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Biomedical subjects

J A Lucca

Publications and source records attributed to J A Lucca.

8 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1996

Incision depth vs. incision number in the rupture strength of pig eyes following radial keratotomy.

The effects of incision depth and the number of incisions on globe rupture were studied in porcine enucleated eye model. In one group, radial keratotomy was performed using a diamond blade set at 100%, 75%, and 50% of corneal thickness. In another set of eyes, 16, 8, and 4 incisions were made with the diamond knife set at 100% of corneal thickness. The eyes were then subjected to blunt trauma. The mean energy of globe rupture for incisions at 100%, 75%, and 50% of corneal thickness was 3.0, 4.2, and 4.6 joules respectively. In contrast, mean energy of globe rupture for 16, 8, and 4 incisions at 100% corneal thickness was 2.8, 2.9, and 3.0 joules, respectively. This study suggests that incision depth in radial keratotomy reduces the strength of the cornea more than incision number.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Keratoconjunctivitis sicca in female patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus.

We recently reported keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) occurring as a single entity in approximately 20% of male patients testing positive for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). In a subsequent study of HIV-positive females (n = 59; age range: 23 to 42 years), ten were found to have clinical signs and symptoms of KCS. The Schirmer test without anesthetic was performed on these patients, as well as on ten HIV negative females in the same age range. Reported as mean +/- 1 standard deviation, the result of the Schirmer test was 5.6 +/- 4.1 mm of wetting in the HIV-positive group, and 15.6 +/- 7.8 mm of wetting in the control group. The mean tear osmolarity test value of the HIV-positive patients was 318.8 +/- 9.5 mOsm/L, with 18 of the 20 suspect eyes testing positive for KCS. The tear osmolarity value among the female control patients was 304.1 +/- 5.9 mOsm/L, with one of the 20 eyes testing positive for KCS. We conclude from the data that KCS occurs at a significantly greater rate in HIV positive females than in the general population.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

Keratoconjunctivitis sicca in male patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus type 1.

Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) has not been reported as occurring as a single entity in the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) population. In a survey of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infected male patients, the authors found that 21% (9/42) had signs and symptoms compatible with KCS with positive Schirmer test results. Tear osmolarity determinations were obtained from this group and from an age- and sex-matched group of HIV-infected patients without symptoms of KCS and with negative Schirmer test results. Eighty-nine percent of the suspect group had increased tear osmolarity, whereas none of the control patients had a hyperosmolar tear film (P less than 0.0001). Results strongly suggest that KCS occurs at a significantly greater rate in male individuals infected with HIV-1 than in the general population.

Adult↗
PubMed1983

Effect of electromyographic biofeedback on an isometric strengthening program.

An evaluation was carried out of the strength gains after a 19-day training program that consisted of isometric exercise coupled with electromyographic biofeedback to the knee extensor muscles. The subjects were 30 female undergraduate students who were randomly assigned to one of three groups. The experimental group performed isometric exercise and received electromyographic biofeedback, another group performed isometric exercise without receiving biofeedback, and the control group performed no exercises other than the pretest and posttest. The combination of biofeedback and isometric exercise was shown to produce greater gains in peak torque than isometric exercise alone over a 19-day training period. The authors believe that this study may provide a strong rationale for the clinical use of biofeedback.

Adult↗
PubMed1981

Effects of children's disabilities on parental time use.

An interview technique was used to collect data on the amount of time used in primary physical care of family members and in self-care of the mother. The amount of time that the mother was relieved of child care was also recorded, as was the frequency that families participated in certain activities. Children were first classified functionally according to their scores on the Vineland Scales of Social Maturity. The sample of 59 Delaware families interviewed was a subsample of an ongoing project currently being carried out at the University of Delaware. Analysis of the data included the analysis of variance and computation of Pearson's product-moment correlation and the chi-square test of independence. Although no difference was found between families with and without a disabled child as a member, families with a disabled child participated in fewer family activities than did families without a disabled child. Furthermore, significant correlations were found between the child's score on the Vineland Scales of Social Maturity and the amount of time the mother had for her self-care. Significant differences were found in the amount of personal care time available to the primary care giver and the disability classification of the child.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

A comparison of diagnostic tests for keratoconjunctivitis sicca: lactoplate, Schirmer, and tear osmolarity.

We compared diagnostic tests for keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) in previously diagnosed patients and normal controls to determine the incidence of true negatives (specificity) and true positives (sensitivity). Tear osmolarity testing, the Schirmer filter paper test, and lactoferrin determination by the Lactoplate radial immunodiffusion (RID) method were performed in 20 KCS patients diagnosed on the basis of presenting symptoms and clinical examination. Similar determinations were performed in 20 age- and sex-matched normal control subjects. Mean lactoferrin concentrations in the right eyes of the KCS patients and normal controls were 134 +/- 78 (+/- 1 SD) mg/dL and 118 +/- 56 mg/dL, respectively. Tear osmolarity was 323 +/- 12 mosm/L and 306 +/- 7 mosm/L, in KCS patients and normal controls, respectively. The Schirmer test yielded a mean of 2.4 +/- 1.8 mm/minute of wetting in the KCS patients and 3.0 +/- 1.4 mm/minute in the controls. Used as a diagnostic test, lactoferrin determination by RID was found to have 35% sensitivity and 70% specificity; tear osmolarity determination had 90% sensitivity and 95% specificity; and the Schirmer test yielded 25% sensitivity and 90% specificity.

Adult↗