The safety of intraocular usage of aspirin.

PURPOSE: To determine the effects of intravitreally injected aspirin on normal ocular tissues. METHODS: Six eyes of 3 rabbits as a control group, 18 eyes of 9 albino rabbits which were injected aspirin intravitreally were studied. In the control group, the same volume of balanced salt solution (BSS) as in drug groups were injected. Clinical examination methods including biomicroscopy, indirect ophthalmoscopy, and Schiotz tonometry, electrophysiological test including ERG, and histopathological examination including light microscopy were used to evaluate the ocular effects after drug injections. All the study tests were performed before the injections and 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months after the injections as well. RESULTS: No significant toxicity was determined after injection in terms of the clinical examination methods in all eyes. Cataracts were observed in 27.7% (5/18) of the eyes in the study group. All cataracts in 5 eyes disappeared at the end of three months. In tonometry, no value out of the normal range of rabbits (17.5 ± 3.1 mmHg) was observed. No toxicity sign was observed at electrophysiological and histopathological evaluations. CONCLUSION: After intravitreal injection of aspirin, no significant toxicity sign was observed other than a reversible cataract. Thus, intravitreal aspirin injections may be an additional or alternative treatment option for several anterior or posterior segment ocular diseases in addition to their topical utilization.

Efficacy of fixation of the amniotic membrane on a symblepharon ring with continuous suturing in acute ocular chemical burn patients.

PURPOSE: To describe a modified non-traumatic amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) technique and evaluating its efficiency for the ocular surface injury after chemical burn were aimed. METHODS: Twenty eyes of 20 patients (F: 6, M: 14) with acute chemical burn for whom modified non-traumatic AMT was utilized were evaluated retrospectively. In this technique, amniotic membrane (AM) was fixated onto a symblepharon ring with continuous suturing. The healing time of the corneal epithelial defect due to ocular surface chemical injury and melting duration of AM were evaluated. Development of infection or symblepharon, recurrence or persistence of epithelial defect, corneal perforation and the ring falling out with AM were evaluated as complications. RESULTS: Mean age of the patients was 24.7 ± 11.7 years old (14 months-40 years). Mean duration of applying the non-traumatic AMT after contact with the chemical agent was 8.4 ± 6.2 days (2-21 days). The mean duration of the epithelial defect healing was 27.8 ± 8.8 days (11-40 days) in the grade II, III, and IV (n = 12) cases, while in the grade V and VI (n = 8) cases, a persistent epithelial defect developed, and the mean duration of the epithelial defect healing was 83 ± 23.1 days (42-120 days) (p = 0.0002). The mean melting duration of the AM was 22.7 ± 10 days (10-42 days). CONCLUSION: By using this modified AMT technique, AM can be utilized efficiently, easily, and non-traumatically in every center for the treatment of the ocular surface injury due to chemical burn.

Long-Term Corneal Endothelial Parameters of COVID-19 Patients With Ocular Surface Symptoms.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the long-term effects of COVID-19 on corneal endothelial cell morphology in patients with ocular symptoms to assess possible corneal involvement in patients who recovered. METHODS: The COVID-19 group included patients diagnosed and treated at Istanbul University Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection and ocular irritation symptoms. The control group was comprised of age- and sex-matched individuals. The controls had no ocular pathologies. Noncontact specular microscopy (Konan Cell Check SL, Hyogo, Japan) was performed using the center method after 156 ± 16 days of COVID-19 diagnosis. Parameters such as endothelial cell density (ECD), hexagonality (HEX), coefficient of variation, and central corneal thickness were analyzed. RESULTS: Specular microscopy results of 54 COVID-19 patients with ocular irritation symptoms and 72 controls were evaluated. Ocular symptoms in COVID-19 patients included conjunctival hyperemia, foreign body sensation, tearing, ocular secretion, and chemosis. Mean (±SD) ECD was 2770 ± 31 (cells/mm 2 ) in the COVID-19 group and 2897 ± 26 in the control group, and mean (±SD) HEX was 46.52 ± 6.38 in the COVID-19 group and 58.22 ± 13.94 in the control group. COVID-19 patients exhibited significantly lower endothelial ECD and HEX levels than controls ( P = 0.003 and P < 0.001, respectively). Coefficient of variation and central corneal thickness analyses did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 can cause long-term alterations in the corneal endothelial cells, leading to decreased ECD and HEX. Future research should focus on the long-term implications of COVID-19 on the corneal health and visual outcomes.

Evaluation of the Cataract Surgery 2018 Survey in Terms of Achieving Refractive Cataract Surgery Targets.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to show at what rate the technological equipment used in cataract surgery by Turkish ophthalmologists and their knowledge are reflected in practice and how up to date they are. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire conducted using SurveyMonkey was used to evaluate the answers to 17 questions from 823 members of the Turkish Ophthalmological Association. Results were evaluated in subgroups according to the participants' age, occupational status, institutions, and whether they conducted relevant academic activities, and the data were compared as inadequate, standard, and contemporary approaches according to the determined criteria. Results: Optical biometry devices were used at rates of 77.7% and 67.3% for intraocular lens (IOL) power calculations and keratometric measurements in preparation for cataract surgery, respectively. For IOL power calculation, third-generation formulas, especially the SRK-T, were used most commonly (46.2%), followed by second-generation formulas (21.9%), and fourth/fifth-generation formulas and multiple evaluations for different axial lengths (31.9%). The most common incision size was 2.8 mm (51.6%), while the percentage of 2.2 mm and shorter incisions considered to be neutral in terms of surgically induced astigmatism was 18.8%. When selecting incision location, approaches to reduce corneal astigmatism were reported by 28.9%, neutral approaches by 26.2%, and insensitive approaches by 44.9%. Additionally, 55.6% of participants never implanted toric IOLs and 50.7% did not use presbyopia-correcting IOLs. The proportion of surgeons who have experience with femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery was 10.3% and the rate of intracameral antibiotic injection at the end of the operation was 89.4%. Conclusion: It was seen that Turkish cataract surgeons were able to use high technology for surgical preparation and surgery at high rates, but this was not reflected in practice at same rate in terms of achieving contemporary standards of refractive cataract surgery.

Effect of scleral lens use on conjunctival microbiota.

AIM: This study aimed to investigate the effect of scleral lens (SL) use on conjunctival microbiota. METHOD: A total of 26 eyes of 26 patients using an SL and 25 eyes of 25 healthy controls were included in the study. The samples were obtained from the lower fornices of the eyes using sterile swabs. For the bacteriological examination, a bacterial culture was obtained by inoculating the samples on chocolate agar, blood agar, MacConkey agar, and fluid thioglycollate medium. After 24-48 h of incubation at 37 0C, the growth of different colonies of bacteria was identified using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (Bruker MALDI Biotyper). RESULTS: The mean age of the study group was 41.6 ± 19.1 years (18-65); the mean age of the control group was 40 ± 6 (21-62) (p = 0.69). There were 10 male patients and 16 female patients in the study group and 9 male patients and 16 female patients in the control group (p = 0.86). The mean duration of SL use was 13.7 ± 13.4 months (1-42 months). No bacterial growth was observed in 17 (65.4 %) of the 26 eyes in the SL group and 5 (20 %) of the 25 eyes in the control group (p = 0.001). The most commonly observed microorganisms were Staphylococcus epidermidis (S.epidermidis) and Staphylococcus aureus (S.aureus) in both groups. CONCLUSION: SL users were found to have a higher rate of culture negativity in comparison to the healthy controls, suggesting that SLs have a significant effect on conjunctival microbiota.

Outcomes of Therapeutic and Tectonic Penetrating Keratoplasty in Eyes with Perforated Infectious Corneal Ulcer

Objectives: To evaluate the outcomes of penetrating keratoplasty performed for therapeutic and tectonic purposes in eyes with perforated infectious corneal ulcer. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included 43 eyes of 43 patients who developed perforated infectious corneal ulcer of various etiological causes between June 2008 and January 2018. The patients were evaluated based on age and sex, follow-up time, presence of corneal perforation, pre- and postoperative visual acuity, postoperative graft transparency, complications, and infection recurrence. Results: The mean age of the 43 patients was 52.9±13.8 years. The mean follow-up time was 2.7±1.3 years. Preoperatively, the visual acuity of the eyes was at the level of hand motions or counting fingers; postoperative best corrected visual acuity ranged from hand motions to 0.7. Postoperative complications included hyphema in 8 patients (18.6%), elevated intraocular pressure in 14 (32.5%), posterior synechiae in 18 (41.8%), and cataract in 22 patients (51%). Therapeutic and tectonic success was achieved in 42 patients (97.6%). Postoperative graft transparency was observed in 35 patients (83.3%) within the 1-year follow-up period and in 27 patients (71.0%) at 2 years. Among 27 patients with graft transparency, 23 had bacterial and 4 had viral etiologies (p=0.52); 16 patients had perforations smaller than 1 mm and 11 had perforations 1-3 mm in size (p=0.2). Conclusion: Therapeutic-tectonic keratoplasty for perforated infectious corneal ulcer successfully restored globe integrity in 97.6% of cases. The rate of graft transparency was 71.0% at 2 years, with no effect of etiological agent or perforation size.

Six-Month Results of Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty in 100 Eyes: First Clinical Results from Turkey

Objectives: To evaluate the 6-month outcomes of Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) in patients with pseudophakic bullous keratopathy (PBK) and Fuchs' endothelial dystrophy (FED) in a single center in Turkey. Materials and Methods: The medical records of patients who underwent DMEK were reviewed retrospectively. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), donor corneal endothelial cell density (ECD), donor age, duration in solution after obtaining the donor tissue, and duration after exitus of the donor were evaluated preoperatively and BCVA, ECD, and ECD loss (%) at postoperative 6 months were evaluated postoperatively. Graft detachment, graft failure, and pupillary block were recorded as surgical complications. Patients with cataract and FED underwent combined or staged procedures. Two different graft preparation techniques were utilized: 8 and 9.5 mm. Results: One hundred eyes of 74 patients were included in the study. Fifty-two of the eyes had FED and the remaining 48 had PBK. Mean ECD loss in 6 months was 29.2±4.4% in the FED group and 29.7±5% in the PBK group (p=0.415). Mean BCVA at 6 months was 0.06±0.05 in the patients with FED and 0.07±0.05 in the patients with PBK (p=0.378). Mean ECD loss in 6 months was 28.3±5.3% in the 8 mm group vs. 29.7±4.5% in the 9.5 mm group (p=0.255), and 28.5±5.6% in the combined group vs. 29.8±2.9% in the staged group (p=0.279). Conclusion: Different graft preparation techniques can be utilized with similar efficiency for DMEK surgery. A staged or combined approach can be used efficiently in the management of patients with FED and cataract. Our results are promising both for PBK and FED patients.

First report of traumatic scleral rupture after penetrating keratoplasty.

Globe rupture is a major postoperative complication after penetrating keratoplasty (PK). Because the corneal wound is never comparable with that of healthy corneal tissue, globe rupture following blunt trauma occurs at the corneal graft-host junction. In this study, we report a case of scleral rupture that arose from blunt trauma occurring after PK. A 60-year-old female presented with loss of vision, redness and pain in the left eye, which was the consequence of blunt trauma, was our case in this study. Slit-lamp examination revealed ecchymosis on the eyelids, diffuse subconjunctival hemorrhage and total hyphema. The donor cornea was intact. The right eye showed PK, the cornea was transparent, and the sclera was blue. A 2 mm rupture behind the limbus extending from 3 o'clock to 9 o'clock in the upper half of the sclera was observed during exploratory surgery. She did not report any coexisting medical conditions except for systemic hypertension. The differential diagnosis of the bluish discoloration of her sclera was investigated. In detailed anamnesis, the patient reported that she had been treated for severe allergic eye disease during childhood. Vernal keratoconjunctivitis complication was diagnosed. It should be kept in mind that closed scleral perforation may occur in the patient with PK and blue sclera due to blunt trauma.

In Vitro Antifungal Effect of Acrylic Corneal Glue (N-Butyl-2-Cyanoacrylate).

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the in vitro antifungal effects of n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (nB2CA; Histoacryl Blue; B. Braun, Melsungen, Germany) against a variety of different fungal species. METHODS: Inocula taken from suspensions prepared with Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus ochraceus, Aspergillus oryzae, Fusarium solanii, Fusarium oxysporum, Trichoderma spp., Rhizomucor spp., Scedosporium apiospermum, Penicillium commune, Phoma glomerata, and Chrysosporium spp. molds and Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, Candida parapsilosis, Candida kruzei, Candida dubliniensis, Candida tropicalis, Candida kefyr, and Trichosporon asahii yeasts were spread on the surface of RPMI1640 agar media. Then, 50 µL of nB2CA was dropped on the surface of these media and they were incubated at 35°C. Observation of a clear zone of inhibition around the nB2CA was regarded as an indicator of the susceptibility of the fungi to nB2CA, and the absence of this zone was interpreted as an indicator of nonsusceptibility. The inhibition zone diameter was measured across the largest clear zone. RESULTS: A zone of inhibition was observed around nB2CA for all of the yeast and mold species except A. flavus, A. oryzae, and Chrysosporium spp. Among molds, the largest zone of inhibition was observed with P. glomerata (25.7 ± 0.6 mm), whereas among yeasts, the largest zone of inhibition was observed with C. kruzei (19.3 ± 1.5 mm). CONCLUSIONS: nB2CA has shown antifungal activity against 18 different mold and yeast species, but not against A. flavus, A. oryzae, and Chrysosporium spp. molds.

Effect of Intracameral Ophthalmic Cefuroxime Solution (Aprokam®) in the Prophylaxis of Cataract Surgery in Patients with Keratoplasty.

BACKGROUND: Development of endophthalmitis during cataract surgery is one of the most severe complications and it may also result in blindness and globe loss. AIMS: To evaluate the effect of an ophthalmic cefuroxime solution (Aprokam®) that is prophylactically used in phacoemulsification surgery performed due to cataract that eventually occurs in patients with or without penetrating keratoplasty. STUDY DESIGN: Case-control study. METHODS: In this retrospective study, patients who had undergone penetrating keratoplasty and for whom phacoemulsification surgery was performed due to cataract and an intracameral ophthalmic cefuroxime solution (Aprokam®) was administered for prophylaxis were evaluated in comparison with patients with cataract without keratoplasty. The following parameters were evaluated: postoperative anterior chamber reaction, intraocular pressure, best corrected visual acuity, corneal endothelial cell density, and central corneal thickness alterations. RESULTS: A total of 42 patients (18 males, 24 females) with keratoplasty and 42 patients (17 males, 25 females) without keratoplasty were included in this study. An increase in visual acuity was observed in all the patients after cataract surgery (p<0.001). The mean corneal endothelial cell densitys were determined to be 2437.20±148.5 cells/mm2 preoperatively in the study group and 2807.1±152.4 cells/mm2 preoperatively in the control group. The mean corneal endothelial cell densitys were determined to be 2103.85±196.5 cells/mm2 after the first postoperative month (p<0.001) in the study group and 2755.92±182.7 cells/mm2 in the control group (p=0.17). The mean central corneal thickness in the study group were 565.78±11.5 µm preoperatively and 584.65±12.7 µm after the first postoperative month (p<0.001). No difference was observed in the control group in terms of preoperative and postoperative central corneal thickness and endothelial cell density. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of the intraocular pressure, anterior chamber reaction. CONCLUSION: There was no significant effect of the prophylactic intracameral use of ophthalmic cefuroxime solution (Aprokam®) on the endothelial cells which was used in patients with keratoplasty for whom cataract surgery was performed.

Effect of Hemifacial Spasm on Intraocular Pressure Measurement.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of hemifacial spasm (HFS) on intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement. METHODS: Twenty-four consecutive patients with HFS and 25 age- and gender-matched randomly selected eyes of healthy volunteers underwent corneal pachymetry and IOP measurements using Goldmann applanation tonometer (GAT) and noncontact tonometer (NCT). IOP measurements were performed before (during HFS) and 2 weeks after Botox injections in HFS patients and in healthy volunteers without Botox injections. RESULTS: There was no statistical difference between involved eye side and uninvolved eye side of HFS patients in measured central corneal thickness. Similarly, no difference was found between involved eye side of HFS patients and controls. There were no statistically significant differences comparing IOP values before treatment and levels measured at 2 weeks of Botox injections, either with GAT (p = 0.33, 0.11) or NCT (p = 0.80, 0.43) devices in the involved eyes and uninvolved eyes of patients with HFS, respectively. There were also no significant differences in these parameters (GAT (p = 0.63) and NCT (p = 0.54)) in controls. CONCLUSIONS: Contractions in facial muscles may not lead to significant increase in IOP in HFS patients. This result may help clinical decision making in the treatment of glaucoma patients with HFS. This trial is registered with NCT03390803.

Comparison of Two Intraocular Lens Implantation Techniques in Pediatric Cataract Surgery in Terms of Postoperative Complications.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric cataract surgery differs substantially from adult cataract surgery. Numerous studies have focused on reducing the development of postoperative complications. AIMS: To compare two intraocular lens implantation techniques used in pediatric cataract surgery in terms of postoperative complications. STUDY DESIGN: Case-control study. METHODS: Patients who underwent pediatric cataract surgery and intraocular lens implantation between 2008 and 2016 were evaluated in this retrospective study. Patients aged 3-15 years with unilateral or bilateral cataract and without corneal pathology were included in the study. The patients were categorized into the following two groups: those who underwent posterior capsulorhexis and anterior vitrectomy using in-the-bag intraocular lens implantation (group 1) and those who underwent posterior capsulorhexis and intraocular lens implantation with the optic fixed behind the posterior capsulorhexis (group 2). Rates of postoperative visual axis opacification and complications (glaucoma, posterior synechiae, uveitic reaction, and intraocular lens decentration) were evaluated in these groups. The implanted intraocular lenses were either monoblock (AcrySof SN60AT intraocular lens), triple-piece (AcrySof MA60BM intraocular lens) foldable hydrophobic acrylic lenses, or multifocal lenses (AcrySof IQ ReSTOR). RESULTS: This retrospective study included 52 eyes of 37 patients. Group 1 comprised 26 eyes of 20 patients and group 2 comprised 26 eyes of 17 patients. During the follow-up, visual axis opacification was observed in two patients in group 1 but no patients in group 2. Regarding postoperative complications, there was no uveitic reaction, posterior synechiae, or intraocular lens decentration in either group. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of the postoperative complications (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: There was no significant difference between in-the-bag intraocular lens implantation after posterior capsulorhexis and intraocular lens optic capture through posterior capsulorhexis in terms of the complications.

Multifunctional electrospun polymeric nanofibrous mats for catalytic reduction, photocatalysis and sensing.

Fabrication and decoration of flexible Nylon 6,6 polymeric nanofibrous mats for production of multifunctional electrospun material was accomplished via visible light-emitting surface-protected silicon quantum dots (Si QD), ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO NP) and Pd nanocubes (Pd NC). UV-range light was utilized for Si QD production and, after hydrolysis/condensation together with nucleation and growth reactions, amine-modified, fluorescent Si QD were obtained. Additionally, available molecular groups on the Si QD coated onto the polymeric nanofibrous mats provided further attachment of metal oxide and metal NP for various catalytic purposes. Analytical investigations showed that visible-light emission could be maintained on the Nylon 6,6 mats for trinitrotoluene (TNT) sensing. Also, due to consecutive NP decoration, multifunctional, polymeric, flexible nanofibrous mats were obtained. Experiments revealed that fabricated multifunctional mats could reduce molecules such as paranitrophenol effectively or decompose waste dyes such as methylene blue via photocatalytic experiments, and sense the pollutant TNT in aqueous solutions as an all-in-one concept.

Eye Injuries from Pencil Lead: Three Cases.

Corneal stromal and/or penetrating ocular injuries from pencils and pencil lead are more common in childhood and may lead to intraocular infection or severe intraocular sterile inflammatory reaction. Herein we report 3 children with ocular trauma due to pencil lead injuries. The first case had corneal stromal injury caused by a pencil. In the second case, a pencil perforated the cornea and contacted the iris. In the third case, pencil lead perforated both the cornea and iris and reached the vitreous through the lens zonules. Intracameral triamcinolone (2 mg/0.05 mL) was injected after the pencil lead was removed from the eyeball. Topical anti-inflammatory and cycloplegic drops were prescribed. In conclusion, corneal and especially penetrating ocular injuries from pencil lead may have a good prognosis with the use of appropriate anti-inflammatory and prophylactic antibiotic treatment and follow-up.

Evaluation of patients with orbital infections.

AIM: Orbital tissue infections are common infections of childhood that can lead to severe complications. Herein, we aimed to evaluate the etiologic factors, diagnosis, follow-up, and treatment procedures in pediatric patients with orbital infections. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study was performed retrospectively between January 2014 and December 2015 in Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty Pediatric Infectious Disease Unit. Patients were studied for age, ophthalmologic examination features, laboratory and radiology results, treatment modalities, and the response to these treatments. RESULTS: Thirty-six patients (21 males, 15 females) with an average age of 71.43±42.24 months (5-168 months) participated in the study in the two-year period. Thirty-two patients (88.9%) had preseptal cellulitis, and four (11.9%) had orbital cellulitis. All patients had eyelid hyperemia, edema, and ocular pain, with chemosis in seven and proptosis in four cases. Twenty-five patients were admitted with fever. All cases were unilateral and 44.4% occurred secondary to paranasal sinusitis. All cases were treated with intravenous cefazolin-amikacin. The mean of duration of hospitalization was 12.02±8.75 days (range, 3-28 days) and the duration of parental antibiotics was 12.83±8.18 days (range, 7-21 days). All patients recovered without any vision loss, only one patient experienced subdural empyema complicating preseptal cellulitis. CONCLUSIONS: Most orbital tissue infections occur secondary to paranasal sinusitis in childhood. Orbital tissue infections can be complicated by brain abscess, cavernous sinus thrombophlebitis, and vision loss. Early diagnosis and proper antibiotic treatment are essential to prevent these life-threatening complications.

The effects of topical ketorolac and indomethacin on measles conjunctivitis: randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: To compare the effect of topical ketorolac and indomethacin on measles conjunctivitis. DESIGN: Prospective double-masked placebo-controlled randomized trial. METHODS: Sixty-two patients with severe measles conjunctivitis were included in this study. All patients were hospitalized and randomly assigned to receive ketorolac 0.5% or indomethacin 0.1% in the right eye and artificial tears in the left eye. Conjunctival hyperemia, burning sensations, foreign-body sensations, and photophobia scores were conducted at baseline and at days seven and 14. A satisfaction score was evaluated at the end of the study. RESULTS: The conjunctival injection score of the control eyes was significantly higher than those of the ketorolac- and indomethacin-treated eyes at day seven (P < .05). The conjunctival injection score of the ketorolac-treated eyes was lower than that of the indomethacin-treated eyes at days seven and 14, but this did not reach statistical significance. There was no significant difference in the burning and foreign-body sensations and in the photophobia scores among the study eyes at baseline, day seven, and day 14 (P > .05). There was no significant difference in the satisfaction score among the study eyes at the end of the study (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with measles during the first two weeks of infection, ketorolac and indomethacin were more effective than artificial tears in decreasing conjunctival hyperemia, but burning sensations, foreign-body sensations, and photophobia were unaffected.

Superhydrophobic, Hybrid, Electrospun Cellulose Acetate Nanofibrous Mats for Oil/Water Separation by Tailored Surface Modification.

Electrospun cellulose acetate nanofibers (CA-NF) have been modified with perfluoro alkoxysilanes (FS/CA-NF) for tailoring their chemical and physical features aiming oil-water separation purposes. Strikingly, hybrid FS/CA-NF showed that perfluoro groups are rigidly positioned on the outer surface of the nanofibers providing superhydrophobic characteristic with a water contact angle of ∼155°. Detailed analysis showed that hydrolysis/condensation reactions led to the modification of the acetylated ß(1 → 4) linked d-glucose chains of CA transforming it into a superhydrophobic nanofibrous mat. Analytical data have revealed that CA-NF surfaces can be selectively controlled for fabricating the durable, robust and water resistant hybrid electrospun nanofibrous mat. The -OH groups available on the CA structure allowed the basic sol-gel reactions started by the reactive FS hybrid precursor system which can be monitored by spectroscopic analysis. Since alkoxysilane groups on the perfluoro silane compound are capable of reacting for condensation together with the CA, superhydrophobic nanofibrous mat is obtained via electrospinning. This structural modification led to the facile fabrication of the novel oil/water nanofibrous separator which functions effectively demonstrated by hexane/oil and water separation experiments. Perfluoro groups consequently modified the hydrophilic CA nanofibers into superhydrophobic character and therefore FS/CA-NF could be quite practical for future applications like water/oil separators, as well as self-cleaning or water resistant nanofibrous structures.

Simultaneous Preconcentration of Copper and Cadmium by Dispersive Liquid-Liquid Microextraction Using N,N'-Bis (2-Hydroxy-5-Bromo-Benzyl)1,2 Diaminopropane and Their Determination by Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry.

In the present study, the simultaneous preconcentration of copper and cadmium based on dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction as a prior step to their determination using flame atomic absorption spectrometry was developed. Carbon tetrachloride and N,N'-bis(2-hydroxy-5-bromo-benzyl)1,2 diaminopropane were used as the extraction solvent and chelating ligand, respectively. Some parameters that influence the extraction efficiency-e.g., sample pH, volume of extraction solvent (carbon tetrachloride), concentration of the chelating ligand, effect of salt addition, and sample volume-were investigated and optimized. With a preconcentration factor of 10, the LODs (3σ) for Cd and Cu were 0.69 and 1.98 µg/L, respectively. The accuracy of the developed method was evaluated by analyzing SLRS-5 river water and SRM 1573a tomato leaves certified reference materials. Results obtained were in good agreement with the certified values. The proposed method was successfully applied to river water, seawater, and black tea samples. Good spike recoveries, varying within the range of 97.5 to 116.9%, confirmed the good performance of the method in real sample analysis.

Diode laser transscleral cyclophotocoagulation for the treatment of refractory glaucoma after penetrating keratoplasty.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect and safety of diode laser transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (TSCPC) in eyes with refractory glaucoma after penetrating keratoplasty (PK). METHODS: Diode laser TSCPC was performed on 32 eyes of 32 patients with secondary glaucoma after penetrating keratoplasty. The mean follow-up period was 11.4 +/- 3.8 months (range, 6-20 months). The intraocular pressure (IOP), number of glaucoma medications, graft status, side effects, and complications of the procedure were all recorded during the follow-up period. The treatment was considered successful if after one cyclodiode treatment the IOP could be reduced to or below 22 mmHg with or without medication. The success rate of the diode laser treatment was analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier survival analysis method during the 6th and 12th months of the follow-up period and the end of the study. The decrease in drug requirement after laser treatment was analyzed by the Wilcoxon nonparametric test. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: During the follow-up period, diode laser TSCPC reduced the IOP significantly. Our cumulative success rate was 56% at the end of the study. Cyclodiode treatment resulted in an IOP less than 22 mmHg in 97% of the eyes on the 6th month and 72% of the eyes on the 12th month with or without medication. The total retreatment rate of the study was 44%. More than one treatment was necessary, 8 times in the 1st month, 9 times in the 3rd month, 5 times in the 6th month and 3 times in the 12th month. The average number of antiglaucomatous drugs used was 2.8 before surgery and 1.2 after the 12th month follow-up period (p < 0.05). No eyes with graft failure after treatment were present. Visual acuity improved (> 2 Snellen lines of acuity) in two eyes and remained the same in the others. No serious side effects such as phthisis bulbi or hypotonia were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Diode laser TSCPC appears to be a safe and effective procedure for the treatment of uncontrolled glaucoma secondary to penetrating keratoplasty.

Visual Outcomes at 12 Months in Patients Following Implantation of a Diffractive Multifocal Intraocular Lens.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to assess distance, intermediate, and near visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and patient satisfaction outcomes of a multifocal intraocular lens (IOL). METHODS: This multicenter, prospective clinical study was conducted at seven study sites in Turkey. Patients who underwent bilateral cataract removal and implantation of a diffractive, acrylic, hydrophobic, multifocal IOL (Acriva UD Reviol MFB 625; VSY Biotechnology, Istanbul, Turkey) were included. The uncorrected and best corrected distance visual acuities (UCDVA and BCDVA), uncorrected and best corrected intermediate visual acuities (UCIVA and BCIVA), and uncorrected and best corrected near visual acuities (UCNVA and BCNVA) were measured preoperatively and at postoperative 1, 6, and 12 months. Distance and near visual acuity scores (VAS) contrast sensitivities were measured at these time points. Quality of life was evaluated by visual function-14 (VF-14) questionnaire. RESULTS: Two hundred eyes of 100 patients were included. Monocular and binocular visual acuities at all distances showed improvement at postoperative 12 months compared to preoperative measurements (P < 0.001). Monocular and binocular UCIVA and binocular BCIVA at postoperative 12 months were significantly improved compared to measurements at 1 month (P < 0.001). Binocular contrast sensitivity at distance showed significant improvement from postoperative 1 month to postoperative 12 months, except for 3 cycles per degree (cpd; without glare) and 18 cpd (with glare). VAS improved from 75.96 at postoperative 1 month to 76.85 at postoperative 12 months. VF-14 score was 98.2 ± 4.6. CONCLUSION: The Acriva UD Reviol MFB 625 appears to provide a good level of distance and near visual acuity, quality of life, and patient satisfaction. Further studies with longer follow-up will provide valuable insight into the long-term stability of these visual outcomes.