Retinal detachment in eyes undergoing pars plana vitrectomy for removal of retained lens fragments

PURPOSE: To investigate the incidence and outcomes of retinal detachment (RD) associated with retained lens fragments removed by pars plana vitrectomy (PPV). DESIGN: Retrospective, noncomparative, interventional consecutive case series. PARTICIPANTS: All patients who underwent PPV for retained lens material after cataract surgery at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute between January 1, 1990, and December 31, 2001. METHODS: Demographic and clinical data were extracted from patients' medical records. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Incidence of retinal detachment, reattachment rate, and visual acuity outcome. RESULTS: RD occurred in 44 of 343 (12.8%) patients, including 25 (7.3%) before or during PPV and 19 (5.5%) after PPV. The RD was macula-on in 22 of 44 (50%) patients and macula-off in 22 of 44 (50%) patients. The RD was associated with a giant retinal tear in 7 of 44 (15.9%) patients, limited suprachoroidal hemorrhage in 3 of 44 (6.8%) patients, and endophthalmitis in 4 of 44 (9.1%) patients. Retinal reattachment was achieved in 40 of 44 (90.9%) patients; 14 of 44 (31.8%) patients underwent one or more additional procedures for recurrent detachment. Final visual acuity in the patients in this series was >/=20/40 in 8 of 44 (18%), 20/50 to 20/100 in 13 of 44 (30%), 20/200 to 5/200 in 13 of 44 (30%), and <5/200 in 10 of 44 (23%). In the 36 patients with vision less than 20/40, the primary causes of decreased vision were attributed to prior history of RD in 8 of 36 (22.2%), corneal edema in 7 of 36 (19.4%), cystoid macular edema in 5 of 36 (13.9%), persistent retinal detachment in 4/36 (11.1%), preexisting primary open-angle glaucoma in 4 of 36 (11.1%), age-related macular degeneration in 3 of 36 (8.3%), epiretinal membrane in 2 of 36 (5.5%), macular hole in 1 of 36 (2.7%), optic atrophy in 1 of 36 (2.7%), and irregular astigmatism in 1 of 36 (2.7%) patients. CONCLUSIONS: RD is a frequent complication in eyes undergoing PPV for removal of retained lens fragments. Despite favorable retinal reattachment rates, visual acuity outcomes are often poor in these eyes and are associated with other comorbidities such as corneal edema and cystoid macular edema. Poor initial visual acuity and the presence of a retinal tear at the time of PPV were associated with a higher rate of RD after PPV.     

Identification of N,N-disubstituted phenylalanines as a novel class of inhibitors of hepatitis C NS5B polymerase

The HCV NS5B RNA dependent RNA polymerase plays an essential role in viral replication. The discovery of a novel class of inhibitors based on an N,N-disubstituted phenylalanine scaffold and structure-activity relationships studies to improve potency are described.     

Effect of the gadolinium ion on body fluid regulation

Both osmoreception and baroreception are thought to involve ion channels that are sensitive to changes in membrane stretch. We investigated the effect of a blocker of stretch-activated ion channels, the Gd3+ ion, on osmoregulatory and cardiovascular responses in the intact rat. Intracerebroventricular injection of 50-100 nmol Gd3+ reduced thirst induced by various treatments. Similar doses also reduced intake of saline induced by various treatments. Intracerebroventricular injection of 100 nmol Gd3+ transiently increased arterial pressure and reduced the pressor response to intracerebroventricular angiotensin II (Ang II). Systemic administration of Gd3+ failed to alter thirst, except for a high dose (270 micromol/kg) that induced illness. This high dose failed to prevent urinary hypertonicity and excretion of a load of hypertonic NaCl. Intravenous infusion of 270 micromol/kg of Gd3+ reduced blood pressure and pressure responses to intravenous phenylephrine, but did not reduce the baroreceptor reflex control of heart rate. We conclude that the effects of Gd3+ on thirst and on the cardiovascular system are probably not due to a direct effect of the drug on stretch-sensitive ion channels. Instead, many of the effects of Gd3+ were compatible with blockade of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels.     

Knowledge of mothers about the significance of the PKU test

This is a study of a quanti-qualitative nature carried out in a public maternity located in the city of Jo?o Pessoa-PB, having as an objective to investigate the knowledge that the mothers have concerning the PKU Test. The sample was made up of 110 women who gave birth in this maternity and/or came for pre-natal service there. The results showed that 97% of the mothers had heard about the test and 99% thought that the PKU Test was important. Despite these results, the data reveals that the mothers are not aware of its purpose and the importance of the PKU Test.     

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in industrial solid waste: a preliminary evaluation of the potential risk of environmental and human contamination in waste disposal areas

Proper solid waste disposal is important to avoid human and environmental contamination. The NBR 10,004 Waste Classification lists several polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and indicates that the presence of at least one PAH in a waste sample is enough to classify it as hazardous. The aim of this study was a preliminary evaluation of PAHs in solid waste samples from selected industries to obtain a preliminary overview of their potential for contamination in case of improper disposal. One or more PAHs listed in NBR 10,004 (benzo[a]anthracene, benzo[a]pyrene, benzo[b]fluoranthene, benzo[k]fluoranthene, indene[1,2,3-c,d]pyrene, chrysene, or fluoranthene) were found in all samples, thus leading to their classification as hazardous waste. Our results showed that toxicologically relevant PAHs were found in all the samples, indicating that their final disposal must be performed in appropriate areas in order to minimize human health risks and environmental contamination from waste disposal areas.