Corneal biomechanical properties distribution in myopic population

AIM: To evaluate distribution of corneal biomechanical measurements in normal myopia and myopic-astigmatism population.<p>METHODS:One hundred and eighty eyes with myopia and myopic-astigmatism candidated for laser refractive surgery were included in this study. Complete examination of anterior and posterior segments, manifest refraction spherical equivalent(MRSE), Orbscan and Zywave were performed preoperatively. Ocular response analyzer(ORA)was used to measure corneal hysteresis(CH), corneal resistance factor(CRF), Goldmann-correlated intraocular pressure(IOPg)and corneal compensated IOP(IOPcc). Distribution of all corneal biomechanical properties and correlation between these parameters and MRSE, age and sex were determined. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 17 software and a <i>P</i>-Value less than 0.05 was considered significant. <p>RESULTS: Mean age was 28.20±6.78 years. Mean MRSE was -4.21±1.19D. Mean CH, CRF, IOPg and IOPcc was 10.00±1.28mmHg, 10.17±1.45mmHg, 15.71±2.67mmHg and 16.68±2.41mmHg respectively. 28.4% of all myopic population had CH about 10mmHg, and 71% had CH, 9mmHg up to 11mmHg. CRF in 25.9% of myopic population was 10mmHg, and in 48.7% was 9mmHg up to 11mmHg. There was very poor positive correlation between MRSE& CH(Rs=0.001, <i>P</i>=0.71)and MRSE& CRF(Rs=0.01, <i>P</i>=0.18).<p>CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrated the distribution of corneal biomechanical properties(CH, CRF, IOPg, IOPcc)in normal myopia and myopic-astigmatism population in Iran, and confirmed that, there was no statistically significant correlation between CH, CRF and MRSE, age and sex but there was significant correlation between IOPg, IOPcc and formerly mentioned parameters

Corneal collagen cross-linking effects on pseudophakic bullous keratopathy

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of riboflavin administration and ultraviolet A(UVA)cross-linking on advanced symptomatic bullous keratopathy. <p>METHODS: Fifteen patients with symptomatic pseudophakic bullous keratopathy(PBK)were included. Slit-lamp examination, visual acuity, foreign body sensation(FBS)questionnaire, corneal clarity grading, ocular pain intensity scale and corneal thickness measures with Pentacam and ultrasound pachymetry(UP), were performed before corneal cross-linking and 1 and 6mo thereafter. After using sodium chloride solution, for one week, the central 8mm(diameter)of the corneal epithelium was removed, and cross-linking, with riboflavin instillation every 3min for 30min, and UVA irradiation for 30min was performed. <p>RESULTS: Five males and 10 females with mean age of 66±13y were included. Mean follow up time was 6.2mo. Corneal transparency in all eyes was statistically significantly better 1 month after treatment than preoperatively(<i>P</i><0.05). At 6mo, however, corneal transparency was better in 8 eyes, the same in 5 eyes, and worse in 2 eyes compared with preoperative levels(<i>P</i>= 0.218). Foreign body sensation subsided in 70% of patients. The average CCT decreased within 1mo after the procedure(<i>P</i><0.05). At 6mo, all but 3 eyes had progressive swelling, and the CCT increased; however, the CCT was still statistically significantly thinner than preoperatively(<i>P</i>=0.006). The improvement in mean CDVA from preoperatively to 1mo postoperatively was statistically significant(<i>P</i>=0.010). At 6mo, no significant differences were observed(<i>P</i>=0.130). The pain scores at 1mo were statistically significantly better than preoperatively(<i>P</i>=0.007). At 6mo, however the mean pain score was higher than at 1mo and not statistically significantly different from the preoperative score(<i>P</i>=0.070). <p>CONCLUSION: Corneal CXL significantly improved corneal transparency, corneal thickness, and ocular pain 1 month postoperatively. However, it did not seem to have a long-lasting effect in decreasing pain and maintaining corneal transparency in patients with PBK. This procedure extends the time interval for corneal transplantation and increases visualization at DSAEK procedure

Evaluation of the Implant Success Rate of Titanium-based Implant Materials: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objective:&nbsp;To investigate the success of implants, the increase of bone integration, and the effect of nanostructure/nanoparticles as Titanium-based implant materials on the success of implants. The present study evaluated the implant success rate of Titanium-based implant materials.&nbsp;Material and Methods: PICO: Population (dental implant), intervention (coated titanium implant surface), comparison (uncoated titanium implant surface), and outcome (bone-implant contact) were considered as a search strategy tool and study inclusion criteria. Searches for systematic literature were conducted on databases from Scopus, Science Direct, PubMed, ISI, Web of Knowledge, and Embase until 12 December 2022. Modified CONSORT Criteria (Reporting guidelines for preclinical in vitro studies on dental materials) were used to evaluate the quality of studies. The fixed effect model and inverse-variance method were used to calculate the 95% confidence interval for mean differences. Stata/MP V.17 software was used to conduct the meta-analysis.&nbsp;Results:&nbsp;After reviewing the abstracts of 97 articles, studies not related to the inclusion criteria were excluded, and ten studies were selected from the remaining 39 studies after reviewing the full text. The mean difference in bone-implant contact between coated and uncoated dental implants was 0.25 (MD, 0.25 95% CI 0.01, 0.49; p=0.04).&nbsp;Conclusion: The titanium implant surface with nano coating can increase bone-implant contact and cause bone integration

Effect of Cement Dust on Pulmonary Functions of Cement Workers

Background: Among cement dust, quartz particles are the most harmful and cause pulmonary fibrosis, which is pathologically among the severe and malignant pneumoconioses. Therefore, by measuring the dust and examining the status of lung functions among workers, we can assess the effects of inhaling cement dust. We aimed to assess the effect of cement dust on pulmonary functions among cement workers during 1999-2000 in Khash, Sistan and Baluchestan Province, Iran. Material and Methods: The total and inhalation dust of the working environment of different units in this industry was measured by individual sampling pump and silicon by weight method and after correcting the volumes, mg/m3 of dust was calculated. &nbsp;Results: The total dust in different environments was 6.8-95 mg/m3 and the inhaled dust was 2.5-23 mg/m3. Due to the percentage of free silica associated with dust, these values are several times the standard values in the workplace. &nbsp;The mean values of respiratory functions (FEV1, FVC, VC) in all cases were lower (P-value&lt;0.005) than the mean values in the control group. The difference in the mean FEF25-75 values between the two groups was not significant (P-value&gt;0.5). Although in the case group (all types of workers) the percentage of people with cough was more than the control group, the difference was not statistically significant (P&lt;0.05). With respect to having sputum in the morning and during the day and night and the type of sputum (green and thick, thin, and no sputum), the case group experienced higher rates of sputum and respiratory symptoms. Conclusion: The working environments of cement factories, contrary to what is stated in the toxicology textbooks, requires more attention of health experts and industry managers. Examinations and periodic dust control measures and hiring an occupational health expert is necessary to maintain the health of workers in these environments

The many faces of primary cauda equina myxopapillary ependymoma: Clinicoradiological manifestations of two cases and review of the literature

Introduction: Myxopapillary ependymoma (MPE) is a benign and slow growing tumor that originates exclusively from the conus medullaris and cauda equina nervous tissue. It occurs more commonly in young patients. In addition, clinical presentations are non-specific and may mimic benign conditions. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the imaging modality of choice for evaluating this tumor. We hereby report on two young patients with long-lasting non-specific symptoms, which were clinically attributed to benign conditions. However, cauda equina tumor was revealed on MRI in both patients.Case report: Two cases of cauda equina MPE, a 19-year-old female and a 38-year-old male, with different clinical manifestations are reported. The first patient presented with paresis and paresthesia of the lower limbs, and the second patient’s complaint was chronic low-back pain and urinary incontinence. In both cases, MRI detected a tumor originated from the cauda equina, and histopathologic examination was compatible with MPE.Conclusion: Cauda equina tumors should be considered as a differential diagnosis in the young patients presented with neurologic deficits in the lower limbs, sphincter or erectile dysfunction, and even a simple low-back pain (particularly when symptoms are long-lasting and/or progressive)

Investigating Effective Factors in Improving Plant Growth by Native Phosphate-dissolving Bacteria Isolated from Wheat

Wheat is one of the most important strategic products in providing food security for the growing world population. The purpose of this research is to isolate and identify plant growth-promoting bacteria from the wheat rhizosphere and their inhibitory effect on the growth of the pathogenic fungus Fusarium sp. isolated from wheat. The initial screening of 100 bacterial strains isolated from wheat roots was done based on their ability to dissolve phosphate. The effective factors in plant growth and inhibition of fungal pathogens, such as the ability to produce IAA, siderophores, protease, biofilm, bacterial swarming motility, tolerance to salt, seed germination, and seed vigor tests, were investigated. In the initial screening, four bacterial isolates with the highest amount of phosphate dissolution were identified based on morphological and biochemical characteristics as well as the sequence of 16S rRNA region belonging to Curtobacterium sp., Arthrobacter sp., Acinetobacter calcoaceticus, and Cellulosimicrobium sp.; Curtobacterium sp. had the highest amount of IAA (6.14μg/ml), siderophore (2.25cm), protease (1.4cm), and the highest tolerance to salinity (20%) and phosphate dissolution (375.3mg/ml). In the swarming motility test, the highest values were related to Arthrobacter sp. and Curtobacterium sp. at 2.7 and 2.2cm, respectively. The highest amount of biofilm formation was associated with Acinetobacter calcoaceticus and Curtobacterium sp. with an average absorption coefficient of 0.153 and 0.139, respectively. The highest and lowest average values of percentage inhibition of pathogenic fungus colony growth were evaluated in Curtobacterium sp. isolate with a value of 57.3%, and Cellulosimicrobium sp. isolate with 33%, respectively

An unusual cause of urinary incontinence: Urethral coitus in a case of Mayer-Rokitansky- Kuster-Hauser syndrome

Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome is a rare anomaly in women and is characterized by congenital aplasia of the uterus and vagina, with normal development of secondary sexual characteristics and a normal karyotype. We report a case of a 38-year-old women with MRKH syndrome that had experienced urethral sex for many years. She presented with urinary incontinence and dyspareunia. The patient’s secondary sexual characteristics were normal, and examination revealed a widely open incompetent megalourethra and an absent vagina. Laboratory studies confirmed a 46, XX karyotype. Imaging included ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging, which indicated bilateral normal ovaries and a rudimental bicornuate uterus. After confirming the diagnosis of MRKH, the patient underwent urethroplasty by urethral plication, antiincontinence surgery by autologous fascial sling of the bladder neck, and the creation of a neo-vagina using a urethral flap. After 3 months, voiding cystourethrography and uroflowmetry confirmed normal voiding. There were no postoperative symptoms of urinary incontinence, and the patient was completely satisfied

Assessment of neuropsychiatric indicators in children and adolescents with primary brain tumors and other brain space occupying lesions before and after surgery

&nbsp; Objective Cognitive abilities may be impaired due to brain lesions in children and adolescents. This study aimed to investigate neuropsychiatric indicators in children and adolescents with primary brain tumor and other brain space occupying lesions (SOL) before and after surgical procedure. Methods &amp; materials the current study is a pre and post study which was conducted on 81 patients with brain space occupying lesions aged less than 18. Patients with metastatic brain tumors were excluded. The study was performed between 20 December 2016 to 20 December 2017 on patients hospitalized in neurosurgery ward of Imam Reza university hospital, Tabriz, Iran. Before and after surgical procedure, Digit span forward and backward Task (to assess working memory), Stroop task and Trail Making Task A &amp; B (to assess attention) and Rey Osterrieth Complex Figure Test (to assess Visual Spatial Memory) were done. Then, scores of tests were compared with normal values as well as the post-surgery scores. Results the most prevalent type of space occupying brain lesion was medulloblastoma and the most common region of involvement was posterior fossa tumor. Scores of all tests after surgery comparing to before surgery were significantly improved (P&lt;0.05). In assessment of Digit span forward and backward Task with standard scores, there was no significant difference among scores of patients before surgery with the standard value (P&gt;0.05). Regarding scores of various stages of Rey Osterrieth Complex Figure Test, the&nbsp; scores of immediate recall stage was significantly low (P&lt;0.05). Among Trail Making Task A &amp; B and stroop task, before surgery, just the Trail Making Task A &amp; B was significantly increased (P&lt;0.05). Scores of Trail Making Task A was significantly higher in patients with medulloblastoma and anatomically in left temporal tumors which indicate greater damage of attention field (P&lt;0.05). In addition, in cerebellar tumor, scores of immediate recall stage of Rey Osterrieth Complex Figure Test was significantly lower (P&lt;0.05). Conclusions Visuo-Spatial Memory and attention in pre-surgery assessments was significantly impaired comparing to general population (P&lt;0.05). Working memory, Visuo-Spatial Memory and attention showed improvement comparing to pre-surgery. Deficits in attention domain was greater in medulloblastoma

Prevalence of Surgical Site Infection After Hip Arthroplasty; a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Introduction: One of the worrisome complications of hip arthroplasty is surgical site infection (SSI). This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of SSI after hip arthroplasty. Methods: A comprehensive and systematic exploration was conducted across various international electronic databases, including Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science, alongside Persian electronic databases such as Iranmedex and the Scientific Information Database (SID). This search strategy entailed the utilization of Medical Subject Headings-derived keywords such as "Prevalence," "Surgical wound infection," "Surgical site infection," and "Arthroplasty," spanning from the earliest records up to January 1, 2024. Each study’s weight was assigned based on its inverse variance. A forest plot visualization was used to assess the studies’ heterogeneity. Data on sample size and SSI frequency were compiled for each study to calculate the overall effect size. Results: The study encompassed a cumulative participant cohort of 1,070,638 hip arthroplasty procedures drawn from seventeen selected studies. Notably, the female gender constituted 59.10% of the overall participant demographic. The aggregate SSI among patients undergoing hip arthroplasty was estimated to be 1.9% (95% CI: 1.3% to 2.8%; I2=99.688%; P<0.001). The results of the meta-regression analysis unveiled a statistically significant correlation between the prevalence of SSIs after hip arthroplasty and the year of publication (Coefficient=-0.0020; 95% CI: -0.0021 to -0.0018; Z=-19.39, P<0.001). Conclusion: The study findings indicated a prevalence rate of 1.9% for SSI following hip arthroplasty. This prevalence underscores the importance of vigilance in infection prevention and management strategies within orthopedic surgery. However, it is essential to acknowledge the variability in SSI prevalence observed across diverse studies, which can be attributed to multifaceted factors, notably variances in patient populations and associated risk factors

Serum levels of IL-37 and correlation with inflammatory cytokines and clinical outcomes in patients with coronary artery disease

Coronary artery disease (CAD) due to atherosclerosis is one of the important reasons for death worldwide. Recent evidence has suggested the essential role of inflammation in the progression of atherosclerosis. Interleukin (IL)-37 is a critical anti-inflammatory member of the IL-1 family which regulates the inflammatory processes. The aim of this study was to compare the serum levels of IL-37 in patients with CAD compared with the control group and its correlation with oxidative stress, cholesterol homeostasis, and inflammation in patients with CAD. A total of 42 patients with CAD and 42 sex-matched and age- matched controls who underwent coronary angiography were included in this study. The serum levels of IL-37 were evaluated via ELISA. Serum levels of biochemical risk factors were determined by enzymatic methods. Serum levels of IL-37 in the CAD group subjects were significantly lower than in the control group and IL-37 was significantly increased in men with CAD than in women with CAD. IL-37 significantly had an inverse correlation with IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, IL-32, high-sensitivity C reactive protein, oxidized low-density lipoprotein, and malondialdehyde. Also, IL-37 had a significantly positive correlation with ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. In addition, IL-37 has positively correlated with ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 and G1 gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and serum levels of the FRAP. A receiver operating characteristic test displayed that IL-37 level ratios were a relatively significant CAD predictor. Our results indicated that decreased serum levels of IL-37 in patients with CAD and its relationship with inflammatory cytokines and reverse cholesterol transport genes are more likely to be associated in the inflammatory process with disease pathology