Molecular beacon DNA probes, containing 1-4 pyrene monomers on the 5' end and the quencher DABCYL on the 3' end, were engineered and employed for real-time probing of DNA sequences. In the absence of a target sequence, the multiple-pyrene labeled molecular beacons (MBs) assumed a stem-closed conformation resulting in quenching of the pyrene excimer fluorescence. In the presence of target, the b...

PURPOSE To evaluate the anatomic and functional results of optical pachymetry-guided custom excimer laser-assisted lamellar keratoplasty in keratoconus patients. SETTING Eye Clinic, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy. DESIGN Prospective noncomparative case series. METHODS Patients with keratoconus having unilateral surgery using custom excimer laser-assisted lamellar keratoplasty wer...

PURPOSE To present the excimer laser corneal shaping system (ELCS-S), an add-on device to the Keratom, a commercially available 193-nm excimer laser built by Schwind. METHODS The system is designed for the preparation of donor corneas under sterile conditions using the ultraviolet laser to offer greatest possible flexibility. Lenticules for planolamellar grafting and refractive epikeratoplast...

BACKGROUND Transmyocardial laser revascularization (TMR) is an emerging treatment for end-stage coronary artery disease. A variety of lasers are currently available to perform the procedure, although their relative efficacy is unknown. The purpose of this study was to compare changes in myocardial blood flow and function 6 months after TMR with holmium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (holmium:YAG), car...

PURPOSE To report two cases of herpes simplex keratitis following excimer laser application. METHODS Two immunocompetent patients with no history of ocular viral infection developed ulcers after LASIK and phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK), respectively. RESULTS Antiviral treatment was administered, and the lesions healed within 14 days. CONCLUSIONS These two cases suggest that herpes sim...

OBJECTIVES This study sought to compare acute lumen changes and late lumen narrowing during and after excimer laser-assisted balloon angioplasty, measured by quantitative coronary angiography, with the immediate and long-term outcome of balloon angioplasty alone. BACKGROUND Although excimer laser coronary angioplasty is used as an adjunct or alternative to balloon angioplasty, limited compara...

There is a long history of corneal refractive surgery. Leonardo Da Vinci in 1508 said the theory of refractive errors. The first systematic analysis of the nature and results of refractive errors came from Francis Cornelius Donders. His classic treatise, “On the anomalies of accommodation and refraction of the eye”, outlined the fundamental principles of physiological optics. Ironically, in thi...

PURPOSE We describe a modified surgical technique for the treatment of patients in the early stage of keratoconus, when it is still possible to correct the astigmatic ametropia with contact lenses. METHODS Excimer laser lamellar keratoplasty of augmented thickness (ELLKAT) is a procedure in which a deep plano excimer laser ablation is done on the host cornea and a donor lamellar button--with ...