First-Principle Investigations of (Ti1-xVx)(2)FeGa.lloys. A Study on Structural, Magnetic, Electronic, and Elastic Properties

The structural, magnetic, electronic and elastic properties of ternary and quaternary (Ti1-xVx)(2)FeGa alloys with inverse-Heusler (XA) structure were investigated at x = 0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, and 1. The crystal structures of (Ti1 - xVx)(2)FeGa compounds are cubic (space group: F (3) over barm) with Hg2CuTi prototype for x = 0 and 1. At x = 0.5 the structure is also cubic (space group: F (3) over barm) with LiMgPdSn protype, while it is tetragonal (space group: P m2) at x = 0.25 and 0.75. Calculated optimized lattice parameters (a and c), bulk modulus (B), and elastic constants (C-ij) are consistent with the available data in the literature. Total and partial magnetic moments of (Ti1 - xVx)(2)FeGa alloys were obtained. An increase in the total magnetic moment values were observed upon addition of V to the Ti2FeGa alloy. From spin polarized band calculations, Ti2FeGa, (Ti0.75V0.25)(2)FeGa, TiVFeGa, and V2FeGa have a minority-spin energy gap of 0.65, 0.38, 0.83, and 0.64 eV, respectively, and they are guessed as half-metallic ferromagnets. According to the results of second-order elastic constants, these compounds met the Born mechanical stability criteria. In addition, according to Pugh criteria, it was found that they have a ductile structure and show anisotropic behavior

Sedoanalgesia Administration with Propofol and Ketamine for Minor Urologic Interventions

Aim: In this study we aimed to administer sedoanalgesia with propofol and ketamine combination in patients undergoing planned minor urologic interventions with limited anesthesia. By combining these two medications, lower doses may be used, and we aimed to provide sufficient sedation, analgesia and amnesia without disrupting hemodynamic and respiratory stability and to increase patient and surgeon satisfaction. Material-Method: The study included 53 patients with planned minor urologic interventions aged from 19 to 85 years and physical situation ASA I-III. After six hours starvation, patients were taken to the surgery. Patients were monitored for electrocardiography (ECG), oxygen saturation (SPO2 ) and non-invasive blood pressure. For use if necessary a nasal O2 cannula was inserted. A vein in the back of the left hand was opened and 5 ml/min isotonic sodium chloride infusion was begun. Patient heart rate (HR), systolic arterial pressure (SAP), diastolic arterial pressure (DAP), mean arterial pressure (MAP) and oxygen saturation (SpO2 ) values were measured and a 5 point sedation scale (Table 1) was used to measure sedation scores. Basal values were recorded (0 min). Later patients were randomly divided into two groups with Group I administered intraurethral lidocaine gel for local anesthesia by the surgeon, while Group II were administered intravenous 0.015 mg/kg midazolam, 0.5 mg/kg 1% ketamine and 0.5 mg/kg 1% propofol by the authors for sedoanalgesia. At five minute intervals the HR, SAP, DAP, MAP, SpO2 values and sedation scores were measured and recorded. Results: Statistical evaluation found a statistically significant increase in SAP, DAP and MAP values measured at the 5th minute in Group I patients compared to preoperative values. In Group I patients, when the heart rate measured in the 1st and 5th minutes are compared with preoperative values there was a statistically significant increase identified. In Group II patients, there was a statistically significant fall in SpO2 values in the 1st and 5th minutes compared with preoperative values. When patient and surgeon satisfaction are compared with Group I, Group II was found to be statistically significantly higher. Though the blood pressure and heart rate increases in Group I patients were statistically significant, they were not at levels that required clinical intervention and/or treatment. Similarly the SpO2 decrease observed in Group II patients did not fall below 90% in any patient in spite of being statistically significant and rose again without clinical intervention and/or treatment. Conclusion: In this study we showed that sedoanalgesia administration with propofol and ketamine may be an alternative method for patients undergoing minor urology interventions that does not disrupt hemodynamic and respiratory stability, does not delay patient discharge, has low side effect incidence and has high patient and surgeon satisfaction

FULL-THICKNESS MACULAR HOLE WITH MACULAR INTRACHOROIDAL CAVITATION IN A PATIENT WITH PATHOLOGIC MYOPIA

PubMed: 29443802PURPOSE: To describe a full-thickness macular hole (MH) opening to macular intrachoroidal cavitation in a patient with pathologic myopia. METHODS: Full ophthalmologic examination, fundus camera (Topcon TRC; Topcon Co, Tokyo, Japan), optical coherence tomography (RetinaScan Advanced RS-3000; NIDEK, Gamagori, Japan) imaging, and cataract surgery. RESULTS: A 61-year-old woman admitted with decreased vision in the left eye. Visual acuity was counting fingers from 30 cm. Anterior segment examination showed advanced cataract. Fundus examination revealed pathologic myopia. There was full-thickness MH opening to macular intrachoroidal cavitation in contact with the anterior surface of the sclera subfoveally. Except for the communicating part of MH and macular intrachoroidal cavitation, outer retina, ellipsoid zone, and retinal pigment epithelium were intact. Choroid was intact except for a small part at subfoveal area. The patient received an uncomplicated cataract surgery. Visual acuity improved to 5/10. Because she was satisfied, MH surgery was postponed to a later date. CONCLUSION: Full-thickness MH may occur within the area of macular intrachoroidal cavitation in pathologic myopia

Peripapillary and macular retinoschisis in a patient with pseudoexfoliation glaucoma

A 55-year-old man was admitted with a 2-year history of pseudoexfoliation glaucoma. The best-corrected visual acuities were 10/10 in both eyes. Pseudoexfoliation material was noted on the iris and the lens capsule. Fundus examination evidenced cup-to-disc ratio of 0.7 OD and 0.9 OS with peripapillary atrophy. Gonioscopy revealed open angles. Optical coherence tomography demonstrated peripapillary retinoschisis extending to the nasal macula in the left eye and optic nerve head was almost fully excavated. Coexisting retinoschisis in a patient with glaucoma may interfere with the reliability of retinal nerve fibre layer and ganglion cell complex analysis and may change the treatment plan and follow-up intervals. Copyright 2013 BMJ Publishing Group. All rights reserved

Bilateral consecutive optic neuropathy in a patient with thrombophilia

A 39-year-old man was admitted with a sudden visual loss in the left eye. Visual acuities were 10/10 on the right and 1/10 on the left. Fundus examination did not show any abnormalities. Visual acuity improved to 10/10 and visual field defect regressed in the following 2 weeks. Three years later, the patient returned with acute visual loss in the right eye. Visual acuities were 2/10 on the right and 10/10 on the left. Right optic disc had blurred margins with mild oedema. The tests revealed methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase A1298C mutation with positive lupus anticoagulant and hyperhomocysteinaemia. Enoxaparin was initialised with vitamin B12 supplementation. Complete visual recovery occurred in the following 3 weeks in both eyes. Thrombophilic screening seems to be important in the treatment and prevention of an attack in the second eye of patients with non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy. Copyright 2013 BMJ Publishing Group. All rights reserved

Limbal stem cell defficiency associated with primary adrenocortical insufficiency

Objective: To report a female patient with bilateral limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) due to primary adrenocortical insufficiency (PAI).Methods: Case report Results: A 40-year-old female patient had blurry vision, foreign body sensation, tearing, and photophobia for several years. On examination, corneal epithelial haze, surface irregularity, and superficial neovascularization were observed. There was a dull and irregular reflex from the conjunctivalized corneal surface. Medical history revealed that she had a diagnosis of PAI for 11 years and received hormone replacement (fludrocortisone acetate) therapy. With the clinical presentation and examination, the diagnosis was compatible with LSCD. Frequent ocular lubricant and topical steroid drops were initially started and topical cyclosporine treatment was planned for the long term. After 3 weeks, there was no corneal superficial neovascularization and epithelial haze, peripheral stromal haze was still observed. Conclusion: LSCD may rarely be associated with PAI. In patients with LSCD, systemic evaluation should be made to rule out PAI

Anesthetic effectiveness of topical levobupivacaine 0.75% versus topical proparacaine 0.5% for intravitreal injections

Background and Purpose: Today no method of topical anesthesia for intravitreal injection administration has been proven to make the patient comfortable yet. We compared the efficacy of topical levobupivacaine 0.75% and proparacaine 0.5% in patients undergoing intravitreal injections. Materials and Methods: A prospective, randomized study comparing two agents for topical anesthesia in intravitreal injections. Ninety-six consecutive patients were enrolled into two groups to receive either topical levobupivacaine 0.75% (n=48) or proparacaine 0.5% (n=48). Patients were asked to score their pain using a visual analog scale (VAS) immediately following the injection. The average of these scores was used as the primary outcome. The surgeon performing the procedure scored his perception of the patients? pain using the Wong-Baker FACES scale. Results: Mean VAS pain scores for two groups were found to be 44.77 ± 16.42 and 34.18 ± 14.83, respectively. Mean VAS pain score in the proparacaine group was significantly lower than that in the levobupivacaine group (P= 0.003). Mean Wong-Baker FACES scores for the two groups were 1.08 ± 0.49 and 1.10 ± 0.30, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between levobupivacaine and proparacaine groups (P=0.824). Conclusions: Topical proparacaine 0.5% was more effective in preventing pain during intravitreal injections

Comparison of the antimicrobial effect of heavy silicone oil and conventional silicone oil against endophthalmitis-causing agents

PubMed: 24817741Purpose: To conduct an in vitro experimental study comparing the effectiveness of conventional silicone oil and heavy silicone oil against endophthalmitis-causing agents. Materials and Methods: The antimicrobial activity of conventional silicone oil (RS OIL 5000) and heavy silicone oil (heavySil 1500) was tested. The antimicrobial effects of both silicone oils were determined by the growing capability of the microorganism. Results: The number of Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans decreased to zero levels at the second day of inoculation in heavy silicone oil. In conventional silicone oil, the microorganisms survived longer than in heavy silicone oil. Conclusion: Heavy silicone oil seems to be more effective than conventional silicone oil against endophthalmitis-causing agents. © 2005 - Indian Journal of Ophthalmology

Antimicrobial effectiveness of silicone oil, heavy silicone oil and perfluorodecaline against Bacillus cereus

PubMed: 24375026The purpose of this work is to study the effectiveness of silicone oil, heavy silicone oil and perfluorodecaline against Bacillus cereus. For this we tested the antimicrobial activities of three intraocularly used liquids-silicone oil (Siluron 1000), heavy silicone oil (Densiron-68) and perfluorodecaline (F-Decalin)-against B. cereus (NCTC 9946). The antimicrobial effects of silicone oil, heavy silicone oil and perfluorodecaline were determined by the growing capability of the microorganism. We found that the number of B. cereus decreased in all three concentrations of silicone oil. The bacteria grew for approximately 2 weeks in heavy silicone oil and declined after 17 days. Perfluorodecaline significantly reduced B. cereus colonies and was the most effective of the liquids. In conclusion, silicone oil and perfluorodecaline seem to be effective against B. cereus. © 2013 Springer Science+Business Media

At fekal orijinli Escherichia coli izolatlarında antimikrobiyal direnç ve genişlemiş spektrumlu beta laktamaz üretiminin araştırılması

In this study, it was aimed to investigate the existence of ESBL and determine the resistance against various antibiotics of E. coli strains isolated from feces examples obtained from racing and jumping horses. One hundred E. coli isolates (racing: 37, jumping: 63) were analysed with 16 antibiotics by using the disc diffusion method and ESBL existence by fenotypic confirmatory test. The antibiotic resistance prevalences were compared between racing and jumping groups of horses. The highest resistance was obtained against tetracycline in both groups with 81.1% (30) in racing horses and 20.6% (13) in jumping horses. ESBL production has been determined in only 6 isolates among 100 E. coli isolates and all 6 ESBL positive isolates were isolated from the racing horses. In conclusion, the resistance prevalences to various antibiotics in racing horses were higher than jumping horses and ESBL production in the isolates from jumping horses was determined. The contamination of these agents in ecosystem could cause a potential risk factor for public health. © 2016, Chartered Inst. of Building Services Engineers. All rights reserved