides evidence from seven RCTs that phacoemulsification gives a better outcome than ECCE with sutures. We also found evidence that ECCE with a posterior chamber lens implant provides better visual outcome than ICCE with aphakic glasses. The long term effect of posterior capsular opacification (PCO) needs to be assessed in larger populations. The data also suggests that ICCE with an anterior chamber lens implant is an effective alternative to ICCE with aphakic glasses, with similar safety. Phacoemulsification provides the best visual outcomes but will only be accessible to the poorer countries if the cost of phacoemulsification and foldable IOLs decrease. Manual small incision cataract surgery provides early visual rehabilitation and comparable visual outcome to PHACO. It has better visual outcomes than ECCE and can be used in any clinic that is currently carrying out ECCE with IOL. Further research from developing regions are needed to compare the cost and longer term outcomes of these procedures e.g. PCO and corneal endothelial cell damage.

Antioxidant vitamin and mineral supplements for slowing the progression of age-related macular degeneration

BACKGROUND

It has been proposed that antioxidants may prevent cellular damage in the retina by reacting with free radicals that are produced in the process of light absorption.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this review was to assess the effects of antioxidant vitamin or mineral supplementation, or both, on the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) in The Cochrane Library (2005, Issue 4); MEDLINE (1966 to January 2006); SIGLE (1980 to March 2005); EMBASE (1980 to January 2005); NRR (2005, Issue 4); AMED (1985 to January 2006); and PubMed (24 January 2006 covering last 60 days), reference lists of identified reports and the Science Citation Index. We contacted investigators and experts in the field for details of unpublished studies.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised trials comparing antioxidant vitamin or mineral supplemention (alone or in combination) to a control intervention in people with AMD.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

The author extracted data and assessed trial quality. Where appropriate, data were pooled using a random-effects model unless three or fewer trials were available in which case a fixed-effects model was used.

MAIN RESULTS

Eight trials were included in this review. The majority of people were randomised in one trial (AREDS in the USA) that found a beneficial effect of antioxidant (beta-carotene, vitamin C and vitamin E) and zinc supplementation on progression to advanced AMD (adjusted odds ratio 0.68, 99% confidence interval 0.49 to 0.93). People taking supplements were less likely to lose 15 or more letters of visual acuity (adjusted odds ratio 0.77, 99% confidence interval 0.58 to 1.03). Hospitalisation for genito-urinary problems was more common in people taking zinc and yellowing of skin was more common in people taking antioxidants. The other trials were, in general, small and the results were inconsistent.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

The evidence as to the effectiveness of antioxidant vitamin and mineral supplementation in halting the progression of AMD comes mainly from one large trial in the USA. The generalisability of these findings to other populations with different nutritional status is not known. Further large, well-conducted randomised controlled trials in other populations are required. Long-term harm from supplementation cannot be ruled out. Beta-carotene has been found to increase the risk of lung cancer in smokers; vitamin E has been associated with an increased risk of heart failure in people with vascular disease or diabetes.

28,000 Cases of age related macular degeneration causing visual loss in people aged 75 years and above in the United Kingdom may be attributable to smoking

BACKGROUND

Age related macular degeneration (AMD) causing visual impairment is common in older people. Previous studies have identified smoking as a risk factor for AMD. However, there is limited information for the older population in Britain.

METHODS

Population based cross sectional analytical study based in 49 practices selected to be representative of the population of Britain. Cases were people aged 75 years and above who were visually impaired (binocular acuity <6/18) as a result of AMD. Controls were people with normal vision (6/6 or better). Smoking history was ascertained using an interviewer administered questionnaire.

RESULTS

After controlling for potentially confounding factors, current smokers were twice as likely to have AMD compared to non-smokers (odds ratio 2.15, 95% CI 1.42 to 3.26). Ex-smokers were at intermediate risk (odds ratio 1.13, 0.86 to 1.47). People who stopped smoking more than 20 years previously were not at increased risk of AMD causing visual loss. Approximately 28,000 cases of AMD in older people in the United Kingdom may be attributable to smoking.

CONCLUSION

This is the largest study of the association of smoking and AMD in the British population. Smoking is associated with a twofold increased risk of developing AMD. An increased risk of AMD, which is the most commonly occurring cause of blindness in the United Kingdom, is yet another reason for people to stop smoking and governments to develop public health campaigns against this hazard.

Radiotherapy for neovascular age-related macular degeneration

BACKGROUND

Radiotherapy has been proposed as a treatment to prevent new vessel growth in people with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this review was to examine the effects of radiotherapy on neovascular AMD.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (which contains the Cochrane Eyes and Vision Group trials register) on The Cochrane Library Issue 2, 2004, MEDLINE (1966 to May 2004), EMBASE (1980 to June 2004) and LILACS (Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature Database) (May 2004). We also wrote to investigators of trials included in the review to ask if they were aware of any other studies.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included all randomised controlled trials in which radiotherapy was compared to another treatment, sham treatment, low dosage irradiation or no treatment in people with subfoveal choroidal neovascularisation secondary to AMD.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two reviewers independently extracted the data. Relative risks were combined using a random effects model. The percentage of the variability in effect estimates that was due to heterogeneity, rather than sampling error, was estimated using I2.

MAIN RESULTS

Eleven trials randomising a total of 1078 people were included in this review. All trials used a similar method of delivering the radiotherapy treatment (external beam). Dosage ranged from 7.5 to 24 Gy. Most trials found effects (not always significant) that favoured treatment. However, there was considerable inconsistency in the results between trials (I2 > 50%). As only 11 trials were included in the review and only some of these trials provided data for each outcome our ability to determine the causes of the heterogeneity between trials was limited. Subgroup analyses did not reveal any statistically significant interactions although with small numbers of trials in each subgroup (range two to four) this was not surprising. There was some indication that trials with no sham irradiation reported a greater effect of treatment as did trials with a greater percentage of participants with classic choroidal neovascularisation.

REVIEWERS' CONCLUSIONS

This review currently does not provide evidence that external beam radiotherapy is an effective treatment for neovascular AMD. If further trials are to be considered to evaluate radiotherapy in AMD then adequate masking of the control group must be considered. Given the recent evidence that most lesions are amenable to treatment with photodynamic therapy if identified at a small lesion size, trials evaluating radiotherapy against photodynamic therapy are warranted.

Causes of visual impairment in people aged 75 years and older in Britain: an add-on study to the MRC Trial of Assessment and Management of Older People in the Community

BACKGROUND

Visual impairment and blindness are common in older people in Britain. It is important to know the causes of visual impairment to develop health service and research priorities. The authors aimed to identify the causes of visual impairment in people aged 75 years and older in Britain.

METHODS

In the MRC Trial of the Assessment and Management of Older People in the Community, trial nurses tested visual acuity in everyone aged 75 years and older in 53 general practices. For all visually impaired patients in 49 of the 53 medical practices, data regarding the cause of vision loss were extracted from the general practice medical notes. Additional follow up questionnaires were also sent to the hospital ophthalmologist to confirm the cause of vision loss. Visual impairment was defined as a binocular acuity of less than 6/18.

RESULTS

There were 1742 (12.5%) people visually impaired in the 49 participating practices. Of these, 450 (26%) achieved a pinhole visual acuity in either eye of 6/18 or better. In these people, the principal reason for visual loss was considered to be refractive error. The cause of visual loss was available for 976 (76%) of the remaining 1292 visually impaired people identified. The main cause of visual loss was age related macular degeneration (AMD); 52.9% (95% confidence interval 49.2 to 56.5) of people had AMD as a main or contributory cause. This was followed by cataract (35.9%), glaucoma (11.6%), myopic degeneration (4.2%), and diabetic eye disease (3.4%).

CONCLUSIONS

A substantial proportion of visual impairment in our sample of older people in Britain can be attributed to remediable causes-refractive error and cataract. There is considerable potential for visual rehabilitation in this age group. For the large proportion with macular degeneration, low vision services will be important.

Prevalence of visual impairment in people aged 75 years and older in Britain: results from the MRC trial of assessment and management of older people in the community

AIMS

To measure the prevalence of visual impairment in a large representative sample of people aged 75 years and over participating in the MRC trial of assessment and management of older people in the community.

METHODS

53 practices in the MRC general practice research framework. Data were obtained from 14 600 participants aged 75 years and older. Prevalence of visual impairment overall (binocular visual acuity <6/18) which was categorised separately into low vision (binocular visual acuity <6/18-3/60) or blindness (binocular visual acuity of <3/60). The prevalence of binocular acuity <6/12 was presented for comparison with other studies. Visual acuity was measured using Glasgow acuity charts; glasses, if worn, were not removed.

RESULTS

Visual acuity was available for 14 600 people out of 21 241 invited (69%). Among people with visual acuity data, 12.4% overall (1803) were visually impaired (95% confidence intervals 10.8% to 13.9%); 1501 (10.3%) were categorised as having low vision (8.7% to 11.8%), and 302 (2.1%) were blind (1.8% to 2.4%). At ages 75-79, 6.2% of the cohort were visually impaired (5.1% to 7.3%) with 36.9% at age 90+ (32.5% to 41.3%). At ages 75-79, 0.6% (0.4% to 0.8%) of the study population were blind, with 6.9% (4.8% to 9.0%) at age 90+. In multivariate regression, controlling for age, women had significant excess risk of visual impairment (odds ratio 1.43, 95% confidence interval 1.29 to 1.58). Overall, 19.9% of study participants had a binocular acuity of less than 6/12 (17.8% to 22.0%).

CONCLUSION

The results from this large study show that visual impairment is common in the older population and that this risk increases rapidly with advancing age, especially for women. A relatively conservative measure of visual impairment was used. If visual impairment had been defined as visual acuity of <6/12 (American definition of visual impairment), the age specific prevalence estimates would have increased by 60%.

Antioxidant vitamin and mineral supplements for age-related macular degeneration

BACKGROUND

It has been proposed that antioxidants may prevent cellular damage in the retina by reacting with free radicals produced in the process of light absorption.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this review is to assess the effects of antioxidant vitamin and/or mineral supplementation on the progression of age-related macular degeneration.

SEARCH STRATEGY

The Cochrane Controlled Trials Register - CENTRAL/CCTR, which contains the Cochrane Eyes and Vision Group specialised register (Cochrane Library Issue 3 2001), MEDLINE (1966 to August 2001), EMBASE (1980 to September 2001), the Science Citation Index, and the reference lists of relevant articles were searched. Investigators of included studies were contacted for further information.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised trials comparing an antioxidant vitamin and/or mineral supplement (alone or in combination) to control in people with age-related macular degeneration are included in this review.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

The reviewer extracted data and assessed trial quality. Due to the variable methods of collecting and presenting outcome data, no statistical summary measure was calculated.

MAIN RESULTS

Seven trials, which randomised 4119 people with signs of age-related macular degeneration, are included in this review. One unpublished trial of zinc supplementation (170 participants) is awaiting assessment. The majority of people (88%) were randomised in one trial that was conducted in a relatively well-nourished American population. This trial found a modest beneficial effect of antioxidant and zinc supplementation on progression to advanced age-related macular degeneration (odds ratio 0.72, 99% confidence interval 0.52 to 0.98). People supplemented with antioxidants and zinc were less likely to lose 15 or more letters of visual acuity (equivalent to a doubling of the visual angle) (odds ratio 0.79, 99% confidence interval 0.60 to 1.04). The other six trials in this review were small and the results were inconsistent.

REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS

The evidence as to the effectiveness of antioxidant vitamin and mineral supplementation in halting the progression of age-related macular degeneration is dominated by one large trial in a relatively well-nourished American population that showed modest benefit in people with moderate to severe signs of the disease. There is no evidence at present that people with early signs of the disease should take supplementation, however, current studies are underpowered to answer that question. The generalisability of these findings to other populations with different nutritional status is not known. Further large well-conducted randomised controlled trials in other populations are required.

Surgical interventions for age-related cataract

BACKGROUND

Cataract is the major cause of global blindness, accounting for 40 to 80% of all blindness in developing countries. The number of people blind from cataract is expected to rise due to the changing age distribution and increasing life expectancy. There is currently no proven intervention to prevent cataract and surgery is the only form of treatment.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this review is to compare the effects of different surgical interventions for age-related cataract.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register - CENTRAL/CCTR, which contains the Cochrane Eyes and Vision Group specialised register (Cochrane Library Issue 3 2001), MEDLINE (1966 to August 2001), EMBASE (1980 to September 2001), the reference lists of identified trials, and we contacted investigators and experts in the field for details of published and unpublished trials.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials evaluating surgical treatment for people with age-related cataract.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two reviewers independently extracted data and discrepancies were resolved by discussion. Where appropriate, relative risks, odds ratios and weighted mean differences were summarised after assessing heterogeneity between the studies. We used a fixed effect model due to the low number of trials in each comparison.

MAIN RESULTS

We identified six trials that randomised a total of 7828 people. Phacoemulsification gave a better visual outcome than extracapsular surgery and gave a similar average cost per procedure in one trial conducted in the UK. Extracapsular surgery with posterior chamber lens implant and intracapsular surgery with or without an anterior chamber intraocular lens implant gave acceptable visual outcomes at 12 to 24 months after surgery. In three large trials in south Asia, best-corrected visual acuity of less than 6/60 ranged from 0.5 to 4%. Higher rates of poor outcome were observed in a multicentre study with 19 surgeons compared to a single-centre study with two surgeons.

REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS

This review provides evidence from one randomised controlled trial that phacoemulsification gives a better visual outcome than extracapsular extraction with sutures. However, this trial was conducted in a developed country specialised hospital setting and extrapolation to other settings must be made with caution. This review also found evidence that extracapsular cataract extraction with a posterior chamber lens implant provides better visual outcome than intracapsular extraction with aphakic glasses. This finding is also based on the results of a single trial. The long term effects of posterior capsular opacification need to be assessed in larger populations. The data in the review suggest that intracapsular extraction with an anterior chamber lens implant is an effective alternative to intracapsular extraction with aphakic glasses, with similar safety. Further data from developing regions are needed to compare all aspects of intraocular lens surgery with the three main surgical procedures - intracapsular extraction with an anterior chamber lens, extracapsular surgery with a posterior chamber lens with or without sutures.

Outcome of infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia who receive extracorporeal membrane oxygenation therapy

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is an accepted therapy for acute respiratory failure but more recently has been used in infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and superimposed acute pulmonary insults. The purpose of this study was to review the outcomes of such infants.

METHODS

Charts of infants at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) who had a diagnosis of BPD before ECMO were reviewed. In addition, to obtain survival data in a larger population, the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO) Registry was searched for infants with BPD before ECMO.

RESULTS

Of 204 patients who received noncardiac ECMO at CHOP, 9 had BPD before ECMO. Of 7 survivors, 4 were still ventilator dependent at 9 to 39 months of corrected age. Developmentally, 4 had significant global delays, whereas 3 had significant language and motor delays with average to mildly delayed cognitive abilities. The ELSO Registry search showed 76 patients with BPD before ECMO, with a 78% survival.

CONCLUSIONS

The survival rate of infants with BPD who receive ECMO is comparable to, or better than, the survival rates in most other ECMO populations. However, there appears to be a high risk of severe pulmonary and neurodevelopmental sequelae.

Pharmacological assessment of the role of the glycine transporter GlyT-1 in mediating high-affinity glycine uptake by rat cerebral cortex and cerebellum synaptosomes

Two distinct types of glycine transporter, GlyT-1 and GlyT-2, have been characterised. GlyT-1 and GlyT-2 are known to be differentially expressed amongst CNS areas, but direct functional evidence for their relative contributions to high-affinity glycine uptake by brain tissues is lacking. In the present study, we have used the selective GlyT-1 inhibitor N[3-(4"-fluorophenyl)-3-(4"-phenylphenoxy)propyl]sarcosine (NFPS) to investigate the role of GlyT-1 in mediating glycine uptake. HEK293 cells expressing human GlyT-1c or GlyT-2 showed high levels of Na(+)-dependent glycine uptake, with K(m) values of 117+/-13 and 200+/-22 microM, respectively. NFPS potently inhibited uptake in GlyT-1c cells (IC(50) value 0.22+/-0.03 microM), being around 500-fold more potent than glycine or sarcosine, but had no effect on uptake in GlyT-2 cells (IC(50) >10 microM). Efflux of pre-loaded [3H]-glycine from GlyT-1c cells was increased by glycine or sarcosine, whereas NFPS had no effect on its own but blocked the effects of glycine or sarcosine. These results confirm that NFPS is a potent, selective and non-transportable GlyT-1 inhibitor. Rat cortex and cerebellum synaptosomes also showed a high-affinity Na(+)-dependent component of glycine uptake, with affinities similar to those observed for uptake in GlyT-1c or GlyT-2 cells. In cortex synaptosomes, NFPS and sarcosine produced the same maximal inhibition of uptake as glycine itself. However, in cerebellum synaptosomes, the maximal inhibition produced by NFPS and sarcosine was only half that produced by glycine. In both tissues NFPS was around 1000-fold more potent than glycine or sarcosine. Overall, our findings indicate that high-affinity glycine uptake in cerebral cortex occurs predominantly via GlyT-1. However, in cerebellum, only a part of the high-affinity uptake is mediated by GlyT-1, with the remaining NFPS-insensitive component most likely mediated by GlyT-2.

Regulation of sodium currents through oxidation and reduction of thiol residues

Changes in redox state are involved in several physiological and pathophysiological processes. Previous experiments have demonstrated that nitric oxide can function as a reactive oxygen species, inhibiting neuronal sodium currents by nitrosylation of thiol residues. We hypothesized that nitric oxide and thiol oxidizers similarly modulate voltage-dependent sodium currents. Voltage-dependent sodium currents were studied with the whole-cell patch-clamp technique in NB41A3 neuroblastoma cells. The nitric oxide donor 3-(2-hydroxy-2-nitroso-1-propylhydrazino)-1-propanamine did not affect sodium currents. In contrast, the thiol oxidizers thimerosal and 4,4'-dithiopyridine significantly inhibited sodium currents. The effect of thimerosal persisted after washout, but could be fully reversed by the reducing agent dithiothreitol. Reduced glutathione did not restore the sodium current amplitude when given extracellularly, while intracellular glutathione prevented the inhibitory effect of thimerosal. Pretreatment with the alkylating agent N-ethylmaleimide blocked the inhibitory action of thimerosal. Thiol oxidation caused a shift in the voltage dependence of fast and slow inactivation to more hyperpolarized potentials without concomitant effects on the voltage dependence of activation. Mercaptoethanol and reduced glutathione enhanced sodium currents by shifting the voltage dependence of inactivation to depolarized potentials. These results demonstrate that the oxidation and reduction of thiol residues alters the properties of voltage-sensitive sodium channels and may play an important role in the regulation of membrane excitability.

Postoperative astigmatism after intracapsular cataract surgery: results of a randomised controlled trial in Nepal

PURPOSE

Postoperative astigmatism following intracapsular cataract extraction with or without anterior chamber intraocular lens implantation is reported as an outcome from a randomised controlled trial.

METHODS

Five hundred and two of 1002 eyes randomised to intracapsular cataract extraction with anterior chamber intraocular lens (ICCE/AC IOL) and 417 of 998 eyes to intracapsular cataract extraction with aphakic spectacles (ICCE/AS) were seen for objective refraction one year after surgery. The prevalence and axis of astigmatism were evaluated using univariate analysis. Logistic regression was used to compare the postoperative astigmatism between the groups.

RESULTS

Acceptable astigmatism (-0.5 to 0.0 DCyl) in the AC IOL group was found in 60 (12.0%) patients (95% CI 9.1%-14.9%) and in the aphakic spectacles group (AS) in 69 (16.5%) patients (95% CI 12.9%-20.1%), moderate astigmatism (-1.0 to-1.5 DCyl) was found in 153 (30.4%) patients (95% CI 26.4-34.6%) in ACIOL group and in 288 (69.1%) patients (95% CI 64.6%-73.6%) in AS group; and large astigmatism (-2.0 to - 8.0 D Cyl) was found in 289 (57.6%) patients (95% CI 53.1%-61.6%) in ACIOL group and in 60 (14.4%) patients (95% CI 11.0% 17.8%) in AS group. Large astigmatism was approximately four times more common in the ICCE/AC IOL group compared to ICCE/AS group. In both groups, most patients had "against-the-rule" astigmatism, 446 (88.8%) (95%CI 86.0%-91.6%) in AC IOL group and 348 (83.5%) (95%CI 79.9%-87.1%) in AS group.

CONCLUSION

Astigmatism is common after intracapsular cataract extraction. Insertion of an anterior chamber IOL increases the risk of astigmatism.

Risk factors for age-related macular degeneration

There is an increasing body of evidence as to the risk factors for age-related macular degeneration. Age and genetic make-up are the most important risk factors identified to date. Over the next decade, the different genes that are involved in the development of age-related macular degeneration will be identified. There is reasonably consistent evidence that smoking cigarettes results in increased risk of the disease. The question as to whether antioxidant vitamin and mineral supplementation prevents or delays the development of the disease will be resolved as the results of large ongoing trials become available in the next few years. Currently, there is conflicting evidence as to their benefits and some indication as to possible harm. Other risk factors such as alcohol consumption, oestrogen replacement and lifetime light exposure require further study. The study of the epidemiology of age-related macular degeneration would be facilitated by a greater standardization of methods. Studies with large numbers of late stage disease are needed in order to provide the power to investigate moderate risks. This may either be achieved by adding on macular degeneration studies to large cohort studies already in place, or by pooling data from smaller studies.

Long term clinical outcome of a randomised controlled trial of anterior chamber lenses after high volume intracapsular cataract surgery

BACKGROUND

Age related cataract remains the major cause of blindness throughout the world. In many countries, the majority of cataract surgery continues to be done by the intracapsular cataract extraction (ICCE) method. The results of a large randomised controlled trial of multiflex open loop anterior chamber intraocular lenses (ACIOL) were reported from a busy eye hospital in Nepal.

METHODS

There was a randomised controlled trial of 2000 people with bilateral cataract reducing vision to less than 6/36. Interventions were ICCE with an ACIOL compared with ICCE with aphakic spectacles (+11 dioptres). Participants were followed at discharge, 6 weeks, 1 year, and 1 1/2-5 years after surgery. Visual acuity and clinical outcome were measured. A poor outcome was defined as vision <6/60.

RESULTS

Visual outcome was comparable in the two groups. More of the control group experienced functional blindness due to loss of aphakic spectacles at 1 year. The majority of cases of poor outcome occurred in the first year after surgery. There was no indication of any lens related problems after 1 year.

CONCLUSION

Multiflex open loop anterior chamber lenses are safe for up to 1 year of follow up when used by experienced surgeons, and the available evidence of 2-5 years of follow up suggests that the complication rate is reasonably low. An ACIOL at the time of cataract surgery offers benefits over routine ICCE surgery with aphakic spectacle correction as it avoids the problem of replacing lost and broken spectacles.

Bilateral external iliac and common femoral artery disruptions after blunt trauma

Blunt trauma to the external iliac or common femoral artery is relatively rare. Since its original description as the "motor-scooter handlebar syndrome," this type of injury has been hypothesized as resulting from compression of the artery by the inguinal ligament. We report a case of mirror-image arterial injuries from blunt trauma. At operation, each distal external iliac and proximal common femoral artery was found to have large intimal flaps. Resection of the injured segments with bilateral saphenous vein interposition grafts led to a successful outcome.

Leaf respiration of snow gum in the light and dark. Interactions between temperature and irradiance

We investigated the effect of temperature and irradiance on leaf respiration (R, non-photorespiratory mitochondrial CO(2) release) of snow gum (Eucalyptus pauciflora Sieb. ex Spreng). Seedlings were hydroponically grown under constant 20 degrees C, controlled-environment conditions. Measurements of R (using the Laisk method) and photosynthesis (at 37 Pa CO(2)) were made at several irradiances (0-2,000 micromol photons m(-2) s(-1)) and temperatures (6 degrees C-30 degrees C). At 15 degrees C to 30 degrees C, substantial inhibition of R occurred at 12 micromol photons m(-2) s(-1), with maximum inhibition occurring at 100 to 200 micromol photons m(-2) s(-1). Higher irradiance had little additional effect on R at these moderate temperatures. The irradiance necessary to maximally inhibit R at 6 degrees C to 10 degrees C was lower than that at 15 degrees C to 30 degrees C. Moreover, although R was inhibited by low irradiance at 6 degrees C to 10 degrees C, it recovered with progressive increases in irradiance. The temperature sensitivity of R was greater in darkness than under bright light. At 30 degrees C and high irradiance, light-inhibited rates of R represented 2% of gross CO(2) uptake (v(c)), whereas photorespiratory CO(2) release was approximately 20% of v(c). If light had not inhibited leaf respiration at 30 degrees C and high irradiance, R would have represented 11% of v(c). Variations in light inhibition of R can therefore have a substantial impact on the proportion of photosynthesis that is respired. We conclude that the rate of R in the light is highly variable, being dependent on irradiance and temperature.

Ginkgo biloba extract for age-related macular degeneration

BACKGROUND

Ginkgo is used in the treatment of peripheral vascular disease and 'cerebral insufficiency'. It is thought to have several potential mechanisms of action including increased blood flow, platelet activating factor antagonism and prevention of membrane damage caused by free radicals. Vascular factors and oxidative damage are thought to be two potential mechanisms in the pathology of age-related macular degeneration.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this review is to determine the effect of Ginkgo biloba extract on the progression of age-related macular degeneration.

SEARCH STRATEGY

The Cochrane Eyes and Vision Group specialised register, the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register - Central, MEDLINE, reference lists of identified trial reports, and the Science Citation Index were searched. The reviewer contacted Investigators of included studies for additional information. The most recent searches were performed in February 2000.

SELECTION CRITERIA

All randomised trials where Ginkgo biloba extract had been compared to control in people with age-related macular degeneration were included.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

The reviewer extracted data using a standardised form. The data were verified with the trial investigator.

MAIN RESULTS

One published trial was identified. Although a beneficial effect was observed, as only 20 people were enrolled in the trial, and assessment of outcome was not masked, its results must be considered equivocal. Adverse effects and quality of life for people with age-related macular degeneration have not been addressed. One unpublished trial is awaiting translation and assessment.

REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS

The question as to whether people with age-related macular degeneration should take Ginkgo biloba extract to prevent progression of the disease has not been answered by research to date.

Randomized controlled trial of anterior-chamber intraocular lenses in Nepal: long-term follow-up

Most of the estimated 20 million people who are blind with cataracts live in rural areas of developing countries, where expert surgical resources are scarce. We have studied the use of multiflex open-loop anterior-chamber intraocular lenses (ACIOL) in high-volume low-cost surgery. Between 1992 and 1995, a total of 2000 people attending Lahan Eye Hospital, Nepal, with bilateral cataracts reducing vision to < or = 6/36 were randomly allocated to receive intracapsular extraction (ICCE) with aphakic spectacles, or ICCE with an ACIOL. We re-examined the cohort (1305/2000, 65%) between November 1996 and April 1997 and report the findings in this article. There were 13 new cases of poor visual outcome (best corrected vision < 6/60) arising after one year: 9 in the ACIOL group and 4 in the control group; odds ratio 2.1 (95% confidence interval, 0.59-9.55). The causes of poor outcome were as follows: ACIOL group--retinal detachment (4 cases), cystoid macular oedema (2), epiretinal membrane (1), age-related macular degeneration (1), and late endophthalmitis (1); control group--retinal detachment (2 cases), late endophthalmitis (1), and primary open-angle glaucoma with age-related macular degeneration (1). In rural areas of developing countries, well-manufactured multiflex open-loop ACIOLs can be implanted safely by experienced ophthalmologists after routine ICCE, avoiding the disadvantages of aphakic spectacle correction.

Antioxidant vitamin and mineral supplementation for preventing age-related macular degeneration

BACKGROUND

Some observational studies have suggested that people who eat a diet rich in antioxidant vitamins (carotenoids, vitamins C and E) or minerals (selenium and zinc) may be less likely to develop age-related macular degeneration.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this review is to examine the evidence as to whether or not taking vitamin or mineral supplements prevents the development of age-related macular degeneration.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched the Cochrane Eyes and Vision Group specialised register, the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register - Central, MEDLINE, reference lists of identified reports and the Science Citation Index. We contacted investigators and experts in the field for details of unpublished studies. The most recent searches were conducted in June 1999.

SELECTION CRITERIA

All randomised trials comparing an antioxidant vitamin and/or mineral supplement (alone or in combination) to control were included. We included only studies where supplementation had been given for at least one year.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Both reviewers independently extracted data and assessed trial quality. Currently there is only one published trial included in the review so no data synthesis was conducted.

MAIN RESULTS

One trial is included in the review. This was a primary prevention trial in Finnish male smokers with four treatment groups: alpha-tocopherol alone, beta-carotene alone, alpha-tocopherol and beta-carotene, placebo. The add-on maculopathy study was conducted in a subset of the main trial cohort. 269 cases of maculopathy (14 late stage age-related macular degeneration) were identified. There was no association of age-related macular degeneration with treatment.

REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS

There is no evidence to date that people without age-related macular degeneration should take antioxidant vitamin and mineral supplements to prevent or delay the onset of the disease. The results of five large ongoing trials are awaited.

Is anterior chamber lens implantation after intracapsular cataract extraction safe in rural black patients in Africa? A pilot study in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

PURPOSE

There are an estimated 16 million people blind from cataract world-wide. In many areas the routine operation is intracapsular cataract extraction (ICCE). The role of modern anterior chamber (AC) intraocular lenses (IOLs) is being explored, and they have been shown to be safe and successful in Asia. Are they equally safe in rural black African populations?

METHODS

One hundred black patients aged 50 years and over who attended Edendale Hospital were enrolled in a pilot study of insertion of AC IOLs after ICCE. They were followed up for 6 months.

RESULTS

With financial remuneration, the follow-up rate at 8 weeks increased from the usual 30% to 72%. At 6 months, 67% of eyes achieved a correlated visual acuity of 6/18 or better. Thirty per cent had persistent uveitis, 16% had peripheral anterior synechiae beyond the points of haptic contact, and 5% had an intraocular pressure greater than 21 mmHg.

CONCLUSIONS

A randomised trial comparing ICCE with AC IOL and extracapsular cataract extraction with posterior chamber IOL is probably not justified at this time in this population. However, there may be wide variations in the reaction of the eyes of different African ethnic groups to IOLs. In view of the successful use of AC IOLs in Asian eyes, further pilot studies of AC IOLs may be warranted in other parts of Africa where ICCE is the routine procedure.

Does raised intraocular pressure begin in utero?

AIM

To determine whether fetal and infant growth, as assessed by weight at birth and weight at 1 year, are related to intraocular pressure.

METHODS

717 men and women born in Hertfordshire between 1920 and 1930, for whom records of birth weight and weight at 1 year were available, were examined. Visual fields were assessed using the Takagi central 25 degrees 75 point static threshold screening program. Tonometry was performed using the Perkin's tonometer. The disc was assessed by direct ophthalmoscopy through dilated pupils.

RESULTS

A significant inverse relation was found between systolic blood pressure and birth weight. However, no association was found between birth weight or weight at 1 year and intraocular pressure, cup/disc ratio, or visual field defects.

CONCLUSIONS

There was no evidence to support fetal or infant growth as being important factors for the subsequent development of raised intraocular pressure.

Are rates of ageing determined in utero?

BACKGROUND

epidemiological studies have shown that poor early growth is associated with cardiovascular and other degenerative diseases. This has been explained by programming, whereby undernutrition and other influences which restrict early growth permanently change the structure and physiology of the body. The long-term effects of poor early nutrition on ageing have been demonstrated in animals but not studied in man.

OBJECTIVES

to determine if poor early growth was associated with increased markers of ageing in later life.

METHODS

we traced 1428 men and women, born in Hertfordshire between 1920 and 1930, for whom records of early weight were available. 824 (58%) were interviewed at home and 717 (50%) attended clinic for eye examination, audiometry, grip strength measurement, skin thickness ultrasound and anthropometry.

RESULTS

lower weight at 1 year was associated with increased lens opacity score, higher hearing threshold, reduced grip strength and thinner skin. Visual acuity, macular degeneration and intraocular pressure were not related to early growth.

CONCLUSIONS

the associations between early growth and markers of ageing suggest that in some systems, ageing may be programmed by events in early life. A potential mechanism is the impaired development of repair systems.

Age-related nuclear lens opacities are associated with reduced growth before 1 year of age

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between fetal and infant growth, as measured by birthweight and weight at 1 year and the development of age-related lens opacities.

METHODS

A total of 1428 men and women who were born in Hertfordshire, United Kingdom, between 1920 and 1930, and for whom records of birthweight and weight at 1 year were available, were traced and invited for examination. Of these, 717 (50%) attended for ophthalmic examination. After dilation with tropicamide 1%, lens opacities were graded using the Lens Opacities Classification System (LOCS) III.

RESULTS

In this population of English men and women aged 64 to 74 years, most opacities were of the nuclear type. There was no association between birthweight and nuclear lens opacities. Weight at 1 year was negatively correlated with nuclear opacity score in adult life (P=0.001). Subjects in the highest tertile for weight at 1 year (>23 pounds) had an odds ratio of 0.35 (95% confidence interval, 0.17 to 0.74) for having a significant nuclear lens opacity (LOCS score of > or = 3) compared with people in the lowest tertile for weight at 1 year (<21 pounds). This association remained after controlling for age, sex, smoking, social class, adult height, and diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS

To our knowledge, this is the first time that such an association has been reported; it needs to be replicated in other populations. It could provide part of the explanation for the observed excess risk of cataract in developing countries.

Systemic risk factors for idiopathic macular holes: a case-control study

PURPOSE/BACKGROUND

The idiopathic full-thickness macular hole (IFTMH) is an important cause of poor vision in the elderly affecting predominantly women over the age of 60 years. While it is accepted that vitreoretinal traction is an important local factor in the development of IFTMH, the underlying cause is not known. The aim of this study was to identify possible systemic risk factors for the development of IFTMH.

METHODS

Two hundred and thirty-seven patients with IFTMH (cases) attending the Macular Hole Clinic at Moorfields Eye Hospital were identified. These were compared with 172 patients without macular holes (controls) attending other clinics in the same hospital. Cases and controls were frequency-matched by sex. The prevalence of the following factors in both groups was ascertained by interview: ethnic origin, place of birth, housing tenure, any systemic diseases, current and lifetime consumption of medication, severe dehydrational episodes, menstrual and obstetric history, onset and severity of menopause and use of exogenous oestrogens (in women only), osteoporosis, vegetarianism, use of vitamin supplementation, and smoking and alcohol consumption. Height and weight were measured for all participants.

RESULTS

Cases of IFTMH macular holes were predominantly women (67%) and aged 65 years and older (74%). We found very few systemic risk factors that were significantly associated with IFTMH. There was a higher prevalence of diabetes in controls (12% vs 5%). There was no association between the majority of indicators of oestrogen exposure in women and macular holes, but cases had a more difficult menopause as judged by the severity of hot flushes at menopause: odds ratio 2.6 (1.4-4.6).

CONCLUSIONS

In common with other studies, we found only a few systemic factors associated with IFTMH. The study did confirm, however, that IFTMH is a strongly gender-related disease. There is some evidence for the role of sudden changes in hormonal balance, as seen by the increased reporting of severity of symptoms around the menopause along with (statistically non-significant) increased risks associated with hysterectomy and oophorectomy. The particular aetiological factor which puts women at increased risk of macular holes requires further studies.

[Value of anterior chamber lenses in developing countries. Results of a clinical study]

There are estimated to be 20 million people blinded by cataracts, 80-90% of whom live in rural areas of developing countries where expert surgical resources are scarce. The majority of all cataract operations are still intracapsular extractions (ICCE). Aphakic correction using spectacles is problematical in developing countries. This study was undertaken to evaluate the safety of multiflex open loop anterior chamber intraocular lenses (AC IOLs).

METHODS

A total of 2000 people attending Lahan Eye Hospital, South-east Nepal, with bilateral cataract were randomly allocated to receive in their first eye either ICCE with AC IOL (AC IOL group) or ICCE with aphakic correction (control group). All operations were performed by two ophthalmologists using a standardized technology and 4.5 x operating loupe magnification. Functional and best corrected vision was recorded. The primary outcome measure was poor vision after surgery, which was defined as a visual acuity of less than 6/60 at 1 year follow-up (WHO definition for severe visual impairment and blindness).

FINDINGS

The median time needed to perform ICCE was 4.1 min and to perform ICCE with AC IOL 6 min. Of all study patients 91% were examined after 1 year. Five percent of the AC IOL group and 5.4% of the control group had a functional visual acuity of less than 6/60. Causes of reduced vision in the AC IOL group versus the control group were: correctable refractive error (22 vs 29), uveitis/secondary glaucoma (13 vs 2), endophthalmitis (4 vs 7), pre-existing eye diseases (4 vs 5), retinal detachment (0 vs 4), and corneal decompensation (0 vs 1). Of the control group, 24 patients were found to be functionally blind in the operated eye (vision < 3/60) because they did not wear their aphakic spectacles. Normal vision (WHO definition: > or = 6/18) was achieved best corrected in 89.9% of the AC IOL group and 93.2% of the control group. Analysis of additional long-term follow-ups (2-5 years post-operatively) has not yet been completed.

INTERPRETATION

This study provides evidence that in developing countries well-manufactured multiflex open loop AC IOLs can be implanted safely by experienced ophthalmologists after routine ICCE, avoiding the disadvantages of aphakic spectacle correction.

Randomised controlled trial of anterior-chamber intraocular lenses

BACKGROUND

There are an estimated 16 million people blind in both eyes with cataracts. Most live in rural areas of developing countries where surgical resources are scarce. There is no consensus on the most appropriate type of intraocular lens in situations where high-volume low-cost surgery is required. This study was undertaken to evaluate the safety of multiflex open-loop anterior-chamber lenses (ACIOLs).

METHODS

2000 people attending Lahan Eye Hospital, southern Nepal, with bilateral cataracts reducing vision to 6/36 or less were randomly allocated to receive standard surgery--intracapsular extraction (ICCE) with aphakic correction--or ICCE with an ACIOL in their first operated eye. The primary outcome was a visual acuity of less than 6/60 in the operated eye at 1 year follow-up. Visual acuity was measured for 91% of the cohort at 1 year. The sample size was estimated to detect a doubling in poor visual outcome from an estimated rate of 4% in the standard surgery (control) group.

FINDINGS

The median (range) time taken to do the surgery was 6.0 (3.0-17.2) min for the ACIOL group and 4.1 (2.4-10.3) min for the control group. 1 year after surgery, 5.0% of the ACIOL group and 5.4% of controls had functional vision less than 6/60 (OR 0.93 [0.60-1.43], p = 0.71). The causes of poor vision in the ACIOL and control groups were: correctable refractive error (22 and 29), uveitis/secondary glaucoma (13 and two), endophthalmitis (four and seven), pre-existing eye disease (four and five), retinal detachment (none and four), cystoid macular oedema (two and none), corneal ulcer (one and one), and corneal decompensation (none and one).

INTERPRETATION

This study provides evidence that, in rural areas of developing countries, multiflex open-loop ACIOLs can be implanted safely by experienced ophthalmologists after routine ICCE, avoiding the disadvantages of aphakic spectacle correction. Further follow-up is planned.

Specific reduction of chloroplast glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase activity by antisense RNA reduces CO2 assimilation via a reduction in ribulose bisphosphate regeneration in transgenic tobacco plants

The reduction of 3-phosphoglycerate (PGA) to triose phosphate is a key step in photosynthesis linking the photochemical events of the thylakoid membranes with the carbon metabolism of the photosynthetic carbon-reduction (PCR) cycle in the stroma. Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase: NADP oxidoreductase (GAPDH) is one of the two chloroplast enzymes which catalyse this reversible conversion. We report on the engineering of an antisense RNA construct directed against the tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) chloroplast-located GAPDH (A subunit). The construct was integrated into the tobacco genome by Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of leaf discs. Of the resulting transformants, five plants were recovered with reduced GAPDH activities ranging from 11 to 24% of wild-type (WT) activities. Segregation analysis of the kanamycin-resistance character in self-pollinated T1 seed from each of the five transformants revealed that one plant (GAP-R) had two active DNA inserts and the others had one insert. T1 progeny from GAP-R was used to generate plants with GAPDH activities ranging from WT levels to around 7% of WT levels. These were used to study the effect of variable GAPDH activities on metabolite pools for ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate (RuBP) and PGA, and the accompanying effects on the rate of CO2 assimilation and other gas-exchange parameters. The RuBP pool size was linearly related to GAPDH activity once GAPDH activity dropped below the range for WT plants, but the rate of CO2 assimilation was not affected until RuBP levels dropped to 30-40% of WT levels. That is, the CO2 assimilation rate fell when RuBP per ribulose-1,5-biphosphate carboxylase-oxygenase (Rubisco) site fell below 2 mol.(mol site)-1 while the ratio for WT plants was 4-5 mol.m(mol site)-1. Leaf conductance was not reduced in leaves with reduced GAPDH activities, resulting in an increase in the ratio of intercellular to ambient CO2 partial pressure. Conductance in plants with reduced GAPDH activities was still sensitive to CO2 and showed a normal decline with increases in CO2 partial pressure. Although PGA levels did not fluctuate greatly, the effect of reduced GAPDH activity on RuBP-pool size and assimilation rate can be interpreted as being due to a blockage in the regeneration of RuBP. Concomitant gas-exchange and chlorophyll alpha fluorescence measurements indicated that photosynthesis changed from being Rubisco-limited to being RuBP-regeneration-limited at a lower CO2 partial pressure in the antisense plants than in WT plants.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)