Evaluation of Life Quality of Patients Submitted to Cataract Surgery with Implantation of Trifocal Intraocular Lenses.

This study aimed to evaluate the quality of life and the satisfaction level of Brazilian and Chinese patients who underwent cataract surgery for Acysof IQ PanOptix Model TFNT00 (Alcon Laboratories, Fort Worth, TX, USA) implantation. This retrospective study enrolled 51 patients from China and 51 patients from Brazil. At the 3-month follow-up, uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) at 5 m, uncorrected intermediate visual acuity (UIVA) at 60 cm, and uncorrected near visual acuity (UNVA) at 40 cm were evaluated; Catquest 9SF and the Near Activity Visual Questionnaire (NAVQ) were administered to the patients. The results revealed that the Brazilian patients gained better UDVA and UNVA (p < 0.001), while the Chinese patients gained better UIVA (p = 0.001). With regards to the patients' overall satisfaction with their current vision, the Brazilian patients scored higher (p = 0.002). In situations related to distant and near vision, the Brazilian patients scored higher, while in situations related to intermediate vision, the Chinese patients scored higher. No differences were found between the gender or age subgroups, but the normal axial length (AL) subgroup showed the highest level of satisfaction (p = 0.002). The patients implanted with TFNT00 IOL obtained excellent objective and subjective outcomes in both cultures. The Brazilian patients showed higher satisfaction with their distant and near vision, while the Chinese patients were more satisfied with their intermediate vision.

Agitation of the syringe and release of silicone oil.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: To investigate whether agitation promotes the release of silicone oil by different models of syringe used for intravitreal injection. METHODS: This lab study analyzed eight syringe models by light microscopy for the release of silicone oil under agitation (flick), without agitation, and positive controls. Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) was performed to identify the molecular compounds inside the syringes. RESULTS: A total of 240 syringes were analyzed. The presence of silicone oil droplets was observed in all positive controls. When agitated by flicking, 100% of the samples of the syringes disclosed silicone oil, except the BD Plastipak syringe, which presented 40% of positivity. Without agitation, a smaller percentage of samples with silicone oil was observed. Agitation by flicking had a 265-fold greater chance of presenting oil droplets when compared with the syringes without agitation. There was a statistically significant difference between the three conditions (P < 0.05). Analysis of the tip of the plunger rubber by FTIR indicated the presence of polysiloxane (silicone oil) in all models of syringe. CONCLUSIONS: Agitation of the syringe promotes the release of silicone oil. It is recommended to improve the technique of injection and the manufacture of specific syringes for ophthalmological use.

The effect of the aqueous extract Peumus boldus on the proliferation of hepatocytes and liver function in rats submitted to expanded hepatectomy.

PURPOSE:: To assess the effect of aqueous extract of Peumus Boldus (AEPB) on the liver proliferative response after parcial hepatectomy of 70% (PH) in rodents. METHODS:: Twenty Wistar rats were divided in two groups: AEPB100 (whose rats received 100mg/Kg of AEPB, once a day, orally, in 4 days prior to the first surgical procedure) and Vehicle (whose rats were treated similarly with distilled water). Both groups underwent PH. After 24 hours the remaining livers were removed for studying the proliferation of hepatocytes by Ki-67 and 2mL of blood were collected for serological assessment: cholesterol, glucose, triglycerides, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and total, direct and indirect bilirubin. All data were analyzed by Gaussian distribution. Statistically significant differences between mean values were analyzed using T Student's test. Non-Gaussian data were analyzed using Mann-Whitney's test. RESULTS:: The liver of all these rats presented positive staining of Ki-67, indicating liver proliferation. Laboratory results showed no significant difference in serum values between the analyzed groups. The analysis of Ki-67 was significantly more positive in AEPB100 group than in Vehicle group. CONCLUSION:: Aqueous extract of Peumus Boldus acute administration exerts significant positive effect on liver regeneration after 24h in rats that underwent parcial hepatectomy, while maintaining unchanged hepatic function.

The effect of the aqueous extract Peumus boldus on the proliferation of hepatocytes and liver function in rats submitted to expanded hepatectomy

ABSTRACT PURPOSE: To assess the effect of aqueous extract of Peumus Boldus (AEPB) on the liver proliferative response after parcial hepatectomy of 70% (PH) in rodents. METHODS: Twenty Wistar rats were divided in two groups: AEPB100 (whose rats received 100mg/Kg of AEPB, once a day, orally, in 4 days prior to the first surgical procedure) and Vehicle (whose rats were treated similarly with distilled water). Both groups underwent PH. After 24 hours the remaining livers were removed for studying the proliferation of hepatocytes by Ki-67 and 2mL of blood were collected for serological assessment: cholesterol, glucose, triglycerides, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and total, direct and indirect bilirubin. All data were analyzed by Gaussian distribution. Statistically significant differences between mean values were analyzed using T Student's test. Non-Gaussian data were analyzed using Mann-Whitney's test. RESULTS: The liver of all these rats presented positive staining of Ki-67, indicating liver proliferation. Laboratory results showed no significant difference in serum values between the analyzed groups. The analysis of Ki-67 was significantly more positive in AEPB100 group than in Vehicle group. CONCLUSION: Aqueous extract of Peumus Boldus acute administration exerts significant positive effect on liver regeneration after 24h in rats that underwent parcial hepatectomy, while maintaining unchanged hepatic function.