Ultrathin Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Endothelial keratoplasty has evolved tremendously since its inception. Thick Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) grafts have made sway for slimmer ultrathin Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (UT-DSAEK). This review discusses the recent literature comparing outcomes of UT-DSAEK, DSAEK, and Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK). RECENT FINDINGS: DMEK provides quick visual recovery and has remarkably low incidence of graft rejection. However, the learning curve is long compared to DSAEK. UT-DSAEK utilizes donor grafts less than 100-µm thick. Recent studies comparing DMEK and UT-DSAEK have shown DMEK has better visual outcomes with similar rejection rates. SUMMARY: UT-DSAEK remains an excellent surgical option for endothelial keratoplasty in eyes with complex anterior segment anatomy. The visual outcomes after UT-DSAEK have been shown to be superior when compared with DSAEK. Recent studies show that DMEK provides better visual outcomes compared with UT-DSAEK.

Durable left ventricular assist device implantation in extremely obese heart failure patients.

Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) have improved clinical outcomes and quality of life for those with end-stage heart failure. However, the costs and risks associated with these devices necessitate appropriate patient selection. LVAD candidates are becoming increasingly more obese and there are conflicting reports regarding obesity's effect on outcomes. Hence, we sought to evaluate the impact of extreme obesity on clinical outcomes after LVAD placement. Consecutive LVAD implantation patients at our center from June 2008 to May 2016 were studied retrospectively. We compared patients with a body mass index (BMI) ≥40 kg/m2 (extremely obese) to those with BMI < 40 kg/m2 with respect to patient characteristics and surgical outcomes, including survival. 252 patients were included in this analysis, 30 (11.9%) of whom met the definition of extreme obesity. We found that patients with extreme obesity were significantly younger (47[33, 57] vs. 60[52, 67] years, P < 0.001) with fewer prior sternotomies (16.7% vs. 36.0%, P = 0.04). They had higher rates of pump thrombosis (30% vs. 9.0%, P = 0.003) and stage 2/3 acute kidney injury (46.7% vs. 27.0%, P = 0.003), but there were no differences in 30-day or 1-year survival, even after adjusting for age and clinical factors. Extreme obesity does not appear to place LVAD implantation patients at a higher risk for mortality compared to those who are not extremely obese; however, extreme obesity was associated with an increased risk of pump thrombosis, suggesting that these patients may require additional care to reduce the need for urgent device exchange.

Cytomegalovirus keratitis.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) keratitis, albeit an uncommon manifestation of this ubiquitous pathogen, can lead to devastating ocular morbidity. Timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment are also unfortunately uncommon. The purpose of this review is to discuss recently published literature regarding the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and therapy of CMV keratitis. RECENT FINDINGS: Classic clinical presentations of CMV keratitis are known; however, current investigations further elucidate characteristics of typical versus atypical disease. Ongoing research stems beyond utilizing PCR analysis towards targeted diagnostic studies with advanced imaging modalities as well as modern genotyping techniques. Strong clinical acumen combined with appropriate handling of these modern technologies are proving invaluable for rapid diagnosis and treatment of this virulent pathogen. SUMMARY: The current recommended treatment for CMV keratitis is systemic ganciclovir. Astute clinicians must consider this diagnosis in any patient with keratitis, anterior uveitis, and intraocular hypertension. Novel diagnostic techniques should be combined with clinical exam findings to accurately and efficiently diagnose, treat, and monitor progression.

Characteristics and outcomes of obstetric brachial plexus palsy in a single Saudi center: an experience of ten years.

BACKGROUND: Obstetric brachial plexus palsy (OBPP) is considered a rare, unpredictable, and unavoidable injury of the upper limb. In this study, we presented a retrospective cohort study over a period of ten years in King Faisal Specialists Hospital and Research Centre (KFSH&RC), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to assess the characteristics and functional outcomes of OBPP. METHODS: Between January 2005 and December 2015, we carried out 125 repairs of OBPP in KFSH&RC. Out of 71 girls and 54 boys, two babies died of unrelated causes, so they were excluded from the review. All medical records of the patients who attended OBPP clinic at KFSH&RC were reviewed, and relative data were extracted. Descriptive measures for categorical variables and categorical variables were presented. Student's t test and Pearson's χ2 test were used. The level of statistical significance was set at P ≤ 0.05. RESULTS: A total of 123 patients were included in the study with a mean follow-up of 6.1 ± 2.4 years. Of those, 71 (57.7%) were females. Mean age at presentation was 4.2 ± 2.7 months with a birth weight of 3965.9 ± 629.6 g. More than half of the patients (56.1%) sustained the injury in the right side, and 62 patients (50.4%) were classified as Narakas I. Most of the surgeries (96.7%) were nerve grafting. Only 32 (26.0%) patients needed one or more secondary interventions. In the last visit, the mean total score of Mallet was 16.6 ± 2.8. Also, passive external rotation in adduction improved to 38.3 ± 14.5. Last Raimondi hand function grade was 2 ± 1. DISCUSSION: Our experience demonstrated the value of primary and secondary surgeries in patients with OBPP. Also, we presented the patterns of injury in Saudi patients presented to KFSH&RC.

Correction to: Characteristics and outcomes of obstetric brachial plexus palsy in a single Saudi centre: an experience of ten years.

The published online version contain mistake in article title. The correct title is "Characteristics and outcomes of obstetric brachial plexus palsy in a single Saudi centre: an experience of ten years".

HeartMate II Left Ventricular Assist Device Pump Exchange: A Single-Institution Experience.

Background Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) have revolutionized the treatment of patients with end-stage heart failure. These devices are replaced when pump complications arise if heart transplant is not possible. We present our experience with HeartMate II (HMII (Thoratec, Plesanton, California, United States)) LVAD pump exchange. Materials and Methods We retrospectively reviewed all cases that required pump exchange due to LVAD complication from November 2011 until June 2016 at a single high-volume institution. The indications, demographics, and outcome were extracted and analyzed. Results Of 250 total patients with implanted HMII LVADs, 16 (6%) required pump exchange during the study period. The initial indications for LVAD placement in these patients were bridge to transplantation (n = 6 [37.5%]) or destination therapy (n = 10 [62.5%]). Fifteen patients (93.8%) required pump exchange due to pump thrombosis and 1 (6.2%) due to refractory driveline infection. Nine patients (56.2%) underwent repeat median sternotomy while a left subcostal approach was used in the remaining seven patients. Fifteen patients (93.7%) survived until hospital discharge. During the follow-up period (median, 155 days), 11 patients remained alive and 4 of these underwent successful cardiac transplantation. Conclusion HMII LVAD pump exchange can be safely performed for driveline infection or pump thrombosis when heart transplantation is not an option.

Retinal Detachments after Open-Globe Injury: Risk Factors and Outcomes.

PURPOSE: To identify risk factors for retinal detachment (RD) after open-globe injury (OGI) and evaluate outcomes of RD repair after OGI. DESIGN: Case-control study. PARTICIPANTS: Overall, 769 patients presented with 786 OGIs, which were surgically managed with ≥ 30 days of follow-up. Of the 786 eyes, 223 developed RD, the other 551 served as controls, and RD status of 12 eyes was unknown. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed of all OGIs presented to the University of Michigan between 2000 and 2022. Multivariable regression identified risk factors for RD after OGI and predictors of poor vision after RD repair. Kaplan-Meier analysis estimated time from OGI to RD. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Predictors of visual outcome after RD repair after OGI. RESULTS: After OGI, 223 (28.4%) of 786 eyes were diagnosed with RD, with > 73% diagnosed within a month. Predictors of RD include posterior injury (zone II vs. I odds ratio [OR], 1.60 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 1.04-2.46]; P = 0.0331; zone III vs. I OR, 2.29 [1.53-3.41]; P < 0.0001), vitreous hemorrhage (OR, 2.29 [1.54-3.1]; P < 0.0001), and presenting acuity worse than count fingers (CFs) (OR, 2.65 [1.69 - 4.16]; P < 0.0001). Retinal detachment repair took place in 142 of 223 eyes. The mean logarithm of minimal angle of resolution visual acuity (VA) improved from 2.3 ± 0.8 to 1.7 ± 0.9 after RD repair at 6-month follow-up, with 51.2% of eyes achieving CF or better vision. Single surgery anatomic success rate was 69.7% and final anatomic success was 88%. Predictors of vision worse than CF include history of ocular surgery (OR, 0.32 [0.11-0.94]; P = 0.039), proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR; OR, 0.39 [0.16 - 0.92]; P = 0.032), aphakia (OR, 0.25 [0.08 - 0.77]; P = 0.016), and redetachment (OR, 0.26 [0.1 - 0.63]; P = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Most RD occur within the first month after OGI. Patients with posterior injuries, vitreous hemorrhage, or poor presenting VA were more likely to develop RD after OGI. Anatomic success was achieved in the majority, as was final VA of CF vision or better. History of ocular surgery, PVR at time of repair, aphakia, and redetachment were risk factors for a poor outcome. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S): The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.

Clinical Outcomes of Faricimab in Patients with Previously Treated Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

PURPOSE: To assess the anatomic and functional outcomes in eyes with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) previously treated with anti-VEGF therapy in response to intravitreal faricimab. DESIGN: Retrospective, interventional, consecutive case series. SUBJECTS: Patients with previously treated nAMD who received ≥ 4 consecutive injections of faricimab were included. The study period was from March through November 2022. METHODS: Clinical and imaging data were extracted from the electronic medical record. Central foveal thickness (CFT), maximum fibrovascular pigment epithelial detachment (fvPED) height, and Snellen visual acuity (VA) were obtained. Generalized estimating equations were used to analyze the change in CFT, maximum fvPED height, and logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution VA. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Change in CFT, maximum fvPED height, and Snellen VA before faricimab and after ≥ 4 faricimab intravitreal injections. RESULTS: During the study period, 218 eyes of 191 patients met inclusion criteria. Mean age was 79.9 (range, 70.6-89.2) years. The mean number of intravitreal anti-VEGF injections received before faricimab was 34.2 (range, 6.4-62). The following results were found after ≥ 4 faricimab injections. Mean logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution VA before switching to faricimab was 0.58 (Snellen VA ∼20/76; range, 20/22-20/264) and was 0.55 (Snellen VA ∼20/71; range, 20/21-20/235; P = 0.20) after switching. Mean maximum fvPED height was 195.0 (range, 50.2-339.8) µm before switching to faricimab and improved to 165.0 (range, 33.6-296.4; P < 0.001) µm after switching. Mean CFT was 354.8 (range, 184.7-524.9) µm before switching to faricimab and improved to 306.6 (range, 144.4-468.8; P < 0.001) after switching. The proportion of eyes with intraretinal fluid was 36.7% (80/218 eyes) before switching, and decreased to 24.8% (54/218 eyes, P < 0.001) after switching. The proportion of eyes with subretinal fluid was 53.2% (116/218 eyes) before switching and decreased to 26.6% (58/218 eyes, P < 0.001) after switching. CONCLUSIONS: Intravitreal faricimab may improve anatomic outcomes in patients with previously treated nAMD, while maintaining VA in the short-term. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S): Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

OPHTHALMOMYIASIS INTERNA WITH INVASION OF THE OPTIC NERVE.

PURPOSE: To report a case of ophthalmomyiasis interna with optic nerve invasion that was treated with oral ivermectin and prednisone. METHODS: Case report with retrospective review of medical records and multimodal imaging studies. RESULTS: A Christmas tree farmer in his sixties presented with expanding multicolored, spiraling photopsias in the left eye. The visual acuity measured 20/50, and examination and imaging findings showed subretinal tracks consistent with ophthalmomyiasis interna. After several weeks of spontaneous improvement, the visual acuity decreased to 20/150 and fundus examination showed new optic disc edema that was treated with ivermectin and prednisone. Despite the development of optic disc pallor, the visual acuity improved to 20/25. CONCLUSION: Subretinal fly larvae can occasionally exit the eye by invading the optic nerve. Treatment of optic nerve involvement with ivermectin and prednisone can result in an excellent visual outcome.

Large Internal Limiting Membrane Tears: Prevalence, Clinical Characteristics, and Surgical Utility.

PURPOSE: To describe the prevalence, clinical and imaging characteristics, and surgical utility of large internal limiting membrane (ILM) tears in eyes with epiretinal membrane (ERM). DESIGN: Retrospective interventional case series. METHODS: This was a single-institution study including 71 eyes of 70 consecutive patients that underwent ERM peeling by a single vitreoretinal surgeon between 2016 and 2019. Demographic and clinical data were collected from the medical record. ERMs and large ILM tears were identified and analyzed on multimodal imaging. The main outcome measures were the prevalence and characteristics of large ILM tears in eyes undergoing ERM peeling. RESULTS: Large ILM tears were present in 23 of 71 eyes (32.4%) with ERM that underwent surgical management. A review of patients with ERM during the same period who did not undergo surgical management found large ILM tears in 8 of 100 eyes (8.0%). Large ILM tears were commonly associated with other signs of ERM-induced retinal traction, including retinal nerve fiber layer schisis in 20 of 23 eyes (87.0%), inner retinal dimpling in 8 of 23 eyes (34.8%), and discrete paravascular red lesions in 16 of 19 eyes (84.2%). In all eyes stained with brilliant blue G, the preoperative diagnosis of large ILM tear was confirmed and the scrolled ILM edge was used successfully to initiate ILM peeling. CONCLUSIONS: Large ILM tears are often present in eyes undergoing surgery for ERM and are likely caused by ERM contracture. Careful preoperative identification of these tears is helpful for surgical planning because the scrolled flap of ILM provides a convenient and safe "handle" for initiating membrane peeling.

Effect of natural and synthetic androgen hormone on sex reversal of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus).

The present study aimed to produce a monosex population of all male Nile tilapia (Oreochromis spp.) using 17α-methyl testosterone and common carp testes (as a source of natural androgen). Trial was conducted into two consecutive phases, the first was fry (4-5 days old)administration with negative control (without hormone) and positive control (with hormone) feed viz., MT1:60mg/kg, MT2:70mg/kg (17α-MT), carp testis CT1:70% and CT2:80% for 30 days to reverse the sex of male fish and the second phase was nursing the fingerlings for two months on control diet (32% Crude protein).Results revealed a significant growth rate (P<0.05) in the control group where final weight (4.8±0.34ab) and weight gained was recorded as 0.66±0.03ac. In proximate chemical composition of body meat, CT2 treatment showed maximum retention of crude protein, crude fat, and ash whereas dry matter showed maximum retention in MT2 and CT1 treatments. Morphological and histological examination revealed significant difference (p<0.05) in phenotypic males of Nile tilapia fed with the highest percent in MT-treated diet (MT2) of 95±0.58a while MT1, CT2 and CT1 had males of 85±6.0b, 70±5.0b and 65±6.5b, respectively. It was concluded that synthetic androgen (17αMT) was more effective for masculinization but natural androgen scan be an alternative method to produce male tilapia population in an environment-friendly manner as they are inexpensive, eco-friendly, and radially available. These results suggested that synthetic and natural androgen supplementation in the diet plays a significant role in improving growth performance and body composition.

Appropriateness and Readability of ChatGPT-4-Generated Responses for Surgical Treatment of Retinal Diseases.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the appropriateness and readability of the medical knowledge provided by ChatGPT-4, an artificial intelligence-powered conversational search engine, regarding common vitreoretinal surgeries for retinal detachments (RDs), macular holes (MHs), and epiretinal membranes (ERMs). DESIGN: Retrospective cross-sectional study. SUBJECTS: This study did not involve any human participants. METHODS: We created lists of common questions about the definition, prevalence, visual impact, diagnostic methods, surgical and nonsurgical treatment options, postoperative information, surgery-related complications, and visual prognosis of RD, MH, and ERM, and asked each question 3 times on the online ChatGPT-4 platform. The data for this cross-sectional study were recorded on April 25, 2023. Two independent retina specialists graded the appropriateness of the responses. Readability was assessed using Readable, an online readability tool. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The "appropriateness" and "readability" of the answers generated by ChatGPT-4 bot. RESULTS: Responses were consistently appropriate in 84.6% (33/39), 92% (23/25), and 91.7% (22/24) of the questions related to RD, MH, and ERM, respectively. Answers were inappropriate at least once in 5.1% (2/39), 8% (2/25), and 8.3% (2/24) of the respective questions. The average Flesch Kincaid Grade Level and Flesch Reading Ease Score were 14.1 ± 2.6 and 32.3 ± 10.8 for RD, 14 ± 1.3 and 34.4 ± 7.7 for MH, and 14.8 ± 1.3 and 28.1 ± 7.5 for ERM. These scores indicate that the answers are difficult or very difficult to read for the average lay person and college graduation would be required to understand the material. CONCLUSIONS: Most of the answers provided by ChatGPT-4 were consistently appropriate. However, ChatGPT and other natural language models in their current form are not a source of factual information. Improving the credibility and readability of responses, especially in specialized fields, such as medicine, is a critical focus of research. Patients, physicians, and laypersons should be advised of the limitations of these tools for eye- and health-related counseling. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S): Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

Endophthalmitis, Visual Outcomes, and Management Strategies in Eyes with Intraocular Foreign Bodies.

Purpose: Ocular trauma with intraocular foreign body (IOFB) can have devastating visual consequences. Management and antimicrobial strategies remain variable due to the infrequency and heterogeneity of presentation. Our goal was to identify risk factors for endophthalmitis and poor visual outcomes in cases of IOFB and investigate management strategies. Patients and Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted in 88 eyes of 88 patients suffering traumatic injury with IOFB at the University of Michigan between January 2000 and December 2019. Medical records were reviewed to characterize the injuries and IOFBs as well as how clinical presentation and treatment modalities were associated with outcomes. Results: Delayed presentation (P=0.016) and organic IOFB (P=0.044) were associated with development of endophthalmitis. Retinal detachment (P=0.012), wound length greater than 5 mm (P=0.041), and poor presenting visual acuity (P=0.003) correlated with poor final visual outcome. Antibiotic prophylaxis was given to all patients, though agents and routes of delivery varied. Endophthalmitis developed in 4.9% of the eyes after initial management, with primary and secondary removal of posterior segment IOFBs associated with similar rates of endophthalmitis (P=1.000). Conclusion: Poor presenting visual acuity and severity of injury, as measured by large wound and retinal detachment, correlate with poor visual outcome. Prompt globe closure and antimicrobial prophylaxis are critical for infection prevention. In cases where IOFB removal and globe closure cannot be performed concurrently, primary globe closure with aggressive antibiotic prophylaxis offers a reasonable alternative to prevent endophthalmitis.

Risk Factors for Enucleation Following Open Globe Injury: A 17-Year Experience.

Purpose: At the time of open globe injury (OGI), it may be difficult for clinicians to predict which eyes are at highest risk for requiring enucleation. We performed a 17-year retrospective cohort study to report outcomes and risk factors for enucleation following open globe injuryto better aid clinicians counseling patients at OGI diagnosis. Methods: A retrospective cohort study of all patients who presented to the University of Michigan with open globe injury (OGI) and were surgically managed between January 2000 and July 2017 was conducted. At least 30 days of follow-up was required. All eyes that ultimately underwent enucleation following OGI were identified and their clinical course analyzed. The main outcome measured was the rate of enucleation after OGI. Results: There were 587 eyes meeting inclusion criteria. The mean patient age was 40.75 ± 25.1 (range 1-91). 441/585 (75.4%) patients were male. Average follow-up time was 1029.9 ± 1285.9 days. 116/587 eyes (19.8%) required enucleation after OGI, with 81.9% undergoing enucleation less than 30 days from injury. In enucleated eyes, the mean presenting logMAR vision was 2.91 ± 0.47 (Snellen equivalent between hand motion and light perception). The most common mechanism of injury requiring enucleation was globe rupture, 89/116 (76.7%), with 14/116 (12.1%) penetrating injuries and 13/116 (11.2%) perforating injuries. The mean age of patients that underwent enucleation was 45.6 ± 22.5 (range 3-91). Conclusion: Open globe injuries are often visually devastating and a significant number of cases ultimately require enucleation. Despite emergent closure within 24 hours, 19.8% of eyes managed for OGI at our institution required eventual enucleation. 81.2% of these eyes required enucleation within 30 days of injury. Wound length greater than 10 mm, uveal prolapse, higher zone of injury, IOFB, and RAPD were identified as risk factors that predict future need for enucleation.

Outcomes of Penetrating Keratoplasty After Open Globe Injury.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical features, surgical outcomes, and prognostic factors of penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) after open globe injury (OGI). METHODS: A retrospective review of all patients treated for OGI between January 2000 and July 2017 was conducted. Demographic, preoperative, perioperative, and postoperative data were collected for those who underwent PKP after OGI. The predictive value of each preoperative variable on graft failure was assessed using univariate and multivariable Cox proportional hazards models, and the predictive value of variables on post-PKP visual outcome was assessed using both univariate and multivariable logistic regression models. All eyes that underwent PKP after OGI were included unless they had less than 365 days of follow-up. RESULTS: Forty-six eyes that underwent PKP met inclusion criteria. The median age was 46 years (interquartile range = 23.00-61.25), median follow-up was 78.5 months (interquartile range = 38.63-122.02), and 37 of 46 subjects (80.4%) were male. The observed 1- and 5-year graft survival estimates were 80.4% and 41.7%, respectively. Factors statistically associated with graft failure in multivariable analyses were rejection episode, hazard ratio (HR) = 3.29; retinal detachment (RD), HR = 3.47; and endophthalmitis, HR = 6.27. Fifteen of 42 eyes (35.7%) regained ambulatory vision (20/200 or better). The strongest predictors of vision worse than 20/200 at the last follow-up were RD, odds ratio (OR) = 43.88; graft rejection, OR = 12.42; and injury outside the workplace, OR = 25.05. CONCLUSIONS: Despite a high graft survival at 1 year, most of the patients did not regain ambulatory vision. Graft rejection, RD, and endophthalmitis were risk factors for graft failure. These factors should be considered when counseling patients regarding PKP after OGI.

Outcomes of a High-Volume Organ Procurement Organization in the Era of Increasing Donation After Circulatory Death.

Introduction: Donation after circulatory death (DCD) is rapidly increasing in the United States. Detailed data outlining the process from referral to organ transplantation is lacking. Project Aims: We sought to quantify differences at each stage along the referral to donation pathway by donor type. Additionally, we examined factors associated with successful DCD organ utilization. Design: This program evaluation analyzed data from a single organ procurement organization in 2018 to assess demographic and clinical predictors of progression through the donation process, including the role of first-person authorization in DCD. Descriptive statistics were examined by donation stage for demographic characteristics using chi-square; univariate and multivariate logistic regression was used to model predictors of utilization and authorization by organ type, respectively. Results: There were 2466 organ donation referrals during 2018, including 575 donations after brainstem death (DBD), 1890 controlled DCD referrals, and 1 uncontrolled DCD referral. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models highlighted differences in authorization rates by donor type (DCD vs DBD) and by age, race, and ethnicity. Next-of-kin authorization was declined in 23% of first-person authorized potential DCD, highlighting issues related to the role of donor registration in DCD. Pre-mortem heparin administration was predictive of DCD organ utilization; donor age and warm ischemia time of less than 30 min was statistically significantly associated with DCD extra-renal organ utilization. Conclusion: These results provided insight into strategies for increasing authorization and transplantation of organs from DCD donors and identified areas of improvement for process standardization and policy development.

Chromium supplemented carbohydrate diets for Cirrhinus mrigala: effects on body composition, gut enzyme activity and hematological parameters.

A ninety days nutritional trial was directed to explore the effects of dietary chromium on body composition, gut enzyme activity and physiological status of Cirrhinus mrigala by using G & NG corn. Six experimental diets were prepared by using different levels of chromium chloride hexahydrate (0, 0.2, 0.4 mg/kg, each with G & NG corn). For this experimental trial, 480 fingerlings, irrespective of sex were distributed in six aquariums each with replicate. Results revealed that gelatinized corn along with increasing level of Cr2Cl3.6H2O have a positive impact upon body composition of fish. Hematology was positively correlated with chromium chloride hexahydrate supplementation in gelatinized corn. Amylase gut enzyme also showed significant (P<0.05) increase in group fed with chromium chloride hexahydrate supplemented diet (G corn). However, corn with chromium chloride hexahydrate supplementation did not revealed any significant impact on gut protease enzyme activity. From these results it can be concluded that both chromium chloride hexahydrate and gelatinized corn in fish feed are very beneficial to improve body composition, enzymes activity and physiological health status of fish.

Masculinization in common carp (Cyprinus carpio) by androgen immersion: The interaction effect of hormone concentration and immersion time.

Synthetic androgens (male hormones) administered to fish nursery are being used in aquaculture to avoid sexual differentiation and unwanted spawning at the eggs or the first feeding fry stage of fish. Present trial was conducted with the aim to produce male common carp (Cyprinus carpio) by egg immersion technique. Through this little insight, the effect of different hormone concentrations (17α-methyltestosterone @ HC:150, 300, 450 and 600 µgl-1) with immersion times (IT: 24, 48 and 72 hrs) and their interaction effect (HC x IT) on the hatching percentage of Cyprinus carpio eggs, percent survival and percent of male's production was evaluated specifically. Results showed that egg hatching percentage decreased with increased IT likewise, survival of treated fry was affected by increasing the IT (P<0.001). The main interaction effect of HC x IT showed that the highest percent of male individuals (95%) was obtained at 450-600 µgl-1 HC for 72 hrs IT, followed by 88-92.50% at 150-300 µgl-1 HC for 72-hrsof IT, 87.50% at 48-hrs of IT for rest of the hormone treatments, and lowest 47.50% was recorded in control (P<0.05). Increased percent male of Cyprinus carpio was obtained with increasing HC across all ITs. It was observed that the immersion treatment at 600µgl-1 for 72 hours was more effective to change the sex ratio of pre hatch Cyprinus carpio. A comparative outlook made from this experimental trial that sex induction of Cyprinus carpio by eggs immersion using synthetic male steroid hormone is an alternative safe technique of fish sex reversal in contrast to oral administration of hormone in fish feed.

Proteus mirabilis Keratitis: Risk Factors, Clinical Features, Treatment Outcomes, and Microbiological Characteristics.

PURPOSE: To characterize the risk factors, clinical presentations, management choices, and outcomes of Proteus mirabilis keratitis. METHODS: In this retrospective study, 26 culture-proven cases of P. mirabilis infections were diagnosed and treated between 1998 and 2019 at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Medical records were available for 14 keratitis cases and were reviewed for demographic information, ocular risk factors, and treatment outcomes. RESULTS: Sixteen eyes of 14 patients were included in the study. The average age was 47.8 ± 19.3 years, with a median follow-up time of 6 months. The most common ocular risk factors were poor ocular surface and contact lens use in 57.1% and 42.9% of cases, respectively. Eleven of the 14 patients (78.6%) had positive corneal cultures, and 13 of the 14 patients (92.9%) had positive conjunctiva or eyelid cultures. All isolates were susceptible to ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, moxifloxacin, gatifloxacin, and cefazolin. Surgical intervention was required in 4 patients (28.6%). Average LogMAR visual acuity was 1.3 ± 1.0 at presentation and 0.9 6 ± 1.0 at the most recent follow-up visit. CONCLUSIONS: Proteus mirabilis is an uncommon cause of microbial keratitis. Patients with poor ocular surface and those who use contact lens are at increased risk for developing this cause of keratitis. Empiric treatment with fortified antibiotics or fluoroquinolones seemed to provide effective coverage for P. mirabilis.