[ protective effect of quercetin and it nanocrystal on anxiety-like behaviors induced by animal model of Alzheimer's disease]

Introduction: Alzheimer is a neurodegenerative disease which is characterized by progressive memory loss, diminished cognitive ability and behavioral disturbances such as anxiety-like behaviors. Quercetin is a polyphenolic compound with antioxidant and neuroprotective effects

Objective: purpose of this study is evaluated anxiolytic effect of quercetin and its nanocrystal in model of Alzheimer's disease

Methods: in this experimental study, forty-nine male rats were randomly divided into seven groups, as follows: control group [intact rats], vehicle [received distilled water orally and intrcerebroventricullary], disease [received 10microg/rat STZ intracerebroventricularly and distilled water orally] and disease treated groups [received quercetin and its nanocrystal at doses of 10 and 25 mg/kg/day orally for four weeks after injection of STZ]. Elevated plus maze [EPM] test was used to assess anxiety-like behaviors

Results: results indicated that icv-STZ injection significantly decrease percent of open arm times [%OAT] and percent of open arm enters [%OAE] in the EPM test [P<0.001] and treatment with the quercetin and its nanocrystal significantly increased these behavioral indexes in the end of third and fourth weeks [P<0.001]. Furthermore, treatment with quercetin nanocrystal increased %OAT and %OAE more than the quercetin

Conclusion: this study showed the protective effect of quercetin and its nanocrystal in the prevention of anxiogenic-like behaviors induced by Alzheimer's model of rat and treatment with quercetin nanocrystal was more effective than quercetin

[Prevalence of fatty liver in overweight, ohese and normal children]

Background and Objective: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is the most common cause of liver disease worldwide and it is defined as a disorder of excess fat accumulation in the liver. This study | was done to determine the prevalence of fatty liver among overweight, obese and normal children

Methods: This historical cohort study was conducted on 90 children ages 5 to 13 years old in Taleghani pediatric theching hospital in Gorgan, north of Iran during 2014. Subjects according to Body Mass Index [BMI] classified into obese [95%>BMI], over weight [85-95% BMI] and normal [5-85% BMI]. Childern were matched for age and sex. Liver enzymes [ALT Alanine aminotransferase and AST [Aspartate aminotransferase] and lipid profile includingTriglyceride: TG [High Density Lipoprotein: HDL and [Low Density Lipoprotein: LDL were measured and fatty liver evaluated based on sonographic parameters by a radiologist who didnot know children's BMI

Results: The prevalence of fatty liver was 23.3% in obese children that was non- significantly higher j than normal [16.7%] and over weight [16.7%] children. The prevalence of fatty liver was not] significantly different between two sexes. AST was significantly higher in children with normal BMI j in compared to obese and over weight children [P<0.05]. The highest and lowest level of cholesterol J was seen in obese and normal children [P<0.05]

Conclusion: This study showed that the prevalence of fatty liver non-significantly was higher u] obese children in comparision with normal and over weight children

comparison of [TIM] gene of Giardia lamblia in laboratory animals and human and the importance of cross transmission probability in Iran

Giardia has the ability to infect many mammals including dogs, cats, deer, mice, ground squirrels, chinchillas, swine, rabbits, pocket mice, oxen, guinea pigs, and humans. Giardia lamblia [also Giardia duodenalis G.intes-tinalis] isolates have been variably divided into two or three genotypes by different investigators, and each group can be divided into subgroups. We have compared the triosephosphate isomerase [tpi] sequences of these genotypes by polymerase chain reaction- restriction fragment length polymorphism [PCR-RFLP] to determine G.lambia genotype in Iran for the first time. In this study, 4 sets of primers were used in which 2 sets were designed by other investigator, and 2 sets were designed by the authors of the present study to confirm the results of the first two primers and also to differentiate the subgroups. Among Giardia isolates, 2/10 and 1/19 of PCR-RFLP of rabbit and mouse respectively amplified with primer PM290. There is evidence that suggests that direct transmission from companion animals to human does occur. Zoonosis is controversial regarding Giardia; however, most researchers believe that its zoonotic potential merits adequate precaution when working with feces of animals that may be infected

[In Vitro Evuluation of Flow and Working Time of AH PIus Alone and in Combinution with Amoxicillin und Triple Antibiotic Paste]

Background and Aim: Some researchers have attempted to enhance the antibacterial properties of sealers byaddition of antibiotics while this may affect their physical properties.The purpose of this in vitro study was to comparethe working time and flow of AH Plus sealer alone and in combination with amoxicillin and triple antibiotic paste [TAP]

Materials and Methods: This in vitro study assessed the flow and working time of AH Plus alone [control group] and in combination with amoxicillin and TAP in 1%, 5%, 10% and 25%concentrationsaccording to ANSI/ADA specification NO. 57. The data were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey's test.

Results: Statistically significant differences were noted in the flow and working time of control group with those of different concentrations of TAp in combination with sealer [p<0.0001].]. The working time decreased by an increase inthe concentration of TAp. The AH Plus/ 1% TAP and AH Plus/5% TAP showed higher flow than the control group. The AH plus /1% amoxicillin, AH Plus/5% amoxicillinand AH Plus/l0% TAPhad a flow similar to that of the control group. Other groups showed lower flow than the control group.

Conclusion: All the alterations in the physical properties of AH Plus sealer in combination with amoxicillin and TAPwere within the ANSI/ADA specification NO 57 standard range.

[Effect of triple antibiotic paste on bond strength of composite to dentin:an in vitro study]

Considering the increasing use of antibiotics in root canal therapy and the possible effects of intracanal medicaments on the bond strength of composite restorations, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of triple antibiotic paste on shear bond strength of three types of composite resins to dentin.In this in-vitro, experimental study, the enamel of 60 extracted premolars was ground parallel to the longitudinal axis of the teeth in order to produce flat dentin surfaces [5 mm[2] minimum surface area]. The samples were divided into six groups. In the control group, dentin surfaces were stored in saline solution and in the experimental groups, dentin surfaces were exposed to triple antibiotic paste for 10 days. After washing and drying, Single Bond was applied for dentin bond to Z100 and Z350 composites. Adhesive resin was used for bond to to P90 composite. Composites were applied on the dentin surfaces in six groups and cured in four directions. The shear bond strength was measured by Instron machine. The data were analyzed by t-test, one-way ANOVA and Tukey's test. The highest mean shear bond strength was found in Z350 composite group following the use of triple antibiotic paste [38.75 MPa] and the lowest mean strength was found in Z100 composite group following the use of triple antibiotic paste [14.64 MPa]. The mean shear bond strength of P90 and Z100 composites [in contrast to Z350 composite] was higher in the saline compared to the triple antibiotic paste groups [P=0.1]. The differences between saline and antibiotic groups were not significant [P=0.959] but the difference in this regard among the three types of composites was significant.The results of this study showed that use of triple antibiotic paste has no effect on the shear bond strength of composite to dentin but the type of composite significantly affects the shear bond strength

[Clinical accuracy of lpex apex locator for measurement of root canal length of primary molars]

Radiography is the most commonly used technique for root canal length determination; but its application in pedodontics is difficult due to problems namely the radiation hazards, superimposition of permanent teeth buds and uncooperative children. Electronic apex locator [EAL] is used for determination of root canal length. The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of an Electronic Apex Locator [Ipex] in measuring the root canal length of primary teeth in-vivo. This clinical study was conducted on 50 root canals of primary teeth that had to be extracted. After local anesthesia induction and caries removal, access cavities were prepared and the length of root canals was measured using Ipex Electronic Apex Locator. After the extraction of teeth, the actual length of canals was measured using a #15 K file from a reference point. Data were analyzed using paired t-test and intra-class correlation coefficient. The accuracy of Ipex was 20% for accurate determination of actual root canal length, 66% for estimation within +/- 0.5mm of the apex and 80% for estimation within +/- 1mm of the apex. Paired t-test revealed a significant difference between the actual root canal length and the length displayed by Ipex [P<0.001]. A direct strong correlation existed between the length measured by Ipex and the actual root canal length [r=0.957] Ipex had a tendency to underestimate the actual root canal length. Since the working length is shorter than the actual root canal length, Ipex may be used for endodontic treatment of primary teeth

[Evaluation of training competency of health care workers in training clients and patients]

Examining the training competency of the health care workers in training their clients and patients can lead to identification of the training problems, improving training qualities, and promoting the health of society as a whole. The current study which was conducted in the city of Mashhad aimed to determine the training competency of the urban health care workers in training the clients referring to these centers. In this cross sectional-descriptive study, 250 health care workers at Mashhad s' urban health care centers were enrolled in the study using probability sampling. Data collection instrument was a researcher-made questionnaire consisting of two parts; demographic data and training competency status. Data were analyzed using SPSSv.16 software and descriptive statistical tests [Frequency and cumulative frequency] and analytical tests [Spearman, correlative tests, Independent t-test, one way variance analysis]. Significant level of difference was considered for measuring difference between demographic and training competency [P<0.05]. The results of the study indicated that the training competency of 159 workers [5.63%] in health care centers were good and acceptable, and there was a significant difference between training competency of workers and individual differences such as work experience, age, educational degree, employment status, and job satisfaction of health workers. There were also significant differences between courses taken by the health workers to promote their educational level and educational workshops based on promoting educational skills and training competency [P<0.05]. Although the training competency of health workers were very good, competency in areas such as training skills, development, performance, and professional responsibility were not satisfactory. Results of the current study provided appropriate data about training competency of the workers for managers of health care centers. Since the status of training competency of the workers can be assessed by managers and clients, it is suggested that for gaining more comprehensive information, training competency of the health workers be examined from the managers and clients point of view

[Comparison of emotional intelligence, body-image and quality of life between the patients seeking rhinoplasty and control group]

Nowadays, the tendency towards cosmetic surgery especially rhinoplasty is increasing in our society. Prediction of patients' satisfaction after surgery depends on psychological characteristics of the patients. The purpose of this study was to compare emotional intelligence, body image and quality of life between the patients seeking rhinoplasty [before surgery] and control group. The method of this study was based on ex post facto. The study sample was selected from two non-governmental plastic surgery clinics in Arak City during a six-month period [from October 2010 to April 2011]. 80 patients seeking rhinoplasty were selected by simple sampling method and compared to 80 people who were accompanying these patients. These groups were matched in relation to age, sex and marital status. Each group consisted of 40 men and 40 women. Also variables of this study were measured by use of Shiring emotional intelligence Questionnaire, quality of life [sf-36] questionnaire and Multidimensional Body-Image Relations Questionnaire [MBSRQ]. Data analysis was performed by t-test for the two independent groups. The results showed that the scores of social skills and appearance evaluation were significantly lower and score of appearance investment was significantly higher in the patients seeking rhinoplasty in comparison to the control group. This study showed that patients seeking rhinoplasty had inadequate social skills, low score for appearance evaluation and high appearance investment

Extracranial and transcranial doppler sonography alterations in diabetic and non-diabetic patients with thrombotic stroke

Diabetes is a major risk factor for stroke. Some studies have shown that difference between clinical signs and prognosis in diabetic patients with stroke compared to non-diabetic patients with stroke is due to difference in pattern of cerebral vascular involvement. This study was done to compare the findings of extracranial and transcranial doppler sonography in diabetic and nondiabetic patients with thrombotic stroke. This case - control study was done on 70 diabetic patients and 70 non-diabetic patients with thrombotic stroke. All patients were new cases. Extracranial and transcranial Doppler sonography was performed for all subjects. Basilar artery stenosis was significantly more frequent in diabetic cases in comparison with non-diabetic patients [P<0.05]. The prevalenc of posterior circulation stenosis in diabetic patients was significantly higher than non-diabetic patients [P<0.05]. In diabetic patients, stenosis in vertebrobasilar circulation was more frequent. Higher morbidity and mortality in diabetic patients may be due to vascular stenosis pattern

Differential detection of echinococcus Spp. copro-DNA by nested-PCR in domestic and wild definitive hosts in moghan plain, Iran

Despite Echinococcus granulosus there are merely two old reports of E. multilocularis infection among Iranian canids of Moghan Plain, the only area known endemic for the species. We detected specific DNA markers in fecal samples by PCR [Copro-PCR] for differential diagnosis of Echinococcus species in living canids. Totally 144 fecal samples from domestic dogs, red foxes and a golden jackal were examined for genus-specific Echinococcus coproantigens using ELISA. Forty two positive or ambiguous samples were further examined for Echinococcus species-specific DNA markers by two different set of nested-PCR. Twenty five out of 144 [17.4%] animals were contaminated with E. granulosus including 14 [23.7%] domestic dogs, 10 [11.9%] red foxes and one [100%] golden jackal. But none of them harboured E. multilocularis species-specific Copro-DNA. The overall prevalence of E. granulosus and E. multilocularis infections in canids of the area was estimated to be 17.4% and 0.0%, respectively. There was a significant relation between the results of Copro-PCR and CA-ELISA. The lack of E. multilocularis infection, compared to previous reports may be due to the differences in used diagnostic methods and/or recently limited territories of wild canids and altered their food resources in this particular area

Designing a minimum data set for breast cancer: a starting point for breast cancer registration in Iran

Due to the high incidence of deaths from breast cancer, high cost of treatment and limited resources, the need to formulate and implement effective programs in reducing the burden of disease is obvious. Care, control and creation of cancer information system having an infrastructure from collection of minimum data sets [MDS] are the top priorities of research in Iran's Ministry of Health. This is an applied descriptive research with comparative approach implemented in 2010. MDS for breast cancer on selected countries were searched and reviewed and proposed model based on the country's need was designed. Research data were implemented in 2 stages; assessment of MDS on selected countries and the validation of the proposed model through several meetings that has been carried out by the Undersecretary for Research and Technology and several oncologists and pathologists. The MDS is composed of 11 parameters in the form of fields in closed structured arrangements with consideration to coding responses. These parameters include: hospital data, demography, referral, physical examination and investigation, diagnostic information, pathology, treatment, palliative care, completion of primary treatment, clinical trials and follow-up. This form is available for use in the cancer registry database. MDS provides an opportunity to strengthen communication between performed researches and research results for the improvement of programs, policies and strategies and provides positive effect on equality in the health system. Although the stages of creating the MDS for breast cancer has been successful, but many challenges has been met until its completion

[Simultaneous phacoemulsification and graft refractive surgery in post-penetrating keratoplasty eyes]

To report the outcomes of graft refractive surgery [GRS] together with clear-cornea phacoemulsification and intraocular lens [IOL] implantation in post-penetrating keratoplasty [PKP] eyes. Fourteen eyes of 13 patients who had received PKP underwent simultaneous GRS [relaxing incisions with or without counter-quadrant compression sutures] and clear-cornea phacoemulsification with IOL implantation. To calculate IOL power, preoperative keratometry readings and the SRK-T formula were used. Mean patient age and follow-up period were 50.5 +/- 14.4 years and 14.6 +/- 7.1 months, respectively. A significant increase was observed in best spectacle-corrected visual acuity [from 0.55 +/- 0.18 logMAR to 0.33 +/- 0.18 logMAR, P=0.001]. There was a significant decrease in vector keratometric astigmatism by 6.22 D [P=0.03]. Spherical equivalent refraction was reduced from -3.31 +/- 3.96 D to -1.69 +/- 2.38 D [P=0.02] which did not significantly differ from the target refraction [-0.76 +/- 0.14 D, P=0.20]. No complications developed and all the grafts remained clear at the final examination. Simultaneous phacoemulsification and GRS is a safe and effective method to address post-PKP astigmatism and lens opacity. IOL power can be calculated from preoperative keratometry readings with an acceptable accuracy. However, patients should be informed about the possibility of high refractive errors postoperatively

[Comparison of stress between endodontists, postgraduate and undergraduate students during endodontic therapy]

Endodontic therapy is considered as one of the most stressful dental treatments. This study was designed with the aim of comparing stress levels during different stages of endodontic treatment among endodontic professionals under- and post-graduate students. In this ex-post facto investigation, three groups including professional endodontists [n=36], undergraduate [n=41] and postgraduate dental students [n=47] were involved by convenience sampling. A questionnaire including 48 items, with five-point scales [very few to very much], was prepared for this study based on interview. The questionnaire was filled out by participants in a self report method. Data were analyzed by multivariate analysis of variance and Scheffe's post - hoc tests. The stress among undergraduate dental students in all fields were more than those of professionals and postgraduate dental students, except for the stress of local anesthetic injection with lidocaine. Stress levels of all three groups were significantly different in inferior alveolar block injections with lidocaine, with professionals having more stress than under- and post- graduate dental students. The most stressful aspect of endodontic treatment, among the three groups was canal obturation, followed by obturation of the molar canals, preparing molar access cavities in special conditions and taking the final radiographs. The suggested methods offered for occupational stress reduction, was experience and knowledge, adequate knowledge, concentration and self confidence, and trust to God, respectively. The stress among under graduate dental students in all fields was more than professionals and post graduate dental students, except for the stress of local anesthetic injections with lidocaine

[Effect of different polishing methods and composite resin thickness on temperature rise of composite restorative materials]

Along with improvements in aesthetics and longevity of restorations, finishing and polishing, can produce potentially injurious temperature rise within the pulp chamber. The purpose of the current study was to find whether different polishing methods and thickness of composites have any effect on temperature rise of composite restorative materials. Sixty composite resin specimens 9 mm in diameter were prepared and assigned to three experimental groups with three sample thicknesses [2, 3 and 4mm]. Each group was divided into four subgroups randomly. Polishing in subgroups 1 and 2 [continuous and intermittent dry polishing] and subgroups 3 and 4 [continuous and intermittent wet polishing] was carried out with a slow speed contra-angle hand piece at a medium speed for 120 seconds in a roll on motion. Immediately after polishing, temperature was measured on the top and bottom surface of each sample using a laser thermometer. One and two way ANOVA, Duncan, and paired T-test was used to analyze the data. The mean temperature rise after polishing in different methods was significant; continuous dry polishing produced the maximum temperature rise. In addition, increasing the thickness of composite resin up to 4mm did not significantly affect thermal transfer from the top surface to the base during polishing. Copious use of water coolant during finishing and polishing procedures is considered a simple and effective method for pulpal protection. Increasing the thickness of composite resin does not have a significant role in compensating the heat generated during polishing procedure

[Effect of oral vitamin c on anemia, uremia and blood pressure in patients with chronic renal failure receiving hemodialysis]

Vitamin C deficiency is a common in hemodialysis patients. Evidences indicated that oxidative stress is associated with Vitamin C deficiency. Oxidative stress plays an important role in the progression of anemia, uremia and hypertension in the patients with chronic renal failure that receiving hemodialysis. The purpose of this study was to determine the vitamin C effects on systolic blood pressure, hemoglobin, hematocrit, blood urea and creatinine. In a randomized clinical trials with registry number IRCT:2387 in Emam Reza and Besat University Hospitals in 2009, fifty six hemodialysis patients who met the inclusion criteria were selected by simple randomization method. These subjects were divided in two groups randomly: The experimental group who received oral vitamin C 250 mg, three times per week until two months. The amounts of blood pressure, hemoglobin, hematocrit, blood urea and creatinine tests were compared before and after the intervention. Finally the results were analyzed statically with T test by considered P-value less than 0.05. The level of hemoglobin and blood pressure was higher in experimental compared to control not significantly. While the blood urea and creatinine was insignificantly lower after intervention. These results show a statistical significance difference due to increasing of hematocrit level by using of oral vitamin C [P<0.05]. There is association between supplementation with oral vitamin C in hemodialysis patient and systolic blood pressure, hemoglobin, hematocrit, blood urea and creatinine. Therefore further studies are needed to determine the clinical benefits of antioxidants interventions in hemodialysis patients

Experimental study of smear layer and debris remaining following the use of four root canal preparation systems using scanning electron microscopy

Since the use of rotary nickel titanium instruments is an essential part of endodontic treatment, it is important to compare the root canal cleaning ability of these instruments. The aim of this study was to compare the amount of smear layer and debris remaining following the use of four rotary instruments: MTwo, Pro Taper, Race and BioRaCe. A total of 20 mesiobuccal canals of extracted human first molars with apical root curvature of 10 to 20 were selected. Working length of all roots was 19 mm. The roots were randomly divided into four groups of 30 specimens. After the preparation of access cavity, the roots were instrumented using rotary instruments according to the manufacturer's instructions. After each file, the root canal was irrigated with 2.5%sodium hypochlorite. Then the roots were studied under scanning electron microscope. The smear layer and debris scoreswere evaluated by 2 endodontistsusingSchafer and Schlingemannclassification. Kruskal -Wallis and Dunn tests were used for statistical analysis of results. The amount of smear layer produced by MTwo was lower than the other instrumentation techniques and it was significantly lower than that in BioRaCe system [p<0.05]. The amount of debris was also lower in the mentioned group but the difference in this respect between groups was not significant. BioRaCe system had the highest level of remained smear layer while Pro Taper had the highest amount of remained debris. Within the limitations of this study, it was revealed that MTwo instruments had greater capability of removing smear layer and debris than theBioRaCe system

[Optimization of expression, extraction and purification of the N-terminal region of ipaD gene in Shigella dysenteriae by proteomics analysis]

Shigella dysenteriae is one of the most important pathogens which in spite of many attempts vaccine preparation, extended researches are still in the way, Transport and surface expression of the invasion plasmid antigens [IpaD proteins] have essential role in the pathogenicity of Shigella spp. IpaD has been one of the most important proteins for Shigella vaccine candidate. Studies have shown that N - terminal region of this protein has a key role in the pathogen city and invasion. This study was done to evaluate the optimization of N-terminal region of Ipad in order to increase the production of recombinant protein. In this experimental labortary study, desired region of IpaD cloned in vector pET-28a [+]. For confirming cloning procedure, standard tests were performed. The effect of IPTG concentration, temperature and induction times on the level of protein expression were evaluated by SDS-PAGE, qualitatively. The gels were evaluated with 2-D gel analysis software [Melanie 7]. The recombinant protein was extracted by Urea and eventually purificated with affinity chromatography column. SDS-PAGE analysis showed that approximately the same amount of recombinant protein is expressed at different times, but software analysis proved that the optimized condition for the expression of recombinant protein was in the final concentration of 0.7 mM of IPTG, 37°C and 3 hours induction. According to the results every protein has its own expression after the homogenization process, and the temperature and the cells induction time length are more effective in the amount of protein production

[Microbiological factors in burn wound infection in patients hospitalized in Zanjan]

Burns are one of the factors that not only damage the skin but also are associated with bacterial infections. Immune suppression, delay in referring patients to hospital, length of stay in hospital, invasive diagnostic and therapeutic procedures are of the most factors causing burn injuries to be exposed to multiple infections. The aim of current cross sectional analytic descriptive study was to investigate microbial agents that cause burn infections in patients hospitalized due to burns in Hospital of Ayatollah Mosavi in Zanjan, Iran [2010]. Seventy patients were selected randomly in this study. Data were collected as follow: a] Questionnaires which contained demographic information of the patients and information related to burns. B] Check list for recording burn- wound infection symptoms. C] A special sheet for recording burn wound culture results conducted through wound swabs. Wounds were observed daily and the presence and absence of signs of infection were recorded. Data were analyzed by SPSS and chisquare test. P<0.05 was considered significant. In 68.6% patients have found infections. The culture test showed that main microbial germ that causing wound infection was Pseudomonas. The wound results showed that there were a significant relationship between wound positive culture and the time patients referred to hospital and self-treatment before hospitalization. The most common cause of burns was fire [54.3%] and hot water [40%] respectively. Regarding the results of this study, pseudomonas was the main cause of wound infections. As it is resistance to most antibiotic treatments, there is a vital need for preventing the spread of infection in hospitalized patients

[Indications for corneal transplantation at labbafinejad medical center]

To investigate indications and methods of surgery in corneal transplantation in Labbafinejad medical center from 2007 to 2009. Records of 1083 patients who had undergone corneal transplantation from 2007 to 2009 were reviewed. Age, sex and indication and type of surgery were evaluated. Patients included 709 [65.5%] male and 374 [34.5%] female subjects with mean age of 43.2 +/- 10.2 year [range, 17 days to 33 years] keratoconus [36.7%] was the most common indication followed by cataract extraction with or without IOL insertion [12.8%]; corneal ulcers due to bacterial, fungal and acanthamoba infections [11.7%]; non herpetic scar and opacities [7.4%]; trachoma keratopathy [5.6%]; corneal dystrophy [4.6%] and mustard gas keratopathy [4%]. The most common type of surgery was penetrating keratoplasty [56.2%] followed by deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty [24.5], tectonic grafts [9.4%], lamellar keratoplasty [3.4%], endothelial graft [3.5%] and keratolimbal allograft without penetrating keratoplasty [3.1%]. During this 3 years period, keratoconus was still the most common indication for corneal transplantation but rate of regraft is increasing in comparison with previous reports. Corneal edema following cataract surgery with or without intraocular lens implantation was the second most common indication. Rate of endothelial grafts and keratolimbal alografts have increased since our previous reports

[Outcomes of conjunctival-limbal autograft in unilateral total limbal stem cell deficiency]

To report the outcomes of conjunctival-limbal autograft [CLAU] in patients with unilateral total limbal stem cell deficiency [LSCD] emphasizing surgical problems, complications, and their management. In this prospective interventional case series, CLAU combined with amniotic membrane transplantation as a graft was performed on 26 patients with unilateral total LSCD due to chemical or thermal injuries. Penetrating keratoplasty [PKP] was performed on eyes with dense corneal opacification. Main outcome measures were visual acuity, corneal transparency and vascularization, and complications. Optical PKP was performed on 18 eyes. Best spectacle-corrected visual acuity [BCVA] was 2.28 +/- 0.45 LogMAR before CLAU which improved to 0.64 +/- 0.52 LogMAR and 0.35 +/- 0.13 LogMAR at final follow-up in eyes with and without PKP, respectively. Corneal transparency and vascularization, which were graded as 4+ before surgery, improved to a mean of 1.7 +/- 0.8 and 2.1 +/- 0.7 three months after surgery. Mean epithelial healing time was 8.8 +/- 4.1 [range 5 to 20] days. Longer healing occurred in 5 eyes due to small lenticules [n=2], exposure [n=2], and conjunctival encroachment [n=1]. Mean healing period for epithelial defects over PKP was 8.8 +/- 5.5 [range 4 to 14] days. Persistent epithelial defects occurred in 8 cases with cut lenticules [n=2], small-sized lenticules [n=2], and chronic exposure [n=4]. Lenticule-related complications were thick lenticules [n=4], conjunctival mantle encroachment [n=2], dislodging [n=4], progressive thinning [n=2], small size [n=3], and accidental trephination [n=2]. CLAU combined with AMT with or without PKP is effective in anatomical and visual rehabilitation of eyes with unilateral total LSCD. This procedure increases corneal transparency and decreases vascularization. The lenticules should be handled carefully in order to avoid most common lenticule-related complications