Anticandidal effect of Eucalyptus oil and three isolated compounds on cutaneous wound healing in rats.

OBJECTIVE: Poor healing is one of the major complications of microbial contamination of wounds. When the skin is damaged, microorganisms can quickly invade the underlying tissues and cause infections that are potentially life-threatening. As a result, effective therapies are required to handle such pathological disorders. Several bioactivities, including fungicidal and antibacterial properties, have been noted for Eucalyptus essential oils. This study aimed to investigate the effect of Eucalyptus oil (EO) and mixed oils (MO) of Eucalyptus citriodora, citronellol acetate, linalool, and α-pinene on the healing of C. albicans infected wounds in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Essential oils were extracted from the fresh areal parts of Eucalyptus citriodora, Lavandula stricta, and Rosmarinus officinalis then their active compounds were chromatographically isolated and identified using GC/Ms. The in vitro antifungal activities of EO and MO were evaluated against Candida albicans using the Agar well diffusion method. Further, their effect on the healing of C. albicans infected wounds was evaluated via the excision wound rat's model. Percentages of wound contraction, epithelialization period, wound Candida load, and the histopathology of wounded tissues were evaluated to confirm the progression of wound healing. RESULTS: Results of the in vitro tests showed that MO has a potent activity against C. albicans evaluated by an inhibitory zone (IZ) diameter of 23.4 mm and a MIC value of 0.24 g/mL, compared to EO's corresponding values of 13.4 mm and 15.63 g/mL. The beneficial impacts of MO creams in improving the percentage of contraction of C. albicans contaminated wounds were better than those of EO creams. MO 10% cream showed the greatest proportion of wound contraction and epithelialization rate. The beneficial effect of MO was further confirmed by a significant reduction of the fungal load of wounds in addition to histopathological improvement compared to the NC group. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggested the potential of 10% MO cream in enhancing the healing of C. albicans infected wounds upon topical application.

Complications of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK).

PURPOSE: To report major complications associated with laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). METHODS: Twenty-four eyes of 23 patients who underwent LASIK in different centers in Saudi Arabia were included. There were 9 women and 14 men. The age range was from 20 to 65 years. Nineteen of the 23 patients had been referred to the Eye Center for management. All patients had a complete ophthalmologic examination, refraction, corneal topography and pachymetry. RESULTS: The 24 eyes of 23 patients had complications consequent to LASIK. Thirteen were intraoperative complications, and 11 postoperative. Ten (44%) of the 23 cases were related to the corneal flap, two (9%) with intraocular perforation with the microkeratome. Three (13%) had photoablation-related complications. Postoperative complications included three (13%) cases of infections, four (17%) stromal-interface related problems, one (5%) who developed interface vascularization, and one (5%) with non-ischemic central retinal vein occlusion. CONCLUSIONS: Although LASIK is a safe and effective procedure, a small number of patients may suffer serious complications that can even lead to visual loss. The procedure must be carefully performed by qualified surgeons.

Indolent corneal ulcers in a patient with congenital insensitivity to pain with anhidrosis: a case report and literature review.

PURPOSE: To report a case of bilateral corneal neurotrophic ulcer in patient with congenital insensitivity to pain with anhidrosis (CIPA) and review the literature. CASE REPORT: A 6 year-old boy presented with bilateral central corneal sterile ulcer, decreased corneal sensitivity, moderately altered corneal reflex and normal tearing response. History taken, systemic evaluation and medical chart review were undertaken. DISCUSSION: Fifty-two cases of CIPA have been reported worldwide. Fourteen cases had corneal involvement. The clinical picture of our patient is characteristic of CIPA. CONCLUSIONS: Congenital insensitivity to pain with anhidrosis may present as neurotrophic corneal ulcer. We report herewith, this vision threatening corneal congenital abnormality. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are mandatory to prevent corneal complications such as scarring and perforation.

Laser in situ keratomileusis for the correction of hyperopia from +0.50 to +11.50 diopters with the Keracor 117C laser.

PURPOSE: To evaluate excimer laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for the correction of hyperopia. METHODS: We reviewed retrospectively the medical records of 46 patients treated with LASIK for hyperopia. All patients had a complete ophthalmologic evaluation. The corneal bed was ablated using the Bausch & Lomb Chiron Keracor 117C excimer laser to create a paracentral annular ablation under a nasally hinged 160-microm corneal flap with the Chiron Automatic Corneal Shaper microkeratome. Follow-up was a minimum of 6 months. RESULTS: Eighty eyes of 46 patients (23 males and 23 females) were included. Age ranged from 18 to 65 years (mean, 42 yr). The range of preoperative spherical equivalent refraction was +0.50 to +11.50 D (mean, +3.40 D). Mean postoperative spherical equivalent refraction at 6 months was +0.26 D. Six months after surgery, 35 eyes (44%) achieved uncorrected visual acuity of 20/20 or better and 78 eyes (97.5%) achieved 20/40 or better. Forty-six eyes (58%) had a postoperative spherical equivalent refraction within +/-0.50 D of attempted correction, and 67 eyes (84%) were within +/-1.00 D of attempted correction. When using the Bausch & Lomb Chiron Keracor 117C excimer laser to correct hyperopia, eyes with a spherical equivalent refraction less +2.00 D should be overcorrected by 25%, +2.00 to +4.00 D by 30%, and over +4.00 by 40%. The positive cylinder should be overcorrected by 10%. CONCLUSIONS: LASIK was safe and effective in the treatment of hyperopia from +0.50 to +11.50 D. Regression following LASIK for hyperopia remains a problem. A special nomogram was required to achieve results comparable with those for myopia.

Anterior uveitis following combined vaccination for measles, mumps and rubella (MMR): a report of two cases.

PURPOSE: To describe two children who developed anterior uveitis after vaccination for common childhood diseases. METHODS: A retrospective study of two Saudi patients who were seen at The Eye Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. RESULTS: Aged 12 and 14, respectively, the two patients developed anterior non-granulomatous uveitis 6 and 4 weeks after having the combined vaccination for measles, mumps and rubella (MMR). No other definite cause of uveitis was detected from history or from laboratory work up. Both patients responded to traditional regimens of uveitis therapy. However, they required a treatment period of several months. CONCLUSION: Anterior uveitis may occur following MMR vaccination. Cases of vaccination thus require ophthalmic awareness if visual symptoms or a painful red eye develop.

Extended wear contact lens related bacterial keratitis.

AIMS: To report the clinical findings and visual outcome of patients with extended wear contact lens (EWCL) related bacterial keratitis. METHODS: 11 cases with EWCL related bacterial keratitis were included. Corneal scrapings were obtained for cytology and cultures. RESULTS: Nine patients had unilateral bacterial keratitis and two patients showed bilateral involvement. Corneal scrapings revealed Pseudomonas aeruginosa in seven patients, Staphylococcus aureus coagulase positive in one patient, and Staphylococcus epidermidis in three patients. CONCLUSION: EWCLs may be associated with bacterial keratitis and may result in visual loss. Dispensing contact lenses by optometrists should be performed in consultation with ophthalmologists.

Corneal haze among blue eyes and brown eyes after photorefractive keratectomy.

BACKGROUND: To compare the incidence and severity of corneal haze after photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) among white patients with blue eyes and Saudi patients with brown eyes. DESIGN: Retrospective, nonrandomized, comparative trial. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 150 patients (71 females and 79 males) were included in this study. Two hundred sixty-six eyes of 150 patients were subjected to PRK. One hundred blue eyes of 50 white patients and 166 brown eyes of 100 Saudi patients were included in this study. METHODS: Two hundred sixty-six eyes of 150 patients were subjected to PRK with the Chiron Technolas Keracor 117C for the correction of myopia and astigmatism. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: All patients had complete ophthalmologic examinations, visual acuity testing, intraocular pressure, pachymetry, corneal haze assessment (0-4+), and computerized corneal topography. RESULTS: There were 266 eyes of 150 patients with 100 blue irides and 166 brown irides. The spherical equivalent was -0.50 diopter (D) to -8.75 D. The mean postoperative spherical equivalent at 6 months was -0.063 D (standard deviation [SD], +/-0.595) in blue eyes compared to -0.28 D (SD, +/-0.683) in brown eyes (P = 0.006). Ninety-five (95%) of 100 of the blue eyes achieved +/- 1 D of attempted correction compared to 148 (89.2%) of the 166 brown eyes. All patients with blue eyes had a visual acuity of 20/30 or better compared to 153 (92.2%) of the 166 brown eyes (P = 0.009). Forty-eight (18.04%) eyes had minimal to mild haze, 3 (1.12%) eyes had moderate haze, and 2 (0.75%) eyes had severe haze. The incidence of corneal haze among brown eyes was 48 (28.9%) of 166 eyes compared to 5 (5%) of 100 in blue eyes (P < 0.001). The difference remained significant after adjustment for age and gender with a P value of 0.0283. The relative risk for developing haze in brown eyes was found to be 7.72. CONCLUSION: The incidence of corneal haze after PRK was significantly higher among Saudi patients with brown irides than among white patients with blue irides. This suggests that racial factors may play a role in the development of corneal haze.

The long term effects of unilateral corneal scars.

The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the long term effects of unilateral dense central corneal scars on the axial length and development of lens opacities. We included 12 patients with unilateral dense central corneal scars of early onset before the age of seven years. This study served as naturally-controlled experiment and demonstrated a statistically significant increase in ocular axial length and decrease in the incidence of cataract in the eye with central corneal scar. Visual deprivation induced by unilateral central corneal scars occurring in early childhood leads to increase in the ocular axial length, and decrease in the incidence of cataract.

Treatment of acute bacterial conjunctivitis with topical lomefloxacin 0.3% compared to topical ofloxacin 0.3.

PURPOSE: The main purpose of this prospective study was to compare the efficacy, local tolerance, and safety of topical lomefloxacin 0.3% and topical ofloxacin 0.3% in the treatment of acute bacterial conjunctivitis. PATIENS AND METHODS. Forty patients with acute bacterial conjunctivitis were included in a randomized, prospective, parallel-group study. Twenty patients were assigned to the lomefloxacin group (Okacin, CIBA Vision Ophthalmics) and 20 patients to ofloxacin (Oflox, Allergan). Lomefloxacin 0.3% was given 1 drop every 2 hours during waking hours on the first day then twice daily for one week. Ofloxacin 0.3% eyedrops were given four times daily. All patients underwent eye examination and clinical findings were graded and recorded according to severity of lid hyperemia, lid edema, lid crusting, conjunctival edema and discharge, bulbar conjunctival hyperemia, palpebral conjunctival hyperemia, corneal edema, and ocular discomfort. The score for each clinical sign was recorded before and after treatment. The mean cumulative sum score (CSS) was obtained by adding the scores for signs and symptoms. All conjunctival swabs were cultured and tested for sensitivity. Patients with confirmed bacterial conjunctivitis were included. RESULT: There were 10 male and 10 female patients in each group. The age range was from 1 to 78 years, and the mean age was 35 years in the lomefloxacin group. In the ofloxacin group the age range was from 1 to 70 years, and the mean age was 26 years. There was no significant difference between the two groups in relation to age or sex. The causative organisms were Staphylococcus epidermidis in 16 cases (36%), a-hemolytic Streptococci in 9 (20%), Haemophilus spp. 6 (13%), Staphylococcus aureus 5 (11%), Streptococcus pneumoniae 4 (9%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa 3 (7%), and other 2 (4%). The mean CSS for conjunctivitis was 12.1 before therapy in the lomefloxacin group and 12.7 in the ofloxacin group. On the 7th day of therapy, the mean CSS was 0.7 in the lomefloxacin group, and 1.6 for ofloxacin. All patients showed improvement, but a total of 18 out of 20 (88%) in the lomefloxacin group showed complete resolution compared to 15 (75%) in the ofloxacin group. The difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.08). Tolerance was excellent in both groups, and no side effects were reported. A burning sensation was noted by two patients, one in each group. CONCLUSIONS: Lomefloxacin and ofloxacin were equally effective and safe in the treatment of acute bacterial conjunctivitis. (Eur J Ophthalmol 1999; 9: 269-75).

Treatment of acute bacterial conjunctivitis with topical lomefloxacin 0.3% compared to topical ofloxacin 0.3%.

PURPOSE: The main purpose of this prospective study was to compare the efficacy, local tolerance, and safety of topical lomefloxacin 0.3% and topical ofloxacin 0.3% in the treatment of acute bacterial conjunctivitis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty patients with acute bacterial conjunctivitis were included in a randomized, prospective, parallel-group study. Twenty patients were assigned to the lomefloxacin group (Okacin, CIBA Vision Ophthalmics) and 20 patients to ofloxacin (Oflox, Allergan). Lomefloxacin 0.3% was given 1 drop every 2 hours during waking hours on the first day then twice daily for one week. Ofloxacin 0.3% eyedrops were given four times daily. All patients underwent eye examination and clinical findings were graded and recorded according to severity of lid hyperemia, lid edema, lid crusting, conjunctival edema and discharge, bulbar conjunctival hyperemia, palpebral conjunctival hyperemia, corneal edema, and ocular discomfort. The score for each clinical sign was recorded before and after treatment. The mean cumulative sum score (CSS) was obtained by adding the scores for signs and symptoms. All conjunctival swabs were cultured and tested for sensitivity. Patients with confirmed bacterial conjunctivitis were included. RESULTS: There were 10 male and 10 female patients in each group. The age range was from 1 to 78 years, and the mean age was 35 years in the lomefloxacin group. In the ofloxacin group the age range was from 1 to 70 years, and the mean age was 26 years. There was no significant difference between the two groups in relation to age or sex. The causative organisms were Staphylococcus epidermidis in 16 cases (36%), alpha-hemolytic Streptococci in 9 (20%), Haemophilus spp. 6 (13%), Staphylococcus aureus 5 (11%), Streptococcus pneumoniae 4 (9%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa 3 (7%), and other 2 (4%). The mean CSS for conjunctivitis was 12.1 before therapy in the lomefloxacin group and 12.7 in the ofloxacin group. On the 7th day of therapy, the mean CSS was 0.7 in the lomefloxacin group, and 1.6 for ofloxacin. All patients showed improvement, but a total of 18 out of 20 (88%) in the lomefloxacin group showed complete resolution compared to 15 (75%) in the ofloxacin group. The difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.08). Tolerance was excellent in both groups, and no side effects were reported. A burning sensation was noted by two patients, one in each group. CONCLUSIONS: Lomefloxacin and ofloxacin were equally effective and safe in the treatment of acute bacterial conjunctivitis.

Sectional impressions for mandibular distal extension removable partial dentures.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Corrected impression procedures provide the best possible support to be gained from an edentulous ridge for a removable partial denture, but they are time-consuming and technique-sensitive. PURPOSE: An experimental mandibular distal extension removable partial denture was used to measure the vertical movement of denture bases during biting. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Five patients participated for whom vertical movement of denture bases was measured by comparing the thickness of plaster interocclusal records made with the denture at rest and under biting pressure. Denture bases were processed on master casts formed from final impressions made in full arch custom trays. Secondly, bases were readapted using sectional relining impressions with the same regular body polysulfide impression material. RESULTS: Statistical analysis of the vertical movement of denture bases during biting at 4 points on the right and left denture bases showed a significant decrease in vertical movement with sectional impression. The reduction was less than a 0.1 mm, a result that questions the routine use of sectional impression for every distal-extension mandibular removable partial denture. CONCLUSION: Supportive form of distal-extension edentulous ridges can be recorded successfully by full arch impressions in custom trays.

The relationship of interalar width, interpupillary width and maxillary anterior teeth width in Saudi population.

This study was conducted to determine the relationship between interpupillary distance, interalar distance and the width of the six anterior teeth to be used as a guide during selecting the width of the six anterior teeth. 163 subjects were included in this study. A digital caliper used for facial and tooth measurements. The results showed a significant correlation between all measurements for the entire sample but when the sample divided into sex correlation found in female only, a significant difference between all measurements in both sexes was found. The average multiplying factor to estimate the width of the maxillary anterior teeth using interalar width was 1.56 in this study.

Physiological and biochemical changes induced by osmolality in halotolerant aspergilli.

Aspergillus ventii and Aspergillus parasiticus halotolerant and alkali-resistant fungi were isolated from hypersaline soil of Wadi El-Natroun, Egypt by using a complex medium of high salt concentration (20% NaCl [w/v]). They were able to grow and resist the salt stress to about 20-25% NaCl and the alkaline condition tentatively to pH about 10.5. The presence of high salt concentration distorts the sporogenesis and stunt the conidiophores as well as inhibits the antimicrobial agent(s) and some extracellular hydrolytic enzymes (lipase(s) and amylase(s)). The application of some exogenous compatible solutes particularly trehalose, alpha-ketoglutarate and glycerol improves the growth and increases the resistance to salt stress (osmolality) of the two fungal isolates to about 27.5-29% NaCl (w/v). Results of the biochemical analysis (total soluble proteins, carbohydrates and lipids) PAGE and TLC of amino acid analysis support the suggestion that each species of Aspergillus has a specific mechanism for adaptation.

The activities of drug-metabolizing enzymes in goats treated orally with the latex of Calotropis procera and the influence of dieldrin pretreatment.

The effects of oral administration of different doses of the latex of Calotropis procera on the activities of drug-metabolizing enzymes in the liver, kidneys and duodenal mucosa of Nubian goats were investigated. Lesions and changes in total plasma protein concentration and in the activities of plasma sorbitol dehydrogenase (SD), glutamate dehydrogenase (GD) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were studied. The daily oral administration of the latex at dose rates of 0.4 and 0.8 ml per kg for 7 days resulted in a significant inhibition of the activity of aniline 4-hydroxylase. No signfiicant effects on the activities of aminopyrine N-demethylase and UDP-glucuronyltransferase were observed. A single oral dose of 1.2 or 1.6 ml per kg killed goats within 7 h and resulted in increased activities of aminopyrine N-demethylase and aniline 4-hydroxylase. UDP-glucuronyltransferase was found to be insensitive to tissue injury induced by the latex of C. procera. There were no pathological changes in goats given 10 mg per kg of dieldrin alone or in those pretreated with dieldrin and given the latex at a dose rate of 1.2 ml per kg 14 days later. Dieldrin pretreatment resulted in the induction of the activities of drug-metabolizing enzymes in the liver, kidneys and duodenal mucosa and it may have protected goats from the lethal effects of the latex.

Intestinal absorptive capacity of glucose, Na+, K+ C++ and Cl-, in vivo in Cotugnia polyacantha infected dove.

The absorptive capacity of the intestine of dove infected by the cestode Cotugnia Polyacantha was studied by the in vivo perfusion technique. The two glucose concentrations 5 and 27 mM were used in the perfusion fluid. Glucose was added at the expense of Nacl to the total osmolarity 238 mOsmol./L. The perfusion fluid of 5 mM glucose: the percentage of reduction in the absorptive capacity in the infected intestine than normal was (at initial pH7) 82.8, 63.1, 68.4, 71.2 and 67.5 and (at initial pH6) 89.7, 59.0, 70.3, 59.9 and 62.6 in glucose, Na+, K+, Ca++ and Cl- respectively. The perfusion fluid of 27 mM glucose: the percentage of reduction in the absorptive capacity in the infected intestine than normal was (at initial pH6) 89.7, 59.0, 70.3, 59.9 and 62.6 in glucose, Na+, K+, Ca++ and Cl- respectively. The perfusion fluid of 27 mM glucose: the percentage of reduction in the absorptive capacity in the infected intestine than normal was (at initial pH7) 85.6, 65.6, 68.3, 71.1 and 66.9 (at initial pH6), 86.1, 62.4, 70.2, 66.4 and 68.8 in glucose, Na+, K+, Ca++ and Cl- respectively. The wet and dry weight of both tunica muscularis and mucosa were increased in the infected part of intestine than normal.

Effect of schistosome infection on protein, glycogen and glucose contents in Biomphalaria arabica and Bulinus truncatus.

B. arabica and B. truncatus the snail intermediate hosts of intestinal and urinary schistosomiasis in Yemen Arab Republic, were bred in the laboratory and infected with S. mansoni and S. haematobium respectively. Schistosome infection caused a marked decrease in the glycogen and protein contents in the tissue of B. arabica and B. truncatus. The glucose content in the hemolymph of both infected snails was lower than that in the normal snails.

Activities of glutathione-S-transferase and ethoxycoumarin-O-deethylase in tissues of camels, sheep, goats and rats.

1. The activities of the drug metabolizing enzymes ethoxycoumarin-O-deethylase, glutathione-S-transferase, and protein concentrations were measured in vitro in the liver, kidney and duodenal mucosa of camels, sheep, goats and rats. 2. Enzyme activities were generally higher in the liver than in the kidney and duodenal mucosa in the four species studied. 3. The activities of ethoxycoumarin-O-deethylase and glutathione-S-transferase in liver of male kids were about one third and half of that in adult male goats, respectively. In the kidney and duodenal mucosa of male kids, the activity of glutathione-S-transferase was about 70% and 53% of that in the mature male goat, respectively. In the latter tissues, however, there was no detectable activity of ethoxycoumarin-O-deethylase. 4. In general, goats and sheep had similar activities of the two enzymes which were significantly higher than those found in camels and rats. 5. Some sex-related differences were noted in the activity of the two enzymes studied. Female sheep had significantly higher hepatic glutathione-S-transferase than the male: while the enzyme activity in the kidney and duodenal mucosa of male goats was significantly higher than in females. Male rats had higher hepatic ethoxycoumarin-O-deethylase activity than females.