Biomedical subjects

S Heegaard

Publications and source records attributed to S Heegaard.

34 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed1998

The healing effect of all-trans retinoic acid on epithelial corneal abrasions in rabbits.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to investigate the possible healing effect of the vitamin A analogue all-trans retinoic acid 0.05% (RA) in vaseline on epithelial corneal abrasions in 13 ocularly healthy Copenhagen white rabbits. METHODS: A corneal abrasion with a diameter of 6 mm was created centrally in both eyes with a trephine and subsequent rubbing off of the corneal epithelium with an n-heptanol soaked swab The corneal abrasions were treated twice daily with topical applications (50 microl); RA was placed in the right inferior fornix and its vaseline vehicle in the left inferior fornix. Photographic documentation of fluorescein stained, non-healed areas, was performed at time points 0, 12, 24, 36, 48 and 72 h. The rabbits were sacrificed by an overdose of pentobarbital and enucleated. Planimetry was performed from corneal photographs. RESULTS: Healed epithelial mean area at time point 36 h was significantly higher after RA compared to vehicle (p=0.036, paired t-test). Median time to 75% and 85% healing was significantly shorter for RA compared to vehicle (p= 0.03 and 0.02, log rank-test). No morphological difference, evaluated by light microscopy (hematoxylin-eosin) or scanning electron microscopy, was noted between the two treatments. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that RA 0.05% applied twice daily increases the healing rate compared to vaseline vehicle.

Administration, Topical↗

PubMed1998

Leiomyoma of the caruncle.

A 43-year-old Caucasian male, presented with a swelling of the left caruncle which had persisted for more than ten years. Clinical examination showed a small, smooth, not painful 2x2x2 mm tumor located at the caruncle. There were no signs of orbital involvement. Histologically, the tumor was composed of interlacing fascicles of spindle-shaped cells with bright eosinophilic cytoplasm and cigar-shaped nuclei. Mitotic activity was not observed and the tumor showed no atypia or pleomorphism. The tumor cells reacted with the reticulum stain and Masson trichrome. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells were positive for vimentin, SMA, MSA, CD34, laminin and a scattered number for S-100. The tumor was classified as a leiomyoma of the caruncle and is the first described in this localisation. The origin of the tumor is discussed.

Actins↗

PubMed1998

Intensive dynamic training for females with chronic neck/shoulder pain. A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the clinical effectiveness of an intensive three-month training programme with a less intensive programme on females suffering from chronic neck/shoulder pain. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective observer-blinded clinical trial including 12-month pretreatment follow-up. SETTING: Patients were referred to the Departments of Rheumatology and Physical Medicine at Hvidovre Hospital by their general practitioners. Training was undertaken at a satellite clinic for physiotherapy of Hvidovre Hospital. SUBJECTS: Female patients aged 18-65 years suffering from chronic neck/shoulder pain for a minimum of six months. INTERVENTION: Patients were examined by a physician in order to exclude serious diseases. They were then randomized to either an intensive neck/shoulder training programme or a programme of lesser intensity but of similar duration. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Scales measuring pain and activities of daily living (ADL) were used, and strength and endurance measurements of the cervical and shoulder muscles were carried out at baseline and completion of the study. Follow-up measurements were carried out by postal questionnaire at 6 and 12 months after inclusion, and included pain, ADL and treatment satisfaction measurements. RESULTS: Seventy-seven patients were included in the trial, of whom 27 (69%) completed the intensive programme and 25 (61%) the lighter programme. Forty-one (>80%) completed the follow-up questionnaires. The patients in the two groups did not differ with regard to age, pain, ADL scores and physical measurements prior to training. Patients in both groups that completed the trial demonstrated statistically significant improvements in nearly all of the outcome measurements at completion. ADL scores maintained statistical significance at 12 months in both groups, but pain scores were only significantly improved in the intensive group at 12 months follow-up. There was no statistically significant difference between groups regarding pain or ADL, but overall 50% of all patients showed improvement. CONCLUSIONS: The type of low-tech dynamic training used in either of our two programmes resulted in both subjective and objective improvements in patients suffering from chronic neck/shoulder pain, but there were no statistically significant differences in outcome between the two approaches. The subjective improvements were maintained throughout the follow-up period.

Activities of Daily Living↗

PubMed1997

Morphology of the vitreoretinal border region.

Membrana limitans interna retinae (MLI) has been studied since 1871 and in structure and composition have been discussed since then. With the use of electron microscopes when studying the MLI a new terminology has been introduced, i.e. the vitreoretinal border region (VBR). In this survey, ther general concept of basement membranes has been applied to the VBR. The VBR consists of two major components. The inner: anchoring fibrils of the vitreous body and the outer: MLI. The MLI is further defined as composed of three structures: the fusing points of the anchoring vitreous fibrils, lamina densa and lamina lucida. Stress forces between the retina and the vitreous body are transmitted via this border region, and may cause severe clinical conditions such as retinal detachment. To investigate this border region morphologically, improvements in the conventional preparation technique for scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were found to be necessary in order to exhibit more details of the VBR. A new rapid procedure for desiccating frozen resin-cracked retinal tissue using hexamethyldisilazane was found to be appropriate. Sixteen pairs of normal eyes, 16 pairs of monkey eyes, 55 pairs of non-normal eyes from different animal species, enzyme digested monkey retinas and the retinas of two rat models with diabetes and hypertension respectively were investigated. In addition to SEM, the vitreoretinal border region was also investigated by means of light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The material was analyzed morphometrically. The human MLI increases markedly in thickness during the first months/years of life in the equatorial and macular regions. The thickness is stable from the second decade, and remains unchanged throughout subsequent decades. A regional difference in thickness of the MLI was found in all human adult eyes and in monkey eyes; it was thickest in the macular region. The length of vitreous fibrils close to the MLI also varied between the four regions in human eyes, the longest being in the ora serrata region, the second longest in the equatorial region, the next longest in the optic disc region and the shortest in the macular region. A morphological similarity in the appearance of the VBR was found in humans and monkeys. All other animals, except for cephalopods, showed a marked uniformity of the VBR. The enzyme-digested monkey retinas showed the fibrillar meshwork of the VBR to consist mainly of collagen fibers surrounded predominantly by hyaluronic acid. No firm correlation between thickness of the VBR and diabetes or hypertension could be demonstrated in the two animal models.

Adult↗

PubMed1995

Proliferating cell nuclear antigen and Ki-67 immunohistochemistry of oligodendrogliomas with special reference to prognosis.

BACKGROUND: The biologic behavior of oligodendrogliomas is somewhat unpredictable. A supplementary prognostic factor is, therefore, desirable. METHODS: Thirty-two pure supratentorial oligodendrogliomas were investigated using proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and Ki-67 immunohistochemical analyses. The correlation of PCNA and Ki-67 labeling index (LI) with prognosis were studied, and the correlation of LI with clinical data was evaluated. RESULTS: The PCNA LI had a range of 0-17% (mean, 5.27%; standard deviation [SD] = 4.65), and the Ki-67 LI had a range of 0-29% (mean, 4.19%; SD = 5.66). In general, the PCNA LI seemed to be higher than the Ki-67 LI. The mean survival time was 4.4 years, and 5- and 10-year survival rates were 38% and 19%, respectively. Ki-67 and PCNA staining indicated that patients with a high LI (> 3% and > 4%, respectively) had a significantly higher mortality, with mean survival time of 23.5 months and 26.2 months, respectively. No significant correlation between LI (or survival) and tumor size, cerebral localization, radiation, resection/biopsy, sex, age, or cytologic atypia was found. CONCLUSIONS: The use of Ki-67 and PCNA LI higher than 3% and 4%, respectively, appears reliable as prognostic factors when investigating pure supratentorial oligodendrogliomas.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1995

[Back problems in conscripts. A 10-year follow-up].

One hundred and twenty-three conscripts called up for national service in 1979-80 were re-examined 10 years after call up with a questionnaire identical to one answered at the time of call up. The study group consisted of three subgroups. Group A had been rejected for service because of back problems (back-rejects). Group B were conscripts with back symptoms at the time of call up, but all completed their national service (non back-rejects). Group C did not have back symptoms at the time of call up. The back-rejects had a significantly higher incidence of: back pain; radiating pain to lower extremities; contacts (hospital, G. P., radiographs etc.) and sick leave from job as compared to group B and C. Out of 19 conscripts with radiographically verified Mb. Scheuermann, 89% had back symptoms at the time of follow-up including all with lumbar and thoracolumbar Mb. Scheuermann. All conscripts in this study had a job at follow-up. It is recommended that the criteria for rejection of conscripts in Denmark concerning back symptoms and Mb. Scheuermann remains unchanged.

Adult↗

PubMed1995

The morphology of conjunctiva after long-term topical anti-glaucoma treatment. A quantitative analysis.

On biopsy material, differences in the degree of conjunctival inflammation and fibrosis between topically treated glaucoma patients and age matched controls, were examined histologically. Eighteen patients with primary glaucoma underwent goniotrephinations, because maximal medical therapy had failed. The patients had received at least two types of topical anti-glaucoma drugs for at least 12 months (mean 46 months). The control group consisted of 18 age-matched control patients without glaucoma, who had received no topical therapy. These patients underwent cataract surgery or squint surgery. Biopsies were taken from the infero-temporal bulbar quadrant with a biopsy forceps. The specimens were fixed while stabilized on a rubber support to exclude any major shrinkage. Specimens were analyzed by light microscopy for the content of inflammatory cells (plasma cells, lymphocytes, polymorphs, macrophages and mast cells), goblet cells and fibroblasts. No significant difference in the histologic parameters between the two groups could be demonstrated. The study suggests that topical treatment for periods up to 4 years with anti-glaucoma drugs does not induce morphological signs of inflammation and fibrosis of the conjunctiva.

Administration, Topical↗

PubMed1994

Structure of the human vitreoretinal border region.

The morphology of the vitreoretinal border region and possible age-related changes in its thickness and its structural elements have been investigated by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The material comprised both eyes from one human fetus and 15 adults. The age distribution of the adults was two persons in each decade from the third to the tenth decade. Four regions in each eye were studied. The inner limiting membrane (MLI) of the fetal eyes was very thin, of almost equal thickness in the four regions, being thickest in the macular region. The MLI followed the contour of the Müller cells. A regional difference in thickness of the MLI was found in all adult eyes; it was thickest in the macular region. The outer cellular surface of the MLI was undulating, whereas the inner vitreous surface was smooth. No significant correlation between age and thickness of the membrane could be demonstrated in adult eyes. The diameter of the previously described fibrils close to the MLI varied slightly from approximately 15 to 30 nm. No correlation between age and fibril diameter or fibril diameter and region was found. Fibril length varied significantly between the four regions, the longest being in the ora serrata region, the second longest in the equatorial region, the next in the optic disc region and the shortest in the macular region.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1993

Structure of the vitreoretinal border region in spontaneously diabetic BB rats.

The morphology of the vitreoretinal border region, also termed the inner limiting membrane, was examined in spontaneously diabetic rats (BB rats), in non-diabetes-prone rats (WB rats) and in Buffalo rats (BUF rats) by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). This was performed in order to visualize a possible increase in thickness of the lamina densa or in the whole vitreoretinal border region complex with duration of diabetes. The median thickness of the lamina densa in the three groups varied between 34 and 68 nm. In BB rats the thickness decreased with age and duration of diabetes. In WB rats the lamina densa thickened up to the 9th month and then decreased to the level of the young rats. In BUF rats the lamina densa decreased in thickness with age. The median thickness of the whole vitreoretinal border region varied between: BB rats: 84 and 126 nm (SEM) and 68 and 119 nm (TEM); WB rats: 42 and 84 nm (SEM) and 51 and 68 nm (TEM); BUF rats: 42 nm (SEM) and 34 and 68 nm (TEM). In BB rats the whole vitreoretinal border region appeared in SEM to thicken with duration of diabetes > or = 27 weeks, whereas in TEM no specific pattern could be statistically demonstrated. In WB rats the whole vitreoretinal border region was thinner in 3-month-old animals than in 9-month-old animals in (SEM) and TEM. In BUF rats there was no difference in thickness between young and older animals. Light microscopy of older diabetic animals showed neovascularization of the iris stroma.

Animals↗

PubMed1993

Structure of the vitreoretinal border region in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR rats).

The morphology of the vitreoretinal border region, also termed the inner limiting membrane, was studied in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR rats), in Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY rats), and in Buffalo rats (BUF rats). The region was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) in order to visualize a possible increase in thickness with raised arterial pressure. The median thickness of the lamina densa in TEM in the three groups varied from 34 to 68 nm. In hypertensive SHR rats the lamina densa showed thickening up to the 10th month and was unchanged thereafter. The same pattern was shown in WKY rats, although the thickness increased also after the tenth month in these controls. In BUF rats, however, the lamina densa decreased in thickness with age. The median thickness of the whole vitreoretinal border region varied between: SHR rats: 42 and 84 nm (SEM) and 51 and 127 nm (TEM); WKY rats: 84 nm (SEM) and 51 and 68 nm (TEM); BUF rats: 42 nm (SEM) and 34 and 68 nm (TEM). SHR rats showed in SEM an increase in thickness with age. In TEM, however, only one very old hypertensive rat had a thickened vitreoretinal border region. In WKY rats both SEM and TEM showed an increase in thickness with age, whereas BUF rats showed a decrease. Fundus photographs disclosed narrow, straight and irregular retinal arterioles in hypertensive SHR rats. Light microscopy of older SHR rats demonstrated retinal degeneration from the outer photoreceptor layer to the inner nuclear layer. This was also found in some of the older WKY rats.

Animals↗

PubMed1988

Structure of the vitread face of the monkey optic disc (Macaca mulatta). SEM on frozen resin-cracked optic nerveheads supplemented by TEM and immunohistochemistry.

The authors applied frozen resin cracking after hexamethyldisilazane (HMDS) desiccation on the monkey optic disc region. The cracked face through the central part of the optic disc showed that the inner limiting membrane of the retina continued into the limiting membrane of Elschnig, and this, in turn, continued into the central meniscus of Kuhnt. At the disc margin the membrane was about 70 nm in thickness, due to a large fibrillar component. Elschnig's membrane was about 50 nm in thickness and was composed of both fibrils and flocculent material. The membrane covering the central meniscus of Kuhnt was about 20 nm in thickness. The number of fibrils here was very low, and the membrane consisted of flocculent material. The positive immunohistochemical stainings for GFA and vimentin of Elschnig's membrane and Kuhnt's meniscus were noteworthy. The positive staining disappeared when the membrane continued into the inner limiting membrane of the retina, supporting the different structural composition.

Animals↗

PubMed1986

Structure and composition of the inner limiting membrane of the retina. SEM on frozen resin-cracked and enzyme-digested retinas of Macaca mulatta.

After a historical introduction describing previous observations and views on the structure and composition of the internal limiting membrane of the retina (MLI), it is concluded that no definite unifying concept exists concerning the MLI structure. The authors applied frozen resin cracking with hexamethyldisilazane (HMDS) desiccation on normal and enzyme-digested specimens of monkey retinas. Distinct differences were observed between equatorial, macular, and optic disc regions. The MLI in the equatorial and disc regions was about 70 nm thick with an outer dense, basement membranelike part and an inner, loose fibrillar meshwork fusing with the vitreous fibers. The foveal region was 400 nm thick; the dense outer layer was thicker than normal basement membrane, whereas the inner loose meshwork had only a few fibrils. The enzyme-digestion experiments showed that the fibrillar meshwork consisted mainly of collagen fibers surrounded by predominantly hyaluronic acid.

Animals↗

PubMed1986

Hexamethyldisilazane in preparation of retinal tissue for scanning electron microscopy.

A new rapid procedure for desiccating frozen resin-cracked retinal tissue for scanning electron microscopy (SEM) which permits air-drying was found to compare favorably with tissues prepared by critical-point drying: Retinal tissue was fixed in 4% phosphate-buffered neutral formaldehyde, dehydrated by means of graded ethanol, embedded in Epon, cracked and washed in propylene oxide. For desiccation, the specimens were immersed in hexamethyldisilazane (HMDS), air-dried and finally sputter-coated. The method is time-saving, gives extended information in SEM, and the number of good specimens is increased.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Liposarcoma metastatic to the orbit.

PURPOSE: To describe a patient with liposarcoma metastatic to the left orbit. METHODS: A 72-year-old man was admitted with diplopia and proptosis of the left eye. Previously, a retroperitoneal liposarcoma had been surgically removed followed by postoperative radiation. Visual acuity was normal. There was proptosis of the left eye, increased retrobulbar resistance and reduced mobility. Trans-septal orbital biopsies showed liposarcoma. The patient was initially treated with prednisolone and later received radio- and chemotherapy. Despite treatment he lost vision of the left eye and died a few months later. RESULTS: Histological examination of the orbital tumor revealed a spindle-cell liposarcoma similar to the primary tumor of the retroperitoneum. CONCLUSIONS: Liposarcoma metastatic to the orbit is rare, but should be suspected in a patient with proptosis caused by a space-occupying lesion and a history of liposarcoma.

Aged↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Immunohistochemical investigation of p53 and EGFR expression of oligodendrogliomas.

The biological behavior of oligodendrogliomas is somewhat unpredictable. A supplementing prognostic factor is, therefore, desirable. Thirty-two supratentorial pure oligodendrogliomas were studied immunohistochemically by exposing the tumors to a monoclonal antibody towards the p53 protein, and a polyclonal antibody against the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). A mean p53 labeling index (% of tumor cells stained) of 8.6% and a weak EGFR expression in 18 of the oligodendrogliomas were found. Univariate analysis showed no correlation between p53, EGFR expression and prognosis. Multivariate analysis showed that age was a prognostic factor for survival.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Intrastromal holmium laser keratostomy: long-term results.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: A new filtering procedure, the Intrastromal Holmium Laser Keratostomy (ILK) has been developed. A laser canal is created intrastromally in the cornea anterior to Schwalbe's line in the floor of a corneo-scleral tunnel incision made with a knife from the corneal site. Theoretically, the complications of the conventional Subconjunctival Holmium Laser Sclerostomy (SLS) can thus be avoided. Experimental and clinical evaluation of the new procedure, as well as clinical long-term results are presented. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The ILK was evaluated experimentally on bank eyes and clinically using postoperative Ultrasound Biomicroscopy (UBM). The clinical long-term effect was evaluated by a follow-up of the first 22 ILK performed on 17 eyes in 17 consecutive patients with complicated, refractory primary and secondary open angle glaucoma. Preoperative subconjunctival mitomycin-C injection (0.02 mL of 0.2 mg/mL) was used. RESULTS: The experimental and clinical evaluations show that the collateral thermal tissue coagulation made by the Holmium laser in ILK probably is an advantage, because the subsequent shrinkage prevents postoperative self sealing of the laser canal. Complete surgical success without medication and reoperations was reached in 63% of the eyes with a mean observation time of 22.5 months (range: 16.6-26.7 mos.). Any failure appeared within the first 10 months. Only 13% of the eyes had early iris incarcerations, there were no late incarcerations. Twenty-five percent had temporary shallow anterior chambers. CONCLUSION: The mitomycin-ILK procedure has shown obvious better results than the conventional SLS technique due to a considerable reduction in postoperative complications. Since the present material further developments in the ILK technique has made this procedure still more attractive.

Adolescent↗