Candida parapsilosis as a potent biocontrol agent against growth and aflatoxin production by aspergillus species

Aflatoxin contamination of food and feed stuff is a serious health problem and significant economic concerns. In the present study, the inhibitory effect of Candida parapsilosis IP1698 on mycelial growth and aflatoxin production in aflatoxigenic strains of Aspergillus species was investigated. Mycelial growth inhibitions of nine strains of aflatoxigenic and non-aflatoxigenic Aspergillus species in the presence of C. parapsilosis investigated by pour plate technique at different pH, temperature and time of incubation. Reduction of aflatoxin was evaluated in co-cultured fungi in yeast extract sucrose broth after seven days of incubation using HPLC method. The data were analyzed by SPSS 11.5. The presence of the C. parapsilosis at different pH did not affect significantly the growth rate of Aspergillm isolates. On the other hand, temperature and time of incubation showed to be significantly effective when compared to controls without C. parapsilosis [P<0.05]. In aflatoxigenic strains, minimum percentage of reductions in total aflatoxin and BI, 62, Gi, G2 fractions were 92.98, 92.54, 77.48, 54.54 and 72.22 and maximum percentage of reductions were 99.59, not detectable, 94.42, and not detectable in both GI and G2, respectively. C parapsilosis might employ as a good biocontrol agent against growth and aflatoxin production by aflatoxigenic Aspergillus species

[Bilateral nocardia keratitis following photorefractive keratectomy]

To report the clinical, confocal scan, and histopathologic features of bilateral Nocardia keratitis following photorefractive keratectomy [PRK]. A 23-year-old girl underwent simultaneous bilateral PRK for myopia. On the third postoperative day, dense central infiltrates mainly involving the anterior stroma were noticed in both eyes. Clinical and confocal scan features were consistent with a diagnosis of Nocardia keratitis and topical amikacin eye drops 2% were started. Empirical antibiotic therapy was converted into specific therapy after confirming the definite diagnosis by clinical features and confocal scan. Due to poor response to medical therapy, lamellar keratectomy was performed in both eyes which shortened the treatment course. Histopathologic examination confirmed the initial diagnosis. Familiarity with the clinical and confocal scan features of Nocardia keratitis facilitates early diagnosis, proper management and hence a rapid clinical response

[Agreement among galilei, orbscan II, and placido disk-based topography]

To evaluate agreement between Galilei, Orbscan II, and placido disk-based topography in terms of keratometry readings, and anterior and posterior elevation. In this prospective comparative study, 184 eyes of 92 keratorefractive surgery candidates were evaluated with Galilei, Orbscan II, and placido disk-based topography. Keratometry readings and anterior and posterior elevation maps were compared using ANOVA and paired t-test. Mean keratometry reading by Galilei, orbscan II and corneal topography was 44.30 +/- 1.49 D, 44.11 +/- 1.47 D, and 44.60 +/- 1.56 D, respectively. The maximum difference in SimK and astigmatism obtained three devices was less than 0.5 D with respect to the anterior and posterior best fitted sphere, the agreement between the Galilei and orbscan II was 0.96 and 0.95, respectively. Maximum elevation of the anterior central cornea was 9.17 +/- 5.1 m by orbscan II and 3.2 +/- 1.78 m by Galilei. Maximum depression of the posterior central cornea was 33.84 +/- 9.33 mm and 6.81 +/- 3.78 m, respectively. Despite a significant difference in mean keratometry readings, the three devices can be used as the difference in measurements was not clinically significant. However a large amount difference was found between Galilei and orbscan II interms of anterior and posterior maximum elevation values

[Collagen cross-linking]

Patients with keratoconus constitute a large proportion of patients suffering from anterior segment disorders. As of this time, however, its pathogenesis has not yet been elucidated. A reduction in cross-link between collagen molecules has been observed in keratoconic eyes as compared to normal ones. Present approaches only address refractive errors resulting from the abnormal abnormal corneal shape. Recently, collagen cross-linking using riboflavin and ultraviolet has been introduced to slow down the disease progression. The purpose of the present study is to review the efficacy, clinical outcomes, limitations, and complications of collagen cross-linking

Effect of pre-operative psycho-educational interventions on anxiety and pain in children undergoing tonsillectomy in Shiraz southern Iran

Excessive anxiety and stress can affect children's physical and psychological health, hinder their ability to cope with surgery, encourage their negative behavior in association with health care, and may also inhibit their post-operative recovery. This study was conducted to determine the effects of pre-operative psycho-educational interventions on post-operative anxiety and pain in children undergoing Day- Case tonsillectomy. A quasi-experimental pre-post test follow up control group design was used for 199 children aged 9 to 12 years old who were admitted for Day-Case tonsillectomy unit, along with their parents during a 12-month period. In a randomized method, 100 children were divided into the experimental group receiving psycho-educational interventions, and 99 children who were assigned to the control group receiving routine information preparation. The anxiety level of children was measured using children Speilberger State Anxiety Inventory [SSAI] and the post-operative pain level of the children was assessed by using the Visual Analogue Scale [VAS]. The children in the experimental group reported lower state anxiety scores in 4-time points of postoperative periods. There was no difference in children's post-operative pain between the two groups. The study provides empirical evidence in support of the effectiveness of using psycho-educational interventions for preparation of children for surgery

Chrysomya bezziana as a causative agent of human myiasis in Fars Province, Southern Iran

Myiasis is the invasion of body tissues of humans or animals by the larvae of the Diptera or two-winged flies. The various forms of myiasis may be classified from clinical or entomological point. This study describes the existence of Chrysomya bezziana [Diptera: Calliphoridae] cases as a causative agent of myiasis in 18 and 87 year-old men in two different regions in Fars Province. To our knowledge, this is the first observation of mentioned species in this province

[Antimicrobial activity of total extract and fractions of geum kokanicum]

Geum kokanicum Regel et schmath, a member of Rosaceae family, is an endemic perennial rhizomatous plant of Iran. This plant has a consideration attention in the treatment of diarrhea and other gastrointestinal disorders. In this study, the anti bacterial effects of total extract and fractions of rhizome of plant were investigated. Rhizomes of G. Kokanicum were collected in June 2006 from Bojnourd [khorasan province]. The dried rhizomes were extracted with ethanol to prepare the total extract. Another part of the rhizomes was separately extracted with petrolium ether, dichloromethane, methanol and water successively in order to obtain different fractions. The antibacterial effects of total extract and fractions were investigated with disc diffusion method. The results shows Staphylococcus aureus were susceptible against total extract and methanol fraction. This fraction [10mg/disc] was indicated the largest zone diameters [19mm]. The MIC Values of total extract was investigated. Among the bacterial strains, Staphylococcus epidermitus demonstrated high sensitivity to the total extract of G. kokanicum [0.125mg/ml]. The zone diameters of total extract was 18 mm on S. aureus in 10 mg/disc. Phytochemical analysis of total extract was shown the large amounts of tanan compounds. We suspect the antibacterial effect is for tanan compounds. This was demonstrated by bioautography method analysis of tanan part isolated form methanol fraction

[Zebra fish: technology for natural product discovery]

Rising challenges in the present drug discovery model are prompting Prompt a renewed interest in natural products as a source of novel, bioactive small molecules. With the current validation of zebra fish as a biomedical appropriate model for functional genomics and in vivo drug discovery, the zebra fish bioassay-guided identification of natural products may be an attractive tactic to generate new lead compounds in a number of indication regions. Here, we review recent natural product research using zebra fish and evaluate the potential of this vertebrate model as a discovery platform for the systematic identification of bioactive natural products

Benign ostroblastoma of the temporal bone

We have described a benign osteoblastic lesion in the right temporal bone in a 26 year-old girl who presented with a swell mass on the right supra-auricular area and tinnitus of 17 years duration. She had been operated conservatively through middle cranial fossa approach 17 years ago. After that time the patient has had no problem. There was no other developed neurologic deficit or evidence of malignant change throughout the 17 years. When we compared serial CT scans [the old and new films], there was no important difference between them. During a 17-year follow up period, no progression of the tumor was detected. Conservative treatment for such cases is suggested

[ outbreak of nocardia keratitis following photorefractive keratectomy]

To report 3 cases of nocardia keratitis following photorefractive keratectomy [PRK]. Report of Outbreak: Four eyes of 3 patients [2 female and one male] who had undergone PRK by a single surgeon at a single center developed nocardia keartitis 3 to 6 weeks postoperatively. Mean age was 25 [range 23-28] years and mean onset of corneal manifestations was 29 [range 21-40] days after PRK. Corneal smear and culture and confocal scan were performed in all eyes. Two eyes from the first two patients required lamellar keratectomy to debulk the involved stroma and to obtain specimens for microbiologic and histopathologic evaluation. Light microscopic examination disclosed gram-positive and acid-fast filaments of nocardia which were confirmed by the microbiologic results. Diagnosis of nocardia keratitis in the third case was not as challenging as the first two cases because of a high index of suspicion. Confocal scan in all cases disclosed hyperreflective and slender fibril-like structures in the corneal stroma. All eyes responded favourably to topical amikacin and the infection resolved without recurrence. Nocardia is a rare cause of keratitis following PRK. Clinical suspicion along with microbiologic, histopathologic and confocal scanning help to establish the correct diagnosis. The most probable cause of the outbreak was inadequate attention to sterility during surgery

[Acute hydrops in grafted cornea resulting from recurrent keratoconus]

A 53 year-old woman presented with corneal edema 25 years after uneventful penetrating keratoplasty for keratoconus. She was initially misdiagnosed with acute endothelial rejection; however by observation of Descemet's membrane detachment, a diagnosis of late onset corneal hydrops following corneal transplantation was made. This is a rare complication which may occur many years after penetrating keratoplasty and may be due to recurrence of keratoconus within the grafted cornea. Therefore, patients with long standing corneal grafts who present with acute corneal edema should be carefully examined for signs of corneal hydrops

[Comparison of two surgical techniques for intraocular lens implantation in pediatric cataract surgery]

To compare the results of implantation of intraocular lens [IOL] haptics in ciliary sulcus versus optic capture through the posterior capsulorrhexis following IOL implantation in capsular bag in pediatric cataract surgery. Eighteen eyes of nine children with bilateral congenital or developmental cataract were included in this contralateral prospective randomized study. All cases underwent anterior capsulorrhexis, lens aspiration, posterior capsulorrhexis and anterior vitrectomy. In one eye, IOL [Acrysof MA60BM] was implanted in capsular bag and in the follow eye, IOL haptics were implanted in ciliary sulcus and optic was captured through the posterior capsulorrhexis. Position of the IOL in the first eye was randomly selected. Best-corrected visual acuity [BCVA], visual axis opacification and possible complications were evaluated. Mean age of the patients was 5.1 +/- 1.7 [range 2.5-8] years. Patients were followed for 25.6 +/- 5.2 [range 18-35] months. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in term of BCVA. Visual axis remained clear in all cases of both groups. Early postoperative fibrin formation was seen in two eyes of each group. There was no significant IOL decentration in any cases. Posterior capsulotomy followed by anterior vitrectomy and implantation of hydrophobic acrylic IOL in pediatric cataract surgery significantly decreases secondary opacification of visual axis. In the cases with difficult or impossible implantation of IOL in the capsular bag, implantation of haptics in ciliary sulcus and IOL optic capture through posterior capsulorrhexis is a safe alternative method

[Infectious keratitis following excimer laser refractive surgery]

Infectious keratitis occurs rarely after laser refractive surgery, however the high volume of these procedures and young patient age render the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of this complication of utmost importance. Early onset infectious keratitis is usually caused by gram positive bacteria while late onset cases are due to other microorganisms such as atypical mycobacteria, nocardia asteroides and fungi. Fortified topical antibiotics, selected based on smear and culture results, are the mainstay of therapy. In post-LASIK cases, flap lifting and irrigation, and scraping and culture of the ablated bed must be performed; the flap must be amputated for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes when it is frankly necrotic. Underlying risk factors such as blepharitis and dry eye must be recognized and adequately treated prior to surgery. Strict attention to instrument and surgical field sterility, use of therapeutic bandage contact lenses with high oxygen transmissibility for a maximum period of 72 hours, and prophylactic broad-spectrum topical antibiotics decrease the incidence of this major sight-threatening complication

[Atopic keratoconjunctivitis]

Allergic disorders affect 15% of human beings worldwide. The eyes are involved in most allergic conditions, which varies in severity from mild allergic conjunctivitis to severe and chronic inflammation of the conjunctiva and cornea with loss of vision. In this review article, we discuss the allergic kerato conjunctivitis with emphasis on pathophysiology and treatment modalities. We searched the Medline database by queries: "allergic conjunctivitis", "atopic conjunctivitis", "vernal conjunctivitis, and "giant papilla" Relevant English language articles from 1965 to 2006 were retrieved and studied. Regarding the chronic nature of the condition and the adverse effects of long term usage of certain medications, it is very important to explain the nature of the condition to the patients. Conservative management and administration of safe drugs such as mast cell stabilizer are the first option. Surgical interventions in these eyes like penetrating keratoplasty should be performed during remission of the inflammation

[Outcomes of keratoprosthesis at Labbafinejad medical center]

To evaluate the results of keratoprosthesis [KPS] at Labbafinejad Medical Center. In this case-series 29 eyes of 27 patients who underwent KPS between 1995-2002 were evaluated for results and complications. Patients included 22 male and five female subjects. Diagnoses included chemical burn [17 cases], Stevens-Johnson syndrome [three cases], ocular cicatricial pemphigoid [seven cases], corneal retransplantation [one case] and old corneal scar [one case]. Preoperative visual acuity was hand motion or light perception [no light perception, hand motion, or light perception in the fellow eyes],. Prostheses were Girard in 20 cases, tibiakeratoprosthesis in 3 cases, and Dohlman type 1, Dohlman type 2 and Pintucci, each in two cases. Postoperative visual acuity improved in 21 patients [72.4%] of which 66.7% experienced major complications including bacterial endophthalmitis [42.9%], retinal detachment [28.6%], uncontrolled glaucoma [21.4%], and spontaneous extrusion [7.1%]. Although KPS is hopeful in the short term with acceptable initial results, the long-term complication rate is high and the prognosis is poor. So it is better that KPS be preceded with safer procedures such as keratolimbal graft especially in young patients

[Post operative uveitis and viscoelastics: coatel versus healon]

Purpose: to compare two viscoelastics, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose [Coatel] and sodium hynluronate] [Healon] as causative factors for postoperative uveitis [POU] following cataract surgery

Methods: in this clinical trial, 81 eyes from 80 patients underwent phacoemulsification and IOL implantation [PMMA AGENA 550 Opsia]. Patients with uveitis, diabetes, and pseudoexfoliation syndrome were excluded. In 39 eyes [48%] Coatel and in 42 eyes [52%] Healon was used randomly. Patients were followed three months for appearance of POU

Results: the incidence of POU in the Coatel and Healon groups was 20.5% and 2.4%, respectively

Conclusion: use of Healon in comparison to Coatel decreases the incidence of POU in cataract surgery. Thus, it is better to use Healon in patients at high risk for POU