Swept-Source Optical Coherence Tomography and Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography in Selected Posterior Uveitides

The pathogenesis of uveitis entails changes in the structural morphology of the macula, choroid, and choroidal perfusion. Documentation of these pathologic alterations is pivotal in making a proper diagnosis and in follow-up of outcomes of therapy. The newly-introduced swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) and optical coherence tomography angiography (SS-OCTA) were harbingers of a whole new era of noninvasive in vivo layer-to-layer dissection of macular and choroidal structural changes in uveitis and of disease-related vascular profile patterns. This new information unraveled new aspects of the underlying pathogenetic mechanisms in different uveitides and added to our understanding of the disease process. Monitoring choroidal thickness was introduced as a novel sensitive index for evaluation and titration of treatment response. Moreover, the ensuing complications of uveitis as poor pupillary dilatation due to posterior synechiae and mild to moderate opacities due to cataract or vitritis that frequently posed pertinacious impediments for reproducible imaging were overcome by SS-OCT features notably long-wavelength scanning laser and reduced sensitivity roll-off features. In the current manuscript we present our experience in diagnosis and management of selected posterior uveitides using SS-OCT and SS-OCTA

Novel Insight into Morphological Features and Vascular Profile of Selected Macular Dystrophies Using Swept-Source Optical Coherence Tomography and Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography

Our perception of macular dystrophies has evolved overtime from collective grouping into hereditary disorders of unclear etiology and no effective treatment to avid search for the underlying pathogenic mechanism that would provide base for future therapy. A causal conjunction between abnormalities in the photoreceptors layer and the RPE—Bruch’s membrane complex and abnormal profile of the retinal vascular plexuses and the choriocapillaris—stands out as a plausible theory of pathogenesis. The recently introduced swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) technology incorporates long-wavelength (1050-nm) scanning light, less susceptibility to sensitivity roll-off, and ultrahigh-speed image acquisition. These features enabled in vivo noninvasive visualization of different strata of the outer retina and the choriocapillaris with unprecedented finesse. Furthermore, the SS-OCT technology incorporated a blood flow detection algorithm; OCTARA that in tandem with the deeper penetration and superior axial resolution of SS-OCT enabled detailed assessment of the retinal capillary plexuses and the choriocapillaris in terms of structure and density. This novel technology could help explore yet undiscovered frontiers in the pathophysiology of macular dystrophies and guide future therapeutic approaches. This chapter includes a review of literature along with the authors’ experience in imaging selected macular dystrophies using SS-OCT and SS-OCT angiography (SS-OCTA)

Removal of direct blue 129 from aqueous medium using surfactant-modified zeolite: a neural network modeling

Background: Conserving water for human survival and providing future security are important issues that need to be addressed. Methods: In this study, a zeolite modified with hexadecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (HDTMA-Br), a cationic surfactant, and its application in removing direct blue 129 (DB129) was examined. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to characterize both modified and unmodified zeolites. The effects of operational parameters such as the amount of adsorbent, initial dye concentration and pH on the removal efficiency of the dye were examined. Results: The results showed that in the initial dye concentration of 50 mg/L, the optimum amounts of adsorbent and pH were 0.3 g and 7, respectively. Increasing the dye concentration from 20 to 100 mg/L resulted in the reduction of the removal efficiency from 100% to 79% in the contact time of 90 minutes. The results indicated the highest attracting correlation with Langmuir model. The maximum adsorbent capacity obtained from Langmuir model was 25 mg/g. The kinetics of the dye adsorption on the modified zeolite followed pseudo-second-order kinetics model. Calculated thermodynamic parameters showed that Gibbs free energy changes (DGo) at temperatures of 20 and 45°C were -29.41 and -35.20 kJ/mol, respectively. Enthalpy (DHo) and entropy changes were equal to 41.181 kJ/mol and 0.241 J/mol K, respectively. The results showed that the processing was a spontaneous endothermic reaction. The process modeled by artificial neural networks (ANN) showed that the experimental results can be accurately modeled using neural network model. The correlation coefficient found between the experimental and the model results was 0.951. Conclusion: Due to the low cost, high abundance and availability of zeolite, the removal efficiency of this adsorbent can be increased to desirable levels by modifying. Keywords: Zeolite, Adsorption, Kinetics, Thermodynamics, Neural network

Moral challenges of research on embryos in pre-implantation genetic diagnosis and IVF

     Purposes of pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) include screening for single gene mutations for late onset disorders or susceptibility to cancer. The problematic issue is that PGD is to produce a healthy baby, causing the destruction of some embryos that have been transferred by in vitro fertilization (IVF). Some PGD embryos may be discarded because they are excess to the woman or couples’ goal for family creation, and have been diagnosed as being affected by a particular genetic condition that woman/couple wish to avoid. So, the controversial issue is the destruction of embryos as a consequence of fertility treatment that raises questions on whether the moral status of an embryo of 3 days is the same as that of a born, living adult human being

Ameliorative impact of cinnamon against high blood pressure; an updated review

High blood pressure (BP) or hypertension is a vital people health challenge in both developed countries and economically developing ones. By commencing a few novel food habits, containing counting calories and observing portion sizes, individuals can lower their BPs and modulate administered drugs to regulator high BP better. Additionally, some herbal drugs may be able to lower BP. Over the past centuries, cinnamon has been consumed as a traditional remedy in China. Cinnamon, the everlasting tree of tropical medication, belongs to the Lauraceae clan. In fact, cinnamon is one of the most main spices consumed daily by people globally. The accessible in vitro and preclinical data suggest that cinnamon has anti-antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antimicrobial, cholesterol-lowering, cardiovascular protecting, and immuno-modulatory effects. Likewise, numerous researches have demonstrated its beneficial effects on BP. In this review, therapeutic effects of cinnamon particularly on BP and on patients having type II diabetes mellitus will be reviewed

A review on the most important medicinal herbs native to Iran with anti-acetaminophen toxicity

Acetaminophen is an analgesic and anti- fever drug, which can be toxic in high doses and leads to hepatic and renal injury. Acetaminophen poisoning can cause many complications and injuries in the body including vomiting, diarrhea, malaise, shock, jaundice, and liver failure and in some cases will lead to myocardial and kidney damage. Against all toxic and destructive effects of drugs like acetaminophen, some compounds are found that can partially restrain poisoning of abuse such compounds. In this review article, medicinal plants native to Iran have been reported, which are used to protect acetaminophen toxicity. In this review study, searching the articles with key words such as acetaminophen, hepatotoxicity, herbs, extracts, and essential oils were used. Searching the articles was conducted through databases of income in Iran like Google Scholar, ISI January, MegaIran, and a number of other databases. Medicinal plants including green tea, turmeric, cress, dandelion, and capers are the most important medicinal plants against the toxicity of acetaminophen. It seems that pharmacological bioactive and antioxidants substances obtaining from plant and biological materials are anti- acetaminophen poisoning. © 2009-2016, JGPT

Diversity and distribution of endemic and threatened plant species in the Sorkhabad Protected Area, Zanjan, NW Iran and identification of the biodiversity hotspots in the area

Protected areas are a mainstay of biodiversity conservation. All over the world, plant biodiversity is at risk and every year the number of threatened species increases dramatically. Many of these species are endemic. Sorkhabad Protected Area is situated in Zanjan Province, NW Iran, and is located in the Irano-Anatolian global biodiversity hotspot. The aim of this study is to investigate endemic and threatened vascular plant species, classify the local rarity of these species and identify hotspots of them in this area. 81 endemic species belonging to 59 genera within 22 families and 116 threatened species belonging to 86 genera within 46 families were collected from the area. Fabaceae with 16 and Asteraceae with 14 endemic species are the two largest families and Astragalus L. with 13 endemic species is the largest genus in terms of the number of endemic species. The degree of endemism in the Sorkhabad Protected Area is 15.2 percent. The distribution map of species was prepared using ArcGIS 10.3. The hotspots in terms of endemic and threatened species richness were identified, occupying all told 50,709 ha (41.35%) of the Sorkhabad Protected Area. Identifying the hotspots will help to obtain a proper management program and consequently preserve the biodiversity of this area

Effectiveness of Blended Instruction on Pain and Requirement for Analgesic after Knee Arthroplasty Surgery

Background and aims: Most patients undergoing knee replacement surgery have pain and limited range of motion during recovery and rehabilitation and due to pain and lack of experience and knowledge are not able to run an effective rehabilitation program. So, this study was aimed to determine the effect of blended instruction on the intensity and the admission palliative of patients undergoing knee surgery. Methods: 64 patients scheduled for knee replacement surgery randomized block Foursome assigned to two experimental and control groups. The training program including film screenings and providing face to face training, manual and training video in the individual manner was implemented days before the surgery for the experimental group. The control group received routine care. Data by demographic and clinical form and pain assessment checklist were collected using a visual analogue scale. Numerical data about the pain from the second to fifth days and one month after surgery were collected and analyzed useing the SPSS software and Independent t-test, Chi-square and Repeated measure tests. Results: The results of this study showed that the experimental group reported significantly less pain than the control group at most times (P=0.012). According to independent t-test statistically significant difference between the 2 groups in terms of the amount of admission palliative at the time was found (P>0.054). However, based on analysis of variance with repeated measures between the admission palliative on study, there was a significant difference in both groups (P<0.001). Conclusion: According to our results, the combined intervention before surgery can reduce the level of pain experienced after surgery and as a training method used to teach these patients after surgery