Biodegradation of glyphosate herbicide by Salinicoccus spp isolated from Qom Hoze-soltan lake, Iran

Background: Glyphosate [N-phosphonomethyl Glycine] is an organophosphorus pesticide with dangerous effects on the environment. In this study, the biodegradation of glyphosate herbicide by halophilic bacteria isolated from Qom Hoze-Soltan Lake has been investigated

Methods: After sampling and bacterial isolation, native halophilic strains grown in the presence of glyphosate at a wavelength of 660 nm and also the disappearance of the glyphosate in the plates at a wavelength of 220 nm were determined and the dominant bacteria were isolated. Biochemical, molecular [according to the 16S rRNA sequence], antibiotic, and the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration [MIC] test was performed for the dominant bacteria. Analysis of the remaining glyphosate herbicide was performed by HPLC analysis after derivation with FMOC-Cl

Results: According to the results of the biochemical, antibiotic and molecular 16S rRNA tests, the native halophilic isolates with the ability to biodegrade glyphosate were gram positive cocci very similar to Salinicoccus spp. The results of HPLC showed that Salinicoccus spp is able to biodegrade glyphosate herbicide

Conclusion: The native bacteria in Qom Hoze-soltan lake, Iran can be used for biodegradation of glyphosate herbicide

Antibiotics and heavy metals resistance patterns of Enterococcus faecalis and faecium bacteria isolated from the human and the livestock sources

Background: Enterococci have emerged as a major cause of nosocomial infections and within this group, Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium cause the majority of human and livestock enterococcal infections. In this article, we tried to determine antibiotics and metals resistance patterns of E. faecalis and E. faecium strains

Methods: One hundred sixty different strains of E. faecalis and E. faecium were collected from livestock sewage and the human fecal waste during 15 months. Then bacterial antibiotics sensitivity tests were carried out using the Agar disc diffusion method

Results: Generally, 100% of E. faecalis strains separated from human and livestock sources [i.e. sheep] showed penicillin [P]/ kanamycin [K]/ nitrofurantoin [N]/ loracarbef [L]/ Ciprofloxacin [Cc]/ ampicillin [AN]/ nalidixic acid [NA]/ sulfamethoxazole [S] antibiotics resistance patterns. In addition, 55% of isolated E. faecium showed P/S/AN/NA antibiotics resistance patterns. Each strain showed a resistance to at least two aminoglycoside antibiotics. However, E. faecalis strains from human and the livestock sources showed 94% and 100% of resistance to nitrofurantoin, respectively. The effects of different metal concentrations was evaluated in both strains. The agar dilution method was applied in this stage. Hg at 0.05 mmol/L of minimum inhibitory concentration [MIC] showed toxicity to both the human and livestock Enterococcus strains. Cadmium at 1 mmol/L and 0.5 mmol/L concentrations had the most toxicity to E. faecalis and E. faecium strains, respectively. Obviously, toxicity to bacteria is less than other metals. As a result, Zn/Ni/Cu/Co resistance pattern is suggested for both strains. Finally, antibiotics and heavy metals resistance patterns were monitored simultaneously

Conclusion: Almost all E. faecalis strains isolated from humans and livestock showed antibiotics and heavy metals resistance patterns of P/K/L/Cc/S/AN/NA/Zn/Cu/Co simultaneously. Moreover, 55% of E. faecium strains showed similar antibiotics and heavy metals resistance patterns of P/S/AN/NA/Zn/Ni/Cu/Co

[Synthesis of gold nanoparticles and study of their antimicrobial effects study on Helicobacter pylori]

Helicobacter pylori is a helix-shaped, gram-negative and microaerophilic bacterium. This bacterium is one of the main causes of peptic ulcer disease. Nowadays, multidrug therapy is used to eliminate the bacterium. Unfortunately, drug resistance to these drugs has difficulty in the treatment. The use of nanotechnology in medicine can be the solution of this problem in the future. Among nanometals, gold nanoparticles have exclusive features, which can be used in medical applications. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of gold nanoparticles on the Helicobacter pylori isolates, which are sensitive or resistant to conventional drugs. Firstly, the gold nanoparticles were synthesized by Turkevich method, and then, spectroscopic and electron microscopic characteristics were analyzed. Anti H. pylori activity of pure gold nanoparticles was determined using disk diffusion method according to CLSI standards. The size of gold nanoparticles was 10-12 nm and the maximum wavelength of the nanoparticles was obtained to be 522 nm. In the disk diffusion method, no inhibition zone was observed around gold nanoparticles discs for susceptible and resistant isolates. Findings of this study showed that low concentrations of gold nanoparticles has no effect on Helicobacter pylori isolates

Unifocal langerhans cell histiocytosis simulating a limbal papilloma

To report a rare presentation of unifocal Langerhans cell histiocytosis [LCH] simulating a limbal papilloma. A 24-year-old man presented with a limbal mass in his left eye which had initially been suspected to be a papilloma based on clinical findings. The mass was excised and a histopathological diagnosis of "acute bullous inflammation with granulation tissue" was made. The lesion relapsed 10 months later which necessitated repeat resection along with corneoscleral patch grafting. Histopathological studies of the excised lesion led to a final diagnosis of LCH. To the best of our knowledge, this is the second report of a rare presentation of LCH in the limbus which recurred after excision of the primary mass. The recurrent lesion was diagnosed based on histopathology and managed accordingly.

Intraocular lens power calculation after corneal refractive surgery

Purpose: To report refractive outcomes following phacoemulsification [PE] and posterior chamber intraocular lens [PCIOL] implantation in eyes with previous corneal refractive surgery

Methods: In this retrospective comparative study, 18 consecutive eyes of 14 patients with previous keratorefractive surgery for myopia including photorefractive keratectomy [PRK, 6 eyes; 33.3%] and laser in situ keratomileusis [LASIK, 12 eyes; 66.7%] underwent PE+PCIOL. Computerized corneal topography was employed to determine the flattest keratometric reading within the 3-mm central zone. This value was inserted into the Sanders-Retzlaff-Kraff/T [SRK/T] formula to calculate IOL power. IOL power selected for implantation was 1 D greater than the calculated value described above

Results: Mean age and follow-up period were 54.1 +/- 11.5 years and 29.9 +/- 26.3 months, respectively. Mean implanted lens power was 18.56 +/- 3.86 D which was not significantly different from mean back-calculated IOL power for target refraction [19.04 +/- 4.16 D] [P=0.28]. There was no significant difference between mean target refraction [-0.94 +/- 0.52 D] and achieved postoperative spherical equivalent refractive error [-0.62 +/- 1.06] at final follow-up [P=0.28]. The achieved spherical equivalent refractive error was within +/- 0.50 D of intended refraction in 8 [44.4%] eyes, within +/- 1.0 D in 11 [61.1%] eyes, and within +/- 2.0 D in 16 [88.9%] eyes. In a subgroup of patients [5 eyes] with complete pre-refractive surgery data, the difference between post-refractive surgery keratometry method and all other methods [P=0.02] and between the current method and the Feiz-Mannis method [P=0.01] was statistically significant

Conclusion: The method suggested herein is simple and independent of pre-refractive surgery data with results comparable to other commonly used methods

Bilateral Terrien's marginal degeneration and posterior polymorphous dystrophy in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis

Purpose: To report an interesting case of concomitant bilateral Terrien's marginal degeneration-like corneal ectasia and posterior polymorphous corneal dystrophy in a young man with quiescent rheumatoid arthritis

Case Report: A 24-year-old man with history of rheumatoid arthritis presented with bilateral decreased vision since four years ago. Slit lamp examination revealed bilateral circumferential peripheral corneal thinning and bulging with vascularization and lipid deposition in addition to band-like lesions in descemet's membrane. Previous records revealed no gross corneal abnormalities up to 4 years ago. Corneal lesions were compatible with bilateral circumferential Terrien's marginal degeneration concomitant with posterior polymorphous dystrophy

Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first report of concomitant bilateral Terrien's marginal degeneration with peripheral corneal ectasia and posterior polymorphous dystrophy in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis. Bilateral circumferential involvement, younger age at presentation and total peripheral corneal ectasia as observed in this case are not typical for classic Terrien's marginal degeneration

Causes of Visual Impairment among Patients Referred to a Visual Rehabilitation Clinic in Iran

PURPOSE: Epidemiologic evaluation and investigating the causes of visual impairment in any society is a matter of concern and has a direct effect on the country's health care planning. In this study we describe causes of low vision and blindness in Iranian patients referred to rehabilitation clinics for taking vision aids. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, visual acuity was classified based on best-corrected visual acuity in the better eye according to the World Health Organization definition (blindness, visual acuity [VA] < 20 / 400; severe visual impairment, VA < 20 / 200-20 / 400; mild to moderate visual impairment, VA < 20 / 60-20 / 200). The causes of blindness and low vision were determined using the 10th version of International Classification of Diseases based on the main cause in both eyes. To describe data, we used mean +/- SD and frequency. RESULTS: The study included 432 patients, 65% male, with a mean age of 43.6 +/- 25.5 years (range, 3 to 92 years). Mild to moderate visual impairment, severe visual impairment and blindness were present in 122 (28.8%), 196 (46.4%) and 105 (24.8%) of the patients, respectively. The main causes of visual impairment were retinal and choroidal diseases (74.5%), optic nerve and optic tract diseases (9.8%), vitreous and globe disorders (5.3%), congenital cataract (3.1%), and glaucoma (2.6%). The distribution pattern of the causes was similar in all age subgroups. CONCLUSIONS: Diseases of the retina and choroid are the main cause of visual impairment among patients referred to an academic visual rehabilitation clinic in Iran.

Immunologic corneal graft rejection after administration of topical latanoprost: a report of two patients

To report endothelial corneal graft rejection after administration of topical latanoprost eye drops. Two eyes of two patients with a history of multiple intraocular procedures prior to penetrating keratoplasty developed endothelial graft rejection one month after administration of topical latanoprost. Cystoid macular edema developed simultaneously in one patient. Latanoprost may trigger endothelial graft rejection in susceptible eyes

Dry eye syndrome

Our understanding of keratoconjunctivitis sicca [KCS], also known as dry eye syndrome, has been changed over recent years. Until lately, the condition was thought to be merely due to aqueous tear insufficiency. Today, it is understood that KCS is a multifactorial disorder due to inflammation of the ocular surface and lacrimal gland, neurotrophic deficiency and meibomian gland dysfunction. This change in paradigm has led to the development of new and more effective medications

Hepatitis D virus infection in Isfahan, central Iran: prevalence and risk factors among chronic HBV infection cases

Hepatitis D virus [HDV] is dependent on hepatitis B virus [HBV] infection. Acute infection with HDV can occur simultaneously with acute HBV infection of be superimposed onto a chronic HBV infection. This study aimed to identify cases of HCV and determine its prevalence in patients with chronic HBV infection for the first time study in Isfahan, central Iran. In a cross-sectional study in 2009, 346 who had been diagnosed for at least 6 months with chronic HBV were enrolled consecutively. Anti-HDV was measured by ELISA in the serum of these patients. The study included 245 males [70.8%] and 101 [29.2%] females with a mean age of 39 +/- 12.4 years. Anti-HDV was present in 8 [3.5%] HBe antibody-positive patients [p= 0.36] and in 2 [2.3%] HBe antigen-positive cases [p = 0.68]. No association was found between hepatitis D and probable risk factors. This study demonstrates that the prevalence of HDV infection is higher in patients who are positive for HBeAb compared those who are HBeAg-positive. Therefore, most HDV antibody-positive cases in Isfahan are HBV/HDV superinfections but not coinfections

Indications for corneal transplantation at a tertiary referral center in Tehran

To report the indications and techniques of corneal transplantation at a tertiary referral center in Tehran over a 3-year-period. Records of patients who had undergone any kind of corneal transplantation at Labbafinejad Medical Center, Tehran, Iran form March 2004 to March 2007 were reviewed to determine the indications and types of corneal transplantation. During this period, 776 eyes of 756 patients [including 504 male subjects] with mean age of 41.3 +/- 21.3 years underwent corneal transplantation. The most common indication was keratoconus [n=317, 40.8%], followed by bullous keratopathy [n=90, 11.6%], non-herpetic corneal scars [n=62, 8.0%], infectious by corneal ulcers [n=90, 11.6%], non-herpetic corneal scars [n=317, 40.8%] followed by bullous keratopathy [n= 61, 7.9%], previously failed grafts [n=61, 7.9%], endothelial and stromal corneal dystrophies [n=28, 3.6%], and trachoma keratopathy [n=26, 3.3%]. Other indications including Terrien's marginal degeneration, post-LASIK keratectasia, trauma, chemical burns, and peripheral ulcerative keratitis constituted the rest of cases. Techniques of corneal transplantation included penetrating keratoplasty [n=607, 78.2%], deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty [n=108, 13.9%], conventional lamellar keratoplasty [n=44, 5.7%], automated lamellar therapeutic keratoplasty [n= 8, 1.0%], and Descemet stripping endothelial keratoplasty [n=6, 0.8%] in descending order. The remaining cases were endothelial keratoplasty and sclerokeratoplasty. In this study, keratoconus was the most common indication for penetrating keratoplasty which was the most prevalent technique of corneal transplantation. However, deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty is emerging as a growing alternative for corneal pathologies not involving the endothelium

Meensmann corneal dystrophy; a clinic-pathologic, ultrastructural and confocal scan report

To report the microstructural features of Meesmann corneal dystrophy [MCD] in two patients. The first patient was a 10-year-old boy who presented with bilateral visual loss, diffuse corneal epithelial microcystic changes, high myopia and amblyopia. With a clinical impression of MCD, automated lamellar therapeutic keratoplasty was performed in his left eye. Histopathologic examination of the corneal button disclosed epithelail cell swelling and cyst-like intracytoplasmic inclusions. The cells contained moderate amounts of periodic acid-Schiff-positive and diastase-sensitive material [glycogen]. Transmission electron microscopy revealed numerous vacuoles and moderate number of electron-dense membrane-bound bodies in the cytoplasm, similar to lysosomes, some engulfed by the vacuoles. The second patient was a 17-year-old female with a clinical diagnosis of MCD and episodes of recurrent corneal erosion. On confocal scan examination of both corneas, hyporeflective rond-shaped areas measuring 6.8 to 41.4 micro m were seen within the superficial epithelium together with irregular and ill-defined high-contrast areas in the sub-basal epithelial region. The subepithelial nervous plexus was not visible due to regional hyperreflectivity. This case report further adds to the microstructural features of Meesmann corneal dystrophy and suggests confocal scan as a non-invasive method for delineating the microstructural appearance of this rare dystrophy

Risk factors for posterior capsule rupture and vitreous loss during phacoemulsification

To determine the rate and risk factors of vitreous loss during phacoemulsi-fication in patients with cataracts operated by ophthalmology residents and fellows at Labbafinejad Medical Center. This prospective descriptive study included consecutive patients with cataracts undergoing phacoemulsification over a one year period. All patients were operated under local or general anesthesia using the divide and conquer technique. Preoperatively, all patients underwent a complete ocular examination including measurement of visual acuity, slitlamp biomicroscopy, intraocular pressure measurement, and dilated funduscopy. Main outcome measures included the rate of posterior capsular rupture and vitreous loss as well as associated risk factors such as surgical experience, ocular and systemic conditions, and type and severity of the cataract. Overall, 767 eyes of 767 patients with mean age of 63.7 +/- 10.3 [range, 25-91] years were operated. The overall rate of vitreous loss was 7.9% which was 5-fold greater in the hands of residents as compared to fellows. Among different factors, older age, female sex, small pupil, small capsulorrhexis, presence of pseudoexfoliation, and high myopia were significantly associated with vitreous loss. The highest rate of vitreous loss occurred in patients with dense nuclear cataracts. Considering the higher rate of vitreous loss in patients operated by ophthalmology residents; patients with known risk factors for vitreous loss should better be operated by more experienced surgeons

Intraocular lens calcification; a clinicopathologic report

To describe the clinical and pathological features of a case of hydrogel intraocular lens [IOL] calcification. A 48-year-old man underwent explantation of a single-piece hydrophilic acrylic intraocular lens in his left eye because of decreased visual acuity and milky white opalescence of the IOL. The opacified lens was exchanged uneventfully with a hydrophobic acrylic IOL. Gross examination of the explanted IOL disclosed opacification of the optic and haptics. Full-thickness sections of the lens optic were stained with hematoxylin and eosin [H and E], von Kossa and Gram Tworts'. Microscopic examination of the sections revealed fine and diffuse basophilic granular deposits of variable size within the lens optic parallel to the lens curvature but separated from the surface by a moderately clear zone. The deposits were of high calcium content as evident by dark brown staining with von Kossa. Gram Tworts' staining disclosed no microorganisms. This report further contributes to the existing literature on hydrogel IOL calcification

Lensectomy and PCIOL implantation with versus without posterior capsulotomy and anterior vitrectomy for pediatric cataracts

To compare the visual outcomes and complications of lensectomy and posterior chamber intraocular lens [PCIOL] implantation with or without posterior capsulotomy and anterior vitrectomy in older subjects with pediatric cataracts. Seventeen eyes of 12 children aged 10 to 15 years with congenital or developmental cataracts were randomly divided to two groups. Lensectomy and PCIOL [Alcon Acrysof MA60 AC] implantation was performed with [8 eyes] or without [9 eyes] posterior capsulotomy and anterior vitrectomy. Mean age at the time of surgery was 12.3 +/- 1.5 [range 10-15] years and mean follow-up period was 18.7 +/- 11.2 [range 6-36] months. Posterior capsule opacification developed in three eyes in the non-vitrectomy group; however, media opacification was mild and capsulotomy was not required in any case. All eyes in the vitrectomy group had a clear visual axis at final follow-up [P=0.2]. No significant difference was observed between the two groups in term of visual acuity [P = 0.3] or complications. Although posterior capsulotomy and anterior vitrectomy seems to be safe in pediatric cataract surgery, it may not be necessary as a routine procedure in older children

Steroid induced ocular hypertension following myopic photorefractive keratectomy

To determine the incidence of steroid induced ocular hypertension following myopic photorefractive keratectomy [PRK]. Myopic PRK was performed on 506 eyes of 269 patients. Preoperatively, spherical equivalent refractive error ranged from -1.00 to -5.00 diopters [D] and cylinder was less than 4 D. Baseline intraocular pressure [IOP] before PRK and at different time intervals after the procedure was measured by Goldmann applanation tonometry. IOP readings were corrected according to central corneal thickness as measured by Orbscan pachymetry. For the purpose of the study, corrected IOP >21 mmHg was considered as ocular hypertension. Ocular hypertension developed in 40 [7.9%] eyes overall, which occurred in 16 eyes [40%] 2-3 weeks postoperatively [mean IOP = 23.5 +/- 3.0mmHg], in 20 eyes [50%] after 4-6 weeks [mean IOP = 25.1 +/- 4.2 mmHg] and in 4 eyes [10%] 8-12 weeks following PRK [mean IOP = 29.0 +/- 3.1 mmHg]. There was no correlation between the level of IOP rise and preoperative spherical equivalent refractive error. IOP recovered to normal in all eyes after discontinuation of topical steroids and initiation of anti-glaucoma medications. Mean duration of IOP normalization was 28.5 +/- 27.7 [range 7-108] days and no instance of steroid-induced glaucoma was observed in any patient. Topical steroids may cause ocular hypertension following PRK. Early detec-tion, prompt treatment and close follow-up are recommended. We suggest measuring IOP in post-PRK patients no later than 10 to 14 days after initiation of corticosteroid treatment

Cataracts in diabetic patients: a review article

The number of people with diabetes mellitus is increasing and cataracts are one of the most common causes of visual impairment in these subjects. Advances in cataract surgical techniques and instrumentation have generally improved the outcomes; however, surgery may not be safe and effective in certain individuals with pre-existing retinal pathology or limited visual potential. This review article aims to address different aspects surrounding cataracts in diabetic patients. In a computerized MEDLINE search, relevant studies were selected by two authors using the keywords "diabetes mellitus", "cataract", "diabetic retinopathy" and "diabetic maculopathy"

Corneal involvement in xeroderma pigmentosum; a histopathologic report

To report the histopathologic features of corneal involvement in a patient with xeroderma pigmentosum [XP]. A 19-year-old man with XP presented with bilateral corneal leukoma and decreased visual acuity predominatly in his right eye. Penetrating keratoplasty was performed in the right eye due to severe corneal opacity, vascularization and lipid deposition. The corneal button underwent histopathologic evaluation which disclosed chronic interstitial lipogranulomatous keratitis. To our knowledge, this is the first report of corneal involvement in xeroderma pigmentosum from Iran describing the histopathologic features in this rare condition