Speciation without chromatography: Part 2. Determination of tributyltin by chloride generation flow injection atomic absorption spectrometry

A procedure is described for the quantitation of tributyltin in aqueous samples and extracts based on its relatively high volatility in halide media, permitting vapour phase sampling from the headspace above such samples.Tributyltin chloride (TBT-C1) was purged from various chloride containing aqueous matrices and collected on the surface of an iridium treated graphite tube for subsequent quantitation by graphite furnace atomic absorption. Iodide, bromide and chloride matrices were compared for their generation efficiency. The effect of acidity of the sample was also studied. An absolute detection limit of 1.3 ng TBT (as tin) was estimated, corresponding to a detection limit of 0.33 ng ml 1 for a 4 ml sub-sample. Method validation was achieved using NRCC PACS-2 (sediment) Certified Reference Material, for which reasonable agreement between certified and measured values of tributyltin content was obtained. A procedural concentration limit of detection of 66 ng g 1 TBT in the sediment could be achieved

Perceptions of Licensure: A Survey of Michigan Genetic Counselors

This study by the Michigan Genetic Counselor Licensure Committee is the first known published documentation of genetic counselors’ beliefs and attitudes about licensure. The response rate from genetic counselors in Michigan was 66% (41/62). Ninety‐five percent of respondents were supportive of licensure. Respondents believed licensure would legitimize genetic counseling as a distinct allied healthcare profession (97.5%), increase the public’s protection (75%), and allow genetic counselors to practice independently (67%). While 45% felt licensure would increase counselor involvement in lawsuits, this did not impact licensure support (p = 0.744). Opinions were split regarding physician supervision and ordering tests. Even though 28% favored physician supervision, there was overwhelming support for genetic counselors performing some components of genetic testing (95%) and ordering some types of genetic tests (82%) independent of a physician. Use of this survey may be helpful in other states to assess genetic counselors’ interest in licensure and for drafting legislation.Peer Reviewedhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/147114/1/jgc40357.pd

High resolution computed tomography detection of alimentary factors related to arthropathies in inflammatory bowel diseases

Alimentary factors of enterogen arthropathies were studied, in particular the early morphological detection, to prevent the disease progression by nutritional prescriptions. Authors compared the method of high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) with conventional X-ray and nuclear medicine investigations. The results showed the superiority of HRCT to detect cartilage erosions and ligamental calcifications in the sacroiliac joint and lumbar facet joint. The importance of nutritional factors is briefly discussed. The need for high quality and high quantity food of patients suffering from inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) is well known. Elemental diet is effective for remission of IBD. Folic acid intake is extremely important. Total parenteral nutrition in acute active disease (Crohn's fistulas) has not been proved to effect IBD. Elimination of whole protein as a possible luminal factor for long term application can help, if elementary amino acids are in the diet. Eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid (major components of fish oils) have beneficial effects. Polyunsaturated fatty acids in the diet can decrease the inflammation. Antioxidants, glutamine are essential in the diet. Removal of fat is effective to get remission. Alimentary complication in IBD patients can be osteoporosis, so there is a need for regular bone densitometry. Conclusion of the study suggests that HRCT offers more sensitive detection of enterogen arthropathy related changes. The predictive value of this diagnostic method is accurate enough to advise restrictive and/or supplemental diets of IBD patients.  Dietary therapy allows circumvention of the adverse side-effects of repeated courses of steroids

Anterior segment intraocular metallic foreign body causing chronic hypopyon uveitis

Intraocular foreign body (IOFB) is a common association of penetrating ocular trauma. Early diagnosis and removal of IOFBs especially if they are metallic is very important to determine further management and the final result of treatment. Missed IOFB may present in different clinical aspects that may limit its detection and symptoms may only become apparent after a prolonged period of time. We report a case of a missed metallic intraocular foreign body in the anterior chamber over a 2-year period without causing severe inflammatory reaction and presented with uveitis later. A 42-year-old man presented with a progressive blurring of vision, pain, photophobia, and redness in the left eye for 3 months. He had a history of traffic accident 2 years ago and he was accepted to intensive care unit for 3 days. Three months ago, in another center, he was admitted to hospital for 1 week and intravitreal antibiotics and medical treatment were given for pain, photophobia, and redness in his left eye. In five o’ clock meridian of the angle, there was an IOFB coated with hypopyon was observed under biomicrocopic magnification. Plain X-ray and computed tomography confirmed the foreign body in the left eye. After obtaining informed consent from the patient, the foreign body was removed under local anesthesia

Clinical and cost-effectiveness of internal limiting membrane peeling for patients with idiopathic full thickness macular hole. Protocol for a Randomised Controlled Trial : FILMS (Full-thickness macular hole and Internal Limiting Membrane peeling Study)

Background: A full-thickness macular hole (FTMH) is a common retinal condition associated with impaired vision. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) have demonstrated that surgery, by means of pars plana vitrectomy and post-operative intraocular tamponade with gas, is effective for stage 2, 3 and 4 FTMH. Internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling has been introduced as an additional surgical manoeuvre to increase the success of the surgery; i.e. increase rates of hole closure and visual improvement. However, little robust evidence exists supporting the superiority of ILM peeling compared with no-peeling techniques. The purpose of FILMS (Fullthickness macular hole and Internal Limiting Membrane peeling Study) is to determine whether ILM peeling improves the visual function, the anatomical closure of FTMH, and the quality of life of patients affected by this disorder, and the cost-effectiveness of the surgery. Methods/Design: Patients with stage 2–3 idiopathic FTMH of less or equal than 18 months duration (based on symptoms reported by the participant) and with a visual acuity ≤ 20/40 in the study eye will be enrolled in this FILMS from eight sites across the UK and Ireland. Participants will be randomised to receive combined cataract surgery (phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation) and pars plana vitrectomy with postoperative intraocular tamponade with gas, with or without ILM peeling. The primary outcome is distance visual acuity at 6 months. Secondary outcomes include distance visual acuity at 3 and 24 months, near visual acuity at 3, 6, and 24 months, contrast sensitivity at 6 months, reading speed at 6 months, anatomical closure of the macular hole at each time point (1, 3, 6, and 24 months), health related quality of life (HRQOL) at six months, costs to the health service and the participant, incremental costs per quality adjusted life year (QALY) and adverse events. Discussion: FILMS will provide high quality evidence on the role of ILM peeling in FTMH surgery. Trial registration: This trial is registered with Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN number 33175422 and Clinical Trials.gov identifier NCT00286507.Chief Scientist Office, Scotland (project ref no CZH/4/235), NHS GrampianPeer reviewedPublisher PD