Is LASIK an effective treatment modality for hyperopia or hyperopic astigmatism?

Purpose: To assess the efficacy, safety and stability of LASIK surgery for treatment of low to moderate degree hyperopia and hyperopic astigmatism

Patients and methods: The study included 34 eyes in 17 patients [7 males, and 10 females] with bilateral low to moderate degree hyperopia or hyperopic astigmatism. Their mean age +/- SD was 26.7 +/- 4.1 years. Range of hyperopia was between +1.75 to +5.50 D, astigmatic errors range was 0.00 to -1.50 D while the spherical equivalent refraction ranged from +1.4 to + 4.8 D. Patients included in this study had a stable refraction for at least one year. All patients underwent bilateral LASIK surgery in the same session in Dr Soliman Faqeeh Hospital [DSFH] and the Eye Subspecialty Center [ESC]using the ALLEGRETTO EYE - Q Excimer Laser machine

Results: UCVA after one year was 20/20 or better in 30 eyes [88.2%], 20/30 or better in 32 eyes [94.1%] and 20/40 or better in 34 eyes [100%], while BCVA was 20/20 or better in 33 eyes [97.1%] and 20/40 or better in 34 eyes [100%]. There was no decrease in UCVA after LASIK surgery. One eye [2.9%] showed 2 lines drop in BCVA after LASIK surgery due to broad wrinkles of the flap. The flap was lifted after one day; trial to flatten the wrinkles showed incomplete resolution. One eye [2.9%] showed diffuse lamellar keratitis [DLK] at one week after LASIK surgery. There was regression in the manifest spherical equivalent refraction one year after LASIK surgery as compared with that at one month, but the difference was statistically insignificant [P=O.46]. The mean score of patient satisfaction was 9.4 at one year postoperatively

Conclusion: LASIK surgery is a safe, predictable, stable and effective for treatment of mild to moderate degree hyperopia and hyperopic astigmatism. No significant regression in UCVA, BCVA or manifest refraction was reported up to 12 months follow up

Stress hyperglycemia and electrolytes disturbances in patients with acute cerebrovascular stroke

Stress hyperglycaemia is a common problem in stroke population. Hyponatremia hypernatremia was reported In 25% and hypohalemia/ hyperhalemia in 27% of patients with acute ischemic and haemorrhagic stroke. The aim of this work was to assess the serum glucose, potassium and sodium levels in patients with acute cerebrovascular stroke and its relationship to the type of stroke, severity and prognosis. Fifty patients with acute cerebrovascular stroke [CVS] were randomly allocated and after CT scan of the brain, they were classified into: Group 1:25 patients with haemorrhagic stroke, Group 11:25 patients with ischemic stroke. All the patients were subjected to standardized clinical assessment, Glasgow coma scale [GCS] and Barthel Index [BI] at time of admission and after one week. Fasting blood sugar, Glycosylated hemoglobin [HbA Ic], serum potassium and sodium were measured at base line. Stress hyperglycemia was detected in 13[76%] of haemorrhagic stroke patients versus 4[24%] of ischemic stroke patients with statistical significant difference, p< 0.05. Hyponatremia was detected in 19[38%] of all stroke cases [11[22%] in haemorrhagic and 8[16%] in ischemic group]. No recorded cases with hypernatremia. Hypokalemia was detected in 4[8%] of all stroke patients [2 in each group]. Hyperkalemia was present in 14[28%] of all stroke patients [8]16%] in haemorrhagic and 6[12%] in ischemic group. There was statistical significant difference within each group as regard GCS1, GCS2, BI1, BI2 between patients with and without stress hyperglycemia and electrolyte disturbance, p<0.05. There was statistical significant difference in mortality rate between patients with and without stress hyperglycemia and electrolyte disturbance, p<0.05. Baseline hyperglycemia and electrolytes disturbances [hyponatremia, hyperkalemia and hypokalemia] are important prognostic factors related to outcome in stroke patients. Haemorrhagic stroke has more poor outcome than ischemic stroke which was related to male gender, smoking, higher BP, more frequent hyperglycemia and electrolytes disturbances. Lastly Ell < 60, GCSl< 8, hyperglycemia > 126, hyperkalemia and hyponatremia are independent predictors of poor outcome in stroke patients

Immunohistochemical evaluation of inflammatorychanges in soft palate and tongue base in patientswith multilevel obstructive sleep apnea

To asses the presence of inflammatory celP infilteration in the mucosa and musculature of the soft palate and tongue base in patients with multilevel obstructive sleep apnea. Biopsies were obtained from the soft palate mucosa and muscle and from the tongue base muscle of 21 patients with multilevel obstructive sleep apnea operated by uvulopalatopharyngoplasty and modified genioglossus advancement [16 men, 5 women; age range, 27-54 years] and from 10 control non smoker non snoring subjects. Specimens were examined for the expression of CD45, CD4, CDS and CD la markers using immunohistochemistry technique. Inflammatory cell infilteration in the obstructive Sleep apnea group are compared to those in control group. CD45 and CD4 markers expression were found to be significant in the mucosa and muscle of soft palate and in the muscle of tongue base. Significant expression of CDS marker was present only in the mucosa of soft palate but not in the musculature of soft palate or tongue base.CDla marker was not found to be significant in any of the specimens. The mucosa and muscle of the soft palate and the muscles of the tongue base showed prominent inflammatory cellular infiltration mainly in the form of T lymphocytes in patients with multilevel obstructive sleep apnea. These inflammatory cell infiltrations may play a role in the pathogenesis of Obstructive sleep apnea with reteopalatal and retroglossal airway collapse.The authors do not have any financial interest or any other conflict of interests

Study of single nucleotide polymorphism rs13266634 in zinc transporter solute carrier family 30, member 8 [SLC30AS] gene in type 2 diabetes patients resident in Ismailia city

Several genome-wide association studies identified a strong association of SLC30A8 with type 2 diabetes in individuals of European ancestry The effect of the association of rs 13266634 with type 2 diabetes or related glycemic traits has not been fully extended to non-European populations, and a comprehensive examination of common variants in the gene has not yet been carned out in our population. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association among the polymoiphisms of SLC30A8, and the risk of T2DM and to determine the presence and frequency of single nucleotide polymorphism [SNP] rs13266634 in SLC30A8 gene in T2D patients resident in Ismailia city. SLC30A8 SNP was genotyped using real time PCR allelic discrimination TaqMan assay. A case control study was conducted in 68 cases of type 2 diabetes [51 women and 17 men] and 29 control subjects [13 women and 16 men] from out-patients diabetic clinic of Suez Canal hospital and age and gender were matched. The SNP rs13266634 was evaluated in SLC30A8 C > T genotype. The genotypes of control subjects were 27[93%, CIT], 1 normal homozygot [3.5% C/C] and 1 mutant homozygous [3.5%, T/T]. In diabetic subjects, there were 58 subjects carriers of heterozygous [C/T. 85%], 6 normal homozygots [C/C, 9%] and 4 mutant homozygous [T/T, 6%]. There was significant difference in fasting blood glucose levels in control subjects compared to diabetic subjects' P<0.05, and between control carriers of[CT] genotype compared to genotype [CT] diabetic subjects' P<0.05, also there was significant associations between polymorphisms and the risk of type 2 diabetes in women or men, as there were significant associations in lipids profile [serum high density lipoprotein between control carrier CT genotype compared to diabetic subjects' carrier CT P<0.005, also we found significant difference in body mass index [BMI] between control and diabetic subjects' P<0.05. In addition, none of the SLC30A8 polymorphisms was significantly associated with the age and sex in the control and diabetic subjects. Also, we found higher non significant difference in triglyceride levels, total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels in diabetic subjects carrying the C/T genotype comparing to control subjects carrying the C/T genotype. In summary, the data in this study support substantial associations between the common SLC30A8 polymorphisms in gene and the risk of type 2 diabetes. Our results may provide evidence that SLC30A8 is a susceptible locus for type 2 diabetes in our population, and its variant can influence insulin secretion

Relaesable scleral flap suture in trabeculectomy: preliminary results of a new technique

To demonstrate a technique for a releasable scleral flap suture placed to reduce post-trabeculectomy complications. Under a fornix based conjunctival flap, a rectangular partial thickness scieral flap is fashioned. A scierostomy is made followed by a peripheral iridectomy and the scieral flap is secured. A trapezoid suture is then placed from the sciera across the scleral flap to exit on the corneal surface and then tightend under the conjunctival flap which is then secured. During the follow-up, this suture can be safely removed on the slit lamp if the lOP is high. If the lOP is ideal, the suture can be left in place. Immediate postoperative complications as flat anterior chamber and choroidal detachment didn't occur. The suture was removed only if the filtration was not sufficient and the lOP was high. The releasable scieral flap suture was effective in preventing post trabeculectomy complications. In addition, it can be easily removed on the slit lamp without the need to fish under the conjunctiva, or to search for equipments as lasers

Psychoimmunological aspect of systemic lupus erythematosus

To detect the most common psychiatric manifestations associated with systemic lupus Erythematosus. Also, to correlate between psychiatric manifestations and immunity. The study included 50 patients with systemic lupus, Including 40 subjects divided into 20 normal control and 20 subjects with depressive disorders who were subjected to Hamilton depression rating scale [HDRS], Minnesota MuItiphase Personality Inventory [MMPI], Immunological tests to detect immunogloblins IgG, IgM and antiribosomal P protein antibodies. The total frequency of antiribosomal antibodies in the group of SLE patients was [38%] compared to the group of control depression only one patient is strong positive while the group of normal control no persons are positive. All depressed patients had high serum level of IgG and 93.3% of the control normal had a higher level of IgG while 88% of the SLE patients had high lgG serum levels 28% of the SLE patients had high IgM serum levels compared to both groups of depression and control normal with no statistically significant. Also, there are non significant negative correlations between antiribosomal antibodies and paranoia, schizophrenia and non significant positive correlations between the antiribosomal antibodies and depression detected by NI MMPI. There are highly significant positive correlations between depression and the lgG. While there are significant negative correlations between the IgM and depression. There are statistically significant differences between SLE with psychiatric manifestations and SLE without psychiatric manifestations regarding HDRS and MMPI. There is high frequency of psychiatric manifestations in SLE patients and depression considered the most frequent psychiatric disorders in SLE patients. There are strong relation between disturbance in the immune system and psychiatric disorders proved by high level of immunogloblins in patients with depression. Also, there are high frequency of antiribosomal antibodies in patients of SLE but their relations with the development of psychiatric symptoms are still contradictory

Study of malondialdhyde, glutathione and superoxide dismutase in mild and severe preeclamptic womens

The cause of preeclampsia remains largely unknown, but oxidative stress and a generalized inflammatory state are features of the maternal syndrome. The aim of this work is to determine the role of free radicals and antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase and glutathione in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. This study was carried out on 65 females: 50 preeclamptic [25 mild preeclampsia and 25 severe preeclampsia] patients and 15 healthy normotensive pregnant females as control. All subjects were submitted to full history taking, general clinical examination, laboratory investigations including, measurements of plasma superoxide dismutase [SOD], erythrocyte glutathione [GSH], plasma malondialdehyde [MDA], serum cholesterol, serum triglyceride, serum HDLc,serum LDLc, and total proteins in urine. The study showed that SOD [p<0.001], GSH [p<0.001] and HDLc [p<0.001] levels are significantly lower in preeclampsia cases than control, while MDA [p<0.001], TG [p<0.001] and LDLc [p<0.001] levels are significantly higher in preeclampsia cases than control. There is no significant difference between control group and preeclampsia cases as regards to total cholesterol [p<0.05]. There is significant negative correlation between HDLc and MDA [p<0.05] in preeclampsia cases. It could be concluded be that hyperlipidemia, elevated lipid peroxides and decreased antioxidant capacity might be involved in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia

Effect of rifampicin as enzyme-inducing agent on some fertility parameters of male ablino rats

The effect of rifampicin " as enzyme-inducing agent " at intraperitoneal dose [25 mg/kg body wt.] for 3 successive months on plasma testosterone level and some seminal parameters were studied in adult male rats. Plasma testosterone concentration was significantly increased at the end of the 1[st] 2[nd] and 3[rd] month of rifampicin administration. An improvement in sperm cell concentration and sperm motility% were also recorded. The results of the present study indicate that rifampicin "as enzyme-inducing agent" may have an improvemental effect on some male fertility parameters which might be due to induction of testosterone biosynthesis and/or an increase in sex hormone binding globulin [SHBG] level

Complexes of vitamin B6 ternary complexes of Cu[2] with pyridoxamine and amino acids, DNA units or peptides

Equilibrium-based computer models were used to calculate the stability constants of the ternary complexes of CuII involving pyridoxamine [PM] as well as amino acids, DNA units or peptides, from the results of pH-metric data at 25 degree. It was concluded that PM would be the first compound bound to CuII, followed by ligation of the secondary ligand [amino acids, DNA or peptides]. Mixed ligand complexes of the general formula Cu [PM] L, where L = threonine, uracil and glycyl- glycine, were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, molar conductance, magnetic susceptibility, electronic spectra, IR, and X-ray diffraction measurements

Effects to mineral mixture fertilization on the mineral composition of whole wheat grain and milling products.

Treating wheat [Sakha 69] with a mineral when wheat seedling was 0.5 kg/fed. [acre] at 2 cm high seedlings increased Zn, Mn and Fe concentration in the grain thus enhancing the elemental values of wheat grain for humans. When applied at 2 cm height, the mineral mixture raised the flour Fe content. When applied at flowering, the mixture raised shorts Mn and Zn and flour Zn content. Mineral mixture applied when seedling was 2 cm high or at flowering raised shorts Ca and Fe and flours Ca levels. Using 1.0 kg/fed. mineral mixture treatment applied at both 2 cm height and flowering increased P contents of the wheat grains. When applied at high stage of growth, it increased flour Mn, shorts Ca and bran P and Ca contents. When the mixture was applied only at flowering, it increased bran Zn content. When supplied at both 2 cm height and during flowering, it increased shorts P and Zn and bran Mn content. The mineral mixture treatment supplied at 1.5 kg/fed. when seedling was 2 cm height raised flours P content, but at flowering raised bran Zn content

Complexation of some antibiotics with lanthanum [III]

The interaction of La [III] with some selected antibiotics e.g. ampicillin, cephalexin, cephradine, oxytetracycline and tetracycline were studied by potentiometric or pH titrations. The stability constants of different binary complexes formed in such system have been determined at 25 +/- 0.1 and an ionic strength [M] of 0.1 mol. 1-1 by using the computer program Miniquad. The results showed the formation of 1: 1 complexes together with the corresponding hydrolyzed species. The solid complexes were separated and their composition and structure were confirmed by elemental analysis, IR spectrometry and conductometric measurements. The results showed that the beta-lactam antibiotics act as bidentate ligands, coordinated to the La [III] through the amino and the carbonyl-groups of side chain

Search for aspergillus by indirect immunoflorescence in asthmatic patients

This study included 50 patients with bronchial asthma, Every patient was subjected to detailed history, clinical examination, chest plain X-ray, skin test using aspergillus fumigatus antigen, direct microscopic examination of sputum for aspergillus fumigatus, indirect lmmunofluorescence examination of sputum and simple spirometry. Incomplete combination of the criteria for the diagnosis of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis were observed in 1 case out of 50 asthmatic patients [2%]. The complete picture of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis were not fulfilled in any patient included in this study

Role of surgery in typhoid perforation

Thirty patients were admitted during the period 1980 till 1987 with perforation due to typhoid fever. Five patients were treated conservatively and 25 patients were subjected to operation with different procedures according to the general condition of the patient. Mortality and morbidity were much better after surgery