Measurements of Hydrogen Solubility in Nitrobenzene/Aniline Mixtures

Measurements of hydrogen solubility in various nitrobenzene-aniline mixtures were conducted in an autoclave reactor with a stirrer and control of temperature. The solubility of hydrogen was measured at 7 different values of temperature (30 °C, 40 °C, 50 °C, 90 °C, 130 °C, 170 °C, 210 °C, respectively), 3 values of stirrer rotation speed (1200 rpm, 1600 rpm, 2000 rpm, respectively) and a range of pressure of 20 ‒ 30 bar. Moreover, pure aniline, pure nitrobenzene and their mixtures with different concentrations were used. In the next step, values of Henry’s constant were calculated. Based on experimental data a dependence of Henry’s constant on temperature for pure aniline and pure nitrobenzene was proposed. Additionally, for each temperature correlations between Henry’s constant and aniline’s concentration in mixture of nitrobenzene-aniline were found

OCULAR TOXOPLASMOSIS

Background. Ocular toxoplasmosis is one of the important causes of severe visual loss in young otherwise healthy people. Diagnosis is clinical, supported by laboratory tests. Current evidence about the timing of toxoplasma infection leading to ocular disease suggests, that recurrent toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis is the result of prenatal (congenital) or remote, postnatal (acquired) infection. The timing of infection is rarely exactly known, and retinitis is not only a late manifestation of congenital disease as previously believed. The purpose is to review recent observations regarding ocular toxoplasmosis, and to review our experiences in the treatment of our patients with this illness.Methods. A review of the medical literature about ocular toxoplasmosis, especially regarding pathogenesis, therapy and prevention of the disease.Results. Epidemiological data for toxoplasmosis are various in different parts of the world. The highest rate is in Brasil. In Slovenia the rate is similar like in France or in the Netherlands (at age 40 there is 60% population seropositive). Toxoplasmosis screening in pregnant women is partly performed since 1991 and systematically since 1995 in Slovenia. No retinochorioditis was found in newborns so far. In the pathogenesis there are some several potential sources and routes of infections, that were previously unrecognized. Ocular involvement in cases of acquired infection appears to be more common than believed before. Classical therapy for ocular toxoplasmosis is still most commonly used. In prevention the education of pregnant women, and correct treatment of infected patients is recommended.Conclusions. The time of infection with Toxoplasma gondii and consequential retinochoroiditis is rarely confirmed. Patients with acquired infection after birth are probably more numerous than with congenital disease. As potentially treatable and preventable cause of visual loss these facts must be considered in primary and secondary prevention of the disease.</p

Guidance on noncorticosteroid systemic immunomodulatory therapy in noninfectious uveitis: fundamentals of care for uveitis (focus) initiative

Topic: An international, expert-led consensus initiative to develop systematic, evidence-based recommendations for the treatment of noninfectious uveitis in the era of biologics. Clinical Relevance: The availability of biologic agents for the treatment of human eye disease has altered practice patterns for the management of noninfectious uveitis. Current guidelines are insufficient to assure optimal use of noncorticosteroid systemic immunomodulatory agents. Methods: An international expert steering committee comprising 9 uveitis specialists (including both ophthalmologists and rheumatologists) identified clinical questions and, together with 6 bibliographic fellows trained in uveitis, conducted a Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses protocol systematic reviewof the literature (English language studies from January 1996 through June 2016; Medline [OVID], the Central Cochrane library, EMBASE,CINAHL,SCOPUS,BIOSIS, andWeb of Science). Publications included randomized controlled trials, prospective and retrospective studies with sufficient follow-up, case series with 15 cases or more, peer-reviewed articles, and hand-searched conference abstracts from key conferences. The proposed statements were circulated among 130 international uveitis experts for review.Atotal of 44 globally representativegroupmembersmet in late 2016 to refine these guidelines using a modified Delphi technique and assigned Oxford levels of evidence. Results: In total, 10 questions were addressed resulting in 21 evidence-based guidance statements covering the following topics: when to start noncorticosteroid immunomodulatory therapy, including both biologic and nonbiologic agents; what data to collect before treatment; when to modify or withdraw treatment; how to select agents based on individual efficacy and safety profiles; and evidence in specific uveitic conditions. Shared decision-making, communication among providers and safety monitoring also were addressed as part of the recommendations. Pharmacoeconomic considerations were not addressed. Conclusions: Consensus guidelines were developed based on published literature, expert opinion, and practical experience to bridge the gap between clinical needs and medical evidence to support the treatment of patients with noninfectious uveitis with noncorticosteroid immunomodulatory agents

CATARACT SURGERY IN UVEITIS PATIENTS

Background. To present techniques and results of cataract surgery in uveitis patients.Patients and methods. In this retrospective study, 10 patients (11 eyes) are presented with uveitic cataract of different etiology. The operations were performed between y. 1998 and 2000. All our patients had posterior synechiae of the iris, 4 of them secclusion of the pupil. Visual acuity and inflammation was noted before, 1 week and again 6 month after operation.Results. Phacoemulsification and synechiolisis were performed in all our patients as well as foldable IOL inserted in all of them. Iris retractors were used in 3 patients and intracapsular tension ring in 2 patients. Mean visual acuity before the operation was 0.05, and 0.63 six months after the operation. In none, postoperative inflammation was greater than 1+. In one patient, reversible reactivation of the disease ensued later and one developed reversible cystoid macular edema. Both had subsided by 6 months.Conclusions. The results of the cataract surgery with phacoemulsificaton in uveitis patients are good. Preoperative management, especially in the sense of controlling the inflammation, special surgical techniques, avoiding the excessive manipulation of the iris and postoperative care are very important.</p

Seroprevalence of Toxocara antibodies among patients suspected of ocular toxocariasis in Slovenia

Ocular toxocariasis named also ocular larva migrans is caused by larvae of the roundworm Toxocara spp. The purpose of this study was to find out the seroprevalence of Toxocara antibodies in patients suspected of ocular toxocariasis. Between January 2001 and December 2003, sera from 239 ocular patients, aged 3 to 80 years, were examined by ELISA and confirmed by Western blot test. Out of the 239 patients, 172 (72%) were seronegative and 67 (28%) were Toxocara seropositive; 95% CI (22-34%). The median age of Toxocara seropositive patients was 37.6 years. There was no significant difference in the number of Toxocara positive sera between the younger age group (≤14 years) and the older age group (>14 years), p>0.05. A high rate of Toxocara seropositivity in ocular patients should alert the ophthalmologists in Slovenia to include toxocariasis in the differential diagnosis of eye diseases more frequently