Selective Separation and Preconcentration of Caffeine from Natural and Pharmaceutical Products using New Polyurethane Foams

Abstract Two polyurethane foam-based sorbents (PUF) were synthesized by imprinting and grafting techniques and examined for selective separation and preconcentration of caffeine (CAF) in some pharmaceutical products and in black tea. Molecularly imprinted PUF was synthesized based on hydrogen-bonding interactions between CAF and alizarin yellow G (AYG) and subsequent polymerization into PUF. The static experiments indicated optimum sorption conditions at pH=6.5 and 5.5 for imprinted PUF (AY-IPUF) and grafted PUF (AY-GPUF), respectively. In the online experiments, the suitable preconcentration time was found to be 40 and 20s for (AY-IPUF) and (AY-GPUF), respectively, at a flow rate of 1.75 mL.min-1. Desorption of CAF has been affected by passing 500 µL of 0.05, 0.01 mol.L−1 HCl eluent onto (AY-IPUF) and (AY-GPUF), respectively. The online methods have provided satisfactory enrichment factors of 8.4 and 10.5 for (AY-IPUF) and (AY-GPUF), respectively. The time consumed for preconcentartion, elution and determination steps was 1.48 and 1.05 min, thus, the throughput was 42 and 57 h-1, for (AY-IPUF) and (AY-GPUF), respectively. The developed sorbents were studied for the determination of CAF in pharmaceutical samples which will be helpful to minimize caffeinism. Finally, in silico bioactivity, ADMET and drug-likeness predictive computational studies of caffeine were also carried out

Dexmedetomidine during suprazygomatic maxillary nerve block for pediatric cleft palate repair, randomized double-blind controlled study

Background@#For children with cleft palates, surgeries at a young age are necessary to reduce feeding or phonation difficulties and reduce complications, especially respiratory tract infections and frequent sinusitis. We hypothesized that dexmedetomidine might prolong the postoperative analgesic duration when added to bupivacaine during nerve blocks. @*Methods@#Eighty patients of 1-5 years old were arbitrarily assigned to two equal groups (forty patients each) to receive bilateral suprazygomatic maxillary nerve blocks. Group A received bilateral 0.2 mL/kg bupivacaine (0.125%; maximum volume 4 mL/side). Group B received bilateral 0.2 mL/kg bupivacaine (0.125%) + 0.5 µg/kg dexmedetomidine (maximum volume 4 mL/side). @*Results@#The modified children’s hospital of Eastern Ontario pain scale score was significantly lower in group B children after 8 hours of follow-up postoperatively (P < 0.001). Mean values of heart rate and blood pressure were significantly different between the groups, with lower mean values in group B (P < 0.001). Median time to the first analgesic demand in group A children was 10 hours (range 8-12 hr), and no patients needed analgesia in group B. The sedation score assessment was higher in children given dexmedetomidine (P = 0.03) during the first postoperative 30 minutes. Better parent satisfaction scores (5-point Likert scale) were recorded in group B and without serious adverse effects. @*Conclusions@#Addition of dexmedetomidine 0.5 μg/kg to bupivacaine 0.125% has accentuated the analgesic efficacy of bilateral suprazygomatic maxillary nerve block in children undergoing primary cleft palate repair with less postoperative supplemental analgesia or untoward effects.

Lipoxygenase inhibitors flavonoids from Cyperus rotundus aerial parts

ABSTRACT Cyperus rotundus L. (Suada, Sueda, family: Cyperaceae) is vastly spread in several world's subtropical and tropical regions. It had variable traditional uses and bioactivities. A new flavonol derivative: cyperaflavoside (myricetin 3,3',5'-trimethyl ether 7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside) and five flavonoids: vitexin, orientin, cinaroside, quercetin 3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, and myrcetin 3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside were separated from the methanolic extract of C. rotundus aerial parts. Their structures were verified based on UV, IR, NMR (1D and 2D), HRESIMS, and comparison with literature. All metabolites were assessed for their 5-lipoxygenase inhibitory potential. All compounds possessed 5-lipoxygenase inhibitory potentials with IC50s 5.1, 4.5, 5.9, 4.0, 3.7, and 2.3 µM, respectively, in comparison to indomethacin (IC50 0.98 µM). These results supported the traditional uses of C. rotundus in treating inflammation and its related symptoms.

Comparative study of levobupivacaine and bupivacaine for bilateral maxillary nerve block during pediatric primary cleft palate surgery: a randomized double-blind controlled study / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Cleft lip and palate are common major congenital anomalies. Cleft palate (CP) repair causes pain and needs large doses of intravenous opioids. The risk of postoperative airway obstruction or respiratory depression is high, requiring continuous and vigilant monitoring. The primary outcome was to evaluate the efficacy of using different local anesthetics during bilateral maxillary nerve block (MNB) with general anesthesia on quality of recovery after primary CP repair. We hypothesized that levobupivacaine would be better than bupivacaine. Also, to investigate the potency of bilateral MNB in improving quality of postoperative analgesia. METHODS: Sixty children undergoing primary CP repair surgery were enrolled in the study. Combined general anesthesia and regional bilateral MNB were used for all patients. Group L (n = 30): children received 0.15 ml/kg of 0.2% levobupivacaine, while in Group B (n = 30): children received 0.15 ml/kg of 0.2% bupivacaine. RESULTS: Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, and Consolability pain score readings were 0 score in 7 cases of the Group L and 10 cases of Group B, 1 score in 14 cases of the Group L and 12 cases of Group B, and 2 score in 9 cases of the Group L and 8 cases of Group B. We found no statistically significant difference between the two study groups as regarding pain score or serious complications. CONCLUSIONS: Levobupivacaine is as effective and safe as bupivacaine to be used for MNB block with a lower incidence of complications. Bilateral suprazygomatic MNB is an effective, easy, and safe method for pain relief in children undergoing primary cleft palate repair surgeries.

Thyroid function/antibodies in sudanese women with polycystic ovarian disease

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate thyroid function and hormonal profile in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). METHODS: A case-control study was conducted at Saad Abualila Center, Khartoum, Sudan. The cases were women with confirmed PCOS based on Rotterdam criteria. The controls were infertile women with no evidence of PCOS. The socio-demographic characteristics and medical history were gathered using a questionnaire. Thyroid hormones (thyroid-stimulating hormone, free tri-iodothyronine, and free thyroxine), anti-thyroid peroxidase, and anti-thyroglobulin antibodies were measured. RESULTS: While there were no significant differences in the age and haemoglobin levels of the two studied groups (55 women in each arm), body mass index was significantly higher in women with PCOS. There were no significant differences in the levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone/follicle stimulating hormone, anti-thyroid peroxidase, anti-thyroglobulin antibodies, cholesterol, triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol between the cases and the controls. The mean±standard deviation of free tri-iodothyronine (3.50±0.2 vs. 3.38±0.3 pg/mL, P=0.040) and median (interquartile) high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (37.0 [34.0 to 42.0] vs. 35.80 [29.0 to 41.0] mg/dL, P=0.015) were significantly higher in PCOS patients compared with the control group. In linear regression, PCOS (0.151 pg/mL, P=0.023) and anti-thyroid peroxidase levels (-0.078 pg/mL, P=0.031) were significantly associated with free tri-iodothyronine. CONCLUSION: Free tri-iodothyronine was a significantly higher among PCOS patients compared with the control group.

Hunter Syndrome.

he mini review of Hunter syndrome aimed to explore etiology, incidence, clinical manifestations, diagnosis and treatment by reviewing recent literatures. Hunter syndrome (mucopolysaccharidosis II: MPS II) is a genetic lysosomal storage disease which is rare, It's caused by deficiency of the enzyme iduronate-2-sulfatase (I2S). Initial manifestations of Hunter syndrome are not present at birth, but often begin around ages of 2 to 4, which may include macrocephaly, thickened lips, facial features with typical coarseness like a prominent forehead, a nose with a flattened bridge, and an enlarged protruded tongue, cardiomyopathy, bone deformities, Mongolian spots over the buttocks and neurologic deficits. Hunter syndrome is commonly diagnosed by urine test for glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). Management of MPS II involves palliative treatment, or hematopoietic stem cell therapy (HSCT) which is more effective at an early stage than the enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) by Idursulfase. Intrathecal ERT is under clinical trial and fusion protein treatments, and gene therapy is under development.

efficacy of three medicinal plants; garlic, ginger and mirazid and a chemical drug metronidazole against cryptosporidium parvum: II- histological changes

Cryptosporidiosis parvum is a zoonotic protozoan parasite infects intestinal epithelial cells of man and animals causing a major health problem. This study was oriented to evaluate the protective and curative capacity of garlic, ginger and mirazid in comparison with metronidazole drug [commercially known] against Cryptosporidium in experimental mice. Male Swiss Albino mice experimentally infected with C. parvum were treated with medicinal plants extracts [Ginger, Mirazid, and Garlic] as compared to chemical drug Metronidazole. Importantly, C. parvum- infected mice treated with ginger, Mirazid, garlic and metronidazole showed a complete elimination in shedding oocysts by 9[th] day PI. The reduction and elimination of shedding oocysts in response to the treatments might be attributable to a direct effect on parasite growth in intestines, sexual phases production and/ or the formation of oocysts. The results were evaluated histopathological examination of ileum section of control mice [uninfected, untreated] displayed normal architecture of the villi. Examination of infected mice ileum section [infected, untreated] displayed histopathological alterations from uninfected groups. Examination of ileum section prepared from mice treated with garlic, ginger, mirazid, and metronidazole displayed histopathological alterations from that of the control groups, and showed marked histologic correction in the pattern with the four regimes used in comparison to control mice. Garlic successfully eradicated oocysts of infected mice from stool and intestine. Supplementation of ginger to infected mice markedly corrected elevation in the inflammatory risk factors and implied its potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory capabilities. Infected mice treated with ginger, mirazid, garlic and metronidazole showed significant symptomatic improvements during treatment

Genotyping and Nucleotide Sequences of Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone and Its Receptor Genes in Egyptian Buffalo.

Aim: The hypothalamic hormone, growth hormone-releasing hormone, is the principal stimulator of pituitary growth hormone (GH) synthesis and secretion. GHRH and its receptor (GHRHR) provide important functions in the regulation of the GH axis and in the development and proliferation of pituitary somatotropic axis. This study aimed to identify the genotypes and nucleotide sequences of two multifunctional genes; growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) and its receptor (GHRHR) in Egyptian buffalo. Methodology: Genomic DNA was extracted from blood samples of 100 healthy buffaloes maintained at the Mahlet Mussa and El-Gmeasa herds from 2010 to 2012. PCR was performed using primers flanking a 296-bp fragment from GHRH gene and a 425-bp fragment from GHRHR gene of Egyptian buffalo. The PCR-amplified fragments were digested with HaeIII (GHRH) and Eco57I (GHRHR), electrophoresed and analyzed on agarose gels stained with ethidium bromide. The two amplified fragments were also sequenced and aligned with published sequences. Results: Depending on the presence of the restriction site at 241

Synthesis and screening of some new fluorinated quinazolinone-sulphonamide hybrids as anticancer agents

The aim of the present research was to synthesise several novel fluorinated quinazoline-sulphonamide derivatives and to evaluate their in vitro cytotoxic activity. Eight compounds were synthesised. The compounds' anticancer activities were determined through the [3-[4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] [MTT] assay using a three-cell-line panel consisting of National Cancer Institute [NCI] lung cancer cells, Michigan Cancer Foundation-7 [MCF-7] breast cancer cells, and Human Embryonic Kidney-293 [HEK-293] normal kidney cell. The values of C log P correlations were determined to interpret the results. One compound exhibited significant anticancer activity with low toxicity compared with the methotrexate as the reference drug. The biological screening showed good to moderate anticancer activity for the title compounds compared with the reference drug. The reference drug exhibited an IC[50] value of 2.4 micro M, whereas compound 9, which was identified as the most active compound, exhibited an IC[50] value of 2.51 micro M on the NCI cell line. The other compounds showed IC[50] values that ranged from 2.89 to 46.34 micro M on the three cell lines. The newly synthesized compounds had lower toxicity on the normal cell line than did methotrexate. The newly synthesized compounds may provide a valuable template for future design and optimization to produce analogues that act as more active anticancer agents

efficacy of three medicinal plants: garlic, ginger and mirazid and a chemical drug metronidazole against Cryptosporidium Parvum. I- immunological response

Cryptosporidisis parvum is a zoonotic protozoan parasite infects intestinal epithelial cells causing a major health problem for man and animals. Experimentally the immunologic mediated elimination of C. parvum requires CD4+ T cells and IFN-Gamma. But, the innate immune responses also have a significant protective role in both man and animals. the mucosal immune response to C. parvum in C57BL/6 neonatal and GKO mice shows a concomitant Th1 and Th2 cytokine mRNA expression, with a crucial role for IFN-Gamma in the resolution of the infection.NK cells and IFN-Gamma have been shown to be important components in immunity in T and B cell-deficient mice, but IFN-Gamma-dependent resistance is demonstrated in alymphocytic mice. Epithelial cells may play a vital role in immunity as once infected these cells have increased expression of inflammatory chemokines and cytokines and demonstrate anti-infection killing mechanisms. C. parvum immunological response was used to evaluate the efficacy of anti-cryptospori- disis agents of Garlic, Ginger, Mirazid and Metronidazole in experimentally infected mice

2 Handfuls of Medication in 2 Hours Just to Let Him Talk.

Repeated dose of adrenaline in anaphylaxis is limited evidence in clinical setting. Hence, the usage is depending on physician best interest and knowledge. We reported a case of repeated doses of adrenalin was given through nebulizer and intravenous in anaphylaxis. We believed the unusual circumstances of this case was likely to be repeated on some readers' clinical practice and this mode of treatment is an adjunct to consider in such cases especially in Emergency Department (ED).

Role of semirigid thoracoscopy in the diagnosis of exudative pleural effusion: Assiut University Hospital experience

The procedure of medical thoracoscopy provides a window into the pleural space to perform biopsy under direct visualization, particularly when thoracocentesis and closed pleural biopsy are inconclusive. The development of the semirigid thoracoscope, which is handled similarly to a bronchoscope, has made this procedure feasible and successful by most pulmonologists. It remains unknown whether certain pleural lesions, as visualized on thoracoscopy, has potential diagnostic value. We aimed to assess diagnostic value of the semirigid thoracoscope and correlate endoscopic finding with the histological diagnosis. From January 2010 to January 2012, 64 diagnostic medical thoracoscopies were performed to 64 patients with undiagnosed pleural effusion, in a tertiary care university hospital. All patients had thoracoscopy with visually directed biopsies and pleural lesion rating under local anaesthesia and mild sedation. Endoscopic findings were classified as: pleural thickening, nodules, adhesions and whitish lymphedema. The yield of the thoracoscopic biopsy in reaching final diagnosis was [98.4%]. Thoracoscopic diagnosis of malignancy in our study was [76.6%] whereas benign diagnosis was [23.4%]. Thoracoscopy was well tolerated under local anaesthesia and in most cases it was a one day procedure. Significant relations were found between endoscopic and pathology findings. Presence of nodules and lymphedema had a trend a positive relation with malignancy, p-value [0.002] and [0.009] respectively. Medical thoracoscopy is a simple relatively low-cost procedure. In the hands of experienced physicians it is generally safe, and highly effective at achieving a histological diagnosis. The presence of nodules and lymphedema, carries a high possibility of the effusion to be of a malignant etiology

Microbial and Mycotoxic study on commercially available cinnamon in Egypt

The investigation was performed to assess the microbial profile, mycotoxin content and antibacterial activity of cinnamon in Egyptian retail. A total of 180 samples, representing loose, filter-bags and barks commercial available products were collected and examined in dry and drink form. The results indicated that, in the dry form, total viable bacteria, spore-forming viable bacteria and fungal count [molds and yeasts] as well as total aflatoxin were the highest in loose samples while the lowest were in bark group. Among the drink form, only the loose group was contaminated with low numbers, i.e, 3.4 x 10[1], 3.2 x 10[1] and 4 x 10[1] CFU/g of total viable bacteria, spore-forming bacteria and fungal count, respectively, with significant reduction [p<0.05] in comparison with the dry form. Nevertheless, no detectable levels of coliform group, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Salmonella sp, Clostridium perfringins and ochratoxin A were found in any of the samples. Common pathogenic bacteria, E. coli showed sensitivity to 2%, B. cereus and staph. aureus were sensitive to 3% ethanolic extract, while no response was found against aqueous extract. Finally, good quality and preparation protocol may have the advantage to reduce microbial and mycotoxin hazards

New fluorinated quinazolinone derivatives as anticonvulsant agents

The aim of the present work was to synthesize some novel fluorinated quinazolinones and to evaluate them for anticonvulsant activity and neurotoxicity. Eight compounds were synthesized. Their anticonvulsant activity was evaluated from maximal electroshock-induced seizures in eight groups of six Swiss mice given the test compounds [100 mg/kg intraperitoneally], one control group given 10% DMSO [10 ml/kg] and one given the reference compound phenytoin [100 mg/kg]. Neurotoxicity was evaluated by the rotarod test in eight groups of four Swiss mice given the test compounds [100 mg/kg], one given saline [10 ml/kg] and one given phenytoin [100 mg/kg]. The structure-activity relations of the compounds and C log P correlations were determined to explain the results. Four compounds showed significant anticonvulsant activity with low neurotoxicity when compared with the reference drug. The newly designed compounds could be useful templates for the design and optimization of more active analogues as anticonvulsant agents with low neurotoxicity

Assessment of surface ozone over residential environments

Surface ozone [O[3]] has become one of the most important topic of air quality and climate change researches. This is because of causing harmful effects on human health, climate, vegetation and materials. For these reasons, understanding the processes which control the origin, trends, distribution and effects surface O[3] are important. In this paper, the surface O[3] concentration was investigated experimentally and numerically over residential environment. Surface O[3] was measured using Visible blind Ultraviolet sensors [UV Ozone Analyzer] over the period of 2008-2010 in Kuwait international airport. A back trajectory method based on HYbrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory [HYSPLIT] model was used for assessing the surface O[3] over residential environment. The diurnal, and seasonal variations of surface O[3] were analyzed and discussed. Furthermore, the effect of meteorological conditions on the surface O[3] was also analyzed. Diurnal variation shows that maximum O[3] concentration was at the noon and about minimum in the evening. Seasonal variation showed that February was a highest rate of O[3] concentration. Power stations are a major point source for O[3] precursors. The surface O[3] shows a medium correlation with temperature and a week correlation with wind speed

Expression and diagnostic utility of anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies in juvenile idiopathic arthritis

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis [JIA] is a clinically heterogeneous group of arthritis occurring in children. Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide [anti-CCP] antibodies have been recently included in the revised diagnostic criteria for adult onset rheumatoid arthritis. Its diagnostic value in JIA is still debatable. The study is aimed to investigate the expression and diagnostic utility of anti-CCP antibodies in pediatric JIA in relationship to its various clinical phenotypes. Forty children and adolescents [13 males, 27females] with JIA as well as 35 healthy children were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Serum anti-CCP antibodies were determined by enzymatic immunoassay and its expression was statistically correlated to clinical, laboratory, and radiological data of the patients. Anti-CCP antibodies were positive in 8 [20%] patients while not expressed in the control group. Seven out of the 8 positive cases [87.5%] had polyarticular JIA and only one patient [12.5%] had the oligoarticular onset variety. A significant positive correlation was elicited between the anti-CCP antibody levels and the number of tender joints [r= 0.39], swollen joints [0.68] and disease duration [r = 0.59]. Radiographic erosive arthritis was found in 8 patients with positive anti-CCP antibodies; 7 of whom [87.5%] suffered the polyarticular subtype and only one patient [12.5%] had the oligoarticular subtype. All the rheumatoid factor [RF] seropositive patients had positive anti-CCP antibody as well as radiographic erosive arthritis. The overall anti-CCP antibody diagnostic value in our series showed a sensitivity and specificity of 20% and 100% respectively and the positive and negative predictive values were 100%, and 52.2%, respectively. Anti-CCP antibodies have a low sensitivity but high specificity in patients with JIA with a significant relationship to clinical and radiologic severity especially in RF seropositive cases. It may thus have a diagnostic and/or prognostic utility in severe polyarticular onset disease

Anti-inflammatory activity and qualitative analysis of different extracts of Maytenus obscura (A. Rich.) Cuf. by high performance thin layer chromatography method

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To perform aqueous ethanol soluble fraction (AESF) and dichloromethane extract of aerial parts of Maytenus obscura (A. Rich.) Cuf. using high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) and to test anti-inflammatory activity of these extracts.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>HPTLC studies were carried out using CAMAG HPTLC system equipped with Linomat IV applicator, TLC scanner 3, Reprostar 3, CAMAG ADC 2 and WIN CATS-4 software were used. The anti-inflammatory activity was tested by injecting different groups of rats (6 each) with formalin in hind paw and measuring the edema volume before and 1 h later formalin injection. Control group received saline i.p. The extracts treatment was injected i.p. in doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg 1 h before formalin administration. Indomethacin (30 mg/kg) was used as standard.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The results of preliminary phytochemical studies confirmed the presence of protein, lipid, carbohydrate, phenol, flavonoid, saponin, triterpenoid, alkaloid and anthraquinone in both extracts. Chromatography was performed on glass-backed silica gel 60 F254 HPTLC plates with the green solvents toluene: ethyacetate: glacial acetic acid (5:3:0.2, v/v/v) as mobile phase. HPTLC finger printing of AESF revealed major eight peaks with Rf values in the range of 0.28 to 0.80 and the dichloromethane revealed major 11 peaks with Rf values in the range of 0.12 to 0.76. The purity of sample was confirmed by comparing the absorption spectra at start, middle and end position of the band. Treatment of rats (i.p.) with AESF and dichloromethane in doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg inhibited singnificantly (P<0.05, n=6) formalin-induced inflammation by 50%, 55.9%, 45.5%, and 51.4%, respectively.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>HPTLC finger printing of AESF and dichloromethane of Maytenus obscura revealed eight major spots for alcoholic extracts and nine major spots for dichloromethane extracts. These HPTLC profiles may be of great usefulness in the quality control of herbal products containing these extracts. The anti-inflammatory activity of both extracts also revealed the medicinal importance of these extracts. The plant can be further explored for the isolation of phytoconstituents having anti-inflammatory activity.</p>

Genetic Characterization of Insulin Growth Factor-1 and Its Receptor Genes in Egyptian Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis L.).

Aim: The somatotropic axis (SA) comprises genes associated with economically important quantitative traits in livestock like mammary and muscle growth as well as carcass traits. Insulin growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and its receptor (IGF-1R) are two important genes belonging to the SA. The aim of this study was to evaluate the genetic polymorphism of IGF1/SnaBI and IGF-1R/TaqI restriction sites in Egyptian buffalo. Methodology: Genomic DNA was extracted from blood samples of 100 healthy buffaloes maintained at the Mahlet Mussa and El-Gmeasa herds from 2010 to 2012. PCR was performed using primers flanking a 250-bp fragment of the regulatory region of the buffalo IGF-1 gene and a 616-bp fragment of the IGF-1R gene encompassing 51-bp from exon 12, 479-bp from intron 12 and 86-bp from exon 13. The PCR-amplified fragments were digested with SnaBI (IGF-1) and TaqI (IGF-1R), electrophoresed and analyzed on agarose gels stained with ethidium bromide. The two amplified fragments were also sequenced and aligned with published sequences. Results: All buffaloes investigated in this study were genotyped BB (i.e., negative for the SnaBI restriction site at position 224

Posterior vitreous detachment and retinal detachment after implantation of the visian phakic implantable collamer lens

To evaluate the vitreoretinal complications in myopes after Visian implantable collamer lenses [ICL] implantation. This is a retrospective, observational, non-comparative clinical study that evaluated 617 consecutive myopes who underwent ICL implantation at the Department of Refractive Surgery, Yemen Magrabi Hospital, Sana'a, Yemen between July 2006 and May 2010. Follow up ranged from 6 months to 40 months. Preoperative and postoperative patient evaluation included manifest and cycloplegic refractions, uncorrected [UCVA] and best spectacle-corrected visual acuity [BSCVA], slit-lamp biomicroscopy, intraocular pressure and dilated retinal examination. Investigations included corneal topography, central corneal thickness, anterior chamber depth and white to white diameter. Retinal diseases and complications were recorded and analyzed preoperatively and postoperatively. Preoperatively, 61 [9.9%] eyes had posterior segment pathology requiring prophylactic laser photocoagulation. One eye developed spontaneous rhegmatogenous retinal detachment [RRD], one eye developed traumatic retinal detachment and two eyes required laser treatment postoperatively. The overall retinal detachment rate post-ICL was 0.32%. Posterior segment complications are rare after ICL implantation but dilated vitreoretinal assessment is important before and after the procedure. Patients with suspicious retinal lesions need a comprehensive vitreoretinal evaluation by a retinal specialist. If a patient develops floaters or blurry vision he/she requires further assessment by a vitreoretinal specialist

Study of the possible cardioprotective effects of insulin, ATP, and [L]-arginine against isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction

Acute myocardial infarction remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The present study was carried out to investigate the possible protective effects of insulin, ATP, and [L]-arginine on cardiac dysfunction in experimental isoproterenol [ISO]-induced myocardial infarction [MI], aiming at achieving useful means for protection and therapy against MI. Wistar rats of both sexes were allocated into five groups: the control group, the untreated MI group, and MI groups treated with insulin, ATP, or [L]-arginine. All rats were subjected to ECG recording, and plasma levels of troponin I and triglycerides were determined. The isolated perfused hearts, according to Langendorff's preparation, were studied; the left ventricular weight [LV] was determined, and the LV per body weight ratio [LV/BW] was calculated. The percentage mortality and total arrhythmia were significantly reduced upon treatment with ATP and [L]-arginine. The ST segment elevation was significantly reduced in insulin-treated rats. The QRS duration and QT[o] intervals were significantly decreased in ATP-treated and [L]-arginine-treated rats, and the QT[c] interval was significantly shortened in all three treated groups. The levels of plasma triglycerides significantly reduced on treatment with insulin and ATP. In the three treated groups, the peak developed tension baseline value and maximal response were significantly increased when compared with the untreated group. In addition, the half-relaxation time baseline value was significantly decreased in the treated groups when compared with the control group. The myocardial flow rate baseline value and maximal response were significantly increased on [L]-arginine treatment. The LV weights and LV/BW ratios were significantly increased in all three treated groups. Insulin, ATP, and [L]-arginine were variably effective in partially modifying the ISO-induced MI insults and offered partial protection against ISO-induced myocardial damage