Association of parental depression with adolescent children's psychological well-being and health behaviors.

BACKGROUND: Parental depression is a significant problem that negatively affects parents' welfare and influences family dynamics, children's academic and health behaviors, and mental health. However, there is limited evidence regarding the impact of the parental depression into the children's' psychological and physical wellbeing on Asian cultures. This study examined the psychological burdens and health behaviors of adolescent children with parents with depression in the Republic of Korea. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study using data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) spanning 2013 to 2021 to compare health behaviors and mental health outcomes between 203 adolescent children with parents diagnosed with depression and 3,856 control adolescents aged 12-19 years. RESULTS: Following multivariate adjustments, the risk of depressive mood for more than two weeks was significantly increased in boys with parental depression (adjusted Odds Ratio [aOR] = 2.05, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] = 1.91-3.52) and adolescents with parents with moderate-to-severe depression (aOR = 2.60, 95% CI = 1.17-5.77). Adolescents with parental depression reported significantly worse subjective health status (aOR = 1.88, 95% CI = 1.05-3.36) and higher stress levels (aOR = 1.91, 95% CI = 1.33-2.76). Additionally, when parental depression was present and the time since depression diagnosis was more than five years, adolescents with parental depression exhibited even poorer subjective health status and higher stress levels. CONCLUSIONS: The study found that adolescents whose parents experienced depression had poorer mental health than those whose parents did not have mental health issues. These findings emphasize the importance of providing support for the mental health of adolescents in families affected by parental depression.

Echocardiographic versus angiographic measurement of the aortic valve annulus in children undergoing balloon aortic valvuloplasty: method affects outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: Operators are mindful of the balloon-to-aortic annulus ratio when performing balloon aortic valvuloplasty. The method of measurement of the aortic valve annulus has not been standardised. METHODS AND RESULTS: Patients who underwent aortic valvuloplasty at two paediatric centres between 2007 and 2014 were included. The valve annulus measured by echocardiography and angiography was used to calculate the balloon-to-aortic annulus ratio and measurements were compared. The primary endpoint was an increase in aortic insufficiency by ≥2 degrees. Ninety-eight patients with a median age at valvuloplasty of 2.1 months (Interquartile range (IQR): 0.2-105.5) were included. The angiographic-based annulus was 8.2 mm (IQR: 6.8-16.0), which was greater than echocardiogram-based annulus of 7.5 mm (IQR: 6.1-14.8) (p < 0.001). This corresponded to a significantly lower angiographic balloon-to-aortic annulus ratio of 0.9 (IQR: 0.9-1.0), compared to an echocardiographic ratio of 1.1 (IQR: 1.0-1.1) (p < 0.001). The degree of discrepancy in measured diameter increased with smaller valve diameters (p = 0.041) and in neonates (p = 0.044). There was significant disagreement between angiographic and echocardiographic balloon-to-aortic annulus ratio measures regarding "High" ratio of >1.2, with angiographic ratio flagging only 2/12 (16.7%) of patients flagged by echocardiographic ratio as "High" (p = 0.012). Patients who had an increase in the degree of aortic insufficiency post valvuloplasty, only 3 (5.5%) had angiographic ratio > 1.1, while 21 (38%) had echocardiographic ratio >1.1 (p < 0.001). Patients with resultant ≥ moderate insufficiency more often had an echocardiographic ratio of >1.1 than angiographic ratio of >1.1 There was no association between increase in balloon-to-aortic annulus ratio and gradient reduction. CONCLUSIONS: Angiographic measurement is associated with a greater measured aortic valve annulus and the development of aortic insufficiency. Operators should use caution when relying solely on angiographic measurement when performing balloon aortic valvuloplasty.

Premounted stents for branch pulmonary artery stenosis in children: A short term solution.

OBJECTIVE: Define outcomes of premounted stent implantation (PMS) for branch pulmonary artery stenosis (BPAS). BACKGROUND: PMS for BPAS in children raises concern of long term viability, with limited maximal expansion. METHODS: We reviewed our cardiac database over an 11-year period ending in 2013. Primary endpoint was need for surgical stent intervention (SSI). Other endpoints included acute results and repeat interventions (RI). RESULTS: 82 PMS were implanted in 60 children for BPAS. Median weight was 6.3 (25th -75th 4.6-9.8) kg. Median stent diameter was 6 (range 4-9) mm. Acutely, vessel diameter improved from 2.0 (25th -75th 1.6-3.4) to 5.0 (25th -75th 4.2-5.9) mm (p < 0.001), pressure gradient decreased from 41 (25th -75th 29-50) to 11 (25th -75th 7-18) mmHg (n = 47, p < 0.001), RV:Ao pressure ratio decreased from 100% (25th -75th 85-110%) to 59% (25th -75th 49-74%) (n = 40, p < 0.001). Freedom from SSI was 81% at 1 year and 35% at 5 years. Freedom from RI was 50% at 1 year and 14% at 5 years. 86% of PMS underwent SSI during a concomitant planned cardiac surgery. 45% patients had stent redilation, improving stent diameter from 4.6 (25th -75th 4.1-5.4) to 5.7 (25th -75th 4.9-7) mm (p < 0.001). 1 stent (3%) was able to be fractured longitudinally. CONCLUSIONS: PMS is an effective short term solution for BPAS in children. PMS is associated with expected early need for transcatheter reintervention to accommodate for growth, but also has high rates of SSI.

Frailty increases the risk of 30-day mortality, morbidity, and failure to rescue after elective abdominal aortic aneurysm repair independent of age and comorbidities.

BACKGROUND: Frailty, defined as a biologic syndrome of decreased reserve and resistance to stressors, has been linked to adverse outcomes after surgery. We evaluated the effect of frailty on 30-day mortality, morbidity, and failure to rescue (FTR) in patients undergoing elective abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair. METHODS: Patients undergoing elective endovascular AAA repair (EVAR) or open AAA repair (OAR) were identified in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database for the years 2005 to 2012. Frailty was assessed using the modified frailty index (mFI) derived from the Canadian Study of Health and Aging (CSHA). The primary outcome was 30-day mortality, and secondary outcomes included 30-day morbidity and FTR. The effect of frailty on outcomes was assessed by multivariate regression analysis, adjusted for age, American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) class, and significant comorbidities. RESULTS: Of 23,207 patients, 339 (1.5% overall; 1.0% EVAR and 3.0% OAR) died ≤30 days of repair. One or more complications occurred in 2567 patients (11.2% overall; 7.8% EVAR and 22.1% OAR). Odds ratios (ORs) for mortality adjusted for age, ASA class, and other comorbidities in the group with the highest frailty score were 1.9 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2-3.0) after EVAR and 2.3 (95% CI, 1.4-3.7) after OAR. Similarly, compared with the least frail, the most frail patients were significantly more likely to experience severe (Clavien-Dindo class IV) complications after EVAR (OR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.3-2.1) and OAR (OR, 1.8; 95%, CI, 1.5-2.1). There was also a higher FTR rate among frail patients, with 1.7-fold higher risk odds of mortality (95% CI, 1.2-2.5) in the highest tertile of frailty compared with the lowest when postoperative complications occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Higher mFI, independent of other risk factors, is associated with higher mortality and morbidity in patients undergoing elective EVAR and OAR. The mortality in frail patients is further driven by FTR from postoperative complications. Preoperative recognition of frailty may serve as a useful adjunct for risk assessment.

Direct physician reporting is associated with reductions in radiation exposure in pediatric cardiac catheterizations.

OBJECTIVE: The objective is to quantify radiation dose in children undergoing cardiac catheterization and determine the impact of increased reporting transparency on total radiation exposure. BACKGROUND: Cardiac catheterization (cath) can result in significant radiation exposure in children. There has been growing interest in quantifying and reducing radiation exposure in pediatric cath procedures. Our center underwent a slight change in practice recently that resulted in direct physician reporting of radiation dose following every case. METHODS: We reviewed cath procedures across three different eras in four cath categories: post-heart transplant annual cath, unilateral pulmonary artery (PA) stent placement, pre-Fontan cath, and pre-Glenn cath. The eras were defined as: Era 1, 1/2009-1/2011; Era 2, 1/2011-9/2013; and Era 3, 9/2013-5/2014. In Era 3, the physician performing the cath was responsible for reporting the radiation data. RESULTS: Across the three eras, there were significant decreases in cumulative air KERMA (mGy) among all four cath categories. From Era 2 to Era 3, the greatest decreases in radiation were noted, particularly in dose area product (cGy·cm2) in the transplant annual evaluation and pre-Glenn cases. In Era 1, 2 cases (1.2%) had a frame rate reduction, while in Era 2, 22 cases (12.0%), and in Era 3, 83 cases (21.6%) had frame rate changes (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Increased physician awareness of radiation exposure is associated with a significant reduction in radiation dose across a variety of cath procedures. This is seen not only by the overall reduction in radiation across case types, but also as the frame rate was more frequently changed during individual cases, indicating an important change in physician behavior and practice.

Promoting Self-Efficacy of Individuals With Autism in Practicing Social Skills in the Workplace Using Virtual Reality and Physiological Sensors: Mixed Methods Study.

BACKGROUND: Individuals with autism often experience heightened anxiety in workplace environments because of challenges in communication and sensory overload. As these experiences can result in negative self-image, promoting their self-efficacy in the workplace is crucial. Virtual reality (VR) systems have emerged as promising tools for enhancing the self-efficacy of individuals with autism in navigating social scenarios, aiding in the identification of anxiety-inducing situations, and preparing for real-world interactions. However, there is limited research exploring the potential of VR to enhance self-efficacy by facilitating an understanding of emotional and physiological states during social skills practice. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to develop and evaluate a VR system that enabled users to experience simulated work-related social scenarios and reflect on their behavioral and physiological data through data visualizations. We intended to investigate how these data, combined with the simulations, can support individuals with autism in building their self-efficacy in social skills. METHODS: We developed WorkplaceVR, a comprehensive VR system designed for engagement in simulated work-related social scenarios, supplemented with data-driven reflections of users' behavioral and physiological responses. A within-subject deployment study was subsequently conducted with 14 young adults with autism to examine WorkplaceVR's feasibility. A mixed methods approach was used, compassing pre- and postsystem use assessments of participants' self-efficacy perceptions. RESULTS: The study results revealed WorkplaceVR's effectiveness in enhancing social skills and self-efficacy among individuals with autism. First, participants exhibited a statistically significant increase in perceived self-efficacy following their engagement with the VR system (P=.02). Second, thematic analysis of the interview data confirmed that the VR system and reflections on the data fostered increased self-awareness among participants about social situations that trigger their anxiety, as well as the behaviors they exhibit during anxious moments. This increased self-awareness prompted the participants to recollect their related experiences in the real world and articulate anxiety management strategies. Furthermore, the insights uncovered motivated participants to engage in self-advocacy, as they wanted to share the insights with others. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the potential of VR simulations enriched with physiological and behavioral sensing as a valuable tool for augmenting self-efficacy in workplace social interactions for individuals with autism. Data reflection facilitated by physiological sensors helped participants with autism become more self-aware of their emotions and behaviors, advocate for their characteristics, and develop positive self-beliefs.

Super fine cerium hydroxide abrasives for SiO2 film chemical mechanical planarization performing scratch free.

Face-centered-cubic crystallized super-fine (~ 2 nm in size) wet-ceria-abrasives are synthesized using a novel wet precipitation process that comprises a Ce4+ precursor, C3H4N2 catalyst, and NaOH titrant for a synthesized termination process at temperature of at temperature of 25 °C. This process overcomes the limitations of chemical-mechanical-planarization (CMP)-induced scratches from conventional dry ceria abrasives with irregular surfaces or wet ceria abrasives with crystalline facets in nanoscale semiconductor devices. The chemical composition of super-fine wet ceria abrasives depends on the synthesis termination pH, that is, Ce(OH)4 abrasives at a pH of 4.0-5.0 and a mixture of CeO2 and Ce(OH)4 abrasives at a pH of 5.5-6.5. The Ce(OH)4 abrasives demonstrate better abrasive stability in the SiO2-film CMP slurry than the CeO2 abrasives and produce a minimum abrasive zeta potential (~ 12 mV) and a minimum secondary abrasive size (~ 130 nm) at the synthesis termination pH of 5.0. Additionally, the abrasive stability of the SiO2-film CMP slurry that includes super-fine wet ceria abrasives is notably sensitive to the CMP slurry pH; the best abrasive stability (i.e., a minimum secondary abrasive size of ~ 130 nm) is observed at a specific pH (6.0). As a result, a maximum SiO2-film polishing rate (~ 524 nm/min) is achieved at pH 6.0, and the surface is free of stick-and-slip type scratches.

Laparoscopic versus open radical cystectomy for the management of bladder cancer: mid-term oncological outcome.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the mid-term oncological outcome of laparoscopic radical cystectomy (LRC) with those of open radical cystectomy (ORC). METHODS: From June 2003 to February 2008, 36 LRCs were carried out at our institute for the treatment of bladder cancer. Clinical and oncological data were retrospectively analyzed. A match-pair comparison with an historical series of 34 patients who were submitted to ORC between 1996 and 2003 was carried out. RESULTS: Median follow-up of the LRC group was 21 months (3-56 months). Pathological stage or grade was similar in the two groups. There was no significant difference between the LRC and ORC groups in terms of 3-year overall (64.2% vs 72.6%, respectively; P = 0.682), cancer-specific (73.0% vs 75.3%, respectively; P = 0.951), and recurrence-free survival (70.5% vs 72.5%, respectively; P = 0.715) rates. In a subgroup analysis according to stage, there was also no significant difference in the 3-year disease-specific survival after LRC or ORC for organ-confined (pT1 and pT2; 85.7% vs 83.9%, respectively; P = 0.256) or extravesical disease (pT3 and pT4; 73.3% vs 63.8%, respectively; P = 0.825). CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that LRC provides mid-term oncological outcomes similar to those of ORC in the management of bladder cancer.

The regulation of inflammatory cytokine secretion in macrophage cell line by the chemical constituents of Rhus sylvestris.

In our preliminary screening study on the anti-inflammatory activity, eight triterpenes, one sterol, and one chalcone were isolated from the CH(2)Cl(2)-soluble extract of the stems and leaves of Rhus sylvestris Siebold and Zucc (Anacardiaceae). On the basis of their spectroscopic data, these compounds were identified as 10alpha-cucurbitadienol (1), glut-5-en-3-ol (2), beta-amyrin acetate (3), beta-amyrin (4) and lupeol (5), cycloart-24-en-3-one (6), cycloart-25-en-3,24-dione (7), 24-hydroxycycloart-25-en-3-one (8), beta-sitosterol (9), and 2'-hydroxy-4,4'-dimethoxychalcone (10). All of them were isolated from this plant for the first. Furthermore, the compounds in non-cytotoxic concentrations (0-1.0microM) were tested for their ability to block inflammatory cytokine secretion in the presence of LPS in the murine RAW264.7 macrophage cell line. Among the compounds that were tested, compounds 8 and 9 reduced the LPS-induced secretion of IL-6, as well as TNF-alpha, in a mouse RAW264.7 macrophage cell line. Moreover, compounds 2, 3, 7, and 10 specifically diminished only the secretion of TNF-alpha even in 0.01microM concentrations. It is thus suggested that they are potential therapeutics of TNF-alpha-related diseases and conditions, such as transplant rejection, type II diabetes, and atherosclerosis.

The combined effects of yogurt and exercise in healthy adults: Implications for biomarkers of depression and cardiovascular diseases.

Several studies have reported individual benefits of yogurt and exercise on health; however, their combined effects remain unclear. Twenty-four healthy individuals participated in the study and were randomly assigned to the following four groups: control, yogurt, exercise, and combination. The participants consumed yogurt and exercised for 2 weeks, and we examined the combined effects of yogurt and exercise on physiological biomarkers. Individually, yogurt and exercise did not exert a significant effect on biomarkers of depression or cardiovascular disease, although vitamin D levels increased in the exercise group. However, in the combination group, serotonin levels increased, while levels of triglycerides and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, which are biomarkers for cardiovascular diseases, decreased. In conclusion, the results of the study showed that, in healthy individuals, a combination of yogurt and exercise led to greater increases in serotonin levels and reductions in triglyceride and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels, relative to those observed for yogurt or exercise alone; therefore, this combination could have implications for the prevention of depression and cardiovascular disease.

Influence of the lamina cribrosa on the rate of global and localized retinal nerve fiber layer thinning in open-angle glaucoma.

The advent of optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging allows identification of the structural contribution of the lamina cribrosa (LC) to glaucoma progression. This study aimed to determine the role of various LC features, such as the LC depth (LCD), LC thickness (LCT), and focal LC defects, on the future rate of progressive retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thinning in patients with glaucoma. One hundred eighteen patients with glaucoma who had undergone at least 4 OCT examinations were included. Features of LC, including the LCD, LCT, and presence of focal LC defects, from serial scan of the optic disc using the enhanced depth imaging of Spectralis OCT; were analyzed at baseline. Eyes were classified as those with or without progressive RNFL thinning using the guided progression analysis of Cirrus OCT. Factors associated with the rate of RNFL thinning (linear regression analysis against time for global average, inferior, and superior RNFL thicknesses, µm/year) were evaluated using a general linear model. Greater baseline LCD and thinner baseline LCT were significantly associated with the rate of superior RNFL thinning. Focal LC defects were significantly more frequent in eyes with progressive inferior RNFL thinning (93.8%) and the location of the focal LC defect was only related to the location of progression RNFL thinning in the inferior region (P < 0.001). A deeper and thinner LC was related to the rate of superior RNFL thinning, and the presence of focal LC defects was related to the rate of inferior RNFL thinning.

Effects of Cervical Extension on Deformation of Intervertebral Disk and Migration of Nucleus Pulposus.

BACKGROUND: We theorized that active cervical extension should influence the position of the nucleus pulposus (NP) within the intervertebral disk (IVD) in the sagittal plane. Although several studies on the lumbar IVD have been conducted, there are no quantitative data for in vivo positional changes of the NP in the cervical IVD. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence and mechanism of cervical extension on the deformation and migration of IVD and NP in the sagittal plane and understand underlying mechanisms of the extension maneuver. DESIGN: Asymptomatic subjects underwent magnetic resonance imaging while supine with their cervical spines in neutral and extended positions. SETTING: Academic medical center. PARTICIPANTS: Ten young, healthy male participants (age range 19-30 years; mean 22.4 ± 1.64 years). METHODS: T2-weighted sagittal images from C3-C4 to C6-C7 of subjects in both neutral and extension positions were analyzed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Deformation of IVD and positional change of NP were quantified and compared between neutral and extension positions. Intersegmental angles between vertebrae, horizontal positions of anterior and posterior IVD and NP margins, IVD outer and inner heights, and sagittal morphology of NP were quantified and compared between the neutral and extension positions. Correlations between the measured parameters and segmental extension angle were also investigated. RESULTS: Anterior and posterior IVD margins moved posteriorly with respect to the vertebral body in extension. Both NP margins remained unchanged relative to the vertebral body but moved anteriorly with respect to the IVD. IVD outer and inner heights in the anterior region increased in extension, and morphological changes of the NP were less noticeable when compared with its relative migration within the IVD. Most of the intradiskal changes were linearly correlated with the segmental extension angle. CONCLUSIONS: Cervical extension induces anterior migration of the NP away from the posterior disk margin and may have a clinical effect on diskogenic neck pain resulting from internal disk disruption. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Not applicable.

Tram-Track Suture Technique for Pupillary Capture of a Scleral Fixated Intraocular Lens.

PURPOSE: To report a new technique using tram-track suture for pupillary capture of a scleral fixated posterior chamber intraocular lens (PC-IOL) to reposition the tilted IOL. METHODS: In this prospective interventional case series, we describe a tram-track suture for pupillary capture of a scleral fixated PC-IOL. A long straight needle with double-armed 10-0 polypropylene is passed behind the iris and just above the optic portion (tilted forward) of the IOL. The other straight needle with double-armed 10-0 polypropylene is passed just below the optic portion (tilted backward) of the IOL. After the IOL is repositioned properly, the polypropylene sutures are gently pulled and tied. RESULTS: Four eyes of 4 patients underwent tram-track suture for pupillary capture of a scleral fixated PC-IOL. No intra- or postoperative complications were noted, and no pupillary captures were detected during the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: The tram-track suture technique provides good centration and stability of a PC-IOL. This technique is an easy and effective way to reposition pupillary capture of an IOL. Further, it is also minimally invasive as it maintains a closed system.

Relation of Aortic Valve Morphologic Characteristics to Aortic Valve Insufficiency and Residual Stenosis in Children With Congenital Aortic Stenosis Undergoing Balloon Valvuloplasty.

Aortic valve morphology has been invoked as intrinsic to outcomes of balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV) for congenital aortic valve stenosis. We sought to use aortic valve morphologic features to discriminate between valves that respond favorably or unfavorably to BAV, using aortic insufficiency (AI) as the primary outcome. All patients who underwent BAV at 2 large-volume pediatric centers from 2007 to 2014 were reviewed. Morphologic features assessed on pre-BAV echo included valve pattern (unicuspid, functional bicuspid, and true bicuspid), leaflet fusion length, leaflet excursion angle, and aortic valve opening area and on post-BAV echo included leaflet versus commissural tear. Primary end point was increase in AI (AI+) of ≥2°. Eighty-nine patients (median age 0.2 years) were included in the study (39 unicuspid, 41 functional bicuspid, and 9 true bicuspid valves). Unicuspid valves had a lower opening area (p <0.01) and greater fusion length (p = 0.01) compared with functional and true bicuspid valves. Valve gradient pre-BAV and post-BAV were not different among valve patterns. Of the 16 patients (18%) with AI+, 14 had leaflet tears (odds ratio 13.9, 3.8 to 50). True bicuspid valves had the highest rate (33%) of AI+. On multivariate analysis, leaflet tears were associated with AI+, with larger opening area pre-BAV and lower fusion length pre-BAV. AI+ was associated with larger pre-BAV opening area. Gradient relief was associated with reduced angle of excursion. Valve morphology influences outcomes after BAV. Valves with lesser fusion and larger valve openings have higher rates of leaflet tears which in turn are associated with AI.

A Phenylpropanoid Glycoside as a Calcineurin Inhibitor Isolated from Magnolia obovata Thunb.

To identify plant-derived cell signaling inhibitors with antifungal properties, a twocomponent screening system using both wild-type Cryptococcus neoformans and a calcineurin mutant was employed owing to their counter-regulatory actions on the Hog1 mitogenactivated protein kinase and calcineurin pathways. Of the 2,000 plant extracts evaluated, a single bioactive compound from M. obovata Thunb. was found to act specifically on the calcineurin pathway of C. neoformans. This compound was identified as magnoloside A, and had potent antifungal activities against various Cryptococcus strains with minimum inhibitory concentration values ranging from 1.0 to 4.0 µg/ml.

Inhibition of the calcineurin pathway by two tannins, chebulagic acid and chebulanin, isolated from Harrisonia abyssinica Oliv.

In order to discover and develop novel signaling inhibitors from plants, a screening system was established targeting the two-component system of Cryptococcus neoformans by using the wild type and a calcineurin mutant of C. neoformans, based on the counter-regulatory action of high-osmolarity glycerol (Hog1) mitogen-activated protein kinase and the calcineurin pathways in C. neoformans. Among 10,000 plant extracts, that from Harrisonia abyssinica Oliv. exhibited the most potent inhibitory activity against C. neoformans var. grubii H99 with fludioxonil. Bioassay-guided fractionation was used to isolate two bioactive compounds from H. abyssinica, and these compounds were identified as chebulagic acid and chebulanin using spectroscopic methods. These compounds specifically inhibited the calcineurin pathway in C. neoformans. Moreover, they exhibited potent antifungal activities against various human pathogenic fungi with minimum inhibitory concentrations ranging from 0.25 to over 64 µg/ml.

Orbital inflammation developing from epidemic keratoconjunctivitis in an adult.

INTRODUCTION: We report a rare case of epidemic keratoconjunctivitis (EKC) that developed into an orbital inflammation in an adult. CASE PRESENTATION: A 67-year-old Korean man, who had been diagnosed with EKC and treated for conjunctival injection and chemosis in the right eye for 4 days, was referred to Oculoplastics as orbital cellulitis was suspected. At the point of referral, clinical features such as decreased visual acuity, severe eyelid swelling, chemosis, follicles, corneal edema, limitations in lateral eye movement, and diplopia were observed in the right eye. Orbital cellulitis was suspected according to orbital computed tomography scan images, but there was no response to systemic antibiotics. Systemic steroid was administered instead, and then his symptoms and signs started to improve. The final diagnosis of this patient was orbital inflammation related to EKC based on the facts that there was no response to antibiotics, that he presented with contralateral symptoms and signs, that pseudomembrane formation occurred in both eyes, and that the symptoms resolved completely after 2 weeks. CONCLUSION: Clinicians need to consider the possibility of orbital inflammation developing from EKC, even in an adult patient, and treat the patient properly if the EKC symptoms and signs, such as conjunctival injection and follicles, are accompanied with symptoms and signs similar to orbital cellulitis.

Polypyrrole nanowire-based enzymatic biofuel cells.

Glucose/O(2) biofuel cells with an improved power density were developed, using polypyrrole (PPy) nanowires containing glucose oxidase and 8-hydroxyquinoline-5-sulfonic acid hydrate as an anode. The PPy nanowire anode was made by electropolymerizing within the nanopores of an anodized aluminum oxide (AAO) template, and then dissolving the AAO template. The nanowire-type biofuel cell exhibited a higher power density than the film-type biofuel cell by two orders of magnitude; this was likely due to an increase in surface area and enzyme loading. Additionally, we constructed a glucose/O(2) biofuel cell covered with a fluidic channel. Biofuel cells with and without a fluidic channel had comparable performance, demonstrating the feasibility of integrated biofuel cells within a fluidic cell.

Anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects of garlic and synergistic effect between garlic and ciprofloxacin in a chronic bacterial prostatitis rat model.

Chronic bacterial prostatitis (CBP), which is characterised by recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI) and persistence of pathogenic bacteria and evidence of inflammation in the prostatic secretions, is one of the most common causes of relapsing UTI in men. In this study, we evaluated the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects of garlic as well as the synergistic effect of garlic with ciprofloxacin on the treatment of CBP in an animal model. An experimental CBP model was induced in 60 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats by instillation of 0.2 mL of bacterial suspension (Escherichia coli Z17, O2:K1:H-) containing 1 x 10(8) colony-forming units/mL into the prostatic urethra. Microbiologically and histologically proven CBP was demonstrated in 68.3% (41/60) of the rats after 4 weeks of bacterial instillation. The 41 rats demonstrating CBP were randomly divided into four treatment groups: control; garlic; ciprofloxacin; and garlic plus ciprofloxacin. After 3 weeks of treatment, microbiological cultures of the urine and prostate samples as well as histological findings of the prostate were analysed. Microbiological cultures and histological findings of the prostate samples demonstrated reduced bacterial growth and improved inflammatory responses in all three experimental groups compared with the control group. The garlic group showed a statistically significant decrease in bacterial growth and improvement in prostatic inflammation compared with the control group. The garlic plus ciprofloxacin group showed a statistically significant decrease in bacterial growth and improvement in prostatic inflammation compared with the ciprofloxacin group. These results suggest that garlic may have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects as well as a synergistic effect with ciprofloxacin. We therefore suggest that the combination of garlic and ciprofloxacin may be effective in treating CBP with a higher success rate.