Effect of Fas-670 A/G gene polymorphism on corneal allograft endothelial rejection

Human cornea expresses functional Fas-ligand capable of killing Fas+ activated lymphocytes. Fas expression is partly regulated by -670 A/G polymorphism in the promoter region of Fas gene. The aim of the present study is to determine the association between Fas-670A/G polymorphism and survival of corneal transplantation. In 276 graft recipients who mainly underwent penetrating keratoplasty because of keratoconus, bullous keratopathy and corneal opacity, Fas -670 A/G polymorphism was determined by allele specific oligonucleotide polymerase chain reaction [ASO-PCR] techniques. There was no statistically significant relationship between Fas -670 A/G polymorphism and rejection episode [p=0.35]. Moreover, the relationship between this polymorphism and rejection episode outcome [transplant recovery vs failure] was not statistically significant [p=0.13]. The results of the present study show no significant correlation between corneal graft rejection, rejection recovery and Fas -670A/G gene polymorphism

accuracy of ocular sonography in detection and measurement of intraocular foreign bodies

To evaluate the accuracy of ocular sonography in measurement of size of intraocular foreign bodies [IOFB]. In a case series study, 58 consecutive patients with intraocular foreign body were included. Ocular sonography was performed to detect intraocular foreign body and the results were compared with the same intraoperative findings. Metallic material was found to be the most prevalent one [71%] followed by glasses [12%], stone [8%] and wood [6%]. Ultrasound localized the foreign body lodged in the lens in 10.3%, in the angle in 3.4% and in the vitreous or vitreoretinal region in the rest of them [86.3%]. The mean size measured by ocular sonography was 3.5x4.5 mm and that was reported by the surgeon was 2.9x4 mm. While the reports of sonography in detection and localization of IOFB was completely comparable with surgical findings, size measurements were considerably different from true measurements after intraocular surgery. Ocular sonography showed mostly overestimation in measuring intraocular foreign bodies. Although ocular sonography was one of the best methods for assessment of IOFB, it doesn't have high accuracy in estimation of size of IOFB

effect of season and Ramadan fasting on the onset of acute cholecystitis

To investigate whether Ramadan fasting and seasonal variation has any effect on the onset of acute cholecystitis. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Faghihi and Namazee Hospitals between September 1999 to August 2004. All files of patients with definite diagnosis of gallstone induced acute cholecystitis were reviewed for age, gender, date and method of treatment in relation to seasons and Ramadan fasting month. For comparison, we used Shaaban months [prior months] and Shavval months [following months]. Eight hundred and sixty-four files [32.7% male and 62.8% were female] with definite diagnosis of acute cholecystitis were reviewed. Mean age was 56.3 +/- 16.18 years. The frequency of acute cholecystitis was higher in summer in comparison with other seasons. The difference in the frequency of acute cholecystitis in Ramadan in comparison with Shaaban and Shavval months was not considerable. Acute cholecystitis displays seasonal characteristics; however, this seasonal variability would be influenced by other unknown environmental and genetic factors. Ramadan fasting may not precipitate the onset of acute cholecystitis