Comparison of effective phacoemulsification time and corneal endothelial cell loss using three different ultrasound frequencies: A randomized controlled trial

Purpose: Comparison of three ultrasound (US) frequencies for phacoemulsification of hard cataracts to determine a frequency that makes phacoemulsification more efficacious and safer. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was undertaken at a medical college and hospital. In total, 207 patients with grade 5.6� 6.9 (LOCS III) senile cataract were randomized into three groups. Group I underwent phacoemulsification with 28?kHz frequency, group II with 42?kHz frequency, and group III with 53?kHz frequency. The effective phacoemulsification time (EPT) and estimated fluid usage (EFU) were compared intraoperatively. The endothelial cell parameters were analyzed for 6 months. Results: The groups were matched for age (P = 0.467), gender (P = 0.497), nuclear grade (P = 0.321), and anterior chamber depth (P = 0.635). The EPT and EFU were significantly lower in group III, compared to group II and group I, with P < 0.0001 and P < 0.0001, respectively. Postoperatively, the endothelial cell density (ECD) was significantly higher in group III at 1 month (P < 0.0001), 3 months (P < 0.0001), and 6 months (P < 0.0001). The percentages of ECD loss were also significantly lower in group III; the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.0001) up to 6 months postoperatively. Conclusion: Higher frequency ultrasound was associated with a lower EPT and EFU as well as better endothelial preservation than lower frequencies in hard cataracts

The role of spatial and environmental variables in shaping aquatic insect assemblages in two protected areas in the transition area between Cerrado and Amazônia / O papel das variáveis espaciais e ambientais na formação de assembleias insetos aquáticos em duas áreas protegidas na área de transição entre Cerrado e Amazônia

Abstract: The distribution of aquatic insects of the orders Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, and Trichoptera (EPT) can be influenced by factors such as water quality, habitat integrity and biogeography. The present study evaluated the structure of EPT assemblages in streams in the Cerrado, a global biodiversity hotspot. Samples were collected from 20 streams in two protected areas: Parque Estadual do Mirador (10 streams) and Parque Nacional da Chapada das Mesas (10 streams). A total of 1987 specimens were collected, representing 46 taxa of EPT. The two study areas did not differ significantly in taxonomic richness of EPT genera (t = -1.119, p = 0.279) and abundance of individuals (t = 0.268, p = 0.791) but did differ in genus composition (Pseudo-F = 2.088, R2 = 0.103, p = 0.015) and environmental variables (Pseudo-F = 2,282, R2 = 0.112, p = 0.014). None of the tested environmental variables were correlated with the community but a spatial filter captured an effect of the spatial distribution of streams. The region of the study is located in MATOPIBA, which is the last agricultural frontier of the Cerrado. Therefore, it is important that there is police and monitoring so that the "Parque Estadual do Mirador" and the "Parque Nacional da Chapada das Mesas" continue to play their role in conserving biodiversity in the future.

Resumo: A distribuição de insetos aquáticos das ordens Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera e Trichoptera (EPT) pode ser influenciada por fatores como qualidade da água, integridade do habitat e biogeografia. O presente estudo avaliou a estrutura das assembleias do EPT em riachos do Cerrado, um hotspot de biodiversidade global. Foram coletadas amostras em 20 riachos em duas áreas protegidas: Parque Estadual do Mirador (10 riachos) e Parque Nacional da Chapada das Mesas (10 riachos). Um total de 1987 espécimes foram coletados, representando 46 táxons de EPT. As duas áreas de estudo não diferiram significativamente na riqueza taxonômica dos gêneros EPT (t= -1,119; p= 0,279) e abundância de indivíduos (t= 0,268; p= 0,791), mas diferiram na composição do gênero (Pseudo-F= 2,088, R2= 0,103; p= 0,015) e variáveis ambientais (Pseudo-F= 2,282; R2= 0,112; p= 0,014). Nenhuma das variáveis ambientais testadas foi correlacionada com a comunidade, mas um filtro espacial capturou um efeito da distribuição espacial dos riachos. A região do estudo está localizada em MATOPIBA, que é a última fronteira agrícola do Cerrado. Portanto, é importante que exista fiscalização e monitoramento para que o "Parque Estadual do Mirador" e o "Parque Nacional da Chapada das Mesas" continuem desempenhando seu papel na conservação da biodiversidade no futuro.

Assessment of ecological water quality along a rural to urban land use gradient using benthic macroinvertebrate-based indexes / Avaliação da qualidade ecológica da água ao longo de um gradiente rural-urbano utilizando índices baseados em macroinvertebrados bentônicos

Agricultural practices such as livestock grazing and tilling can result in soil erosion and runoff of fine sediments, nutrients (e.g. nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) and pesticides, leading to degradation of aquaticenvironments. Urbanization is also responsible for a variety of impacts on fluvial ecosystems, including pollution by heavy metals, oil, domestic sewage and garbage. In this study, we evaluate the impact of land use on stream health of the Uberabinha river catchment. Overall, rural streams presented better ecological conditions than urban streams. Both species composition and abundance of benthic communities showed significant differences between rural and urban streams. Urban streams presented a higher dominance of Oligochaeta, Hirudinea and Gastropoda, bioindicators of poor water quality. Rural streams presented significantly greater richness and diversity. Compared to urban streams, rural streams presented a significantly higher number of Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, Trichoptera, Odonata and Hemiptera taxa. Our analyses also showed congruence (high correlation) among the classical biodiversity metrics (Shannon-Wiener index ­ H', Pielou's measure of eveness ­ J) and monitoring parameters (% Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera ­ EPT, Biological Monitoring Work Party ­ BMWP, bioindicator approach and Rapid Assessment Protocol ­ RAP, a habitatbased approach). Five from seven rural streams presented good water quality according to both BMWP and RAP and none of the urban streams presented good water quality. Our results show that the urban streams of Uberlândia municipality are poor ecosystems, and require improved management actions by environmental authorities. We also encourage that the riparian forest restoration and management carried out in the upper portion of Uberabinha River catchment to be extended to the urban area of the municipality.

Atividades agrícolas, como pecuária e cultivo de lavouras, podem levar a degradação dos ambientes aquáticos vizinhos, provocando erosão do solo e o carreamento de sedimentos finos, nutrientes (por exemplo, nitrogênio, fósforo, potássio) e pesticidas para os leitos dos rios. A urbanização também é responsável por uma variedade de impactos nos sistemas fluviais, incluindo a poluição por metais pesados, óleos, esgoto doméstico e lixo. Neste estudo, nós avaliamos o impacto do uso da terra na saúde da bacia hidrográfica do rio Uberabinha, utilizando macroinvertebrados bentônicos como bioindicadores da qualidade da água. Em geral, os córregos rurais apresentaram melhores condições ecológicas do que os córregos urbanos. Tanto a composição de espécies como a abundância da comunidade bentônica mostraram diferenças significativas entre os dois grupos. Os córregos urbanos apresentaram uma maior dominância de Oligochaeta, Hirudinea e Gastropoda, organismos indicadores de baixa qualidade ambiental. Os córregos rurais apresentaram maior riqueza e diversidade de grupos taxonômicos, tais como Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, Trichoptera, Odonata e Hemiptera. Nossas análises mostraram congruência (alta correlação) entre os índices tradicionais de diversidade (índice de Shannon- Wiener - H ', equitabilidade de Pielou - J) e as métricas de biomonitoramento (% Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera e Trichoptera ­ EPT, Biological Monitoring Work Party ­ BMWP , índice baseado na composição taxonômica das comunidades e Rapid Assessment Protocol ­ RAP, abordagem baseada em características físicas do habitat). Cinco dos sete córregos rurais analisados apresentaram boa qualidade da água, de acordo com BMWP e RAP. Nenhum dos córregos urbanos apresentaram boa qualidade ambiental. Nossos resultados mostraram que córregos urbanos do município de Uberlândia possuem má qualidade ambiental. Nós encorajamos que o programa de recomposição manejo das matas ciliares dos córregos rurais do rio Uberabinha seja estendido aos córregos urbanos do município.

Effects of extractive pericarpium trichosanthes on apoptosis of HUVECs induced by high glucose / 中国药理学通报

Aim To study the inhibitory effects of ex-tractive pericarpium trichosanthes ( EPT) on high glu-cose-induced apoptosis in human umbilical vein endo-thelial cells ( HUVECs ) and its underlining mecha-nisms. Methods HUVECs were cultured. Effects of EPT at different concentrations on the high-glucose-in-duced apoptosis in HUVECs were observed. The cell viability of HUVECs was determined by MTT colori-metric method. Cell apoptosis was identified by Ho-echst staining. The intracellular activity of Caspase-3 was detected with colorimetry. Protein expression and p65 nuclear translocation of NF-κB were detected by Western blot and immunofluorescence staining. Re-sults Treated with 30 mmol · L-1 glucose for 48 hours had a significantly decrease on cell viability com-pared with control, and the apoptotic rate and Caspase-3 activity were increased markedly, the protein expres-sion of NF-κB was upregulated and p65 nuclear trans-location in HUVECs increased; Pre-incubation with EPT(12. 5,25,50 mg·L-1 ) for 1 hour enhanced the cell viability, and decreased the apoptotic rate and Caspase-3 activity and downregulated the expression of NF-κB in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, EPT could inhibit p65 translocation. Conclusion EPT can protect HUVECs against the apoptosis induced by high glucose in vitro,and its mechanism may be related with downregulation of NF-κB expression and inhibition of the intracellular activity of Caspase-3 .

The efficacy of an elevated concentration of lidocaine HCl in impacted lower third molar surgery

BACKGROUND: There have been few studies on the effect of an elevated concentration of lidocaine hydrochloride in the surgical removal of an impacted lower third molar. This study aimed to examine the efficacy of 4% lidocaine along with 1:100,000 epinephrine compared to 2% lidocaine along with 1:100,000 epinephrine as inferior alveolar nerve block for the removal of an impacted lower third molar. METHODS: This single-blind study involved 31 healthy patients (mean age: 23 y; range: 19-33 y) with symmetrically impacted lower third molars as observed on panoramic radiographs. Volunteers required 2 surgical interventions by the same surgeon with a 3-week washout period. The volunteers were assigned either 4% lidocaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine or 2% lidocaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine as local anesthetic during each operation. RESULTS: We recorded the time of administration, need for additional anesthetic administration, total volume of anesthetic used. We found that the patient's preference for either of the 2 types of local anesthetic were significantly different (P < 0.05). However, the extent of pulpal anesthesia, surgical duration, and duration of soft tissue anesthesia were not significantly different. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggested that inferior alveolar nerve block using 4% lidocaine HCl with 1:100,000 epinephrine as a local anesthetic was clinically more effective than that using 2% lidocaine HCl with 1:100,000 epinephrine; the surgical duration was not affected, and no clinically adverse effects were encountered.

Distribution and seasonal variation of Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera (Arthropoda: Insecta) in different aquatic environments of a cerrado area, state of MinaS Gerais, Brazil / Distribuição e variação sazonal de Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera e Trichoptera (Arthropoda: Insecta) em diferentes ambientes aquáticos de uma área de Cerrado, Minas Gerais, Brasil

The composition and diversity of aquatic insect fauna can be influenced by several factors such as substrate type, availability of allochthonous material, biotic interactions, among others. This occurs because these organisms have different adaptations to environmental characteristics of aquatic systems. The aim of this work was to evaluate the distribution and seasonal variation of immature insects of the Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera orders in different environments at a Cerrado area in Uberlândia - MG. Sampling was performed in August 2007 (dry season) and February 2008 (rainy season), in three types of environment (stream in gallery forest, stream in vereda and in a pond) at "Reserva do Clube de Caça e Pesca Itororó". The insects were sampled using artificial substrates. We collected a total of 205 insects, 96 in the dry season and 109 in the rainy season. Differences in the abundance of insects among environments were recorded only for Ephemeroptera. Despite distinct characteristics of each environment the abundance of organisms and the richness of genera were similar among sampling sites and between seasons. However, there was a variation in the composition of organisms in each environment.

A composição e diversidade da fauna de insetos aquáticos podem ser influenciadas por vários fatores, como tipo de substrato, disponibilidade de material alóctone, interações bióticas, entre outros. Isso ocorre porque esses organismos têm diferentes adaptações às características ambientais dos sistemas aquáticos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a distribuição e variação sazonal de insetos imaturos das ordens Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera e Trichoptera em diferentes ambientes de uma área de Cerrado em Uberlândia - MG. A amostragem foi realizada em agosto de 2007 (estação seca) e fevereiro de 2008 (período chuvoso), em três tipos de ambiente (córrego de mata de galeria, córrego em vereda e em uma lagoa) na "Reserva do Clube de Caça e Pesca Itororó". Os insetos foram amostrados utilizando substratos artificiais. Foi coletado um total de 205 insetos, 96 na estação seca e 109 na estação chuvosa. As diferenças na abundância de insetos entre os ambientes foram registradas apenas para Ephemeroptera. Apesar das características distintas de cada ambiente a abundância de organismos e a riqueza de gêneros foram semelhantes entre os locais de amostragem e entre estações. No entanto, houve uma variação na composição de organismos em cada ambiente.

Bioassessment using benthic macroinvertebrates of the water quality in the Tigreiro river, Jacuí Basin / Bioavaliação por macroinvertebrados bentônicos da qualidade da água no rio Tigreiro, Bacia do Jacuí

This study aimed to evaluate the water quality in the Tigreiro river, Jacuí river Basin, using different approaches. Benthic macroinvertebrates were sampled in July 2010 (winter) and February 2011 (summer) at five sites. In this study were analyzed: microbiological, physical and chemical variables, benthic macroinvertebrates richness and diversity, rapid ecological assessment protocol and benthic biotic indices (% EPT, BMWP'-IAP, ASPT, SOMI). A total of 5,852 individuals were collected belonging to 31 taxa of three Phyla: Annelida, Mollusca and Arthropoda. Chironomidae was the most abundant taxon (63.70%). A reduction in richness, diversity H' and evenness J' was observed from the initial stretches to the end stretches of Tigreiro river. The use of different approaches showed that sites in the rural area were less altered. The Tigreiro river was strongly impacted, mainly due to discharge of domestic effluents in the urban area, and the combination of different metrics was useful to detect impacted sites and the consequence for the water quality.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a qualidade de água do rio Tigreiro, bacia do rio Jacuí, pelo uso de diferentes abordagens. Macroinvertebrados bentônicos foram coletados em julho/2010 (inverno) e fevereiro/2011 (verão) em cinco pontos. Neste estudo foram analisados: variáveis microbiológicas, físicas e químicas, riqueza e diversidade de macroinvertebrados bentônicos, protocolo de avaliação ambiental rápida e índices bióticos de bentos (% EPT, BMWP'-IAP, ASPT, SOMI). Foram coletados 5.852 indivíduos pertencentes a 31 taxa de três Filos: Annelida, Mollusca e Arthropoda. Chironomidae foi o taxon dominante (63,70%). A redução de riqueza, diversidade H' e uniformidade J' ocorreram da porção inicial em direção à porção final do rio Tigreiro. O uso das diferentes abordagens mostrou que os pontos da área rural foram menos modificados. O rio Tigreiro apresentou-se fortemente impactado, principalmente pela descarga de esgotos domésticos na área urbana e o uso de diferentes métricas foi útil para detectar locais impactados e suas consequências para a qualidade de água.

Distribution and diversity of aquatic insects of Vellayani lake in Kerala.

The diversity of insect fauna of Vellayani lake in Kerala was represented by 60 species classified under 37 families and 8 orders. Among the entomofauna collected from the lake, the order Coleoptera was diverse in number of genera (22). Shannon index was highest in station 2 (3.214) and lowest (2.839) in station 4. The higher richness index was also recorded in station 2 (6.331), though the lowest species richness was observed in Station 1 (5.205). The order Ephemeroptera is represented in Vellayani lake by the families Baetidae and Caenidae, which are considered as an indicator of water quality. Of the 15 metrices selected, taxa richness, Composition measures, Tolerance and Intolerance and Functional groups were also found out for all the stations. In the present study, the percentage of Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, Trichoptera (EPT) taxa richness and diversity remained high in Station 1, 2 and 3 but reduced drastically in stations 4 and 5. The high HBI value recorded at station 4 is due to the abundance of pollution tolerant taxa such as Chironomidae, Tabanidae, Culicidae and Anophilinae. The results of the study reveal greater diversity of aquatic entomofauna in Vellayani freshwater lake and suggest the possibility of using insects effectively for biomonitoring programmes.

Community structure of aquatic insects (Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, and Trichoptera) in Cerrado streams of Paraguay, Paraná, and São Francisco river basins / Estrutura de comunidades de insetos aquáticos (Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera e Trichoptera) em riachos de Cerrado nas bacias dos rios Paraguai, Paraná e São Francisco

We evaluated qualitatively and quantitatively the community structure of aquatic insects (Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, and Trichoptera) in 19 streams in areas of Cerrado in the Paraguay, Paraná, and São Francisco river basins. The number of genera and taxonomic composition were compared at spatial (at the hydrographic basins level) and conservation levels (more preserved and less preserved areas). The influence of spatial and environmental factors in richness and abundance was also evaluated. The geographical distribution of Grumicha, Coryphorus, and Austrotinodes was expanded. The highest Trichoptera richness was found in the São Francisco river basin (F = 5,602, p = 0,004) and a higher number of Ephemeroptera genera occurred in the relatively less preserved sites (F = 6,835, p = 0,009). The pattern of genera distribution was different among basins (R = 0,0336, p = 0,001), but it was similar among relatively less and more preserved areas (R = -0,039, p = 0,737). These findings can be explained by the low impact level in these streams and also by the taxonomic resolution used in this study. Latitude and instream diversity were the most important factors to explain the variation in genera richness and abundance (p = 0.004 and p = 0.026, respectively). Hence, the regional differences can be attributed to spatial influences, quantity or quality of habitats and the original distribution of taxa within each basin.

Foi avaliada a estrutura quali e quantitativa da comunidade de Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera e Trichoptera (EPT) em 19 riachos em áreas de Cerrado nas bacias dos rios Paraguai (PG), Paraná (PN) e São Francisco (SF). O número de gêneros e a composição taxonômica foram comparados espacialmente (diferentes bacias hidrográficas) e quanto ao grau de conservação (áreas mais e menos preservadas). A influência de fatores espaciais e ambientais na riqueza e na abundancia também foi avaliada. Foi registrada a ampliação da área de ocorrência dos gêneros Grumicha, Coryphorus e Austrotinodes. A riqueza de Trichoptera foi superior na bacia do São Francisco (F = 5,602, p = 0,004) e a riqueza de Ephemeroptera foi maior em áreas relativamente menos preservadas (F = 6,835, p = 0,009). O padrão de distribuição dos gêneros diferiu entre as bacias hidrográficas (R = 0,0336, p = 0,001), mas foi igual entre áreas mais e menos preservadas (R = -0,039, p = 0,737), o que pode ser explicado em função do baixo grau de impacto existente entre os riachos estudados e/ou pelo grau de resolução taxonômica atingido no presente estudo. A latitude e, secundariamente, a diversidade interna do hábitat aquático foram os fatores que melhor explicaram a variação encontrada no número de gêneros e na abundância (p = 0,004 e p = 0,026, respectivamente). Assim, as diferenças regionais observadas puderam ser atribuídas às influências espaciais, à quantidade e qualidade de hábitats e à distribuição original dos táxons em cada bacia.

CLINICAL STUDY ABOUT ENDOSCOPIC TREATMENT OF PANCREATIC DUCTAL STONES / 解放军医学杂志

To evaluate the effect of endoscopic treatment of pancreatic ductal stones (PDS), 31 patients with PDS treated in our hospital from January 1998 to Octomber 2001 were analyzed retrospectively. PDS were successfully extracted in 10 patients by endoscopic papillotomy (EPT) or endoscopic pancreatic sphincterotomy (EPS). In 2 patients, one was treated with extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) and endoscopic retrograde pancreatic drainage (ERPD), another with EPS and ESWL, the PDS were all disappeared in 6 months. Fourteen patients with pancreatic ductal stricture were treated with ERPD, and 4 with EPS+ERPD. However, 4 patients were subjected to operation for pancreatic carcinoma and recurrent symptom. Only one of them failed owing to severe pancreatic ductal stricture. The success rate of the procedure was 96 8%, and the remission rate of abdominal pain was 90% shortly after operation and 70 4% in the follow up interval. The body weight and pancreatic exocrine function were also improved. But the stent occlusion was found in 3 patients and their stents were changed. So endoscopic therapy such as EPS, ESWL, and ERPD are effective and safe methods in treatment of PDS.