The effects of merocel and glove finger tampon applications on the nasal septum mucosa of rabbits

OBJECTIVE: The use of tampons after nasal septum surgery is important for both prevention of postoperative bleeding and stabilization of the nasal flaps and the septum. One of the most important factors in achieving rapid postoperative recovery is the choice of the nasal tampon material, among many, to produce minimal damage on the nasal mucosa. In this study, the histopathological effects of the glove finger and merocel tampons, which are commonly used in clinical applications, have been investigated on the nasal mucosa of rabbits. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, merocel and glove finger tampons were used for nasal packing in one-sided nasal cavities of 16 adult New Zealand rabbits. The animals were randomized into two groups, each consisting of eight animals. The tampons were removed after 48 hours. RESULTS: Histological examination showed that if the merocel was in a glove finger, it did not create any damage to mucosal integrity and lamina propria. However, in the group where merocel was used directly, the epithelium of the nasal mucosa was shortened and demonstrated loss of cilia and in four of the eight specimens, it was partly from lamina propria. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that the use of merocel in glove finger tampon leads to a lesser degree of damage in the lamina propria, and may facilitate rapid mucosal wound healing postoperatively.     

Digital eye strain and its associated factors in children during the COVID-19 pandemic

Purpose:This study was undertaken to identify the prevalence of symptoms related to the use of display devices and contributing factors in children engaged in distance learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods:An online electronic survey form was prepared using Google Forms (Alphabet Co., Mountain View, CA) and sent to parents of children under the age of 18 years engaged in distance learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. The types of display devices children use, how often such devices are used, the symptoms of digital eye strain, and the severity and frequency of the symptoms were recorded, and the associations between the factors were analyzed.Results:A total of 692 participants were included. The mean age of the children was 9.72 ± 3.02 years. The most common display devices used were personal computers (n = 435, 61.7%) for online classes and smartphones (n = 400, 57.8%) for nonacademic purposes. The mean duration of display device use was 71.1 ± 36.02 min without a break and 7.02 ± 4.55 h per day. The most common reported symptom was headache (n = 361, 52.2%). Of the participants, 48.2% (n = 332) reported experiencing 3 or more symptoms. The multivariate analysis detected that being male (P = 0.005) and older age (P = 0.001) were independent risk factors for experiencing 3 or more symptoms.Conclusion:The increasing use of digital devices by children is exacerbating the problem of digital eye strain in children as a side effect of online learning. Public awareness should be improved.     

Anaphylactic reaction to polyethylene‐glycol conjugated‐asparaginase: Premedication and desensitization may not be sufficient

In hypersensitive reactions to native L‐asparaginase, either premedication and desensitization or substitution with polyethylene glycol conjugated asparaginase (PEG‐ASP) is preferred. Anaphylaxis with PEG‐ASP is rare. An 8‐year‐old girl and a 2.5‐year‐old boy, both diagnosed as having acute lymphoblastic leukemia, presented with native L‐asparaginase hypersensitivity and substitution with PEG‐ASP was preferred. They received a premedication (methylprednisolone, hydroxyzine and ranitidine) followed by desensitization with PEG‐ASP infusion. Both patients developed anaphylaxis with peg‐asparaginase. These are the first reported cases of anaphylactic reaction to PEG‐ASP, despite the application of both premedication and desensitization. Anaphylaxis with PEG‐ASP is very rare and premedication and desensitization protocols may not prevent these hypersensitive reactions.     

Ascorbic acid effect on some lipid fractions in human beings

A group of 50 volunteers of our Faculty students have taken Vitamin C 2 g per day at regular time intervals for 2 months. Blood samples were taken in the beginning, one month and 2 months after vitamin administration. Cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, lipoprotein and triglyceride concentrations were determined. Cholesterol concentrations were decreased significantly at the end of treatment. Triglyceride concentrations were decreased also in first and second month. HDL-cholesterol were rised significantly and alpha and beta fractions of lipoprotein were increased.     

经角巩膜隧道不作放射状切开的青光眼小梁切除术

目的：讨论经角膜巩膜隧道所行的穿透性小梁切除术治疗青光眼。方法：最近有学报道了五种不同类型的经角膜巩膜隧道小梁切除术，术中不需行放射状巩膜切开。其中三种术式通过与标准Cairns小梁切除术进行比较作对照研究。结果：与标准Cairns小梁切除术相比，经角巩膜隧道所行的小梁切除术术后并发症发生率明显降低，而手术成功率则不低于标准凯恩斯小梁切除术。结论：非放射状巩膜切开经角巩膜隧道小梁切除术较标准Cairns小梁切除术安全性好，而手术成功率相当。     

Occupational exposure and respiratory health problems among nutmeg production workers in Grenada,the Caribbean

Background: The nutmeg industry is a major contributor to the Grenadian economy. However, workers in the industry face many environmental and occupational health risks.

Objectives: The goal of this study was to investigate respiratory health problems and possible related occupational exposures among nutmeg production workers.

Methods: A questionnaire, spirometry and allergen skin-prick test was given to 92 nutmeg workers. Samples for measurement of airborne dust, mold, and phosphine were also collected from work environments.

Results: Approximately half of the workers with lower respiratory symptoms such as dry cough (49.4%) and shortness of breath (42.9%) reported that their symptoms were work related. Spirometry results showed that 18.8% of workers had obstruction. Area geometric mean (GM) inhalable dust concentrations, GM personal concentrations, and total mold spores during work activities were found to be high.

Conclusions: High prevalence of respiratory symptoms among workers in this facility was consistent with measured levels of dust and mold, and was widespread over all work areas.     

Hydatid disease involving some rare locations in the body: a pictorial essay.

Hydatid disease (HD) is an endemic illness in many countries, and it poses an important public health problem that's influenced by peoples' socioeconomic status and migration that spreads this disease. Although rare, it may occur in any organ or tissue. The most common site is the liver (59-75%), followed in frequency by lung (27%), kidney (3%), bone (1-4%) and brain (1-2%). Other sites such as the heart, spleen, pancreas and muscles are very rarely affected. Unusual sites for this disease can cause diagnostic problems. This pictorial essay illustrates various radiological findings of HD in the liver, spleen, kidney, pancreas, peritoneal cavity, omentum, adrenal, ovary, lung, mediastinum and retroperitoneum. Familiarity with the imaging findings of HD may be helpful in making an accurate diagnosis and preventing potential complications.     

LA reservoir strain: a sensitive parameter for estimating LV filling pressure in patients with preserved EF

The International Journal of Cardiovascular Imaging - An elevated left ventricular (LV) filling pressure is the main finding in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF),...