Surgically induced astigmatism and posterior corneal curvature changes following phacoemulsification

Purpose: To primarily compare surgically induced astigmatism (SIA), total and posterior corneal curvature, pachymetry, and their stabilization after 2.2 and 2.8 mm clear corneal incision in phacoemulsification. Methods: A randomized, prospective interventional study of 130 patients (130 eyes) of either sex having senile cataract (>40 years) divided randomly into two groups. The patients underwent uncomplicated phacoemulsification surgery with foldable intraocular lens implantation using 2.2 mm (group 1) and 2.8 mm incisions (group 2). The patients were evaluated preoperatively and followed?up at first, third, and sixth weeks. Results: Mean SIA was less in group 1 at all the follow?up visits which was not statistically significant (P value – 0.507 (at week 1), 0.626 (at week 3), and 0.312 (at week 6). Mean SIA decreased from week 1 to week 6 in both the groups. Both the groups showed an increase in SIA with the increase in the hardness of cataract. Posterior keratometry (k1 and k2) showed statistically significant steepening in the first postoperative week, followed by gradual flattening which continued till the sixth week postoperatively. Posterior astigmatism increased in both the groups at week 1 (not statistically significant). Thereafter, it decreases and does not change significantly after 3 weeks. Pachymetry increased significantly (P value < 0.001 in both the groups) in the first week in both the groups and thereafter stabilizing at 3 weeks. Conclusion: Reducing the incision size does not result in any significant reduction in SIA. We observed that the posterior corneal curvature majorly stabilized by 3 weeks, but some stabilization continued till 6 weeks.

Comparison of Visual Acuity and Surgically Induced Astigmatism after Phacoemulsification by Temporal Clear Corneal Incision & Superior Clear Corneal Incision

Background- The primary goal of cataract extraction surgery is immediate visual recovery and the best uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) post operatively. Aim: To compare the surgically induced astigmatism (SIA) after phacoemulsification surgery with superior clear corneal incision (SCCI) and temporal clear corneal incision (TCCI). Materials & method: 11 articles were reviewed on PubMed related to SIA & a review was made on the factors that are responsible to reduce the post-operative astigmatism. The outcome measures were SIA and UCVA at 2 and 6 weeks, post?operatively. Results - In this study we expect to have better visual outcome and reduce incidence of SIA in TCCI than SCCI. Conclusion: TCCI appears to have better visual outcome and reduced incidence of SIA.

Epidemiological characteristics of measles before and after aarge scale supplementary immunization activities in Minhang District of Shanghai / 公共卫生与预防医学

Objectives Comparative analysis on epidemiological characteristics of measles in Minhang District before and after Large scale supplementary immunization activities of measles containing vaccine(MCV) in 2010. Methods Measles incidence data of MCV-SIA in 2010 and the first five years before 2010 (from January 1, 2005 to December 31, 2009), the next five years (from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2015) and the second five years (from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2020) after were collected. Descriptive epidemiological method was used for comparative analysis. Results The incidence rate of measles in Minhang District, Shanghai after MCV-SIA in 2010 showed a significant downward trend, The average annual incidence (per 100 0000) in the first 5 years before 2010 was 155.96, SIA was 30.08,The next five years was 29.52, The second five years was 2.84,There was statistical difference in the annual incidence rate between the four groups.（χ2=3165.821，P2=1.646，P=0.223）The proportion of 8-month-old children under the age of MCV decreased from 15.46% in the first five years of MCV-sia to 5.88%,In the second five years after MCV-sia, the proportion of 10-14 age group increased from 7.81% to 13.83%, The susceptible population of measles before MCV-SIA was less than 8 month old and under the age of MCV initial immunization, no migrant workers with no history of immunization and adults with registered residence. Once there is a source of infection, it is easy to cause the spread of the epidemic. After MCV-SIA, foreign students in international schools and nonworking population became the focus of measles. Of the 95 cases in which measles virus genotypes were available in the next five years, 2 (2.11%) were A genotype, and 93 (97.89%)were the indigenous H1 genotype ; Of the 7 cases in which measles virus genotypes were available in the second five years,7 (100%)were the indigenous H1 genotype . Conclusions After MCV-SIA, the comprehensive measles prevention and control measures can effectively control the incidence and prevalence of measles in Minhang District. But circulation of the indigenous H1 genotype was not interrupted, the work of normalization measures to eliminate measles also needs to cooperate with many departments to strengthen the prevention and control measures of measles in foreign schools and the nonworking population.

Knowledge And Perception Towards Supplementary Immunization Activities (Sia) Among Mothers In Cheras, Kuala Lumpur

@#Among the main reasons for re-emergence of vaccine preventable diseases were missed or incomplete immunization schedule. The supplementary immunization activity (SIA) is an important intervention done to provide complete immunization coverage among those children. Better outcome came along with good knowledge and perception on the program. Thus, this study aims to assess the level of knowledge and perception of the mothers towards SIA program. A cross-sectional study was conducted among mothers with children ≤ 15 years old in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur. Data was collected by interview using the guided questionnaire consists of four sections to assess the socio demographic, socio economic, knowledge and perception regarding SIA. The questionnaire was validated for internal consistency with Cronbach’s alpha 0.461 for knowledge and 0.729 for perception. A total of 105 respondents with the median age of 33 years (IQR: 28-38) with majority of them are Malays (82.9%), Muslim (83.8%), married (97.1%) and (57.1%) with 1- 2 child in the family. Half of them were from low income family (46.7%) and had secondary education level (54.3%) and were housewives (47.6%). One third of the respondents (33%) never heard about SIA before. Overall had poor knowledge (82.9%) and perception (95.2%) towards SIA. There is a significant association between the level of knowledge on SIA with household income (χ

Effects of hyperthermia on PANDAR, LncRNA-p21 and ST8SIA gene in A549 Cell / 中国职业医学

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of hyperthermia on the expression of PANDAR, LncRNA-p21 and ST8SIA genes in the human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells. METHODS: A549 cells were randomly divided into 4 groups. The A549 cells in control group were cultured at 37 ℃; the cells at experimental groups were cultured at 40, 42 or 44 ℃ respectively. The cells in these 4 groups were incubated for 1 hour, and the levels of PANDAR, LncRNA-p21 and ST8SIA genes were analyzed by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: In cells cultured at 40, 42 or 44 ℃ experimental groups, the relative expression of PANDAR gene was lower than that of control group(P<0.05). In cells cultured at 44 ℃ experimental group, the relative expression of PANDAR gene was lower than that of the 40 and 42 ℃ experimental groups(P<0.05). There was no significant change in the relative expression of LncRNA-p21 and ST8SIA genes among the four groups(P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Hyperthermia decrease the expression of PANDAR gene in A549 cells.

Choice of anesthesia for pregnancy with heart disease / 中国实用妇科与产科杂志

Pregnancy with heart disease is one of the serious complications of obstetric diseases,which is the main cause of maternal and neonatal death in perioperative period.The choice of anesthesia for pregnancy with heart disease is mainly based on the condition of the mother and the condition of the fetus in the uterus.Regardless of the choice of anesthesia,the maternal vital signs should be stabilized and the safety of the newborn is the most important thing.This article describes these contents,with a view to guide clinical practice and achieve safe anesthesia.

Eficacia de diferentes técnicas de analgesia multimodal para la prevención de dolor moderado a severo en reemplazo total primario de rodilla / Efficacy of different multimodal analgesia techniques to prevent moderate to severe pain in primary total knee arthroplasty

Abstract Introduction: Osteoarthritis is one of the most prevalent diseases and the knee is the most affected joint in women over 70 years old. Primary total knee replacement is a definitive and cost effective treatment. The age group, the comorbidities, and the high incidence of postoperative moderate to severe pain are challen ging for anesthesia management. Objectives: To describe the efficacy of different multimodal analgesia techniques used in primary total knee replacement in terms of moderate to severe pain, during the first 48 postoperative hours. Materials and methods: Observational trial analyzing the medical records of 79 patients, focusing on the clinical, anesthetic, and analgesic characteristics over 10 months. The primary outcome was the incidence of moderate to severe immediate postoperative pain, after 24 and 48hours; the secondary outcome was compliance with the rehabilitation goals. Results: Regional anesthesia was used in 89% of the patients. Using the femoral perineural catheter in addition to single-dose sciatic nerve block (47%), the incidence of immediate moderate to severe postoperative pain and after 24 and 48hours was 5%, 16%, and 14%, respectively, while with single-dose regional anesthesia, the incidence was 43%, 34%, and 36%, respectively. The level of compliance with the rehabilitation goals was similar among the various analgesic techniques. Conclusions: Regional anesthesia was used in most cases, although in a heterogeneous manner. The femoral perineural catheter is associated with a lower incidence of postoperative moderate to severe pain, and the results are consistent with the literature reviewed.

Resumen Introducción: La osteoartritis es una de las enfermedades más prevalentes, siendo la rodilla la articulación más afectada en mujeres mayores de 70 años. El reemplazo total primario de rodilla es un tratamiento definitivo y costoeficiente. El grupo etario, las comorbilidades, y la alta incidencia de dolor post operatorio moderado a severo, hacen del manejo anestésico y analgésico un reto. Objetivos: Describir la eficacia de las diferentes técnicas de analgesia multimodal usadas en el reemplazo total primario de rodilla en términos de dolor moderado a severo durante las primeras 48 horas postoperatorias. Materiales y métodos: Estudio observacional donde se analizaron los registros médicos de 79 pacientes sobre características clínicas, anestésicas y analgésicas durante 10 meses. Se calculó como resultado primario la incidencia de dolor post operatorio moderado a severo inmediato, a las 24 y 48 horas y, como resultado secundario, el cumplimiento de metas de rehabilitación. Resultados: En el 89% se usó anestesia regional. Con el catéter perineural femoral más bloqueo de nervio ciático en dosis única (47%), la incidencia de dolor moderado a severo postoperatorio inmediato, a las 24 y 48 horas fue 5,16 y 14% respectivamente. Con anestesia regional dosis única fue 43, 34 y 36% en su orden. El cumplimiento de los objetivos de rehabilitación fue similar para las diferentes técnicas analgésicas. Conclusiones: La anestesia regional fue usada en la mayoría, aunque de forma heterogénea. El catéter perineural femoral se asocia a menor incidencia de dolor moderado a severo postoperatorio, resultados acordes a lo mencionado en la literatura revisada.

¿Cómo ventilar al niño anestesiado con las máquinas de anestesia modernas? / How to ventilate the anesthetized child with the modern anesthesia machines?

Abstract The principal goal of this article is to determine how to get the best out of the new machines and place their technology at the service of children. With this in mind, we will give a definition for "Modern Anesthesia Machines", their main benefits, the basic concepts regarding mechanical ventilation of the anesthetized child using the major ventilation strategies, and lastly, how to make the best use of graphic monitoring offered by these machines.

Resumen Cómo sacar lo mejor de las nuevas máquinas y poner su tecnología al servicio de los niños es el objetivo central de este artículo de reflexión. Para este efecto se definirá a qué llamamos "Máquinas de Anestesia Modernas", sus principales bondades, los conceptos básicos de ventilación mecánica en el niño anestesiado con las principales estrategias ventilatorias y por último, cómo aprovechar la monitoria gráfica que nos ofrecen estas nuevas máquinas.

Vector analysis and comparison of surgically induced astigmatism after coaxial phacoemulsification with 2.2-and 2.8-mm clear corneal incisions / 眼科新进展

Objective To evaluate the surgically induced astigmatism (SIA)caused by coaxial phacoemuisification and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation with different clear corneal incision.Methods Clinical data of 97 patients 97 eyes underwent phacoemulsification and IOL implantation with 2.2 mm (2.2 mm group,44 eyes) or 2.8mm (2.8 mm group,53 eyes) clear corneal incisions were retrospectively reviewed.The corneal curvature were measured before and four weeks after the surgery.Then SIA were calculated,followed by analysis of the differences in mean SIA and centroid SIA between the 2.2 mm and 2.8 mm groups.Results At 4 weeks after surgery,the centroid and mean SIA of the 2.8 mm group was (0.234 ± 0.423) D@105° and (0.552 ±0.349) D,respectively;the corresponding data was (0.174 ± 0.464) D@104° and (0.582 ±0.392) D in the right eyes,and (0.272 ±0.382)D@106° and (0.545 ±0.300) D in the left eyes,respectively.At 4 weeks after surgery,the centroid and mean SIA of the 2.2 mm group was (0.108 ±0.417)D@98°and (0.506 ±0.362) D,respectively;the corresponding data was (0.145 ±0.404)D@81° and (0.5182 ±0.332)D in the right eyes,and (0.127 ± 0.418) D@120° and (0.516 ± 0.418) D in the left eyes,respectively.There was no significant difference in centroid SIA and mean SIA,centroid SIA and mean SIA of the right and left eyes,as well as both eyes between the two groups (all P＞0.05);Atotal of 47 patients (48.5％) had SIA greater than 0.5 D,and 28 patients (52.8％) were in the 2.8 mm groups,including 12 patients (22.6％) in the right eyes and 16 patients (20.5％) in the left eyes;as well as 19 patients (43.2％) in the 2.2 mm group,including 10 patients (22.7％) in the right eyes and 9 patients (20.5％) in the left eyes.There was no significant difference in the proportion of SIA greater than 0.5 D and the proportion of SIA between the left and right eyes greater than 0.5 D between the two groups (all P ＞ 0.05).Conclusion The mean SIA and centroid SIA are not statistically different in the 2.2 mm group than in the 2.8 mm group,but SIA were more stable in the 2.2 mm group than in the 2.8 mm group.The axis of the SIA were closely related to the position of the incisions,which were the vertical direction of the incisions.

Clinical observation of residual astigmatism and surgically induced astigmatism (SIA) after Toric intraocular lens implantation / 眼科新进展

Objective To investigate the residual astigmatism and surgically induced astigmatism (SIA) after implantation of Acrysof Toric intraocular lens (IOL).Methods Totally 52 patients (62 eyes) who underwent phacoemuisification with Acrysof Toric IOL implantation from February 2016 to June 2017 were retrospectively reviewed.Observation of the variables including the uncorrected visual acuity,best corrected visual acuity,refraction,corneal curvature was performed,and individual SIA,mean SIA plus centroid SIA were calculated before surgery and one month after surgery.Results There was significant difference between postoperative anticipated astigmatism and postoperative actual astigmatism [(0.17 ± 0.15) D vs.(0.492 ± 0.37) D] (P ＜ 0.05).Preoperative corneal astigmatism was (1.94 ± 0.75) D,ranging from 0.93 D to 3.70 D,and postoperative corneal astigmatism was (1.95 ± 0.80) D,ranging from 0.68 D to 3.80 D.The individual SIA was 0.08-1.39 (0.44 ± 0.25) D,the mean SIA of 0.44 D,and centroid SIA of 0.12 D@126°.Conclusion It is precise and stable for Barrett Toric formula and centroid SIA to calculate the degree of Toric IOL,but there is still residual astigmatism after IOL implantation,so further optimization of SIA is still needed.

Effect of sufentanil combined with nalbuphine on patient-controlled intravenous analgesia after cesarean section / 临床麻醉学杂志

Objective To study the effect of sufentanil combined with nalbuphine on patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA)management after cesarean section.Methods The obj ects of study included 150 primiparas who underwent cesarean section in our hospital from January 2016 to March 2017,aged 20-35 years,weighing 54-89 kg,ASA physical status Ⅰ or Ⅱ.The primiparas were randomly divided into three groups,50 in each group.Sufentanil group (group S):sufentanil 2 μg/kg+tropisetron 10 mg;Nalbuphine group (group N):nalbuphine 2 mg/kg+tropisetron 10 mg;Sufentanil combined with nalbuphine group (group SN):sufentanil 1 μg/kg+nalbuphine 1 mg/kg+tropisetron 10 mg.The VAS scores,Ramsay scores and the incidence of respiratory depression of pain (rest,coughing)and Ramsay sedation scores were observed at 1,3,6,9,12,24,36 h after the caesarean section.Actual pressing times of PCIA were further evaluated.Adverse reactions were ob-served,such as nausea and vomiting,respiratory depression.Results There was no statistical differ-ence in VAS scores,Ramsay scores and the incidence of respiratory depression of patients at rest a-mong the three groups.However,when coughing,the VAS scores in patients of group SN were sig-nificantly lower than those of groups S and N (P<0.05).The incidence of nausea and vomiting in group N and group SN was significantly lower than that in group S (P<0.05).The actual pressing times of PCIA were significantly less in group SN than those in group S and group N (P<0.05). Conclusion Sufentanil combined with nalbuphine can achieve satisfactory analgesic effect on PCIA management after cesarean section.

Effects Observation of Preemptive Analgesia of Parecoxib-sodium for Radical Mastectomy of Breast Cancer / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effects of preemptive analgesia of parecoxib-sodium for radical mastectomy of breast cancer. METHODS:A total of 60 female patients underwent selective radical mastectomy of breast cancer under general anes-thesia were randomly divided into observation group(40 cases)and control group(20 cases). 15 min before anesthesia induction, observation group was given intravenous injection of Parecoxib-sodium for injection 40 mg. Control group was given intravenous in-jection of 0.9% Sodium chloride injection 5 mL. The pain visual analogue scale(VAS),the frequency of patient controlled intrave-nous analgesia(PCA)and ADR were observed between 2 groups at different time points after surgery. RESULTS:VAS scores of observation group were significantly lower than those of control group 2,4,6,8 h after operation,and the frequency of PCA 0-4, 4-12,12-24,24-36 h after operation was significantly lower than control group,with statistical significance(P0.05). CONCLUSIONS:The preemptive analgesia of parecoxib-sodium can effectively reduce pain degree of patients with breast cancer after radical mastectomy,the frequency of PCA, and do not increase the occurrence of ADR.

Age of Onset in Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders: Complex Interactions between Genetic and Environmental Factors

In this study we evaluated the role of a candidate gene for major psychosis, Sialyltransferase (ST8SIA2), in the risk to develop a schizophrenia spectrum disorders, taking into account exposure to stressful life events (SLEs). Eight polymorphisms (SNPs) were tested in 94 Schizophreniainpatients and 176 healthy controls. Schizophrenia patients were also evaluated for SLEs in different life periods. None of the SNPs showed association with schizophrenia. Nevertheless, when crossing genetic variants with childhood SLEs, we could observe trends of interaction with age of onset. Though several limitations, our results support a protective role of ST8SIA2 in individuals exposed to moderate childhood stress.

Measles prevention in adolescents: lessons learnt from implementing a high school catch-up vaccination programme in New South Wales, Australia, 2014-2015

Introduction: In response to a significant increase of measles cases and a high percentage of unvaccinated adolescents in New South Wales, Australia, a measles high school catch-up vaccination programme was implemented between August and December 2014. This study aimed to explore the factors affecting school-based supplementary immunization activities (SIAs) and to inform future SIA and routine school-based vaccination programme implementation and service provision. Methods: Focus group analysis was conducted among public health unit (PHU) staff responsible for implementing the SIA catch-up programme. Key areas discussed were pre-programme planning, implementation, resources, consent materials, media activity and future directions for school vaccination programme delivery. Sessions were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and reviewed. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify the major themes. Results: Two independent focus groups with 32 participants were conducted in January 2015. Barriers to the SIA implementation included lead time, consent processes, interagency collaboration, access to the targeted cohort and the impact of introducing a SIA to an already demanding curriculum and school programme immunization schedule. A positive PHU school coordinator rapport and experience of PHU staff facilitated the implementation. Consideration of different approaches for pre-clinic vaccination status checks, student involvement in the vaccination decision, online consent, workforce sharing between health districts and effective programme planning time were identified for improving future SIA implementation. Conclusion: Although many barriers to school programme implementation have been identified in this study, with adequate resourcing and lead time, SIAs implemented via a routine school vaccination programme are an appropriate model to target adolescents.

Comparative Study of Surgically Induced Astigmatism in One and Two Side Port 2.8mm Clear Corneal Temporal Phacoemulsification in Cataract Surgery.

Background: Surgically induced astigmatism (SIA) remains a common obstacle for achieving an excellent UCVA (Un Corrected Visual Acuity). The aim of this study is to compare surgically induced astigmatism (SIA) after one or two side ports with clear corneal temporal 2.8 mm phacoemulsification cataract surgery. Methods: Study comprised a multi-centric, nonrandomized prospective consecutive series of 358 eyes of 328 patients between age group of 9 to 71 years who had uneventful 2.8mm main temporal clear corneal incision and one or two side ports phacoemulsification cataract surgery with implantation of aspheric foldable intraocular lens (IOL). All surgery was performed by one experienced surgeon. Surgically induced astigmatism was calculated using Holladay-Carvy-Koch formula method. Results: At 1.5 months, the mean SIA was 0.51 diopter (D) for the one side port incisions and 1.50 D for two side port incisions (P = 0.04). At 3 months, the mean SIA were 0.41 D for one side port incisions and 1.25 D for two side port incisions (P = 0.03). Conclusion: The UCVA was far better in the one side port group, at 1.5 and 3 months post-operatively.

The correlation study of the glycogene ST8SIA4 in the multidrug resistance of human chronic myeloid leukemia / 重庆医学

Objective To investigate the differential expression of ST8SIA4 in the both chronic myeloid leukemia(CML) cell lines KCL22 and adriamycin resistant cell lines KCL22/ADR ,peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of CML patients ,to clar-ify the correlation of ST8SIA4 and multidrug resistance of CML .Methods Using real-time PCR and Western blot for quantification of ST8SIA4 ,we compared the differential expression of ST8SIA4 in CML cell lines and PBMC of CML patients .The differentially expressed ST8SIA4 gene was silenced ,and the chemosensitivity to anti-tumor drugs was analyzed in vitro .Results ST8SIA4 was differentially expressed in CML cell lines and PBMC of CML patients(P< 0 .05) .The altered level of ST8SIA4 was increased drug-resistant phenotype of KCL22/ADR cells both in vitro and in vivo(P< 0 .05) .Conclusion The expression of ST8SIA4 was different in CML cell lines and PBMC of CML patients ,these characteristic alterations were associated with multidrug resistance in CML .

Effects of general anesthesia combined thoracic paravertebral block on postoperative pain and fast track in single-port video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery / 临床麻醉学杂志

Objective To explore the effects of general anesthesia combined thoracic paraverte-bral block on postoperative pain and fast track single-port video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS).Methods Thirty patients,including male 20 and female 10,received single-port VATS were randomly and equally divided into two groups:group C received general anesthesia only,and group T received ultrasound-guided thoracic paravertebral nerve block combined with general anesthe-sia.Both groups did not use the patient-controlled analgesia,if insufficient analgesia happened (rest-ing VAS scores>4),than used dezocine intravenously as additional analgesia (a single-dose 5-20 mg, no more than 120 mg per day).The Ramsay scores at 1,4,8,12 h after the surgery and the mechani-cal withdrawal threshold on the day before the surgery,at 4,8,12,24 h after the surgery were recor-ded.The first time of post-operation pain feedback,the consumption of dezocine in the first 24 h after surgery,the incidence rates of side effects,the first time off-bed and the hospital stays were also re-corded.Results Compared with group C,the Ramsay scores at 8,12 h postoperatively in group T significantly decreased (P <0.05),and the mechanical withdrawal threshold at 4,8 h postoperatively significantly increased (P <0.05).The first time of post-operation pain feedback in group T was sig-nificantly longer than group C (P <0.05).The consumption of dezocine in the first 24 h after surgery significantly decreased in group T (P <0.05).The first time off-bed and the hospital stays in group T were shorter than group C (P <0.05).Also,the incidence rates of nausea,vomiting in the first 24 h postoperatively were lower in group T (P < 0.05 ).Conclusion General anesthesia combined with single-injected thoracic paravertebral nerve block can effectively relieve the postoperative pain in pa-tients undergoing single-port VATS,reduce the consumption of opioids in the first 24 h postopera-tively,cutting down the occurring rates of adverse reactions,which was beneficial to early ambulate and shortened the hospital stays.

Comparison of Higher Order Aberrations and Astigmatism after On-Axis Small Incision Cataract Surgery

PURPOSE: To assess the changes of corneal astigmatism and higher order aberrations (HOAs) of the anterior and posterior corneal surface after cataract surgery with on-axis clear corneal incision in eyes with-the-rule (WTR) astigmatism and against-the-rule (ATR) astigmatism. METHODS: This study included 50 patients who underwent phacoemulsification and IOL insertion through a 2.8-mm on-axis clear corneal incision. The eyes were divided into two groups: (1) 26 eyes with WTR astigmatism with a superior incision and (2) 24 eyes with ATR astigmatism with a temporal incision. During the follow-up period, visual acuity was measured, and the surgically induced astigmatism (SIA) and HOAs of the anterior and posterior corneal surface were measured with Pentacam(R) (Occlus, Wetzlar, Germany) preoperatively and 1 week, 1 month, and 2 months postoperatively. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in UCVA and BCVA between the two groups. HOAs increased in both groups 1 week after surgery, but no significant differences were found between the groups (p > 0.05). Surgically induced astigmatism was larger in the WTR group than in the ATR group (p < 0.05). At postoperative 2 months, there were significant differences in HOAs between the two groups, and there were statistically significant differences in HOAs, oblique trefoil at front side, and in HOAs, horizontal coma at rear side (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, superior incision in eyes with WTR astigmatism resulted in higher SIA compared to temporal incision in eyes with ATR astigmatism. Moreover, HOAs was significantly decreased in eyes with WTR astigmatism with superior incision. Thus, superior incision could be more effective in reducing corneal astigmatism in eyes with WTR astigmatism.

Association Analyses of ST8SIA2 Genetic Polymorphisms with Schizophrenia in the Korean Population

OBJECTIVES: ST8SIA2 (ST8 alpha-N-acetyl-neuraminide alpha-2, 8-sialyltransferase 2 gene) is located at 15q26, a susceptibility locus for schizophrenia. Some previous research had indicated that single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the promoter region of ST8SIA2 were associated with schizophrenia in Japanese and Chinese populations. We investigated the association between SNPs in the promoter region of ST8SIA2 and schizophrenia in the Korean population. METHODS: The study subjects were 190 Korean patients with schizophrenia and 190 healthy controls. We performed allelic, genotypic, and haplotypic association analyses for rs3759916, rs3759915 and rs3759914 of ST8SIA2. All genotypes were determined by direct sequencing. RESULTS: In the genotype-based analysis, rs3759914 showed a nominally significant association with schizophrenia under recessive genotypic model (p = 0.047). However, this association did not remain statistically significant after correction for multiple testing. Both allelic and haplotype analyses did not show any significant association. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that ST8SIA2 does not play a major role in the susceptibility to schizophrenia in the Korean population. Further studies with a larger number of subjects are required to definitively rule out minor effects of this gene on schizophrenia vulnerability.

Eradicating Polio: It's Feasibility in Near Future.

Continuous wild poliovirus transmission despite 12 years of intensive surveillance has raised serious questions about the feasibility of polio eradication programme with current strategy in near future. At present most of the cases are confined to four endemic countries, which are causing sporadic outbreaks in non-endemic areas. India has experienced a significant increase in number of cases reported in 2006 compared to previous year. Outbreaks originated in western UP which was due to the accumulation of susceptibles between the last outbreak in 2002 and early 2006. Substantial improvement has been observed in strategies of polio eradication but still there are gaps in the programme implementation which needs immediate attention so that goal of polio eradication can be achieved at the earliest opportunity. Even though there are many issues but there are also many factors, which favour polio eradication. These factors include new tool in form of m OPV, natural immunity due to recent outbreak, limiting international spread of polio, new researches to guide programme in right direction, political commitments from endemic countries, etc. 2008 presents the best opportunity ever to interrupt wild polio virus transmission which will lead to global eradication of Polio. Since global eradication is within sight, it is scientifically possible to eradicate the disease in near future.