Comparing the vision quality using double-pass technique in eyes with corrected refractive errors and emmetropic eyes / Comparação da qualidade óptica usando a técnica de dupla passagem em olhos com erros de refração corrigidos e olhos emetrópicos

ABSTRACT Purpose: To evaluate the vision quality by measuring the objective light scatter index and objective optical quality parameters (Strehl Ratio and Modulation Transfer Function) in patients with emmetropia and ametropia. Methods: This prospective, cross-sectional study included 408 eyes. The ametropic group comprised of eyes with best-corrected visual acuity of 0.0 logMAR or better and present at least a refractive error of ≥0.25 D. Patients underwent slit lamp examination, visual acuity, refraction, and vision quality using the HD Analyzer. Results: The mean objective light scatter indices were 0.62 ± 0.63, 0.77 ± 0.70, 0.74 ± 0.30, 0.93 ± 0.55, and 0.85 ± 0.61, and mean Strehl Ratio and Modulation Transfer Function scores were 38.17 ± 10.4, 37.37 ± 10.06, 29.84 ± 9.71, 33.2 ± 12.11, and 33.13 ± 10.09 in emmetropes, myopia, hyperopia, spherical equivalent of ≥0, and spherical equivalent of <0, respectively. Differences in all variables were significant between emmetropic and corrected hyperopic and between spherical equivalent of ≥0, and spherical equivalent of <0 eyes (p<0.05). Conclusion: In spectacle-corrected conditions (with trial frames), emmetropic and simple myopic eyes had significantly better vision quality compared to hyperopic and astigmatic eyes. The clinical significance of these results should be investigated in further studies.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a qualidade óptica medindo o índice de dispersão objetiva de luz e os parâmetros de qualidade óptica objetiva (Razão de Strehl e Função de Transferência de Modulação) em indivíduos com emetropia e ametropia. Métodos: Estudo prospectivo, transversal, incluindo 408 olhos. O grupo ametrópico era de olhos com melhor acuidade visual corrigida de 0,0 logMAR ou melhor e apresentando, pelo menos, um erro refrativo de 0,25 D ou mais. Os pacientes foram submetidos a exame com lâmpada de fenda, acuidade visual, refração e qualidade óptica com o HD Analyzer. Resultados: O índice de dispersão objetiva de luz médio foi de 0,62 ± 0,63, 0,77 ± 0,70, 0,74 ± 0,30, 0,93 ± 0,55, 0,85 ± 0,61 e a média da Razão de Strehl e de Função de Transferência de Modulação foram 38,17 ± 10,4, 37,37 ± 10,06, 29,84 ± 9,71, 33,2 ± 12,11 e 33,13 ± 10,09 em olhos emetrópicos, míopes, hipermétropes, equivalente esférico ≥0 e equivalente esférico <0 respectivamente. Foram encontradas diferenças significativas em todas as variáveis entre olhos emetrópicos e com hipermetropia corrigida, equivalente esférico ≥ 0 e equivalente esférico <0 (p<0,05). Conclusão: Em condições com lentes corrigidas (com armações de prova), os olhos emetrópicos e com miopia simples apresentaram qualidade óptica significativamente melhor em comparação com os olhos hipermétropes e astigmáticos. O significado clínico destes resultados deve ser estudado posteriormente.

Identification of polyketide synthase 13 inhibitor: Pharmacophore-based virtual screening and molecular dynamics simulation

Polyketide synthase 13 (Pks13) is one of prominent targets to treat Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). In the presentstudy, pharmacophore features for Pks13, including two hydrogen bond donors, one hydrogen bond acceptor, and onehydrophobic feature, were built using a novel Pks13 inhibitor, TAM16. The pharmacophore features were then usedto perform virtual screening on ZINC database to identify small molecules of Pks13 inhibitors. The obtained virtualhits of 107 small molecules were subjected to molecular docking studies employing iDock software to reveal theirbinding orientation to Pks13. Furthermore, four best hits, each bound to Pks13, were submitted to 40-ns moleculardynamics simulation to explore their conformational changes throughout simulation. The result showed that all hitcompounds, i.e., Lig79/ZINC09281113, Lig94/ZINC09584070, Lig95/ZINC09209668, and Lig97/ZINC09216165,have better stabilities than that of TAM16 as indicated by their lower values of root-mean-square-deviation and rootmean-square-fluctuation. In a similar way, prediction of binding free energy using molecular mechanics Poisson–Boltzmann Surface Area method showed that all hit compounds have lower binding free energies than that of TAM16,indicating their potential as novel compounds of Pks13 inhibitors.

3D-QSAR, molecular docking and dynamics simulation of difluorophenol pyridine derivatives as RSK2 inhibitor

Given the increasing role of P90 Ribosomal S6 Kinase 2 (RSK2) as an anticancer drug target, we performed3D-Quantitative structure–activity relationship, including comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA) andcomparative molecular similarity indices analysis (CoMSIA) on difluorophenol pyridine derivatives as the inhibitorof RSK2. CoMFA model with q2 of 0.597 and R2 of 0.993, while CoMSIA model with q2 of 0.563 and R2 of 0.993,were obtained. The predictive ability of both models was assured using a test set compound with R2pred values of 0.996each. Using the validated models, novel compound was proposed and its interaction with RSK2 was investigatedemploying molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation of 50 ns. Furthermore, molecular-mechanicsPoisson–Boltzmann surface area calculation was performed. The result showed that the newly designed compoundhas a comparable binding free energy with the known RSK2 inhibitor, indicating its potential as a new RSK2 inhibitor.

3D-QSAR, molecular docking, and dynamics simulation of quinazoline–phosphoramidate mustard conjugates as EGFR inhibitor

To develop novel and more potent quinazoline–phosphoramidate mustard conjugates as epidermal growth factorreceptor (EGFR) inhibitor, three-dimensional quantitative structure-activity relationship [comparative molecularfield analysis (CoMFA) and comparative molecular similarity indices analysis (CoMSIA)] combined with moleculardocking were performed. A series of 13 compounds in the training set gave q2 values of 0.577 and 0.537, as well as r2values of 0.926 and 0.921 for CoMFA and CoMSIA models, respectively. The contour maps that were produced by theCoMFA and CoMSIA models revealed that steric, electrostatic, and hydrophobic fields were crucial in the inhibitoryactivity of quinazoline–phosphoramidate derivatives. Based on the CoMFA and CoMSIA models, several novel EGFRinhibitors were designed, which established crucial interactions at the ligand binding domain of EGFR. Nearly, 100ns MD simulation indicated the stability of the designed compounds at 100 ns, while molecular mechanics-PoissonBoltzmann surface area calculation showed that the designed compound had a higher affinity than that of the parentcompound.

Effect of irrigation at critical stages on the phenology of flowering and fruiting of the cactus Opuntia spp / Efeito da irrigação em estágios críticos sobre a fenologia de floração e frutificação do cacto Opuntia spp

Abstract This paper briefly reports some effects of irrigations at two critical periods on the phenology of three varieties of cactus pear cultivated in Agadir area: the spineless varieties 'Aissa' and 'Moussa' and the thorny one 'Achefri'. In the first year experiments (2010-2011) treatments of irrigation used were: (T1) 0 mm, (T2) 30 mm during flowering and 30 mm during fruit enlargement and (T3) 30 mm only during fruit enlargement. In the 2nd year experiments, irrigation treatments were: (T1) 0 mm, (T2) 60 mm during flowering and 60 mm during fruit enlargement and (T3) 60 mm only during fruit enlargement. Treatments of irrigation were applied between mid-April and mid-June in the 1st year experiments and in February and May in the 2nd year experiments. Results of the first year experiments showed that the emission of buds was higher in the thorny variety than in the spineless ones (more than 6 emitted buds/cladode vs less than 4.5 in the spineless varieties). In the second year, irrigation increased the emission of buds in the three varieties (more than 7 emitted buds/cladode for each T2 and T3 of all varieties vs not more than 5 for T1) and the duration of the flowering phase of these varieties. However, irrigation did not modify the proportions of fruits reaching commercial maturity during the early or the late period of maturation.

Resumo Este artigo relatou brevemente alguns efeitos das irrigações em dois períodos críticos na fenologia de três variedades de Opuntia cultivadas na área de Agadir: as variedades sem espinhos 'Aissa' e 'Moussa' e um espinhoso 'Achefri'. No primeiro ano (2010-2011) os seguintes tratamentos do experimento da irrigação foram usados: (T1) 0 milímetros, (T2) 30 milímetros durante a florescência e 30 milímetros durante a ampliação do fruto e (T3) 30 milímetros somente durante a ampliação do fruto. No segundo ano das experiências, os tratamentos da irrigação foram: (T1, 0 milímetros), (T2) 60 milímetros durante a florescência e 60 milímetros durante a ampliação do fruto e (T3) 60 milímetros somente durante a ampliação do fruto. Os tratamentos da irrigação foram aplicados entre a metade de abril e metade de junho nas experiências do primeira ano e em fevereiro e maio nas experiências do segundo ano. Os resultados das experiências do primeiro ano mostraram que a emissão de brotos foi maior na variedade espinhosa do que no rufia (mais de 6 emitida gomos/cladode vs inferior a 4,5 no rufia variedades). No segundo ano, a irrigação aumentou a emissão dos botões nas três variedades (mais de 7 botões emitidos/cladÓdio para cada T2 e T3 de todas as variedades não mais que 5 para o T1) e a duração da fase de florescência destas variedades. Contudo, a irrigação não alterou as proporções de frutos que alcançaram a maturidade comercial durante o período adiantado ou atrasado de maturação.

Anti-inflammatory effects of hyperbaric oxygen on irradiated laryngeal tissues / Efeitos anti-inflamatórios do oxigênio hiperbárico sobre tecidos laríngeos irradiados

Abstract Introduction To manage the complications of irradiation of head and neck tissue is a challenging issue for the otolaryngologist. Definitive treatment of these complications is still controversial. Recently, hyperbaric oxygen therapy is promising option for these complications. Objective In this study, we used biochemical and histopathological methods to investigate the efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen against the inflammatory effects of radiotherapy in blood and laryngeal tissues when radiotherapy and hyperbaric oxygen are administered on the same day. Methods Thirty-two Wistar Albino rats were divided into four groups. The control group was given no treatment, the hyperbaric oxygen group was given only hyperbaric oxygen therapy, the radiotherapy group was given only radiotherapy, and the radiotherapy plus hyperbaric oxygen group was given both treatments on the same day. Results Histopathological and biochemical evaluations of specimens were performed. Serum tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, and tissue inflammation levels were significantly higher in the radiotherapy group than in the radiotherapy plus hyperbaric oxygen group, whereas interleukin-10 was higher in the radiotherapy plus hyperbaric oxygen group. Conclusion When radiotherapy and hyperbaric oxygen are administered on the same day, inflammatory cytokines and tissue inflammation can be reduced in an early period of radiation injury.

Resumo Introdução O manejo das complicações da irradiação do tecido da cabeça e pescoço é uma questão desafiadora para o otorrinolaringologista. O tratamento definitivo dessas complicações ainda é controverso. Recentemente, a oxigenoterapia hiperbárica tem sido uma opção promissora para essas complicações. Objetivo Nesse estudo foram usados métodos bioquímicos e histopatológicos para investigar a eficácia do oxigênio hiperbárico contra os efeitos inflamatórios da radioterapia no sangue e nos tecidos laríngeos, quando a radioterapia e oxigênio hiperbárico são administrados no mesmo dia. Métodos Trinta e dois ratos Wistar albinos foram divididos em quatro grupos. O grupo controle nao recebeu tratamento, o grupo de oxigenio hiperbarico recebeu apenas oxigenoterapia hiperbarica, o grupo de radioterapia recebeu apenas radioterapia e o grupo de radioterapia com oxigenio hiperbarico recebeu ambos os tratamentos no mesmo dia. Resultados Foram realizadas avaliaçoes histopatologicas e bioquimicas dos especimes. Os niveis sericos de fator de necrose tumoral-α, interleucina-1β e inflamaçao tecidual foram significativamente maiores no grupo de radioterapia do que no grupo de radioterapia mais oxigenio hiperbarico, enquanto que a interleucina-10 foi maior no grupo de radioterapia mais oxigenio hiperbarico. Conclusão Quando a radioterapia e o oxigênio hiperbárico são administrados no mesmo dia, as citocinas inflamatórias e a inflamação tecidual podem ser reduzidas no período inicial da radiação.

Effect of irrigation at critical stages on the phenology of flowering and fruiting of the cactus Opuntia spp

Abstract This paper briefly reports some effects of irrigations at two critical periods on the phenology of three varieties of cactus pear cultivated in Agadir area: the spineless varieties Aissa and Moussa and the thorny one Achefri. In the first year experiments (2010-2011) treatments of irrigation used were: (T1) 0 mm, (T2) 30 mm during flowering and 30 mm during fruit enlargement and (T3) 30 mm only during fruit enlargement. In the 2nd year experiments, irrigation treatments were: (T1) 0 mm, (T2) 60 mm during flowering and 60 mm during fruit enlargement and (T3) 60 mm only during fruit enlargement. Treatments of irrigation were applied between mid-April and mid-June in the 1st year experiments and in February and May in the 2nd year experiments. Results of the first year experiments showed that the emission of buds was higher in the thorny variety than in the spineless ones (more than 6 emitted buds/cladode vs less than 4.5 in the spineless varieties). In the second year, irrigation increased the emission of buds in the three varieties (more than 7 emitted buds/cladode for each T2 and T3 of all varieties vs not more than 5 for T1) and the duration of the flowering phase of these varieties. However, irrigation did not modify the proportions of fruits reaching commercial maturity during the early or the late period of maturation.

Resumo Este artigo relatou brevemente alguns efeitos das irrigações em dois períodos críticos na fenologia de três variedades de Opuntia cultivadas na área de Agadir: as variedades sem espinhos 'Aissa' e 'Moussa' e um espinhoso 'Achefri'. No primeiro ano (2010-2011) os seguintes tratamentos do experimento da irrigação foram usados: (T1) 0 milímetros, (T2) 30 milímetros durante a florescência e 30 milímetros durante a ampliação do fruto e (T3) 30 milímetros somente durante a ampliação do fruto. No segundo ano das experiências, os tratamentos da irrigação foram: (T1, 0 milímetros), (T2) 60 milímetros durante a florescência e 60 milímetros durante a ampliação do fruto e (T3) 60 milímetros somente durante a ampliação do fruto. Os tratamentos da irrigação foram aplicados entre a metade de abril e metade de junho nas experiências do primeira ano e em fevereiro e maio nas experiências do segundo ano. Os resultados das experiências do primeiro ano mostraram que a emissão de brotos foi maior na variedade espinhosa do que no rufia (mais de 6 emitida gomos/cladode vs inferior a 4,5 no rufia variedades). No segundo ano, a irrigação aumentou a emissão dos botões nas três variedades (mais de 7 botões emitidos/cladÓdio para cada T2 e T3 de todas as variedades não mais que 5 para o T1) e a duração da fase de florescência destas variedades. Contudo, a irrigação não alterou as proporções de frutos que alcançaram a maturidade comercial durante o período adiantado ou atrasado de maturação.

Biology, Flowering and Fruiting of the Cactus Opuntia spp.: A Review and Some Observations on Three Varieties in Morocco

ABSTRACT The cactus is a succulent plant resistant to droughts. According to the recently reviewed classification, cacti belong to the family of Opuntiaceae Desv. (synon. Cactaceae Juss.) with Opuntia Mill. as the typical genus. This genus is economically the most important in the family, as it includes a group of cactus pear plants which play an important role in the agricultural systems of arid and semi-arid regions. Flowering of the cactus pear fruit is an important determinant of the fruit harvesting period. The goal of this paper is to present the physiology of the cactus pear and to explain in detail the biology of its flowering and fruiting processes. This study is also enriched by our observations on the flowering and fruiting of three varieties of cactus pear that we followed for two successive years in southern Morocco.

Occurrence of Cryptosporidium oocysts and Giardia cysts in water supplies of San Pedro Sula, Honduras / Presencia de oocistos de Cryptosporidium y quistes de Giardia en los abastecimientos de agua de San Pedro Sula, Honduras

During June 1996, water supplies of the city of San Pedro Sula, Honduras, were sampled to obtain an assessment of Cryptosporidium oocyst and Giardia cyst concentrations. Each sample was concentrated and stained with an indirect immunofluorescent antibody, and parasites were counted through microscopic analysis. In three surface water supplies, Cryptosporidium oocyst concentrations ranged from 58 to 260 oocysts per 100 L, and Giardia cysts were present in concentrations ranging from 380 to 2 100 cysts per 100 L. Unlike the surface water samples, groundwater had a higher concentration of Cryptosporidium oocysts (26/100 L) than Giardia cysts (6/100 L), suggesting that the groundwater aquifer protects the water supply more effectively from larger Giardia cysts. Cryptosporidium oocyst concentrations are within the typical range for surface water supplies in North America whereas Giardia cyst concentrations are elevated. Efforts should be made to protect raw water from sources of contamination

Para estimar las concentraciones de oocistos de Cryptosporidium y quistes de Giardia en los abastecimientos de agua de la ciudad de San Pedro Sula, se examinaron muestras del agua en junio de 1996. Cada muestra se concentró y se marcó con un anticuerpo inmunofluorescente indirecto y los parásitos se contaron mediante análisis microscópico. En tres abatecimientos de agua, las concentraciones de oocistos de Cryptosporidium alcanzaron un recorrido de 58 a 260 oocistos por 100 L, mientras que los quistes de Giardia se encontraron en concentraciones de 380 a 2 100 quistes por 100 L. Al contrario de las muestras de agua superficial, el agua subterránea tuvo mayor concentración de oocistos de Cryptosporidium (26/100 L) que de quistes de Giardia (6/100 L), lo que sugiere que el acuífero subterráneo protege mejor al abastecimiento de agua contra los quistes de Giardia, que son más grandes. Las concentraciones de oocistos de Cryptosporidium estuvieron dentro del recorrido típico de los abastecimientos de agua en Norteamérica, pero los de Giardia fueron más elevados. Deben tomarse medidas para proteger el agua sin depurar de las fuentes de contaminación.

Increased prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Honduras, Central America / Aumento de la prevalencia de malaria por Plasmodium falciparum en Honduras, Centroamerica

We report on our investigation of a malaria outbreak in Honduras, Central America, in January 1997. We tested 202 patients with fever and chills using thin and thick blood film microscopy. Sixteen patients lived in the city and the rest lived in rural areas. A total of 95 samples (47%) were positive for malaria parasites. Seventy-nine percent (63/80) of the rural patients were infected with Plasmodium vivax and 21% (17/80) were infected with P. falciparum. In the urban area, all 15 infected patients had P. vivax malaria and none showed evidence of P. falciparum. Since previous reports indicate that falciparum malaria accounts for only 2% of the overall malaria infections in Honduras, the results reported here suggest that there is a dramatic increase in falciparum malaria in the area of Honduras investigated in this study.

Notificamos los resultados de un estudio de un brote de malaria que se produjo en Honduras, Centroamérica, en enero de 1997. Sometimos a examen microscópico frotis delgados y frotis gruesos de la sangre de 202 pacientes con fiebre y escalofríos. Dieciséis pacientes eran habitantes de la zona urbana y el resto de la zona rural. Un total de 95 especímenes (47%) fueron positivos a parásitos de la malaria. Setenta y ocho por ciento (62/80) de los pacientes del área rural estaban infestados con Plasmodium vivax y 22% (17/80) con P. falciparum. En la zona urbana, todos los 15 pacientes que estaban infestados tenían P. vivax y en ninguno se detectó P. falciparum. Ya que según informes previos la malaria de tipo falciparum representa solamente 2% de todos los casos de malaria en Honduras, nuestros resultados sugieren que hay un gran incremento del número de casos de malaria falciparum en la zona de Honduras en que se llevó a cabo esta investigación.