Suspecting and diagnosing transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) in India: An Indian expert consensus

Transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR-CM) is a rare and under-recognized disorder characterized by the aggregation of transthyretin-derived insoluble amyloid fibrils in the myocardium. Heterogeneity of symptoms at presentation, makes its diagnosis often delayed. An expert panel gathered on a virtual platform across India to conduct a meeting for developing a guiding tool for ATTR-CM diagnosis. The panel recommended younger age (40 years) for suspecting ATTR-CM and thick-walled non-dilated hypokinetic ventricle was considered as one of the important red flags. Electrocardiogram (ECG) and echocardiography (ECHO) findings were recommended as primary tests to raise the suspicion while nuclear scintigraphy and hematological tests were recommended to confirm the diagnosis and rule out amyloid light-chain (AL) amyloidosis. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and biopsy were recommended in case of ambiguity in the presence of red flags. Considering the lack of expert guidelines in the Indian scenario, a standardized diagnostic algorithm was also proposed.

Prevalence of Diabetes among community-living older persons in the Philippines: The FITforFrail study / Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies

Objective@#To estimate the prevalence of diabetes among Filipino older persons living in the community.@*Methodology@#A cross-sectional analysis was done on a random sample of persons 60 years and older from the Focused Interventions for Frail Older Adults Research and Development Program (2018-2019). A diagnosis of diabetes was established by self-reported physician’s diagnosis or if the person was on any antihyperglycemic drugs.@*Results@#The prevalence of self-reported diabetes was 20.5%, with no difference in age, sex, education, or body mass index between older persons with and without diabetes. The presence of 2 or more comorbidities was significantly more common among older persons with diabetes (p<0.001). Visual impairment (p<0.01), hypertension (p<0.001) and hyperlipidemia (p<0.001) were more frequent among those with diabetes.@*Conclusion@#Diabetes is prevalent among community-living older Filipinos. Therefore, effective public health measures for diabetes prevention and management are needed for the ever-growing older population, who are at the highest risk for morbidity and mortality.

Characterization of biopsychosocial factors of patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain / Caracterização de fatores biopsicossociais de pacientes com dor lombar crônica inespecífica

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Low back pain is considered a public health problem worldwide and has a personal, social, occupational and economic impact. Psychosocial signs such as inappropriate beliefs about pain, fear of movement, anxiety, stress, depression and low job satisfaction are characteristics of individuals with low back pain. These clinical signs are mediators of chronic pain and disability. The present study aimed to assess psychological comorbidities in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain who are undergoing physical therapy and patients awaiting physical therapy; in addition to characterizing the psychosocial profile of these individuals. METHODS: This research was carried out with 31 individuals recruited from physical therapy clinics in the region of greater Florianópolis. They were divided into two groups: Treatment (TG) and non-treatment (CG). The following self-report instruments were applied: Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Health Status Questionnaire (SF-36V2), Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Index (OLBPDI), Fear-Avoidance Belief Questionnaire (FABQ) and Pain Castatrophizing Scale (PCS). RESULTS: Significant differences (p<0.05) were observed in the scores of the instruments applied between the groups. The CG had higher averages than the GT. CONCLUSION: The results obtained in this study support previous findings about the benefits of physical therapy for individuals with chronic nonspecific low back pain, suggesting that, in addition to reducing pain and disability, there are benefits related to psychosocial factors.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS A dor lombar é considerada um problema de saúde pública em todo o mundo e gera impacto pessoal, social, ocupacional e econômico. Os sinais psicossociais como crenças inapropriadas sobre a dor, medo do movimento, ansiedade, estresse, depressão e baixa satisfação no trabalho são características de indivíduos com lombalgia. Esses sinais clínicos são mediadores da dor crônica e incapacidade. O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar as comorbidades psicológicas em pacientes com dor lombar crônica inespecífica que estão em atendimento fisioterapêutico e pacientes que aguardam o atendimento de fisioterapia; além de caracterizar o perfil psicossocial desses indivíduos. MÉTODOS Estudo realizado com 31 indivíduos, recrutados em clínicas de fisioterapia na região da grande Florianópolis. Foram divididos em dois grupos: tratamento (GT/n=16) e não tratamento (GC/n=15). Foram aplicados os seguintes instrumentos de autorrelato: Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Health Status Questionnaire (SF-36V2), Escala Analógica Visual (EAV), Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Index (OLBPDI), Fear-Avoidance Belief Questionnaire (FABQ) and Pain Castatrophizing Scale (PCS). RESULTADOS: Foram observadas diferenças significativas (p<0,05) nos escores dos instrumentos aplicados entre os grupos. Sendo que o GC apresentou médias maiores que o GT. CONCLUSÃO Os resultados obtidos neste estudo apoiam descobertas anteriores sobre os benefícios da fisioterapia para indivíduos com dor lombar crônica inespecífica, sugerindo que, além da redução da dor e incapacidade, há benefícios relacionados aos fatores psicossociais.

Active aging health determinants among working and retired Filipino older persons living in an urban academic campus

OBJECTIVES@#This study aims to describe the demographic profile and determine the proportion and Active Aging health determinants of staff, faculty, and retired employees who are 55 years of age and older.@*METHODS@#Mixed qualitative and quantitative methods, community-based, and participatory. Participants were working and retired faculty and staff, age 55 years and over, living within an urban campus of a University. The University Ethics Review Board approved the protocol. Focus group discussions (FGDs) led to the development of a pretested survey instrument. Additional health data were obtained using a validated Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) tool. Trained and certified health professionals conducted the CGA. A Senior Geriatrician adjudicated the final diagnoses. Progress reports and validation workshops were conducted with study participants, content experts, and stakeholders. CSPRo, SPSS, and STATA were used to generate and analyze disaggregated data.@*RESULTS@#Two hundred thirty-one (n=231) agreed to participate. The matched dataset was used in data analysis, representing a total of n=192 completed both surveys and CGA interview. Of the top 10 Geriatrician diagnoses, the highest-ranking non-communicable disease was hypertension and the top sensory diagnosis was presbyopia. Three of the self-assessed conditions were vision-related. They had better oral health than the recent national report. Most were highly independent and functional. The majority rated their QOL as good. Most had access to health insurance and a University Health Service.@*CONCLUSION@#Non-communicable diseases and visual disorders were the most common medical problems among working and retired university workers 55 years and older, living within the campus. To reduce NCDs, maintain functional independence and achieve a better quality of life especially among the retired, programs for older persons are recommended. These include access to medication, improved health financing, and senior wellness programs during and after employment. The results of the study will help understand and create a Framework for Active Aging that is relevant to this academic community.

Visual and hearing impairments among working and retired employees with type 2 diabetes mellitus in two academic communities in the Philippines

@#<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Objectives:</strong> 1) To describe the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of working and retired employees aged 55 years and older; 2) To determine the proportion with visual and hearing impairments in participants with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM); and 3) To determine the association between quality of life in participants with T2DM and visual and hearing impairments.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Methods:</strong> The study utilized a cross-sectional study design - data derived from the findings of the UP Wellness Initiative for Seniors and Elders (UPWISE) Program. The participants were working and retired university employees age 55 years and above residing in urban and rural-urban (rurban) communities. Stratified random sampling was utilized according to working status and sex. Visual and hearing impairments, and the presence of T2DM were assessed using a multidisciplinary diagnostic process, the comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA).</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Results:</strong> A total of 301 participants agreed to participate and completed the CGA. The mean age of the participants was 64.8 (±6.3), and 51.2% belonged to the young-old subgroup. There was an almost equal proportion of males and females while there were more working (53.8%) than the retired (46.2%). There were 17.6% of participants with T2DM and of them, 47.2% with visual impairment (VI) alone, 7.5% hearing impairment (HI) alone, and 37.7% with dual sensory impairments (DSI). Good quality of life was reported by 100% of T2DM participants with HI, 80% with VI, and 72.3% with DSI. There was no significant association between quality of life and vision and hearing impairments. On the other hand, a significant association was identified between T2DM and DSI (p-value, 0.001).</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Conclusion:</strong> T2DM and vision and hearing impairments are prevalent among the two academic communities. Visual impairment was more common than hearing impairment. Participants diagnosed with T2DM and having a visual, hearing, or dual sensory impairments reported good quality of life.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Key Words:</strong> sensory, geriatric assessments, retired, employees, quality of life, diabetes mellitus</p>

A descriptive study of the nutritional and frailty status of working and retired employees within an academic community in the Philippines

Objectives@#This study aims to describe the sociodemographic and clinical profile of working and retired staff and faculty age 55 years and older in an academic community living in Laguna, Philippines; to determine the proportion of participants with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM); and to describe the nutritional and frailty status of working and retired participants with T2DM. @*Methods@#The study utilized a cross-sectional study design. The participants are current employees and retired faculty and staff of an academic community living in Bay and Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines. Stratified random sampling according to working status and gender was utilized. Participants with T2DM were determined and assessed based on their nutritional and frailty status using the comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA), laboratory analysis, and mini nutritional assessment (MNA). Descriptive statistics were calculated for all continuous and categorical variables measured. @*Results@#A total of 109 participants agreed to participate and completed the CGA, with 93.6% undergone blood extraction for laboratory analysis. The mean age of the participants was 63.7 (±5.8) and 57.8% belonged to the young-old subgroup. There were more working (60.6%) than the retired (39.4%) and more females (61.5%) than males (38.5%). There was a low level of malnutrition (0.9%) in this cohort. However, many had abdominal obesity and elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Low vitamin D was prevalent. Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus was present among 14.7% of participants of which 93.8% were pre-frail and 6.3% were at risk for malnutrition. @*Conclusion@#Although malnutrition and frailty were not prevalent among those with T2DM in this cohort, more participants were pre-frail and at risk for malnutrition. There are many opportunities to reduce the risk of malnutrition and frailty in the community. Early screening and interventions are recommended to improve the health and wellbeing of the working and retired participants.

Primary ovarian ectopic pregnancy: an unusual case study

Ovarian pregnancy is rare variant of ectopic pregnancy. An accurate preoperative diagnosis is very challenging various advances in diagnostic modalities like Transvaginal ultrasonography has evolved in identifying an ovarian pregnancy. It results in significant maternal morbidity, fetal loss, repeat ectopic, impairment of subsequent fertility. The case report a 34-year female who presented with pain and severe anemia and explored keeping in view ruptured tubal ectopic but intraoperatively diagnosed as primary ovarian pregnancy and managed conservatively by ovarian wedge resection.

Aging, Resilience and Vulnerability of Selected Faculty and Staff (55 years old and above) in an Academic Community in the Philippines

Introduction@#A demographic shift towards population aging is evident worldwide. This presents challenges particularly to low-income and middle-income countries like the Philippines. Understanding perceptions of aging, resilience, vulnerability, and gender identity will help prepare the health care system and social services in addressing the needs of the Filipino older population. @*Objective@#To describe gender identity, perceptions of active aging, successful aging, resilience, and vulnerability among faculty and staff (working, retired) in an academic community in the Philippines.@*Methods@#Survey and focus group discussions were conducted among working and retired faculty and staff aged 55 years old and above. @*Results, Analysis, and Discussion@#Almost all respondents had the same gender identity as their biological sex. There were differences in the respondents’ perceptions of active aging and successful aging and in their sources of strength and worries. Compared with retired respondents more working respondents believed that active aging meant being strong and physically active or being involved in sports. Female respondents thought that being socially active in their community and church was indicative of active aging. In contrast, male respondents equated being physically healthy with active aging. More working respondents and females (than retired and male respondents) thought that successful aging meant participating in community-based activities. In terms of vulnerability, differences were noted in the respondents’ sources of strength and worries. In general, retired respondents and female respondents said they got their strength from their grandchildren and from their religion. In contrast, working respondents and male respondents relied on their families for strength. It was also noteworthy that more retired respondents did not have any old agerelated worries compared with working respondents. Female respondents worried about their families while male respondents worried about death. Subjective nuances of being an older working or a retired employee in an academic community surfaced in the FGDs. The importance of context was evident in shaping the informants’ perceptions of active aging and frailty, and in their sources of worries and happiness. Overall, this paper adds to the body of knowledge about aging in the Philippines by studying a group of older Filipinos in an academic community. It showed that particular aspects of Filipino culture such as gender roles, religion, and close family ties permeate one’s life until he or she reaches old age. The results can help academic communities in policy formulation and program development to ensure that their older employees — throughout their life course — can adequately address vulnerability and resiliency needs to achieve active and successful aging.

Neurocognitive Correlates of Statistical Learning of Orthographic-Semantic Connections in Chinese Adult Learners / 神经科学通报·英文版

We examined the neural correlates of the statistical learning of orthographic-semantic connections in Chinese adult learners. Visual event-related potentials (ERPs) were recorded while participants were exposed to a sequence of artificial logographic characters containing semantic radicals carrying low, moderate, or high levels of semantic consistency. The behavioral results showed that the mean accuracy of participants' recognition of previously exposed characters was 63.1% that was significantly above chance level (50%), indicating the statistical learning of the regularities of semantic radicals. The ERP data revealed a temporal sequence of the neural process of statistical learning of orthographic-semantic connections, and different brain indexes were found to be associated with this processing, i.e., a clear N170-P200-N400 pattern. For N170, the larger negative amplitudes were evoked by the high and moderate consistency than the low consistency. For P200, the mean amplitudes elicited by the moderate and low consistency were larger than the high consistency. In contrast, a larger N400 amplitude was observed in the low than moderate and high consistency; and more negative amplitude was elicited by the moderate than high consistency. We propose that the initial potential shifts (N170 and P200) may reflect orthographic or graphic form identification, while the later component (N400) may be associated with semantic information analysis.

Complications of fluid overload during hysteroscopic surgery / 대한마취과학회지

No abstract available.

Temporal arteritis presenting as hand motor cortex infarction: A report from India

@#This is the first Indian case report of a biopsy proven temporal arteritis that presented as acute ischemic stroke. The 60 year old woman presented with an isolated pure motor flaccid fractional weakness of the left distal hand, as a rare stroke chameleon due to isolated infarction of the ‘hand motor cortex’ area. The hand motor cortex infarction masquerades as ‘pseudoperipheral palsy’.

Demographic and Clinical Correlates of Seizure Frequency: Findings from the Managing Epilepsy Well Network Database

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disease that represents a tremendous burden on both patients and society in general. Studies have addressed how demographic variables, socioeconomic variables, and psychological comorbidity are related to the quality of life (QOL) of people with epilepsy (PWE). However, there has been less focus on how these factors may differ between patients who exhibit varying degrees of seizure control. This study utilized data from the Managing Epilepsy Well (MEW) Network of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention with the aim of elucidating differences in demographic variables, depression, and QOL between adult PWE. METHODS: Demographic variables, depression, and QOL were compared between PWE who experience clinically relevant differences in seizure occurrence. RESULTS: Gender, ethnicity, race, education, income, and relationship status did not differ significantly between the seizure-frequency categories (p>0.05). People with worse seizure control were significantly younger (p=0.039), more depressed (as assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire) (p=0.036), and had lower QOL (as determined using the 10-item Quality of Life in Epilepsy for Adults scale) (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The present results underscore the importance of early screening, detection, and treatment of depression, since these factors relate to both seizure occurrence and QOL in PWE.

A Meta-Analysis of Observational Evidence for the Use of Endovascular Thrombectomy in Proximal Occlusive Stroke Beyond 6 Hours in Patients with Limited Core Infarct / 신경중재치료의학

PURPOSE: The safety and efficacy of endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) for patients with proximal occlusive stroke presenting beyond 6 hours and selected on the basis of favorable neuroimaging remains unclear. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic search was performed from four electronic databases from their inception to Jan 2017. A meta-analysis of outcomes from studies with patients treated beyond 6 hours was compared to those treated within the established 6 hour therapeutic window in randomized trials, selected using conventional imaging methods with CT/CT angiography. RESULTS: A total of 8 articles met inclusion criteria for the study population (a prospective single-center study, 5 retrospective single-center studies and 2 retrospective multicenter studies). These were compared to the results of three prospective trials of patients treated within 6 hours selected using CT/CT angiography. For patients treated >6 hours and 6 hours and 12.5% for <6 hours, P<0.0001. Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage was not significantly different (10.0% vs. 7.7%, P=0.33). CONCLUSION: When compared to established methods of patient selection, EVT employed beyond 6 hours in those selected with imaging to exclude large core infarcts achieves similar rates of recanalization, and functional outcome but there is a significant increase in mortality despite no increase in symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage.

Molecular evolution and expression profile of the chemerine encoding gene RARRES2 in baboon and chimpanzee

BACKGROUND: Chemerin, encoded by the retinoic acid receptor responder 2 (RARRES2) gene is an adipocytesecreted protein with autocrine/paracrine functions in adipose tissue, metabolism and inflammation with a recently described function in vascular tone regulation, liver, steatosis, etc. This molecule is believed to represent a critical endocrine signal linking obesity to diabetes. There are no data available regarding evolution of RARRES2 in non-human primates and great apes. Expression profile and orthology in RARRES2 genes are unknown aspects in the biology of this multigene family in primates. Thus; we attempt to describe expression profile and phylogenetic relationship as complementary knowledge in the function of this gene in primates. To do that, we performed A RT-PCR from different tissues obtained during necropsies. Also we tested the hypotheses of positive evolution, purifying selection, and neutrality. And finally a phylogenetic analysis was made between primates RARRES2 protein. RESULTS: RARRES2 transcripts were present in liver, lung, adipose tissue, ovary, pancreas, heart, hypothalamus and pituitary tissues. Expression in kidney and leukocytes were not detectable in either species. It was determined that the studied genes are orthologous. CONCLUSIONS: RARRES2 evolution fits the hypothesis of purifying selection. Expression profiles of the RARRES2 gene are similar in baboons and chimpanzees and are also phylogenetically related.

Anti-bacterial activity of Achatina CRP and its mechanism of action.

The physiological role of C-reactive protein (CRP), the classical acute-phase protein, is not well documented, despite many reports on biological effects of CRP in vitro and in model systems in vivo. It has been suggested that CRP protects mice against lethal toxicity of bacterial infections by implementing immunological responses. In Achatina fulica CRP is a constitutive multifunctional protein in haemolymph and considered responsible for their survival in the environment for millions of years. The efficacy of Achatina CRP (ACRP) was tested against both Salmonella typhimurium and Bacillus subtilis infections in mice where endogenous CRP level is negligible even after inflammatory stimulus. Further, growth curves of the bacteria revealed that ACRP (50 µg/mL) is bacteriostatic against gram negative salmonellae and bactericidal against gram positive bacilli. ACRP induced energy crises in bacterial cells, inhibited key carbohydrate metabolic enzymes such as phosphofructokinase in glycolysis, isocitrate dehydrogenase in TCA cycle, isocitrate lyase in glyoxylate cycle and fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase in gluconeogenesis. ACRP disturbed the homeostasis of cellular redox potential as well as reduced glutathione status, which is accompanied by an enhanced rate of lipid peroxidation. Annexin V-Cy3/CFDA dual staining clearly showed ACRP induced apoptosis-like death in bacterial cell population. Moreover, immunoblot analyses also indicated apoptosis-like death in ACRP treated bacterial cells, where activation of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP) and caspase-3 was noteworthy. It is concluded that metabolic impairment by ACRP in bacterial cells is primarily due to generation of reactive oxygen species and ACRP induced anti-bacterial effect is mediated by metabolic impairment leading to apoptosis-like death in bacterial cells.

Outstanding insecurities concerning the use of an Ov16-based ELISA in the Amazonia onchocerciasis focus

In a recent issue of Memórias do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, published in Rio de Janeiro in February 2014 (109: 87-92), Adami et al. have published a survey reporting Mansonella parasite prevalence in the Amazon Region. This report makes a useful contribution to the existing knowledge of filarial parasite distribution within the Amazon area, parasite prevalence rates in relation to age and occupation and provides observations on the possible clinical impact of Mansonella ozzardi. Their publication also provides an account of what appears to be a novel ELISA that has recently been used in the Simuliidae and Onchocerciasis Laboratory of the Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. We are concerned that the publication of this ELISA may have created an excessively positive impression of the effectiveness of the onchocerciasis recrudescence serological surveillance tools that are presently available for use in the Amazonia onchocerciasis focus. In this letter we have, thus, sought to highlight some of the limitations of this ELISA and suggest how continuing insecurities concerning the detection of antibodies to Onchocerca volvulus within the Amazonia onchocerciasis focus might be minimised.

Evaluation of endoscopically obtained duodenal biopsy samples from cats and dogs in an adapter-modified Ussing chamber

This study was conducted to evaluate an adapter-modified Ussing chamber for assessment of transport physiology in endoscopically obtained duodenal biopsies from healthy cats and dogs, as well as dogs with chronic enteropathies. 17 duodenal biopsies from five cats and 51 duodenal biopsies from 13 dogs were obtained. Samples were transferred into an adapter-modified Ussing chamber and sequentially exposed to various absorbagogues and secretagogues. Overall, 78.6% of duodenal samples obtained from cats responded to at least one compound. In duodenal biopsies obtained from dogs, the rate of overall response ranged from 87.5% (healthy individuals; n = 8), to 63.6% (animals exhibiting clinical signs of gastrointestinal disease and histopathological unremarkable duodenum; n = 15), and 32.1% (animals exhibiting clinical signs of gastrointestinal diseases and moderate to severe histopathological lesions; n = 28). Detailed information regarding the magnitude and duration of the response are provided. The adapter-modified Ussing chamber enables investigation of the absorptive and secretory capacity of endoscopically obtained duodenal biopsies from cats and dogs and has the potential to become a valuable research tool. The response of samples was correlated with histopathological findings.

An Integrative Review of South African Cancer Nursing Research Published from 2002-2012

Background: This integrative review aimed to quantify the publication output of South African cancer nursing research conducted between 2002 and 2012 and to identify key trends relevant to cancer nurse researchers. Objectives: To describe the publication output of cancer nursing research in terms of the journals of publication; authors; focus; participants and methods used; to explore whether the published work was funded and to assess the quality of the studies published. Methods: An integrative review was conducted using the key words South Africa in combination with cancer nursing and oncology nursing to search the databases Pubmed; PsycINFO; CINAHL; Sabinet; Web of Science; Medline and OvidSP. A data extraction sheet was developed to document the required information from each paper and all publications were reviewed independently by the authors. Results: A total of 181 publications for potential inclusion were identified and 26 papers were included in this review. Cervical cancer; specifically the prevention of this disease; was the most popular diagnostic focus and theme of investigation. Most of the studies were descriptive and none of the studies met the criteria of the highest quality. Conclusion: Nursing added to the body of knowledge regarding the primary and secondary prevention of cancer. There is a need for work on both men and women diagnosed withthe most common cancers; as well as the family and care giver. There is also a need for multidisciplinary work using complex interventions focusing on symptom management to improve patient outcomes

Mollusc C-reactive protein crosses species barrier and reverses hepatotoxicity of lead in rodent models.

Achatina fulica C-reactive protein (ACRP) reversed the toxic effects of lead nitrate both in vivo in mice and in vitro in rat hepatocytes restoring the basal level of cell viability, lipid peroxidation, reduced glutathione and superoxides. Cytotoxicity was also significantly ameliorated in rat hepatocytes by in vitro pre-treatments with individual subunits (60, 62, 90 and 110 kDa) of ACRP. Annexin V-Cy3/CFDA dual staining showed significant reduction in the number of apoptotic hepatocytes pre-treated with ACRP. ACRP induced restoration of mitochondrial membrane potential was remarkable. ACRP pre-treatment prevented Pb-induced apoptosis mediated by caspase activation. The antagonistic effect of ACRP may be due to scavenging of reactive oxygen species which maintained the homeostasis of cellular redox potential as well as reduced glutathione status. The results suggest that ACRP crosses the species barrier and it may be utilized as a viable exogenous agent of cytoprotection against heavy metal related toxicity.

Comparison of humphrey matrix frequency doubling technology to standard automated perimetry in neuro-ophthalmic disease

We compared Humphrey Matrix FDT 30-2 [FDT] and Humphrey Visual Field Analyzer 30-2 SITA standard [SAP] in the assessment of anterior [optic nerve or chiasm] and posterior [retro-chiasmal] afferent visual pathway defects. In this retrospective comparative study, the charts of 37 patients [16 males, range 13-84 years, mean 72.1], with neuro-ophthalmic visual field defects who were tested with both FDT and SAP, were reviewed. Two masked graders assessed the concordance and extent of field defects between the perimeters. The mean concordance between anterior and posterior disease was compared using the Wilcoxon rank sum test. The mean deviation [MD] and pattern standard deviation [PSD] of each perimeter were correlated with the Spearman coefficient. Twenty-eight patients had anterior and nine had posterior disease. Most had a fair or good concordance [89.3% anterior, 88.9% posterior]. When comparing anterior to posterior disease, the mean concordance of the defects of the two parameters was not statistically different [P=0.94 and P=0.61 for total deviation and pattern deviation, respectively]. The MD and PSD between perimeters had a significant correlation. Conclusions: Our series, using 30-2 field analysis, demonstrates fair to good correlation between FDT and SAP in the majority of patients. In roughly 10% findings between FDT and SAP were discordant. This difference was similar for anterior and posterior disease