Dry eye signs and symptoms in aromatase inhibitor treatment and the relationship with pain

PurposeAromatase inhibitors (AIs) limit the synthesis of oestrogen in peripheral tissues thus lowering levels of oestrogen. The primary aim was to evaluate whether women treated with AIs have altered dry eye symptoms and signs. A sub-aim was to investigate whether symptoms of dry eye in postmenopausal women were associated with symptoms of non-eye pain, ocular pain and self-rated pain perception.MethodsThis cross-sectional, observational, single visit study recruited 56 postmenopausal women (mean age 64.1 + 7.9 years) and 52 undergoing AI treatment (mean age 66.6 + 9.0). Ocular symptoms (OSDI, MGD14) and pain questionnaires (PSQ, OPAS) were administered and signs of dry eye and meibomian gland dysfunction were evaluated.ResultsAlmost half of each group reported dry eye symptoms, defined as OSDI>12 (48% control, 46% AI). The PSQ score was significantly higher in the AI group (p = 0.04). Neither frequency or severity of dry eye (or MGD) symptoms scores were significantly different between groups. In the AI group, meibomian gland expressibility score was worse (p = 0.003); there were no differences in any other signs. Higher OSDI scores were associated with higher OPAS eye-pain scores (r = 0.49, p < 0.001), but not OPAS non-eye pain (r = 0.09, p = 0.35). Pain perception (PSQ) showed a moderate positive association with OPAS eye-pain (r = 0.30, p = 0.003).ConclusionsIn this study elevated ocular symptoms were observed in both the AI treated and the untreated groups, with no difference between the groups. Women undergoing AI treatment for early stage breast cancer had worse meibum expressibility score and increased pain perception compared to an untreated group of women.     

Influence of Fine Grains on the Bending Fatigue Behavior of Two Implant Titanium Alloys

By means of the ultrasonic surface impact (amplitude of 30 μm, strike number of 48,000 times/mm²), nanograins have been achieved in the surfaces of both Ti6Al4V(TC4) and Ti3Zr2Sn3Mo25Nb(TLM) titanium alloys, mainly because of the dislocation motion. Many mechanical properties are improved, such as hardness, residual stress, and roughness. The rotating–bending fatigue limits of TC4 and TLM subjected to ultrasonic impact are improved by 13.1% and 23.7%, separately. Because of the bending fatigue behavior, which is sensitive to the surface condition, cracks usually initiate from the surface defects under high stress amplitude. By means of an ultrasonic impact tip with the size of 8 mm, most of the inner cracks present at the zone with a depth range of 100~250 μm in the high life region. The inner crack core to TC4 usually appears as a deformed long and narrow α-phase, while the cracks in TLM specimens prefer to initiate at the triple grain boundary junctions. This zone crosses the grain refined layer and the deformed coarse grain layer. With the gradient change of elastic parameters, the model shows an increase of normal stress at this zone. Combined with the loss of plasticity and toughness, it is easy to understand these fatigue behaviors.     

Health Implications and Counseling Considerations for Individuals With Piercings and Tattoos

Body art has become common and mainstream. Tattoos and body piercings represent highly individual expressions of identity and personal values. Health care services are enhanced when clinicians understand the anatomy and physiology, common discomforts, and real but rare serious risks of body modification and are prepared to provide compassionate support for individuals’ choices. Special consideration must be given to the needs of childbearing women. By opening channels of communication, clinicians can engage with clients in shared decision making to help those who possess or desire body art take steps to reduce the risk of adverse effects and obtain prompt and effective medical care when problems arise. Through respectful discussion of existing body art, the therapeutic relationship is strengthened, and greater insight into an individual’s health needs may be achieved.     

人血清白蛋白修饰的尿激酶与天然尿激酶的家兔体内过程比较

家兔静注人血清白蛋白修饰的尿激酶(MUK)和天然尿激酶(NUK)40000IU后,MUK 的体内过程符合零级速率过程,NUK 则符合一级速率过程,血纤溶活性 MUK 持续100min,而 NUK 仅20～25min。在“功能性”去除肝肾的家兔,NUK 血浓度半衰期延长3～4倍,而 MUK 血浓度下降与正常家兔相似。MUK 及 NUK 在去除纤溶抑制物的优球蛋白成份中纤溶活性相似,但在血浆中 NUK 仅存24～35%的纤溶活性,MUK 则保留了64～85%的纤溶活性。提示肝肾的摄取、代谢和消除能力降低及对血浆纤溶抑制物抵抗力增强,是 MUK 血纤溶活性长时间维持高水平的主要原因。     

环丁砜在地面水中最高容许浓度的研究

作者对地面水中不同浓度的环丁砜进行了系统实验研究与现场调查。结果表明,环丁砜对水臭觉的实际阈浓度为10.6mg/L,对水的生化需氧过程无明显抑制作用,慢性毒性阈剂量为2.5mg/kg,最大无作用剂量为0.25mg/kg,无诱变性,280mg/kg无致畸性。据此,作者建议地面水中环丁砜的最高容许浓度为5mg/L,结合现场调查,认为该浓度是安全可行的。