Nanozyme as detector and remediator to environmental pollutants: between current situation and future prospective.

The term "nanozyme" refers to a nanomaterial possessing enzymatic capabilities, and in recent years, the field of nanozymes has experienced rapid advancement. Nanozymes offer distinct advantages over natural enzymes, including ease of production, cost-effectiveness, prolonged storage capabilities, and exceptional environmental stability. In this review, we provide a concise overview of various common applications of nanozymes, encompassing the detection and removal of pollutants such as pathogens, toxic ions, pesticides, phenols, organic contaminants, air pollution, and antibiotic residues. Furthermore, our focus is directed towards the potential challenges and future developments within the realm of nanozymes. The burgeoning applications of nanozymes in bioscience and technology have kindled significant interest in research in this domain, and it is anticipated that nanozymes will soon become a topic of explosive discussion.

Knowledge, perception, and beliefs of Saudi physicians at King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh related to medical cannabis: Literature review and a cross-sectional survey.

Cannabis is an herbaceous flowering plant, originally an indigenous plant in Eastern Asia, which later spread globally due to widespread agricultural practices. Cannabis was used medicinally until the early twentieth century, but subsequently prohibited due to the psychoactive effects. Aims: To explore the medical cannabis-related level of knowledge of physicians at King Abdulaziz Medical City, including patient needs, perceptions of therapeutic effects, potential harm, and the willingness to prescribe if legalized in future. Methodology: The study was a cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey. It was conducted at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh from February 2020 to February 2021. All physicians from the different specialties, who consented to participate, were included in this study. Statistical Analysis: Descriptive statistics are presented as mean and standard deviation and proportions. An ANOVA test was applied to measure the association of the beliefs regarding the right to prescribe with overall knowledge. All tests were considered significant at P < 0.05. Results: A total of 249 physicians participated with the majority (70%) male. The sample was similar regardless of the physician's position in the medical hierarchy, with a mean work experience of 8 years. Almost half of the participants indicated that they do not have good knowledge regarding the effects of MC products and more than half that they are unaware of the different MC products and formulations currently available. Conclusion: The majority of the sample lacked knowledge about the medicinal use of cannabis for specific indications and felt uncomfortable to discuss the medicinal use of cannabis with their patients.

Investigation of precision task demands on workers' muscular activities, heart rate, and perceived exertion rating.

BACKGROUND: Manual material handling (MMH) tasks significantly contribute to musculoskeletal disorders in manual workers. OBJECTIVES: In this study, we assessed the physical factors of precision lifting tasks that affect muscular activities (electromyography, EMGs), heart rate, and perceived exertion rating in ten healthy male workers aged 25-35 years, while considering the safety aspect of the common types of safety footwear. METHODS: The independent variables that were assessed are as follows: 1) lifting method (precise and inexact), 2) lifting frequency (one and four liftings/min), and 3) type of safety footwear worn by the worker (light, medium, or heavy). The response variables data, represented by EMG signals, for four muscular activities (biceps brachii, deltoid, trapezius, and erector spinae), heart rate, and perceived exertion were analyzed using a three-factor within-subjects design. RESULTS: The results showed that wearing heavy safety shoes increases the effort used with precise lifting methods in trapezius and erector spinae muscular activities. We also observed that the heart rate and perceived exertion increased rapidly at four lifts/min compared to one lift/min, regardless of the lifting method. CONCLUSIONS: The advantages of choosing appropriate safety footwear must be carefully assessed before replacing the conventional working safety shoes.

Epidemiological Features and Clinical Manifestations of Patients With Somatoform Disorder at a Tertiary Medical City in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Background Somatoform disorder (SD), known as the presence of physical symptoms suggesting a physical condition, for which there are no demonstrable organic findings or established physiological mechanisms with positive evidence that the symptoms are related to psychological causes. The aim of this study was to highlight the epidemiological characteristics, demographic features, comorbidities, and clinical presentations of patients with SD. Materials and methods This was a retrospective study of SD patients at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. We reviewed the patients' electronic health records from January 2015 to December 2020 for collecting the patients' demographic information, including gender, age, marital status, and occupation. The types of SD, presenting symptoms of each disorder, department to which patients initially presented, comorbidities, and management were also documented. The diagnosis of SD was based on the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10). Results In total, 89 patients were included in the study. The majority (n=50, 56.2%) were female, with a mean age of 42.7±17.1 years. More than half of the sample was married (n=54, 60.7%). The most common subtype of SD was somatization disorder followed by conversion disorder, pain disorder, and hypochondriasis, diagnosed in 69 (77.5%), 12 (13.5%), 5 (5.6%), and three (3.4%) patients, respectively. Neurological symptoms and pain were the most frequent presenting symptoms for all the somatoform patients. More than half of the sample (n=48, 53.9%) initially presented at an outpatient clinic. Conclusions The number of SD patients was less than expected, and a third did not receive any treatment. This emphasizes the need for more SD awareness among clinicians in various medical specialties. Appropriate SD and other mental disorders education for physicians may support achieving a better identification of SD and subsequently an improved quality of life for the patients.

Domestic Violence Against Married Women During the COVID-19 Quarantine in Saudi Arabia.

Background  Before the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, cases of domestic abuse and aggressive behaviour between Saudi married couples were increasing annually, a topic of growing concern both socially and medically. With the forced indoor confinement enacted as a containment measure, international studies regarding domestic abuse indicated an almost unanimous increase in prevalence. This cross-sectional national study aimed to assess the change between the pre-and intra-pandemic prevalence of abuse in Saudi Arabia.  Material and methods  Anonymous data were gathered using a web-based Arabic version of the World Health Organization (WHO) multi-country instrument measuring violence against women residing in Saudi Arabia. The previously validated questionnaire included a series of multiple-choice questions related to demographic information, family infrastructure, experienced situations of abuse, and the severity and form of abuse during the quarantine period, from March 23, 2020, to June 21, 2020. Associations were tested using a two-tailed Pearson's Chi-square test and odds ratios. A binary multivariate logistic regression was used to identify the independent factors associated with domestic violence.  Results  In total, 2254 participants were included in the present study. The majority (n=2129, 94.7%) were Saudi nationals. The highest proportion (n=1022, 45.3%) was in the 30 to 40 years age group. The self-reported prevalence of domestic violence before COVID-19 pandemic and quarantine was 25.4% and 16.6% during the confinement, indicating an overall decrease of 8.8% in the reported cases. Regarding the type of violence, of the 315 (16.6%) women who endured violence since the confinement, the majority (n=301, 95.6%) experienced multiple forms of violent abuse, 264 (87.7%) suffered from psychological/emotional violence, 114 (37.9%) from physical violence, and 50 (16.6%) from sexual violence. Of the group who experienced multiple forms of violence, 120 (39.9%) reported an increase in the frequency and perceived intensity of the violence since the confinement. The only variable that directly increased the likelihood of suffering domestic violence had more than three children [OR = 1.59, P = 0.018]. Conclusions  Contrary to trends observed in other countries, the national prevalence of abusive conduct towards married women showed a marked decrease during the quarantine period-more children directly correlated with a higher reported frequency of being abused. Further studies in neighbouring countries with comparable societies and structures must be conducted to assess the validity of our findings in the context of the global trends of violence in the marital home.

Workplace Violence Among Healthcare Workers in a Tertiary Medical City in Riyadh: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Introduction Workplace violence is a common problem that is encountered by healthcare workers worldwide; however, it is still under-studied in Saudi Arabia. This study aims to determine the prevalence of workplace violence and to explore reasons for not reporting it among healthcare workers in a tertiary medical city in Riyadh. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted among 404 healthcare workers who had direct contact with patients or their relatives in a tertiary care medical city in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Data were analyzed using Statistical Analysis Software Package (SPSS; IBM, Armonk, NY, USA). Results Most participants (81.4%) had experienced verbal, physical, academic, or sexual violence. Approximately 39.6% of those who experienced workplace violence did not report the incident, and the most common reason for not reporting was identified as "reporting would not accomplish anything" (49.4%). About 27.5% of violence victims did not know how to report the incidents. Patients or their relatives were the main sources of violence across all violence categories except academic violence, in which consultant physicians were the main source. Conclusions The prevalence of workplace violence in the population studied was higher than anticipated compared to similar studies both in Saudi Arabia and globally. Almost half of those who were subjected to violence did not report the incident, believing that reporting would not change anything. There is arguably an urgent need to develop strategies that reduce workplace violence and facilitate reporting it in hospitals. Moreover, awareness programs regarding the negative impacts of violence against healthcare workers on the quality of care are necessary.

Factitious Disorder in Seven Patients: A Saudi Experience.

Background Factitious disorder (FD) is a psychiatric disease where signs and symptoms are produced, falsified, or exaggerated consciously in the absence of clear external motivations. Through needless medical visits, costly investigatory testing, and potentially long hospital stays, patients with FD waste valuable time and resources, which affects both the patient and the healthcare system. It can be very challenging for physicians who have never encountered patients with FD to recognize them promptly as symptoms of FD vary greatly. Methodology This was a retrospective study of patients diagnosed with FD attending King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, a tertiary care military hospital and one of the most prominent academic and referral medical institutions in the country. Using the BESTCare health information system, we reviewed patients' electronic health records from January 2015 to December 2020. The diagnosis of FD was based on the International Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems 10th edition. Results A total of seven patients were included in the study, of whom five (71%) were males and two (29%) were females. Of the total seven patients, three were 21 years old and younger, one was 38 years old, and three were 56 years old and older. Three (43%) patients were married and four (57%) were single. In terms of occupation, three (43%) patients were retired, one (14%) worked in a private company, one (14%) was unemployed, and two (29%) were students. A total of four (57%) patients initially presented to the Emergency Department (ED), and only three (43%) presented to the outpatient clinics. Induced disease or injury was found in five (71%) patients. Induced skin injury was found in four (57%) patients. Counseling and psychotherapy were only offered to one (14%) patient. Conclusions FD remains a rare psychiatric condition that is difficult to recognize. Despite a small sample size, FD in the present study showed a male predominance, affecting patients of all age groups. About half of the patients presented initially to the ED. Induced disease or injury was the most commonly reported pattern of clinical presentation. Induced skin injury was the most common clinical presentation found in around half of the patients. We believe that the number of FD patients in the present study is likely underreported and is expected to be higher. This highlights the need for better awareness of FD among physicians in different medical fields. We emphasize that there is a need for better professional training in the identification of FD.

Effects of Lifting Method, Safety Shoe Type, and Lifting Frequency on Maximum Acceptable Weight of Lift, Physiological Responses, and Safety Shoes Discomfort Rating.

This study aimed to investigate the physical effects of precision lifting tasks on the maximal acceptable weight of a lift (i.e., psychophysiological lifting capacity where the workers adjust the lifting weight in order to work without any fatigue or strain at the end of the work while wearing common safety shoe types). Additionally, the physical difference between the precise and non-precise lifting conditions associated with wearing safety shoes were assessed by respiration responses and shoe discomfort ratings. To achieve the objective of the study, ten healthy male workers were selected by age (between 25 to 35 years old). Their anthropometric characteristics, including knuckle height, knee height, and body mass index (BMI), were measured. A three-way repeated measures design with three independent variables was used; the variables included-the (1) lifting method (precise and non-precise), (2) lifting frequency (1 and 4 lifts per min), and (3) safety shoe type (light-duty, medium-duty, and heavy-duty). The physiological response variables and one of the subjective factors of this study were-(1) respiration responses, and (2) shoe discomfort rating, respectively. The data were analyzed using the Mauchly's test of sphericity, Shapiro-Wilk normality test, and analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results showed that the use of heavy-duty safety shoes typically increased the shoe discomfort rating under precise lifting methods. Additionally, the lifting frequency was determined to be one of the main factors affecting respiratory responses and shoe discomfort rating. This study also found that respiration responses rose on four lifts per min as compared to 1 lift per min, regardless of the lifting method type. This study indicated that the replacement of some types of ordinary safety shoes used in some workplaces with those selected appropriately might significantly reduce the rating effort required to lift objects or tools. However, the benefits should be carefully evaluated before replacing the safety shoes.

Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated with Anabolic-androgenic Steroid Use: A Cross-sectional Study among Gym Users in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVES: Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) have been used internationally for enhancing physical appearance and performance despite their significant side effects. We sought to identify the prevalence of AAS use and its different risk factors among gym users in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was distributed among gym users across 20 gyms in Riyadh. The cluster sampling technique was used to represent the four regions of Riyadh (North, South, East, and West). Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify the factors associated with AAS. RESULTS: Out of 482 participants, 29.3% reported using AAS. The mean age of the study participants was 27.2±6.9 years, 61.0% were single, 67.1% were educated, 35.5% were government employees, and 31.1% were students. The use of AAS was more prevalent among gym members who practiced weightlifting (45.5%), were employed in the private sector (35.8%), and aged > 25 years old (53.3%). Multiple logistic regression showed that the most significant factors associated with the use of AAS among gym members were: weightlifting, using supplementary vitamins or minerals, following special diets, knowing individuals who used AAS, and being offered AAS. CONCLUSIONS: Our study provides clear evidence that the lifetime prevalence of AAS use is high among male gym members in Riyadh with modifiable risk factors. The results could help public health policymakers to take the necessary measures to alleviate the potential negative implications of AAS use at the community level.

Correlates of Psychotropic Polypharmacy in outpatient psychiatric clinics of two military tertiary hospitals in Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: Polypharmacy is meaningful and clinically justified under certain circumstances. However, the prescription of multiple psychiatric medicines is mostly based on practical experience rather than evidence. The aim of this study was to assess the current practice of and factors associated with the use of polypharmacy among patients attending outpatient psychiatric clinics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among patients attending outpatient psychiatric clinics in two tertiary care hospitals in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Patients aged 18 years and above and who were taking any prescription or nonprescription medications were included. Data were collected by face-to-face interviews, followed by a review of electronic medical charts to determine the drugs being taken by patients, and track their current computerized drug prescriptions. Data were analyzed using SPSS statistical software version 21 (Chicago, IL, USA), applying both descriptive and inferential statistical analysis as appropriate. RESULTS: Of the 401 study participants, 53.6% were aged 25 years or older, and 63.6% were married and > 50% were unemployed. The overall prevalence of polypharmacy was 46.9%. The prevalence of polypharmacy was 67.3% in psychosis, 37.7% in depression, 27.1% in anxiety, 74.1% in bipolar disorders, and 53.6% for patients with two or more disorders, and 42.1% for patients diagnosed with "other" disorders. Overall, there was a significant association between polypharmacy and gender, marital status, and diagnosis of disorder. CONCLUSIONS: Psychotropic polypharmacy is common in outpatient practice. Patients with psychosis and bipolar disorders, especially those aged 25-45 years are exposed to high psychotropic polypharmacy. The concomitant use of large numbers of drugs should be periodically reviewed to improve the quality and safety of psychiatric care.

Knowledge, attitudes and use of anabolic-androgenic steroids among male gym users: A community based survey in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Recreational use of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) is a growing worldwide public health concern. However, studies assessing the level of awareness and knowledge of its effects on health are fairly limited, especially in developing countries, including Saudi Arabia. This community-based cross-sectional study was conducted to assess knowledge, attitudes and practices among male gym members toward AAS in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) from March to October 2016. Twenty gyms were randomly selected from four different geographical regions (clusters) within Riyadh. In total, 482 participants responded to the self-administered anonymous questionnaire, which covered socio-demographic data, data assessing knowledge, attitude and behavior related to AAS use. The mean (±standard deviation) age of study participants was 27.2 (±6.9) years. Among these, 29.3% of participants reported having used AAS, while the majority (53.5%) reported hearing of AAS use, mostly through friends. Most study participants reported awareness of the effects of AAS on muscle mass, body weight and muscles strength (53.2%, 51.1% and 45.5%, respectively). In contrast, a higher proportion of study participants were unaware of the side-effects of AAS use. A high proportion of study participants (43.2%) reported that they had been offered AAS and 68.7% believed that AAS are easily accessible. Most of the gym users (90.1%) reported never having used any narcotics or psychoactive drugs. Regression analysis revealed that use of anabolic-androgenic steroids is significantly associated with "weight lifting practice" OR [95%CI] = 1.9[1.02 - 3.61], P = 0.044; "using supplementary vitamins, OR [95%CI] = 7.8[4.05 - 15.03], P < 0.0001, knowing anyone using anabolic-androgenic steroids' OR [95%CI] = 7.5[3.78 - 14.10], P < 0.0001, and someone advised Gym users to take anabolic-androgenic steroids" OR [95%CI] = 2.26[1.23 - 4.14], P < 0.008. Our findings suggest that the level of awareness regarding the possible side-effects of AAS is fairly limited. Thus, efforts directed toward educating the public and limiting access to AAS as well as health policy reforms are crucial to reduce future negative implications of AAS use.

Artificial Light at Night of Different Spectral Compositions Differentially Affects Tumor Growth in Mice: Interaction With Melatonin and Epigenetic Pathways.

Lighting technology is rapidly advancing toward shorter wavelength illuminations that offer energy-efficient properties. Along with this advantage, the increased use of such illuminations also poses some health challenges, particularly breast cancer progression. Here, we evaluated the effects of artificial light at night (ALAN) of 4 different spectral compositions (500-595 nm) at 350 Lux on melatonin suppression by measuring its urine metabolite 6-sulfatoxymelatonin, global DNA methylation, tumor growth, metastases formation, and urinary corticosterone levels in 4T1 breast cancer cell-inoculated female BALB/c mice. The results revealed an inverse dose-dependent relationship between wavelength and melatonin suppression. Short wavelength increased tumor growth, promoted lung metastases formation, and advanced DNA hypomethylation, while long wavelength lessened these effects. Melatonin treatment counteracted these effects and resulted in reduced cancer burden. The wavelength suppression threshold for melatonin-induced tumor growth was 500 nm. These results suggest that short wavelength increases cancer burden by inducing aberrant DNA methylation mediated by the suppression of melatonin. Additionally, melatonin suppression and global DNA methylation are suggested as promising biomarkers for early diagnosis and therapy of breast cancer. Finally, ALAN may manifest other physiological responses such as stress responses that may challenge the survival fitness of the animal under natural environments.

The indolic diet-derivative, 3,3'-diindolylmethane, induced apoptosis in human colon cancer cells through upregulation of NDRG1.

N-myc downstream regulated gene-1 participates in carcinogenesis, angiogenesis, metastases, and anticancer drug resistance. In the present study, we analyzed the expression pattern of N-myc downstream regulated gene-1 following treatment of human colonic cancer cell lines; HCT-116 (well differentiated with wild-type p53 gene) and Colo-320 (poorly differentiated with mutant p53 gene), with 3,3'-diindolylmethane, a well-established proapoptotic agent product derived from indole-3-carbinol. Treatment of Colo-320 and HCT-116 with 3,3'-diindolylmethane disclosed inhibition of cell viability in a dose-dependent manner, mediated through apoptosis induction. The increased expression of N-myc downstream regulated gene-1 was detected only in poorly differentiated colon cancer cells, Colo-320 cell line. Our results suggest that N-myc downstream regulated gene-1 expression is enhanced by 3,3'-diindolylmethane in poorly differentiated cells and followed by induction of apoptosis. 3,3'-diindolylmethane induced apoptosis may represent a new regulator of N-myc downstream regulated gene-1 in poorly differentiated colonic cancer cells.

Differences in the characteristics of families with BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations in Israel.

Three specific mutations in the BRCA1 (185delAG, 5382insC) and BRCA2 (6174delT) genes have been reported to be of high prevalence in the Jewish Ashkenazi population. We studied the differences in phenotype of families carrying these mutations. All consecutive families found by the CHS Familial Cancer Service to carry one of the three 'Jewish' mutations of the BRCA1/BRCA2 genes were evaluated for phenotypic characteristics. Chi-squared and Student's t-test statistics were employed to study differences in a variety of clinical and demographic parameters. A total of 111 families with 1499 family members were included. Among them 454 cases of cancer (297 in breast/ovary) were reported. Ovarian cancer, but not breast cancer, was detected at a significantly younger age among carriers of 185delT compared with other mutation carriers. In families with 185delAG, 5382insC and 6174delT mutations, breast cancer was found in 20.2, 39.4 and 24.1% of all identified women (born between 1900 and 1975), correspondingly. The corresponding figures for ovarian cancer were 13.9, 6.8 and 4.9%. Families carrying the 5382insC mutation had the highest probability of expressing bilateral breast cancer (38.9% of families, 15.4% of women with cancer, 6.1% of all women in family) and metachronous breast and ovary tumours (22.2, 9.8 and 4.5% correspondingly). Other tumours were reported in 7.9, 9.1 and 12.0% of women and 9.5, 12.9 and 15.8% of men in families with 185delAG, 5382insC, 6174delT, correspondingly. Marked phenotypic differences were found between families carrying different BRCA mutations warranting mutation-specific counselling to families seeking risk-reduction advice. 5382insC emerged as a most aggressive mutation.

Induction of apoptosis in human prostate cancer cell line, PC3, by 3,3'-diindolylmethane through the mitochondrial pathway.

Prostate cancer is the most common malignancy and the second leading cause of male death in Western countries. Prostate cancer mortality results from metastases to the bones and lymph nodes and progression from androgen-dependent to androgen-independent disease. Although androgen ablation was found to be effective in treating androgen-dependent prostate cancer, no effective life-prolonging therapy is available for androgen-independent cancer. Epidemiological studies have shown a strong correlation between consumption of cruciferous vegetables and a lower risk of prostate cancer. These vegetables contain glucosinolates, which during metabolism give rise to several breakdown products, mainly indole-3-carbinol (I3C), which may be condensed to polymeric products, especially 3,3'-diindolylmethane (DIM). It was previously shown that these indole derivatives have significant inhibitory effects in several human cancer cell lines, which are exerted through induction of apoptosis. We have previously reported that I3C and DIM induce apoptosis in prostate cancer cell lines through p53-, bax-, bcl-2- and fasL-independent pathways. The objective of this study was examination of the apoptotic pathways that may be involved in the effect of DIM in the androgen-independent prostate cancer cell line, PC3, in vitro. Our results suggest that DIM induces apoptosis in PC3 cells, through the mitochondrial pathway, which involves the translocation of cytochrome c from the mitochondria to the cytosol and the activation of initiator caspase, 9, and effector caspases, 3 and 6, leading to poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) cleavage and induction of apoptosis. Our findings may lead to the development of new therapeutic strategies for the treatment of androgen-independent prostate cancer.

Indole-3-carbinol and 3,3'-diindolylmethane induce apoptosis in human prostate cancer cells.

Cruciferous vegetables contain glucobrassicin which, during metabolism, yields indole-3-carbinol (I3C). In a low pH environment I3C is converted into polymeric products, among which 3,3'-diindolylmethane (DIM) is the main one. The apoptotic effects of I3C and DIM were exhibited in human breast cancer cells. The objectives of this study were: (a) examination of the potential effects of I3C and DIM on the proliferation and induction of apoptosis in human prostate cancer cell lines with different p53 status; (b) to try to characterise the mechanism(s) involved in these effects. Our results indicate that both indole derivatives suppress the growth of these cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner, by inducing apoptosis. It appears that these indolic compounds may offer effective means against prostate cancer. Induction of apoptosis was p53-independent. Moreover, the indole derivatives employed did not affect the levels of bcl-2, bax and fasL.

Evaluation of the spectral transmittance of UV-absorbing disposable contact lenses.

PURPOSE: Increasing evidence suggesting deleterious effects of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) on the eye has prompted manufacturers to develop UV-absorbing disposable contact lenses. The spectral transmittances of a sample of these lenses were measured in order to determine if they provide adequate protection from UVR. METHODS: Four types of UV-absorbing disposable lenses were studied (Acuvue [Vistakon, Jacksonville, FL], Precision UV [Wesley-Jessen, Des Plaines, IL], Specialty Sport [Specialty UltraVision, Sunnyvale, CA], and Surevue [Vistakon]). For comparison, a lens without UV-absorbing properties (Acuvue), a conventional soft lens (Permaflex UV [Cooper Vision, San Jose, CA]) and an RGP lens (Boston ES [Polymer Technology, Rochester, NY]) were also evaluated. The tested lens was placed in a silica wet cell filled with saline. Spectral transmittance was measured over the 200-800 nm waveband. RESULTS: Each disposable lens exhibited a transmittance window in the 240-320 nm waveband. Computing indices of protection factor and safe exposure duration allowed for the assessment of the level of protection afforded by each lens. Among disposable lenses studied, the Surevue performed best with a transmittance of less than 1% in the waveband 280-348 nm and the longest safe exposure duration, while the Specialty Sport had the highesttransmittance of UVB (290-315 nm). CONCLUSION: All UV-absorbing lenses studied provided a better level of protection from UVR exposure than lenses without UV absorber. These results will help the eyecare practitioner in prescribing the most appropriate UV-blocking lens for each patient.

Engineering a potential antagonist of human thyrotropin and thyroid-stimulating antibody.

Thyrotropin (TSH) and the gonadotropins (FSH, LH, hCG) are a family of heterodimeric glycoprotein hormones composed of two noncovalently linked subunits, alpha and beta. We have recently converted the hTSH heterodimer to a biologically active single chain (hTSHbeta.CTPalpha) by fusing the common alpha-subunit to the C-terminal end of the hTSH beta-subunit in the presence of a approximately 30-amino acid peptide from hCGbeta (CTP) as a linker. The hTSHbeta.CTPalpha single chain was used to investigate the role of the N-linked oligosaccharides of alpha- and beta-subunits in the secretion and function of hTSH. Using overlapping PCR mutagenesis, two deglycosylated variants were prepared: one lacking both oligosaccharide chains on the alpha-subunit (hTSHbeta.CTPalpha(1+2)) and the other lacking the oligosaccharide chain on the beta-subunit (hTSHbeta.CTPalpha(deg)). The single chain variants were expressed in CHO cells and were secreted into the medium. hTSH variants lacking the oligosaccharide chains were less potent than hTSHbeta.CTPalpha wild-type with respect to cAMP formation and thyroid hormone secretion in cultured human thyroid follicles. Both deglycosylated variants competed with hTSH in a dose-dependent manner. The hTSHbeta.CTPalpha(1+2) variant blocked cAMP formation and thyroid hormone secretion stimulated by hTSH as well as by the antibody, thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins, responsible for the most common cause of hyperthyroidism, Graves disease. Thus, this variant behaves as a potential antagonist, offering a novel therapeutic strategy in the treatment of thyrotoxicosis caused by Graves' disease and TSH-secreting pituitary adenoma.

[Hydatid cyst of the pancreas. Report of a case]. / Kyste hydatique du pancréas. A propos d'une observation.

A 49 years old woman was admitted to the hospital for abdominal pain with vomiting. At the examination, there was a deep and hard epigastric mass. The diagnosis of pancreatic cyst was established by ultrasonography and CT Scan. The hydatid cyst was recognized before surgery on the basis of the epidemiological data and the existence of calcified shell. The treatment consisted in the resection of the protruding dome with epiplooplasty. The postoperative evolution was simple. From this observation and reported data, complications and treatment of this uncommon localization were discussed.