Synthesis and characterization of polyethylene glycol (PEG) coated Fe3O4 nanoparticles by chemical co-precipitation method for biomedical applications.

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) coated Fe3O4 nanoparticles were synthesized by chemical co-precipitation method. With polyethylene glycol (PEG) as a stabilizer and dispersant. The X-ray diffraction and selected area electron diffraction (SAED) results show that the cubic inverse spinel structure of pure phase polycrystalline Fe3O4 was obtained. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and field emission transmission electron microscopy (FE-TEM) results exhibited that the resulted Fe3O4 nanoparticles were roughly spherical in shape with narrow size distribution and homogenous shape. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) results suggested that PEG indicated with Fe3O4 via its carbonyl groups. Results of vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) indicated that the prepared Fe3O4 nanoparticles exhibit superparamagnetic behavior and high saturation magnetization at room temperature. Such Fe3O4 nanoparticles with favorable size and tunable magnetic properties are promising biomedical applications.

Suture fixation of dislocated endothelial grafts.

PURPOSE: To share the experience of suturing the displaced endothelial grafts in three patients who developed this complication following a posterior endothelial keratoplasty. METHODS: Prospective evaluation of three patients who underwent surgical revision by suture fixation for dislocated endothelial graft. The surgeries were performed immediately after noting the complication during the post-op visits and were followed up for 6 months. Assessments at follow-up visits include visual acuity, pachymetry, endothelial cell count, topography, and corneal slit-lamp digital photography. RESULTS: No significant postoperative complications were encountered in any of the three eyes after graft suturing. The vision was worse than hand movements in all, following the graft dislocation and this improved to an average of 20/50 at 6-month post-op. In two of the three eyes the endothelial cell count reduced from 2600 cells preoperatively to 1251 and 988 cells, respectively. Mean topographic astigmatism after the suture removal was 2.4 D. CONCLUSION: Suture fixation of early endothelial graft dislocation seems to be a good alternative in dislocated endothelial discs as it provides a good refractive and visual outcome, instead of converting it to a standard full-thickness penetrating keratoplasty.

Coats-type retinal telangiectasia in case of Kabuki make-up syndrome (Niikawa-Kuroki syndrome).

PURPOSE: To report a case of Kabuki make-up syndrome (KMS) or Niikawa-Kuroki syndrome with Coats-type retinal telangiectasia, which has not been previously reported. METHODS: Observational case report. CONCLUSIONS: There have been only two reports of retinal pigmentation abnormalities and a single case of bilateral macular deposits in KMS, but this is the first report of a Coats type retinal telangiectasia. This case highlights the importance of thorough posterior segment examination in cases of KMS.

Percutaneous transluminal mitral commissurotomy--experience with inoue balloon and over the wire technique.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the immediate and long-term results, safety and complication profile of inoue balloon technique (IBT) and over the wire technique (OWT) in the treatment of rheumatic mitral stenosis. METHODS: We have compared the IBT in 104 patients and OWT in 40 patients. Preprocedural, immediate post-procedure and follow-up echocardiograms of both groups of patients were done. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in the success rates between IBT and OWT (97% vs. 95%; p > 0.05), nor was there a difference in reduction in mean left atrial pressure, mean pulmonary artery pressure, the occurrence of significant mitral regurgitation, or mortality (p > 0.05). The cost per procedure was cheaper with OWT but the occurrence of sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT) during the procedure was more common with OWT. OWT uses a stiff guidewire for positioning the balloon across the mitral valve, which is not done in IBT, hence there is the possibility of left ventricular perforation--which in fact occurred in one of our patients. During a mean follow up period of 12.9 months for IBT and 13.5 months for OWT, there was no significant restenosis in both the groups. The advantage of the OWT was the cheaper cost of the balloon and comparable results with IBT despite longer fluoroscopy and procedural times and the increased incidence of arrhythmias during the procedure. CONCLUSION: In a third world country like ours where escalating cost may be a deterrent in performing interventions, the OWT is a comparable alternative to IBT.