Anteriorization of inferior oblique muscle and downward transposition of medial rectus muscle for lost inferior rectus muscle

A 6-year-old boy who had been treated with bilateral medial rectus muscle recessions 3 years earlier for congenital esotropia was undergoing bilateral inferior oblique muscle recessions to correct inferior oblique muscle overaction. The right inferior rectus muscle was inadvertently cut during this surgery and was irretrievable. To manage this complication, the medial rectus muscle was transposed toward the inferior rectus insertion and the inferior oblique muscle was anteriorized. At the 1 year follow-up visit, no infraduction deficit was present on downgaze and only 8� of left hypertropia was present in primary position. © 2006 American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus

Development and validation of a metacognitive-cognitive-behavioral model for explaining trichotillomania

Background & Aims: Trichotillomania (TTM) is an unknown disorder and resistant to treatment. The purpose of this study was to develop and validate the new metacognitive-cognitive-behavioral model for trichotillomania. Methods: The present study was a description and correlation study. In this study, 635 participants (304 male and 331 female) were selected. The participants completed the Massachusetts general hospital hair pulling scale (MGH-HPS), dysfunctional attitude scale (DAS), cognitive distortion scale (CDS), automatic thought questionnaire (ATQ), metacognition questionnaire (MCQ), and the obsessive-compulsive behavior scale (OCBS). For reliability assessment of the factor structure of the metacognitive-cognitive-behavioral model, the structural equation modeling analysis was used by AMOS software. Results: The results of the structural equation modeling supported a metacognitive-cognitive-behavioral model for trichotillomania. Moreover, the results showed that the model had the best fit to the data and was closely related to the theoretical assumptions. Conclusion: The model presented in this study illustrates a multidimensional approach that focuses on the metacognitive, cognitive, and behavioral dimensions; hence, the model presented in this study is a new explanatory model. This model may prompt future research into trichotillomania and facilitate clinical treatment and case formulation. © 2014, Kerman University of Medical Sciences. All rights reserved

Environmental and strategic assessment of ecotourism potential in Anzali Wetland using SWOT analysis

SWOT analysis is used extensively as an assessment and planning method, particularly in tourism planning. However, there are little documentations on application of SWOT analysis in ecotourism. An assessment on systematic use of SWOT analysis was carried out in the present study to highlight the applicability of the SWOT technique in detailed investigations. In this study, based on field surveys and questionnaires (on Anzali Wetland and the local population), matrix of internal and external factors (threats, opportunities, weaknesses and strength) influencing tourism development in Anzali Wetland were evaluated within the framework of SWOT analysis and SO, WO, ST and WT strategies were identified. Based on the obtained results, the total score of 3.22 in IFE matrix suggests good condition of the system and high internal strength of the tourism development related to internal factors and the final score of 2.93 in the EFE matrix represents poor condition related to the external factors which means external factors have not been utilized properly; Thus appropriate planning and organizational management practices are required to deal with these factors. The study further proposes solutions, operational priorities and strategic planning according to environmental and local conditions of Anzali Wetland. Since the tourism industry in Iran is still in its early stages, particularly in Anzali Wetland region, the findings could help decision makers to estimate better the weaknesses, strengths, threats and opportunities, and to develop tourism industry in the region

Application of zein antimicrobial edible film incorporating Zataria multiflora boiss essential oil for preservation of Iranian ultrafiltered Feta cheese

Zein based edible film was developed and incorporated with Zataria multiflora boiss essential oil. Mechanical and microbiological characteristics of this biofilms were measured. Increasing concentration of antimicrobial agent in film reduced stretchability, tensile strength and elongation, however increased the thickness and water vapor transmission parameters (P<0.05). Addition of Z. multiflora boiss essential oil, resulted in decreasing the count of viable Salmonella enteritidis, Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus in the produced cheese. This investigation concludes that the biofilm containing Z. multiflora boiss essential oil can be highly recommended for packaging of Feta cheese with the improved microbiological and sensory quality. Besides, application of natural plant essential oil has economical and health promoting benefits.Keywords: Zein, Zataria multiflora, cheese, pathogens, mechanical properties

AMPA Receptor Surface Expression Is Regulated by S-Nitrosylation of Thorase and Transnitrosylation of NSF

The regulation of alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor (AMPAR) trafficking affects multiple brain functions, such as learning and memory. We have previously shown that Thorase plays an important role in the internalization of AMPARs from the synaptic membrane. Here, we show that N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) activation leads to increased S-nitrosylation of Thorase and N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor (NSF). S-nitrosylation of Thorase stabilizes Thorase-AMPAR complexes and enhances the internalization of AMPAR and interaction with protein-interacting C kinase 1 (PICK1). S-nitrosylated NSF is dependent on the S-nitrosylation of Thorase via trans-nitrosylation, which modulates the surface insertion of AMPARs. In the presence of the S-nitrosylation-deficient C137L Thorase mutant, AMPAR trafficking, long-term potentiation, and long-term depression are impaired. Overall, our data suggest that both S-nitrosylation and interactions of Thorase and NSF/PICK1 are required to modulate AMPAR-mediated synaptic plasticity. This study provides critical information that elucidates the mechanism underlying Thorase and NSF-mediated trafficking of AMPAR complexes

Intra-silicone oil injection of methotrexate at the end of vitrectomy for advanced proliferative diabetic retinopathy

PurposeTo evaluate the role of methotrexate (MTX) injected into the silicone oil at the end of pars plana vitrectomy for advanced proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR).MethodsIn this prospective comparative interventional study, eyes with severe diabetic tractional macular detachment or combined tractional/rhegmatogenous retinal detachment were included. Standard 20 gauge pars plana vitrectomy, and retinal reattachment was performed. In the case group, 250 μg MTX was injected into the silicone oil at the end of surgery. The rate of retinal re-detachment associated with fibrovascular proliferation or proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) was assessed.ResultsOverall, 38 eyes of 35 patients (19 cases and 19 controls) were studied. The two groups were matched for age, sex, preoperative visual acuity, and the type of surgery (vitrectomy alone vs combined phacoemulsification/vitrectomy). Retinal re-detachment with fibrovascular proliferation or PVR occurred in seven eyes (36.8) in the MTX group and eight eyes (42.1) in the control group (P=0.74). Mean change in visual acuity was 0.04±0.71 and 0.39±0.70 logMAR in the MTX and the control group, respectively (P=0.14). The rate of improvement or worsening of visual acuity was similar between the two groups (P=0.51 and P=0.12).ConclusionIntra-silicone injection of MTX at the end of vitrectomy for retinal detachment associated with severe PDR did not reduce the risk of postoperative retinal detachment due to the fibrous or fibrovascular proliferations. © 2015 Macmillan Publishers Limited