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Purpose To investigate a possible role of the haptoglobin phenotype in the development of exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in human subjects. Design Prospective, observational, comparative population study. Methods The study was carried out in an institutional setting. All patients referred because of exudative AMD in one eye during an 18-month period were included in the study group. A group of patients treated for other ocular diseases and not having AMD in either eye served as control. Haptoglobin phenotype was determined from a blood sample drawn from each patient in both the study and control groups. The main outcome measure was the distribution of the haptoglobin phenotype in the study and control group. Results One hundred eighty-five participants were included in the study. Ninety-eight had exudative AMD, and 87 were AMD-free. The difference between the study and control groups in distribution of the haptoglobin phenotype was found to be statistically insignificant. Conclusions Our results suggest that the haptoglobin phenotype has no effect on the prevalence of exudative AMD.

The Twin – Arch Technique is based on the concept of orthodontic treatments with two arch wires simultaneously, even with relatively low dimensions. This method allows you to achieve a good three dimensional control of tooth movements. The use of the Twin – Arch Technique requires a bracket apt to accept two arch wires simultaneously. The new SNB – Bracket (- Swiss Non – Ligating Bracket) offers these features. It consists of PolyEetherEetherKetone ( Known as PEEK ) and has two slots arrayed vertically in a distance of 2 mm from each other. Two metal gliders hold the wires in place. The low dimensions of the slots ( 0.0016 x 0,0022 inch ) offer a "Light – wire technique". Two arch wires inserted in the appropriate slots, one in a distance of 2 mm vertically from the other, can be compared to an equal broad metal band. This treatment technique can be used either lingual or labial. The PolyEetherEetherKetone from which the SNB – bracket is fabricated has a Teflon – like surface which assists in reducing treatment time due to its low friction coefficient. This becomes evident especially in relapse cases, with crowding in the anterior region. If torque is to be generated for a single tooth or a group of teeth, various solutions are at hand. The Twin – Arch Technique controls efficiently, "the dreaded bowing effect" in extraction cases. The SNB – Bracket brings a new dimension into the orthodontic world which is most apparent in extraction cases. Its Teflon – like material has a very low friction coefficient thus, reducing the treatment time considerably. Through the use of low dimensioned arch wires, the Twin – Arch Technique becomes a Light – wire system and simultaneously provides good anchorage and torque control.