New topical microemulsions of etofenamate as sufficient management of osteoarthritis

Abstract In this study, microemulsions containing etofenamate were prepared and evaluated as dermal delivery carriers. The developed microemulsions consist of oleic acid, Span 80, Tween 20, Cremophor EL, Transcutol and ethanol. The percentage of etofenamate loading in the microemulsions was 5% (w/w). The characterization of formulations included droplet size, zeta potential, pH, conductivity, PDI, refractive index and viscosity. Moreover, ex vivo penetration study was carried out using mice abdominal skin. The developed formulations were analyzed for their cytotoxicity via MTT assay and tested for their anti-inflammatory properties opposed to LPS-stimulated nitrite prοduction in RAW 264.7 cells. As ideal formulation, M2ETF, was chosen due to its greater permeation, lower penetration as well as higher anti-inflammatory

Comparação das medidas refratométricas através da utilização do Photoscreener 2win® e da retinoscopia manual em pré-escolares assintomáticos / Comparison of refractometric measurements using 2win® Photoscreener and manual retinoscopy in asymptomatic preschoolers

RESUMO Objetivos: Avaliar a sensibilidade, especificidade e acurácia da refratometria obtida através do aparelho photoscreener 2WIN® como método de rastreio de ametropias com indicação de prescrição de óculos pelos critérios da Sociedade Brasileira de Oftalmopediatria em crianças assintomáticas, de origem extra-hospitalar, de 6 a 36 meses de idade, e determinar se a cicloplegia influencia a capacidade de rastreio do aparelho. Métodos: Cento e setenta e oito (178) de crianças com idades entre 6 e 36 meses tiveram sua refratometria mensurada pelo método padrão-ouro, a retinoscopia manual sob cicloplegia, e pelo método em teste, o photoscreener 2WIN®, antes e após a cicloplegia. Resultados: O photoscreener 2WIN® é capaz de identificar aqueles pacientes que deveriam receber prescrição de óculos pelos critérios da Sociedade Brasileira de Oftalmopediatria com sensibilidade de 100%, especificidade de 93,18% e acurácia de 93,26%, quando comparado a retinoscopia estática. Sob cicloplegia, o 2WIN® mantém sensibilidade de 100%, porém aumenta sua especificidade para 96,59% e a acurácia para 96,63%. Conclusão: O photoscreener 2WIN® se mostrou altamente sensível, específico e acurado para uso como equipamento de triagem daqueles pacientes de 6 a 36 meses que se beneficiariam do uso de óculos pelos critérios da Sociedade Brasileira de Oftalmopediatria, com discreto aumento da especificidade e acurácia quando aplicado em pacientes cicloplegiados.

ABSTRACT Objective: Evaluate the sensitivity, specificity e accuracy of the ocular refraction measured by the 2WIN® photoscreener as a screening method to identify children in need of spectacles prescription according to the criteria published by the Brazilian Society of Pediatric Ophthalmology (BSPO) in asymptomatic children, 6 to 36 months old, and determine the impact of cycloplegia in the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of this method. Methods: One hundred seventy-eight (178) eyes of asymptomatic children between the ages of 6 and 36 months have been submitted to ocular refraction measurements by the gold-standard method, the manual retinoscopy under cycloplegia, and the method been tested, the 2WIN® photoscreening, both before and under cycloplegia. Results: The 2WIN® photoscreener before cycloplegia was able to identify those patients in need of spectacles prescription according to the criteria published by the BSPO with 100% sensitivity, 93.18% specificity and 93.26% accuracy, when compared to the manual retinoscopy under cycloplegia. The 2WIN® photoscreener under cycloplegia maintained a sensitivity of 100%, but increased specificity to 96.59% and accuracy to 96.63%. Conclusion: The 2WIN® photoscreener before cycloplegia showed high sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy in detection of patients in need of spectacles prescription according to the criteria published by the BSPO in the tested population, with minor increase in specificity and accuracy when the measurements were performed under cycloplegia.

Avaliação de parâmetros de qualidade do óleo de Palma BRS Manicoré / Evaluation of Palma oil BRS Manicoré quality parameters

O óleo de palma híbrido é considerado um produto rico em conteúdo insaturado e mais resistente a doenças. Objetivou-se analisar parâmetros que indicam a qualidade do óleo de Palma BRS Manicoré. As amostras foram avaliadas quanto ao índice de saponificação, índice de refração, compostos fenólicos totais, atividade antioxidante e densidade. Os resultados obtidos foram submetidos à Análise de Variância (ANOVA). Os valores obtidos para índice de refração e índice de saponificação foram pouco inferiores ao limite estabelecido pela legislação. As amostras apresentaram-se ricas em compostos antioxidantes que são benéficos a saúde humana em sua composição. Conclui-se que o óleo UNAUE apresenta atividade antioxidante, o que torna indispensável sua utilização na dieta humana e para outros fins.

Efeito da forma de aquecimento em parâmetros de qualidade e identidade de óleos vegetais / Effect of the heating means in quality and identity parameters of vegetable oils

Objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar parâmetros de identidade e qualidade de óleo de abacate produzido nacionalmente, comparativamente a azeite de oliva e óleo de arroz, após aquecimento em bloco digestor ou micro-ondas. Avaliaram-se amostras sem aquecimento (controle) e aquecidas por 1:30 h em bloco digestor ou 3 min em micro-ondas. Determinaram-se a acidez e os índices iodo e refração. Os resultados indicaram que houve aumento de acidez, redução no índice de iodo e índice de refração após o aquecimento. Apesar do maior valor de acidez após o aquecimento, o óleo de abacate sofreu menor elevação em relação ao controle (cerca de 4 vezes) do que as demais amostras. O impacto do aquecimento foi maior no óleo de arroz, seguido do azeite de oliva. O aquecimento por micro-ondas afetou mais a qualidade das amostras que o aquecimento em bloco digestor.

Unique Red Blood Cell Morphology Detected in a Patient with Myelodysplastic Syndrome by Three-dimensional Refractive Index Tomography

The three-dimensional (3-D) shape of erythrocytes is strongly associated with various diseases. However, conventional optical imaging approaches with Wright's staining only provide information on two-dimensional morphology. Here, we employed optical diffraction tomography (ODT), a label-free 3-D quantitative phase imaging technique, and observed uniquely shaped red blood cells (RBCs) in the peripheral blood of a patient diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome. Peripheral blood samples were collected when the patient visited our hospital for his two out-patient follow-ups in May 2018. The 3-D tomograms of randomly chosen RBCs were reconstructed using a commercial ODT setup. From the reconstructed 3-D RBCs, 37.5% and 32.8% of RBCs demonstrated cup-like shapes at the first and the second out-patient follow-up, respectively. Even though this is a single case report, the finding is novel and can be a potential dyserythropoietic feature found in peripheral blood.

Scleral Fixation of Intraocular Lens and Retropupillary Fixation of Iris Claw Lens for Aphakic Eyes

PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy and complications of scleral fixation of posterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL) and retropupillary fixation of iris claw IOL for dislocated IOL or aphakia without sufficient capsular support. METHODS: This retrospective study was comprised of 17 eyes of 16 patients undergoing scleral fixation and 14 eyes of 13 patients undergoing retropupillary fixation from August 2013 to June 2018. Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), slit lamp examination, corneal topography, refractive indices, corneal curvatures, corneal endothelial cell density, and complications of both groups were examined preoperatively and 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 2 months, and 6 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Six months after the operation, UCVA and BCVA improved in both groups; however, there were no significant differences between the two groups (UCVA, p = 0.162; BCVA, p = 0.418). IOP was temporarily higher in the scleral fixation group at one day postoperatively (p = 0.023). The mean absolute prediction error was smaller in the retropupillary iris fixation group at 6 months postoperatively (p = 0.034). Postoperative total astigmatism, corneal astigmatism, and corneal endothelial cell density were not significantly different between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: The retropupillary iris fixation group did not show significant improvement in visual acuity compared with the scleral fixation group. However, the retropupillary iris fixation group provided better mean absolute prediction error and a low risk of postoperative increase in IOP compared with the scleral fixation group. Retropupillary fixation of iris claw IOL is a promising option for scleral fixation of posterior chamber IOL for dislocated IOL or aphakia without sufficient capsular support.

The Effect of Refractive Power on Retinal Volume Measurement Using Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography

PURPOSE: To investigate the change of retinal volume according to anterior segment refractive power using contact lens by spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). METHODS: The retinal volume was measured using a SD-OCT (Heidelberg retinal angiography Spectralis + OCT, Heidelberg Engineering, Heidelberg, Germany) in 60 subjects without any underlying disease. The same examiner performed a 31-section macular volume-scan at 240 µm intervals, re-measured the same area by changing the refractive power of the anterior segment by wearing soft contact lenses of +6.0 diopters and −6.0 diopters. By using the ImageJ software to calculate the cross-sectional area and of the cross-sectional area and the volume was measured. RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 25.6 ± 1.5 years and the mean axial length was 25.7 ± 1.57 mm. The volume of the posterior pole retina measured without the contact lens was 13.48 ± 0.05 and the mean volume of the retina measured with +6.0 diopter and −6.0 diopter contact lens in the same patient was 13.47 ± 0.07 mm³ and 13.48 ± 0.05 respectively. The mean volume was significantly lower(p = 0.036) in the measurement with the +6.0 diopter lens than in the measurement without the lens, and the mean volume was significantly higher in the measurement with the +6.0 diopter lens (p = 0.042). The change in retinal thickness was increased with longer axial length (r = 0.32, p < 0.05), but the central foveal thickness did not correlate with anterior corneal power (p = 0.463). CONCLUSIONS: The volume of the retina measured using the SD-OCT is affected by the refractive power of the anterior segment and the axial length. Therefore, it is necessary to consider the change of refractive index because it can change the retinal volume measured by SD-OCT.

Refractometry as an alternative to the biuret method for measuring total serum proteins in Podocnemis expansa (Podocnemididae) and Phrynops geoffroanus (Chelidae) / Refratometria como alternativa ao método do biureto para mensuração de proteínas séricas totais em Podocnemis expansa e Phrynops geoffroanus (Podocnemididae, Chelidae)

Total serum protein is a significant indicator of health condition in animals. The aim of this study was to analyze the precision of the portable refractometer in determining the concentration of total serum proteins in Podocnemis expansa and Phrynops geoffroanus. A total of 26 animals were used. The blood samples were collected from the supraoccipital sinus and stored in tubes without anticoagulant. Total serum protein was determined using both the biuret reaction and refractometry. The total serum protein mean concentration (g dL-1) with biuret method and refractometry for P. expansa were 3.16 and 3.2; and for P. geoffroanus were 3.56 and 2.72, respectively. These results indicate that total serum protein values can be determined with precision in P. expansa and P. geoffroanus using a portable refractometer.

A proteína sérica total é um indicador significativo do estado de saúde em animais. O objetivo desse estudo foi analisar a precisão do refratômetro portátil para determinar a concentração de proteínas séricas totais em Podocnemis expansa e Phrynops geoffroanus. Foram utilizados um total de 26 animais. As amostras de sangue foram coletadas por punção do seio supraoccipital e armazenadas em tubos sem anticoagulante. A concentração de proteína sérica total foi determinada utilizando tanto a reação de biureto como um refratômetro portátil. A média da proteína sérica total (g dL-1) pela reação de biureto e pela refratometria para P. expansa foram de 3,16 e 3,2; e para P. geoffroanus foram de 3,56 e 2,72, respectivamente. Estes resultados indicam que os valores de proteínas séricas totais podem ser determinados com precisão em P. expansa e P. geoffroanus usando o refratômetro portátil.

Investigations on the effects of mouthrinses on the colour stability and surface roughness of different dental bioceramics

PURPOSE: In this study, three bioceramic materials, [IPS Empress CAD (Ivoclar), IPS e.max CAD (Ivoclar), and Lava Ultimate CAD (3M ESPE)] were treated with three commercial mouthrinses [Listerine, Tantum Verde, and Klorhex]; and changes in colour reflectance and surface roughness values were then quantitatively assessed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and twenty ceramic samples, with dimensions of 2 × 12 × 14 mm, were prepared and divided into nine sample groups, except three control samples. The samples were immersed in the mouthrinse solutions for 120 hrs, and changes in colour reflectance and surface roughness values were measured by UV light spectrophotometry (Vita Easyshade; VITA Zahnfabrik) and by profilometer device (MitutoyoSurftest SJ-301), respectively. The change of surface roughness was inspected by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). RESULTS: There was a positive correlation between the ΔE and increase in the surface roughness. Two of the ceramic materials, IPS Empress and Lava Ultimate, were affected significantly by the treatment of the mouthrinse solutions (P<.05). The most affecting solution was Tantum Verde and the most affected material was Lava Ultimate. As expected, the most resistant material to ΔE and chemical corrosion was IPS e max CAD among the materials used. CONCLUSION: This work implied that mouthrinse with lower alcohol content had less deteriorating effect on colour and on the surface morphology of the bioceramic materials.

Nonlinear optical studies of gold and silver nanoparticles

Objective: To measure the nonlinear refractive index and nonlinear absorption coefficient of Ag and Au particles

Design: A Quantitative Measurements

Setting: Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland [RCSI], Kingdom of Bahrain

Method: Ag and Au colloidal solutions were prepared by reduction processes. The nonlinear properties of the samples were investigated using CW laser at 488-514 nm using Z-scan technique

Result: Closed aperture z-scan displayed a pre-focal peak followed by a post-focal valley. These materials showed a large negative nonlinear refractive index of 5.85 X 10[-11] m[2]/W and 3.32 X 10[12]m[2]/W for silver and gold respectively and negative nonlinear absorption of 3.45 x 10[-4]m/W and 7.48 x 10[+5] m/W for silver and gold respectively

Conclusion: Z-scan showed that Ag and Au nanoparticles exhibit a nonlinear effect of thermal origin

Astigmatic Correlation between the Automated Refractometry and Dual Scheimpflug Analyzer in Pseudophakic Eyes

PURPOSE: To examine the relationship between the refractive astigmatism by automated refractometry and the corneal astigmatism by a dual Scheimpflug analyzer in pseudophakic eyes. METHODS: Prospectively, 75 patients (100 eyes) were enrolled in the present study. Refractive astigmatism was obtained by automated refraction. Corneal astigmatism was obtained using automated keratometry (ARK-530A®) and dual Scheimpflug scanning analysis (Galilei G4®). All refractive values were converted to the power vector components J0 and J45 for comparison and regression analysis of refractive versus corneal astigmatism. Bland-Altman plots were created to estimate the agreement between measurements. RESULTS: The average astigmatism from each measurement was -1.11 ± 1.44 D (refractive astigmatism from automated refraction), -0.77 ± 1.06 D (corneal astigmatism from automated keratometry), -0.93 ± 1.02 D (simulated K from Galilei G4®), and -1.11 ± 1.48 D (total corneal power from Galilei G4®). Refractive J0 and keratometric J0 were significantly correlated (r = 0.557, p ≤ 0.001), as well as the corresponding J45 values (r = 0.655, p = 0.025). Refractive astigmatism and total corneal power components were also significantly correlated (J0: r = 0.618, p ≤ 0.001; J45: r = 0.608, p = 0.04). In the Bland-Altman plots, keratometric J0 and total corneal power J0 showed the best agreement. CONCLUSIONS: The accuracy of measurements for corneal refraction and astigmatism in pseudophakic eyes is higher using the dual Scheimpflug analyzer, especially for total corneal power. This value of astigmatism can take into account the refractive astigmatism of pseudophakic eyes and can be used in evaluating postoperative corneal astigmatism.

Accuracy of Three Intraocular Lens-power Formulas in Predicting Refractive Outcomes in Different Intraocular Lenses

PURPOSE: To compare the accuracy of different power-calculation formulas in predicting the postoperative refraction of three-piece and one-piece intraocular lenses (IOL). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 74 eyes (62 patients) that had undergone cataract surgery involving implantation of one of two IOLs―the SENSAR® AAB00 1-Piece Acrylic IOL (44 eyes), or the Hoya® VA60BB 3-Piece Acrylic IOL (30 eyes)―between October 2014 and March 2015. Axial length was measured using an optical low-coherence refractometry (Lenstar®), and biometry was then calculated by the pre-installed Lenstar program, which used the SRK/II, Sanders-Retzlaff-Kraff/Theoretical (SRK/T), and Hoffer Q formulas. Mean absolute error (MAE) and mean numeric error (MNE) were measured 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, and 2 months after surgery. RESULTS: Using the SRK/T and Hoffer Q formulas, the one-piece IOL group differed significantly from the three-piece IOL group in terms of the MNE obtained 1 month and 2 months after surgery. Across all formulas and time points, there were no significant differences between the groups in terms of MAE. CONCLUSIONS: There was no significant difference between the different power-calculation formulas. Starting 1 month after surgery, the three-piece IOL group showed myopic postoperative refraction compared to the predictive spherical equivalent using the SRK/T and Hoffer Q formulas.

Características físicas y antioxidantes de semillas y productos de mostaza negra (Brassica nigra) y amarilla (Brassica alba) / Physical and antioxidant characteristics of black (Brassica nigra) and yellow mustard (Brassica alba) seeds and their products

En este trabajo se evaluaron la composición, algunas características físicas (densidad, índice de refracción y color), capacidad antioxidante (DPPH) y perfil de ácidos grasos de semillas de mostaza negra (Brassica nigra) y amarilla (Brassica alba), sus aceites y residuos de la extracción del aceite. La densidad de los aceites de mostaza negra y amarilla fue de 0,912 ± 0,01 y 0,916 ± 0,01 g/mL, respectivamente; y el índice de refracción fue de 1,4611 ± 0,01 y 1,4617 ± 0,01, respectivamente, no mostrando diferencias significativas (p>0,05) entre las dos mostazas. Los parámetros de color del aceite de semilla de mostaza negra y amarilla tienden hacia los tonos amarillos-verdosos y tonos amarillos-rojizos, respectivamente; respecto a la actividad antioxidante, se observó una variación desde 25 mg equivalentes de Trolox/100 g en el aceite de semilla de mostaza amarilla hasta 1,366 mg equivalentes de Trolox/100 g en la pasta residual de mostaza negra. El perfil de ácidos grasos de la semillas de mostaza negra muestran que el ácido graso predominante es el oleico (22,96%), seguido por linoleico (6,63%) y linolénico (3,22%), mientras que para la semilla de mostaza amarilla es el erúcico (6,87%), seguido por oleico (5,08%) y linoléico (1,87%).

The composition, some physical properties (density, refraction index, and color), antioxidant capacity (DPPH), and fatty acid profile of seeds of black (Brassica nigra) or yellow mustard (Brassica alba) were evaluated, as well as for their oils and residues from oil extraction. Density of the black and yellow mustard oils were 0.912 ± 0.01 and 0.916 ± 0.01 g/mL, respectively; their refraction indexes were 1.4611 ± 0.01 and 1.4617 ± 0.01, respectively; being not significantly different (p>0.05) between two mustards. Color parameters of the black and yellow mustard oils presented greenish-yellow tones and reddish-yellow tones, respectively; regarding antioxidant activities, these ranged from 25 mg equivalents of Trolox/100 g in the yellow mustard oil to 1,366 mg equivalents of Trolox/100 g in the residues from oil extraction of black seed mustard. The fatty acid profile of the black mustard seed revealed that its predominant fatty acid is oleic (22.96%), followed by linoleic (6.63%) and linolenic (3.22%), whereas for yellow mustard seed the major fatty acid is erucic (6.87%), followed by oleic (5.08%) and linoleic (1.87%) acids.

Efeito alcalinizante da solução de Ringer com lactato em ovelhas sadias e acidóticas / Alkalinizing effect of lactated Ringer's solution in healthy and acidotic sheep

O estudo teve o objetivo de testar a hipótese de que o efeito alcalinizante da solução de Ringer com lactato (SRL) pode ser maior nos animais portadores de acidose metabólica do que nos sadios, como consequência da necessidade de retorno ao equilíbrio. Seis ovelhas receberam a SRL em volume correspondente a 10% do peso corporal, administrada por infusão contínua intravenosa, durante quatro horas, em duas condições definidas: enquanto eram saudáveis e após a indução experimental de acidose láctica ruminal aguda (ALRA). Amostras de sangue venoso e de urina foram colhidas em quatro momentos: antes do início da infusão, na metade do volume infundido, ao término da infusão e duas horas após. Foram determinados valores de pH sanguíneo e urinário, de pCO2, HCO3 - e BE no sangue, de Na+, K+, Cl-, SID, AG, PPT, Atot e lactato L no plasma, e das excreções fracionadas urinárias de Na+, K+, Cl- e lactato L. A SRL provocou hemodiluição, mas não interferiu nos equilíbrios eletrolítico e acidobase das ovelhas sadias. Apesar de eficaz para reverter a desidratação, não foi capaz de corrigir a acidose metabólica presente após a indução da ALRA.

The aim of this study was to investigate if the alkalinizing effect of lactated Ringer's solution (LRS) is greater in animals with metabolic acidosis than in healthy ones, as a result of the need to restore acid-base balance. LRS was intravenously infused in a volume corresponding to 10% of body weight, continously during four hours, in two definite conditions in the same six ewes: when they were healthy and after experimentally induced acute rumen lactic acidosis (ARLA). Venous blood and urine samples were taken in four moments: before the beginning, in the middle, at the end of the infusion and two hours after. Blood and urine pH, blood pCO2, HCO3 - and BE, and plasma Na+, K+, Cl-, TP and L lactate were measured. Na+, K+, Cl- and L lactate fractional clearance and plasma SID, AG, and Atot were calculated. LRS caused hemodilution but didn't change electrolyte and acid-base balances in healthy ewes. When ewes were affected by ARLA, the infusion of this solution was effective for dehydration reversion but was unable to correct metabolic acidosis.

Cálculo biométrico en pacientes operados de catarata / Biometrical calculation in patients operated for cataract

Introducción: para obtener resultados satisfactorios en el implante de lentes intraoculares, se requiere de un estudio previo a la operación de catarata y del cálculo correcto del lente. Objetivo: determinar los resultados refractivos de esta cirugía mediante el cálculo biométrico. Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo y prospectivo de 149 ojos de pacientes operados de catarata, en el Centro Oftalmológico del estado venezolano de Apure, desde enero hasta abril del 2014. Resultados: predominaron el sexo femenino (61,7 %) y el grupo etario de 60-69 años (41,6 %). Los valores de la queratometría oscilaron entre las 43-44 dioptrías (67,0 %) y la longitud axial fue de 22-24 mm (70,5 %). El mayor porcentaje de los ojos operados correspondió a los corregidos con el lente intraocular implantado (79,2 %). Conclusiones: los resultados refractivos de los pacientes intervenidos quirúrgicamente demostraron la importancia del cálculo del lente intraocular previo a la extracción de catarata.

Introduction: to obtain satisfactory results in the implant of intraocular lens, a previous study to the cataract surgery and to the correct calculation of the lens is required. Objective: to determine the refractive results of this surgery by means of the biometrical calculation. Methods: a descriptive and prospective study of 149 cataract operated patients was carried out in the Ophthalmology Center in the Venezuelan state of Apure, from January to April, 2014. Results: feminine sex (61.7%) and the age group 60-69 years (41.6%) prevailed. The keratometry values fluctuated between 43-44 diopters (67.0%) and the axial longitude was of 22-24 mm (70.5%). The highest percentage in the operated eyes corresponded to those corrected with the implanted intraocular lens (79.2%). Conclusions: the refractive results of the surgically treated patients demonstrated the importance of the calculation obtained from the intraocular lens previous to the cataract extraction.

Gradient refractive index optics IOL: theoretical background and clinical results

To present the theoretical optical background and clinical results of a new multifocal intraocular lens [MIOL] concept-gradient refractive index optics [Gradiol]. Original mathematical modeling software was used to calculate optimal construction of the MIOL optic constructed from two polymer materials with different refractive indices. Gradiol lenses were manufactured from hydrophobic acrylic utilizing original step-by-step polymerization technology with the final power difference of of 3.5 D between optic components. Non-comparative prospective clinical study included 26 patients [29 eyes] who were candidates for MIOL implantation. All surgeries were performed at the S. Fyodorov Eye Microsurgery Complex State Institution, Moscow, Russia. After implantation of the Gradiol lenses, the postoperative evaluations included distance [best corrected visual acuity [BCVA]] and near visual acuity [NVA], contrast sensitivity [CS], and amplitude of pseudoaccommodation. Subjective patient's satisfaction was assessed using a questionnaire [VF-14]. The mean age of the patients was 62.5 +/- 5.7 years [range 27-82 years]. All surgical procedures were uneventful. At 6 months postoperatively, the mean uncorrected distance VA was 0.73 +/- 0.18, mean uncorrected near VA was 0.57 +/- 0.19, mean corrected distance VA was 0.89 +/- 0.15, mean corrected near VA was 0.84 +/- 0.07, and amplitude of pseudoaccommodation was 4.75 +/- 0.5 D. Eighty-six percent of patients were spectacle independent for daily activities and reading. Optical disturbances that were functionally significant were reported by 10.7% of patients postoperatively. The clinical outcomes of this study confirmed the theoretical calculations of constructing MIOL optics from materials with different refractive indices

Morphometric and phytochemical characterization of chaura fruits (Gaultheria pumila): a native Chilean berry with commercial potential

BACKGROUND: For the first time, a morphometric characterization of chaura (Gaultheria pumila) fruits has been conducted between natural populations growing in the Villarrica National Park, Araucania Region, Chile. Chaura is a native Ericaceae from Chile that produces aromatic and tasty fruits which could be of agricultural interest. RESULTS: To influence the decision for a further domestication of G. pumila, both the fruit sizes (indicator of productivity) and the nutritional properties of the fruits have been determined from different subpopulations. Samples were a total of 74 plants and 15 fruits per plant which were randomly harvested following its natural distribution around the Villarrica volcano. Altogether, fresh weight, shape, color, diameter in the pole and the equatorial dimensions were determined as phenotypic traits of the G. pumila fruits. Meanwhile the total soluble solids, anthocyanin and pectin contents were calculated as nutritional traits of the Chaura fruits. Results showed a high phenotypic diversity between the sampled population with three main fruit shapes and three predominant colors. The round shapes were the most abundant, whereas a significant correlation was found among fruit size with weight and color. The highest fresh weight (597.3 mg), pole diameter (7.1 mm) and equatorial diameter (6.5 mm) were estimated in the pink color fruits. CONCLUSIONS: The total amount of anthocyanin was higher in red fruits, while the maximum pectin content was obtained in the round white fruits. Overall results must pave the way for a further domestication and introduction of the Chaura species in the agro-productive system in Chile.

Isosorbide Concentration in Perilymph of the Guinea Pig After Oral Administration Versus That After Round Window Perfusion

OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to investigate the feasibility of isosorbide delivery into perilymph through the round window membrane (RWM), and to compare the intracochlear isosorbide concentration in perilymph after oral administration (PO) versus that after round window perfusion (RWP). METHODS: Sixteen male guinea pigs (32 ears) were used. Isosorbide, an osmotic diuretic, was administered via RWP or PO. First, to investigate the optimal perfusion time, perilymph sampling of scala tympani from the RWM was performed after RWP for 15, 30, or 60 minutes. Second, to compare the drug concentration after RWP versus that after PO, perilymph was aspirated at 3 and 6 hours after administration. Intracochlear concentration of isosorbide was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to refractive index detection. RESULTS: Isosorbide passed through the RWM into perilymph after RWP. After RWP for 15, 30, and 60 minutes, mean isosorbide concentrations in perilymph were 116.27+/-44.65, 245.48+/-112.84, and 279.78+/-186.32 mM, respectively. The intracochlear concentration after RWP for 30 minutes was higher than that after RWP for 15 minutes (P=0.043). At 3 and 6 hours after PO, isosorbide concentrations in perilymph were 28.88+/-4.69 and 12.67+/-2.28 mM, respectively. In contrast, the corresponding concentrations after RWP were 117.91+/-17.70 and 75.03+/-14.82 mM at 3 and 6 hours, respectively. Isosorbide concentrations in perilymph following RWP were significantly higher than those following PO at both 3 and 6 hours (P=0.025 and P=0.034, respectively). CONCLUSION: Isosorbide can rapidly pass through the RWM after RWP in guinea pigs, and 30 minutes of perfusion is considered to be appropriate. In addition, over a 6-hour period, RWP can deliver higher concentrations of isosorbide into perilymph than those achieved with PO.

The effect of resin thickness on polymerization characteristics of silorane-based composite resin

OBJECTIVES: This study examined the influence of the resin thickness on the polymerization of silorane- and methacrylate-based composites. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One silorane-based (Filtek P90, 3M ESPE) and two methacrylate-based (Filtek Z250 and Z350, 3M ESPE) composite resins were used. The number of photons were detected using a photodiode detector at the different thicknesses (thickness, 1, 2 and 3 mm) specimens. The microhardness of the top and bottom surfaces was measured (n = 15) using a Vickers hardness with 200 gf load and 15 sec dwell time conditions. The degree of conversion (DC) of the specimens was determined using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Scratched powder of each top and bottom surface of the specimen dissolved in ethanol for transmission FTIR spectroscopy. The refractive index was measured using a Abbe-type refractometer. To measure the polymerization shrinkage, a linometer was used. The results were analyzed using two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test at p < 0.05 level. RESULTS: The silorane-based resin composite showed the lowest filler content and light attenuation among the specimens. P90 showed the highest values in the DC and the lowest microhardness at all depth. In the polymerization shrinkage, P90 showed a significantly lower shrinkage than the rest two resin products (p < 0.05). P90 showed a significantly lower refractive index than the remaining two resin products (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: DC, microhardness, polymerization rate and refractive index linearly decreased as specimen thickness linearly increased. P90 showed much less polymerization shrinkage compared to other specimens. P90, even though achieved the highest DC, showed the lowest microhardness and refractive index.