Safety and Efficacy of Ranibizumab in Diabetic Macular Edema (RESOLVE Study*): A 12-month, randomized, controlled, double-masked, multicenter phase II study

The expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is elevated in diabetic macular edema (DME). Ranibizumab binds to and inhibits multiple VEGF variants. We investigated the safety and efficacy of ranibizumab in DME involving the foveal center

Rhodopsin F45L Allele Does Not Cause Autosomal Dominant Retinitis Pigmentosa in a Large Caucasian Family

Purpose: To ascertain the potential pathogenicity of a retinitis pigmentosa (RP)-causing RHO F45L allele in a family affected by congenital achromatopsia (ACHM). Methods: Case series/observational study that included two patients with ACHM and 24 extended family members. Molecular genetic analysis was performed to identify RHO F45L carrier status in the family and a control population. An adaptive optics scanning light ophthalmoscope (AOSLO) was used to image the photoreceptor mosaic and assess rod and cone structure. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) was used to examine retinal lamination. Comprehensive clinical testing included acuity, color vision, and dilated fundus examination. Electroretinography was used to assess rod and cone function. Results: Five carriers of the RHO F45L allele alone (24-80 years) and three carriers in combination with a heterozygous CNGA3 mutant allele (10-64 years) were all free of the classic symptoms and signs of RP. In heterozygous carriers of both mutations, SD-OCT showed normal retinal thickness and intact outer retinal layers; rod and cone densities were within normal limits on AOSLO. The phenotype in two individuals affected with ACHM and harboring the RHO F45L allele was indistinguishable from that previously reported for ACHM. Conclusions: The RHO F45L allele is not pathogenic in this large family; hence, the two ACHM patients would unlikely develop RP in the future. Translational Relevance: The combined approach of comprehensive molecular analysis of individual genomes and noninvasive cellular resolution retinal imaging enhances the current repertoire of clinical diagnostic tools, giving a substantial impetus to personalized medicine

A novel rhodopsin point mutation, proline-170-histidine, associated with sectoral retinitis pigmentosa.

Identification and classification of all retinitis pigmentosa (RP) causing mutations contribute to a better understanding of disease variants. In this report we describe a New Zealand family, of European heritage, affected by a sectoral type RP phenotype in association with a novel rhodopsin mutation (proline-170-histidine) in a highly conserved site

Design of in-situ water treatment of acid contaminated lake

An in-situ treatment system was designed for Nero Lake, an acid contaminated lake in northern Saskatchewan. The purpose of the treatment system was to neutralize the lake water, which would be accomplished by adding lime to the entire lake. The process design was based on a pilot trial and a water and load balance model study. The pilot trial showed that lime could be delivered to the lake as a dilute lime solution to 10% to 20% of the lake water without significant loss of lime utilization and allowing the natural seasonal turnover of the lake to mix the lime throughout the lake. In-line injection of lime resulted in similar performance as mixing lime slurry and lake water in a mix tank. A water and load balance model was developed to determine whether addition of excess alkalinity (lime) was warranted as a way of mitigating acidity that may report to the lake in the future. The model was developed as a simple spreadsheet based model. The modelling results showed that since 1978, the annual load of alkalinity to Nero Lake has been greater than the annual load of acidity. This means that the lake will not become acidic following neutralization. The model also showed that any reduction in the current acidity loadings reporting to the lake is unlikely to significantly affect the long-term water quality of Nero Lake.Non UBCUnreviewedOthe