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Presents an article abstract of 'Lacs of Influence of TT Virus Co-infection on Interferon-Alfa Therapy of Chronic Hepatitis C Patients; Susceptibility of TTV to Interferon Treatment,' by J.J. Stanczak, J. Opoka-Kegler and E. Czekalska-Lachowicz presented at the Asian Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver Commemorative International Congress in Singapore.

Purpose: To evaluate the validity of electrophysiological tests in the early diagnosis of a ganglion cells and/or optic nerve dysfunction in patients with pituitary microadenoma., Methods: 66 eyes, from 33 patients with microadenoma with no evidence of the optic chiasm compression in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and the visual impairment in the routine ophthalmological examination, standard static perimetry (24-2 white on white) and optical coherence tomography (HD-OCT), were analysed. The pattern electroretinogram (PERG), standard pattern visual evoked potentials (PVEPs) and multichannel visual evoked potentials (mVEPs) (ISCEV standards) were performed. The results obtained from the electrophysiological tests were compared to the same number of age-matched healthy controls., Results: Statistically significant differences between the patients with microadenoma and healthy controls were detected in all electrophysiological tests (p < 0.001). The most frequent abnormalities were observed in mVEPs (25/33 patients, 75.8%; 43/66 eyes, 65.2%). The most frequent features registered in this test were: (1°4')-an increase in the P100wave latency from uncrossed fibres (13/33 patients, 39.39%; 21/66 eyes, 31.8%) and (0°16')-an amplitude reduction of this wave from the crossed fibres (11/33 patients, 33.33%; 19/66 eyes, 28.8%). The changes in PVEPs (15/33 patients, 45.5%; 25/66 eyes, 37.9%) and PERG (10/33 patients, 30.3%; 15/66 eyes, 22.7%) were also registered. Of all the tests and parameters analysed in the study, the greatest diagnostic value in detecting the visual pathway dysfunction in this group of patients was the amplitude of P100 wave from the crossed fibres of the mVEPs (1°4') with a sensitivity of 60.6% and a specificity of 93.8%. These parameters suggest that this type of dysfunction is downstream to the chiasm and can also indicate the visual pathway dysfunction severity., Conclusions: In patients with microadenoma, the abnormalities in the electrophysiological tests are registered even without clinical evidence of visual impairment from the routine ophthalmological examination, SAP, OCT and chiasmal compression in MRI. The mVEPs have the most significant role in the diagnosis of the visual pathway dysfunction in patients with microadenoma., (© 2021. The Author(s).)

Background and Methods: Based on the available literature, it is suggested, in the clinical evaluation of the chiasmal tumors, that the following electrophysiological tests: visual evoked potentials to pattern-reversal stimulation, multifocal visual evoked potentials (mfVEPs), and pattern electroretinogram (PERG) play an important role in the diagnosis of the optic nerve and retinal dysfunction in the course of pituitary tumors., Results: Macroadenomas and also microadenomas may cause dysfunction of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and their axons, even in the absence of changes in the routine ophthalmological examination, retinal sensitivity in standard automated perimetry, and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness in optical coherent tomography. The most frequently observed changes in electrophysiological tests were as follows: in PVEPs-the crossed/uncrossed asymmetry distribution, altered waveform, increase in P100-wave peak time, and/or reduction in amplitude; in mfVEPs-the peak time prolongation and/or amplitude reduction in C1-wave; in PERG-the reduction in N95-wave amplitude and decreased N95:P50 amplitude ratio. Hemifield PVEPs were more often abnormal than full-field PVEPs. Multi-channel recording is recommended for the assessment of the anterior visual pathway. The use of mfVEP offers the possibility to register localized disturbances of the optic nerve and ganglion cells. Additionally, an amplitude of N95-wave reduction in PERG correlated with a lack of postoperative visual acuity recovery. The postoperative improvement in the visual field was found to be associated with a normal N95:P50 amplitude ratio. The RGCs dysfunction manifested by decrease in PhNR/b-wave amplitude ratio was associated with the worse visual fields outcome. A review of the literature summarizing the electrophysiological testing in the pituitary adenoma is discussed., Conclusion: In patients with pituitary tumor, detection of the early dysfunction of the visual pathway may lead to modification of the medical treatment regimen and reduce the incidence of irreversible optic nerve damage.

Purpose: To present a patient with a diagnosis of pituitary adenoma and progressive visual pathway dysfunction detected in the electrophysiological tests in one-year follow-up. Patient is a 59-year-old male with a non-secreting pituitary macroadenoma., Methods: Routine ophthalmological evaluation, standard automatic perimetry (SAP), retinal nerve fibers layer and the ganglion cell complex thickness in optical coherent tomography (OCT), as well as electrophysiological examinations (pattern electroretinogram-PERG, multi-channel pattern visual evoked potentials-multi-channel PVEPs record according to ISCEV standards) were performed. The examination and additional tests were conducted 3 times (in 0, 6 and 12 months) and 6 months after neurosurgery., Results: Visual acuity, funduscopic examinations, SAP, OCT and electrophysiological test results at the first visit were all normal. In both eyes, the abnormalities were observed only in the multi-channel PVEP and PERG despite the absence of the changes in the routine ophthalmological examination and additional tests after 6- and 12-month follow-up. The tumor growth but without chiasmal compression was confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging. The progression of the optic pathway dysfunction in the electrophysiological tests was a cause of surgical removal of the pituitary tumor., Conclusion: This case highlights novel observations that in patients with pituitary tumor, detection of the early dysfunction of the visual pathway may lead to modification of the medical treatment regimen and reduce the incidence of irreversible optic nerve damage.

Purpose: To assess the suitability of galantamine for the symptomatic treatment of post-traumatic oculomotor (III) and trochlear (IV) nerve palsy., Material and Methods: The routine ophthalmic and strabological examination was performed in five patients (4 females and 1 male) at the age of 31 to 57 years (mean 40.7) with the post-traumatic ophthalmic complications. Due to the unilateral oculomotor and trochlear nerve palsy, which had not resolved within 2-6 (mean duration of 4 months) months following traffic accident, galantamine was used. Nivalin and Reminyl were administered in iontophoresis and orally, respectively, for 10-18 months (mean duration of 14 months). The ocular muscle motion exercises and prism correction were also used., Results: The increased range of ocular motion (100%), reducing of the angle of strabismus horizontally (40%) and vertically (60%), statistically significant extension of palpebral fissure (60%), and regression of diplopia (80% total without correction) were observed. The binocular vision after treatment in the free- and instrument-space environment were also improved (100% simultaneous perception, fusion 80%, stereopsis 60%)., Conclusions: The early galantamine administration in patient with n. III and n. IV post-traumatic palsy accelerates the resolution of post-traumatic ophthalmic symptoms. It is an effective treatment which offers the elimination of strabismus, diplopia and ptosis, at the same time improvings ocular movements and binocular vision. galantamine, post-traumatic nerve palsy, oculomotor and trochlear nerves.

The aim is to present a rare case of solitary malformation in the form of a congenital optic disc cyst concomitant with the persistent hyaloid artery. The intrabulbar congenital cyst of the optic disc partially covering the medial part of the disc was found in a 3-month old infant. B-San ultrasound confirmed the presence of the intrabulbar heterogeneous mass (7.0 x 2.5 x 5.4 mm) within the vitreous cavity and the concomitant persistent hyaloid artery was shown in Colour Doppler Imaging. The axial length of the involved eye was shorter than of the healthy one (16.68 mm vs. 18.42 mm). The magnetic resonance imaging of the head and orbits performed in the fast spin echo, spin echo and gradient echo sequences in T1 and T2-weighted scans revealed the intrabulbar cyst (7.0 x 2.5 x 6.4 mm), with sharp margins, whose lower part showed intense contrast enhancement. The pericerebral fluid spaces within the frontal and temporal lobes were dilated. Intrauterine toxoplasmosis, cytomegaly, protozoan and helminth infections as well as metabolic diseases were excluded. Patient leukocyte DNA RB1 gene sequencing and negative results of mutation searching excluded retinoblastoma. In a 2-year follow-up period, regression of the mass with the absence of ophthalmic complications was noted. An important reason for the authors to present the discussed case is possible permanent impairment of visual function in patients with similar presentation of congenital peripapillary lesions. congenital optic disc cyst, developmental anomalies of the optic disc, congenital ocular malformations.

Purpose: The aim of our study was to investigate if ambient lighting at night before the age of 2 years is associated with the occurrence of myopia in a large population of Polish children. To eliminate the influence of genetic factors, only children with a negative family history of myopia were included., Material and Methods: A total of 3905 students, all of whom had a negative family history of myopia were examined (1800 boys and 2105 girls, aged 6-18 years, mean age 12.2, S.D. 3.3 years). The examination included retinoscopy under cycloplegia with 1% tropicamide. Myopia in the subjects was defined as a spherical equivalent of at least -0.50 dioptres. The parents of all students examined completed a questionnaire on the child's family history of myopia as well as the child's exposure to light emitted by incandescent or fluorescent lamps before the age of two years. Data analysis was performed using chi-squared Pearson test; p-values of <0.05 were considered statistically significant., Results: Sleeping until the age of two with a room light is not associated with the presence of myopia during school years (p>0.05). No differences in the use of light emitted by incandescent or fluorescent lamps on the prevalence of myopia was found (p>0.05)., Conclusions: Myopia is not associated with night light use before age of 2 years in a population of Polish children with a negative family history of myopia. Because both, the restricted population and results differ from our previous positive associations, perhaps early light exposure and family history/genetics interact in influcencing the occurance of myopia.

Background: The aim of this paper was to analyze the causes of orbital cellulitis in connection with covert dental changes as well as to establish the role of radiological procedures in the final diagnosis and further treatment of such cases., Material/methods: Thirty-two patients, aged 25-56, 22 women and 10 men were diagnosed and treated between January 2007 and April 2011 at the Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin. The patients were examined in the infirmary of the ophthalmological department due to unilateral blepharo-oedema, abrupt pain and vision disturbances; in 5 cases, body temperature increased up to 37.8°C was observed. Next, the patients underwent conventional X-ray examinations of the orbit to exclude any foreign bodies in the eyeball, as well as pantomographies to evaluate the dental status. Visible periapical or periodontal changes in dentition were analyzed with intraoral X-rays with the use of DIGORA System 2.1. Changes found in 3 patients on pantomograms and connected with iatrogenic procedures were further evaluated with CT (64 lines and 128 layers) in frontal, sagittal and axial projections. Orbital disorders were also diagnosed by an ophthalmologist and radiologist with Doppler ultrasound (US) examinations. A linear transducer of 7.5-10 MHz to observe the morphology and vascularity of the eyeball was applied., Results: IATROGENIC TREATMENT WAS THE CAUSE OF SINUSITIS AND CELLULITIS IN THREE CASES: incorrectly implanted dental implant in one case, root of the 3(rd) molar pushed into the sinus in the second case, and communication between the maxillary alveolar process and the sinus after extraction in case of the third patient. Asymptomatic periapical osteolysis, periodontal disease or dead teeth were found in all cases. Diagnosis of orbital cellulitis of dental origin was determined on the basis of clinical, radiographic and ultrasound findings. Ophthalmologic and dental treatment was applied simultaneously., Conclusions: Co-operation between ophthalmologists, radiologists and dentists is necessary during the treatment of such orbital diseases.

Purpose: The aim of this review is to present cases of chorioretinitis in infants caused by viral and parasitic infections., Material and Methods: Four infants with viral chorioretinitis were identified in a routine ophthalmological examination. Laboratory tests towards bacterial, viral and parasitic diseases were performed., Results: Toxoplasmosis, rubella, and CMV infections were diagnosed in clinical and laboratory tests. After a wide spectrum of therapy a total remission of inflammatory process in all the discussed children was observed., Conclusions: Posterior uveitis is an ocular complication which can be connected with viral or parasitic infections in postnatal period. Prematurity, normal delivery, intrauterine transmission, breast feeding, comorbid diseases might be associated with chorioretinitis in infants.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate on a large population if and how genetic factors have an influence on the occurrence of myopia., Material and Methods: A total of 5533 students were examined (2659 boys and 2874 girls, in age 6 18 years, mean age 11.9, S.D. 3.2). The examination included retinoscopy under cycloplegia induced with 1% tropicamide. Myopia was defined as a spherical equivalent of at least -0.5 dioptres. The students and their parents completed a questionnaire on the child's family history of myopia. Data analysis was performed using chi-squared test; p-values of < 0.05 were considered statistically significant., Results: It was found that myopia occurs more often in students whose father (p < 0.001), mother (p < 0.001) or siblings (p < 0.0001) have myopia. A relation between the occurrence of myopia in grandparents and grandchildren was not observed (p > 0.05)., Conclusions: The obtained results indicate that genetic factors have a significant effect on the occurrence of myopia.

Purpose: The aim of our study was to investigate on a large population if reading, writing, working on a computer or watching television might be associated with the occurrence of myopia., Material and Methods: A total of 5865 schoolchildren were examined (2792 boys and 3073 girls, at the age 6-18 years, mean age 11.9, S.D. 3.3). The examination included retinoscopy under cycloplegia induced with 1% tropicamide. Myopia was defined as a spherical equivalent of at least -0.50 dioptres. Mean refractive error was -1.2, SD 1.3. (The students and their parents completed a questionnaire on the child's visual work. Data analysis was performed using independence chi-squared Pearson test; p-values of <0.05 were considered statistically significant., Results: It was observed that myopia occurs more often in students who read and write >2 hours/day (p<0.001), and also work >0.8 hours/day on a computer (p<0.01). Furthermore, no increase in the prevalence of myopia in subjects who spend >2 hours/day watching television was found (p>0.05)., Conclusions: The obtained results indicate that reading, writing, working on a computer might be associated with the occurrence of myopia among schoolchildren. Watching television is not related to the occurrence of myopia.

Purpose: The aim of the paper was to study the prevalence of myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism in schoolchildren ranging from 6-18 years of age., Material and Methods: 5724 children from elementary schools, junior high schools and high schools were examined (2765 boys and 2959 girls, aged 6-18 years, mean age 11.7, SD = 3.2). The examined students were Caucasian and resided in and around Szczecin, Poland. The examination included retinoscopy under cycloplegia. The refractive error readings were expressed as the spherical equivalent (SE). Myopia was defined as SE of at least -0.5 D, hyperopia as SE of at least +1.0 D. Astigmatism was diagnosed when the difference in the refraction of axes in one eye was greater than 0.5 DC. The statistical analysis of data was performed by calculating the linear correlation coefficients and the coefficients for the regression equation. Additionally, Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was calculated. P values of less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant., Results: It was observed that 13% of Polish students in the age group from 6 to 18 were myopic, 38% of students were hyperopic and 4% were astigmatic. Besides, a positive correlation was found between the prevalence of myopia and age (p <0.001) as well as a negative correlation between prevalence of hyperopia and age (p < 0.001). An association between the prevalence of astigmatism and age was not observed.

Purpose: The aim of the paper was to study the role of gender in the occurrence of refractive errors in schoolchildren ranging from 6-18 years of age., Material and Methods: 5865 children from elementary schools, junior high schools and high schools were examined (2845 boys, aged 6-18 years, mean age 11.4, SD = 3.0 and 3020 girls, aged 6-18 years, mean age 11.9, SD = 3.3). The examined students were Caucasian and resided in and around Szczecin, Poland. The examination included retinoscopy under cycloplegia. The refractive error readings were reported as spherical equivalent (SE). Myopia was defined as SE of at least -0.5 D, hyperopia as SE of at least +1.0 D. Astigmatism was diagnosed when the difference in the refraction of axes in one eye was > 0.5 DC. Data analysis was performed using chi2 test. P values of less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant., Results: It was found that myopia occurs more frequently in girls (7.4%) than in boys (5.1%) - p < 0.001. Hyperopia occurs more frequently in boys (19.6%) than in girls (18.2%) - p < 0.001. A slightly higher prevalence of astigmatism in girls (1.9%) than in boys (1.5%) was also observed (p > 0.05)., Conclusions: Gender influences the occurrence of myopia and hyperopia in schoolchildren ranging from 6-18 years of age.

The transport of silver through a supported liquid membrane saturated with a polydentate neutral ionophore 1,12-di-thienyl-2,5,8,11-tetrathiadodecane in m-chlorotoluene has been studied. Thiosulphate was used as the stripping solution. The influence of the feed solution composition, the type of a microporous polypropylene Celgard support, the ratio of feed/receiving solution volume, and the initial Ag concentration on the rate of transport of silver was examined. Transport of Ag is selective towards Cu(II), Pb and Zn, but these cations affected the rate of the Ag flux.

The extraction properties of the sulphide podand 1,12-di-2-thienyl-2,5,8,11-tetrathiadodecane (TTD), an open-chain neutral polythioether with six sulphur donor atoms in 1,2-dichloroethane, chloroform and MIBK for Pd and Au in hydrochloric, nitric and perchloric acid media have been examined. The kinetic aspects of the extraction of palladium(II) from hydrochloric acid by TTD and dioctyl sulphide (DOS) were compared. The rate of Pd extraction with TTD is considerably higher than that with DOS, especially with chloroform. Combined use of a reducing agent and TTD enhances the extraction of gold(III) into 1,2-dichloroethane.

An extraction-AAS method of determination of Co, Ni, and Mn in metallurgical copper materials containing considerable amounts ofCu, Fe, Pb, Zn, and Al has been developed. Good selectivity of group separation of Co, Ni, and Mn has been achieved by (a) the use of tetrabutylammonium bromide to improve extractability of HTTA complexes by ion-pair formation, and (b) the masking of major elements with sodium thiosulphate and sulphosalicylic acid. The extracts are stable for at least 3 weeks.