Better Preservation (good + preservation)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


Split sample comparison of ThinPrep and conventional smears in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography-guided pancreatic fine-needle aspirations,

DIAGNOSTIC CYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 2 2005
Momin T. Siddiqui M.D.
Abstract Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) of pancreatic lesions is a common procedure to establish a tissue diagnosis before chemotherapy or surgery. In this study, the authors attempt to compare the diagnostic value of the ThinPrep (TP) method with conventional smears (CSs) in samples obtained by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)-guided pancreatic FNAs. Material obtained, prospectively, from ERCP-guided pancreatic FNAs was split to prepare CSs (2,5 slides) first, the remainder being rinsed in PreservCyte, and in the laboratory, 1 TP slide was prepared. The diagnostic categories of unsatisfactory, benign, reactive, suspicious for malignancy, and malignant were compared. Fifty-one pancreatic FNAs prepared by split sample method yielded the following results: TP yielded unsatisfactory, 6 cases; benign, 3 cases; reactive, 5 cases; suspicious for malignancy, 11 cases; and malignant, 26 cases; in contrast, CS yielded unsatisfactory, 13 cases; benign, 4 cases; reactive, 3 cases; suspicious for malignancy, 13 cases; and malignant, 18 cases. Histological follow-up was available in 21 cases (reactive, 8 cases; suspicious for malignancy, 1 case, and malignant, 12 cases). The foregoing data indicate a higher sensitivity in detection of pancreatic adenocarcinoma by the TP method (TP, 91% vs. 58% CS) with equivalent specificity (100%). In addition, TP provides better preservation and cytological detail. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2005;32:70,75. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


Astrocyte targeted overexpression of Hsp72 or SOD2 reduces neuronal vulnerability to forebrain ischemia

GLIA, Issue 9 2010
Lijun Xu
Abstract Brief forebrain ischemia is a model of the delayed hippocampal neuronal loss seen in patients following cardiac arrest and resuscitation. Previous studies demonstrated that selective dysfunction of hippocampal CA1 subregion astrocytes occurs hours to days before delayed neuronal death. In this study we tested the strategy of directing protection to astrocytes to protect neighboring neurons from forebrain ischemia. Two well-studied protective proteins, heat shock protein 72 (Hsp72) or superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2), were genetically targeted for expression in astrocytes using the astrocyte-specific human glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) promoter. The expression constructs were injected stereotacticly immediately above the hippocampal CA1 region on one side of the rat brain two days prior to forebrain ischemia. Cell type specific expression was confirmed by double label immunohistochemistry. When the expression constructs were injected two days before transient forebrain ischemia, the loss of CA1 hippocampal neurons observed seven days later was significantly reduced on the injected side compared with controls. This neuroprotection was associated with significantly better preservation of astrocyte glutamate transporter-1 immunoreactivity at 5-h reperfusion and reduced oxidative stress. Improving the resistance of astrocytes to ischemic stress by targeting either the cytosolic or mitochondrial compartment was thus associated with preservation of CA1 neurons following forebrain ischemia. Targeting astrocytes is a promising strategy for neuronal preservation following cardiac arrest and resuscitation. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


How do COPD and healthy-lung patients tolerate the reduced volume ventilation strategy during OLV ventilation.

ACTA ANAESTHESIOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 9 2010
P. MICHELET
Background: Although a strategy of tidal volume (Vt) reduction during the one-lung ventilation (OLV) period is advised in thoracic surgery, the influence of the pre-operative respiratory status on the tolerance of this strategy remains unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the pulmonary function between chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and healthy-lung patients during the operative and the post-operative period. Methods: Forty-eight patients undergoing a planned lobectomy for cancer and presenting either a healthy lung function (n=24) or a moderate COPD stage (n=24) were ventilated without external positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) and received 9 ml/kg Vt during the two-lung ventilation (TLV) period, secondary reduced to 6 ml/kg during the OLV period. Lung function was assessed by peroperative gas exchange, venous admixture, respiratory mechanical parameters and post-operative spirometric measurements. Results: Although the PaO2 was superior in the healthy-lung group during the TLV, once the OLV was established, no difference was observed between the two groups. Moreover, the PaO2/FiO2 was proportionally more impaired in the healthy-lung group compared with the COPD group (50 ± 13 vs. 72 ± 19% of the baseline values after exclusion and 32 ± 15 vs. 51 ± 25% after the thoracotomy, P<0.05 for each) as well as the venous admixture. In the post-operative period, a higher decrease was observed in the healthy-lung group for the forced vital capacity and the forced expiratory volume. Conclusions: Reducing Vt to 6 ml/kg without the adjunction of external PEEP during OLV is associated with better preservation of lung function in the case of moderate COPD than in the case of healthy-lung status. [source]


Retention, Distribution, and Effects of Intraosseously Administered Ibandronate in the Infarcted Femoral Head,

JOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH, Issue 1 2007
James Aya-ay
Abstract The local distribution, retention, and effects of intraosseous administration of ibandronate in the infarcted femoral heads were studied. Intraosseous administration effectively delivered and distributed ibandronate in the infarcted femoral heads and decreased the femoral head deformity in a large animal model of Legg-Calve-Perthes disease. Introduction: Bisphosphonate therapy has gained significant attention for the treatment of ischemic osteonecrosis of the femoral head (IOFH) because of its ability to inhibit osteoclastic bone resorption, which has been shown to contribute to the pathogenesis of femoral head deformity. Because IOFH is a localized condition, there is a need to explore the therapeutic potential of local, intraosseous administration of bisphosphonate to prevent the femoral head deformity. The purpose of this study was to investigate the distribution, retention, and effects of intraosseous administration of ibandronate in the infarcted head. Materials and Methods: IOFH was surgically induced in the right femoral head of 27 piglets. One week later, a second operation was performed to inject 14C-labeled or unlabeled ibandronate directly into the infarcted head. 14C-ibandronate injected heads were assessed after 48 h, 3 weeks, or 7 weeks later to determine the distribution and retention of the drug using autoradiography and liquid scintillation analysis. Femoral heads injected with unlabeled ibandronate were assessed at 7 weeks to determine the degree of deformity using radiography and histomorphometry. Results: Autoradiography showed that 14C-Ibandronate was widely distributed in three of the four heads examined at 48 h after the injection. Liquid scintillation analysis showed that most of the drug was retained in the injected head, and almost negligible amount of radioactivity was present in the bone and organs elsewhere at 48 h. At 3 and 7 weeks, 50% and 30% of the 14C-drug were found to be retained in the infarcted heads, respectively. Radiographic and histomorphometric assessments showed significantly better preservation of the infarcted heads treated with intraosseous administration of ibandronate compared with saline (p < 0.001). Conclusions: This study provides for the first time the evidence that local intraosseous administration is an effective route to deliver and distribute ibandronate in the infarcted femoral head to preserve the femoral head structure after ischemic osteonecrosis. In a localized ischemic condition such as IOFH, local administration of bisphosphonate may be preferable to oral or systemic administration because it minimizes the distribution of the drug to the rest of the skeleton and bypasses the need for having a restored blood flow to the infarcted head for the delivery of the drug. [source]


Cytochemical method for staining fish basophils

JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY, Issue 1 2006
M. Tavares-Dias
The occurrence of basophils in peripheral blood of 15 freshwater teleosts was examined using the metachromatic stain, toluidine blue, on blood smears fixed with lead subacetate. Metachromasia was more identifiable through better preservation of the granules. The occurrence of basophils in teleost blood was confirmed as very rare and was not caused by failure to preserve the basophil granules. [source]


Improving Grape Quality Using Microwave Vacuum Drying Associated with Temperature Control

JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE, Issue 1 2007
C. D. Clary
ABSTRACT:, Microwave (MW) vacuum dehydration using temperature to control the level of MW power demonstrated potential in improving the performance of the process. Product surface temperature measured by an infrared temperature sensor was used to control MW power at any level between 0 and 3 kW. Multiple linear regression analysis indicated an r2= 0.942 for prediction of final moisture content and r2= 0.985 for prediction of puffed character of grapes based on product temperature, time, specific energy, fresh fruit sugar, and fresh fruit moisture content. Temperature was found to be the most significant predictor. The elemental and compound contents of grapes dried using MW vacuum was compared to sun-dried raisins. The grapes dried using MW vacuum exhibited better preservation. Vitamin A was found in the MW-vacuum-dried grapes but none was detected in the raisins, and Vitamin C, thiamine, and riboflavin were also higher in the MW-vacuum-dried grapes than in the raisins. [source]


Delayed pharmacological pre-conditioning effect of mitochondrial ATP-sensitive potassium channel opener on neurologic injury in a rabbit model of spinal cord ischemia

ACTA ANAESTHESIOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 2 2008
K. O. KIM
Background: Diazoxide, pharmacological openers of mitochondrial ATP-sensitive potassium channels have been shown to induce early pre-conditioning in the spinal cord. Here, the authors investigated whether diazoxide also induce delayed pre-conditioning and thereby reduce neurologic complications using a rabbit model of spinal cord ischemia. Methods: Infrarenal blood flow was interrupted for 20 min in 21 rabbits. Non-treated control animals received no pre-treatment. Diazoxide (5 mg/kg) were given 48 h before 20 min ischemia in the 48-h DZ group, whereas 15-min DZ group received diazoxide (5 mg/kg) 15 min before 20-min ischemia. Neurological functions were evaluated using Johnson scores for 3 days after reperfusion, after which, spinal cords were procured for hematoxylin and eosin staining for cell counting. Results: Johnson scores revealed a marked improvement in both the diazoxide-treated groups vs. the non-treated control group at 3, 24, 48, and 72 h after reperfusion (P<0.01). The histologic changes were proportional to the Johnson scores, with better preservation of motor neuron numbers in the animals of the 48-h DZ and 15-min DZ group relative to the non-treated controls (81±12, 90±10, 50±23 motor neurons, respectively, P<0.01). No difference was found between the 48-h DZ group and 15-min DZ group with respect to the Johnson scores or neuron numbers. Conclusions: The study demonstrates that pre-treatment with diazoxide 48 h before ischemia, induce delayed pharmacological pre-conditioning, thereby significantly improving clinical neurologic scores and histologic findings in this animal model. [source]


Is it time to revisit residual renal function in haemodialysis? (Review Article)

NEPHROLOGY, Issue 3 2007
TSUN G NG
SUMMARY: Residual renal function (RRF) is not currently emphasized for patients undergoing haemodialysis (HD). The role of RRF is well recognized in the peritoneal dialysis population as studies have clearly demonstrated a survival benefit with preservation of RRF. There is however, data to suggest that RRF is important in HD patients as well. Contemporary HD therapies using high flux biocompatible synthetic dialysers, bicarbonate buffered ultrapure dialysis fluids with ultrafiltration control appear to allow better preservation of RRF. The long held belief that peritoneal dialysis is better at preserving RRF than HD may no longer be true. More robust studies are required to determine the relative importance of RRF in HD and strategies to best preserve this vital asset. [source]


Intracavernous Growth Differentiation Factor-5 Therapy Enhances the Recovery of Erectile Function in a Rat Model of Cavernous Nerve Injury

THE JOURNAL OF SEXUAL MEDICINE, Issue 8 2008
Thomas M. Fandel
ABSTRACT Introduction., Neurogenic erectile dysfunction remains a serious complication in the postprostatectomy population. Effective protective and regenerative neuromodulatory strategies are needed. Aim., To determine the effect of growth differentiation factor-5 (GDF-5) on erectile function and its mechanism in a rat model of cavernous nerve (CN) injury. Main Outcome Measures., Erectile function was assessed by CN electrostimulation at 4 weeks. Penile tissues were examined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and immunohistochemical analyses. Methods., Forty-eight male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into six equal groups: one group underwent sham operation (uninjured controls), while five groups underwent bilateral CN crush. Crush-injury groups were treated at the time of injury with intracavernous injection of a slow-release suspension of liquid microparticles containing no GDF-5 (vehicle), 0.4 µg (low concentration), 2 µg (intermediate concentration), or 10 µg GDF-5 (high concentration). One untreated group served as injured controls. Results., GDF-5 enhanced erectile recovery and significantly increased intracavernous pressure in the low and intermediate-concentration groups vs. injured controls. Low-concentration GDF-5 demonstrated the best functional preservation, as the intracavernous pressure increase in this group did not differ significantly from uninjured controls. A dose-response relationship was confirmed for the effects of GDF-5 in penile tissue. Low-concentration GDF-5 showed better preservation of the penile dorsal nerves and antiapoptotic effects in the corpus cavernosum (P < 0.05 vs. injured controls). Although high concentration GDF-5 did not confer meaningful erectile recovery, this dose was more effective at decreasing transforming growth factor-, than low-concentration GDF-5. Conclusions., Intracavernous injection of low (0.4 µg) or intermediate-concentration GDF-5 (2 µg) was effective in preserving erectile function in a rat model of neurogenic erectile dysfunction. The underlying mechanism appears to involve neuron preservation and antiapoptosis. Fandel TM, Bella AJ, Lin G, Tantiwongse K, Lin C-S, Pohl J, and Lue TF. Intracavernous growth differentiation factor-5 therapy enhances the recovery of erectile function in a rat model of cavernous nerve injury. J Sex Med 2008;5:1866,1875. [source]


Adaptive Logarithmic Mapping For Displaying High Contrast Scenes

COMPUTER GRAPHICS FORUM, Issue 3 2003
F. Drago
We propose a fast, high quality tone mapping technique to display high contrast images on devices with limited dynamicrange of luminance values. The method is based on logarithmic compression of luminance values, imitatingthe human response to light. A bias power function is introduced to adaptively vary logarithmic bases, resultingin good preservation of details and contrast. To improve contrast in dark areas, changes to the gamma correctionprocedure are proposed. Our adaptive logarithmic mapping technique is capable of producing perceptually tunedimages with high dynamic content and works at interactive speed. We demonstrate a successful application of ourtone mapping technique with a high dynamic range video player enabling to adjust optimal viewing conditions forany kind of display while taking into account user preference concerning brightness, contrast compression, anddetail reproduction. Categories and Subject Descriptors (according to ACM CCS): I.3.3 [Image Processing and Computer Vision]: Image Representation [source]


Bone lesions: Role of sediment cytology

DIAGNOSTIC CYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 6 2009
Surbhi Shah M.B.B.S.
Abstract This study was conducted to evaluate the role of sediment cytology of biopsy specimen fixatives, which is usually discarded, in early diagnosis of bone lesions. Cytological smears prepared from sediments of biopsy specimen fixatives (sediment cytology) were used to study 65 bone specimens biopsied with suspicion of malignancy. The cytological diagnosis was then compared with histological diagnosis, taking the latter as gold standard. Smears were adequately cellular and showed good preservation of cellular morphology. Some of the smears showed microfragments of tissue. Cytology labeled 29 lesions as malignant, 26 lesions as benign, 3 as inflammatory, and 7 smears as inconclusive because of low cell yield. Sediment cytology was able to correctly diagnose 58 of 65 lesions. There was no false-positive or false-negative case. The sediment cytology could be considered as an easy and effective diagnostic tool that can provide early diagnosis for the lesion of bone. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


Taphonomy and site formation on California's Channel Islands

GEOARCHAEOLOGY: AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL, Issue 6 2006
Torben C. Rick
Inhabited by humans for over 12,000 calendar years, California's Channel Islands contain thousands of archaeological sites, ranging from dense shell middens and villages to small lithic scatters and camps. Similar to many islands around the world, the Channel Islands have a dearth of burrowing animals and limited historical development leading to generally good preservation of archaeological constituents and relatively high stratigraphic integrity. Despite these favorable preservation conditions, numerous natural and cultural processes have impacted the island's archaeological record. Channel Islands archaeologists, however, have given relatively limited attention to the effects of taphonomic and formation processes. The authors provide an overview of taphonomic and formation processes affecting Channel Islands archaeology, illustrating the importance of regional taphonomic syntheses in the management, preservation, and interpretation of archaeological sites. These data also demonstrate the significance of detailing formation processes in islands and other areas where burrowing rodents and other disturbances are thought to be absent or limited. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source]


Bladder wall grafting in rats using salt-modified and collagen-coated polycaprolactone scaffolds: Preliminary report

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF UROLOGY, Issue 10 2007
Dah-Shyong Yu
Aim: A rat model was used for the evaluation of collagen-coated and salt-modified polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds for bladder grafting after hemicystectomy. Methods: SD rats underwent partial cystectomy and cystoplasty with collagen-coated and salt-modified polycaprolactone scaffolds. The grafts of the regenerated bladder wall were harvested at different intervals and tissue regeneration was evaluated microscopically. Anatomic and functional characters were evaluated by cystography and urodynamics. Results: At harvesting, after 1 and 2 months, we found good preservation of the bladder shape and volume in all 16 rats receiving PCL cystorrhaphy. No stone formation was observed. Good epithelialization and ingrowth of smooth muscle cells were seen after 2 months grafting. Collagen-coated PCL scaffolds showed considerable encrustation, which appeared to be absorbed and disappear with time. The cystographic and urodynamic examinations revealed intact contour and a well-accommodated bladder with reservoir volume and contractility. Conclusions: In the rat model, we have successfully demonstrated the applicability of collagen coated and salt-modified PCL in reconstruction of the partial cystectomized bladder. [source]


Maintenance of integrity and function of isolated hepatocytes during extended suspension culture at 25°C

LIVER INTERNATIONAL, Issue 3 2003
Alan J. Wigg
Abstract: Isolated hepatocytes in suspension provide a number of advantages for use in bioartificial liver device, however, poor stability of this cell preparation at physiological temperatures is an apparent barrier preventing their use. We therefore investigated the integrity and differentiated function of isolated rat hepatocytes under conditions of mild hypothermia. Isolated hepatocytes were suspended in a bicarbonate buffered saline medium, supplemented with glucose and bovine serum albumin (BSA), and maintained for 48 h at 25 °C on a rotary shaker under an atmosphere of 95% O2 and 5% CO2. Under these conditions there was no significant decline in cell viability and good preservation of cellular morphology on transmission electron microscopy for at least 24 h. Isolated hepatocytes in suspension at 25 °C were also able to maintain normal Na + and K + ion gradients. The cellular energy status ([ATP], ATP/ADP ratio, cytoplasmic and mitochondrial redox potentials), metabolic function (urea synthesis and ammonia removal), albumin synthesis and phase I and phase II drug detoxification activity of these cells were also maintained for at least 24 h post isolation. These observations demonstrate the robust nature of mildly hypothermic isolated hepatocytes in suspension and encourage further studies re-examining the feasibility of using this cell preparation in bioartificial livers. [source]


Preservation of mouse liver tissue during cold storage in experimental solutions assessed by x-ray microanalysis

LIVER TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 3 2003
Inna Kozlova
The increasing use of organs for transplantation necessitates the development of optimal preservation techniques. The goal of this study was to investigate changes in elemental content in mouse liver cells during cold storage by x-ray microanalysis in parallel with morphologic studies. Tissue was stored at 4°C for 4 to 12 hours in normal Krebs-Ringer solution (high sodium/potassium ratio), modified Krebs-Ringer solution (low Na+/K+ ratio), Euro-Collins solution, University of Wisconsin (UW) solution, or seven modified versions of the UW solution. Incubation of liver in normal Krebs-Ringer solution caused a significant increase in sodium and decrease in potassium concentrations in contrast to incubation in other solutions. The concentration of sodium, potassium, and chlorine in the cells closely followed the concentration in the storage solution, indicating that the intracellular concentration of these ions during storage is entirely dependent on diffusion processes. The calcium concentration was independent of the storage solution used. Studies by light and transmission electron microscopy showed good preservation of hepatocytes after storage for 8 and 12 hours in UW solution and its variants, modified Krebs-Ringer solution and Euro-Collins solution, but showed moderate damage to mitochondria and swelling of the endoplasmic reticulum in normal Krebs-Ringer solution. In addition, damage to the sinusoidal endothelial cells was observed after 4 hours in normal Krebs-Ringer solution and after 8 to 12 hours in the other solutions. In conclusion, the only factor determining the intracellular concentration of diffusible ions after cold tissue storage is the ionic composition of the extracellular medium. X-ray microanalysis provides an objective method for assessing whether the intracellular ionic composition of tissue is maintained during storage. [source]


Lower Devonian Chonetoidean Brachiopods From Bac Bo, North Viêt Nam

PALAEONTOLOGY, Issue 6 2000
Patrick R. Racheboeuf
Recent investigations of the Lower Devonian fauna of North Viêt Nam have provided abundant invertebrates, among which chonetoidean brachiopods are especially common. Their good preservation has allowed the revision of eight of the nine species described in the literature. The North Vietnamese chonetoidean fauna is mainly characterized by the diversity of representatives of the Family Strophochonetidae (strophochonetines and parachonetines), which includes nine species. Three new genera, namely TulynetesBacbonetesCyrtochonetes, and two species, namely Bacbonetes janvieriChlupacina nariensis, are described. The occurrence of Perichonetes mirabilisChlupacina nariensis, and plicanoplitid brachiopods establishes the extension of the south-west China pelagic Nandan Facies to eastern Bac Bo. The Lower Devonian chonetoidean fauna of eastern Bac Bo is closely allied to that of south-west and central China belonging to the Yangtzé microcontinent, whilst the fauna of western Bac Bo appears to be more closely allied with that of the northern Gondwanaland margin. One new additional chonetoidean genus, Orthochonetes, is described in a note added to the systematic section. [source]


Alcohol biosensing by polyamidoamine (PAMAM)/cysteamine/alcohol oxidase-modified gold electrode

BIOTECHNOLOGY PROGRESS, Issue 3 2010
Mehriban Akin
Abstract A highly stable and sensitive amperometric alcohol biosensor was developed by immobilizing alcohol oxidase (AOX) through Polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers on a cysteamine-modified gold electrode surface. Ethanol determination is based on the consumption of dissolved oxygen content due to the enzymatic reaction. The decrease in oxygen level was monitored at ,0.7 V vs. Ag/AgCl and correlated with ethanol concentration. Optimization of variables affecting the system was performed. The optimized ethanol biosensor showed a wide linearity from 0.025 to 1.0 mM with 100 s response time and detection limit of (LOD) 0.016 mM. In the characterization studies, besides linearity some parameters such as operational and storage stability, reproducibility, repeatability, and substrate specificity were studied in detail. Stability studies showed a good preservation of the bioanalytical properties of the sensor, 67% of its initial sensitivity was kept after 1 month storage at 4°C. The analytical characteristics of the system were also evaluated for alcohol determination in flow injection analysis (FIA) mode. Finally, proposed biosensor was applied for ethanol analysis in various alcoholic beverage as well as offline monitoring of alcohol production through the yeast cultivation. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2010 [source]


Australian Cancer Network Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of ocular and periocular Melanoma: an evidence-based literature analysis

CLINICAL & EXPERIMENTAL OPHTHALMOLOGY, Issue 7 2008
Simon E Skalicky MBBS
Abstract Background:, With recent advances in the diagnosis and management of ocular and periocular melanoma, many of which are based on results from randomized control trials, there is an increasing need for an evidence-based review of the literature for the Australasian population. The Australian Cancer Network has recently redeveloped the evidence-based Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Melanoma, including a chapter on ocular melanoma. These are the first evidence-based guidelines on ocular melanoma to be created by the Australian Cancer Network. Methods:, The primary research questions were formed and a detailed literature search was undertaken. Each relevant article was assessed and graded I,IV according to the level of evidence. Articles were grouped into bodies of evidence which were then assessed. Results:, A total of 107 relevant articles were identified and grouped into 12 bodies of evidence. Guidelines based on this analysis were formulated and graded. These are presented below. Conclusions:, The management of ocular melanoma has benefited from recent advances in imaging, molecular biology and cytogenetics, and tumours today are detected earlier and with greater accuracy than 25 years ago. With improved treatment ocular and periocular melanomas can be controlled locally, with good preservation of vision in many patients. However, there remains no cure for metastatic disease. [source]