Comparison of single-step transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy and conventional photorefractive keratectomy in low to high myopic eyes.

Purpose: To compare the visual outcome, safety, safety index, efficacy, efficacy index and corneal transparency between single-step transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy (t-PRK) and conventional photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) with manual debridement of epithelium in eyes with low to high simple myopia and compound myopic astigmatism. Methods: In this retrospective ,case control study, we analysed and compared the postoperative uncorrected visual acuity(UCVA), postoperative best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) , safety, safety index,efficacy,efficacy index and the corneal transparency between t-PRK and PRK with 6th-generation Amaris excimer 500E laser (Schwind eye-tech-solutions) in 115 eyes of 59 patients. Results: Preoperative Mean Refractive Spherical Equivalent (MRSE) was - 3.88 + 0.23 Diopters(D) and -4.73 + 0.23D in PRK and t-PRK group respectively(p=0.09). In both the groups , none of the eyes lost postoperative BCVA at the end of mean follow-up period of 3.5 months . All the eyes achieved post operative UCVA of 20/40 or better in both the groups. Incidence of trace corneal haze was high in t-PRK group at the end of 3.5 months (P = 0.003). Conclusion: Single-step t-PRK and PRK provide similar results at the end of mean follow-up period of 3.5 months postoperatively with regards to post-operative UCVA, post operative BCVA, safety, safety index, efficacy and efficacy index. There was high incidence of trace haze in t- PRK eyes. Both the procedures are predictable, effective, and safe for correction of low to high myopia.

Relationship between Selenium and Hematological Markers in Young Adults with Normal Weight or Overweight/Obesity.

Selenium deficiency has been linked to anemia of inflammation, which is mediated by hepcidin. However, there are few studies providing evidence of the role of hepcidin in this relationship. In this study, we investigated the interrelationships among selenium biomarkers, hepcidin concentration, and iron status among individuals with overweight/obesity compared to their normal weight counterparts, since obesity is associated with chronic inflammation. A total of 59 college students were recruited for this study. Fasting blood samples were collected for the analysis of iron status, plasma selenoproteins (glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity and selenoprotein P (SEPP1)), and plasma hepcidin. Subjects completed three-day dietary records to determine average daily nutrient intakes. SEPP1 concentration, GPX activity, and iron status biomarkers (serum iron, transferrin saturation, and hemoglobin concentration) were lower among individuals with overweight/obesity compared with individuals with normal weight, but these differences were not significant (p > 0.05). Regression analysis showed that GPX activity (ß = -0.018, p = 0.008) and SEPP1 concentration (ß = -1.24, p = 0.03) were inversely associated with hepcidin concentration. The inverse association between selenoproteins and hepcidin concentration supports a potential role of hepcidin as a mediator between selenium and iron status and warrants further studies to better understand this relationship.

Effect of lysine supplementation on health and morbidity in subjects belonging to poor peri-urban households in Accra, Ghana.

BACKGROUND: Lysine affects diarrhea and anxiety via effects on serotonin receptors, enhanced intestinal repair, and sodium chloride-dependent opioid peptide transport. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to investigate the effects of lysine supplementation on morbidity, growth, and anxiety in children and adults of peri-urban areas of Accra, Ghana. DESIGN: In a double-blind randomized trial, the effect of lysine supplementation (1 g lysine/d) compared with that of placebo was examined in 2 groups of men, women, and children (n = 271). Primary outcomes included diarrheal and respiratory morbidity, growth, and anxiety and complement C3, C-reactive protein, serum cortisol, transferrin, and ferritin values. Independent-sample t tests, odds ratios, generalized estimating equations, 4-parameter sinusoid regression, and generalized linear models were used. RESULTS: Thirty percent of men, 50% of women, and 15% of children were at risk of lysine inadequacy. Supplementation in children reduced diarrheal episodes [19 lysine, 35 placebo; odds ratio (OR): 0.52; 95% CI: 0.29, 0.92; P = 0.046] and the total number of days ill (21 lysine, 47 placebo; OR: 0.44; 95% CI: 0.26, 0.74; P = 0.034). Mean days ill per child per week (0.058 ± 0.039 lysine, 0.132 ± 0.063 placebo; P = 0.017) were negatively associated with weight gain with control for baseline weight and study group (P = 0.04). Men had fewer coryza episodes (23 lysine, 39 placebo; OR: 0.60; 95% CI: 0.36, 1.01; P = 0.05), total number of days ill (lysine: 130; placebo: 266; OR: 0.51; 95% CI: 0.28, 0.93; P = 0.03), and mean days ill per person per week (lysine: 0.21 ± 0.23; placebo: 0.41 ± 0.35; P = 0.04). Serum ferritin (P = 0.045) and C-reactive protein (P = 0.018) decreased in lysine-supplemented women but increased in placebo-supplemented women. CONCLUSION: Lysine supplementation reduced diarrheal morbidity in children and respiratory morbidity in men in Ghana.